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