Blog

Squash
By Dorcas Jonah
Abuja, Dec. 29, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF) said on Saturday that the best eight players from the just-concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) would join the national team.

President of the federation, Boye Oyerinde, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the festival was an opportunity to harness hidden talents.

“Prior to the festival, we had our ranking; we know how our players are seeded and the quality of players we have.

“In the last couple of weeks, we had another tournament for the seniors, which was in Lagos.

“Immediately after that, we had another one before the festival.

“All these results will be collated by the technical committee, and we will review it and do the new ranking that will show us the best of the players.

“The best eight are those that will go into the national team,’’ he said.

Oyerinde said that the NSF board had achieved a lot in the last 18 months, adding that the new board had been able to identify squash facilities in the country and would ensure that they were made functional.

According to him, the federation has been able to form a data base of its athletes and coaches.

He added that he was proud of its achievements so far.

NAN reports that the board took office in 2017. (NAN)

DE/IGO/YEE
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola/Emmanuel Yashim

SDP
By Chioma Ugboma
Lagos, Dec. 28, 2018 (NAN) The Prof. Jerry Gana Presidential Campaign Team, known as G19, says it is going ahead with its planned commencement of Gana’s 2019 election campaign.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja on Dec. 14, declared that Gana and not Mr Donald Duke, was the rightful Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2019 election.

Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf had held that the regulations contained in the party’s constitution were binding on every member and must be obeyed.

The judge held that the zoning and rotation formula as contained in the party’s constitution stipulated that both the chairman of the party and the flag bearer should not come from the same zone.

However, the National Chairman of the party, Chief Olu Falae, on Friday appealed to all members of the party not to attend any of the events being scheduled by Prof. Gana and his Presidential campaign committee pending the outcome of the appeal in the earlier judgement.

In a swift reaction to Falae, Dr Ike Neliaku, the G19/Gana Campaign Director-General, said: “ the Gana Presidential Campaign train is set to leave the station tomorrow December 29 (Saturday), and will run swiftly to redeem the time and arrive its destination successfully and unhindered.

“Therefore, all the media organizations and guests invited to the Media Presentation are joyfully expected to be at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Sheraton Hotel and Towers Abuja by 11.30 a.m.,” neliaku said in a statement in Lagos.

He said that they were prepared to win the election and help other serious candidates of the party to win their elections as well.

“We did not seek the party tickets to become merchants, traders and transationalists, we are too serious a community of people to engage in such.

By the grace of God, we are running the race to win and determined to secure resounding victories for the Party.

“ Considering the unmitigated embarrassment and sliding fortunes of the party in the last three months, I wonder if it is not time for the majority of party faithful who love the SDP to arise and rescue her from the tyranny of the minority who have received a mandate from outside of the arty hierarchy to muscle and cage the elegant stallion,” he said.

The DG explained that following the High Court Judgment in favour of Prof. Gana as the 2019 Presidential Candidate of the SDP, and in the spirit of “our avowed commitment to Party Constitution, Gana wrote the National Chairman on Dec. 17 to inform him of the judgment and sought audience on Dec. 19 to brief the National Working Committee (NWC) on the agenda and roadmap of his campaign thrust.

” The National Chairman, through the Deputy National Chairman South, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, responded on December 18, conveying his inability to be in Abuja as requested.

“On December 19, Prof Gana personally submitted his nomination form to the Party which was received by the Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr Abdul Isiaq and other members of the NWC on behalf of the party for onward transmission to INEC, in line with the court Judgment and order.

“Dr Isiaq announced at the public occasion that the party will obey the court order. To our surprise, we understand that the national chairman, at the last minute, instructed the party not to proceed with the form to INEC, which is a flagrant disobedience to the court judgment.

“After waiting for about 10 days without any information from the national chairman on moving forward, and being under tremendous pressure to commence campaigns in the light of limited time, Prof Gana wrote a second letter dated Dec. 27.

The letter notified the National Chairman of his intention to unveil his campaign vision to the Media on Dec. 29,  and meet with Stakeholders on Jan. 5, 2019.

While expecting the national chairman’s response to the letter, our attention was this afternoon drawn to a press statement reportedly issued by the national chairman, on the subject matter of our letter.

