₦airaland Forum

A bigwig of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu says Goodluck Jonathan’s administration won gold medal in corruption and red card in good governance.

Tinubu stated this in a keynote address at the presentation of the book: “Making Steady, Sustainable Progress – for Nigeria’s Peace and Prosperity’’, which took place at the Presidential Banquet hall, Abuja.

He said the defunct administration used public treasury as a private hedge fund or a charity that limited its giving only to themselves.

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“So much money grew feet and ran faster than Jamaican runner, Usani Bolt, ever could. That which could have been spent on national development was squandered in ways that would cause the devil to blush.

“One minister and her rogues’ gallery picked the pocket of this nation for billions of dollars.

“While poor at governance, these people could give a master thief lessons in the sleight of hand. In governance they earned a red card but in the corruption, they won the gold medal.

“It was not that our institutions had become infected by corruption. Corruption has become institutionalised,’’


According to him, should the government had remained in power, Boko Haram would have taken more territory and devoured more people.

He said that the “war on corruption has been won as President Buhari has set an axe to what he called, “the root of this dangerous tree.”
https://www.concisenews.global/featured/headline/tinubu-seeks-robust-industrial-capacity-nigeria/

Peru have booked the last spot for the 2018 Fifa World Cup after a 2-0 victory over New Zealand’s All Whites early Thursday morning.

The South American nation drew 0-0 in the first leg of the two legged intercontinental playoff.

The CONCACAF team took the lead in the 27 minute as Christian Cueva broke down the left and set up Jefferson Farfan to smash home.

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The All Whites battled for an equalizer at the resumption of hostilities in the second half.

However, their hopes were dented in the 67th minute. Christian Ramos was quick to react to a lose ball from a corner kick to tap home the winner.

Peru In First World Cup Since 1982

New Zealand fired from all cylinder to get back but their opponents held on. They now play their first World Cup since 36 years.

The draw for the World Cup will take place on December 1.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/peru-book-last-world-cup-spot/

Mynd44, Lalasticlala

Migrants trying to cross over to Europe through the Mediterranean sea are being sold by smugglers in Libya for as low as $400.

A new investigation shows that the migrants, in their thousands, who are from Sub-Saharan Africa, are bought for farm work.

According to CNN, the migrants are sold depending on how string they are for domestic chores.

The migrants are picked by the smugglers who parade and auction them to potential buyers.

“Does anybody need a digger? This is a digger, a big strong man, he’ll dig,” the CNN investigation reports as a typical salesman to have said. “What am I bid, what am I bid?”

After he raised the question, the masters then begin to bid for the migrants who are often traumatized from the torture of the journey to Libya.

Many of these migrants are denied access to communication tools and food but cannot afford to return home.

They fear that after selling off properties to bankroll the journey, through Libya to the Mediterranean coast, and then to Europe, they can’t afford to return home.

It was gathered that the Libyan coastguard have begun a clampdown. This means less number of boats can make it out to the sea.

The development leaves a backlog of migrants in the hands of the smugglers who then turn masters while the migrants become slaves.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/libya-smugglers-auctioning-migrants-for-400-report/

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday announced the arrival of his fourth baby, Alana Martina.

“Alana Martina has just been born!” the 32-year-old wrote on Twitter. “Both Geo and Alana are doing great. We are all very happy.”

The Portuguese is the father of twins, Eva and Mateo, both born in June.

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Ronaldo had disclosed the name of the child in a video in October. The video also revealed the initial expected delivery date, November 21.

The former Manchester United man was on hand for Martina’s birth. He was rested by Portuguese coach, Fernando Santos, for the friendly games with Saudi Arabia and United States over the weekend.

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https://www.concisenews.global/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-welcomes-fourth-child/

Immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan, says any politician that ignores former President Olusegun Obasanjo, does so at his own peril.

He also advised ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar to get Obasanjo’s blessings if he wishes to win the 2019 presidential election.

Jonathan said this in an interview with Ovation Magazine.

According to him, Atiku would have a better chance of winning the Presidency in 2019 if he reconciled with his former boss.

