CONFESSION: Why we dumped Davido’s friend Tagbo in the hospital to die

Why we dumped his body in the hospital and fled

Thelast has not been heard of the controversy surrounding the death of Tagbo Umeike , friend to Nigerian pop star David Adeleke, popularly called Davido, as the other suspects who were detained by the police have given an insight into what  actually happened the night Tagbo died.

Reports credited to the Lagos State Police Command had revealed that Tagbo had a night of heavy drinking and allegedly consumed about 40 shots of Tequila, a strong alcoholic beverage.  He was alleged to be in company of  his friends, including Davido, before his body was abandoned at Lagos Island General Hospital in the early hours of October 3.

The news of his death was made known to the public following the outcry of Umeike’s girlfriend, Nollywood actress Caroline Danjuma, who accused Davido of abandoning his friend. That outburst led to the arrest and interrogation of Davido and three other suspects by the police.  While the other three suspects are still being detained in police custody, Davido was released unconditionally.

According to a police source, there was no need to detain Davido as all the evidence gathered in the cause of interrogation and investigation exonerated him. “Tagbo is an adult and was not forced to consume that quantity of alcohol that is dangerous to his health. He had nothing to do with his death, rather investigation revealed that he was even more concerned about the safety of the deceased while he was still alive”, the source stated, pointing to a dead end in efforts to bring charges against the music star over the controversial death of his friend.

Why we dumped Tagbo’s body

Meanwhile some of the suspects who were detained after interrogation at the Police State Criminal Investigation Department , Panti have told the police that they dumped Tagbo’s body and fled the hospital when the doctor on duty confirmed that he was dead for fear of being treated as suspects. Some of the suspects who are in custody are Davido’s police security detail, Tunde Yussuf , as well as his friends Busari Idris and Agbeja Olaoye all of who completely exonerated Davido.

According to Yussuf, who is a spy policeman , he was posted to work for Davido as part of his security details.  He said that on the day of the unfortunate incident, they had gone to a party with the pop star at a club known as Shasha Room where they met Tagbo already drunk.

After spending some time, they moved to Oniru beach where Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde was to perform at a birthday party that night.

According to him, they expected Tagbo to go home since he was already drunk but was surprised that he followed them to that place too.  Moments later, one of Davido’s boys informed them that Tagbo was not okay.

He said Davido then requested that they should take one of his Hilux vehicles and follow those taking Tagbo to the hospital. As soon as they got there, the boys who took Tagbo to the hospital rushed in to call the police. “He was still in the car when the doctor came out and checked him and then said that he is dead. Moments later, the boys came out and told me that it was time to get out of the hospital.”

The second suspect Olaoye who was in the car with Tagbo before he died told the police that he fled when the doctor confirmed him dead to avoid being treated as his killer.

According to him, Tagbo was at the party long before Davido arrived and there was so much free drinks. “He demanded for a drink known as tequila and probably to show that he can consume a lot and still stay sane, took several shots of the drink.

As at the time Davido wanted to leave the party for another one, Tagbo was already drunk and violent. Davido who was concerned about his plight offered to carry him in his car but was advised against it because he was drunk and misbehaving. They advised him to go home but he insisted that he was going to the beach party with them. He then joined their car which was part of t

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Mourinho says he has no idea when Pogba will be fit

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said he has “no idea’’ when record signing Paul Pogba will be fit again after the French midfielder suffered a hamstring injury.

The France player had sustained the injury in a UEFA Champions League tie against Basel early in September.

The 24-year-old, who cost 89 million pounds last year —- a world record at the time —- played only a handful of games this season before being sidelined.

“Paul is not here, I don’t know when he comes back, when he’s available, I’ve no idea,” Mourinho told a news conference ahead of his team’s Saturday’s visit to Huddersfield Town.

He hopes Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return by the end of the year, however.

The Portuguese also has better news of Marcus Rashford, who is fit in spite of coming off during the midweek Champions League win over Benfica with a knee injury.

United will be looking to make history by keeping an eighth clean sheet in the opening nine league games of the season.

No other team has achieved that in the top division of English football.

Mourinho was criticised for a defensive approach in last weekend’s dull goalless draw at Liverpool.

Stoke City are the only side to score, in a 2-2 draw, against Mourinho’s team in eight Premier League games.

