Category:

Headlines

AFCON 2021: The Eagles that Refuse to Fly

by Folarin Kehinde January 24, 2022

written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

The sudden defeat of the Super Eagles by Tunisia despite having nine point in the African Cup of Nations Tournament did not just disappoint Nigerians but has generated mix reactions across the country and in the diaspora leaving many in awe despite having a fantastic start defeating Egypt and Guinea Bussiau.

The defeat gave hope for Nigerians and her government enthusiasm to believe that the Eagles would win the AFCON tournament.

The government and notable Nigerians out of eagerness, excitement and motivation for them promised cash reward if they win.

Earlier on Sunday morning before the match against Tunisia began, President Muhammadu Buhari charged the Super Eagles to fly in their match against Tunisia the President spoke with Coach Augustine Eguavoen, , Captain Ahmed Musa , Amaju Pinnick, President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), and Nigerian Ambassador to Cameroon, Abayomi Olonisakin.

Mr Buhari said: “You’ve been doing Nigeria proud. You’ve been winning. Please keep on winning. The Federal Government is supporting you, and I say thank you to all the technical crew and the players.. Please keep doing the country proud.”

Unfortunately, the Super Eagles could not get the chance to win their fourth title, just yet, after a 47th minute Youssef Msakni strike sent them out of the tournament.

A cagey first half had it highlights the first of which arrived when Wilfred Ndidi flashed an overhead kick wide as early as the second minute as Nigeria looked to open the scoring.

The first real chance of the evening fell to the Tunisians, but Wilfred Ndidi came to the rescue with a goal-line clearance.

Nigeria responded almost instantly through Joe Aribo, but the Rangers man, after receiving a decent ball from Moses Simon, saw his shot blocked at the last second.

The Carthage Eagles were rattled and could have conceded just past the quarter of the hour, but Taiwo Awoniyi could not get his head to make contact with a side-footed Samuel Chukwueze cross.

The Villarreal winger and Aina combined well on the right flank before the Chelsea academy product sent a low cross into the box which arrived behind Awoniyi.

The rest of the half fizzled out without much Falmouth action as both teams were content keeping the ball away from their area as much as possible.

Moments into the second half, Tunisia broke the deadlock after a fierce Youssef Msakni drive left Okoye with egg on his face.

It was the first time the Augustine Eguavoen-led side would concede the first goal at the Afcon in Cameroon.

The Super Eagles reacted well, raising the tempo, but the ball did not fall kindly to any of Awoniyi or Iheanacho as they pressed for an equaliser.

The evening turned for the worst for Nigeria when the Eagles were reduced to ten men. Alex Iwobi, minutes after coming off the bench, was shown a straight red card for a rash stamp.

Still, Simon should have equalised for Nigeria after a Peter Olayinka cross found him in the box. But goalkeeper Ben Said kept out the Nantes man’s shot.

Okoye saved a fierce Tunisian drive as the North Africans exploited the spaces left behind by the attacking Nigerians.

The Super Eagles were relentless, though, and Simon flashed a free-kick just wide after good work from Umar Sadiq.

Ndidi sent another shot wide when well-placed and Sadiq missed another sitter late on as the crucial equaliser eluded the Super Eagles.

Nigeria’s 100% record in Cameroon ends on a sad note. The Super Eagles leave Cameroon with Tunisia processing to face Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile many questions comes to mind on whose fault it is for making the eagles not to fly, the formation by Austin Eguaveon, the eagerness to receive the reward promised or the nature of the tournament characterized by its hype, excitement and disappointment where even the giants are fallen.

January 24, 2022 0 comments

Headlines

2023: ‘Obasanjo’s rejection of PDP, sign of imminent failure’

by Leading Reporters January 24, 2022

written by Leading Reporters

Osita Okechukwu, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, VON, has described the rejection of Peoples Democratic Party’, PDP, overtures by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a signal to another defeat in 2023 presidential election.

Mr Okechukwu wondered whether PDP leaders have refused to understand that Nigerians are suspicious and no longer interested in reinforcing the PDP’s share the money culture.

He said it smacks of political incorrect move for a party, whose membership card was publicly shredded to go back asking for the support of the same statesman that rejected its association.

Mr Okechukwu, a foundation member of the APC, made the remarks when he spoke with journalists in Abuja, maintaining that the rejection of PDP’s request to re-join the party by Obasanjo comes as failure signal at the eve of 2023 Presidential election.

PDP bigwigs led by its national chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, visited Obasanjo in his Abeokuta Ogun residence, during which the former President remarked, “I have been with the party right from inception. Whatever I do in my own life, because I became President on the platform of PDP, PDP will continue to be part of the history of my life.

“But, having said that, the day that in my ward I decided to tear my PDP card was the day I ceased to be a member of PDP and that day I vowed that I will not be a member of any political party again, but I will remain a statesman in Nigeria, in West Africa, in Africa and indeed in the world.

