Home Blog Page 1652

Blue economy: Maritime experts look for positions in new ministries

coic
-
0
Blue economy: Maritime experts look for positions in new ministries

The newly established Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has been urged by maritime stakeholders to fulfill goals by bringing in professionals to oversee its management.

On Saturday, at the Nigerian Maritime Law Association’s 14th Annual General Meeting and Lecture, which doubled as an elective congress, they made the demand in Benin, Edo State.

President of Benin River Port Greg Ogbeifun urged the managers of the new ministry to be prepared to take advise and make the correct decisions in his keynote speech, “Urgent regulatory reform in the maritime industry: Setting the agenda for the new administration.”

It’s not been a good start for the new ministry, he remarked. We wish top leadership positions were filled by practitioners from the sector.

The establishment of that ministry by President Bola Tinubu and the appointment of the desired individuals are greatly appreciated. Assistance to those appointed is a responsibility shared by everybody. They should be professionals who are prepared to comprehend the industry and make wise choices.

He stated that outdated infrastructure is the main issue facing the nation’s seaports and pointed out that there is no room for growth.

Read Also: NAF officers who attempted to forcefully release fraudsters from our custody will appear in court soon – EFCC

Regulating adjustments in the sector are needed to address the issue of development encroaching on seaports, as he bemoaned.

According to him, Nigeria’s economy revolves around the maritime sector, which presents several prospects for the country’s advancement.

Yet, the sector has many difficulties, such as insufficient finance, a lack of qualified workers, unfavorable fiscal policies, inefficient flag management, inadequate marine infrastructure, security issues, and regulatory impediments.

Urgent regulatory reforms in the marine sector are necessary as Nigeria adjusts to a new administration in order to establish a strong agenda that will solve the issues and realize the sector’s full potential.

Previously, Funke Agbor (SAN), President of the National Marine Law Association, praised the Edo State Government for supporting the meeting and stated that the association has been leading the charge to ensure that treaties and laws pertaining to the maritime industry, to which the body is a signatory, are domesticated to promote the sector. He also urged practitioners to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the new ministry.

The government has established a new ministry, she continued, so it is up to us to make sure we take advantage of it, equip ourselves, and equip every cluster that makes up the maritime industry so that the government is forced to sufficiently create the enabling environment so that we can measure and hold the government accountable for its actions.

NAF officers who attempted to forcefully release fraudsters from our custody will appear in court soon – EFCC

coic
-
0
NAF officers who attempted to forcefully release fraudsters from our custody will appear in court soon – EFCC

A few members of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) who allegedly stormed the agency’s Kaduna command to free suspected fraudsters might face legal action, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On Friday, there was a disturbance at the EFCC’s Kaduna office as agents of the anti-graft organization fought with some NAF staff members over the detention of fraud suspects.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated that the agency’s agents had obtained “credible intelligence” and on Monday, they detained five suspects at a hotel and Disney Chicken Eatery in the Barnawa region of Kaduna.

Suspects Favour Itung, Rachael Ande, Abubakar Ismaila, Zuleiman Haruna, and Solomon Olobatoke were apprehended without any problems.

Days after the suspects were allegedly arrested, Oyewale stated, air force personnel Lawal Abdullahi, Chukwuma Chidi Christian, Alfa Suleiman, and Emmanuel Ekwozor, along with two students from the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology, Chidera Anuba and Joseph Tokula, stormed the EFCC office. However, they were all arrested.

The NAF personnel who had been detained were freed after “they had been duly profiled,” he continued.

Oyewale did, however, affirm in a statement released on Saturday that the negligent cops would be charged following the conclusion of the incident’s inquiry.

“No one is above the law,” he continued, adding that the case would be resolved in accordance with due process.

“Upon the completion of the current investigation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel who were released on administrative bail by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, November 17, 2023, will face legal charges,” the statement stated.

The statement continued, “The officers were released to their Service strictly adhering to the Commission’s bail procedures.

“The Commission affirms that due process will be adhered to in order to conclude the case, and that no individual is above the law.”

Plateau youths storm streets to condemn appeal court judgment sacking Gov Mutfwang

coic
-
0
Plateau youths storm streets to condemn appeal court judgment sacking Gov Mutfwang

The ruling of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed Governor Caleb Mutfwang, was not accepted by the people of Jos, the capital of the Plateau.

During a nonviolent protest on Sunday in Jos, the locals demanded that all of the court’s decisions on the Plateau elections be reviewed.

