The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspaper

  • Ronaldo’s rape suit dropped in Las Vegas

    A rape lawsuit against Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo that made headlines when it was filed last year in Las Vegas has been quietly dropped. A notice of voluntary dismissal was filed last month in Nevada state court. The filing didn’t say whether the accuser had reached a settlement with the Portuguese player.

    The New York Times reported in March that Juventus, the Italian league champions, wouldn’t participate in the International Champions Cup in the US this summer to avoid the risk that Ronaldo would be detained by authorities as part of a rape investigation.

    Read Also: Ronaldo to venture into coaching after retirement

    Ronaldo publicly denied the allegations and never filed a response to the lawsuit.

    Leslie Stovall, a lawyer representing the woman who sued Ronaldo, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the dismissal.

  • Kanu rallies support for Biafra in US, Canada

    Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has continued to solicit local and international support for the actualisation of the sovereign state of Biafra.

    The group’s Media and Publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, in a statement yesterday, said Kanu had been hosted in several states of America by members of the group in the country and diplomatic society. He said the leader was expected to move to Toronto, Canada, after the American tour.

    According to him, Kanu’s visit to America brought all Biafrans residing in the city and other parts of the world together to pursue a common cause under one dominant ideology.

    Read Also: Reconcile with Asari Dokubo, Ohanaze begs Nnamdi Kanu

    The statement reads: “The international move to gather Biafrans together for the total and final liberation of Biafran people from Nigeria by our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is gathering momentum across the whole world. Our people in America hosted Kanu, his wife Uchechi and his entourage at the Martin Luther Jnr Centre in Atlanta Georgia on May 30.

    “Many more Biafrans and Diaspora organisations are also preparing to host him in the various town hall meetings across the United States from Chicago to Houston, New York city, Maryland and Washington DC. He will also visit Toronto, Canada this weekend for an important meeting with IPOB family and Biafrans in Canada.”

  • A’Ibom APC disowns anti-Akpabio group

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has disowned a group, Ibom Integrity and Servant Leadership Culture Initiative, for embarking on smear campaigns against Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    The group, which claims to be part of the APC, penultimate week written to President Muhammadu Buhari, asking him not to consider Akpabio for any ministerial appointment on account of alleged corruption.

    A statement by the Publicity Secretary, Nkereuwem, said the group is not known to the party.

    The statement reads: “The State Working Committee has noted one faceless Elders’ group- Ibom Integrity and Servant Leadership Culture Initiative, parading and arrogating to itself the power of condemnation and recommendation as quite worrisome, embarrassing and unacceptable.

    Read Also: PDP caucus to members: support any APC candidate of your choice

    “We confirm that the self acclaimed leader of the group, Dr Asuquo Edidem Etim, is a disclaimer and not APC member and we have no such group in our APC groups’ Registration Register in Akwa Ibom State.

    “The party condemns the disparaging campaign against Senator Godswill Akpabio as evil fireworks meant to generate bad blood and disaffection in our party. Accordingly, the party warns such non-existent group, claiming to be an affiliate of APC, to desist forthwith as there is no provision in the APC constitution that grants such power(s) to anyone or group to dabble into the function, which is solely the prerogative of the State Working Committee (SWC).”

    The party maintained that such letters of condemnation and recommendation stand annulled with immediate effect.

    “On the weight of this release, President, Muhammadu Buhari, APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyary and the public are hereby advised to discountenance any such correspondence(s) as it not from the Akwa Ibom state secretariat,” Nkereuwem added.

  • Cultivate culture of tolerance, APC tells Nigerians

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to Nigerians, Muslims and non-Muslims, to cultivate the virtues of tolerance in their relationship with one another and shun divisive acts and tendencies capable of destabilising the country.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, stated this in a message to Muslims on the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

    The ruling party also urged Nigerians to be vigilant, especially in the period of security challenges, and report suspicious persons to relevant authorities.

    The statement reads: “In commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr signalling the end of the Ramadan period, the APC rejoices with all Muslim faithful and, indeed, all Nigerians, for the successful completion of the month-long fasting.

    “The party implores the Muslim Ummah to continue to imbibe the spirit, virtues and lessons of Ramadan, which include sacrifice, modesty and discipline in rededicating themselves to the task of nation-building.

    Read Also: You created problems we’re dealing with, not Oshiomhole, APC replies Oyegun

    “We equally admonish Muslims and non-Muslims to cultivate the virtues of tolerance in their relationship with fellow Nigerians and shun all divisive acts and tendencies capable of destabilising the country.

    “In the wake of our security challenges, such as terrorism, armed banditry and kidnapping, we ask all Nigerians to remain vigilant and security conscious and report suspicious activities around them to the relevant security agencies.

    “The President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration holds the protection of life and property of every Nigerian sacrosanct and would not relent in swiftly dealing with real and perceived threats in any part of the country.

    “Our great party urges all Nigerians to continue to pray for the peace, progress, stability and prosperity of our country and grant our leaders at all levels the wisdom to successfully steer the ship of our great nation.”

  • Tension in Tompolo’s kingdom over military operations

    The people of Gbaramatu in Warri Southwest local government area of Delta State have expressed concerns over alleged renewed military siege to their communities, expressing fears about another military operation.

    The Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs, in a statement on Tuesday, warned that wild charge by military troops is capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in the region.

    They urged President Muhammadu Buhari to restrain the troops.

    “There is an urgent need for Mr. President to investigate the activities of the military in the Niger Delta region, as it is not within the confines of the rules of engagement and this may lead to breakdown of law and order in the region as it is happening in Gbaramatu kingdom,” Godspower Gbenekama, the council’s scribe said.

    It was gathered tension has been rising in the area following last week’s failure by President Buhari to assent to the bill on the Nigerian Maritime University, which is located in Okerenkoko area of Gbaramatu.

    It was not clear, however, if the alleged military operation and fear in the area were in response to the latest development over the NMU Bill.

    Gbaramatu is the birthplace of wanted former militant, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

    Read Also: Killings in North have nothing to do with religion —ACF

    It has been the scene of several military operations in recent years.

    The traditional council’s statement noted there were “renewed siege, harassment and intimidation of communities and people of Gbaramatu kingdom by the Nigerian Military through water and air.”

    The statement signed by Gbenekama, who is the Fiyewei of the kingdom said: “Since then the people have been living in fears of possible military invasion like the one of May 2009, when the military overrun a number of communities, claiming hundreds of lives and the destruction of property worth billions of Nigeria.”

    Gbenekama said the people of the kingdom fear that the military is trying to repeat same act, unless urgent steps are taken by the Federal Government to call the military to order.

    “The recent action of the military could be described as a mischievous one as the kingdom is very peaceful and do not expect such military actions,” he added.

    The Gbaramatu leader admonished the military not to hide under the guise of insecurity to unleash mayhem on their people, stressing that even President Buhari’s home was more, but without similar military onslaught.

  • Rhetoric of division must not supersede Nigeria’s unity – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday urged Nigerians not to allow the rhetorics of division to supersede the unity of the country.

    He spoke during the Eid-Fitr homage to President Muhammadu Buhari, at the new Banquet Hall of the State House.

    Noting that Nigeria is a united country, he said that those that want to stoke up embers of division would not be allowed to do so.

    He said “Mr. President, the country as we speak today is at the threshold of greatness and you have said so yourself so many times. Any situation where something great and important is about to happen usually would have very many negative and opposing forces who would want to keep that from happening.

    “And I believe that our country is at the threshold of the breakthrough that we have been praying and hoping for all these many years. This is why many challenges are showing up; challenges around security, challenges around division, people who are stoking up embers of religious and ethnic divisions.

    “But this gathering is one of those gatherings that those of us in leadership; political leadership and religious leadership, demonstrate to our people that this country is a county of one people; the Nigerian people.

    “We may be different in our faiths, different in our ethnicities, but we are one people, the Nigerian people are one and united.

    “For that reason, I would want to commend all of our leaders who are here, for making this a tradition that we would come together as Christians and Muslims, and people of different faiths, for this particular event; not only to demonstrate our respect and pay our homage to Mr. President on this occasion, but to demonstrate to our people that this country is a united country and that those who want to stoke up embers of division would not be allowed to do so.

