BARING any unforeseen developments, Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, may be named as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the former vice president has offered the position to the Rivers State governor who was the first runner-up in the primary that produced the party’s new standard bearer.
It was gathered that Atiku, who was also the candidate of the PDP in the 2019 exercise, would have since announced the Rivers governor as his running mate but for the opposition to the idea by some other state governors.
As at Wednesday, efforts were in top gear to smoothen the way for the Rivers State governor to be named.
The efforts were spearheaded by Governors Sam Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) who were said to be mounting pressure on their colleagues to accept Wike as the running mate.
The three governors in a car driven personally by Makinde, on Wednesday, went to Atiku’s residence in Abuja where they were thought to have briefed him on the progress in the move to get the buy-in of other governors on the running mate issue.
Wike was also present in a meeting that was later confirmed by the presidential candidate in a tweet on his verified Twitter handle @ atiku, saying:
“Governors Nyesom Wike, @seyiamakinde, Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi came calling on a courtesy visit before my meeting with the @OfficialPDPNig Governors Forum.
“Slowly but surely, the seeds of unity are being planted in our party. - AA”
Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, was also believed to be interested in the position, with many of the governors now saying that Wike is best suited for the job because of “the goodwill he can bring to it.”
A source close to the Governors confided in the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday that the meeting of the three governors with Atiku was a sign that progress had been made on the choice of Wike.
The presidential candidate along with the national chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, also on Wednesday met with the governors at the Legacy House, Maitama, where the presidential candidate bared his soul on the idea of his running mate.
At the end of the hour-long meeting with the governors, Atiku left them to continue their deliberations on the issues he canvassed.
Briefing correspondents later, chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, confirmed that the issue of the running mate to the presidential candidate was part of the discussions.
He said Atiku and Ayu left the governors to continue with the process of consultations on the way forward going into the 2023 election campaign.
Tambuwal said, “You must have seen the national chairman and our presidential candidate attending our meeting, which is the first after our national convention.
“On this note, therefore, on behalf of my colleagues, the governors, let me commend our leaders and members of our party for a very successful national convention and to say that the national chairman along with the candidate came to thank the governors for their various roles in the convention.
“And we have discussed about cooperation, collaboration and prosecuting a very successful electioneering campaign that will result into victories for the PDP at various elections from the state houses of assembly, National Assembly, governorship and the presidential election come February 2023.
“So, it’s more of a consultative meeting on the matters concerning the way forward.”
Asked to comment on the move to name a running mate, Tambuwal added: “It’s part of the consultation. It’s ongoing and governors are being consulted on that.”
Attempt by the former managing director of the defunct FinBank Plc, Mr. Okey Nwosu[s][/s] and Dayo Famoroti to set aside their conviction by Justice Lateefa Okunnu of the Lagos High Court literally hit the rock today June 8, 2022 as the Court of Appeal sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos upheld their conviction as well as the three years jail terms slammed on them.
However, the appellate court reduced the restitution order made from Eighteen Billion Naira to Ten Billion Naira on the grounds that the bank (FinBank Plc.) had recovered about Eight Billion Naira.
Justice Okunnu, had in January 2021 convicted and sentenced Okey Nwosu and Famoroti to three years imprisonment over N19.2 billion fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Nwosu alongside Dayo Famoroti, Agnes Ebubedike and Danjuma Ocholi on a 26-count amended charge bordering on stealing and illegal conversion to the tune of N19.2 billion.
The defendants were said to have perpetrated the fraud while they were directors of the bank.
A former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has emerged as the presidential aspirant of the New Nigeria Peoples Party at the party’s presidential primary election on Wednesday.
The NNPP is currently holding its presidential primary election in the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Kwankwaso emerged as the NNPP’s standard bearer after delegates made their choice known by voice vote.
Dear Nigerian Youths, as you listen to the aspirants of the ruling party jostle for their party's ticket, think and ask if they can offer tomorrow what they could not provide in 7 years; and if you are doing better than you were seven years ago. -PO
The APC can gloss over everything, but not its scorecard for the mandate Nigerians gave to the party. The 2023 elections will be a referendum on the failed policies of the administration. -AA
BREAKING: SENATE LEADER, YAHAYA ABDULLAH DUMPS APC FOR PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY
The Senate leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi has defected from the ruling All progressives Congress APC to the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Kebbi State.
His special adviser on media and publicity Muhammad Jamil Gulma who confirmed the defection said, the “Senate Leader Dr Yahaya Abdullahi will on Wednesday by 9 am leave Abuja for Kebbi and proceed to Kamba local government to formally declare for PDP and to possibly indicate his interest to contest his present seat".
Dr. Yahaya who participated in the APC’s Kebbi governorship primaries was reported to have scored Zero votes, an outcome which he had since rejected and described as shambolic and a child’s play.
Pundits say his defection may not be unconnected with the governorship primaries and several failed truces by the national leadership of the ruling APC.
