Stan Kroenke moved to the brink of a full takeover of North London Club Arsenal on Tuesday after minority shareholder Alisher Usmanov accepted an offer worth £550 million ($712 million) for his stake.

American businessman Kroenke currently owns 67 per cent of the Gunners through his company Kroenke Sports and Entertainment and has offered to purchase the 30 percent held by Usmanov’s Red and White Securities firm, valuing the Premier League club at £1.8billion.

Usmanov confirmed in a statement released to Britain’s Press Association that he had accepted the offer but did not give a reason as to why he has now opted to cash in.

Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL, said having a single owner would benefit the club but fans said it was a “dreadful” day.

Despite cup successes in recent years, Arsenal have slipped behind their rivals in the Premier League and have consistently failed to reach the latter stages of the Champions League.

They have not won the title since 2004 and last season finished sixth, 37 points behind champions Manchester City.

Arsenal, who play City in their season opener on Sunday, are also adjusting to life after Arsene Wenger, who left the club in May after 22 years at the helm, replaced by former Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery.

“We at KSE are moving forward with this offer leading to 100 percent ownership of the club,” Kroenke said in a statement published on the London Stock Exchange.

“We appreciate Mr Usmanov’s dedication to the Arsenal Football Club and the storied ethos and history the club represents.”

Later on Tuesday, Red and White Holdings released their own short statement to confirm the deal.

“I have decided to sell my shares in Arsenal Football Club which could be the best football club in the world,” said Usmanov.

“I wish all the best and great success to this wonderful football club and to all those whose lives and careers are entwined in it.”

The deal brings to an end a battle between billionaires Kroenke and Usmanov for control of the club.

In October last year, KSE offered around £525 million to buy the 18,695 shares held by Usmanov, the Russian businessman who himself attempted to buy out Kroenke in May 2017.

“The successful implementation of the offer will result in the opening of a new chapter in the history of the club in bringing 100 per cent private ownership by KSE,” the statement said.

“KSE believes moving to private ownership will bring the benefits of a single owner better able to move quickly in furtherance of the club’s strategy and ambitions. KSE is a committed, long-term owner of the club.”

Kroenke has been a part-owner of Arsenal since 2007, gradually increasing his stake.

Under Stock Exchange rules, Kroenke will have to make an offer for the remaining minority shares in Arsenal, most of which are small numbers held largely by supporters of the club.

It is not currently mandatory for those shareholders to accept but if Kroenke purchases Usmanov’s percentage, he can then push through a compulsory acquisition.

This would see KSE take those final shares to complete a 100 percent takeover of the club.

The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust issued a strongly worded statement opposing the move.

“Stan Kroenke taking the club private will see the end of supporters owning shares in Arsenal and their role upholding custodianship values,” it said in a statement.

“The AST is also extremely concerned to note that this purchase is being funded by a loan,” it added.

“The most dreadful part of this announcement is the news that Kroenke plans to forcibly purchase the shares held by Arsenal fans. Many of these fans are AST members and hold their shares not for value but as custodians who care for the future of the club.”

Within two hours of the announcement ‘#KroenkeOut’ was trending on Twitter in Britain.

Arsenal great Ian Wright tweeted: “Incredibly sad day for so many of our fan shareholders that no longer own a part of this club.”

A political campaign group, PMB Sensitisation/Workshop Committee (PMB-SWC), North-Central chapter, says nobody in the country can defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general elections.

Williams Ozi-Raji, Chairman, North-Central zone of PMB-SWC said this on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing journalists on the activities of the group ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Ozi-Raji said the group had concluded plans to carry out sensitisation programmes across states in the zone to ensure the re-election of Buhari.

He described PMB as a man who exhibits zero tolerance for corruption and injustice and whose political will helped in transforming the Nigerian economy.

Within the age bracket of those who have served in government, we do not have anybody that equals PMB in terms of character, credibility among others, he said

According to Ozi-Raji, the group will also work for the election of other contestants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) from ward to the federal level.

In achieving this, a lot has been put on ground structurally because if you do not plan, it simply means you have planned to fail.

We are also to ensure that every Nigerian in the North-Central is properly educated on what PMB has done for Nigerians for him to deserve a second term.

This will be from the ward, local and state level in the North-Central states; the road transport workers, civil servants, the less privileged and the physically challenged will all be carried along, Ozi-Raji said.

He attributed the herdsmen killings across the country to ploy by desperate politicians to discredit the present government and to frustrate the re-election of Buhari in 2019.

The election of Mr President in 2015 was not because some politicians decamped from PDP to APC, but because he was one man who Nigerians felt it was time to do the right thing and they gave him their votes.

Those that defected to APC in 2015 did that because they wanted a situation where they would destabilise the efforts of Mr President and APC.

Now that the opportunity was lost, they thought it was time to return to their original party to carry out their enterprise.

Even if PMB stands alone in APC, the good news is that our votes will count and he will still win the election.

Source: NAN

Barely three months after the fusion of Coalition of Nigerian Movement (CNM) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), a faction pulled out on Tuesday, announcing itself as New African Democratic Congress (N-ADC).