On Sunday, the appeal court overturned the governorship election tribunal’s ruling, which had upheld Mr. Mutfwang’s election.

The All Progressives Congress’s (APC) Nentawe Yilwatda was proclaimed the victor of the gubernatorial contest by the court. It mandated that Mr. Yilwatda receive a certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the locals referred to the ruling as a “injustice.”

Angwan Rukuba Junction’s youth leader, Philemon Jangkam, has appealed to the National Judicial Council (NJC) to examine all of the rulings pertaining to the Plateau elections of 2023.

“When the Court of Appeal dismissed Representative Isaac Kwallu, Senator Simon Mwadkon, Representative Dachung Bagos, and other lawmakers, we became aware of the injustice.”

The young people in this neighborhood are unhappy, and we will not take these criticisms. We’ll keep protesting until this ruling is overturned and the people who removed our national assembly members are held accountable, Mr. Jankam declared.

Samson Iliya, a different young person, stated that the purpose of the nonviolent demonstration was to show the judiciary how unhappy they were with the ruling, characterizing it as a purposeful betrayal of the people’s will.

“We are here to voice our dissatisfaction with the decisions made by the appeals court over the Plateau elections. In an effort to restore the judiciary’s failing reputation, we demand that the NJC examine every ruling, Mr. Iliya stated.

He went on, “We will not allow the judiciary to decide who should lead us. We massively voted for the governor and the sacked lawmakers; they are the choices of the majority of Plateau people.”

A young man from Gyero Junction named Pankyes Yanksat suggested that Mr. Mutfwang immediately appeal the ruling at the Supreme Court.

Mr. Yanksat urged the justices of the supreme court to set aside their feelings and consider the case on its merits, expressing hope that Mr. Mutfwang’s mandate would be reinstated.

Security officers later scattered the demonstrators.

We stand resolute in building Nigeria of our dream – Shettima

coic
-
0
We stand resolute in building Nigeria of our dream – Shettima

Nigerians have been reassured by Vice President Kashima Shettima that the administration is committed to constructing the nation of their ancestors’ dreams, despite the present difficulties.

This is in keeping with his emphasis on the value of cooperation and education in advancing the country’s future.

 

Speaking at a lavish reception held in his honor in Ibadan, Vice President Shettima thanked the University of Ibadan for forming his perspective and instilling in him the values of public service. Vice President Shettima was represented by Jamiu Abiola, Special Assistant to the President on Special Duty, Office of the Vice President.

Senator Shettima was quoted as saying, “My time at this premier institution not only reinforced my belief in the equalizing power of education, but here, I also learned the wisdom of viewing each other as brothers and sisters in word and action,” in a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President.

Shettima praised the UIMGA for its outstanding social achievements, emphasizing its programs for public lectures on important developmental concerns, awareness campaigns, workshops, and scholarships.

“We need to create a synergy between the gown and the town, between the public and the private, and between the student and the practicing specialists in order to achieve the society we desire,” he declared.

The Vice President acknowledged the intelligence of Nigerians and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership while expressing faith in the country’s capacity to overcome obstacles.

“We are reassured by your intellectual capacity to comprehend the necessity of the decisions we have taken to salvage Nigeria,” he said, “even as Nigeria works to overcome the consequences of geopolitical events around us and the domestic threats to our lives and the economy.”

Shettima emphasized the value of homegrown solutions and pushed Nigerians to pool their combined experience and skills to tackle global issues like climate change and create a resilient economy.

He said, “Our government is steadfast in overcoming these challenges and in our conviction that we can collaborate to create the Nigeria of our dreams.”

Breaking: Appeal Court Sacks Governor Caleb Muftwang as Plateau State Governor

coic
-
0
Breaking: Appeal Court Sacks Governor Caleb Muftwang as Plateau State Governor

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has sacked Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State.

A three-member panel, in a unanimous decision on Sunday, held that Muftwang was not validly sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as provided by Section 285(2) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The court also declared APC’s Nentawe Yilwatda as the winner of the March 18 Plateau State Governorship Election.

The panel agreed with the appellant, Goshwe, that the PDP’s failure to adhere to the Plateau State High Court’s order in suit no: PLD/J304/2020 and the Court of Appeal order in CA/J1/93/2021 constituted a breach of law. This required the PDP to conduct valid ward, local government, and state congresses before nominating candidates for various elective positions.

Consequently, the panel nullified the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal’s judgment, deeming it “highly inconsistent” and a violation of fair hearing due to its reliance on expunged witness statements to dismiss Goshwe’s appeal.

