#El Clasico: Cristiano Ronaldo Goes Unclad To Celebrate El Clasico Win (See Photo)

It is no longer news that Real Madrid earlier this evening triumph over their arc rival, FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou by 2 goals to 1. 

The winning goal was netted by Ronaldo. In an unusual way to celebrate the much anticipated win, he decided to go unclad in a photo with his team mates. 

See the photo:

Is this not a celebration taken too far? 

PoliFocus: Alleged Mastermind Of #EkitiGate, Gen. Aliyu Momoh Forced To Resign

General Aliyu Momoh 

The  last is yet to be heard about the alleged sharp practices that said to have took place in the last Ekiti gubernatorial election, as the ringleader, General Aliyu Momoh has been forced to resign.


This was reported by SaharaReporters, Momoh who led the Army to the election has been facing series of issues since the outburst of Captain Koli and the embattled Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Tope Aluko.

The election which produced the incumbent governor, Ayodele Fayose, was conducted on June 21, 2014.

FLASH: Brig Gen Aliyu Momoh, who helped rig 2014 Ekiti elections forced to resign from the army -Min of Def Dan Ali pic.twitter.com/sqpXMd3RGu

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) April 2, 2016

Though the highest court of the law has validated the election, can this resent happenings and revelations upturn or have effect on the said election? Only time will tell. 

Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Barca's Unbeatable Run At Camp Nou

Cristiano Ronaldo 

Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winner as Real Madrid came from behind to end Barcelona's 39-game unbeaten run 2-1 in El Clasico at the Camp Nou on Saturday, Supersport reports. 

Gerard Pique's towering header put the hosts in front on the night they honoured legendary former player and coach Johan Cruyff.

Yet, Karim Benzema quickly levelled before Ronaldo fired home five minutes from time after Madrid captain Sergio Ramos had seen the 21st red card of his career.

PoliFocus: Opinion: Appropriation Bill Impasse: Kudos To Buhari For Not Taking 'Table Of Contents For A Book'

The lingering invisible cold war between the the Senate and the presidency might have been extended to the issue of Appropriation Bill. 

Some couple of days ago, the 'controversial' budget was passed by the legislative arm and the documents now awaits the assent of President Muhammadu Buhari. 

The issues generated by the documents cannot be forgotten in a giffy. 

Buhari has opined that he cannot sign the budget unless he sees the details. 

President Muhammadu Buhari should be applauded for saying no to signing the budget based on only the 'table of contents'. 

The National Assembly should quickly send the details of the budget before he assents. 

You don't expect a man that knows what he is doing to go ahead and sign without convincing him why N17 billion was removed from his sketch. 

Though going by history, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo actually signed same without seeing the details unlike Late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua that bent on seeing the details. 

Seeing or not seeing the details is the sole decision of the Mr President and for the present government to bent on that should be appreciated, I think he is trying to be cautious. 

We Nigerians should please bear with his Excellency, we will stand to benefit from this cautious steps of his.

-PFB 

PoliFocus: Bentley That Took Queen Of To Diamond Jubilee Celebration In 2012 Is Up For Sale

A Bentley that took the Queen to Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012 has been put up for sale on Auto Trader, Sky News reports. 

On offer for a mere £199,850, the luxury vehicle was exclusively used by Her Majesty for two years before being retired from royal service in 2014.

It can be seen in official photographs taken when the Queen was greeted by David Cameron outside 10 Downing Street.

With fewer than 6,000 miles on the clock, the Bentley is in very good condition having had one careful royal owner.

However, the sat nav may need changing with the home address is currently programmed to Windsor in Berkshire.

The Bentley Mulsanne boasts a 6.75-litre engine, 20in alloy wheels, cruise control and a plush leather interior, and can muster a top speed of 184mph.

"This car presents a collector with the rare opportunity to purchase a car that has been used to good effect by our longest reigning monarch," a Bramley Motor Cars spokesman added.

APC Suspends Former Governor Of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva

Chief Timipre Sylva 

The last has not been heard of the lingering crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa state as the party has announced the suspension of Chief Timipre Sylva, Naij reports.

Silva who was a former governor of the state and also the flagbearer of the party in the last concluded gubernatorial election in the state but lost to the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson. 

This suspension is coming following allegation that the minister of state for agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri bribed Sylva to secure his ministerial nomination.

Vanguard reports that the chairman of APC in Bayelsa, Timipa Tiwei Orunimighe and the secretary, Daniel Marlin announced the suspension of Sylva on Saturday, April 2 in Abuja.

Timi Frank who is the deputy national secretary of the APC said on Thursday, March 31 thatthe APC should investigate the allegation of bribery brought upon Sylva and suspend him if guilty.

He had said:“Today I am a very happy man because when I came out before the governorship election in Bayelsa to say that Timipre Sylva cannot do the job for the second time in Bayelsa because he was not liked by the people and was very unpopular at that time, nobody took me seriously, including the leadership of the party in Bayelsa state at that time. 

But today, I am happy and I am thanking God that he has shown Nigerians what I knew then.“It is a total disgrace if our party cannot act or investigate this allegation and just allow it to go under the carpet without taking action on it. 

Nigerians and the opposition party are waiting to see what we are going to do.“I call on the state party executive to immediately suspend the former governor from the party, while we should go into investigation because if they don’t suspend him, he is going to stall the investigation.”

Frank Ribéry Marks 200 Appearances For Bayern Munich

France international and Bayern Munich forward, Frank Ribéry has made 200 appearances for the German giant. 

Ribéry who marked its 200 Bundesliga appearances with the only goal as Bayern München defeat Frankfurt 1-0. 

Congratulations!!! 

How To Embed (Quote) A Tweet In Your Blog Post, Website, WordPress With Ease

You might have been wondering how to quote a tweet when writing a post. It is very easy to do, all you have to do is to follow the following steps.

