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Bancroft says Warner put him up to ball-tampering
Cricket
Melbourne, Dec. 26, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Former Australia opening batsman Cameron Bancroft has broken his silence on the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
Bancroft, who was suspended for nine months for his part in ‘sandpaper-gate’, cast David Warner as the instigator and himself as an impressionable rookie that just wanted to “fit in’’ to the team.
He told former Australia wicketkeeper-turned TV pundit Adam Gilchrist in an interview on Fox Sports that Warner had asked him to manipulate the ball and he had readily agreed.
“Dave (Warner) suggested to me to carry the action out on the ball given the situation we were in the game and I didn’t know any better,” Bancroft said in comments published by Fox Sports.
“I didn’t know any better because I just wanted to fit in and feel valued, really — as simple as that.
“The decision was based around my values, what I valued at the time and I valued fitting in … you hope that fitting in earns you respect and with that, I guess, there came a pretty big cost for the mistake.”
Former captain Steve Smith and former vice captain Warner were both banned for 12 months for the ball-tampering incident during the Cape Town test against South Africa.
Warner was earlier identified by a Cricket Australia investigation as the main instigator of the plan to scuff up the ball.
He also said several times during a March media conference that he took “full responsibility for the part I played’’ in the scandal.
Bancroft’s comments came five days after Smith said he had no part in plotting to alter the condition of the ball but had heard the plan being hatched in the team’s dressing room.
Smith, facing Australian media for the first time since arriving home in disgrace in March, said on Friday he had failed as a leader to prevent the plan from being carried out.
Bancroft said he had been a willing accomplice because he was worried that he might let the team down by not going along with the scheme.
“I would have gone to bed and I would have felt like I had let everybody down,” said the 26-year-old, who played the last of his eight tests in Cape Town.
“I would have felt like I had let the team down. I would have left like I had hurt our chances to win the game of cricket.”
Bancroft’s ban expires on Dec. 29, while Smith and Warner’s suspensions will be lifted at the end of March. (Reuters/NAN)
KIA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Beer
By Bosede Olufunmi
Kano, Dec. 26, 2018 (NAN) The Kano State Hisbah Board has seized and destroyed more than 30 trailer loads of beer.

The board’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Adamu Yahaya, disclosed this in a statement in Kano on Tuesday.

Yahaya said that the cartons of beer were destroyed on Monday evening after interception at Kalebawa on Danbata Road in Dawakin Tofa area.

“The Kano State Law No. 4 of 2004 has banned the manufacture and use of intoxicants in the state.
“
Furthermore, an order was given by a magistrates’ court for us  to go ahead with the exercise,” the public relations officer said.

Yahaya warned those selling beer to stay within their limits.

He appealed to members of the public to be of good conduct and be one another’s keeper. (NAN)
BO/COF/IGO/IA
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Ijeoma Popoola

Ghanaians

By Moses Omorogieva (08058017253)

Lagos, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Inspector-General of Police-Intelligence Response Team (IRT), has arrested two Ghanaians for allegedly robbing a truck driver of his vehicle and goods with acid.

The Force spokesman, DCP Jimoh Moshood confirmed the arrest to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos, stressing that the suspects carried out the crime in Edo on Dec. 9, while they were arrested in Enugu State.

Moshood said that the suspects allegedly poured raw acid on Taiwo Adesanya after robbing him at the Olukwu area of Benin City of his truck with goods.

He said that the suspects, Eric Aidan and Matthew Kwasha, are notorious criminals who specialise in killing their victims with raw acid after dispossessing them of their belongings , especially vehicles.

The image maker of the force, who said that the suspects were currently being detained at IRT Cell in Ikeja , Lagos, noted that their mode of operation was to seek employment as driver and conductor in haulage companies.

He said while in such company, they study the company and perfect ways to divert their employers goods and sell the vehicle.

Moshood said after selling the goods, they would relocate to another place where they would apply for the same position in another company, stressing that their last operation was the incident of Dec. 9.

He said that after they attacked the driver who was sleeping from the long journey with raw acid , thinking that he was dead , they snatched his truck loaded with 600 bags of sugar and dragged him out of the truck.

The image maker said that the owner of the truck petitioned the I-GP following the attack on the driver and the diversion of the sugar worth over N10 million the driver was carrying to Benin City.

According to Moshood, based on the petition, the I-GP directed the Commander IRT, DCP Abba Kyari to investigate the matter, stressing that upon the directives, Kyari directed CSP Phillip Rieninwa, IRT commander in Lagos to go after the suspects .

“The team led by CSP Rieniwa swung into action and tracked the suspects to a shrine in Nsukka, Enugu State, from where they were apprehended.

“They have confessed to the crime and they will soon be charged to the Court. The victim, who  survived the acid attack, was able to recognise the suspects,” he said. (NAN)
MIO /KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Christmas

By Sunday John

Keana (Nasarawa State). Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) Rev. Moses Osakede in charge of Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ, Keana, Nasarawa State, has called on Christians to celebrate Christmas with respect to its purpose.

The cleric made the call in a Christmas message during a church service on Tuesday in Keana.

He said the birth of Jesus Christ entailed love, unity, peace, togetherness and exemplary life.

He regretted that some Christians perpetrated evil during Christmas instead of exhibiting the virtues.

“We are supposed to do things that should glorify God on the occasion of Christ’s birth.

“People indulge in fornication, drunkenness, consumption of illicit drugs, among other bad behaviours, instead of doing things that glorify God,” he said.

Osakede called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to rise up against vices in private and public sectors. (NAN)

SDJ/CEO/IGO
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Edited by Chidi Opara/Ijeoma Popoola

Coordinators
By Ariwodola Idowu
Ado-Ekiti, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti on Tuesday announced the appointment of top civil servants as the Coordinating Directors for the 16 local government areas in the state.

This was coming barely a week after the State House of Assembly placed all the elected council chairmen in the state on indefinite suspension.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, had said that the elected council chairmen were suspended indefinitely over allegations bordering on maladministration and corrupt practices.

Oyebode said that their appointments took immediate effect.

According to him, the ‘Coordinating Directors’ are to oversee the affairs in the councils they are attached to.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all the appointees were drawn from the services of the various local governments as well as the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC).

Oyebode listed the Coordinating Directors and their postings as follows: Mr Andero S. O moves from Ekiti South West Local Government to Irepodun/Ifelodun and Mr Akinwumi Foluso, from Ido-Osi to Ikere LG.

They include: Mr Borisade Yinka, from LGSC to Ekiti South-West, Mr Sesan Aina moves from Ido-Osi to Ado-Ekiti LGA; Mr Ayo Aluko, from Moba to Oye; Mrs Toba Ojo, from LGSC to Moba LGA; and Mr L.S Oladunjoye from Ikere LGA to Ise-Orun.

“Mr Agbaje S. A moves from Oye LG to Ijero; Mr Arowolaju Tunde, from Ado LG to Ekiti West; Mr Adesoba F.O, from LGSC to Emure; Mr Owajoba J. O, from Ido -Osi to Gbonyin LG.

“Others are: Mr Akinola Bayo, from Moba LG to Ido-Osi; Mr Fasanmi G.O, from Ikole LG to Ikole; Mr Ogunsakin L. R, from Ekiti East LG to Efon; Mr Williams Adeola, from Ido-Osi to Ilejemeje; and Elder K.M Waleola, from Emure LG to Ekiti East,” Oyebode stated. (NAN)
ARIS/COF/GOK
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Olagoke Olatoye

Birth
By Chioma Ugboma
Lagos, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) Dr Kayode Ajulo, a Labour Party chieftain, says God replaced his only son at Christmas.

The former National Secretary of the party, who lost an only son last year, described the  birth of another son at Christmas as a miracle.

The politician urged Nigerians to join him to thank God for the kindness.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajulo’s six-year-old son, Kayikumi, died in a road mishap on Sept. 30, 2017, in Abuja.

Ajulo told NAN in Lagos on Tuesday that the arrival of the baby at Christmas was significant and provided huge comfort for him.

“What a mighty God; He chose today to wipe my tears. I will forever be grateful.

“I am excited to share this good news of my brand new Christmas gift,” he said.

Ajulo, also a rights campaigner and the Founder of the Egalitarian Mission for Africa, a non governmental organisation, urged members of the public to pray for couples in need of children. (NAN)
CHOM/IGO
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

Celebration

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Abuja, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) As Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas to mark the birthday of Jesus Christ, fun seekers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday besieged the popular ‘MagicLand’ at the city gate to catch their fun.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at 3 p.m., fun seekers filled the amusement park to capacity to enjoy themselves with the over 15 equipment available.

NAN observed that both Christians and Muslims trooped to the park to catch their fun for the Christmas break.

Fun seekers had to queue to gain entrance into the park and to take turns to mount facilities like the Bumper Ride, Bouncing Castle, Flying Eagle, Water Splash and others.

Some of them, who spoke to NAN, said the Christmas celebration was “peaceful and fun all the way”.