Protem National Chairman of the group, Chief Precious Elekima, made the announcement at a news conference in Abuja.

He said that the group withdrew from ADC because it did not want to be a party in Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), explaining that ADC leadership joined the alliance without consulting stakeholders.

Elekima said that the formation of the group was to keep alive the mission of ADC to free Nigeria from backwardness, which the party (ADC) wanted to truncate by joining the coalition.

He recalled that CNM, which he claimed now had no fewer than five million members across the country, was formed after the publication of the famous open letter by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in January, 2018.

He said that by joining the alliance, the ADC defied the clarion call by Obasanjo for the rejection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).

Elekima said that without collecting any money from the former president or any of his associates, Nigerians organised themselves from the wards to state level, toiled and sacrificed towards salvaging the country.

On May 10, without any form of consultation with the components of the federation, that is the states, the teeming members of CNM fused into ADC as the third-force with the mandate to salvage Nigerians from oppressive leadership.

These teeming Nigerians believed in the good intentions as set out in the clarion call so meekly embraced by the ADC.

They gave flesh and blood to the ADC, reinvigorated and rebranded it to aspire as the third-force in the political landscape of the country.

This again, they did without any sponsorship from the former president or his associates. They invested their time and resources to building the ADC whose star was on the rise.

Suddenly, without any consultation with the party chairmen and stakeholders in the 36 states and Abuja, the ADC was taken into a place for unholy intimacy with the PDP.

As if that was a small matter, defectors from the APC were also called in to take part in this unholy political orgy clothed as Memorandum of Understanding for the CUPP on July 16.

The N-ADC chairman said that with respect to Obasanjo, Nigerians and the international community were not being informed about cleansing in APC and PDP, to certify fit for ADC to be in alliance with them.

According to him, Nigerians cannot be fooled as ADC has become just another vehicle for recirculation of the people that were common problem of the nation.

Since majority of the members in the ADC never set out to deceive Nigerians, it has become necessary for the sake of these innocent members and the hope held for Nigerians that we step out of the ADC.

It has become necessary to step out with the mission and mandate of the clarion call and leave behind those leaders who for reasons best known to them have become like those in APC and PDP.

We are, therefore, happy and proud to announce that these gallant Nigerians who believe in the Third-Force for Nigerians have now constituted themselves out from the former ADC as the NewADC.

We call on members of ADC nationwide, the CNM and all progressives to rally round the N-ADC as we set out on a mission to free Nigerians from their slave masters, he said.

Elekima, who was Coordinator of CNM in Rivers, apologised to Nigerians, saying that his group was not part of decision to join CUPP.

He disclosed that the factional group had already written the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to notify it of the formation of N-ADC, with temporary National Secretariat in Maitama, Abuja.

This, he said, was important in order to meet up INECs time table for 2019 general elections.

We will come out with a decision that will be all-embracing and will create a path way for Nigerians to follow.

Reacting to the development, National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Chief Anayo Arinze, said that Elekima was not a card-carrying member of ADC, and could therefore, not form faction of the party.

Arinze added that Elekima and his group could not be consulted on the partys decision because they were not members of ADC.

Should we go about the streets and be consulting people who are not our members before we make decision as a party? he asked.

Source: NAN

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has exonerated the Nigeria Police Force from the Tuesdays blockade of the National Assembly (NASS) by security operatives.

Idris stated this after a closed door meeting with the acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

He said the blockade of the NASS complex was a surprise to him, adding that the police would soon issue a statement on the incident.

Obviously, like I said, I have not got a detailed brief on that. So, when I get the brief, in fact we are going to issue a (press) release, he said.

Osinbajo had on Tuesday sacked the Director General, Department of State Service, Lawal Daura with immediate effect, over the invasion of the premises of the National Assembly.

Osinbajo condemned the unauthorized takeover of the National Assembly complex, describing it as a gross violation of constitutional order, rule of law and all acceptable notions of law and order.

He maintained that the unlawful act which was done without the knowledge of the Presidency is condemnable and completely unacceptable.

The acting President assured Nigerians that all persons within the law enforcement apparatus who participated in this travesty would be identified and subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.

The sacked DSS boss had earlier met behind closed door with the acting president with the IGP Idris and the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, in attendance.

In a statement later on Tuesday, by acting deputy commissioner, Jimoh Moshood, the police categorically denied the involvement of their men in the blockade at the assembly.

The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically state that its personnel was not involved in any way whatsoever in the blockade of the National Assembly in the early hours of today, 7th August, 2018.

The Force was not informed and has no pre-knowledge of the blockade.

The Nigeria Police Force hereby implores the Media and the general Public to disregard in entirety insinuations that Police personnel were involved in the blockade as untrue, misleading and a misinformation.

The Nigeria Police Force will continue to ensure that the rule of law prevails, sustain unflinching respect, support and protection of all constituent authorities and democratic institutions in the Country, while maintaining law and order, protection of lives and property Nationwide.

Source: NAN

The Northern Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly (NLSA) has described as `destructive Tuesdays siege on National Assembly by operatives of the Department of Security Services (DSS).

Dr Umar Ardo, Secretary, NLSA, in a statement in Abuja, said the National Assembly incident constituted a huge threat to Nigerias democracy.

