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Chelsea, Man Utd, other EPL clubs fixtures

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Chelsea, Man Utd, other EPL clubs fixtures

As the new football season approaches, Premier League clubs are ramping up their preparations with a series of pre-season friendlies.

These matches offer valuable opportunities for players and managers to fine-tune their tactics and integrate new signings before the competitive action begins.

Several clubs have already kicked off their pre-season campaigns, with mixed results.

Manchester United, under the scrutiny of manager Erik Ten Hag, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Norwegian side Rosenborg but bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Rangers.

The Red Devils’ new signing, Leny Yoro, made his debut in the latter match, just two days after joining the club.

Meanwhile, Everton faced challenges both on and off the pitch.

As the Friedkin Group withdrew from negotiations to purchase the club, Sean Dyche’s team struggled in a 3-3 draw with Sligo Rovers.

The match saw the Blues debut their new Castore home strip and required a late brace from Youssef Chermiti to salvage a draw.

Many Premier League clubs are heading to the United States for their pre-season tours.

Manchester City, preparing for a fifth consecutive title defence, will conclude their US tour with the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.

City manager Pep Guardiola said, “Despite being City’s fourth consecutive appearance in the match, a win in August would be their first since 2019.”

Other clubs crossing the Atlantic include Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Liverpool. These teams will face a mix of domestic and international opponents in various US cities.

Some clubs are opting for European or Asian tours. Tottenham Hotspur, for instance, will play matches in Tokyo and Seoul, including a high-profile friendly against Bayern Munich on August 3rd.

The pre-season schedule also provides opportunities for lower-league opposition. Bournemouth, for example, played out a 1-1 draw with Wrexham, while Crystal Palace began their preparations with a 1-1 tie against Charlton Athletic.

As the summer progresses, these friendlies will play a crucial role in shaping the teams for the upcoming Premier League season.

New managers, such as Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca, Liverpool’s Arne Slot, and Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler, will be particularly eager to impart their tactical philosophies on their squads.

With the Premier League kickoff looming, these pre-season fixtures offer fans a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come in the 2024-25 campaign.

Full list

Arsenal
July 20: Arsenal 2-0 Leyton Orient

July 25 vs Bournemouth, 3:30am, Dignity Health Park

July 28 vs Manchester United, 01:00am, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

August 1 vs Liverpool, 12:30am, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

August 7 vs Bayer Leverkusen, 6:00pm, Emirates Stadium, London

August 11 vs Lyon, 2:00pm Emirates Stadium, London

 

Aston Villa

July 17: Aston Villa 3-0 Walsall

July 20: Spartak Trnava 0-3 Aston Villa

July 28 vs Columbus Crew, 1:00am, Lower.com Field, Ohio

August 1 vs RB Leipzig, 1:00am, Red Bull Arena, New Jersey

August 3 vs Club America, 10:30pm, Soldier Field, Chicago

August 7 vs Athletic Bilbao, 7:30pm, Bescot Stadium

August 10 vs Borussia Dortmund, 4:00pm, Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund

 

Bournemouth

July 20: Wrexham 1-1 Bournemouth

July 25 vs Arsenal, 3:30am, Dignity Health Sports Park, Los Angeles

August 4 vs Rayo Vallecano, 3:00pm, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth

August 10 vs Girona, 7:00pm, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth

 

Brentford

July 20: AFC Wimbledon 2-5 Brentford

July 25 vs Benfica, 8:00pm, Estadio da Luz, Lisbon

July 30 vs Estrela da Amadora, 11:00, Behind closed doors

August 3 vs Watford, 3:00pm, Vicarage Road

August 9 vs Wolfsburg, 7:45pm, Gtech Community Stadium

 

Brighton & Hove Albion

July 24 vs Kashima Antlers, 11:00am, National Stadium, Tokyo

July 28 vs Tokyo Verdy, 10:30am, National Stadium, Tokyo

August 3 vs QPR, 3:00pm, Loftus Road

 

Chelsea

July 25 vs Wrexham, 3:00am, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

July 27 vs Celtic, 9:00pm, Notre Dame Stadium, Indiana

August 1 vs Club America, 12:00am, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