Earlier in the season, United appeared to be recapturing the adventurous style historically associated with the club.They won 4-0 four times against lowly opposition but have since been outscored by neighbours Manchester City, who now lead them by two points at the top of the table.

The game at Huddersfield is the first meeting between the clubs since 1972 and the Yorkshire side have not won one since 20 years before that, in March 1952.

After a good start, Huddersfield have not won a Premier League game for two months, but Mourinho insisted that his team will know what to expect from a newly promoted club.

“We are silly if we don’t know what is waiting for us,” he said.

“Everybody knows the Premier League and knows what it means to play against newly promoted teams.

“Every team in the Premier League is good and thinks they can win every match against every opponent.

“The players will be buzzing and the supporters will be happy to have a big club playing in their stadium.”(Reuters/NAN)

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North Korea’s nuclear weapons aimed only at U.S – diplomat

A high-ranking North Korean diplomat told a non-proliferation conference in Moscow on Friday that the country’s nuclear weapons were aimed at the U.S. and at no one else.

“We believe that the U.S., but not any other country, may mount a nuclear attack,” Choe Hui, the Head of the North Korean Foreign Ministry’s Department on North American Affairs said.

“Our nuclear programme and weapons are aimed at the U.S.,’’ the diplomat said in comments carried by Russian state news agency TASS.

“Our nuclear response will aim at the U.S., but not any other third country.”
Russia and China have the closest diplomatic relations with the insular communist state of North Korea.

The U.S. and its allies South Korea and Japan have been increasingly alarmed in recent months about the potential for a nuclear war with North Korea. (dpa/NAN)

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Why Tagbo ’s killer may be a woman

As late Davido’s friend, Tagbo Umeike, is being buried in his Anambra State home today (friday), indications emerged yesterday, that the deceased might have been murdered, and by a female.

The new development surfaced when an Instagram user, @digwe, made a claim, suggesting that the spirit of Tagbo appeared to her in the early hours of Thursday, asking her to deliver a message to his (Tagbo)’s killer.

@digwe noted that it felt strange to her, as she never met Tagbo in his life time, wondering why his ghost chose her for the errand.

The IG user who would not disclose details of her purported encounter with Tagbo’s ghost made insinuations of a killer with diabolic powers.

She gave an inkling of the killer’s sex in her post, adding that the ghost even provided her with the killer’s phone contact.

 She wrote in barely tidy abbreviations: “Rip tagbo i dunno y u chose to come to me? Wen u kill sumone n u follow d pesin to d spiritual realm to shut him up totally… i dnt no tagbo i v neva seen or spoken to him or know sumone dat knows him.. i av given ur msg to d pesin u wanted me to giv it to but m sorry i cnt share on my page for security reasons.. it was hell gettin ha number but u made it available to me…u r such a sweet n gentle spirit.. pls rest in peace n let God fight for u..? bye

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Obasanjo bags AFRIMMA’s Leadership Award

Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo has been honoured with the Leadership in Africa Award by organisers of the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA).

The retired Army General was given the diadem on the occasion of the 4th AFRIMMA Awards and Festival which held on October 8, at the House of Blues, Dallas, Texas, United States.

Tauted as the biggest African music awards in Diaspora, this year’s AFRIMMA was attended by Nigerian celebrities such as Tiwa Savage, Falz, Basketmouth, Emma Nyra, and Kaffy  among others, who joined in the colourful celebration of African music on the world stage.

Founder of the show and CEO of Big A Entertainment, Anderson Obiagwu, said AFRIMMA Leadership in Africa Award is dedicated to African who have served with distinction in various leadership capacities in Africa and internationally.

He said: “Obasanjo, it would be recalled, is the first Nigerian to serve as Military Head of State as well as Civillian President.

“Some of his major achievements and accomplishments include being the first Military Head of State to successfully hand over power to an elected civillian President and also played a crucial role in wrestling back power from the Military in 1999, culminating in him being elected President.

“Obasanjo is also a designated UN envoy who has overseen various democratic elections across the continent. He is particularly renowned for his activities in the peace process of West African countries; Liberia and Sierra Leone. He famously resolved along with President Biya of Cameroon the protracted Bakassi Peninsula issue by signing the ‘Greentree Agreement’.

“The amiable leader established the Presidential Library which is one of the biggest educational tourism institutions in Africa . It would be recalled also that it was during his tenure as President that GSM mobile technology was introduced to Nigeria while counterparts Benin, Togo and Ghana were all already on the GSM technology.

