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NFF Elections: Electoral Committee hands Maigari provisional clearance

Elections

By Victor Okoye

Abuja, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) The 2018 Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Electoral Committee on Wednesday said it had reached  a decision to hand a ‘provisional clearance’ to Aminu Maigari ahead of the upcoming NFF’s elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the elections into the NFF’s Executive Committee 2018-2022 is expected to hold on Thursday in Katsina.

Maigari, the immediate past President of NFF is one of the four candidates contesting for the presidency.

Others include incumbent Amaju Pinnick, who is also the 1st Vice President of CAF, Taiwo Ogunjobi, former Nigeria international defender and Chinedu Okoye, proprietor of amateur league club, Bimo FC.

Maigari was for several years Chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association and also headed the Bauchi sub –seat for the FIFA U17 World Cup that Nigeria hosted nine years ago.

The NFF Electoral Committee put in place by the NFF Congress at the 2017 Annual General Assembly in Jos, Plateau State, which is headed by Barr. Muhammed Sani Katu, will conduct the polls.

The Committee, in a statement signed by Katu on Wednesday said it had resolved to substitute the earlier clearance given to Maigari to contest with a provisional clearance.

The statement said that the committee reached its decision based on two petitions written against Maigari by Chuma Onye and Ahmed Shuaibu dated Sept. 14 and Sept. 17, respectively.

It said that the petitions were written against Maigari for certificate forgery and submission same for the purpose of the screening conducted by the electoral committee.

“During the screening exercise, the electoral committee discovered the discrepancies in the certificate presented by Maigari who is vying for the post of president of the NFF.

“However, the committee couldn’t reach a unanimous decision on whether to disqualify him or not, hence the need to resort to voting.

“During the voting, three out of five members of the electoral committee voted in favour of him being cleared and allowed to participate in the election.

“This led to the inclusion of his name in the list of the cleared candidates,” it said.

It however noted that upon receipt of the petition, the committee met and resolved to forward a copy to Maigari for his response vide a letter dated Sept. 14.

The letter urged him to appear before the committee on or before Sept. 17 for the purpose of clarification.

“Maigari received the letter and informed the committee through a phone call to the chairman of his desire to appear before the committee on Sept. 15.

“He honoured the invitation on the said date and further undertook to produce the originals of the said documents for verification and clarification on or before Sept. 17.

“However, as at Sept. 18, Maigari failed to produce the said original document,” it said.

It said that it was therefore based on the above premise that the electoral committee made the following resolutions.

“That the documents submitted by Maigari .i.e. the two Grade three certificates which were attached to the petitions are indeed not the same both in substance and in content with each other, in fact they are contradictory.

“That the said certificates are submitted to the committee in contravention of Article 5 (1) (i) of the guideline for the NFF Executive Committee Election, 2018.

“That the clearance earlier given to Alhaji Aminu Maigari to contest for the office of the President of the NFF is hereby substituted with a provisional clearance,” it said. (NAN)

VO/NNO/MZA

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Maharazu Ahmed

Businessman, 44, charged with defrauding friend of N9.7 m

Fraud

By Vivian Ibobo

Ikeja, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) A 44-year-old businessman, Nkemakonam Ofong, who allegedly defrauded his friend to the tune of N9.7million, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused, who resides at No.11, Showemimo St., Off Ajibudu St., Karole Estate, Ogba, Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of obtaining money under false pretences, conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp. Victor Eruada, told the court that the accused committed the offences with others still at large, sometime in April and in August, at Ogba area of Lagos State.

Eruada said that the accused fraudulently obtained the sum from his friend, who is also the complainant, Mr Martins Anagor.

“The accused obtained N9.7 million from the complainant under the guise of supplying him ship scrap barge, which he never did.

“He converted the money to his personal use,’’ the prosecutor said.

Eruada said that the offences contravened Sections 287, 411 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The accused, however, denied committing the offences.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 314 prescribes 15 years jail term for obtaining money under false pretences.

The Magistrate, Mrs M.I. Dan-Oni, granted the accused a bail of N1million with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until Dec. 3, for mention. (NAN)
IZU/KOLE/SOA

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Oluwole Sogunle

Olympics
Seoul, Sept. 19, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) The two Koreans have agreed to pursue a bid to co-host the 2032 Olympic Games, they said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

The decision was made following a summit between the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in.

The statement also said they had agreed to “participate jointly” at international competitions including the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The idea of a joint bid to host the Summer Games in 2032 was floated last week by Seoul’s Sports Minister Do Jong-hwan.

Do said that co-hosting the Games would build on the success of this year’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where North Korea’s participation helped ease tensions on the peninsula. (Reuters/NAN)
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Calls
Kano, Sept.19, 2018 (NAN) The Kano State Fire Service on Wednesday said it received 69 distress calls from different parts of the state in two weeks.

Alhaji Saidu Mohammed, the Public Relations Officer of the agency, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano.

Mohammed said that the calls emanated from collapsed building, flood, road accidents and fire disasters.

Giving the breakdown, he said five calls were received on fire incidents, 49 for rescue while 15 were false alarms.

The spokesman advised the public to always exercise caution with electrical appliances and stop storing petroleum products in shops and homes.

He stressed the need for those living in old houses with cracks to renovate it or vacate the house.

Mohammed also advised road users to be cautious when driving and always obey traffic rules and regulations. (NAN)
BO/NNO/AFA
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Edited by Nick Nicholas/Felix Ajide

WADA vice-president to vote against Russia reinstatement

Vote

London, Sept. 19, 2019 (Reuters/NAN) World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) vice-president Linda Helleland, has said she will oppose a proposal to reinstate the Russian agency RUSADA if it comes to a vote at a meeting in the Seychelles on Thursday.

The Norwegian, the most senior member of WADA’s leadership to express opposition to the move, said in a statement that Russia had yet to satisfy key criteria for its anti-doping agency’s readmission.

“I can see that progress is being made and I acknowledge the efforts done by RUSADA.

“But as long as the McLaren report is not acknowledged and WADA still has no access to the laboratories, I will vote against the reinstatement of Russia,” she said.

A tabled proposal was “deviating considerably” from the original roadmap and WADA had to stay true to its values at what could be a defining moment for its credibility, she added.

FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: A sign is on display outside the office of Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) in Moscow, Russia March 28, 2018. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo

“I am afraid that by opting for the easiest way out, it will ultimately hurt WADA in the future,” Helleland said. “We have to stand up for athletes all around the world.

“If you choose to reinstate Russia, you defy the very wish of the Athletes’ Committees and organisations around the world, who have very clearly stated that they will not accept a reinstatement now.”

RUSADA was suspended in November 2015 after a WADA report outlined evidence of state-backed, systematic doping in Russian athletics.

It has since undertaken broad reforms in a bid to revamp Russia’s anti-doping system and restore international trust in the country’s sport.

According to the roadmap, for the agency to regain accreditation Russian authorities must acknowledge the findings of the WADA-commissioned report.

The report found more than 1,000 Russian athletes benefited from a state-run scheme to conceal positive tests over a five-year period.

Russia has vehemently denied those allegations.

The authorities must also provide access to urine samples stored at the suspended Moscow anti-doping laboratory.

WADA said last week that its compliance review committee had reviewed a letter from the Russian sports ministry that “sufficiently acknowledged the issues identified in Russia,” thus fulfilling the first of two remaining criteria for its reinstatement.

But a group of anti-doping leaders from around the world said in a statement on Tuesday they were dismayed by what they called a compromise.

Travis Tygart, head of the U.S. Anti-Doping agency (USADA), told Reuters Television that WADA had to send a strong message.

“Let’s hope they are listening to the athletes because the athletes’ voice is loud and it’s clear and they should not be reinstated because the conditions have not been fulfilled,” he said.

“We all want the Russians back in. We want clean Russians back in…,” added Tygart.

“I’ve been an anti-doping CEO for going on 11 years and I’ve never seen athletes and the public mobilise and speak out like this.”

Katherine Grainger, head of UK Sport and Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, called in a statement on Wednesday for WADA to maintain its current position.

“What doping steals from athletes is irreplaceable and the integrity of sport and competition has to be protected to maintain public trust and support.

“This responsibility rests with leaders at every level,” she said. (Reuters/NAN)

ERO/SA

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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Harvest

By Mohammed Mamman

Gashua (Yobe), Sept.19, 2018 (NAN) Prices of foodstuff have crumbled in Yobe as farmers in the state commence the harvesting of their produce, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN checks revealed that a bag of millet which used to sell between N11, 000 and N12, 000 is now sold between N6, 500 and N7,000.

Malam Hassan Umar, a grain dealer in Gashua, said the new harvests had crashed the price of millet which is the staple food of the people.

‘‘Last week a bag of newly harvested millet was sold at N8,000 as against N10,000 three weeks ago, but it dropped to N6,000 at the Ngalda market this week.’’

He said the old stock, because of the high demand for it, was still sold at N8, 000.

Musa Kabiru, another grain merchant in Damaturu, said the price was expected to crash further before stabilising at N5, 000 per bag.

Meanwhile, farmers who spoke to NAN in Damaturu, Bursari and Bade Local Government Areas, are celebrating the bumper harvests.

Abba Usman, a farmer in Dapchi, said the harvests this season were very good and with high yields.

‘‘Unlike last year when the rains stopped early, the rains have been excellent this year, it’s still raining even when the crops are mature,’’ he said.

Bukar Mohammed, another farmer, said there are possibilities of harvesting more beans and groundnuts far more than what was obtained in the 2017 season. (NAN)
MM/MOL/MZA
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Maharazu Ahmed
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Man remanded for allegedly raping 11-year-old girl

Rape

By Tomisin Erogbogbo

Lagos, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) A Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on Wednesday ordered the remand of  28-year-old man, Sunday Lazarus, who allegedly defiled his sister’s friend’s 11-year-old daughter.

The plea of Lazarus who is facing a two-count charge of sexual assault and rape, was not taken because of the nature of the offences.

Chief Magistrate Tajudeen Elias, ordered that the accused be remanded in Ikoyi Prison, pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and adjourned the case until Oct. 19

The prosecutor, Sgt. Hafsat Ajibode, had told the court that the accused committed the alleged offences sometimes in July at No.  34, Surulere St., Oworonsoki, Lagos.

She alleged that the accused had carnal knowledge of the minor on two occasions.

“The accused’s sister and the girl’s mother are friends and neighbours; the mother left her in the custody of her friend when she went to the market.

“The accused’s sister who wanted to buy something outside the compound, left the girl and her six-year-old brother in the room while they were watching cartoon on her phone.

“The accused who lives with his sister saw her leaving the house  and used the opportunity to sexually assaulted her.

“The six-year-old boy who the accused thought was too small to understand what happened, was the one that reported what happened to their mother.

“Your honour, the medical report showed evidence of penetration,” she said.

The offences contravened Sections 137 and 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised)

According to Section 137,  “Any person who has unlawful sexual intercourse with a child is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for life.”

Section 263 carries five years imprisonment for offenders. (NAN)

TME/OU

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Edited by Obike Ukoh

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Demolition
By Christian Njoku
Calabar, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) The Cross River Government is planning to demolish shanties along the waterways in Calabar to control flood and other environmental hazards in the city.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr Michael Iraye, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Wednesday.

The commissioner went round on sensitisation and inspection of major water channels in the city.

Iraye said that the state government regulated the activities of developers on where to build and the kind of houses to be built.

He said, “The regulatory power which lies with the Ministry of Lands was challenged by residents; some out of sheer wickedness, while others out of ignorance as you can see with the growth of shanties in Calabar.’’

“Just last week, we spent three days here supervising the cleaning of this water channel but you can see the new set of waste in it.

“We are going to start tackling the problem from the source by removing all illegal structures along our water channels or roadside.

“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Lands and the Development Control Unit put in place by the governor in tackling this problem.

“These shanties also affect the aesthetics of the town. Cross River is a tourist state.

“Many states do not pay attention to the things we pay attention to. So, our architecture should be attractive.

“We have invested so much in public education and it is continuous. Last week, media organisations came here and today, you are here as part of our efforts on public sensitisation,’’ Iraye said.

According to the commissioner, extortionists are going round, collecting money from people and authorising them to build along waterways,

“I have a few cases I am handling now and those affected will be brought to book.

“This is why I came out with officials of Town Planning as directed by the Commissioner of Lands so that they can see for themselves as they have the mandate to regulate the activities of developers.

“The Town Planning authorities have undertaken to serve these people appropriate legal notices as mandated by law.