The panel instructed INEC to revoke Mutfwang’s certificate of return and issue a new one to Goshwe.

“The first petitioner (appellant) is perfectly entitled to be returned as governor. INEC is directed to withdraw the certificate of return from Caleb,” the court held.

Tonto Dikeh insists on MohBad’s body for burial

coic
-
0
Tonto Dikeh insists on MohBad’s body for burial

Tonto Dikeh, a Nollywood actress, has expressed her dissatisfaction with the Nigerian Police Force’s slow investigation into the late singer Mohbad and demanded that his body be released for burial.

In a late-night Instagram post on Friday, Dikeh announced this and added that the ‘Beast and Peace’ crooner’s death must be handled with justice.

“Give us Mohbad for a befitting burial,” Dikeh wrote. We’ve had enough of your negligence and tardiness. Should nobody speak, I shall.

“I have given this Justice too much of my time, love, and emotions to see it through. Give the police more time, as QM suggests.

To be really honest, we have given you all more time than is required. This is not a situation to be ignored. Our goal is justice.

MohBad passed away at 27 on September 12.

PDP splits over Atiku-Wike rift, delaying reconciliation

coic
-
0
PDP splits over Atiku-Wike rift, delaying reconciliation

The Peoples Democratic Party remains divided over the disagreement between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Atiku Abubakar, the party’s choice for president in 2023.

Both the former governor of Rivers State and the vice president were operating against their own interests and clinging to their PDP structures.

In order to oppose Atiku in the 2023 presidential election, Wike organized the G5 governors, which also included Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).

Atiku’s camp resisted the G5 group’s demand that Iyorchia Ayu, the now-suspended national chairman of the PDP, step down in order to allow for a North-South balance in the party’s power-sharing formula.

President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress defeated Atiku in the election.

Despite being a member of the PDP, Wike is currently the Minister of Federal Capital Territory in the administration headed by the APC.

In an interview, a PDP chieftain disclosed that the party’s organs were divided into two groups—one for Wike and another for Atiku.

The source, who wished to remain anonymous, asked, “How do we reconcile? When the organs are divided, how can the party regroup or move forward? The party is split as we speak. Just as it is going to be in 2023, with one group supporting Wike and another supporting Atiku.

The National Working Committee is divided between supporters of Wike and Atiku. The PDP Board of Trustees members are devoted to Wike and Atiku. He also said that the PDP Governors’ Forum, which should lead the party, is split, with some governors still supporting Wike, some supporting Atiku, and a few remaining impartial.

This is the reason the party looked dead, the source added. Given that Wike and Atiku are still party members and are directing their camps to work against one another, the PDP is no longer able to speak with a single voice.

Read Also: Off-season polls: Tinubu, police, NEC let Nigerians down

“Tell me, will Atiku’s camp move to sanction its members while Wike’s camp folds its hands?” he said. Or will Wike’s group be allowed to stay in the party in spite of what they did under the observation of Atiku’s camp? How then do you make them reconcile?

“They are delaying peace talks. Additionally, the party might not experience peace as long as they both stay members and collaborate against one another.

The PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated in an interview with our correspondent that Wike had proven he didn’t have the best interests of the party in mind.

“Unfortunate that the PDP leadership does not have the balls to force Wike out of the party for peace to reign,” he said.

“Wike spent more than 15 years as a member of this party. He made friends throughout these years who hold positions with different PDP organs. Osadolor continued, “so some of his friends allow emotions to override the cause of justice.”

According to Dr. Umar Ardo, the former special adviser to Atiku, the former vice president was losing the respect of the PDP governors.

He said, “So, the Atiku group seems to either lack or be unable to implement tact and sophisticated strategy, which is needed to deal with Wike in the party.”

For the PDP to have long-lasting peace, Ardo pleaded with Atiku to give up on his presidential ambition.

Additionally, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, the former vice chairman of the PDP for South West and Wike, urged Atiku and Wike’s team to embrace justice and peace.

Off-season polls: Tinubu, police, NEC let Nigerians down

coic
-
0
Off-season polls: Tinubu, police, NEC let Nigerians down

The off-cycle governorship elections that took place on November 11, 2023 in the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi raised new concerns about the impartiality, honesty, and readiness of the electoral umpire and the security services to oversee free and fair elections free from malpractice and violence. Despite the fact that poll watchers concurred that the general elections this week lacked the level of violence witnessed in the February/March elections, allegations of vote-buying, deliberate disenfranchisement, result falsification, and inadequate logistics were raised during this week’s voting.

