Amid rising tensions over the war in Ukraine, the U.S. military has established a communications hotline with Russian forces to prevent an accidental clash between the two nuclear powers, two U.S. defense officials say. The so-called de-confliction line is intended to ensure that the two countries’ pilots or warships do not mistakenly fire upon one another as they conduct daily missions in eastern Europe.

The military-to-military channel, which will run out of U.S. European Command headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, was set up March 1 after the Russians responded to the Pentagon’s request. Maintaining communications to avoid accidental confrontations between the forces is critical, officials say, so hostilities don’t spiral out of control. “It’s really important that we don’t risk accident or miscalculation,” said a U.S. official, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Read more: https://www.newslead.ng/2022/03/03/u-s-russia-open-hotline-to-prevent-accidental-clash-in-europe/

It seems that Kanye West still isn't over his ex Kim Kardashian's budding relationship with Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson.

On Wednesday the 44-year-old rapper, who recently changed his legal name to Ye, shared the music video for "Eazy," his new song with the Game, and it appears to feature an unsettling tableau with a clay figurine of Davidson.

Clocking in at about four minutes, the video is filled with murky black-and-white imagery and animation. One sequence depicts a figure that resembles Ye putting a bag over the head of a figure that resembles Davidson, kidnapping him, and burying him up to his neck. Seeds are then planted and watered, and roses spring up around the Davidson lookalike's head. Performance interludes also appear to portray Ye rapping while holding a severed head.

Representatives for Davidson did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Listeners have already noted that the "Eazy" lyrics include a dig at Davidson, with Ye referencing his 2002 car accident and rapping, "God saved me from the crash, just so I could beat Pete Davidson's ass."

Ye also alludes to his and Kardashian's divorce. "We havin' the best divorce ever / If we go to court, we'll go to court together," he raps. Referring to Kourtney Kardashian, he adds, "Matter of fact, pick up your sis, we'll go to Kourt's together."

The "Eazy" video ends with a series of title cards that read: "Everyone lived happily every after / Except Skete you know who / JK he's fine." ("Skete" is a disparaging nickname Ye has recently taken to using to refer to Davidson.)

Davidson has been dating Kardashian, Ye's ex and the mother of their four children, since last fall, following her hosting an episode of SNL.

Ye and Kardashian were married in 2014, and she filed for divorce in February 2021. Kardashian was declared legally single the same day the "Eazy" video was released, and officially dropped "West" from her name.


https://www.newslead.ng/2022/03/03/kanye-west-buries-a-claymation-pete-davidson-in-disturbing-eazy-music-video/

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has announced that he is handing stewardship of the club to trustees of its charitable foundation.

In a statement, the Russian billionaire said: "During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.




"I have always taken decisions with the club's best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea's charitable foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

"I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans."

The move comes in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and almost 20 years after the 55-year-old's takeover of the west London club.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/26/chelsea-owner-roman-abramovich-relinquishes-stewardship-of-club/

The Nigerian Police Force has unravelled the Identities of Two Drug Barons working with disgraced police chief, Abba Kyari.

The NewsLead, on Monday, reported that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, declared Kyari and 4 others wanted for bribing an officer of the agency with $61,000 to facilitate the release of seized cocaine for him to sell on the black market.

The Agency, in a statement signed by its media chief, Femi Babafemi, revealed that Kyari was also caught on tape offering the bribe.

“DCP Kyari is a member of a drug cartel that operates the Brazil-Ethiopia-Nigeria illicit drug pipeline”

“The saga started on Friday, January 21, 2022, when DCP Kyari initiated a call to one of the NDLEA officers in Abuja at 2:12 pm. When the officer returned the call two minutes later, Kyari informed him he was coming to see him, to discuss an operational matter after the Juma’at service.”

“He appeared at the agreed venue of the meeting with the officer and went straight to the crux of the matter. This was it: His team had intercepted and arrested some traffickers that came into the country from Ethiopia with, according to him, 25kg of cocaine.”

“He proposed a drug deal whereby he and his team are to take 15kg of the cocaine and leave 10kg for the prosecution of the suspects arrested with the illicit drug in Enugu. In the meantime, the purloined cocaine will be replaced with a dummy worth 15kg. He asked the NDLEA officer to persuade men of the FCT Command, to play along as well.”

However, the Police in a statement shortly after disclosed that Kyari and his 4 other accomplices were in custody and have been transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

In the statement signed by Force PRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, the Nigerian Drug Barons working with Kyari were identified as Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus.

Both Men were arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Jan. 19 for being in possession of Cocaine.

“The two arrested drug couriers confirmed that the modus is for the transnational drug barons to conspire with the NDLEA officers on duty and send them their pre-boarding photographs for identification.”

“The idea is to ensure seamless clearance, and unhindered passage out of the airport with the narcotics being trafficked,” Adejobi stated.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/15/police-reveals-identities-of-drug-barons-working-with-abba-kyari/

Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, said the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Kwara State have surpassed that of his predecessors, Bukola Saraki, and Abdulfatah Ahmed.

Lawan stated this on Saturday in Kwara at the mega constituency empowerment programme organized by Senator Umar Sadiq representing Kwara North in the National Assembly.

The Senate President urged Kwara residents to support AbdulRazaq in consolidating on his remarkable achievements in the last two years.

Saraki, who is also Lawan’s predecessor as Senate President, was Kwara’s governor from 2003 to 2011, while Ahmed took over from him in 2011 to 2019 before the ‘Otoge’ movement that ushered in the incumbent governor on the platform of All Progressives Congress.

Lawan said, “I call on the people of Kwara State, no one should deceive or confuse you. I urge you to re-elect His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for a second term. He is already performing so well within just over two years.

“When those people talk to you again tell them they were here for 16 years and you couldn’t see so much in terms of things that benefit the ordinary person. What our colleagues in the National Assembly are doing is to complement your efforts in Kwara state.

“Your Excellency the APC administration in Kwara State is barely two and half years. We know how far we have gone in just two and half years.”

The senate president particularly praised AbdulRazaq for working closely with the three senators from Kwara to perform their legislative functions with comfort and bring dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

“All the three senators from Kwara State have been working with us in the senate. You have sent a great team to the senate. What we are witnessing today is giving an account of stewardship in the last two years. Your Excellency, Senator Sadiq Umar is the chairman of our committee on Rules and Business.

