₦airaland Forum

Another London side, Fulham have joined Premier League rivals, Crystal Palace, in the race to sign Nigerian star, Victor Moses, from Chelsea, according to The Sun UK.

The newspaper reports that Fulham are monitoring the situation surrounding Moses’ future at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had at the weekend placed a price tag in the region of £12 million on the winger.

According to the report, Nigerian manager, Colin Omogbehin, who coaches Fulham U18 team, could play a big role in convincing Moses to join Fulham.

Omogbehin served as a mentor to Moses during his teething years at Crystal Palace Academy, and both master and pupil have remained very close to this day.

The former Nigeria international will end his six-year association with Chelsea in the January transfer window due to his lack of first-team opportunities.

The 27-year-old is contracted with The Blues until June 30, 2021.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/11/epl-another-london-club-enter-race-to-sign-moses/

The Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday struck off importers of fertilizer from the list of those eligible to get foreign exchange from the Bank.

CBN Director, Trade & Exchange Department, Ahmed B. Umar, disclosed this in a Memo entitled “Re: Inclusion of Some Imported Goods and Services on the List of Items “Not Valid for Foreign Exchange” in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market”.

The Memo sighted by News Express reads: “In the continued effort to sustain the achievement recorded from the classification of 41 import items as “Not Valid for Foreign Exchange”, Authorized Dealers and the general public are hereby notified of the inclusion of “fertilizer” in the list effective Friday December 07, 2018.

“However, CBN will ensure that transactions (Form M) on fertilizer for which payments are outstanding are settled at the appropriate settlement dates.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/11/cbn-bans-fertilizer-importers-from-accessing-forex/

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the government and people of Kaduna State over the passing away of Sen. Muktar Ahmed Aruwa, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in 1999 (APP) and 2003 (ANPP).

DAILY POST had reported that Aruwa died at about 4:00 am on Sunday in Kaduna.

Reacting, the President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, commiserated with the National Assembly, family, friends and political associates of the deceased.

Buhari recounted the many contributions of the senator to the growth of democracy in Nigeria, especially during his days at the legislature.
He affirmed that Aruwa had lived to serve the country in many facets, including sports, noting that his founding of Ranchers Bees Football Team, Kaduna, provided a platform for grooming youths for the national team and international clubs.

Buhari said he believed that Aruwa’s life and times were memorable, and most remarkable for his love for humanity, which saw him sponsoring many charitable causes to support the poor and vulnerable, and speaking up for a more equitable society.
He prayed that the Almighty Allah would grant Aruwa’s soul eternal rest and comfort his family.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/10/buhari-reacts-to-senator-muktar-aruwas-death/

In a move to rev up the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, the federal government has procured 30 aircraft and six helicopters for the Nigeria Air Force.

The chief of air staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who revealed this yesterday in Kano, said the move was geared towards taming the challenge posed by the terrorists in the region. Air Marshal Abubakar, who relocated to the North West and North East in line with President Buhari’s directive, spoke during the commissioning of a multi-billion Naira Modular Theatre at the 465 Nigeria Air Force Hospital, Kano.

He stated that the United States of America and Italy had been supporting Nigeria with the supply of platforms to fight Boko Haram and other terrorists in Nigeria. The CAS said, “The President Buhari administration has done much in repositioning the Nigerian Air Force. In the last three and half years, the federal government has procured and released 18 brand new aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force. “We are also hoping to get 12 brand new aircraft from the United States of America.

In addition, we are also hoping to get six brand new helicopter gunships from Italy. So, I think from what we have seen in terms of support, every officer, air-man and air-woman in the Nigerian Air Force has every reason to put in his or her best in order to ensure that Nigeria is secure.” He further pledged the air force’s resolve to discharge its mandate dutifully. “I assure Nigerians that the Air Force will continue to work.

I am in Kano for two reasons, not only to commission this theatre, but in compliance with the directive that we should relocate to North West and to the North East of the country in order to supervise or see what is going on in terms of dealing with some of the security threats facing Nigeria.” While commissioning the Modular Theatre, he said, “This hospital is for the benefit of the officers and the benefit of their family members.

I also want to urge the commander of the hospital to make this facility available to the civilian population around here. “Furthermore, in line with the Nigerian Air Force tradition of giving back to her host community as earlier indicated, I want to direct that the commander should open the facility to all civilians.

This gesture will, no doubt, go a long way in improving the quality of healthcare delivery in these communities. “I also want to reaffirm our commitment to periodically reaching out to the surrounding rural communities, to provide them with the much needed preventive healthcare services, including health education and ensure their wellbeing. Abubakar, on behalf of the officers, air-men and air-women of the Nigerian Air Force, expressed gratitude to the President Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) for his continued support to the Service.

“On our part, the Nigerian Air Force shall continue to strive for excellence in everything we do, and operating within the constitutional provisions, in collaboration with other sister Services to provide the necessary security for Nigeria and Nigerians. “I was conducted round our hanger where we saw some technicians that are working to bring back three of our aircraft that are being reactivated.

And the second part of it is commissioning of the Modula Theatre. “Our desire is to have a professional Air Force, an Air Force that has the right structure, and an Air Force that has equipment such as the platforms that have been acquired for us; and then, an Air Force that takes care of the welfare of the personnel and that is where this Modula Theatre comes in.

“Professionalism is about getting all these things sorted out and I am very happy that we have tried in the last two and half years to ensure that we address all the fundamental issues that are likely to make the Air Force a professional service so that Nigeria will be secured and Nigerians will also be secured.”

