July 2018
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The Senator representing Bayelsa East in the National Assembly, Ben Murray-Bruce, has welcomed the Senate president Bukola Saraki back to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Saraki on Tuesday evening, announced his exit from the All Progressives party in a Tweet on his Twitter handle @bukolasaraki.
Saraki said: “I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Although, Saraki did not indicate the party he is moving to, Ben Bruce however welcomed him home to PDP.
Ben bruce wrote: ” Today, I am excited to welcome home to the @OfficialPDPNig, the very sagacious and excellent leader and president of the @NGRSenate, Distinguished Sen. @bukolasaraki. The @APCNigeria failed at putting you down, and inadvertently succeeded in making you stronger. Welcome home”

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Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has finally announced his exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Saraki announced his decision in a Tweet on his Twitter handle @bukolasaraki on Tuesday evening.
The tweet read: “I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
He did not indicate the party he is moving to, though there have been speculations of his plan to defect back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ten Senators last week defected from the APC to the PDP, while two others joined African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Saraki’s final exit might have been hasten by the dissolution of the Kwars State executive of the APC at all levels on Monday by the National Working Committee of the party (NWC).
The NWC asked a caretaker committee led by Hon. Bashir Bolarinwa to run the party pending the election of new leaders.
Caretaker committees will be appointed at the ward and local government levels.
The dissolved state executive committee, which is loyal to Senate President Bukola Saraki, is led by Alhaji Ishola Balogun-Fulani, who has been openly castigating the party along with other leaders in the state.
It was learnt that the decision was taken because of alleged disloyalty by the Balogun-Fulani led APC executive.
It was also gathered that the step became necessary to prevent Saraki from “hijacking” the party’s candidates who will be elected at the primaries of APC.

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Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere was removed from office yesterday by the House of Assembly for “gross misconduct”.
Nineteen of the 27 members of the Assembly voted for his removal after reviewing the report of the seven-man panel set up by the chief judge to investigate allegations of misconduct levelled against him.
Maduemere
The panel report, according to Speaker Acho Ihim, indicted Madumere.
The motion for his impeachment was moved by Lugard Osuji (Owerri Municipality) and seconded by Victor Onyewuchi (Owerri North).
The deputy governor was accused of  abandoning his official duties for three months without reasons or official permission, failure to perform constitutional duties, like attending State Executive Council (Exco) meetings and State Security Council, failure to attend meetings with the governor and other government functionaries and  concealment of felonious act in the United States of America (U.S.A).
Head of Service (HoS) Callistus Okenze was cleared by the Assembly to replace Madumere.
Okenze is from Mbaitoli Local Government Area in Owerri zone, where the former deputy governor hails from.
Madumere became deputy governor in 2013 after Jude Agbaso, who won the election with Governor Rochas Okorocha, was removed for alleged corrupt practices.
Before his removal, Madumere obtained an injunction from an a Federal High Court in Abuja, restraining the Chief Judge, the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly from continuing with the impeachment proceeding because he was not formally served, as stipulated by law.
But the injunction was vacated by another Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice A. O. Musa, on the grounds that no court had the powers to restrain the House of Assembly from carrying out an impeachment or a state Chief Judge from carrying out his legitimate duty, including the setting up of the mandatory seven-man committee required to investigate allegations against the deputy governor.
Madumere, who was elevated to deputy governor from Chief of Staff, fell out of favour with Okorocha over the 2019 sucession plan.
He is among a group of politicains who organsed a purported congress that produced an execo which the court later dissolved.
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Kano Speaker Alhaji Abdullahi Yusif Attah Fagge

Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly Abdullahi Attah Fagge has been removed.
He was replaced with former Speaker Kabiru Al-Hassan Rurum.
The move followed a motion by Labaran Abdul Madari (Warawa) seconded by Abdullahi Yaryasa (Tudun Wada).
Fagge was accused of corruption and not carrying members along in matters relating to the House.
The deputy Speaker was replaced by former Deputy Speaker Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari (Makoda); Majority leader Mohammad Butu-Butu was replaced by Baffa Babba Dan Agundi.
Ayuba Labaran (Kabo) is the new Majority Whip.
Labaran Abdul Madari is the new Chief Whip while Kabiru Hassan Dashi is the new deputy Majority leader.
Twenty-seven of the 40 members signed Fagge’s impeachment notice.
Rurum pledged to be dedicated and carry members along.
He led an impeachment move against Fagge two months ago but he survived it, following Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s intervention.
Ganduje said he had no knowledge of Fagge’s removal until top members of his party told him on the phone.
The governor, who described the incident as a proof of internal democracy, said it was good for any progressive democracy.
The governor spoke at the Government House when Rurum and his principal officers visited him. They pledged their loyalty to the governor, and reaffirmed their support for his re-election.
Ganduje said: “I didn’t know what happened in the House of Assembly. I was informed by top members of our party that the Speaker has been removed.
“As you know, there have been, and there would be different interpretations to what has happened, but one thing is that we believe in internal democracy.
“I urge you to embrace those who lost their seats and ensure there are no factions within the House.
“I welcome you to the Government House, your house, and I reassure you that there shall be synergy between the government and the Assembly for the greater development of the state.”
Rurum hailed the Ganduje-led administration, and reaffirmed the lawmakers will work with the governor for the peace and progress of the state.
He assured Ganduje there shall be no defections, as efforts are on to win over the six Kwankwansiyya loyalists.
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Saraki Senate
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday moved against the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, by sacking the Kwara State Executive Council of the party loyal to him.
The party appointed a new Caretaker Committee which would be headed by Hon. Bashir Bolarinwa.
It was learnt that the decision was taken because of the alleged disloyalty of Ishola Balogun Fulani -led APC executives in the state.
The APC position was contained in a statement signed by the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole and the National Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Buni.
The statement said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) at its meeting of 30th July , 2018 examined the unfolding developments within the party in Kwara State, specifically the irregularities that characterized the conduct and outcome of the Congresses that produced the leadership of the party at all levels (Ward, Local Government and State.
“The committee also reviewed the actions of some leaders of the party that emerged from the above congress who participated in an open rally calling on the Senate President to decamp to the PDP
“The National Working Committee after a careful and exhaustive deliberation on this and other developments in the state chapter of the party, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 13.4(xvi) and (xvii) of the party’s constitution invoked its power as enshrined therein and hereby resolves as follows:
“To dissolve all party organs from Ward, Local Government and State Executive of the party in Kwara State.
“To constitute Caretaker Committee at all levels of the party organ at: (a) Ward, (b) Local Government; and (c) State Executive Committees of the All progressives Congress in Kwara State.
“That Hon. Bashir Bolarinwa shall and is hereby appointed as the chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the State Executive Committee of APC in Kwara State.
“That this shall take immediate effect.”
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Communities of Unguwar Dan-Baki, Sabon-Layi village in Birnin-Gwari local government area of Kaduna State, were on Sunday evening attacked by armed bandits.
The attackers who stormed the village around 7.00pm killed three people and abducted two nursing mothers, one of them an infant of eight days old and five men.
An eye witness, Garba Tanko said: “We were attacked as we are about joining Maghreb (evening) prayers.”
The attackers had a field day and carted away cattle use for animal traction by the villagers in their farms.
The attackers are using a corridors of Kamuku Forest and Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara state to terrorize farming communities in Birnin-Gwari local government territories.
Confirming the incident to newsmen in Kaduna on Monday, Chairman, Birnin-Gwari Vanguards for Security and Good Governance, Ibrahim Abubakar Nagwari called on the Federal Government to deploy more troops to the area.
According to him, “As the military and police personnel are advancing to secure many parts of our territories from armed bandits and kidnappers especially along Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna road as well as Birnin-Gwari-Funtua road, we are calling on the federal government to deploy more security forces to Birnin-Gwari to prevent influx of armed bandits escaping military onslaught in Zamfara state to Birnin-Gwari.”
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Muktar Aliyu did not respond to calls put across to him to confirm the incident, neither did he respond to text message sent to his mobile line as at the time of filing this report.

