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Trump's new campaign manager in domestic violence scandal

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US presidential hopeful Donald Trump’s newly-appointed campaign manager was charged with domestic violence in 1996, New York newspapers reported Friday. According to both the New York Post and the New York Times, the case against conservative media mogul turned political operative Steve Bannon ended when his wife failed to appear to testify against him. Bannon — head of the incendiary conservative news site Breitbart — was a controversial choice when Trump hired him to replace a previous campaign chief tainted by his past as a lobbyist for pro-Kremlin interests. It is understood that Bannon no longer faces any proceedings relating to the 1996 case, but its revelation may complicate Trump’s task as he seeks to woo wary women voters. According to a police report seen by the papers, police were called to the couple’s Santa Monica, California home on New Year’s Day in 1996 and found Piccard upset and with marks on her neck and wrist. She told police that she and Bannon had had a fight and that he had seized a telephone when she had attempted to call for help, throwing it across the room and smashing it. The city attorney brought charges against Bannon and served him with a domestic violence protective order, but when the case came to trial in August Piccard did not appear and prosecutors dismissed the case. According to court records, Piccard told investigators that Bannon had ordered her to leave town during the case and threatened to leave her and their twin daughters destitute. Bannon and Piccard declined to be interviewed for the reports, but the Trump manager’s spokeswoman Alexandra Preate told the Times that he now has “a great relationship” with his now ex-wife and daughters.

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Top Kenyan Olympic committee official arrested

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Kenyan police on Friday arrested the secretary-general of the country’s Olympic committee in the wake of a series of scandals and embarrassments at the Rio Games. “It’s true Francis Paul has been arrested over the Olympics issues,” said a police source who wished to remain anonymous. “It is part of investigations into the Rio scandal on the mismanagement of the whole Games for the Kenyan team and the misappropriation of kits.” Kenya’s Sport Minister Hassan Wario had on Thursday announced the disbanding of the country’s Olympic committee with immediate effect. Wario, who was questioned on Wednesday by detectives investigating allegations of corruption and mismanagement relating to Kenya’s Olympics performance, said facilities management parastatal Sports Kenya would take over responsibility and organise fresh elections to the Olympic committee. Wario blamed NOCK for the “troubles”, “mishaps” and “mishandling of the accreditation” that – among other problems – tarnished Kenya’s Olympics. Francis, however, responded that the Olympics shambles was the responsibility of the government. The blame game follows an embarrassing performance by Kenyan officials even as the country’s athletes clocked up their best Olympics yet with 13 medals (including six golds) putting them in 15th place overall, the best in Africa by far.

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Hillary’s long-time aide separates from sexting husband

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Hillary Clinton’s longtime aide, Huma Abedin, has said she would separate from her husband, disgraced New York congressman Anthony Weiner, who was reported by the New York Post to have fallen back into his “sexting habit.” “After long and painful consideration and work on my marriage, I have made the decision to separate from my husband,” Abedin said in a statement. She added, “Anthony and I remain devoted to doing what is best for our son, who is the light of our life.” The media report included alleged conversations and photos that Weiner reportedly swapped with a Trump supporter said to be in her 40s, while his wife Abedin is on the campaign trail. Weiner has since deleted his public Twitter profile. The woman handed over the conversations and photos to The New York Post under the condition that she not be identified. She reportedly told the paper that she started chatting with Weiner over the internet in January 2015. Weiner told the paper that he and the woman “have been friends for some time.” “She has asked me not to comment except to say that our conversations were private, often included pictures of her nieces and nephews and my son and were always appropriate,” Weiner told the paper. But many of the pictures published by The New York Post showed Weiner shirtless or focused below his waist, and he often tried to steer the conversation toward sex, according to the paper. When the woman once said she was headed to bed, Weiner reportedly replied, “Sleeping alone? Asking for a friend?” Weiner resigned from Congress in 2011 after an initial sexting scandal, but after claiming he underwent therapy, ran for Mayor of New York City in 2013, which he lost. New Yorkers seemed to be ready to give him the “second chance” he had asked for until it was revealed that he had continued sexting under the pseudonym “Carlos Danger.” The fallout from both scandals was documented in the recently-released film “Weiner.” In conversations with another woman he has been sexting lately, Weiner invites the woman to meet up, writing: “Let’s get together. I’m a big wheel in this town,” according to The New York Post. Abedin is widely considered to be Clinton’s closest aide, virtually always by the candidate’s side on the trail. She is known as an influential voice on policy decisions and an intensely private person.

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PDP crisis: We won't go to Rivers for convention again, says BoT

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Olusola Fabiyi, Abuja The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party has said that the party will not go to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, again for its national convention. It, therefore, directed the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee to hold the next national convention in Abuja. This was one of the decisions reached at the Board’s meeting in Abuja on Monday. The meeting, which lasted about five hours, was described as “stormy,” as members of the Board insisted that the party must be “rescued from its governors.” The party had attempted to hold its national convention twice in the state, but was not successful. While the first convention that was slated for May 21 ended with the appointment of the national caretaker committee, the last one on August 17 was used to extend the tenure of the committee for one year. The party had planned to use both conventions to elect its national officers, but the actions of the faction led by Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff prevented it. Sheriff, a former governor of Borno State, is currently in court contesting the leadership of the party. At the BoT meeting on Monday, the members also directed that a new national convention committee be set up. It, nevertheless, said the committee must be approved by the National Executive Committee of the party. With this directive, the Board had directed the sacking of the last national convention committee, which was headed by the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike. The Chairman of the BoT, Senator Walid Jubrin, read the communique of the meeting. As part of resolving the crisis in the party, Sheriff had given the removal of Wike as head of convention planning committee as one of his conditions. He also said the convention must be held in Abuja. The BoT Reconciliation Committee headed by a former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana agreed with the demand its recommendations. The BoT communique read in part, “The next convention should be held in Abuja. “To ensure a credible, transparent, free and fair convention, a new Convention Planning Committee should be constituted by the National Caretaker Committee and approved by NEC.” Walid added that the BoT should facilitate the raising of adequate funds for the party, just as he urged the board reconciliation committee to continue with all good efforts for reconciliation. Jibrin also said that the PDP governors should be positively encouraged to pursue programmes of good governance, “so as to clearly project people-oriented manifesto of the PDP.” Passing a vote of confidence on the National Caretaker Committee, the BoT charged the committee to, as soon as possible, convene a meeting of the National Executive Committee to accordingly approve proposals for moving the party forward. The meeting, which started with 21 members, ended with 26 members, as four others joined them before the end of the meeting. Among those who were at the meeting were Adamu Waziri, Mike Ogiadome, Senator Ibrahim Idah, Dan Suleiman, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Gana, Vincent Ogbulafor, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Hajia Ina Ciroma, Senator Stella Omu, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, Makarfi, Abdulkadir Kure and Chief Bode George.

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Kuje Prison riot: Boko Haram prisoner caught with 25 phones

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Adelani Adepegba and Samson Folarin Sporadic gunfire caused pandemonium at Kuje Prison, Abuja, on Monday, following a riot by some inmates, who resisted the attempt by prison officials to search their cells for banned items. It was gathered that security operatives fired gunshots and tear gas canisters to restore law and order and control the rioters. This happened 11 days after a similar incident in Abakaliki Prison, Ebonyi State, that led to the death of six inmates and injuries to four prison warders. The Monday riot occurred two months after two inmates, standing trial for culpable homicide, escaped from the Kuje Prison on June 25. The fleeing inmates have yet to be re-arrested. Sources in the prison said the violent protest was brought under control by the armed squad of the Nigerian Prisons Service supported by soldiers providing additional security cover for the formation. The incident, it was learnt, caused panic among residents of Kuje community, who believed that the prison was under attack by terrorists. The Controller of Prisons, FCT Command, Daniel Odharo, in a statement, confirmed the crisis at the prison but said there was no injury or escape by inmates. Odharo said, “At about 1000hrs on Monday, staff of Kuje Prison carried out a routine cell-search which is a part of the prisons operational guidelines to prevent the breach of security within and around the prisons. “Some inmates tried to resist the exercise, which led to an altercation between the search party and the inmates. This was quickly put under effective control. No prisoner was injured, no property damaged and the yard is calm and peaceful.” Investigations by one of our correspondents indicated that the violence was instigated by convicts, who refused to allow warders to carry out a search on their cells for prohibited items. One of our correspondents gathered from a reliable source in the prison that during the search, 25 mobile sets were recovered from a suspected Boko Haram inmate. The source stated, “The incident happened this morning. The warders, who were acting on instructions from the prison authorities, decided to search the cells and seize prohibited items. “During the search, they found 25 handsets with a Boko Haram suspect. After a search of the convicts’ cells, they moved to the awaiting-trial cells. “But those men, who saw the warders approaching with some ‘already’ seized items, decided to resist them. They attacked the warders with stones and every object they could lay their hands on, and in the process, many of the warders were injured.” It was gathered that after a search, some substances, suspected to be cannabis, were also uncovered in some cells and confiscated. Another prison source told The PUNCH that the warders, who were overwhelmed, retreated for reinforcement. They were said to have opened fire on some of the inmates, during which some of them were injured, though it could not be ascertained if any of the inmates died as some suspected. “I can’t say the total number of casualties among the inmates, but I can confirm to you that many of the warders were injured,” he added. The source explained that the inmates resisted the warders because the prohibited items were brought in by warders after being tipped. He said, “The rot in the Nigerian Prisons Service is serious. The prohibited items that the warders wanted to seize were brought into the yard by the same warders. “The inmates had been enjoying this privilege through trafficking by the warders. It is only natural that they will fight back, and it is a bad trend for the prisons service.” VIP inmates resist search It was gathered that the convicts, who were kept in a block called ‘VIP’, were allowed to enjoy certain privileges not permitted by the prison rules and regulations. Sources stated that against prison rules, awaiting trial inmates were allowed to stay in the VIP block as it was more comfortable. It was learnt that the dormitory-like block, where the awaiting trial inmates were kept, was congested with poor ventilation while the convicts’ cells were more pleasant to stay. A source said, “What happened on Monday was that as the officers moved to carry out a search of their cells, the inmates refused and before you know it the situation had degenerated into an altercation between the inmates and the officers with some convicts trying to physically attack the warders. “The armed squad had to fire into the air and they also released some tear gas canisters to bring the situation under control.” In June, the prisons service dismissed a female prison officer for smuggling alcoholic drinks into the Kirikiri prison in Lagos. About two weeks ago, the Federal Government dismissed 23 prison officers for alleged complicity in jailbreaks at the Kuje Medium Security Prison, Abuja, and the Koton-Karfe Prisons, Kogi State. The Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prison Services Board, at its emergency meeting held on August 11, 2016, approved the dismissal of three senior prison officers serving in Kuje Prison and three other senior officers serving in Koton-Karfe Prison for their complicity in the escape of prisoners from the respective prisons. In addition, the Controller-General of Prisons, Ahmed Ja’afaru, had also approved the dismissal of seven junior prison officers serving in Kuje Prison and 10 other junior staff serving in Koton Karfe prison, who were also implicated in the jailbreaks. The officer in charge of Nsukka Prison, Okonkwo Lawrence, and 10 others were also suspended following the escape of 15 inmates from the prison.Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Kaduna community protests incessant attacks, killings

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The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, in collaboration with Coalition of Professionals in Southern Kaduna, on Friday staged a peaceful protest in Gwantu, Sanga Local Government Area, over “incessant attacks by herdsmen”. Many communities in the area had come under attacks that claimed scores of lives. The attackers also destroyed crops and livestock in Ninte, Angwan-Ayu, Gad-Biyu and Angwan- Mada villages in Jema’a and Sanga Local Government Areas. The protesters, who were led by SOKAPU President, Mr Solomon Musa, and the Chairman, Coalition of Professionals, Mr Mark Jacob, condemned the “systematic and continuous killings of innocent people” in the areas. Musa said that the people took to the streets to appeal to people of good will and conscience to reach out to the authorities to tackle the security situation in the area. He said, “We want to tell the whole world that there has been enough bloodshed here; we want everyone to know that harmless and armless people in Sanga and other parts of Southern Kaduna are being killed.” Musa called for a joint military operation to stem the tide of the killings as was done to other crises-ridden areas. He claimed that more than 50,000 people had either been killed or displaced from 24 villages since the first invasion that took place in 2011. He said, “In 2014 alone, there were 30,000 refugees that fled from Sanga alone. “Those natives have yet to return home as herdsmen have converted their farm lands into grazing grounds,” he said. The President said that the people of the area had the right to live in peace and pursue their livelihood in a free society as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and the United Nation Convention charter. He said that the protest was not motivated by any political, religious or ethnic affiliations, pointing out that the people were only united in their grief and their desire to be protected. Musa commended Gov. Nasir El-Rufai over his recent visit to the ravaged villages, and urged the government to back its words with actions by deploying adequate security to the area. Jacob, in his remarks, regretted that people were killed “barely two days after the visit of the Governor”. He said, “One Pastor Luka Ubangari of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ungwan Anjo in Godogodo was killed not long after the governor left. “Two days ago, the attackers went to Ningon and killed Mr Gambo Sule and Benjamin Auta. “A major concern for us is that in spite of these massive attacks, no one has been arrested and charged to court.” The protesters also solicited assistance for the Internally Displaced Persons from members of the public, Churches, Mosques, corporate and public organisations, NGOs, international agencies and governments. The protesters carried placards some of which read: “Enough is Enough,” “Stop the Genocide,” “Free our children,” amongst others. NAN

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Khedira hits winner as Juventus beat Lazio

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Sami Khedira hit a second-half winner as champions Juventus made it two wins from two at the start of the new Serie A season with a 1-0 victory away to Lazio on Saturday. Juventus, who started their title defence with a 2-1 win over Fiorentina last week, were kept on a tight rein by Simone Inzaghi’s hosts throughout a first half of few chances at the Stadio Olimpico. But less than a minute after record summer signing Gonzalo Higuain came off the bench to replace Mario Mandzukic midway through the second period, Germany midfielder Khedira was set up by Paulo Dybala and beat Federico Marchetti at the ‘keeper’s far post. With Higuain still lacking fitness, the Argentine striker started on the bench for the second consecutive week, just as coach Massimiliano Allegri had said he would on the eve of the game. In a quiet first half Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was forced out to parry with both hands to block Felipe Anderson’s inswinging cross, with an alert Mehdi Benatia clearing the danger as Ciro Immobile lurked at the far post. Marchetti got a first sniff of danger when he was forced to rush to his near post after Kwadwo Asamoah’s speculative first-time effort came close to sneaking into the top-right corner. The Lazio ‘keeper was alerted again just before the hour when Mandzukic latched on to Dani Alves’s cross-field ball to hit a half-volley. Mandzukic should have done better with that effort and Juve were left further frustrated when Dybala picked up the rebound only to fire his low angled shot a yard wide. Juve were building momentum and spurned a great chance only minutes later, Dybala’s slick backheel setting up a surprised Khedira for an angled strike that crept just wide as Mandzukic looked on. It was enough for Allegri to tell Higuain to come off the bench, the Argentine replacing Mandzukic with 25 minutes to play, but only after Immobile’s chip flew across the Juve goalmouth, with no takers. The effect was immediate, but unlike last week — when Higuain came off the bench to hit the winner with his maiden goal for his new club — the spotlight fell on Khedira. The German held off his marker to collect Dybala’s smart chip, turned inside and beat Marchetti at his far post with a crisp, angled shot. Higuain celebrated like he had scored himself, but with later attempts that came to nothing the 28-year-old showed he is still lacking the zip that helped him to a record 36 goals in Serie A for Napoli last season. Napoli host AC Milan later on Saturday.

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As part of moves by Ogun State governor to ease the transportation stress in the state, especially on the Lagos Ibadan expressway,

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Ogun to kick off $1.2bn rail project soon − Commissioner

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The Ogun State Government has said it will soon commence the construction of a $1.2bn rail project in the state. The Commissioner for Information for the state, Mr. Dayo Adeneye made the disclosure on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Punch Newspaper at its headquarters in Magboro. The Commissioner assured communities along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway axis of the state that they have not been forgotten by the government. “We want to reassure our border towns, like Ibafo, Arepo, that we have not forgotten them,” the minister said. “As a matter of fact, it is the next on our agenda now. We are doing operation 100-100 in which the government has said we are doing a hundred rural roads in hopefully a hundred days.” He said even though oil prices and dwindling revenues are making it difficult to work as fast as possible, the roads still must be fixed and it will be very soon. The commissioner said transportation is at the forefront of the plans for the state. He said if transportation is fine it attracts more people because nobody wants to live where they can’t move around. He added, “In the next couple of months, probably less than two months, we are going to kick start our rail projects and it is going to be tapping into the federal government owned system. “As a matter of fact, the same Chinese construction company that is doing the federal government owned railways will be doing the Ogun State project. “Our governor was able to sign the memorandum when he travelled with the president just few weeks ago. It is a $1.2b project and it is already in the works. “Secondly, we are working on our airport, people may ask why we need the airport, there is one in Lagos already. But when you think of the fact that there are over 400 industries in Ogun State; we have the likes of Coca Cola and we have Nestle, we have the largest ceramic manufacturing company in Africa now in Ogun State. “The MDs will want to visit their companies, the managers and all will visit the companies. Then we have international investors who will want to visit Ogun State. So that’s why we also have our airport in the works to help ease up the stress on the road.” On the issue of security, the commissioners said though no government can prepare for all eventualities, Ogun State has shown that it can respond rapidly. He said the State has invested heavily in the Police and the situation of security has improved to the extent that companies are now flourishing. He promised that the government will not relent on its effort to keep making the state safe for all its inhabitants.

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Budget padding: Jibrin should undergo psychiatric tests -Reps

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John Ameh, Abuja Leaders of the House of Representatives said on Sunday that psychiatric tests should be conducted on its former Chairman, Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, to ascertain whether he was not facing health challenges. The leaders, whom The PUNCH learnt were taken aback by Jibrin’s latest allegations that they pocketed “illegal” N10bn as office allowances between 2003 and this year, had also said his sudden change of focus from budget-padding allegations to the allowances of members, might be proof that he needed medical attention. Jibrin, an All Progressives Congress lawmaker from Kano State, had on Friday last week, alleged that the 10 principal officers of the House had “embezzled” over N10bn allocated as “running costs” between 2003 and this year. The officers are the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun; House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa; Deputy Leader, Buba Jibril; Deputy Whip, Pally Iriase; Minority Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor ;Deputy Minority Leader, Chukwuka Onyeama; Minority Whip, Yakubu Barde; and Deputy Minority Whip, Binta Bello-Maigeri. Jibrin, whom the principal officers said was sacked for “abusing” the 2016 budget, had earlier on July 21, accused Dogara, Lasun, Ado-Doguwa, and Ogor of padding the budget by over N40bn. But, Ogor, who conveyed the feeling of the leaders to The PUNCH in Abuja, said the rate Jibrin “churns out baseless figures” suggested that his “head should be examined urgently.” Ogor spoke more, “His case is fast getting out of hands. Honestly, he needs help to stop peddling lies and to deliberately rubbish the names of his colleagues and the institution of the National Assembly. “I have seen that this man has an issue with his head and he should see a psychiatrist. Tests should be conducted on him urgently. I don’t know what he stands to gain by peddling lies against his colleagues.” The former appropriation chairman had alleged that the allowances collected by members were converted to personal use as against being used to run services in their officers. By Jibrin’s computation, Dogara, an APC member from Bauchi State, who came to the House in 2007, has received N1.5bn to date. For Lasun, Jibrin alleged that the APC lawmaker from Osun State had collected “about” N800m since he came to the National Assembly in 2011. Similarly, he accused Gbajabiamila, who came to the House in 2003, of pocketing N1.2bn. He gave the figures of the other principal officers thus, “Deputy House Leader, Buba, has been in the House from 2007 to date. He received about N1.2bn. Whip, Alhassan Doguwa, has been in the House from 2003 to date. He has received about N1.2bn. Deputy Whip, Pally Iriase, has been in the House from 2011 to date. He has received N700m. Minority, Leader Leo Ogor, has been in the House from 2007 to date. He has received N1.2bn. Deputy Minority Leader, Barde, has been in the House from 2011 to date. He has received N700m. Minority Whip, Chuma, has been in the House from 2007 to date. He had received N800m. And finally, Deputy Minority Whip, Binta has been in the House from 2011 to date. She has received N700m.” By his own account, Jibrin concluded that, “In between these 10 principal officers, the country has pumped about N10bn and still counting.” The development came as the House, through its Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, asked the Federal Government to furnish the National Assembly with details of the revenue shortfalls in the 2016 budget. Funding and execution of the N6.06trn budget have been negatively affected by a sharp drop in crude oil prices and destruction of oil installations by militants in the Niger Delta. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Boat accident victims not World Bank officials -Ekiti govt

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Jesusegun Alagbe The Ekiti State Government says the four persons who died during the week after their boat capsized at Egbe Dam in Gbonyin Local Government Area of the state were neither World Bank officials nor workers of the state government. It had been reported earlier that four World Bank consultants drowned in Egbe River on Tuesday night. The victims were said to have come from the Development Dams and Irrigation Schemes, Kaduna State, and had died when the boat carrying seven of them and their equipment capsized. But in a statement on Friday, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ayodele Fayose, said the victims were staff members of Enviplan Nigeria Limited, a company the state awarded the contract for the bathymetry surveying of the Egbe Dam to. Tagged the Third Urban Water Sector Reform Project, the state government said the project was only sponsored, but not being done by the World Bank. The statement said, “The sad incident happened because some safety measures were not adhered to by the deceased who refused to wear life jackets and those who survived wore life jackets provided by the company. The victims are staff of Enviplan Nigeria Limited, which is a consulting firm to the World Bank.” “The victims are Alaran Tirimisiyu, Abdulwaheed Alayande, David Malu and Albert, while the survivors are Charles Ehinlaye, Bukky Ajet and Yahaya. It should be noted that no World Bank official or Ekiti State Water Corporation staff member was involved. “The Third Urban Water Project commiserates with the families of the departed and pray that God grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Police microfinance bank targets two million customers

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Godwin Isenyo The Chairman of the Nigerian Police Micro-Finance Bank, Azubuko Udah, said one of the plans of the bank is to be among the top three micro-finance banks in the sector, targeting two million customers and 95 branches cut across the country in the year 2018. Udah, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police while addressing shareholders of the bank at its 2016 Annual General Meeting in Kaduna on Tuesday, also said the total deposit of the bank was N6.610bn for the period ended December 31, 2015 representing 37 per cent increase over the previous year figure of N4.803bn. The bank’s boss noted that the results for the financial year 2015 showed significant growth despite the challenges recorded in the financial sector, adding that though the outlook of the 2016 might seem tough due to the current economic climate, the Board of the bank had set in motion a new strategic direction for the next three years. Udah argued that the strategic plan (2016-2018) was aimed to drive the goal of increasing the bank’s market share significantly while maintaining its position as a leading players in the micro-finance sub-sector of the Nigerian economy. He said, “We will continue to be customer focused in the development of our products and services leveraging on technology for better service delivery in all our business processes.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Trump vows to start deportations right after swearing-in ceremony

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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump linked illegal immigration and employment Saturday, pledging to start deporting offenders as soon as he is sworn in should he become the White House’s next occupant. Trump all the while courted the black vote, claiming that the shooting of basketball star Dwyane Wade’s cousin will make African Americans support him, but the move instead triggered a firestorm of criticism. “On Day One, I am going to begin swiftly removing criminal illegal immigrants from this country – including removing the hundreds of thousands of criminal illegal immigrants that have been released into US communities under the Obama-Clinton administration,” Trump told supporters in Des Moines, Iowa. Trump’s Democratic rival Hillary Clinton served as secretary of state during President Barack Obama’s first term in office. The next president will be sworn in on January 20. “I am going to build a great border wall, institute nationwide e-verify, stop illegal immigrants from accessing welfare and entitlements and develop an exit-entry tracking system to ensure those who overstay their visas are quickly removed,” Trump warned. The billionaire real estate magnate and former reality TV host — in a white baseball cap — said that “If we don’t enforce visa expiration dates, then we have an open border. It’s as simple as that.” “A vote for Trump is a vote to have a nation of laws, a vote for Clinton is a vote for open borders,” he stressed. Details of Trump’s immigration policies remain scant. He rallied much of his primary support with a controversial hardline tone against illegal immigrants and his plan to build a wall on the Mexican border. Some of his advisors are now reportedly urging him to tone down his signature policy priority. Chasing the black vote Trump also made appeals to black voters, promising to help African Americans find jobs. “Every time an African American citizen, or any citizen, loses their job to an illegal immigrant, the rights of that American citizen have been totally violated,” he argued. Hours before, Trump had tweeted: “Dwayne Wade’s cousin was just shot and killed walking her baby in Chicago,” initially misspelling the basketball player’s first name before correcting it later. “Just what I have been saying. African-Americans will VOTE TRUMP!” He was referring to the shooting death on Friday of Nykea Aldridge during an exchange of gunfire between two men as she pushed a baby stroller in Chicago. Trump’s comments unleashed a torrent of criticism spearheaded by actor Don Cheadle, who has starred in such films as “Hotel Rwanda” (2004), denouncing the bombastic billionaire for trying to score political points on the back of a murder. “He doesn’t give a fkk. More red meat to his alt-right troglodytes,” Cheadle wrote on Twitter, referring to an ultra-conservative movement largely seen as white supremacist and anti-Semitic. “You don’t get to cherry pick. All the architects on left and right have failed that city. But Drumpf ain’t the ansr.” Cheadle lambasted the 2016 presidential election for being “like a Shakespearean farce except it could end in a mushroom cloud.” Several hours after firing off his first tweet on Wade, Trump offered a more somber and contrite message: “My condolences to Dwyane Wade and his family, on the loss of Nykea Aldridge. They are in my thoughts and prayers.” AFP

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Dutch international Dost completes Sporting Lisbon move

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Dutch international striker Bas Dost has signed a four-year deal to join Sporting Lisbon from VFL Wolfsburg, his new club said on Sunday. No financial details were disclosed but Portuguese media estimated the transfer at around 10 million euros (£9 million). The Dutch giant has six international caps for the Netherlands and had scored 36 goals in 85 appearances for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga since 2012. In the 2011-2012 season he had been the top goalscorer in the Dutch League with Heerenveen. Dost joins up with the Portuguese giants the day after they sold Euro 2016 winner Joao Mario to Inter Milan.