    Read Also: Buhari hails Osinbajo, urges him to remain exemplary

    “So I really want to urge all of our leaders who are here, religious and political leaders that we must not allow the rhetoric of division to supersede the rhetoric of unity. We must also speak up; we must speak in ways that unite our country.

    “We cannot keep quiet because there are so many negative statements being made every day and sometimes we ignore those statements and say “these are people who have no understandings.”

    “But if we allow these negative statements to continue, then they will define our country and define the situation of our country.

    “As I said, our country is destined for greatness and I know that the Almighty God will lead us to that greatness. And as we go day by day towards that greatness, those who want to hold us back, the Lord God Almighty will prevent them from doing so.” he stated

    He earlier congratulated the President on the special occasion of the end of the Ramadan.

    “Mr. President, I want to not just congratulate you on this particular occasion, but also to say that God Almighty has been extremely good to you and to our government.

    “I recall about two years ago, when I had to host this particular event, whilst you were away on medical leave at the time. But God has been so good that not only did he bring you back, he brought you back healthier than when you left. He has also been gracious enough to enable you to have a second opportunity to lead our great country.

    “I thank the Almighty God for you, I thank the Almighty God for all of us who have been a part of your Government and who have been part of what God has done in our midst.

    “As I have said once, the Ramadan period of the fast is always a very good time because first of all, all of my friends who are usually badly behaved, behave themselves much better. And I will not mention any names here today, they know themselves, and some of them are even looking at me. (General laughter)

    “I want to pray and hope that the good behaviour they maintained during the periods of the fasting will continue even for the next four years and beyond.

    “I want to again commend you Mr President and thank you very much for the good leadership you have shown in the past few years. And in this second term, I pray that the Almighty God will help you and strengthen you. The Almighty God will give you the grace and the understanding and will empower you, even more, to be able to do the things that you desire in your heart to do to make this country truly great.” he stated

  • State police necessary but requires constitution amendment – Shittu

    Law teacher Mr Wahab Shittu has backed the proposal for state and local government police but said a constitutional amendment is needed.

    He faulted the present arrangement whereby the police is centralised.

    Shittu said: “State police in the context of the peculiarities of Nigerian federation is a desideratum.

    “This is because all offences are local and easier to police by elements familiar with the terrain.

    “The present arrangements whereby our policing is centralised may have contributed to the upsurge in the rate of criminality in our society.”

    Shittu said the proposal for state police is in response to popular clamour and designed to come to terms with realities.

    He urged the government to take steps towards an amendment of the constitution.

    Read Also: Police arrest two in Ogun for vandalising petroleum pipelines

    “Governors as chief security officers of states have no control of police in states under their control.

    “Reference to Governors as chief security officers in the context of our federation as presently constituted is indeed a mockery.

    Police are under the control of IGP at the centre and this means our federation is in the reverse gear and a betrayal of the autonomy of states.

    “However there is no way we can have state police under the present constitutional arrangement without an amendment of the constitution.

    “If government accepts the recommendations on state police, issues a white paper on same, government has to follow the process through by introducing an Executive bill embodying the proposals to amend our constitution.

    “Can this be done? Yes. Is it desirable? Yes. lf achieved, it will go a long way in reducing the rate of criminality in our society,” Shittu said.

  • PDP caucus to members: support any APC candidate of your choice

    The caucus of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) may have jettisoned its reported interest in contesting for the position of the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, it emerged Tuesday.

    Following caucus meeting on Monday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Monday, the caucus has directed its members to vote for any aspirant of their choice from the All Progressives Congress (APC) contesting for the positions of the presiding officers of the 9th House.

    In a statement by the Minority Leader of the House, Leo Ogor Tuesday, the decision was taken in the interest of the nation.

    Ogor said: “While the nation looks forward to the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly, the PDP House Caucus is leaving no stone unturned in furtherance of its resolute determination to proactively decide the final outcome of the ongoing contest for leadership of the House in ways that would ultimately ensure that the people’s will ultimately prevails.

    “While we further our unflinching commitment to the principles and ethos of democracy, the PDP House Caucus has endorsed its members’ decision to work with Speakership aspirants from the ruling party, thereby allowing all who feel thus inclined, the freedom to attend all meetings, participate in campaigns, strategy sessions and other activities of any Speakership aspirant of their choice.