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The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dame Julie Okah-Donli, said on Monday that at least 10,500 Nigerians have been rescued from Libya.
This number includes the 3,500 rescued by the Federal Government and over 7,000 repatriated from the North African country by the International Organization for Migration (IMO).
She said the agency has so far recorded 359 convictions against traffickers since inception and 43 this year alone.
The NAPTIP chief added that 10 potential Russia- bound human trafficking victims were rescued at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on their way out of the country.
Address journalists in Abuja at a press conference to mark the agencies 15th anniversary and the 2018 World day against human trafficking, Okah-Donli said NAPTIP has written to the Ministry of Sports, inviting people who returned from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia to report at its office.
She said: “With regards to Libya, so far we gave been able to rescue 3,500, IOM has rescued over 7,000 and it is a work in progress. So giving figures might not be doing justice because almost every week we have returnees to Nigeria. So it is not easy to just pin a figure at it because we may get a plane tomorrow or next.
“For the reintegration of the victims, we have 10 shelters. We give them psychosocial support, those who want to go to school were given the opportunity and those who want to acquire some skills, they do that. We reintegrate them back into the society at the end of the day.”

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The Speaker of the Zamfara House of Assembly, Alhaji Sanusi Rikiji on Sunday commended the federal government for the deployment of military troops to communities affected by bandits attacks in Zurmi local government area.
Rikiji, who is also chairman of the state Damage Assessment and Relief Committee, gave the commendation while addressing the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Government Arabic Secondary School Zurmi.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that more than 12,000 IDPs were displaced from 18 towns and villages in Zurmi local government area by the bandits.
“We thank the federal government for deployment of military personnel to these areas, we are still calling for more intervention and provision of sustainable security support in order to address the dwindling security situation facing the state,” he said.
He urged the IDPs to remain calm as government was working with security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure peace returns to the affected communities.
“We are also working with all stakeholders to improve your wellbeing while here in this camp”.
“I want to thank the emir of Zurmi Alhaji Abubakar Atiku over his concern and support to his people.
“We all know the efforts he have been making to ensure protection of lives and properties of his people, since yesterday we have been going up and down with him despite his age to ensure the IDPs are settled”, he said.
The Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku described the efforts of the federal and states governments as encouraging and also said, “what we have seen today is really appreciative, we want government to sustain these efforts”
“I am aware that the federal government deployed more than 350 military personnel to these areas, therefore we are hoping that the situation will be better”, he added.