August 3 vs Manchester City, 10:30pm, Ohio Stadium, Columbus

August 6 vs Real Madrid, 7:00pm, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte

August 11 vs Inter Milan, 3:00pm, Stamford Bridge

 

Crystal Palace

July 19: Crystal Palace 1-1 Charlton

July 27 vs Crawley, 12:30pm, Broadfield Stadium

August 1 vs Wolves, 01:00am, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Maryland

August 4 vs West Ham, 12:00am, Raymond James Stadium, Florida

August 11 vs FC Nantes, 3:00pm, Selhurst Park

 

Everton

July 19: Sligo Rovers 3-3 Everton

July 27 vs Salford City, 3:00pm, Peninsula Stadium

July 30 vs Coventry, 7:45pm, Coventry Building Society Arena

August 3 vs Preston, 3:00pm, Deepdale

 

Fulham

August 2 vs Benfica, 8:00pm, Estadio Algarve

August 10 vs Hoffenheim, 4:00pm, PreZero Arena

 

Ipswich

July 20: Ipswich 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk

July 27 vs Fortuna Dusseldorf, 3:00pm, Portman Road

August 2 vs Borussia Monchengladbach, 12:30pm, ATS Sportpark

August 3 vs Hoffenheim, 12:30pm, Kufstein Arena

 

Leicester

July 23 vs Shrewsbury, Croud Meadow, 7:45pm

August 10 vs Lens, 3:00pm, Stade Bollaert-Delelis

 

Liverpool

July 27 vs Real Betis, 12:30am, Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh

August 1 vs Arsenal, 12:30am, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

August 4 vs Manchester United, 12:30am, Brice Stadium, South Carolina

August 11 vs Sevilla, 3:00pm, Anfield Stadium

 

Manchester City

July 24 vs Celtic, 12:30am, Kenan Stadium, North Carolina

July 27 vs AC Milan, 11:00pm, Yankee Stadium, New York

July 31 vs Barcelona, 12:00am, Camping World Stadium, Orlando

August 3 vs Chelsea, 10:30pm, Ohio Stadium, Columbus

August 10: Community Shield vs Manchester United, 3:00pm, Wembley Stadium

 

Manchester United

July 15: Man Utd 0-1 Rosenborg

July 20: Man Utd 2-0 Rangers

July 28 vs Arsenal, 1:00am, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

August 1 vs Real Betis, 5:00am, Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego

August 4 vs Liverpool, 12:30pm, Brice Stadium, South Carolina

August 10: Community Shield vs Manchester United, 3:00pm, Wembley Stadium

 

Newcastle United

July 27 vs Hull, 2:00pm, MKM Stadium

July 31 vs Urawa Red Diamonds, 11:30am, Saitama Stadium, Saitama

August 3 vs Yokohama F. Marinos, 1:00pm, National Stadium, Tokyo

August 9 vs Girona, 7:30pm, St James’ Park

August 10 vs Stade Brestois, 4:00pm, St James’ Park

 

Nottingham Forest

July 13: Chesterfield 0-3 Nottingham Forest

July 19: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Sunderland

July 23 vs Millwall, 6:00pm, Pinatar Arena, Spain

July 27 vs Elche, 10:00am, Pinatar Arena, Spain

 

Southampton

July 19: Eastleigh 1-7 Southampton

July 24 vs Bordeaux, 10:00am, Behind closed doors

July 27 vs Montpellier, 10:00am, Behind closed doors

 

Tottenham Hotspur

July 17: Hearts 1-5 Tottenham

July 20: QPR 0-2 Tottenham

July 27 vs Vissel Kobe, 11:00am, National Stadium, Tokyo

July 31 vs Team K League, 12:00pm, Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea

August 3 vs Bayern Munich, 12:00pm, Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea

August 10 vs Bayern Munich, 5:30pm, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

 

West Ham

July 15: Ferencvaros 2-2 West Ham

July 20: Dagenham & Redbridge 0-1 West Ham

July 28 vs Wolves, 12:00am, EverBank Stadium, Florida

August 4 vs Crystal Palace, 12:00am, Raymond James Stadium, Florida

August 10 vs Celta Vigo, 3:00pm, London Stadium

 