He urged the leadership of the National Assembly to as a matter of urgency reconvene and summon the leadership of the executive to explain the DSS action.

Ardo said that disciplinary actions should be applied where necessary as provided for by the constitution.

He said that the position of NLSA was that all Nigerians should protect the nations democracy.

Meanwhile, Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had in a swift reaction, sacked the Lawal Daura, the Director-General, DSS over the unathorised blockage on the National Assembly.

Osinbajo directed him to hand over to the most senior director in the services.

Source: NAN

Mr. Matthew B. Seiyefa has been appointed the Acting D-G of the Department of State Services.

The appointment followed the sacking today of the former D-G, Lawal Daura, by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo. He was ordered to hand over to the most senior official of the agency.

Seiyefa, from Bayelsa state is the most senior Director in the DSS. A Twitter post by the PresidencyNigeria said he will act as Director-General until further notice.

Osinbajo described the blockade asa gross violation of constitutional order, rule of law and all accepted notions of law and order.

According to him, the unlawful act which was done without the knowledge of the Presidency is condemnable and completely unacceptable.

Professor Osinbajo assured Nigerians that all persons within the law enforcement apparatus who participated in this travesty will be identified and subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.

Daura, born 5 August 1953, was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on 2 July 2015, following the dismissal of his predecessor Ita Ekpeyong.

He once worked in the service and retired.

Seiyefa, Dauras successor had earlier served as the Director of the Institute of Security Studies (ISS), before he was transferred to the DSS headquarters.

He met with Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He arrived the Presidential Villa in an official SUV at4pm, clutching a file and was received at the entrance by the ADC to the Acting President.

With about 34 years of experience, Seiyefa had served in different capacities, including State Director in Osun, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos states.

Seiyefa is also a member of the National Institute.

Source: NAN

The British Government has said that it is closely monitoring political developments in Nigeria following reports of blockade of National Assembly entrance by officials of the Department of State Service (DSS).

The British Government made this known in a statement from its High Commission in Abuja on Tuesday.

Operatives of the DSS took over the gates of the Assembly as early as 7 a.m. on Tuesday and reportedly prevented some lawmakers from entering the complex.

The officials also reportedly claimed to be acting on orders.

The UK Government, however, stated that it was aware of media reports of the situation at the National Assembly this morning.

We are closely monitoring the situation and other political developments in Nigeria.

The United Kingdom supports a process whereby the people of Nigeria can exercise their democratic rights to vote and be voted for.

It declared its unwavering support for a free, fair, credible and peaceful process and the independence of institutions, which allow for that.

Political leaders have condemned the incident, while officials of the DSS had since left the Assembly complex, following the immediate sack of Director-General of the agency by the Federal Government.

Source: NAN

Food vendors on Tuesday took advantage of the barricade of the National Assembly entrance by security operatives to make brisk business.

Newsmen, the assembly workers and other Nigerians, who were barred from entering the assembly complex, resorted to the vendors for food as they waited at the entrance.

Security operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) had as early as 7 a.m., barricaded the entrance to the complex, denying some lawmakers, journalists and staff of the assembly, access into the premises.

The lawmakers were later, at about 9 a.m., allowed into the premises, but newsmen, assembly workers, including Clerk of the National Assembly,Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Omolorin,and other Nigerians, continued to be barred from entry.

The entrance of the assembly where the barred persons gathered was littered with bottles of water and soft drinks, groundnut peels, and used food packs among others.

One of the vendors, Mrs Hauwa Ismaila, said that the development at the assembly entrance was unusual, but had however, made her to make business and gain.

She said today is better than other days. My food is almost finished.

Another vendor, who pleaded anonymity, said my buns is finished. I thank God.

Source: NAN

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yussuff Lasun said the meeting of the leadership of the National Assembly(NASS) scheduled for Tuesday afternoon has been cancelled, blaming the security situation at the legislative building.

The Punch quoted Lasun as saying that the meeting was no longer feasible because of the tense situation at the National Assembly.

A meeting cannot be held under this kind of atmosphere.

It is unfortunate that this is happening; because when the parliament is under siege, democracy is under siege, Lasun was reported to have said.

Lasun arrived the National Assembly a few minutes to 12pm, the time fixed for the meeting. He said he came to attend the meeting.

Operatives of the Department of State Services, who had locked down the National Assembly since 6am, allowed him to drive into the complex.

But, he soon drove out again after meeting briefly with the senators and members keeping vigil at the lobby of the White House.

Lasun said he had been in touch with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; and the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara.

Source: NAN

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday summoned the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and the Director-General of the Department of State Security, Malam Lawan Daura at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the two security chiefs, who arrived Aso Rock at different times, were to update the acting president on security developments including the blockade of the National Assembly by security officials.

The Inspector-General of Police was the first to arrive at about 12.35 p.m before the arrival of the DSS Director General at about 1.15p.m.

The Police and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) had on Tuesday, blocked the main gate of the National Assembly, preventing lawmakers and staff from gaining access into the complex.

The security operatives, however, later allowed the lawmakers access into the complex while journalists and other staff were barred.

Source: NAN