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Buhari says Boko Haram fight 'a must-win war' Chief of Army Staff annual conference 2018 PHOTO. Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari urged troops to show more commitment in fighting Boko Haram despite scores of losses in a recent assault as he visited the northeastern city of Maiduguri on Wednesday. The visit came a day before Buhari heads to N’Djamena to hold talks on the Boko Haram conflict with his counterparts from Niger and Chad, his office said. Addressing delegates at an army conference in Maiduguri, the epicentre of the jihadist insurgency, Buhari acknowledged the military had done a lot to secure the volatile region. “There has been a remarkable improvement in the security situation in the northeast since 2015 when this administration came to power and you are part of it,” he said. But defeating Boko Haram was “a must-win war,” insisted the 75-year-old retired general who will seek a second four-year term in February’s elections. “Our troops must not be distracted. They sh...

Breaking: Senate confirms Olukoyede secretary EFCC Senate Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of Olanikekun Olukoyede, Esq as the secretary of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. EFCC operatives In a report disclosed by the red chambers official tweeter handle, the confirmation was made possible by the report of the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes presented by Senator Chukwuka Utazi. “The appointment of Olanikekun Olukoyede, Esq is Confirmed as the Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Senate c’ttee uncovers alleged fraud in NAHCON operations “Senate dissolves into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Report of the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes on the Confirmation of Olanikekun Olukoyede, Esq for Appointment as the Secretary of the EFCC” the statement read.Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/breaking-senate-confirms-olukoyede-secretary-efcc/

2019: 40 presidential candidates form coalition, warn Police to steer clear of election A coalition of presidential candidates from different political parties under the aegis of Patriotic Forum of Presidential Candidates (PFPC), has cautioned the Nigeria Police to allow a peaceful and transparent election in 2019 by not interfering in the process. Recently held elections in Ekiti, Osun, Katsina, Bauchi, Kogi and the bye-election in Kwara last week were adjudged by observers as having great interference from the security agencies, especially the police. But at a media briefing after an inaugural meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the coalition, led by Breakforth Onwubuya, the presidential candidate of Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), said the coalition will interface with law enforcement agencies to be neutral, “particularly the Nigerian police, not to interfere with the electoral process or allow itself to be used by any group or person to influence election results in favour of any pa...

Champions League: Rio Ferdinand singles out one Man United player for praise after defeat of Young Boys Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has singled goalkeeper David De Gea for praise after the Red Devils’ win over Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday. Manchester United defeated Young Boys 1-0 and secured their spot in the Champions League last-16. It was Marouane Fellaini who came up with the vital goal, turning in the box and firing home in second-half stoppage time. Ferdinand singled out De Gea after the Spaniard pulled off a phenomenal save to keep the scores level earlier in the game. De Gea somehow kept out a deflected shot from substitute Ulisses Garcia. “It was (better late than never),” Ferdinand told BT Sport. “Listen, Fellaini, how many times have we seen him do that? “He’s come up trumps at the end with a lovely finish. “Lukaku with the assist, with the header. “But David De Gea I think needs a special mention with a fantastic save. “He clutched it from...

Buhari reiterates commitment toward improved welfare for Army President Muhammadu Burhari on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army to enable them discharge their constitutional mandate of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity. President Buhari visits wounded Soldiers in Maiduguri Buhari gave the assurance while addressing troops at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. He said the troops were always on his mind, adding that he had always woken up thinking about them and the conditions they operated. “I will support you to play your constitutional role of defending the integrity of the country from both internal and external forces. “This is the oath you have taken just as I took an oath as the President and Commander-In-Chief. “I assure you that I go to bed and always wake up thinking about you and the conditions under which you operate. “Please, maintain your loyalty and defend the country. Whatever happens, a military no matter how equipp...

Kwara governor drops senatorial bid    The Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, has backed out from contesting for Kwara South senatorial district in the forthcoming 2019 general election. “The decision of Governor Ahmed to cede the senatorial ticket following the pleas by Ibolo elders is highly commendable and this has further affirmed his reputation as an advocate of fairness, equity and inclusion,” the incumbent senator, Rafiu Ibrahim said in a statement on Tuesday. “I think it is also important I clarify that Governor Ahmed’s decision to relinquish the ticket has nothing to do with the November 17 by-election in Ekiti/Oke Ero/Isin/Irepodun Federal Constituency,” he added. In October, Ahmed, was unanimously endorsed by delegates from the seven local government areas of the district, during the party zonal primary held at Irepodun LGA Secretariat in Omu-Aran. The delegates had unanimously endorsed Ahmed against Senator Ibrahim. However, the governor who joined PDP fro...

ASUU strike: What will happen if lecturers don’t resume – FG The Federal Government has pleaded with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to make a sacrifice and suspend its ongoing industrial action so that students won’t be used for political thuggery. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs Ibukun Odusote, who has been at the centre of the efforts to resolve the crisis, appealed to members of ASUU to make some sacrifices as parents to secure the future of Nigeria children. Odusote made the appeal while addressing the delegates of the African Students Union Parliament (ASUP), led by its Speaker, Kewul Abel, in Abuja on Tuesday. “I am appealing to ASUU members, who are also parents, that there are some sacrifices that some people have to make so that the future of our children can be secured. “If our children are sitting at home at a critical time like this, with the year coming to an end, and the nation preparing for a national electi...

Bayern Have Problems Playing In The Bundesliga, Admits Kovac Bayern Munich’s Croatian head coach Niko Kovac reacts prior to the UEFA Champions League Group E football match Bayern Munich vs Benfica Lisbon in Munich, southern Germany, on November 27, 2018. Photo: Christof Stache / AFP Niko Kovac admits Bayern Munich have a problem with playing in the Bundesliga after his side brushed off recent woeful domestic form with a five-goal romp in the Champions League. “It sounds strange, but when we play in the Champions League or against the big names in the Bundesliga, you can see that the team can do it,” said Kovac after Tuesday’s 5-1 romp against Benfica confirmed Bayern’s place in the last 16 of the Champions League. “However, when we play against the so-called small teams, perhaps we think it’s okay to play at half strength. “Those are the (league) points we are missing at the moment,” he added. Bayern has taken just eight from a possible 21 points in their last seven Bundesli...

Ronaldo Helps Juventus Win Valencia As He Sets Another Champions League Record. Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first man to 100 Champions League wins, with the Juventus superstar reaching that mark against Valencia. Records continue to tumble around the Portuguese as the bar of individual excellence is raised in each passing campaign. Ronaldo was not among the goals in his most recent outing, but he still made a telling contribution in a 1-0 victory for the Serie A champions. It was his cross that allowed Mario Mandzukic to record the only effort of the game, with a narrow success enough to carry Juve into the last 16. Their talismanic No. 7 is now one step closer to capturing the sixth continental crown of his remarkable career. He has previously lifted the trophy with Manchester United and on four occasions with Real Madrid. When taking that haul into account, it should come as no surprise to find that he has become the first player to hit a century of wins in the competition. Ro...

Buhari reduces cost of forms for JAMB, NECO [FILE PHOTO] President Buhari presiding over Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting… October 18, 2018 Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reduction in the cost of forms for the Joint Admissions Matriculation’s Board’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (JAMB UTME), National Examination Council’s Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (NECO SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination. The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, announced this on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja. “The Exam Agencies are not meant to be revenue generating bodies, they’re only supposed to cover costs/operating expenses,” Adamu said. “The sharp increase in remittances by JAMB (from less than N60m in 2010–2016 to >N15 BILLION in 2017/18) have shown that the fees being charged could be reduced,” he added. Meanwhile, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, in August had said that there was ...

EPL: Marcelo sends strong message to Isco over planned move to Chelsea Real Madrid vice-captain, Marcelo has advised fellow teammate, Isco, to stay and work hard at the club, amid reports linking him with a move to Chelsea in the January transfer window. Isco has not been a regular starter for Madrid since manager Santiago Solari took over from former Los Blancos boss, Julen Lopetegui few weeks ago. Marcelo has, however, urged Isco not to leave the Spanish giants but to work hard and improve himself at the Santiago Bernabeu. Speaking on Chelsea’s interest on Isco, Express UK quoted Marcelo as saying following Madrid’s 2-0 victory over AS Roma in the Champions League fixture played on Tuesday night: “I’m not good at giving advice, but it is clear that all players want to play, but it’s time to work. “I’m not saying Isco does not work, but football is like that. “You have to see what does not come out and try to improve.” Isco has made 252 appearances for Madrid since joining the ...

Return Us To Goodluck Jonathan Era – Fani-Kayode And Omokri Lament Poor Economy Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation has taken a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari’s government over the economy of the nation. Fani-Kayode, lamenting about the exclusion of Nigeria from list of top ten growing economies in Africa said Nigeria had the biggest economy in Africa during Ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The former minister stated this on his verified Twitter page. According to him: “Under Goodluck Jonathan, we had the biggest economy in Africa. Today we are not in the top 10! “Here is a list of top growing economies; 1]Ghana 8.3% 2]Ethiopia 8.2% 3]Cote d’Ivoire 7.2% 4]Djibouti 7.0% 5]Senegal 6.9% 6]Tanzania 6.8% 7]Sierra Leone 6.3% 8]Burkina Faso 6.0% 8]Benin Rep. 6.0% 9]Rwanda 5.9% 10]Niger Rep. 5.2% Also criticizing the present administration over the state of the nation, Reno Omokri, the former aide to Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan urged Nigerians to re...

Mourinho still has a lot of bottle, hits back at critics Manchester United’s Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal with Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho during the UEFA Champions League group H football match between Manchester United and Young Boys at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England on November 27, 2018. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Jose Mourinho once again stole the show from his players, smashing drinks crates to the ground after Marouane Fellaini’s late winner took Manchester United into the Champions League knockout stages and eliciting headlines on Wednesday such as “Bottle of Red”. The volatile 55-year-old Portuguese — whose mood swings and barbed remarks about virtually all his players and the transfer policy of the board have cast a pall over the club this season — said the violence of his reaction was the product of several factors. Fellaini’s winner against Young Boys and Valencia’s defeat by Juvent...