    Read Also: Qualities of next PDP gov candidate, by Dickson

    “While the PDP House Caucus has taken the decision with clear focus on the national interest as well as the future strategic goals of our party, we are not unaware that a few may unfortunately feel inclined to go overboard, nibbling dangerously at carrots dangled before them without adequately heeding appropriate guidelines.

    “Nonetheless, such risks have to be taken occasionally as part of sacrifice for the national interest – an overriding consideration for us in our great party.

    The caucus also congratulated Nigerian Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr celebration, saying, “After the focused and exacting spiritual discipline that the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan entails, it is our fervent wish that the collective supplications to our Almighty Creator over the fate of our nation, the growth of its democracy and welfare of citizens become a reality.

    “May good deeds and the virtues of love, tolerance, empathy and other noble attributes of Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W.) continue to grow and flourish among the entire populace so that we can all reach out to one another in the true pursuit of peace, unity and progress.”

  • Killings in North have nothing to do with religion —ACF

    Mouthpiece of Northern Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF) has said the continuous killing of innocent persons by insurgents, armed bandits and militia groups in the North and Nigeria at large has nothing to do with tenets of religion.

    In a Sallah message by its National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, ACF called on all elected public officers in executive and legislative positions to hit the ground running by delivering on their campaign promises.

    Biu, who lamented that security situation in the country, has become more worrisome said: “ACF wishes to observe that the killings of innocent souls by insurgents, armed bandits, by clashes between herdsmen and farmers as well as cult and militia groups and kidnapping in parts of the North and Nigeria are inconsistent with the tenets of all religions.

    Read Also: Eid-el Fitr: Gov. Buni asks Muslims to show compassion

    “While commending the efforts of the security agencies, we urge them to redouble their efforts in combating the crimes which have continued to be worrisome to Nigerians.

    “In the spirit of the seasons, ACF calls on Nigerians to embrace peaceful dialogue and forgiveness as the most religious and civilized means of addressing grievances rather than engage in hate speeches, threats and intimidation which are capable of degenerating into avoidable conflicts and conflagration that do no one or group any good.

    “ACF wishes to appeal to those beating the drums of succession, separation and balkanisation of Nigeria along ethnic and religious lines to have a rethink, as we are all better in a united larger Nigeria than in small confederation of regions.”

  • Flying Eagles lacked coordination, says Akanni

    Ex-international Wahidi Akanni on Tuesday said that the performance of the U-20 Flying Eagles at the ongoing World Cup in Poland was not impressive.

    He made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    The U-20 squad crashed out in the round of 16, having lost to Senegal, a fellow African country 1-2.

    Goals from Senegal’s Amadou Sagna and Ibrahima Niane were enough to seal the win for the Young Teranga Lions in spite of Flying Eagle’s Aniekeme Okon’s consolation goal.

    “I wasn’t surprised at all, the team didn’t impress me one bit. Obviously they have been lucky to have even qualified from the group stage.

    “They lack tact, we have seen better U-20 squads in recent times, this is not just a well- coordinated squad,” he said.

    The Moscow (Soviet Union) 1985 U-20 World Cup Bronze medalist told NAN that the selection of the players from the outset was questionable.

    “In my days, players were picked from every nook and cranny of this country but this selection, I don’t understand.

    “We consistently don’t see the need to encourage our home-based players to put in effort, I mean at the end of the day what’s in it for them,” the former Lagos FA Chairman said.

    He also said that the team had too many heads, without clear separation of functions.

    “There are too many lead coaches in the team, so it is just a disaster waiting to happen, we need to do better next time.

    Read Also; Flying Eagles crash out of U20 World Cup

    “Even the technical crew, I didn’t see them address each technical issue in each encounter in the tournament.

    “The same problem they faced is still there in subsequent matches from the get go to the end,” he said.

    Coach Paul Aigbogun’s squad were knocked out of the tournament in Poland by their West African neighbours on Monday night.

    Nigeria’s underwhelming display at the FIFA U20 World Cup came to an end after a 2-1 defeat to Senegal in Monday’s Round of 16 fixture.

    The defeat in Lodz ended the Flying Eagles campaign in Poland.

    Nigerian fans are far from happy with the team’s performance and coach Aigbogun’s tactical decisions.

    (NAN)