Blog

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Corruption
By Olagoke Olatoye
Ilesa (Osogbo), Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) Some clerics have described the ongoing anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari as the only way to bring the country out of the current economic recession.

The clerics spoke on Sunday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the first convocation of Ilesa Missionary District of Foursquare Gospel Church in Ilesa.

Those who spoke to NAN included Rev. Olubisi Omotoso, the South-West Regional Coordinator of Foursquare Church in Nigeria, Rev. Rasak Akinwale, the Osun State Pastor of the church and Rev. Olanrewaju Williams, General Overseer, Glory Chapel, Kingsglory Ministries International, Ile-Ife.

NAN reports that theme of the programme is ”In Times Like This” while the text was taken from Psalm 102 verse 13.

Omotoso said that Christians have critical roles to play in the anti-corruption crusade by setting a pace in holiness and righteousness in view of the economic mess the country found itself.

”We should all join hands together with the government to rebuke the looters of our nation’s treasury, because they are living in our midst, and by the time we do this, everybody will adjust and begin to do things in Godly manner .

”We found ourselves in this mess because we have deviated from the standard of God, and deviated also from holiness and righteousness.

”This is why corruption has eaten deep into all the facets of our society and this has brought the country to its knees, inflicting untold hardship on the populace.

”The only thing we need to do as Christians is to return to God and set standard for others to follow.

”In all our churches, even in our families, we should not compromise the standard of God,” the regional coordinator said.

Akinwale, who is also the Foursquare District Overseer of Ife, said that Christians have a lot of roles to play in tackling the present economic challenges facing the country.

”Christians should support President Buhari in the fight against corruption because corruption does not do anything good for the society.

”Our structure, our system is very weak, and for now, I want to advise the government to follow the rule of law in the course of fighting this monster called corruption to get the desire results.

”Government should also look for corrupt people now at the corridor of power and fish them out for justice.

”Any government that is selective in its fight against corruption, that is looking for only those in the opposition parties,  will end up encouraging more people to be corrupt, and looters will continue to hold on to power to evade trial.

”Every corrupt leader, whether in government or in opposition parties, should be dealt with according to the law of the land so as to nip corruption in the bud.

”This will make everybody to begin to do things in the right way for the progress and development of the country,” he said.

Akinwale admonished Christians to have positive minds that ”Nigeria is not going to end up like this, and that our country will still be great.

”When we have positive mind about our country, we will project Nigeria very well, and direct its spirit to the right direction,” he said.

In his own remarks, Williams said, “In times like this, put your trust in God first, be obedient and willing to serve in God’s Kingdom and live a life of holiness by running away from sin.’’

“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are good, as Christians think on these things,” he added. (NAN)
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

President Buhari begins 2-day visit to Edo

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Buhari
By Deborah Ogedemgbe
Benin, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday arrived Benin airport to begin a two-day working visist to Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari, who arrived at about 10;43a.m aboard Air Force flight 5N-FGW, was received by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole.

He inspected a guard of honour mounted by military personnel before he proceeded to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare N’gidigan II, on a courtesy visit.

NAN reports that some of the diginatries at the airport included Chief John Oyegun, the APC National Chairman, Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, Mr Godwin Obaseki, the state governor-elect, service commanders, lawmakers, and other party leaders.(NAN)
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Maharazu Ahmed

Agency to prosecute noise pollution violators in Niger

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Pollution

Minna, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA) has said that the agency would set up mobile courts to prosecute those engaged in noise pollution in the state.

Alhaji Usman Kolos, the Deputy General Manager of the agency, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Monday that owners of musical studio and operators of grinding machines would no longer go scott free.

He disclosed that the state government has purchased noise metre machines that would help to check unwanted noise.

“Noise pollution affects both health and behaviour and can damage psychological health.

“It can cause hypertension, high stress levels, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and other harmful effects to the body,” he said.

Kolos stated that some machineries were not supposed to be used in residential areas, yet people continue to use them.

