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NFF board member Emmanuel Ibah dies of COVID-19

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NFF board member Emmanuel Ibah dies of COVID-19
A member of the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, Emmanuel Ibah, has died of COVID-19 aged 62.
The NFF announced Ibah’s passing with a press release on Tuesday.
“Family sources confirmed to the NFF that Ibah, who was also Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Football Association, gave up the ghost on Tuesday morning after succumbing to complications from the new coronavirus pandemic. He was said to have underlying diabetic and hypertensive medical conditions,” the NFF stated.
“Ibah, an energetic figure who showed intense dedication and commitment to the work of the NFF and Nigeria Football in general, was always at the forefront of preparations for matches of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, any time the Eagles were playing in the Akwa Ibom State capital, Uyo. The Godswill Akpabio Stadium, known as Nest of Champions, served as home for the Super Eagles during their successful qualifying campaigns for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.”
Ibah was also Chairman of the NFF Protocols and Ceremonial Committee and Vice Chairman of both the Establishment and Referees Committees.
In reaction to Ibah’s death, NFF President Amaju Pinnick said: “I am just lost for words. I don’t know what to say. This has been a tragic year on so many fronts. Emmanuel Ibah was like a brother. He was my colleague from the South South on the NFF Executive Committee and a very loyal and supportive person. We have lost another pillar on the Board. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Ibah became the third member of the NFF Executive Committee and the fourth key figure in the NFF to pass away this year. A member from the South East, Chidi Ofo Okenwa, died on 5 May and Musa Adamu Duhu passed away on 19 September. NFF’s Head of ICT, Tolulope Abe, died on 29 August.
Born on 5 September, 1959, Ibah hailed from Urua Akpan area of Akwa Ibom State, and became a member of the NFF Executive Committee after winning election at the last NFF Elective Congress in Katsina on 18th September 2018.

‘Improved’ Ndidi like two players — Maddison

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‘Improved’ Ndidi like two players — Maddison
Leicester City forward James Maddison has hailed the impact of Wilfred Ndidi since the Nigerian returned from injury.
Ndidi made his first Premier League start since September in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Brighton and was excellent in defensive midfield.
Maddison, who scored the second goal of the game with a wonderful left-footed effort praised Ndidi for his part in the build-up.
“We actually won the ball in midfield,” Maddison told Leicester City’s official website. “Wilfred Ndidi, (it’s) really good to have him back, I feel safe when I’m in there with Wilf behind me.
“It’s almost like he’s two players, and what Wilf’s improved on a lot, especially since I joined the club, is his passing ability.
“It’s improved a lot and wins the ball back, and I remember, his first pass being forward to me. A forward, along-the-floor, hard pass and that’s something that he’s really improved on.
“And then we built (on that in) the game. Vards (Jamie Vardy) made a run in behind, came back to me and I remember being one vs. one. [I] shifted it on my right, got it back on my left, and I’m comfortable off my left.
“I feel just as confident shooting [with] my left as I do with my right, and it was one of them: I knew it was in straight away, so (I’m) really happy.”
Ndidi was out with an adductor injury for over two months, missing eight Premier League games.
Leicester City lost four of the eight games the Super Eagles midfielder missed while they have won all the four he has played a part in, underlining his importance in the side.

CJN Tanko Muhammad tests positive for coronavirus

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CJN Tanko Muhammad tests positive for coronavirus

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Tanko Muhammad has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, a member of the Supreme Court, disclosed this at the unveiling of the national headquarters of Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Muhammad is receiving treatment in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The CJN was absent at the swearing-in of 72 new senior advocates of Nigeria on Monday.

Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court, administered oaths to the new SANs.

ICC, AI, others plot to prolong war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria — CNM

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The International Criminal Court, Amnesty International and their cohorts plan to prolong the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria, the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) has said.

The coalition’s position trails the criminal court’s allegation of crimes against humanity and war crimes leveled on the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

According to the CNM, the ICC’s claims discrediting the noble gains recorded by the troops is not only mischievous but an agenda well-intentioned to cause international embarrassment to the Nigerian government.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, National Coordinator, Patriot Sabo Odeh, revealed that AI has conscripted the ICC to undermine the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, hence fuelling the insurgency.

Like customarily, Patriot Sabo regretted that such move comes when substantial gains are being recorded by the troops in the war against insurgency and terrorism.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement,  therefore, charged the troops to avoid distractions from ICC, AI and others, remaining focused on the task of clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.

The coalition, however, advised ICC to endeavour to redeem its credibility by apologising to Nigerians and admitting that it erred substantially on its statement.