Similarly, the elections failed to meet international standards for credibility and efficiency even with the large-scale deployment of military, police, and paramilitary forces throughout the three states and the decreased level of violence reported. Rather, Nigerians suffered trauma all over again. Instead of the celebratory scenes that usually follow the results announcement elsewhere, many areas of the three states were filled with anxiety, fear, rage, and grievances.

President Bola Tinubu was also let down by the first major elections under his watch, particularly by his haste to congratulate his party’s declared winners despite protests from both opponents and onlookers.

Nigeria ought to aim for the greatest international standards. Vote-buying and other vices, such as violence, were still evident in the three states, according to real-time reports, despite INEC, the Police, and other security agencies praising themselves for the decline in documented cases of these crimes.

Read Also: FG to release 4,068 inmates from correctional centres

During a news conference in Abuja following the election, YIAGA Africa, an NGO, bemoaned the fact that INEC had squandered another chance to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Free and fair elections are “the foundation of democracy and allow for free and just societies,” according to the advocacy group Civil Liberties Union for Europe. The 180-member Inter-Parliamentary Union, which states that legitimacy “can only derive from the will of the people as expressed in genuine, free and fair elections held at regular intervals,” agrees and emphasizes this crucial point.

But in Nigeria, politicians use violence, bribery, offensive weaponry, thugs, and manipulation to treat elections like a war. It’s fatal how desperate they are. According to press reports, attendance is typically low.

For example, polling observers questioned the Imo polling, which included nine polling units in Orsu, eight polling units in Okigwe, eight polling units in Oru East, seven polling units in Orlu, and one polling unit each in Ideato North, Ikeduru, Oru West, and Owerri West LGAs.

Citing field reports from its observers, YIAGA claimed that in more than 15% and 14% of polling units in Imo and Kogi states, respectively, “INEC polling officials were unprofessional and partisan.”

Eight additional groups of observers who followed the elections in Italy also reported irregularities, including vote-buying and physical attacks on voters by thugs to prevent them from exercising their right to vote.

“As seen in multiple viral videos, security agencies were involved in multiple instances of complicity wherein they compromised their duties to ensure credible elections. By doing so, they allegedly assisted and mitigated the widespread election manipulation that was seen in the Imo contest.

“There are a number of potential INEC flaws, one of which is the complete relocation of the organization without voter notification. A large number of voters in Orsu LGA were denied the right to vote because they were unaware of INEC’s intention to hold a cluster election. Who are the voters in Orsu? is the question INEC needs to respond to. Are they outsiders or Orsu natives?

“We noticed that in all 11 wards of Okigwe LGA, no result sheet was delivered to polling places. We also noticed that eight polling places were not used for the election. According to the organizations’ reports, INEC and Okigwe police authorities might need to clarify where the collation for Okigwe was completed.

Likewise, there have been reports of electoral irregularities in Kogi. Election observers expressed concern over the discovery of pre-filled results sheets in certain polling places prior to the start of voting.

In addition to acknowledging some of these irregularities, INEC promised to punish the guilty officers and canceled the results from the state’s nine wards.

A Peoples Democratic Party supporter was allegedly killed by thugs in Brass LGA, Bayelsa.

Allegations of widespread vote-buying in all three states were present during these incidents.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared that it had detained fourteen individuals in relation to vote-buying in all three of the states. Unsurprisingly, every significant loser is demanding a cancellation and accusing the other of fraud.

Nigeria serves as a poor representative of democracy. One of the main tenets of democracy is the right to freely elect representatives and leaders through regular elections that are fair, unintimidated, and free from coercion. The Election Law Journal, based in the United States, states that “votes are the ultimate currency of power in a democracy.” Selling votes, then, is giving up the final authority to select a person or group. In a nation where poverty and ruin have been the result of 24 years of civil rule, those who sell their votes for small payoffs help to further their own destitution.

It is sorrowful. The incident further tarnishes the nation’s miserable image abroad. The EFCC and the police have made a few arrests, but Nigerians are still waiting on the suspects to face charges. The offenders shouldn’t be spared from punishment. A system of electoral abuse and impunity has been ingrained in the past due to the failure to punish offenders.

The security services need to tidy up. Agency leaders need to look into, find, and discipline any of their employees who compromised in the three states. From now on, personnel should be deployed in a professional manner and make sure that no one is coerced, intimidated, or seduced into voting against their moral convictions. Money distribution or promises of it at polling places ought to be discouraged and dealt with when it does happen.

