Fresh facts have emerged indicating possible plot by the management of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), UC RUSAL of Russia, to strip the plant of its assets by declaring them obsolete. Revelations in the companys Financial Statements ...
A randy husband Edwin (surname withheld) at the Junior Staff Quarters, Asaba, Delta State, has put his wife’s bosom in the family way three months after wedding. Reports said Edwin’s wife on Thursday last week moved out of her matrimonial h...
Ahead of the 2015 elections, the Alliance for Credible Election (ACE) has warned that the poor planning by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could undermine the elections. The civil society organisation, which accused INEC of “...
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday in Abuja unveiled a new five-year strategic management plan to drive its telecom regulatory mandate in the fast evolving telecom industry in the next five years from 2013 to 2017. The formal unveil...
Manchester United FC continued their march towards Premier League glory with a 2-0 win at Stoke City FC, after Sunderland AFC celebrated a 3-0 derby win at Newcastle United FC.
Manchester United FC brought their Premier League title dream into clearer view with a 2-0 win at struggling Stoke City FC, and it was also a good day for Sunderland AFC, who beat local rivals Newcastle United FC 3-0 to pull clear of the relegation zone.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side made the perfect start in their bid to bounce back from Monday's derby defeat by Manchester City FC when Michael Carrick opened the scoring with his first league goal of the season on four minutes. The hosts struggled to test David de Gea in the United goal and the result was put beyond doubt midway through the second half when Robin van Persie converted from the penalty spot after being brought down by Andy Wilkinson.
Earlier in the day, Paolo di Canio oversaw his first victory as Sunderland manager in an impressive Tyne–Wear derby win. Stéphane Sessegnon gave the visitors the lead on 27 minutes with a low shot into the bottom left corner, and things went from bad to worse for Newcastle when Tim Krul was taken off with an injury that could rule him out of the rest of the campaign.
Sunderland doubled their lead against the run of the play when Adam Johnson curled a superb effort into the top left-hand corner with 16 minutes remaining, and David Vaughan completed the scoring late on to lift Sunderland three points clear of the drop zone and two behind their opponents.
Unknown gunmen believed to be hired assassins on Sunday, trailed and shot dead the younger brother of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Andy Yakubu along Kachia-Kaduna express road.
The GMD’s young brother, Yohanna Yakubu had gone to his village in Zango Kataf local government area of Kaduna State over the weekend to visit family members.
A family member who confirmed the incident told LEADERSHIP that late Yohanna was shot dead by the assassins in the presence of his wife, his Sister in-law, and a little baby who had followed him to the village.
A security source told LEADERSHIP that the gunmen in conjunction with their collaborators trailed the GMD's younger brother from Kaduna to his village to attend a funeral.
He said, “The deceased was travelling with his wife, his in-law and little girl before they were ambushed in the middle of the road around Kachia local government area, the gunmen shot him dead, and left his wife and little baby unhurt.”
Confirming the incident, spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Aminu Lawan, said the command has since embarked on investigation that will lead to their arrest.
It was gathered that the NNPC boss has arrived Kaduna following the incident
Read more later.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has threatened to launch violent attacks on mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations of Islamic followers, as well as assassinations of clerics who propagate doctrines of hate.
According to MEND in a statement issued on Sunday evening and signed by its spokesperson Gbomo Jomo, the proposed attacks is a crusade to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation and will form the core mission of this crusade code named “Operation Barbarossa”.
According to MEND, "On behalf of the hapless Christian population in Nigeria, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (M.E.N.D), will from Friday, May 31, 2013, embark on a crusade to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation. The bombings of mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic events and assassinations of clerics that propagate doctrines of hate, will form the core mission of this crusade code named “Operation Barbarossa”.
"This campaign will not in any way interfere with the ongoing “Hurricane Exodus” – which on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at about 01:00 Hrs, swept through the Ewellesuo community, Nembe, Bayelsa State, leaving the destruction of well 62, belonging to Shell Petroleum in its wake. We may only consider a ceasefire of “Operation Barbarossa” if the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Catholic Church and Henry Okah, one of the few leaders in the Niger Delta region we respect for his integrity, intervenes. Also the assurance for a cessation of hostilities targeted at Christians in their places of worship, made privately or publicly by the real Boko Haram leadership will make us call off this crusade."
