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  • Abaribe calls for calm over Supreme Court ruling against Nnamdi Kanu

    Abaribe calls for calm over Supreme Court ruling against Nnamdi Kanu

    A former minority leader of the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe, on Friday, December 15, called for calm over the Supreme Court’s verdict against the leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, assuring that Ndigbo would vigorously pursue a political solution that would ultimately set him free.

    The senator who is representing Abia South in the Senate, also expressed shock over the sudden death of an ex-governor of Anambra state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, describing it as the great fall of an Iroko tree in Igbo land and Nigeria.

    In a statement issued in Abuja by his media adviser, Uchenna Awom, Senator Abaribe lamented that Okwadike’s death has once more robbed Ndigbo and Nigeria of a consummate advocate of people’s rights and equality for all.

    He said Ezeife spent his life particularly his later days on earth preaching for equity, justice, fairness and good governance in Nigeria, especially he was most vocal on the Igbo question and their place in the Nigeria project.

    He said: “Okwadike never hid his feelings and as such voiced out his opinion on vexed national issues as it affected his beloved Igbo. He spoke truth to power no matter whose ox was gored

    “He was a man of panache and candour who carved a national image for himself being a cultural icon, a brave warrior who loved our people so dearly.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Supreme Court reverses Nnamdi Kanu’s acquittal

    “Okwadike will be sorely missed. His resolute and fearless stand on national discussion would be too hard to replace. Ironically he died on the eve of a day our brother Nnamdi Kanu was denied release by the Supreme Court. It would have been a fitting gift to him.”

    However, Senator Abaribe has called for calm and implored Ndigbo not to despair over the unfortunate outcome at the Supreme Court.

    Abaribe said: “I’m of the firm belief that this current federal government will do something very fast to release Nnamdi Kanu, if for no other reason, but for national cohesion and unity of the country.

    “As leaders, we shall continue to press for a solution that will be the best in the circumstance.”

  • Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup

    Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup

    Manchester City will find out their semi-final opponents at the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia on Friday.

    The seven-team tournament began on Tuesday, with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad defeating Auckland City 3-0 in the first round.

    European champions City and Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense are both automatic semi-finalists.

    City will play either Mexico’s Leon or Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in the last four on Tuesday.

    Brazil’s Fluminense play Al Ahly or Al-Ittihad on Monday.

    It is the final edition of the competition in its current format after Fifa confirmed an expanded tournament featuring 32 teams will take place in 2025.

    What’s the format?

    The seeded tournament saw Al-Ittihad take on the winners of the 2023 OFC Champions League, Auckland, in the only game in the first round.

    Al-Ittihad now join CAF champions Al Ahly, 2022 AFC champions Urawa Red Diamonds and Concacaf winners Leon in round two, which takes place on Friday.

    The winners of those matches advance to the semi-finals, at which stage Manchester City and Fluminese enter the tournament.

    The semi-finals will be played on Monday and Tuesday, with the final and a third-place play-off scheduled for Friday, 22 December.

    Where are the venues?

    Saudi Arabia is using two stadiums, both in the city of Jeddah, to host seven fixtures over a 10-day period.

    King Abdullah Sports City, which boasts a capacity of 62,345 – the home of Al-Ittihad – will host five fixtures, including the final, with two games set to take place at the 27,000-seater Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.

    Juventus and AC Milan met in the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana final at King Abdullah Sports City, while it has also hosted high-profile boxing events, including the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua when the Ukrainian won by split decision to retain his WBA (Super), WBO and IBF heavyweight titles.

    The smaller Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium will host Urawa Red Diamonds v Leon in the second round and the third-place play-off.

    Read Also: Club World Cup: Man City to face Club Leon or Urawa Red Diamonds

    Past winners

    The last 10 editions of the Fifa Club World Cup have been won by European teams.

    Since the competition started in 2000, 11 cubs have lifted the trophy with eight hailing from Europe and three from Brazil.

    Brazilian rivals Corinthians and Vasco da Gama met in first final, with the former claiming victory via penalties after the match ended goalless. Corinthians also won the competition in 2012.

    Sao Paulo (2005) and Internacional (2006) are the other two clubs from Brazil to have gone all the way.

    Inter Milan were the first winners from Europe, beating Argentine outfit Boca Juniors 4-2 in an entertaining final in 2007.

    Manchester United became the first English club to enjoy success when they overcame Ecuadorian outfit LDU Quito in 2008, while Liverpool and Chelsea were triumphant in 2019 and 2021 respectively.

    Real Madrid ran out 5-3 winners against Al-Hilal in last year’s final.

    Los Blancos have won the Fifa Club World Cup on five occasions – more than any other team, with Barcelona (3) next on the honours list.

    BBC

  • Tinubu’s intervention rescued political crisis in Ondo – APC Canada

    Tinubu’s intervention rescued political crisis in Ondo – APC Canada

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Canada, has described the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in Ondo State as a wealth of wisdom that nailed what would have caused a serious political crisis in that state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has been away from the state since April due to his health challenges.

    His absence had caused a lot of political ripples between the state House of Assembly and the state deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and some politicians who wanted to use the lacuna for their selfish gain before the president intervened.

    The Vice President of the APC in Canada, Dr Abiola Oshodi, in an interview with NAN on telephone on Friday, said that the president had used his fatherly wisdom to resolve the leadership issue in the state.

    Oshodi asked the political class in the state to sheathe their swords, concentrate on governance and focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

    The APC Chieftain, who commended the president’s interest for peace and development to thrive in the state, stated that the resolution had shown that the APC could put its house in order.

    He added that APC leadership had shown its love for the state, and that it had the wherewithal to do things right.

    According to him, the challenge of resolving the crisis in the state looked insurmountable, ‘but thanks to President Tinubu, who held a series of meetings, made the necessary consultations and now we can all heave a sigh of relief.’

    Oshodi, a Canadian-Nigerian consultant psychiatrist, said Akeredolu, who was passionate about the growth of the state, a great lover of the state that God had allowed him to preside over, a stickler for constitutionalism, deserved a time off to prioritize his health.

    Read Also: Slim allocation threatens Edo, Ondo governorship polls, others, says INEC

    He said that indigenes and residents of the state were all praying for the governor to come back stronger, healthier and fully recovered.

    He tasked Aiyedatiwa, now the Acting Governor, to direct the state in the right direction.

    To Aiyedatiwa, whom the Lord has entrusted the affairs of the state to act as governor at this auspicious time, “I pray that the Lord will strengthen you and give you all the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state right.

    “Let everyone sheathe their swords; let us do away with strife and acrimony and let us all focus on delivering dividends of democracy to our people who had voted for APC again and again,” he said. (NAN)

  • Uzodimma warns against politicising Kaduna bombing error

    Uzodimma warns against politicising Kaduna bombing error

    Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, has cautioned against politicising the Kaduna bombing error, emphasising the importance of unity and survival of Nigeria

    He has called on politicians to refrain from playing politics with the incident

    The Kaduna bombing incident resulted in a tragic loss of civilian lives, and Uzodimma’s warning is aimed at preventing the exploitation of this unfortunate event for political gain.

    The governor, who spoke at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers during the launch of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance emblem ahead of the January 15, 2024  Armed Forces Remembrance Day, however called on the political class not to play politics with the bombing error that recently took place in Kaduna State.

    Uzodimma said that since the Nigerian Military had briefed the Nation and explained that the incident was an error, the right thing to do is for Nigerians to see the ugly incident as such as no human being is free from making mistakes.

    He explained that every profession comes with its own hazards and challenges, noting that even the soldiers in the course of their duty lose their lives, in some cases, by making mistakes that are avoidable.

    He said: “No one is perfect, and it is only God that is perfect. I think we all should rise to pray to God to always continue to intercede to get the insecurity in Nigeria to abate.”

    The governor appealed to Nigerians to be part of the efforts to soothe the pain the ugly incident caused the Kaduna State indigenes, particularly as the event happened not long after the Presidential election in the country took place, rather than the recourse to politics.

    Uzodimma acknowledged the contributions of the military towards the unity of Nigeria and expressed happiness that over the years they have not disappointed the country.

    He congratulated the Nigerian Armed Forces for the events that culminated into the January 15th celebration and asked that they be supported in a way that the serving ones will be motivated to serve better.

    On the side of his Government, the Governor promised to continue to support them. 