The malfeasance will not stop until the politicians who commit and encourage electoral offenses are held accountable.

Granted, the technology that INEC deployed this time around performed better, so it deserves some credit. Several reports claim that the Bi-modal Verification Accreditation System operated at 90% efficiency. This is a step in the right direction, so the commission should continue, polish its ICT instruments, and tie up any loose ends. It should develop plans with the security agencies to prevent employee collusion, vote-buying, voter suppression, and logistical problems.

As part of his legacy, Tinubu ought to make it his mission to spearhead the efforts to sanitize elections.

Next year, Edo and Ondo states will host two more off-season governorship polls; INEC and the Police should make a commitment to perform better there.

FG to release 4,068 inmates from correctional centres

coic
-
0
FG to release 4,068 inmates from correctional centres

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has started the release of 4,068 prisoners who have served varying sentences of imprisonment with the option of a fine or compensation as part of efforts to decongest the Nigerian Custodial Centers.

The initiative, according to the minister, is aimed at prisoners whose fines and compensation total less than N1 million. The event took place at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The facilities currently house “approximately 80,804 inmates, significantly surpassing their limits and prompting this strategic intervention,” according to Tunji-Ojo, who also stated that the facilities had a “installed capacity of no fewer than 50,000.”

He declared, “This release provides a lifeline primarily to indigents unable to settle their dues, giving them a second chance at freedom. It targets inmates with fines and/or compensations not exceeding N1m.”

 

 

Anambra Assembly voiced concern about the overcrowding in correctional facilities: “Charitable individuals, organizations, and business entities came together to raise a total of N580 million for this admirable cause.” Furthermore, the goal should be to empower these people so that they can successfully reintegrate back into society rather than just freeing them.

“In order to ensure a more promising future upon their release back into their communities, the inmates received comprehensive training covering civic duties, practical skills, and recidivism prevention strategies.”

According to Tunji-Ojo, the government’s pledge to modernize both custodial and non-custodial facilities was made in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision and international human rights standards as well as efficient correctional techniques.

He also praised the Nigerian Correctional Service for their commitment to both national security and humane imprisonment.

Nigerian fans interested in betting, not Eagles – Musa

coic
-
0
Nigerian fans interested in betting, not Eagles – Musa

Ahmed Musa, the captain of the Super Eagles, gave a speech on Friday in Lagos at a ceremony to reveal the team’s motto, “Let’s Do It Again,” as they attempt to win a fourth AFCON championship in Ivory Coast the following year. “Here are some quotes from the speech provided by TANA AIYEJINA.

In the beginning

Working with my former teammates and captain Joseph Yobo as well as my former coaches Stephen Keshi, Daniel Amokachi, and Samson Siasia was a huge honor. I’d like to express my gratitude for all of their supportive remarks. Since I was the youngest player on the team when we were in camp, Yobo never wanted to stay with anyone else but me. I played for the U-23 and U-20 teams in addition to the Super Eagles at that time. In a month, I participated in games for the Super Eagles, U-20, and U-23 teams. I consider it an honor to wear the green and white jersey every time. I play to the best of my ability even when I only have two minutes left.

Even though my first home game lasted only five minutes in Calabar, it helped me stay with the Super Eagles until this day. I’ve been working so hard because of Yobo and most of my coaches’ encouraging words.

 

Pinnick’s role

Amaju Pinnick, the former president of the Nigerian Football Federation, recalled a time when he was not playing for Leicester City. Ahmed Musa needs to be invited to the team, no matter what, he told Eagles coach Gernot Rohr over the phone. And I participated in the 2018 World Cup, placing among the top players there. How come? Considering that Pinnick had faith in me.

He was the first to want to sign me to Warri Wolves back when I was playing for JUTH FC because he saw something in me from my time playing in Nigeria. I will express my gratitude, sir. Aisha Falode has also consistently encouraged us; she is not limited to women’s football. She constantly gives me motivation and provides the team with the moral support we require.

NPFL stars in Eagles

From the video that I just watched here, most of these Eagles players don’t stay in Nigeria.

In 2013 (AFCON), nobody believed in us. Before our game against Ivory Coast, our ticket to return back to Nigeria had already been booked because nobody believed that we could win.

We had seven home-based players in the team and five of them were starting. This happened because the former coach, late Stephen Keshi and Amokachi believed in the home-based players. I know this because I worked under him in the home-based team when I played for Kano Pillars.

We need to go back to that starting point again and have our local league.

