Unai Emery may well be packing his load tonight as coach of the expensively Paris Saint Germain team, after they were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by holders Real Madrid in Paris.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro got the goals for Real Madrid as the holders won 2-1 away to a Paris Saint-Germain side missing Neymar to secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The defeat was like rubbing more salt into the wounds for PSG, who had not lost any of their previous 51 home games in all competitions, a run going back two years to before the start of Unai Emerys reign as coach.

This defeat is likely to hasten the end of his time in charge.

Ronaldo had scored twice including his 100th goal for Real in the competition as they won 3-1 in the first leg in Spain last month, and his header early in the second half at the Parc des Princes effectively ended the French clubs hopes of progressing.

Edinson Cavani equalised on the night for PSG, but only after they had Marco Verratti sent off, and Casemiros late goal secured an ultimately comprehensive 5-2 aggregate victory for Zinedine Zidanes side.

PSG never looked like turning the tie around in the absence of the injured Neymar, and it was a horribly flat way for them to exit the competition.

As they limp out, Reals dream of becoming the first team in more than 40 years to win three successive European Cups remains alive.

A year after their spectacular collapse against Barcelona in the last 16, when they were humiliated 6-1 away in the return after a stunning 4-0 win at home, PSG had hoped to produce a memorable comeback themselves this time.

Yet, shorn of the worlds most expensive player, who is back in Brazil recuperating from a foot operation, they struggled to create chances, and the night will be remembered just as much for the stupidity of a section of their supporters.

Flares were lit en masse on several occasions at one end of the ground, once even leading to a brief stoppage in play, and PSG will face punishment from UEFA as a result.

Without Neymar, this was Angel Di Marias big chance to shine after he was left on the bench for the entirety of the first leg, but nothing came off for the Argentine against his former side, his performance symbolic of a wider malaise in the home ranks.

They had only made Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas work once in the first half, from Kylian Mbappes shot in the 43rd minute.

In contrast, Alphonse Areola had kept the home side in the game with two fine saves to deny Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema before the interval.

That just delayed the inevitable. Having come close with a header moments earlier, Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, heading in a Lucas Vazquez cross for his third goal in the tie.

The goal had come from an error by Dani Alves initially, and it completely punctured PSG and the atmosphere.

The tie had escaped them before Verratti was sent off midway through the second half, picking up a second yellow card for dissent.

Substitute Javier Pastores header deflected into the net off Cavani in the 71st minute to level the scores on the night, but more poor defending allowed Real to make it 2-1 with 10 minutes left.

Unable to clear their lines in their own area, PSG saw Casemiros shot go in via a Marquinhos deflection.

With Marco Asensio and Isco both hitting the post in the second half for Real, the visitors more than deserved their win on the night, as well as in the tie.

Source: NAN

Justice Mojisola O. Dada of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, refused the bail application of notorious fraudster, Emmanuel Nwude, who allegedly conspired with two others to tamper with a property that had been forfeited by a court order.

Nwude alongside Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu were, on March 2, 2018, arraigned on a 15-count charge bordering on forgery and dealing in forfeited property.

One of the counts reads: That you, Emmanuel Nwude, Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu, on or about 12th day of January 2011, at Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division, conspired to forge a Power of Attorney dated 12th day of January 2011, issued in the name of Mankris Venture Limited purporting that Mankris Venture Limited is the owner of Plot Y, Mobolaji Johnson Street, Oregun, Alausa Lagos, whereas you knew that the property was forfeited to the victims of crimes as restitution in the judgment delivered on 18th day of 2005 by Honourable Justice Joseph Oyewole in ID/92c/04- FRN vs. Emmanuel Nwude

A Nigerian Olawunmi Bayode has set a new Guinness Record in the Longest Marathon Reading Aloud Category.

Bayode, father of three kids, logged 120 hours at 15.30 today at the YouRead Library Yaba in Lagos, beating the previous record set by Nepali Deepak Sharma Bajagain.

The latter had 113 hours 15 minutes in 2008.

Another Nepalese, Tudikhel Ground tied the record.

