Guardiola apologises to Dyche after touchline row

Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (R) gestures to Burnley's English manager Sean Dyche (L) during the English FA Cup third round football match between Manchester City and Burnley at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England on January 6, 2018. Oli SCARFF / AFP

Pep Guardiola apologised to Burnley manager Sean Dyche for his behaviour after Manchester City equalised in their 4-1 FA Cup third round victory.

City boss Guardiola gestured angrily towards Dyche, making a 'yapping' gesture at his counterpart and the fourth official, as a furious row erupted between the two at Eastlands on Saturday following Sergio Aguero's 56th-minute equaliser.

"I am sorry, I apologise. I didn't want to get out of control," Guardiola said.

Aguero's leveller came from a quickly-taken Ilkay Gundogan free-kick which angered Burnley players, who thought that referee Graham Scott allowed the set piece to be taken before they were ready.

Guardiola later claimed his gestures were simply a request for Burnley to leave the officials alone, but it was certainly an ugly scene and one that ended with fourth official Andy Haines ordering the Spaniard to return to his technical area.

"I said 'Leave the referees please'. I have a lot of respect for what he (Dyche) does and the way he plays is completely different to how we want to play.

"But they do it perfectly and that is why football is top. I think all the managers around the world have to control. If they were offended, I am sorry."

That flashpoint was a rare moment of concern for Guardiola and City on an afternoon in which they stormed back after trailing to Ashley Barnes' first half goal.

Aguero's brace, which came inside 94 seconds, plus further efforts from Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva carried City through to the fourth round of the cup and left Guardiola singing the praises of City's all-time record goalscorer.

"First of all I have to say its an honour for me to have Sergio Aguero under my command," he said.

"He is always the kind of player who always wants to play and I can understand sometimes he is sad if he doesn't play. I want him to be happy.

"The quality he has inside the box is amazing and both of his goals were amazing.

"He is the kind of player who doesn't intervene much in the first half then in a matter of seconds he can score two goals for us that change the game.

"He is an essential player for us if we want to win something."

Legend Silva
The game also saw David Silva return from Spain where he was tending to his prematurely-born son.

The City midfielder only came back to Manchester on Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours before the cup tie.

Guardiola revealed that Silva was due to return to Valencia immediately after the game and continue to "commute" between Spain and England while his son receives treatment.

The Spanish international released a statement earlier this week to confirm the reasons why he was spending time in his home country.

"I'm happy he made the statement," said Guardiola. "It's not easy to go to Spain, come back and play like that. Now he's going back to Spain and he'll be back when he feels good, we are happy because everything is going well.

"David is a legend for the club, what he's done."

Dyche laughed off suggestions that there was any ill-feeling with Guardiola over the equaliser but was angered by the officiating that led to the City goal.

"You both fight, you both want to win, you both want your teams to win," he said. "That's how it should be. I believe everybody is allowed to be passionate.

"The referee said he didn't have to blow the whistle, but Ashley Westwood was five yards away and the ball went through the gap where he should have been.

"Sometimes in football the rule may be the rule but there's a common sense moment, we've just allowed it to be passed through, I'm bound to be aggrieved by that."

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Zidane sure of Ronaldo’s stay

Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo: AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid is an unimaginable prospect for coach Zinedine Zidane.

The Portuguese star remains the subject of growing speculation over his future, with reports suggesting Ronaldo is unsettled at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It stems from the 32-year-old’s apparent displeasure at his contract, with Barcelona rival Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar said to be on higher wages.

But Zidane is confident Ronaldo will stay with Madrid for the remainder of his career.

“I cannot imagine a Real Madrid without Cristiano,” he said ahead of the club’s LaLiga match at Celta Vigo today.

“He is a Madrid player and what he wants is to finish his career here. I do not see him playing anywhere else.”

The European champions, who trail league leaders Barcelona by 14 points, are thought to be in the market for a goalkeeper – with Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga heavily linked – but Zidane is keen to stay loyal to his existing squad.

“I do not need a goalkeeper at the moment,” he said. “In June if there are changes, and we sit down and talk, maybe there are positions we can sign players. But today I do not see that.

“I do not want anyone, as I am happy with my squad. I remember last year there were no problems like this, as Madrid was doing well, playing well.

“But when a team is going [on] a bit [of a] bad [run], as can happen sometimes, there is talk of transfers. But I am not that type of coach.”

Zidane will be without Sergio Ramos for this weekend’s match as the defender has a calf problem, but the Frenchman expects to see his side on top form regardless.