He urged residents to report those infringing their rights through noise pollution. (NAN)

MNO/MZA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

NAN-H-26
Dignitaries
Visit
Benin, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) Chief John Odigie, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) is leading other dignitaries to receive President Muhammadu Buhari, who is starting a two-days visit to the state, at the Benin Airport.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Transport, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, Mr Chibudum Nwuche, APC South South leader, outgoing Edo Dep. Gov. Pius Odubu and  service commanders are also at the Airport awaiting Buhari’s arrival.

NAN observed that officers of the combined armed forces are putting finishing touches to their practice to receive the President on arrival at the airport.

Meanwhile, movements is restricted around the Oba of Benin palace ground near the Kings Square ahead of Buhari’s courtesy visit to Omo n’ Oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare N’ gidigan 11.

NAN observed heavy presence of security personnel within the palace premises directing traffic while the few persons allowed within the palace ground are being frisked.

Buhari is expected to visit Oba Ewuare, inaugurate the new ultra model Central Hospital on Sapele road, the constructed Siluko road and the reclaimed Queen Ede gully site all in Benin.

The President is expected to also inaugurate the Edo University, Iyamho, Estako West Local Government Area of Edo North Central district on Tuesday before his departure for Abuja. (NAN)
Reporters/KOO/IS

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ismail Abdulaziz

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Security

By Igbaugba Ehigimetor

Benin, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) Security has been beefed up in and around Benin, the capital of Edo, ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari two-days official visit to the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President who commences the visit on Monday, is expected to inaugurate a number of projects executed by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole, who is vacating office by Nov. 12.

Men and officers of Police, Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have taken up strategic positions in the areas the President is expected to pass through and the project sites in the capital city.

NAN reports that there is heavy presence of security personnel at the Airport and environs, Golf Course Road and Government House area.

Heavy security is also  noticed in adjoining streets close to the airport, such as Ihama, Boundary and Adesuwa roads while security patrol vehicles, manned by the police and army, were seen patrolling airport road.

The presidential visit created traffic challenges in the City on Monday morning, especially Airport road and Siloko road, a road constructed by the current administration which the President is also expected to inaugurate during the visit.

Part of activities lined up for the visit, is the planned courtesy call by the President to the new Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, after which he is expected to inaugurate the new central hospital, Siloko road and 2nd East Circular road among others.

On Tuesday, Buhari is expected to inaugurate some projects, including the new Edo University, Iyamoh, in Edo North and Central Senatorial Districts of the state.

Oshiomhole, who was first inaugurated on Nov. 12, 2008 and won his second term in 2012, is expected to hand over to the governor-elect, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Saturday. (NAN)
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Edited by Shittu Obassa/Ismail Abdulaziz

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Cup

By Victor Okoye

Abuja, Nov. 6, 2016 (NAN) DR Congo’s  TP Mazembe Football Club claimed their first CAF Confederations Cup title, beating MO Béjaïa of Algeria 4-1 (5-2 on aggregate) in the second-leg of the final at the TP Mazembe Stadium on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following a 1-1 stalemate in Blida a week ago, the Ravens were always going to be favourites to claim the 2016 crown under a sunny Lubumbashi sky, and so it proved.

Having lost in the 2013 final, Coach Hubert Velud was tasked with leading the club to success in Africa’s second-tier club competition and his troops didn’t disappoint as the five time Caf Champions League winners outclassed their visitors.

Merveille Bope rattled the back of the net as early as the seventh minute, with the Ravens midfielder guiding the ball past Chamseddine Rahmani at his back post.

The hosts continued to dominate proceeding and doubled their lead two minutes before the break.

Zambian midfielder Rainford Kalaba rammed home an unstoppable right-footed shot as Rahmani remained rooted to his spot.

Kalaba completed his brace in the 62nd minute of the clash.

Solomon Asante set up his teammate, who made no mistake with a powerful left-footed effort to send the home fans into absolute delirium.

The goal was Kalaba’s eighth of the campaign.