Herdsmen killings: Akume told me not to sign open grazing law – Ortom Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has disclosed that Senator George Akume told him not to assent to the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law. He made the disclosure on Tuesday at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi during a joint courtesy call on him by Masev Development Association (MDA), Mbalom Unity and Progress Association (MUPA) Makurdi and Dooshima U Kasev Mbasa. The Governor explained that when he gathered Benue stakeholders in May, 2017 to sign the ranching law in their presence, Akume called him aside and asked him not to assent to the law without giving any convincing reason. He noted that when he told Akume to inform the stakeholders about his advice, the Senator left him in anger. The Governor wondered why a senator whose constituency had suffered greater amount of human and material losses to herders’ attacks would oppose a law proferring solution to the carnage and go out telling th...

Guardiola says Champions League ultimate test after Lyon draw Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola takes his seat for the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Manchester City at The London Stadium, in east London on November 24, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said the Champions League poses a tougher challenge than any other competition after his side salvaged a 2-2 draw at Lyon on Tuesday to qualify for the knockout phase. The Premier League leaders clinched a place in the last 16 for...

Kwankwaso speaks on involvement in release of Ganduje bribe videos Senator representing Kano Central, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso says he was aware of the video which showed Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State allegedly receiving money from some contractors. He, however, said he did everything possible to stop the release to the public but to no avail. Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, stated this on a live programme on Aminchi FM in Kano. Senator Kwankwaso said he pleaded with the Publisher of the online newspaper, Daily Nigerian, which released the video, but noted that they refused to heed his plea. According to him, “I was aware of the video clips before they were released to the public and I pleaded that they should not be released, but they didn’t listen to me. “I am not happy that the video clips were made public because it is an embarrassment to the state and its people, including myself.” DAILY POST reports that Ganduje has since been the subject of several videos,...

Osinbajo presides over FEC as Buhari visits Borno ABUJA – VICE President Yemi Osinbajo is presiding over the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja as President Muhammadu Buhari traveled to Borno state to commiserate with the Nigerian soldiers. Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo presides over Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting The meeting started around 11.03am when Osinbajo arrived the Council Chamber. President Buhari visit to Borno State is part of efforts to sympathize with soldiers, who recently lost colleagues and friends and loved ones to deadly attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents on November 18. About 18 ministers and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, are in the Council chamber during the rendition of the opening National anthem. The National anthem was followed by Muslims prayer offered by the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, while the Christian prayer w...

Martial law in Ukraine as Trump threatens to cancel Putin meet US President Donald Trump (R) and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin talk as they make their way to take the “family photo” during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit in the central Vietnamese city of Danang on November 11, 2017. World leaders and senior business figures are gathering in the Vietnamese city of Danang this week for the annual 21-member APEC summit.JORGE SILVA / POOL /  AFPUkraine’s president signed an act imposing martial law in border regions on Wednesday as mounting tensions over Russia’s seizure of Ukrainian ships saw US President Donald Trump threaten to cancel talks with Vladimir Putin. President Petro Poroshenko’s spokesman confirmed he had signed the act, which introduces martial law for 30 days in 10 regions bordering Russia, the Black Sea and the Azov Sea. The move came after Poroshenko warned of a build-up of Russian forces near Ukraine’s borders, escalating th...

Valencia ‘going for broke’ against Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo’s sending off against Valencia in September’s Champions League group stage match will have no impact on how the Juventus star plays in Tuesday’s return fixture in Turin, the Spanish side’s coach Marcelino García said. Valencia Garcia described the game as being an “all or nothing” tie for the Spaniards at a press conference on Monday. “I don’t think what happened in Valencia really matters much,” Garcia said ahead of a match which the Spanish club have to win to keep alive their hopes of reaching the last 16. Juventus are top of Group H with nine points after four games, with Manchester United two points behind and the Spaniards on five. Swiss club Young Boys are already out of the running. READ ALSO: I think Chelsea played very badly in all directions, Sarri laments “What can I say? Cristiano is an extraordinary player. He has great ambition to be the best and to win all the time,” Garcia said. “I don’t think we...

Buhari approves enhanced salary structure for NPF Nigeria Police. PHOTO: SputnikInternational President Muhammadu Buhari has approved an enhanced salary structure for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and given assurance that his administration will continue paying attention to the welfare and operational needs of the force Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement on Monday, said the president confirmed the approval in the State House, Abuja. The president spoke when he played host to the members of the Nigeria Police Service Commission and the leadership of the force who were on a “thank you” visit to him. By the president’s approval of the Rank Salary Structure Adjustment, salaries, allowances and pension of policemen will be increased. Buhari expressed the commitment of his administration to restoring the NPF lost primacy in the internal security framework of the country. He regretted that the inability of the police in perfor...