“For him as a first-timer to be the chairman of Rules and Business is because he has exhibited commitment, hard work and teamwork. The chairman of Rules and Business is the gate between every senator and his bills. So, it’s a huge responsibility. It shows the quality of senators from Kwara state.

“Your Excellency, they wouldn’t have been able to do what they are today without you. You have given them the kind of support they need as members of the National Assembly. I thank you for working with our distinguished senators, for supporting them to shine in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

On his part, AbdulRazaq said his administration is prioritizing policies, projects, and programs designed to make citizens self-reliant and more prosperous.

“Our policies, projects, and programs are designed to make our people self-reliant. In our opinion, that is the surest path to breaking the cycle of poverty and making our people more prosperous.

“This involves gradually moving many of our people from the age-long culture of dependency to sustainable practice of self-reliance through skills acquisition, support for small businesses, empowerment, and inclusion.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/11/kwara-governor-abdulrazaq-has-surpassed-bukola-sarakis-achievements/

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Abuja Zonal Office says it has intensified surveillance on fuel stations to ensure uninterrupted petrol supply and prevent sale of adulterated product to public.

The NMDPRA also confirmed availability of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), known as Petrol and warned the public not to patronise black marketers to avoid purchasing adulterated product.

Mr Aminu Sanusi, Assistant Director, NMDPRA Abuja Zonal Office made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during its surveillance on some fuel stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The Authority had announced that a limited quantity of PMS, with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification was discovered in supply chain but withdrawn from the market to ensure vehicular and equipment safety.

On this background, Sanusi said it intensified surveillance on fuel stations to ensure delivery of concerned product from the depot, sale of only quality product, assessment of situation and pumps, and to ensure all operations were carried out in safe manner.

The stations which NMDPRA’s surveillance team visited included NIPCO and Mobil stations in Jabi district, AA RANO and Shema, Asokoro district, AYM Shafa energy, Kubwa express way, Conoil, Oando and NNPC in Central Business District, among others .

Speaking on the withdrawn adulterated PMS, he said it found its way to Suleja depot which comprised of professional officials who were able to discover it though it was realised that some had gone out of the depot.

He noted that in the course of its routine check last week, it stumbled on the off-spec (adulterated/substandard) product and stopped it from circulating.

“On daily basis we conduct this exercise to monitor all the retail outlets to ensure that all products lifted from the depot are dully dispatched and sold to the public in accordance to government regulated price.

“We have a laboratory and team on sampling, if they discover any off-spec product, arrangement will be made for its evacuation.

“Every petroleum product has its own specific requirement, for each of the parameter, there is a certain range for which Nigeria standard approves it to be sold to the public.

“If it fails to meet any of the critical component, we define it as off-spec, which is not healthy or safe to sell to the public but if it meets requirement we define it as on-spec product,’’ he noted.

Sanusi explained that the queues being seen was triggered by the initial anticipation of subsidy removal and later by the gap caused by the substandard product withdrawn from market.

Advising the public to stop panic buying, he said the government has not reviewed the fuel subsidy, adding that status still remain the same and product was sufficient to serve the public.

He appealed to all motorist to avoid panic buying and report any station selling above N165 to the Authority for immediate and appropriate actions.

Hajia Hafsat Ambursa, General Manger, AYM Shafa station who confirmed that normalcy has returned as queues were easing off, appealed to the government to address the issue of adulterated PMS squarely to avoid re-occurrence.

She said immediately it received complaints from customers who bought the fuel, it suspended sale and it was evacuated, adding that the station spent a lot of money in fixing customers’ vehicles which were damaged.

“We lost a lot of money in the process, we are still gathering the data on expenses made. Government should find out the actual cause of this and address the matter,” she said. (NAN)

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/10/pms-nmdpra-intensifies-surveillance-to-ensure-supply-prevent-adulterated-product/

Popular Nigerian comedian, Bovi Ugboma, has shared a recent experience he had at a London hotel where he was almost accused of stealing.

In a series of Instagram stories on Wednesday, the ace funnyman disclosed how he told officials at the London hotel to ‘google’ him during an interrogation, in order to save himself.

According to him, he was trying to check into a hotel in London and on arrival, he was asked to present the card he used in booking the room.

Bovi noted that he made it clear to the hotel that his wife, using her card, helped him book the hotel and she was in Nigeria.

He stated that his explanation did not make the situation better as they thought he was trying to steal.

The comedian further noted that the matter turned worse when his own card declined.

In order to save himself from the situation, Bovi revealed that for the first time in his life, he used the word ‘google me.’

In his post, the actor also made reference to a popular con man, who goes by the name Simon Leviev, known for Ponzi scheme and internet scam.



Bovi noted that Leviev had ‘spoilt everywhere’ with his escapades and has made organisations more alert to scams and cyber theft.

The comedian wrote, “Simon Leviev done spoil everywhere o. Tryna check into hotel in London and they insist I present the card that was used for the booking.

“I tell them it was done for me by my wife and she’s in Naija. That made it worse. They think I’m stealing. Then to crown am, my own card dey decline.

“For the first time in my life, I said the words ‘google me’.” 



https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/10/bovi-narrates-how-he-was-almost-accused-of-theft-at-london-hotel/

THE US JUSTICE Department announced it has recovered more than 94,000 bitcoin stolen in 2016, currently valued at $3.6 billion, a record seizure.



A couple accused of seeking to launder the bitcoin were arrested in New York, the department said. Ilya Lichtenstein, 34, and his wife Heather Morgan, 31, were set to appear in federal court over the charges later in the day.

They face up to 20 years in prison.

Lichtenstein and Morgan allegedly sought to launder the proceeds of 119,754 bitcoin – then valued at $65 million – that were stolen during a 2016 hack of the virtual currency exchange Bitfinex.

“Today’s arrests, and the Department’s largest financial seizure ever, show that cryptocurrency is not a safe haven for criminals,” deputy attorney general Lisa Monaco said in the statement.

Prosecutors said some of the stolen cryptocurrency was sent to a digital wallet controlled by Lichtenstein, who describes himself on social media as a “technology entrepreneur, coder and investor.”

- Gold and NFTs - 

About 25,000 of the stolen bitcoin were transferred out of the wallet over the next five years ”through a labyrinth of cryptocurrency transactions,” and some of the funds were deposited into accounts the couple opened online, including by using false identities.