Read the full statement below:

The leadership of the Coalition for Nigeria Movement welcomes you all to this press conference convoked to shed light on some issues of strategic importance in the efforts of Nigeria in the war against insurgency and terrorism.

This press conference is scheduled on the overarching objective on informing Nigerians of the plot by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its cohorts to prolong the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement having dissected the issues raised and canvassed by the ICC wishes to state that the position of the ICC is laced with mischief and an agenda well-intentioned to cause international embarrassment to the government of Nigeria, by discrediting the noble gains recorded by the Armed Forces in Nigeria in the war against insurgency and terrorism in the country.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement wishes to state in unequivocal terms that there is a high tendency Amnesty International has conscripted the ICC to discredit the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the prosecution of the war against insurgency and terrorism in the country.

This is on the heels that whenever the Armed Forces are recording substantial gains in the war against insurgency and terrorism, the promoters and sympathizers of terrorist and insurgents groups in Nigeria would do all within their means to distract the Armed Forces by making unsubstantiated allegations in the public space.

It must also be stated that Amnesty International is one of such organizations that has been notoriously involved in this enterprise. We are therefore constrained to believe that since the activities of Amnesty International has been exposed; the use of proxies to continue their nefarious activities is responsible for the recent enterprise of the ICC on behalf of Amnesty International.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the position of the ICC with regards to the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria is indeed the voice of Jacob and the hands of Esau.

This much Nigerians must come to terms within the sense that the conspiracy to prolong the war against terrorism and insurgency has reached an alarming stage with the conscription of the ICC at a time when substantial gains are being recorded in the war against insurgency and terrorism.

It is our considered opinion that Nigerians must understand that there is a need for collective action in defeating insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria. The Armed Forces, aside from engaging the insurgents and terrorist in the trenches, are also dealing with a well-orchestrated slander campaign enforced by Amnesty International and most recently the International Criminal Court.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement is using this medium to sound a note of warning to those vested interests that are keen on prolonging the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria to desist from their nefarious ways as the Armed Forces of Nigeria have the full support of Nigerians.

Nigerians also recognize the patriotic efforts of the Armed Forces in addressing the threats posed by terrorist and insurgent groups in Nigeria and as such the position of the ICC is egregious and must be resisted by the relevant authorities in Nigeria.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement is therefore encouraging the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to remain focused in the task of clearing the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorist group in the country.

We are also charging the troops to refuse to be discouraged by the slander campaign launched by some unscrupulous elements hell-bent on causing a distraction so the already degraded insurgents’ elements can regroup to prolong the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.

Consequently, the ICC must recant and redeem its credibility by apologizing to Nigerians that it erred substantially on its statement on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the prosecution of the war against insurgency and terrorism.

The ICC must not look further in identifying the promoters of terrorism such as Amnesty International and begin its prosecution for crimes against humanity. This is indeed what is expected from the ICC instead of forming an unholy alliance with notorious groups to prolong the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria systematically.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement charges Nigerians to stay vigilant as there would be more scathing attacks on the efforts of the government and the Armed Forces in the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.

We thank you for your attention and time. Nigeria shall defeat insurgency and terrorism to the chagrin of those vested interests that do not wish the country well.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

God bless the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Let’s save Omah Lay now

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Let’s save Omah Lay now

By Onyeka Nwelue 

Today again, I had a long call with my artiste, clearly telling him that what happened to our rising star, Omah Lay in Uganda, can happen to anybody. Telling him how it is important to learn of the challenges and stress of going on tour.

What happened to the young man in Uganda, is demoralising. It’s not his fault. The show promoters should be held responsible but every country has its law.

I have lived in Kampala. The weather is humid and dusty.

Omah Lay may not survive the cranky weather. I am rooting deeply for him. I love his music. Such a gentleman! In my own way, I have been reaching out to people that can help him. He can’t possibly survive the filthy and rat-infested cells in Uganda. Not only in Uganda, I was imprisoned in Rwanda.

This is not a time to judge Omah Lay.

In 2018, I was arrested by eight men in black (dirty) suit from the lobby of Onomo Hotel in Kigali. They told me their boss wanted to see me for a few minutes. I left with them. They brought my luggage along. That was how I spent EIGHT days on the bare floor of a Rwandan prison.

Lots of people, on hearing about my detention, intervened. Calling on the government to release me and when the government of Rwanda released me, they were quick to post these on the official website of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau stating their own side of the story and also sharing a copy of an apology letter they coerced me into writing:

  1. On 23 October 2018, Mr Nwelue Onyeka, a citizen of Nigeria, was detained for questioning by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) following a complaint of public insult lodged by a Rwandan company.