    Read Also: Prada Uzodimma scholarship grant award ceremony slated for Dec 16

    He acknowledged that the Legion needs a befitting Secretariat in Imo and immediately directed the State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Lady (Mrs.) Nkechi Ugwu to liaise with the leadership of the group to begin the process.

    Also, Governor Uzodimma promised to give the retired soldiers an operational vehicle in addition to directing the Head of Service to liaise with heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies on how best to engage the retired soldiers who are still active in security services in Imo State.

    Earlier in his address, the Legion Chairman in Imo State, Comrade Anyanwu Alphonsus thanked the Governor for his numerous assistance to them over the years and expressed gratitude on behalf of his members.

  • JUST IN: Education tops as Taraba gov presents N311.3 billion 2024 budget

    JUST IN: Education tops as Taraba gov presents N311.3 billion 2024 budget

    Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas, on Friday, December 15, presented N311,388,525,661.96 as the 2024 budget to the state House of Assembly. 

    A breakdown of the appropriation bill, titled: “Budget of Moving Forward,” shows that N111,669,595,358.59 is for recurrent expenditure representing 39.5% while N199,708,930,303.37 is for capital expenditure representing 64.1% of the budget.

    Based on the sectoral allocation, education has the highest share of N43,208,278,849.28 representing 13.9% of the budget.

    Health follows with an allocation of N33,54,686,848.00k representing 10.6% and works which was allocated N24,804,232,263.17 representing 8.0% of the budget.

    The governor said the budget was anchored on the five-finger agenda of his administration which include: education, security, women/youth development, infrastructure and health.

    Read Also: Appeal Court declines NNPP’s request to sack Taraba’s Gov Agbu

    He explained that the budget will place specific focus on education including teacher training, improvement of schools and so on. 

    According to Kefas, 5% of the budget will be allocated to the Greening Taraba Project in order to preserve the natural beauty of the State and mitigate the effect of climate change.

    Speaker of the House, John Kizito Bonzena, acknowledged the good working relationship between the executive and the legislature in the State. He assured of a speedy passage of the budget in order to keep up with the January-December timeframe.

  • Ezeife: Ohanaeze mourns, describes ex-governor as purveyor of morals, justice

    Ezeife: Ohanaeze mourns, describes ex-governor as purveyor of morals, justice

    Apex Igbo sociocultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the former governor of Anambra state, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife as a consistent purveyor of morals, justice and equity. 

    Ohanaeze, which said it received with deep shock the death of yet another Igbo Titan, further described Ezeife as “a one man riot squad, an erudite scholar and astute bureaucrat, brave and thoughtful dogged fighter and an accomplished politician.”

    Ohanaeze’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, in Enugu on Friday, December 15.

    The statement read: “Okwadike was a consistent purveyor of morals, justice and equity. He was a remarkable advocate of progressivism in its purest tradition. When the Moshood Abiola Mandate was truncated, Ezeife risked the military dungeon in the pursuit of justice. A detribalized patriot who warned that unless there is a re-federalisation of Nigeria and fundamental restructuring of the polity, Nigeria will continue to grope in the dark. 

    Read Also: Soludo mourns Ezeife, says he’s visionary leader

    “Ezeife was an unwavering and steadfast personality. He was on the side of the masses, the vulnerable and the down trodden.

    “The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR; OFR; CFR; FNICE; FNSE; KSC (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) could not withhold his emotions on hearing the passing on of Okwadike. He lamented that the Igbo have been afflicted with a chain of catastrophe within a very short space of time; Prof. George Obiozor, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Prof . Ben Nwabueze, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Dr. Sylvanus Olisanye Ebigwei and now Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others. He qualified Ezeife as a quintessential Igbo in all ramifications. He added that Nigeria has lost a rare gem.

    “On behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and indeed all the sons and daughters of Igbo land, we send our condolences to the immediate family of Okwadike, the Igbo Ukwu community and the good people of Anambra State. 

    “While we prepare for a befitting farewell to our illustrious son, we beseech the Almighty to grant the soul of Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife an eternal repose in his bosom.”

  • Rivers crisis: Two federal lawmakers lead youths in solidarity march for Fubara

    Rivers crisis: Two federal lawmakers lead youths in solidarity march for Fubara

    Two members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead on Friday, December 15, led various youth groups to march on the streets of Port Harcourt in support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. 

