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Race For PDP National Chairmanship: Members Fault Adeniran For Identifying With Kashamu Buruji

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October 7, 2017

Race For PDP National Chairmanship: Members Fault Adeniran For Identifying With Kashamu Buruji

Concerned members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have berated a national chairmanship aspirant of the party, Professor Babatunde Adeniran for inviting Senator Kashamu Buruji to his official declaration for the position.

This, they said has indicated that Adeniran is not fit for the position, saying that he has shot himself on the leg by this move.

According to them, no serious aspirant to the position of the National Chairman of the party would romance a man that belongs to the camp of Senator Alimodu Sheriff, who lost the battle of being the current chairman of the party at the law court.

They added that Kashamu Buruji, who is representing Ogun East at the Senate, has been having serious issues with the leaders of the party both at the state and national level and that no right thinking member of the party would court his friendship.

It will be recalled that Adeniran, a Professor of Political Science and former Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, declared his interest for the party’s national chairmanship in Abuja on Thursday, September 21.

The concerned members revealed that Adeniran had shown that he is not worthy of being trusted with such a sensitive position in the party by identifying with someone, who they alleged is wanted in the United States of America for drug related offences.

“To say we are disappointed is to say the least, Adeniran should never be considered for such a sensitive position based on this costly error. It is very clear that he has no good plans for the party by inviting a man, who has been an albatross to the party to his official declaration.

“This is a man nobody in the PDP should touch with a long pole. He is one of those, who brought shame to the party and caused the likes of former president Olusegun Obasanjo to leave the party,” said a concerned member, who simply gave his name as Johnson.

Johnson insisted that it is now clear that Professor Adeniran is an opportunist and a potential loser, who just woke up one morning and thought of occupying the position of the national chairman of the party.

Some of the concerned members emphasized that this would not work and that the party has gone through enough crisis and challenges than to allow some ‘elements, who have nothing good to offer rubbish the party at this crucial time.’

They added that what the party needed now was to chart a new course and search for credible people within the system to occupy leadership positions in the party so that it could regain its lost glory and take over power at the centre from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Another reason the concerned members identified as why Adeniran should not be allowed to lead the party was the need to sell the party to members of the public as a rebranded party that has learnt it’s lessons.

They posited that any chairmanship aspirant or candidate of the party as the case may be that identifies with someone of the calibre of Kashamu Buruji should be treated like an outcast.

It was pointed out that the party is being taken to the next level to meet the expectations of the teeming Nigerians, who believe that it should come back to power to continue its good work.

“We are assuring Nigerians that we will not fail them and that people like Professor Babatunde Adeniran and his cohorts such as Senator Kashamu Buruji would not be allowed to take over the party, when we are trying to rebuild, re-strategise and reposition the party.

“Adeniran will fail, he cannot win the election, we are ready for him,” they said, and added that the people of Nigeria should trust the party not to disappoint them in their choice of the next chairman of the “largest party in Africa.” yemojanewsng.com

Jide Ojuko’s Message to Super Eagles: Let your Victory Strengthen our Bond, Unity

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October 7, 2017

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Jide Ojuko’s Message to Super Eagles: Let your Victory Strengthen our Bond, Unity

Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko has urged the Super Eagles of Nigeria to beat Zambia in a decisive FIFA world cup qualifier.

The Ogun State commissioner told our reporter that a victory for the Super Eagles will inexplicably re-position Nigeria as a leading football nation in the world. He however, added the qualification will strengthen ‘our bond and unity’. He said, “Let the Nigeria fighting spirit guide you to victory.”

Chief Ojuko also extends his pleads to Nigerian soccer fans to pray and give the Super Eagles full their maximum support in the crunch encounter.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on their Zambia national side counterparts in a decisive 2018 FIFA world cup qualifier encounter in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital. The Nigeria national side presently sits atop group B with 10 points.

Iniesta signs record first ‘lifetime’ contract at Barca

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October 6, 2017

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Iniesta signs record first ‘lifetime’ contract at Barca

Barcelona tied down captain Andres Iniesta for the rest of his career as the club announced on Friday the 33-year-old midfielder has agreed the first “lifetime contract” in Barca’s history.

“It is a way of rewarding an exceptional player,” said Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Iniesta insisted, though, that he has not planned any future role with the club beyond his playing career.

“The lifetime title doesn’t mean that I will remain here just for the sake of it. It isn’t my way of doing things,” said Iniesta.

“When I don’t have the same force or importance I have always had things can always change.

“Today I am hugely grateful for the confidence the club has shown in me.”

Along with five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, Iniesta is Barca’s most decorated player of all-time having won 30 trophies at club level, including eight La Liga and four Champions League titles.