No need to screenshot a tweet any longer. 

If using WordPress:

• On the said tweet, click on the options 
• Select 'copy link address' 
• Paste the link in your post 
• That is all

If using Blogger or other platforms:

There are two different ways to go about it, using computer and mobile device 

On computer;

• Load the said tweet
• click on the 'more options'  below the tweet 
• Select 'embed tweet' 
• Copy the HTML codes generated 
• Go to your Blogger 
• Select new post 
• Select HTML instead of compose 
• Paste the code there 
• You can now go back to 'compose' if you can't post using HTML 
• The tweet will be displayed 

On mobile;

• On the said tweet, click on the options 
• Select 'copy link address' 
• Paste the link address on your browser 
• On your browser options, select 'request desktop version' 
• Under the tweet, select 'more options' 
• Select 'embed' tweet '
• Copy the HTML codes generated 
• Go to your Blogger 
• Select new post 
• Select HTML instead of compose 
• Paste the code there 
• You can now go back to 'compose' if you can't post using HTML 
• The tweet will be displayed

Try it and respond if it works for you.... 

Police Recruitment Update: Police Database Crashed Due To Heavy Traffic

It is no longer news that the Nigeria Police Force recruitment process is on. As contained in the press release by the police service commission. 

It the statement, the prospective personnel are expected to start applying on April 1st using the Commission’s website  www.psc.gov.ng or that of the Nigeria Police Force, www.npf.gov.ng.

But the news is that both portals have crashed at the moment, due to traffic. According to Punch newspaper, total number of 8,000 Nigerians have applied already.

It is the hope that the bug is fixed soonest, so as not to serve as impediment to other people that are still interested in the process.

Or should we say it is another gimmick to block some people from getting the job? Let's keep our hands crossed as the events unfold.

I will keep you abreast of the happenings. 

See All The Fixtures Slated For This Weekend In #EPL, #LaLiga, #SeriaA, #Ligue1 And #Bundesliga

England: EPL 

2/4/2016 (Saturday) 

12:45 Aston Villa VS Chelsea
15:00 AFC Bournemouth VS Manchester City
15:00 Arsenal VS Watford
15:00 Norwich City VS Newcastle United
15:00 Stoke City VS Swansea City
15:00 Sunderland vsvWest Bromwich Albion
15:00 West Ham United VS Crystal Palace
17:30 Liverpool VS Tottenham Hotspur

3/4/2016 (Sunday) 

13:30 Leicester City VS Southampton
16:00 Manchester United VS Everton

Italy: Seria A 

2/4/2016 (Saturday) 

17:00 Carpi VS Sassuolo
19:45 Juventus VS Empoli

3/4/2016 (Sunday) 

11:30 Udinese VS SSC Napoli
14:00 Atalanta VS AC Milan
14:00 ChievoVerona VS Palermo
14:00 Fiorentina VS Sampdoria
14:00 Genoa VS Frosinone
14:00 Lazio VS Roma
19:45 Inter VS Torino

4/4/2016 (Monday) 

19:45 Bologna VS Hellas Verona

Spain: La Liga 

2/4/2016 (Saturday) 

15:00 Atletico Madrid VS Real Betis
17:15 Las Palmas VS Valencia
19:30 Barcelona VS Real Madrid (El Classico)
21:05 Celta Vigo VS Deportivo La Coruna

3/4/2016 (Sunday) 

11:00 Athletic Bilbao VS Granada
15:00 Malaga VS Espanyol
17:15 Eibar VS Villarreal
19:30 Sevilla VS Real Sociedad

4/4/2016 (Monday) 

19:30 Levante VS Sporting Gijon

Germany: Bundesliga 

2/4/2016 (Saturday) 

14:30 Bayern Munich VS Eintracht Frankfurt

14:30 Darmstadt VS VfB Stuttgart

14:30 Hannover 96 VS Hamburger SV

14:30 Ingolstadt VS Schalke 04

14:30 Mainz 05 VS Augsburg

17:30 Borussia Dortmund VS Werder Bremen

3/4/2016 (Sunday) 

14:30 Borussia Moenchengladbach VS Hertha Berlin

16:30 Hoffenheim VS FC Cologne

France: Ligue 1 

3/4/2016 (Saturday) 

16:00 Paris Saint Germain VS Nice

19:00 GFC Ajaccio VS Saint-Etienne

19:00 Guingamp VS Montpellier

19:00 Rennes VS Reims

19:00 Toulouse VS Caen

19:00 Troyes VS Angers

3/4/2016 (Sunday) 

13:00 Nantes VS Lille

16:00 SC Bastia VS Marseille

20:00 Lorient VS Lyon

Shocking!! Man Commits Suicide, Jumps Into Canal In Lagos

An unidentified man has committed suicide by jumpinginto a canal at Cele Bus Stop area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

PM News reported that the man was brought out of the canal dead, says the Lagos State Fire Service Director, Rasak Fadipe.

The tragedy occurred on Friday afternoon at Cele Bus Stop, on Oshodi-Mile 2 Expressway.

According to Fadipe, information gathered from the scene of the tragedy had it that the man was just walking along the road when he suddenly pulled off his shoes and jumped into the canal.

He said the Fire Service rushed to the scene immediately they were informed that a man had jumped into the canal.

Fadipe lamented that the man was brought out of the canal by his men already dead, but said no one knew why he decided to take his own life.

Ntel, New Telecommunication Firm, Begins Operation On 8th of April

Newest entrant into Nigeria’s telecommunications market, Ntel, has concluded plans to roll out services from April 8.

Ntel, which plans to start from Lagos and Abuja, said it would offer Nigerians fourth generation Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) network service.

The Chief Executive Officer, Ntel, Kamar Abass, who disclosed this yesterday, in Lagos, said that all is set for the commercial launch following link from completion of agreements with channel partners as well as go-ahead from Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Abass said the telecommunications regulator has approved all licence authorization necessary for Ntel tolaunch its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) network using next generation telecommunications infrastructure.

He said Ntel has deployed about 600 base transceiver stations (BTSs) in the two cities with 2000 sites to be rolled out as the network expands.

Abass said already 200 kilometres of fibre optic transmission cables have been laid in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt for seamless network connectivity. 

He said Ntel has deployed LTE Advanced, the latest 4G technology with multi-antenna MIMO sites.

“We are rolling out physical sites in two cities on our 900MHz and 1800MHz bands to launch Voice over LTEcome April 8, 2016. 

We have signed agreements with trade partners and fulfilled all licence authorisations and payments and we are up-to-date. 

There are no impediments to our launch,” he said.

Abass said NATCOMS Investments Ltd, the parent company of Ntel has project over $1 billion investments over the next four years.

To ensure smooth take off of its mobile network, the NATCOMS has completed the construction of Tier III datacenter as well as reactivation of SAT3 submarine international fibre optic cable.

It will be recalled that NATCOMS had last year paid$252.52 million to acquire the assets of the defunct firstnational operator (FNO) to begin commercial operation on its mobile network.

According to Abass, despite the growth of the telecomssector in Nigeria which has seen voice subscriptions rise from less that 60,000 in year 2001 to over 147 million as at 2015, broadband usage has only grown by20 per cent.

He said NATCOM has come to fill the gap bringing Nigerians unfettered access to full mobile broadband both on voice and data services.

Over the next four and half years, the total number of mobile broadband customers alone will be greater thanall of the customers that have come into the market on mobile since its inception. 

In other words, we are at a point where a major transformation is in the making. You will see 168 million mobile broadband customers coming into being between now and the end of 2019, which is more than all the mobile customers (both narrow and broadband) that we have seen in the last 15 years.

“That sounds like an enormous transformation. When itcomes to the supply of broadband services, we are unique because we have more spectrum, which can deliver more throughput than any network available today and potentially any network in the future. 

The spectrum we have has unique features which are simply unrepeatable on any other spectrum band” Abass said.

PDP Raises Alarm Over Plot To Assassinate Media Aide

The  People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has raised an alarm about the secret plot of the Presidency to assassinate it's Director of New Media, Deji Adeyanju.

This was made known using its Twitter handle @PdpNigeria. In the tweet, the information was said to have came from one of its informants in the Directorate of State Services (DSS)

FLASH: presidency plotting of assassinating Deji Adeyanju, PDP Director of New Media and make it look like armed robbery. -DSS Source

— PDP Nigeria (@PdpNigeria) April 1, 2016

It also claimed that that plans have been concluded to deal ruthlessly with him if the assassination plot fails.

It also went ahead by accusing same presidency of its plan to also silent the former Minister of Aviation and its chieftain, Femi Fani-Kayode because of his frequent criticism of the government.

Is this another political propaganda? Only time shall tell.

Diego Costa Fined And Suspended For Misconduct At Everton

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been given a one-game suspension, fined £20,000 and warned as to his future conduct, Today reports. 

The forward admitted a charge of improper conduct in relation to his behaviour after he was shown a second yellow card in the FA Cup sixth-round tie against Everton on March 12.

This suspension will follow immediately on the conclusion of the player’s current two-match ban, which was considered to be his second dismissal of the season after he was handed a retrospective three-match suspension for altercations with Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel in September.

Costa’s current ban rules him out of the weekend gameat Aston Villa, while the additional game means he misses the trip to Swansea City on April 9. 

He will next be available for selection for the home game against Manchester City on April 16.With Costa suspended, Eden Hazard (groin/hip) injuredand Oscar, Willian and Bertrand Traore only rejoining Chelsea on Friday following international duty, Alexandre Pato could make his long-awaited debut in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off at Villa Park.

Hololo!! Senior Secondary School Student Seen Rolling 'Tyre' In Ibadan

A senior secondary school student of Atagba community school, Boluwaji Area of Ibadan was seen earlier today cheerfully rolling 'tyre' on the road. 

I decided to snap him because it was strange to me because that kind of play is exclusively for babies, not for adults.

He was sweating profusely as he merry-go-round with his ride, so to say. 

Should I conclude that this boy in question is fixdated? 

Wonders they say will never end. 

I Will Scrutinise The Appropriation Bill Passed Before Asserting To It - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said Thursday in Washington DC that he will critically review the 2016 Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly before assenting to it.

Speaking at a meeting with the United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, President Buhari said that in view of the controversial alteration and padding of the budget proposals, he needed to review the appropriation bill to be certain that its contents tallied with the authentic budget proposal presented to the National Assembly.

“Some bureaucrats removed what we put in the proposal and replaced it with what they wanted. I have to look at the bill that has been passed by the National Assembly, ministry by ministry, to be sure that what has been brought back for me to sign is in line with our original submission,” the President said.

Declaring that his administration will continue to vigorously prosecute its war against corruption, President Buhari sought and received an assurance from Mr. Kerry that the United States Government will facilitatethe repatriation of all stolen Nigerian funds found within the American banking system.

“It will greatly help our country if you assist us to recover all our stolen funds which we can establish to be within your financial system,” the President told Mr. Kerry.Responding, the Secretary of State said that he has been told that the stolen Nigerian funds were in “billions of dollars”.

“It’s not easy to hide that amount of money and we are pretty good in tracing them,” Mr Kerry assured President Buhari, adding that relevant United States Government Officials will meet with the Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to discuss further cooperation in that regard.

Mr. Kerry applauded the Buhari Administration’s success in rolling backthe Boko Haram insurgency, saying that the United States will continue to give Nigeria all possible support to ensure that the terrorist sect is finally eliminated as a threat to national and regional security.

The Secretary of State also praised President Buhari’s clear order that Nigeria’s Armed Forces must show greater regard for the human rights of persons in the theatre of operations against Boko Haram.