Contacted on the development, the Media Coordinator of the JTF, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu stated that those attempting to christen themselves MEND today are impostors and a bundle of "never do wells" who want to be accorded undue recognition at the ex pence of the peace currently savoured in the Niger Delta, "The lack of focus and genuineness of intention of this gang seeking to hide under the name of MEND is apparent in its statements. As it continues to contradict itself. "
"You recall that it had earlier claimed to be acting under the directives of Henry Orkar and now it refers to the same person as just one of the respected leaders of the Niger Delta. Now they are seeking sympathy and acceptance of the public by claiming to want to avenge for Christians. Niger Deltans be not deceived by the tricks of the devil. Lawlessness is never a solution. Obviously their aim is to engender panic and a sense of insecurity in the region using MEND's name but we assure them that their cup is full and will soon be caught up with by the law."
“We urge all Community leaders, opinion leaders and all peace loving Niger Deltans not to panic but rather firmly dissociate themselves from these criminals and to collaborate with the JTF and other security agencies in ensuring that we rid our society of these criminals."
On MEND’s claim of being responsible for the massive oil leakages from Oil Well 62 in Ewerusuo community in Nembe kingdom,the JTF spokesperson argued that the claim is false. "The claim by those criminals of blowing up a well head is false as our troops on patrol along Nembe Creek 1 Flow Station have earlier reported an incident of oil spill on water around Owelesu Community in Nembe resulting from the activities of oil thieves and a joint patrol team comprising of JTF troops and Nigerian Navy personnel was able to trace the spillage."
"The troops observed a fresh dug out possibly for laying illegal pipeline and fresh foot prints which were traced to a small camp. Items such as hack saw for cutting pipeline, 3 shovels, food items, cooking pots, sleeping mat, foot wears, bags of pure water and clothes were found in the camp. It was suspected that some miscreants were trying to open up a new illegal loading point. The camp has been destroyed in situ and patrols will be maintained. The oil well was shut down to avoid further spill pending repairs."
The Northern Speakers Forum on Sunday appealed to the Federal Government to include Northern Governors in the Amnesty Committee set up to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency.
A communiqué signed by the communiqué chairman, Mr Stephen Onmeje, and made available to newsmen in Minna, commended the Federal Government for taking steps that would lead to negotiations and possible acceptance of the amnesty.
The speakers also want various state governments, elders and traditional rulers from the region to ensure that peace returned to the region in the interest of the region’s development.
They called on the National Assembly to hasten the passage of the Hydro Power Producing Area Development Commission (HYPPADEC) Amendment Act, 2012 to ensure the commencement of the commission’s activities.
“Conference commends the Niger Government for contributing substantially to the success of the HYPPADEC and recommended that all states that cut across rivers Niger and Benue to be included in HYPPADEC states.
“On Mambilla Hydro Electricity Project, the forum resolved to continue persuade the Federal Government for the actualisation of the project.
“Conference thanked Federal Government for the construction of new Federal Secretariat in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, in line with its communiqué after the forum’s 22nd meeting held in Lafia on Dec. 10, 2011,’’ it said.
The communiqué also commended the present constitutional amendment process and suggest that the contentious issues, such absolute autonomy of the legislature, local government autonomy and revenue sharing be properly addressed.
It also called on the Federal Government to repair the dilapidated roads, such as Lambatta-Lapai-Bida-Mokwa road in Niger, Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari road in Yobe as well as the completion of Kano-Maiduguri road expansion.
“The conference appealed to the Federal Government to revisit the 33KVA power project from Gombe to Damaturu and Maiduguri,’’ the communique said. (NAN)
Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger has called on the speakers of the 19 Northern states to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposed amnesty programme for members of the Boko Haram sect. He made the call on Saturday in Minna, at the 24th Forum of...
Manchester City midfielder David Silva missed out on Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea due to injury, while John Terry and Frank Lampard were left on the bench for the Blues.