Mr Benjamin Ugochukwu, a business man in Wuse Market came all the way from Kubwa said he was in the park with his wife and son to catch their fun.

“It is Christmas and it is calm and peaceful; and as you can see. We are all here to catch our fun; many people are here to celebrate.

“There is no fuel scarcity, People have come out, no traffic, no violence; it is good; if it can continue like into the New Year, it will be a sign of good things to come.

“I think FCT is safe and secure; the Charismas is peaceful and calm; we are having fun,” Ugochukwu said.

Another fun seeker, Mrs Regina Isaac who came to the park with her five children, corroborated Ugochukwu’s view.

Isaac said it was fun all the way in `MagicLand’.

“We are enjoying ourselves for the Christmas in the park, but we are also paying for it; I have spent about four thousand naira and the children are demanding for more fun.

“I have to satisfy them because it is celebration period; even though there is no money in the country, it is good to use the little one to make the children happy.

“Staying at home at this period is not the best. It is Jesus’ birthday and we need to be happy; that is why we are in the park to have fun and be happy,” Isaac said.

A grandmother, Mrs Olufunke Oluwale who came from Lagos, told NAN that she came to the park to also catch her fun for the Christmas.

Oluwale in company of her daughter and grandchildren confessed that it was her second coming to MagicLand.

“I was here last Christmas and it was fun; I am here again this year and by God’s grace, I will be here next year to celebrate the Christmas with my grandchildren’’.

NAN also reports that Sharwama seller and artists, who specialises in face painting, made brisk business in the park.

Malam Iliyasu Yusuf who sells Sharwama said patronage was high and encouraging.

According to Yusuf, the minimum cost of a wrap of Sharwama is between N1,000 and N1,200

“Patronage is high; you can see how people are coming to place orders for Sharmwama; I am enjoying this Christmas celebration. I thank Allah for everything.’’

Mr Emeka Ononiwu of Mekazini Creations Unlimited, who deals in face painting, also said patronage was high but expressed optimism of higher patronage.

“I am hoping to paint at least a thousand faces today; we do the Face Patch for N500, Face Mask goes for N2,000 and Eye Patch for one eye alone goes for N1,000.

“This is Christmas season and the town is calm; no traffic jam, no crisis and we are hoping for the best,” he said.

The Manager of the park, Mr Paul Okoh, said patronage was high and assured fun seekers of safety and security in the park.

“Our equipments are in good condition and security personnel both in uniform and plain clothes are all around to ensure that fun seekers and their personal belongings are safe.

“We hope to continue to give Abuja fun seekers the best in the FCT,” he said. (NAN)
CMY/HAS
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Edited by Hajia Sani

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Mohammadu Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Minna.

Abubakar, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), alleged that the suspects belonged to an eighth -man gang responsible for armed robbery operation and the killing of police officer on Nov. 15 in his hotel room.

• Politics
  By Usman Aliyu
  Ilorin, Dec 25, 2018 (NAN) Malam Usman Abdulazeez, National President, Ilorin Emirate Descendants’ Progressive Union (IEDPU), has urged political gladiators in the state not to turn Ilorin to battle ground during 2019 general elections.
• Abdulazeez, who gave the advice on Tuesday in Ilorin at the National Conference of the union, said what the people of Iloron yearned for was a peaceful co-existence.
• ‘’As the 2019 general elections draw closer, there is palpable tension, apprehension, aggression and desperation.
• “Political alignment and realignment to different platforms has taken place; primaries have come and gone and politicians have begun electoral campaign.
• “Our take in 2019 general elections is very simple. Ilorin should not be turned to a battle ground by political gladiators, ” he appealed.
• The national president reminded politicians not to forget that it was all about Ilorin project and not on the basis of any personality in the game of politics.
• He also urged youths not to succumb to the lure by politicians to be used as thugs.
• “Politics should not be reduced to unnecessary bicker, name calling, mischievous allegation, callous comments, character assassination, hate speeches, encouragement of chaos, and whipping of religious or ethnic sentiments among others.’’
• Abdulazeez commended the state government for the number of ongoing projects in the state but urged their timely completion.
• He also called on the Federal Government to establish a Federal College of Education in the state, following the recent its approval of several higher institutions.
• The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, urged the well-meaning indigenes of the state to set up industries.
• He said such move would take the state to a greater height.
• The former vice-chancellor said the advice became necessary because government alone  could not shoulder the development of the state.(NAN)
• AUO/YI/DUA
• Edited by Yahaya Isah/Dada Ahmed

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