“To say the least, we are shocked at the national chairman’s sudden shift of position, after making commitment to both our candidate and other legitimate stakeholders, that as Social Democrats he and by extension, the party, were obliged to obey the court judgment and orders; and would expectedly work with the position of the court.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the reliefs granted in consequence of our case by the FCT High Court are all declaratory, which could only be vitiated by a contrary judgment of an appeal court.

“It speaks volumes that our National Chairman would prefer an Appeal process, yet to commence and determined, in total disregard to a subsisting valid judgment and order by a court of competent jurisdiction.

”We have consulted with other leaders of the Party who represent about 90% of both the NWC and the NEC of the Party, and arrived at the conclusion that the views of the National Chairman are not in tandem with the majority.

“ Unequivocally as the DG of G19, we will rather stand with the Rule of Law, which is a cardinal element of our campaign thrust and our great party,” he added. (NAN)
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Shagari
By Aminu Ahmed Garko
Minna, Dec.28,2018( NAN) Sen. David Mark has described the demise of Nigeria’s former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari as a huge loss to the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Shagari died on Friday at the National Hospital Abuja.

His grandson, Nuradeen Mahe, told newsmen in Sokoto that the late President died at 6: 40 P.M and his remains would be flown to Sokoto for burial on Saturday according to Islamic rights.

Mark, in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, noted that Shagari’s death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

He said that late Shagari was a rare leader who believed in the sanctity of one indivisible Nigeria that must not be compromised no matter the odds.

“He worked for the peace and unity of Nigeria. He was a man with a large heart and was ever conscious about the well being and welfare of the citizenry,” he said.

The former Senate President added that Shagari demonstrated uncommon leadership skill during his stint as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , pointing that he ensured fairness and equity in the distribution of amenities across the country .

“Even after he left office, Shagari continued to offer useful advice to the younger generation of leaders all in the bid to ensure a better Nigeria.

He observed that Shagari left at a critical time when the nation needed his wisdom and knowledge to navigate through the murky political waters in the land.

Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives, Umar Bago, described the late Shagari as a charismatic elder statesman who contributed positively to the nation’s socio-economic and political development.

“Late Shehu Shagari had a unique passion for providing solutions to governance for the country. His demise was a big loss to the political scene in Nigeria.

“Indeed Nigeria and Nigerians will greatly miss a political master that championed the course of green revolution and Shagari housing estates across the country ,” he said.

Bago, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Niger state, extended his condolences to the immediate family of late Shehu Shagari ,Sultan of Sokoto and government and people of Sokoto state.

Also, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah said the death of Shagari marked a major milestone in the life of the country.

“The great man lived well and God rewarded him with a long life. The late President was a committed patriot, dedicated to the building of a peaceful and democratic Nigeria.

“In his pursuit of dialogue, he was the first Nigerian leader to invite the Pope to visit our country in 1982, thus, laying the moral foundation for his Ethical Revolution.

“He left a legacy of humility and dedication.

“On behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, I extend my condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, of Sokoto State and his immediate family,” kukah said.. ( NAN)
AAG/CHOM/SYC
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08037874101
Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Support
By Doris Esa
Abuja, Dec. 28,2018 (NAN)

Nigerian Air Force has given a detailed account of how the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Allied Air Forces provided air support to repel the attack by Boko Haram in Baga.

The fishing town was attacked by so-called members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), on the evening of Dec.26.

Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, gave the account, detailing the dozens of aerial strikes against the positions of the terrorists.

“It may be recalled that the Headquarters 7 Brigade Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Baga came under attack by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the evening of December 26.

“Upon receipt of the information of the attack, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE immediately dispatched a NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), platform along with two Mi-35M Helicopter Gunships to provide support for the troops to repel the attack.

“The NAF ISR aircraft, which was overhead the troops’ location as at 7.15pm, also worked closely with a NAF and another allied ISR aircraft that are also in the operation area at the time of the attack.

“The ISR platforms were in contact with the ground troops and assisted in directing their fire against the terrorists, while the helicopter gunships engaged the terrorists at isolated locations destroying some of their vehicles and neutralising some fighters,” he said.

He said the ATF also provided support for Nigerian Army (NA), and Nigerian Navy (NN), troops at the Naval Base at Doron Baga, “which equally came under attack by ISWAP fighters on the morning of Dec.27 “.

According to Daramola the ATF deployed two ISR platforms, two Helicopter Gunships and two Alpha Jet aircraft to provide ISR and close air support to the troops.

“After establishing communication with the ground troops, the location of the terrorists was ascertained and engaged by the Alpha Jet aircraft.

“The NAF and allied ISR platforms also spotted two ISWAP vehicles heading southwards from Baga and vectored the Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the vehicles, completely destroying one of them and neutralising the occupants.

“In order to enhance the quality of coordination between the air and ground operations, the Theatre Commander and Maritime Component Commander were carried onboard the ISR platform during one of the flights,” he said.

The spokesman said in all, the ATF conducted 20 missions in 21 sorties with a total of about 39 hours flown on December 26 and 27 in support of operations in Baga general area.
”

“The NAF appreciates the existing synergy with our gallant surface forces as well as our Regional Allies in adding value to our collective efforts to protect our territory and people,” he said.(NAN)

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07038862699
Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Mourning

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, Dec. 28, 2017 (NAN) Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, on Friday, mourned former President Shehu Shagari, describing him as a father and true democrat.

Alhahi Shagari died at about 7pm on Friday at the National Hospital, Abuja, at the age of 93.

In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the speaker stated that the former president was an icon of transparency.

”We have lost a father, man of peace, true democrat, patriot and a nationalist.

“He led an exemplary life of service to God and country worthy of emulation. He was a president for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or region,” he said.

Dogara said that the late Shagari led Nigeria with dignity and honour and respected the independence of the legislature and judiciary in the second republic under the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

According to him, he was a bridge builder and one of the major highlights of his presidency was the alliance he formed between the NPN and the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), in accordance with his politics of give and take.

”His demise is a big loss to Nigeria and all lovers of democracy on the African continent.

”His death came at a time we are in dire need of his elderly wisdom and counsel as we navigate the most challenging pace as a nation.

”We extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, especially his eldest son, Rep Aminu Shagari, who is our colleague in the House of Representatives, the people of Sokoto state, the Sultanate Council and government of Sokoto over this irreparable loss.

”May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Dogara said. NAN
TOA/CHOM/SOA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Oluwole Sogunle

Shagari: Nigeria has lost a great leader, democrat — Babatope

Shagari

By Bolaji Buhari

Lagos, Dec .28, 2018 (NAN) A former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, has described the death of  former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, as a great loss to the nation.

Shagari, who was president between 1979 and 1983, passed away at the National Hospital ,Abuja earlier on Friday, at 93.

Reacting to his death, Babatope told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the country had just lost a tolerant and peace-loving leader in Shagari.

He said when the deceased was president in the second republic under the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), he tolerated scathing criticisms from the opposition and those who did not believe in his government.

Babatope said when he was the spokesman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) ,the main opposition party at that time, he could not remember anytime Shagari clamped down on any politician with opposing views.

“Shagari was a nice and gentleman. He was a great leader and democrat, a model of politics without bitterness.

“I belonged to the UPN and he was president under the platform of the NPN, but I can tell you that Shagari did not have any problem with anybody because of his political views.

“There was no clampdown on anybody under his government and the kind of politically-motivated killings we have nowadays were almost absent.

“Even, Pa Awolowo, an opposition leader, highly regarded him because he was a peace loving leader who abhored violence. I can tell you that because I was the spokesman of UPN.

“The nation has lost a quintessential leader, a true nationalist and statesman; he will be remembered for all the good things his name represents”, he said.

Babatope urged politicians to emulate the deceased Nigerian leader by tolerating people of different political views or affiliations.

He said that the 2019 elections would be totally devoid of problems if the political class and ordinary Nigerians imbibe Shagari’s values of politics without bitterness and respect for rights.

Babatope prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and asked God to grant those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss .

Shagari, born on Feb. 25, 1925, was President of Nigeria during the Second Republic (1979–1983), after the handover of power by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo’s military government.

He worked as a teacher for a brief period before entering politics in 1951 and in 1954 was elected to the federal House of Representatives.

Shagari also served seven times in a ministerial or cabinet post as a federal minister and federal commissioner from 1958–1975. (NAN)

BHB/SOA

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Shagari was just three months old in his second term when the military officers removed him in a bloodless coup and cut short the Second Republic.

Jigawa Assembly passes the state 2019 appropriation bill

Passage

By Muhammad Bashir

Dutse, Dec. 28, 2018(NAN) The Jigawa State House of Assembly on Friday passed the state 2019 Appropriation Bill of N160.140 billion.
This followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on appropriation at the plenary.
Presenting the report the chairman, Malam Musa Sule (APC/Dutse) said the committee decided to raise the budget from the N157.540 billion presented by Gov. Muhammad Badaru to N160.140 billion.
Musa said the increase in the budget size is to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the state.
After deliberations among members the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Isa Idris, announced the passage of the bill.(NAN)
MNB/ABI

Council

By Martha Nyam

Jos, Dec. 28, 2018 (NAN) The Plateau chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday inaugurated its Campaign Council with its governorship candidate, Sen. Jeremiah Useni, vowing to unseat Gov. Simon Lalong in 2019.

Useni, in a speech at the ceremony held in Jos, said that his goal was to rescue Plateau from being destroyed by the current administration.

“Plateau people have been groaning under the yoke of bad leadership since 2015. We shall end that and restore hope in 2019,” he said.

He said that Plateau people were anxious to get rid of a leadership that had turned against them and betrayed their trust, saying that PDP’s victory in 2019 was a “done deal”.

While congratulating the inaugurated council and committee members, he urged them to work hard and diligently towards defeating the bad leadership that had brought misery and poverty.

“You must move fast, work hard and reach out to every corner to get people to vote for the PDP in 2019.

“There is no better time than now; we must all work toward enforcing the quit notice served by the people on the present administration,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Damishi Sango, the Plateau PDP chairman, expressed optimism that the PDP would regain the state it lost in 2015.

“We have started what everyone has been waiting for; Plateau people want change. We must give that to them.

“Today is the beginning of our collective statement, drive and fight for the soul of Plateau, come 2019.

“We shall spare no effort in this resolve to rescue Plateau and its people from the dismal leadership of APC and give our people some sense of relief and hope.

“We want good leadership; we want a leader that can carry everyone along irrespective of ethnic, religious and political inclinations. That leader is Sen. Jeremiah Useni who is leading the Restoration Agenda,” he said.

The 41-member council has Sango as Chairman, with the party’s governorship candidate, Useni, as Co-Chairman while his running mate, Dr. James Dalok, is Vice Chairman in charge of Central Senatorial Zone.

Other members included the three senatorial candidates, while the State Secretary of the PDP, Mr Emma Tuang, will serve as secretary of the council, to be assisted by the State Organising Secretary, Mr Gwott Chocho.

The council also has various committees with Mr Amos Gombi, PDP Deputy Chairman, heading the Contact and Mobilization team, Rtd Gen. Atu Abok, Security/Intelligence, John Akson, Elders, while former information commissioner, Yiljap Abraham, is chairman, Media and Publicity committee.

Protocol committee is headed by James Stephen, Research, Documentation and Strategy is headed by Mr Gideon Ladon, while the Finance committee is headed by Dalok. (NAN)

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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Carnival
By Christian Njoku
Calabar, Dec. 28, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has said that the 2018 Carnival Calabar was a platform to showcase Africa to the world.

Ayade said this at the flag off of the Carnival Calabar on Friday in Calabar.

The governor, who said Cross River was hosting the whole world, added that the theme of the carnival “Africanism” goes beyond Africa.

“With the theme Africanism, Africa has the opportunity of telling the whole world its story the way it knows best which is through its dance and bright colours.”

According to Ayade, Africanism is a message to the world to conduct and think Africa because Africa is about love, beauty and character.

“Civilisation started in Africa, so Africa must take its pride of place in the world.

“We are also here to show that Africa as a continent is the future, Europe is the past while Asia was the present,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Gab Unah said Cross River has so much love to share with the rest of the world.

He urged participants and tourists to enjoy the carnival and the hospitality the state offers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that dignitaries at the event included Dr Oby Ezekwesili and her husband, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa and Miss Africa 2018, Miss Dorcas Kasinde of Congo.

Also countries participating in what has been tagged Africa’s biggest street carnival included Colombia, Brazil, Lithuania, Ukraine and Mexico. (NAN)
CBN/MUYI/IS
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