Read also: Court dethrones Adamawa traditional ruler

Earlier, the state Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Alhaji Lawal Liman urged the people to embark on prayers, “we should pray to Allah so that to over come the incident”.
Liman lauded the orderly manner and cooperation by the communities where the camps are located.
He urged the IDPs to remain calm and always cooperate with the officials in order to maintain peaceful coexistence.
The IDPs were camped by the state government at Government Arabic Secondary School Zurmi, Local Government Secretariat, MDGs Hospital and Primary Schools in Zurmi town.
NAN further reports that the affected communities are Mashema, Tunfa, Tungar Fulani, Tungar Nasarawa, Gambiro, Kwaddi Inwala, Kalage, Jena, Garkuwa, Tunani, Duka, Gidan Dutse, Gidan Kayya, Birane. GidanTsaka and Kuruniya.
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Following a fresh long-term contract with Liverpool, Taiwo Awoniyi has been farmed out to Belgian club, KAA Gent where he hopes to be among the goals and glory; reports MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN
Early in the mornings, Taiwo Awoniyi often sets forth at dawn with the popular praise and worship song of Glowreeyah Braimah – Your name is Yahweh – and the former junior international has revealed the reason behind such routine;  admitting his life and football career is nothing but a miracle.
“My favourite song has been composed and sung by many gospel singers,” began Awoniyi days after he signed another long five-year contract with Liverpool; and before going on with the late night conversation with our correspondent. Awoniyi, yet again, erupted into his favourite melodious chorus:  “Your name is Yahweh; your name is Yahweh; you’re the miracle working God; your name is Yahweh.”
Awoniyi’s career has been miraculous since he was spotted few years ago on the streets of Ilorin by United Academy Football Club. It was from there Awoniyi went to Imperial Soccer Academy owned by former Nigerian international midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana,  after posting a fine performance at the Copa-Coca Cola tournament  London where he was voted one of the Most Valuable Players.  He would soon be on his way to the national Under-15 side where he played along with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Eze, amongst other budding talents with whom he was promoted to the national U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets class of 2013.
Sparingly used until the team’s main striker, Isaac Success, copped an injury in the second FIFA U-17 World Cup match against Sweden, Awoniyi seized the moment at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain by scoring the important equaliser in that nervy 3-3 draw against the Europeans.
He ended the tournament with four important goals that helped Nigeria to her fourth title at the global cadet championship and his career has been on the upward swing ever since.
Two years later, his goals also helped the Flying Eagles to a gold-rious finish at the 2015 African Under-20  Nations Cup in Senegal Eagles which qualified the country to the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
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Awoniyi’s potentialities were there for all to see in New Zealand despite the Flying Eagles’ little success since he was snapped up by English Premier League side, Liverpool Football Club.
“I feel happy and really excited about this new contract with Liverpool and all thanks to God because he made all things possible,” offered Awoniyi with his usual pure smiles. “To be honest, I never see it  (the new contract) coming; all my goal was just to get better and work hard wherever I found myself  but  it’s part of what I asked  God before the beginning of the last season and he made it possible.
“This is a long-term contract which will keep me as LFC (Liverpool Football Club) player for more years and I know playing for Liverpool is what will happen eventually if I get the work permit and the coach finds me fitting in the style of play of the club
“But I believe giving me a new contract is due to the trust and belief the club and the coaching staff have in me based on how I’ve  developed  in  the first  three  years (of the initial contract). I just have to work harder and hopefully, God ‘ll make it a success.”
Awoniyi has every reason to be looking forward to his 21st anniversary on August 12 coupled with his sterling performances as a loanee out of Anfield in the last three years with three different clubs including FSV Frankfurt , NEC Nijmegen and Royal Excel Mouscron.
Last season, he had the credit of scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in all competitions for Excel Mouscron in the Belgian Jupiler. His fine performance has now been rewarded  during the week with another loan deal to Gent who reportedly finished fourth in the Belgian top-flight last season to secure a spot for the final round of Europa League qualification.
“I’m not discouraged  in any way  despite the fact that I’ve not been able to play at Anfield with Liverpool since  I’ve been on loan to clubs in Germany, Holland and Belgium,” said Awoniyi who was shockingly left out of the national U-23 team to the Rio 2016 Olympic Football Tournament. “One thing that keeps me going even when I have disappointments is my belief and trust in God.
“Many times, God has revealed himself to me as God in my life and this alone can never get me discouraged about anything whatsoever in life as a whole. And I must also add that my family has been very important.
“From the start, playing football is just what I loved and I pray to God to allow my dreams come true and that’s why I chose Liverpool.
“Going to Gent is good for me; Gent is one of the best clubs in Belgium and with a very nice and good atmosphere to play. It’s an opportunity of another year of hard work and commitment in getting better as a player and hoping to develop more once giving the chance.
“Of course, I’m going to Gent for goals and glory. I’m going to develop more as a player and for the success of the team; and whatever we achieve as a team will be glory at the end of the championship. God willing, I’ll score goals as well if I have the opportunity.”
Incidentally as a loanee away from Anfield, Awoniyi has given a rare insight about his experience in Germany, Holland and Belgium in the last three years, adding that it has bolstered his confidence for a better and brighter future.
He volunteered: “I have had different experiences playing in Germany, Holland and Belgium. It was quite a tough time for me in Holland (with NEC Nijmegen) because I had less chance of playing most of the time. I only got my chance when the club changed the coach towards the end of the season; but the new coach gave me the chance and I was able to I score in the last five games.
“It was quite different in Belgium. I got enough of playing time with Mouscron immediately I joined them and this helped a lot as the league progressed.
“Generally, the first two years in Germany and Holland were more of a learning process for me; and I’m still learning and hopefully to get better by the grace of God.
“Sometimes it is difficult to stay the same all through, most especially when things are not going the way you wish for. I just keep trusting God and doing my best; and hoping it will end in success.”
Born August 12, 1997, Awoniyi has remarkably featured at all levels of the national team from  the U-15 to the U-23  and he believes he would soon earn his first international cap to follow on the legends of his former teammates that have been so blessed in that regard.
“Life has taught me lot,” stated the unpretentious guy. “Everyone has been taught one lesson or the other; life has taught me to trust and lean only on God since he alone knows and ordains all things. I believe God is the greatest.
“It is the dream of every player to be featured for the national team (the Super Eagles), but I have never been disturbed (that some of my former teammates at the youth levels were at Russia 2018) because I know it will one day happen. With my mates that are already there in the Super Eagles, it shows the hard work they’ve put into their game especially with the likes of (Wilfred) Ndidi and (Kelechi) Iheanacho and God has crowned it for them.
“The rest of us just have to work hard and pray God crown ours as well; hopefully if is destined, I will get there as well God willing.”
Following the end of FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, the name on the lip of everyone has been that of French youngster Kylian Mbape, but Awoniyi differs on the choice of the most exciting player on planet football at the moment.
“Currently, my most admired footballer in the world is Roberto Firmino of Liverpool,” stated Awoniyi whose style is being compared with legendary Nigerian striker, Rashid Yekini. “This is simply because he works so hard for the team and he plays more for the team upfront and makes the job easier for others
“I love his style; I love playing more for the team so that we can get the needed points. Yes, scoring goals is very important, as well as a striker but the team success is more important and I’m counting on God for goals and glory with Gent,” stated Awoniyi.
Certainly, the rank and file of  De Bufallos (The Buffalos) complete with  three other Nigerians including Samuel Kalu, Moses Simon and Anderson Esiti would be delighted with the arrival of Awoniyi to the Ghelamco Arena as the 2018/2019 Belgian Jupiler season gets underway.

AWONIYI: IN NUMBERS
1.The number of goals scored by Awoniyi in 13 appearances on his first loan spell from Liverpool with 2. German side, FSV Frankfurt.

2.On his second loan spell with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, Awoniyi was featured 18 times in all competition but he managed to score just two goals.

4.Awoniyi is a FIFA World Cup U-17 winner with Nigeria in 2013 and he remarkably scored four goals in six matches he featured in as the Golden Eaglets claimed the country’s fourth title in the United Arab Emirates.