Acknowledging that the United States has been of great help to his administration in the retraining and re-equipping of the Nigerian Armed Forces that has resulted in the significant success already achieved against Boko Haram, President Buhari said that the Federal Government was now working very hard to restore full normalcy in the North Eastern states.

“Boko Haram no longer holds any local government area. We are reconstructing damaged facilities and preparing the police to take over and reassert civilian control over areas affected by the insurgency,” the President told Mr. Kerry.

Segun Oni Holds Stakeholders Meeting, Assures Nigerians And Party Faithful Of Enjoyment Of Dividend Of Democracy Soonest

Asiwaju Segun Oni 

The deputy national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC)  has assured Nigerians and members of the party of the enjoyment of the dividends of democracy as soon as possible. 

Addressing party leaders during a caucus meeting in ldo Ekiti in Ekiti State, he praised members of his party for their commitment. 

Asiwaju Segun Oni enjoined members to embark on aggressive membership drive so as to prepare the party for future elections.

The party chairman in the local govt, Chief Femi Afolabi in his speech told party leaders that high profile PDP leaders  and their followers have defected to the party in the area.

specifically Chief Afolabi disclosed that the party is waxing stronger in the local government and praised President Buhari efforts at turning around the country's economy. 

Party bigwigs at the ceremony include former deputy speaker of state house of assembly Chief adetunji orisalade, comrade Bunmi ojo, prince akintade olayisade,and Chief abiodun Ajayi.

Ekiti bans movement of logs, planks at night as defaulters risk 6 months jail term

Ekiti state government on Thursday announced a ban on movement of logs and planks at night by individualsor vehicles in any part of the state.

The DAILY POST reports that the State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Bisi Kolawole who made this known in Ado Ekiti said the order was consequent upon the coming into effect of the new Ekiti State Forestry Act 2016.

He said government had also outlawed the use of motor chain-saw for the processing of logs into planks in all forest reserves and free areas around the state.The Commissioner made this known during a meeting with the Executive members of the four unions operating in the forest industry in the state.

He warned that anyone caught flouting the laws risks 6months jail term without any option of fine.

The unions include; Timber Association, Saw Millers Association, Timber Lorry Drivers’ Association and Power Saw/Chain Operators Association.

He said the old practice of transporting logs at night aswell as illegal processing of logs into planks with motor saws within the state forest reserves had been amajor source of leakage in revenue accruable to the state government from the forestry sector.

According to him, such practice made it extremely difficult for government to monitor and regulate the activities of the operators who often reap bountifully from it at the expense of government revenue. 

The commissioner who appealed to the stakeholders to adhere strictly to all sections of the new forestry law, warned that anyone caught going against the law would be treated as an economic saboteur and prosecuted in the law courts, no matter how highly or lowly placed.

He clarified that the new forestry law bans the movement of logs after 6.00 pm daily, while it outrightly stipulates that there shall be no movement of logs on Sundays.

The Commissioner stressed that any vehicle caught engaging in the transportation of planks illegally acquired would also be made to forfeit both the vehicleand the planks to Government.

He implored all stakeholders in forestry sector to ensure that they obtain necessary papers before they carry out logging activities in the State in order to avoidany embarrassment.

Cultism: Two EKSU Students Bag 3 Years Imprisonment For Being Cultists

Two students of Ekiti State University (EKSU) – Akintunde Olumide and Oladapo Olaoluwa – are to spend the next three years in jail after being found guilty of involvement in cultism.

Today reported that the three-year imprisonment verdict was slammed on them by Justice Monisola Abodunde of an Ado Ekiti High Court who held that the prosecution has proved a case of stealing, assault and membership of a secret cult group against the accused beyond every reasonable doubt.

Police prosecutor, Femi Falade, told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 13, 2013 at a hotel in Iworoko -Ekiti.

He said that the accused were brought on a three -count-charge of stealing, assault and secret cult.

Falade said the offence was punishable under Section 355,4(1) of Criminal Code Laws of Ekiti State 2012 and Secret Cults (Abolition and Prohibition).The prosecutor called four witnesses to prove his case, while the defendant counsel, Emmanuel Oluwole, also called three witnesses to prove his case.

Justice Abodunde said that the accused made a confessional statement as a member of Black Axe Confraternity at the Criminal Investigation Department during interrogation.

She added that the Police found in their custody, small cutlass, black head warmer, black T-shirt, black trousers during investigation.

The judge held that the short cutlass cannot be measurable with the one used for agriculture or weeding grass.

“It is not a tool for education, it is a weapon of danger and indiscriminating, which should not be seen within the school premises,” she added.

Justice Abodunde said the exhibit recovered from the accused made the case weighty and voluminous.

She therefore found the accused guilty as charged and convicted them accordingly.

The judge resolved two of the issues in favour of the accused and used the last count to sentence them to three years imprisonment without any option of fine.

She added that this would serve as deterrent to other students in higher institutions, to always face their studies and shun secret cult activities.

Radio #Biafra Now Back On Air - IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has announced the resurgence of Radio Biafra after the Federal Government blocked the airwaves last year.

According to a statement by the pro-Biafra spokesman, Emma Powerful yesterday, the station operates on short waves and its satellites covers all the Southeast geopolitical zone, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, London, adding that its programmes could be reached through apps and phones.

#NPFL Suspends Ifeanyi Ubah From Match Venues

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has suspended the proprietor of FC Ifeanyiubah, Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah from all NPFL match venues for the next 10 matches.

The billionaire was accused of encroaching the pitch and assaulting Ebele Obi, an Heartland player.

Chief Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, proprietor of FC Ifeanyiubah, is suspended from all #NPFL match venues for the next 10 matches.

— League Management NG (@LMCNPFL) March 31, 2016

The fabled billionaire is expected to offer a letter of apology and an undertaking to be a good ambassador of the NPFL.