“I have my sympathy for our sister political party, PDP, over this misadventure. Just imagine the uncommon electoral boost the party would have generated if Chief Obasanjo had accepted their request.

“The statesman’s re-entry could have boosted the morale of the rank and file of the PDP. In short the rejection is a bad omen, particularly coming at the eve of the crucial 2023 presidential election,” he said.

Asked his take on the swipe of the PDP Chairman, Mr Ayu, who berated President Muhammadu Buhari and APC as clueless and plunging Nigeria into eternal debt, Okechukwu quipped, “I have my tremendous respect for His Excellency Iyorchia Ayu, an intellectual and seasoned academian; however, one needs to name some of the huge and uncountable infrastructure deficit PDP bequeathed to Buhari’s regime, which compelled borrowing for development:

“The Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Abeokuta, 2nd Niger Bridge, Kano-Maiduguri, Abuja-Makurdi, including other 13,000 federal road network nationwide.

“Re-equipment and upgrading of the Armed Forces and other Security Agencies emasculated by the PDP.” he said. NAN

January 24, 2022 0 comments

Headlines

Gov. Ugwuanyi Receives Haitians Of Igbo Ancestry Who Visited Their Homeland

by Folarin Kehinde January 22, 2022

written by Folarin Kehinde

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, received a Haitian delegation of Igbo ancestry at the Government House, Enugu, amid excitement and fulfillment.

The 10-man Haitian delegation, led by Senator Moise Jean-Charles, were on a home-coming mission to Enugu, the historic capital of Igboland, to perform conventional Igbo rituals such as traditional naming and name adoption, after they traced their roots to Igboland.

Addressing the delegation, Gov. Ugwuanyi represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, delightfully welcomed them to Enugu State in particular and the entire Igboland in general, and commended them for the bold step.

Gov. Ugwuanyi also appreciated them for “keeping a date with history, for following your heart, and for following your roots and getting back to your roots”.

The governor, who stressed the significance of the visit, stated that “today is a new beginning for all of us”.

He added: “We open our doors to you and we are ready as we have demonstrated. We also want you to know that changing your names is in agreement with the Igbo tradition that you have a new name for a new born.

“Today, you are born new in Enugu State and in the land of your fathers. Congratulations!”

In his address, the leader of the delegation, Sen. Jean-Charles, who described the visit to Enugu State as home-coming, rooting back to their origin in Igboland, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the hospitality accorded to them in the state.

He recounted the affinity of the people and culture of Enugu State and Haiti, revealing that Enugu has five letters as Haiti and that Enugu and Haiti mean cities on top of a hill.

According to the leader of the Haitian delegation, “I have visited many countries, many places around the world but this is the first time I have visited a country that everybody looks like me”.

Sen. Jean-Charles went further to say: “I have not come here as a foreign person. I have come back home. Before I keep on talking, I want to on behalf of all Haitians, all the blocks in Haiti, to thank you (Ugwuanyi) for receiving us after 218 years.

“We have decided that people in the whole continent of Africa and all of us who are there in Haiti is a wind following the bird from the African continent and it has brought bear in America which means all of us are one”.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ugonna Ibe, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, the immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo and Ozo (Dr.) Ferdinand Anikwe, gave a historic background of the Haitians and their link with Igbos, applauding the visitors for taking such a bold step in identifying with the people of their origin.

The climaxes of the event were the traditional naming and name adoption by the Haitian delegation, which were performed by Igwe Agubuzu in company of other traditional rulers present, dancing of Igede cultural dance by the visitors, and presentation of souvenirs to them by Enugu State government.

Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, State Executive Council (EXCO), Special Advisers to the Governor, other top government functionaries and the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, Prof. Fred Eze witnessed the historic event.

January 22, 2022 0 comments

Headlines

Barrister sues Obiano, speaker and AG, over Anambra LG funds misappropriation

by Leading Reporters January 21, 2022

written by Leading Reporters

A legal practitioner, Chijioke Ifediora, and others have sued Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State over local government funds and ‘unconstitutional’ appointments.

Ifediora dragged the governor to court together with the speaker, State House of Assembly, State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the attorney-general of the state.

The suit number A/454/2021 seeking an interlocutory injunction against the defendants is before Justice Nwabunike of High Court 5 Awka, and scheduled for hearing on February 10, 2022.

Ifediora and other plaintiffs in the case are seeking among others, an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 1st (Obiano) and 3rd defendants (speaker Anambra State House of Assembly) from appointing/ratifying the appointment of transition/caretaker committees in all the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The suit is also seeking an order of the court restraining the 1st and 2nd (Anambra State Electoral Commission) and 3rd defendant, from taking any actions whatsoever directly or indirectly either through themselves or their agents, privies, or appointed officers or issuing circulars/memos that will interfere/affect the determination of the suit excluding conduct of local government election as constitutionally guaranteed in the 21 local governments in Anambra State.

The plaintiffs also want the court to restrain the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants from taking any actions whatsoever directly indirectly either through themselves or their agents, privies or appointed officers; issuing circulars/memos that will tamper/affect/appropriate the local government funds monthly/ quarterly allocated by the Federal Government of Nigeria for the 21 local governments in Anambra without the direction/order of the court pending the determination of the substantive suit or such order(s) the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of this application.

The plaintiffs in their ground of application argued that “the substantive suit raises constitutional issues for determination, adding “the continued of local government allocation by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendant will prejudice this case and make a mockery of the judicial proceedings.

“Administrative activities of the 21 local governments will not be affected by this order except the illegal appointment of transition caretaker committees.

They also want the court to determine “considering the provisions of section 7(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and section 208 of the Anambra State local government law, 1999 (as amended) whether the 1st and 3rd defendants’ actions in constituting transition/caretaker committees to oversee the affairs of local government areas are not ultra vires, unconstitutional and illegal.

The plaintiffs further sought “a declaration that the perpetual renewal of caretaker/transition committee by virtue of section 208 of the Anambra State local government law, 1999 (as amended), which provides for three months renewal in perpetuity of caretaker/transition committees to oversee the affairs of local government areas and carry out the functions of local government councils ultra vires, unconstitutional and illegal.”

The last local government election in the state was conducted in 2013.

January 21, 2022 0 comments

Headlines

In 30 Days, FRSC Records 327 Deaths, 600 Crashes, Moves to Clampdown on Commercial Buses Without Speed Limiter

by Folarin Kehinde January 21, 2022

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Road Safety Corps said it would start enforcing the installation of speed limiting devices on commercial buses after 327 people died from 600 road crashes in one month.

The FRSC said 4,649 people were involved in the road crashes that took place between December 15, 2021 and January 15, 2022.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, disclosed this during a press briefing on the agency’s ‘Operation Zero Tolerance Special Patrol’ on Thursday in Abuja.

The agency’s records showed that 1,916 people were injured during that period.

Also, 11,060 vehicles were impounded, and 20,845 motors booked for various traffic violations during the operation.

He further explained: “Also, a total of 20,845 offenders were apprehended and booked for violating 24,214 different traffic infractions with 11,060 vehicles impounded and 9,787 confiscations recorded.

“However, a comparative analysis of enforcement within the special patrol in 2021 and 2020 indicates 26 per cent increase in road traffic violators, 32 per cent increase in traffic offences, 18 per cent increase in the number of vehicles impounded and 35 per cent increase in the number of confiscations,”.

Oyeyemi attributed the crashes to speed violation, driving under influence of drugs and alcohol, continuous night journey leading to fatigue, dangerous driving, wrongful overtaking, worn out and expired tyres, and overloading.

The road traffic regulator targets a 15 per cent reduction in fatality resulting from road traffic crashes in 2022.

It also seeks to enhance road safety partnership for innovation intervention and consolidate on traffic data system for improved road safety policy formulation.

January 21, 2022 0 comments

Headlines Sports

Like Eguovoen: Nigeria doctors can perform better than your multi-million dollar foreign doctors – Reno told Buhari

by Leading Reporters January 20, 2022

written by Leading Reporters

Self-styled opposition voice and alleged President Buhari tormentor, Reno Omokri has lashed out to President Buhari to rejig Nigeria health system, encourage Nigeria medical practitioners whom he said would perform better than President Buhari Multi-Million Dollar foreign doctors and cut waste that had led to untamed borrowing.

Following a congratulatory message extended to the Super Eagles over their unique performances in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations AFCON tournament by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reno in response reminded the President that the wonderful performance of the Eagles is the handiwork of a local coach, Augustine Eguavoen and a clear indication that if waste is controlled, Nigeria would borrow less and if Nigeria health system braced, Nigeria wouldn’t lose the much capital flight it loses to foreign medical trips.

“Augustine Eguavoen, is doing better than the multimillion dollar foreign coach, Gernot Rohr.

“Maybe our local doctors would prove to be better than your multimillion London doctors if you give them a chance.

“Maybe our local economy will get better if you stop taking external loans and start cutting internal waste.

“If Augustine Eguavoen can do it with the little he has, believe me, you can do it with the much you have!

Reno used the opportunity to appeal to President Buhari to pay Eguoveon very well like the foreign coaches.

“On a serious note, our government should consider paying Augustine Eguavoen the same mega bucks they paid Gernot Rohr. We cant pay Rohr millions for delivering failure and pay Eguavoen less for delivering success. My people, do I speak well in this? Reno asked.

January 20, 2022 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Senate, Reps Approve Direct, Indirect Primary In Electoral Bill

by Folarin Kehinde January 19, 2022

written by Folarin Kehinde

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved direct and indirect primary clauses as a mode of electing candidates by political parties for general elections.

This is a return to the original provision as contained in the extant law, the Electoral Act of 2010 before the National Assembly expunged indirect primary mode.

The president rejected the bill when it was sent to him.

The rejection however compelled the House and the Senate to reconsider the bill and vote to include “direct and indirect primary” provision in the electoral bill.

The House relisted the bill and dissolved into executive session.

After returning, the House moved again into Committee of the Whole and unanimously passed the provision.

Meanwhile, the Senate has equally amended and passed its version of the bill after the Senators amended the section that compelled political parties to use only direct mode of primary for electing candidates for elections.

This came after President Buhari rejected the bill over reservations on Clause 87 which deals with the mode of primary election to be used by political parties.

Buhari had said he was prepared to sign the bill if the Clause was amended to include consensus candidates and indirect primary options to the mode of selecting a candidate for an election.

January 19, 2022 0 comments

Headlines

Salima Makes History As First Woman to Referee An AFCON Match

by Folarin Kehinde January 19, 2022

written by Folarin Kehinde

Salima Rhadia Mukansanga will make history on Tuesday when she will referee the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match between Zimbabwe and Guinea.

The Rwandan-born will become the first woman to referee a game at the AFCON.

The 35-year-old is part of the all-women quartet picked for the match at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde. They will also be the first all-women team official since the inception of the tournament.

Mukansanga will be assisted by Carine Atemzabong (Cameroon), Fatiha Jermoumi (Morocco), and the VAR referee, Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco).

Earlier, Mukansanga had made history as the first woman to officiate a game at the continental showpiece when she served as the fourth official in the tie between Guinea and Malawi in Bafoussam.

January 19, 2022 0 comments

Headlines

We Can’t Release 2023 Election Timetable Until Buhari Signs Electoral Bill – INEC

by Folarin Kehinde January 19, 2022

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it will only release the 2023 general election timetable after the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is signed into law.

INEC Chairman, Mr Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this Tuesday in Abuja during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political parties.

He said, “On the Electoral Amendment Bill currently before the National Assembly, the Commission is encouraged by the Senate President’s assurance to give priority attention to the Bill when the National Assembly reconvenes from its recess today, and the commitment by the President to assent to the Bill as soon as the issue of mode of primaries by political parties is resolved. We look forward to a speedy passage of the Bill, which is crucial to our preparations for future elections.

“As soon as it is signed into law, the Commission will quickly release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election based on the new law”.

Both chambers of the National Assembly today said they will expedite actions on the bill, hinting on a possibility of expunging the controversial clause from the bill.

The controversial bill which President Muhammadu Buhari said would breed insecurity and cost relates to compelling political parties to adopt direct primaries as modes of electing their candidates for election.

January 19, 2022 0 comments

Headlines

Nigerian Idol Set To Return With D-Banj, Simi As New Judges

by Folarin Kehinde January 19, 2022

written by Folarin Kehinde

Reality television singing competition ‘Nigerian Idol’, is set to return for its seventh season with new Judges.

The music reality show will start on February 6, 2022, as music stars like Dapo Oyebanjo, well known as D’banj, and Similoluwa Kosoko, aka Simi will be the new judges on the show.

Nigerian Idol is the local version of the Idol series franchise. It is the second Idol franchise for the country as it was already part of Idols West Africa which was also shot and produced in Stockholm, Sweden.

The show started with its first season in 2010, the 50th anniversary of the country with the tagline “Live your dream. Accept no limitation.”

The new judges will be joining Obi Asika, who returns as a judge from the previous season.

Speaking on the introduction of new judges for the new season, the Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola said, “We could not think of a better trio to be the season’s judges than Obi Asika, D’banj, and Simi.

” The three of them combined bring decades worth of experience in the music and entertainment business, as well as individual mastery of their crafts.

“We have no doubt that they will keep the viewers entertained in what will be a spectacular season!”

Expressing excitement as one of the new judges of the coming season , D’banj said, “I was out of the country when I found out that I was going to be a judge for this season of Nigerian Idol and I couldn’t contain my excitement. I’m coming in with my own strategy so viewers should expect a bang.”

Simi also said, “I’ve always loved the idea of being a judge and I think it’s a fun thing to do. I plan to be very honest and have fun and hopefully gain inspiration from those that come on the show.”

For Obi Asika who is a returning judge, he said, “I will be looking for special talents and new faces this year. I’m also excited to work with the rest of the judges this season, and I will be very fair and real to every contestant just like I was last year.”

Recall the last season of Nigerian Idol, Kingdom Kroseide emerged winner after months of intense musical contest involving over 10,000 hopefuls from across the country, and over 16 million votes recorded at the finale.

January 19, 2022 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts