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Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Sunday, 13th March 2022.

Edo: You’re An Ingrate For Threatening PDP, Wike Slams Philip Shaibu

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has berated the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, for threatening to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Recall that Shaibu had in an interview on Channels TV on Monday accused the PDP national leadership of causing friction in the state chapter of the party.

He said the challenges rocking the Edo PDP is why some of those who joined Governor Godwin Obaseki in dumping the All Progressives Congress (APC) are considering leaving the party again.

Shaibu however said despite the obvious challenges facing the party, he would remain with the PDP.

Akeredolu, El-Rufai, Other Aggrieved APC Governors May Drag Mai Mala Buni To Court

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be faced with more legal hurdles as reports have emerged claiming that some of the governors are planning to head to court in order to suspend Governor Mai Mala  Buni from acting as the chairman of the ruling party.

It was gathered that the governors opposed to Buni want the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello as the authentic chairman even as President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to intervene in the crisis.

A top source to The PUNCH that Buhari’s refusal to take a decisive action is one of the major cause of the crisis rocking the APC.

He said, “Buni took sides with some of these governors who were having problems with their ministers or senators after the controversial congresses. At least seven of these governors are with Buni contrary to what El-Rufai said. And in the coming days, more will fall in line following INEC’s verdict.

2023: Obasanjo Speaks On Endorsing Igbo Presidency

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had denied backing the South East to produce the next president in the 2023 general elections.

Obasanjo made this known in a statement issued by his spokesman, Kehinde Akinyemi, and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

The former leader was reacting to a report published by an online news platform that he has backed an Igbo man to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 and that the South East could develop the country if elected.

He was quoted to have said this while receiving a presidential aspirant and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mao Ohuabunwa, at his residence in Abeokuta on Thursday.

Minister Confirms Quiet Removal Of Electricity Subsidy, Says Fuel Subsidy Removal To Follow

The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed has confirmed the removal of electricity subsidy, saying the government has carefully adjusted electricity tariff in the country.

According to the Minister, the government is working towards removing all forms of subsidy including the one on fuel.

She stated that at the moment, there is no form of subsidy in the electricity sector.

Naija News understands Mrs. Ahmed made the revelation on Thursday at a virtual meeting of African Finance Ministers and the International Monetary Fund.

Buhari Govt Shut Down Okash, GoCash, Other Online Banks [Full List]

The Muhammadu Buhari-led government has shut down some illegal financial institutions operating in some parts of Lagos State.

Naija News reports that the illegal financial institutions were shut down following customers’ complaints of malpractices and invasion of privacy.

In a chat with reporters on Friday, the Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera, said the illegal online banks were situated in Opebi Road, Ikeja area of Lagos.

Irukera listed some of the illegal quick loan companies raided as GoCash, Okash, EasyCredit, Kashkash, Speedy Choice, Easy Moni.

2023: Dele Momodu Knocks RCCG Over Creation Of Directorate Of Politics

Presidential hopeful, Dele Momodu has slammed the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) over the creation of a directorate of politics and governance.

In a memo dated February 28, which was signed by the Assistant General Overseer (Admin/Personnel) Pastor J. F. Odesola, the church announced the creation of the directorate for politics and governance ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The RCCG stated that the newly-created directorate, which will be headed by Pastor Timothy Olaniyan, is to coordinate the affairs and activities of members interested in seeking political offices in 2023.

In a statement on Friday, the church denied setting up its directorate to support the purported 2023 presidential ambition of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo or any church member.

APC Fixes Date For Zonal Congresses, Speaks On National Convention

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved the conduct of its zonal congresses from March 12 to March 26, 2022

Naija News reports that the interim spokesman of the Caretaker Committee and APC Youth Leader, Ismaeel Ahmed, made this known at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday.

Ahmed said the zonal congresses will hold the same day billed for its national convention, adding that preparations toward the success of the national convention are in top gear.

He added that the list for the party’s national convention sub-committees was reduced because the previous one was unnecessary which he said could reduce their efficiency.

One Killed, Many Abducted As Terrorists Invade Niger Market

Bandit terrorists have killed one trader and injured many others during an attack on a market in Chibani, a community in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday.

According to Daily Trust, the bandits attacked the market around 12pm when the market was filled to its capacity and operated for about three hours.

A resident, Shehu Abubakar, said that the terrorists carted away food items after the traders fled from the market.

It was learnt that the terrorists also invaded the Mararaban-Daudu community, also in the same local government and kidnapped residents.

Bamise: Another Lady Accuses BRT Driver Of Attempted Rape

A medical doctor identified as Onyinyechi Anoke has revealed how BRT driver, Andrew Nice, who has been linked to the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwole, attempted to rape her.

Anoke’s account makes it the second lady to accuse Nice who was remanded in prison on Friday over the death of Bamise.

The Medical doctor in an interview with Punch revealed that Nice attempted to rape her, one month after he allegedly raped a former salesgirl in Lagos.

Anoke while narrating the event disclosed that she was going home after visiting a friend on the day she met Nice.

VIDEO: Lagos Dispatch Rider Caught With Baby Inside Courier Box

A video on social media showed a yet-to-be-identified rider being beaten by the angry mob after a child was found inside the courier.

Naija News learnt that the incident happened in Sangotedo in the early hours of Saturday, 12 March.

However, details on the development were sketchy as at press time.

In the video that surfaced on social media, the dispatch rider could be seen beaten by the angry mob who found the child inside the box.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Saturday received 301 Nigerians stranded in Ukraine amidst Russia’s invasion.

The Nigerians that were evacuated through Budapest, Hungary included students from war-torn Sumy, Russia.

The Commission in a post on its Twitter on Saturday confirmed their arrival.

According to NiDCOM, the Nigerian evacuees boarded Flight AZM2351 with AzmanAir from Budapest, Hungary.

It further stated that they arrived at the Nnamdi International Airport at 8.50 p.m local time.

“Returnees are getting $100 transport fare from the Federal Government of Nigeria, free SIM cards loaded with 5,000 Naira airtime to allow them to reach their family members courtesy of a partnership between NiDCOM and MTN.”

The latest evacuation makes it the fourth time the Nigerian Government would evacuate its citizen since the clash started between Russia and Ukraine.

The rift between the two countries has left thousand dead, while properties have been destroyed.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The President, Muhammadu Buhari has finally issued a statement on the recent crisis rocking his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. Below is the full statement from the President, signed by his media chief, Garba Shehu; “President Muhammadu Buhari warns the leaders (and membership) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from name-calling and …

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.

Eastern European Emerging Market Currency Pairs Decline. Can they keep going higher?

If the US dollar continues to rise in forex against the Russian ruble, then given the strong correlations, emerging markets in Eastern Europe could rise with it!

The Central Bank of Russia has resumed quoting Russian ruble pairs. However, this does not mean that it is available for traders. Many brokers currently do not offer Russian ruble trading to their clients due to the extreme forex volatility, low liquidity and very wide spreads that ruble pairs have been experiencing since the invasion began. However, Eastern European emerging market currencies continue to have a strong correlation with the Ruble and the USD/RUB pair on the daily time frame.

Polish Zloty (PLN)

The USD/PLN pair has a correlation coefficient of +0.94 with the USD/RUB pair on the daily time frame. A reading of +1.00 is a perfect positive correlation and means both pairs are moving in the same direction 100% of the time. A reading of +0.94 is pretty close. USD/PLN hit a low of 3.9132 on February 10, the day before the US announced that an invasion by Russian forces could take place any day.

From there, USD/PLN went parabolic and hit a high of 4.5199 on March 7, hitting new all-time highs along the way. Since then, the pair has returned to horizontal support and an ascending trendline near 4.3078. It was also the previous all-time forex record for the US dollar against the Polish zloty. Note that the RSI also unfolded and returned to neutral territory. If USD/PLN breaks below initial support, the next level of support is at the 50% retracement of the move from the February 10 low to March 7 high near 4.2665. Horizontal support is just below at 4.2395. Near-term resistance lies at the March 8th lows near 4.4416, then the March 7th all-time highs at 4.6199.

USD/PLN Daily Chart

[caption id="attachment_489227" align="aligncenter" width="800"] USD/PLN Daily Chart[/caption]

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Hungarian Forint (HUF)

The daily chart of the USD/HUF pair resembles that of the USD/PLN pair. The USD/HUF pair also has a correlation coefficient of +0.94 with the USD/RUB pair. The price of the USD/HUF pair bottomed on February 10 at 307.562 and parabolically rose to a high of 368.058 on March 7, hitting new all-time forex highs along the way. Since then, the pair has pulled back to test previous all-time highs at 341.258 and an ascending trendline dated March 9, 2021.

Notice that the RSI unfolded and returned to neutral territory. If the price breaks below, the next level of support is at the 50% retracement from the February 10th lows to the March 7th highs near 337.810. Below there is horizontal support at 333.455. Near-term resistance is at the March 8th low at 351.295 and then at the March 7th all-time high at 368.058.

USD/HUF daily chart

[caption id="attachment_489228" align="aligncenter" width="800"] USD/HUF daily chart[/caption]

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Czech Koruna (CZK)

The daily chart of the USD/CZK pair is slightly different from that of the USD/PLN and USD/HUF pairs. The correlation coefficient between USD/CZK and USD/RUB is +0.91. This is still a strong correlation, but not as strong as USD/PLN and USD/HUF. USD/CZK hit a low on February 7th at 21.1267 and moved parabolically to a high at 23.9246 on March 7th. It was also horizontal resistance and just below the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement between the March 2020 highs and the May 2021 lows.

Since then, USD/CZK has pulled back and fallen below the trend line dating back to March 2021. It also tested all previous highs at 22.9325. Notice that the RSI unfolded and returned to neutral territory. First support is Thursday low 22.7091, then horizontal support and 50% retracement from Feb 7th low to March 7th high near 22.5256. Below, the price may drop to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement from the same time frame at 22.1955. Resistance holds long term uptrend line near 22.1334 then recent highs at 23.9246.

USD/CZK Daily Chart

Currency pairs from emerging markets in Eastern Europe have strong correlations with the Russian ruble and the USD/RUB pair. Therefore, if the USD/RUB pair continues to rise in forex, then given the high correlations, emerging markets could rise with it!

If one wants to trade the USD/RUB pair but cannot access the market, these emerging markets are a solid substitute.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Fast rising musician, Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, has put a smile on the faces of motherless babies as he celebrated his 28th birthday.

Naija News understands that the controversial music star added a new age on Friday, March 11, and to celebrate his big day, the singer took to a motherless babies home to shower the kids with some love and gifts.

The singer, alongside his friends and family,  paid a visit to Little Saints Orphanage Home at Abule Egba part of Lagos.

Before his visit, Portable had wished himself happy Birthday on his Instagram page.

He wrote, “Dr Zeh Nation ZAzuu If I could make a wish right now, it would be to be heard screaming across the universe just to show how happy I am. Happy birthday to me Portable omolalomi.”

See photos below;

Meanwhile, Portable recently met with billionaire businessman Obi Cubana for the first time.

Portable posted a video on Instagram of him, the billionaire and other celebrities at an event.

In the video, Portable was being hailed while making his signature faces. Watch the video here;

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday warned stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress to desist from attacking each other ahead of the party’s National Convention.

The ruling party is expected to elect new leaders during the convention which has been scheduled for March 26.

According to Buhari, for the party to continue in the path of victory at all levels, members and leaders need to be united.

He called on members of the APC to learn from how the Peoples Democratic Party was destroyed due to disunity, mismanagement and corruption.

Buhari made this call in a statement released through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publity, Garba Shehu.

Buhari said, “they failed in 16 years in power and a failure as opposition.

“Yes, we are entitled to our own share of dissent and intra-party discord. These are common in all parties, left and right all over the world.

“But parties splintered by competing egos destine themselves to the worst possible fate,” the President warned.

“As the country prepares for the long run-up to the 2023 presidential election, we all expect a robust debate on the issues that matter and what is going in the APC should be a reflection of this, not the infighting we are seeing. There must be no more distractions ahead of the convention to choose new leaders.”

Buhari noted that APC which has ruled for nearly eight years has become a dominant party because it opened its doors to defectors from other parties, big and small.

Buhari said, “we didn’t start on the note of arrogance of power, nor see government as a vehicle for self-aggrandizement, to be held at all costs, but a vehicle to bring development to all without discrimination-political, ethnic or regional to our dear country made this success possible.”

The president stated that the party has won two general elections despite losing a few states in the 2019 elections

Buhari said, “given all that is at a stake, we can expect contests into offices as we are now faced with to be heated although candidates and their promoters for party offices are not so much debating policy differences of management, personality, character, and suitability for the most important leadership roles in our country and therefore the continent.

“It is equally clear that over the last week or so, the internal management affairs of the APC have been afforded generous media coverage over and above its importance to the voters of Nigeria.

“It is important to ask what benefits the poor are getting during the period of intense negative coverage.

“When precisely the party’s convention is held and who is the party’s chairman is hardly a matter for the average voter: vastly more important is who convention delegates will elect as the party’s flagbearer in the coming weeks to take forward the party’s platform to the people in the general election in February next year.

“It is therefore important for the media to put such matters into perspective. No one is debating policy differences here. That is for the general election. None of the declared aspirants and any of those that may step forward will change because of who may be in the party in the chairman’s seat. It is essentially the same party.

“Of course, the media are welcome to comment on the content of the character of the potential APC candidates; discuss their suitability for leadership; scrutinize their offer to the membership. But to focus on the routine internal divisions and magnify them into what they have become today is a waste of everyone’s time, amounting to no more than a discussion over seating arrangements.

” This is not what Nigerians talk of in their communities. They incline only for things that matter.”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has asked ministers and other political appointees to resign from their positions before seeking electoral offices in the 2023 elections.

He stated this while speaking to newsmen on Saturday after a meeting of the National Youth Leader of the PDP with the Zonal and State Youth Leaders at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

Saraki also knocked President Muhammadu Buhari for asking the National Assembly to remove section 84 (12) of the recently signed Electoral Act which stops government appointees from engaging in party conventions and congresses to elect new leaders or candidates, without resigning.

While insisting that the issue of resignation shouldn’t be up for discussion, the former Senate President described as selfush those that want to remain in power and contest elections

Saraki said: “I disagree with that. I mean, why should someone in political office use the influence of political office to contest? We talked about the participation of youths. What chance does the young Nigerian have to contest somebody who’s sitting in public office; has access to power by influence; has access to funds of government?

“If you want to contest, for heaven’s sake, go out, resign and go and contest? Why would you stay in political office? It’s even wrong for us to be debating it. It is so selfish.

“If you truly want to represent this country, why do you have to remain in political office? Step out and contest. And if we are talking about youths, we’re talking about people having an opportunity. What chance does a 25-year-old young man or woman have against somebody who’s a director in a government agency? We should not encourage things like these.”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Controversial Nollywood actor and producer, Uche Maduagwu has berated star actress, Genevieve Nnaji for claiming that mental health is spiritual.

Naija News earlier reported that the actress took to her Instagram story to claim that mental health is more spiritual than physical.

She went further to urge people to rededicate their lives to God, serve Him so as to create stability and balance.

Reacting to her post, Uche took to the markets to stage a dramatic stance on the development.

He also asked the actress to stop misleading young people on the subject of mental health.

According to him, it is falsehood like the actress comment that does not allow Nigerians see doctors or professionals in healthcare when they need help.

Taking to his instagram, he wrote; “When dem no fit find husband dem go spiritual. Stop misleading youths. Mental health has nothing to do with spirituality. Na big fallacy to tell people to get rebaptized even jesus baptized only once.

“How can the cognitive, behavioral and emotional well being of people be more SPIRITUAL than physical? It is preposterous falsehood like this that does not allow Nigerians see doctors or professionals in healthcare when they need help. Nigerians place spirituality above science, that is why fraudsters who call themselves G.O use tithes and church donations to buy million Dollars Private Jets while 85% of dem members live in Redeemed and winners omega poverty.”

Watch video below;

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CbARNIXlrOh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Lagos-based exited beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s npower scheme on Saturday started receiving text messages about details of their NEXIT training. POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that the Nigerian government said in February that it has mapped out an exit strategy for hundreds of thousands of graduates who took part in the npower scheme. The strategy involves …

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.

Governor Nyesom Wike has berated embattled Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, for verbally attacking a judge who ordered his sack as governor.

Recall that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja had sacked Umahi and his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, for dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his reaction, Umahi described his removal and that of his deputy from office by Justice Ekwo as “a hatchet” man’s job, adding that the judge was wrong in his ruling.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Eastern Bypass Road project in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike lambasted Umahi for making a reckless comment against the judge.

The Rivers governor asked his Ebonyi colleague to vacate his position immediately and return the mandate he got on the platform of the PDP.

He said: “Look at a governor making a reckless statement simply because a judge made a judgement according to his own opinion, which you are entitled to appeal up to Supreme Court.

“You have called somebody a thief in the market and you’re saying I’m sorry, It is late. That your sorry, we the members of the public, we don’t take it.”

Wike said PDP’s resolve to challenge Umahi and other defectors elected on the party’s platform is a clear example of what is required to strengthen democracy.

He said, “If our party has done this earlier when people were leaving in the National Assembly, we won’t have had the problem we are having today.

“That is one of the problems of party leadership. People cannot come out and take the bull by the horns. So, Governor Umahi, be rest assured that PDP will continue this matter down to Supreme Court. We will continue with the matter.

“You carry the votes of another party and join another party. Can you transfer votes? You work hard for somebody to win election and tomorrow, the person says I have defected.

“If you have defected, leave the seat if you know it’s easy. And this will checkmate most of these political harlots who will never sit one place.“

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Controversial media personality, Daddy Freeze has slammed Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji for claiming that mental health is spiritual.

Naija News earlier reported that the actress took to her Instagram story to opine that mental health is more spiritual than physical.

She went further to urge people to rededicate their lives to God, serve him so as to create stability and balance.

Reacting to her post, Daddy Freeze noted that being a celebrity doesn’t make one an authority on issues.

He asserted that God has provided hospitals for humans to sort out their mental health, adding that her comment is the reason why churches are filled with pastors who lie to cure madness instead of sending them to psychiatric hospital.

He wrote; “I humbly disagree and here are my reasons. After studying psychiatry and spirituality for decades you make this deduction? I say this all the time, because a celebrity has a huge following doesn’t necessarily make them an authority on issues. If she said it was both spiritual and physical I’d agree that that’s her opinion.

“However, to caterogically state that it’s more spiritual than physical is the reason why churches are filled with pastors trying to cure madness with speaking in tongues, olive oil and prayers, instead of sending people for proper psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

“God has already sorted out our mental health issues, that’s why we have hospitals!”.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has berated the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, for threatening to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Recall that Shaibu had in an interview on Channels TV on Monday accused the PDP national leadership of causing friction in the state chapter of the party.

He said the challenges rocking the Edo PDP is why some of those who joined Governor Godwin Obaseki in dumping the All Progressives Congress (APC) are considering leaving the party again.

Shaibu however said despite the obvious challenges facing the party, he would remain with the PDP.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Eastern Bypass Road project in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike described Shaibu as an ingrate for threatening to dump the PDP for another party.

The River governor claimed that the Edo deputy governor knelt down to beg for the PDP to give them the platform to contest the governorship election in 2021.

He said: “This is the thing I am talking about impunity. I was watching when a deputy governor was ranting in the media, threatening the party that there is an alternative to PDP.

“This is the same deputy governor who knelt down to beg for us to give them umbrella. Today, he has the effrontery to threaten PDP.”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) has asked Nigerians to reject any political party that zones its 2023 presidency to the North.

According to the forum, the South East should produce President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor, stressing that it is only fair for the region to produce the next president.

Naija News reports that the forum made the submission in a communique issued at the end of its meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.

SMBLF urged the people of Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt not to vote for any party that fails to zone its presidential ticket to the South.

The forum also warned political stakeholders from the South against aspirations or actions that would compromise the shared resolve of our people.

According to the communique, the forum also condemned the continued kidnappings and killings of innocent citizens and wanton destruction of livelihoods across the country by terrorists and criminals, especially in the North West, North East and Middle Belt region.

It also faulted the ongoing massacres and decimation of indigenous populations, especially in Zuru, Kebbi State, Southern Kaduna, Benue, Plateau and Southern Gombe,” while reiterating its call for state police.

The group urged the Federal Government to be alive to its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of citizens by safeguarding all communities across the country.

SMBLF also appealed to the government to ensure the immediate return of displaced citizens to their ancestral homes.

The communique was signed by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Leader of Afenifere (South West); Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum (Middle Belt); Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo (South East); and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF (South South).

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Former Abia state governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu has reacted to reports that he is part of a conspiracy against the chairman of the Extraordinary caretaker committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC. In a statement on Saturday, Kalu denied being against Buni or being part of any plot to scuttle the …

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.

Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gea is reportedly set to miss the Red Devil’s Premier League game against Tottenham due to a COVID-19 testing issue.

Naija News reports that the United are trying to resolve the issue but it seems De Gea will not be available for the game.

The Spaniard has been fantastic for United this season, having played in all 28 of the club’s Premier League games this season.

It is understood that Dean Henderson, who celebrates his 25th birthday on Saturday, will deputise in goal if De Gea is ruled out of the Old Trafford game.

Henderson has been restricted to three cup appearances this season after he finished last season as United’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League.

Saturday’s game is the first of a make-or-break Old Trafford double-header for United as Spurs come to town before the Red Devils host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Meanwhile, Roman Abramovich has been disqualified as a director of Chelsea by the Premier League board but the sale of the club is expected to progress with Government oversight.

The sanctioning of Blues owner Abramovich by the UK Government on Thursday saw the Russian-Israeli billionaire’s UK assets frozen, including Chelsea, which stalled proceedings.

Chelsea have been handed a new licence to continue operations, however, and the European champions are still locked in negotiations with the Government to ease restrictions.

The Blues are now allowed to spend up to £900,000 on match-day costs, up from £500,000, following talks between club officials and the Government.

Travel costs for away games remain at £20,000 but the club can receive prize money this season from the competitions they are competing in, with further changes expected in the coming days.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The Governor of Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi, has pointed out that the country is not moving forward due to bigotry, tribalism and ethnoreligious biases in the practice of politics.

Fayemi said that the country will not develop until Nigerians shun these vices in their practice of politics and political conversations, adding Nigeria needs to experience growth and development.

Speaking at a symposium in Abuja on Saturday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) expressed dismay with the way politics is practised in the country.

He, however, advised Nigerians to love the nation and work towards resolving the issues affecting the country ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Fayemi said: “I call on all of you to love this country and imagine it as a major world power in no distant time.

“Nation-building is an unfinished business but for every generation, there is always a pressing business that must be done urgently. These challenges that ail our country today provide us with the opportunity to take a position and take a stand and work for the resolution of such challenges.

“Nigeria will belong to those who are prepared to stand up, stand firm and take control of their destinies. Like Hamzat has elected to do, we can all do our part in our little ways to cause a beautiful change that will lead us to make our country and indeed the world a better place.

“We all just need to build a consensus around major issues of concern and develop a national template for some irreducible behaviour in leadership positions.

“I am personally uncomfortable with the practice of our politics and our political conversations. We should have outgrown bigotry, tribalism and ethnoreligious biases. It is time to rekindle the candle of a new Nigeria and the coming transition provides another opportunity for us to take a new dive as to making a new Nigeria of our dreams.”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had denied backing the South East to produce the next president in the 2023 general elections.

Obasanjo made this known in a statement issued by his spokesman, Kehinde Akinyemi, and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

The former leader was reacting to a report published by an online news platform that he has backed an Igbo man to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 and that the South East could develop the country if elected.

He was quoted to have said this while receiving a presidential aspirant and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mao Ohuabunwa, at his residence in Abeokuta on Thursday.

Reacting to the report, Obasanjo denied endorsing the South-East for the presidency or any aspirant for that matter ahead of the 2023 polls.

The former leader accused Ohuabunwa of being the brain behind the report and misquoting him to favour his presidential ambition.

Obasanjo said the PDP chieftain came to visit him and he received him as a gentleman and in the spirit of his 85th birthday celebrations and not to endorse him.

Akinyemi said, “If that was the way the presidential aspirant wanted to approach his ambition, such was a wrong way.

“He came here and the former president received him as a gentleman and in the spirit of his 85th birthday celebrations only for him to go and put words into his mouth. Baba is not that sort of man and if that is the way he wants to fulfil his ambition, that is a wrong way.”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

A video footage of a soldier weeping profusely after getting caught extorting motorists has gone viral on social media. The soldier clad in a black long sleeved shirt with inscriptions “SPECIAL FORCES” and camouflage trousers can be seen wailing and begging a man who is believed to be his superior in the Armed forces. POLITICS …

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.

A medical doctor identified as Onyinyechi Anoke has revealed how BRT driver, Andrew Nice, who has been linked to the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwole, attempted to rape her.

Anoke’s account makes it the second lady to accuse Nice who was remanded in prison on Friday over the death of Bamise.

The Medical doctor in an interview with Punch revealed that Nice attempted to rape her, one month after he allegedly raped a former salesgirl in Lagos.

Anoke while narrating the event disclosed that she was going home after visiting a friend on the day she met Nice.

She said, “He (referring to Andrew) talked about spending the night with him, and all the nonsense, but I politely deflected with the excuse that I’ve already stayed out much later than agreed and my parents were calling me, but that I could see him the next day, or even spend the entire weekend (weekend I would already be in Asaba).

“It’s actually not funny. From the conversation he said his name was Andrew, he doesn’t usually ply that route, that he’s more on the Island, and lives in Sagamu and would most likely not see me again, that I’m scamming him.

“By this time, he had gotten to the next bus stop, still refused to pick anybody, instead moved ahead a bit and parked, and put out the bus lights. There was stark darkness within, though the street lights illuminated the surroundings so I could see people but no one could see me.

“How do I signal these passers-by for help? Everywhere was still tightly locked in all of this so all conversations were contained within. He said we should move to the back row and talk better.

“My body language kept speaking unease, and I kept looking at my wrist watch signalling to him that I was late and we could meet earlier the next day, anywhere he wanted and talk as long as he wanted.

“By this time, he had already collected my phone numbers (yeah, he ensured to collect the 2 lines he saw on my phone, dialed both to ensure I wasn’t giving him wrong numbers and saw them ring). As earlier said, my best bet at safety was to go with the flow, while strategising for better options, and so I did.

“Baba dragged me by the hands, and as usual I didn’t struggle but followed him to the back row. By now it was established in my head that this is most likely going to end as an attempted but failed rape case (I didn’t even think for a second that it was going to be successful.

“My fight response was on a high and I racked my brain for all the possible things I could do to temporarily subdue him and be hitting the bus till people from outside noticed me.

“I’d had three such previous attempts in younger years and God somehow always helped me escape untouched from those locked rooms so he wouldn’t allow this infidel to do this now. I would rather die than let it happen (though the picture in my head was more of me harming him with his weapon if he brought out any).

“I had a feeling he might stab me and I kept looking out for any attempts of him bringing out a pocket knife and how I was going to struggle for and collect it (blame too much crime and thriller novels).

“As he made to run his hands on my body indiscriminately, I subtly pushed him away, curled into myself and used my elbow as a wedge. He flared up, saying if I said I liked him just like he liked me, why am I resisting.

“I told him I’m just anxious to get home already that’s why not because I didn’t like him. He just kept acting weird and looking outside in one direction most of the time. Guess he was looking out for someone or something.

“After a while, he got frustrated and moved back to his driver seat and continued the journey. As he just moved, my mom’s call came in coincidentally, and I ensured to put it on speaker, tell her which bus stop we just left and that I would be home in about five minutes. He drove in silence for the rest of the trip until we got to my bus stop and he opened the door and decided to pick passengers.”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News