Bajagains book reading began on September 19 and ended on September 24, 2008.

He recited 17 different books from 13 authors during his record attempt.

Bayode began reading at 1:30 PM on Monday, February 26, 2018 and ended it 15.30 on Saturday.

He announced the record on his Facebook page, saying:

Hello everybody, something just happened right now! My name is Bayode Treasures Olubunmi(Olawunmi) I have just finished reading aloud for 120 hours non-stop!

I did it for the CULTURE!.

Bayode studied at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and Comprehensive High School, Ketu in Lagos.

I have always loved to read good materials right from when I was in secondary school. I am doing this for the youths, he wrote on twitter, before he began the record setting reading marathon.

Source: NAN

In order to forestall the outbreak of diseases in the country, the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has urged government at all levels to beef up veterinary extension services, surveillance and public health service delivery.

Dr Godwin Abonyi, President of the association, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the ongoing associations annual summit in Abuja on Friday.

He however, decried the rate of outbreak of zoonotic diseases such as Lassa Fever, Monkey Pox, brucellosis, rabies, and Avian Influenza, blaming it on poor surveillance system.

He noted that about 75 per cent of emerging and infectious diseases originated from animals, adding that beefing up surveillance and public health services delivery among others would assist in reducing the burden and associated deaths.

NAN reports that zoonotic diseases are transmitted from animals to humans through various means.

He identified some of the means to include through consumption of contaminated food and water, exposure to pathogens during preparation, processing or by direct contact with infected animals or humans.

The president, who described the menace as worrisome, urged members of the association to put in their best professionally to salvage the situation.

The recent increase in the number of outbreaks of some zoonotic disease such as Lassa Fever and Monkey Pox among others are becoming increasingly worrisome.

Government at all levels should beef up veterinary extension, surveillance and public health service delivery to forestall these menace from becoming endemic in Nigeria,Abonyi said.

Similarly, Abonyi urged government to facilitate the transition from nomadism to ranching, to improve animal husbandry and put an end to farmers/herdsmen clashes and associated death toll.

According to him, as a matter of urgency, federal and states governments should put necessary machinery and intervention in place in livestock industry.

These, he noted, would further safeguard lives and properties arising from herdsmen/farmers clashes and also improve food production and livestock yield.

Abonyi urged members to educate and enlighten stakeholders on the need for peaceful coexistence and the inherent benefits of ranching to livestock farmers.

Source: NAN

There has been an outpouring of rage in the social media after a neurosurgeon at Kenyas largest hospital performed brain surgery on the wrong patient.

The Kenyatta National Hospital, which admitted the horrific error has suspended the doctor, as well as two nurses and an anaesthetist, according to a statement on Friday.

Health Minister Sicily Kariuki also suspended the Chief operating officer of the hospital, Lily Koros, over the blunder. Lily Koros had suspended the four medics.

It was the latest scandal to hit the hospital in recent weeks, after allegations of staff sexually assaulting patients, and the theft of a baby.

An investigation by the Daily Nation newspaper revealed that two men had been taken to the hospital last Sunday.

The two men were wheeled into the hospital unconscious. One needed head surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain, while the other only required nursing and medication to heal a trauma swelling in his head, medically known as closed head injury.

Hours into the surgery doctors discovered there was no blood clot in the brain of their patient, and that they were in fact operating on the wrong man, the newspaper reported.

The hospitals chief operating officer, Lily Koros, issued a statement announcing the suspension of four medics who were at work on that night. The hospital also expressed regret over the incident.

The hospital deeply regrets this event and has done all it can to ensure the safety and well being of the patient in question, read the statement from the hospital, adding the patient was in recovery and progressing well, Koros said.

Kenyatta National Hospital is Kenyas oldest and largest hospital, and also serves as a teaching hospital.

AFP

Source: NAN

US President Donald Trump was warmly received by members of what he calls the fake news media on Saturday night at a light-hearted gala that is one of Washingtons longest-running traditions.

Trump was the guest of honour at the 133rd Gridiron dinner, where prominent Washington-based journalists traditionally make fun of the president and take jabs at the US political scene.