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way and Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Mathew Obasanjo has been a tenacious leader who has left an imprint on African leadership history,” he said.

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Attack on APC govt: Presidency hits back at Jonathan

The Presidency responded to the dismissal of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as a failure by former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that the former president has no moral ground to criticise Buhari.

Receiving a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship aspirant in the forthcoming national convention of the party, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Jonathan had said the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by Buhari had not recorded any achievement after two years, adding that the ruling party was feeding Nigerians with lies and propaganda.

“Those who are giving us some kind of names, what have they done?” Jonathan queried, saying that the Buhari government had taken propaganda and lies to professional level.

The former President recalled that his administration was “severely criticised for increasing the pump price of petroleum from N67 to N97 at a time that global crude price was going for over 100 dollars.

“The pump price was later reduced to N87 when the price of crude oil dropped and they attacked us that it was supposed to be lower.

“Those who criticised my administration are not talking again now that the global crude oil is about 53 dollars per barrel and the pump price of petrol is N143.”

But the Presidency yesterday explained to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan why the generality of Nigerians accepted the increase of petrol price from N89 per litre to the current N143 in good faith.

The Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said it was all down to the integrity of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“When petrol went to N145 under PMB, Nigerians held their peace, unlike when they shut the country in 2012. The difference is trust. Simple,” Adesina tweeted yesterday in response to Jonathan’s statement on Thursday.

An APC chieftain, Mr.Osita Okechukwu, also advised Jonathan to quietly retire to any part of the country he chooses and stop challenging the APC and the Buhari government to a public debate.

Okechukwu, who is the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), told The Nation on the phone that the Jonathan Administration failed the nation, leaving major infrastructure to decay while public funds were freely looted.

He challenged the former President to point to any project he was able to complete during his six years in office as President.

Okechukwu said: “The President was very clear that the man (Jonathan) left almost an empty treasury, which is why we have a huge infrastructure deficit.

“The world knows that almost all the infrastructure that Jonathan inherited went bad. We are challenging him to show us one project he completed.

“Is it the Green Field refineries? He told us on May 13, 2010 that he was going to build three green field refineries at $23 billion.

“The contract was awarded to the Chinese under Public Private Partnership. One was to be located in Bayelsa, one in Lagos and the other in Kogi State.

“We challenge him to show us the three green field refineries or tell us where the money he voted for the projects is. I am talking about a time when our Excess Crude Account was in the excess of short $17 billion.

“The Chinese came back and told him they were going to contribute about 80 per cent of the three green field refineries. We have not seen any of them.

“If we had seen the three green field refineries which he publicly announced, the billions we lost in importation of refined petroleum products and the gross unemployment engendered by the looting of that fund would have been avoided, and that is what we are talking about.

“Before and during his regime, there was money voted for the cleaning of Ogoni environment that was degraded by oil spill.

“It is the Buhari regime that started that project now. Did he do anything there? Did he complete the East/West Road? That is a road that covers the nerve centre of the Niger Delta where he comes from.

“If there is any project that he promised to implement and he did, he should tell us.

“Don’t forget that the average price then was about $100 per barrel. I don’t see how he can be calling for a public debate, because I am talking of just one region.

“Even the development he did in the Nigerian airports, is it commensurate with the amount of money voted or the amount of money borrowed? He said he did this or that. Is it commensurate with the amount of money voted?

“If I were in his shoes, I would retire to the village or any city of my choice and keep my cool, because if he talks of a debate, we will bring out what happened during his time.

“The fact that his wife was coming to claim $15 million, saying it was out of her hand work as First Lady and permanent secretary in Bayelsa State. Is it that other Nigerians are not working hard to be worth $15 million? So, let us not go into his matter.

“We are not talking of Diezani who was Minister of Petroleum under his government, who failed to do anything to develop the Niger Delta and rather resorted to illegal accumulation of wealth.

“I have great respect for him as a former President and being gracious enough to accept his defeat. But if he wants to open the vault, then we can go back and open the Pandora box for him. So, let us leave it at that.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State expressed disappointment at the statement made by Jonathan.

Spokesman for the party, Abayomi Adesanya, believes Jonathan has not recovered from the shock of his defeat in the 2015 election.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for clarification that is known to the public though, Jonathan plunged Nigeria into this present quagmire of unprecedented corruption and economic crisis,” Adesanya said.