One of Morgan’s aliases is “Razzlekhan.” A video posted online under that name shows a young blonde woman rapping near the New York Stock Exchange.

In the song, the woman refers to herself as a “crocodile of Wall Street” and a “risk-taker.”

The couple combined “old-fashioned methods” and “very complex transactions,” a prosecutor said at a press briefing.

The funds were used to buy items such as gold or digital NFTs (non-fungible tokens), according to US officials.

The remaining bitcoin, now valued at $3.6 billion, was recovered last week by US investigators.

They executed a search warrant to scour the couple’s online accounts and were able to recover the security key that gave them access to the digital wallet.

Bitfinex has offered a multimillion-dollar reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen funds, but the Justice Department declined to say whether that played a role in the arrest of Lichtenstein and Morgan.

- ‘Zone of lawlessness’ - 

Authorities had called on victims of the initial theft to come forward in order to recover their losses.

The investigation continues, the Justice Department said, declining to comment on who was behind the initial hack.

Bitcoin has existed since 2008 and has seen significant price fluctuations since then. The cryptocurrency attracts big names in finance but, according to US authorities, allows criminal networks to make their financial flows more opaque.

This case “demonstrates once again that we can follow money through the blockchain,” said assistant attorney general Kenneth Polite Jr, referring to a decentralized technology for storing and transmitting information, “and that we will not allow cryptocurrency to be… a zone of lawlessness within our financial system.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/09/couple-arrested-as-us-seizes-3-6-billion-of-stolen-bitcoin-in-record-haul/

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Daniel Bwala, has said that contrary to popular opinion, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will not be contesting for presidency in 2023.

Mr Bwala who was a guest on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Tuesday said this while addressing concerns about the APC and the PDP’s chances in the coming elections, as well as a ‘third force’ and the overall new leadership agenda for the country.

When listed among those who are going to run under the APC, Mr Bwala emphatically said: “Yemi Osinbajo is not running for President”.

“He is not interested,” he added.

“I think I know the wisdom behind why VP Osinbajo is not running and he is shooting down every attempt to point towards that”.

Bwala explained that Osinbajo would rather throw his weight behind his principal, who had supported him over the past eight years.

“He may have understood that the general principle of equity and fairness is that one good turn deserves another. He had a principal who supported him for eight years and because Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu) has indicated interest, morally, not legally, it would be injurious for the Vice President to express interest.

“Secondly, there’s an idea that if someone has helped you and indicated interest, your best bet is to go about supporting him with the hope that he doesn’t get it, he will now throw his weight behind you but you will not challenge him and I think that since the Vice President is not interested, it is important that he comes out and downplay his supporters and support Asiwaju, because if you continue to leave people in limbo, there is going to be a crisis between your supporters and his supporters,” he said.

Although there have been series of speculations that the Vice President has plans to run for President, he has not outrightly declared his intentions.

On Monday, there were reports that he would announce his “presidential bid” for 2023 after the APC’s convention slated for February 26, 2021.

But his media aide, Laolu Akande, in a statement, immediately debunked the claims, stating that the report is false and speculative.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/09/2023-why-osinbajo-will-not-run-for-president-apc-cheiftan/

The news emanating from the The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, regarding suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari, is not a palatable one as Malami on Monday, said the Federal Government may consider a request to extradite the to the United States of America, USA, to face trial over his alleged involvement with an internet fraudster, Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, popularly known as Hussipuppi.

Malami, who appeared as a guest in Channels Television’s night program, Politics Today, disclosed that “reasonable ground for suspicion” was established against DCP Kyari in the report of a police panel that investigated corruption allegations that were levelled against him by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.

Though the AGF noted that the case has both national and international dimensions, he said the FG would not rule out the possibility of Kyari’s extradition to the US or his prosecution in Nigeria.

“It is a work in progress, nationally and internationally”, he stated, adding “we will ensure that justice is done regardless of personalities involved”.

He stressed since multiple jurisdictions are involved in the case, including the United Arab Emirates, US and Nigeria, it would require collaborations, with the country providing “the necessary support”.

“What I am saying is that locally and internationally, all hands are on deck. Nigeria is indeed doing the needful by way of supporting what America is doing, for the purpose of ensuring that the cases are tried accordingly, within the context of the American aspect of it. And eventually, if there is need for local prosecution, nothing will stop it”.

Speaking further, Malami, said: “There could be a need for making request for extradition. Parties are discussing and collaborating, with the exchange of correspondences for the extradition and associated issues”.

It will be recalled that DCP Kyari was indicted by the FBI in the multi-million naira advanced fee fraud said to have been perpetrated by Hushpuppi.

The Nigerian Police Force earlier constituted a panel to probe Kyari who was promptly suspended from his position as head of its Intelligence Response Team, IRT

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/08/hushpuppi-fg-may-extradite-abba-kyari-to-us-for-trial-malami/

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has directed Nigerians to use the Tokenisation platform, an alternative platform used for the verification of the National Identity Number (NIN), pending when its NIN Verification Service (NVS) will be up and running.
NIMC at the weekend had announced that its NVS was temporarily unavailable due to maintenance by one of the commission’s network service providers, while assuring the public that verification and authentication service would be restored once the maintenance is concluded.

In a press statement made available to Newslead on Monday, NIMC said no one should be debarred of any service under the guise of NIN not being verified, adding that the Tokenisation is up and running.

It said: “even though the NIN verification service (NVS) might be down due to maintenance by one of our service providers of its infrastructure, the alternative platform – Tokenisation is up and running. No one should be debarred of any service on the guise of NIN not being verified.”

Rather than turning down customers in the guise of NIN not being verified due to the temporary unavailability, the commission urged organisations like telecom companies, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), banks, among others, to make use of the alternative platform.

“There is the need to ask questions from the Telcos, NIS, Banks and others on the reason for turning down customers in the guise of NIN not being verified due to the temporary unavailability of the NVS, while the alternative platform- Tokenization is working. NIMC NVS platform is not the only verification platform available for use, but Tokenisation which protects the identity of NIN holders is also up and running.

“And for accurate information, it is not a NIMC problem, rather, a government service provider has embarked on maintenance of its infrastructure, which has affected most government agencies that rely on it for the provision of IT service. But for us in NIMC, the Tokenization is available for the verification of the NIN before rendering services,” it added.



https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/07/nin-nigerians-directed-to-tokenisation-platform-as-nimc-portal-suffers-downtime/

University lecturers are heading for another strike over the re-negotiated 2009 agreement with the Federal Government, it was learnt at the weekend.