The event featured journalists in costumes satirizing US politics and the White House culture in raucous skits, songs and speeches.

About 600 people attended, including members of Congress, Trumps cabinet and several ambassadors and prominent politicians.

Trump said he had looked forward to attending the event and appeared to enjoy the show, clapping and laughing at the skits.

In his response Trump made fun of the leaders of the opposition Democratic party but didnt spare members of his own party, even Vice President Mike Pence, who also attended the dinner.

He called him one of the best straight men youll ever meet -a veiled reference to his anti-gay policies.

Trump largely stayed on script as he read from notes in a joking tone. He touched on international politics with regard to tensions on the Korean peninsula, saying that he would not rule out direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. But, he quipped that it was Kim who faced the risk of dealing with a madman.

He also said North Korea had called and asked to begin talks, but he said he responded that they would have to denuke first before talks could go forward.

Trump brought up his recent calls for tariffs on steel and aluminium, which have been criticized by US trading partners. He suggested they were good for dying industries whose executives have asked the White House for protection.

The president also referred to the numerous staff departures from the White House during his first year in office. He said he liked turnover and chaos because it was exciting and invigorating and brought in new thought.

In an awkward moment that invoked his marriage, Trump joked about who would be next to leave the White House, first lady Melania Trump or political adviser Steve Miller.

He then attempted to repair any inference that the first lady might leave him by praising her for the job shes done and by saying shes actually having a great time.

But, of course, Trump couldnt resist taking a swipe at Washingtons left-leaning press corps. He said spending the evening with them was the best time hed had since watching their faces on election night.

The famously thin-skinned Trump refused to attend last years show, opting to send Pence in his place.

That show poked fun at Trump and many people in his inner circle, including Steve Bannon, the presidents chief strategist at the time, by portraying him in a devils costume.

The show is produced by the Gridiron Club and Foundation, founded in 1885 by journalists from major US newspapers.

With the exception of president Grover Cleveland, every president since the club was founded has attended the Gridiron dinner at least once.(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as he turns 81 on March 5.

The party, in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, said it remains proud of the former president.

It said Obasanjo had excelled as an international figure and made outstanding contributions toward global peace and development, particularly, in the African sub-region.

The party described the former president as an outstanding nationalist; a courageous and a dedicated leader, who has made immeasurable sacrifices towards the development, stability and growth of the nation.

Indeed, the PDP intensely celebrates former President Obasanjo who stands tall as one of the best performed Nigerian Presidents, chiefly
because his administration founded and anchored its policies and programmes on PDPs people-based manifesto and ideology.

The PDP also commends Chief Obasanjo for his continued engagement on national issues, particularly his disposition against poor governance, corruption, bloodletting and confusion that now pervade the nation in
the last three years.

While we value Chief Obasanjo for his concerns for the political future of our nation, we note that our repositioned and rebranded PDP remains the only credible political platform for the much desired broad-based
engagements among Nigerians and coalitions across board, the party said.

The PDP said it was more than prepared to salvage the nation in the all-important task of returning her to the path of good governance, national unity and prosperity for all, come 2019.

The party prayed God to grant Obansanjo good health, wisdom and strength as he continues to be of service to the nation.

Source: NAN

Fantastical romanceThe Shape of Water won best picture, U.S. Hollywood film industrys most prestigious honor, at Sundays Oscar ceremony.

The Fox Searchlight movies Mexican filmmaker, Guillermo del Toro, took home the best director Oscar, dashing the hopes of a rare win by a woman or a black filmmaker.

The movie about a mute cleaning woman who falls in love with a strange river creature had gone into the ceremony with a leading 13 nominations, and won a total of four Academy Awards.

As expected, Britains Gary Oldman was named best actor for playing World War Two leader Winston Churchill in Warner Bros.Darkest Hour, while Frances McDormands woman in a fury was a popular best actress winner for Fox Searchlights dark comedyThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Elsewhere, awards were spread around, recognizing first-timers, LGBT movies and films inspired by other cultures.

Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel tackled Hollywoods sexual misconduct scandal with jokes on a night heavy with nods to activism on issues ranging from LGBT issues and school shootings to sexism and racism.

Gay romanceCall Me by Your Name won best adapted screenplay and racial satireGet Out won best original screenplay.

A Fantastic Woman, Chiles groundbreaking story about a transgender woman, played by transgender actress Daniela Vega, won best foreign language film, and Mexican-inspiredCoco was named best animated feature.

Sam Rockwell, and Allison Janney took home their first Oscars for their supporting rolesThree Billboards and independent ice-skating movieI, Tonya, respectively.

Reuters

Source: NAN

Bollywood actors and fans across India posted messages for a speedy recovery for Slumdog Millionaire actor Irrfan Khan after he announced on Twitter that he had a rare disease.

Khan, 51, has acted in several award-winning Bollywood films as well as British and Hollywood productions.

His English-language films include Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire and The Amazing Spider Man.

Sometimes you wake up with a jolt with life shaking you up. The last fifteen days, my life has been a suspense story, Khan said in a tweet.

He asked fans not to speculate as I will myself share with you my story within a week ten days, when further investigations come with a conclusive diagnosis.

I have never given up and have always fought for my choices and always will, Khan wrote.

Khan has acted in more than 100 films, mostly in Hindi.

He won Indias National Film Award in 2013 for his depiction of an athlete who becomes a bandit in the biographical movie Pan Tomar.

His sensitive portrayal of a lonely accountant who mistakenly receives a colleagues lunchbox in the film The Lunchbox won him the Viewers Choice Award at the 2013 Cannes film festival.

Several fellow actors and fans wished Khan a speedy recovery on Twitter.

You are a fighter! You will shoo off whatever that rare disease is Prayers, read a tweet from one fan.

I see you out-performing this one as well @irrfank Its gonna pass Good things happen to good people Power to You, Sir!! said another.

Source: NAN

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted a charge from the Football Association for wearing a political symbol, the English governing body announced on Monday.

Guardiola has said he wears a yellow ribbon to support imprisoned pro-independence politicians in his native Catalonia.

The FA ruled it breached their rules on kit and advertising regulations.

Guardiola said in November: If one day in prison was already too much, look how many days theyve been there now.

Like everybody knows, hopefully sooner or later I can stop wearing it.

The 47-year-old has been wearing the ribbon in support of the political leaders jailed following the Catalonia independence referendum last October, which was declared illegal by Spain.

An FA statement read: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted an FA charge for wearing a political message, specifically a yellow ribbon, in breach of the FAs kit and advertising regulations. A paper hearing has been requested, with a date to be set in due course.

His much-publicised stance over the controversy in Catalonia has become a major issue in his homeland where, according to reports in Spain, the City managers private plane was searched at Barcelonas El Prat airport two weeks ago by police looking for exiled Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont.

Since the charge was issued Guardiola has either covered up the ribbon during games or not worn it.

However, Guardiola insists that, even though his protest aims to highlight the fates of a jailed group that includes Catalan politicians Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, it is not a political issue.

When men and women put on a pink ribbon its because of the support for the breast cancer initiative, he said.

The same when I wear the the prostate cancer badge, its the same, the idea is the same, there are a lot of ribbons.

Im pretty sure there are people all around the world in Spain and Catalunya who do not want to be independent, but they are not agreeing with putting people in prevention jail.

The FAs stance on the matter differs from European governing body UEFA, who allow the ribbon to be worn. City also believe the symbol is not generally considered offensive

The yellow emblem worn by Guardiola during Sundays Premier League win over Chelsea was the daffodil of the Marie Curie cancer charity.

Source: NAN

Jose Mourinho admitted Manchester United rode their luck as Nemanja Matics late thunderbolt capped a dramatic 3-2 win at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Mourinhos side trailed to Andros Townsends early opener and Patrick van Aanholts second half effort at Selhurst Park.

But Chris Smalling got one back for United and Romelu Lukaku equalised with 14 minutes remaining.