“We also utilise the privilege of this special contact with the press to advise all those who like to settle and do business in unauthorised areas to desist henceforth.

“Government does not have the resources to police every square metre of the drains in this town.

“So, we advise members of the public to clear the drains in front of their houses and desist from dropping any form of waste in the drains,’’ he said.

The commissioner said there were eight markets in Calabar, noting that there were waste collection centres at a walking distance from most homes around the city.

“Those who insist in setting up markets everywhere should take advantage of the existing markets,’’ he said.

Iraye, however, called on local government councils to create more markets.

NAN reports that most parts of Calabar had witnessed flooding in the last few weeks due to blocked drains as the rain continued. (NAN)
CBN/COO/AJA
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

Nigeria Taekwondo Open: 16 countries to participate

Taekwondo
Abuja, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) More than 16 countries are billed to take part in the 2018 Nigeria Taekwondo Open planned to hold in Abuja from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18, the organiser, Nigeria Taekwondo federation (NTF) has said.

Chika Chukwumerije, the federation’s Technical Director, who made the disclosure in Abuja at a training session on Wednesday, said preparations were on to stage the second edition of competition that had transformed to an international competition.

“To this end, countries in parts of the world and Africa continent will be in Abuja from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18 for the championship,’’ he said.

Chukwumerije said that this year’s version has been endorsed by World Taekwondo (WT) governing body as a G-1 international ranked programme.

He said that the event was a major feat by the current NTF leadership being the first-ever international taekwondo tournament to be hosted in Nigeria.

“The federation worked very hard to get the approval of World Taekwondo through the African body which duly approved after being satisfied that the event fulfilled all World Taekwondo conditions.

“In spite of being top competitors on the continent, our athletes have literally no world ranking because they cannot afford to travel and compete.

“Hosting this sanctioned event will provide hundreds of Nigerian elite and upcoming athletes the opportunity to gain vital world ranking points and competitive experience with some of the best athletes in the world,” Chukwumerije said.

The Olympic medallist assured Nigerians of the federation’s readiness to ensure that the event conformed to international best standards with a view to promote the country’s rich cultural and tourism heritage.

“We expect more than 16 countries to participate. This will be a great opportunity to make a positive impression of Nigeria taekwondo and the country.

“We will work hard to organise an event that will put us in a good position to bid to host the Olympic qualifiers or other big events.

“This will be beneficial to the development of the sport in Nigeria,’’ he said. (NAN)
DE/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

Drugs
By Muhammad Bashir
Dutse, Sept. 18, 2018 (NAN) The Jigawa Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it had destroyed 6.21 tonnes of assorted drugs in the state.

Joshephine Obi, the agency’s Commander in the state who confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Tuesday, said the exercise took place on Sept. 6 in Dutse.

Obi said the drugs were recovered from drug offenders already prosecuted and convicted.

She added that the destruction of drugs by burning was in compliance with the order of the Presiding Judge of the Federal High Court, Dutse.

The commander added that from 2013, the command had arrrsted 3,608 suspects and seized 8.26 tonnes of various types of exhibits.

According to her, a total of 753 persons were also convicted and sentenced to various jail terms.

“We’ve also given thousand of enlightment lectures as well as basic counselling to thousands of illcit drug users within the period under review.

“Every arrested drug user is put through basic counselling intervention,” the commander said.

Obi further warned that the command would not condone drug abuse and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the state.

“Therefore we expect people to be inspired to contribute their quota to get rid of drug abuse which is a dream and joy-killer, crime booster, a destroyer of health and lives, divider of familes, thief of future of promising youths, source of economic distruption and social insecurity,” she added.

She stated that the command, with support from the state government and other sister agencies, had been working to fulfil its two-fold mandate in the state towards the reduction of the supply and demand for illicit narcotic and psychotropic substances.

The commander further appealed to the public to get involved in the sensitization of families and communities against illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

Obi, who commended the state government, local councils, religous leaders and traditional rulers for their unflinching spport to the agency, appealed for more support especially in the areas of provision of operational vehicles and rehabilitation centre.

“We also thank everyone that contributed to the withdrawal of all these drugs from the society, all commanders and officers who have put in their best in the drug war in the state through the years and our sister agencies, especially the Police and NSCDC and other patrotic Nigerians,” Obi said. (NAN)
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