President Vladimir Putin said that Russia and OPEC biggest producer, Saudi Arabia had agreed to renew a pact on oil production cuts, as crude prices slump on global markets.

Following talks at a G20 summit with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Putin said on Saturday the worlds two biggest exporters of crude have agreed to extend our agreement.

There was no immediate word from the Saudis, but financial markets have been expecting the deal to be renewed between the kingdom and non-OPEC member Russia as the cartel prepares to meet next week in Vienna.

Russia has for years been cooperating with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), helping to engineer a rebound after a 2014 oil price slump.

But since reaching four-year highs in October, oil prices have plunged around 30 percent as worries about falling demand in a slowing world economy have taken their toll.

We are going to work together with Saudi Arabia, Putin said in Buenos Aires, ahead of the Vienna talks.

We are going to survey together the market situation with Saudi Arabia and respond to it operationally, he said.

On Thursday, the price of New York crude ducked below $50 per barrel for the first time in almost 14 months.

The contract closed the week Friday down 52 cents at $50.93 per barrel.

Source: NAN

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, has given old politicians up to 2023 to retire from politics and give room for younger ones.

The Council urged the old politicians to rather give room to their children and grandchildren to participate in elections.

The Deputy President of NYCN, Amb. Innocent Nduanya, gave the advice in an interview which held at the ongoing National Youth and Merit award summit in Abuja.

Nduanya noted that money politics was the major challenge facing the nation and the menace had prevented the youths who make up to 80 per cent of the population from active politics.

He added that the high cost of nomination forms, campaigns and most recently, the problem of vote buying have further compound the problems of the youths.

Nduanya said that NYCN under the leadership of their President Bello Shagari has set up machineries capable of changing the current trend and narratives in the country.

NYCN has embark on a campaign to sensitise and encouraging the youths to consider themselves as critical stakeholders in governance of the country and they should therefore contest all elective positions.

The council would provide the necessary support and logistics to the electorate in favour of any youth aspirant; we cannot afford to be left out from the global trend where youths are taking over leadership positions in their respective countries.

If the major political parties continue to gang up and deny qualified youths from contesting on their platforms by way of imposing exorbitant nomination fee, then NYCN may register a political party to provide an alternative platform for the teeming youths to achieve their ambition, Nduanya said.

Source: NAN

Britains heavyweight boxing fighter Tyson Fury endured two brutal knockdowns by WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder to earn a controversial draw with his American opponent.

In one of the most thrilling heavyweight contests for years, the Briton was floored in the ninth round and brutally dropped in the 12th, somehow regaining his feet to survive for two minutes, the BBC reported.

Fury had shown plenty of the evasive, counter-punching skill set which made his name before his 30-month spell away from the sport and he enjoyed joy during the middle rounds at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

But in the 12th he lay motionless after a savage combination, barely making the count to see out the contest.

Wilder thought he had won, after 36 minutes of a thrilling boxing action. But the judges shocked him by their decisions.

In assessments that drew derisions on Twitter, Judge Alejandro Rochin of the United States scored the fight 115-111 in favor of Wilder, judge Robert Tapper of Canada scored it 114-112 in favor of Fury and judge Phil Edward of England scored it a 113-113 draw.

This decision is a joke, Alejandro Rochin better never work another day in his life again in boxing, Showtime boxing analyst Paulie Malignaggi said after the bout.

I cant tell you why the result is way it is. I dont even know what to tell you, Rochin added.

Both Wilder and Fury spoke of a rematch after the encounter, meaning Anthony Joshua will have to wait.

Source: NAN

The U.S. military said it killed nine militants in an air strike targeting al Shabaab in Lebede, Somalia, as part of its operations to support the governments efforts to weaken the militant group.

The militarys Africa Command (Africom) said the strike was carried out on Friday. We currently assess this airstrike killed nine militants with no civilians involved, Africom said in a statement late on Saturday.

The United States carries out periodic air strikes in Somalia in support of a U.N.-backed government there, which has been fighting against an al-Shabaab insurgency for years.

Source: NAN

The match between the Argentine arch-rivals has been moved to Real Madrids Santiago Bernabeu stadium after it was twice postponed last weekend after River Plate fans attacked the Boca Juniors team bus.

The game is due to be played in the Spanish capital on December 9, but River Plate said they confirmed their rejection of the change of location.

In a statement on the clubs website, River said it was incomprehensible that the game had been moved to Spain.

River said the club bore no responsibility for the faults in the security operation for the high profile fixture in Buenos Aires.

It is incomprehensible that the superclasico cannot take place as normal in the same country where a G20 summit is currently taking place, the club added.

World leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, are attending the G20 summit in the Argentine capital this weekend.

The club believes this decision demeans the competition, prejudices those who have bought tickets and makes it unfair, River continued.

Several hours before River put out their statement, Boca Juniors said they were going to appeal against the decision to move the match to Madrid to the South American football federation CONMEBOL, and eventually to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Several Boca Juniors players including Pablo Perez needed hospital treatment for injuries caused by shards of glass and others complained about the effects of inhaling teargas in the attack last Saturday.

Boca then refused to play the match and it was postponed 24 hours, only to then be called off indefinitely the next day.

Boca petitioned CONMEBOL to be awarded the trophy, but that was rejected on Thursday.

CONMEBOL, which is headquartered in Paraguay, decided Argentina was in no state to host such an important match and ordered it played elsewhere, with Real president Florentino Perez jumping on the opportunity and offering use of the Bernabeu for free.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Saturday that idiots ruined the party for everyone at the Copa Libertadores.

I was here last Saturday, Infantino said at a press conference at the G20 summit.

It was a sad moment for everyone. It is a football match. It is not a war, not even a battle.

We have to work to find out who are the people to blame. You have to identify them and get them out (of football), said Infantino.

I hope this does not happen any longer, he said. This story must mark the end of one chapter and the start of a new one.

The FIFA boss believes it is up to CONMEBOL to decide the fate of the final.

They must take a decision, they know all the factors, he said, adding: It has to be played, nothing should stop football.

On social media, the Libertadores, the most prestigious club tournament in South America, has been rechristened the Copa Conquistadores.

But, Infantino insisted that Argentina does not have to feel ashamed over the final being moved to Madrid.

Argentina has to feel energised to change this, to use it for positive change, he said.

Infantino then told AFP the Madrid game would be a festival of South-American football.

Im sad, CONMEBOL had the most difficult job. They suggested Madrid, its an exceptional situation,in exceptional circumstances.

No matter what the decision, ideal or not, any would have its critics. We have to make an effort this game is played in a good atmosphere.

In a sign that despite River and Bocas protests the game will go ahead, several Argentine journalists have posted on Twitter details of where the two teams will train in Madrid next week in the run up to the contentious fixture.

Source: NAN

The All Progressives Congress(APC)has described as sheer scaremongering the latest campaign by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, calling for the resignation of both INEC and police bosses.

The APC in a statement by its publicity secretary Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said the PDP suspicions about the two officials are bsseless.

We are amused by the latest utterances of the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus calling on both the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim to resign on account of the PDPs baseless suspicions ahead of the 2019 General Elections.

It is a pity that the once boisterous PDP, having undermined the country for 16 years through mindless undemocratic actions, has now become a caricature of a political party.

This latest outburst is yet another reminder of how the PDP government serially abused state institutions in the pursuit of selfish political and economic interests. PDP is now being haunted by its sordid past and the ruinous party is now scampering from its own shadow.

It is sad that the PDP hounds have continued to take Nigerians for granted, thinking by embarking on scaremongering, the voters could forget their wanton crimes.

Nigerians are not gullible, it is now apparent that the PDP in a bid to hide their inadequacies and undesirability as elections approaches has chosen to populate the public space with unfounded allegations.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to stand for and would defend a participatory democracy where elections are transparent, credible, free and fair. We also call on relevant agencies to monitor the PDP as its recent utterances are a red flag. We must prevent a reoccurrence of the PDPs typical undemocratic practices during elections. Never again will a selfish few distort the wishes of the electorate.

Source: NAN

The Federal Government has ordered Vice Chancellors to enforce no-work-no-pay rule where lecturers belonging to Academic Staff Union of Universities, are on strike.

According to The Nation, the directive was said to have been communicated to the universities in a memo sent by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) through the vice chancellors.

The memo was signed by Director Research Information and Technology of NUC, Dr S.B Ramon-Yusuf.

It said that payment of salaries from any other sources will be viewed as a violation of extant rules and government directive.

In view of the current Industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the federal government has directed that there shall be no payment of any form of salaries and allowances to the staff on strike in federal and inter-varsity centres.

Consequently, I am to direct Vice-Chancellors to apply the No-work-no-pay rule.

However, universities and inter-varsity centres are to pay salaries and allowances to non-teaching staff. All Vice Chancellors and Directors of centres should note that the salaries to staff on strike from whatever source of funds shall be viewed as violation of extant rules and directive of the federal government of Nigeria.

The Chairman University of Ibadan Chapter of ASUU, Dr Deji Omole, described the FG as shameless for owing lecturers seven years of unpaid earned academic allowances and still want them to continue to work for free while the Presidency and the National Assembly feed fat on the wealth of the nation.

He said it is sad that a government that prides itself as having integrity has shamefully shown it lacks integrity by failing to honour agreements reached with the union but resulted to harassment and intimidation of our members on a patriotic struggle to save public education in Nigeria.

Omole said the directive will add fuel to the struggle as academic staff have resolved to get proper education for the children of the masses.

According to Omole, the military government tried unsuccessfully to intimidate the collective will of Nigerian masses, adding that members of the union have resolved to fight for the future of the country.

He said: We have passed this road before. It is a familiar terrain which we can navigate with our eyes closed.

We shall triumph any attempt to destroy the common patrimony. The power of the people is stronger than the people in power.

Source: NAN

Egypt has requested for ten Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States at an estimated cost of $1 billion.

According to The possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) was approved by the US State Department on 27 November, with the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivering the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sale.

In addition to the ten Apaches, Egypt has requested to buy 24 1700-GE-701D engines, 12 Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sights/Pilot Night Vision Sensors (M-TADS/PNVS), 24 Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS) with Inertial Navigation System (INS) (EGI) (20 installed, 4 spares), 24 M299 Hellfire missile launchers, 135 Hellfire missiles, five M36E9 Captive Air Training Missile (CATM) AGM-114R, and 12 AAR-57 (V) Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS).

Also included are M230 30mm Automatic Guns, AVR-2 B Laser Detecting Sets, AN/ARC 201E Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), AN/APR- 39D Radar Warning Receivers, AN/AVS-6 Night Vision Goggles, and AN/ASN Doppler Radar Systems. Also included in the request are communication and electronic equipment, training, spares and documents.

Egypt intends to expand its existing fleet of multi-mission heavy attack helicopters to address US-Egyptian interest in countering terrorist activities emanating from the Sinai Peninsula that undermine regional stability. This sale will contribute to Egypts military goal to update its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between Egypt, the US, and other allies, the DSCA said.

The DSCA added that the Apache notice is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

Egypt is a big user of the Apache, with 46 AH-64Ds in service. The new helicopters will join the Egyptian Air Forces Kamov Ka-52s, of which Egypt has 46 on order. So far, around 34 Ka-52s have been delivered. Egypt has been keen to diversify its procurement sources since the 2013-2014 temporary freeze in weapons deliveries from the United States following a military coup.

Source: NAN

The Atiku Abubakar campaign may soon be rent in confusion with Babel of voices speaking for it.

Atikus party, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now has eight persons as spokespersons, according to the national publicity secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, who is one of them.

Others are Buba Galadima, Akin Osuntokun, Osita Chidoka, Nnenna Ukeje, Segun Sowunmi, Kazeem Afegbua and Umar Sanni.

Dino Melaye, who had hurriedly advertised himself as the sole voice of the campaign, was named the eighth spokesperson.

According to a PUNCH report, the eight names were arrived at after a heated argument among the members of the council, a majority of whom were said to have what a source called vested interests.

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Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended hands of fellowship to those seeking to divide the country through religion, insisting that Christians and Muslims can flourish together.

He warned against the playing politics with religion.

As our constitution codifies, politicising religion has no place in Nigeria; for it makes us turn away from one another; it makes us retreat into our communities and walk different paths.

I believe that there is a better way. To those who seek to divide, I still hold my hand out in brotherhood and forgiveness.

I ask only that they stop, and instead encourage us to turn towards one another in love and compassion. Nigeria belongs to all of us. This is what I believe.

Buhari stated this in an opinion article which featured on Friday on Church Times, UKs largest Anglican newspaper.

According to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, President Buhari, in the article, referenced a Biblical verse and stressed that Christians and Muslims share the same root even though their beliefs differ.

In 1844, the Revd Samuel Ajayi Crowther returned home to Yoruba land (now part of modern-day Nigeria).

Twenty years earlier, he had been kidnapped and sold to European slave traders who were bound for the Americas.

He was freed by an abolitionist naval patrol, and received by the Church Missionary Society. There, he found his calling.

Crowther made his voyage home to establish the first Anglican mission in Yoruba land. He came with the first Bibles translated into Yoruba and Hausa languages.

He opened dialogue and discussion with those of other faiths. And his mission was a success: Crowther later became the first African Anglican bishop in Africa.

Today, Nigeria has the largest Christian population on the continent. The messages and teachings of Christianity are part of the fabric of each persons life.

Along with the millions of Christians in Nigeria today, I believe in peace, tolerance, and reconciliation; in the institution of the family, the sanctity of marriage, and the honour of fidelity; in hope, compassion, and divine revelation, President Buhari wrote.

Like Bishop Crowther, I am a descendant of Abraham; unlike him, I am a Muslim. I believe our two great religions can not only peacefully coexist but also flourish together. But Muslims and Christians must first turn to one another in compassion. For, as it says in Amos 3.3: Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?

As they are People of the Book, I believe that there is far more that unites Muslims and Christians than divides them. In fact, I believe that the messages of the Bible are universal: available for anyone to exercise, and instructive to all.

We must resist the temptation to retreat into our communities, because, if we do, we can only look inwards. It is only when we mix that we can reach new and greater possibilities.

Whichever religion or religious denomination they choose to follow, Nigerians are devout. Anything that Nigerians believe will place impositions on their practice, and belief is therefore sure to cause widespread alarm.

And, unfortunately, there are those who seek to divide Nigerians and our two great religions and to do so for their own advantage.

I stand accused paradoxically of trying to Islamise Nigeria while also being accused by Boko Haram terrorists of being against Islam.

My Vice-President is a devout man, a Christian pastor. He, too, is accused of selling out his religion, because of his support for me.

This is not the first time that I nor, indeed, my Christian-Muslim evenly split cabinet have been the subject of such nonsense. Fortunately, the facts speak differently from the words of those who seek to divide us from one another.

Since my administration has been in power, Boko Haram has been significantly and fatally degraded; I have befriended church leaders and church groups both within and outside our country; my Vice-President has addressed and opened dialogue with Muslims up and down our land.

In all things, we seek that which all well-meaning Christians and well-meaning Muslims must seek: to unite, respect, and never to divide. Does it not say

There is no compulsion in religion (Quran 2.256)? Does it not say Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us (Luke 9.50)? This, surely, is the path that followers of both our two great religions must walk.

UNFORTUNATELY, those who wish us all to walk apart have recently found another focus for their efforts: the tragic clashes between nomadic herdsmen and settled farmers in the central regions of Nigeria.

For generations, herders have driven their cattle from the north to the centre of our country; they tend to be predominantly Muslim, although not exclusively. The farmers, in certain areas of central Nigeria, are predominantly Christian.

The causes of this conflict are not religious or theological, but temporal. At the heart of this discord is access to rural land, exacerbated both by climate change and population growth.

Sadly, there are some who seek to play fast and loose and so make others believe that these are not the facts. When religion is claimed as the cause and by those who know that it is not it only makes finding a resolution more difficult.

The government has taken action to mediate, to bring the two groups together in peace and unity. But we also need all parties to follow the teachings of the scriptures, and encourage reconciliation rather than cause division.

As it is said: Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? (Mark 8.18).

Source: NAN

Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, a.k.a Mayorkuns album The Mayor of Lagos (TMOL) hit number 15 on The Billboard World Album Chart for the week of Nov 15, 2018.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Billboard magazine released the list of its most recent Billboard Hot 100 on its official website just before midnight on Nov 30, 2018.

The Billboard Hot 100 is the music industry standard record chart in the United States, for songs published weekly by Billboard magazine.

The fast rising 24 year-old star, who is signed to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), confirmed his inclusion on the list for this week on his social media page

He wrote @IamMayorKun Too Grateful.

We made it to @billboardcharts #TMOL is #15 on World Album Charts.

TMOL consists of 15 tracks and features some famous Nigerian and African artistes including Dbanj, Davido, Patoranking and Sarkodie.

Prior to the release of this album on Nov 16, 2018, Mayorkun had dropped some hit singles including his debut single Eleko, Mama and Che Che.

Mayorkun will hold his album launch and first major concert since the release of TMOL, on Dec 14, 2018 at the Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos

Source: NAN

Three Nigerian players, Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo and Alex Iwobi were among the 34 African players nominated to vie for CAFs flagship award, Player of the Year.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool leads Egypts three nominees that included, Ahmed Gomaa of El Masry and Walid Soliman of Al Ahly.

Morocco led the nominations with four players: Ayoub El Kaabi who plays with China Fortune, Hakim Ziyech(Ajax), Ismail Haddad(Wydad Athletic Club) and Mahmoud Benhalib(Raja Club Athletic).

CAF unveiled the nominations at the end of the meeting of the executive committee in Accra, Ghana.

Fifteen women players have also been nominated for the Womens Player of the Year based on the performance of the players during the year.

Among them are four Nigerian players: Asisat Oshoala (Dilian Quanjian), Desire Oparanozia ( Guingamp), Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit) and Onome Ebi (Hekan Huisanhang).

Read the full list of nominees here:

According to CAF, the winners for the African Player of the Year and Womens Player of the Year will be decided by the CAF Technical

The European Union (EU) and ECOWAS rose from the 22nd ECOWAS-EU political meeting on Friday, commending Nigeria for the progress made in the fight against Boko Haram.

The two organisations made the commendation in a communique released at the end of the meeting on in Abuja.

The meeting which was at the ministerial level of EU-ECOWAS was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Mustapha Suleiman, and Secretary of State of Finance Republic of Austria, Hebert Fuchs as Chair of Council of EU.

Sulaiman represented the Chair of ECOWAS Council of Minister while Fuchs spoke on behalf of High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The participants exchanged views on the security and humanitarian situation in the North East, Nigeria.

Both sides commended the progress made in the fight against Boko Haram but noted with concern the recent increase in attacks by terrorist groups.

Referring to its support provided to the Multinational Joint Task Force, the EU expressed its commitment to support the countries of the Lake Chad Basin in addressing the multiple remaining challenges in this region through a comprehensive approach, it stated.

The participants according to the communique, noted the challenging general security environment ahead of the Feb.16, 2019 election in Nigeria.

The challenge, it noted was occasioned by mainly Boko Haram activities in the Northeast, the Farmers-Herders conflict in the middle Belt regions, among other threats.

They highlighted the importance of addressing among others, the root causes of conflicts and basic needs of the population related to the strengthening of resilient humanitarian access to the affected areas.

The participants applauded the growing cooperation and collaboration that characterised the relations between the EU and ECOWAS.

They underscored their shared values and increasing convergence of views in the areas of peace and security, governance, migration, trade and other development-related issues.

They reaffirmed the importance of advancing peace and security in the ECOWAS region and their willingness to deepen their cooperation in these areas in line with ECOWAS Protocol and regional mechanism, it stated.

It stated that the EU particularly expressed its appreciation of the measure being taken by ECOWAS in strengthening peace and security as well as consolidation of the gains of democratisation process in West Africa.

The communique added that ECOWAS and the EU took note of the commencement of negotiation on future ACP-EU relations after 2020.

They welcome the willingness expressed by the negotiating parties to readjust these future relations in the light of the current and emerging global challenges.

Also to strengthen their partnership towards the implementation of the development agenda and realisation of multilateral commitment.

Partcipants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the strategic relations between ECOWAS and the EU after 2020, it stated.

It stated that they agreed to continue the dialogue on developmental cooperation and multiannual financial framework, at a special session of the Strategic Orientation Committee.(NAN)

Source: NAN

The Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CCPM) has approached a court to demand the 2015 and 2016 tax receipts of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP).

The group had made a request to the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Abuja on November 16, citing Section 1(1) and (2) and Section 4(A) of the Freedom of Information Act.

However, according to CCPM, the demand had not been met, even after it issued a seven working days ultimatum to the FIRS to respond to the request.

Therefore, on Thursday, the group approached the Federal High Court in Abuja "for an Order of Mandamus compelling FIRS to make available either directly to the Applicants or through the Courts, copies of the 2015 and 2016 Tax Receipts of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar".

This was disclosed in a statement by Nelson Ekujumi, CCPM National Coordinator, and Solomon Sobade, CCPM Trustee, made available to SaharaReporters on Thursday.

The statement read: "Sequel to the request of the Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM) dated Friday, November 16, 2018 and addressed to the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Abuja made under Section 1(1) and (2) and Section 4(A) of the Freedom of Information Act with regards to the 2015 and 2016 Tax Receipts of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

"The Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM) today Thursday, November 29, 2018, consequent upon the failure of FIRS to accede to our demands instituted within the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act within seven working days from the date of receipt of our request, approached the Federal High Court Abuja for an Order of Mandamus compelling FIRS to make available either directly to the Applicants or through the Courts, copies of the 2015 and 2016 Tax Receipts of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

"From our private investigation, it has come to our knowledge that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar may not have been paying his personal income taxes AS AT WHEN DUE. We wonder how he intends to get Nigeria working again if he has been a tax dodger.

"We have instituted this court action for the purpose of enlightening Nigerians about the electoral process as well as campaigning for the accountability of public office holders and aspirants."

The Trump Organisation planned to give a $50 million penthouse in the planned Trump Tower Moscow to President Vladimir Putin while the company was in negotiations in 2016.

Buzzfeed News reported this on Thursday quoting four persons familiar with revelations made by Trumps lawyer Michael Cohen.

Cohen, also Trumps fixer, discussed the idea with Putin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, two U.S. law enforcement officials told Buzzfeed.

Trump Tower Moscow is at the centre of a plea deal Cohen reached Thursday with special counsel Robert Mueller in his investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 presidential election.

Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to congressional panels about Trumps Moscow property plans, including his plans to travel to Russia, contacts with Russian officials in connection with the project and how long the property plans were discussed within the Trump Organization.

Court documents unsealed Thursday say Cohen well knew his statements to Congress about Trump Tower Moscow were false and misleading, stating that he told the lies in order to minimize links between the Moscow Project and Individual 1, an apparent reference to Trump.

Cohen also tried to give the false impression that the Moscow Project ended before the Iowa caucus and the very first primary, in hopes of limiting the ongoing Russia investigations.

However, it was revealed that the discussions surrounding the project extended well into 2016 and Cohen regularly informed Trump about the negotiations.

It is unclear if Trump was specifically aware of the deal to give Putin the penthouse.

Trump defended the project Thursday, telling reporters, There was a good chance that I wouldnt have won [the presidential election], in which case I would have gotten back into the business, and why should I lose lots of opportunities?

Trumps relationship with Putin has been under close scrutiny since the campaign, during which U.S. intelligence agencies say the Kremlin meddled in the presidential contest.

Source: NAN

Nigeria has started trial testing of the rollout plan of 5G networks with the 26GHz, 38GHz and 42GHz spectrum bands beginning with the Eko Atlantic Project

The country to regulatory agency, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), would be ready to roll out 5G by 2020.

NCC said in Abuja on Thursday during a collaborative meeting with GSMA for 5G rollout in Nigeria.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said 5G broadband data will drive connectivity and allow humans to interact with connected devices to check their health status and remotely control home appliances without physical contact.

Danbatta acknowledged the deficit in infrastructure rollout and spectrum availability in the country but added that the NCC was already working to address the challenges.

He said NCC would begin with the available 26GHz, 38GHz and 42GHz to drive 5G rollout in the country.

Danbatta said, NCC is already working on the three key factors that will drive 5G deployments, which include infrastructure, spectrum and regulation ahead of the 2020 rollout date.

We will rely on existing policies and regulation and still come up with additional policies and regulation that will address any hiccups.

Also speaking, the Head, sub-Saharan Africa for GSMA, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, said although Nigeria still operates 2G and 4G networks, they will gradually give way for 5G as the demand for 5G increases among the millennial, who are the digital natives.

GSMA used the occasion of the collaborative meeting to launch its latest report, which focused on Spotlight on Nigeria: Delivering a Digital Future.

Source: NAN

Presidential ticket of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria
(ACPN) is now complete after Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili announced Alhaji Abdulganiyu Galadima as her running mate.

Galadima was unveiled at an event Wednesday in Ilorin, during which Ezekwesili also launched the partys manifesto.

He was the chairman of the party and had vied for the top post along with Ezekwesili.

Galadima, a community leader and former ACPN presidential candidate, was born on June 11,1964.

He studied Public Administration at the Kwara State Polytechnic, where he also later served as member of the institutions Governing Council.

He is a businessman who is chairman of major business boards.

He has private sector and corporate governance experience with a market-focused enterprise, friendly government vision, the statement said.

The presidential candidate said the selection of Galadima, a businessman, would bring to the ACPN ticket an experience at grassroots politics at the local, state and national levels.

She described her running mate as a man of integrity, saying his principles and selfless politics aligned with hers and her vision for the country.

This experience complements my incomparable competence and capacity when it comes to socio-economic and governance issues.

Like me, Alhaji Galadima has shown a long-standing commitment to the fight to rescue our nation by standing with people of integrity.

He refused to join questionable alliances and coalitions led and bankrolled by ruling parties in this election and in that of 2015, where he ultimately emerged as the fourth most popular candidate across the nation.

Together, by the grace of God, we will work closely, selflessly and as a team to fight for every Nigerian person, family, community, ward or state, and rescue our country from the clutches of an irresponsible political class.

Together we will lift 80 million Nigerians out of poverty and unlock prosperity for every citizen, she said.

Galadima assured Ezekwesili of his loyalty and promised to work with her towards getting peoples mandate in the 2019 general elections.

Source: NAN

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has kicked against smuggling in West African countries and appealed to the governments to address the menace in the region to ensure smooth trade among member states.

The President of MAN, Alhaji Mansur Ahmed, expressed disdain for smuggling at a joint news conference with other stakeholders at the ongoing 9th Trade Ministers Forum on West African Monetary Zone in Abuja.

The Theme of the forum is Harnessing Intra-West Africa Monetary Zone (WAMZ) Trade Potential Through Value Addition and Diversification.

Ahmed said that activities of smugglers had continued to hamper the progress of trade in West African countries.

According to him, apart from the problem of smuggling, some counties that are not members have taken advantage of the free trade movement agreement to sell their goods in the region.

He said that they packaged their goods in the names of member countries deceitfully to enable them sell their goods without hindrance.

The MAN president charged customs authorities in member states to live up to their responsibilities in tackling the activities of smugglers.

The president also decried the inability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operators to access finance as a major problem affecting smooth trade in the sub-region.

He said that in Nigeria, there were various initiatives by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for SMEs operators to access funds but, was being hampered by the stringent conditions attached to the funds.

Also speaking, Dr Ngozi Ejbuna, the Director-General, West Africa Monetary Institute (WAMI), said that the forum had made a lot of useful recommendations on the way forward to promote trade in the sub-region.

Ejbuna disclosed that the issue of harmonised standard products on competitive advantage in the zone was equally discussed.

She said that the resolutions of the meeting would be presented to the ministers for ratification on Friday at the forum of Ministers.

In his remarks, Mr Nathaniel Patray, the Governor, Central Bank of Liberia stressed the need for governments in West Africa to create enabling environment for smooth trade in the sub-region.

Patray explained that African governments must remove trade barriers, ensure access to finance for businesses as well as provide good leadership for business to thrive.

He said that having an enabling environment was key and important for business to flourish in any part of the world.

If I talk about enabling environment, I dont mean governments should construct roads but I mean the things hampering our businesses from moving forward in Africa.

There is the need for governments to address problems affecting the businesses by re-examining our domestic policies, he said.

The Liberian apex governor also urged governments in various countries to increase salaries and wages of officers and men manning the borders to prevent corruption.

He said that some officers compromise by taking bribes at the border posts, the attitude he said had hampered smooth trade in the sub-region.

Source: NAN

Nigerias military will not be able to receive the already paid-for 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft until 2024 from the United States.

Reports said the United States Department of Defence has just awarded a $329 million contract to the Sierra Nevada Corporation to manufacture the planes for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), months after Nigeria paid for them.

The planes are needed to combat Boko Haram insurgency in the north east of the country.

reported that the contract was announced on 28 November and is worth $329m for the aircraft, although the total not-to-exceed amount is approved at $344.7m.

It will include Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems for six of the aircraft. These systems will be funded soon after the initial contract award, the website said.

In addition to the 12 aircraft, the contract provides for ground training equipment, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment and support services.

Nigeria paid $462m for the aircraft and a host of other accessories and weapons in April.

The Department of Defence said that work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida, and is expected to be completed in May 2024.

The Nigerian Air Force in December 2017 received letters of offer and acceptance for the Super Tucano deal.

In August last year the Nigerian deal was valued at $593 million and included Paveway II guided bombs, laser-guided rockets, 12.7 mm ammunition, unguided bombs and infrared sensors. Some of this may be acquired under separate contracts.

Based on an earlier request, it can be assumed that Nigeria will be getting AN/AAQ-22F electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor and laser designator turrets.

The sale of the aircraft has been dogged by controversy.

Under Barack Obama, the deal was cancelled due to accusations of human rights abuses against Nigerias military.

But President Donald Trumps administration approved the sale to support Nigerias efforts to fight Boko Haram militants and to boost US defence jobs.

However, the deal nearly stalled earlier this year when the Nigerian defence ministry complained over the late delivery date of the aircraft and the fact that Nigerian personnel were to be excluded from the aircrafts production and maintenance processes.

Defence Minister Mansur Dan Ali in January refused to accept these conditions.

Source: NAN

Saudi Arabia has resolved to lend Tunisia $500 million at a favourable interest rate and will finance two projects worth $140 million in spite of the protest by Tunisians against Saudi.

The package was released a day after the visit of Saudi Crown Prince sparked protests in Tunisia.

Tunisians staged a protest against Saudi Arabias Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, denouncing him as a murderer involved in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Crown Prince, who faces no overt criticism in his country, received lavish receptions earlier in his tour in visits to Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Tunisias President, Beji Caid Essebsi received the Crown Prince and awarded him the republics medal, the countrys highest official award. The African country has been struggling economically and is dire need of funding.

An advisor to the president, Nourredine Ben Ticha told state television that Tunisia will announce in a few days important deals with Saudi, including a loan with low interest rate, agreements on investment and other important details.

An official and a source close to the discussions between Prince Mohammed and Essebsi, told Reuters that the loan would be worth $500 million. The two sources also acknowledged that the Saudi Development Fund will finance two projects worth about $140 million, but did not give more details.

Tunisia is currently struggling to cut its budget deficit, stabilize falling foreign currency reserves and manage expectations of international lenders demanding reforms such as trimming the public wage bill.

Source: NAN