“He [Atiku] can’t get the APC ticket. If Atiku gets our party’s [PDP] ticket, he would compete well,” Jonathan reportedly said.

“He’s always a passionate politician. But he would have to reach out to our boss, Baba OBJ, the boss of all bosses.

“We’ve all learnt at different times that you ignore OBJ, at your own peril. OBJ has the magic wand, respected at home and abroad.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/jonathan-urges-atiku-to-get-obasanjos-blessings-for-2019/

Nigeria's World Cup qualifying game against Algeria may be a dead rubber encounter, but it did show us many things.

The Super Eagles played out a 1-1 draw against the Desert Warriors in Constantine, to finish their qualifying race to Russia undefeated.

What the game showed us

1. John Ogu, with that long range goal, may have cemented his place on the flight to Russia.

He might not be the Onazi we need as he made some ill-timed tackles, but he's way better than Mikel Agu.

2. Nigeria needs a reliable goalie

Ezenwa might appear to be confident but he must up the ante in terms of his decision making.

One could say he's match-rusty since the NPFL is on break but that doesn't justify his poor handling of aerial balls.

Bringing Vincent Enyeama could cause fraction in the team but if Ezenwa, Uzoho or any other goalie cannot cement the goalkeeping position, then, Enyeama's return would be invaluable.

3. We need a creative distributor.

The team played on Friday with defensively minded men in the middle of the pack - Etebo, Ogu and Ndidi.

Although Iwobi tried to drop deep, it was glaringly obvious Mikel was missed.

We couldn't have a firm grip of the midfield to dictate the pace of the game as the Algerians showed much respect to the Eagles.

4. Iheanacho must rediscover self.

Although Kelechi Iheanacho could not find the target, he had a couple of shots on target. But with the abundance of attacking options in the Eagles, the Leicester City youngster must up his game to be in Vladimir Putin's homeland.

5. African referees need to wake up.

I won't say much about this.

From the penalty to issuing a yellow card to Yacine Brahimi, the Algerian captain for headbutting Shehu, it's clear the referee needed to do better!

After World Cup Qualifier, Eagles Must Prepare For Russia

Thankfully enough, the team have over seven months to put their house in order before the competition begins.

They will play Argentina in a friendly on Tuesday, as part of the preparation.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/take-aways-from-algeria-v-nigeria-world-cup-qualifier/

Are you an “Alumnus”, “Alumni”, “Alumnae”, or “Alumna”?

Trust me, back then in High school, these were troubling words to me. Not that I’d not know what they meant ooo.

I always confuse one for the other. Dey be like when Nigeria dey play China, Japan or Korea for football—you no dey know who be who!

However, if you’re facing similar challenge hang around here and kill it off.

ALUMNUS: An alumnus is a former male student/graduate of a school, college or institute.

e.g. George is an alumnus of UNIBEN.

ALUMNI: In nonstandard use, it means a group of graduates (male/female) from a school, college or institute.
It’s also the plural form of alumnus (male).

e.g. I didn’t attend the last “Alumni Conference” due to technical issues!; Paul and Innocent are both alumni of Mass Communication, UNIBEN.

ALUMNA: This is used in reference to a former female student/graduate of a school or institute.

e.g. Miracle is a CASOR UNIBEN alumna.
ALUMNAE: It is the plural of “ALUMNA.”

e.g. Maryjane and Constance are UNIBEN alumnae.

With this, I hope the confusion on the right usage of these words would’ve melted like wax under the fiery-burning sun?

http://theflowingink.com/how-to-use-alumnus-alumni-alumnae-or-alumna/

Captain Mikel Obi and Chippa United’s Daniel Akpeyi are expected to hit the Super Eagles camp in Morocco today ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

Also expected is Deportivo La Coruna goal-tender, Kingsley Uzoho, who just got his first invite for the team.

It was gathered that Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Henry Onyekuru, John Ogu, Uche Agbo, Oghenekaro Etebo, Chidiebere Nwakali, Chidozie Awaziem and Anthony Nwakeme, had on Monday arrived the team’s camp in Rabat.