Boris Johnson SURVIVES confidence vote but is wounded by rebel Tories despite desperate pleas to unite
BORIS Johnson has SURVIVED tonight's crucial leadership vote but emerges badly bruised after suffering a meaty rebellion.
The PM was spared being evicted in a brutal mutiny as a slim majority of 211 to 148 Tory MPs chose to stick with him this evening.
However the scale of the revolt still leaves him wounded and will likely keep speculation swirling he could throw in the towel.
His 59 per cent support margin is a much worse than Theresa May achieved just months before she fell on her sword.
One senior Tory told the Sun: "That is a catastrophic result for Boris."
But ahead of tonight's secret ballot allies insisted that winning by even a single vote would be chalked up as a victory.
Cabinet ally Nadhim Zahawi insisted: "This was a ballot - the Prime Minster won handsomely."
Current party rules mean Mr Johnson is safe from a fresh challenge for another year, although there has been suggestion this could change.
Mr Johnson and his top team have spent the past 12 hours begging wavering MPs to back him rather than joining the "foolish" revolt.
In a last-gasp push for every vote, the PM had told Tory backbenchers that ousting him risked paving the way to a "utterly disastrous" Labour takeover.
He added: "You all know what an incredible force we can be when we are united.
"The people in this room won the biggest electoral victory for the Conservatives for 40 years - under my leadership."
Urging MPs to row in behind his leadership, he took aim at "foolish" rebels stoking "pointless" party infighting.
A Text of Press Statement by Senator Ken Nnamani, GCON on the APC Presidential Primary Convention June 06, 2022
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I want to address you on the developments in the upcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary scheduled for June 6-7, 2022. As you all know the screening of the aspirants for president has been completed and the report submitted to the National Chairman of the APC. I appreciate the screening committee for its work. The issues I raise in this statement has no bearing on the outcome of the screening exercise. They relate to the large questions of justice and equity and how the leadership of our party wish to be remembered in history. The issues I want to raise are about the management of party politics to achieve the fundamental objectives and direct principles of state policy articulated in Chapter 2 of the Nigerian constitution. They are about sustaining the visions of the founding fathers of the APC and the aspirations of millions of Nigerians who have placed trust in our party.
You will recall that on March 26, 2022, a new set of members of the National Working Committee of the APC were elected in an elective convention. In that election, there was a unity list which was endorsed by all the Governors of the party and other leaders of the party in was different region and approved by Mr. President. The unity list was anchored on the core principle of the party to rotate and zone political offices. The party swapped position between the north and south. The party offices that were occupied by leaders from the south automatically transferred to the north. This explains why no southern candidate contested for National Chairman at the convention. Everyone accepted that the position of National Chairman was zoned to the north while the position of the President was reserved for the southern aspirants.
The clear understanding of party members is that the Presidential Candidate of the party will come from the south and only aspirants from the zone will vie for the office. This is a logical follow-up to the outcome of the National Convention. The statements of party leaders confirmed this general perception. In the initial weeks after the announcement of timetable for the election and commencement of sale of forms, the belief that APC would zone its presidential ticket to the south continued because only southerners purchased forms, except the notable exception of Gov. Yahaya Bello. The fact that leading northerners failed to indicate interest in the race convinced many of us that our party will thread the path of honor and justice by zoning its presidency to the south after a northern president has completed eight years under the party platform.
But the events of recent day created the impression that zoning had been jettisoned in the APC. The vacillation of party leaders regarding zoning of the APC presidential ticket has not created clarity in the party and injures the confidence and faith of many in the south, particularly the southeast, in the party. It has the implication of suggesting to many in the party, including myself, that the party will allow conveniences of the moment to override foundational issues of justice and fairness. Considering the events of the recent past, all well-meaning Nigerians must reaffirm faith in the constitutional values of justice and fairness.These values are what will sustain our democracy as we confront the headwinds of pluralism and sectarianism. We should never allow short-term political advantages to override these values.
But let me commend the eleven Governors from the north for the intelligence and the courage to speak out in defense of zoning the APC presidential ticket to the south. This gesture, though belated, is an example of statesmanship in time of anxiety. By recognizing the centrality of justice in our politics, these governors have underlined a core value in our republican government. Their action has given further hope that justice still means something for us. It could have been more reassuring and impactful if their statement was issued early and adopted by the National Executive Council (NEC) of our party. It would have had greater impact if the statement argued for the presidential ticket to be micro-zoned to the southeast as the only zone in the South that has not produced President and Vice President since the return to democracy.
Another issue that confused the process for the primary was the lack of certainty on schedules and timelines. This uncertainty frustrated effective campaign and made the primary a game for those with deep pocket (who are those mostly in control of state funds and those in political offices) and those who control party structure. I am not in any of these groups. But I have the ideas and competences to get the country working, to solve the crises of economic stagnation, insecurity and political instability. My faith for entering the race is that I will have the opportunity to present my credentials, achievements and idea for the future of Nigeria. I had anticipated that the NWC will be more definite with plans and completed the screening on time to allow for meaningful consultations and campaigns. But that opportunity never came. The schedules were uncertain even until a few days to primary.
In the present circumstances, it does not make any sense for me to continue in the race as I have not had the opportunity to market my profile and ideas to the delegates of our party in a manner that allow for deliberation and introspection. Therefore, I discontinue my aspiration and wish the party successful primary and unity of purpose so that we can win the 2023 general elections. I will continue to engage with the party and its leadership to make sure that the ideas and values that I cherish and propagate find strong footing in the party administration and in public leadership after election.
No matter the outcome of the primary, I pray that our party does justice to the southeast that ought to present the next presidential candidate of our party. I would be glad if any of my colleagues from the southeast vying for the office wins the primary. Any of them can provide strong leadership to the country.
Senator Ken Nnamani, GCON President, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2005-2007)
ATTACK ON ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, OWO, ONDO STATE NIGERIA
It is Pentecost Sunday, a time every Catholic is expected to be in Church to commemorate the Solemnity. It is so sad to say that while the Holy Mass was going on, men of unknown origin, wielding guns attacked St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. Many are feared dead and many others injured and the Church violated. The identity of the perpetrators remains unknow while the situation has left the community devastated.
However, for now, security agencies have been deployed to the community to relatively handle the situation. At this point in the history of our dear country Nigeria, we need God’s ultimate intervention to restore peace and tranquillity.
Meanwhile, all the Priests in the parish are safe and none was kidnapped as the social media has it. The Bishop of the Diocese is also with them at this trying time. Let us continue to pray for them and the good people of Owo and the state at large.
We turn to God to console the families of those whose lives were lost in this distressing incident, and we pray for the departed souls to rest in peace. Amen.
The Bishop appeals that we remain calm, be law abiding and pray for peace and normalcy to return to our community, state and country.
Signed Rev. Fr. Augustine IKWU Director, Social Communications June 5, 2022
Shakira and Gerard Pique have split, the Colombian singer and Barcelona star have confirmed.
The pair, whose relationship began in 2010, have two sons together, Milan and Sasha.
A brief statement, released by the singer’s communication agency, confirmed: “We regret to confirm that we are parting ways. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
It comes after the Barcelona defender, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, was allegedly caught in bed with another woman.
It has been reported that the couple have been living separately for a few weeks after Pique was kicked out of their family home. According to Spanish outlet El Periodico , he has been staying in a bachelor pad and has been living a "party lifestyle" since the split.
Further reports claim the Spain international has been frequenting nightclubs with team-mate Riqui Puig and his group of friends, often returning home as late as two or three in the morning.
Claims that the woman with whom he had allegedly cheated was the mother of Barcelona teammate Gavi are false.
Shakira hinted at disharmony between the pair in her latest hit 'Te Felicito' with Rauw Alejandro, with the 45-year-old singing: "To complete you I broke into pieces; I was warned, but I didn't listen; I realised that yours is false; it was the drop that overflowed the glass; Don't tell me you're sorry, that sounds sincere, but I know you well and I know you're lying."
Pique's football at Barcelona has recently been in question due to a succession of injury issues - although he still managed to make 39 appearances for the Blaugrana in 2021-22.
However, according to reports in Spain he has no intention of hanging up his boots yet and still has two years left on his deal at Camp Nou. The 35-year-old has been tipped as a future club president.
The screening committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not disqualify any of the 23 presidential aspirants that appeared before it, a member of the committee has clarified.
The member made the clarification to PREMIUM TIMES Friday night to correct the report that 13 of the aspirants have been disqualified.
According to the member, who asked not to be named because he had no permission to discuss the matter with journalists, the committee found that all the aspirants have the basic qualifications to run for president.
“However, based on our assessment of their chances at winning the presidential election for our party, we found that 13 of them cannot realistically do this, so we advised them to step down for others.
“We also did this to trim the list so that the party will not have to go into the primary with an unwieldy number of aspirants, 23, which will be very cumbersome.”
According to the source, those advised to step down are not obliged to take the advice.
“We have cleared all of them because they are all qualified and the party will issue them all with clearance certificates. We cannot stop any of the 13 if they insist on running and contesting in the primaries despite our advice,” the source said.
The member added that the statement the chairman of the APC screening committee made on Friday while submitting the committee’s report to the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Adamu, was misinterpreted by journalists.
“Go and read what the chairman said again and you would see that he did not mention the world disqualification,” the source said.
“What the panel did was to recommend to the party leadership that at least 10 of the candidates should be persuaded to withdraw because they do not appear to stand a chance of winning election for our party.
“No one was disqualified and they all can ignore our recommendation and go ahead to participate in the primary.”
While addressing journalists, former chairperson of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, who led the screening panel, had said all the aspirants passed the ‘basic constitutional’ requirement, but that the panel had to shortlist some aspirants.
