Manchester United frustrated by Chelsea in goalless draw

By Victor Okoye

Manchester United remain winless at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season after they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Chelsea on Saturday.

United, who had lost their opening two home games of the season, have seven points from five games and are 15th on the table while Chelsea are in sixth position with nine points from six games.

Uniteds last outing at Old Trafford was a 6-1 thrashing from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelseas previous Premier League game ended in a 3-3 draw with Southampton.

Given both teams defensive troubles of late, it was perhaps understandable that both managers took a cautious approach.

Paul Pogba started on the bench for the third league game in a row for United, who were solid in midfield and at the back, where Harry Maguire returned from injury.

Yet Dan James, partnering Marcus Rashford in attack, struggled and Bruno Fernandes found it difficult to create many openings.

Rashford produced the first real effort on goal in the 35th minute when he found himself in space on the right but his low drive was well saved by the out-stretched right leg of Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy.

Mendy was in action again six minutes later, diving to push a Juan Mata snap shot wide off the post.

Searching for a spark to bring the game alive, United Manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, brought on Pogba and Edinson Cavani in the 58th minute.

Uruguayan Cavani, making his United debut, almost scored from his first touch with a clever flick from a Fernandes cross that zipped into the side-netting.

Chelsea offered little threat and it was United who went the closest to a winner, in the 90th minute with Mendy at full stretch to keep out a well-struck, curling effort from Rashford.

Solskjaer said his side had edged the encounter.

Their keeper made two fantastic saves from Marcus, they were the two brightest moments and they were great saves. If there was a winner, it should have been us, said the Norwegian.

Chelsea Captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, conceded that his side could have done more but felt that the Video assistant referees (VAR) should have reviewed a penalty appeal where he was grabbed by Maguire when challenging for a header.

I felt arms around my neck and shoulders. If the referee cannot make the decision, the VAR is there (to help).

In any situation, the referee takes the main decisions and the monitor is there to help. It was 50-50 so why not take 20 seconds to review it? he said. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Terrorists attack Yobe community Police

By Nabilu Balarabe

Terrorists, suspected to be members of Boko Haram, on Saturday attacked Babbangida community in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu.

He said the incident occurred around 4 pm, adding that the Divisional Police Officer and his men had made a strategic withdrawal from the area.

Abdulkarim said details of the casualties of the attack were sketchy as the DPO had not updated him on development.

NAN reports that the terrorists had attacked the same community in October 2019, torching a section of the palace of the Emir of Jajere. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has warned hoodlums hiding under the guise of #ENDSARS protest to loot and destroy public and private assets in the state to stop or face the full wrath of the law.

The governor gave the warning while inspecting buildings and other structures torched on Wednesday night in Asaba by suspected hoodlums.

Some of the places Okowa inspected included Koka Modern Leisure Park, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office, both on Asaba-Benin Expressway and the High Court Complex on Ibusa road, Asaba.

The governor said that he was in support of the reforms in the country being championed by the #ENDSARS peaceful protesters, but condemned the acts of the hoodlums who had hijacked the peaceful protest to loot, maim, kill and cause unrest in the state.

He called on residents of the state to be vigilant and also synergize with security operatives and the government in fashioning out ways to arrest and prosecute those behind the dastardly act.

Unfortunately it appears some people are not quite happy with the beautification we have done here and they decided to vent their anger and criminality on the gardens; they destroyed everything, cut down trees just to deface the city.

Its very unfortunate and you can see that a lot of damage has been done to the High Court that was set on fire.

We also visited the FRSC office and you saw the level of destruction there as well as the beautiful garden we put up at the Ibusa junction that was also destroyed.

It appears that some people are not quite happy with the beatification and the level of development in Asaba, but its very unfortunate.

I know that is not the intention of those who started the protest, but the criminal elements among us have come in and tried to perpetrate this level of arson and violence.

Its obviously unacceptable, and our people must generally condemn it and I believe that even our youths, themselves, are quite unhappy with this.

I urge our youths to stay vigilant because we cannot allow miscreants and criminals to destroy our collective will to develop this place, he said.

Okowa disclosed that he had made calls to those helping to supervise the Warri area, and said that everything was going on smoothly in the axis.

Commending the security agencies for being dutiful and professional, he said, I will continue to appreciate the security agencies and our various community youth leaders who have risen up to the occasion.

I also urge all our traditional rulers and opinion leaders to please call our communities up and ask them to defend our collective will and purpose to develop this state because we cannot allow people to conduct themselves in such a manner that will commit this level of arson that we have seen.

We will continue to dialogue with our youths, those who meant well by asking for reforms, but for the criminal elements, the law will have to take its course.

He urged the security agencies to ensure that the new curfew regime, dusk-to-dawn, in the state was enforced across the state till further notice.(NAN).

Source: NAN News

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai

Hours after announcing the imposition of curfew in some parts of two local government areas, the Kaduna State Government has extended the 24-hour curfew to cover the whole state.

Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said in a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday that the decision was to safeguard lives and properties.

This measure is taken to help safeguard our communities, protect lives and property and contain criminal elements who are looting public and private assets.

The extension of the 24-hour curfew to all the 23 local government areas of the state is effective immediately.

KDSG will keep the situation under review and regrets the inconvenience it may cause to law-abiding citizens.

The state government wishes to appeal to all residents of the state to kindly bear with the government as it takes necessary action to maintain law and order, and protect the right of citizens to live in peace, he stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government had earlier imposed curfew in some communities in Chikun and Kaduna South Local Government Areas. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

#ENDSARS protesters

The Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN), on Saturday, prayed for Nigeria to overcome all its challenges.

The incoming President of CPAN, Mr Gracious Akintayo, led other members during the prayers in Lagos.

Akintayo prayed that the country would not witness a repeat of the #EndSars protest, marked with unanticipated violence, looting , brutality, among others.

He said that the country would overcome the challenges with prayers, calling for all hands to be on deck to work toward achieving unity and peace.

He urged youths to eschew violence and wanton destruction of properties, saying that CPAN prays for Nigerian youths to follow the path of peace.

Nigerian youths should, at all times, engage government in dialogue to achieve their desired objectives.

Akintayo appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to galvanise the role, importance and contributions of the youths toward nation building by giving them more opportunities.

He reiterated CPANs determination to continue to pray for peace and unity in the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CPAN is an association of independent Christian news writers and publishers, with the core mandate of promoting peace in the country and among nations. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NERC

By Constance Imasuen

Prof. James Momoh, the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has called for inclusion of cybersecurity in the academic curriculum of tertiary institutions.

MrMichael Faloseyi, the Assistant General Manager, Government, External and Industry Relations of NERC made this known in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Momoh was quoted as making the call while speaking at the International Legislative Stakeholders Conference in Abuja.

He also canvassed for institutional and legal frameworks to prevent cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure.

Momoh, who was recently inducted as a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering made this remark as a panellist at the International Legislative Stakeholders Conference.

The conference had the theme: Digital Technology and Cybersecurity.

He said that cyber-physical system was networks of interconnected computers used to run critical and sensitive infrastructure and services like banking, hospitals, aviation, and electricity supply, among others.

He, therefore, reiterated on the need for appropriate policy, regulatory and legal frameworks to forestall any attack on the cyber-physical systems in Nigeria,

Which could be devastating on the economy and security architecture, he said.

Momohsaid: There is the need for an institution and legal framework in place so that cyber activists and potential attackers will recognisethis so as toprotect our critical infrastructure. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

#EndSARS protesters

By Moji Eniola

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has arrested 229 suspects that allegedly took part in the mayhem in Lagos State in the aftermath of the Lekki Toll Plaza incident on Tuesday night.

The ministry said in a statement that it would prosecute suspects that took advantage of the #EndSARS protest to destroy and loot public and private properties in different parts of the state.

The statement, signed by Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, the Director of Public Affairs, was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.

The Lagos State Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, has gone round relevant Police formations with a team of prosecutors to evaluate files of those arrested by the police with a view to determine those that have prima facie case made against them.

So far, 229 suspects have been arrested by the police for various criminal offences ranging from arson, murder, stealing, malicious damage of properties and assault before and after the state-wide curfew.

The curfew was imposed by Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Oct. 20 to restore law and order in the state.

The ministry said that after the evaluation, those who had cases to answer would be arraigned before courts on Monday, Oct. 26, while those with no cases would be released.

The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), has called on Lagosians to maintain peace, law and order in their respective communities.

He has pledged the commitment of the state government to uphold the rule of law at all times, the ministry said.

NAN reports that some hoodlums hijacked the peaceful protest of #EndSARS protesters organized against brutality by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police personnel. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Minister of Finance

By Hussaina Yakubu

Minister of Finance, ZainabAhmedhas said that the Federal Government has created a N75 billion entrepreneurship support fund, to enable youth in the country grow their businesses and be economically independent.

The minister made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen after a meeting with Kaduna State Acting Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, on Saturday in Kaduna.

According to her, N25 billion will be released over three years starting from 2021.

She explained that the fund would support the youth to actualise their innovative and entrepreneurial ideas, be productive and employers of labour.

On her meeting with the acting governor, Ahmed said it was in response to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari for all ministers to return to their states and get inputs on best ways to empower the youths in each state.

We came to meet the Government of Kaduna State to discussthe issue of the protest that has been happening around us,specificallythe EndSARS protest.

The state has already prepared an excellent reporton all the plans and efforts they haveundertaken and we have also come to understand the challenges that they have and how best to support them, she said.

We are here in response to the directivesPresident Muhammadu Buhari gave all ministers to come back home and engage majorstakeholders within the state to see how best we can support the state to address the security issues that we have at this time.