On Sunday, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Mikel Agu, Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi, alongside the Eagles coaching crew, landed the North African country.

Already, Victor Moses, Moses Simon, Ogenyi Onazi and Odion Ighalo have been ruled out of the games due to injuries.

Kenneth Omeruo, Kayode Olarewaju have been drafted to replace the injured men.

Nigeria have already booked their spot at the fiesta next year and would face Argentina in a friendly game on 14 November after the Algeria match on Friday.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/mikel-akpeyi-expected-to-hit-eagles-camp-tuesday/

On-loan Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham says it is his dream to play for England, informing his decision to reject overtures from Nigeria.

Abraham, on loan to Swansea, was courted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to switch nationality to Nigeria after representing England at the youth level.

However, the player, whose parents are Nigerians, rejected the Super Eagles and pledged his loyalty to the one-time world champions.

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His fine-early-season form has earned him a call-up to the English side for this month’s international games.

Reacting to the development, Abraham said: “They [Nigeria] did try to roll out the red carpet and it was flattering but I was pretty set on England. I see myself as being a long-term England player. That is where my main focus is and I am 100 percent focused on trying to get into that team.

“The England call-up shows I must be doing something right. It’s up to me to take this opportunity. It would be fantastic to play against Germany and Brazil. It would be a big confidence boost for me and show that I’m going in the right direction.”

Abraham, who has netted four goals in 10 games for the Swans this season, also believes it won’t be easy to break into the Chelsea main team without hard work.

With Harry Kane a major doubt, Dele Alli ruled out, Daniel Sturridge not picked, Abraham might be on the cusp of making his debut for the English side in either games against Germany or Brazil.
https://www.concisenews.global/sports/playing-england-dream-come-true-tammy-abraham/

Former Abia state Governor Orji Uzor Kalu has tipped himself to become the first Nigerian President of Igbo extraction in 2023.

According to the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, the Igbo stand a better chance of claiming the Presidency in 2023 if they join the party.

Orji Kalu, who spoke at the annual harvest of St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church in Umuahia on Sunday, noted that the future of the Igbo in the Nigerian political terrain is bright.

“The future of Ndigbo is brightest today in APC. Once Buhari finishes his second tenure, I am assuring you that either I or any other Igbo man stands a better chance of becoming the President of Nigeria. The right thing to do is to work for the presidency,” the former governor said.

“We don’t need any other thing than the office of the President. If you see what I have done in our villages as governor, you will know what will happen if somebody like me becomes the president; you know that the entire Nigeria will be developed. The future is very bright and Ndi Igbo will enjoy being in APC.

“That is why we are working very hard to win the Anambra State election and we will win the state. It is possible to have Orji Kalu in Aso Rock, if I’m alive and in good health. I’m very capable to be president because I understand Nigeria’s macro and micro economics.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/will-first-igbo-president-buhari-2023-kalu/

Nacho Monreal has won the PFA Player of the Month for October, beating off competition from Manchester City’s Kevin De Bryne.

The Arsenal defender got 37% vote in a poll to emerge winner for the month.

Monreal, who made four top-flight appearances for the Gunners in October, completed the most passes of any Premier League player during the month under review.

He scored in the games against Brighton and Everton.

The Spaniard saw off opposition from Manchester City duo of Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne; Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha and Burnley’s goal-tender, Nick Pope.

From the poll, the six nominees got the following scores:

Nacho Monreal – 37%
Kevin De Bruyne – 17%
Alexis Sanchez – 15%
Nick Pope – 12%
Wilfried Zaha – 10%
Leroy Sane – 9%
https://www.concisenews.global/news/arsenals-monreal-wins-pfa-player-month/

The Federal Government has sacked Okoi Obono-Obla as Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday, which added that Obono-Obla's recent action on President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution, ran contrary to the enabling act that established the panel.

Consequently, the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, directed Obono-Obla to “henceforth desist from carrying out any operation in his capacity as head of the panel”.