While speaking during the event, NAF Chief of Medical Services, Air Commodore M.E. Sha’aibu, said with the commissioning of the new theatre, “injured personnel from the theatre of operation in the North East can be evacuated to the hospital, stabilised and treated.

Sha’aibu added that the new theatre with state-of-the-art equipment comprises a reception, lecture hall, common and recovery rooms, offices, and two operating suites. “It is equipped with modern anaesthetic machines, operating tables, theatre lamps, C-arm machines and operating microscopes.

“The Chief of Air Staff has also provided funds for the maintenance of the equipment in the radio diagnostic department of the hospital in addition to employing seasonal consultants,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/09/fg-procures-30-aircraft-6-helicopters-to-fight-boko-haram/

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that he has no preferred candidate in the forthcoming general elections.

Obasanjo said he would not tell Nigerians to vote or not to vote for any particular candidate, but should vote wisely.

Obasanjo, who some people believed had decided to support Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he needed Nigerians to vote for a credible candidate.

He made the remarks at the 27th annual Owu National Convention, held in Iwo, Osun on Saturday.

The former President, however, urged Nigerians to vote for credible candidates, who can liberate the country.

In his remark, Chairman, Supreme Council of Owu Obas, Oba Hammed Oyelude, said Owu, being the largest Yoruba speaking ethnic group in the South West, has been contributing to the development of Nigeria.

Hammed, who is the Olowu of Owu Kuta, said Royal Union of Owu People (ROUP) is not a political party, but must contribute to the policy direction of the country.

He called on Owu people to participate in politics, in order to have a say in the running of the affairs of the country and be able to contribute their quota.

Oyelude also called on sons and daughters of Owu to support and vote for any Owu indigene contesting for any political office.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/09/2019-i-have-no-preferred-presidential-candidate-obasanjo/

Nigeria’s senior women football team, Super Falcons dropped to 39th spot in the last FIFA women ranking for 2018 released, yesterday by the world soccer governing body.

The Super Falcons went into the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations as the 38th best nation in the world, but a record ninth title-winning feat in Ghana failed to save them from moving a spot down.

At the biennial women’s football event, Thomas Dennerby’s ladies managed four wins and a defeat in five games that ensured a qualification ticket to the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup in France.

The Super Falcons commenced their campaign losing 1-0 to South Africa, before bouncing back with a 4-0 win over Zambia, followed by a 6-0 win over Equatorial Guinea to progress from Group B.

Having advanced, they edged past Cameroon and Banyana Banyana on penalties in the semi-final and final respectively to retain the coveted continent’s crown for the third time in a row.

Even with the slip, Nigeria are still the best nation in Africa, while Awcon third-place winner Cameroon rose three places to 46th, while runners-up South Africa climbed two spots to 48th in the world.

On Saturday, Nigeria alongside other African representatives will know their fate as regard, who they will be facing in the preliminary stages at next year’s quadrennial event in France.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/08/despite-awcon-victory-falcons-slip-in-fifa-ranking/

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has spoken up on speculations of secretly working with the state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

The party denied that it had entered a secret pact with Ambode to self-destruct the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

This was in reaction to the assertion by the APC in Lagos State yesterday where it accused the immediate past commissioner for energy, Olawale Oluwo, of being an opportunist who allegedly sought to use the APC platform to promote his family interests.

DAILY POST reported earlier that Oluwo announced his resignation from the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration and defected from the APC to the PDP.

His resignation had given vent to speculations of a secret pact between Ambode and the PDP.

However, the Director of Media of the Jimi Agbaje governorship campaign, Felix Oboagwina told Vanguard that the claim has no basis.

He said, “Those are conjectures, those are theories, it doesn’t necessarily have to be true, but what can be said is that this was a marriage of convenience and it was bound to collapse and we are seeing the beginning of the end of that edifice that was put together just for a tyrannical purpose.

“We have always known that his former party is one that does not stand for internal democracy neither does it stand for external democracy as manifested in the primaries that recently held which left a bitter taste in the mouth of members of the party and the public.

“So, it didn’t come as a surprise, it was just a matter of time. It indicates the beginning of the collapse of that marriage of convenience that was put in place just to remove the former government. It is just the beginning and we are expecting more. See what happened in Imo State also.

“We are expecting more of that to happen. When people come together in tyranny after destroying their common enemy, the next thing is that they begin to destroy one another.

“So, anyone who has common sense would now begin to run away from this drowning Titanic.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/07/oluwos-defection-pdp-speaks-on-secretly-working-with-gov-ambode-to-defeat-apc/

Two soldiers have been wounded in a clash with suspected members of the Boko Haram sect in a hideout, along Yachida, Korongelen, Bombula and Forfor axis, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Thursday, said Troops of 117 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with some members of Civilian Joint Task Force, embarked on fighting patrol and came in contact with the terrorists and engaged them in gun duel at Forfor village.

He said, “During the encounter, one of the Boko Haram terrorists was neutralized, arrested two, while several other terrorists fled with gunshot wounds.

“The gallant patrol team recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a 36 Hand Grenade, magazine pouch and a Motorcycle.

“Unfortunately, two soldiers sustained injuries and have since been evacuated to 28 Task Force Brigade Field Ambulance for medical attention.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/boko-haram-two-soldiers-wounded-as-troops-terrorists-clash-in-borno/

Also Read More Details Here>>>http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/customs-arrests-10-smugglers-generates-n22bn-in-eleven-months-in-oyo-osun-photos/

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Osun area command, on Thursday, said it has arrested no fewer than 10 suspects in connection with the smuggling of some prohibited items into the country in Oyo and Osun states within the last eleven months.