“If I were Jonathan, I would keep quiet and beg for forgiveness from Nigerians and God, rather than making uncomplimentary comments about the present government.”

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Google and the City

When technology meets travel, seamless travel experience happens. This is something Google has consistently done in the past four years. This year, the maiden Lagos edition wasn’t any different, navigating Lagos with Google tools. I learnt the art of home-made-party jollof rice with Chef Eros, explored the waterways of Lagos and paid homage to Fela’s dynasty with #GidiwithGoogle. Whether it’s a Google map helping you with directions or Google photos creating your own GIFs and video, Google is your best travel partner. Omolola Itayemi   writes

Technology company, Google, is using the growing need for information on the go to showcase some of its applications and how they come in handy during travel. An interesting crop of media personnel including journalists from all over Africa, bloggers and influencers explored Lagos, the city of aquatic splendour using the apps on Google; Stephen Musyoka and Lyra Aoko from Kenya, Karabo Mokgoko and Anje Rautenbach from South Africa and Chuks Nwane of the Guardian. The trip is to engage major media personalities to share their experience using these tools available on Google and where better to do this than Lagos, the only city in the world that has a personal residence turned museum dedicated to the late Fela Anikulapokuti -Kalakuta Museum.

Arriving

The George Lagos opened its doors to the public in October 2015 with a legacy that is now the benchmark for luxury hospitality in Nigeria. It is a Nigerian-owned, Luxury Business Hotel located in the heart of Ikoyi, Lagos, known for its opulent suites, indulgent hotel facilities, bespoke features, personalized business and hotel services offering an unsurpassed luxury business experience.Got to the George hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos (our abode for the next three days) late on Wednesday, October 4th and met the most exciting welcome gift in my room. I could not meet up with the rest of the team for dinner at 6.00 pm at the Backyard, Lagos, a bar and grill restaurant located in Victoria Island but from the cool photos that emerged, Google could not have started on a better vibe especially with those Google customised menus and dining accessories.

Day 1 – Explore Lagos Island

Following a quick briefing on various Google apps we will be exploring throughout the trip at the hotel restaurant whilst having breakfast, we started on a very early note. Most of us are not strangers to Google apps but how much of it do we apply in our everyday lives and also on trips. Google Maps is every tourist’s essential guide. You can check out the distance to wherever you’re going, the traffic situation and how long it will take for you to get there. Dorothy Oko, Communications and Public Affairs manager, East and Francophile Africa, gave a background to the brand, took us through the apps with illustrations before we hit the road.

You know how people say Google is your best friend? Google is actually your best friend! For travelling, you convert currencies, learn more about the history of the country and more. Personally, Google Voice Search is the star attraction for me with its new accent-friendly edge, you don’t even have to type anything. I must have said ‘ok google’ more than a thousand times.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google Communications & Public Affairs Manager, West Africa, spoke about GoogleMaps being every tourist’s essential guide. You can check out the distance to wherever you’re going, the traffic situation and how long it will take for you to get there. One cool thing is that you can create lists and share with friends.

As a frequent traveller, beyond giving direction, I have found this feature very useful. It is for travellers who want to know what to expect from a destination, or want to see if the 5-star Hotel you are booked into is indeed that and not a rundown motel purporting to have star rating. It also allows you to see some famous tourist sites that you may want to visit in various countries, oh yes I can attest to that.

Interestingly, my Google feed gets automatically curated to my interests and previous searches, creating lists I can share with friends and directions to such places.  Capturing special moments and interesting locations are easy with Google Photos. You can create your own GIFs and movie clips (with your selected song in the background). No extra app or struggle involved. Just a few clicks on the Google Photos app and it is done. More so, there’s a sharing feature on the app that sends to loved ones and friends. Just create a new sharing link, add everybody’s email addresses and you can all upload pictures and have access to them automatically.

Out and about we headed to the serene yet rich in fauna Lekki Conservation Centre, Lekki Lagos where we explored the nature trail walk for about 300 metres before climbing the tree house, the view from the top of the tree house was awesome.

Next stop was Chef Eros Studio 1 at Lekki where we learnt the art of home-made-party-jollof rice. Thanks to the famous conversation between Richard Quest of CNN and Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism on the origins of jollof rice, it has become our holy grail, so gidiwithgoogle cannot happen without Naija jollof rice. Chef Eros left no one in doubt about the amazing delicacy Naija jollof rice which left our fellow African influencers asking for more and the recipe too. We finished with a crash course on table etiquette and food party with a twist on traditional Nigeria food.