 

  1. Upon arrest, Mr Onyeka complained of a medical condition and was immediately taken to King Faisal Hospital, where he received treatment and medications at RIB expense. After being discharged, he was taken to Kicukiro RIB Station, where he was accommodated in a private room and provided with food and drink of his choice.

 

  1. Mr Onyeka was questioned about the allegations after being informed of his rights under Rwandan law, including the right to remain silent and to have legal counsel, both of which he waived. He acknowledged the insults he had made on social media, and attributed them to “anger”. He signed a letter of apology to this effect written in his own hand (attached).

 

  1. As a result of his admission, RIB determined that the matter did not merit criminal prosecution at this time, and Mr Onyeka departed Rwanda for Johannesburg, South Africa on 29 October 2018. However, this decision could be revisited if Mr Onyeka makes additional statements that amount to public insult under art 161 of Law Nº68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general UNDER Rwandan Law.

When I got out of Rwanda, I had to treat a skin disease and checked into a psychiatry. I was damaged. The Rwandans tried to ruin my life, which is why I can’t be comfortable in the same space with any Rwandan, dead or alive.

Omah Lay’s meteoric rise as an artiste can not be destroyed now. Every Nigerian needs to lend their voice to get him out of Uganda now.

We need him back in Nigeria, back in the studio, back in the limelight!

Ede poly rector suspended for fixing bed in office

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Ede poly rector suspended for fixing bed in office

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, John Adekolawole, has been suspended by the Academic Board of the institution for fixing a king size bed in his office among other alleged misconducts.

According to the Chairman of the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Adekunle Masopa, the academic board had submitted a paper containing 21 grounds for its decision to suspend the rector.

Masopa said when he heard that members of the academic board had a rowdy session at their meeting, he quickly went to the venue, but was told not to intervene.

He noted that the board members told him that a position paper on the decision taken at the meeting would be submitted to the union.

The ASUP leader further said, “We tried to intervene, but members of the academic board said they had taken a decision and that their decision would stand. They, however, said a position paper would be communicated to us. The said position paper has been communicated to us.

He said, “The following are some of the reasons adduced for the action: one, flagrant dereliction of duty by absconding from office for about a month. Two, the desecration of the highly respected office of the rector with the creation of a bedroom furnished with a king-size bed which has made it possible for him to be sleeping at work.

“Improper improvisation of dual award programme of National Diploma plus NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) programme in collaboration with a consultant.”

But Sola Lawal, the Protocol/Media Relations Officer of the institution, while responding through a statement, explained that the issues causing disagreements in the institution would be resolved.

The statement read in part, “Following the purported suspension of the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, by the Academic Board of the institution, I wish to first and foremost restate that the school is not in crisis in any way whatsoever.

“While we are cognisant of the fact that there are pending fundamental issues to be resolved; as a one big family, I want to assure members of the public and the polytechnic community that the management is on top of the situation and working assiduously to douse the tension

“Furthermore, it is imperative to inform the public and the academic community that the National Board for Technical Education in collaboration with eminent stakeholders within Ede Community are working round the clock to amicably resolve all contending issues without delay.”

We’re not responsible for new N162 petrol pump price — FG

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We’re not responsible for new N162 petrol pump price — FG

The Federal Government said on Monday that it has washed its hands of the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit popularly called Petroleum in the country

The government noted that it has now taken a backseat in the issue of petrol pricing in the country.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, made this known while speaking at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa Abuja.

The event was the inauguration of the bipartite plus technical committee on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, pricing framework on Monday.

A statement from Ngige’s media office, quoted him as saying that the government did not fix the new PMS pump price that took off in the country on Monday.

According to him, the new N162.44k fuel price “was a price reduction gotten from the commercials like demurrage, transshipment and storage.”

Said Ngige, “Make no mistake about it. Government has taken the backseat. Government did not fix the price that took off from today.

“This Committee is expected to do more to enthrone transparency in the area.”

This would be the second bipartite meeting this month.

During the last bipartite meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), held on December 7, 2020, an agreement was reached to reduce the PMS pump price by N5, with effect from yesterday, December 14, 2020.

COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu’s health condition improving — Health Commissioner

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COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu’s health condition improving — Health Commissioner
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s health condition is improving after testing positive for COVID-19, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has said. 
In a statement on Tuesday, Abayomi said the governor is in stable condition with no sign of the adverse effect of the contagion. 
Recall that Sanwo-Olu had on Friday self-isolated immediately after one of his close aides tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
 
The governor and other members of his team were tested by the Lagos State Biobank on Saturday with his result showing he tested positive for the virus.
And Abayomi, who himself contracted and recovered from the virus in May, assured that the governor will “soon be free of the virus and fully back on the beat to steer the ship of our dear State”.
He added that, “Our thoughts, prayers and well-wishes are with our Governor at this time. We wish him full recovery soonest”.
The commissioner, however, urged  Lagos residents to remain vigilant and compliant to avoid #COVID19  infection.
Lagos remains Nigeria’s epicentre with over 25,000 of the country’s 73,374 cases, representing nearly 35 per cent.

Putin congratulates Joe Biden on U.S. election victory

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Putin congratulates Joe Biden on U.S. election victory

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday congratulated Joe Biden on his victory in the U.S. presidential election, after Biden won the state-by-state Electoral College vote that officially determines the U.S. presidency, the Kremlin said.

The Kremlin had said it would wait for the official results of the election before commenting on its outcome, even as other nations congratulated Biden on the win in the days after the Nov. 3 vote.

“For my part, I am ready for interaction and contact with you,” the Kremlin cited Putin as saying in a statement.

“Putin wished the president-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which have a special responsibility for global security and stability, could, despite their differences, really help to solve the many problems and challenges facing the world,” the Kremlin said.

 

Katsina Boys: Group holds national prayers for safe return of students, wisdom for armed forces leadership

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Katsina Boys: Group holds national prayers for safe return of students, wisdom for armed forces leadership

 

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP), on Tuesday, held a one-day national prayer session for the safe return of abducted Katsina students and the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

According to the group, the best way to get the nation out of the clutches of agents of darkness hell-bent on bringing sorrows, tears and blood to Nigerians is to return to God.

While extending its thoughts and prayers to the families and relatives of the students, the NIFROP called on all Nigerians to join in this spiritual exercise against those undermining the peace of the country.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday Garuba, the group also hailed the proactive response of the military and other security agencies attempting to rescue the abducted children.

Heavily armed with the prayers of Nigerians, Bishop Garuba, however, expressed optimism that soon the kidnapped children shall reunite with their families.

Affirming its support for the Armed Forces, the inter-faith group, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to do likewise, providing useful information that would lead to the successful rescue of the abducted children.

Read the full statement below: 

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace wishes call on the attention of Nigerians from all walks of life on the need for a One-Day National Prayers for the safe return of the kidnapped students in Katsina state recently.

Our country is in the middle of a great battle, and we know that the best way for us to battle is on our knees. And the best source to turn to is the Word of God.

We are told in James 5:6 that “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” We may not have the power to meet the President or other authorities in our government, but we can pray for them, and God can do mighty things through our prayers. We may not be able to change other peoples’ hearts or minds with our words, but we have the power to pray for them and see God do miracles in their hearts through our prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and relatives of these innocent students that were kidnapped from their dormitories by agents of darkness that are hell-bent on bringing sorrows, tears and blood in the country.

The National Interfaith and Religious condemns in its totality acts of sabotage aimed at disrupting the peace and tranquillity in the country by some individuals and organizations that do not mean well for the growth and development of Nigeria.

The reward for those that are bent on destabilizing Nigeria can be seen in the book of Psalms 34; 21 “Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.”

I declare that those that have conspired against the peace of Nigeria would meet their waterloo in the fullness of time and the righteous in the land shall indeed sing songs of praises to the host of heaven.

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace is urging Nigerians from all walks of life and various religious bodies to embark on a one-day national prayer for the safe return of the abducted children.

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace commend the proactive response by the military and other security agencies in the efforts to rescue the abducted children. We are optimistic that very soon; the abducted children shall reunite with their families by the grace of God.

We, therefore, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the military and other security agencies by providing useful information that would lead to the successful rescue of the abducted children.

Our firm belief is in God, and we wish to assure Nigerians that God is not a man that he should lie for his promises are yes and amen and by his special grace, the military operations to rescue the kidnapped children shall be very successful to the glory of God.

The National Interfaith and Religious Organization for Peace also affirms its confidence in the leadership of the Armed Forces to ensure that the abducted children are rescued and united with their parents and loved ones.

As contained in the book of Isaiah 61; 1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek. He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound,”

I declare the captives free and assure Nigerians that the students and any other Nigerian held captive by the terrorists anywhere in Nigeria will return home and alive.

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