There are indications that the National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will meet on February 14 to review the implementation of some components of the agreement and decide on industrial action.

It was learnt that the re-negotiated agreement has five components, including funding for revitalisation, autonomy for universities and welfare.


The committee, which re-negotiated the agreement, was headed by Prof Munzali Jibril, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State and Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities.

An ASUU leader, who preferred not to be named, said there had been a lack of progress in the agreement since it was re-negotiated last May.

The source said the government team on the committee proposed certain figures which were adopted with an assurance that the government team had the authorisation to push through the agreement.

He said: “The government side proposed something (new salary) and ASUU asked the government team if they had the mandate of their principal regarding what they proposed and of course, they answered yes, but said they will have to go back to consult.


“After the re-negotiation had been concluded, they said they had to go back and discuss with their principal. That is where we are with negotiations on all five chapters.

“The five chapters of the 2009 FG-ASUU are funding for revitalisation, the autonomy of universities, welfare of lecturers and four and five are related. These are things we bring up each time we go on strike.

“Let them go and sign the re-negotiated 2009 agreement. It has always been like this with the government.

“The antics of government regarding ASUU is always like this: We go on strike for government to come to the table for us to negotiate. After concluding the negotiation, we always have to go on strike for them to sign it and again go on strike for them to implement.

“It has always been like this right from 1992. It is not new; it is the character of the government.

“What is playing out now is what has been since 1992. Three stages: you will go on strike for them to negotiate, you will go on strike to get them to sign the agreement that they willingly negotiated then the final stage you go on strike to get them to implement.

“This is not going to be the last strike. People should know that because after this, there will be another strike probably for them to implement that agreement.”

ASUU President Prof Emmanuel Osodeke dismissed as mere promises the comments by President Muhammadu Buhari that the Federal Government was committed to meeting ASUU’s demands to prevent another round of strikes.

Osodeke said the appeal for understanding by the president was a mere promise they have heard before.

The ASUU President, in an interview with The Nation in Abuja, said most of the demands of the union have not been met by the Federal Government.

He listed some of the demands to include: non-signing of the re-negotiated FGN-ASUU 2009 agreement, non-payment of the balance of Earned Academic Allowances, non-deployment of UTAS, non-payment of lecturers on sabbatical, and proliferation of universities by state governments.

Buhari had, during a meeting with members of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, led by Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar III and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, said the Federal Government was committed to honouring promises made to ASUU to prevent strikes in universities.

The President also appealed to the union to note the fiscal pressures that the government was currently facing.

The ASUU President accused government officials of wasting resources on foreign trips.

He said ASUU leadership would meet soon to take a decision.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/07/ASUU-mobilises-members-for-fresh-strike-declares-lecture-free-day/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has countered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its offer to make Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu its candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Lagos.

The APC which described the PDP offer as a worthless Greek gift said it is rather unfortunate that the opposition party can’t find any qualified person within its fold to present as its gubernatorial candidate and now has to try poaching Sanwo-Olu.

Naija News reports the Lagos APC’s reaction comes after a chieftain of the opposition party in Lagos, Ganiu Taofik, said the incumbent Governor could have done better if he was in PDP.

According to him, the All Progressive Congress, APC where Sanwo-Olu currently is, is a selfish camp and that is why the Lagos state leader can not do more than what he is doing.

He also called upon the Governor to decamp to the Peoples Democratic Party for the possibility of returning to office in 2023.

However, In a statement on Friday, Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo said the PDP should focus on rebuilding its crumbling reputation rather than offering Sanwo-Olu what he doesn’t need.

Oladejo acused the PDP of adding falsehood to its desperation, saying the APC is still more than ready to offer Sanwo-Olu its ticket again when the time comes as APC is the party of choice for Lagosians.

He said: “While the thought of desperately offering its worthless electoral tickets to every passerby is laughable, the extent of the level of degradation, degeneration and comatose state of Lagos state PDP should not be lost on all and sundry,” he said.

“The platform that initially elected Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, having acknowledged his glowing performance across various sectors in his first term, is certainly still available to recontest for another term.

“While we sympathize with Lagos state PDP over its several years of political misfortunes and misadventures, good wisdom dictates that it puts its house in order to have a semblance of relevance.

“It’s pitiable that PDP could only think of fishing in the pool of capable talents in the APC while looking for people to offer its worthless electoral tickets.

“This underscores the lack of attraction in the PDP and an admittance of its usual waterloo in the forthcoming elections.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hereby unequivocally rejects this Greek gift and hereby states that APC remains his party of choice in making his next political move, which will be made known in due course to all Lagosians.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/04/apc-to-pdp-sanwo-olu-doesnt-need-your-worthless-guber-ticket/

Emirates Airline, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), says it will resume passenger flight operations between Dubai and Nigeria on Saturday, February 5, 2022.

The airline said that passengers travelling to Dubai would undergo an additional COVID-19 test and remain in self-quarantine until the results of the test are received.

The airline will operate to and from Abuja and Lagos with daily flights, providing more choice, comfort and enhanced connectivity for travellers connecting to Dubai and over 120 destinations.

According to a statement from the UAE airline: “Emirates will operate to Abuja with EK 785 and 786. EK 785 will depart Dubai at 1100hrs, arriving in Abuja at 1540hrs. The return flight, EK 786 will take off from Abuja at 1900, arriving in Dubai at 0435hrs the next day.

“Emirates flight EK 783 to Lagos will depart Dubai at 1030hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1540hrs. The return flight EK 784 will depart Lagos at 1810hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0415hrs the next day. All flights can be booked on emirates.com, with OTAs and via travel agents.

“All passengers travelling from Nigeria with Dubai as their final destination require a 48 hour PCR test. Passengers must present a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate with a QR code for a test conducted at an approved facility, and validity must be calculated from the time the sample was collected. Upon arrival in Dubai, passengers will undergo an additional Covid-19 PCR test and remain in self-quarantine until the results of the test are received.

Passengers travelling from Nigeria and transiting in Dubai are required to follow the rules and requirements of their final destination.

Emirates further declared that since it safely resumed tourism activity in July 2020, Dubai remained one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, especially during the winter season.