“And on that basis (Constitution) every single member or aspirant that presented himself qualified because it was basic and simple. But we are in the governing party and we are keen on continuing the process of replacing—at a proper time—our president with another member of the party.
“It is on that basis that we made our final shortlist. I don’t want to read the names which I think would leave to you (Chairman) but we have a shortlist. We brought the number severely down to 13.
“We could have cut it a little shorter but we wanted deliberately the younger elements to surface for them to be seen, for them to be noticed and no noise. We would hand them over to the party and it is for the party to decide whom their candidate will be.”
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts sixth package of sanctions
We are banning today: - the import of Russian oil into the EU - curtailing a massive source of revenue for Russia; - disinformation actors spreading propaganda; - cutting further key Russian banks from SWIFT. - Sanctioning those responsible for atrocities in Bucha and Mariupol
In light of Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine and Belarus' support to it, as well as the reported atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine, the Council decided today to impose a sixth package of economic and individual sanctions targeting both Russia and Belarus.
With today’s package, we are increasing limitations to the Kremlin’s ability to finance the war by imposing further economic sanctions. We are banning the import of Russian oil into the EU and with this cutting a massive source of revenue for Russia. We are cutting off more of the key Russian banks from the international payment system SWIFT. We are also sanctioning those responsible for the atrocities that took place in Bucha and Mariupol and banning more disinformation actors actively contributing to President Putin’s war propaganda.
The agreed package includes a series of measures intended to effectively thwart Russian abilities to continue the aggression.
Oil The EU decided to prohibit the purchase, import or transfer of crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia into the EU. The phasing out of Russian oil will take from 6 months for crude oil to 8 months for other refined petroleum products.
A temporary exception is foreseen for imports of crude oil by pipeline into those EU member states that, due to their geographic situation, suffer from a specific dependence on Russian supplies and have no viable alternative options.
Moreover, Bulgaria and Croatia will also benefit from temporary derogations concerning the import of Russian seaborne crude oil and vacuum gas oil respectively.
De-SWIFTing of additional Russian and Belarusian banks The EU is extending the existing prohibition on the provision of specialised financial messaging services (SWIFT) to three additional Russian credit institutions - Russia's largest bank Sberbank, Credit Bank of Moscow, and Russian Agricultural Bank - and the Belarusian Bank For Development And Reconstruction.
Broadcasting The EU is suspending the broadcasting activities in the EU of three more Russian state-owned outlets: Rossiya RTR/RTR Planeta, Rossiya 24 / Russia 24 and TV Centre International. These structures have been used by the Russian Government as instruments to manipulate information and promote disinformation about the invasion of Ukraine, including propaganda, with the aim to destabilise Russia's neighbouring countries and the EU and its member states. In line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, these measures will not prevent those media outlets and their staff from carrying out activities in the EU other than broadcasting, e.g. research and interviews.
Export restrictions The EU is expanding the list of persons and entities concerned by export restrictions regarding dual-use goods and technology. Such additions to the list include both Russian and Belarusian entities. Moreover, the EU will expand the list of goods and technology which may contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector. This will include 80 chemicals which can be used to produce chemical weapons.
Consulting services The EU will prohibit the provision of accounting, public relations and consultancy services.
Individual listings Furthermore, the Council decided to sanction additional individuals and entities: those responsible for the atrocities committed by Russian troops in Bucha and Mariupol, personalities supporting the war, leading businesspersons and family members of listed oligarchs and Kremlin officials, as well as companies in the defence and a financial organisation.
The EU resolutely condemns Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. It urges Russia to immediately stop its indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. The atrocities being committed by Russian forces and the suffering and destruction being inflicted are unspeakable. The EU calls on Russia to allow immediate humanitarian access and the safe passage of all civilians concerned. It also calls on Russia to immediately allow the safe return of Ukrainian individuals forcibly removed to Russia.
The European Union is unwavering in its commitment to help Ukraine exercise its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression and build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future.
The relevant legal acts will soon be published in the Official Journal.
The EU has imposed sanctions on Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast who is alleged to have a close personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in its latest package of punitive measures over the war in Ukraine.
Kabaeva will not be able to travel to the EU and any assets she has in the bloc will be frozen as part of the package that was adopted on Friday and entered into force later in the day with publication in the EU's Official Journal.
Kabaeva was sanctioned by the U.K. last month. She has been reported to be in a relationship with Putin, although the Russian president has denied this.
"Alina Kabaeva is the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the National Media Group (NMG), a holding that owns large stakes in almost all major Russian federal media that reproduce the Russian Government propaganda. She is a former Russian gymnast and a former member of the State Duma. She is closely associated with President Vladimir Putin," the official EU text said.
"She is therefore responsible for supporting actions and policies which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, as well as stability and security in Ukraine. Furthermore, she is associated with a listed person responsible for and actively supporting actions undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, as well as stability and security in Ukraine."
The EU has sanctioned Putin's girlfriend Alina Kabaeva, the head of censor Roskomnadzor Andrei Lipov, 3 propagandists, Dmitri Peskov's family, 5 Ukrainian collaborators, various family members of already sanctioned people & Arkady Volozh, CEO of Yandex, who resigned today.
The EU sanctioned 17 military-industrial companies (should be self-evident) but also the national settlement depository, which might complicate payments.
ACTIVE SHOOTER AT ST FRANCIS — shooter is down, please avoid the area.
PLEASE AVOID ST FRANCIS AT 61ST AND YALE — ALL ROADS ARE CLOSED.
Earlier this afternoon, we responded to a call about a man armed with a rifle at the Natalie Building at St. Francis Hospital. This turned into an active shooter situation.
At this point, we can confirm the shooter is down at this time. Officers are currently going through every room in the building checking for additional threats. We know there are multiple injuries, and potentially multiple casualties.
REUNIFICATION SITE: We’re asking family members/friends to go to Memorial High School west of LaFortune Park for a reunification site.
Tulsa police Capt. Richard Meulenberg said multiple people were wounded and that “some unfortunately were killed.” He sais it was a “catastrophic scene.”
Manchester United can confirm that Jesse Lingard will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June.
An Academy graduate and dyed-in-the-wool Red, Jesse has been with United for over 20 years, having originally joined our Under-9s team in 2001.
He was a key member of Warren Joyce’s FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2011, scoring in the first leg of the 6-3 aggregate final victory over Sheffield United.
Following various loan spells in the Championship, Jesse made his United debut under Louis van Gaal in 2014 and became a regular presence in the first team the following season.
He scored six goals in 40 appearances across all competitions during that 2015/16 campaign, including a stunning extra-time winner at Wembley as United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final and seal a 12th triumph in the competition.
In doing so, he joined a very select group of players who had scored in winning FA Youth Cup and FA Cup finals - and Jesse wasn't done there.
Two further strikes at the national stadium in 2016/17 helped the Reds capture the Community Shield and EFL Cup, while Lingard was on the pitch alongside friend and fellow homegrown star Marcus Rashford in May 2017, helping us make history in Stockholm by clinching the Europa League – the only major title missing from our trophy cabinet.
It was a milestone campaign for Jesse, as he signed a new long-term contract with United and made his senior England debut in a 2-0 win over Malta in October 2016.
Jesse passed the landmark of 100 appearances for the club a year later and enjoyed arguably the best spell of United career either side of Christmas in 2017, netting nine goals across a 13-game period for Jose Mourinho’s side to claim our Player of the Month prize.
Utilised as a no.10, a winger or occasionally a withdrawn forward, Lingard continued to be an important attacking figure when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the helm and he bagged a brace as the Norwegian’s spell in caretaker charge got off to the perfect start with a 5-1 win at Cardiff City in December 2018.
He also scored a vitally important late goal at Leicester to have the final say in the dramatic 2019/20 season and confirm Champions League qualification for United.
He caught the eye while on loan at West Ham United during the second half of the 2020/21 term, scoring nine times in 16 games to help David Moyes’s side to a Europa League spot.
Lingard returned to United after the summer and he came back to haunt the Hammers, curling home an 89th-minute winner in a dramatic contest at the London Stadium.
This goal would turn out to be the last of 35 strikes for the club he first came to as an eight-year-old. Now, aged 29, he leaves with 232 United appearances and 32 England caps under his belt.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Jesse for all of the memories he’s helped create during his two decades here and wish him the best of luck in his future career.
The club can announce that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United at the end of June, upon the expiry of his contract.
The Frenchman has enjoyed a long association with United, having joined the club's Academy from Le Havre at the age of just 16.
Pogba quickly progressed through the ranks, first impressing in the Under-18s and then swiftly moving upwards to the Reserves.
He first drew widespread attention as part of the Youth Cup side that achieved the club's unprecedented 10th success in 2011, playing in both legs of that year's final against Sheffield United.
The following season, he was granted a first-team debut under Sir Alex Ferguson, in a 3-0 League Cup win away at Leeds United.
But in the summer of 2012, due to strong competition for places at Old Trafford, Pogba joined Italian giants Juventus.
He quickly became a success in Piedmont, helping La Vecchia Signora lift four consecutive Serie A titles and a couple of Coppa Italias.
However, in 2016, he made the emotional decision to return to Old Trafford, in a bid to continue the nascent United career he had begun in that breakthrough season of 2011/12.
He was immediately installed within the heart of Jose Mourinho's new-look midfield, and his first campaign back in M16 was a strong success.
After a sublime 'second' debut against Southampton, where he wowed the crowd with his all-round midfield mastery, Pogba started two cup finals that would both result in the Reds lifting silverware.