5.The number of years for his newly-signed contract with the English Premier League, Liverpool Football Club, after he completed his first three-year contract signed in 2015 for a reported fee of around £400,000.

7. In 2015, Awoniyi’s goals were instrumental to the success of the Flying Eagles at the CAF African U-20 Championship, and was credited with seven goals in both the qualifiers and tournament proper held in Senegal.

9.The  last 2017/2018 season can well be described as Awoniyi’s best moment  so far as a Liverpool  loanee  to Belgian side, Royal Excel Mouscron, where he scored an impressive nine goals in 29 matches to earn him a new contract with the Anfield giants.

16.Awoniyi admitted June 16th 2018 is one of his happiest days after he tied the nuptial knots at a celebrated white wedding in Ilorin with his fiancée, Taiwo Jesudun, after engagement and traditional wedding a day earlier in Kabba.
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Emeka Ndukwu, 46, a Nigerian-American based in Maryland, has been sentenced to four years in prison for engaging in business e-mail scheme and conspiring to launder more than $900,000 proceeds of scams.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in a statement, said Ndukwu tricked seven companies in the United States and abroad into wiring more than $900,000 into accounts controlled by various co-conspirators.
“A co-defendant, Chuka Mbonu, 33, of Nigeria, remains at large,” the U.S. authorities said.
FBI said: “Ndukwu, a dual citizen of the United States and Nigeria, pleaded guilty in April 2018 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of money laundering conspiracy.
“He was sentenced by the Honourable Timothy J. Kelly. Following his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release.
“The judge also ordered Ndukwu to pay $791,870 in restitution to the companies.
“Additionally, Judge Kelly ordered Ndukwu to forfeit a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 and to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $429,848, representing the share of the criminal proceeds that Ndukwu personally obtained”.
According to documents filed at the time of the plea, Ndukwu participated in an ongoing conspiracy from 2013 through 2017 to receive and launder the proceeds of various cyber frauds, primarily arising from business e-mail (“BEC”) compromise schemes.
In a typical BEC scheme, a co-conspirator tricks a company into transferring large sums of money into accounts controlled by others participating in the scheme.
Using fake e-mails, often containing forged sender addresses, co-conspirators impersonate someone connected to the victim company and deceive an employee of that company into wiring funds.
Soon after the wire transfers are completed, the co-conspirators drain the bank accounts and launder the criminal proceeds.
“This particular conspiracy targeted at least seven companies in the United States and overseas, including victims in Texas, Illinois, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, India, Japan, and China.
“The victims were fraudulently induced into sending $916,056 in wire transfers to accounts controlled by Ndukwu and other co-conspirators.
“The funds were then laundered through transactions conducted in Washington, D.C. and other jurisdictions, including layering through shell company accounts and accounts controlled by co-conspirators,” the FBI said.
According to the court documents, Ndukwu used false aliases and forged Nigerian passports to facilitate these schemes, and he used encrypted messaging to communicate with co-conspirators.
Ndukwu was indicted in December 2017 and has been in custody since his arrest that month.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Brown and Michael Marando are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist C. Rosalind Pressley, while former Assistant U.S. Attorney Natalia Medina participated in investigating the case. (NAN)
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When it comes to Usain Bolt potentially joining the A-League or any other issue in football, Tim Cahill believes it should boil down to what the fans want.
Central Coast chief executive Shaun Mielekamp has flown to London this weekend with high hopes of signing a deal for Bolt to undertake a six-week trial.
Football Federation Australia must tip in about $900,000 from its marquee fund, established to help clubs sign stars capable of boosting the A-League's profile, for the Mariners to sign the eight-time Olympic champion.
The FFA is yet to indicate whether Bolt would satisfy the criteria that governs whether clubs can access marquee funds, suggesting that bridge will be crossed after a trial.
"Really in football, all that matters is what the fans want," Cahill said when asked about Bolt's proposed A-League stint.
"He's a fantastic world-class athlete. Now he has to prove his fitness and prove he can play football.
"If he can, then it could be a success.
"I can't really comment on whether he can do it because I've never seen him play."
Bolt, who holds the 100m and 200m world records, retired from sprinting last year and has been linked with moves to the Central Coast Mariners, the Las Vegas Lights, as well as clubs in Turkey and Hungary.
Many pundits believe signing the Jamaican sprinter would be a poor use of money from FFA's marquee pot of $3 million.
Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque has no issue with the prospect of the fund being used to recruit Bolt.
"It's good. I think it's great. If we can attract big names, that's what we want to do," Brosque told AAP.
"We want bums on seats.
"If someone like Usain is going to do that -- provided he can provide something on the field for the Mariners -- then I'm all for it."
Bolt has already trained with German club Borussia Dortmund, Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns this year.
"To have him here and everything he can bring, in terms of media and awareness, would be great," Brosque said.
"The fact he's trialling is very good.
"If he's good enough, it'd be great to see him on the field. Provided I'm not marking him then all good."

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has been officially declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti state.
Fayemi was declared governor-elect by the Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Idowu Abel Olayinka at 7.59 am on Sunday.
Olayinka, who is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, declared the poll’s outcome after party agents signed the official result sheet.
Fayemi polled 197, 459 votes to defeat the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and incumbent Deputy Governor, Professor Kolapo Olusola who garnered 178, 121 votes.
The former Minister’s declaration was greeted with the chants of APC Change! APC change! APC change!!! by party faithful at the state collation centre.
According to Olayinka, total number of valid votes cast is 394, 594.
Total number of rejected votes is 18, 857 while total number of votes cast is 403, 451.
READ ALSO: Buhari congratulates Fayemi, urges losers to be gallant in conceding defeat
Other results declared by Olayinka include Accord, 250;  Action Alliance, 41; ACD, 1149; AD, 216; ADB, 1082;  ADA, 107; AGAO, 31; ANRP, 125;  APA, 1199; and APDA, 464.
Also declared were APGA, 70; ANPP, 14;  DA, 14; DPC, 147; DPP,181; FJP, 42;  GPN, 20; I.D, 31;, KOWA, 23; LP, 280; MMN, 35; MPN, 23; NDLP, 44; NPC, 353 PANDEL, 74; and PGC, 1242.
Others are DPA, 632; PPN, 107; SDO, 367; UDP, 29;  UPN, 33; YDP, 31 and YPP, 49.
Olayinka said the total valid votes in the election was 384,594 while total votes cast was 403,451, with 18,857 votes invalidated.
Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor AbdulGaniy Olayinka Raji, expressed satisfaction with the conduct and integrity of the exercise.
Raji said: “We kept our promise and we have kept to our promise.”
APC agent, Mr. Sunday Adunmo, said Fayemi’s victory is an assurance that better days are ahead.
He said: “This is victory for Ekiti men, women, young and old. We thank God that we have reclaiming our land and restoring our values.
“The light is back again, darkness is over in Ekiti.”
Fayemi’s declaration as governor-elect has sparked jubilation in many towns and communities.
The PDP, however, rejected the results, saying the election was marred by irregularities and attacks of its members and supporters.
The party’s agent at the collation centre, Mr Sunday Olowolafe, urged the commission to stay action on the declaration of a winner until a re-run was conducted where there were established cases of violence, vote-buying and ballot snatching.
Fayemi is expected to take over from the incumbent, Mr Ayo Fayose, on Oct. 16, 2018.

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Results of the Ekiti Governorship election declared by Local Government Collation officers at State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Ado Ekiti.
Ilejemeje LG
APC 4,156
PDP 3,937
Irepodun LG
APC13,869
PDP 11,456
Idi Osi LG
APC 12,342
PDP 11,145
Oye LG
APC 14,995
PDP 11,271
Efon LG
APC 5,028
PDP 5,192
Moba LG
APC 11,837
PDP 8,520
Ijero LG
APC , 14,192
PDP 11,077
Gbonyi LG
APC 11,498
PDP 8,027
Emure LG
APC 7,048
PDP 7,121
Ikere LG
APC 11,515
PDP 17,183
Ekiti West LG
APC 12,648
PDP 10,137
Ikole LG
APC 14,522
PDP 13,961
Ise Orun LG
APC 11,908
PDP 6,297
Ekiti East
APC 12,778
PDP 11,544
Ekiti South West
APC 11,015
PDP ,8423
Ado LG
APC 28,111
PDP 32,810

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France's players of African origin will be proud to represent the continent when they face Croatia in Sunday's World Cup final, according to Les Bleus ' coach Didier Deschamps.
14 members of France's squad, including Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe and Samuel Umtiti, are of African origin, and Deschamps says that these players still feel attachment to their countries of origin.
"It has always been the case that the French team has always had players from Africa and from other countries and territories, and not just in football but in other sports," Deschamps told journalists at Saturday's pre-match press conference in Moscow.
"They are all French and they are all proud to be French," he added, "but through their origins, through their childhood, they have friends, they have families in these countries so they have a certain attachment to these countries and a certain pride that these people will see them play in a World Cup Final."
France haven't won a World Cup for 20 years since they defeated Brazil 3-0 on home soil, but despite being beaten on penalties by Italy in 2006, will surely fancy their chances of ending their wait for the title at the Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday.
"We are in our own little bubble and we don't want to think about being favourites," Hugo Lloris insisted. "We don't listen much to what is going on outside, although we were aware of the celebrations after the last game.
"We have to respect our opponents because they reached the Final and they showed great incredible mental strength to qualify after three extra times in a row."
"They have great individual players and will have to play a perfect game in order to win."
Croatia defeated Denmark and Russia on penalties in the Last 16 and quarter finals respectively before seeing off England 2-1 in extra time in their semi final.
France, by contrast, defeated Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium each within 90 minutes to advance.

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APC Olusola
The candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing Ekiti State election has emerged victorious in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Kayode Fayemi of the APC polled 13,869 votes in the local government of the outgoing governor, Ayodele Fayose. The PDP had 11,456 votes.
Even though the PDP won in Mr Fayose’s polling unit and ward, the votes in other wards were not enough to secure victory for his party in his local government.
The local government has 11 wards and results from each ward was collated at the headquarters of INEC situated in Igede.
A total of 66,162 electorates are registered in the local government while 27,306 were accredited.
Of the 27,211 votes cast, 25,849 were valid while 1362 were rejected.
Only party agents of APC and PDP present at the centre signed the result at 11:06p.m.
SEE THE FULL RESULTS BELOW:
AWO WARD 3
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 5102
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 2245
APC – 1074
PDP – 1002
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 2121
TOTAL REJECTED – 96
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 2217
NO CANCELLATION
IROPORA/ESURE/EYIO WARD 8
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 5637
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 2109
APC – 937
PDP – 1033
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 2006
TOTAL REJECTED – 103
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 2109
NO CANCELLATION
IGEDE 3 WARD 7
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 3902
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 1717
APC – 665
PDP – 963
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 1652
TOTAL REJECTED – 61
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 1713
NO CANCELLATION
AFAO WARD 1
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 4286
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 2036
APC – 517
PDP – 1361
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 1909
TOTAL REJECTED – 127
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 2036
NO CANCELLATION
ARE, WARD 2
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 4426
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 1968
APC – 701
PDP – 1095
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 1850
TOTAL REJECTED – 108
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 1958
NO CANCELLATION
IGEDE 2 WARD 6
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 5450
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 2307
APC – 891
PDP – 1190
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 2114
TOTAL REJECTED – 187
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 2301
NO CANCELLATION
IGEDE 1, WARD 5
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 5794
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 2610
APC – 1087
PDP – 1330
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 2475
TOTAL REJECTED – 135
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 2610
NO CANCELLATION
IYIN 1, WARD 10
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 6574
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 3014
APC – 2229
PDP – 612
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 2887
TOTAL REJECTED – 110
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 2998
NO CANCELLATION
IYIN 2, WARD 11
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 7148
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 3188
APC – 2218
PDP – 743
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 3018
TOTAL REJECTED – 165
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 3183
NO CANCELLATION
IWOROKO, WARD 9
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 11025
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 2658
APC – 1315
PDP – 1140
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 2521
TOTAL REJECTED – 130
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 2651
NO CANCELLATION
IGBEMO, WARD 4
TOTAL NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS – 6836
TOTAL NO OF ACCREDITED – 3454
APC – 2235
PDP – 987
TOTAL VALID VOTES – 3295
TOTAL REJECTED – 140
TOTAL NO OF VOTES CAST – 3435
NO CANCELLATION
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EIGHT critically endangered black rhinos are dead in Kenya after wildlife workers moved them from the capital to a new national park, the government said at the weekend, calling the toll “unprecedented” in more than a decade of such transfers.
Preliminary investigations point to salt poisoning as the rhinos tried to adapt to saltier water in their new home, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said in a statement, describing how the animals likely became dehydrated and drank more salty water in a fatal cycle.
The ministry suspended the ongoing move of rhinos and said the surviving ones in the new park were being closely monitored.
The loss is “a complete disaster,” said prominent Kenyan conservationist Paula Kahumbu of WildlifeDirect.
Conservationists in Africa have been working hard to protect the black rhino sub-species from poachers targeting them for their horns to supply an illegal Asian market.
In moving a group of 11 rhinos to the newly created Tsavo East National Park from Nairobi last month, the Kenya Wildlife Service said it hoped to boost the population there. The government agency has not said how the rhinos died. Fourteen of the animals were to be moved in all.
“Disciplinary action will definitely be taken” if an investigation into the deaths indicates negligence by agency staff, the wildlife ministry said.
“Moving rhinos is complicated, akin to moving gold bullion, it requires extremely careful planning and security due to the value of these rare animals,” Kahumbu said in a statement. “Rhino translocations also have major welfare considerations and I dread to think of the suffering that these poor animals endured before they died.”
Transporting wildlife is a strategy used by conservationists to help build up, or even bring back, animal populations. In May, six black rhinos were moved from South Africa to Chad, restoring the species to the country in north-central Africa nearly half a century after it was wiped out there.
Kenya transported 149 rhinos between 2005 and 2017 with eight deaths, the wildlife ministry said.
According to WWF, black rhino populations declined dramatically in the 20th century, mostly at the hands of European hunters and settlers. Between 1960 and 1995 numbers dropped by 98 percent, to fewer than 2,500.
Since then the species has rebounded, although it remains extremely threatened. In addition to poaching the animals also face habitat loss.
African Parks, a Johannesburg-based conservation group, said earlier this year that there are fewer than 25,000 rhinos in the African wild, of which about 20 percent are black rhinos and the rest white rhinos.
In another major setback for conservation, the last remaining male northern white rhino on the planet died in March in Kenya, leaving conservationists struggling to save that sub-species using in vitro fertilization.
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Cultism - Cult


Management of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Offa local government of Kwara state said it has suspended two students of the institution suspected to be cult members.
The names of the students include Tajudeen Selim and Temitope Omotosho.
The state police command had early in the week paraded some students of the polytechnic for alleged involvement in cult activities.
Management added that before the students were paraded by the police, it reported the incidence of forceful initiation to security agencies based on the complaint lodged by the student who was forcefully initiated.
In a statement, polytechnic spokesperson Olayinka Aroye said the police’s quick response and intervention was responsible for the arrest.
Mr. Aroye said: “The two suspected students were suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the police investigation and further findings on the matter.
Adewusi Vincent who was mentioned along with the two had ceased to be a student of the institution having been withdrawn from the Polytechnic since 2017 for poor performance.
“The management wishes to state unequivocally that cases of cultism have been a thing of past in the institution as the new management under Dr. Lateef Ademola Olatunji had purged the institution of all forms of cultism, gangsterism and other anti social vices since he came on board as Rector in 2017.
“Other offences such as examination malpractices, sexual harassment are also gross misconduct at the Polytechnic which attract outright expulsion from the institution. Students found culpable are equally handed over to the law enforcement agents for prosecution.
“The management, through its directorate of students’ affairs has put a lot of measures in place to checkmate cultism with the introduction of the use of security form for newly admitted students; regular sensitization of students where they are admonished to steer clear of cultism, hooliganism and other forms of social menace.
“And that they should be of good conduct everywhere they are in order to ensuring peaceful co-existence within and outside the polytechnic campuses and maintaining harmonious relationship with other colleagues and the host communities.
Since then, the students union executives and other students have been well behaved and have not been found wanting both in character and
learning.
It is on record that the Polytechnic enjoys a serene atmosphere, peace and tranquility than ever before.
“It was likely because of the institution’s zero tolerance for cultism and stern sanctions on offenders who contravene and breach the rule that led the suspects to have taken themselves outside Offa to perpetrate the acts.”
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 Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has hailed the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on their victories at the Supreme Court on Friday.
Abubakar in a statement issued by his media office on Friday, in Abuja, said the judgments had further affirmed the judiciary as last hope for the citizens.
He commended the Supreme Court jurists for the unanimity in their judgment, saying that the development had further affirmed that the judiciary was the real bastion of equity and good governance in any society.
“I believe this judgment has given hope to Nigerians, that the judiciary will always be fair and firm on issues relating to individuals seeking redress in law courts.
“I am a firm believer in the rule of law and I will never forget the role the judiciary played in emboldening me to continue with my efforts to provide good and quality leadership for Nigeria and Nigerians.
“The multiple suits on corruption which I won in my days of trial as Vice President will never be forgotten in a hurry. It was an independent, firm and fair judiciary that made it all possible,’’ Abubakar said.
The former Vice President praised the Judiciary for standing up to the truth and not leaving justice to the whims and caprices of those in power.
He maintained that by its courageous and principled stance, the judiciary had further enhanced it place, role and relevance in consolidating the nation’s democracy.
Abubakar however, said the victory was not only for Saraki but for the entire Senate.
“The victory is for the entire National Assembly which has been facing challenges of legitimacy and intimidation arising from a not too cordial relationship with the executive arm of government,’’ he said.
In the case of Gov. Ugwuanyi, he said the Court’s affirmation of the legitimacy of his election, had shown that he was indeed the true choice of the people of Enugu state.
Abubakar noted that although the case lasted in the courts, the governor was not distracted but continued to passionately execute people-oriented projects in the state which according to him had significantly improved the lives of the people.
Abubakar urged Ugwuanyi to continue on the tradition of excellence for the good of the people of the state, and for the PDP, in whom the people had for many years invested their political future.
He also urged both Saraki and Ugwuanyi to continue to serve the people of Nigeria honestly, as they had been doing in their various capacities.(NAN)
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Belgium have beaten Brazil 2-1 in Kazan to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup home, sending the five-time World champions home.
The Samba Boys  had conceded just one goal in their past four games in Russia but were behind early when Nacer Chadli’s corner struck Fernandinho’s arm and flew into the net, the 10th own goal of this World Cup.
Fernandinho’s Manchester City team-mate Kevin de Bruyne doubled Belgium’s lead with a sublime arrowed finish from 20 yards after Romelu Lukaku’s powerful run.


Brazil could find no answer until a 76th-minute headed reply from Renato Augusto, with star man Neymar virtually anonymous other than three poor attempts to win a penalty, although Referee Milorad Mazic perhaps should have pointed to the spot when Vincent Kompany dived in on Gabriel Jesus.
Neymar did finally come to life in injury time, forcing a brilliant save from Thibaut Courtois with a curling shot from outside the area, but it was not enough to sustain his team’s challenge.
Belgium will battle France, who had earlier on sent Uruguay home with a 2-0 victory, in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday 10th July, for a place in the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup
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Obasanjo Soyinka



Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recorded “sumptuous spectacular failures” in the 11 years he steered the affairs of the nation as military Head of State and civilian President, Prof. Wole Soyinka has said.
Soyinka’s assessment of the former leader is contained in the preface to his 148-page book, “Intervention VIII: Gani’s Unfinished Business”.
He described Obasanjo as having a phobia for education and intellectualism.
According to Soyinka, Obasanjo’s records in office are clothed with lies, deceptions, misrepresentations, distortions and denigration of others.
The former president could not be reached for comments yesterday.
Noting Obasanjo’s genuine attachment to the nation, Soyinka said it would be most unjust to label him an outright failure, notwithstanding that Obasanjo readily does so to his predecessors and successors in office.
He said: “However, to state starkly that he has recorded sumptuous, spectacular failures in the total of 11 years of managing the Nigerian real estate is to stay within arguable borders, and that is where we choose to pitch our tent, daring even the most devoted of his apologists to dispute such an obvious assessment.”
The Nobel laureate said it would be the highest form of moral dereliction to fail to present a glimpse of a dark, sinister side of such “a paternalistic, caring figure”.
“This is a recurring decimal which now presents itself as a dedicated, even passionate rescue miss omer for a nation that is unarguably in need of a moral compass and competent leadership.”
Soyinka faulted Obasanjo’s “seductive pretensions of ease and benign, protective assurance among school pupils”, noting that even Adolf Hitler loved children so much that “he created a Nazi Youth Brigade, a mind bending induction from which a subsequent leadership generation still strives,  remorsefully, to dissociate itself”.
The poet said: “Not for  moment does one intend a comparison with that universal criminal, Adolf Hitler. We merely propose that cultivating the image of a committed child educationist in one’s dotage does not obliterate certain records, such as that instance when, as Head of State  our subject ordered that mothers, on their way to handover a letter of protest at the incineration of their children on the tarmac of Port Harcourt airport, should be stopped by all means…
“Compared to such a spectacle of infanticidal horror and executive callousness, the educational phobia that led to a policy of rabid anti-intellectualism under his watch may be deemed mere trivia. Yet the damage done to a nation through such an unhindered  detestaion of educational institutions as the stamp of his ruling mandate remains to plague the nation.
“And there are other acts of anti-intellectualism provable against our born-again educationist and developer of youthful minds, implemented at a time when it crucially mattered- under His Watch! This crafted images of childhood love constitute an obscenity, and remain offensive to any people of memory and discernment.
“Even the crassest of such petulant deeds of misgovernance, born of insecurity, can however be mitigated, even amnestied by a late life penitence, and willingness to abuse the hypocrisy of self-exculpation.
“Such mitigation cannot however be conceded if our subject persists in burnishing his rulership records with the ragged cloth of lies, deceptions, misrepresentations, distortions and persistent denigration of others – including non Nigerians, some of whose records in their zones of responsibilities, objectively leave his self attributed achievement open to dispute, and even outright dismissal.
“Mitigation cannot be rationally considered if the nation’s present condition of intra-religious hospitality of the most blood curdling dimensions can be traced all the way back to his policy of appeasement when forces against national cohesion through religious fundamentalism first unfurled its banner.”
Soyinka wrote on the much publicized “bid” by Obasanjo for a third term  – an allegation the former President denied. He said if he had wanted a third term he would have asked God who would have given it to him .
Soyinka said: “There can be no amnesty for a leader who lavished bribe on legislators in his attempt to subvert the constitution  and foist himself on the nation as civilian dictator for life, yet continues to deny it. Such denials are insultingly offered in the face of robust, documented and repeated affirmation of this treasonable conduct, including by a number who collected his money and ran.
“The denials continue from this practised obscurantist, depart open admission by those who were co-conspirators against democracy. The opportunism of image laundering in a season of popular discontent is a further denigration of the public capacity for objective discernment.
“And yet, despite such glaring crimes of both commission and dismissive contempt, Nigerians are a people of almost hyper-naturally gifted for bypassing the past, cauterising their memories even to the point of collective perdition, determined to move into the future.”
The playwright condemned Obasanjo’s efforts at building a nationwide coalition for a new leadership. He said:  “When, however, such an individual under the lens moves yet again to insert himself into a process of national recovery, attempts to hijack both tested and untested efforts, frustrate new energies, recruits and recycles jaded and equally compromised figures, the a gauntlet had been thrown at the feet of those who ‘watch the watchmen’, and a renewed battle line is drawn against any such Coalition of the Corrupt and its Convener.”
Continuing, Soyinka said Obasanjo, who is the subject of the “Interventions”, “strikes one as being tormented by a hidden past, probably experiences the urge to make amends- don’t we all? I would not dare encroach on the province of psychologists but, with my limited deductions from a lifetime of literary engagement, I would diagnose, in this leading character, symptoms of a child at heart.
“Alas, it is of that confused precocious that seeks to be relived, through exposure, of the burden of hidden malfeasances, in order to deserve notice, acceptance,  and restoration to parental love through correction, even punishment, however painful.
“In adult life, as the child grows increasingly confronted by mortality, the expression changes to- a search for redemption. The path taken in pursuit of such a benign closure however reveals which of the many emotions have triumphed over the rest.
“Summatively, it is the precocious child of malice that prevails. Three ponderous volumes of creative mendacity in a supposed autobiography- “My Watch”- attest to this, evoking that anguished cry from one of the celebrated creations of unrelieved malice of the theatrical world. In a moment of absolute spiritual nakedness and moral self-confrotnarion, he exclaimed: “Evil, be thought my good!”
“So has it been with the aspiring mongoose known as Bros Shege, raised and bred in the sinister hatcheries of Otta Farm.”
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 Buhari and Erdogan




President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday evening spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Mr Recep Erdogan, via telephone, and congratulated him over his re-election.
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.
The presidential aide stated that Buhari in the telephone conversation with Erdogan said he looked forward to the strengthening of relations between Nigeria and Turkey.
President Buhari expressed the hope that the results of the recently held elections would strengthen democracy and lead Turkey towards more economic prosperity.
He also welcomed his invitation to the July 9 inauguration but regretted his inability to be personally present.
He told the Turkish President that he would be sending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Muhammed Bello to represent him.
Shehu observed that Presidents Buhari and Erdogan had enjoyed a great relationship and had met a number of times since their coming into office.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports President Erdogan emerged winner of the June 25 Turkish presidential election with 52.5 per cent of the total votes cast during the exercise.
Erdogan’s closest challenger, Muharrem Ince, who got 31per cent, had since conceded defeat.(NAN)
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 PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) On Friday in Abuja, said it was considering a legal action against asset seizure Executive Order imposed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
PDP in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan described the order as illegal, unconstitutional, reprehensible and a dangerous step towards a descent to fascism.
The party described the asset seizure Executive Order as total disregard to the provisions of 1999 constitution.
“Already, our lawyers are considering a legal action against the Federal Government on the illegality of Mr. President’s action in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.’’
The party said that the Nigerian constitution did not, under any section, confer such fascist powers on the President under democracy.
It said that there could be no legitimate latitude of interpretation placed on sections 5 and 15 (5) of the 1999 Constitution cited as justifications for the executive order.
PDP said that the President unilateral Executive Order was a travesty of justice and rule of law “as it vehemently seeks to hijack and usurp the powers of both the legislature and the courts’’.
It added that the president also vest to take the power on himself in order to use it at will, as a political instrument, to haunt, traumatize, harass and victimize perceived political opponents.
“Mr President wants to change our democratic governance to a military regime, in line with his lamentation, two days ago, that the fight against corruption will be better under a military regime than under a democracy.
“It is instructive to emphasize that the PDP is not in any way opposed to the fight against corruption.
“Rather, the party holds that the imposition of this Executive Order, which is radically at variance with the provisions of the constitution, is totally unacceptable.
“PDP takes this Executive Order 6 of 2018 as a re-enactment of the obnoxious Decree 2 of 1984, which incidentally was also an enactment under then military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari.
“This must not be permitted in our current democratic dispensation.’’
PDP said that if the order was allowed, it would confer limitless powers on Mr President.
“In a democracy, the role of the executive arm of government is to enforce court orders/judgments handed down based on the interpretation of existing laws.
“Any suggestion to the contrary, as clearly intended by this Executive Order, is totally an aberration and inconsistent with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’’
The party urged the judiciary and the legislature to save Nigeria by rejecting the executive order.
“Nigeria is a democratic state run by the dictates of the law and the constitution and not by the rule of the thumb of any elected officer,” it added.(NAN)
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INEC PVCs Lagos Delta, Tinubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Friday that it would suspend the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) on Aug. 17 until after the 2019 general elections.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued by Prince Solomon Soyebi, National Commissioner and Chairman, information and Voter Education Committee, in Abuja.
Soyebi, however, said that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would continue until a week to the commencement of general elections, Feb. 16, 2019.
The decision, according to him, was taken following consultative meetings the commission had with major stakeholders in Nigeria in the electoral process.
INEC has within the week met with leaders of Political Parties, the media, Civil Society Organisations and Security Agencies.
He said that the stakeholders stressed the need to comply with statutory timelines and unanimously agreed that sufficient time be given between the capture of data, its processing and the production of the PVCs.
“Given the activities necessary for this, the commission, acting on the recommendation of the stakeholders has decided to suspend the ongoing CVR at 3p.m on Friday, August 17, until after the general elections.
“The collection of PVCs will, however, continue until a week to the commencement of general elections on Feb. 16, 2019,” he added.
He said that the Commission would overhaul and intensify its publicity initiatives to ensure that all qualified Nigerians who wish to register were able to do so and collect their PVCs before the general elections.
This, according to him, was in consonance with INEC policy and advice of all the stakeholders.
The commissioner appealed to all citizens for cooperation and understanding.
“The stakeholders enjoined INEC to continue to do more to ensure free, fair and credible elections,” he said.
Soyebi noted that some of the issues discussed during the consultative meetings include matters arising from the collection and alleged cloning of PVCs.
He explained that other issue discussed was INEC’s preparations for Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections as well as for the 2019 general elections.
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NFF President Amaju Pinnick was named Vice President of the Confederation of African Football on Thursday, according to a statement on CAF's official website.
Pinnick replaces Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former President of the Ghana Football Association, who resigned last month in the wake of corruption allegations sparked by an undercover investigation in his homeland.
A statement signed by CAF General Secretary Amr Fahmy said CAF President Ahmad Ahmad made the appointment after consultation with the Emergency Committee
"This decision is immediately applicable, in accordance with article 27 para. 2 of the Statutes, which will be ratified by the Executive Committee in its session scheduled on the 27 and 28 of September 2018," read Fahmy's statement.
With the appointment, Pinnick becomes the first Nigerian to hold the second highest executive position at the continental body.
Of his predecessors, Oyo Orok Oyo was second Vice President before being named as an honorary Vice President, while Amos Adamu was an executive committee member.
Pinnick's elevation comes in the wake of a crisis back home in Nigeria, where a court order has supported Christopher Giwa's claim to be the rightfully elected president of the NFF.
The latter subsequently took charge of the federation's HQ.
The NFF have challenged the ruling, and the case is scheduled to come up for hearing on July 10.

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