“We must hit our level now and show what we can do,” he added. “We have no room for error left this season, but we are very excited about that. That is what motivates us.”

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Buhari hails Oshoala on CAF’s award

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Nigerian football star, Asisat Lamina Oshoala, for winning the CAF Women’s African Football Player of the Year.

President Buhari in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, yesterday also felicitated with the Falcon’s team members and all football lovers for the most deserved honour, which, he said, would naturally translate into more responsibilities for exploits on the football field, and her country.

The President commended the strength, dexterity and focus Oshoala has displayed, working really hard from an early age to represent Nigeria in international tournaments before she was 20 years, and always showcasing her skills in her clubs.

The statement also quoted Buhari as saying that the footballer’s many awards and achievements, which include winning the CAF award for the third time, at such age clearly demonstrates that she always rises to the occasion as a professional, and deserves continental recognitions.

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Eagles leave tomorrow for CHAN in Morocco

CHAN Eagles will leave Abuja tomorrow for the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) holding in Morocco, team Head Coach Salisu Yusuf said yesterday in Abuja.

The coach told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his 23-man squad would be heading for glory as they had prepared very well for the competition.

“We are prepared for what we are going for, and we are sure we will return with glory,” he said.
NAN reports that the CHAN Eagles team comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, four midfielders and eight strikers.

Some of the players, including Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who is the team captain, Stephen Eze, and Austin Obaroakpo, also featured prominently in the 2016 edition of the competition in Rwanda.

Current Nigeria Professional Football League top scorer, Anthony Okoptu, Dayo Ojo, Okechukwu Gabriel and Abdullahi Musa will be making their debut at the championship, which is now in its fifth edition.

Nigeria is participating for the third time in the championship since its inception in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire, with the Eagles playing their opening match on January 15 against Rwanda.

Nigeria’s best outing was in South Africa in 2014, where they came third with Ejike Uzoenyi emerging as the best player.

NAN reports that the championship is designed for players who ply their trade in their various countries’ professional leagues.

This year’s edition, with 16 teams participating, will commence on January 13 and end on February 4.

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$40b needed to fund railway projects in Nigeria, says Amaechi

Rotimi Amaechi

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has disclosed that the Federal Government would require $40 billion to finance the ongoing rail projects in the country.

He added that government was negotiating with contractors handling the Lagos-Ibadan railway to raise funds for the projects, stressing that everything would be done to finish the projects this year.

The minister dropped the hints on the sidelines of the commissioning of 10 railway coaches and two locomotives at Rigasa Station, Kaduna State.

He said: “We need between $36 billion and $40 billion. Only God knows where we are going to get it. But I may apply what I did as Rivers State governor. When there is a project, we put on the table how much we have. We will just award the contract, believing that God will do it for us. You will say that it is naive but at the end of the day we got money to pay the contractors. Government will also focus on Kano-Kazure, Daura, Katsina, Jibya and link Maradi in Niger Republic, as part of regional railway inter-connectivity of the ECOWAS sub-region.”

He said the procurement of the locomotives and coaches would ease movement on the Abuja-Kaduna rail service.

He said: “This is indeed a clear demonstration of this government’s commitment to accomplish a functional and efficient national rail transport. Such commitment has brought us into tangible ongoing rail project.

“It would be recalled that the President commissioned and flagged-off commercial rail operation, the first Nigerian standard gauge rail, which runs from Abuja in Idu to Rigassa in Kaduna in July 2016. This service has continued to be a success story and a first, as evidence that this government is committed to developing an efficient rail system that will meet the expectation of Nigerians.”

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Violence mars Delta council poll

ALL BECAUSE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION: Delta Council poll turns violent as protesters burn down Ughelli DSIEC office… yesterday PHOTO: Chido Okafor

• Gunmen Burn INEC Office
• APC, PDP Supporters Clash

Widespread violence characterised yesterday’s council poll in Delta State, but Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Aniocha North local councils were the main theatres of war.

While the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) office in Ughelli North Local Council was razed down by armed gunmen, who also shot at several persons, Aniocha North Local Council, hometown of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, witnessed a bloody conflict, which led to the death of an ad hoc official of DSIEC.

The mob, mostly members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly torched the DSIEC office after the electoral officer posted to the area disclosed that he forgot the results sheets in Asaba, the state capital, promising that he would explore ways of making it available before the exercise was concluded.

The mob was peeved that result sheets did not come with the other electoral materials, saying it was a ploy to rig the election in the council.

Around 8:47 a.m., and in the presence of security agents, the mob shot sporadically before setting the DSIEC office on fire, while also alleging that 90 per cent of the returning officers in the exercise were card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

They equally descended on the electoral officers and thereafter destroyed ballot boxes and papers. Consequently, no election was held in Ughelli North.

According to a member of the civil society groups that monitored the election, Mr. Franklin Oseya, “As the convener of Action 2019, I was on ground at Ughelli where the DSIEC office opposite the police station was razed down by youths suspected to be APC loyalists. Their grouse was that DSIEC has colluded with some interests to rig the election in favour of the PDP.

“By 12:10 p. m. there were no election materials nor result sheets. There was also general voters’ apathy as most of the polling boots visited were virtually empty save for a few party faithful and youths. Reports reaching us from our agents at Uvie and Okpe local councils also confirm the voters’ apathy,” Oseya said.

At Ughelli South Local Council, it was also a bloody affair, as three APC supporters were allegedly shot at Otu-jeremi allegedly by PDP supporters. The development caused serious tension at the council secretariat, prompting heavy security buildup in the area, as the APC supporters insisted that result sheets must be distributed alongside other materials.

Election was suspended in Ethiope East Local Council, a stronghold of APC chieftain, Chief Great Ogboru, because of alleged rowdiness of supporters and all electoral materials moved back to Asaba.

There were reports of skirmishes at Oporoza Ward Two, Warri South West Local Council, which is the hometown of ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo. Voting was halted here after APC and PDP supporters clashed.

At Ogwashi-Uku, there was breakdown of order at the DSIEC office as the returning officer for Aniocha South Ward 9, Mr. Emmanuel Agofure allegedly disappeared when the APC agents insisted that he should provide the result sheets.

In Udu Local Council, the Otor-Udu office of DSIEC was literally taken over by soldiers and heavily armed vigilance members, who cordoned off the area for electoral materials to be taken away. The atmosphere was tense with supporters of both PDP and APC milling around the secretariat where the materials were kept.

In about 13 of the 25 councils of the state, election took place peacefully, and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa cast his vote at Ward III Unit 003, Owa-Alero in Ika North Local Council, and immediately left in a convoy of vehicles. Voting in Ika North though adjudged peaceful, was allegedly marred by irregularities, as there were reports of multiple thumb-printing there, and in Ika South Local Council.

The DSIEC ad hoc official in Onicha Ugbo, who was said to be in his 30s, died during voting even as there were insinuations that he was killed by thugs, who accused him of being in league with one of the political parties.

Notwithstanding the killing, Governor Okowa expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election saying, “It is unfortunate that some persons were not ready for the elections and they resorted to violence. I personally led the PDP campaign round the 25 local government areas of the state, even to areas I did not visit when I was campaigning for the governorship election. After that, the campaign moved from ward to ward, house to house, and continued while the other political parties were not involved in any campaign. I can assure you that generally, from information available to me, the state is calm and voting is in progress.”

Details of the death were still sketchy as at the time of filing this report, but the Delta State police spokesman, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the death, but insisted that he died of natural causes.

Aniamaka, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) said the unidentified man was not shot dead, but died suddenly.

The police image-maker remarked that an autopsy would be carried out to determine the actual cause of his death, as “he was not killed, rather but slumped and died.”

The state Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah, who voted at Ward 12, Unit 3, Okpanam, said voting materials were a little delayed as DSIEC officials waited for security agencies to deploy officers to escort the materials to the different areas.

He lauded the electoral process, noting that the concept of voting immediately after accreditation helped in decongesting the polling booths as people left for their homes after casting their votes.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Delta State, Ego Sam, who monitored the exercise said measures were taken, in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free election in the state.

Some journalists were attacked by thugs.One of the victims, Matthew Omonigho, who works for Daily Post, slumped after he was severely beaten and his shirt shredded. He was revived by security agents. He, however, lost his Panasonic HD video camera, Nikon D80 photo camera, mobile phone and money to the attackers.

Earlier, the APC Aniocha South Chapter had raised the alarm that the PDP in the area had hijacked the DSIEC ad hoc staff and sensitive election materials.

The Director of Media and Publicity of the chapter, Nnamdi Ofonye, accused the ruling party of being in possession of already prepared voting materials as at Wednesday night.

It was learnt that fake result sheets were in circulation across the 25 local councils of the state, and that result sheets in circulation in some part of the state, particularly in Sapele, Ughelli South, Udu and Uvwie councils were different from the ones DSIEC used during the training of selected ad hoc staff.