The new area controller in charge of the command, Mr. Abdullahi Argungu, made this disclosure while addressing journalists at the headquarters of the command in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

Argungu, who enjoined Nigerians who are engaging in legitimate businesses not to exercise any fear in going about their day to day activities, said that the suspects arrested in connection with the smuggling of prohibited items into the country are still awaiting trials.

He said, “Ten suspects have been arrested in connection with smuggling of prohibited items into the country in the last 11 months. We are having the ten suspects awaiting trials. By now, we are having ten suspects who are awaiting trials”.

Argungu, while speaking further, stated that the command in the last eleven months generated the sum of twenty one billion, nine hundred and fifty four million, two hundred and eighty six thousand, three hindered and eighty naira, ninety kobo (N21, 954,286,380.90).

He said, “Subsequent upon my resumption, I embarked on a familiarization tour of the command to sensitize O/C outstations patrols leaders and the entire officers on the nerd to re-strategize and re-invigorate our operations by utilizing modern anti-smuggling techniques in accordance with international best practice in order to achieve the laudable goals of the anti-smuggling campaign of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“This has resulted in modest achievement as attested to by the under-listed seizures made by the area command between October 2018 till date.

“Eight used vehicles with duty paid value put at N20,180,876.39k, three thousand and ten 3010 (50kg) bags of rice with duty paid value put at N50, 556,678.25k, six hundred (600, 25 litres) kegs of vegetable oil with duty paid value put at N13,537,125.00k, Canabis sativa (Indian hemp) with duty paid value put at 6, 999,776.59, twenty five bales of second hand clothing with duty paid value put at N6,443,671.50k and thirty three means of conveyance with duty paid value put at N16,125,291.97k”.

He added that the federal government’s efforts in reviving the nation’s economy through local industries and strengthening security, especially at the nation borders, were of utmost priority to the service.

Argungu said, “The command would do everything humanly possible in accordance with the law to actualize the goals set by the government in this regard.”

He stressed the need to restrategise and reinvigorate the operations by utilising modern anti-smuggling techniques in accordance with international best practice in order to achieve laudable goals of the anti-smuggling campaign of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Argungu said, “The law that prohibits the importation of rice and used vehicles through nation’s border is not new, so those who claim ignorance of the ban have no excuse.

“Furthermore, due to the recent huge seizure of illicit drugs at the sea ports, it becomes necessary for us to intensify our efforts against illicit drug trafficking through the nation borders with a view to checkmating the influx of illicit drugs through our territorial boundaries.

“Finally, I enjoin patriotic citizens who engage in legitimate business not to entertain any fear for the NCS is only concerned about bringing those who flout extant Customs and Excise law and regulations to book and enable those who engage in legitimate business to enjoy trade facilitation.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/customs-arrests-10-smugglers-generates-n22bn-in-eleven-months-in-oyo-osun-photos/

There was pandemonium at the Benue State Government House, in Makurdi, on Wednesday, when a section of the complex was gutted by fire.

Although, no life was lost, the incident, according to witnesses, paralysed government activities within the complex and forced staff of the complex to abandon their duties for the a while.

Sources within the government House told our correspondent that the fire started at around 1:00p.m from the transformer close to the generator room located around the account section within the government house complex.

A staff of government house administration who pleaded anonymity disclosed that the fire started with a thick fume emanating from the transformer which also affected the generator room closed to the accounts section.

He however noted that but for the generator set supplying light to the entire government house which got burnt, the level of damage was not too much as according to him, the combined efforts of workers and the State Fire Service stationed in the complex saved the situation.

“The electric armoured wires supplying light to the account section, the main governor’s office and down to governor’s lodge, were completely burnt down.” he stated.

Permanent Secretary Government Administration, Mr. Iangba Gabriel, who confirmed the incident said that the inferno did not extend to the main account, saying it was the generator plant which tried to malfunction but was immediately shutdown to avoid any damage.

“It was not a serious incident and no damage was done. Those things you saw around the area were debris around the generator room that caught fire.

“People are calling me from Abuja including our people who went to EFCC office, that they heard government house complex particularly the account section was set on fire. Infact, it was not true. The burnt wires and poles were properties of old Nitel not NEPA”, Iangba stated.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/fire-guts-benue-govt-house-destroys-valuables/

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern over reports of violence in four communities in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The violence has reportedly resulted in the loss of lives, injuries and displacement of villagers.

In a statement made available to DAILY POST by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari called for calm and restoration of peace in the affected communities bordering Abia State.

The President urged the people of the areas to allow law and order to prevail.

“Our communities must be ready to live together in peace since no development can take place in an atmosphere of recurring violence,” he said.

Buhari, who commended the state government for the steps taken so far towards bringing peace to the areas, also lauded the State Police Command for speedily mobilizing its personnel to the affected communities to contain the crisis.

He went on to urge all stakeholders to cooperate and ensure that lasting peace returned to the affected areas.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/04/buhari-reacts-to-cross-river-communal-clashes-commends-gov-ayade/

The Nigeria Police has replied the allegation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris over his perceived romance with the ruling party.

The PDP National Chairman, Mr Uche Secondus, had accused the IGP of working for the incumbent to arrest and intimidate its opponents.

Secondus, who spoke at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja had also asked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to resign his position.

He claimed that the INEC chairman lacked the will and capacity to conduct free and fair elections next year.

But Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Jimoh Moshood, dismissed the allegation in an interview with Channels Television on Thursday.

He also described the call by the main opposition party for the resignation of the police boss as laughable.

Ahead of the general elections in 2019, the Police spokesman stressed that the force has remained apolitical and does not work in favour of any political party.

He, therefore, challenged the PDP to make public or report any case of compromise by the police.

Moshood insisted that the police were only focused on law enforcement and ensuring that the forthcoming elections were conducted peacefully.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/30/police-blasts-pdp-over-calls-for-ig-idris-resignation/

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on Tuesday says he will win the Imo West (Orlu) Senatorial District under the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2019 general elections.

Okorocha, who spoke at the Government House, Owerri, during a media parley, also added that Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, remained the best candidate for the election in the state.

“I still have my numerous supporters with me, but those who are naïve who want to leave and have left, I wish them good luck. This is because I cannot stop them.”

“I have the APC ticket for Imo West (Orlu) Senatorial District election, and will coast to victory in the election.”

He noted that he was still in the APC, adding that his support for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election was incontestable and unshakable.

“He is visionary, dutiful, hardworking and a proactive young man. He remains the best among all the candidates for the governorship election in the state.”

Okorocha, however, contended that he was still in the APC having been one of the founding fathers of the party in the country.

“I cannot be part of destroying the mansion I have helped in building. I totally support the APC and all of its candidates for the 2019 general elections.”

He further described what played out in the APC in the recent past on who emerges as its Imo State governorship candidate as a political injustice.

Stating that the choice of Senator Hope Uzodinma as the state governorship candidate for the 2019 election was not the choice of the party faithful. He regretted that the APC which was known for uprightness and justice had lost its integrity and purposeful bearing.

He further said that he was not embattled in any form but that the fight against him was because of his political sagacity.

The governor blamed the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who he described as a simpleton, having been deceived by some disgruntled members of the party. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/28/ill-win-imo-west-senatorial-district-okorocha/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his party, are dancing on the graves of fallen soldiers.

Atiku had commented on the death of soldiers to Boko Haram attacks, while his party (the PDP) alleged that the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, diverted funds for the military to the APC campaign.

But in a statement on Tuesday, APC’s spokesman, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the comment of the PDP is “callous and insensitive to the families and dependants” of the late soldiers.

“The allegations by the PDP that military funds have been diverted to finance the 2019 election campaigns of the APC is a sad reminder of the evil and retrogressive practices the PDP was notorious for during its defunct rule.

“God forbid that the APC inherits and apply such morbid practice as brazenly displayed during the immediate past PDP administration where funds allocated to fight the Boko Haram insurgency in the north-east were shared among PDP leaders and their cronies.

“It is clear that the PDP and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have decided to dance on the graves of our valiant and patriotic soldiers by politicising their deaths in the recent Boko Haram attack on the Nigerian army Metele base.

“The PDP and Atiku are playing desperate politics where even the blood of our fallen heroes is fair game. Their actions are callous and insensitive to the families and dependants of the late soldiers and indeed our military which battles daily to ensure our territorial integrity.

“Nigerians see through PDP’s ploy to score political points as elections approach and it will surely backfire. While the APC mourns the death of our military and other security personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty, we urge them to remain focussed on the brave task of securing the nation.

“The President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration remains solidly committed to bringing lasting peace and security to all parts of the country and ensuring that previously displaced persons are rehabilitated to resume their normal and productive lives,” Issa-Onilu said.

Last week, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) faction of Boko Haram attacked 157 task force battalion of the Nigerian army in Metele, Borno, killing about 100 soldiers.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/27/atiku-pdp-dancing-on-graves-of-soldiers-killed-by-boko-haram-apc/

The lawmaker representing Kaduna Central at the National Assembly, Shehu Sani has said the 2019 general election “is under threat.”

According to the lawmaker, vote-buying and possibility of misusing the state machinery by the incumbent may hinder the sources of the election.

The lawmaker said that the incumbent goverment may indulge in vote buying and abuse of security apparatus.

He said this development could hamper free and fair election in 2019.

The Senator spoke on Monday while responding to questions on “Fact-finder”, an interactive programme on Sweet FM 107.1 Abeokuta in Ogun State.

“There is a possibility that the incumbent could bring in public resources and share it to people for them to buy their votes. And that has happened in some of the elections in the South West and other part of the country.

“Secondly, we can’t have a free and fair election unless and until when the security apparatus of the state is neutral.

“If they are not neutral or they are abused by the incumbent to threaten others and unleashing terror, arresting members of the opposition and thereby making it difficult to have smooth election. Certainly, there would be threats.

“Two threats exist, votes-buying and abuse and misuse of state machinery in favour of the incumbent,” he said.

Shehu Sani also said his rift with Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, was because their political ideological differed.

He said “Even, in 2015, I wasn’t his candidate but I won because he was not the governor. And now he can use the state resources and his proximity to the President. That for me is cowardice.

“When I say we differ politically and ideologically, the governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-rufai is from political establishment.

“These are people who were brought from obscurity by President Obasanjo from PDP, amassed what they could amass and became what they could become.

“He came from PDP political family. In 16 years of PDP, he spent 15 years as a member. So, he is one of those who were baptized in APC and being seen as saints today.

“To my pedigree, after being an activist, I joined the Alliance for Democracy, I joined CPC and then APC. You can see my path is different from his path.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/26/2019-shehu-sani-reveals-why-election-is-under-threat-gives-reasons-for-rift-with-el-rufai/

Nigerian musician, Flavour and his wife, Sandra Okagbue are set to welcome their second child any day from now, after they secretly got married a while back.

The couple got married in 2017 after a tumultuous long term relationship which included the singer, fathering a daughter with ex-beauty queen, Anna Banner, in 2015.

Sandra who is heavily pregnant, is in Dallas ,Texas with her mum.

The couple have a four year old daughter, Gabrielle Munachim Okoli.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/26/flavour-and-sandra-okagbue-expecting-2nd-child-after-secret-wedding/

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, feels Alexis Sanchez does not want to leave the club in January.

Sanchez has struggled to find his best form since joining United from Arsenal last January.

The Chileans has started just five of United’s 12 Premier League matches this season, scoring once and was dropped for the Manchester Derby.

Mourinho admits Sanchez is underperforming, but feels he still has the desire to turn his United career around.

When asked if he expected Sanchez to leave, Mourinho replied: “I don’t think so because he has never told me that he wants to leave. He never told me that he’s not happy to stay.

“He is playing like the team. He is improving, like the team is improving, when he plays he is giving us his personality.

“His desire is to play and to produce for the team and [he is] trying to adapt to the way we play and vice versa.

“Can he do better? We all can do better. I can do better, he can do better, all the players can do better.”

Another United player who can “do better” in Mourinho’s mind, appears to be out-of-favour centre-back Eric Bailly.

Bailly started United’s first two Premier League games of the season, against Leicester and Brighton, but he gave away a penalty in the 3-2 defeat to the Seagulls and was subsequently dropped.

His only league start since came against Newcastle on October 6, when he was hauled after just 19 minutes with United already 2-0 down.

Mourinho has since settled on Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling as his preferred partnership in central defence.

“I think Smalling and Lindelof are playing much better than the beginning of the season.

“I decided to give Victor the opportunity of his evolution, evolution with some mistakes yes because he is young, especially young in the Premier League. We decided to give him this continuity which I think it is clear it has improved him.

“Bailly has physical qualities, he is very fast [but] he is not very tall. We thought that Chris Smalling would give some balance in relation to the qualities. Chris is very good in the air. He is tall and dominant in the air.

“Victor, in the building up, is better than Chris. We have found the balance. I repeat, they are not perfect but nobody is perfect. That couple is performing quite well,” Mourinho added.

http://www.mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/epl-mourinho-speaks-on-alexis-sanchez.html

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has revealed that one the his most traumatic moments for him as Nigeria’s president between 2010 to 2015, was the gruesome murder of innocent members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bauchi state.

At least seven Corps members were confirmed killed in the state by irate protesters, following Jonathan’s declaration as winner of the 2011 presidential election.

He made the revelation in his book, “My Transition Hours,” detailing some of his experiences in power, particularly the intrigues surrounding his ouster and concession of defeat in 2015.

Writing under the chapter titled, “My Political Odyssey,” he stated: “One of the most traumatising moments of my Presidency was the cold-blooded murder of innocent members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bauchi State and the near civil war in Kaduna State leading to the death of many and the destruction of properties.

“This occurred in 2011. I thought long and hard over the needless loss of these lives. It just did not make any sense. How does a parent lose everything like this? How does a nation kill its youths and future in this manner?

“I still recall the publication of their names in the newspapers. They were graduates already. The promise of a better tomorrow was very close.

“I often wonder why my political philosophy which insists that ‘my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian’ was not attractive to many amongst our politicians.

“Threats of violence to ‘soak’ people in ‘blood’ were seen as warnings to scare voters away from the polling booth. It was one potent threat everyone knew would be carried out if it caught their fancy.

“The statement issued before the elections on ‘dog and baboon’ being soaked in blood, served two purposes.

“It raised tension before the elections and emboldened wanton destruction and loss of lives afterward.

“If this was excusable, what about the statement issued by the Arewa Consulative Forum (ACF) during the 2015 campaigns?

“The ACF in a thinly veiled threat had recounted an earlier carnage when it went on to remind everyone of the wanton waste from the post-2011 election violence saying inter Alia ‘Yoruba suffered N480 billion Naira loss in investments destroyed. lgbo last N410 billion and the South-South N970 billion… we know these statistics. We have these statistics, so we expect the Igbos to treat our kinsmen as kings and queens.”

“A President does not reveal his pain on the saddle no matter how deep it runs, except it is directed at the foundation of the country which he governs and the lives of its citizens become threatened.”

http://www.mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/jonathan-reveals-one-most-traumatising.html

Former President of Ghana, John Mahama, says ex-President Goodluck Jonathan is more of an academic who found himself in politics.
He said this at the public presentation and formal launching of a book titled “My Transition Hours” written by Jonathan.

He said that “I was not surprised when Jonathan conceded defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015”.

Mahama said Jonathan approached leadership in a relaxed manner and that was why he left a good legacy worthy of emulation by all leaders in Africa.

The former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, said Nigeria was not at war today because of the decision by Jonathan to concede defeat during the 2015 general elections.

“We cannot thank you enough for the peace we are having in the country today; for the peaceful transition we had when you freely and voluntarily conceded defeat.

“By your decision, you have shown that you love your country more than you love power,” he said.

The Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said Nigeria was fortunate to have a selfless leader like the former President.

He said that the decision of Jonathan to concede defeat in 2015 had helped to consolidate democracy not only in Nigeria but on the African continent.

