Aledare (R) presenting his letter to contest the Kogi state assembly election for Kabba-Bunu constituencyHon Akinwale Samuel Aledare has formally declared to run for election to represent Kabba/Bunu constituency in the Kogi state House of Assembly under the platform of the PDP.

Aledare who has formally presented his letter of intent to the Kabba/Bunu PDP local government secretariat, was greeted with mini jubilation from members of the constituency.

The PDP Chairman in the Local Government, Mr Johnson Abejirin commended the young politician for the bold step taken to run for the position.

Johnson who expressed satisfaction with the ability of Aledare to run for the office, said that he would have presented the aspirant himself but for the position he holds in the party.

He said that the aspirant was a known loyal party member whose antecedents spoke very well for him.

On his part, Aledare popularly known as A.S.A thanked the executives of the party for giving him the opportunity to be part of the loyal party members.

He further applauded them for their loyalty in remaining steadfast even while the party went through its turbulent crisis.

He assured the executives as well as members of the constituency that he would not disappoint them, stressing that he would work more tirelessly to deliver on the dividends of democracy.

He pledged to make Kabba/Bunu constituency great again, adding that he would revisit the issue of legislative oversight functions.

He promised to focus on education, empowerment and other constituency project, adding that he will never decamp to any other party.

On his part, the Youth Leader of the party in the local government, Kayode Eseyin promised to support the cabdidature of Aledare while calling on other party members to do same.

He thanked him for donating the big industrial OX standing fan to the secretariat saying he who is faithful in little will be faithful in plenty.

Source: NAN

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday attended 2018 Greater Pastors Conference in Ibadan and emphasised that Nigeria has bright future.

Osinbajo, who is a member of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), said the country would be great again in spite of challenges facing it.

He urged Nigerians to assist leaders and the administration with prayers, saying the country would soon be one of the greatest countries in the world.

On the outcome of the conference, the vice president said it was a family meeting where pastoral and national issues were discussed.

According to him, issues on restructuring and security are among what the pastors deliberated upon at the conference.

He said pastors felt that state police was one of those ideas that could further enhance security of lives and property in the country.

He added that the idea for state police and for states to control their resources was good but opined that states should be able to generate more income.

State governments should make sure that taxes are paid, look at other ways Internally Generated Revenue can be improved and sustained, as well as exercise greater freedom with respect to various aspects of economy, he advised.

The Chairman of PFN in Oyo State, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun assured the present administration of support through fervent prayers.

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to aggressively look into the issues of security and other challenges facing the nation.

Adelakun, who is the presiding bishop of Victory International Church, cautioned government against the idea of borrowing to finance the nations economy.

Dignitaries at the conference were Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and his Deputy, Mr Michael Adeyemo.

Others were Kayode Abiara, Rev. Abayomi Kasali, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, Bishop Stephen Kehinde, among others

Source: NAN

Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has promised to pay the medical bills of victims of Thursdays robbery in Offa, headquarters of Offa Local Government Area.

Ahmed made the promise when he visited the victims at the General Hospital in Ilorin on Friday.

The governor had earlier ordered that the victims be relocated to Ilorin from Offa for adequate treatment.

He also directed that medical experts be mobilised from other states to Ilorin so as to give the victims prompt treatment and support.

Ahmed, who went round the wards to meet with the victims, described the incident as unfortunate.

He commiserated with families who lost loved ones andalso prayed to God to grant the injured victims quick recovery.

We will take care of all their hospital bills, we must begin to watch each others back.

The job of policing is everybodys job.When we see strange people in our communities, we must learn to report to appropriate security agencies.

Activities like this took sometimes in planning and execution, Ahmed said.

The governor also stressed the need for community policing, maintaining that the police would work efficiently if they have information.

He reiterated his governments support to strengthen the security agencies in the state, especially in the area of logistics.

Ahmed noted that there is a huge problem of financing in the country, but pledged that his government would work around it because the situation was now becoming precarious.

He maintained that his government would not allow the lives of the citizens to be on the line again.

The governor also inspected the stadium complex which was damaged in Tuesdays downpour.

He promised that his government would prioritise the repair of the affected parts of the stadium.

Ahmed also promised that work would start at the Indoor Sports Hall of the stadium complex as soon as funds were available.

A gang of robbers on Thursday raided some commercial banks in Offa, Kwara, killing some policemen and residents as well as carting away an undisclosed amount of cash in the process.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reported that the heavily armed hoodlums attacked the Owode Police Station in the metropolis where they killed the policemen and some complainants before they raided the banks.

Sources said some customers who were transacting businesses in the banks were also killed in the incident which was said to have lasted one hour.

The robbers, according to eye witnesses, entered the town at about 4:45 pm and operated till about 5:40 pm unchallenged after blocking the Ilorin and Osogbo entrances into the town.

They were said to have later made their escape through Igosun, a nearby community.

Among those said to have been killed by the armed robbers were a police officer who was expected to retire in the next few months and a pregnant police woman.

The 15 bandits, according to sources, came in different vehicles while they stationed themselves at strategic locations within the town while the operation lasted.

They were also said to have snatched some motorcycles to aid their escape.

NAN further learnt that the injured were conveyed to the General Hospital, Offa, for treatment while the corpses of the deceased have been evacuated.

Offa in the past had witnessed several attacks on banks leading to the closure of some branches in the highly commercial community which houses the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.

Source: NAN

Skripal, 66, who as a colonel in Russian military intelligence betrayed dozens of agents to Britains foreign spy service, was found unconscious on a bench in the city of Salisbury along with his daughter Yulia on March 4. He and daughter had been poisoned with a nerve agent Novichok.

Britain blamed Russia for the poisoning, the first known offensive use of such a nerve agent on European soil since World War Two. Moscow denied any involvement and suggested Britain had carried out the attack to stoke anti-Russian hysteria.

After weeks of no reported change in his condition, the hospital confirmed that Skripal, who had been treated under heavy sedation, was now making fast progress.

He is responding well to treatment, improving rapidly and is no longer in a critical condition, Christine Blanshard, Medical Director at Salisbury District Hospital, said in a statement.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the Skripals were poisoned with Novichok, a deadly group of nerve agents developed by the Soviet military in the 1970s and 1980s.

Russia has said it does not have such nerve agents and President Vladimir Putin dismissed as nonsense the notion that Moscow would have poisoned Skripal and his 33-year-old daughter.

The attack prompted the biggest Western expulsion of Russian diplomats since the Cold War as allies in Europe and the United States sided with Mays view that Moscow was either responsible or had lost control of the nerve agent.

Moscow has hit back by expelling Western diplomats, questioning how Britain knows that Russia was responsible and offering its rival interpretations, including that it amounted to a plot by British secret services.

Skripals improvement marks the latest twist in an affair that British and Russian diplomats have variously compared with Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie mysteries.

Doctors had initially feared that the Skripals might have suffered permanent brain damage. A British judge said last month that the attack might have left them with compromised mental capacity, with an unclear effect on their long-term health.

The hospital did not say whether either Sergei or Yulia would suffer long term effects. Britains foreign office welcomed the improvement in the Skripals but said they were likely to have ongoing medical needs.

One toxicologist said recovery in such cases was possible. We know that nerve agents cause a temporary but potentially lengthy effect on the brain and nervous system. What we also know however, is that with time the body clears the nerve agent away, Chris Morris, a doctor at Newcastle Universitys Medical Toxicology Centre, said in a statement.

If the correct treatment is given quickly and the right support provided, then recovery is typically very good.

Yulias health has also improved rapidly. On Thursday, she issued a statement through British police to thank hospital staff and people who came to her help when when my father and I were incapacitated.

Russian state television reported that Yulia had phoned her cousin in Russia and told her that she and her father were both recovering and that she expected to leave hospital soon. Their recovery could ultimately help British counter-terrorism police piece together how they were attacked.

British authorities have denied the cousin, Viktoria Skripal, a visa to visit the patients, the Home Office (interior ministry) said on Friday. Victoria Skripal told Sky News that the British must have something to hide after the decision.

Both Moscow and London have accused each other of trying to deceive the world with an array of claims, counter-claims and threats.

In a separate announcement, the United States imposed major sanctions on Friday against 24 Russians in one of Washingtons most aggressive moves to punish Moscow for what it called a range of malign activity, including alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.

At a session of the executive of the global chemical weapons watchdog this week, Russia called for a joint inquiry into the poisoning of the Skripals, but lost a vote on the motion.

At a United Nation Security Council meeting on Thursday, Russia warned Britain that youre playing with fire and youll be sorry over its accusations.

Sergei Skripal, who was recruited by Britains MI6, was arrested for treason in Moscow in 2004. He ended up in Britain after being swapped in 2010 for Russian spies caught in the United States.

Since emerging from the John le Carre world of high espionage and betrayal, Skripal lived modestly in Salisbury and kept out of the spotlight until he was found poisoned.

British police believe a nerve agent was left on the front door of his home. Skripals cat was put down by British authorities. His guinea pigs were discovered dead.

When a vet was able to access the property, two guinea pigs had sadly died, a British government spokeswoman said.

A cat was also found in a distressed state and a decision was taken by a veterinary surgeon to euthanise the animal to alleviate its suffering, the spokeswoman said.

Source: NAN

The military has confirmed that troops killed five Boko Haram insurgents in a gun battle at Barkin-Dutse area of Adamawa.

Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, the Director, Army Public Relations, said on Saturday that troops engaged and killed the insurgents following a distressed call by hunters on Friday.

Troops of operation LAFIYA DOLE on April 6 neutralized suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Barkin Dutse area of Adamawa State following a distress call from hunters.

The terrorists on sighting the troops opened fire which resulted in exchange of fire.

Five Boko Haram terrorists were neutralized while some of them escaped into nearby caves during the encounter. Also, one hunter lost his life during the operation.

Chukwu disclosed that the troops recovered five AK 47 rifles, five magazines and 22 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition.

He added that the troops were in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, and called on the people to report any suspicious movements in their area to security agencies.

Meanwhile, two suspected insurgents have been arrested in Bauchi and Borno States.

Chukwu said that troops of 33 Artillery Brigade on April 5 arrested one, Saidu Hamidu Jenga, 33, along Maiduguri Bye Pass Road, Bauchi, in connection with Boko Haram activities.

He revealed that the suspect was allegedly overheard discussing movement of arms and ammunition on phone.

Items recovered include one techno phone with two SIM cards as well as N6, 870 cash, he said.

Chukwu added that troops of operation LAFIYA DOLE also arrested one, Umar Ali, 59; a suspected Boko Haram insurgents at Galdimare ward in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.

He explained that the suspect, who hailed from Miringa village of Biu, was accused of participating in Boko Haram activities in the area. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Rangers International Football Club of Enugu pummelled Desert Stars of Yobe 3-0 in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 15 played in Enugu.

The victory was a huge birthday present to the teams General Manager, Davison Owumi, who turns 58 today.

Ajani Ibrahim brace in 23rd and 43rd minute and Bright Silas 85th minute goals ensured the flying antelopes put smiles on the faces of the General Manager and supporters.

Speaking after the match, Rangers coach Ogunbote said that he was happy with the three points, saying it would add value to their standing in the league.

The players did well because they applied what we taught them in training; five goals in two matches is a good sign that the players are getting there.

Each game comes with its tactics and plan and it worked out for us today and we are going to keep doing our best to ensure we always get it right all the time, he said.

Yobe Stars Technical Adviser, Baba Ganaru said that the game lived up to its billing.

We learn new lessons in football and learning is till death so we accept defeat and we are going home to prepare for our next match.

The players did well but we lost to some tactical reasons and maybe the long distance we applied affected us as well.

I do not like to speak on officiating but the second goal is offside but so be it, because that is part of the game, he said.

The visiting team goalkeeper, Itodo Akor who was former Rangers goalkeeper said that he was disappointed for losing the match.

I always like to be on the winning side be it against Rangers or another club, so in this case losing to my former club is not the bone of contention, we planned at worst to get a draw because our first target is to shock the flying antelopes before their fans, Akor said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akor left Rangers last year after serving them for years and was part of the club winning team in the 2015/2016 season.

NAN also reports that Akor was second goalkeepers to Nana Bonsu who manned the post for the home team. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Arsenal took a giant step towards reaching the Europa League semi-finals after a 4-1 rout of CSKA Moscow and Atletico Madrid did the same with a 2-0 home win over Sporting Lisbon on Thursday.

Lazio also stayed on course to progress after an action-packed 4-2 home win over Salzburg in their quarter-final first leg and upstarts RB Leipzig will head to Olympique de Marseille with a 1-0 advantage.

Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey and France striker Alexandre Lacazette scored two goals each in a blistering first half for Arsenal, cancelling out a superb free kick by CSKAs Aleksandr Golovin at the Emirates stadium.

Germany forward Mesut Ozil also shone as he dished out assists effortlessly, with Arsenals crisp one-touch passing repeatedly carving open a cumbersome Russian defence.

Ramsey, who had a goal disallowed early on, hit the woodwork in the second half and CSKA keeper Igor Akinfeev made several saves to spare the visitors from a heavier defeat.

Atletico, Europa League winners in 2012, extended their winning home streak in all competitions to nine games after Koke scored inside the opening 30 seconds and Antoine Griezmann added the second shortly before half-time.

Lazio ended Salzburgs 35-game unbeaten run stretching back to August after the visiting Austrian side twice drew level but were undone by quickfire late goals from Felipe Anderson and Ciro Immobile.

Germanys Leipzig, playing in European competition for the first time, put themselves in a good position to progress after a Timo Werner goal on the stroke of halftime sank Marseille.

Source: NAN

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of All Progressives Congress (APC) would take final decision Monday on tenure elongation for national and state executives of the party.

The National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said on Wednesday in Abuja at the end of a three-hour meeting between the governors and the National Working Committee (NWC).

The party had on Tuesday, constituted a 10-member technical committee headed by Gov. Simon Dalung of Plateau to work out the way forward on the tenure issue.

This followed President Muhammadu Buharis recent opposition to NECs approval of tenure extension for the NWC and all executive committees of the party at all levels across the country, made at its meeting on Feb. 27.

Buhari had said at another meeting of NEC in Abuja on March 26 that the NWCs tenure extension decision was illegal and unconstitutional.

The NEC had extended the tenure of the Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC and other executive committees by one year, starting from June.

The president had explained that the decision was causing acrimony within the party, with some members not comfortable with the matter, dragging the party to court.

The Governors and the NWC of our party decided to sit and look at the issues that were seemingly dividing us.

I want to say to you with absolute satisfaction and pride that all the issues that you have been commenting on has been completely and totally resolved, Odigie-Oyegun said.

He said that the technical committee constituted to look into the issue would submit its report latest on Thursday to enable the NEC to look at it.

The Chairman of the technical committee has reported that his report will be ready latest this evening or by the very most, early tomorrow morning.
This report will be placed before NEC on Monday and appropriate decision will be taken and thereafter, we shall announce to you the further steps we are going to be take, he said.

The chairman, however, added that the partys next steps would depend on its NEC considering on the committees recommendation.

He assured that the APC was back as one united and focused party, strongly behind Buhari and its executives across in the states.

Commenting on the issue, the partys National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdulahi, told newsmen that final decision on the tenure extension issue was with the partys NEC.

It is left for the NEC to decide, and if the committee recommends that the position of NEC should be maintained, then there will be no need for an elective convention.

Then, the president and those who are concerned that the decision we have taken is correct or not, will have more confidence in the position of the party.

The APC spokesman, however, said that if the technical committee recommended that congresses should be held, the partys NEC would consider that.

Governors elected on APC platform, had at a meeting with Buhari on Tuesday unanimously agreed that the party should hold a congress to settle the extension issue and others. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, said it would resist any attempt to discredit Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.

President-General of the group, Chief Nnia Nwodo, in a statement on Thursday, in Enugu, said it was preposterous for the Federal Government to be carrying out unwarranted inquisition into Ekweremadus life.

He said that the allegation that Ekweremadu, the highest ranking Igbo politician in the country, embezzled public funds without any prima facie case was inappropriate.

Nwodo stated that the idea of asking the Senator to defend himself instead of his accusers showing how he fraudulently enriched himself, amounted to turning the law upside down.

He observed that Ekweremadu was a revered Igbo son and had attracted a lot of development to his area without any previous accusation of embezzlement.

Sen. Ekweremadu is a revered Igbo son whose public image is very high and who has attracted a lot of development to his area; he has never occupied any public office where he was accused of embezzlement.

The president-general queried the system of investigation where one was tried for simply belonging to a political party and is exonerated of an offence he committed for belonging to a political party or being in government.

He cited examples of former and serving military officers who had been let off the hook either through plea bargain or for just changing from one political party to another.

He also said that a former governor of Enugu State whose property was under investigation was now dining with the Head of State after dumping his former party for the ruling party.

Nwodo warned that the apex Igbo group would no longer fold it arms while Igbo sons were being systematically singled out for persecution in a country they had contributed so much to build.

He observed that the cautionary statement by Ekweremadu had been and was still being echoed by many prominent Nigerians and wondered why his case would be different.

He said that it was such selective justice and marginalization of Ndigbo that fuelled agitations by their young ones for self-determination, adding that restructuring was a first step toward assuaging the situation.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Mr. Julius Maada Bio, on his victory as the new President of Sierra Leone.

Bio was sworn-in early on Thursday after he was announced on Wednesday as the winner of the presidential election run-off which held on March 31.

According to Mr. Femi Adesina, the Senior Special Assistant to President on Media and Publicity, President commends the people of Sierra Leone on the successful conduct of the presidential election run-off as well as the parliamentary and local council elections held on March 7, 2018.

With the elections concluded and following the trend of recently held peaceful elections in West Africa, President Buhari urged all stakeholders in Sierra Leone to work together for the peace, security and development of the country.

He enjoined all those with grievances on the outcome of the elections to seek constitutional means of resolving them.

He stressed that nothing should be done to endanger the peace and stability of the country in particular and the sub-region in general.

The Nigerian leader salutes the resilient spirit of Sierra Leoneans, who have clearly demonstrated their ability to manage their own affairs and consolidate on the countrys progress after a post-conflict era.

The President also commends the immediate past president, Ernest Bai Koroma, for his commitment to a credible electoral process and spirited efforts at bringing stability and positive changes to the nation during his presidency.

President Buhari looks forward to working with President Bio for the growth, prosperity and stability of their nations, and West Africa.

Source: NAN