Obono-Obla was informed of his sack in a letter dated November 1 with file number HAGF/SH/2017/VOL/1/60, and signed by the AGF.

According to the letter, Malami noted that activities of the panel contravened established administrative procedures and protocols in the nation’s civil service structure.

In addition, he warned Obono-Obla to adhere to FG’s directive that he should hands-off from further presiding over any activity in the name of the panel.

Furthermore, Obono-Obla was barred from granting press interviews except he first gets to speak on the issue.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/fg-sacks-obono-obla-as-chairman-of-public-assets-recovery-panel/

Mynd44, Lala, please see this!

Senator Dino Melaye says he has sold out his book “Anti-dote for Corruption” and is smiling to the bank.

He said he wrote the book as part of his contribution to the fight against corruption, adding that the book was well-received by Nigerians.

According to the Senator representing Kogi West in the Senate, copies of the book have been sold in US, Russia among other countries.

“As I speak to you, I have sold over 100,000 copies. I travelled recently to Germany and I took 500 copies along with me. I have been called that the copies have been exhausted. I went to Russia with 100 copies,” Dino Melaye told Punch.

“As I speak to you, they’ve all been sold. I sent 1,000 copies to the United Kingdom; they’ve been completely sold. I sent 2,500 copies to five states in (the United States of) America and they are still demanding more.

“I want to believe that it has been properly received. Within the country here, I have also made huge sales. I am laughing all the way to the bank.”

The Senator is facing a recall by his constituents.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/my-book-on-corruption-sold-out-dino-melaye/

Former Governor of Abia state Orji Uzor Kalu says President Muhammadu Buhari has done well and deserves a second term should he seek reelection.

According to the stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Buhari is way ahead of other potential candidates from the North.

He noted that it was due to the charisma of the President that he (Kalu) joined the APC, stressing that there is no reason why he can’t re-contest in 2019.

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“We have not gotten to that stage, but I am convinced and I am sure that the President would run. I am not thinking of any other northern candidate other than Buhari; it was because of him that I joined the APC because of my personal relationship with him,” Kalu told The Sun newspaper.

“There is no reason he should not contest again. If tomorrow, he says he will not run; there are other capable people like me. I have the capacity to change this economy and modernise it to meet the 21st century dream.”

When asked if he would run for the Presidency in the future, he said he was qualified to lead the country but believes the North should complete its eight-year tenure.

“I have all it takes to contest for president, but I do not think it is the right thing to do now. Equity and justice demand that the north should be allowed to complete eight-year tenure, then the South-east would have their turn,” Kalu said.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/nothing-will-stop-buhari-from-re-contesting-in-2019-orji-kalu/

Some Nigerian players are injured, with few days to their World Cup qualifier against Algeria, and a friendly with Argentina.

The Super Eagles will take on the Desert Foxes on 10 November in Constantine before heading to Russia where they will tackle the South Americans.

Ogenzi Onazi suffered a muscle strain in Trabzonpsor’s goalless draw with Kayserispor on Saturday.

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According to a club source, Onazi is expected to undergo a scan to know the level of injury.

“He will undergo an MRI scan to ascertain the level of the injury,” the source told Completesports.

Also, striker Odion Ighalo suffered a slight knock, ruling him out for two weeks and ultimately, the matches in November.

“His (Ighalo) pained injury has ruled him out of the November matches,” Eagles spokesman, Toyin Ibitoye, said. “He has a slight knock around his knee. He will be out for at least two weeks.”

Earlier, Victor Moses was ruled out of the November encounters after he pulled a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League about two weeks ago.

The 26-year-old is still recovering from the injury, as the Blues seek to retain their League crown.

In addition, Gent forward, Simon Moses is doubtful for the Eagles with a toe injury.

The dazzling player, who had netted three goals in three matches for Gent, missed out of his side’s 1-0 victory against Standard Liege.

However, it is still unknown if the player who scored during the 1-1 draw against Cameroon in October, will be fit for the three-time African Champions.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/injuries-hit-eagles-camp-ahead-algeria-argentina-games/

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state says President Muhammadu Buhari will not get an automatic ticket from the All Progressives Congress (APC) if he decides to seek reelection in 2019.

There are speculations that Buhari will in 2019 seek the mandate of electorates for another term in office.

And while speaking with State House Correspondents on Thursday after he met with the Nigerian leader, the Imo state governor said the APC will not condone imposition of candidates.

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Okorocha, who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, further said all APC aspirants must pass through the democratic process.

“He has every right and qualification to re-contest, there is nothing wrong at all. But, we don’t allow imposition of candidates. It must be democratically done,” he said.

“If President Buhari will lead the ship in 2019, it must be democratically done, and I said, democratically done, transparently (done) to the amazement of the whole world, the way we do our things in APC and people will be happy.”

Okorocha revealed that Buhari will visit some South East states soon, and added that such will provide an opportunity to let the people know that the APC is the best option for them.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/apc-will-not-give-automatic-ticket-to-buhari-okorocha/

Embattled former National Security Adviser, retired col. Sambo Dasuki, on Wednesday said he could not recall details of the N400m he paid to former spokesman of the PDP Olisa Metuh in 2014.

Dasuki made this known at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“That will be very difficult for me to give any details of the money paid to Chief Olisa Metuh and the second defendant (Destra Investment Limited) without reference to my records,” Dasuki said when asked about details of the payment. “Three years is a long time.”

Similarly, when he was asked how long he could take to get access to the records, he said: “I have stated earlier that I have been in custody for two years. As soon as authorities decide to obey the subsisting court orders.

“I have four bail court orders and an ECOWAS Court ruling. When they release me, I can go through the records. That is when I will be able to give a timeline. As long as I am in detention, the answer is I don’t know.”

Dasuki was produced in court by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) following a request by Metuh.

Dasuki entered the witness box as Metuh’s eighth defence witness after Justice Okon Abang earlier dismissed the ex-NSA’s application seeking an adjournment pending the determination of his motion in relation to the subpoena issued on him pending before the Court of Appeal.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/cant-recall-details-money-given-metuh-dasuki/

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it cancelled a planned dinner with members of the National Assembly since it clashed with its meeting with the Presidency.

The nation’s oil firm had fixed Tuesday to host the lawmakers but later called it off.

In a series of tweets on its Twitter handle, the body said it was mere coincidence that the dinner clashed with the NASS investigation of the Group’s Managing Director, Maikanti Baru.

“The dinner was to hold in July this year, again due to unavailability of the lawmakers as a result of Sallah break, it was called off,” it tweeted

“Unfortunately, the lawmakers have been slated to have an engagement with the @Presidency today. Thus, the qinner has been called off today.

“It is important to note that all the @NASS Core Committees relevant to Oil & Gas Industry have agreed on Oct 31 (today) for the Dinner.

“Having been slated since April and postponed due to circumstances, the dinner couldn’t have coincided with @NASS investigation on d GMD.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/why-we-cancelled-dinner-with-nass-members-nnpc/

Former Vice President Alex Ekwueme is being treated for Neurosurgery at the Intensive Care Unit of Memfys Hospital in Enugu state.

Reports say the 85-year-old collapsed at about 2am on Saturday at his home in Independence Layout, Enugu.

Ekwueme, who celebrated his birthday some 10 days back, was said to have gone into coma after collapsing.


“He was trying to get something from the table when he suddenly collapsed and immediately someone raised the alarm, we proceeded to revive him while cautious enough not to attract neighbours,” a relative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the Punch.

“When it became obvious that he had lapsed into coma, we rushed him to a hospital (unnamed) in GRA (Government Reserved Area), but we were referred to Memphys Hospital by medical consultants who had critically examined his condition.”


Speaking further, the source said the family kept the development secret with the hope that Ekwueme would “miraculously” come out of coma.

“When there was no sign of improvement on Monday afternoon, we rallied round and informed the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who is like a son, and he has been making plans to fly him overseas.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/ekwueme-collapses-home-hospitalized-enugu/

Osborne towers, Ikoyi Photo: YouTube
Investigation into the $43.4million cash found at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos, has resumed, a source at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said.

The anti-graft agency had put the investigation on hold to allow a Presidential Investigative Committee, headed by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to complete its investigation into the matter.

It was based on the committee’s report that President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, sacked the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke.

Oke was asked to vacate his position due to the discovery of the large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the EFCC over which the NIA made a claim.

He had been on suspension since April, 2017.

And following the dismissals of Oke, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, the Presidency said it was proper for anti-graft agencies, such as EFCC and ICPC, to probe both men.

To this end, a source at the EFCC on Tuesday said the commission had resumed its investigation into the case.

“On Tuesday, we resumed the ongoing probe of the $43.4million, 27,000 pounds and N23.2million recovered on April 12, 2017 from the seventh floor of a four-bedroom apartment at Osborne Towers located on 16, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos,” the source told The Nation newspaper.

“We have shortlisted more suspects for interrogation and we are likely to pick them up any moment from now. Some of the suspects are NIA men including those in the Finance Unit.

“Don’t forget that the then Acting President approved the redeployment of NIA’s Director of Finance and some officials in the Finance Unit as part of the ongoing review of the finances of the agency.”
https://www.concisenews.global/featured/headline/efcc-resumes-probe-osbornes-43-4m-cash/

Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has called on President Muhammad Buhari to prosecute the former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms Abdulrasheed Maina.

The group said in a communique that “The Mainagate is clearly an embarrassment to this government and a sordid development. It has generated angry reaction across the country and jostled every soul.

“But Afenifere is more sober that the Mainagate and other associated cases of massive corruption under a regime that is fighting corruption is a confirmation of our position all along that most of the problem of Nigeria, including corruption, is systemic, structural.


“It is unfortunately that in the almost two and half years they have spent considerable time fighting the symptoms of corruption through all kind of media engagement over corruption and media trial without doing a dent to the architecture of corruption in Nigeria which is very intact today.

“It is that architecture that has allowed this kind of reckless impunity that brought back Maina into office today at a time we are suppose to be fighting corruption.It was also the same architecture that has allowed it to disappear into oblivion after the lid was blown of his presence within the system.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/afenifere-warns-fg-sweeping-mainagate-carpet/

The newly-appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Gida Mustapha, who hails from Adamawa state, is a seasoned lawyer with vast experience in both private and public sectors.

He was the deputy national chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the parties that merged to form the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He was also chairman of the APC 7-man committee that undertook the screening of 27 aspirants seeking to clinch the party’s 2015 gubernatorial ticket in the Kogi state.

Before his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari, Mustapha was the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Mustapha attended Hong Secondary School, in Hong Adamawa state and North East College of Arts and Sciences Maiduguri Borno state, crowning it with WASC and HSC in 1976.

He earned his Bachelor of Law (LL.B) from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1979 and was called to bar in 1980.

From 1980 to 1981, Mustapha did the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Directorate of Legal Services at the Army Headquarters and was in charge of the review of court martial proceedings.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/profile-newly-sgf-boss-mustapha/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says the party has been justified following the sacking of suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal.

The party, according to a statement, said President Muhammadu Buhari has done the right thing by dismissing Lawal.

“Few days ago when the President directed the dismissal of Abdulrasheed Maina, some people say that is right, but what about the suspended SGF,” the statement read.

“But the President, by virtue of the position he occupies, is the only one who has all the information and he would do what is necessary at the right time.

“We have been vindicated and it shows that the President has not in any way waiver in his commitment not to tolerate corruption at any level no matter who is involved.”

Lawal was found guilty for bribery and breach of law in the procurement exercise of the Presidential Initiative for the Northeast.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/babachir-lawals-sack-has-vindicated-us-apc/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari over the sacking of the suspended Secretary to the Government, Babachir Lawal.

Lawal was fired by the president over corruption activities in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on North East.

He was dismissed alongside the Director of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ayo Oke.

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Oke was sacked due to the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in a residential apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, over which the NIA made a claim.

Both men had been on suspension since April, 2017.