“The city is open for international business and leisure visitors. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world-class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences. It was one of the world’s first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) which endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/02/02/breaking-emirates-resumes-flight-operations-to-nigeria-feb-5/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  has charged Nigerian senator and former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, with allegations he conspired with others, including an APC politician and five companies, to steal N2.9 billion from public coffers.

The 17 count charges were filed by the EFCC on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, according to Premium Times.

In addition to Okorocha, other defendants are Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.

The charges were filed about the same time Okorocha was declaring his intention to run for the office of the president in 2023.

Okorocha, 59, was a two-term governor of Imo State, serving from 2011 to 2019 when he lost an intense political battle to instal his son-in-law and Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu, as a successor. He, however, succeeded in winning the Imo West senatorial election for himself as a candidate of the APC. The returning officer alleged he was forced to declare Okorocha the winner under duress, making INEC delay issuing him a certificate of return.

His co-accused, Nyerere, open-source searches show, was the APC governorship candidate in the 2015 Abia State election and currently serves as a commissioner at the National Pension Commission.

Nyerere features in all the 17 charges and is accused of conspiring with Okorocha to steal and launder N2.9 billion belonging to Imo State and local government areas in the state in contravention of the Money Laundering Act 2011. As CAC searches by Newslead showed, he owns or controls three of the charged companies, namely Consolid, Pramif, and Legend World, all registered in Abuja.

According to the EFCC charges, the stolen funds were diverted between October 2014 and February 2016 from the Imo State Government House account and Imo State Joint Local Government Project account.

Timeline of the alleged diversions

1. February 11, 2014: N67,500,000 – conspiracy between Okorocha, Nyerere, and Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited
2. August 28, 2014: N486,000,000 – conspiracy between Okorocha, Nyerere, and Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited
3. October 14, 2014: N900,000,000 – conspiracy between Okorocha, Nyerere, and Naphtali International Limited
4. August 4, 2015: N279,000,000 – conspiracy between Okorocha, Nyerere, and Naphtali International Limited
5. February 10, 2016: N243,000,000 – conspiracy between Okorocha, Nyerere, and Consolid Projects Consulting Limited
6. February 10, 2016: N200,000,000 – conspiracy between Okorocha, Nyerere, and Consolid Projects Consulting Limited
7. February 10, 2016: N243,000,000 – conspiracy between Okorocha, Nyerere, and Pramif International Limited
8. February 11, 2016: N243,000,000 – conspiracy between Okorocha, Nyerere, and Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited
9. February 12, 2016: 243,000,000 – conspiracy between Okorocha, Nyerere, and Legend World Concepts Limited.

Meanwhile, as searches showed, Nyerere remains a director of Consolid, Pramif, and Legend World even as he holds a public office, potentially breaching Nigeria’s code of conduct laws

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/31/efcc-slams-n2-9bn-fraud-charges-against-okorocha/

Mason Greenwood has been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault this Sunday, following posts shared on social media by his girlfriend Harriet Robson. In the images, a series of photographs of her beaten body were posted to her Instagram story, while an audio clip was also shared.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police was shared on Sunday evening, confirming that the Manchester United player had been taken into custody as the police investigate the matter.

"Greater Manchester Police was made aware earlier today (Sunday 30 January) of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence," the statement, which didn't name Greenwood specifically, started.

"An investigation was launched and, following enquiries, we can confirm a man in his 20s has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. He remains in custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing.

"If you're a victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned about someone you know, please use our online reporting facility or use our LiveChat facility on our website, or call 101. In an emergency that's on-going or life is in danger, always dial 999.

"Some victims may not feel comfortable speaking with the police, or may feel they need support to come forward and make a report. Greater Manchester Victims' Services can provide independent emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime. You can contact the service by visitng the website on https://gmvictims.org.uk/ or by calling 0161 200 1950."

The player's club also released a statement, explaining that he had been excluded from all first-team squad activities. This statement was released before the confirmation of his arrest by the local police force.

"Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice," Manchester United said on the matter.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/30/manchester-police-arrest-mason-greenwood-over-assault-rape-allegations/

Manchester United have responded to shock allegations made against England international Mason Greenwood.

The Red Devils issued a statement that they are “aware of images and allegations circulating on social media.”

United declined to make any further comment on the allegations “until the facts have been established.”

However, the Premier League club added that they do not “condone violence of any kind” amid allegations levelled at the 20-year-old striker.

“We are aware of images and allegations circulating on social media,” reads the statement.

“We will not make any further comment until the facts have been established. Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind.”

Greenwood came through the United youth academy and has scored 35 times in 129 senior appearances for the Red Devils.

The United player has featured regularly in the first team this season, with Greenwood scoring six times and registering two assists in 24 appearances.

United will resume their FA Cup campaign on 4th February when they welcome Middlesbrough to Old Trafford.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/30/manchester-united-responds-to-shock-allegations-against-mason-greenwood/

The senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District in the NationaL Assembly, Senator Teslim Folarin, has lost his wife, Angela, who died in the afternoon of Friday, January 28.

It was gathered that Mrs Angela Nwaka Folarin, who died in the United Kingdom, was hale and hearty on Friday morning but she succumbed to the cold hands of death in the afternoon of the same day.

Her death was announced through a statement by the Special Adviser to the Senator on Media and Publicity, Mr Y. O. Olaniyi, on Friday afternoon.

According to the statement: “With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, we announce the death of our wife, mother and sister, Chief (Mrs) Angela Nwaka Folarin.”

“The wife of Oyo Central Senator was confirmed dead on Friday afternoon. She breathed her last in the United Kingsom.

“The deceased was hale and hearty until the angel of death knocked the door. May Almighty God comfort us and grant late Angela an eternal rest.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/28/senator-teslim-folarins-wife-is-dead/

Popular Kayanmata (aphrodisiac) seller, Hauwa Muhammed aka Jaruma, has been remanded in prison custody after attacking business tycoon, Ned Nwoko, on social media.

Jaruma was remanded by an Abuja Upper Area Court pending a bail hearing set for Friday.

The defendant was arraigned by the police following a petition by Nwoko to the FCT police command.

Nwoko had accused Jaruma of publishing falsehoods on her Instagram page against him and his wife, Regina Daniels, who is an actress.

He said Jaruma claimed in an Instagram post that she paid N10m to Regina to advertise Kayanmata but the actress reneged.

She subsequently went on Instagram to insult Nwoko, accusing him of benefitting from her product.

The police subsequently arraigned Jaruma for defamation of character, false news publication and intimidation.

The Police Prosecutor, E. A Inegbenoise, told the court that Nwoko had reported the matter through a written petition from his lawyer to the FCT Police Command for proper investigation on January 20, 2021.

Inegbenoise pleaded with the court to allow Jaruma to remain in police custody pending investigation.

However, her lawyer, Mr James Odibe, in an oral application for bail, urged the court to grant the defendant bail on self-recognition or in the alternative, in the most liberal terms.

In his ruling, the judge, Ismailia Abdullahi, ruled that the defendant be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the bail hearing on Friday. He further adjourned the matter till February 23, 2021 for trial.

In an Instagram post on December 9, 2021, the sex therapist made a video expressing her disappointment over the accusations Nwoko made against his ex-wife, Charani. She also stated that she was shocked that a 74-year-old man would speak ill of a woman in such a manner.

She claimed that Nwoko was being controlled by his actress wife, Regina, who uses her Kayanmata product.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/25/ned-nwoko-jaruma-remanded-in-prison-for-alleged-defamation/

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday,issued an arrest warrant against the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, believed to be residing in the UK.

Justice Bolaji Olajuwon granted the request, after counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Farouk Abdullah, made an oral application.

The court had fixed November 3, 2021 for the EFCC to give a report on its effort at extraditing Alison-Madueke to the country to stand her trial, and for possible mention of the case.

But on the adjourned date, the case was stalled as neither Abdullah nor Alison-Madueke was in sight.

Justice Olajuwon then fixed today, Jan. 24, for the matter and adjourned for report or or for possible mention of the matter.

NAN reports that though Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu was initially the presiding judge in the matter, the case was reassigned to Justice Olajuwon, following the transfer of Ojukwu to the Calabar division of the court.

Ojukwu had, on October 28, 2020, rejected the EFCC’s prayer to issue a warrant of arrest against Alison-Madueke, citing the commission’s failure to enforce the earlier criminal summons, which the court issued on the former minister since July 24, 2020, saying court orders are not made in vain.

The commission had, in requesting for the criminal summons in July 2020, claimed that it was required to facilitate the ex-minister’s extradition to Nigeria.

Faced with the failure of the ex-minister to honour the summons, the EFCC, through its lawyer, Abdullah, urged Justice Ojukwu to issue a warrant of arrest against her, saying that the extradition process failed as a result of the absence of the warrant of arrest.

The judge, who turned down the request, directed the lawyer to file an affidavit to that effect supported by evidence from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, and adjourned for report and possible arraignment of the defendant (Alison-Madueke).

However, when the matter was called on Monday, Abdullah was in court.

He told the court that all efforts by the agency to get the ex-minister extradited when the matter was before Ojukwu were unsuccessful.

Abdullah, who made an oral application for an arrest warrant, said the application was part of the requirements by the office of the AGF for the extradition.

He said that the arrest warrant was needed to further give the International Police (INTERPOL) the impetus to bring the defendant to Nigeria to answer to charges against her.

Justice Olajuwon then granted the application and adjourned the matter sine die pending when the defendant (Alison-Madueke) is arrested and produced in court.

NAN reports that Abdullah had, in an application, urged the court “to issue an arrest warrant against Alison-Madueke, who is believed to be in the UK to enable all law enforcement agencies and the INTERPOL to arrest her anywhere she is sighted and be brought before the court to answer to the allegation made against her before the court.”




He said since the summon had not been able to achieve the desired result, the need for a warrant of arrest cannot be over-emphasised.

NAN reports that the court had, on July 24, 2020, ordered the former minister to appear before it and answer to the money laundering charge filed against her by the EFCC.

The court gave the ruling in an ex-parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/208/2018 brought by Abdullah.

The EFCC had accused the former minister of fleeing the country for the UK in order to escape justice, among others.
The lawyer, in a document filed along with the motion ex-parte, said it sought to question Alison-Madueke, without success, in relation to many allegations against her, including “her role as the Minister of Petroleum Resources and her role in the award of Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) to Septa Energy Limited, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited and Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited by NNPC.


https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/24/money-laundering-court-issues-warrant-for-diezanis-arrest/

On Friday, Bitcoin and Ethereum led other cryptocurrencies in yet another dumping frenzy that saw over $700M in liquidations after Russia’s central bank proposed a blanket ban on the use and mining of cryptocurrencies within the country.

According to a 5-page report seen by Moneycentral, the bank cited various issues warranting the ban including environmental concerns, well being of residents, and the threat of financial instability.

“Potential financial stability risks associated with cryptocurrencies are much higher for emerging markets, including in Russia,” reads the report.

Noting that most cryptocurrencies are unbacked and hence dangerous to the financial well-being of Russians, the bank goes on to propose various amendments to legislation. These include the total ban of any form of payments using cryptocurrencies; the prohibition of the issuance and circulation of cryptocurrencies within the Russian territory for any purpose; and the prohibition of financial institutions from investing in cryptocurrencies and related financial instruments.

It further proposes a total ban on Bitcoin mining citing that “the current scale and further spread of cryptocurrency mining in the Russian Federation entail significant risks for the economy and financial stability”. According to the bank, apart from cryptocurrency mining creating unproductive consumption of electric power which is contrary to the nation’s environmental agenda, it also creates the demand for mining-related infrastructure which exacerbates the spread of cryptocurrencies, creating incentives to circumvent regulation.

“In this regard, the Bank of Russia believes that the prohibition of cryptocurrency mining in Russia could be the best solution, “ the bank added.

The mining ban proposal comes days after European Union’s top regulator recommended a ban on Bitcoin mining stating that it posed a threat to the world’s climate change goals given its heavy reliance on renewable energy. In a recent interview with The Financial Times, Erik Thedéen, vice-chair of the European Securities and Markets said, “The solution is to ban ‘proof of work.”

Russia became the third-largest Bitcoin mining hub last year after Kazakhstan and the U.S. with China banning crypto miners. However, with the high computing power needed to mine cryptocurrencies, countries such as Kazakhstan are fighting back, blaming regular power outages on cryptocurrency miners, which is why countries like Russia are seeking to shut down the industry.

In the meantime, cryptocurrencies continue to absorb the Russian shock with Bitcoin shedding more than 7% in the last 24 hours and 42% since tapping an all-time high. With the coin currently trading at $39,108 after breaking the $40,000 support, experts are now predicting a deeper plunge which could see the cryptocurrency fall below $35,000 finding support at around $30,000.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/21/btc-risks-crashing-below-35k-as-russia-threatens-to-ban-bitcoin/

President Muhammadu Buhari has in Kaduna on Thursday, recalled with nostalgia how he narrowly escaped being bombed near the Kawo bridge, while travelling to Katsina State in July 2014.

Buhari who was at the newly constructed Kawo bridge executed by the El-Rufai administration, said ” there was an attempt to bomb me here…there was a market nearby .”….but his security escort were vigilant.

The Kawo bridge was a project ,many said had became a cynosure, which had attracted many tourists to Kaduna since its completion.

As part of the visit to Kaduna, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the ultra modern sports and shopping complex at Murtala Square Kaduna, where he reiterated the likelihood of his staying in Kaduna after leaving office.

Speaking while commissioning the project,the President commended the foresight and developmental strides of the El-Rufai administration, pointing out that Kaduna would be difficult for a long time visitor to recognise.

Earlier, President Buhari who arrived Kaduna the previous day, was in Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna were he appreciated the numerous projects he commissioned and thanked the Governor for building good roads and other infrastructural projects in rural parts of the state.

Buhari and his entourage led by Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, were expected to be in Zaria in continuation of the projects commissioning .

The President’s visit to Kaduna, his state of residence since retirement from the military, was expected to end on Friday.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/20/buhari-recounts-how-he-narrowly-escaped-bomb-blast-on-kawo-bridge/

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday rescinded its earlier decision on making direct primaries the only method of electing candidates by political parties.

The House has now amended Clause 84 to allow for direct, indirect, and consensus options of nominating party candidates for party elections.

The direct primary clause had earlier hindered the assent to the bill, however, President Muhammadu Buhari in an exclusive interview with Channels Television, earlier this year, said that he was willing to sign if only the legislators will effect changes which must include the addition of consensus candidates and indirect primary options to the mode of selecting a candidate for an election.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/19/breaking-senate-removes-direct-primary-clause-passes-electoral-bill/

An Umuahia High Court has ordered the Federal Government and the Nigeria Army to pay N1billion to the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for invading his house in September 2017.

They federal government and the Army were also ordered to apologise to Kanu for the violation of his Fundamental Rights.

Justice Benson Anya made the order today while delivering judgement on the suit filed by Kanu against the federal government, the Army and others.

Kanu’s lawyer made this known in a tweet, saying, “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu WINS as Abia High Court rules that the Federal Government violated his fundamental rights. Orders the Federal government to pay N1b to him and issue a letter of apology to him.

“Most importantly, the Court recommended political solution to the #Biafran agitation."

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/19/court-orders-fg-to-pay-nnamdi-kanu-n1bn-for-home-invasion/

Rafa Benitez's short, but uncomfortable, time at Everton has been brought to a quick end on Sunday, having been appointed manager last summer.



The club made the news official with an extremely short message, that didn't exactly suggest there was much good feeling for the former manager.

"Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as First Team manager," the statement on the club website read.

"Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the Club with immediate effect. 

"An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course."

Benitez was never a popular appointment at Goodison Park when he was signed up to replace Carlo Ancelotti in June, after the Italian left Merseyside for Madrid.

The Spaniard's history with Everton's fierce rivals Liverpool, including a Champions League win with them in 2005, meant fans weren't happy at all.

The Toffees started the season off quite well, with four wins and a draw in their opening six games, and followed that up by earning a point against Manchester United, at Old Trafford, leading to Andros Townsend pulling out Cristiano Ronaldo's famous celebration.

However it's all gone down hill since then for Benitez and they've lost nine of the last 12 league games, with things coming to a head after Saturday's loss to Norwich.

The Canaries have been poor all season and sat bottom of the game ahead of Everton's visit to Carrow Road on Saturday, having won just twice in the league before kick off.

Michael Keane's own goal gave the hosts the lead after just 16 minutes and things went from bad to worse just two minutes later, as Dean Smith's team doubled their lead.

Adam Idah, who has struggled to be given starts at Norwich, scored his first Premier League goal for the club in the 18th minute, scoring from just outside the area.

During the game there were fans with a sign calling for the manager to be sacked and one fan ran onto the pitch out of protest.

Benitez brought on Richarlison in the 54th minute, and it took him just six minutes to suggest he should have started, with the Brazilian scoring a brilliant overhead kick.

It ended up being nothing but a consolation on the day and the last act of Benitez's short and unspectacular time as manager of Everton.

Fans will likely be even more annoyed that the 61-year-old was ever appointed, seeing as how one of their best players was essentially forced out of the club under him.

Lucas Digne only moved to Aston Villa a few days ago, after being dropped by the former Real Madrid manager, and all might have been avoided had the manager been sacked earlier.

Everton sit in 15th place, just six points clear of the relegation zone and will hope that whoever replaces Benitez can bring better results and isn't a Liverpool legend.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/16/rafa-benitez-sacked-as-everton-manager/

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Saturday told the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu that "only the best is good enough for Nigeria at this particular time."

He made the comment on Saturday when Tinubu, paid him a condolence visit over the deaths of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Saliu Adetunji and a former governor of Oyo, Christopher Alao-Akala.

“Let me also use this opportunity to wish you well in your political quest to govern this nation,” Makinde noted during the visit. “We want the best for this country and only the best is good enough at this particular time.”

“I want to welcome you to Oyo State. We are really grateful for this visit. This is the year political parties will elect their candidates towards the election that is coming next year. So, what this had demonstrated to us is, you stood for politics without bitterness.”

The Oyo leader also thanked the former Lagos State governor for the visit.

Makinde expressed delight over Tinubu’s visit even though the move might be misinterpreted especially in view of the political season.

“We may fight, struggle for political positions but we know power can only come from God and He gives it to whomever He will like to give it to at whatever time,” he added.

“We really thank you for this visit and want to let you know that we have taken proper notice that you have risen above politics and all that is going around here to come and share with us at this moment that we are grieving. We say thank you.”

‘We Will Leave One Day’

Earlier, the former governor had commended Makinde for his leadership qualities, explaining that the loss of these prominent Oyo indigenes is a reminder that “we are just passing through and we will leave one day. But no matter how long, it is difficult to absorb the loss easily.”