It was a wonderful meeting and very productive, the minister said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Environment, Dr Muhammad Mahmud was also part of the meeting.

He noted that the state government had kept a chronicle of events from the very first day of the protest, adding that the delegation was very impressed.

We are very impressed and we can see why the little protests that have taken place here were very peaceful, he added.

On the Federal Government 774,000 jobs, Mahmoud said some of the beneficiaries will be engaged in the various recycling plants built by the government in states, to recycle products especially plastic wastes.

He added that with the approval of the new policy on plastic waste management in the country by the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday, the ministry is working on several initiatives that will create employment opportunities and create wealth for the youths.

The acting governor, had earlier conveyed the appreciation of the state government to the people of the state for remaining peaceful during the protest.

I think in Kaduna we have our own fair share of crisis and we know enough, we want to be conscious on the way we handle such, I think that was one thing that played out for us.

I pray that we continue to have that kind of understanding; whatever it is you didnt get in peace, you wont get it in a war situation. Our youths have now understand how to settle issues.

She advised the youths to always conduct themselves lawfully.

I want them to continue to be law abiding citizens and conduct themselves in a manner that is worthy, Balarabe said.

The acting governor assured that Kaduna state would continue to look into the demands of the youths, so as to make a difference in delivering good governance in the state.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Akeredolu of Ondo state

By Ayodeji Alabi

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has lifted the 24 hour indefinite curfew he imposed on the state, following the return of peace to Akure, the state capital.

Mr Donald Ojogo, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said on Friday in Akure, that the decision is with effect from Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeredolu imposed the curfew on Wednesday to prevent loss of lives and properties as#EndSARS protesters took to the street in some major cities of the state.

According to Ojogo, the decision to lift the curfew follows consultations between the governor and security chiefs in the state after a preliminary assessment of the security situation.

The relative peace in the state capital, Akure, appears very encouraging just as the peoples resolve, especially the youths, not to allow brigandage under any guise is equally palpable.

It is, therefore, only normal that law abiding residents are allowed to go about their legitimate businesses.

Government, however, emphasizes the need for all to be vigilant and law-abiding.

This is moreso, that security agencies deployed to strategic areas of the state capital are under strict directives to enforce law and order for the enforcement of permanent peace, he said.

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The Minister for Water Resources, Mr Sulaiman Adamu, is to meet with stakeholders in his home state, Jigawa over #EndSARS protest.

Adamu, who paid a courtesy on Gov. Muhammad Badaru in Dutse on Friday, said he would be meeting political, community, religious and traditional leaders across the state with a view to bring about peace and harmony in the country.

He added that other stakeholders to meet with include youth associations, community based organizations and civil society organisations.

The minister pointed out that the meeting followed a directive from President Muhammad Bahuri to members of the Federal Executive Council.

Im on instruction of Mr President, President Muhammad Buhari to come to Jigawa my own state.

And this is the directive he has given to all ministers and other members of the executive council to go to our respective states and engage political, community, religious and traditional leaders on current event happening in the country.

The President also asked me to commiserate with the state and Nigerians, even though there was no turbulence here, but lives and property were lost, and this has emotional and traumatic impact on all citizens of Nigeria, the minister said.

According to him, the President is also thankful to the people of the state, particularly youths, over the way they conducted themselves during the protest.

The President, right from the beginning of the protest endorsed the demand of the protesters to disband the SARS, which he did immediately and promised to reform the police.

Subsequently and unfortunately hoodlums hijacked what was meant to be peaceful and in so doing, began to infringe on the rights of other peace loving Nigerians.

But in spite of that, the government exercised a lot of restrain on the issue which unfortunately led to lost of live and property that is of great concern to any responsible government, especially our own, Adamu said.

He added that Buhari also commended religious and traditional leaders in the state for all their prayers and well wishes.

Nigeria has a lot of challenges and as people that believe in God we all have faith, whether Muslims or Christians, we all believe that in the end, God decides and solves our problems, Adamu said.

The ministerurged youths in the state to continue to support the Federal Governments ongoing economic development programmes.

I urge the youths in Jigawa to take advantage of of opportunities provided by the FG to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.

Youth leaders should mobilize them to partake in all the FGs intervention programmes meant to better the lives of Nigerians youths, he said.

In his remarks, Badaru commended the residents of the state for their understanding towards the administration of Buhari.

He also thanked traditional and religious leaders, youths, CBOs and CSOs and other well meaning Nigerians for their support to the federal government.

There were a lot of exaggeration that your brothers were being killed in Abia and Rivers states, dont be moved to retaliate.

Were sure our friends over there will not allow hoodlums to attack anyone. Governments in the affected states have taken actions to calm the situation, Badaru said.

He assured that his administration would continue to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

The minister is expected to meet with Emirs of Dutse, Ringim, Hadejia, Kazaure and Gumel.

Source: NAN News