First he starred in the 2017 League Cup final against Southampton, which resulted in a 3-2 win thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's dramatic late winner. The Swede scored twice and, at full-time, Mourinho singled out both Zlatan and Paul as United's outstanding players.
United moved on to the UEFA Europa League final in Solna, Stockholm a few months later, and it was Pogba who opened the scoring against Ajax, kickstarting a poignant 2-0 victory, just days after the tragic Manchester Arena bombing.
The subsequent 2017/18 season brought a promising second-placed finish, and arguably Paul's most admired performance in a red shirt – in the chaotic and memorable Manchester derby of April 2018.
Crosstown rivals City headed into the match at the Etihad knowing that a victory would hand them the title, and with United forced to stand by and watch the crowing celebrations that would inevitably follow.
We found ourselves 2-0 down at half-time, with the Blues rampant. A torturous second half seemed imminent, but Pogba scored twice in quick succession to level the scores and silence the City crowd. Chris Smalling soon put United in front, completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in derby history.
World Cup success followed for France that summer, where Pogba was instrumental in driving Les Bleus to a 4-2 victory over Croatia in the Moscow final, and a constant presence throughout the tournament.
Spurred on by that career high, the next season, 2018/19, would prove the most prolific in Pogba's United career, yielding 16 goals in 47 appearances. But managerial changes – with Mourinho departing to be replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – resulted in a period of instability for the team.
Injury problems resulted in just 22 appearances across all competitions in 2019/20, though United battled to an encouraging third-placed finish under Solskjaer.
And the team's upward trajectory continued in 2020/21, where two memorable stunners from Pogba – at Turf Moor and Craven Cottage – propelled United to the top of the table in January 2021.
Paul was also instrumental in Europe. Coming on at half-time in our Europa League round-of-16 second leg against AC Milan, he produced a sublime solo goal in the San Siro, edging United 2-1 ahead on aggregate and delivering the tie's decisive moment.
He scored again in the semi-final against Roma, but was unable to prevent the Reds slipping to an agonising 11-10 penalty shootout defeat against Villarreal in the Gdansk final.
Pogba's final season at the club started off in hugely promising fashion, with an astonishing four assists in our opening-day thrashing of Leeds United, but more injury problems would ultimately derail his ambitions.
The Frenchman made just 27 appearances under Solskjaer and the Norwegian's replacement, interim manager Ralf Rangnick, and the last of his 233 United games ended in the 10th minute of a defeat at Anfield in April 2022, with Pogba forced to leave the field due to another unfortunate knock.
It was a low-key end to a United career that had brought so many individual high moments, so many beautiful goals, assists and pieces of skill.
But for a boy that joined the Academy at 16 to make over 200 United appearances and lift the Youth Cup, along with two major pieces of silverware – not to mention the World Cup at international level – is something that should be applauded and celebrated.
Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career, and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United.
We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey.
#NOPDAlert: Investigation under way into shooting incident on campus of Xavier University, in area of Convocation Center. Initial information shows three gunshot wound victims transported to local hospital via EMS. Subject has been detained at the scene.
He was a former head coach of Ocean Boys, Enyimba, Akwa United, Warri Wolves, Gombe United, Akwa United, Ikorodu United, Lobi Stars, Gabros, NPA and Kaduna United.
Our condolences to the family of Maurice Cooreman following his death in his country, Belgium. He will always remain a legend in the NPFL having worked with multiple clubs as well as winning the title once with Oceans Boys in 2006.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to a presidential aspirant and former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
He was granted bail on Tuesday by Justice Inyang Ekwo in the sum of N500 million and a surety in like sum.
Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order while ruling on the bail application filed by Okorocha who currently represents Imo West senatorial district in the National Assembly.
The former governor is being tried on a 17-count charge to the tune of N2.9 billion filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was accused of conspiring with others, including a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and five companies to steal from public coffers, although he has since denied any wrongdoing.
Arrested Before Screening Okorocha was arraigned alongside his co-defendants on Monday by the antigraft agency before Justice Ekwo in the nation’s capital.
During their arraignment, the former governor, the second defendant – Nyerere Anyim, and the companies indicted all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Thereafter, counsel to Okorocha, Mr Okey Amaechi, prayed the court to release his client on bail, pending the determination of the case against him.
He drew the attention of the court to the fact that his client was roughly arrested last Tuesday before the screening of the presidential aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that his ambition was at risk should he remain in detention.
On its part, the EFCC, through its lawyer, Mr Gbolahan Latona, informed the court that Okorocha raised some issues in his bail application that would require its response.
Justice Ekwo had, thereafter, adjourned the matter until Tuesday to hear Okorocha’s bail application and ordered that he should remain in EFCC custody.
Free But Restricted When proceedings resumed today (Tuesday), Justice Ekwo ordered that the surety to be produced by Okorocha must be a responsible citizen who has landed property in the like sum of the bail granted to the presidential aspirant.
The judge also directed Okorocha to deposit his international passport with the registry of the court and should not travel outside the jurisdiction of the court without the court’s permission.
Similarly, he ordered the court registry to inform the Nigeria Immigration Service that Okorocha’s international passport was in its custody.
Justice Ekwo, however, ordered that the former governor should remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until his bail conditions were met.
In his response, counsel to Okorocha, Okey Amaechi, informed the court that his client was ready to meet the bail conditions.
For Anyim, the court ruled that he should continue to enjoy the administrative bail earlier granted to him.
I thank Nigerians; especially members of the Labour Party who have gathered here since yesterday to partake in the primaries to choose the person that will fly Labour flag in the forthcoming National election to choose the President of Nigeria.
History beckons. Nigerians remain hopeful for a national rebirth, which implies returning Nigeria to Nigerians – farmers, teachers and students, lecturers, artisans, workers, pensioners and over a hundred million poor Nigerians who are not sure where their next meal will come from.
Therefore, what you are doing today is a patriotic duty towards seeking the desired political emancipation of our dear country, which stands wounded by many years of cumulative leadership failure.
Painfully, our current dysfunctional system rewards unearned income and conspicuous consumption; allows university lecturers to remain on strike for months; keep our youths at home; and owe pensioners, who gave their patriotic sweat and their youthful energy to serve this country.
The despicable contrast is that those responsible for the mess -those elected to take care of them – have abandoned the national currency and are living in opulence and like kings, spend dollars to buy delegates as well as houses all over the world.Meanwhile, they owe most workers, lecturers and retirees.
Yes, our country stands hijacked by forces of retrogression. We are almost zero in all indices of development. As a result, our future, especially those of the youth and generations unborn is in ruins. We have become a laughing stock among other nations, including African countries where we were once revered.
As a party that represents the workers and masses of this great nation, we are people organised and working for our economic rebirth. As I am nominated today, I humbly proclaim that the journey towards the emancipation of the country has begun.
I note with humility that the journey is going to be a collective one that will certainly require the cooperation of critical stakeholders in our country, especially the youth, whose future has been thoroughly degraded.
I therefore thank all of you and call for your sustained support towards returning Nigeria to Nigerians from forces of bad leadership and retrogression. Such a noble tasks brooks no conscientious objectors.
I hardly use war metaphors for political analysis due to my belief that politics is not adversarial and not war. However permit me a little indulgence here, to relate what we are embarking on to the ancient battle of Thermopylae, where the Greek forces, conscious of fighting for the life of Greece held on against great odds in the defence of their country.
In the battle to re-take Nigerian, the odds are great and seemingly insurmountable, but with our commitment, patriotism and understanding that we are doing, what we are supposed to do for our country, lest she shall die, we shall move on discontent with what is and focused on enthroning what ought to be. In doing this, our battle cry shall remain: get your PVC and become part of this great libration!
Our governance mission will be twin-tracked. Secure Nigeria in every ramification: national security, human security, food security and tackling insecurity created by unemployment.
We will also seek to unite our nation by pulling our people out of poverty, and creating a new sense of nationalism and patriotism. Nigeria shall rise again: and her people will be proud to claim ownership of her patrimony. Doing so is in our collective national interest.
As I earnestly thank Nigerians for their faith in me. In the days ahead I will publish our governance manifesto, which will spell out our top governance priorities. I assure you that no region; state, local government or communities will be left behind.
I also assure you all that the struggle continues and that victory is certainly in sight towards the guarantee of a meaningful future for our youths and making this country a respected and viable member of a 21st century world, that places high value on production over consumption.
Lewandowski had already signalled his intention to reject any contract extension with the German champs.
His deal runs out next summer.
Speaking to reporters while on international duty with Poland, Lewandowki said: “My era at Bayern is over. I don't see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore.
“Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me, I don't want to play there anymore.
"A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don't stop me”.
The free-scoring forward gave a cryptic clue of what was to come when he attended the Monaco Grand Prix at the weekend.
Speaking to Sky Germany at in the Principality, he said: "The time will come to give information.
Sadio Mane transfer: Liverpool want replacement signed before allowing Senegal forward to leave
Liverpool will only sell Sadio Mane if they can first recruit a replacement and would want more than €30 million (£25.5m) to let the Senegalese forward leave this summer.
Bayern Munich are interested in Mane, who has one year left on his contract at Anfield and is yet to agree a new deal.
The 30-year-old had promised to provide an announcement on his future after the Champions League final but, as Liverpool rushed to leave the Stade de France, did not, amid suggestions that he wants to leave.
Jurgen Klopp has often said that players who want to leave Liverpool will be allowed to providing they give the club warning so they can plan but the FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners are also determined to ensure Mane does not depart for a cut-price fee, with a mooted price of €30m to go to the German champions deemed insufficient.
While he could leave on a free transfer next year, if a new deal is not agreed, Mane has established himself among the leading wingers in world football since joining Liverpool from Southampton in 2016 and has proved a prolific striker in the last two months of this season.
The former RB Salzburg player, who struck the post in Saturday’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, has scored 120 goals in 269 games for Liverpool, a still more impressive total as it does not include penalties. He struck 23 times for his club this season, including nine in his last 14 appearances of the campaign, as well as scoring the winning spot kicks as Senegal won the African Cup of Nations and qualified for the World Cup.
While Liverpool have a ready-made replacement for Mane on the left wing, the position he long occupied, with Luis Diaz excelling since joining in January, the task of finding another forward is made harder as the Senegalese has proved he can play in all three positions in their front line.
Liverpool are already set to lose one attacker this season, with Divock Origi leaving when his contract expires. The Belgian will sign for AC Milan.
Kano Exco approves panel recommendation ...Renames KUST after Aliko Dangote
Kano state Executive Council has approved the renaming of Kano state University of Science and Technlogy (KUST), Wudil.
The state commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, who revealed this in a statement on Saturday, said the development followed recommendation by the university's visitation Panel.
He stated that institution is now to be called Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUST), Wudil.
Malam Garba further explained that the approval has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly to study the relevant laws establishing the university for amendment.
Ralf Rangnick has announced that he will not be staying on at Manchester United as a consultant due to the demands of his new role as Austria manager.
Rangnick confirmed the news in a press conference with Austria on Sunday and Manchester United said:
“We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months.
“By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford.
“We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career.”
Rangnick took charge at the beginning of December and led the team through the remainder of a challenging season, with his spell as interim boss providing United with crucial time to conduct a thorough search for our next manager, resulting in the appointment of Erik ten Hag.
He will now take charge of Austria for their upcoming Nations League fixtures, as they face Croatia, Denmark and France in Group A1.
Once again, we are grateful to Ralf for all his hard work and wish him the best for the future.
Chelsea Football Club can confirm that a final and definitive agreement was entered into last night to sell the Club to the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital consortium. It is expected that the transaction will be completed on Monday.
It has been nearly three months since I announced my intention to sell Chelsea FC. During this time, the team have worked hard to find the right custodian for Chelsea FC that would be best positioned to successfully lead the Club into its next chapter.
The ownership of this Club comes with great responsibility. Since I came to Chelsea nearly twenty years ago, I have witnessed first-hand what this Club can achieve. My goal has been to ensure that the next owner has a mindset that will enable success for the Men’s and Women’s team, as well as the will and drive to continue developing other key aspects of the Club, such as the Academy and the vital work of Chelsea Foundation.
I am pleased this search has now come to a successful conclusion. As I hand over Chelsea to its new custodians, I would like to wish them the best of success, both on and off the pitch.
It has been an honour of a lifetime to be a part of this Club – I would like to thank all the Club’s past and current players, staff, and of course fans for these incredible years.
I am proud that as a result of our joint successes, millions of people will now benefit from the new charitable foundation which is being established. This is the legacy which we have created together.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has picked up Senator Rochas Okorocha from his residence.
The agency had broken into the residence after several gun shots were fired in the vicinity.
The EFCC had also insisted that journalists who had throng the residents of the former governor in large numbers, leave the premises, forcefully ejecting everyone in the residence.
A Channels Television cameraman, Kabiru Owoyemi, was among those brutalised during the clearance. He was hit with a gun on the neck.
The operative also used teargas to disperse journalists from the scene.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on May 24, 2022, arrived at the Maitama, Abuja home of a former governor of Imo state, Senator Rochas Okorocha, to effect his arrest.
The move followed the refusal of the former governor to honour invitations after jumping the administrative bail earlier granted him by the Commission.
EFCC had on January 24, 2022 filed a 17-count criminal charge bordering on diversion of public funds and properties to the tune of N2.9billion against Okorocha.
The case was assigned to Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja but attempts to arraign Senator Okorocha were twice stalled owing to the absence of the ex-governor who evaded service of processes.
At the last adjourned date, March 28th, 2022, Justice Ekwo before adjourning until May 30th, 2022, had warned that it was “the last adjournment I shall grant in this matter”.
In the circumstances, the Commission is left with no option than to effect the arrest of Senator Okorocha and bring him to trial.
It is the third season in a row that Ederson has won the award, while it is the second time that his fellow Brazilian teammate, Becker has taken the prize.
Life is 100% vanity. Moulded out of clay and there we shall all return, dust to dust and nothing left but the memories of good or bad moments we created while alive.
I see nothing but vanity in powers, authorities, egos, hatred, bitterness, wickedness, wealth and riches we all demonstrated during our earthly race but one unifying moment which is the most difficult mystery of life is death.
It encroaches unexpectedly without fear of your status. Our heart bleeds. RIP Heroes
Zagazola is a Counter-Insurgency Expert on Lake Chad and Security Analyst.
Politics › Atiku Abubakar To Name Wike As Running Mate - Tribune by HonNL(op): 6:33am On Jun 09, 2022