Wolves

July 28 vs West Ham, 12:00am, EverBank Stadium, Florida

August 1 vs Crystal Palace, 1:00am, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Maryland

August 3 vs RB Leipzig, 7:30pm, Chase Stadium, Miami

August 10 vs Rayo Vallecano, 3:00pm, Molineux

Governor Fubara urges Rivers monarchs to help combat crude oil theft

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on traditional rulers to collaborate with the government in curbing crude oil theft and promoting stability and economic progress in Nigeria.
Addressing the 117th/118th Combined Quarterly General Meeting of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt on Monday, Governor Fubara emphasized the crucial role of traditional leaders in ensuring security and deterring youth involved in economic sabotage within their communities.
“It is the duty of everybody to support Nigeria’s progress and economic stability, which relies heavily on increased crude oil production,” Governor Fubara stated, highlighting ongoing challenges of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
Directing his message to the council of traditional rulers, Fubara urged proactive community leadership: “Take charge of your communities. If you have information to share with us regarding these illicit activities, please do so. Our country’s stability and economic growth hinge largely on our oil production.”
He continued, “I charge you to return to your communities and assert authority. We will support you, including providing financial assistance to establish vigilante groups if necessary.”
Read also: FCT Police CP urges residents against joining nationwide protest
In response, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended Governor Fubara for maintaining peace amidst political challenges. He urged all parties to avoid violence and prioritize the state’s peace, stability, and growth.
“All of us must remember that Rivers State is our only home. Let us not allow personal interests to undermine our collective wellbeing,” Eze Wodo concluded.
The post Governor Fubara urges Rivers monarchs to help combat crude oil theft appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

APC planning to manipulate Edo poll, says commissioner

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APC’s attack on Obaseki diversionary tactics, says aide

The Edo State Government has issued a stern warning about the potential for a nationwide crisis if the opposition All Progressives Congress fails to allow a free and fair gubernatorial election in the state on September 21, 2024.

This is according to a statement released on Monday by the special assistant on Media projects, Crusoe Osagie, and signed by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare.

The government clarified recent comments made by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

According to Nehikhare, the governor at a stakeholders meeting on July 21, 2024, stated, “If a free and fair election is not allowed to hold sway in Edo State on September 21, 2024, it will trigger a major crisis in Nigeria.”

The statement comes in response to what the government describes as attempts by the APC to “negatively spin” Obaseki’s remarks. Nehikhare accused the opposition party of planning to use violence to influence the election outcome.

The commissioner cited recent incidents of violence allegedly perpetrated by APC supporters, including an attack at the Benin Airport on July 18, which resulted in the death of a police officer and destruction of property.

He also mentioned an assault on the Nigerian Bar Association Secretariat, where lawyers were reportedly intimidated and harassed.

“As they say, the morning shows the day and the APC has clearly shown their plan for the September 21 governorship election in the State, which is to cause mayhem, make the State ungovernable, and take advantage of the chaos to manipulate the forthcoming governorship election,” Nehikhare stated.

The government warned that given the current economic hardships facing the country, irresponsible behaviour by political actors could ignite a widespread crisis.

Nehikhare added, “This note of caution is even more appropriate with the ominous threat of a nationwide protest with the potential to degenerate into a widespread breakdown of law and order.”

The statement further urged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear and called on the Nigerian Police to apprehend the identified perpetrators of recent violence.

The government also offered to provide video evidence from its surveillance system to aid police investigations.

“While we urge all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses without fear, we call on the Nigerian Police to do its job and apprehend the hoodlums, most of whom have been positively identified and captured in videos, carrying firearms at the location of the crisis.

“The Edo State Government, through its robust security video surveillance, is ready to supply these videos taken in real-time to help the Police in their investigation,” the commissioner said.

Senate, NCWS, want domestic staff included in minimum wage

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The Nigerian Senate and the National Council of Women Society, NCWS on Monday advocated for the inclusion of domestic servants in Nigeria in the proposed N70,000 minimum wage when it comes into effect.
The call was at the National Assembly in Abuja during a public hearing on a bill seeking an Act to provide for the Domestication and Registration of domestic workers and Employers in Nigeria,
The public hearing on the bill sponsored by Senator Babangida Hussaini representing Jigawa North West, was organized by the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity chaired by Senator Diket Plang.
The Senate’s call for the inclusion of domestic servants in the National Minimum Wage Scheme, especially came from Senator Osita Izunaso representing Imo West, during his remarks at the public hearing.
He said: “As a member of this committee, I feel strongly that part of the provisions to be included in this bill, is to include the domestic workers be it housemaids or servants, in the proposed N70,000 National Minimum wage law.
“As N70,000 is being planned to be the lowest wage for the lowest public workers, so should be the case for least domestic workers.
“We are going to put it in the bill for implementation by all employers.”
He, however, suggested that instead of domestication and protection of domestic workers and employers, the intent of the bill should be changed to registration and protection of domestic workers and their employers.
In a similar call, the Acting National President of NCWS, Mrs Geraldeen Etuk, argued for the inclusion of domestic servants in the proposed National Minimum Wage law.
However, during an interview at the sideline of the event, the sponsor of the bill, Senator Babangida Hussaini said although he was elated by the general support the bill got from the various stakeholders, the practical implementation of the additional scope of inclusion of domestic workers in the national minimum wage is what is somewhat doubtful.
” There is no point in making a law that cannot be implemented but I’m happy that the generality of stakeholders at the public hearing supported the bill and by extension, the proposed law.
Earlier in his remarks during the session, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Diket Plang, said an agency will surely be set up for the implementation of the proposed law, but the Ministry of Labour and Productivity will drive the operation from the onset.
Senate, NCWS, want domestic staff included in minimum wage

Your victory call to service, Maikyau tells new NBA executives

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Your victory call to service, Maikyau tells new NBA executives

The outgoing president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), has charged the newly elected national officers of the body to see their victory as a call to service.

He reminded them in a congratulatory message on Monday that they were elected to serve, hence the need for them to discharge their assignment meritoriously.

Recall that the NBA conducted its national officers’ election on Saturday, July 20, 2024. The election produced a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afam Osigwe, as its 32nd president and other executives.

In a statement through the National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Akorede Lawal, the outgoing NBA president expressed happiness for the successful election.

Maikyau further congratulated all the candidates at the polls for their show of sportsmanship and their desire to serve the members.

The statement read, “As you may be aware, the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), yesterday, 21 July 2024, officially declared the results of the NBA National Elections, which was held on 20 July 2024.

“According to the ECNBA, the following persons emerged winners and have been returned as members of the NBA National Executive Committee:

“Mazi Afam Osigwe, (SAN) – President, Sebastine Anyia – 1st Vice-President, Mrs. Bolatumi Animashaun, 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Zainab Garba 3rd Vice-President, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara – General Secretary, Mr. Henry Ehi – Assistant General Secretary, Mrs. Blessing Imo Udofa-Poromon – Treasurer, Mr. Nyada Auta – Welfare Secretary, Mrs. Bridget Ijeoma Edokwe – Publicity Secretary, Miss. Ebiere Ekpese – Assistant Publicity Secretary.

“To this end, the NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, (SAN) congratulates all the candidates, particularly the NBA President-elect, Mazi Afam Osigwe and other newly elected National Officers and NBA Representatives at the General Council of the Bar on their victory at the polls.”

Maikyau also commended the ECNBA, led by Mr. Oluseun Abimbola (SAN), for the efficiency and effectiveness, with which the committee carried on its constitutional duties.

APC’s audit officer, Ekem Sunday, dies

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APC's audit officer, Ekem Sunday, dies

The ruling All Progressives Congress on Monday mourned the demise of its long-serving worker, Ekem Sunday, at the national secretariat in Abuja.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, disclosed this in a condolence message.

Sunday, who hailed from Rivers State, died on Saturday after an illness.

Until his death, he was an audit officer in the accounting department at the party’s national headquarters.

In his tribute on Monday, Morka disclosed that the late accountant will be sorely missed for his ‘amiable disposition.’

He said, “A grassroots mobiliser, the late Ekem Sunday volunteered for several APC political support groups that worked for our election successes in Rivers State and the national level.

“He will be sorely missed for his amiable disposition and diligence in the discharge of his duties.

“We express our deepest condolences to his family and the Party’s national secretariat staff over this painful loss. We pray the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest.”

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Contact: [email protected]

FCT Police CP urges residents against joining nationwide protest

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The FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, has urged residents and indigenes not to participate in the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, citing potential security risks.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Igweh emphasized the efforts made by the police to maintain security in the FCT, expressing concerns that the protest could undermine these efforts.
“I want to appeal specifically to the residents and indigenes and everybody in the FCT. Please, lions do not destroy their dens. You cannot see a lion who destroys its den. No, I would not like you to join this protest,” Igweh stated, urging the community to appreciate the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel to ensure their safety.
Read also: Tinubu returns home after attending AU meeting
Highlighting recent losses of policemen in securing the area, Igweh pleaded with residents not to risk further unrest. He also acknowledged government efforts in infrastructure development, urging residents to act responsibly and maintain peace.
“Let us continue collectively to make the FCT safe. Let them go and do what they want to do. But not with us,” he concluded.
The post FCT Police CP urges residents against joining nationwide protest appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Scores defect from PDP, APGA, others to APC in Kaduna

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Scores defect from PDP, APGA, others to APC in Kaduna

Seven hundred and two members of the Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, People’s Redemption Party, and the Peoples Democratic Party in Makera Constituency of Kaduna-South Local Government Area of the State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, with a commitment to support the party to win the October 19 local government elections.

The defectors, which included a former State House of Assembly candidate for Makera Constituency, women and youth leaders in Kaduna-South Local Government, were received by the Local Government Party Chairman, Ibrahim Soso, and the Chairman of the occasion, a former Senator representing Kaduna-North, Senator Lawal Aliyu at the Monday Market, in Kakuri Gwari.

In his remarks, Soso assured the defectors of equal opportunities in the APC, irrespective of their new memberships, and advised them to work and vote for all the APC candidates in the October 19 Local Government Council elections.

“We’re convinced that Kaduna-South will vote for our party the APC and we’re confident that the main opposition PDP is dead here”, he stated.

In their separate remarks, Ayok Danboyi, a former candidate for Makera State House of Assembly Constituency, and Yunana Bala, a chieftain of the PDP, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, said their defection was necessitated by the leadership style of the Executive Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Nehemiah Baba-Karik and Governor Uba Sani, who focus on uniting the people of the state as against the normal tradition.

According to them, the daily depletion of their parties’ membership in Kaduna-South was an indication that the main opposition party would soon go into extinction even before the Local Government general elections.

They pledged to work hard ahead of the local government general elections slated for October 19, 2024.

The Executive Vice Chairman of Kaduna-South Local Government Area, Nehemiah Baba-Karik, described their step as a “wise decision” and assured them that they would not be left behind in the scheme of things.

“You will not be left behind in the scheme of things as you have now become part of us. You will observe that the Governor has demonstrated capacity and genuine leadership in promoting good governance”, he said.

Macron says France is ready to host Paris Olympics

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Macron says France is ready to host Paris Olympics

President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that France was ready to host the Paris Olympics as he visited the Athletes’ Village four days before the Games begin.

“We are ready and we will be ready throughout the Games,” Macron said.

“We have been working on these Games for years now and we are at the start of a decisive week which on Friday will see the opening ceremony and then the Olympiad which will be held in Paris, 100 years since the last one.”

He added, “This is the fruit of an immense amount of work which has profoundly changed the country, in particular the area” of Seine-Saint-Denis, where the Athletes’ Village is situated.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach also visited the Village to the north of the French capital, where thousands of athletes and officials are arriving, with up to 14,500 expected there at the peak of the Games.

Comprising 40 different low-rise housing blocks, the complex has been built by employing innovative construction techniques using low-carbon concrete, water recycling and reclaimed building materials.