Nobody looked forward to the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market more than the visiting influencers and were slightly disappointed when we found out the market was shut down for the day. We opted for the boat ride from BayLounge, navigating Lagos waterways with Naija music, food and good company.

DAY 2 – Mainland Fun 

After breakfast, we went to the Quintessence Store, Ikoyi, the arts and crafts on sale there were a collectors’ item and I picked a few with amazing books. Next door is Polly Alakija, (the artist that painted under Falomo Bridge, Ikoyi) art studio where I saw the best murals in Lagos and took pictures with the iconic hand painted volkswagen bug in front of her studio

Next stop was Freedom Park, formerly a colonial prison called Her Majesty’s Broad Street Prison. Although most of the former structures have been demolished, they have built new ones ones with pictures and relics of the old prison. We met, Theo Lawson, the architect that designed Freedom Park and Kalakuta Museum.

We moved on to Kalakuta Museum. What can I say it’s a whole three-floors dedicated to the memory of Fela, the music legend. With a tour guide/former student of Fela, we practically went through his lifetime in two hours. No information or keepsake was spared from pictures, rooms, clothes, musical instruments and even the wrapper of the last chocolate candy he had before passing away. 

After a sumptuous meal at Jevenik restaurant, GRA, Ikeja, we were prepped up for a glamorous night. Face beat by Priye, one of Nigeria’s top make-up artist, off we went to Bogobiri for another amazing party, Google style. A lovely evening with excellent food, wine and Naija music and dance. What a top ending to a brilliant day.

Usual Google style, each person forms a group with tasks at the beginning and the winning group gets gifts.

 I’m proud to say my group won one of the competitions. With Google photos, I know my unlimited amazing pictures I took will be stored and organized, however, much more than the pictures were the daily gifts I got on return to my hotel room each night. Not just any other gifts but gifts that resonate with me. Thanks, Google!

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Adama Indimi’s Achilles’ Heel

Without a doubt, Adama, one of the daughters of billionaire businessman and Chairman of Oriental Petroleum Oil, Mohammed Indimi, is strikingly beautiful. She is one of the few ladies  whose beauty would make any full-blooded man drool. So many features, including her curvature, come-hither-looks, and infectious smile can make any man weak at his knees.  No one sees her without taking a pause to appreciate her God-given endowment. Besides, she has a good sense of fashion.

However, what Adama, a graduate of the Lynn University, Florida, US, gains in physical attributes, she allegedl five y lack in character. This, it was gathered, is the only reason she is not hooked to date.

Interestingly, Adama, who runs a travel agency, Kauna Solutions, is not in short supply of men who want her as a partner. But most of the dashing and successful men whose paths had crossed hers had reportedly parted ways with her on account of her alleged haughtiness.

When  the beautiful model was jilted last year by sensational singer, D’ Banj, many had attributed the break-up to her “bad attitude”, which made the Koko Master to seek love in another woman , Didi Kilgrow. Before then, the duo were an item. In fact, it was revealed that both families were aware of their affair, as Indimi was always visiting D’banj’s mother in Lagos, while he was also a regular guest at her family’s house in Abuja.It will be recalled that her wedding introduction with a son of a Niger State top politician was reportedly cancelled at the last minute when the young man could no longer cope with her.  Though she was distraught over the development, she soon came over it and moved on.

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Buhari Offers to Host D8 Ministers in Abuja Next Month

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Istanbul, Turkey pledged Nigeria’s preparedness to host the meeting of D8 Ministers of Industry between November 14 and 17, this year in Abuja.

The President’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement, said Buhari also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to international trade and development and urged D-8 leaders to prioritise incentives and measures aimed at increasing trade and investments among member countries.

‘‘As the D-8, we need to intensify our activities with a view to enhancing various measures and incentives introduced to promote trade and assist the business communities from Member States to invest in our countries and widen our cooperation.Shehu said Buhari who made the appeal at the ninth summit of the D-8, observed that the private sector and business communities in the economic organisation must be assisted with incentives to widen economic cooperation among member-states.

‘‘We need to work hard to establish integrated manufacturing structures and markets. I will like to reiterate the importance of increasing trade and investment among our Member States,’’ Buhari was quoted as saying.