That set the stage for Serbia midfielder Matic to score for the first time since his move from Chelsea last year with a blistering blast from the edge of the area in stoppage-time.

It was an escape act that seemed unlikely when United fell 2-0 behind after being out-fought and out-played by a Palace team fighting gamely to avoid relegation.

But Mourinho took heart from the way his players shrugged off their limp opening to move back above Liverpool into second place in the Premier League and within 16 points of runaway leaders Manchester City.

You always need that little bit of luck to win a match in the last few minutes, Mourinho said.

We played very good quality football in the second half but we made so many defensive mistakes.

That disgraceful, childish second goal changed everything. But the players kept an amazing attitude.

I cannot tell you half of the things I told my team at half-time because there would be lots of bleeping on television.

To come back from 2-0 away from home against a team that is desperate for points, it gives us a great feeling.

Third bottom Palace deserved better, but they remain one point from safety after a heartbreaking loss.

United paid the price for their lethargic start in the 11th minute.

Christian Benteke was allowed to jink into the United penalty area unchecked by Smalling and when his pass picked out Townsend 18 yards from goal, the Palace winger unleashed a shot that took a wicked deflection off Lindelof as it looped past David De Gea.

With Matic and Paul Pogba rattled by Palaces relentless pressing, United were unable to match their opponents intensity.

The out of form Pogba, dropped several times by Mourinho recently, was a major cause of the visitors woes as the France midfielder wasted possession and was caught out of position time and again.

Stole the points

He was playing so badly that United legend Gary Neville, working for Sky Sports, was moved to say: Its like everything he does is like a YouTube or Instagram video.

Source: NAN

The United Nigeria Group (TUNG), has called for the introduction of election debates at the level of primary elections so as to get the right candidates.

With particular reference to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the group said that primary election debate will further improve democracy in the country.

The TUNG which said it is interested in fostering peace, unity and community sensitisation on political issues, gave the advice in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking in an interview, the spokesman of the group, Dr Bright Emenena, said that with election debates at level of primary election, the PDP could take democracy to new height even as an opposition party.

We want to use this opportunity to put pressure on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to make more impact even as an opposition party by taking democracy to the next level in Nigeria.

They must ensure that the process of choosing a candidate at the primaries is fair; they should go further by ensuring the contestants engage in public debate at the level of the primaries.

In this country, there have never been a time when a sitting president had made himself available for public debate but PDP can start something.

They can take democracy to another level by introducing debate at the primaries level so that contestants can make public their vision to enable the delegates and general public make informed decision, he said.

Emenena said TUNG believes in the unity of the nation and engages only in activities that fosters the peace and security of the country.

Source: NAN

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

Immediate past President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark has showered encomiums on the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo on his 81stbirthday.

Sen. Mark in a goodwill message to former President Obasanjo described him as an uncommon patriot who put the interest of the nation first in all he does.

Mark said that Obasanjo is the father of modern day Nigeria who has stood firm against all odds to keep the nation one.

According to him, No one is in doubt that Chief Obasanjo has demonstrated steadfastness, uncommon commitment and faith in the Nigerian project. All of us owe him that respect and honour.

Mark added that Obasanjo even after leaving office has continued to champion the cause of a united Nigeria saying that it takes a good conscience and love for fatherland to do so.

He prayed that God in His infinite mercies continue to grant Obasanjo good health, wisdom and courage in the years ahead.

He however urged Obasanjo to continue to make his wealth of experience and knowledge especially in leadership available for the younger generation of leaders to tap from.

He urged Nigerians to emulate the indomitable spirit of Obasanjo in order to faithfully serve the nation, for the good of all.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday arrived in Taraba as part of his tour of troubled states which included Benue, Yobe, Zamfara and Rivers.

Buhari would visit Mambilla, Taraba state where some people were killed in a communal clash last week.

The President would also embark on a trip to Ghana, to attend the 61st independence anniversary of the country.

A statement by Mr Femi Adesina, the Presidents Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, issued in Abuja on Monday, said the President decided on the visits after reviewing security reports on the incidents.

The presidential aide noted that the unfortunate incidents in the affected states had led to tragic loss of lives and kidnapping of innocent Nigerians, including 110 schoolgirls stolen by Boko Haram on 19 February, in Dapchi, Yobe State.

Adesina recalled that the President had earlier directed the Armed Forces and other security agencies to compile comprehensive reports on the various incidents.

He said: Having received and studied the reports, the President has decided to undertake an on the spot assessment of the various occurrences and to meet and console the communities affected.

From today, March 5, he will visit Taraba, and subsequently Benue, Yobe, Zamfara and Rivers States.

According to Adesina, President Buhari has been receiving daily briefings and is in constant touch with the Governors for update on the situations.

NPower beneficiaries welcome Buhari to Jalingo.

He quoted the President as calling on all Nigerians especially those in the affected areas, to cooperate fully with security agencies to enable them curb the spate of crimes, prevent further occurrence, arrest perpetrators and bring them to justice.

In a tweet, N-Power Team Taraba State Welcomes President Muhammadu Buhari To Taraba At The Entrance Of The Taraba State Government House. #PMBinTaraba pic.twitter.com/GOLFhgr9k5

M.kabir Salim Babajo (@SalymBabajo) March 5, 2018

Source: NAN

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has presented an ostrich egg with the map of Africa painted on it to the the President of Ghana,Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Saraki who is in Ghana for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Ghanaian Parliament presented the painted and lacquered egg which was made in Bauchi state, Nigeria, to promote made in Nigeria goods and arts.

Decorated ostrich eggs were traded as luxury items from the Middle East to the Western Mediterranean during the Iron Age (1200-300 BC).

The presentation of the egg was the highlight of the meeting between the President of the Nigerian Senate and the President of Ghana on the sidelines of the anniversary celebration.

Speaking at the meeting with Ghanaian President, Saraki reviewed the history of Nigeria-Ghana diplomatic relationship submitting that it has improved democracy and good governance for the people of both countries.

He appreciated the relationship of the countries pointing out that the invitation of President Mohammadu Buhari and himself to witness the celebration of Ghanas 25 years of parliamentary democracy is a sign of the growing good relationship between the two nations.

According to Saraki, Nigerias Senate and the National Assembly in general is committed to improving the quality of governance in favour of the people, a resolve which he said had resulted in the enactment of several laws and passage of important resolutions.

In his remark, Ghanas President, Akufo Addo, noted that because of the key roles played by parliaments in good governance, the two countries are paying much attention to boosting parliamentary relationship.

Akufo Addo who noted that parliaments in both countries had become very robust and rich in the quality of legislations, said that it was in the best interest of the people that support must be accorded the legislature to continue its work.

He stated that the collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana in good governance and democracyhas been of great benefits to Africa and its people.

Source: NAN

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and three other heads of international election observation missions in Sierra Leone on Monday pledged to remain impartial and ensure that the election complied with the relevant regional protocols and international best practices.

Mr Paul Ejime, spokesman of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), on behalf of others,said the missions agreed to continue constructive engagements with the countrys stakeholders and to hold further consultations among themselves before and after the elections.

Sierra Leoneans would vote in the countrys presidential, parliamentary and local Council elections on Wednesday.

The meeting of the monitors, coordinated by ECOWAS and the African Union, was held to strategise on effective value addition to the electoral process ahead of the election on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Prof Amos Sawyer, Liberias former Interim President, for ECOWAS; and Kgalema Motlanthe, the former South African President for AU.

The two other leaders were Ghanas former President John Dramani Mahama, for the Commonwealth and Nigerias former President Goodluck Jonathan, for the Election Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA).

After an exchange of information on the work of the observers on ground, the Heads of Missions discussed the level of preparations for the poll.

They also discussed emerging scenarios, identifiable challenges, especially the and legal issues before the Supreme Court and the way forward.

They noted that while international observers could render support, the success of the electoral process is the primary responsibility of Sierra Leoneans, the missions said.

According to the missions, the new ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Gen. Francis Behazin had joined the Prof. Sawyer-led ECOWAS Observation Mission as leader of the Commissions Technical Support Team to the Mission.

NAN reports that the Sierra Leone Telegraph, reported that both Dr Samura Kamara of the ruling All Peoples Congress (APC) and Dr Kandeh Yumkella of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Presidential candidates are facing separate suits against them at the Sierra Leone Supreme Court.

The separate petitions are to determine if they are qualified to contest the presidential election.

The petitioner against Kamara wants the Supreme Court to disqualify him for violation of electoral laws, which states that all public officials wishing to contest the elections must have resigned from their posts at least 90 days prior to the elections.

He is alleged to have been receiving his government salary as foreign minister and had failed to resign his job in accordance with the law.

It is also alleged that Samura has both Sierra Leone and British citizenships, and has failed to renounce his British citizenship before his nomination as the presidential candidate of the ruling APC.

On the other hand, the case against Yumkella, who is also contesting Parliamentary election at the same time, was filed by APC, claiming he is ineligible to contest the constituency election in Kychum, his place of birth, in the Northern district of Kambia.

The Sierra Leones National Electoral Commission (NEC) has declared that Yumkella was free to contest the parliamentary election until decided otherwise by the Supreme court.

It was reported that Yumkellas name is on the ballot papers for both presidential and parliamentary elections.

Source: NAN

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, in the National Assembly, Senator Andy Uba has condemned the violent clashes between youths of Umunze and operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, (SARS) in the state.

In a statement issued by Joseph Itazi, Media Assistant to the Senator, Uba called for peace and restraint on the part of the two waring parties.

As the Senator representing the good people of Anambra South, I received the news of the clash, between the youths of Umunze and agents of SARS with immense sadness.

I immediately reached out to my Constituency office members and mandated them to do an on the spot assessment of the present situation and report back to me.

I will also get in touch with the Inspector General of police and request for immediate investigation and resolution of the crisis.

Peace must be restored in the community.

I hereby urge the warring youths and SARS operatives to desist from any action that will further fuel the clash.

I am calling for peace and restraint from both parties, enough blood has been shed already, further loss of lives will not help in solving the problem. he said.

The senator expressed optimism that the Police IG will do all in his power to ensure peaceful resolution of the clashes.

Many people are feared dead after youths in Umunze community in Orumba South local government area of Anambra state, clashed with men of the State Anti-Robbery squard SARS,over the weekend.

According to reports, trouble startedon the evening of Saturday March 3rd when a hilux car belonging to SARS parked in front of a popular relaxation spot known as guzoro and operatives of the squad started have altercations with customers that were having drinks.

Source: NAN

Tottenham Hotspur will look to use the momentum of a brilliant comeback as a springboard to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Spurs host Juventus in the second leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday with little between the sides following an opening 2-2 draw in Italy.

That scoreline seemed unlikely after Gonzalo Higuains brace in the first nine minutes put Juve in control.

But striker Harry Kane pulled one back and after Higuain missed a penalty, Christian Eriksen completed the fightback.

That leaves it all to play for at Wembley Stadium and Tottenham are brimming with confidence, with two away goals possibly proving crucial.

Probably we were not the favourites before but people are looking at us after that performance at Juventus and saying we should go through now, Kane said.

We know we played well out there and on another day we could have won but we are not getting carried away.

We know it is a big game. Champions League nights are what we all want to be involved in and this is a chance to get into the quarter-finals.

Spurs are unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions and Wembley, their temporary home while their new stadium is being built, has become somewhat of a fortress.

That couldnt be said back in August, when talk of a curse ran rampant following their past failures at the English national stadium.

Tottenham won just one of four Champions League and Europa League matches there last season as construction on their new ground began.

Moving there for the entire 2017-18 home campaign, they started with a loss and a draw to leave them with just two wins in 12 games at Wembley since it re-opened in 2007.

However, they rebounded to beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in their Champions League group-stage opener, kick-starting a current run of one loss in 21 home games.

I think its a fantastic run at home, manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

We can say Wembley is our home and that is so important for the team.

Since the beginning of the season and last season when we used to play here in the Champions League or Europa League, it was a strange feeling, a difficult feeling.

Now I think for our fans and us, its like our home.

Pochettinos men seem to relish playing big teams at Wembley this season.

Since losing to Chelsea in August, theyve beaten Liverpool, Dortmund, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal there.

And next up is Italian giants Juventus, twice Champions League winners and runners-up twice in the past three seasons.

Of course, we are going to play one of the best teams, or clubs, in Europe, Pochettino said.

It will be very tough but I think we are going to arrive in a perfect condition to challenge them.(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN

Africas richest business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Tuesday described Lagos as the most convenient and peaceful state for doing business.

I am not advertising for Lagos, but try another state, you will see hell, he said in a terse remark at the forum of `Lagos Means Business.

He also supported the Governor Akinwumi Ambodes appeal to Lagos residents and business community to continue to pay tax.

You should pay your taxes to Lagos state, Dangote said.

During the question and answer session, Ambode assured every Lagosian that he would make their taxes work for them with a transparent and incorruptible government with good value for taxes paid.

We are not true citizens until we become responsible tax payers.

If the vision of a prosperous Lagos is to be achieved, the State must retreat from borrowing to finance its infrastructure and pay back later in the future with high interest rate.

He also appealed to residents to embrace the Land Use Charge and ensure that commercial property owners pay the charge.

The governor explained that pensioners, owner occupiers, NGOs, churches and Mosques are exempted from the payment of Land Use Charge.

The good part of the arguments trailing the Lagos Land Use Charge is that the State Government is ready for dialogue and will welcome the complaints of dissatisfied members of the public in this regard.

The good part of the arguments trailing the Lagos Land Use Charge is that the State Government is ready for dialogue.

Business owners paying Land Use Charge should see it as part of their Corporate Social Responsibilities.

He also urged citizens to have a change of orientation on how governments properties were handled.

The properties should be protected so that resources expended on repairs could be channelled to other areas of needs.

Although the state spends a large chunk of its revenue on recurrent charges, but could not retrench civil servant.

They are only about 103,000 taking care of 24 million people. They help to keep the social fabric together, he said.

Source: NAN

By Ijeoma Ndubisi

An expert, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, has proposed evaporation suppression as an alternative technique of restoring Lake Chad to save it from extinction.

Ayuba, an environmental scientist at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), made the proposal in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that water transfer was the first option in restoring the lake, adding that this would require the movement of water from another river.

Suppressing evaporation can also help in the restoration of Lake Chad. We live in the tropics and we receive much water from rainfall.

The water disappears through evaporation; we can suppress the evaporation which is the amount of moisture that goes up into the atmosphere.

Part of the reasons for the drying up of Lake Chad is the high rate of evaporation of water, he opined.

The don said that there was need to create more awareness through stakeholders on how to devise measures to save the shrinking of the lake.

Climate change is a developmental issue, every hand must be on deck.

We need to build capacity, tell people the signs of climate change, because some people dont understand that.

We need all the experts, stakeholders to develop a policy framework that people need to follow, he said.

Similarly, he said that science and technology, if properly utilised by indigenous scientists, could ameliorate the challenges of restoring the lake.

According to him, development of science and technology in the country is still laid-back, adding that there is lack of a strategic plan to build the sector.

He decried lack of equipment in tertiary institutions for the study of science-related courses, adding that it remained the bedrock of technology development.

Ayuba noted that polytechnics in the country, which were established to drive the technology sector, had been allegedly disregarded.

We have also killed our polytechnics; the polytechnics are supposed to help in building the technical manpower in the country.

Now, the emphasis is on paper qualification, even those who graduate from polytechnics are coming to take degrees all over again, he said.

He stressed the need for the nation to lay serious emphasis on practical application of acquired knowledge as against the present craze for paper qualifications.

Lake Chad Basins 25,000 square kilometres size in the 1960s had shrunk to 2,500 square kilometres in 2000.

Source: NAN