There were also allegations of soldiers intimidating and colluding with agents of the ruling party to rig in some council areas, especially in Uvwie, where the APC Chairmanship candidate, Ufuoma Okenini, alleged that soldiers were deployed to intimidate eligible voters. He described the election as a sham.

He claimed that fake result sheets were in circulation and that in some parts of the council DSIEC officials were not on ground to conduct the election.

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Fuel scarcity is declaration of economic war, says Aremu

Issa Aremu

Labour leader, Comrade Isa Aremu, has described the fuel scarcity and hardship in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as an economic war against poor Nigerians.

Aremu, a National Executive Council (NEC) member of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said: “According to the 2019 budget, we are an oil-producing nation, with crude oil production estimate of 2.3 million barrels per day, including condensates. Yet, refined petroleum product eludes us. This is a national scandal.

“Where is the compatriotism? Where are the compatriots? Why would Nigerians for whatever reasons deny other fellow Nigerians (not Afghans) fuel to go to work, take children to schools, women to markets? We have in our hand what I call ‘country capture’ by few petroleum marketers and their official collaborators.”

He called for liberation from “greedy profiteers who are as worse as dreaded kidnappers.”

Describing the socio-economic situation in Nigeria as “governance crisis,” the labour chief commended “the two stakeholders meetings recently convened by President Buhari and the Senate leadership on the petroleum crisis.”

He called on the Federal Government to make marketers responsible for every tank of fuel to point of delivery and put in place severe consequences for product diversions.

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Southern Kaduna indigenes tasked on self-defence

The Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai

Group Flays El-Rufai’s Handling Of Security
Southern Kaduna People in the Diaspora (SOKAD) has urged the inhabitants of troubled communities in the southern part of the state to defend themselves against further attacks by Fulani herdsmen and unknown gunmen.

SOKAD, yesterday, accused Governor Nasir El-Rufai of inaction over renewed killings in Southern Kaduna few days to Christmas and New Year, saying it encourages the perpetrators to continue.

The group called on all Southern Kaduna communities to defend themselves against further attacks, warning that Kaduna was becoming a failed state.

In a statement released from Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A., SOKAD urged the Federal Government to live up to expectations by securing the lives of millions of innocent citizens in the communities.

Signed by its President, Dr. Freeman Kamuru, the statement reads in part: “Once again, the Southern Kaduna people were robbed of the joy of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, by series of killings and assassinations at the hands of wicked and evil men who have continued their jihad against us.

“These sons of Satan and haters of everything good, chose to strike at peaceful, defenseless and innocent people in their homes during this holy time of celebration, reflection and thanksgiving. The evildoers killed on Christmas Eve. El-Rufai did nothing. Emboldened by this inaction and silence, they struck again on Christmas Day. Still, El-Rufai did nothing. More emboldened, they assassinated the paramount ruler of the people of Numana, Etum Numana, Dr. Gambo Makama, and his dear wife and family members on the eve of the New Year.

“Not done, they again invaded the palace of the paramount ruler of Ikulu land in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA,) Agom Ikulu, Mr. Yohana Sidi Kukah, and abducted him for ransom unchallenged.

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Air Force, Army inflict heavy loss on terrorists

Nigerian troops

Many Surrender To Troops In Chad
The military has claimed it dealt a heavy blow to terrorists earlier in the week, when it bombarded Boko Haram structures in Sambisa Forest.

A statement by Nigerian Air Force spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, in Abuja, yesterday, said many of the terrorists were killed in the renewed clearance operation begun on January 3, 2018.

He said the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole dropped series of bombs on Boko Haram during an air interdiction with Nigerian Army troops. The Army coordinated ground operations. It released several rockets from its multi-barrel rocket launcher. Many of these hit the insurgents, killing some of them and causing a few survivors to flee in disarray.

He added that on the same day, the Air Task Force conducted air interdiction on another hideout near Camp Zairo.

He explained that the ongoing combined clearance operations by the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army were aimed at preventing full-scale resurgence of Boko Haram in Sambisa.

In the same vein, the Nigerian Army said it killed many Boko Haram members belonging to the Mamman Nur faction, while several others surrendered in the Lake Chad region.

Recall that the Nigerian Army, on Friday, said it injured the factional leader of the group, while one of his wives was killed.

A statement by Deputy Director Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the continued onslaught on Boko Haram enclaves in the Lake Chad region caused over 1000 members of the group, including high-ranking commanders to surrender.

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IGP orders CPs to stop further attacks by suspected herdsmen

Herdsmen

8 Cattlemen Arrested In Benue
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in Benue and Rivers States, alongside their supervising Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and personnel to be on red-alert with immediate effect, to prevent further attacks on innocent Nigerians by suspected herdsmen and other criminals.