Abubakar also said that Nigerians and Africans would continue to remain grateful to Jonathan for upholding national interest at the expense of his personal interest.(NAN)
The book was authored by the ex-president to recount his last moment of decision to concede power to President Buhari, congratulating him on the victory even when collation of results were still ongoing in 2015 presidential election.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/what-ex-ghana-president-abdusalam-atiku.html

Olufunke Bucknor Obruthe, sister to Inspiration FM’s deceased on-air personality, Oluwatosin ‘Tosyn’ Bucknor, has disclosed that her sister died due to complications from sickle cell.

DAILY POST had reported that the OAP died at the age of 37 .

The deceased was reportedly found dead by her husband, Aurelien Boyer, when he arrived home from work on Monday night.

The news was confirmed by her former colleague at Top Radio, Wale Adigun, via his Twitter account.

“So full of life, excitement and always willing to lend a helping hand. This is so devastating!!

“Rest on Voice of Lagos. Rest on Tosyn Bucknor,” Adigun wrote.

Olufunke Bucknor reacting to the death via her Instagram page @funkebucknor said;

“Hmmmmm… My heart is heavy, but in all things we give thanks to God.

“My darling sister and besto Tosyn passed away last night due to complications from sickle cell.

“Love you.”

Meanwhile, Nigerian celebrities have taken to their Twitter pages to express sadness over her death.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/tosyn-bucknor-cause-of-popular-oaps.html

Wife of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Hajiya Titi Atiku Abubakar, has revealed why she married the politician.

Titi said her husband is a man of integrity, and wondered why he was being refered to as corrupt.

She said she married Atiku for his honesty and patriotism.

Mrs. Abubakar said this while receiving a campaign group, Women for Atiku on Sunday.

She said that no one knew Atiku better than she does, having been married to him for 47 years.

Titi stated, “I usually got confuse Whenever I read the false allegations of corruption being spread by mischief makers against my husband in the media.

“Most times I ask myself if they were referring to my husband whom I have been married to for 47 years or a different person.

“Their descriptions only befit the opposite of Atiku Abubakar, because he is not corrupt as alleged,” Titi Said.

According to Titi, since she married Atiku 47 years ago, she had never found him wanting in honesty, sincerity, integrity and patriotism to his fatherland.

“I was on my way back to Nigeria from Benin Republic where I went to visit my aunt at the idioroko border and was accosted by officers of the Customs Service.

“They had demanded that I pay duty for a pair of brocade material which was a gift from my aunt, an argument ensued between us and i told them to have the brocade material for a keep because i couldn’t comprehend why i should pay duty for a pair of brocade.

“Suddenly an officer by name Atiku Abubakar who heard our argument summoned the officers to come along with me to his office.

“He was the head of the command at the time. After listening to both sides, Atiku demanded for the duty charge, dipped his hand into his pocket and paid the duty and handed me the receipt smiling and saying that ‘I will pay him back’.

“As the head of the command he could have simply commanded them to let me go if he chose to, but his patriotism to fatherland would never allow him do so, and that singular act swept me off my feet and i eventually fell in love,” she said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/apc-vs-pdp-atiku-not-corrupt-wife-titi.html

The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, has declared that the position canvassed by governors that the states can’t pay N30,000 minimum wage was a distraction that won’t distract the entire workforce across the country.

Wabba insisted that the labour unions would focus on achieving the task, and urged his members to be resolute to vote out any governor who defies the law after President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent to the proposal.

The governors, after the report proposing N30,000 minimum wage was submitted to President Buhari, had made their position known that many of the states lack the financial wherewithal to pay such amount.

Responding to the governors’ position in Ado Ekiti on Saturday during the 75th birthday of the former Chairman of the Medical and Health Union of Nigeria (MHUN), Ekiti chapter, Comrade Johnson Ogunseeyin, Wabba described the governor’s position as an afterthought.

The occasion was attended by all labour leaders in the state, led by the NLC Chairman, Comrades Ade Adesanmi and Blessing Oladele.

The NLC President stated that six governors were represented on the tripartite committee composed by the federal government to argue the issue of minimum wage and that it took the labour over a year to arrive at a midway wage of N30,000, saying it was inhuman for governors to turn around and said they have no capacity to pay.

“I consider this governors’ position as a trick that was not new to us. There was no agitation about labour that never experienced such, but we consider it an afterthought.

“In case they didn’t know, labour started with a proposal of N66,000, so N30,000 was a midway approach to resolve the crisis. We didn’t just request for it, but we considered the high inflation rate, the poor purchasing power of naira among other variables.

“While we commend about six governors for saying they will pay N30,000 minimum wage, we challenge those saying they can’t pay to go to their states and tell workers and pensioners that they won’t pay.

“This agitation started last year November, even when the review was supposed to take place in 2016. The governors were asked to send memoranda and 21 states complied.

“They all had inputs. They even had six representatives on the
negotiating committee, so I didn’t know what they were talking about after the report had been submitted.

“In case the governors didn’t know, the police, DSS and Nigeria Army that were providing security for them and the Nigerian populace are
involved in this minimum wage issue. So, we consider their refusal to comply as a way to divert of our attentions.

“The governors may not care about workers because they are getting humongous security votes. Councilor who has no certificates receive
more than a PhD holder. I want to believe this is a class contestation and we are up to the task.

“We want to tell the governors that we won’t succumb to their antics. We will receive nothing less than N30,000 minimum wage for our people and we have directed workers to vote out any state governor or his
successor who says he is not ready to pay”.

Wabba stated that the celebrant, Ogunseeyin was one of the few patriots and unionists who fought for improved welfare for Nigerian workers.