“With this situation, we share in your loss. You, as the governor on the saddle of power, take responsibility for the situation here,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde.

“I want to say that we thank God Ibadan has been peaceful and not a den of violence but peaceful.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/16/2023-only-the-best-is-good-enough-for-nigeria-now-makinde-tells-tinubu/

Super Eagles gaffer Eguavoen says Awaziem is down with an ankle injury but likely to still feature in the AFCON

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem will not be available for the Super Eagles’ encounter with the Falcons of Sudan according to Austin Eguavoen.

Nigeria convincingly beat seven-time champions of the tournament, Egypt, in their opening Group D match and will face Sudan for their second encounter on Saturday.

Awaziem didn’t feature in the first game against Egypt and his unavailability was attributed to his testing positive to Covid-19 but his coach has now said the Turkey-based defender has been injured.

The interim coach went on to say the 28-year-old will not be available when the Eagles take on the Falcons of Sudan at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua on Saturday.

Eguavoen during his press conference on Friday said: “Hopefully soon, that is beyond my control. I think if the medical staff were here now they will certify him fit to be back on the pitch.

“Awaziem is still down, he has an ankle injury as I know and he is going to be back very, very soon.”

The former Porto star was not at the stadium during Nigeria’s opening game against Egypt on Tuesday, January 11, and was also not part of the team’s training session on Friday.

Meanwhile, CD Leganes central defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has been given a clean bill of health to face the Sudanese.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/15/afcon-awaziem-to-miss-super-eagles-clash-with-sudan-eguavoen/

A former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, has been reported dead in the early hours of Wednesday in Ogbomoso.

Akala, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was a former governor of the state, between 2007 and 2011.

He was also a deputy governor under former governor, Rashidi Ladoja between 2003 and 2006, when Chief Ladoja was impeached and consequently became the acting governor for eleven months.

Details later

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/12/breaking-former-oyo-governor-otunba-alao-akala-is-dead/

Nothing to see here

After months of speculation, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has formally declared his intention to run for the country’s president in 2023.

He disclosed this to journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Monday.

In his interview with State House reporters, Tinubu said it has been his age-long ambition to lead the country one day.

“I have informed the President of my ambition but I have not informed Nigerians yet, I am still consulting,” he said.

TVC News, a television station believed to be owned by Tinubu, also confirmed in its report that Tinubu made the statement to reporters.

Tinubu, a national leader of the APC, will be among the frontrunners to succeed Buhari whose tenure as president ends in May 2023.

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/10/2023-tinubu-meets-buhari-declares-intention-to-run-for-president/

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, says there is no plan by the Federal Government to lay off government workers.

Ahmed said this on NTA’s ‘Good Morning Nigeria’ programme on Thursday, which was monitored by Newslead .

The minister denied claims that the government was planning on sacking workers in order to save funds.

She said President Muhammadu Buhari, had said repeatedly that no worker would be sacked. The minister, however, said the government would encourage people to leave government jobs by giving them incentives.

Ahmed said the government would reduce overheads by ensuring that government agencies are merged.

She added, “Mr President doesn’t want to disengage staff. That is what he has directed from the beginning of his administration. He also directed that we pay salaries. The Federal Government has never failed in paying salaries and he said we must always pay pensions.

“So, he has been consistent in those directives and we have followed those directives to the letter.”

When asked how the government would cut personnel costs, Ahmed said, “Well, we do hope that at the end of the exercise, some agencies will be merged and it will cut down operational costs.

“And also we will be able to come up with incentive packages to retrain people and redeploy them in some areas where they are useful. For example, we still have a very high need for teachers so we can retrain people and send them to teach but also incentive packages to exit. Again, that is also money. If you want people to exit you have to pay them.

“That is an incentive package so that they can go. That is why it is taking a lot of time because it is not easy to decide on this. Everything centres on resources. We need resources and if we had a lot of money, we would just give very beautiful incentive packages and people would exit and go and start their businesses and we would reduce the size of the personnel cost.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/06/no-plan-to-downsize-federal-civil-service-finance-minister/

The kingmakers in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State known as Olubadan-in-Council, have endorsed Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun, as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Osi Balogun of Ibadanland Tajudeen Ajibola announced this at a briefing by the kingmakers on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

Ten of the 11 members of the Olubadan-in-Council endorsed the Balogun’s nomination.

The announcement came hours after the kingmakers faulted an attempt to engineer controversies over the choice of new king for the sprawling city following the death of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji on Sunday.

The kingmakers declared that tradition would be followed in the selection of the 42nd Olubadan who will be announced at the end of the traditional mourning period for Oba Adetunji.

The kingmakers made the assertion at the end of a two-hour closed-door meeting held at the residence of Lekan Balogun, who by tradition should step in as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland as the head of the hierarchy of chiefs in the ancient city.

Mr. Micheal Lana, a former Attorney General of Oyo State had in a letter on Monday asked Governor Seyi Makinde not to approve the installation of Lekan Balogun or any of the current High Chiefs and Baales as the new Olubadan because there were unsettled legal matters relating to the stool.

The lawyer had in his letter argued that former governor Abiola Ajumobi violated the Chieftaincy Law, when he, “Without thinking the legal effects of his actions on the future of Ibadan traditional institution, conferred the title of Obaship on some High Chiefs and Baales and gave them the right to wear beaded Crowns and coronets, in 2017.”

Lekan Balogun was one of the chiefs conferred with beaded crowns then and Lana in his letter to Makinde, asserted that the Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957, which has not been set aside, forbade the elevation of an Oba to the position of Olubadan.

The lawyer therefore advised that the governor should withhold his approval of any of the High Chiefs or Baales as Olubadan to avoid involvement in the desecration of Ibadan Customary Chieftaincy Law.

He also said that the suits instituted by the coronet chiefs and Oba is still pending at the Court of Appeal.

But members of Olubadan-in-Council dismissed the claim of the lawyer while acknowledging that their elevation to the Royal Majesties status by the ate Governor became contentious and litigatious.

They however argued that the elevation granted the members, who also serve as kingmakers, had not in any way altered the age-long and enviable traditional succession plan to the Olubadan throne in Ibadan land, in the statement released at the end of a two-hour closed-door meeting held at the residence of Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun. (Based on reports by QED and PM News)

https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/05/breaking-kingmakers-announce-new-olubadan-of-ibadanland/