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Mark Zuckerberg in Lagos: 'I'm excited to learn as much as I can'

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Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, arrived Lagos today on his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa. Zuckerberg, who was at the Co-Creation Hub in Yaba Tuesday evening, said he was in Nigeria to learn about the startup ecosystem in the country. “I am learning about the startup ecosystem in Nigeria. The energy here is amazing and I’m excited to learn as much as I can,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. “Our first stop is the Co-creation Hub Nigeria (CcHUB) in Yaba. I got to talk to kids at a summer coding camp and entrepreneurs who come to CcHub to build and launch their apps.”

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I'm not Nigerian sports' problem

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Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja The Minister of Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung, on Tuesday replied those who have been calling for his sack after the nation’s poor outing at the 2016 Rio Olympics, saying he is not the problem of sports in Nigeria. Dalung spoke to State House correspondents shortly after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari of the outcome of the Olympics where Nigeria got a bronze medal in the men’s football event. The minister said poor performance in Nigerian sports pre-dated his appointment. “I am not the problem of Nigerian sports. Abysmal performance has been happening before me,” he said. The minister however attributed Team Nigeria’s poor outing at the Olympics to late release of funds and inability to develop home-grown talents. Dalung said it was time Nigeria returned to the grassroots and groom talents for future competitions. He also faulted the scrapping of the Nigerian Sports Commission, saying the commission was necessary. The minister also said he was yet to be informed officially of the appointment of a new foreign coach for the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation. ‎‎The NFF had early this month selected a German, Gernot Rohr, to manage the Super Eagles. He said although he was yet to be informed officially, he wished Rohr the best. On the coach of the Dream XI team, ‎Samson Siasia, the minister expressed disappointment at the treatment meted to a coach whose team won the only medal at Rio’s Olympics by the NFF by withdrawing his official car in Abuja while he was battling to secure a medal for the country in Rio. Dalung, who confirmed he met with Siasia a day before, said Nigeria still needed him ‎in football development. He said even if the NFF would not re-engage him, the Federation should at least, give him some peace of mind to enable him make his contributions in a personal capacity. He said it would be sad to lose Siasia out of frustration to another country who appreciates his worth, just like many athletes did as witnessed during the Rio Olympics. On the $390, 000 donation to Siasia and his team by a Japanese surgeon, the minister said after he met the donor in Rio, he was convinced there were no strings like match-fixing, attached to the donation.

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Two pilots arrested for drinking before flight

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Two pilots were arrested in Scotland on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol as they prepared to fly a passenger plane to the United States, police said Sunday. The two men were detained at Glasgow Airport on Saturday before they were due to fly to Newark in New Jersey. Concerns were reportedly raised over the pair ahead of the 9am UA162 flight. The service, carrying 141 passengers, eventually flew with a new crew later Saturday. “Two men aged 35 and 45 have been arrested and are presently detained in police custody in connection with alleged offences under the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, Section 93,” a Police Scotland spokesman said. The section relates to “carrying out pilot function or activity while exceeding the prescribed limit of alcohol. A United Airlines spokesman said: “The two pilots have been removed from service and their flying duties. “We are co-operating with the authorities and will conduct our own investigation as well. The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority.” The men are expected to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court on the edge of Glasgow on Monday. The arrests come after two Canadian pilots were charged with being drunk as they prepared to fly from Glasgow to Toronto last month. Jean-Francois Perreault, 39, and Imran Zafar Syed, 37, were arrested on July 18 as they were due to pilot an Airbus A310 plane, which carries up to 250 passengers, for Canada’s Air Transat. Perreault, from Ontario, and Syed, from Toronto, are charged under laws covering alcohol and drug limits in aviation. They also face charges of threatening or abusive behaviour. They have been released from custody on bail last month. AFP

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Man returns home one year after confirmed dead by family

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An Indonesian family got the shock of their life after their husband and father, 62-year-old Waluyo, showed up at their doorstep one year after they thought they had buried him. He was pronounced dead on May 15, 2015, after supposedly being involved in a car accident. Everything started last year when Waluyo left his home to work as a street cleaner in the city of Semarang in order to support his family. It wasn’t long after his departure that his wife, Alim Eskatinah, got a call from the police who told her that he had been the victim of a serious car accident and was in critical condition at the emergency room. The whole family and even some of their neighbours rushed to the hospital to be by his side but the injured man died after a few days. “In the hospital he was in a coma. Relatives and neighbours all visited him. He then died on May 7, 2015. Many came to his funeral, all the neighbours came,” Waluyo’s daughter, Anti Ristanti told Indonesian newspaper, Detik. Then, a few weeks ago, the man returned home. He was greeted with a unique mix of happiness and horror by his distraught family. “Is this real or not? I have to step back [to see him], how can a dead person come back to life? I’m shocked,” his wife, Alim Eskatinah, told local reporters. She was so shocked to see the man they had buried standing in front of her that she didn’t even believe it was him until she checked some distinctive physical traits. “He had a scar on his back because of a skin condition,” Alim said. “He also had a missing tooth.” They all checked out, but just to be sure, the family asked him to name a few of relatives. After passing these strange tests and hearing their story, the confused man told them that he had been in Semarang all this time, but since he didn’t have a mobile phone he never got in touch with them. He had no idea his family had buried him back home. Shocked at the news, the police have visited the man since his return to find some answers to this mystery. Unfortunately, having been pronounced dead, Waluyo will now have to go through several lengthy procedures to legally return among the living. He will have to be re-introduced into the country’s population database and apply for a new identity card and family card, among other things. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Hard times push more Nigerians to stealing food

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A scene played out last week Sunday in Kate, Kubwa, a community in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Around 12 noon when everyone in the neighbourhood had gone to church, a middle-aged man, simply named Abdulrahman, broke into his co-tenant’s food cupboard, brought out a pot of cooked rice and another one containing stew and carried them to his apartment. He had seen his co-tenant keep the food in the cupboard in the morning. Abdulrahman’s wife, not minding where the food came from, took the pots from him and served herself, her husband and their two children. While they were enjoying the meal, their co-tenant came in with his family and saw that his food cupboard had been burgled. Before he could ask questions, Abdulrahman and his wife came out to apologise for what they had done. Their excuse was that they were hungry and had no food in the house to eat. According to a tenant in the neighbourhood, Mr. Peter Ekpoyong, who narrated the incident to our correspondent, that would not be the first incident he had witnessed in recent weeks. He said, “I have witnessed about three similar incidents now in the past few weeks. People are hungry and what they have resorted to do is breaking into people’s homes and food cupboards. If you catch them eating your food, they will explain to you that they are hungry and have no other option. The family who stole my co-tenant’s food was even asking whether they could still get more food. “The two families use the same kitchen, which was why Abdulrahman could access the food cupboard. After the incident, many of us now keep our food cupboards inside our rooms. We would like to feed those who don’t have, but things are hard. Everyone is hungry. Things are getting harder; people are hungry.” Ekpoyong, who is a trader at the Kuduru market in the city, witnessed a similar incident in the market about three weeks ago. According to him, a woman, perhaps in her 40s, had come to the market when she was probably tired of starving herself to death in her house. He said, “I think it was on a Thursday. The woman stole some foodstuffs, including garri and beans, but she was caught. She was beaten to stupor by traders that day. I pitied her when she was crying and pleading that it was because of hunger that she stole the food items. She said she was hungry and that there was no one she could approach in her neighbourhood for help. “But no one heeded her pleas. They beat her until her clothes were nearly torn. It was a lady who rescued her by paying for the stolen items. That was how they left her. I have never witnessed incidents like this happening before. I used to hear about them, but these days, I now witness them myself. People are really hungry. I am broke too. There is no money anywhere. Things are a bit tight right now.” In recent times, there have been more cases of Nigerians stealing food, mainly due to the harsh economy. With food prices skyrocketing and high inflation in the middle of a recession, more Nigerians are becoming poorer and broke, according to a Lagos-based lawyer and social commentator, Bisoye Odubona. He said, “If not for the ego that some of us have, that is why we still iron our shirts and put on suits as if nothing is happening. The truth is that the economic condition is in a bad shape and people are suffering. People are selling off their property at ridiculous prices. I have a friend who is looking for someone to buy his car. “He has a wife and two kids and he has parked the car for long because there is no money to buy fuel. Now he wants to sell the car and get some cash. Many states are owing their workers salaries and there is no hope when they are going to be paid. Imagine the plight of such workers.” On Friday, August 19, 2016, an Abuja-based man, Aminu Iyawa, narrated on Facebook how a primary school teacher from Gireil Local Government in Adamawa State, identified simply as Julius, was beaten to pulp after he was caught stealing food in his neighbour’s house. Iyawa added that after the beating, Julius was taken to the hospital for treatment. Saturday PUNCH learned that Julius and other primary school teachers in the state were being owed six months salaries by the state government. A teacher in the state, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed that the development had turned some of his colleagues into beggars and thieves. “I’m also a primary school teacher in the state and we have not been paid our salaries of up to six months by the state. Many of us are finding it hard to live,” he said. In a similar vein, around 11am on August 18, 2016, a 52-year-old man, Amos Musa, from Tunga, Nasarawa State, was said to have slumped after a porter absconded with the foodstuffs he bought at the Madalla market in Suleja, Niger State. According to eyewitnesses, Musa, who has two wives and 11 children, had bought yam tubers, garri, rice, a gallon of palm oil and soup ingredients, had called for the porter to convey the food items to the main road in order to take a taxi. Musa was said to have lost his sight of the porter carrying his food items when he stopped to buy some fairly used clothes in the market. Apparently, it was when the wheelbarrow pusher noticed that Musa’s attention was no longer on him that he decided to abscond with the goods. On Thursday, August 25, 2016, a 30-year-old man, Samodi Olorodo, was remanded in prison custody for allegedly stealing 18 tubers of yam and a bunch of vegetables worth N50 from a storeowner, Adeneye Safiu, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The prosecutor, Olakunle Shonibare, told the Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court that the offence was committed on Monday, August 1, 2016 at about 10am in the Oke-Odo area of the city. Safiu had reportedly seen the accused person coming out from his store with the tubers of yam and bunch of vegetables on his head. When he asked Olorodo where he got the food items, the latter could not give a sound response. This made him call the police who then arrested the accused. Recently, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps reported about the arrest of two people who were caught stealing food in the Jidari Polo area of Borno State. The NSCDC Commandant, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said that the command had recorded 10 complaints of food theft by residents before the arrest was made. He said the culprits specialised in invading people’s houses on Sundays when Christian residents had gone to church. “What is very surprising is that they didn’t steal anything apart from food items. Anytime we hear of such incidents, we always discover everything to be intact in the houses except for the foodstuff,” he said. An economist, Mr. Babatunde Abraham, said it was important for the President Muhammadu Buhari led- administration to quickly resolve the hunger crisis in the country. “The economy is in recession, no doubt, but when hunger persists, it creates room for crime. These people stealing food items may graduate to robbing banks if care is not taken. We shouldn’t overlook this situation. It is saddening that the rate of food theft has increased. The government should quickly find ways of combating hunger,” he said. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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My policeman friend led team that killed my son - Father

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Simon Utebor, Yenagoa The father of Innocent Kokorifa, who was allegedly killed by a police team in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has demanded justice for his son. Mr. Daniel Kokorifa, an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Rivers State Sector Command, said his son was murdered by a team led by his friend. He spoke on Monday when some human rights activists, led by a former Secretary, Civil Liberties Organisation, Mr. Alagoa Morris, paid a condolence visit to his home in the Okaka area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. Innocent, who was first of five children, was allegedly shot dead by the police anti-kidnapping team on Air Force Road in Yenagoa on August 18, 2016. The victim was said to be running an errand for his mother, Pere, when he was killed. But the state police command had in a statement claimed that the victim died during a gun battle between a three-man robbery gang and the police. The victim’s father, Daniel, however, said upon investigation, he discovered that Innocent was killed by a police team led by his own friend. He explained that his son died on the day his West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination results were released wherein he passed all his papers. He said, “On August 18, 2016, my wife called me that our son was shot dead by the police. We went to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, but they denied knowledge of the incident. “We went to the anti-vice unit and they also denied. When we went to the scene of the incident, we discovered that it was the anti-vice team that came for the operation. “The following morning, I went to the anti-vice team again, but they denied knowledge of it. I saw a friend, who worked there. When I asked him, he also denied any knowledge of it. But I later discovered that it was my friend, who led the team, that killed my son. “From there, I went to the Emergency Ward at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, in search of my son. There, I was told that the police brought the boy in the night around 11pm, the doctors said the boy was brought dead. “That was how I knew my son was dead. I went inside the mortuary with my son’s picture and my ID card before they allowed me in. I saw his lifeless body in the morgue.” Daniel, while thanking various rights groups that had been standing by the family, said his son’s dream of studying law at the university had been cut short. “From birth, he never had any criminal record. The day he died was the day his principal called me that he made all his papers. Now, he is dead. All I demand is justice,” he added. The victim’s mother, Pere, said she asked him to give N2,000 to her elder sister’s daughter around 10pm on the day of the incident. “We started searching for him when he didn’t return on time. We went to hospitals and police stations, but they all denied knowing the whereabouts of my son. The following day, when my husband returned from Port Harcourt where he works, we went to the SCIID and they asked me to write a statement that it was bad boys that killed my son, so that they could investigate the matter, but I refused.” Human rights activist, Morris, said, “Even a criminal is innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. And until a judge pronounces the death penalty, no one has the right to take a life.” Another activist, Ebiserikumo Gbassa, who described the development as an extra-judicial killing, said the police had ended the life of a promising youth. “I am appealing to all relevant authorities to ensure that the killers of the innocent boy are brought to book,” he added. When contacted, the spokesman for the police command in the state, Mr. Asinim Butswat, said the police were investigating the matter. However, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Amiengheme Andy, last Friday, sympathised with the family of the deceased. Andy had said, “We do not encourage such things. We all have children and nobody will send anyone out to shoot anybody and anyone who does that will pay dearly for it. “We want to assure the family that nobody will cover up the matter. “At the end of the day, justice must be done. The commissioner wants to see the father of the boy because it is very painful.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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3,000 migrants saved off Libya

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Rescuers saved 3,000 migrants in the waters off Libya on Tuesday as they tried desperately to reach Europe, a day after a record 6,500 people were rescued in the Mediterranean. “Around 3,000 migrants were saved Tuesday during 30 operations coordinated by the coastguard,” the Italian coastguard said in a statement. After several weeks of relative calm in the stretch of Mediterranean between Italy and Libya, more than 1,100 people were rescued on Sunday and another 6,500 on Monday. Dramatic images distributed by the Italian coastguard showed children among the survivors crammed onto an old fishing boat. Some of the migrants jumped off the vessel in life jackets and swam towards their rescuers. The total number of arrivals in Italy this year now stands at 112,500, according to the UN’s refugee agency and the coastguard, slightly below the 116,000 recorded by the same point in 2015. Involved in the rescue at dawn on Monday were the Italian coastguard and navy, and the Dignity 1 ship operated by the NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF), whose spokesman Nicholas Papachrysostomou said 650 people were saved. – ‘Endless’ – “Many of them had never seen the sea before. There were elderly women on board, sick people, and several children aged 13 or 4 who were travelling alone,” he said. “They were fighting each other to be rescued first, they were jumping into the water, it was hard to control the situation.” However, the drama was far from over. “At the end of the day, the horizon was filled with boats,” Papachrysostomo told AFP, speaking by phone from the Dignity 1. “It was an extraordinary day,” he added. Another NGO, Proactiva Open Arms, described Monday as “an endless day” and “a sad record” on its Facebook page. Among the survivors were babies and small children carried by their parents. A mother and her premature newborn were evacuated by helicopter as soon as they had been rescued. On Tuesday morning, a woman gave birth on board the rescue ship as it made its way to the Italian coast. She and her newborn were taken by speedboat to the island of Lampedusa, while the rest of the migrants made their way to several ports in Sicily, Sardinia and southern Italy. The coastguard and MSF said the spike in migrant arrivals was due to improved weather conditions after a bad spell. More than 3,100 people have died trying to reach Europe this year.

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Twelve years after, 162,025 retirees benefitting from CPS

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Nike Popoola Twelve years after the Contributory Pension Scheme kicked off in the country, about 162,025 retirees are earning their monthly benefits from pension and insurance operators. The CPS was introduced following the enactment of the Pension Reform Act in 2004 to introduce a new platform for employees of the public and private sectors to be able to save during their working years and have financial security when they retire. Currently, the scheme has produced 162,025 retirees who are earning regular monthly income from operators of the scheme. The CPS mandates employers to contribute 12 per cent and deduct eight per cent of the employers’ monthly emolument, which are to be regularly remitted into the workers’ Retirement Savings Account with their respective Pension Fund Administrators. The worker could have access to the fund at retirement or at the age of 50. However, the law allows the contributor to deduct part of the contribution under some specific conditions. Upon retirement, the worker accesses the pension either as programmed withdrawal, which is managed by the Pension Fund Administrators or annuity by the life insurance companies. According to the Act, programmed withdrawal is an option that is calculated on an expected life span, which means that the pensioner will be paid on a regular basis for a fixed number of years, after which he ceases to earn any further income from his PFA again. The Act specifies that the annuity will be paid on a regular basis by the insurance company to the pensioner until he dies, no matter how long he lives. Figures from PenCom showed that as of the end of March this year, 132,405 retirees were earning their pensions through programmed withdrawal and had collected lump sums worth N329.384bn. The programmed withdrawal retirees were also collecting monthly pensions worth N4.3bn from their respective PFAs. PenCom revealed that 86,297 of the retirees were Federal Government retirees, while 10,203 and 35,905 were state governments and private sector retirees. According to the commission, 29,620 retirees were earning their pensions from insurance companies as annuity. The annuity retirees had so far collected lump sums worth N41.84bn and were getting monthly income of N1.5bn from their insurance companies. The commission revealed that 19,527 of the retirees were Federal Government retirees, while 2,960 and 7,133 were state governments and private sector retirees, respectively. According to statistics obtained from PenCom, 7,006,734 employees were registered as of the end of March under the CPS. The total assets under the CPS rose to N5.729tn as of the end of June. While the number of private sector employees has been growing under the CPS, most states are not yet part of the scheme because the Pension Reform Act did not make it mandatory for them. Only 10 states have commenced the remittance of funds into the RSAs of their employees out of the 26 states that have enacted their Pension Reform Laws. Figures obtained from the National Pension Commission on the implementation by the state governments showed that the 10 remaining states have their pensions’ bills pending in their Houses of Assembly. It stated, “Ten out of the 36 states had commenced remittance of contributions into the RSAs of their employees. Similarly, eight state governments have commenced funding of their retirement benefit bond redemption fund account.” The records also reveal that 673,116 contributors from various states of the federation were registered with different PFAs. According to the report, Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, Niger, Delta, Osun, Rivers and Anambra have commenced remittance of contributions to six PFAs and were already funding their accrued rights. It explained that Imo was yet to commence remittance of pension contributions, adding that the Imo State University was currently implementing the CPS but not yet funding its accrued rights. Zamfara had also commenced remittance of contributions into the PFAs but was not yet funding its accrued rights. PenCom stated that Jigawa had transferred its pension assets to six PFAs for management, while Kano was yet to transfer its assets to the PFAs. According to the report, the remaining 26 states were yet to commence remittance of funds into their workers PFA or fund their accrued rights. Before the commencement of the CPS, the country was operating only the Defined Benefits Scheme popularly known as the Pay-as-You-Go scheme. The failure of the scheme to meet the needs of Nigerian pensioners, with mounting liabilities as retirees could not get their pensions and were subjected to hardship, led to the enactment of the PRA 2004. Ten years after, the PRA 2004 was amended and replaced with the PRA 2014. After several reforms of the old scheme, the management of the DB was transferred to a new department known as the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate in 2013. Statistics reveal that 217,619 Federal Government retirees under the management of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate currently earn N6.24bn pensions monthly. Analysis of the returns revealed that PTAD had a total of 217,619 pensioners on its payroll with a monthly pension bill of N6.24bn as of 31 March, 2016. The Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Eric Fajemisin, said the pension reform had been largely successful given the ground that has been covered in the last 12 years. He said, “The 2004 Pension Reform Act was repealed and replaced with the 2014 Act to address most of the deficiencies observed in the former.” Fajemisin said there were issues that were not addressed in the 2004 Act but were addressed in the 2014 Act. These include applying a portion of pension assets towards the payment of equity for a residential mortgage by the RSA holder and the inclusion of the informal sector, among others. The CEO said it was necessary to appreciate the primary objectives of the scheme which include assisting individuals by ensuring that they save in order to cater for their livelihood in old age and to ensure that persons who are employed in the various sectors of the economy receive their retirement benefits as and when due. According to him, these objectives drive the rules of engagement in the scheme. He said, “Individuals, for instance, should ideally only have access to his/their retirement benefits when they are no longer capable of engaging in gainful employment such as when they are old and retired or due to incapacitation as a result of health challenges.” The Executive Secretary, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria, Ms. Susan Oranye, said the industry was focused on achieving a target of 20 million contributors by 2025. She said it was necessary for all employers to join the CPS and maintain RSAs for their employees. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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WAICA Re develops professionals for W’African countries

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Nike Popoola West African Reinsurance Corporation Plc has said it remains committed to the development of human capital in the region. The Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Abiola Ekundayo, said this during the fourth annual training programme of WAICA Re in Abeokuta, Ogun State. “WAICA Re has made manpower development as one of its prime concerns for the insurance industry in Africa and beyond, hence our maiden edition of the training was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2012,” he said. Participants from insurance companies in different parts of Africa participated in the training. He said that relevant topics such as advanced market and claims international course were chosen and tailored along the needs of the insurance companies. According to him, these topics are cogent and technical and many professionals are not handling them. “The provision of technical and capacity building is at the centre of our activities and we lay high premium on this,” he said. He said that it was the practice of the firm to rotate the programme by organising it in different countries. Ekundayo recalled that WAICA Re was incorporated in Sierra Leone in March 2011, obtained its operating licence in July 29 and commenced operations in August same year. The company, according to him, underwrites all classes of business in Africa and outside the continent such as special risks and life insurance. He also said that the corporation enjoyed full diplomatic status in Sierra Leone. He said the company is a sub-regional reinsurance company with the headquarters in Freetown, and other major contact offices in Accra, Ghana; Lagos; and Abidjan, Cote D’ivore. The corporation, he said, is owned by five English speaking countries in West Africa, namely: Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Budget Padding: Police to comb appropriation office for vital documents

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John Ameh, Adelani Adepegba and Leke Bayewu Fresh indications emerged on Saturday that the police would this week, liaise with the Department of State Services to allow the team of investigating officers led by an Assistant Inspector General of Police have access the secretariat of the Appropriation Committee of the House of Representatives. The police panel is investigating allegations levelled against the leadership of the House of Representatives by a former Chairman of the House Committee on Appriopration, Abdulmumin Jibrin, that the 2016 budget was unnecessarily padded. A top police source, who disclosed this to SUNDAY PUNCH in Abuja, said this was necessary in order to access documents and other data stored on the computers used for the budget preparation. The police chief said, “We are making necessary arrangement anytime in the new week to request the Department of State Services to reopen the secretariat so that we could have access to data and other evidence that were being protected by its operatives.” SUNDAY PUNCH also gathered that the police investigations into the budget padding allegations in the House of Representatives was being delayed with the non-release of the draft and final copies of the 2016 budget. The police source said the panel was not giving up on the investigations, as it would write the DSS to enable it access the House Appriopration office, which had been sealed. The panel had about two weeks ago requested copies of the budget so it could compare it with the versions that were submitted to it by Jibrin. But the National Assembly Clerk, Mr. Mohammed Sani-Omolori, it was learnt, had yet to provide the documents which a source said was germane to the panel’s investigation. The source said, “The panel needs the draft copies and the final version of the budget, but since it dispatched its request to the National Assembly clerk, nothing has been heard about it, and this of course, has slowed down the momentum of the probe. But we are still expecting the officials to send the documents. “We are giving them time to respond because we know that NASS officials are also indirectly on recess because the lawmakers were on recess, but next week would be crucial. There are major steps that would be taken to move things forward in the investigation.” Speakers, others yet to honour police invitation None of the principal officers, including the Speaker, Yabubu Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Sulaiman Lasun, and the Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, had honoured the invitations by the police investigating team. Both the Speaker’s office, Lasun, and Ogor failed to respond to inquiries on the matter. The Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, asked for time to speak on the issue, but as of the time of filing this report, he had yet to do so. He also did not reply to a text message sent to his mobile phone. The Chief Press Secretary to Lasun, Mr. Wole Oladimeji, also did not react to inquiries by Sunday PUNCH. Ogor’s mobile phone rang out. I‘ll honour police if invited — Ado-Doguwa But Ado-Doguwa said he had yet to be invited and would honour the police invitation. Ado-Doguwa added that there was no point “playing to the gallery” by submitting himself to the police, which had yet to invite him. He said, “As a true democrat and a firm believer in the ‘rule of law,’ I would always respond and honour any constitutional invitation from any of our law enforcement or anti-graft agencies on any matter, if am invited. I am not above the law either.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Nigeria will achieve full rehabilitation of Boko Haram victims