Highlighting the attractive business and investment opportunities in the country, the statement added that the President stressed the need for prospective investors to take advantage of the federal government’s new policies on trade facilitation.

‘‘Nigeria is committed to, and is actively pursuing a policy of trade and investment facilitation for growth.  The gains from trade are reflected in greater competitiveness, improved productivity, job creation, consumer welfare and prosperity.

‘‘Economies that grow fastest and at more sustainable rates are those that actively promote trade and attract investment. We are committed to creating an enabling environment and making Nigeria an attractive place for business and investment,’’ the President said.

Shehu said the President also urged D-8 member countries to support the efforts of the African Union (AU) to establish the first ever single market for trade in goods and services on the continent and described the AU-backed Continental Free Trade Area for Africa as a ‘’win-win for all, including member countries of the D-8.’’

Buhari added: “I am pleased to inform you of positive market developments currently in Africa, that will support our efforts as members of the D-8 to enlarge our markets, facilitate our trade and investments, and develop our economies.

‘‘In Africa, we are on the threshold of finalising negotiations to establish the first ever Single Market for Trade in Goods and Services on our Continent, in the Continental Free Trade Area for Africa.  This will be a win-win for all, including member countries of the D-8.

‘‘As partners, I urge that we work together to support this effort of the African Union that will have a positive effect on global economic development and integration.’’

Earlier, Buhari had congratulated the outgoing Chairman of D8, Pakistani government, and Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, the outgoing Secretary-General, on their commitment and strong resolve to forge the organization ahead even in the face of serious challenges.

He also congratulated Turkey on assuming the new leadership of the economic organization.

He assured D-8 leaders that Nigeria would continue to support the secretariat in its assignments to achieve the visions and objectives of the organization.

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NFF Set to Resolve World Cup Bonuses with Eagles

• Budgets N6.4bn for next year 
• Stops bonus payments to age-grade teams

Femi Solaja

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to ensure that World Cup 2018 bonuses are concluded with the Super Eagles before the end of this year to avoid repetition of what transpired in Brazil three years ago.
At the Mundial in the South American country three years ago, Super Eagles players abandoned training ahead of a crucial second round clash with France as a result of disagreement over bonuses.

It took the intervention of then President Goodluck Jonathan who directed Senate President, Senator David Mark to fly into Brazil with the cash from Abuja to pay the players at their Campina camp before they returned to training. Nigeria eventually lost the match 1-0 to France.

But thursday, NFF decided at its executive committee meeting that held at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Jos that bonuses agreements with the players must be concluded before the end of the year.Football aficionados attributed the loss in Brasilia to the dispute and the fact that Eagles stayed awake almost all the night leading to the match to pick up the cash.

“World Cup bonuses must be firmly concluded and agreement signed before the end of this year, for the sake of stable preparations and credible participation at the World Cup finals without any distractions,” observed the communique released after the meeting.

The committee also resolved that adequate and intensive preparation of the Super Eagles for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, including the arrangement of quality friendly matches for the team, is non –negotiable.

“To this end, a comprehensive plan of action would be released after the World Cup Draw in Moscow on 1st December 2017, which would encompass training camps, friendly matches, marketing and funds drive to ensure a great outing at the World Cup finals.”

In line with global best practices, the NFF has also decided to stop payment of bonuses for all age grade national teams. Also, it stopped bonus payment to coaches and backroom staff of the senior teams.

“The committee reiterated that henceforth, only the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons will be entitled to bonus payments per match. Players, coaches and backroom staff of other teams will earn daily allowances, approved bonuses at the end of successful qualifying campaigns and approved allowances (including daily allowances) at championships.”

Meanwhile, the General Assembly approved the NFF Financial Statement for the year 2016 and the 2018 Budget as proposed.

The Federation’s total budget for year 2018 activities is the sum of N6,382,500,310.00. The guaranteed revenues from sponsors and government subvention is the sum of N3,062,500,310.00, leaving a shortfall of the sum of N3,320,000,000.00, which the Federation has to work to augment through sponsorships and special interventions.
Another far reaching decision at the Congress also includes the adoption of the motion to the effect that future Elective Congresses be moved away from the FIFA World Cup year. Katsina has been selected to host the next Elective Congress.

“This is to guarantee stability in the system to prepare the national team for credible participation at the finals, and to avoid the distractions and crises usually associated with the World Cup year.

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Wike: FG Weakening Nigeria’s Justice System with Systematic Intimidation

• Fight against corruption in the judiciary dubious, discredited  
• Judges lack courage to defend our collective rights to an impartial judicial system

By Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has accused the federal government of weakening the justice system in the country by clamping down on judges “to lay the grounds for the wholesale politicisation of the justice sector in the country.”  

The governor said the “systematic intimidation of the judiciary by the federal government” had nothing to do with “its dubious and much discredited fight against corruption in the judiciary”. 

According to Wike: “The danger in the incremental politicisation of the judiciary has started manifesting in the poor quality of justice from the election tribunals where judges are appointed and directed to execute pre-determined results, and also in the quality of the Court of Appeal, where seniority, proven competence and integrity are blatantly passed over for partisan affiliations in the appointment or elevation of judges to that court.Speaking during the Special Court Session to mark the opening of the 2017/2018 Legal Year, Wike said the federal government was guilty of impunity, and threat to rule of law and impartial delivery of Justice. 

 “When all is said and done, let us not forget that Nigeria is still a nation of laws and not of strong men. While the federal government is guilty of impunity, the greatest threats to the rule of law and the independence of our judiciary are the judges who lack the courage to defend our collective rights to an impartial judicial system or compromise their oaths in order to remain in office.” 

The governor noted that the present federal government operates in denial of the fact that the judiciary is a separate arm of government, which must be unreservedly respected, protected and preserved for the sustainable development of the country. 

He alleged that since 2015, the nation had not seen any single initiative from the federal government to either reform or correct real or perceived inefficiencies in the nation’s judicial system. 

He said: “We continue to witness an insidious erosion of the Rule of Law and the independence of the judiciary through a combination of vile threats, unwarranted interferences and opportunistic pressures on judges in a manner and scale never seen before in the political history of this country. 

“Indeed, judges appear to have been intimidated to the point where some now find it very uncomfortable even to attend official State functions with governors for fear of being blacklisted thereafter and eventually punished,” he stated. 

On the achievements of his administration in the Justice sector, the governor said his administration had built new courts and renovated existing courts. 

Wike said: “Just two months ago, we flagged off the residential housing scheme for judicial officers, including those serving at the Federal level so that our judges can have the peace of mind to do their work in their own comfortable homes for life. 

“Today, I am happy to announce that we have equally designed a similar housing scheme for magistrates, which construction we shall flag off in a couple of weeks”. 

In her address, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara, stated that the Rivers State Judiciary would continue  to uphold justice in the state.

 She lauded the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for his regular release of funds for the administration of Justice.  

Also speaking, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) urged the Police and other security agencies to  respect the tenets of the law. 

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, Victor Frank Briggs and the Spokesman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Onueze Okocha ( SAN). 

 Wike later inaugurated the New Ultra-Modern Block E Building and Newly Renovated Electronic Library at the State High Court Complex. 

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Madrid, Barcelona Re-enact Rivalry with Football Academy

No rivalry in world football has matched that between Real Madrid and Barcelona–from political and  ideological differences to signing the biggest players in the world and most recently, siting football academies in Nigeria

A fter Barcelona’s experience with FCBESCOLA in Lagos last February, Spanish giants, Real Madrid, and the government of Rivers State recently signed an agreement to set up an academy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

On Monday, Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, former Super Eagles player, Adokiye Amiesimaka and the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly Chief Evans Bipi  took a trip to Spain to sign the terms and conditions of the proposed Real Madrid Academy that would nurture talents in Rivers State.

Vice President of Interact Sports, Mr. Kazma and officials of Real Madrid led Wike and his entourage on a guided tour of Real Madrid Training Facility.Wike toured training facilities of Real Madrid Football Club and met with officials of the club,  football megastar, Cristano Ronaldo  and Real Madrid Captain, Sergio Ramos,  where further modalities were discussed.

In a meeting with Real Madrid stars, Ronaldo and Ramos, Wike said that the objective  of setting up  the Real Madrid Academy in Rivers State was to develop stars that would rule the world in the nearest future

“We are using football as one of the key empowerment programmes for the next generation.  We want to grow international football stars from a tender age. We will  tap from the experience  and exposure of Real Madrid  and their stars. This  is a project that will revolutionise  football  in Rivers State and Nigeria,” Governor Wike noted.

He assured that the academy  to be established  in the state will be of international standards and will take into consideration  the education  of the children.