Silva suffered a hamstring problem in Monday's win over Manchester United and the Spaniard was unable to recover for the Wembley clash.
City boss Roberto Mancini was able to recall Argentina forward Sergio Aguero in place of Silva after his winner at Old Trafford.
Mancini also maintained his Cup routine of selecting Costel Pantilimon in goal ahead of England international Joe Hart.
Blues interim manager Rafael Benitez opted to leave out the vastly experienced Terry and Lampard as he preferred John Obi Mikel in midfield and Branislav Ivanovic in central defence.
Senegal striker Demba Ba was declared fit to start ahead of Fernando Torres after recovering from an ankle problem.
Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to 15 points from Manchester City with a routine 2-0 win over Stoke City, who are just three points above the relegation zone.
Michael Carrick put United ahead just four minutes in while Robin van Persie's second half penalty sealed victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's men, meaning they can now wrap up the title as early as next Monday's match against Aston Villa.
It was the perfect start for United as Van Persie's corner was not cleared by Geoff Cameron and Carrick was on hand to scramble home his second goal of the campaign.
The visitors came close to a second in similar circumstances as Patrice Evra fired over from another Van Persie delivery while Wayne Rooney, playing in a central midfield role, saw his effort well saved by Asmir Begovic.
Stoke, whose fans produced 60 seconds of applause for late 14-year-old fan Kameron Bourne on the 14 minute mark, did offer a test for United's backline.
They went close to a leveller when Robert Huth headed wide from Glenn Whelan's free kick as they looked for a way back into the game.
Stoke were unusually troubled at defensive set pieces and Carrick headed wide from Rooney's corner while an audacious Van Persie effort from 45 yards went well wide of its target.
Dutchman Van Persie, who was without a United goal since February before this game, saw plenty of the ball and was next to go close as his shot from the edge of the area was pushed around the post by Begovic.
As the game became more physical, with Andy Wilkinson left with a head bandage and a change of shirt, Rooney fired a 30-yard free kick off target as United continued to have the better chances.
But buoyed by a passionate home crowd, Stoke put the visiting defence under pressure with Shawcross deflecting wide a Charlie Adam corner.
Stoke had the wind advantage in the second half but it took them a while to get going in a slow start after the break.
It was United who were first to create a chance in the second 45 minutes as Javier Hernandez played in Van Persie with a delicate pass but the Dutchman shot into the side netting from the angle.
Jonathan Walters fired over on the half volley for Stoke from Ryan Shotton's header down after Steven Nzonzi's cross from the left.
Adam, making his first Stoke start since January, offered the Potters a fair bit of creativity and his fizzling left footed drive nearly caught David De Gea out.
Adam shot from the halfway line with the wind behind him forcing the United keeper to backpedal but he made a comfortable save.
Kenwyne Jones was next to fire in a shot from the edge of the area but it missed its target as Stoke showed they still had some attacking threat in them.
But just as it looked like the hosts would have a chance, United hit them on the break with Van Persie fouled by Wilkinson in the area from Rooney's 67th-minute pass.
Van Persie confidently took the spot kick, ignoring the wind which had blown the ball off its spot, to fire low and hard to Begovic's left.
The relief was evident as the former Arsenal player celebrated with his manager Alex Ferguson.
Stoke heads did not drop though and they were nearly back in the game when Shotton shot straight at De Gea after running onto Adam's cross-field pass.
The hosts sent on former United player Michael Owen as he winds down his career but other than an Adam free kick that was pushed away by De Gea, Stoke struggled to find a goal as they lost for a sixth time out of seven.
The CBN Governor, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, on Saturday advocated for drug test for all those seeking elective political office, to ascertain they were not drug addicts. Sanusi made the call in Kano at a three-day workshop on anti-substance abuse aw...
The Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN) has presented certificate of accreditation and recognition to some tertiary institutions and training centres which had satisfied its quality control parameters for accreditation and recognition. A total of...
The federal government has asked the Polish government to support it with expertise especially in the area of transmission as the existing lines in the country are old and weak. While soliciting their support to develop the nation’s evacuation of...
Nigeria’s leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company, MTN has said that it is ready to implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in consonance with the policy of the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission ...