By Shuaib Sadiq

Fire on Saturday razed the two-storey building of Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM), few weeks before the Local Government Election in the state.

The election in the 23 LGs and 255 wards has been scheduled for May 12.

Eye witness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the huge fire was noticed around 11: 24 a.m. on top of the building located along Sokoto Road, GRA, Kaduna.

Ibrahim Musa told NAN the huge flames followed a thick smoke that was noticed from the top floor of the building earlier.

The cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained, even as fire fighting officials were seen putting out the fire.

The Agency had said it procured six thousand electronic machines and card readers for the May 12 LGs elections.

As at press time, Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs Saratu Dikko, who arrived at the commissions premises with other officials, declined to comment.

Source: NAN

By Racheal Ishaya

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and the Central Bank Governor on Sunday left Nigeria for Washington DC to join other economic experts from around the world in discussing issues affecting global economy.

The discussions is taking place under the auspices of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank will bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, parliamentarians, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organisations and academics.

They will discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness.

Also featured are seminars, regional briefings, press conferences, and many other events focused on the global economy, international development, and the worlds financial system.

Below are some pictures from the meeting.

Source: NAN

By Stanley Nwanosike

Mr Chukwudi Ezinwa, the Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government in Enugu State, says his priority is to provide electricity to all households in the council area.

Ezinwa made the promise in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Enugu.

According to him, he has made contact with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and other rural electrification agencies and partners on how best to achieve this within record time.

My foremost priority now is to improve the infrastructure of the council area, especially the extension of electricity from one community to another.

This will ensure that areas not currently energised in the council area would be energised with electricity so that the lives of rural dwellers can be touched, he said.

Ezinwa said that with constant electricity, the issue of pipe-borne water would be tackled as there would be electricity to power generating sets in mini-water schemes in the council area.

The chairman said he would also focus on staff welfare and education during his two-year tenure.

He said that there must be a harmonious relationship between the government and its staff because the workers, being the creator of the wealth, must work hand together with the government to move the administration forward.

No government can survive without taking adequate care of its staff.

Another area of importance to my administration is education. Most of the primary schools in the council area are dilapidated.

They need effective renovation for us to put them to normal shape so that pupils can go back to the classrooms and learn like their counterparts in the cities, he said.

Source: NAN

The Nigerian Army has arrested 23 suspected cultists, who were conducting physical training for new recruits and initiation and involved in robbery and kidnapping.

The army also arrested 15 other persons suspected to be pipeline vandals and recovered 31 jerry cans of refined petroleum products in the process.

Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, reported at a news conference at the 174 Battalion, Ikorodu area of Lagos on Saturday.

Udoh was represented by the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Moundhey Ali.

The GOC, who said the suspects were arrested at different times and locations, explained that the arrests were a result of intensive surveillance and intelligence report.

In continuation of the crackdown on criminal elements and cultists in and around Lagos and Ogun states, the troops of 81 Division arrested 23 suspected cultists in Ikorodu area on April 16.

Over 50 suspected cultists from Eiye confraternity were conducting physical training for new recruits, initiation and planning for robbery and kidnap activities.

Their arrest was preceded by a shootout between the troops of 174 Battalion Ikorodu and the cultists after which, 23 of the suspected cultists were arrested while others escaped, he said.

The GOC said that two of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds, adding that one of the suspected newly-recruited cultists died as a result of injuries inflicted on him during the cult initiation.

However, one of our gallant soldiers, while combatting the cultists sustained a gunshot wound on his left leg during the encounter and was immediately evacuated.

The soldier and the 2 wounded cultists are receiving treatment at the Battalions Medical Reception Station.

Items recovered from the suspects include one locally-made double barrel pistol, five live cartridges, five machetes, four jack knives, two table knives, three locally-fabricated axes with nail like edges and five mobile phones.

Also recovered from them are one parcel containing substance suspected to be Indian hemp. Others are two ATM cards, eight identity cards, nine passport photographs, packets of condom, rings and a variety of charms, he said.

The GOC further said that the troops of the 81 Division also raided some suspected pipeline vandals at Ilara and Imagbon areas of Ikorodu to stop them from vandalising the countrys pipelines.

The suspected vandals, armed with AK-47 rifles, fired sporadically and fled on sighting the troops.

During the operation, sabotaged portions of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines were observed in Imoro Creek in Imagbon.

Items recovered from them include: one wooden boat, 40 empty jerry cans each weighing 50 litres and a 1,000-metre-long hose, ostensibly used in siphoning products by the suspected vandals.

The recovered items were destroyed and no arrest was made, Udoh said.

The GOC also said that seven impersonators were arrested alongside eight suspected vandals on April 17 in Lagos and Ogun states.

While on anti-bunkering patrol along Imoro Creek in Ikorodu, troops discovered sabotaged points along the NNPC Pipeline including a loading area in the Creek for siphoned products where eight suspected vandals were arrested.

Items recovered from them include 10 Vehicles, 31 Jerry cans loaded with refined products, 77 empty Jerry cans, three coolers, nine mobile phones and substances suspected to be hard drugs.

Another set of 1,320 empty Jerry cans were also discovered and destroyed.

In addition, seven suspected impostors were arrested by troops while on operation CHECKMATE, he said.

Udoh expressed appreciation to the general public and particularly the people of Lagos and Ogun states for their continuous cooperation.

He urged them to always give timely information that would help the Division in its operations.

He pledged not to relent until the Area of Responsibility of the division was completely rid of all forms of cultism, vandalism and other violent criminal activities and elements.

The suspects are undergoing preliminary investigation after which they will be handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigations and prosecution, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN

In 1984, when lawyers in Nigeria boycotted the anti-corruption tribunals set up by the Buhari led military regime, to try corrupt politicians, Fawehinmi decided to appear before the tribunals. Consequently,he was isolated by the Nigerian Bar Association. But Gani was undeterred.

As part of the posthumous celebration of the human rights advocate, the Lagos State Government will unveil a new statue in his honour at the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Park in Ojota.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his visit to the United Kingdom, where he held bilateral talks on Nigeria British relations and also participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting ( CHOGM).

The President on April 9 left Abuja for London after he announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2019 general election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidential aircraft which left London at about 1p.m.(Nigerian time), landed at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 7.10p.m.

President Buhari was received at the airport by service chiefs, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Muhammed Bello and Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari.

Others at the airport to welcome the president included the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu and other presidential aides.

While in London President Buhari on April 16 held bilateral talks with British Prime Minister, Theresa May, where he asked for more British investments in Nigeria.

Buhari commended British companies; Unilever, Cadbury, and many others.

The President noted that the companies had stood with Nigeria through thick and thin. He said they remained in Nigeria even when the country fought a civil war.

But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more investments. We are encouraging more British companies to come to Nigeria.

We appreciate the support you have given in training and equipping our military, particularly in the war against insurgency, but we want to also continue to work with you on trade and investment.

Buhari also briefed the Prime Minister on the strides in agriculture, which he said had put Nigeria firmly on the road to food self-sufficiency.

I am very pleased with the successes in agriculture. We have cut rice importation by about 90 per cent, made lots of savings of foreign exchange, and generated employment.

People had rushed to the cities to get oil money at the expense of farming. But luckily, they are now going back to the farms. Even professionals are going back to the land.

We are making steady progress on the road to food security, he said.

The President recalled that the All Progressives Congress-led government had campaigned on three major issues, to secure the country, revive the economy and fight corruption.

According to him, as the 2019 general election approaches, politicians are already pre-occupied with the polls, while he is bothered more about security and the economy.

We have elections next year, politicians are already pre-occupied with the polls, but I am bothered more about security and the economy, he stressed.

Prime Minister May, in her remarks, said Britain would continue to work with Nigeria in the areas of training and equipping the military.

She also said that her country would continue to assist Nigeria on the rehabilitation of abducted schoolgirls freed from by Boko Haram.

On April 18 President Buhari delivered his keynote address at the Commonwealth Business Forum at Guildhall, London, where he enjoined leaders of the Commonwealth to avoid trade wars and work collectively to preserve the global trading order.

The Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) with the theme, Making Business Easier between Commonwealth Countries, was part of events at this years Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting, CHOGM- 25.

President Buhari said: If we are to make business easier between our countries and going beyond the Commonwealth, we must avoid trade wars and work collectively to preserve the global trading order, support regional initiatives as well as support domestic structural reforms that focus on the priorities of individual countries.

He reiterated his belief in wealth creation and employment opportunities within the Commonwealth.

President Buhari called on the members of the Commonwealth Business Forum and prospective investors to participate in the 2018 UK/Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum at the London Stock Exchange.

The President also met with the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Mr Ben van Beurden in connection with Shell and other partners plan to invest $15b in Nigerias oil industry.

NAN observed that no statement was issued on the outcome of the meeting which was held behind closed doors.

However, an earlier statement in Abuja by the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the Shell investment ventures would lay the foundation for the next 20 years production and domestic gas supply, bringing with it all the attendant benefits both to the economy and the wider society.

President Buhari also met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Justin Welby and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in London.

Archbishop Welby said it was always a delight to see President Buhari, whom I have tremendous respect for.

You have my best wishes on your recent decision. I read your declaration speech.

We are neutral as a church, but we will pray for you. Great statesmen are those who run for the good of their country. We will be praying for you.

The Archbishop presented President Buhari with a copy of his recent book, Reimagining Britain. Foundations for Hope.

President Buhari on April 15 received members of the Buhari Diaspora Support Organisation, led by Mr Charles Sylvester. He reassured the group that his administration would always justify the trust and confidence reposed in it by Nigerians.

He said:We will do our best to justify your trust in us, and that confidence wont be abused.

I am happy that people like you are here on your own, defending the country. You have shown courage and sacrifice.

I assure you that your confidence in us wont be abused, we will do our best to justify it.

President Buhari also said that Nigeria was gifted with tremendous human and natural resources, but regretted that the failure of some of the leadership we had in the past led to our not being able to capitalise on resources to improve the lot of the people.

The President said his administration has not done too badly benchmarked against the state of the nation in 2015.

He explained that government was doing its best to recover looted funds, noting, however that it was impossible to identify and recover all the loots.

NAN reports that the presidents visit to London witnessed various rallies in support of his administration.

On April 20 some Nigerians converged in front of the Nigerian High Commission in London, to rally in support of the APC-led Federal Government.

The President is resetting the country on the path of growth and development, said Mr. Stephen Kifordu, from Delta State, the leader of the group.

According to him, there is no credible alternative to Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the 2019 election, noting that the group represents the aspiration of many Nigerians who want progress for Nigeria.

Kifordu said Nigeria is attractive to investors because of Buharis fight against corruption in the country.

He claimed that the previous administration gave room for rot and corrupt activities.

We have a President in Nigeria that people can look at and trust that If I invest in Nigeria, my investment will not be stolen.

When we talk of security, he has done security in terms of Boko Haram and in terms of the Niger Delta, he said.

Explaining further how President Buhari is resetting the country, Kifordu said it is the primary role of the police and not the military to protect Nigerian citizens and President Buhari is enforcing this.

The Police is the number one organisation that takes care of our security. It is only when we are under attack that the military comes in.

In past years, we have seen the issue when the military jumps on board without paying regard to the police. Then suddenly when something happens in Nigeria, Mr President says deploy the police, people are saying dont deploy the police.

President Buhari is resetting our country. He is bringing us back to the way things should be.

This support rally came 24 hours after a group bearing Biafran flags staged a protest in front of the Commonwealth House in Westminister, London.

Source: NAN

Novak Djokovic needed 10 match points to claim a hard-fought straight-sets victory over the dangerous Borna Coric on Wednesday, setting up a Monte Carlo Masters third-round clash with Dominic Thiem.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion, playing only his fourth tournament since Wimbledon last July after struggling with a right elbow injury, overcame some late nerves to win 7-6 (7/2), 7-5.

Djokovic is working with long-time former coach Marian Vajda for the first time in almost a year after splitting from Andre Agassi, and the 30-year-old has looked rejuvenated in Monaco after early exits in Indian Wells and Miami.

The Serbian will next face Austrian fifth seed Thiem with a possible quarter-final against defending champion Rafael Nadal, who plays Aljaz Bedene later on Wednesday, up for grabs.

The first game set the tone for the rest of the match, with Djokovic eventually holding after nine minutes of bruising baseline rallies that included a missed break point for Coric.

The 21-year-old Croatian also saved a break point in his first service game, but could not fend off Djokovic for long as the two-time Monte Carlo winner moved 3-1 ahead when Coric mishit a smash.

Coric has been in fine form so far this year, reaching the semi-finals at Indian Wells before a run to the last eight in Miami.

And he dug deep to break back thanks to two backhand unforced errors from Djokovic.

But Djokovic was rock solid in a tie-break as Coric became ragged, dumping a simple short ball into the net and firing a backhand long to gift his opponent the first set.

Djokovic was showing the ferocity and accuracy of old in his groundstrokes and he had the better of three straight breaks to take control.

But the 39th-ranked Coric saved two match points on his own serve, before fighting back from 40-0 down as Djokovic struggled to get over the line as he served for the match.

A succession of wild backhands and a tame forehand into the net saw four more match points come and go, before Coric levelled the set at 5-5 as Djokovic blasted wide and long.

He rediscovered his composure, though, to break again and finally complete the job at the 10th time of asking as Coric sent a backhand flying long.

The former world number four, who has struggled over the last year with a right wrist injury, followed up his first-round victory against Tomas Berdych with a solid display on centre court.

Source: NAN

Amaju Pinnick, the President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has said that the Super Eagles stand the chance of pocketing $24 million if they play in the final of the 2018 World Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Cup will hold from June 14 to July 15 in Russia.

Pinnick told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday at a parley that the money was part of the agreement reached with the players to share 50-50, whatever would accrue to the country if they get to the final and lift the trophy.

I dont put players under pressure. Pressure can be put on them unconsciously because we are creating enabling environment for them.

If for example we dont have money to prepare them, they can now relax but now, we have given them everything upfront and now, they should deliver.

If today they get to the final, the World Cup money will be shared 50-50 between the team and the NFF.

Winning the final is 48 million dollars, it means the team will get 24 million dollars and the football house will take the remaining 24 million dollars, Pinnick said.

He also said that adequate preparation including grade A friendly matches have been secured with England and Czech Republic to ensure the team do well at the World Cup.

The NFF boss further said that the glass house had already secured $2.8 million to pay the players allowances and bonuses during the mundial.

We are ready to play against England on June 2 in London in an international friendly; we had a conclusive meeting with the English FA.

After the England match, we will play Czech Republic and from there we move to Russia. As it is, everything is going on very well.

For the World Cup, I dont think we have any problem, I am in touch with the technical committee. It is the desire of every Nigerian to see the Super Eagles do well at the World Cup.

We had a meeting with the team; we signed a contract with them and ready to pay them 20 per cent of eight million which is what accrued to us for qualifying for the World Cup.

At the end of the day it amounts to 2.8million dollars which will go to the players. The money is almost 100 per cent ready, Pinnick added.

Pinnick also explained that the football house met with some state governors who were ready to assist the NFF financially to achieve the countrys World Cup dream.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support for the NFF and the Super Eagles, and assured that they would not let him down in Russia.

Source: NAN

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the invasion of the Senate chamber by thugs led by suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who snatched the mace- the symbol of authority of the upper house.

Atiku, in a statement from his media office in Abuja on Wednesday, said the attack was a dangerous precedent and an assault on Nigerias democracy by anti-democratic elements.

I am utterly embarrassed, shocked and outraged by this ugly development because it is not only a threat to a major democratic institution, but it also represents a grave danger to the survival of our democracy.

If criminals could commit such security breach with impunity, it means that our entire democracy is in danger; those behind this illegality should be prosecuted to avoid creating a monster that could consume them.

It is unacceptable and reprehensible to subject the National Assembly to this intimidation and humiliation. This attack by thugs should not go unpunished, no matter who is involved, he said.

Atiku said that, given the tension in the country, the timing of the attack could not have come at a worse time for Nigeria.

He said that using illegal and unconstitutional methods to threaten the authority of a key democratic institution was unacceptable, evil, and condemnable.

The former vice-president noted that it was inconceivable that hoodlums could force their way into the Senate and take away the mace.

He called for the immediate investigation into the incident and the prompt prosecution of those involved.

Source: NAN

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has briefed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the forceful removal of the Senates mace by some hoodlums.

He was in company of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang.

Ekweremadu told State House Correspondent that the briefing was aimed at preventing future occurrence of such act in the legislature to forestall breakdown of law and order.

According to the Deputy Senate President when such incidents occur it is imperative that the leadership of the National Assembly briefs the Presidency immediately.

He added that since Senate President Bukola Saraki was out of the country, he had to brief Osinbajo as President Muhammadu Buhari was attending the Commonwealth of States meeting in the United Kingdom.

I came to brief the Vice President to ensure that there is law and order in the country.

When there is this type of development it is important that he is briefed at the earliest opportunity.

The Senate President is out of the country, so it is my responsibility to come and brief the vice president.

And he has sympathized with us over what happened and he is going to join forces with us to ensure that we get to the root of the matter and make sure this does not happen again, he said.

According to him, the invasion of the Senate is a threat to our democracy.

The invasion of the parliament is not acceptable to any person, it is not acceptable to me, it is not acceptable to my colleagues, it is not acceptable to the Vice President and I believe it is not acceptable to the President, he said.

Ekweremadu noted that those involved in the act were on their own.

I appeal to the media to help us bring an end to this brigandage so that people have to behave in a very responsible manner.

But let me assure you that we are on top of the situation, we continued our sitting today and we are going to continue tomorrow, Ekweremadu stated.

He said that the police were still investigating the matter and that the Senate would find out those who aided the coming of the invaders.

I believe some of them have been arrested and we will get to the root of the matter, he declared.(NAN)

Source: NAN

Some hours after the House of Representatives discarded the Bill to reorder the sequence of the 2019 general elections, the senate is re-considering the contentious provisions which the president snubbed.

The decision of the senate on Wednesday followed the debate on the bill which sought to further improve the electoral process as presented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sen. Suleiman Nazif at plenary.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had in the 2010 Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018 passed in February, proposed a new sequence of elections in 2019.

The amendment placed the National Assembly election first, followed by State Houses of Assembly/ Governorship elections and Presidential election last.

But President Muhammadu Buhari vetoed the bill in March.

The President said the inserted section in the Electoral Act violated the provisions of section 72 of the 1999 Constitution which empowered INEC to fix dates of elections and see to its conduct in all ramifications.

In his lead debate on Wednesday, Nazif disclosed that the new reordered sequence of elections would start with Governorship/State Houses of Assembly elections, followed by the National Assembly election and Presidential election last.

Contributing, Sen. Kabiru Marafa (APC Zamfara) in said the bill will further divide the Senate.

It is unnecessary and we should not go to that. I dont want us to finish the way we started, he said.

Similarly, Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio said: when we initially did the first one that the President sent to us, I believe strongly that the National assembly has the powers to fix sequence of election in the law as opposed to dates, all the judgments so far have talked about dates.

INEC has the rights to fix dates for election but in terms of sequence of election, I believe we can legislate on it.

But my disagreement with the Bill is that we cannot probate and reprobate, as a Senate we are distinguished people and we must not speak with both sides of our mouth.

The sequence that is proposed here is such that not only has it taken us backwards, it shows that we look confused, Akpabio said.

Also, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Olushola Adeyeye, kicked against the bill by describing it as unconstitutional.

As Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on INEC, I state categorically that I totally oppose this bill.

There cannot be sequence of elections unless there are dates. And if INEC is given the prerogative to choose and INEC chooses to put one day before the other, let us leave things as they are.

INEC in the past chose their date and INEC in the 8th National Assembly must be given the respect again to choose their date. Anything else in my opinion is legislative rascality, Adeyeye said.

In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, who presided said it was important for all Senators to be on the same page in matters such as this.

We passed the Electoral Act and then we sent it to the President, the President returned that Bill with a number of observations.

One of the observations he made was in respect of order of election, he also made observation with regards to local government elections which the National Assembly was given power under that Bill to make laws.

The President has made observations in respect of some aspects of that Bill, he did not say that the Bill we passed was entirely useless.

To save those noble provisions in the Electoral Act, it is important that we remove all those areas that the President had objected to and pass the remaining items as a separate Bill and send it back to him.

Then we can now deal with the issues where he has issues as a separate Bill altogether, then we either defeat it or have it succeed.

If it succeeds, we send it to the President, he decides what to do, if he brings it back, we also decide what to do.

We need to clean up that Bill so that we will be able to save all those provisions that were already made in the elaborate bill, Ekweremadu said. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Embattled Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has denied having anything to do with the Wednesdays invasion of the senate chambers and the removal of the mace.

The senator representing Delta Central has also been released by the police.

The Senate Chamber was on Wednesday invaded by some persons who made away with the mace.

Shortly after the mace was stolen, the Senate accused Omo-Agege of sending thugs to steal the mace.

Omo-Agege in his reaction denied involvement in the theft of the mace.

He said he has also left police custody.

A statement by a legal practitioner, Mr. Lucky Ajokperniovo, for the office of the Senator, said that he only went to the Red Chamber on Wednesday to resume work and sit for plenary.

He added that he was only invited by the police to speak about his perspective on the incident.

We are aware of several media reports suggesting that Senator Omo-Agege personally removed or encouraged anyone to remove the Mace of the Senate. This weighty allegation is not true at all.

Following the said media reports on the Mace issue, the Police authorities decided to hear from Senator Omo-Agege.

He has told the Police his perspective to help them carry out a proper investigation. He has since left the Police.

Senator Omo-Agege trusts them to thoroughly investigate this very serious matter, the statement read in part.

Omo-Agege also reacted to the statement by the Senate Spokesperson, Senator Abdullahi Sabi accusing him of leading the hoodlums to cart away the mace.

Omo-Agege described the allegation as very serious.

We are carefully studying Senator Sabis allegations to ascertain their full ramifications.

Appropriate responses will follow, as may be necessary, Omo-Ageges statement read.

The mace which is the symbol of authority of the Senate was on Wednesday, snatched by some unidentified men.

The men barged into the Chamber of the Senate, during plenary, pushed away the Sergeant-at-Arms positioned at the entrance and carted away the mace.

The drama coincided with the protest at the National Assembly against the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, APC- Delta Central.

Spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, accused Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of masterminding the snatching of the mace.

He described the action as an attempt to overthrow an arm of government. He said it was treason.

Source: NAN

The Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Umar Farouk Umar, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to kindly reconsider his decision on theNigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill.

Alhaji Umar is the paramount ruler of the community where President Buhari hails from in Katsina state.

President Buhari had, on the 27th February 2018, transmitted to the National Assembly, his decision to withhold assent to the Bill, giving paucity of funds and duplication of duties of existing security agencies, as reasons.

Addressing a delegation of officers of the Corps led by its National Commandant, Amb. Dickson Akoh, he said that as a father, he would look into the demands of the Corps with the hope that the bill will see the light of day.

He commended the organization for its doggedness, conducting itself peacefully and resorting to Rule of Law and Advocacy in pursuing its goals.

When the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill becomes law, it would serve as a platform for providing massive job opportunities for the Nigerian youths and creating the desired peaceful atmosphere against the prevailing height of insecurity in Nigeria, he said.

Speaking earlier, the Peace Corps boss said, the Corps has not breached any known provisions of the laws of the land to warrant the constant harassment it has been suffering in the hands of some security agencies.

When it became obvious that there was a grand conspiracy to misrepresent the noble intentions of the NPC Bill before Mr. President with a view to frustrating his assent to it, the Corps, in September 2017, formally requested for an audience with Your Royal Highness, which was graciously granted.

On getting to Katsina we were told that Your Highness was indisposed.

If that visit with you had held and the facts of our case laid bare before you, it would have averted this temporary setback.

Notwithstanding, now that we are with you, we do know and very hopeful that you will use your good office to appeal to your son, our President who we hold in high esteem to reconsider his earlier stance on this all-important Bill, Akoh said.

The National Commandant assured the Emir that, contrary to all negative reports against the Peace Corps, the organization has remained steadfast in its obedience to the rule of law.

He insisted that evidence abounds that the organization was highly misrepresented before the President and prayed the President to look a second look at the corps through an Independent Commission of Inquiry.

Source: NAN

Islamic State (ISIS) militants have been given 48 hours to withdraw from an enclave they control south of Damascus, the pro-Syrian government newspaper al-Watan reported on Thursday.

If they refuse, the army and supporting forces are ready to launch a military operation to end the presence of the organisation in the area, it said.

The jihadist-controlled enclave is centered around the Palestinian Yarmouk camp and the al-Hajar al-Aswad area south of Damascus.

The area is much smaller than the eastern Ghouta region where the Syrian government recently defeated insurgents.

A commander in the regional military alliance that backs the Syrian government said the Syrian army had begun shelling the jihadist enclave on Tuesday in preparation for an assault.

Yarmouk, some eight km from the centre of Damascus, was home to Syrias largest Palestinian refugee community before the Syrian war erupted in 2011.

Although most residents have fled, the UN has said several thousand remain.

The Syrian government has recovered swathes of territory from rebels by letting them leave to other rebel-held parts of the country after years of siege and ferocious military assaults backed by Russia and Iran.

Source: NAN

By Hauwa Gold
A Sokoto Magistrates Court on Thursday, ordered the remand of two men, Abdulkarim Muhammad and Ibrahim Ibrahim over alleged cruelty to a donkey.

The accused persons are facing a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy, riding and neglecting an animal.

The Chief Magistrate, Nuraddeen Bello, ordered the remand of the accused persons after they pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Bello adjourned the case until April 24, for hearing.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Monday Kennedy, told the court that the accused persons, who reside in Tafawa Balewa area Sokoto metropolis, intentionally conspired and rode on a donkey belonging to one Faruk Koko of Mabera area.

He told the court that the accused persons jointly rode on the donkey to Tamaje area of Sokoto where they handed the exhausted donkey to one Abdulmumin.

The prosecutor further said that Abdulmumin and the donkey were however knocked down by a car and both sustained injuries.

He said that the owner of the donkey reported the incident on April 16, at Unguwan Rogo Police Station, Sokoto.

Kennedy said the offence contravened Sections 97 and 208 of the Penal Code.

Source: NAN

In a lead judgment, the Court of Appeal sitting in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, directed the freezing of the account of the Ekiti state governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

The court allowed the appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against the judgment of Justice Taiwo. O Taiwo of Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti division.

Details later

Source: NAN

The Nigerian police have returned the mace stolen by some hoodlums from the Senate on Wednesday.

The mace which was recovered by the police later on Wednesday after it was abandoned by the hoodlums, was brought back by the DIG operations, Joshak Habila.

He handed it over to the chief security officer of the National Assembly, who then passed it to the Sergeant-at-Arms.

The mace has been taken into the chambers, said Yusuph Olaniyonu, media adviser to the senate president, Bukola Saraki.

Source: NAN

Seven-star Paris Saint-Germain(PSG) secured a fifth Ligue 1 title in six seasons on Sunday with a 7-1 rout of last years champions Monaco.

Unai Emerys team blew Monaco away in a first-half blitz that saw PSG score four times in 14 minutes at the Parc des Princes with with Lo Celso striking either side of goals from Edinson Cavani and Di Maria.

Rony Lopes pulled a goal back for Monaco as he scored for the eighth game in a row, but Di Maria added a fifth before Radamel Falcao turned into his own net and Julian Draxler struck late on as PSG romped to the clubs seventh championship.

With a fifth successive League Cup already won, PSG completed the second leg of a domestic treble they are also through to the French Cup semi-finals and could yet break their record 96-point haul from the 2015-16 campaign.

PSG also became the first team in Europes top leagues this season to reach 100 goals on a night they were without the injured Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the teenager left on the bench after a bout of illness.

Monaco arrived in Paris unbeaten on their last eight league visits to the capital but any prospect of them prolonging PSGs wait for the title quickly eroded.

Kamil Gliks absence in the heart of the visiting defence was acutely felt as Lo Celso started the move that resulted in the opening goal on 14 minutes, sauntering into the box to tap in a Dani Alves cross.

While Cavanis second half of the campaign has proved less prolific than the blistering spell that yielded 19 goals before Christmas, the Uruguayan bagged his league-best 25th goal with a powerful header from a Yuri Berchiche cross.

Cavani then released Di Maria with a superb hooked pass from inside his own half and the Argentine raced clear before lifting an exquisite chip over the advancing Danijel Subasic.

Sidibe injury concern

Javier Pastore supplied Lo Celso to head in PSGs fourth on 28 minutes and Monaco suffered further misfortune when France international Djibril Sidibe was stretchered off with a leg injury, a worrying sign for both club and country ahead of the World Cup.

Monaco briefly held up the onslaught as Lopes turned home an Almamy Toure cross seven minutes before half-time for the in-form Portugal internationals 13th goal this term.

But PSG continued to attack at will and Pastores assist for Di Maria allowed the winger to grab his second of the game on 59 minutes.

The hosts were gifted another when Falcaos attempt to clear a corner went horribly wrong, summing up Monacos misery as the ball looped beyond Subasic on 77 minutes.

Germany international Draxler rounded out the demolition, firing home via a deflection as PSG clinched the title at home for the first since 1994 while shattering Monacos 17-match unbeaten run.

Source: NAN

Victor Oladipo scored a game-high 32 points to power the Indiana Pacers over LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers 98-80 on Sunday in the opening game of their first-round NBA playoff series.

Stay calm, stay composed, play the game I have all year long, Oladipo said of the key to his overwhelming day. This was a great team win.

James had won 21 first-round playoff games in a row until the rout, having never before lost the opener in a first-round NBA post-season series.

James, seeking his ninth career trip to the NBA Finals and fourth league title, had not dropped a first-round playoff game since the New York Knicks beat Miami in the fourth game of the 2012 opening round, a minor setback on the Heats title run, a career first for James.

James said falling behind in a series just motivates him to step up his game.

Im down 0-1 in the first found. I was down 3-1 in the finals. So Im the last guy to ask about what Im gonna be like the next couple days, James said.

The Pacers jumped ahead 33-14 after the first quarter and led by as much as 23 in holding off the Cavs, who came no closer than seven points the rest of the way.

You cant ease into the playoffs, said Cavs coach Tyronn Lue. I thought (Indiana) came in and they attacked us.

James had a triple double in a losing cause with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. The rest of Clevelands starters only managed 25 points, Kevin Love with 17 rebounds but only nine points.

J.R. Smith had 15 points off the Cavaliers bench while Myles Turner had 16 points and Bojan Bogdanovic added 15 for Indiana.

The Cavaliers had their lowest-scoring first period of the season and only five baskets with six turnovers in the opening quarter, drawing boos as they walked off at half-time trailing 59-38.

The Boston Celtics nearly fell victim to another Eastern Conference opening upset bid before edging visiting Milwaukee 113-107 in overtime.

Al Horford scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Boston while Terry Rozier, starting in place of injured Kyrie Irving, added 23 points. Marcus Morris scored 21 off the bench while Jaylen Brown netted 20 and Jayson Tatum contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics.

Weve been down a lot, a lot of injuries, and weve always found a way, Horford said. Morris made some big shots, Tatum down the stretch, Terry thats what were all about. We just find a way.

Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 35 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists and gave the Celtics headaches until fouling out in overtime.

Hes a great player, Horford said. He knows how to finish around the rim. He has great touch. We tried to contain him as best we could.

Khris Middleton added 31 points, hitting five-of-seven three-pointers, with eight rebounds and six assists in a losing cause.

The Bucks, who have not won a NBA playoff series since 2001, have been losers in seven consecutive first-round playoff series.

Source: NAN

Former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has urged the public to disregard calls on him by All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to defect to the party.

National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye, had recently called on Ihedioha to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join forces with APGA in the South-East to advance his political career.

However a statement in Owerri on Tuesday, quoted Ihedioha as saying that the call was of no consequence as his loyalty to the PDP had never wavered and would never be in contention.

The statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Chibuike Onyeukwu, said the former Deputy Speaker views the statement as unwarranted, mischievous and a misplaced demand, borne out of mere imagination.

The former deputy speaker urges his friends, supporters and allies to disregard Chief Oyes call as it is of no consequence and be assured of his clear focus.

It is known to everybody that his membership and loyalty to PDP has never wavered and will never be in contention.

It said that Ihedioha, who appreciated the recognition by APGA leadership, however, condemned the attempt by the partys chairman to make political gains from a social visit.

The statement reiterated that the former deputy speaker was not power hungry and would realise his dream of becoming Imo governor through the PDP.

It expressed appreciation to Oye for acknowledging that Ihedioha possessed outstanding credentials to wrestle power for the All Progressive Congress (APC) government in the state.

It is noteworthy that Chief Oyes call is not new as there is hardly any serious political party in Nigeria that has not sought the membership of Emeka Ihedioha.

He has, however, without hesitation, rejected such requests, restating that PDP remains the only true national party that can liberate Nigeria from the maladministration inflicted by the APC government at all levels.

We make haste to reiterate that he is not desperate for power and wish to state with humility, that he will, by the grace of God, realize his political dreams through PDP, the statement said.

Source: NAN