Consequently, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations, Joshak Habila, was deployed to Benue State to coordinate implementation of the new security strategy.

In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Jimoh Moshood, yesterday, in Abuja, said the IGP also ordered the deployment of additional five units of police mobile force, special forces, aerial surveillance helicopters and special joint intelligence and investigation teams to Benue and Rivers.

He said: “In Benue State, eight suspected herdsmen have been arrested by the police at the scene of the killings and are currently being prosecuted. Six of them were remanded in prison custody, while the other two suspects were arrested at different scenes of crime and are being arraigned in court.

He said the deployment to Benue and Rivers was “to bring new impetus to the efforts of the Force to nip in the bud further attacks in the mentioned states. The Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone 4 Makurdi and Zone 6 Calabar have been mandated by the Inspector General of Police to convey stakeholders’ meetings in the affected states and also supervise the police investigation and intelligence teams, and other special squads deployed by the IGP to the states.”

The FPRO said the Nigeria Police Force “deeply commiserates with the governments and people of Benue and Rivers States over the recent killings,” even as he urged support for the police personnel.

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28 inmates still at large after Akwa Ibom jailbreak

Jafaru Ahmed, Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service

The Controller General of Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Mr. Jafaaru Ahmed, has disclosed that 28 out of 40 inmates of Ikot Ekpene Prisons that escaped during a jailbreak on December 27, 2017 were still at large.

According to him, those still at large are considered to be hardened criminals. He added that any staff found wanting would face the full wrath of the law.

He made this disclosure, yesterday, after an inspection of facilities at Ikot Ekpene Prisons.

The Controller General, who described the facilities in Ikot Ekpene Prisons as well fortified, attributed the jailbreak to lapses on the part of prison staff.

He said: “About 40 inmates found their way out of Ikot Ekpene Prisons in broad daylight around 11.45 a.m. They exploited the lapses they saw. Perhaps they had been planning it for a very long time and actualised it on December 27, 2017, when they saw the opportunity.

“The 28 that are at large are very hardened criminals. Some of them are kidnappers who are awaiting trials. Some are facing capital punishment. This is, therefore, something to worry about.”

He lamented that those still at large were supposed to be in custody, to allow members of the society live in peace.

He assured that the fleeing inmates would soon be recaptured to face trial.

He debunked insinuations that the jailbreak was due to infringement on the inmates’ fundamental rights.

It would be recalled that on December 27, 2017, some prisoners attacked the kitchen staff on duty at Ikot Ekpene Prison. They seized an axe from a fellow inmate attached to the kitchen, inflicting a deep cut on the inmate’s head in the process. They immediately made for the rear entrance to the prison. They broke the door with the axe and engaged the staff that chased them in battle.

At the end of the scuffle, four of them that sustained gunshot wounds lost their lives, while seven were recaptured.

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Christian group tasks FG on restructuring

Magnus Adeyemi Atilade

A group, Christian Welfare Initiative (CWI), has called for restructuring of the country to foster peace, justice and development.

The group described the current political structure as faulty and lopsided, saying it favours one part of the country above the other.

President, Professor Magnus Adeyemi Atilade, made this known during the group’s fifth national conference, which also featured fundraising for the establishment of a creativity centre for disabled persons.

He said there was urgent need for the country to re-arrange its present setup. He called for fairness, equity and justice in administration, political appointments and distribution of national wealth.

Atilade said the neglect of disabled persons was a spiritual challenge to the conscience of the nation. “Let us give them a voice in governance and space in everyday life and living, by making provisions to accommodate their special and peculiar needs. We all must provide succour for the weak in our society.”

The CWI president also called on honest Christians to join politics in the interest of their children’s future. He said Christians’ involvement in politics and governance is an important part of fulfilling God’s purpose for the body of Christ.

Speakers at the conference included social activist, Elder Ayo Opadokun, and Executive Director, Disability Right Advocacy Centre, Mrs. Irene Patrick Ogbogu. Head of Bond Group, Sir Asiwaju Debo Omotosho, was chairman of the event.

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Igbo group, cattle breeders hold peace meeting

In what could be described as a proactive step to prevent a repeat of the recent Benue massacre in the South East, a socio-cultural group of young Igbo professionals, Ochie Igbo, yesterday, held a peace-building meeting with representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

According to the convener and initiator, Mr. Benedict Okoro, Ochie Igbo decided on the meeting to ensure that citizens of Igbo states bordering Benue were not taken unawares, and build citizen vigilance and harmonious co-existence.

Okoro, who is a graduate of Security Studies from the University of Manchester, England, disclosed that similar meetings have been planned for Enugu and Anambra States, stressing that such synergy was necessary to build understanding and stop incessant clashes between herders and farmers in the country.

He said representatives of Ebonyi State government attended the event. He said during the meeting, representatives of MACBAN expressed their frustration over the activities of migrant and faceless herdsmen who roam freely.

He said the herders expressed regrets that the committee set up by Ebonyi State government to monitor the activities of herdsmen in the state was comatose.

“Apostle Benjamin Obaji, the Technical Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, who was at the meeting, explained that the change of the state Attorney General was responsible for the inactivity of the committee,” said Okoro.

Ochie Igbo, he added, plans to link up with leaders of MACBAN in the entire South East, pointing out that the next meeting would be an expanded consultation with various groups in the zone.

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Stakeholders decry FG’s nonchalance over Benue killings

Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher

Group Wants Police Boss Sacked
As the recent killings by herdsmen in Benue State continue to elicit reactions from Nigerians, some stakeholders have decried the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government, even as the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) called for the sack of the Inspector of General of Police (IGP).

This came as Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to Canada and Second Republic Senator, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, accused President Muhammadu Buhari of betraying his campaign promise to “always act in time and not allow problems to irresponsibly fester.”

In a statement, the National President of YOWICAN, Mr. Daniel Kadzai, noted that IGP Ibrahim Idris’ statement last week that the Benue incident was a communal crisis “has confirmed our earlier communiqué accusing the IGP of executing an Islamic agenda with his office.”

Kadzai said the IGP’s insensitive comment was not only capable of causing war, but has proven that he was acting out Buhari’s script designed to depopulate Christians using Fulani terrorists.

He said: “If Buhari is still interested in keeping Nigeria as an indivisible entity, the IGP should be sacked now, or the country will run into trouble due to the highly inflammable statements he is making.

“Why didn’t Idris say the killing of Fulani herdsmen in Numan last November was a communal crisis? When herdsmen kill Christians, it is communal clash. But when Fulani herdsmen were killed in a reprisal in Numan, he addressed the suspects as Bachama militias.”

Warning that Christians would no longer tolerate any further attack, he said it was now clear that security agents are supporting mass murder.

Similarly, in an open letter to the President titled: “You Have Betrayed Democracy And Promoted Genocide,” Prof. Hagher, who is now President African Leadership Institute U.S.A., disclosed that Buhari failed to take proactive steps to stop the killings.

Hagher reminded the President that the protection of citizens’ lives and property is more important than the war against corruption.

In an interview with The Guardian, the Executive Director of Cohesion, Peace and Development Initiative in Africa, cpdAFRICA, Uwem Oku, called on Buhari to dispel the ethnic and religious coloration given to the attacks and take measures to disarm the Fulani herdsmen.

Oku said the action of the herders threatens national security and noted that conflict prevention is cheaper and preferable to management or resolution.

Another stakeholder and former chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Benue State, Donatus Zuanah, said Federal Government’s failure to act decisively on incessant Fulani herdsmen attacks on farmers in Benue and other parts of the country is unfortunate and worrisome.

Zuanah said government was giving the impression that the perpetrators are untouchable or that it lacked the political will to act in accordance with the law and protect defenseless citizens.

The CAN chairman in Benue State, Rev. Akpen Leva, called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the leadership of Miyetti Allah splinter cattle breeders group, Kautal Hore, which threatened Benue people following the enactment of anti-open grazing law in the state.

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Barcelona sign 160-million-euro Coutinho in 3rd richest deal

FILES) This file photo taken on December 06, 2017 shows Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho celebrating scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League Group E football match between Liverpool and Spartak Moscow at Anfield in Liverpool, north-west England on December 6, 2017. When Philippe Coutinho joined Liverpool in 2013, the Brazil forward was so lightly regarded that his signing was overshadowed by the arrival of Daniel Sturridge at Anfield earlier that month. But five years later, Coutinho has become such an formidable force that his departure will be mourned by Liverpool fans around the world if Barcelona complete their bid to land the Reds star in a blockbuster transfer. Paul ELLIS / AFP/

Philippe Coutinho finally got his wish on Saturday when Barcelona agreed to sign the Brazilian star from Liverpool for 160 million euros ($192 million) in the third richest deal of all time.

The swoop for the 25-year-old attacking midfielder -- which contains a 400 million euro release clause -- will be the third biggest deal in football.

Last year, Paris Saint-Germain shelled out a world record 222 million euros to lure Brazilian star Neymar from Barcelona before the French champions then agreed to pay Monaco 120 million euros for Kylian Mbappe in a deal which will be officially activated once the striker's loan period is completed.

"It is with great reluctance that we -– as a team and club –- prepare to say farewell to a good friend, a wonderful person and a fantastic player in Philippe Coutinho," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told the club's official website.

"It is no secret that Philippe has wanted this move to happen since July, when Barcelona first made their interest known.

"Philippe was insistent with me, the owners and even his teammates this was a move he was desperate to make happen."

Rio-born Coutinho arrived at Anfield from Inter Milan for £8.5 million in January 2013 and scored 54 goals for the club in all competitions, although he won no silverware during his five-year stay.

Barcelona had tried to sign him in the summer, but his departure is a blow to Liverpool as the playmaker has just returned to top form after an injury-hit start to the season.

He scored six goals in the last seven games of 2017 to put his side firmly in the Champions League places.

Capturing Coutinho allows Barcelona to move on from the bitter experience of losing his Brazil teammate Neymar last summer.

Coutinho had stayed in Liverpool on Saturday while his teammates jetted off to Dubai for warm-weather training, fuelling speculation that he was set to leave the Premier League club.

He was then photographed giving a thumbs-up as he left London for Spain accompanied by his wife, Aine.

Coutinho is expected to watch his new team host Levante on Sunday afternoon at Camp Nou.

Video posted on the club website showed a locker bearing his name had already been reserved for their new recruit.

Coutinho's age is highly attractive to Barca, whose three main stars, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta are all in their thirties. Iniesta, at 33, has shown signs of fatigue this season.

 'What will he gain?' 
French media group beIN Sports reported late Saturday that Liverpool will immediately spend 55 million euros of their windfall on Leicester striker Riyad Mahrez.

They claimed Mahrez will have a medical at Liverpool on Sunday before penning a four-year contract.

Liverpool have also been strongly linked with Monaco forward Thomas Lemar, who Arsenal tried to sign before the season.

Coutinho played no role in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over city rivals Everton in the FA Cup on Friday.

Liverpool's winning goal was scored by Virgil Van Dijk, the Dutch defender signed last week from Southampton for £75 million ($101.7 million, 84.5 million euros).

Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson said his old club had probably got the better deal.

"It's hard to get my head around what Philippe is going to gain because he can't play Champions League football for them, they are running away with the league, and he's got the World Cup at the end of the season," Thompson said on Sky Sports.

"Will he play regularly every week at Barcelona? I'm not too sure. Philippe could have carried on (at Liverpool). He could have been playing in the Champions League."

Meanwhile, later Saturday, Liverpool said they will offer supporters who bought shirts bearing the name of Coutinho a £50 voucher to help offset the impact of the Brazilian star's departure.

"The offer follows today’s announcement that Coutinho will join Barcelona and reflects the exceptional circumstances behind the player’s departure," said the club.

"Supporters should present their 2017-18 Coutinho replica shirt at any official club store where the voucher will be issued...the shirt will not be retained but proof of purchase will be required."

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Our players won CAF’s award without controversy, says Laloko

Former Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Kashimawo Laloko, has expressed sadness over Super Eagles players not picking any award at the Aiteo CAF Awards held in Accra, Ghana.

Mohamed Salah of Egypt stole the show, as he won the prize for the best player on the continent. He defeated Sadio Mane of Senegal and Gabonese Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the second and third positions respectively.

Moses finished fourth in the CAF’s award and was conspicuously absent from the Africa best eleven team selection. The nation’s forward and former junior international, Junior Ajayi, who plays for Egypt’s Al Ahly, was among the All-star team.

Re-stating his displeasure, Laloko said CAF’s pattern of voting, is completely different from that of the FIFA, which is better.

“What is realistic would have been for the CAF technical committee members to select players that will stand for the final vote. The way CAF does its own is not the way it is done by FIFA as FIFA allows only members of the technical committee to pick according to the laid down rules.

“What they do in CAF is subjective. Moses did well in the year under review, so also Sane and Salah. Since Salah has been picked, it is their choice, and there is nothing we can do about that. It means we have to work harder to convince them next time that our player can be the best in Africa,” he said.

Laloko, who is the former coach of The Gambia, however, added that CAF’s system encourages sentiment along the Francophone, Anglophone and Arab lines.

“As we can see now, everybody seems to be holding to his or her own child. The French speaking countries now vote for their own likewise the English and the Arabs.