But the main opposition party, the PDP, says the manner in which the cases involving the two officials were handled is a slap on the faces of Nigerians

According to the party, it took President Buhari long before he took action which means he has defaulted in defending the poor masses as he swore to do when he was elected into office.

The PDP, in a statement, decried what it called biased nature of the present administration’s anti-corruption fight and accused Buhari of shielding his own.

“The statement on the sack of Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Ayo Oke, the former Director General of Nigerian Intelligent Agency (NIA) is a slap on the face of Nigerians,” the PDP statement said.

“It is an insult on the collective intelligence of our people who have waited patiently for the President’s reaction on the humongous act of corruption by two of his principal aides and this is totally unacceptable.”

In addition, it said: “The action of the President is a gross violation of his constitutional oath and therefore constitutes a veritable ground for impeachment .Using and applying different laws to different people in the country is a direct assault on the constitution and the rule of law.

“Consequently, we call on the National Assembly to begin processes to impeach the President for breach of the Constitution and fragrance disobedient to the laws of Nigeria.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/pdp-asks-president-buhari-resign-babachirs-sack/

Myndd44, Lala

Terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) has issued a threat to Lionel Messi and Neymar in a recent image they released.

In the image, the duo are portrayed to have been executed with Messi lying on the ground next to an ISIS flag and a jihadist standing over a kneeling Neymar.

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The photoshopped picture is accompanied by the message: “You will not enjoy security until we live it in Muslim countries.”

ISIS has issued a couple of threats targeted at the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

Just last week, they released an image of an ISIS fighter and a bomb carrying the group’s flag in front of Volgograd Arena, one of the tournament venues.

Messi had already been threatened in another ISIS poster earlier this week.

Both players are set to feature for their teams, Brazil for Neymar and Argentina for Brazil, in the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

They were former teammates at Barcelona before Neymar moved to Paris Saint Germain during the summer transfer window.

https://www.concisenews.global/news/isis-issues-fresh-threat-to-messi-neymar/

Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, says the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has made a purported “cabal” powerful.

In a tweet on his official handle, Omokri wrote: “Only two institutions have prospered since Buhari was sworn in as President – 1 the cabal that was responsible for Maina and 2 his London Clinic.”

Buhari had spent over 100 days on medical treatment in London this year.


The present government is facing scrutiny over the reinstatement of wanted former chairman of the Presidential Task Force Team on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina, into the civil service.

The former Pension boss was dismissed in 2013 by the Federal Civil Service Commission over accusation of massive pension fraud scheme amounting to more than N100 billion.

However, amid public outcry, President Buhari ordered his immediate dismissal.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/buharis-govt-has-only-prospered-cabals-london-clinic-omokri/

A vigilante member in Katsina state has killed himself with a Dane gun while testing a "gum charm" on himself.

The Katsina Police Command made the disclosure on Monday and said the deceased, Audu Maikare, hailed from Samaila Rabiu in Dugul in Matazu area of the State.

The police said they got wind of the development and rushed to the village only to meet Audu dead.

“When the police patrol team got the information on the incident and rushed to the village, Maikare had already died and taken away by his relatives for burial,’’ the Police statement read.

The force, therefore, advised people to stop patronising fortune-tellers who often demand criminal acts from their clients.

“They are the ones who give local charms to their clients for ritual purposes in their quest for materialism and worldly things.

“Sometimes, in the process they demand people to commit crimes like murder and rape,’’ the statement said.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/vigilante-member-kills-himself-while-testing-gun-charm/

Pirates have abducted six crew members of a German-owned ship, including the captain, in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

According to reports, the ship was attacked by the pirates in the early hours of Saturday.

The Sea Guardian consultancy said the Demeter was attacked by eight pirates in a black speedboat as the crew was travelling.

“Pirates boarded the ship, kidnapped six crew, including (the) master, chief officer, second officer, second engineer, bosun and cook,” it said on its website www.sguardian.com Monday.

It also said the team was travelling from Malabo in Equatorial Guinea to the Liberian capital Monrovia when it was attacked.