It was also intended to be free of air-conditioning with a natural cooling system, but some Olympic delegations are unconvinced and have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units for their athletes.

Seine-Saint-Denis, where the main athletics stadium for the Olympics is also situated, is the poorest area in France and is hoping to reap benefits from the sports extravaganza.

Macron promised the area would not be forgotten after the Olympics.

“I will come back after the Games to see the legacy with you and to see how life has changed,” he said.

– Israelis ‘welcome’ –

Meanwhile, France’s foreign minister said Israeli athletes were welcome at the Paris Games after a hard-left member of the French parliament sparked outrage by urging them to stay away because of the conflict in Gaza.

“The Israeli delegation is welcome in France,” Stephane Sejourne said in Brussels ahead of talks with his Israeli counterpart, adding that the call by France Unbowed (LFI) lawmaker Thomas Portes for the country’s exclusion had been “irresponsible and dangerous”.

“We will ensure the security of the delegation,” Sejourne added.

Portes drew an angry response from French Jewish groups and both political opponents and allies.

Yonathan Arfi, head of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (Crif), said the comments were “putting a target on the backs of Israeli athletes”.

Arfi said Israeli athletes were “already the most in danger at the Olympic Games”, recalling the 11 “murdered by Palestinian terrorists” at the 1972 Munich Games.

Meanwhile, French security forces were continuing preparations for the unprecedented opening ceremony on Friday, the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main stadium.

Between 6,000 and 7,000 athletes are to sail down the river on 85 barges and boats, with a backdrop of world-famous monuments including Notre Dame Cathedral, currently being renovated after a devastating fire in 2019.

The athletes will disembark for the culmination of a ceremony at the Trocadero opposite the Eiffel Tower that organisers promise will be spectacular.

Up to 300,000 ticketed spectators will watch from stands and on the river banks and another 200,000 are expected to watch from the overlooking apartments.

Turning to the sport, Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar is setting his sights on Olympic gold in the road race after winning the Tour de France for the third time on Sunday.

“We are living in the golden age of cycling,” Pogacar said after completing a commanding victory in Nice, where the finish was moved to because of the Olympic preparations in Paris.

AFP

Help govt fight crude oil theft, Fubara tasks Rivers monarchs

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Rivers coalition warns against Fubara’s impeachment

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that it is the duty of everybody, especially traditional rulers, to join efforts with the government to ensure that there is stability and unfettered progress of Nigeria.

He has also advised traditional rulers to take charge of their domains and ensure that they make life difficult for ill-guided youths involved in acts of economic sabotage in their various communities.

Fubara gave the charge while declaring open the 117th/118th Combined Quarterly General Meeting of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at their Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Monday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen.

The governor maintained that it should be the concern of everybody to support and see Nigeria progress as a stable country while advancing economically, adding that this is possible only when there is high production of crude oil, as the mainstay of the national economy.

The governor said, “I want to see a different society from this hour. The Federal Government is doing everything to see that our crude oil production level increases. But every day, we are having issues of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation and all the associated problems.

“All these people that are carrying out these evil acts, they’re not coming from the moon, they live in our communities, we know them. I am charging this council, as a first step, to take charge of your communities.

“If there is any information that you need to share with us, share with us. The overall, we need our country to progress. We need our country to be stable. We need our country to grow economically. It is through only one means: our oil production.”

The governor insisted: “We are charging you, to please go back and take charge of your communities. I assure you of our support. If there is anything that we need to do, if it means the government sending you some little support financially to create your own vigilante to help, we will do it.”

In his address, the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, thanked Fubara for maintaining peace in the state in the face of the unwarranted political crisis.

Eze Wodo, who is the Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State, urged the governor not to fall into the traps of detractors by confronting their violence with violence.

He said, “All of us know that those that are over-heating the polity have one aim: to make the State ungovernable so as to make it ripe for a declaration of State of Emergency. Please, Sir, advise your supporters to avoid every invitation to violence.

“May I also appeal to our people on all sides of the political divide to remember that we have nowhere else to call home apart from Rivers State. So, we must not allow our personal interest to destroy the peace, stability, and growth of our State.”

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