The Crabs pulled a goal back through Sofiane Khadir on 75 minutes, but Jonathan Bolingi restored the hosts lead two minutes later.

The Democratic Republic of Congo forward made no mistake from close range.

NAN also reports that Mazembe will now face 2016 CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns in the Caf Super Cup early next year. (NAN)

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Edited by Yusuf Zango

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League

By Victor Okoye

Abuja, Nov. 6, 2016 (NAN) Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in the much anticipated fierce north London derby at the Emirates Stadium on match day 11 of the English Premier League.

The Gunners, who were looking to go on top of the league table after Manchester City’s stutter took the lead in the 42nd minute through Tottenham’s Kevin Simmer’s own goal.

However, Arsenal were pegged back by Tottenham in the 51st minute after the referee had spotted an infringement in the Arsenal’s box.

Laurent Koscielny was adjudged to have fouled Moussa Dembele in the box and Harry Kane stepped up to score the equalizer for Tottenham.

Following Manchester City’s slip up at home to Middlesbrough and Arsenal being held by Tottenham, Liverpool’s players knew victory would send them a point clear of Chelsea at the top of the league.

If there was pressure following the Blues’ statement win when they defeated Everton 5-0 on Saturday, Liverpool certainly did not show any signs of suffering from it.

The Reds went top of the Premier League for the first time under manager Jurgen Klopp with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Watford at Anfield.

Sadio Mane’s acrobatic header finally put the Reds ahead after a host of missed chances, before Philippe Coutinho drilled in a second from 20 yards three minutes later.

Adam Lallana crossed for Emre Can to nod home before half-time and underline the home side’s clear superiority – and the story was much the same after the break.

Watford were abject and Liverpool masterful as Roberto Firmino tapped in a Lallana cut-back before the Brazilian turned provider and Mane slotted in a fifth amid slack defending.

Georginio Wijnaldum completed the scoring in the 91st minute with his first goal for the club, after substitute Daniel Sturridge had struck the bar twice.

It is the fifth time Liverpool have scored four goals or more in the league this season, and made them the top flight’s highest scorers with 30 goals from their 11 matches.

But Watford’s consolation through Daryl Janmaat means Klopp’s side have only kept one clean sheet in the league this season.

Also, visitors Manchester United got their premier league campaign back on track after trouncing hosts Swansea 3-1 at the Liberty Stadium.

Defending champions, Leicester City suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat in the hands of West Bromwich Albion at the King Power Stadium, while Hull City came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1.

At the end of Match day 11, the top four saw table-toppers Liverpool finish on 26 points, while Chelsea (25), Manchester City (24) and Arsenal (24) are second, third and fourth respectively.

Tottenham on 21 points and Manchester United on 18 points are fifth and sixth. (NAN)

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Edited Yusuf Zango

South Africa’s Gordhan to be charged again this year

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Charges

Johannesburg, Nov. 6, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan will be charged this year over a surveillance unit at the tax agency he once ran, six days after separate charges were dropped against him, a report said on Sunday.

Gordhan is being investigated for his role in setting up a unit at the tax department a decade ago that is suspected of spying on politicians, including President Jacob Zuma.

The report said Gordhan will be charged with fraud and defeating the ends of justice by the end of this year, citing sources at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks, a special police branch.

“Hawks spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi questioned the veracity of the report, saying “how do you charge someone before you have concluded an investigation?” he said.

An NPA spokesman did not respond to a text message and phone call requesting comment.

The NPA dropped charges against Gordhan last week relating to allegations he fraudulently approved early retirement for a deputy tax commissioner, costing the revenue service 80,000 dollars.

The rand rallied after the reports that Gordhan would not be prosecuted, as investors welcomed a reprieve for a finance minister respected by markets.

Gordhan has said none of the charges have any merit.

Analysts believe political turmoil in recent months is the result of a power struggle between Gordhan and Zuma over.

Among other things is the issuing of government tenders to Zuma’s wealthy business friends and their influence over the ANC. (Reuters/NAN)

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Edited by Damilola Oyewole/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Erdogan rejects international criticism over opposition arrests

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Arrest

Istanbul, Nov. 6, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Turkish President Recep Erdogan on Sunday rejected international criticism of his government over the arrest of politicians from the opposition pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).

Accusing the HDP of being the political arm of the banned militant Kurdish Workers’ Party, Erdogan said he did not care about criticism from abroad.

“It doesn’t bother me at all whether they call me a dictator or anything like that.

“It just goes in one ear and out the other. Important is what my people say,” he said.

Speaking about the arrested HDP members, he said: “When they don’t act like parliamentarians but like terrorists, they will be treated like terrorists.”

Erdogan also renewed accusations against the European Union of providing shelter to the PKK, although the group is also on the EU’s list of terrorist organisations.

On Friday, HDP chairmen Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, and seven other HDP members of parliament were arrested on a variety of terrorism-related charges.

Following the arrests, multiple foreign ministries in Europe called in Turkish diplomats for explanations and Federica Mogherini, the EU foreign policy chief, said she was “gravely concerned” by the detentions.

The government had already removed the elected mayors of more than two dozen Kurdish municipalities including in Diyarbakir in South-Eastern Turkey, which is seen as the cultural capital of the Kurds and replaced them with loyalists.

The HDP on Sunday said it would boycott parliamentary meetings following the arrests.

Speaking from Diyarbakir, the HDP said it would firstly withdraw from all legislative procedures following what it called the “blackest attack in the history of its democratic politics”.

“The party would no longer take part in plenary meetings or parliamentary committees,’’ HDP lawmaker Ziya Pir said.

It was possible that the party would renounce its 59 seats in the legislature, he said, although further discussions would take place within the party.

Turkey’s EU Minister Omer Celik called for a meeting of European ambassadors in Ankara following the latest arrests.

The working breakfast on Monday would cover the “latest developments,” state news agency Anadolu reported.

In June 2015 the HDP became the first Kurdish party in Turkey to pass the 10 per cent threshold and be elected to parliament.

More than 1,000 officials linked to the HDP have been arrested since last year, the party says.

The party said it is being targeted because it opposes Erdogan’s plans to expand his power through constitutional changes. (dpa/NAN)

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Edited by Damilola Oyewole/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Trump to visit 11 states, Clinton five in last 2 days of campaign

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Campaign

Washington, Nov. 6, 2016 (dpa/NAN) With the U.S. presidential election just two days away, candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were scheduled Sunday to campaign in several of the most contested states.

Trump, the Republican flagbearer, planned to continue a hectic schedule with campaign stops in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

He has scheduled campaign rallies in five other states on Monday.

Clinton was to campaign in Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday alongside National Basketball Association star LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

She also planned a stop in New Hampshire on Sunday.

Her schedule for Monday includes stops in North Carolina, Michigan and Pennsylvania, where she will appear with President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, her husband former president Bill Clinton and her daughter Chelsea Clinton.

A nationwide poll released Sunday by broadcaster ABC and the Washington Post showed Clinton with a lead of five per cent points going into the final hours of the long campaign.

Another poll by broadcaster NBC and the Wall Street Journal showed her with a 4-point lead nationwide.

Polls of likely voters also show a solid lead for Clinton in the number of Electoral College votes she appears likely to win.

Each state offers a set number of electoral votes based on the population of the state, and candidates need 270 Electoral College votes – a simple majority – to become president.

In a few of the important swing states, polls indicate Trump recently picked up some support, but he must win more of those states in order to defeat Clinton.

Speaking Saturday in Reno, Nevada, Trump complained again about what he said were signs of voter fraud.

“Folks, it’s a rigged system, and we are going to beat it,” he said.

Trump claimed that Latino voters who support Clinton had been bussed in and allowed to vote past the time the polls were to remain open in early voting in the state. (dpa/NAN)

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Edited by Damilola Oyewole/Muhammad Suleiman Tola