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya, assured that Nigeria would diligently ensure full rehabilitation of Boko Haram victims and find lasting solutions to combat threats of terrorism. A statement issued by the president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said Buhari was speaking at the opening of the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Nairobi. Buhari reaffirmed that Boko Haram terrorists had been degraded, even as the reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons in the country had been receiving immediate attention. While acknowledging Japanese assistance through UNICEF in the rehabilitation of the victims of Boko Haram, the President commended development partners for their work geared toward improving the lives of some two million IDPs in the country. He said, “The bottom line is that these problems are our primary responsibility. We must tackle them and find lasting solutions for ourselves.” He added that international cooperation with Nigeria was central in the decimation of Boko Haram terror group. ”I took over the mantle of leadership in Nigeria when the North eastern part of the country was being ravaged by Boko Haram. He said, ”However, soon after assumption of office, our administration with the support of our immediate neighbours – Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Benin- and international partners including Japan, faced the challenge frontally.” As I speak the terror group has been decimated and life is beginning to return to normal in the affected region. He said, “The challenge we currently face which is also being addressed, is that of the IDPs which number over two million to get them re-integrated with their families and their original homes.” On global health issues which are a major focal point of the summit, President Buhari thanked the government of Japan for contributing $800 million to the fight against malaria, tuberculosis among others. The contribution is part of the $1.3 billion made available to the Nigerian Health Sector by the Global Fund. On the gains of TICAD, the President said that partnerships between Africa and Japan would help create and improve investment opportunities in industries, agriculture, information technology, science and technology among others for the good of the continent and investors from Japan. He said, “In view of the challenges Africa is facing, the imperative for a viable partnership like the Tokyo International Conference on African Development cannot be over emphasised. “Today, many countries in Africa including the oil producing ones are wisely seeking to diversify their economies away from mono-cropping. “In Nigeria, our administration has already taken concrete steps to diversify the economy by making agriculture not just a development programme but a thriving business. “Investing in the economies of this continent, especially through Public-Private-Partnership can contribute to building capacity for our economies.” According to the statement, the two-day summit with the theme: ‘‘Advancing Africa’s Sustainable Development Agenda-TICAD Partnership for Prosperity”, is being held outside of Japan for the first time since its inception in 1993. It stated that among other things, TICAD aimed to solve Africa’s development problems through quality technology in the health, industry, agriculture and environment sectors. “A draft declaration to be adopted at end of the summit will seek to combat the growing threats of terrorism, conflicts and violent radicalism through the promotion of education and job creation.” The summit is being attended by Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, some 35 African leaders and chief executives of at least 80 major companies from Japan. (NAN)

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‘Some women sell tools govt gave them’

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Folashade Adebayo A former Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, says many women trained by the Lagos State Government resort to selling their empowerment kits because they are given tools different from their training. She, therefore, called on such women to visit any of the 17 skill acquisition centres in the state for re-training at no cost to them. Nelson spoke on Monday at an empowerment programme organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for vulnerable women. More than 300 women from the 57 local government areas in the state were presented with sewing and pepper grinding machines, among others. Nelson said, “I know that Lagos State has many skill acquisition centres and that graduates of the centres are empowered with kits and some token. But if you train a woman as a florist, you must equip the woman with necessary kits. A lot of them have been accused of selling their kits. It is true. If I am not trained to be a hair dresser and you give me a kit for hair dresser, I will sell it.’’ The Commissioner, WAPA, Mrs. Lola Akande, said the initiative was designed to raise the standard of living of residents in the state. “The ministry, through its short and long term vocational training programmes, has continued to train thousands of Lagosians, particularly women, on different skills. The beneficiaries of the training are provided with enablement materials,’’ she said. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Trump to visit Mexico

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Donald Trump announced he would travel to Mexico on Wednesday to meet its president, just hours ahead of giving a much-anticipated speech in Arizona on immigration. The Republican presidential nominee’s surprise trip south of the border comes as debate about his hardline immigration policies is reaching fever pitch. Although his visit holds potential political peril, Trump could seize control of the campaign narrative at a crucial time, showing a willingness to engage diplomatically on a sensitive issue at the heart of his campaign. “I have accepted the invitation of President Enrique Pena Nieto, of Mexico, and look very much forward to meeting him tomorrow,” Trump posted on Twitter Tuesday. Mexico’s presidential office confirmed the visit, posting its own tweet in Spanish to say the billionaire New York real estate tycoon “has accepted the invitation and will meet tomorrow privately with the President @EPN.” Pena Nieto’s office said in a statement that he had sent invitations to Trump as well as his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Her campaign has announced no plans for a visit, with an aide on Tuesday saying Clinton “looks forward to talking with President Pena Nieto again at the appropriate time.” Trump has routinely assailed Mexican immigrants who illegally cross the border into the United States. Hardline immigration policies including calls for deportations are a key plank of his campaign. A sudden international trip by a US presidential candidate would be a logistical and security nightmare at such short notice. But Trump could be sensing an opportunity in the visit as he mulls whether to soften his positions on immigration, particularly the call early in his campaign to deport some 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the shadows. Any Trump-Pena Nieto meeting could be an awkward affair. In rally after campaign rally, Trump has pledged to “build a wall” on the US southern border if he becomes president and to force Mexico to pay for it. Pena Nieto for his part has likened Trump to “Hitler and Mussolini” and slammed the Republican nominee for his isolationist positions. And in a July interview, he told CNN that “there is no way that Mexico could pay for a wall like that.” Trump used some of the most incendiary language of his campaign when launching his White House bid last year, describing Mexicans as drug dealers, “rapists” and other criminals. He is scheduled to deliver what is billed as a crucial speech Wednesday evening in Phoenix, Arizona, seen as an opportunity to clarify his positions on immigration. In recent weeks he has expressed willingness to soften his hardline stance to a “fair and humane” policy ahead of November’s election. AFP

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All I want is my cash - Siasia

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Pius Ayinor The Nigeria Football Federation officials have stated that they are not expecting any letter of resignation from the national U23 coach, Samson Siasia, as his contract ended with the Rio Olympics. A member of the federation who spoke with The PUNCH on Sunday said the former Super Eagles striker was free to move on. Siasia who also spoke with The PUNCH newspaper on Sunday corroborated the NFF statement of his contract having ended but demanded that his outstanding salary be paid him. Siasia said, “This is not really resignation; my contract was arranged to end with the Olympics. And so the contract has ended. “What is very important is that I get every kobo that I am owed. I need the money now than ever and I believe I have really endured and I have been cooperative.” The coach who just won the Olympic bronze in Rio this month did not however completely deny the resignation story that made the headlines by the weekend. “I spoke with a reporter but I guess the one who are referring to was extracted from the interview I granted somebody else. What I was asked was my entire story at the Olympics and this included Atlanta camping. “Of course a lot of things happened that I can’t be really happy about especially the way the team was portrayed. But that is over as my contract has also actually ended. What is left now is my cash and that is very, very important,” he said. Siasia and his friends are hoping that the FA should be able to sort out his bills quickly as they have been able to appoint a new coach from Germany for the Eagles. An official of the federation who spoke to our correspondent said they treated the coach and his players as best as they could under the situation they found themselves. “But if you are asking about getting any letter, we have not received any and we don’t expect any. The usual deal is with the All Africa Games and then running through the Olympics and that is what he has completed. There is no immediate U23 competition and so he couldn’t have continued,” he said. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Zamfara, Enugu killings unacceptable

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Alexander Okere, Benin The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has called the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to speed up investigations into the murder of eight students of the Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Zamfara State, and a Catholic seminarian in Enugu. It also urged security agencies not spare any detail in unravelling circumstances surrounding their deaths, arrest the perpetrators and ensure that they faced the wrath of the law. ‎The National President of PFN, Rev. Felix Omobude, who made the call in a statement on Saturday, described the killings of innocent Nigerians as barbaric and shocking.‎ Omobude lamented that it was becoming more difficult, with each attack, to find answers to the “seeming helplessness on the part of law enforcement agents” to rein in on individuals, whom he said “insist on these barbaric, riotous and criminal acts, while claiming to be acting in the name of religion”. The statement read in part, “We condemn these acts of violence being increasingly witnessed, which is absolutely unacceptable. “We urge the police and other security agencies to move swiftly to get to the root of these incessant attacks and bring the perpetrators to book, as it would appear that some people seem to assume they are above the law and can always get away with murder and arson.” According to him, it was worrisome that while efforts were being made to build a united Nigeria, some people appeared determined to pull the nation back, cause division and hatred on account of differences in religious persuasion and ethnicity.

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Buhari approves N241bn budget for FCT

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Leke Baiyewu, Abuja The Presidency on Wednesday said President Muhammadu Buhari had assented to the Federal Capital Territory Appropriation Act 2016 passed by the National Assembly. “The legal implantation of the budget therefore comes into effect, which will result in employment in the formal sectors and informal sectors through projects implementation and employment therefrom arising,” the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, told journalists on Wednesday. The Senate had passed the N241.5bn budget in July. The Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Dino Melaye, while presenting the report of his committed on the floor of the chamber, has said the sum of N52.9bn was for personnel cost, N34.4bn for overhead, while N154.1bn was for capital expenditure. Melaye explained that 80 per cent of the amount for capital expenditure was for the completion of abandoned projects. The lawmaker said FCT’s 2015 budget recorded 61 per cent budgetary performance, while the committee had projected a minimum of 85 per cent to 90 per cent budgetary performance in 2016. While explaining the rationale behind the laying of the budgets of statutory corporations before the National Assembly for consideration and passage, Enang said that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 states that “the budget of the underlisted agencies, among others, be laid before the Assemblies by Mr. President, in addition to, and independent of, the annual Appropriation Act.” The departments, corporations and agencies include the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; the Bureau of Public Enterprises; the Nigerian Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure; and the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund.

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Reps in budget padding scandal won’t go free -EFCC

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Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it has yet to invite the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and other principal officers of the House accused of padding the 2016 budget because the agency is still carrying out preliminary investigations. But the commission said those who participated in the budget padding saga would not go without being punished. The EFCC Deputy Director, Operations, Lagos Office, Iliyasu Kwarbai, said this on Monday while addressing a coalition of over 30 civil society organisations that took to the streets of Lagos to protest against the budget padding saga in the lower chambers of the National Assembly. Kwarbai explained that although the commission had received a series of petitions, the EFCC had to carry out preliminary investigations before inviting accused persons. He said, “We are already in receipt of petitions from some other members of the public and the investigation is being done in Abuja. When petitions are received, we look at them, make some analyses, and commence investigation. “We do what we call preliminary investigation without inviting the accused persons. We carry out some investigations and gather some facts to ascertain the truthfulness of that petition. When we find them culpable, then, we go into inviting the accused persons. “What we are doing is to look at the case since we have already received some of the petitions; our men are already on the ground, carrying out very thorough investigations. So don’t be in doubt; the EFCC cannot be cowed. Anybody involved in corruption, no matter how highly placed, we don’t cover any person at all. “Once we receive your petition, once it is being investigated, once you are indicted, definitely, we go into inviting you. Definitely, whoever is involved in the issue of budget padding will never go free.” Earlier the rights groups had asked the anti-graft agency to ensure that Dogara and nine other principal officers of the House be investigated. The groups, which brandished placards such as ‘EFCC probe NASS illegal allowances’; ‘No immunity for economic criminality, probe budget padding’; and ‘Save Nigeria from legislative thieves’, said the 10 principal officers of the House of Representatives fingered in the budget padding ought not to be walking freely. The Executive Director, Conscience Nigeria, Tosin Adeyanju, who spoke on behalf of the groups before delivering their petition to the EFCC officials in Lagos, said, “He (Dogara) has no immunity. If governors’ accounts are being frozen, I don’t know why Speaker Dogara’s account should be left free. “I don’t know why Jibrin, Femi Gbajabiamila, Leo Ogor and Doguwa should be walking freely.” The former Chairman, Committee on Appropriation of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, had, earlier on July 21, accused Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun; Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa; and the Minority Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor, of padding the budget by over N40bn. Jibrin, whom the principal officers said was sacked for “abusing” the 2016 budget, had recently alleged that other principal officers of the House, including himself, had illegally collected about N10bn between 2003 and 2015. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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16 killed in Moscow warehouse fire

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At least 16 people died in a fire that broke out at a Moscow warehouse on Saturday morning, Russian authorities said. “When the fire was being put out, a room that had been cut off by the flames was discovered,” TASS news agency quoted the regional branch of the emergency ministry’s press service as saying. “Firefighters tore down the wall and found 16 dead.” Emergency workers arrived at the scene at 0500 GMT to put out a blaze that had engulfed 200 square metres of a warehouse in an industrial zone in the Russian capital’s north. The fire was extinguished at around 0700 GMT, authorities said. A police source told Russian new agencies that the victims were likely migrants from former Soviet republics and that the warehouse belonged to a local printing company. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on Twitter that the city would probe the incident. The cause of the blaze remains unknown. A criminal investigation was launched to determine whether it erupted due to arson or negligence. AFP

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Can you tell your spouse how much you have in your bank account?

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Esther Olajide Money-related matters have been identified by marriage counsellors to be one of the causes of most divorces. Oftentimes, the path to divorce sets in when one of the partners starts hiding something about his/her financial status. SATURDAY PUNCH asked some Nigerians whether they could tell their spouses the amount they have in their bank accounts I’ll tell him because I love him Iroko Elizabeth I will tell him because I love him and there is nothing to hide about it, and I wouldn’t even bother to know what he has in his own account. I wouldn’t want to know how much my husband has in his bank account so as not to give myself depression. Once he meets my needs, I am fine. I will appreciate whatever he gives me. In order to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding, it helps to allow a man keep his financial status to himself. He cannot rob me, so I’ll tell him Precious Boluwatife We are one, so there is no big deal in telling him how much I have. He is my husband and he cannot rob or harm me. On the other hand, I should also know how much he has for better understanding and planning. I will always be naked to him about my finances. It will help us to run our home well. We are one, so I don’t think I have to hide anything from him. We are one Oludipe Grace He is my soulmate and whatever we do is in the interest of our children. It is better for both of us to know our financial status so that we can manage our finances well and understand ourselves better. I will tell him the truth and nothing less because money-related issues have caused trouble in some families. Since I love and trust my husband, I will gladly tell him. I don’t hide things from him Adejugbagbe Oluwatoyin I will romantically tell my husband the amount in my bank account. Who else should know my account status if not my lovely husband? I trust him so much. I have got no option than to tell him. I don’t hide things from him; we are open to each other. Life will be much easier when spouses are open to each other, although I would not blame some people who cannot share such with their husbands. Some have their reasons too. I understand my husband and vice versa and so there is no secret. It depends on his behaviour Lydia Bello As for me, it depends on his character, though my husband has not requested for such before. If he does, then I will have to think twice because he has his own personal account. If he is open to me, I will tell him. But if I cannot understand his character and I perceive he’s hiding some things from me, he does not deserve to know how much I have in my account. If he knows that I have much in my account, he might want to relieve himself of some responsibilities at home. She doesn’t need to know Kolapo Onakoya I do not need to tell my spouse my account status because it could scatter my plans for the home. I wouldn’t like to tell her. It is better to have a separate account which my wife knows for the running of the home. I may be planning a big project and in my opinion, some women act on what they hear. If she knows how much I have in my account, that could be the time she will bring a list of items she needs and the ones she doesn’t. This may scatter my plans. Telling her doesn’t reduce my account balance Shittu Adeniyi I can tell my spouse the amount in my bank account. There is nothing to hide since we are no more two, but one. Telling her doesn’t reduce the amount there and if I don’t tell her, it will not add to my account balance. There is nothing holding me down and it is better she knows so that if I give her anything available, she will understand that is all I have. It would even make me play safe on money issues and she would trust me more. Though this could depend on the kind of wife one has, but I know my own wife very well even before our marriage. We are helpmates and we even share secrets bigger than account balance. It’s her right to know Ajayi Micheal She is my helpmate and not a stranger. It is even her right to know. My wife even knows how much I earn. It is very bad to hide issues like this from one’s spouse. If my salary increases, I will also tell her. My wife is my economic and financial manager. In fact, I give her my ATM card to withdraw for me because she is my helpmate. I do not hide anything from her. I’ll gladly tell her Afolabi Taiwo I will be glad to tell her because I trust her and know her background. I will always tell her about anything I want to do. We have a joint account and we have our personal accounts and this has been working for us. A wise man must know how to treat women because they are weaker vessels. I will let her know what I have and I would love to know what she has too; if she is willing. My wife knows everything about me Gbenga Emmanuel My wife knows many things about me even before we married. She knew my salary then and even now she knows what I’m earning. It is no big deal to tell her my account status. She is a contented person. It is only when she is not trusted or contented that I will have to be wise in my dealings with her. Love and trust play an important role here. In fact, my wife sometimes withdraws money for me. I care for her a lot, so there is nothing stopping me at all from telling her everything. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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US calls for testing of donated blood for Zika

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Donated blood should be tested for the Zika virus, which can cause birth defects, US regulators warned Friday amid a mounting outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus in the United States. “There is still much uncertainty regarding the nature and extent of Zika virus transmission,” said Peter Marks, director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “At this time, the recommendation for testing the entire blood supply will help ensure that safe blood is available for all individuals who might need transfusion.” The move revises a previous FDA guideline issued in February that recommended active screening of donated blood only in “areas with active Zika virus transmission.” But now, as evidence of sexual transmission mounts and those infected often show no symptoms, even stricter safeguards are needed across the nation, said the FDA. “The FDA is updating its guidance after careful consideration of all available scientific evidence, consultation with other public health agencies, and taking into consideration the potential serious health consequences of Zika virus infection to pregnant women and children born to women exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy,” said an agency statement. More than 2,500 people in the United States have been diagnosed with Zika, along with more than 9,000 in the US territories such as Puerto Rico, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of those cases were brought in by people who were infected while traveling abroad. There are 584 pregnant women in the mainland United States with lab evidence of Zika infection, and 812 in the US territories. Last month, Florida announced its first cases of locally transmitted Zika, with 42 infections. “Testing of donated blood is already underway in Florida and Puerto Rico, as well as in other areas, and it has shown to be beneficial in identifying donations infected with Zika virus,” said the FDA statement. Indeed, one unit of donated blood in Florida was recently found to contain Zika virus and was intercepted, Marks told reporters on a conference call. The expanded testing of the US blood supply “will be in effect until the risk of transfusion transmission of Zika virus is reduced,” said the FDA. Sexual spread Zika is primarily spread by the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito, but it can also be transmitted sexually. On Friday, US authorities announced the first known case of a man who had Zika but did not know because he showed no symptoms — and then subsequently infected his female partner during unprotected sex. Four out of five people who get Zika do not show any of the common symptoms, which may include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. “As new scientific and epidemiological information regarding Zika virus has become available, it’s clear that additional precautionary measures are necessary,” said Luciana Borio, the FDA’s acting chief scientist. The World Health Organisation says 53 countries around the world have reported Zika outbreaks since 2015. Two US lawmakers, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas, had recently urged the FDA to expand testing for Zika to blood banks nationwide, saying it would cost less than $10 per donor. On Friday, DeLauro applauded to decision, calling it “a strong step forward in protecting our nation’s blood supply and the American people.” AFP

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CAN, northern faction differ on Kerry’s visit, reunion

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Jude Owuamanam and Friday Olokor The Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern Zone) and the breakaway faction, Northern Nigerian Christians, have expressed divergent positions on the current status of the Christian body in the country. The two bodies were also poles apart in their positions on the recent visit of the United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, to Nigeria. The positions of the two bodies were expressed on Monday. The position of the Northern CAN was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its one day meeting held in Jos, Plateau State and attended by delegates from all the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In the communiqué signed by its Chairman, Dr. Yakubu Pam, and Public Relations Officer, Joseph Hayab, which was obtained by The PUNCH on Monday in Abuja, the group claimed that after several weeks of bickering, aggrieved members of CAN had rescinded their decision to pull out and promised to work with the national leadership of Dr. Supo Ayokunle. According to the communiqué, the delegates at the meeting also expressed their reservation over the recent visit of the US Secretary of State, Kerry, which excluded Christian leaders from meeting him but rather chose to make his first point-of-call Sokoto to meet with the Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and select northern governors. The communiqué read in part, “It was agreed by all delegates at the meeting that the northern CAN would not pull out of CAN to form a different body. The delegates also resolved that nobody or group outside the northern CAN Chairman or the PRO of CAN should speak or issue a statement on behalf of northern CAN henceforth. “We also resolved that northern governors as Chief Security Officers of their respective states should ensure Christians in their states are not intimidated, molested or killed by religious fanatics under any guise.” It added, “The delegates condemn in its totality the recent killings and religious radicalism that was displayed at the Zamfara State College of Education by some students of the Islamic faith. We call on the government to ensure Christian students at secondary and higher institutions in the North are given full protection from any form of molestation.” But the breakaway faction of CAN, the Northern Nigerian Christians, described the communiqué as misleading. The faction also described as unfortunate a statement credited to the President of CAN, Ayokunle, in which its leadership condemned the recent visit of Kerry to Nigeria. The spokesman for the faction, Mr. Luka Shehu, while reacting to the communiqué, in an interview with one of our correspondents in Jos on Monday, said the statement was “cooked up and did not reflect what transpired at the meeting.” Shehu said the northern Christians were not allowed to table their grievances, while notable stakeholders boycotted the meeting. According to him, the issue of the TEKAN/ECWA claim to the leadership of the Christian body was not discussed adding, “We told them that since they called the gathering ‘unity meeting’, we should be allowed to table our grievances and know how to move forward, but nothing like that happened. So, whatever communiqué they dished out was a figment of somebody’s imagination since we just allowed the meeting to go ahead because of what Christians in the North are going through.” Also in a statement in Jos signed by Shehu, the faction said Ayokunle’s criticism of Kerry’s visit left much to be desired and exposed a poor understanding of diplomacy in international politics or the nature of insecurity in northern Nigeria. He said, “It has become imperative for us to respond to the reports credited to Rev. Ayosupo Ayokunle on behalf of the CAN in Nigeria. His statement on Thursday, August 25, 2016 concerning the visit of John Kerry, the U.S Secretary of State, to northern Nigeria leaves much to be desired of his knowledge, exposure and understanding of diplomacy, international politics or the nature of insecurity in northern Nigeria. “It is sad and unfortunate that Rev. Ayokunle could further describe the U.S Secretary of State’s visit to Nigeria and by extension to the Sultan of Sokoto as discriminatory, personal and divisive.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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How to clear a blocked pipe without hiring a plumber

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You don’t need to call a plumber each time your pipe is blocked except if you don’t mind throwing out some cash. Unclogging drains is easier than you think, and you don’t need expensive tools to get the job done. In fact, some of the most common clogs can be removed without using any tools at all. According to truila.com, learning about these simple techniques could help save you some money the next time you have a clogged sink, tub or toilet. Know that each drain in your house connects with horizontal pipes that meet a vertical section of the system called the “stack.” The top of the stack goes through the roof and acts as an air vent. The horizontal pipes travel down and out of your home, taking wastewater with them. Poor drain performance can be caused by problems in either the drain side of the equation or sometimes, the vent side. Even if water is free to flow through pipes, for proper performance, the water must be replaced by air drawn into the system through the rooftop vent. Following the tips below will help keep a garbage disposal clean and stink-free, running the disposal as you flush. (1) Pour boiling water Dislodge a clog from just below a drain’s surface by first pouring boiling water into the drain. (2) Flush with baking soda After pouring boiling water into the drain, chase it down with half a cup of baking soda. Follow the baking soda with one cup of white distilled vinegar. (3) Cover the drain with rag Then cover the drain with a paper towel or rag. This will encourage the fizzy chemical reaction to concentrate its magic on the clog. (4) Flush with more water After five to 10 minutes, flush the drain again with more boiling water. Repeat the process until the drain starts moving again. (5) You can use a plunger Meanwhile, you can also reach for a plunger to make the process easier. Fill the basin of your sink or tub with three to four inches of water, stuff any overflow holes with a wet rag, then start plunging in quick, controlled movements. Smearing petroleum jelly all around the rim of a plunger can increase its suction power, and, in a pinch, a straightened wire hanger can sub in for a store-bought auger. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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EPL: Arsenal claim first season win at Vicarage Road

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At Vicarage Road, Arsenal’s first victory of the season should silence Wenger’s critics at least temporarily. Failing to win their first two matches while struggling to make an impact in the transfer market had prompted some Arsenal fans to turn on Wenger again after many protested against him last season. But there were no complaints as Arsenal took the lead in the ninth minute when Santi Cazorla stroked home a penalty after Nordin Amrabat elbowed Alexis Sanchez. Chile forward Sanchez increased Arsenal’s advantage five minutes before half-time with a deft touch over Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. Mesut Ozil was making his first start of the season after being rested following Euro 2016 and Arsenal’s German playmaker made up for lost time with a headed goal in first-half stoppage time. Watford’s Roberto Pereyra reduced the deficit in the 57th minute, but the Hornets remain winless.

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Telecoms operators spend N638bn on bandwidth importation

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Everest Amaefule Digital mobile operators and telecommunications service providers spend about $2bn (about N638bn) annually on the importation of bandwidth and other related services, the National Space Research and Development Agency has said. The Director-General of NASRDA, Prof. Seidu Mohammed, said this at the National Space Dialogue, which opened in Abuja on Monday. At the forum, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof.Oyewusi Ibidapo Obe, said satellites and space technologies would offer the nation veritable routes to diversification of the economy. The NASRDA boss said the nation’s economic woes as a result of dwindling fortunes from oil and gas could be squarely addressed if adequate investments were made in satellite technologies by both the private and public sectors. He said, “The global telecoms market is about $200bn annually. Out of this amount, $2bn leaves the country as capital flight due to foreign telecom operators in Nigeria who import foreign bandwidth and related services annually. “Nigeria currently has over 100 million mobile phone subscribers and it is still growing with an almost 106 per cent penetration rate. The West African market is estimated to be about 200 million subscribers. “In South Africa, an estimated $500m is lost to capital flight from communication satellite products. Also, the earth observation satellite market is worth over $4bn. Earth observation satellite products are required for many applications such as commercial as well as smart agriculture, dam monitoring, disaster management, environmental change, climate change, national security and mobile Geographic Information System.” Mohammed said the satellite market, especially in Africa, was waiting to be tapped, adding that Nigeria which had started a space programme was in the best position to exploit the opportunities if both public and private sector investments were channelled to the sector. Also speaking at the event, Onu said Nigeria urgently needed to address its several challenges through investment in the right technologies. He said, “Our space programme is targeted at the areas of greatest national needs. Using space science and technology, we can promote agriculture to ensure food security. Through land preparation and management, irrigation, pest monitoring and control, space science and technology can be of great importance to farming. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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My policeman friend led team that killed my son

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Simon Utebor, Yenagoa The father of a teenager, Master Innocent Kokorifa, allegedly killed by a police team in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on August 18, 2016, has demanded justice from the police authorities and the government. The deceased’s father, Mr. Daniel Kokorifa, an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Rivers State Sector Command, said his son, who was brutally murdered by the police on the fateful day was innocent and never had any criminal records since his birth. Kokorifa made the disclosure on Monday when some human rights activists led by a former Secretary, Civil Liberties Organisation, Mr. Alagoa Morris, paid a condolence visit to his home in Okaka area of Yenagoa metropolis. Kokorifa, first out of five children of the FRSC personnel, was shot dead in a mysterious circumstance by the police Anti-Vice/Anti-Kidnapping team along Airforce Road in Yenagoa, on August 18, 2016. The victim was said to be running an errand for his mother, Pere, when he was allegedly killed by the police. But the state police command had in a statement last week claimed that the victim died in a gun battle between a three-man notorious armed robbery gang and the police team. Painting vivid picture on the circumstances surrounding his boy’s killing, Kokorifa said upon investigation, he discovered that Innocent was killed by a police team led by his own friend. He also said his son died on the day his West Africa Examinations Council results were released wherein his late son cleared all his papers. Kokorifa, who hails from Indowari community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, said,”On August 18, 2016, my wife called me that our son was shot dead. “We went to the SCID, they denied knowledge, we went to Anti-Vice, they also denied. When we went to the scene of the incident, we discovered that it was Anti-Vice team that came for the operation that night. “In the following morning, I went to Anti-Vice again, they denied knowledge. I saw a friend, who works there. My friend also denied knowledge. But I later discovered that it was my friend that led the team that killed my son. “From there, I went to the emergency ward at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa in search of my son. There I was told that the police brought the boy that night around 11pm, but that the doctors said there was no life in the boy the police brought. “That was how I knew my son was dead. I went inside the mortuary with my son’s picture and my ID card before they allowed me in. There I saw the lifeless body of my son.” Kokorifa, who said he would follow the matter to its logical conclusion, rationalised that after the end of the case, the police would no longer be killing innocent people in Ijaw land. He saluted the courage of various rights groups and youths who had been standing by the family, alleging that the police had killed his innocent son who just took his WAEC examinations and wanted to read law in the university.

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Minister beaten to death by striking workers

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Bolivian miners on Thursday during a clash with the police in the town of Panduro hacked the Deputy Interior Minister to death. Interior Minister, Carlos Romero, confirmed on Friday that reports by witnesses indicated that the 55-year-old was beaten to death following clashes between police and miners in the town of Panduro, 165 kilometres south-east of La Paz. Romero said Illanes had been kidnapped by miners after attempting to initiate talks with them at a roadblock. The minister, who spoke of a “cowardly and brutal” murder, added that his aide was also injured and was taken to hospital. He said that one miner was reportedly also killed in the Thursday’s clashes, bringing the death toll in several days of protests against controversial trade union legislation to three. He said, “Two miners were killed on Wednesday. “Around 100 miners were detained after Thursday’s protests.” Miners currently represented by independently organized cooperatives have been using street blockades to protest against a law allowing them to join trade unions. The national federation of mining cooperatives representing some 10,000 miners rejects any trade union influence on Bolivia’s mining sector. NAN

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Rejected suitor tackles would-be bride's family over hospital bills

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Olaide Oyelude, Katsina. A 25-year-old man, Jabiru Ahmed, is now at loggerheads with the family of a lady he allegedly impregnated, but whose father refused to give him in marriage. Reports say trouble started when the lady’s father asked him to settle the hospital bills incurred by the family when the lady had a premature delivery. The Katsina Emirate Council that initially handled the case had transferred it to the Police, following the inability of the man and the lady’s family to reach peaceful settlement. The lady at the centre of the feud, Rumasa’u Tukur, her father, Tukur Yakubu and Jabiru, who are residents of Katoge village in the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, all appeared before a Katsina Senior Magistrate Court on Monday, to state their individual side of the case. The presiding magistrate, Hajiya Fadilat Dikko, fixed October 6, 2016 for the continuation of hearing on the case. The court heard that Jabiru had, sometime ago, approached Rumasa’u’s father, to inform him about his intention to marry his daughter. The father was said to have asked Jabiru to come with his family if he was serious about his intention. The father, however, told the court that Jabiru did not come back, while, unknown to him, Jabiru had been sleeping with Rumasa’u, who later became pregnant for Jabiru despite the fact that the father had allegedly concluded arrangements to marry her off to another man. Rumasa’u’s husband discovered the pregnancy after allegedly paying the necessary dowry on her, a development which made him to send her back to her family, sequel to which he demanded the refund of the dowry. The Police said Rumasa’u was then taken to Turai Yar’Adua Hospital in Katsina, where she eventually gave birth to a stillborn baby girl. It was further learnt that Rumasa’u’s father then approached Jabiru to offset the hospital bills incurred during her admission, the request which he (Jabiru) allegedly shunned. The matter was initially taken to the ward head at Kankara for settlement, but he eventually referred it to the Katsina Emirate Council when he could not settle it. The Emirate Council also transferred the case to the Police following the refusal of the parties involved to agree to peaceful settlement. The Police in its First Information Report with number KT/932C/2016 on the case, preferred a one-count charge on Jabiru, which is entitled “Adultery by a man, contrary to Section 387 Penal Code Law.” In the FIR, Jabiru confessed to being responsible for Rumasa’u’s then six-month pregnancy.

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Lassa fever: Group to buy rats from Lagosians

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In a bid to avert incidents of Lassa fever and other vector-borne diseases in Lagos State, a non-governmental organisation, Phosguard Fumigant Limited, in partnership with the state government, has introduced a bounty, ‘Kill rats, make money.’ Under the project, rodents in the state will be bought by the NGO after they had been killed using hi-tech chemicals and equipment that would make their decomposing bodies non-infectious, the News Agency of Nigeria reports. The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Oluwasegun Benson, on Sunday, said the bounty would help to get rid of rats in the state. “We will buy at least 20 rats for a yet-to-be determined amount. In Lagos now, it is operation kill rats and make money. “A rat has 28 days gestation period and in the past years, there has not been any solid structure on ground to curb them from infecting humans with diseases. “We are already approaching an epidemic with Lassa fever and we must be proactive and find a more coordinated approach to control them. It is war against rodents and pests in Lagos State,’’ he said. Benson said the company was collaborating with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority to either incinerate or bury the rats. “Everything is going to be water-tight as we are not just going to kill the rats, we are going to collect them using our trained and well-kitted personnel,’’ he added. He said the project would commence in October, adding that it had the capacity to create about 200 or 300 jobs, particularly for youths. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Apple hit by record 13bn euro tax bill

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The European Union on Tuesday ordered Apple to pay a record 13 billion euros in back taxes in Ireland, saying deals allowing the US tech giant to pay almost no tax were illegal. In the latest in a series of rulings that has angered Washington, Brussels said the world’s most valuable company avoided tax bills on virtually all its profits in the bloc under its arrangements with Dublin. Apple and the Irish government immediately said they would appeal against the European Commission ruling, while the US Treasury said it could undermine its economic partnership with the EU. Ireland has been seeking to attract multinationals by offering extremely favourable tax conditions, known as sweetheart deals, but EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said Apple’s broke EU laws on state aid. “This decision sends a clear message. Member states cannot give unfair tax benefits to selected companies, no matter if European or foreign, large or small,” Vestager said. “This is not a penalty, this is unpaid taxes to be paid,” Vestager added. The tax repayment order — by far the largest in EU history — follows a three-year inquiry into whether Dublin’s tax breaks for Silicon Valley titan Apple were against the law. AFP

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Tiwa Savage battles Yemi Alade for Best Female Artiste

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Akeem Lasisi The subtle supremacy question between top Nigerian female hip hop acts, Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade, will get a verdict in November when the grand finale of this year’s All Africa Music Festival holds in Lagos. Both singers have been nominated alongside other artistes in the Best Female Artiste, West Africa category, respectively for their songs, If I Start to Talk and Na Go De. Many agree that Tiwa and Alade have, in recent years, been in the vanguard of female artistes that are reshaping the content of Nigerian music. Although Savage broke into the limelight earlier, Alade later came in very forcefully and she does not seem to have dropped then. Even where Tiwa may have an edge over her in terms of a piercing voice, Alade’s songs are usually very forceful, just as the energy she invests in performances and videos can be phenomenal. When AFRIMA’s panel of judges eventually come up with their judegement on November 16, it will be interesting to see where the pendulum will swing. But this may be an arbitrary observation as there are other female musicians they are contesting with on the table Indeed, based on how some of them are fairing in their recent works, the game may just remain open as the jury would want to say. Also nominated for the AFRIMA Best Female Artiste of the Year, West Africa are Aramide, with the song, I Don’t Care; Niniola, J’ete; Seyi Shay, Right Now; and Temi Doll Face, School Hour. Nominated from Senegal is Adiouza, with the song, Daddy; while Josey is carrying the Ivoriene flag with her song, Diplome. The list for the Best Male Artiste, West Africa is also very interesting. Here Flavour and Wizkid are in competition with their songs Dance and Final Baba Nla respectively. Brymo and Tekno are also in the race with In the City and Duro, while two Ghanaian stars, Okyeame and Sarkodie, are shortlisted for their songs, Small Small and Hand to Mouth. From Mali, Idikiba & co completes the list with Confiance. Many other artistes have been nominated in other regions of the continent, while the organisers said nominations in other categories of the competition would soon be released. Unveiling the nominees’ list, the African Union and the 13-man jury expressed excitement at the quantity and quality of the entries received. According to the moderator of the adjudication process, Mr. Mike Strano, about 2,700 entries from African music professionals were received between of May 20, 2015 and July 30, 2016 when the submission lasted. Describing the nomination process as careful and thorough, Strano harped on the Jury’s resolve to be fair and transparent. He said, “The Jjury is very careful about being accurate right from the process of verifying eligibility of entries to the process collating and finalising results. It is an evolving process but one we work painstakingly at to ensure transparency and fairness.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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EFCC arrests five varsity students for N16m fraud

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Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested four students of Federal University of Technology, Akure, and one student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, for their alleged role in N16m fraud. The suspects are Adeleke Paul, 21; Adebiyi Abudu, 22; Akinsanmi Adeniyi 21; Ogundile James, 23; and Okali Ugochukwu, 21. A statement by the EFCC said the suspects were picked up at an off- campus residence located at Anuoluwapo Close, Stateline Hotel Road, off FUTA South Gate, Akure, Ondo State. The statement said that the commission got wind of the suspects’ activities through intelligence. The statement said, “Paul and his co-travelers, who go about with the name Tsunnami Gang and Young Pablo Money, allegedly swindled unsuspecting foreigners and others to the tune of N16m recently by engaging in fraudulent activities of obtaining money by false pretences through scam mails.” Paul is a 300 student of Building Technology while James and Olusola are both 400 level students of Agricultural Resources and Mathematics respectively. Okali is a 200 level student of Urban and Regional Planning, while Adebiyi Tayo is a 300 level student of Mathematics. The statement added, “At the point of arrest, EFCC operatives recovered a 2006, black Toyota Highlander marked LND 112 EG; a 2010 Toyota Camry marked AAA 850 EF; laptops; three Apple iPhone 6; and three Blackberry phones from them. Some implicating documents were also found and downloaded from their laptops.” The commission said that the suspects would be arraigned in court after investigation. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Latest job vacancies

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IITA– Has vacancy in internal and external department, for Nursing Officer. Interested applicants should forward their curriculum vitae to http//www.iita.org/careers not later than two weeks from the date of publication. HIRING FOR OUR CLIENTS- We are looking to hire qualified candidates in the following positions: Facilities Manager, Customer Service Rep, Structural Engineer, AND Marketing Executive. Please visit our website www.hrsng.com for detailed job description. JOB OPPORTUNITIES- Government of Akwa Ibom has vacancies to fill in the Mattering Company located in Onna Local Government Area which will soon go into operations: Project Director, Test Engineer, Asst Test Engineer, Production Engineer, and Quality Inspection Engineer, Asst Quality Inspection Engineer, Asst Processing Engineer, Sales Engineer, General Management Assistants, Operator- Misc and Utilities, Operator Technician, Janitorial Services Staff, Security Service Staff, Materials Storage and Handling Staff, Warehouse Administrator Meter 1 Phase General Assembly, Meter 1 Phase Testing, Meter 1 Phase Rework, Meter 3 Phase initial Assembly, Meter 3 Phase Testing, Meter Box Manufacturing, ,Mould Filters, and Meter Box Assembly. All applications should be sent to BUREAU OF Technical Matters and Due Process, Plot 7G-Line, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, or email: [email protected] , or 09025704438. VACANCIES- Vacancies exist for the position of Driver, at S.A Oladiti and Sons Nigeria Limited. Minimum qualification is SSCE/GCE/O Level. Interested candidates should send their applications and CV to [email protected], not later than November 18, 2016. VACANCIES- A state micro finance bank with head office in Port Hacourt, Nigeria HAS VACANCIES IN THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: MD/CEO, Operation Manager, Credit and Marketing Manager, Account Manager, Risk Manager, Internal Auditor. Interested candidates should submit their cv with position applied for to [email protected] not later than two weeks from the date of this publication. VACANCY- A first class Engineering Consulting firm has vacancies in the following: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Architect. Interested applicant should be forwarded to [email protected], or [email protected]. Candidates should not be more than 40 years. VACANCY- A reputable Company based in Ogun State is in need of security personnel to fill vacant positions. Position is open to both Male and Female, between the age of 21-40. Marital status must be clearly stated. Interested candidates should send an application letter and CV with subject to [email protected]. Application closes on Wednesday 31st August, 2016. VACANCY- A well known hospital in Lagos needs the services of the following: Medical Health Record Officer, Medical Laboratory Scientist and Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians and Registered Nurses. Send CV to [email protected] VACANCY- A new multinational company urgently needs customer care officer, sales and marketing executive, assistant front desk officer, admin officer, microbiologist and biochemists. Forward your CV to [email protected] VACANCIES– A civil and structural Engineering needs the services of the following: Senior Structural Engineer, Senior Construction Engineer, HR/QMR, AND Senior Autocad Technician. Interested persons should send in their CV s to The Engineers, P.O.BOX 8681, Ikoyi, Lagos, not later than two weeks from the date of this publication, or email [email protected] URGENT VACANCIES- A well established Six form college in Ikeja has the following vacancies: Experienced part time Cambridge A-Level teachers in the following: English, Mathematics, Economics, History, Business Studies, and experienced drivers with good guarantors. Apply with CV to [email protected] within 1 week from the date of this publication. VACANCY – Romax properties limited; a building and construction company based in Lekki has vacancies in the following: Architect, Civil Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, Site Supervisor, Secretary, and Driver. Applicant that meets the requirements can send their CV s and application letter to [email protected] VACANCIES- An established School in Ikeja has vacancies in the following: Nursery/Primary Teachers ( NCE/B.ED), Secondary Teachers: Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Mathematics, English, French, C.R.K, Economics, Yoruba and Govt ( B.A/BS.C). Qualified candidates should forward their CVs to [email protected]

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Balotelli can still change

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Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti believes Italy outcast and former Serie A bad boy Mario Balotelli can fight his way back into the national squad, if he changes his mental approach. Controversial striker Balotelli has not played for Italy since their first-round exit from the 2014 World Cup and is facing an uncertain future after being told to leave Liverpool by Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp. But PSG and Italy star Verratti believes 26-year-old Balotelli, who has recently been linked with a move to Serie A side Palermo as well as Ligue 1 side Nice, still has time to turn his career around. “He’s one of the greatest strikers I’ve ever played with. He’s physically strong and in front of goal he rarely misses,” Verratti said in comments reported by Mediaset Premium. “His problem is his head. I hope the chance comes for him to turn things around. He’s a great guy. In football you can’t afford to think on an individual level, you have to think of the collective. “He’s still young, he has plenty of time to change.” Verratti is set to play for Italy in a friendly against France next week in what will be his first Azzurri outing since their qualifying campaign for Euro 2016. Verratti, 23, missed the tournament itself after being forced to undergo a hernia operation in May.

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16 die in warehouse fire

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At least 16 migrant workers died in a fire that broke out at a Moscow warehouse on Saturday morning, Russian authorities said. “When the fire was being put out, a room that had been cut off by the flames was discovered,” TASS news agency quoted the regional branch of the emergency ministry’s press service as saying. “Firefighters tore down the wall and found 16 dead.” Emergency workers arrived at the scene at 0500 GMT to put out a blaze that had engulfed 200 square metres of a warehouse in an industrial zone in the Russian capital’s north. The fire at the four-floor facility, which is thought to belong to a local printing company, was extinguished at around 0700 GMT, authorities said. The head of the Moscow branch of the emergency ministry, Ilya Denisov, told Russian news agencies that the victims of the fire were migrant workers from Kyrgyzstan. An AFP journalist at the scene saw about three dozen migrant workers gathered outside the warehouse, some of whom wept as they awaited news on the people who had been in the building when the blaze broke out. Denisov said the fire was thought to have been caused by a broken lamp in a room containing large quantities of flammable liquids and paper products. “The fire spread from the first floor through the elevator shaft to the room in which the people were killed,” Interfax news agency quoted Denisov as saying. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on Twitter that the people injured in the blaze had been taken to a local hospital and that the city would probe the incident. “I am certain that those guilty will be found and punished,” Sobyanin wrote. The Moscow branch of Russia’s Investigative Committee said in a statement that it was still probing the circumstances surrounding the incident. A criminal investigation was launched to determine whether the blaze erupted due to arson or negligence. AFP

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EPL: West Brom, Middlesbrough in goalless stalemate

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West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough scrapped their way to a goalless draw in a Premier League game of few chances at The Hawthorns on Sunday. The point apiece saw newly-promoted Boro climb into sixth place, with West Brom moving up to tenth in the table. But this was a match to tax even the patience of the most loyal supporters, with visitors Boro not managing a shot on target until 17 minutes from time and the Baggies offering little more in attack. The draw was some consolation for West Brom after they were knocked out of the EFL Cup on penalties by third-tier in Northampton on midweek, but Sunday’s match helped explained why Baggies manager Tony Pulis has been calling for several new players to join his squad by the close of the transfer window on Wednesday. West Brom manufactured something close to an early chance when James McClean saw an 11th-minute effort smothered by Boro goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Salomon Rondon, West Brom’s record £12 million ($16 million, 14 million euros) buy, then headed two half-chances well wide. Meanwhile Alvaro Negredo ploughed a lonely furrow up front for Boro. Eight minutes before half-time, a rare attack by either side saw Brendan Galloway, making his Premier League debut for Albion after a loan move from Everton, produce a low save from Guzan. But it was a far from threatening effort and Gaston Ramirez replied in kind early in the second half before the Baggies’ Craig Dawson headed wide of the target. West Brom substitute Jonathan Leko lasted just five minutes before he himself limped off injured and he was replaced by want-away forward Saido Berahino. At the other end, Boro’s Cristhian Stuani shot straight at Ben Foster in the 73rd minute before the visitors saw Stewart Downing shoot wide. West Brom almost got a lucky break in the closing stages when Daniel Ayala’s shot struck Guzan before bouncing away from goal.

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"Sports betting will keep growing despite economic hardship"

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Dotun Ajegbile, MD/CEO of 1960Bet, the first indigenous betting company in Nigeria, talks about sports betting in Nigeria, in this interview with ’TANA AIYEJINA What informed your decision to go into the sports betting business? My love for sports and entrepreneurship surely were instrumental to making me venture into sports betting. And I can say I have not regretted making that decision. What is your impression of the industry in Nigeria, compared to other parts of the world? The industry is fast evolving, with the bar being raised higher by the day. Right now the space is dominated by indigenous brands, some backed by overseas investors, with most using a mixture of local and international platforms and systems, but what you just must agree with is the fact that the presentation and positioning of a product or service can only be truly successful if it is to be adapted to resonate with the cultural and social nuances of local audiences. What is encouraging is that there are no barrier to overseas investment or operators entering the market, provided they respect and adhere to the regulations as with any other jurisdiction. What are the major challenges that betting companies face? Bookmakers are faced with several challenges just as obtains in other spheres too but the major challenges have got to be that of multiple taxation, unhealthy competition and huge operational costs. These challenges actually we see as opportunities to always innovate and get ahead of the industry because the stakes keep getting raised higher and there is no room for complacency. Our role here is to deliver great products for our customers that enable them to grow and serve their players. Having to maintain outstanding customer relationships that currently grosses over 600,000 customers online and with over 2,000 retail outlets to tend to, we are absolutely constrained to ensuring that we continue to lead the market in terms of innovative products and customer-centric service delivery The bookmakers recently organised a seminar to address several issues in the industry like double taxation. Has it been resolved between the Federal Government and the states? It goes without saying that operational costs are quite huge and the biggest threat to the industry right now has to be that of multiple taxations, which we are of the utmost belief the different federal and state regulatory bodies and associated agencies will work out with us a winning formula, which explains why we have high hopes that with the continuous engagement we have recently embarked on with these various bodies, we will have this all resolved soon. There have been security complaints in some betting outfits. How challenging is it for 1960 Bet? I believe it has got everything to do with the society itself, as is evidenced by the high crime rate in the society. Undoubtedly we are faced with security concerns especially as we have valuables in our shops. Unfortunately, we have in times past been victims of burglaries, but we always strive to maintain fruitful relationships with local police and host communities and this has helped ameliorate these concerns. Several betting firms have been established in recent times. How competitive is the industry with the emergence of these companies? Although sports betting is still in its early days in Nigeria, the competition in the market is already very fierce. The growing numbers of both licensed and unlicensed sports betting outfits in the land, coupled with the entry of highly-experienced and deep-pocketed international players has intensified the competitive rivalry in the industry. The truth is that there are big players and there are also bookmakers who might find it hard to compete in the long-run, especially as it is harder these days acquiring agents and customers. The greatest challenge for us at the moment is keeping up with the demand without dropping the ball and veering away from our core values. We have learnt from experience that complacency is the worst thing that can happen to a successful organisation. How has the sports betting industry helped in creating jobs and bettering the lives of Nigerians generally? The sports betting industry has been one of the biggest employers of labour all over the nation and as such the industry has really been impactful on the society. The entertainment value alongside the itinerant gains punters derive from punting on our platform always ensure our impact on the society does not go unnoticed. However it is safe to say that the industry has employed over 10,000 people, with thousands having made millions on Nigerian sports betting platforms There have been complaints about youngsters and school kids diverting money meant for their education to sports betting… (Cuts in) Underage gambling is one menace we have always had a zero-tolerance approach against especially as we always ensure that we display in our shops signage that indicates that no teenager under 18 is allowed in any of our shops or is allowed to place bets on our website. On our online platform, we ensure that we perform KYC (Know Your Customer) checks on our customers, this with a view to ensuring that we genuinely can ascertain the true identities of registered users. Minors are not allowed to place bets on our platform. Last year, a professor from Ambrose Alli University won N58,945,553, the biggest in the annals of sports betting in Africa, from your stable. Have any of your clients surpassed or come close to surpassing that mark? We have always said ‘winners are welcome’ at 1960Bet. Professor Godwin Ighalo’s huge kind of win is not one that happens every day, it is one of the rare oddities of the gaming industry, punting on straight nine draws and all comes through. That said, no punter has quite come close to such huge winnings, but 1960Bet is financially solid to quickly make due payments in case of such winnings, that is why we are in business. With the current state of the industry, where do you see sports betting in the next five years? In the next three to five years, some of us (Nigerian bookmakers) will begin to take the position of taking our companies public. Betting is very big. Despite the economic recession Nigeria is going through and the increase in the cost of operations, it is safe to say the gaming industry will continue to grow and broaden. Betting will forever remain betting. If the economy is good, people place bets. If the economy is bad, people will always place bets. Do you think the country has an enabling environment for sports betting to properly thrive? Truth be told, the industry is fast growing and the enabling environment we can only crave for has to be one that ensures our operations are a lot more smoother with reduction in cost of operations, proper regulation of the market and one that allows for healthy competition. With that, the industry is bound to grow in leaps and bounds. There are reports about dubious agents of some sports betting companies shortchanging their clients. How have your firm been able to handle this issue? The betting and gambling industry is well-regulated in Nigeria and as such we are constrained to act within the ambits of laid down rules and regulations. We have arguably the most loyal agents in the land and we can boast that we do not have in our network those who shortchange customers. That is not to say there aren’t a few bad eggs here and there, but given the fact that we have deep connections with our agents’ network, it is hard to imagine they would disregard laid down rules by which they are guided. What sort of innovation can we expect from 1960Bet as we enter 2016? 1960Bet is focused on its three unique propositions this season: prompt payment, promotions and price. Prompt payment had always been an issue to contend with for us in times past, but we have conquered that challenge. Just like we have promised our customers to always give them the best odds at all times backed with the friendliest promotions, we can categorically say we have revolutionised gaming in the land. Pacesetting has always been our trademark. We would be inaugurating this season, the much-awaited Cash Out feature. This we expect will complement the new online shop we have rightly dubbed ‘The future of Sports Betting in Africa.’ Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Brazil police recommend corruption charges against former president

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Police on Friday recommended corruption charges against Brazil’s ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as part of a probe into a huge embezzlement scheme at state oil company Petrobras. The recommendation, which must now be considered by prosecutors before becoming formal charges, was made in a filing seen by AFP. The development comes as Lula’s successor and protege Dilma Rousseff fights an impeachment trial in the Senate.

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Anambra former govs, deputies to receive pension

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Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has said that all former civilian governors and deputy governors of old Anambra State of Enugu extraction would be paid pension by the state government. Speaking on Saturday during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the creation the state in Enugu, Ugwuanyi said that the gesture was in appreciation of their services to their people. He disclosed that efforts were on to amend the pension laws of the state to give the move the desired legality. He said that the state was appreciative of the roles of its founding fathers, those who labored to ensure the creation of the state on August 27, 1991. “The journey to the creation of the state invariably started with the discovery of coal and subsequent development of urban settlement of Enugu in 1909. “We pay tribute to our founding fathers and former leaders whose agitations heralded a pleasant and more desired end to the long period of agitation,” he said. Ugwuanyi said that the Coal-city state had remained exceptionally favoured, and had continued to play a key role in the socio-political and economic life of Nigeria. He said that his administration had committed the state into the hands of God and would continue to record success in all endeavours in spite of obvious challenges. NAN

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Wike’s regime’ll end soon, says Peterside

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Friday Olokor, Abuja Although the Supreme Court has given its judgment, the Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2015 elections, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, on Sunday predicted that the regime of Governor Nyesom Wike would end very soon. He also came out with a verdict that the people cannot be deceived with lies and propaganda, no matter how well-crafted. He added that insecurity and violence has grown worse in Rivers State. The declaration came a day after the Rivers East Zonal Mega Rally, which was held at Okehi, Etche, ahead of the forthcoming rerun elections in the state. Peterside, who is also the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, expressed this optimism in a statement issued in Abuja by his media team, which was entitled, “Ten important questions for Governor Wike.” He said, “I have a message for you all; the end has come. Rivers people cannot be deceived by lies and propaganda, no matter how well-crafted. Which government has borrowed more money under one year than all our previous governments from 1967 to date put together? “Which government withdrew nearly 400 undergraduates sent on scholarship abroad by ex-gov. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to different countries? Which government deceitfully wanted to take credit for projects conceived and delivered by the Amaechi ‘s government?” But in his reaction, Wike’s Special Assistant (Digital Media), Simeon Nwakaudu, said these were part of the APC propaganda, “which is no longer working.” He said, “The issue of insecurity, alleged violence and kidnapping were the issues they raised in their campaign rallies attended by about only 150 persons. The campaign rally was like a press conference.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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RIO OLYMPICS: THE STARS, THE FLOPS

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The 2016 Olympic Games have come and gone but they threw up a lot of upsets and surprises as well as giving birth to new stars. Idris Adesina takes a look at some of the stars and flops of the 2016 Olympic Games Team Nigeria ended their campaign at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, with a bronze medal from the men’s football event. However, the likes of Usain Bolt and Simone Biles led the old and new stars of the championship, while there were also super flops, who before the Games, were tipped to shine. STARS Michael Phelps (USA) Phelps was the most decorated Olympian in history before his arrival in Rio but it didn’t stop the 31-year-old from adding to his medal haul in Brazil. He won gold in the men’s 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 4x100m freestyle relay, 4x200m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay. Phelps is now the all-time highest Olympic medallist with 28 medals: 23 gold, three silver and two bronze. Usain Bolt (Jamaica) The 30-year-old proved to be one of the greatest sprinters ever as he completed an unprecedented “treble treble.” He is yet to be beaten at three Olympics, after he stormed to victory in the men’s 100m, 200m and 4x100m athletic events at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. Wayde Van Niekerk (South Africa) Another star that emerged from the athletics event of the Rio Games was South African Van Niekerk. The 24-year-old broke the men’s 400m world record in Rio, in style. Competing in lane 8 in the final, Van Niekerk won gold in 43.03secs to break USA’s Michael Johnson’s 17-year-old record by 0.15sec. No athlete in the history of the Games had ever won the 400m from the outside lane. Elaine Thompson (Jamaica) Thompson was another star of the Games from the tracks. The 24-year-old upset her compatriot Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce and USA’s Allyson Felix, who were the winners of the women’s 100m and 200m from London 2012 to become the first woman in 28 years to win the 100m and 200m at the same Games. Three days after winning the 100m ahead of two-time defending champion Fraser-Pryce, she took the 200m gold at the expense of world champion Netherland’s Daphne Schippers. Mo Farah (Great Britain) Farah became the first man since 1976 to retain the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at the Olympic Games. Finland’s Lasse Viren was the first athlete to achieve the feat in 1976. The 33-year-old fell in the 10,000m race but recovered to win gold. A week later, he completed the double after beating his rivals from Ethiopia – Dejen Gebremeskel, Muktar Edris and Hagos Gebrhiwet. Simone Biles (USA) Biles became the first woman to win four gymnastics gold medals at a single Olympic Games after her performance in Rio. The 19-year-old won the team and individual all-around, vault and floor exercise titles to achieve the feat. She is also one of the second athletes behind East German swimmer Kristin Otto – who is the only female athlete to win more than four gold medals in one Olympics. Otto won six gold medals at the Seoul 1988 Games. Biles also won a bronze in the beam event. Almaz Ayana (Ethiopia) Another athlete who broke the world record in Rio was Ethiopia’s Ayana who shattered the women’s 10,000m record to win gold. She finished in 29:17.45secs to break the previous record of 29:31.78secs held by Chinese Wang Junxia for 23 years. She also won bronze in the women’s 5000m behind Kenya’s Vivian Cheruiyot and Hellen Obiri. Joseph Schooling (Singapore) The 21-year-old was the only swimmer to defeat Phelps in Rio. He won the men’s 100m butterfly in an Olympic record time of 50.39secs to grab Singapore’s first gold medal. His victory came against the expectation that Phelps would win a fourth straight gold in the event. Katie Ledecky (USA) Swimmer Ledecky was the only athlete to break world records in two different events in Rio. She recorded the world fastest times in the women’s 400m freestyle when she finished in 3:56.46secs and women 800m freestyle in 8:04.79secs. The 19-year-old also won gold in the women 200m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle relay, and silver in the women 4x100m freestyle relay. She emerged the female athlete with the most medals in Rio: four gold and one silver. Anita Wlodarczyk (Poland) The 31-year-old hammer thrower broke her own record in the event. She threw 82.29m in the final of the women’s hammer to break the previous world record she set earlier in August, 2015 at the World Championships. She is the first woman hammer thrower to go above the 80m mark in the event. She had also set and broken the world record in the event since 2014. Brazil U-23 Men’s Football Team The team led by Barcelona star, Neymar, won their first ever Olympic gold medal at home. Although they started slowly, they defeated Germany 5-4 on penalties in the final to achieve the feat. It was a huge sigh of relief for the home fans, who were yearning for the football gold, the only top football honour that has eluded Brazil before then. Nigeria’s performers The U-23 men’s football team led by Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, won Nigeria’s lone medal in Rio despite all the challenges they faced before the games. But despite not winning any medal, Aruna Quadri became the first African to reach the quarterfinals of the men’s singles event of table tennis at any Olympics when he defeated Germany’s Timo Boll 4-2 in the Round of 16. Nigeria table tennis legend, Segun Toriola, became the first African to participate in seven Olympic Games when he competed in Rio. The 41-year-old was celebrated and inducted into the Club 7 by the International Olympic Committee at the Rio Games. Also, Ese Brume was Nigeria’s only athlete in the final of any event in Rio, competing in the final of the women’s long jump, where she finished fifth behind USA’s Tianna Bartoletta, Brittney Reese and Serbia’s Ivana Spanovic, with her jump of 6.81m. FLOPS Novak Djokovic (Serbia) World number one Djokovic was knocked out in the first round by Juan Martin del Potro, who reached the final but lost to Andy Murray. Djokovic left the arena in tears and at 29 years old, his Olympic haul remains a bronze from Beijing in 2008. He was looking to complete a career Golden Slam of Olympic gold and the four majors. Serena Williams (USA) The women’s world number one tennis player was another top flop in Rio. She lost in the third round of the women’s singles to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in two straight sets. Along with her sister, Venus, she exited the doubles tournament in the first round after two straight set losses to Czech duo Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova. Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) Malaysia’s Lee suffered a third consecutive badminton final defeat after China’s Chen Long beat the world number one in straight games. The Malaysian has never won a world or Olympic title and will retire without that elusive gold medal. His country is also still waiting for a first gold medal in any sport. Cameron McEvoy/Cate Campbell (Australia) It was double Australian swimming disappointment for McEvoy and Campbell, the overwhelming favourites in the 100m freestyle. McEvoy was the man widely tipped to seize gold after posting a world-leading 47.04sec in April but was relegated to seventh — failing to break 48 seconds. In the women’s event, world record holder Campbell faded to finish sixth after leading the field at the turn. Aaron Cook (Moldova) The former British number one in taekwondo represented Moldova and was seeded second in the welterweight competition. But he crashed out in the first round. It was his first Olympics since Beijing in 2008 after being controversially overlooked by British selectors for London 2012. “I’m absolutely devastated – all that hard work and sacrifice by myself and my parents, I just feel I’ve let everyone down,” he stated. Renaud Lavillenie (France) Frenchman Lavillenie, the defending champion and world record holder in pole vault, slumped to a shock loss to Brazilian Thiago Braz da Silva. He was booed when he competed and booed when he stood on the podium holding the consolation of a silver medal. He didn’t help his case by comparing the Rio jeers to the treatment received by Jesse Owens at Hitler’s 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Blessing Okagbare The Nigerian sprint star failed to win a medal in Rio, after finishing third in the semifinals of the women’s 100m and seventh in the women’s 200m. She opted out of the women’s long jump to focus on the sprints but couldn’t win a medal since her bronze medal jump of 7.00m in Beijing 2008. The Nigerian wrestling team The team, which comprises five women and two men, was touted to win medals for the country but they failed to win a bout in Rio, with all the wrestlers losing their fights in the first round. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Act fast or risk another strike, ASUU tells FG

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Charles Abah University teachers, on Tuesday, again warned of a looming strike in the nation’s universities if the Federal Government fails to address urgently the many challenges facing the institutions. The government, they alleged, had been reluctant in bringing about a genuine transformation of the education sector. Lecturers under the auspices of the Lagos zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, who said this through their Coordinator, Prof. Olusiji Sowande, during a briefing at the University of Lagos, however, did not state when the strike would commence. Lagos State University, Ojo; UNILAG, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State; Tai Solarin University of Education and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, all belong to the zone. According to Sowande, the Federal Government has for the umpteenth time violated the tenets of 2009 agreement it signed with the union as well as refused to inject enough funds to the sector. He noted, for instance, that as of the third quarter of this year, the government owed universities N605bn following the 2013 ASUU-FGN memorandum of understanding. Sowande explained, “Our union has continued to bring up issues of concern about the governance of our universities because it forms part of our professional and moral responsibility. “We are disappointed that the federal and state governments are not responding to our consistent appeals for reasons to bring about genuine transformation, driven by highly motivated human capital in the education sector.” The ASUU helmsman, who urged well-meaning individuals and groups to appeal to the government to attend to their requests, said an industrial action was inevitable if it continued to neglect the challenges facing the ivory towers. He added, “Embarking on strike has never been a favoured choice, given that our members feel and suffer the most during and after every strike. It is unfortunate that the only language the government appears to respect and listen to is that of strike. Our union has, in the past if it becomes inevitable, would once again sacrifice the comfort of its members and take up the patriotic duty of rescuing our education system. “In order to forestall this avoidable crisis, we appeal to all genuinely progressive individuals and groups to prevail on the Nigerian government to arrest a brewing and potentially combustible situation in the university system. We are using this medium to draw attention to our cause because we do not want Nigerians to blame us whenever the strike starts.” Meanwhile, ASUU also urged the government to remove Prof. Ishaq Oloyede as the new Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Registrar. Sowande alleged that Oloyede turned the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, into a “garrison university” when he was its vice-chancellor, declaring that the union would not have anything to do with him as the JAMB chief executive.

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Naira falls further to 414/dollar

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Oyetunji Abioye and ‘Femi Asu The naira fell to a new low of 414 against the United States dollar on Sunday amid the continued scarcity of foreign exchange in the country, with economic experts predicting further pressure in the forex market this week. The development came five days after the Central Bank of Nigeria had banned nine commercial banks from the forex market for failing to remit the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s $2.334bn into the Treasury Single Account in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive last September. The naira was sold for 414/dollar across some black market segments in Lagos and Abuja on Sunday. It hit an all-time low of 412 against the greenback at the parallel market on Friday, after closing at 409/dollar on Thursday. On Wednesday, a day after the CBN banned the nine banks from the forex market, the local currency depreciated to 402/dollar, down from the 397 it closed against the greenback on Tuesday. Forex dealers said the demand pressure on the dollar, mounted by summer travellers and parents paying schools fees of their children studying overseas, was exacerbated by the CBN’s forex ban on the nine lenders. The currency dealers said the naira started falling after the CBN banned the lenders from forex transactions. It first touched 400/dollar at the black market this month since the CBN floated the currency on the official interbank market in June. At the interbank market, the naira closed at 314.95 on Friday, with traders saying interbank rates would ease this week when part of July’s budget allocation must have entered the banking system. But experts said the naira would plunge further against the US dollar this week at the parallel market as forex supply remained a major challenge. Forex traders said even though the CBN had continued to sell dollars daily on the interbank market, its efforts were considered weak and inadequate, Reuters reported. The Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, said, “There is nothing in the policy environment that will arrest the decline unless the central bank has increased capacity to supply the market, which unfortunately it doesn’t have. So, we should expect the naira to remain under pressure in the coming week.” He said for the naira to stabilise, there must be a funding that the Federal Government or the CBN could access, such as a credit support from either the World Bank or a trading partner like China. Chukwu said, “The decline of the naira against the dollar is beyond the recent suspension of some banks from the forex market. We have witnessed suspension of banks in the past, and it did not lead to any spike in exchange rate. The major challenge we have now is supply shortage. If that improves, naira will stabilise.” He said the naira might hit a low of 420 to the dollar this week. A currency analyst at Ecobank, Mr. Kunle Ezun, said the supply issue, ban on 41 items from the official forex market and activities of speculators would continue to push the value of the dollar up against the naira. He said, “Sincerely, there is no major thing that one can expect in the parallel market. The only thing that could bring calm to the market is the supply of the US dollar. What we have in the market is basically demand and supply interplay.” According to him, the volatility in the parallel market will continue as the importers of the banned 41 items have resorted to the market. “A lot of people in the official market will want to actually maximise the gains on their dollar holding by channelling it through the parallel market,” Ezun said. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Italy rescues 6,500 migrants from Mediterranean

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It said on Tuesday in Rome that during the Monday rescue, the migrant’s one of the largest influxes of refugees in a single day so far this year, were packed on board scores of boats. It disclosed that many of the boats were flimsy rubber dinghies that become dangerously unstable in high seas. The guard noted that the migrants were packed on board scores of boats, many of them flimsy rubber dinghies that become dangerously unstable in high seas. It said that available data from the International Organisation for Migration said that more than 105,000 migrants had reached Italy by boat so far in 2016, many of them setting sail from Libya. “An estimated 2,726 men, women and children have died over the same period trying to make the journey. The coast guard said that not less than 1,100 migrants were rescued from boats in the Strait of Sicily on Sunday as they tried to reach Europe. “More refugees were expected to set sail this week because of favourable weather conditions. Italy has been on the front line of Europe’s migrant crisis for three years, and more than 400,000 have successfully made the voyage to Italy from North Africa since the beginning of 2014, fleeing violence and poverty. NAN

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Can you identify the people in this picture?

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It’s here! The e-version of Nigeria's most widely read newspaper. Now you can read The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH and Sunday PUNCH anytime and everywhere. Subscribe Now and enjoy!

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Mother Teresa's old order prepares for her canonisation

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Mother Teresa’s old religious order, the Missionaries of Charity, was, Tuesday, stepping up preparations for celebrations to mark her canonisation in Rome on Sunday. A full programme to mark the conferring of sainthood on the late Albanian Roman Catholic nun and missionary include a photographic exhibition and a musical comedy on Thursday, a prayer evening on Friday and a catechism which Pope Francis will preside over on Saturday. The canonisation will then be held Sunday in St. Peter’s Square in a ceremony set to draw tens of thousands of faithful to recognise the sainthood of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize winner, who died aged 87 in India in 1997. Her followers have essentially regarded her as a saint ever since her death. “Her canonisation doesn’t change anything, but it’s an official acceptance of the Church and it makes her a strong witness for the world. It brings hope,” said Sister Martin de Porres, 76 and a veteran of more than 50 years with the Missionaries, which Mother Teresa established in Calcutta in 1947. “She wasn’t an extraordinary person; she was ordinary like us, but she was different in the sense that she was always in continuing communion with God, whatever she was doing.” Born Gonxhe Agnes Bojaxhiu in 1910 to an Albanian family in Skopje — modern Macedonia but then part of the Ottoman empire — Mother Teresa took holy orders aged 18 and went to India to teach. Her Missionaries, who dedicate their lives to helping “the poorest of the poor”, now number some 5,000 worldwide. AFP

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Fayose signs bill on grazing prohibition into law

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The Ekiti state governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, on Monday signed the “Anti Grazing Bill 2016” recently passed by the House of Assembly into law. The bill was sponsored by the executive after the killing of two persons by suspected herdsmen in Oke Ako community in Ikole Local Government Area of the state. The new law criminalises grazing in some places and certain time limit in the state. Signing the bill, Fayose said that the new law would check cases of incessant attacks or killings of local residents and destruction of farmlands by herdsmen and their cattle. He said that the law would also strengthen security in various communities across the state, adding that anyone that fouled the law stood the risk of being treated as terrorist. He said, “With the signing into law of this bill today, anyone caught grazing with arms or any weapon in Ekiti would now be charged with terrorism and be made to face the law according to certain sections of it. “The same goes for those who graze in prohibited areas or go against the time frame of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. allowed for open grazing.” Giving an overview of the bill earlier, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Kolawole Oluwawole, said that the assembly gave it accelerated hearing as part of its collaborative efforts towards maintaining peace and order in the state. According to Oluwawole, the state government was already working with local government authorities to allocate portions of land for grazing in their areas. He explained that grazing must henceforth be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on daily basis and that the government would allot portions of land to each local government area in that regard. He said, “Anyone caught grazing on portions of land or any farmland not allotted by government shall be apprehended and made to face the law. “Any herdsman caught with firearms and any weapons whatsoever during grazing shall be charged with terrorism. “Any cattle confiscated shall be taken to government cattle ranch at Erifun and Iworoko Ekiti community in the state. “Any farm crop destroyed by the activities of any apprehended herdsman shall be estimated by agricultural officers and the expenses of the estimate shall be borne by the culprit. “Any herdsman who violates any of these rules shall be imprisoned for six months without option of fine.”

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Herbert Wigwe Grows the economy with infrastructure development: The Access Bank example

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The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gone beyond the commonly understood provision for humanitarian needs in the immediate community where an organization operates. The increasing involvement of organizations in projects with long term benefits for the generality of the people underscores the importance of public-private partnership for the achievement of national goals and objectives for the general good. Access Bank Plc, with Herbert Wigwe as group managing director and chief executive officer has, for instance, identified infrastructure as a key component of the conducive environment that must be in place if Nigeria is indeed to play in the league of leading nations and even to attract the much needed foreign investment that is needed to help grow the economy and empower its citizens to achieving their socio-economic goals. The bank’s competence and expertise in infrastructure financing have earned for it the respect and admiration of all across public and private sector institutions, including governments, making it the preferred financier when it comes to projects that impact heavily on the lives of the citizens. It is not for nothing that the Lagos State government has struck a partnership with the bank as the lead financier for two major projects that have direct relevance to the socio-economic lives of the people of the state, and those outside. The projects are the Eko Atlantic that is designed to be Nigeria’s version of Manhattan, New York, in the United States, as well as the Fourth Mainland Bridge, the N844 billion, N38 kilometer road/bridge project that will link Ikorodu with Eti Osa Local Government Area. Access Bank’s foremost status in infrastructure financing is underscored by the fact that it is leading two internationally renowned financial institutions – J. P. Morgan and Africa Finance Corporation – on the new bridge project. The bank is also collaborating with the Dangote Foundation to raise five billion naira for the building of a state-of-the-art International Research Centre of Excellence for the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, in Abuja, for the promotion of public-private partnership for quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa. But what if the bank decided it had no business getting involved in infrastructure development, seeing it purely as a government affair? Its business, and therefore the purpose of its existence, would not be affected in any way. It would still continue to post impressive results and deliver attractive bottom line. But this would be a sharp contrast to its business philosophy that is anchored on the belief that its success can only be measured against the success of the country in its quest to be an attractive investment destination, not just in Africa, but also around the world.

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Arsenal sign Lucas Perez

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Arsenal completed a move for Spanish striker Lucas Perez on Tuesday as the clock ticked down towards Wednesday’s 2200 GMT deadline in the mid-year transfer window. Premier League clubs have already surpassed their previous record of 870 million pounds ($1.1 billion, one billion euros) of spending in a single window, and that could soar above one billion pounds by the deadline. British media reports said Arsenal had paid Depotivo La Coruna around 17 million pounds to sign 27-year-old Perez. “He’s not only a goalscorer, he’s a guy who combines well with partners, who can give a final ball and makes good runs,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the club website. “He’s got a good eye for goal and had an outstanding season last year.” Perez scored 19 goals for Deportivo last season, including 17 in La Liga. Arsenal are reported to have seen off competition from Premier League rivals Everton to secure his signature. Perez follows Swiss international midfielder Granit Xhaka, Japanese forward Takuma Asano and young English centre-back Rob Holding in arriving at Arsenal during the transfer window. The north London club are also believed to be close to signing Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia for around 35 million pounds. Jack Wilshere, meanwhile, could be about to leave the Emirates Stadium, amid reports he will be allowed to join another club on loan. The England midfielder, 24, made only three appearances due to injury last season and has slipped further down Wenger’s midfield pecking order following Xhaka’s arrival from Borussia Moenchengladbach. – Manchester moneybags – The English top flight’s other big clubs kept their powder dry on the transfer front on Tuesday. England goalkeeper Joe Hart was poised to complete a season-long loan move to Italian side Torino after falling out of favour under new Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Chelsea allowed two strikers to go out on loan, with France international Loic Remy moving to Crystal Palace and 22-year-old Englishman Patrick Bamford joining promoted Burnley’s effort to stay up. Spending in the Premier League has rocketed after new television rights deals worth an estimated eight billion pounds took effect on the eve of the season. Hull City became the latest club to break their transfer record when they signed English midfielder Ryan Mason from Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee. The spending has not been confined to the top flight, either. Aston Villa paid a Championship-record 15 million pounds to sign striker Jonathan Kodjia from second-tier rivals Bristol City. The two Manchester clubs have been the major players during the transfer window, with Manchester United and Manchester City each reported to have spent close to 150 million pounds on new players. United set a new world transfer record by spending a reported 89 million pounds to bring French midfielder Paul Pogba back to the club from Juventus. Jose Mourinho’s side also spent big on Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, as well as acquiring Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Guardiola has prioritised youth at City, putting his faith in burgeoning talents such as John Stones, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus.

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Juju scare at Ondo APC secretariat

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The crisis besetting the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress worsened on Monday as juju was placed at the entrance of the party’s secretariat along the Oyemekun Road in Akure. The juju discouraged people from entering the complex. Workers at the secretariat, who arrived as early as 8am, were shocked to see palm fronds and charms on the locked gates of the secretariat. Palm fronds and charms were also seen on the fence of the secretariat. This situation sent panic into the workers and people in the area. Traditionally, the placing of palm fronds and charms at the entrance of a building means that nobody should enter the building. Anyone that enters into such a building does so at great risk to their lives. It was gathered that immediately the workers saw the charms, they raised the alarm and informed the party’s leaders. Some of the party’s leaders informed were not around but those that were around could not do anything about it. It was also gathered that the development was not unconnected with the crisis rocking the state chapter of the party in recent time. The crisis resulted in two-thirds of the members of State Executive Committee of the party sacking the state chairman, Mr. Isaac Kekemeke, from office. The discovery of the charms was later reported at a police station in Akure, after which some officers and men of the Ondo State Police Command were deployed in the scene. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Femi Joseph, said men of the state command found the fetish items at the APC secretariat but they did not see those that put the items there. “We have not arrested anybody over the incident but we have started our investigation in the matter,” he said. Speaking, the state Director of Publicity of the party, Mr. Steve Otaloro, said the members of the party were surprised to see the charms at the gate, describing the incident as unfortunate. He said, “We have yet to know the person that placed the items at our gate. This is unfortunate. I know that it could not be our members because the crises in the party are almost resolved. So, no member could do such a thing when we are already solving our crises. It may be the handiwork of the opposition.” The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Abayomi Adesanya, said the fetish objects were allegedly placed in the front of the secretariat to prevent the members of the state executive council, led by a factional chairman, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, from gaining access into the building. He said, “It is those that don’t want us to enter into the secretariat that put the fetish items at the gate of the secretariat because the chairman has been sacked, and they don’t want the remaining executive members to enter.” However, some spiritualists were invited to the scene to pray and remove the items from the gate. Meanwhile, the Deji of Akure kingdom, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, on Monday, condemned the sealing off of the APC secretariat by some unknown people, describing the act as sacrilegious. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, the traditional ruler said traditionally sealing off of premises remained the prerogative of the palace. The Deji said, “It is certain that those who carried out this condemnable act are not aware of the cultural and traditional implications of this action. The palace is apolitical and, therefore, should not be dragged into the internal wrangling of any party.” The monarch said the palace had sent its emissaries to carry out a thorough investigation on the matter, adding that “we are confident that the culprits will be apprehended in no distant time.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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INFOGRAPHICS: List of earthquakes in 2016

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Jonathan Zovoe On Wednesday, August 24, 2016, a powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake devastated mountain villages in central Italy leaving over 301 people dead and dozens more injured or unaccounted for. Several buildings were reduced to dusty piles. It was Italy’s most powerful earthquake since 2009 Below is an infographics showing the list of earthquakes in 2016.

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Airport worker dies after sex with girlfriend

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Samson Folarin A clearing agent, Mr. Sikiru Olanrewaju, has lost his life after leaving his wife and children at home to have fun with his girlfriend in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State. PUNCH Metro learnt that 37-year-old Olanrewaju died shortly after having rounds of sex with his lover on Surulere Street. The lover was said to have raised the alarm which drew the attention of residents, including the landlady, who reported at the Oke-Odo Police Division. The victim’s corpse was deposited in a morgue pending the conclusion of investigations. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the deceased worked with an aviation company at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. He said, “The man was married, but he had a girlfriend who lived in Abule Egba. On August 23, he had finished from work when he called her on the telephone that he would be sleeping at her place. “The girlfriend said she told him not to come because he was married, but he insisted on passing the night at her house. “The lady said when he got to her place, they ate the same food and drank the same water. They had sex, after which they slept. “She said around 5am, she woke up to go to work and discovered he was stiff. She said she tried hard to wake him up, but he didn’t respond. She said she was too confused to know what to do and waited for about three hours before raising the alarm, which drew the attention of people, including the landlady.” The resident said the landlady reported at the station, and was followed by some operatives to the apartment where the incident happened. PUNCH Metro was told that there was no mark of violence on the victim. A source said Olanrewaju’s family were immediately contacted and the police broke the news to them. She said, “The family said they don’t want the police to investigate anything. They said they had received the news in good faith and that the corpse should be released for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. I am not sure his wife has been informed because she did not follow them to the station. But obviously, she will not receive the news well.” The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing. She said, “The man was allegedly found dead in a room in the Abule Egba area after spending the night with his girlfriend. A team of police detectives from the Oke-Odo Police Division visited, examined, and photographed the scene. We discovered that there was no trace of violence on the body. The corpse has been deposited in a morgue.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Non-payment of salary worsening health of Nigerians

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Ihuoma Chiedozie, Enugu The Nigerian Medical Association on Sunday said non-payment of workers’ salary in many states in the country has worsened the health condition of Nigerians. NMA spoke in a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting in Enugu. In the communique, read by its President, Prof. Mike Ogirima, the national medical association asked the Federal Government, to, as a matter of urgency, provide special bail-out funds for workers’ salaries and prevail on state governments to pay them as at when due. “The continuous handling with levity, of workers’ salaries by some state governors, is worsening the health of Nigerians which depend on out of pocket payments and also causes internal and external brain drain, thus undermining the training and quality of service rendered by health professionals,” NMA said. Ogirima added that the earlier bail-out given to the states by the federal government was mismanaged. He said the medical body was canvassing another salary bail-out for the states by virtue of its role as the ‘custodian’ of the people’s health. “NMA and all Nigerians are aware that some governors received bail-out funds. “We are also aware that some governors diverted the bail-out funds even when the workers are being owed. “NMA as the custodian of the people’s health is urging the federal government to do the needful because indices we are getting about the health implications of the non-payment of workers’ salaries on people’s health is worrisome,” Ogirima explained. NMA also demanded the full implementation of the provisions of the National Health Act, 2014, and expanded access of the National Health Insurance Scheme. The association noted that failure to fully implement the law has undermined the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians for better health care delivery. “This (non-implementation of provisions of NHA, 2014) has led to worsening health indices with persistent high maternal and under five mortality rates, infrastructural decay and poor motivation of health professionals.

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Floods wreak havoc in Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto

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Armed herdsmen to face terrorism charge - Fayose

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Kamarudeen Ogundele, Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said any herdsman caught grazing in the state with arms or in possession of any weapon will be charged with terrorism and prosecuted accordingly. The governor stated this after signing a bill titled ‘Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti, 2016’, into law on Monday during a meeting with traditional rulers and chiefs at the Government’s House in Ado Ekiti. The bill was read to the gathering by the Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Kolawole Oluwawole, who hinted that the state government was already planning to allocate land for grazing in all the state’s local government areas. Fayose, while signing the bill into law at the meeting, said the purpose of the meeting was to seek collaboration with the traditional rulers and chiefs on security issues and other crimes in the state. The governor added, “My government took the bill to the House after what happened in Oke Ako a few months ago. The House has passed the bill and I have to give my assent to it. It becomes a law from today that if you do anything to the contrary, you will be punished according to the law. Any herdsman caught with firearms or any weapon while grazing in Ekiti now will be charged with terrorism.” Giving insights into the bill, Oluwawole said grazing activities must be from 7am to 6pm on a daily basis. The Speaker stated, “The government shall allot certain portion of land to each local government for grazing. Anyone caught grazing on portions of land or any farmland not allotted by the government shall be apprehended and made to face the law. “Any herdsman caught with firearms and any weapons whatsoever during grazing shall be charged with terrorism. Any cattle confiscated shall be taken to the government cattle ranch at Erifun in Iworoko community. “Any farm products destroyed by the activities of any caught herdsman shall be estimated by agricultural officer and the expenses of the estimate shall be borne by the culprit. Any herdsman who violates any of these rules shall be imprisoned for six months without an option of fine.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Boko Haram: Insurgents’ relatives become outcasts in IDP camps

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Starving and alone, five-year-old Umar was left for dead in a camp for internally displaced people in northeast Nigeria. The reason? He is the son of a Boko Haram fighter. It took a Boko Haram widow to rescue Umar. Fatima Salisu had been held captive by the insurgents for 16 months and was forced to marry an Islamist fighter before she escaped to the camp outside the northeastern city of Maiduguri. Like Umar, the 25-year-old native of Cameroon is an outcast. Salisu says the other women never share food or board with her and they refuse to call her anything but a “Boko Haram wife”. “They don’t allow us to come near them. Everyone treats us with contempt,” Salisu told AFP, speaking outside the camp to avoid attracting attention. “We are not wanted.” She can tolerate the jeers, but she worries about Umar and other children who are bullied. Salisu said one Nigerian soldier had told her to “let him die. He is a Boko Haram child and we will throw him into the garbage.” She said she fears the ill treatment could turn the children against society. – New underclass – Umar is not alone. Experts warn of a growing divide between women who were captured and children born to Boko Haram militants and the rest of the population. This new Boko Haram underclass is struggling to reintegrate into a society reeling after years of devastating attacks by the insurgents in their bloody pursuit of an independent Islamic state. “Ostracising the children of insurgents will impede the process of community reconciliation and rehabilitation – and that, distinct from any potentially radicalising effects – makes it a troubling development,” Hilary Matfess, a Washington-based analyst, told AFP. The United Nations estimates that this year seven million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in northeast Nigeria. At risk are 1.4 million children who have been displaced by the conflict and 20,000 children in the northeast who have been separated from their families, according to an August UNICEF report. Among the most pressing needs is the reintegration of women and children who are returning to their communities after being held captive by Boko Haram. But the conflict has made people in the northeast wary. “There has been a serious breakdown of trust in communities across the north,” Matfess said. “A number of women, most famously the Chibok girls, were abducted into the insurgency, but a significant number of women joined the insurgency of their own accord,” said Matfess. “Telling the difference once women return to their communities — whether through escape or liberation by the security forces — is next to impossible.” – ‘We were forced’ – Even family members don’t sympathise with relatives “tainted” by Boko Haram. “Our blood relations stigmatise us,” said Hafsa Ibrahim, a 27-year-old who was kidnapped from the town of Bama and forcibly married to a Boko Haram fighter. “They think it was with our consent that we got married to Boko Haram,” Ibrahim said, choking back tears. “We were forced.” Some local politicians have acknowledged the problem. “We must show love to these innocent children as much as we should support the innocent mothers,” Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has said, warning that otherwise the Boko Haram children will “inherit” the fervour of their fathers. Entrenched “deterministic views” in northeast Nigeria hold that biological fathers transmit “bad blood” to the children — “a child of a snake is a snake” is one saying encapsulating this idea, according to global organization International Alert in a 2016 report on the topic. With the Nigerian army claiming a series of successful attacks on Boko Haram, winning back territory and freeing thousands of people, the need to reintegrate captives has never been greater. But if life in the camp is any indication, much work still needs to be done. “Whenever the child cries they tease him, and tell him to go meet his Boko Haram father in the bush,” Salisu said about her adopted boy. “They show no love.” AFP

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Prestige to grow market with new products

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The Chairman, Prestige Assurance Plc, Hasan Usman, said the company was positioned to grow its market share with its products and services. He said this during the firm’s 46th annual general meeting in Lagos. “Our unmatched depth of knowledge of the Nigerian market and very strong international links gives us cause to believe that we are poised to tap into areas of opportunity in the Nigerian market with our market-winning products and services,” he said. The chairman also said that in 2015, the company recorded gross premium of N2.43bn and underwriting expenses of N1.73bn. According to him, the firm’s operating activities are 39.57 million in the year under review, while its profit before tax stands at N20.33m. The chairman said that the company paid over N725m as net pay in a single claim involving Dana Air from inception of the claim to date. He said that as part of strategy to achieve its intention to be one of the top three insurance companies in Nigeria, the firm’s strategic business unit, e-business unit and Ikeja branch office, were opened and had become fully operational. Usman said that there were plans to still open more branches with the intention of acquiring more market share of the insurance industry. “We have been able to integrate our software- global insurance business solution – to our operations lines and services while introducing a number of value-added products and services that will considerably enrich the Prestige Assurance customer experience,” he said. While availability of high trained insurance professionals remained a critical challenge in the industry, he said Prestige Assurance had built a robust human capital to cope with increasing competition, and in doing so, consistently delivers good returns on investment. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Asari Dokubo not dead

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Ovie Okpare, Warri The Ijaw Youth Council has dismissed the rumoured attack by military personnel on Alhaji Asari Dokubo, founder of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF). There were widespread rumours of Asari being killed in an alleged confrontation with soldiers on Saturday morning. But in a statement by the spokesman for IYC, Eric Omare, on Saturday said the former militant warlord was in good health and there was never a confrontation between him and military men. IYC, an umbrella body for Ijaw youths, also called for the immediate withdrawal of troops from the region particularly the creeks of the Niger Delta following the recent ceasefire deal reached with militant youths and stakeholders in the region. The group stated that there was no reason for military deployment in the region, adding that such was already causing tension and fear among people in the region.

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Herdsmen deny carrying out reprisals in Jema’a LGA

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Herdsmen who fled Ninte village in Jema’a Local Government of Kaduna State have denied claims by the locals of carrying out reprisal on communities in the area. A representative of the herdsmen, Alhaji Abubakar Husseini, refuted the claims on Tuesday during a reconciliation meeting organised by a group, Community Peace Partnership, at the Chief of Godogodo palace in Antang. Husseini said since they fled to Nunku village at the inception of the crisis, none of their members had moved out of their new location. Traditional rulers, who spoke at the meeting, urged the warring parties to stop wasting lives and embrace peace. The Chief of Godogodo, Mallam Iliya Ajiya, expressed satisfaction with the meeting describing it as a stepping board towards lasting peace. Another monarch, the Kpop Gwong, Mr Paul Zaka, represented by the traditional council’s Secretary, Mr. Saleh Kure, urged both parties to tolerate and forgive one another to ensure peaceful coexistence. The Interim Chairman of the local government, Dr. Bege Katuka, said the presence of all stakeholders at the meeting was an indication of their willingness to end hostilities. He said that the effort would accelerate the peace building process in the area. Since the clash between herdsmen and locals in Ninte village, the two groups have continued to trade blames over alleged reprisals on each other. NAN

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Why CAN condemned John Kerry’s meeting with Northern leaders

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Friday Olokor, Abuja The Christian Association of Nigerian condemned the visit of United States Secretary of States, Mr. John Kerry, describing it as discriminatory, personal and divisive. The association which said it was aimed at strengthening the plan to continue persecuting Nigerian Christians, warned him to “stop interfering in Nigerian affairs.” During Kerry’s two-day visit to Nigeria, he only visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III; and met with select Northern Governors. The decision led to criticism with CAN accusing him of favouring Northern Nigeria and Muslims to the detriment of the Christian community. The President of CAN, Dr. Supo Ayokunle, told Journalists on Thursday that Kerry’s action smacked of disrespect for the heterogeneous nature of the country. Ayokunle said the attitude and disposition of Kerry and his discriminatory visit validated accusations that the President Barack Obama’s administration had openly supported the All Progressives Congress in the 2016 general elections, which produced the current leadership of Nigeria. While calling on Kerry to “stop interfering in Nigerian affairs”, Ayokunle said, “Why did he meet with 19 Northern State governors, without Southern Governors? Is Nigeria the North alone? Why did John Kerry go to the North alone?” The CAN President stated that the visit had sent a wrong signal, and confirmed the report that Christians under the Buhari’s administration were under siege. He said, “There’s a siege on Christians. Kerry, his actions speak volume, his actions, body language were very divisive. “If the US Secretary of States is coming for an official visit, it’s understandable. But we demand explanation why he was selective. Has the Sultan’s Palace become another State House? Was Kerry invited by the Sultan? “We have 36 States in Nigeria; he only selected 19 Northern Governors to meet with them. It was a visit to the North, not to Nigeria. It was purely a very divisive visit. “With the visit to the North, Kerry’s visit has heightened fear and tension among Christians in Nigeria. If they cannot bring us together, they should not interfere in our affairs. So, Kerry should stop interfering in Nigerian internal affairs.”

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HIV Woman jabs boy with needle of body fluids

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32-year-old HIV-positive woman jabbed a boy with a hypodermic needle containing her ‘body fluids’ after he flushed her drugs down the toilet. Dundee Sheriff Court heard Jacqueline O’Neil pricked the 12-year-old, whose name can not be mentioned for legal reasons, culpably and recklessly. The court heard that the boy had turned up at the residence of O’Neil with a relative. The pair found heroin and drug paraphenalia in the room and O’Neil under the influence. The boy took the drugs and flushed them down the toilet before returning to the living room. A needle was sitting on a pillowcase and a struggle ensued. According to the Daily Record, Fiscal depute Saima Rasheed told the Court, “The Crown’s position is that she was under the influence of something and was waving the needle about whereby it struck the boy on the hand. “Her version is that she is trying to take the needle away from him when it struck him.” No information was given about the boy’s medical condition. O’Neil, admitted to being culpable and reckless in conduct. Defence solicitor Gary McIlravey said, “She accepts the struggle took place and that he was struck by the needle but doesn’t accept the lead up to how it happened. “Drugs were seen by the boy and were taken and disposed of – flushed down the toilet. At that point, he re-enters the living room and there is a pillowcase with a needle in it. He asks what it was, picks it up and the struggle ensues. At some point, the boy was pricked.” Sheriff Lorna Drummond deferred sentence until next month and O’Neil was released on bail.

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We will hunt down Atsuete’s killers

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The Rivers Police Command said on Monday that the killers of Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer, Mr Ken Atsuete, would be brought to justice. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, told a news conference in Port Harcourt that Atsuete was killed at 6.00 a.m. on Monday. He said that the police had commenced investigation into the incident and would ensure that the killers were arrested and prosecuted. Omoni described the incident as “pure assassination”. According to him, the lawyer had contacted the police to inform them that there was kidnapping in his area, at Umuogba, Aluu community in Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers. He said preliminary investigation revealed that Atsuete might have been shot in his car after struggling with the armed men. He said, “The killers used Atsuete`s car to escape, abandoned it, ran into another car and escaped with it. “This is an unfortunate thing that has happened. His body has been deposited at the mortuary and police investigation has commenced. “Ken was the voice of the voiceless. The killers would be brought to justice soon.”

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The untold stories of Kerry, Gowon’s visits

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Olalekan Adetayo President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday played host to an august visitor in August. The guest was the United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry. As expected, an elaborate preparation was made to ensure a hitch-free visit. Officials of the US and Nigerian governments met till the last minute on the visit. To show the seriousness attached to the visit, the Presidency on Monday rolled out what it called media advisory meant to guide the activities of journalists before and during the visit of the American. Kerry was billed to arrive the forecourt of the President’s office by 3pm. According to the advisory, photo journalists and video cameramen would be allowed to establish the arrival at 2.55pm. Kerry would proceed straight to the President’s office where they would hold a bilateral meeting that would be established by only the official photographers and video cameramen of the two leaders. We have been told ahead of time that Kerry would not grant press interview at the end of the meeting. He was scheduled to thereafter, meet some select governors from the North at the State House Press Waiting Room. We were again told that he would not grant interview at the end of the meeting with the governors. What that meant was that there was no role for reporters near the two venues. We were meant to be restricted to the Briefing Room of the Council Chambers which serves as our operational base while the two meetings lasted. But fate changed the programme slightly, therefore allowing reporters to be present at the forecourt as of the time Kerry arrived. What happened? A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.) had arrived the Villa at about 2pm to meet Buhari over some national issues as he later told us. Immediately Gowon entered the President’s office for the meeting, we laid ambush for him on the forecourt as we always do for former leaders and top government officials who do not pass through the corridor where we always wait but are driven through the Service Chiefs’ Gate. The meeting between Buhari and Gowon did not end on time, unlike the one held recently between the President and former President Goodluck Jonathan which lasted less than 20 minutes. Gowon stayed so long inside the President’s office to the point that we started wondering if he wanted to join Buhari to receive Kerry. At last, the former military leader came out at about a few minutes before 3pm. Immediately he saw us, he asked us who we mounted sentry for. As if he would not talk to us, the former military leader started his long speech by telling us how he had stopped talking to journalists lately because he has always been misquoted in the media. He also told us (in case we do not know) how he has not been a regular face in the Villa since Buhari assumed office. He said the last time he came was in October 2015. I agree with him that that was a long time when compared to the number of times former President Olusegun Obasanjo had visited during the same period. After that long preamble, Gowon proceeded to tell us what he discussed with the President. He said he discussed the fate of the over 200 girls abducted in their school in Chibok, Borno State in 2014, the President’s ongoing anti-corruption war and the violence being unleashed on the Niger Delta by members of the Niger Delta Avengers. He added that he seized the opportunity of the meeting to pay his respect to the President and inform him of his plan to travel out of the country on holiday as well as for his programme, Nigeria Prays, holding in the United States and the United Kingdom. He did not forget to tell us that now that he had informed the President of his movement, he (Buhari) would have to provide the wherewithal for him to return to the country in case he needs him for an urgent assignment. While that was going on, it was already 3pm. Security operatives both from US and Nigeria were no longer comfortable. They wanted that space we were occupying with Gowon cleared in preparation for Kerry’s arrival. We got the sign and decoded it properly. When the former military leader paused at a point, we quickly thanked him for granting the interview without asking further questions. As he was making his way to his car, Gowon jokingly told us that he wanted to lead us to the fortress of the Boko Haram sect, Sambisa Forest. Maybe he thought we would quickly shout “God forbid!” But to his surprise, we asked him to lead us while we followed, after all, he was once a Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and “old soldier never dies!” He smiled and entered his car to leave the Villa. Since time had gone, reporters who were not scheduled to join photo journalists and television cameramen to receive Kerry on arrival utilised the opportunity offered by Gowon’s visit maximally as they did not bother again to leave the scene. Kerry arrived the forecourt at about 3.07pm shortly after Gowon had left. He was received on arrival by the State House Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Lawal Kazaure, who later led him to the President’s office where Buhari and some members of his cabinet were already waiting. The bilateral meeting he had with the President ended at about 4.40pm. After the meeting, Kerry proceeded to the State House Waiting Room where he met with some Northern state governors. He walked pass the corridor of the Council Chambers and the Press Briefing Room on his way to the venue of the meeting with the governors. That was long after the corridor had been taken over by security operatives of the two countries, thereby restricting our movement. While the meeting between Buhari and Kerry lasted, some of the Northern governors who were to meet with Kerry became restless with some of them coming out of the venue to make telephone calls. Their own meeting with Kerry was short, yet they reeled out a number of decisions reached as if the meeting lasted one week. They claimed the US government made commitments towards helping the North in the areas of girl child education, health care and renewable energy among others. All eyes are on that part of the country to see the fruits of Kerry’s visit as soon as possible. Re: Soyinka, Dogara and the presidential mandate Sir, this is another edition that shows that not all the people who visit the seat of power like to be interviewed by reporters. But it’s all fun reading through the piece on the journalists’ encounters with Prof. Wole Soyinka and Mr. Yakubu Dogara. Now, I think it’s time you add something to spice the write-up on this page so as to make it more fun. You need to start adding picture(s) as you deem fit so as to make we, your readers, have a bigger view of what you have written. I think this will not only make us key into the piece but also understand the angle you are writing from. Just as you know, “a picture speaks a thousand words”. Olaloluwa Mayowa wrote from Lagos via [email protected] Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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IYC, others knock Buhari for threatening militants

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Chukwudi Akasike and Ovie Okpare Some Niger Delta groups including the Ijaw Youth Congress and the youth wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (Ighelle r’ Urhobo), have faulted the statement credited to President Muhammadu Buhari that he would treat militants like the Boko Haram sect if they failed to embrace dialogue. The National President of Ighelle r’Urhobo, Mr. Ovie Igho, who spoke with one of our correspondents on Sunday in Warri, described the statement as anti-peace, adding that it could jeopardise the peace process being championed by the leaders in the region. A statement credited to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media Affairs, Mr. Garba Shehu, in Nairobi, Kenya, quoted Buhari while discussing with the Japanese leader as saying that he would treat Niger Delta agitators the same way he dealt with Boko Haram if they failed to negotiate. But the Urhobo youth leader said, “If the President at this stage is threatening to use military might when leaders in the region are already appeasing the youths and they had agreed for a dialogue, such statement is condemnable. We will resist such threat from Buhari because we own this country together. “What the President said runs contrary to what the Petroleum minister told us on Friday when he visited Chief Edwin Clark that the Federal Government was looking beyond a ceasefire. This kind of statement should not be coming from a President who desires a lasting peace in a region that feeds the entire country.” Igho stressed that it was also important for Buhari to reel out similar threat to Fulani herdsmen who were alleged to be killing people across the country. Also, the IYC described the statement as unfortunate, adding that the President antagonistic posture contributed to the renewed militancy in the region. IYC in a statement issued by its spokesman, Eric Omare, the group said the Federal Government had made up its mind to use force against the people knowing that the militants who were destroying oil facilities were not residing in a particular community. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Herdsman arrested with AK 47 rifle, live ammunition in Enugu

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Ihuoma Chiedozie, Enugu A herdsman has been arrested with an AK-47 assault rifle and 24 rounds of live ammunition in Enugu. The Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Police Command, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who announced the arrest on Tuesday, identified the herdsman as Ibrahim Adamumale. Adamumale, said to be about 20 years old, is from Nasarawa State. He resides at Hausa Quarters in the 9th Mile Area of Enugu, but rears cattle in communities within the Udi Local Government Area and environs. It was gathered that Adamumale was apprehended in a bush in Affa community, in the Udi area on August 29. Amaraizu explained that the herdsman was in possession of the “sophisticated” weapon and ammunition when he was accosted by policemen and some members of the community. He revealed that members of the community had earlier informed security agents about the herdsman’s violent activities in the area. Amaraizu said Adamumale fired several shots into the air in an attempt to evade arrest, stating that the shootings did not deter the policemen, who eventually apprehended and took him into custody. The police spokesman, who stated that the suspect was being interrogated, added that the police were investigating how the herdsman obtained the weapon. The development came on the heels of a recent herdsmen’s attack on Attakwu, a community in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. Herdsmen reportedly launched the attack after a woman chased away herds of cattle that were destroying crops in her farm. A Catholic seminarian, Lazarus Nwafor, was killed while four others sustained severe injuries in the incident. One of the injured, a middle-aged woman, later died in a hospital where she was receiving treatment. The attack on Attakwu came exactly four months after herdsmen invaded Ukpabi Nimbo, another Enugu community, where about 20 persons were killed on April 25. Meanwhile, the people of Attakwu community have joined other communities in Enugu to demand the expulsion of herdsmen from their territories. The people of Attakwu said this when the lawmaker representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West in the House of Representatives, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ujam, visited the community to commiserate with them over the herdsmen’s attack. Community leaders and youths, who spoke during the lawmaker’s visit, urged the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to emulate his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayo Fayose, by enacting an anti-grazing law in the state. Ujam had, during the visit, echoed Ugwuanyi’s call on members of the community to keep calm and avoid taking the law into their hands. But the villagers did not welcome the admonition, and threatened to embark on reprisals if the herdsmen were not ordered to leave the community. Ujam had, while commiserating with members of the community, called on the security agencies and the government to address the menace posed by herdsmen in Enugu State. The lawmaker stated, “I am particularly pained because we have been hearing of this in various parts of the country but it has become constant in Enugu State. “It was an unprovoked attack. Cattle came into a farm and the cattle were chased away. Does that warrant an attack?” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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The environment and the budget (2)

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Eze Onyekpere The poor funding and capital budget implementation in the environment sector has serious implications for food security, health and a liveable environment that will facilitate our pursuit of development. A degraded environment deepens poverty. It also has implications for security, law and order. Clearly, the perennial farmer herdsmen clashes can be linked to environmental degradation and habitats that no longer support herdsmen and their animals. This pattern of budgeting cannot support sustainable development. The budget of the Federal Ministry of Environment is suffused with so many small erosion and flood control projects amounting to over N1.488bn across the federation. This is about one third of the overall capital allocation. Many of them have votes in the neighbourhood of N20m to N50m. They seem to be small projects which ordinarily should have been handled by states and local governments. States should be able to implement these projects using resources from the Ecological Fund. It is not clear whether these projects are constituency projects of legislators. Ideally, the Federal Government should be more concerned with policy and big ticket environmental projects and not these mini interventions. It is interesting that the budget made provisions for a special remediation project affecting contaminated lead mining sites. It is for: “Delineation and characterisation for the affected communities, remediation of lead contaminated site project management, supervision, awareness raising, sensitisation, campaigns, training and education, etc”. But this shows the preponderance of illegal mining activities in the solid minerals sector and the fact that the law and policy on the establishment of a Remediation Fund under the Polluter Pays Principle, which is one of the pillars of the National Policy on Environment is not fully developed. And if such a law is in place, it is not properly enforced. The FMoE should champion a Remediation Fund Bill in the National Assembly. This will seek to set up remediation funds in all extractive industries and other relevant sectors of the economy. The Fund will receive a part of the income or profits of the firms working in the sector and will be used to remediate the environment. It is wrong for the treasury to use its meagre resources to fund remediation when the National Policy on Environment declares the polluter pays principle to be one of its founding pillars. Combating desertification through reforestation for climate change mitigation and sustainable land management in the shelterbelt got a meager allocation of N105m whilst the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (which also works on desertification) had a vote of N70.5m only, and it is just for overheads. It did not get a capital vote. Considering the rate of desertification and deforestation, the votes to mitigate these challenges should have been higher than these paltry allocations. Even if the Great Green Wall project is donor funded, nothing stops government from augmenting its capital funds to ensure its success. Again, the procurement of clean cook stoves to prevent deforestation in six geopolitical zones (Yobe, Lagos, Anambra, Rivers, Kwara, Katsina) in the sum of N46.250m is too low and needs to be beefed up. It should be a project across the whole federation and not merely the six pilot states. The focus should be on building capacity for local fabrication of these stoves. On the other hand, it is good that the 2016 budget made provision for the development of a national action plan/framework for the implementation of Nigeria’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions. This should be vigorously pursued. There is no special project in Service Wide Votes on the environment. However, there are provisions for the Sustainable Development Goals as follows: Transition to SDGs in the sum of N609,037,225; Provision for SDG Programmes in the sum of N3,378,044,922; SDG Monitoring and Evaluation in the sum of N581,777,918; and Communication and Advocacy (SDG) in the sum of N427,080,038. The environment comes up in 6 out of the 17 SDGs and as such, ought to attract some funding from these un-disaggregated votes in the SWVs. These sums in SWVs amount to N4.99billion. It is the expectation, that not less than 1.67 billion, being one third of this sum should be dedicated to environment protecting interventions. Some recommendations have become imperative. The Federal Government should consider ring-fencing the capital budget for the environment and other sectors. The poor implementation of capital expenditure in the sector is not acceptable. The target should be to ensure that no more than five per cent variation exists between appropriated and utilised funds. In this regard, greater fiscal discipline in budget formulation and implementation and the ring-fencing of capital votes by the fiscal authorities may be necessary. The Ecological Fund that is shared between the the Federal Government, States and Local Governments should be strictly monitored by legislatures, the anti-corruption agencies and civil society. A situation where after so many years of expending the funds, mini flooding, erosion and other environmental challenges are still funded by the federal budget raises concerns about where the funds have been invested and the value for money derived from such investments. In accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the 2017 appropriation process should properly start with the preparation of Medium Term Expenditure Framework and its underlying Medium Term Sector Strategies. This should be done by a properly constituted sector team including all relevant stakeholders. The sector team apart from the personnel of the Ministry should include organised labour and private sector, civil society organisations, professional associations, the committee with oversight in the National Assembly, etc. Constituency projects of legislators in the sector should be harmonised with high level national plans and policies to guarantee their coherence. This should be done during the MTSS preparation stage. Never should any project be allowed into the budget after it had passed through the defence mechanisms of the Ministry, Budget Office of the Federation and the Federal Executive Council. Service Wide Votes should be disaggregated in the budget and the votes appropriated for the use of the specific MDAs that have jurisdiction over the sector. This will enhance transparency and accountability of operations. The current lump sum statements give no clue as to what specifically the votes are meant for. This reform is most urgently needed in votes to the SDGs. The budget of the FMoE needs to focus more on priority projects including combating deforestation and desertification, protection of biodiversity, restoring degraded lands and waters, etc as these challenges need more funding to remediate the threats they pose to Nigeria’s economic and social life. The emphasis should be on building local capacities for these interventions. Finally, the allocation to the FMoE should be increased starting from the 2017 financial year, at least, to not less than 1.5 per cent of the overall budget. The current vote cannot pay for urgent and very important interventions needed in the sector. Concluded Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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CAN settles crisis, asks Northern govs to protect Christians

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Friday Olokor, Abuja Aggrieved members of the Christian Association of Nigeria have rescinded their decision to pull out of the association and promised to work with the national leadership under Dr. Supo Ayokunle. The development comes after several weeks of bickering, following the election of Ayokunle as CAN President. Also, the Northern Zone of the Christian Association has expressed concern over the spate religious intolerance and extremism in the North and resolved that henceforth State Governors would be held responsible for the intimidation, molestation or killing of Christians by religious fanatics under any guise. The position of Northern CAN was contained in a communique issued the end of its meeting in Jos, which was attended by delegates from all the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The resolution which was signed by Northern CAN Chairman, Dr. Yakubu Pam and Public Relations Officer, Joseph Hayab, was obtained by THE PUNCH on Monday in Abuja. The organisation, which also condemned under-age marriages and kidnapping in some parts of the Northern States called on the “unemployed youths in the North to go into farming rather than be waiting endlessly for white collar jobs that are unavailable.” The communique reads, “It was agreed by all delegates at the meeting that Northern CAN would not pull out of CAN to form a different body. The delegates also resolved that nobody or group outside the Northern CAN Chairman or the PRO of CAN should speak or issue a statement on behalf of Northern CAN henceforth. “We also resolved that Northern Governors as Chief Security Officers of their respective states should ensure Christians in their states are not intimidated, molested or killed by religious fanatics under any guise. “The delegates condemn in its totality the recent killings and religious radicalism that was displayed at Zamfara College of Education by some students of Islamic faith. We call on government to ensure Christian students at secondary and higher institutions in the North are given full protection from any form of molestation.”

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Facebook CEO in Nigeria, excited about technology drive

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Stanley Opara and Femi Asu Facebook’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Zuckerberg, is currently in Nigeria to see how Facebook can better support technology development and entrepreneurship in the country and other African nations. The Facebook CEO visited a ‘Summer of Code Camp’ at the Co-Creation Hub in Yaba, otherwise known as the Silicon Valley of Nigeria, as one of his first stops on the trip. CcHub opened in 2011 and at the time did not have an office. Five years later, they have occupied three floors and the roof of a building. At the CcHub, people can learn how to code; developers can get help, launching their first products, and find mentors and funding. At CcHub, Zuckerberg met with developers such as Temi Giwa, who runs a platform called Life Bank that makes blood available when and where it is needed in Nigeria. Life Bank saves lives by mobilising blood donations, taking inventory of all blood available in the country, and delivering blood in the right condition to where it is needed. After visiting CcHub, Zuckerberg said, “This is my first trip to sub-Saharan Africa. I’ll be meeting with developers and entrepreneurs, and learning about the startup ecosystem in Nigeria. The energy here is amazing and I’m excited to learn as much as I can. “The first place I got to visit was the CcHuB in Yaba. I got to talk to kids at a summer coding camp and entrepreneurs who came to the CcHub to build and launch their apps. I’m looking forward to meeting more people in Nigeria.” He then went to Andela, an engineering organisation that is building the next generation of developers and technical leaders in Africa. Andela is a business that recruits the most talented technologists in Africa and shapes them into world-class developers through a four-year technical leadership programme. In the two years since it was founded, Andela has accepted just over 200 engineers from a pool of more than 40,000 applicants. Andela developers spend six months mastering a technical stack and contributing to open source projects before being placed with global technology companies as full-time, distributed teammates, working out of Andela headquarters in Lagos and Nairobi. Responding, the Director, Andela Lagos, Seni Sulyman, said, “We are excited and honoured to welcome Zuckerberg to Lagos. His visit reinforces not only his support of Andela’s mission, but his belief that indeed the next generation of great technology leaders will come out of Lagos, Nigeria and cities across Africa.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Troops kill two bandits, recover 209 cows, 1,062 goats

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Troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, have killed two bandits in the Kaduna and Zamfara axis and arrested four suspects in connection with cattle rustling and impersonation. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Monday that the bandits were killed during operations by the troops to clear cattle rustlers and bandit camps. Usman said the troops recovered a revolver and six locally fabricated 9mm rounds of ammunition from one of the dead bandits. He also said that troops in Zamfara cleared two bandits’ camps, recovered 209 cows, 1, 062 goats and sheep at Dumburum forest general area of Zurmi Local Government Area of the state. He said the suspects were arrested in Mararabar Jos, Igabi and Kubau Local Government Areas of Kaduna and along the road that linked Kaduna and Katsina States through Birnin Gwari-Funtua. Usman said two of the suspects had paraded themselves as members of a non-existent vigilante group harassing and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public. He gave their names as Hamza Hare and Sani Abdul-Aziz, adding that they posed as liaison officers to security officers to dupe people. Usman said the other suspect, a “notorious bandit”, had terrorised the public, especially along the road that linked Kaduna and Katsina states through Birnin Gwari-Funtua. Usman said the suspect, simply known as Mohammed and popularly called “Abedariwa” had confessed to the crime and gave graphic details of his deadly acts. “He promised to cooperate fully with the military to fish out other criminal elements in the society,’’ the army spokesman said. NAN

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Forex scarcity could soon lead to health crisis -PSN

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Jesusegun Alagbe The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria says the lingering foreign exchange scarcity in the country has affected the manufacturing and importation of drugs to the country. The society says if the Federal Government fails to take measures to tackle the crisis, it could lead to a “national health calamity” among Nigerians. The PSN stated this in a communique — signed by the society’s President, Mr. Ahmed Yakasai, and its National Secretary, Gbolagade Iyiola — at its second National Council Meeting held recently in Kano State. The society said after a “painstaking” and “critical appraisal” of the various topical issues affecting pharmacy practice, health matters and other sundry issues, the members of the council resolved to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly tackle the forex crisis. It said, “After a careful evaluation of the impact of the current paucity of forex in the country, which is gradually grinding operations in drug manufacturing and importation outlets to a halt in the days ahead, we appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently intervene to prevent an impending national calamity which will lead to morbidity and outright mortality of consumers of health in Nigeria. “The council reasoned that empty warehouses of a plethora of the pharmaceutical companies due to inaccessibility to forex to directly source finished products, active pharmaceutical ingredients and other excipients will naturally breed out of stock syndrome in the inventory of life-saving drugs with obvious consequences in the days and weeks ahead, as most companies will exhaust the leftover stocks from last year.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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BREAKING: Nigeria officially in recession, GDP growth drops to -2.06%

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Ifeanyi Onuba, Abuja The National Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday released the much-awaited Gross Domestic Product figures for the second quarter of 2016 with the GDP growth rate sliding further from -0.36 per cent in the first quarter to -2.06 per cent year-on-year. The negative growth rate recorded in the second quarter of this year is a confirmation of the predictions by the Federal Government and economists that the country was heading into recession. A recession is defined as a significant decline in activities across the economy, lasting longer than a few months. It is visible in industrial production, employment, real income and wholesale retail trade. The technical indicator of a recession is two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth as measured by a country’s GDP. In the GDP report released by the NBS, the bureau said, “In the second quarter of 2016, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product declined by -2.06 per cent (year-on- year) in real terms. “This was lower by 1.70 per cent points from the growth rate of –0.36 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter, and also lower by 4.41 per cent points from the growth rate of 2.35 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2015. Quarter on quarter, real GDP increased by 0.82 per cent.”

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Impeachment bid is 'coup', says Brazil's President

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Brazil’s suspended president Dilma Rousseff denied Monday that she had committed an impeachable crime, as she defended herself before senators preparing to vote on removing her from office. “I did not commit the crimes that I am unjustly accused of,” the 68-year-old leftist leader said in an address to the Senate, repeating her claim that the impeachment drive was a “coup.” Rousseff arrived Monday at Brazil’s Senate for a dramatic finale to an impeachment trial likely ending 13 years of leftist rule in Latin America’s biggest country. Rousseff, 68, was greeted by cheering supporters as she arrived in the Senate to testify for the first time in her defense, just hours before senators were to start voting on her fate. “Dilma, warrior of the Brazilian homeland!” the crowd of supporters shouted. Rousseff is accused of having taken illegal state loans to patch budget holes. Momentum to push her out is also fueled by deep anger at Brazil’s historic recession, political paralysis and a vast corruption scandal centered on state oil giant Petrobras. The first female president of Brazil, who says she did nothing worthy of impeachment, was to speak for about half an hour from the podium, then face questioning from allies and opponents. It was unclear whether Rousseff would repeat her explosive claim on the Senate floor that the trial is a coup d’etat aimed at destroying her Workers’ Party and restoring the right to power. However, the packed Senate chamber crackled with tension. – Showdown – Rousseff came to the showdown accompanied by heavyweight allies, including her presidential predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and a dozen former cabinet members. A small crowd of loyalists gathered from early morning outside the Senate and supporters shouted “Dilma come back!” from cars as they drove past the building’s entrance. However, there appeared to be little Rousseff could say to save her presidency. Closing arguments will begin after her testimony Monday, followed by voting, possibly extending into Wednesday. Opponents say they will easily reach the needed two-thirds majority — 54 of 81 senators — to remove her from office. In that case, Rousseff’s former vice president turned political enemy, Michel Temer, will be confirmed as president until elections in 2018. Temer, from the center-right PMDB party, has already been acting president since May, using his brief period in power to steer the government rightward. He plans to leave Tuesday or Wednesday on his first official foreign trip, a G20 summit in China, where officials say he will push to restore the tattered reputation of Brazil’s economy. – Tortured under dictatorship – Criticized for lacking a popular touch or appetite for backroom politicking, Rousseff has barely double digit approval ratings. However, supporters outside the Senate said they backed Rousseff’s claim to be victim of trumped up charges in a rightwing coup. “I am fighting to defend democracy and the dignity of the people. This has been a persecution against the Workers’ Party, Dilma and the Brazilian people,” said one of about 100 protesters outside the Senate, retired teacher Marlene Bastos, 65. Although most Brazilians have abandoned Rousseff, there is lingering sympathy for a woman who was imprisoned and tortured by the military dictatorship in the 1970s for belonging to a far left urban guerrilla cell. Although her presidency has been mired in the Petrobras embezzlement and bribery scandal, Rousseff herself has never been charged with trying to enrich herself — unlike many of her prominent accusers and close allies. Temer is hardly more popular, according to opinion polls. He faces harsh questioning over his legitimacy as an unelected president and was loudly booed at the recent Olympic opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. – Criminal or scapegoat? – The impeachment case rests on narrow charges that Rousseff took unauthorized state loans to bridge budget shortfalls during her 2014 election to a second term. Allies have spent the Senate trial arguing that these loans were nothing more than stopgap measures frequently employed by previous governments. Opponents, however, have broadened the accusation to paint Rousseff’s loans as part of her disastrous mismanagement, contributing to once booming Brazil’s slide into recession. Brazil’s economy shrank 3.8 percent in 2015 and is forecast to drop a further 3.3 percent this year, the worst performance since the 1930s. Inflation stands at around nine percent and unemployment at 11 percent. Rousseff’s side says that decline was caused by forces far beyond the president’s control, notably a worldwide slump in commodity prices, which hit exports hard.

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Guard arrested for molesting employer’s daughter

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Olaleye Aluko The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old security guard, Ossai Sylvester, for allegedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in the Victoria Island area of the state. PUNCH Metro learnt that Sylvester, who was employed to guard a private apartment on Teslim Elias Close, was arrested on Monday by the Victoria Island Police Division for allegedly sucking the breast of the victim, who is also his employer’s daughter. A police source told our correspondent that the suspect also inserted his finger into the private parts of the 10-year-old, before the employer caught him and reported to the police. He said, “The incident happened at about 11.30pm on Saturday. The guard allegedly lured the girl to a secluded spot in the house and sucked her breast. He also dipped his left finger into her private parts. He has confessed to the crime.” The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Sylvester’s arrest. She said, “The matter was reported and the suspect has been arrested. The victim has been taken for a medical examination. “The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has directed that the case be transferred to the gender unit at the state command headquarters for further investigation.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Messi back in Argentina squad, Aguero out

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Sergio Aguero and Javier Pastore have pulled out of Argentina’s tie with Uruguay through injury but superstar Lionel Messi has confirmed he will feature for the double World Cup winners, the Argentinian federation announced on Monday. Aguero injured himself in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory against West Ham at the weekend. He has pulled a muscle in his left calf, according to the AFA’s medical staff. Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking midfielder Javier Pastore will miss his country’s next two fixtures after tearing his right calf muscle. However, the AFA have confirmed that former Argentina captain Messi will feature for the south Americans despite rumours that he would have been unavailable after suffering a knock against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend in La Liga. Messi had announced his international retirement after Argentina had lost in the Copa America final against Chile on penalties, Messi crucially missing his penalty in the shoot out. The Barcelona star reversed his decision three weeks ago after new Argentina manager Edgardo Bauza payed him a visit in Spain to change his mind. Argentina host Uruguay in Mendoza on Thursday before travelling to face Venezuela in a second World Cup qualifier on September 6. AFP

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Don't include politicians in Niger Delta dialogue team

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Ovie Okpare, Warri Some rights groups in the Niger Delta region on Saturday warned against the nomination of persons with vested personal interest into the proposed dialogue team with the federal government towards resolving the current hostilities in the region. In a joint statement issued by the leaders of the Niger Delta Security Watch Organisation of Nigeria, Ijaw Human Rights Monitors, Ijaw People Development Initiative and Foundation for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade, said only stakeholders with an unblemished track records with genuine interest for the region should be drawn into the team. It also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately call for a stakeholders’ meeting in the region where issues concerning the region would be genuinely discussed and solutions be recommended. The statement signed by Dickson Bekederemo (NDSWON), Fred Brisibe (IHRM), Austin Ozobo (IPDI) and Alaowei Cleric warned against turning the dialogue into a political jamboree by selecting people with self-seeking interest rather than those with concern for the region.

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How to get business loans without collateral

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With Nike Popoola If you are a small or medium business owner, establishing a relationship with a bank by opening an account can help boost your personal business. Banks are the major lending institutions to individuals and organisations in the society. However, to access loans from banks, the borrower needs to understand what they require in order to qualify for any credit facility. It is relevant to know that banks do not just give out loans to anybody that approaches them. The lender needs enough evidence from the borrower on his ability to repay the facility that he is asking for. Banks usually tie their approval of loans to specific projects or purposes such as meeting urgent exigencies or supporting business plans. Generally, it is easier for employees who work in well established organisations to get loans in banks where they domicile their salaries. This is because the banks can always deduct a certain percentage of their monthly salaries until the total money borrowed is repaid. When the borrower does not have a salary account with the bank, the lender usually asks for collateral before granting loans. However, without collateral, some banks can still give you loans if you meet the following conditions. Register your business: Do not wait until you need a loan before you start your business. Have your business current account domiciled in your bank. When you already have an established relationship with your bank, it will be easy to get a credit facility because banks will only relate with their customers and not strangers. Be specific on why you need the money: You have to be able to convince the bank that you will use the money for your business and not divert it to other things. The money may be needed to acquire new machines or pay for goods among other things. The bank wants to be convinced that you will be able to pay back. How much do you need: Be specific on how much you want to borrow from your bank and when to repay. Loans for small and medium businesses do not usually exceed N1m. You may also try and borrow some money from relatives and friends who will not ask for interest. This will reduce the loan you want to take from the bank because the bank will determine the interest rate you have to pay back on the money. Also, keep proper account of your income, expenses and profit. Have a well researched financial projection that you can present to the bank to show your current financial flow and ability to repay the loan. Guarantor: Because the bank is not requesting you to produce collateral, in most cases, it will demand for a guarantor in case your business plan fails and you are unable to repay the loan. Your guarantor is usually required to be working in a corporate organisation and he will show evidence of his financial worth in the form he will fill for you. Bank statement: You may be required to present recent bank statements to show your business is still operating. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Ericsson, Galaxy Backbone partner on public service reforms

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Ifeanyi Onuba, Abuja Galaxy Backbone, the Information and Communications Technology shared services provider for the Federal Government on Monday sealed an agreement with Ericsson to design and deploy ICT based solutions and services towards achieving an efficient public sector in the country. The partnership which was signed in Abuja by both parties is part of efforts by the Federal Government to leverage on ICT for job creation, improved security, economic diversification and social inclusion. Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Chief Executive Officer, Galaxy Backbone, Mr Yusuf Kazaure said the pact is also aimed at supporting the government’s vision to deploy e-Government as a tool to improving governance and efficiency in the delivery of quality public services. He said, “The transformative role of ICT for improved delivery of public services has become quite significant and in Nigeria, Galaxy is at the forefront in terms of the provision of the infrastructure and services that empower federal ministries, state departments and government agencies to achieve their mandates through better service delivery to the citizens they serve.” He said under the terms of the partnership spanning three years, Ericsson will serve as advisor, systems integrator and implementation partner for ICT based solutions and services covering the transport, utility and safety, and security sectors of the economy. The Managing Director, Ericsson Nigeria, Mr Johan Jemdahl said based on the deal, Ericsson would also manage all deployed solutions and services while building capacity within Galaxy Backbone government parastals.