“When we won the award, here we are talking about players, who are reliable and regular for their countries and clubs. Our players were absolutely consistent and good. But now, we are no more there.

“When players like Rashidi Yekini, Victor Ikpeba, Emmanuel Amuneke and Kanu Nwankwo won the award, nobody contested it unlike now. We need to start pushing our players to the world; it is not enough to just discover them from the grassroots, but to also help them for the world to see them. We have to help ourselves, but now nobody wants to help anyone,” he stated.

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Muslim scholars advocate fair representation of Islam in media

Muslim scholars have urged media organisations to ensure fair reportage of issues that concern Islam and Muslims in the country.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the scholars made the call, yesterday, in Lagos at the 2nd Annual Conference of Muslims Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Lagos State chapter.

Veteran journalist and Islamic scholar, Alhaji Liad Tella, said reportage of Muslims and Islamic issues suffers setbacks because non-Muslims dominate the Nigerian media.

In his lecture titled: “Analysis of Reportage of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria,” Tella urged Muslims to shun incompetence and embrace professionalism, to win the respect and admiration of non-Muslims.

Prof. Lakin Akintola, another prominent Islamic scholar, in his paper titled: “Imperatives of Media Ownership by Nigerian Muslims,” accused the Nigerian media of misrepresenting Muslims on several occasions.

He urged Muslims to own media houses, while advising the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to sanction erring journalists who deliberately disseminate falsehoods.

He said: “Sometimes Muslims are deliberately shut out from the media on issues that concern them, while at other times, we see parochial representation of Islam and the Nigerian Muslims. It is now common to hear Muslims being referred to as terrorists in the media. That is condemnable. The NUJ also needs to wield the big stick and sanction media houses that misrepresent religions or incite violence.”

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Lai Olurode, urged Muslim journalists to be more active in projecting the true essence of Islam as a religion of peace.

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CISLAC lauds UNICEF for renovating health facility

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has commended the ongoing effort by the Kano State government, in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to renovate the dilapidated Dausara Primary Health Care Centre in Ungogo Local Government Area of the state.

The Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said: “We recall that in the mid-2017, CISLAC, with support from the MacArthur Foundation, supported journalists across Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Jigawa States on field investigation, to report maternal health budget allocation, release and utilisation in the respective states.

He added that the rigorous investigative process by the journalists exposed issues, including that of the ill-equipped and pitiable condition of Dausara Primary Health Care Centre.

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Group trains doctors on laparoscopic surgery

PHOTO: AFP / Brendan Smialowski

A three-day workshop on minimally invasive surgery has been organised by the Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC) for Nigerian doctors.

Dr. Uche Menakaya of Junic Specialist Imaging and Women’s Centre said patients that undergo laparoscopic surgery instead of open surgery feel less pain and spend less time at the hospital.

He stated that there is no structure in the country for doctors to acquire new skills especially on laparoscopy.

"This workshop is important because of the increasing demand for minimal invasive surgery. There are many advantages of laparoscopic surgery because patients are more likely to go home quicker. In the use of minimal access technique, patients stay less in hospital and the cost is reduced. Patients may also have less pain and return to work faster.

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Nigeria has no business funding pilgrimages, says lawyer

• Bauchi Releases N17m For Quran Recitation
A lawyer, Mr. Leonard Anyogo, has called on federal and state governments to stop using public funds to finance pilgrimages.

He said such funds should be used in developing the country rather than waste them on personal business.

Speaking, yesterday, the constitutional lawyer said: “My appeal to the Federal Government is that it should reassess this practice, because it is not in the overall interest of the country. If anybody wants to foster his spiritual life, it should be his personal business and not involve public funds.

“It is difficult to understand why government should fund pilgrimages. This makes some people feel others are given more priority than others. We need money to fix basic infrastructure.”

He said: “The earlier we stop this sort of sponsorship, the better for the country.”

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State government has released N17 million to organise the 2018 Quran recitation competition.

The chairman of the organising committee, Dr. Zubeiru Madaki, announced this yesterday, in Kirfi, Bauchi State, at the inauguration of the 32nd edition of the competition.

Madaki, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), explained that the money was meant for the purchase of cars and other items to be presented to participants as gifts at the end of the one-week event.

He said each of the participating 20 local governments would present 12 participants. He said some of the prizes to be won include four cars, four tricycles, 24 motorcycles, 14 sewing machines and 14 bicycles.

He commended the state governor, Mohammed Abubakar, for supporting the event.

The governor, represented by the Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Dr. Damuna Kawuwa, declared the competition open.

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