The LMC further bans all self-procured security services other than those sanctioned by the LMC from all NPFL match venues henceforth.

Valencia Sacks Gary Neville As It's Head Coach

Gary Neville 

Gary Neville has been sacked as first-team coach of Valencia after less than four months in the job, Sky News reports. 

The former England defender will be replaced until the end of the season by Pako Ayestaran, who was assistant coach of Valencia from 2001 to 2004."

After careful consideration, the club have decided to make a change with the best interests of Valencia CF moving forward this season," the La Liga club said in a statement on its website.

"We thank Gary for his work at Valencia and wish him the best in the future." Neville, 41, has responded with a separate statement, saying: "I would like to thank Valencia Football Club, the fans, staff and the players.

"I would have liked to have continued the work I started but understand that we are in a results business and in the 28 games they have not been to my standards or to those which are required by this Club".

The former Manchester United player was appointed the surprise successor to former coach Nuno Espirito Santo on 2 December.

He had been combining the job with his role as part of the England coaching team and had just returned from the national side's friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands.

The rookie manager has had a rocky four months as Valencia coach.Despite help from his brother and former teammate Phil, who joined Valencia as assistant coach last year, Gary has guided the six-time Spanish champions to just three wins in 16 games.

He leaves Valencia languishing in 14th place in La Liga, six points clear of the relegation zone with eight games remaining.His last game at the helm was a 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo.

Neville had faced strong criticism in Spain for carrying on his England duties after taking the helm at Valencia.Last week he delayed meeting up with Roy Hodgson's squad by several days in an attempt to show his commitment to his club.Phil Neville is to continue as assistant coach.

Court Jails Six Landlords In Over For Not Having 'Toilet' In Ondo

Six weary landlords were on Tuesday sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour by a Mobile Court sitting in Ondo town, at the headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo state.

It was gathered that the landlords were accused of defecating indiscriminately around their premises and also failed to amend the dilapidated walls in their respective buildings.

Sanitation Health Officer, Elizabeth Akinfemisoye said the action of the beleaguered landlords was capable of causing outbreak of diseases in the populated area.

Akinfemisoye, who was joined by Adejoke Olarewaju explained that the six landlords reluctantly failed to provide sanitary kitchen and bathroom in their respective houses, thereby furthering exposing tenants to dangers.

The duo of the health officers slammed the six landlords with four count charges ranging from their inability to provide latrine accommodation in their compounds and rented-out apartments.

It was learnt that the offence of the embattled landlordscontradict section 8, part II, cap 52, and punishable under same section and sub-section o, p, r, and a of Ondo State environmental sanitation law of 2004.

However, the accused landlords pleaded guilty before the court to all the charges read before them.

Presiding Magistrate, Odenusi Fadeyi, sentenced the landlords to six months imprisonment each or pay the sum of N10, 000 in lieu of the fine.

[today] 

No member will honour DSS invitation again – Ekiti Assembly vows

As a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Afolabi Akanni regained freedom from the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, last Friday; the state assembly has advised its members not to honour any invitation from the security agency for their safety.

Aside Akanni, the Assembly announced that its three other members: Musa Arogundade, Badejo Anifowose and Sina Animasaun, who had gone underground since March 4 when some DSS operatives allegedly invaded the assembly complex have resurfaced from hiding and are now reunited with members for legislative duties.

The Assembly, at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, said the manner in which Akanni was detained for18 days without any cogent reason, gave credence to the widespread insinuation that the agency was being allegedly used by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to forcefully impeach Fayose.

The Speaker, Hon Kola Oluwawole said the House has resolved that members should shun any invitation from DSS, saying they heard it from the grapevine that the security agency is still after some of his colleaguesover spurious allegations.

He said: “We are lawmakers and not law breakers. If the DSS has started on a good note, we would have cooperated. 

But going by the questions posed to Hon. Akanni during interrogation that why was he resisting Fayose’s impeachment shows that they have a sinister motive.

“We have collectively resolved that based on that suspicion, we may not be able to honour any invitation by DSS because of our safety”.

A speech read by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan, praised the National Assembly, traditional rulers and concerned Nigerians for their swift response, leading to the release of Hon Akanni.

Aribisogan advised the DSS to stop subjecting the lawmakers to unnecessary trauma , saying what they were made to pass through during the trying period didn’t portray Nigeria as a democratic and civilized nation.

“The three members and some governor’s aides had togo into hiding when it became obvious that the DSS was desperately after them too and their fear became further heightened when the DSS refused to obey an order of the court for the immediate release of Hon. Akanni,” he stated.

Tulisa Contostavlos Charged For Drink-driving And Dangerous Driving After Allegedly Crashing A Ferrari

Singer Tulisa Contostavlos 

Singer Tulisa Contostavlos has been charged with drink-driving and dangerous driving after allegedly crashing a Ferrari.

The former X Factor judge is due to appearin court next week over an incident outside Southgate Tube station in north London last September.

It was reported at the time that the 27-year-old star had been arrested following an alleged collision between a Ferrari and a Saab shortly before midnight.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed Tulisa, of Enfield, was charged on Monday 7 March.

He said: "A woman has been charged with driving offences following a collision on 10September 2015 outside Southgate Underground station."

She was bailed to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Monday, 4 April."

I Didn't Walk Out On Osinbajo Nor Slaps My Deputy - Gov. Nasir El-Rufai

Governor Nasir El-Rufai 

The Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has debunked claims in a section of the media that he walked out on the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, when he tried to reach an understanding with him on a particular matter.

Speaking with some journalists at the Government House in Kaduna, on Tuesday, the Governor maintained that his relationship with the Vice-Presidentwas excellent, insisting that there was never a time he walked out on him. 

He attributed the speculation to his political detractors.Noting that the authors of such stories were mischievous, he said: “I have never attended a meeting where the President and the Vice-President were all in the same room.“I think the only time where the President and the Vice-president were around and I was in attendance was when the National Economic Council, NEC, was inaugurated by Mr President. 

He (president) came and delivered his address and left.”El-Rufai equally denied reports that he exchanged  slapswith his deputy, Barnabas Bala, saying he had known the deputy governor since 1976 and had never argued with him.

“We think alike and act alike. We are going on well; I think I did not make him like a spare tyre. If I am leaving the state, I write to the state assembly that he will be acting. 

He chairs the Executive Council meetings as well as the Security Council meeting. I wastold this has never happened in Kaduna before and some people are not comfortable with that,” he said.

While clearing the air on the much-maligned religious bill, the Governor said it was sent to the state House of Assembly since October 15, 2015, adding that it was not a new bill as being speculated.

According to him, “It was first enacted in 1984 during the term of Air Vice Marshal Usman Mua’zu (retd) afterthe Maitsine uprising in 1982. 

The then military junta saw the need to regulate preaching in some states in the North.“Many states are ready to do similar thing now. 

They have asked for the copy of our bill. I will not name the states.”

Man accused of dramatically hijacking #EgyptAir appears in court

An Egyptian man accused of hijacking a passenger jet and forcing it to land in Cyprus while strapped with fake bombs may be prosecuted in his own country, Sky News reports. 

Egypt's public prosecutor has asked Cypriot authorities to extradite Seif Eldin Mustafa.Briton Ben Innes asked a crew member to take aphoto of him with MustafaMustafa, who has been described by officials as being "psychologically unstable", was remanded in custody earlierfor eight days on suspicion of hijacking an EgyptAir aircraft.

No formal charges were put to the 59-year-old during Wednesday's brief hearing at the District Court in Larnaca, but he could be charged with hijacking, illegal possession of explosives, kidnapping and threats to commit violence.

He is accused of taking over the jet during an internal flight from Alexandria to Cairo.The Egyptian held four crew members and three passengers hostage during an eight-hour stand-off, claiming he was wearing a suicide belt.

He later freed the group and handed himself in to police after making a series of "incoherent" demands.Although his motives remain unclear, Cyprus' foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulides said it had not been a terrorist act, but was linked to a "family feud" involving Mustafa's estranged wife with whom he has four children.

It was later established the belt contained no explosives and was instead packed with mobile phone covers.Police prosecutor Andreas Lambrianou said the suspect told police after his arrest: "What's someone supposed to do when he hasn't seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government won't let him?"

Four Britons were among the 56 passengers on the aircraft when it was hijacked on Tuesday morning, with most ofthe passengers released after landing in Cyprus.Ben Innes, a British health and safety auditor from Leeds, was one of at least two Britons held for hours by Mustafa andtook a photowith a huge grin on his face alongside his captor.

Mr Innes told The Sun he "just threw caution to the wind while trying to stay cheerful in the face of adversity"."I figured if his bomb was real I'd nothing lose anyway, so I took a chance to get a closer look at it," he told the newspaper.

A friend of Mr Innes told Sky News: "It is completely like him to think it is funny and get a picture." 

Minister Of State For Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu Gives His Words, Says Fuel Scarcity Will End On April 7

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu announced that fuel lines will end by April 7th, amid significant public pressure. He made the announcement after apologizing for his “magician” comment and proceeded to explain the country’s fuel scarcity, Sahara Reporters reports. 

The minister cited “old and dilapidated” refineries in Nigeria as the major source of fuel scarcity. He maintained that they will be “revived to full capacity” with appropriate funding. Mr. Kachikwu added that the government will be seeking the services of consultants to assist in the revitalization and management of Nigeria’s refineries.

However, even if Nigeria’s refineries were operating at full capacity, Mr. Kachikwu said that they would still fail to meet local demand.

“The design of the Nigerian refineries was such that the component of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) versus other products was almost a 50/50 percent relationship. Most world refineries now provide PMS at about a 70 to 80 percent ratio,” he explained.

In order to remedy this, the government will utilize other sources of refining petrol and will depend on private refineries, such as Dangote refinery.

Mr. Kachikwu stated that Nigerian refineries perform poorly due to fraud and lack of maintenance.

“Over the last 10 to 15 years, we have not done a serious, conclusive turn around maintenance of these refineries; the refineries are on average 30 to 40 years old,” he explained.

“We have also had issues of fraud. It got to a point where I started wondering whether as we repair this, somebody was going out there to destroy it, so that contracting will be done.”

Despite these problems, Mr. Kachikwu is confident that fuel lines will end by April 7.

“We expect that between now and about the 6th or 7th of April, the fuel queues will disappear, the Direct Sale-Direct Purchase system will begin and the foreign exchange allocation [of petrol] will see us smoothly through the track,” he said.

#RiversRerun Update: PDP wins 13 seats, APC two in Rivers rerun as INEC releases result

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released additional five results of the March 19, 2016 rerun elections.

Three Federal and two State Constituency seats were released by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Aniedi Ikoiwak, at the Commission’s head office in Port Harcourt last night.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates cleared the three federal seats. For Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1, Kenneth Chikere (PDP) polled 18,904 votes to defeat his close rival, Igo Aguma of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 6,035 votes.

For the Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2, Blessing Nsiegbe (PDP) scored 6,968 votes to defeat Collins Owhondah (APC), who polled 3,154 votes.

For Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Kingsley Chinda of PDP scored 27,895 votes, while the APC candidate, Anthony Okocha, got 9,514 votes.

Also, the candidate of APC, Benibo Anabraba, clinched the State Constituency seat for Akuku-Toru 2; he scored 2,970 votes.

He defeated the PDP candidate, Tonye Alalibo, who was disqualified.

Adoki Smart of PDP, for Port Harcourt Constituency 2 scored 15,244 votes, to beat Mrs. Irene Inimgba of APC, who polled 2,844 votes.

Generally, PDP had clinched 13 federal and state seats, while APC got two seats from the results announced so far by INEC.

In a statement signed by the REC, Ikoiwak, investigation was ongoing by the Commission and the details would be made public afterwards.

He said the release of the additional five results were the outcome of INEC’s meeting in Abuja.

Earlier, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to release outstanding results of the rerun state and federal elections held in March 19, 2016.

Speaking on Tuesday, when he received a delegation of the United States and Canada branches of Ogbakor Ikwerre, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, he said the continued delay in the release of the results breeds unnecessary suspicion. and conflict.

He said what transpired at the election was the will of the people, to resist any form of rigging and manipulation of the electoral process.

“We believe that INEC should no longer delay the release of the results. The more they delay, the more there is suspicion, and the tendency for crisis, “ he said.

On security, the governor reiterated that that reports on events in the state are misleading, noting that all states across the country have security challenges.

The governor said political groups, for the pursuit of ungodly goals, were manipulating the Rivers crisis.

Remi Garde leaves Aston Villa by mutual consent

Remi Garde 

Manager Remi Garde has left Aston Villa by mutual consent after four months at the Premier League’s bottom club. 

He will be replaced by Eric Black, who takes over as interim manager.

The 49-year-old Frenchman replaced Tim Sherwood ona three-and-a-half-year deal in November, but departs after six successive defeats.His last game in charge was a 1-0 defeat at Swansea City on 19 March, which leaves Villa 12 points from safety with seven games remaining.

Villa won only two of their 20 league games during Garde’s tenure.

Opinion: Flyover In Ekiti State; A Dream Comes True

THE Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on Tuesday flagged off the construction of N5.7 billion worth 1.2 kilometres flyover in Ado Ekiti, with a promise that all projects awarded by his government will be completed before the expiration of his tenure.

Speaking while flagging off of the project in Ado Ekiti, Fayose said the project will be delivered within 24 months.

Fayose, who described the project as the first of its kind in the state, which forms part of his efforts to decongest Ado Ekiti metropolis for effective traffic orderliness, said the flyover will begin at Fajuyi area and terminate at Ojumose.

It is with alacrity that I received the news of this giant stride in my home state. But I cannot but react to some people that like playing politics with everything. 

How on earth should some group of people nailing the governor for trying to embark on an historic feat like this all because they share different political ideologies? 

This is a welcome development, and should be embraced by all. It is lugubrious to note that till date, Ekiti has no overhead bridge let alone flyover. 

We should live above party difference and believe in Ekiti project. It will in no small measure add to the beauty of the state capital, Ado Ekiti. 

But candid advice to his Excellency is that, he should respect his words by completing this laudable project before the expiration of his term.

US Election: Donald Trump Campaign Manager Charged For Assaulting A Journalist

Corey Lewandowski

Donald Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has been charged with assaulting a journalist at a campaign event,  BBC reports. 

Mr Lewandowski is charged with simple battery for his encounter with former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields.

On 8 March, he allegedly yanked her to the ground when she tried to ask a question and bruised her arm.Mr Lewandowski plans to plead not guilty, the Trumpcampaign said in a statement.

Police in Jupiter, Florida, where he was arrested, have releasednew footage of the alleged assault."Mr Lewandowksi is absolutely innocent of this charge," the Trump statement said. 

"He is completely confident that he will be exonerated."

The charge comes during a difficult time for Mr Trump, just ahead of next week's Wisconsin primary where he is neck-and-neck with Senator Ted Cruz.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has just endorsed Mr Cruz for president.

He will participate in a CNN town hall event on Tuesday night when he is sure to face questions about the fate of his campaign manager.

Super Eagles Handler, Samson Siasia Releases His Squad Against Pharaohs Of Egypt (See The List)

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Samson Siasia has made known his team that will be facing the Pharaohs of Egypt latter today at the Alexandre Stadium in Egypt. 

The first leg which was played in Kaduna, Nigeria on Friday 25th of March ended in 1-1 draw. 

The result was not favourable to the Eagles but today’s match will make or mar the chance of the team qualifying. 

As it is now, Super Eagles have 2 points while the group leader, Egypt has 4 points.

Victor Moses will be on the starting line-up. 

Super Eagles XI 

• Akpeyi (goalkeeper) 
• Shehu
• Amuzie
• Ambrose
• Oboabona
• Mikel Obi (captain) 
• Etebo
• Aminu
• Musa
• V. Moses
• Ighalo 

Substitutes:

• Echiejil
• Iheanacho
• Azubuike
• Simon
• Ezenwa
• Onazi
• Iwobi 

It is my prayer and the prayer of an average Nigerian that Super Eagles soar today. 

Go Super Eagles.... Go for victory!

-PFB 

Barack Obama Blames Media For Donald Trump's Success

Barack Obama 

US President Barack Obama has said the media is partly to blame for the rise of Republican Donald Trump as a political force.

Speaking at an event for political reporters, Mr Obama said it was not enough to give "someone a microphone".

Mr Trump, a hotel tycoon who has made waves with a series of controversial remarks, is winning the race to be his party's presidential nominee.

He and the other two Republicans in contention will appear on TV later.

CNN is hosting a town hall event on Tuesday eveningahead of a crucial primary in Wisconsin next week.

Giving a keynote address at a journalists' award dinner, Mr Obama did not mention Mr Trump by name but his target was clear.

When he travels, the president said, people always ask him what is happening in American politics, because it is a place where you "can't afford completely crazy politics".

Politicians, journalists and citizens are all responsible for the divisive and bitter political atmosphere, he said, but reporters should be digging deeper on the 2016 presidential candidates.

In a reference to Mr Trump's domination of the news cycle, the president said the job of a political reporter was "more than just handing someone a microphone".

Billions of dollars in free media should come with serious accountability, especially when politicians issue unworkable plans or make promises they cannot keep, he said.

Mr Trump has had a rough couple of days in the state that will next make its choice for Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, Wisconsin.

The primary is on 5 April, with him and Texas Senator Ted Cruz neck-and-neck in the state's polls.

First he faced a hostile conservative talk-radio host, Charlie Sykes, who grilled him on his donations to Democrats and his insults to women, most recently Mr Cruz's wife.

"Wouldn't it be a good way to start off your Wisconsin campaign by saying that wives should be off-limits and that you apologise for mocking her looks?" 

Mr Sykes asked Mr Trump during the interview. Mr Sykes also wrongfooted Mr Trump on air by revealing he was part of the #NeverTrump movement.

Conservative websites The Federalist and RedState said Mr Trump "fell apart live on-air when asked tough questions".

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said on Tuesday he was backing Mr Cruz because he was the candidate most likely to win the election in November.

In the Democratic race, Hillary Clinton will try to stem the momentum of a resurgent Bernie Sanders, who ison a roll after a string of wins.

[bbc] 

#MiamiOpen: Dimitrov Knocks British Number One Andy Murray Out Of Miami Open

Andy Murray 

British number one and world number two Andy Murray has been knocked out of the ongoing Miami Open after he lost to Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in the third round.

Andy Murray, 28, was beaten 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-3 ‎by the Bulgarian Dimitrov having been 3-1 up in the third and final set before later admitting to reporters that“a lot of unforced errors crept into my game”. Murray is now expected to return to Europe for the clay-court season.

In the women’s draw, British number one Johanna Konta became the first ‎British woman to reach the quarter-finals in Miami with a 6-2 6-2 win over Romania’s Monica Niculescu to set up a last eight meeting with Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

Speaking afterwards, Konta said:“It felt like we had a lot of close games and I had to work hard for every single point.”

School Proprietor Bags 10 For Raping Pupil In Ekiti

An Ado Ekiti High Court on Tuesday sentenced a school proprietor, Mr Babatunde Ibitoye, to 10 years’ imprisonment for raping a 10-year old, who was his pupil as at the time the offence was committed,  TODAY reports. 

Ibitoye, owner of God’s Grace Nursery and Primary School located at Fayemi Market, Agric Olope Area, Ajilosun in Ado Ekiti, capital city, committed the offenceon June 10, 2013.

Subsequently, the State Ministry of Justice had, through a suit number HAD/F11/2013, preferred a one-count charge of rape against the accused person on December 3, 2013.

In her brief judgement, Justice Toyin Abodunde agreed with the evidence of the plaintiff in the case, saying she had been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant had sexually abused her.

She agreed with the averment of the DPP and the victim’s evidence to the effect that the defendant was caught at the scene of the incident and could not have denied knowledge of the offence.

CBN Releases Disclaimer On Sales Of Forex To Individuals

Nigeria’s apex bank, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)  has responded to the allegation that was made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the bank sold forex to certain bigwigs in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The allegations were made public using PDP’s verified Twitter handle @PdpNigeria. In the tweets the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari and the Special Adviser to President on Publicity and New Media, Garba Shehu were mentioned to have been benefitted from the shady deal.

On his part, Garba Shehu has earlier dissociated himself from the claim and went further to threaten lawsuit.

To this end, CBN has made a clarification that the apex bank doesn't sell forex to individuals. This was contained in a tweet by the CBN.

See the tweets bellow.

 #CBN does not sell FOREX to individuals and never was #CBN exchange rate at N185.

— Central Bank Nigeria (@cenbank) March 27, 2016

PDP's stories of sale of FOREX to individuals by #CBN are laughable fabrications.

— Central Bank Nigeria (@cenbank) March 27, 2016

It is a general saying that to every rumour, there is always an iota of truth.... Time will surely reveal the truth very soon. But blowing false alarm should be discouraged, so as to not to heat up the polity unnecessary.

Better Nigeria is possible.
. - PFB

Daily Devotion On This Day, 29th of March, 2016

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9b KJV)

Paul was buffeted by the messenger of Satan, and afflicted with what he referred to as “a thorn in the flesh.” The Lord, who found it necessary that the trouble should remain in Paul’s life, assured him of His grace which was sufficient to strengthen and equip him to serve the Lord effectively. The Lord’s assurance that His grace is sufficient to support and strengthen Paul in his trial, made him a happy minister of the Gospel. So he joyfully confessed, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Because of the glorious promise of the Lord’s sufficient and strengthening grace, Paul refused to be perturbed by his trial. Instead of being preoccupied with the trial, he committed himself to delight in the grace of the Lord that was made available to him. So he was willing to say, “I count it my joy to be afflicted, if my trial will be the means to know the power of my great Redeemer.” Paul rejoiced that his weakness becomes the vehicle by which the Lord’s grace and power was most fully manifested to himself and to others. When the devil inflicted him with weakness and pain, the Lord “perfected his strength” in the midst of his weakness. It seems that Paul was saying that his weakness plus Christ’s power equals perfect power. Paul was not relying his own strength, for he was full of weakness. He was most powerful when he was least reliant on his own resources, and most reliant on the Lord’s grace and power.

Self-reliance, which is the result of pride, is detrimental to our spiritual joy. So it is to prevent the possibility of pride in Paul that the Lord permitted his trial. We should not, therefore, be bitter when afflictions are permitted in our lives. Only when we are totally emptied of ourselves, our strength be perfected with Christ’s glorious power. Very often, in Christians the continuing weakness is necessary so that they might not confuse the power of God with their own power, and lose God’s power by attempting to rely on themselves.

Like Paul, in order that you may be vessels of Christ’s glorious power, be glad to suffer the trials He would permit. If you are in the midst of trials, rejoice that His power shall rest (pitch a tent) in you. His power will keep your faith intact, and let you magnify Him against Satan’s evil devices.