    Abiante represents Andoni/Opobo/Nkuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives while Goodhead represents Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Rivers Housing, Transport Commissioners resign from Fubara’s cabinet

    They marched from the UTC Junction along Azikiwe Road through to Government House and ended at the State House of Assembly located alomg.Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

    Details shortly…. 

  • If you don’t have kids, stop advising those who have – Remmy Njoku

    If you don’t have kids, stop advising those who have – Remmy Njoku

    Popular Nollywood actress, Mary Remmy Njoku, has slammed non-parents for dishing out unsolicited opinions and advice to parents on how to train and be a better parent to their kids. 

    Taking to her Instagram page, she stated that if one doesn’t have a child or doesn’t have full responsibility for a child, he or she shouldn’t dish out advice to real parents on how to raise one.

    Telling them to keep their opinions to themselves, she noted how parenting is practical and not theory.

    She further added that they can experiment with their perfect ideas when they have their own kids.

    She wrote: “If you don’t have kids yet if you have never been FULLY responsible for a Child.

    Read Also: It’s necessary to be specific with God, says Remmy Njoku

    Off mic pls. Stop dishing out advice to REAL parents on how to raise one!!

    Keep your opinions to yourself! Parenting is practical not theory.

    “You can experiment with your perfect ideas when you have yours!! And May God give you many. Amen.”

  • Tinubu mourns former NNPCL GMD, Thomas John

    Tinubu mourns former NNPCL GMD, Thomas John

    President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of one-time Group Managing Director of the then Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Thomas Asuquo John, who died at the age of 84 years.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu recalled Dr John’s dedication to the development of the Nigerian oil and gas industry in his time.

    He said: “President Bola Tinubu sends his condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Dr. Thomas John, former Group Managing Director of the erstwhile Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns former Anambra governor, Ezeife

    “The President acknowledges Dr. John’s remarkable and impactful dedication to developing the Nigerian oil and gas sector, recognizing his years of tireless service to the nation, and versatile expertise widely acknowledged by industry players and colleagues. 

    “President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and divine comfort for those who mourn the loss of this distinguished Nigerian.”

  • Zen Archery Club open amid pomp, ceremony

    Zen Archery Club open amid pomp, ceremony

    In a vibrant celebration of skill, passion, and precision, Zen Archery Club officially opened its doors in Lagos ushering in a new era for archery enthusiasts across the nation.

    Spearheading this initiative is Emmanuel Oyeleke, the renowned celebrity photographer and a key member of Team Nigeria at the 13th African Archery Championships.

    The grand opening of Zen Archery Club which held recently at Ilupeju Lagos, brought together a diverse crowd of attendees from within and outside Lagos all eager to witness the birth of a community dedicated to fostering archery talents.

    Speaking at the event, Olatunji Oluwagbemiga , the General Secretary of the Nigeria Archery Federation commended Zen Archery Club, adding it as an outstanding archery setup that will undoubtedly elevate the standard of archery in Nigeria.

    He noted that the club’s commitment to creating a community of archers, starting from pre-teens and extending into adulthood, aligns with the broader goal of promoting archery as a widely accepted and celebrated sport in the country.

    Read Also: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland finalists for FIFA Best award

    He further spoke glowingly about Oyeleke, the Head of Zen Archery, describing him as a true disciple of archery.

    “Emmanuel Oyeleke is a testament to the transformative power of archery,” Oluwagbemiga said of Oyeleke who led Team Nigeria’ to clinch one silver and two bronze medals in the archery events of the Africa Games. “He has nursed his passion from its infancy, evolving into a force to be reckoned with on the archery stage.”
    Meanwhile, the grand opening showcased the club’s state-of-the-art facilities, featuring a 10-metre range where children eagerly tried their hands at archery.

    Similarly, intermediate and advanced archers demonstrated their skills at the 20-30 meter ranges, illustrating the inclusivity of Zen Archery Club and its dedication to catering to archers of all skill levels.

    Oyeleke expressed his delight at witnessing people embrace archery, emphasizing that the club marks the beginning of a new era for the sport in Nigeria.

    “Zen Archery Club is not just about hitting targets; it’s about nurturing passions, fostering a sense of community, and promoting the sport we love,” he said.