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Chelsea need new signings to win EPL

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Antonio Conte admits Chelsea’s chances of winning the Premier League will be damaged if they fail to make any more signings before the transfer window closes next week. Conte has been desperate to add quality and depth to a squad that went stale during their dismal title defence last year, but the Blues boss has so far managed to secure only three new recruits. The Italian splashed out £33 million ($43 million, 38 million euros) on Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi and £30 million on Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante during the close-season before this week bringing in third choice goalkeeper Eduardo from Dinamo Zagreb. That is a paltry spree compared to the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, who have both spent well over £100 million, while even the notoriously spend-thrift Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger appears to be loosening the purse strings as Wednesday’s transfer deadline approaches. Conte would like one quality centre-back and a top-class striker, but Chelsea have been frustrated by the huge fees they have been quoted for the likes of Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli. Fearing Chelsea won’t get any deals done in time, Conte on Friday made it clear he is worried his rebuilding project at Stamford Bridge will be undermined. “It is important to have the right number of players in the squad. We know Chelsea is a great team and we must fight until the end for the title,” Conte told reporters. “But also we know that last season we finished 10th, not fifth or sixth, 10th. It’s important not to forget this.” “I hope to improve the squad with some new players in this transfer market because when you start a very tough league like England it is important to have many players to face this situation. “I must be honest. I think we have a problem to reach our targets. The market is very crazy. “I believe we can do it, but with this market it is very difficult. I have some targets but these targets are difficult to buy.” – Up to speed – For now, Conte has to focus on preparing the players at his disposal for Saturday’s home game against Burnley as Chelsea look to extend their 100 percent record under their new boss. With Premier League wins over West Ham and Watford and a English Football League Cup success against Bristol Rovers, Conte has hit the ground running. But the former Juventus and Italy coach knows there is still plenty of work to do before Chelsea are up to speed. “I’ve been working with these players for only 40 days,” he said. “We played three games and we won all of them. “I’m pleased to start the season in this way to take more confidence after last season. “But I know, and I told my players, we can improve a lot.” With that in mind, Conte was quick to warn his players of the dangers posed by Burnley, who enjoyed a shock win over Liverpool last weekend. “I watched the performance against Liverpool, it was fantastic, their physical aspect put a great pressure on Liverpool for 90 minutes,” Conte said. “People pay attention to possession and say you don’t win without the ball, but Burnley had only 25 percent possession and Liverpool had 75, yet the result was 2-0 to Burnley. “For this reason I told my players to pay a lot of attention because it will be a very tough match. We have to be together. “The English league every game is very tough. Every game you must face with great attention and understand if you don’t have the right attention anything can happen. “

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Yobo to help Ikoyi Prisons’ inmates secure bail

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Former captain of the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo, says the Joseph Yobo Foundation will work to release as many inmates of Ikoyi Prisons as posible, especially those awaiting trial, News Agency of Nigeria reports. Yobo spoke at the inauguration of Ikoyi Prisons Football Academy on Saturday in Lagos. “I have never been to the prisons before but on getting to Ikoyi Prisons, I realised the need to give hope to someone. The Joseph Yobo Foundation is ready to do everything within its means to grant bail to as many as possible that are awaiting trial, especially those in the facility’s football academy. “I am happy with what is going on in this facility. I have never been here before but when I got here, what I saw jolted me,” he said. “I thought I would see persons looking very sad, rushing to go out but rather, I saw them very happy, cheerful and looking very hopeful. “I must indeed commend the authorities of the Nigerian Prisons Service because from what I have seen on ground, the service is in the right track.” Yobo said it was in this light that his foundation would seek to secure the bail for some of the inmates, train them and support them in the academy. “We in our little way will want to give back to the society by giving hope to our brothers behind the bars and give them a second chance because no one is above mistake. Having stayed here for a while, I am convinced that they must have undergone a great deal of reformation and rehabilitation,” he said. One of the inmates, who pleaded anonymity, said he was looking forward to benefitting from the foundation. He added that with his experience so far he would not disappoint those behind the initiative. Joseph Yobo Foundation is collaborating with Sisters Cities Vocational/Rehabilitation Centre and the Nigerian Prisons Service in the latter’s football academy project, Football Stars Behind Bars. NAN reports that among the dignitaries that graced the event was former Governor of Cross River, Donald Duke and his wife, Onari.

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Man Utd get Fenerbahce in Europa League draw

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Manchester United will come up against their former striker Robin van Persie after being placed in the same group as the Dutchman’s current club Fenerbahce in Friday’s draw for the group stage of the Europa League. Jose Mourinho’s side will also come up against Dutch giants Feyenoord and Zorya Luhansk of Ukraine in Group A. Second in the Turkish league last season to Istanbul rivals Besiktas, Fenerbahce were eliminated from the Champions League by Monaco in the third qualifying round. They have since sacked coach Vitor Pereira and replaced him with veteran Dutchman Dick Advocaat, whose squad includes Van Persie and ex-Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel. United can also look forward to coming up against Van Persie’s hometown team and first club Feyenoord. The 1970 European Cup winners and twice winners of the UEFA Cup finished third in the Dutch top flight last season and also won the Dutch Cup. Now coached by former Arsenal and Barcelona left-back Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the Rotterdam side are captained by Dirk Kuyt, formerly of Liverpool and Fenerbahce. United have faced both of these sides in the Champions League in the past, but the Ukrainians are a new proposition as they feature at this stage of European competition for the first time. The other English Premier League representative, Southampton, were given a tough draw in Group K along with Italian giants Inter Milan, Sparta Prague of the Czech Republic and Hapoel Beer-Sheva. The Israeli champions were eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by Celtic. Meanwhile, Irish champions Dundalk, knocked out of the Champions League play-offs by Legia Warsaw, will face former UEFA Cup winners Zenit St Petersburg, AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands and Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel in Group D.

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40 miners arrested over minister's killing

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More than 40 miners have been arrested in Bolivia after a minister was beaten to death during protests, authorities said on Friday. Attorney General Ramiro Guerrero said five of the miners were accused of direct involvement in the killing of 55-year-old Deputy Interior Minister Rodolfo Illanes, including Carlos Mamani, chairman of the national federation of mining cooperatives (Fencomin). Prosecutors said that Illanes, 55, died after being struck multiple times. He had been visiting the town of Panduro, 165 kilometres south-east of La Paz, when he was kidnapped by striking miners following an attempt to initiate talks with them at a roadblock. His bodyguard was also hospitalized with a head injury. Defence Minister Reymi Ferreira said earier on Friday that more than 100 miners had been taken into custody after the incident. Miners, represented by independently organized cooperatives, have been using street blockades to protest a law that would allow its members to join trade unions. The cooperatives say they are against the influence of the unions. Fencomin, representing some 10,000 miners from 900 cooperatives, rejects any trade union influence on Bolivia’s mining sector. They also want foreigners to be able to invest in the cooperatives and a loosening of environmental laws. President Evo Morales has announced three days of mourning. NAN

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Nigerians knock govs, police over rising violent crimes

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Our Correspondents Many Nigerians have expressed worries over the recent increase in criminal activities, especially the frequency of violent crimes across the country. They blamed state governors and the police for their inability to deal effectively with criminals. Those who spoke with our correspondents lamented that crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, militancy, and herdsmen attacks, among others, had taken a frightening dimension in recent times. Some residents in Kwara, Ogun, Ondo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Niger, Osun, and Ekiti states blamed their governors for failing to provide necessary support for the police, while others stated that the country’s security agencies were ineffective. But the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps told SUNDAY PUNCH that they were doing their best with the available human and material resources at their disposal. In Kwara State, with just 4,700 policemen watching over 3.5 million people, an elder statesman, Mr. Sunday Babalola, insisted the state government was not doing enough to curb crimes and improve on the security of lives and properties in the state. Babalola, a former Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant, said the state lacked security technologies such as closed-circuit televisions and sufficient street lights, adding that the state government was not providing enough funding and logistics for security agencies in the state. But the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Media and Communication, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, said the state government was doing its best to provide funding and logistics for security agencies in the state, citing “Operation Harmony” as an example. The Police Public Relations Officer in Kwara State, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, noted that cultism was the biggest threat in the state. Other major crimes in the state, according to Okasanmi, are ritual killings and kidnappings by suspected Fulani herdsmen. He said the herdsmen kidnapped people and attacked farmers at Baruteen Local Government Area of the state, which shares boundary with Benin Republic. He said, “No fewer than 60 suspected cultists, 14 armed robbery suspects and 12 culpable homicide suspects had been arrested in the past six months in the state.” In Ogun State, at least 1,510 suspected criminals have been arrested in the last six months, for committing various offences like armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and rape, according the state’s police command. The acting Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, told SUNDAY PUNCH that, “The state as a whole deserves to be properly policed, because of its peculiar nature. The state has the highest number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria; it is the host to many religious headquarters and also borders another country.” According to the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Femi Joseph, 49 suspected criminals have been apprehended in the last six months, with 29 weapons made up of three AK 47 rifles, five cut-to-size pistols, 15 live cartridges, six axes and a cutlass recovered. The police in Osun State complained of not having enough vehicles for patrol, adding that cultism and robbery were the most frequent crimes committed in the state. The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Mr. Femi Oyeleye, said the command was able to arrest eight persons for armed robbery and fraud. He added that one AK-47, 17 vehicles, and 13 motorcycles were recovered in the last three months. In that same period, the NSCDC in Ekiti State said it arrested over 200 suspected criminals. Spokesman for the Enugu State Police Command, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, said a comprehensive record of arrests made since the beginning of the year was not available. Some residents who spoke with SUNDAY PUNCH identified homicide, armed robbery, stealing, car snatching, kidnapping and cultism as frequent crimes in the state. In the same vein, a former Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Mr. John Nwobodo, said, “The police and other security agencies are not doing enough because of the high level of corruption in the agencies.” Also, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Enugu, Mr. Chukwuma Igbokwe, blamed the rising crime rate on the state government for allegedly failing to provide jobs for the youth. A former Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (retd.); a university lecturer in Bayelsa State, Dr. Philips Okolo, and an ex-Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Tarinyo Akono, said economic recession in the country was responsible for the high rate of crime. A Cross River State resident, Utum Eteng, blamed the state government for not doing enough to curb the increasing crime rate in the state, adding that the police and other security agencies should not be blamed. Eteng said, “A governor who is always out of the state without giving powers to his deputy will create a vacuum and this has escalated the security situation.” Speaking on the increasing crime rate, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Chris Ezike, however, told SUNDAY PUNCH that the state command had recorded a decrease in criminal activities. It was gathered that 1,134 suspected criminals and 246 weapons were arrested between September 9, 2015 and July 30, 2016. The Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof. Oghosa Osaghae, said the increasing crime rate was as a result of a “complex of reasons” comprising bad economy, proliferation of arms and drug abuse. According to the Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, David Ugholor, some of the crimes “are high-tech and the police do not have sufficient (technical) resources” to deal with them. The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, told one of our correspondents that the police were doing everything they could to prevent crime. Elkana said, “There is crime everywhere, but we are doing everything to curtail it so that people will have free movement to go anywhere they want to with no fear of contradiction. In the last six months, the command has arrested 142 suspected criminals and seized 15 fire arms.” The state Commandant, Mr. Philip Ayuba, identified Minna, Suleja and kontangora as the state’s black spots, adding that 72 suspects were arrested and 44 weapons seized in the last six months. The Imo State Command, in the last six months, arrested over 198 kidnap suspects, 28 child trafficking suspects, 112 cultists, 167 armed robbery suspects, 18 murder suspects and recovered 60 vehicles. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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PDP crisis: BoT set for stormy meeting today

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Olusola Fabiyi, Abuja The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party has called an emergency meeting where the crisis rocking the party will be discussed. It was gathered that the meeting might be stormy and that far-reaching decisions might be taken on how to reposition the troubled party. The meeting, which holds in Abuja on Monday (today), is to be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, Senator Walid Jibrin. Our correspondent gathered that the meeting would discuss the report of the Prof. Jerry Gana-led peace committee which was set up by the BoT. The committee was appointed to negotiate with the aggrieved members of the party, especially the faction led by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. The report of the committee was submitted to the board two days before the last botched national convention of the party scheduled for Port Harcourt, Rivers State on August 17. Gana and other 17 members of the committee had recommended that the convention be held in Abuja and that both Sheriff and the leader of the National Caretaker Committee, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, be allowed to play a major role there. The committee had recommended that a convention planning committee be reconstituted to have nominations from both sides Excerpts from the report said, “Agree on co-chairmen to preside over the convention Planning Committee; ensure a credible, transparent and superbly organised convention to produce highly qualified and suitable national officers through a process of free, fair and highly credible elections. “Both Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to address the national convention, with Senator Ahmed Makarfi declaring the convention open as convention chairman and Senator Sheriff to hand over to the new chairman after the elections. “Party’s national convention to be shifted from Port Harcourt to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, but the convention should still hold on Wednesday, August 17, 2016.” However, none of the recommendations was accepted by the National Convention Committee led by the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike. The governor, backed by other governors, especially his Ekiti State counterpart, Mr. Ayo Fayose, went ahead with the planning of the convention. However, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice Okon Abang, halted the convention with its order on August 16. The order prevented the party from holding the convention where its national officers would have been elected. It, however, extended the tenure of the caretaker committee by one year, and was given a fresh mandate to organise a fresh national convention that would be elective. It was gathered that the BoT meeting might be a prelude to other meetings to be held by the different organs of the party during the week. Speaking on the issue, a member of the Board, Chief Bode George, said the meeting would be very critical to the survival of the party. George, who spoke with our correspondent on Sunday, said, “This week is going to be very crucial to the survival of our party. The BoT will meet and other organs of the party are also expected to meet as well. The founding fathers of the party will also meet. “We are expected to also have an expanded national caucus meeting as well. We are going to be frank in our discussions and decisions.” George, an aspirant to the office of the national chairman of the party at the botched convention, said he was satisfied with the decision not to hold another election until next year. Also speaking, a former Minister of Transportation who is also a member of the BoT, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said the BoT would not allow individuals to hijack the party. He said, “The game is over. Those two governors (names withheld) will not be allowed to hijack the party. We are not going to Port Harcourt for another convention again.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Bayern thrash Bremen 6-0 in season opener

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Robert Lewandowski claimed a hat-trick as defending champions Bayern Munich brushed Werder Bremen aside with a 6-0 win in Friday’s opening match of the new German league season. Lewandowski, the Bundesliga’s top-scorer last season with 30 goals, could have finished with five as Bayern ran riot. “I’m just happy I scored and that we got the win,” Lewandowski told broadcaster ARD and revealed he finished the game with a hole in his goal-scoring right boot. After Xabi Alonso scored the first goal of the 2016/17 campaign at Munich’s Allianz Arena, Lewandowski netted either side of the break before captain Philipp Lahm added a fourth. It was no more than shooting practice for Bayern by the time Franck Ribery fired home, with Lewandowski then converting a penalty to claim his third and Munich’s sixth. Having also hammered Hamburg 5-0 in last season’s opening game, this was another emphatic win as Bayern look to win a fifth Bundesliga title in a row. It finished 2-0 at the break, but it could have been at least double that as Lewandowski and then Thomas Mueller both hit the woodwork in the opening 45 minutes. Bayern won last season’s German league title by 10 points, making history with a fourth straight Bundesliga title. They picked up under new coach Carlo Ancelotti where they left off under Pep Guardiola, who left in May to coach Manchester City, with long periods of possession. “I am very happy. That was a very good performance from my team,” said Ancelotti after his first Bundesliga game. “We got off to a good start and took control of the game early on.” Bayern’s win came with Germany defenders Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber, plus Dutch winger Arjen Robben all recovering from injury. New signing Renato Sanches from Benfica, a Euro 2016 winner with Portugal, started on the bench. Germany defender Mats Hummels, their other new arrival from Borussia Dortmund, partnered Javi Martinez at centre-back. The defending champions needed just nine minutes to take a spectacular lead. Alonso’s volley from just outside the area found the top right-hand corner and flew past Bremen goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald. The hosts doubled their lead just four minutes later. Ribery’s long-range pass down the left put Lewandowski in behind the defence and the Poland hot-shot tucked his shot past Wiedwald from the tightest of angles. He could have claimed a first-half hat-trick. Muller’s long-range shot slammed off the post, then Lewandowski hit the crossbar and had a shot saved before the break. The pair combined for Bayern’s third goal, which arrived just 39 seconds into the second-half. Mueller’s curling cross was met at the far post by Lewandowski for his second on 46 minutes. Bremen’s last win over Bayern in Munich was back in 2008 and they were barely in it as Bavarians enjoyed around 70 per cent possession. Lahm grabbed Bayern’s second when he converted Mueller’s final pass before Ribery blasted home their fifth with the Frenchman unmarked in the area. Rafinha came on for Lahm and when the Brazil defender was fouled in the area, Lewandowski drilled home the resulting penalty on 77 minutes. It was his second hat-trick in exactly a week after he netted three in Bayern’s 5-0 romp at Carl Zeiss Jena in the first round of the German Cup last Friday. AFP

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More STDs resistant to antibiotics - WHO

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Growing resistance to antibiotics has complicated efforts to rein in common sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis, the World Health Organization warned Tuesday as it issued new treatment guidelines. Globally, more than one million people contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection (STI) every day, WHO said. “Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are major public health problems worldwide, affecting millions of peoples’ quality of life, causing serious illness and sometimes death,” Ian Askew, head of WHO’s reproductive health and research division, said in a statement. WHO estimates that each year, 131 million people are infected with chlamydia around the globe, 78 million with gonorrhoea and 5.6 million with syphilis. More than one million people contract a sexually transmitted infection every single day, WHO medical officer Teodora Wi said. Until recently, the three diseases, which are all caused by bacteria, had been fairly easy to treat using antibiotics, but increasingly those drugs are failing, WHO said. “Resistance of these STIs to the effect of antibiotics has increased rapidly in recent years and has reduced treatment options,” the UN agency said. Resistance is caused, among other things, by doctors overprescribing antibiotics, and patients not taking the correct doses. Injected into the buttock or thigh Strains of multidrug resistant gonorrhoea that do not respond to any available antibiotics have already been detected, while antibiotic resistance also exists in chlamydia and syphilis, though it is less common, it said. When left undiagnosed and untreated, the three diseases can have serious consequences, causing pelvic infamatory disease and ectopic pregnancy in women, and increasing the chances of miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death. They can also greatly increase the risk of being infected with HIV, and untreated gonorrhoea and chlamydia can leave both men and women infertile. To rein in resistance, WHO on Tuesday presented new guidelines aimed at ensuring that doctors prescribe the best antibiotics, and the right doses, for treating each specific disease. To reduce the spread of the diseases, national health services will need to “monitor the patterns of antibiotic resistance in these infections within their countries,” Askew said. For gonorrhoea for instance, WHO recommends that health authorities study local resistance patterns and advise doctors to prescribe the most effective antibiotic with the least resistance. For syphilis, meanwhile, WHO recommended a specific antibiotic – benzathine penicillin – that is injected into the buttock or thigh muscle. It stressed that condom use was the most effective way to protect against STD infection.

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Nigeria’s unity negotiable, says Prof. Ango Abdullahi

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Friday Olokor, Abuja A former Minister of Education and member of the Northern Elders Forum, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, has said if Nigerians has found it difficult to live together in peace, the component units should find it convenient to go their separate ways. Accusing the elite of being the cause of the nation’s multifaceted challenges, Abdullahi believed that if the amalgamation of the country in1914 by Lord Lugard was a mistake, “each region should go separately.” Abdullahi stated these on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of two books: Boko Haram: The Charade vs Reality and The Life and Times of Umaru Turakin Bauchi, written by a former Diplomatic Editor of the Voice of America and now visiting Professor in ABU, Zaria, Hadiza Wada. The former Vice-Chancellor of the Ahmadu bello University, Zaria, and former Adviser on Food Security to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, also called on the Federal Government to fight the Niger Delta Avengers before fighting members of the Boko Haram sect. He said, “The Batures (whites) have brought us together. They tried what they could before they left in 1960 to see whether this country could become a political unity that is stable because without political stability, it is impossible to stabilise any aspect of our socio-economic development. They succeeded up to a point but they were very lucky, they found our forefathers and founding fathers, who were honest. “Take for example, India that became independent in 1948, before one or two years, Pakistan was born and in another one or two years, Bangladesh was born out of Pakistan because there had not been sufficient basis on which India would stay together in the first place and later Pakistan would stand together as Pakistan, even though they have so much in common. Bangladesh and Pakistan are Muslim countries and so on. There are so many areas of disagreement.” The ex-minister added, “So, this is what we have with our independence and our forefathers did so much. But our greatest challenge today is political instability, created, unfortunately, by politicians and the Nigerian elite. We are responsible for the conditions we are experiencing today and that we have experienced over the years. “This is the basis on which we have made slow or no progress in our development.” Abdullahi argued that the elite were in the vanguard of calling for the restructuring of the country. He stated, “We are hearing about the restructuring of Nigeria. We’re hearing about secession; we are hearing all sorts of things(sic) and who are the promoters of this rhetoric? “These are from elite of the country. They’re right to say their minds, but they should also leave me to say my mind when the time is right. “If Lord Lugard made a mistake in 1914, let’s correct it now. Why not? If Nigerians cannot live together and allow peace and development to take place, then let’s go our different ways and to our different places, so we can concentrate and develop our children and grandchildren in peace. “There’s nothing wrong with that. So many countries have gone through that before. So, I don’t believe in all this emotion and sentiment that Nigeria is indissoluble. There’s nothing like indissolubility in any country. “Take Britain, they’ve been a model for 1,000 years of democracy; and then, a year or two ago, Scotland, that had been in the United Kingdom for about 350 years, opted to go for a referendum to get out; same problem with Ireland. Soviet Union was only a superpower many years ago; today, 12 or 13 countries are there. “So what is so special about Nigeria? If we find truly that we cannot develop and guarantee the welfare of our people as a nation and the solution is to go our separate ways, why not? So you see, this is the thing we have to always discuss at all times honestly.” Speaking on Boko Haram, he said, “You ask the question: where did Boko Haram get their sophistication and articulation from? No doubt from external connections, but external connections can only thrive if they have internal connections in the country itself. “But the real offence: people who ‘knew’ and should have spoken out did not do such. “Some of us, including my teacher and I, went to see (former President Goodluck) Jonathan to discuss it. Some days later, we heard there was going to be dialogue but then two weeks later, a state of emergency was declared and Boko Haram was banned. So, the question is: who are you talking with if you have banned Boko Haram? Abdullahi believed that the Niger Delta Avengers and Boko Haram belonged to the same camp of terrorists.” He stated, “Yes we accepted Boko Haram for those who described them as ‘Islamist terrorists’, fair enough; but what about economic terrorists? “In the Niger Delta, for example, people who came out openly and said they’re avenging something and that they’re fighting to avenge something, they’re worse than what’s happening in this country; they’re worse than Boko Haram. ‘‘If you’re not going to fight Avengers, then stop fighting Boko Haram.” Also, an elder statesman, Alhaji Maitama Sule, commended the author of the book, Wada, on her painstaking research on the Boko Haram insurgency. Wada said government needed to do more in the area of further research on Boko Haram. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

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Iranian ex-general killed fighting jihadists in Syria

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A retired Iranian general has been killed while battling jihadists as a volunteer in northern Syria, Iranian media reported on Wednesday. Ahmad Gholami, who had served as a senior Revolutionary Guards commander in the Iraq-Iran war of the 1980s, died on Tuesday “while fighting the takfiri terrorists in Aleppo, Syria,” said the Fars news agency, which is close to the Guards. Iran uses the term “takfiri” to describe Sunni jihadists. Gholami went to Iraq and Syria “voluntarily” to fight Islamic State group jihadists, it added. Iran is the principle backer of President Bashar al-Assad. It denies that any of its professional soldiers are active in Syria — insisting its commanders and generals act purely as “military advisers” — but it also leads large volunteer forces, comprised of fighters from both Iran and neighbouring Afghanistan. Iran does not provide precise casualty figures for those killed in action in Syria and Iraq, but Iranian media have previously reported “hundreds” of military advisers and volunteers have died in recent years. AFP

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Niger Delta Avengers denies picking Soyinka, Kalu for talks

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Ovie Okpare, Warri The Niger Delta Avengers has refuted the claim that it nominated Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; a former Abia State governor, Mr. Orji Kalu and five others to negotiate with the federal government on behalf of the group. A statement by the spokesman of the militant group, Mudoch Agbinibo, late on Saturday described the claim as the work of mischief makers, keen to derail the group’s struggle. The group said the claim “by enemies of the Niger Delta” might be because of Soyinka’s “belief that the government of the day should understand the need to restructure and listen to the Niger Delta agitation positively”. “That we, the NDA, have named Prof. Wole Soyinka and some incredible names to advise and lead any group is the Lie of The Century,” it said. It, however, said that the group supported the Chief Edwin Clark-led Niger Delta Elders and Stakeholders Conference committee to lead a Pan-Niger Delta Negotiations/Dialogue Team whenever the Federal Government was ready.

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