While responding to the development, the MTI Network, a crisis communications firm that deals with incidents in the shipping industry, said the abduction took place as the ship entered the Onne port.

“All of the 12 remaining seafarers of the Demeter are safe and unhurt and the vessel has proceeded to safe waters,” it said in a statement.

The nationality of the abductees have yet to be revealed.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/pirates-kidnap-six-crew-members-from-ship-in-port-harcourt/

The Nigerian Army says it has arrested one Bishop Uwah Akpan and other suspected cultists in the ongoing Operation Crocodile Smile II in Southern Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Nigerian Army on Monday, the offenders were arrested for several crimes including robbery, cultism, kidnapping and oil bunkering among other crimes.

The statement noted that the arrested "Bishop", who was arrested in Ikot Ibekwe in Akwa Ibom state, is the financier of some of the criminals.

Also, the troops were said to have arrested one Udeme Nnah, a suspected notorious cultist who has allegedly been terrorising the area.

“The suspect is volunteering information about gangs of kidnappers and cultists linked to him,” the statement added.

“A group of vandals at Itu Paper Mill in Uruan Local Government Area of the state were also arrested for cutting armoured cables belonging to the company.

“Two other suspects, simply identified as Ekom and Ndefrike were arrested with three rolls of vandalised cables and two motorcycles.

“A suspected arms supplier, one Friday Silas Udoh at Ikot Odiong community of Ukanafun LGA where he was arrested.”

Live cartridges, locally made gunpowder, damaged single barrel guns and gun making accessories were some of the items recovered from the suspects.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/army-arrest-bishop-others-for-cultism-kidnap-in-akwa-ibom-state

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has attributed his administration’s failure to pay workers’ salary on time to economic recession.

Governor Ortom, who said this in an interview with the Sun newspaper, said the dwindling oil price beat down the state’s allocation from the Federal Government.


He added that having to battle with reduced allocation and debts inherited from previous governments, the state had to resort to borrowing to cushion the effect.


“Nigeria went through a recession and just came out of it, though it is still very fragile but we are trusting and believing God that things will work and the economy will blossom and grow and things will be better,” the governor said.


“We took over power at a time that the main source of revenue to the states went down as a result of the drastic fall in oil prices. Oil that sold for about $140 a barrel went for as low as below $30.”


Furthermore, he stated that “with the various interventions of the federal government and the borrowing, we thought we could redeem the situation to a level, but we could not redeem the whole situation.


“Now paying a wage bill which is N8.2billion including the additional responsibilities that came on our finances from the minimum wage of teachers which was close to N300million became a challenge. We, through various screenings were able to save up to N700million.”
https://www.concisenews.global/news/why-we-cant-pay-workers-salary-in-benue-ortom/

The Lagos State Government on Monday arraigned two persons before a State High Court in Ikeja for reportedly duplicating Governor Akinwumni Ambode's phone number.
 
It was gathered that the duo were also accused of trying to defraud the Accountant General of the state.
 
Rilwan Jamiu and Balogun Oyewole , were arraigned on three counts  of committing felony and obtaining money under false pretences - which they pleaded guilty to.
 
The prosecutor, Adebayo Haroun, noted that the defendants committed the crime at the Lagos State Treasury Office, in Ikeja.
 
According to him, they cloned the Globacom number of the governor and sent a message to the Attourney General,  Umar Abimbola , asking her to pay N 50 m into an account.
 
"On February 10 , 2016, I received a text message at exactly 12 .52 pm . I initially thought the message was from the executive governor of Lagos State, because the name which I stored his number with was the same one that appeared in my inbox," the Accountant General said.
 
 
"The message read, ‘AG , urgently transfer N 50 m to Dayder Limited acc no 002806988 Keystone Bank . We will talk later , H .E ."
 
She noted that she called the governor who now mandated her to get security men to scrutinize the number and traced the suspects.
 
They have been remanded in custody until November 17 when they will be tried.
https://www.concisenews.global/news/court-remand-two-for-cloning-gov-ambodes-phone-number/