Ronaldo and Ramos lauded Wike’s commitment to the development of the game.

According to Iyaye, “this will offer players of the state the opportunity to be spotted by Real Madrid and also to train and understand the ideologies and philosophies of Real Madrid.”

Wike on Tuesday met with the leadership of the Real Madrid Foundation as part of the requirements  to establish a Real Madrid Affiliated Football Academy in the state.

Officials of the Real Madrid Foundation were led by Managing Director, Julio Gonzalez and International Area Manager, Rosa Roncal Gimenez.

The meeting which held behind closed doors at the Real Madrid Foundation Office at the Santiago Bernabéu witnessed both parties concluding discussions on the areas of partnership.

In an interview after the meeting, Wike said the deliberation went on satisfactorily, noting that the partnership has reached its highpoint.

The governor said the academy would help the state to harness the opportunities  inherent in football as it would empower the upcoming  generation.

He said, “This is the concluding part of the process of establishing a Real Madrid Academy in Rivers State.  It is our dream to empower our youths through football. Today, you know that football is big business and one of the ways to improve the economy.

“This meeting is the height of our deliberation to get the Academy Started. We are happy that this has gone on satisfactorily.  Rivers youths will reap the benefits of the Academy. “

The highpoint of the meeting was the presentation of a special Real Madrid Jersey for Wike by Gonzalez.

International Area Manager of Real Madrid Foundation , Rosa Roncal Gimenez, lauded the Governor for the initiative to set up a Real Madrid Academy in Rivers State.

No Nigerian player has ever played for Real Madrid senior team. The closest player to doing so was Mutiu Adepoju, who joined Real Madrid in 1988 but never made it to the senior team.

Adepoju scored 26 goals in 67 apperance for Real Madrid team B between 1989-1992. Real Madrid are the current La Liga and Champions League champions.

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Special Courts to Try Over 6,000 Bayelsa Suspected Payroll Fraudsters

At least 6,280 suspected payroll fraudsters and employment racketeers in the civil service in Bayelsa are to face special courts currently being set up by the Bayelsa State Government, WE has learnt.

 In addition, the government’s prosecution team is said to be targeting those working with computer-generated certificates, beneficiaries of ‘indefensible’ astronomical promotions in violation of civil service rules and those receiving salaries from multiple agencies in the proposed action plan.

Already, Governor Seriake Dickson, told members of the Committee on Public Service Reforms that he had alerted the Commissioner of Police and had constituted a committee on prosecution on the ‘massive’ fraud in the state.

 Dickson said that those indicted would be given the opportunity to appear before the  nine-man judicial commission led by Hon. Justice Doris  Adokeme.

 “We have contacted the Commissioner of Police on the need for prosecution. I can assure you that no innocent person would be affected. That is why the Judicial Commission of Inquiry is there. Anybody who has a case, anybody who feels he is not fairly treated has the chance to go there.

 “The prosecution team is waiting and the courts are waiting to commence action soon,” Dickson said.

 It was gathered that the commission has discovered 3, 243 unauthorised employees in the Rural Development Authorities and 3,037 in the eight constitutionally recognised Local Government Areas of the state, making 6,280 so far.

 Dickson was said to be alarmed that many ghost workers were still in the civil service system, despite the fact that he had been able to cut down the wage bill from about N6 billion when he came in five years ago, to roughly N3.6 billion currently. 

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said that full action on the committee’s report would commence soon, adding that the prosecution of those who committed crimes against the state, was expected. 

“I think that should be expected. If you go out of your way to commit acts against the law, you will face prosecution. 

“We are talking about a fraud perpetrated over the years that has made the state to lose billions of naira. So if the governor, who demonstrated the courage to take on this evil, is making moves to prosecute them, then it should not be a surprise,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the governor yesterday inaugurated a whistle-blower  programme  code-named “Operation Flush out Payroll Fraud.” 

Dickson said the policy was designed to give the citizens the opportunity to communicate directly with  him on security, fraud and related issues in the state.

While giving out the four dedicated lines and social media handles tagged ‘Contriman Direct’, Dickson said it was designed to give the citizens the opportunity to communicate directly with him, adding that all information from concerned citizens would be treated with confidentiality.

He described  payroll fraud as a crime against humanity and the Ijaw nation, stressing that citizens had a responsibility to act against those who receive salaries without working or those receiving multiple salaries.

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