The State Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka urged Nigerian workers to consider productivity as a watchword, saying this would help them in fighting for their rights when the need arises.

http://www.ebiscoo.com/68/minimum-wage-governors%E2%80%99-stubbornness-won%E2%80%99t-distract-labour-%E2%80%93-wabba#134

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says it is ready to commence negotiations with the Federal Government to resolve the ongoing strike.

ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ogunyemi said that meeting with the Federal Government delegation has been scheduled for Thursday, one o’clock at the instance of the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu.

According to him, the N200 billion released by the Federal Government in September 2018 was not an issue but that N200 billion ought to have been released in October 2017 as part of the 2013 agreement.

“It would be recalled that the Federal Government had agreed to inject N1.3 trillion to fund universities at N 220 billion yearly for five years.

“If government fails to fund public universities the situation on campuses may degenerate, worse than the already poor quality teaching and learning environment,’’ he said.

The ASUU president, however, insisted that the ‘No work no pay’ threats by the government would not affect the lecturers as the industrial action was legal in Nigerian labour law and international conventions, which Nigeria is signatory.

He added that ASUU was hoping that the meeting scheduled for Thursday will be used to resolve the issues at stake and not to continue to raise alarm that past administrations made bogus agreements with the university lecturers.

The striking lecturers had resumed its strike on November 5 to press home its demands.

Some of the demands included: that the Federal Government should nominate another chairman of the government renegotiating team of the 2009 ASUU/Federal Government Agreement.

Other demands were: non-payment of Earned allowance, funding of revitalization of the Nigerian universities, implementation of needs assessment report, poor funding of state universities, among others.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/ASUU-gives-update-on-strike-to-meet-fg.html

Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has blacklisted three broadcast media stations from accessing the governor’s office and as well covering its activities.

The affected broadcast medium are Channels TV, AIT and Core TV.

It was reliably gathered that on Friday the state’s Commissioner for Information, Yemi Olowolabi had informed the state correspondents of the affected stations that their services were no longer required at the governor’s office.

One of the affected correspondents who preferred anonymity disclosed to DAILY POST that the quit notice was relayed to them by the Press Officer attached to the Governor’s Office, Bode Akinwumi through the Information Commissioner.

He also stated that the development might not be unconnected with the fact that the affected stations have not been doing the bidding of the commissioner by picking stories favourable to the state government.

Corroborating the claim of his colleague, another affected correspondent maintained that Olowolabi had always been unhappy with them for not reeling out news that would please the state government.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/gov-akeredolu-blacklists-journalists.html

Governor Kayode Fayemi has said his administration’s plan to focus on agriculture and rural development is to reposition Ekiti State as a food basket for the country.

The governor, who said that farming remained the number one pre-occupation of Ekiti people, said his government would partner with the farmers and some private organisations to boost food production through agric business.

Minister commends ongoing facilities upgrading at FMC Ebute Metta

According to him, Ekiti has the capacity to become the food basket not only for the region for the country at large, because of its rich farm land and all that government needed to do was to create enabling environment, and support the farmers with infrastructure and access to funding.

Fayemi spoke when he inspected facilities at the National Food Reserves Agency’s silos in Ado-Ekiti. He said the Federal Government set up the silos as a repository for food storage that people can fall back to during non-harvest period, adding that his administration would encourage farmers to take advantage of the storage facilities, which he said were currently under utilised.

Getting business loans from banks (Concluding)

The governor noted that the importance of agriculture in the state’s drive towards economic development cannot be over emphasized, adding that great will and determination were needed to put the economy in big agricultural production footing.

He said Ekiti state was endowed with capacity to produce a variety of agricultural products if the right resources were provided to farmers especially provision of storage facilities.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/ekiti-to-become-nations-food-basket.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has set ambitious targets for a national broadband network to harness the potential of the internet and digital access for jobs, education, healthcare, identity management and to increase productivity in the public sector.

To this end, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigeria Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Advisory Council, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, have jointly launched the National Broadband Penetration Programme, a public-private initiative to ensure the deployment of 18,000km of fibre infrastructure to Nigeria’s existing stock of 38,000km of fibre cabling.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, stated this at the just-concluded 5th World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, China.

He explained that the “goal is to, within four years; provide fibre connectivity to all 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria. Government’s role is to provide the right licensing framework as well as the necessary subsidies to encourage investment.”

He revealed that two additional infrastructure companies have been licensed in 2018, to roll out broadband infrastructure in Nigeria.

“Together with previous licensees, and other private sector players, these companies will help implement the Government’s vision of total national broadband connectivity,” he said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President told the conference that Nigeria’s Social Investment Programme, including the N-Power Youth Employment Scheme, has provided 500,000 beneficiaries with electronic tablet devices for learning and self-development.

“Another aspect of the N-Power focuses on training young software engineers and coders,” he said.

The presidential aide further told the international gathering that the Buhari administration had begun the development of “Technology & Innovation Hubs” across the country, in partnership with the private sector, adding that a total of eight these hubs are planned across the country, with four already functional.

He also spoke about partnerships between the Nigerian Government and Facebook, Google, and Huawei to roll out high-quality Internet across the country, adding that the recently established Technology Advisory Body chaired by the Vice President will provide support to tech companies and initiatives.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/buhari-sets-targets-for-national.html

A High Court No. 2 sitting at GRA Zaria, has cancelled the appointment of 77 District Heads made by governor Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai and ordered the reinstatement of the former district heads pending the determination of the case.

The presiding Judge, Justice Kabir Dabo, in his ruling on Wednesday, said the governor had no constitutional rights to tamper with judicial matters despite notice served ordering that the issue of the district heads sacking is before the court.

The judge lamented that inspite of the case before the court; the governor went ahead to appoint the 77 district heads for lack of respect for the judiciary system.

Justice Kabir said Governor Nasiru el-Rufai must respect and obey the court order on the matter.

The court has adjourned the case to January 16, 2019 for the continuation of hearing.

In his comments on the ruling, the counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Yemi Adekunle, expressed happiness that the court has done justice by considering their application.

When contacted, the state counsel Barrister Abdurrahaman Suleiman Haladu, refused to talk to the journalists on the ground that he was not authorized to talk to the press.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/court-orders-el-rufai-to-reinstate.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members from the Ekiti State House of Assembly yesterday said that it was the immediate past governor of the State, Mr Ayodele Fayose that directed them to support Governor Kayode Fayemi in the interest of Ekiti.

This is just as they denied that they have decamped to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

They made the disclosure yesterday when the Deputy Speaker, Mr Adewumi Olusegun briefed newsmen in Ado Ekiti on behalf of other caucus members.

He said, “We remain committed members of the PDP as against insinuation in some quarters that we have decamped to APC.

“We make bold to say that our support for the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi was at the instance of the outgone Governor Ayodele Fayose who directed that we should co-operate with the governor elect then in the interest of Ekiti State.

“It was on this premise of the advice that we acted, because Ekiti agenda is bigger than any individual or political party.”

Olusegun said that Senator Olujimi is the most eminently qualified at the moment to be in the leadership position as the highest political office holder presently in the state.

He described those having different opinion as “mischievous, lazy and political jobbers as there is no contest about the leadership of the party since the position is not contested for but earned.”

Olusegun described the House of Reps members in Ekiti as ‘yes men who are not capable of having opinion of their own’.

The lawmakers declared that Tope Aluko, the erstwhile secretary of the party in the state, remained a bonafide member of the PDP and was not at any time expelled.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/fayose-asked-us-to-support-fayemi-ekiti.html

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has described the Federal Government’s promises as cheap.

The union vowed that its members would not be persuaded by them.

ASUU President Professor Abiodun Ogunyemi said this during an interview on Lagos TV on Monday.

“We have concluded that promises from the government are very cheap. We are not bothered about what promises the government makes now,” he said.

Ogunyemi’s comments came less than 24 hours after the union commenced an industrial action as a result of their grievances with the Federal Government.

He also decried the reduction in the budget for education in the past few years, stressing that the education sector of any nation should always be given adequate priority.

“There was an inter-ministerial retreat on education where the Minister (of Education) said for a nation to develop, it must earmark not less than 20 per cent to education.

“This year’s budget, we have seven percent, the previous year was seven per cent. If you go back to 2014, it was 12 per cent, 2015 was 11 percent and it came down to eight per cent in 2016. And, in the last two years, the budgetary allocation has been seven per cent,” he added.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/ASUU-strike-nigerian-govt-good-at.html

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, on Monday narrated how operatives of the command infiltrated a den of suspected kidnappers who were planning to kidnap their employer.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, Edgal said that men of the FSARS, posing as accomplices, infiltrated the ranks of the suspects who had concluded arrangements to kidnap one Ijeoma Eze-Okafor, a renowned businesswoman.

“On Oct. 19, our operatives offered to provide arms, ammunition and vehicle while the suspects sent photographs of the target, details of her vehicle and other information to the FSARS team.

“It took 10 days for the group to plan the kidnapping of the businesswoman. However, on the D-day, Oct. 29, the suspects surfaced and were immediately arrested.

“During interrogation, it was revealed that two of the suspects were employed as drivers to the victim and her husband.

“The third suspected had collected the sum of N10,000 from the drivers to enable him hire a native doctor that will protect them after the operation,” Edgal said.

In another incident, a 46-year-old man was arrested for unlawful possession of firearms by the policemen attached to Alakara Division.

Edgal explained that the commercial bus which the suspect and his accomplice were occupying was accosted for routine police check when some men jumped out and took to their heels.

The CP said that the suspect was arrested and a cut to size locally made pistol with six cartridges and charms were recovered from him.

Edgal added that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/how-lagos-police-infiltrated-den-of.html

The Bayelsa state government is making a difference in the state health sector with massive financial investment in the sector coupled with the Bayelsa safe motherhood program which the state Governor, Mr. Henry Seriake Dickson promised to support with a take-off grant of one hundred million Naira. Less than two months after, precisely on October 31, 2018 the state government launched the health grant for pregnant women in the state which is a sum of three thousand naira per month as a transport stipend to enable poorer mothers access the free facilities at the antenatal primary health centres scattered across the state. At the moment, over one thousand women have registered for this scheme in Bayelsa state.

In a bid to further cushion the economic effects of this time on the pregnant women, the state gave all women registered under the safe motherhood Programme Mothercare kits, containing 15 items, including insecticide treated nets, to help them during pregnancy. To see to the smooth execution of this laudable intervention, the state government have established medical facilities in all the wards in the state so as to ease the ante natal and delivery process where they are attended to by well trained personnel.

This intervention by the Bayelsa state government apart from serving as an ease to the women for safe delivery also helps by protecting the unborn children from congenital sicknesses and diseases. The promptness with which Bayelsa state government implemented this laudable idea is commendable and it is important other states of the federation and the federal government emulate such intervention considering the fact that about a million babies die annually in Nigeria from preventable diseases. This intervention will go a long way to protect the lives of this infant. Bayelsa state government have started well, other states should follow suit.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/bayelsa-is-best-place-to-be-pregnant.html