Iniesta has also made the second highest number of appearances in a Barca shirt behind Xavi Hernandez with 639 since his debut 15 years ago.

“There is no other player in the club like him. He will be a reference for future generations,” added Bartomeu.

“I always say to the kids in the academy, to fixate on him as a player and a person.”

Born in the central Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha before joining Barca at the age of 12, Iniesta is a beloved figure across Spain as he scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final.

Normally determined to shy away from the spotlight, Iniesta repeated his call for cool heads and negotiation to prevent a spiralling political crisis over the battle for Catalan independence deepening.

Hundreds required medical attention on Sunday as voters in a referendum on independence, deemed illegal by Spain’s central government, clashed with police.

“One always tries to look at things with logic and sense. We hope that everything calms down,” he said.

However, Iniesta will not be present as Spain look to book their place in next year’s World Cup later on Friday against Alicante in Albania as he has pulled out with a hamstring strain.

Messi next to renew?
Iniesta has previously tended to do his talking on the field as a fundamental figure in Barca’s most successful ever era.

Alongside long-time midfield partner Xavi for both club and country, Iniesta formed the axis of Pep Guardiola’s legendary side that won 14 trophies in four years between 2008 and 2012.

His previous contract was due to expire at the end of the season and doubts over his future were raised when he refuted Bartomeu’s claims that a deal “in principle” was in place last month.

However, he refused to rule out retiring at the end of the season should he continue to be dogged by injury.

“I will be here as long as my body, mind and all I have to give is enough,” he added.

“Right now it is difficult to imagine what I will think in May or June.”

Tying down Iniesta eases some of the pressure building on Bartomeu for his handling of both sporting and institutional matters in recent months.

However, Bartomeu is still to convince Messi, who is also out of contract at the end of the season, to sign a new five-year deal agreed back in July.

“The club want Leo to stay here and he wants to stay,” said Iniesta.

“Hopefully, this story never ends because he is unique and is indispensable for success.”

NNPC Fraud: Buhari, Kachikwu meeting ends

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October 6, 2017

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NNPC Fraud: Buhari, Kachikwu meeting ends

The much anticipated meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and the minister of state for petroleum, Ibeh Kachikwu, has ended.

The two men were expected to discuss the minister’s memo to the president accusing the head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Maikanti Baru, of corruption.

The minister, however, declined to speak to journalists after the closed-door meeting at the presidential villa.

The minister who surfaced at about 12:45 p.m had entered into the meeting with the president some minutes past 11 a.m. Friday.

When Mr. Kachikwu emerged from the meeting, several journalists asked what he discussed with the president but the minister simply said “no comment” before rushing out.

Lagos Popular On-Air Personality, Toke Makinwa ‘s Marriage Dissolved!

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October 6, 2017

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Lagos Popular On-Air Personality, Toke Makinwa ‘s Marriage Dissolved!

The troubled marriage between the popular radio presenter, Toke Makinwa and her estranged husband, Maje Ayida has been dissolved.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, an Igbosere High Court in Lagos on Thursday dissolved the union, citing husband’s adulterous lifestyle.

Makinwa is known to be the co-host of the popular ‘Morning Drive’ on Rhythm 93.7FM, a respected blogger and an author.

Newsheadline247 understands she had on March 9, 2016, asked the court to dissolve the marriage on the grounds that the husband committed adultery.

Justice Morenike Obadina, while delivering judgment held that Ayida filed an answer to the petition but failed to give oral evidence in support of it.

Image result for toke makinwa and husband — Toke with Maje

She said the position of the law was settled as pleadings did not amount to evidence.

“Pleadings on which no evidence was led are deemed abandoned. Therefore, Ayida’s evidence is deemed abandoned.

“The effect being that the petitioner’s evidence is unchallenged and uncontroverted,’’ she ruled.

The judge said the issue of cruelty which the petitioner (Makinwa) relied on was established because of the “mental and emotional stress” she was subjected to by her husband.

He said Makinwa had sufficiently proven that the husband committed adultery and continued to flaunt his adulterous relationships even to her face.

“I hold that the marriage has broken down on grounds of intolerable behaviour.

“I hereby pronounce a `Decree Nisi’ dissolving the marriage between Makinwa and Ayida which was administered at the Federal Marriage Registry, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Jan. 15, 2014.

“The order Nisi shall become absolute three months from today unless within that period sufficient cause is shown why it should not be made absolute,” Obadina said.

Makinwa had told the court that her husband committed adultery with his mistress, Anita Solomon, adding that the relationship produced a child.

She said since their marriage was contracted, the husband had “behaved in a way she could not reasonably be expected to continue to bear”.

She also said the husband was cruel towards her, adding that their differences became irreconcilable.

It was also learnt that during the trial, the petitioner (Makinwa ) testified in court and tendered some documents including their marriage certificate which were admitted in evidence.

In her testimony, she said that after their marriage was contracted in 2014, cohabitation with her husband ceased on Nov. 8, 2015, without any child from the marriage.

She also told the court of an instance where her husband threatened separation and even drafted a separation agreement because she discovered that he bought a ticket for his mistress to travel to London.

The first respondent (Ayida) who replied to the petition when served, however, instructed his counsel, Mr T. O. Lawal, not to continue with the defence.

Ayida through his counsel, therefore, foreclosed all evidence.

The mistress (Solomon), who is the second respondent, refused to join issues with the petitioner.

Read more NAN

U.S. Republican lawmaker, Tim Murphy resigns after sex scandal

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October 6, 2017

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U.S. Republican lawmaker, Tim Murphy resigns after sex scandal

U.S. Republican Congressman Tim Murphy has announced his resignation after his affair with a young woman came to light, official statement said on Friday.

“Upon further discussion with my family, I have made the decision to resign my position,’’ Murphy, an eight-term member of the House of Representatives, serving since 2003, said.

The statement came one day after the 65-year-old said he would not seek re-election to Congress at the end of his current term, which would terminate in 15 months.

The shifting position was the result of the House Republican leadership urging Murphy, who represents Pennsylvania’s 18th congressional district, to step down, considering him a distraction as the party fights for a major tax reform.

“I’ve spoken with Tim quite a bit the last couple of days.

“I think it’s appropriate that he moves on to the next chapter of his life,’’ House Speaker Paul Ryan told a press conference prior to Murphy’s resignation.

In September Murphy admitted to an affair with a woman half his age.

The couple’s text message exchanges reported by the U.S. media showed Murphy had asked the woman to abort their unborn child.

It came as a devastating political blow as Murphy had been an active advocate of anti-abortion laws.

“I’ve never written them, staffers do them, I read them and winced.

“I told staff not to write anymore,’’ Murphy said of the anti-abortion statements released in his name after the woman complained of his inconsistent stance. (Xinhua)

BREAKING: Kachikwu in closed-door meeting with President Buhari

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October 6, 2017

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BREAKING: Kachikwu in closed-door meeting with President Buhari

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, is currently in an emergency closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the president’s office, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

The Minister arrived the president’s office at about 11:33 a.m.

Newsheadline247 gathered that Mr Kachikwu was also at the Villa on Thursday evening where he held a brief meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

The meeting with President Buhari is coming three days after a memo from the minister to the president leaked.

In the memo, dated August 30, Mr Kachikwu accused the Group Managing Director of the state oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, of insubordination and violation of due process.

‎Details later…

Nigeria Customs seizes 3,665 vehicles worth over N13bn duty

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October 6, 2017

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Nigeria Customs seizes 3,665 vehicles worth over N13bn duty

The Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col.Hameed Ali, said that the service has seized 3,665 vehicles from 2015 till date with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N13 billion.

Ali said this during his lecture titled “Problem of Smuggling and its attendant Consequence on Nigeria’ s Economy and the Way Out” at the IBB Golf and Country Club, on Thursday in Abuja.

Ali, who gave a breakdown of the seizures, said in 2015, 1,917 vehicles were seized with DPV of N3.856 billion and 1,483 vehicles were seized in 2016 with DPV of valued N2.683 billion.

He added that from January to August this year 265 were seized with DPV of N6.625 billion.

The Customs boss said that the high value recorded in 2017 was because most of the vehicles were of high value which included 15 bulletproof vehicles.

Ali said out of the 18 vehicles seized in September in Abuja over non-duty payment 13 were bulletproof vehicles of which 10 have no Customs papers.

He said that Nigeria imported about 70 percent of its needs and that 45 percent of all the imports were smuggled into the country.

“Lack of patriotism among the traders and complicity of Customs officers has added to the problem.

“Over 85 percent traders are not trustworthy as they falsify documents except for about five percent of them who can be trusted and often have their goods cleared within 48 hours,” Ali said.

He said that the four arms containers intercepted this year were concealed with many cases of under-declaration and diversion of imported goods.

On the challenges of Customs in fighting smuggling, he said the Service lost three officers this year.

Ali said that Customs under him was being sanitised and now very few corrupt officers in its midst.

“Ninety percent of our officers are now imbibing the culture of doing the right thing.”

He urged Nigerians to report corrupt officers to enable the service weed out the 10 percent of the corrupt officers.

Ali said that importers must be patriotic and stop inducing officers to fast-track clearance of their goods.

According to him, smuggling is a problem to the society that kills the local industries, adding that it hinders the growth of the economy.

Ali attributed the cause of smuggling to greed. (NAN)

Elumelu Foundation to host 1,300 African Entrepreneurs from 54 countries

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October 6, 2017

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Elumelu Foundation to host 1,300 African Entrepreneurs from 54 countries

NAN The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy, on Friday announced plan to host 1,300 African Entrepreneurs, Business leaders and Policymakers from 54 countries in Lagos.

Mrs Parminder Obe, the TEF’s Chief Executive Officer, who made this known at a briefing in Lagos, said the 3rd Annual TEF Entrepreneurship Forum was slated for Oct. 13.

She said the 2017 invitation had been extended beyond the usual 1,000 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs to include selected SMEs, media, hubs, incubators, academia and investors from across Africa.

“Assembled SMEs will build networks, share knowledge, connect with investors and link with corporate supply chains.

“Since launching the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme and committing $100 million to empowering 10,000 African entrepreneurs in a decade, we have unleashed our continent’s most potent development force, its entrepreneurs.

“In just three years, our first 3,000 entrepreneurs have created tens of thousands of jobs and generated considerable wealth.

“On Oct. 13 and 14, the global entrepreneurship community will gather in Lagos to build a New Africa, a thriving, self-reliant continent capable of replicating the results of our ground-breaking programme.

“The two-day forum will feature plenary panels, master classes, sector specific networking opportunities and policy-led forums focused on enabling African business growth.

“This is the first year we have opened the forum up to include the full pan-African entrepreneurship ecosystem.

“In doing so, we are enabling African SME communities to come together and expand the possibilities for intra-African partnerships.

“I am looking forward to welcoming our invited policy-makers and investors to join us at the forum, as we empower the next generation of African business leaders,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Owen Omogiafo, the TEF’s Chief Operating Officer, said speakers at the forum would include Wale Ayeni of International Finance Corporation, Stephen Kauma, Afrexim Bank and Andre Hue, African Development Bank.

“Others are Stephen M. Haykin, USAID Nigeria, Heikke Reugger, European Investment Bank and Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, United Nations Development Programme,’’ she said.

Omogiafo said TEF’s long-term investment in empowering African entrepreneurs was emblematic of Tony Elumelu’s philosophy of Africa Capitalism, which positions Africa’s private sector, as catalysts for social and economic development.

She said the foundation, which was founded in 2010 by Tony Elumelu, was aimed at empowering a generation of successful pro-profit entrepreneurs who drive Africa’s economic and social transformation.

According to her, the foundation received 20,000 applications in 2015 from residents of 53 African countries out of which 1,000 applicants were selected, with Nigeria contributing 64 per cent.

“In 2016, 45,000 applications were received with Nigeria contributing 30 per cent with 1000 selected applicants.

“Agriculture leads the sectors represented with 26.67 per cent: a great number are into poultry and fish farming.

“Fashion and ICT followed in second and third with 10 and 8.8 per cent respectively.

“This year, we received 93,246 applications out of which 1,300 applicants had been selected in 52 African countries with 57.1 per cent from Nigeria for the forum.

“Entrepreneurs are coming from Kenya. Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Rwanda, Botswana and Cote d’Ivoire,’’ she said.

Independence: Catalonia’s declaration halted as Spain shuts Catalan Parliament

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October 6, 2017

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Independence: Catalonia’s declaration halted as Spain shuts Catalan Parliament

Catalonia’s move to declare independence from Spain has been scuppered by Spain’s Constitutional Court.

The court has ordered the suspension of Monday’s session of the regional Catalan parliament, where the declaration for unilateral independence from Spain was billed to take place.

The speaker of the Catalan parliament, Carme Forcadell, accused the Madrid government of using the courts to deal with political problems and said the regional assembly would not be censored.

But she said parliamentary leaders have not decided whether to defy the central court and go ahead with the session.

The suspension order further aggravated one of the biggest crises to hit Spain since the establishment of democracy on the 1975 death of General Francisco Franco.

But Spanish markets rose on perceptions the order might ward off, at least for now, an outright independence declaration.

Spanish Prime Mariano Rajoy called on Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont to drop independence plans or risk “greater evils”.

Secessionist Catalan politicians have pledged to unilaterally declare independence at Monday’s session after Sunday’s referendum, banned by Madrid and marked by violent scenes where Spanish police sought to hinder voting.

The constitutional court said it had agreed to consider a legal challenge filed by the anti-secessionist Catalan Socialist Party.

Spanish shares and bonds, hit by the political turmoil in Catalonia, strengthened after the news of the court’s decision. The main IBEX stock index rose 2.5 percent and the yield on Spain’s 10-year bond fell.

Spain’s Economy Minister Luis de Guindos told Reuters in an interview the turmoil was damaging Catalonia.