I started from the local league and if nobody believed in me I won’t be where I am today. So, we have to return back to our local league because we have a lot of players there. What are they playing for if we don’t call them to the Super Eagles?

That will not encourage them because everyone will want to go to Europe. They believe Nigerian football is no longer lucrative but for me, you remember I rejoined Kano Pillars from Europe. If these players receive let’s say N500,000 (monthly salaries) they won’t think of leaving the local league because they have their families here. But over there (in Europe) most players stay alone, earn good salaries, listen to music and watch Netflix. The life there is boring with all the money.

Eagles vs Lesotho stalemate

The result against Lesotho was not what we wanted, but that is football, you either win, lose or draw.

And to the media, please, we have a young team. A lot of them cannot take that pressure. Why? Because whenever you are playing you’re thinking of the reaction you will get on social media after the game and most times I see a lot of insults like ‘Ahmed Musa should not play for the team again, he should retire.’

We have a lot of players who should not have retired from the team when they did but it was what the media reported that forced them out.

As you can see, we still need someone like Mikel Obi in the team, we still need Victor Moses. It’s not all about young players in the team because you need players to take them along, but right now we don’t have that.

Age issue

A lot of people have been saying, ‘oh Musa is old.’ No, I’m not. I started playing for the Super Eagles since I was 19 years, so, I’ve been here since and that is why everybody is thinking Musa has been in Eagles for long. Whenever I wear that jersey it’s a privilege and pride to me.

I love this country and I know whenever we lose, I have a family back home, I know the pressure they face when we lose. When we are on the pitch, they say ‘na him mother be this, go insult am (this is his mother, insult her). So, I know that I must put in everything I have so that people don’t insult my family.

Nowadays, with the players we have in the team, none of them stay in Nigeria. They don’t know that anger that most of us, who have families in Nigeria, face when the team loses.

Qatar debacle

I cried a lot when we didn’t qualify for the 2022 World Cup. I know what our former NFF president (Pinnick) did at that time. Players stayed in hotel rooms which cost about N500,000.

He did his best so that we qualified for the World Cup. We lost a lot of money and that is why most of our players right now are facing challenges because we failed to qualify for the World Cup. So, we as players lost so much money.

No matter where you are playing you always go down into your corner to think when you lose money. Nowadays I understand what football is and the anger of the fans. Most of us don’t support Super Eagles because we like them, they will say, ‘hey dem don cut my ticket, give me my money’ (hey they’ve spoilt my ticket, refund my money). You’ll see on most of our DMs ‘you cut my ticket, you no sabi play’ (you spoilt my ticket, you don’t know how to play), its because they are bettors. Before, you’ll see the love and passion for the team but nowadays, betting has spoilt everything.

So, please I am begging the media to please take it easy with these young boys, they can’t take too much pressure. That is why whenever they go onto the pitch to play they panic because they are thinking about what they are going to see on their accounts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

What do you think forced Odion Ighalo out of Eagles? They threatened to kill his family and he had to quit.

Why will you threaten to kill my family just because I play for my country. When you go outside you see how they worship us, but when you come back home they treat you like nobody.

Plight of ex-footballers

Look at most of our ex-footballers, how they are doing. We understand we live big lives, but some of us don’t have that money to support them and this is why I’m going to plead with my father, the sports minister.

We need something from you (sports minister) that is going to take care of our old players because we always see a lot of people complaining. Please, look into this matter because we understand what is going on. That is why most of us now think of a business to invest in after football because that is when life starts.

So, if you don’t plan well, we understand what happens. You need to enjoy, but some of us don’t have that privilege to play for big clubs and earn that big money.

‘Let’s do it again’

To the NFF president, please we are begging. I need this video (Let’s Do It Again documentary) please. This is what most of our players need.

We need this encouragement because most of us don’t stay in Nigeria. I always come to Nigeria. I have to fly from my club to come here. I will say thank you very much to the organisers for giving everything, my ticket, everything, thank you.

I am taking all these to my teammates to tell them 2024 is for the Super Eagles and for Nigeria. Let’s do it again.

I am promising we will do all our best to make Nigeria happy because I remember that celebration in 2013, when we landed at the airport. There was no road for us to pass for over two hours and this is the only sport that makes us one in Nigeria. Nobody thinks about Musa as a Muslim or (Kelechi) Iheanacho as a Christian. I can remember after the World Cup in Russia, when I arrived Nigeria, people were saying ‘Ahmed Musa for President’ because of just two goals, so, you can see how Nigerians love football.

1...1,6511,6521,653...2,849Page 1,652 of 2,849
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv