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The American was once described as "perhaps the most gifted sleight-of-hand artist alive".

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Nasa's Mars InSight lander is due to arrive on the Red Planet's surface on Monday night. It will study the planet's interior so we can learn more about how it formed.

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People have been marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Murtala Mohammed Intl. Airport Lagos
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has denied reports that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos has been attacked by terrorists.

FAAN's position was contained in a statement on Saturday, in response to a video trending on social media that the airport had been attacked by terrorists.

According to Henrietta Yakubu, General Manager (Corporate Affairs) of FAAN, the said video was an old simulation exercise carried out by the Nigerian Air Force in conjunction with other security agencies.

The statement read: "Our attention has been drawn to a video trending on the social media to the effect that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos is under terrorist attack.

"The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will like to state unequivocally that MMIA is not under any kind of attack. The video in question is that of an old simulation exercise carried out by the Nigerian Air Force in conjunction with other aviation agencies.

"The Authority will like to advise those uploading such to desist from the act as it is not only only malicious, wicked, embarrassing, but also sending the wrong signals to the world about the internal security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

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Murtala Mohammed Intl. Airport Lagos
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has denied reports that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos has been attacked by terrorists.

FAAN's position was contained in a statement on Saturday, in response to a video trending on social media that the airport had been attacked by terrorists.

According to Henrietta Yakubu, General Manager (Corporate Affairs) of FAAN, the said video was an old simulation exercise carried out by the Nigerian Air Force in conjunction with other security agencies.

The statement read: "Our attention has been drawn to a video trending on the social media to the effect that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos is under terrorist attack.

"The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will like to state unequivocally that MMIA is not under any kind of attack. The video in question is that of an old simulation exercise carried out by the Nigerian Air Force in conjunction with other aviation agencies.

"The Authority will like to advise those uploading such to desist from the act as it is not only only malicious, wicked, embarrassing, but also sending the wrong signals to the world about the internal security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

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The Nigerian Army has said anyone who "deliberately spreads fake news that aims to undermine national security" will be prosecuted.

The position was contained in a statement by the Nigerian Army on Saturday, where it expressed displeasure with "the myriads of photos and video clips being recklessly distributed on various social media platforms".

The Army warned individuals and groups to desist from disseminating "fake videos" depicting alleged attacks by Boko Haram on military locations.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Army will file cases against those found culpable regarding fake news dissemination.

The statement read: "The NA has continued to observe with great dismay the myriads of photos and video clips being recklessly distributed on various social media platforms by different caliber of persons. It is indeed shocking to see how these well doctored propaganda materials from enemies of the State has succeeded in creating fear and unrest in the polity. These doctored materials are obviously serving the purposes intended by the terrorists to misinform the populace, spread panic, hatred, religious intolerance and above all to undermine national security.

"The NA wants to categorically state that the videos and images making rounds as the purported attack on Metele base are false and do not in any way portray the reality of the situation on the ground. Unfortunately, many do not know that indiscretional posts and comments from a citizen that is supposed to be solidly behind its military in these trying times could have a way of dampening the morale of the troops. However, the NA’s resolve in protecting the territorial integrity and sanctity of the Nigerian State would not be undermined by detractors or tacit supporters of the enemies of our beloved country.

"Whilst appreciating the concerns of well-meaning Nigerians who genuinely care for the well-being of its military, the NA wants to draw the attention of its detractors to the fact that spreading of fake news is an offense and violates the provisions of Section 24(1)(a),(b) and (2)(a),(b),(c)(i),(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition & Prevention etc) Act, 2015.

"In view of this, please note that the NA would henceforth report these infractions and file cases against individuals or groups who deliberately spread fake news that aims to undermine national security, in courts of competent jurisdictions. Equally, the NA wishes to inform the public of its iReport channels on the NA website, Android and iOS platforms via which the public can forward meaningful advice, criticism or observations that would enable the NA better serve the good people of Nigeria. You are to please note this and kindly disseminate through your various channels."

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The Nigerian Army has said anyone who "deliberately spreads fake news that aims to undermine national security" will be prosecuted.

The position was contained in a statement by the Nigerian Army on Saturday, where it expressed displeasure with "the myriads of photos and video clips being recklessly distributed on various social media platforms".

The Army warned individuals and groups to desist from disseminating "fake videos" depicting alleged attacks by Boko Haram on military locations.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Army will file cases against those found culpable regarding fake news dissemination.

The statement read: "The NA has continued to observe with great dismay the myriads of photos and video clips being recklessly distributed on various social media platforms by different caliber of persons. It is indeed shocking to see how these well doctored propaganda materials from enemies of the State has succeeded in creating fear and unrest in the polity. These doctored materials are obviously serving the purposes intended by the terrorists to misinform the populace, spread panic, hatred, religious intolerance and above all to undermine national security.

"The NA wants to categorically state that the videos and images making rounds as the purported attack on Metele base are false and do not in any way portray the reality of the situation on the ground. Unfortunately, many do not know that indiscretional posts and comments from a citizen that is supposed to be solidly behind its military in these trying times could have a way of dampening the morale of the troops. However, the NA’s resolve in protecting the territorial integrity and sanctity of the Nigerian State would not be undermined by detractors or tacit supporters of the enemies of our beloved country.

"Whilst appreciating the concerns of well-meaning Nigerians who genuinely care for the well-being of its military, the NA wants to draw the attention of its detractors to the fact that spreading of fake news is an offense and violates the provisions of Section 24(1)(a),(b) and (2)(a),(b),(c)(i),(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition & Prevention etc) Act, 2015.

"In view of this, please note that the NA would henceforth report these infractions and file cases against individuals or groups who deliberately spread fake news that aims to undermine national security, in courts of competent jurisdictions. Equally, the NA wishes to inform the public of its iReport channels on the NA website, Android and iOS platforms via which the public can forward meaningful advice, criticism or observations that would enable the NA better serve the good people of Nigeria. You are to please note this and kindly disseminate through your various channels."

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President Muhammadu Buhari has restated his determination to give the Nigerian Army the needed support to tackle Boko Haram insurgency.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) on Saturday, he expressed deep shock over the killing of military personnel in Metele village of Borno State by Boko Haram terrorists, noting that "immediate measures are being taken to ensure that the loopholes which led to the fatalities are blocked once and for all".

According to the statement, the present administration remains committed to the security of military personnel and other citizens.

Quoting Buhari, the statement read: "No responsible Commander-in-Chief would rest on his oars or fold his hands to allow terrorists to endanger the lives of its military personnel and other citizens. Our loyal forces have proved their strength over the terrorists and we are ready to give them all the needed support in terms of equipment and manpower to succeed in ending the renewed threat.

"In the coming days, I am engaging the Military and Intelligence Chiefs in extensive discussions on the next steps we shall be taking.”

While noting that "fighting terrorism has taken a global dimension, which necessitates international collaboration among states facing similar security challenges", the president "reassured Nigerians of his continued commitment to their security and of his efforts to sustain the momentum in the previous significant successes recorded against the terrorists".

He, however, advised Nigerians "against making a political capital out of national tragedy, stressing that members of the armed forces are one family who are commonly committed to the security and safety of all Nigerians".

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President Muhammadu Buhari has restated his determination to give the Nigerian Army the needed support to tackle Boko Haram insurgency.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) on Saturday, he expressed deep shock over the killing of military personnel in Metele village of Borno State by Boko Haram terrorists, noting that "immediate measures are being taken to ensure that the loopholes which led to the fatalities are blocked once and for all".

According to the statement, the present administration remains committed to the security of military personnel and other citizens.

Quoting Buhari, the statement read: "No responsible Commander-in-Chief would rest on his oars or fold his hands to allow terrorists to endanger the lives of its military personnel and other citizens. Our loyal forces have proved their strength over the terrorists and we are ready to give them all the needed support in terms of equipment and manpower to succeed in ending the renewed threat.

"In the coming days, I am engaging the Military and Intelligence Chiefs in extensive discussions on the next steps we shall be taking.”

While noting that "fighting terrorism has taken a global dimension, which necessitates international collaboration among states facing similar security challenges", the president "reassured Nigerians of his continued commitment to their security and of his efforts to sustain the momentum in the previous significant successes recorded against the terrorists".

He, however, advised Nigerians "against making a political capital out of national tragedy, stressing that members of the armed forces are one family who are commonly committed to the security and safety of all Nigerians".

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President Muhammadu Buhari addresses soldiers' deaths a week after they were killed by militants.

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Clashes delay one of Argentina's biggest games, between Boca Juniors and River Plate.

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Israeli singer Netta Barzilai won the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. Six months on she tells us what life is like.

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The denial comes as a tweet from Donald Trump suggests an agreement was reached.

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The Nigerian director who wants to inspire black people to reach for "greatness".

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The sound of Durban's gqom music is spreading across Africa and beyond.

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Giulia and Edoardo are part of an informal group trying to change attitudes in Italy towards LGBT Catholics

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In the days after the guns fell silent in Europe, fighting continued in Africa until the message got through.

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Why are hundreds of thousands descending on the disputed holy site in northern India once again?

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A deserted US Army base has found new life as a place of art, which the BBC's Stephen McDonell explored.

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Olivia Hooker, who has died aged 103, went on to become the first black woman to join the US Coast Guard.

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Radical preacher Amadou Kou, who headed a militant group, is said to have died on Friday.

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France's leader voices anger after violence at a march against fuel prices on the Champs-Élysées.

Nikade Tariela, 300 level Engineering student of Niger Delta University, has been shot dead by a policeman at Ebisam road, Akenfa in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The murder of the student led to a protest by residents of Akenfa area on Saturday.

The policeman, identified as Sergeant Timadi Emmanuel, is attached to the Akenfa Police Division patrol team.

It was gathered that the police raids, which have been ongoing in most parts of the state, caused confusion following the killing of the student on Friday.

The Bayelsa State Police Command has, however, condoled with the family, and restated the commitment to ensuring that justice is done. 

DSP Asinim Butswat, spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, expressed regret over the incident involving a Police officer and a resident of Tenacious Road, Edepie, Yenagoa. 

He said: "On 23 November, 2018, at about 1930 hours, Sergeant Timadi Emmanuel, attached to a patrol team of Akenfa Division, while on patrol at Tenacious Road, Edepie, under questionable circumstances shot one Tariela Nikade 'm' 20 years. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.

"The Sergeant has been disarmed, arrested and is undergoing orderly room trial. Investigation is in progress and its outcome will be made public.

"The Command is hereby appealing to residents to be calm and assures the family and the general public that justice will be done."

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Nikade Tariela, 300 level Engineering student of Niger Delta University, has been shot dead by a policeman at Ebisam road, Akenfa in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The murder of the student led to a protest by residents of Akenfa area on Saturday.

The policeman, identified as Sergeant Timadi Emmanuel, is attached to the Akenfa Police Division patrol team.

It was gathered that the police raids, which have been ongoing in most parts of the state, caused confusion following the killing of the student on Friday.

The Bayelsa State Police Command has, however, condoled with the family, and restated the commitment to ensuring that justice is done. 

DSP Asinim Butswat, spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, expressed regret over the incident involving a Police officer and a resident of Tenacious Road, Edepie, Yenagoa. 

He said: "On 23 November, 2018, at about 1930 hours, Sergeant Timadi Emmanuel, attached to a patrol team of Akenfa Division, while on patrol at Tenacious Road, Edepie, under questionable circumstances shot one Tariela Nikade 'm' 20 years. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.

"The Sergeant has been disarmed, arrested and is undergoing orderly room trial. Investigation is in progress and its outcome will be made public.

"The Command is hereby appealing to residents to be calm and assures the family and the general public that justice will be done."

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For his participation in activities said to have led to the arrest of one Endurance Ukpethu, who protested alongside other indigenes against the N736.4 million road contract awarded to a marine company, Portplus Limited, by the Delta State Government, the Ikpide-Irri riverine community in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state has passed a vote of no confidence in its President-General, Michael Omojefe.

Immanuel Emoefe, Chairman of Portplus Limited, alongside his elder brother and President-General of the community, was said to have sponsored the arrest of Ukpethu through a written petition with the community letterhead addressed to the Force headquarters, Abuja.

After much deliberation on the issue, delegates from various branches of Ikpide-Irri Progress Union, during the union's annual conference on Friday, unanimously, passed a vote of no confidence in the President-General.

The delegates asked the President-General to also vacate the seat, citing "maladministration, incompetence, personal interest above the interest of the generality of the people, as well as wasting the community's funds to arrest an indigene who protested against the substandard project by his younger brother".

The conference ended abruptly, while the former President-Generals of the community, elders and branch delegates and selected community members summoned the President-General to another rescheduled meeting, where a marching order was issued to him to withdraw the case from the force headquarters.

Addressing the conference during the uproar, the visibly-tensed President-General, Omojefe, said he was confused, and as such wasn't sure where to begin.

Meanwhile, in his address before an abrupt end was brought to the meeting, Sunny Omojefe, another elder brother to Immanuel Emoefe, affirmed that the arrest of Ukpethu was as a result of the protest against the substandard job being executed by his younger brother.

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For his participation in activities said to have led to the arrest of one Endurance Ukpethu, who protested alongside other indigenes against the N736.4 million road contract awarded to a marine company, Portplus Limited, by the Delta State Government, the Ikpide-Irri riverine community in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state has passed a vote of no confidence in its President-General, Michael Omojefe.

Immanuel Emoefe, Chairman of Portplus Limited, alongside his elder brother and President-General of the community, was said to have sponsored the arrest of Ukpethu through a written petition with the community letterhead addressed to the Force headquarters, Abuja.

After much deliberation on the issue, delegates from various branches of Ikpide-Irri Progress Union, during the union's annual conference on Friday, unanimously, passed a vote of no confidence in the President-General.

The delegates asked the President-General to also vacate the seat, citing "maladministration, incompetence, personal interest above the interest of the generality of the people, as well as wasting the community's funds to arrest an indigene who protested against the substandard project by his younger brother".

The conference ended abruptly, while the former President-Generals of the community, elders and branch delegates and selected community members summoned the President-General to another rescheduled meeting, where a marching order was issued to him to withdraw the case from the force headquarters.

Addressing the conference during the uproar, the visibly-tensed President-General, Omojefe, said he was confused, and as such wasn't sure where to begin.

Meanwhile, in his address before an abrupt end was brought to the meeting, Sunny Omojefe, another elder brother to Immanuel Emoefe, affirmed that the arrest of Ukpethu was as a result of the protest against the substandard job being executed by his younger brother.

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Copa Libertadores final kick-off delayed by an hour after attack on the Boca Juniors team bus.

A civil society group, the Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism in Nigeria (CATE), has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of playing politics with the lives of soldiers killed in a recent attack in Metele, Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.

According to Gabriel Onoja, the National Coordinator of the group, the PDP is attempting to "drag the military into partisan politics".

The group also expressed its condolences to the Nigerian Army over the death of the soldiers.

The statement read: "A tragic attack on the military outpost in Metele village, Guzamala local government area of Borno State, has become the latest incident that these politicians have latched upon to ply their dangerous ware of objectifying the nation’s fallen heroes that have sacrificed their lives for the safety and security of other citizens.

“We specifically refer to the statements issued by the PDP and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. They both only stopped short of mocking the fallen soldiers by the utterances and misrepresentation of facts contained in their responses to the attack and the resulting deaths.

“The PDP in its reaction sought to drag the military into partisan politics as it relied on insinuations and speculations to conclude that the presence of the Service Chiefs at an event in Abuja is itself enough to have allowed Boko Haram terrorists overrun the outpost.

“We believe Nigerians deserve better than this shallow perversion of logic that the architects of today’s problems are putting out, because even where politics is concerned there should be some measure of honour that demands that the truth be told.

"Nigerians truly sympathise with the military and will continue to stand strongly behind the Nigerian state to end the last remnants of Boko Haram Terrorism in Nigeria. We at the CATE express our condolences to the families and loved ones of the departed soldiers."

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Supporters of a hard-line cleric planned new protests over the acquittal of a Christian woman.

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President Mnangagwa says his predecessor has been getting treatment in Singapore for the past two months.

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Mummies in two sarcophagi, found in a tomb in Luxor dating back 3,500 years, are revealed.

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Art works worth €15m (£12m) are impounded as they may not have been insured.

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The Spanish prime minister says he has received the guarantees he needs over the future of Gibraltar.

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Tsai Ing-wen's pro-independence DPP had suffered a series of defeats in key local elections.

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has apologised for joining the groups who came together to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku said the apology had become necessary because of the sufferings Nigerians had been subjected to in the last three and half years, from a party he played a role in bringing to power.

The former vice-president stated this while speaking at a town hall meeting with residents of Jimeta in Adamawa state.

He said, “I regretted being a part of the party which never deemed it fit to fulfil all of the promises it made to Nigerians.

“If I had known that the APC would be such a colossal failure and disgrace, I would never had joined the party.

“The APC has failed to fulfill even one of the promises it made to Nigerians. The APC is simply an assembly meant to defraud Nigerians.”

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Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has apologised for joining the groups who came together to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku said the apology had become necessary because of the sufferings Nigerians had been subjected to in the last three and half years, from a party he played a role in bringing to power.

The former vice-president stated this while speaking at a town hall meeting with residents of Jimeta in Adamawa state.

He said, “I regretted being a part of the party which never deemed it fit to fulfil all of the promises it made to Nigerians.

“If I had known that the APC would be such a colossal failure and disgrace, I would never had joined the party.

“The APC has failed to fulfill even one of the promises it made to Nigerians. The APC is simply an assembly meant to defraud Nigerians.”

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Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has apologised for joining the groups who came together to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku said the apology had become necessary because of the sufferings Nigerians had been subjected to in the last three and half years, from a party he played a role in bringing to power.

The former vice-president stated this while speaking at a town hall meeting with residents of Jimeta in Adamawa state.

He said, “I regretted being a part of the party which never deemed it fit to fulfil all of the promises it made to Nigerians.

“If I had known that the APC would be such a colossal failure and disgrace, I would never had joined the party.

“The APC has failed to fulfill even one of the promises it made to Nigerians. The APC is simply an assembly meant to defraud Nigerians.”

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday faulted the Presidency and the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, for their attacks of his personality based on parts of his book, “My Transition Hours,” they found uncomplimentary.

Jonathan, had in the book which was presented to the public in Abuja on Tuesday, indicted Shettima for alleged negligence in the events leading to the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 and also claimed that his administration fought corruption better than the present administration.

The book drew the wrath of the governor who described it as an elementary book of fiction while the Presidency urged Jonathan to stop playing the ostrich.

The former President, however in a statement by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, on Friday described the reactions that have trailed the book as a comprehensive plan to discredit it.

On the Presidency’s reaction, Jonathan’s spokesman said the Senior special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, towed a “revisionist path” when he claimed that Jonathan’s anti-corruption records could not be substantiated.

He said rather than grandstanding, the present administration should understudy the success nuggets of previous administrations.

He added, “Nigeria’s best ranking in TI’s corruption perception index still remains her placing in 2014, under President Jonathan, as the 136th out of all the countries ranked.

“This is far better than the last position recorded under the present government where Nigeria was ranked as number 148, a decline that took the nation 12 places backward.

“Rather than continue to raise a false banner of piety which apparently is no longer working, this administration would have served itself and the country better by understudying the success nuggets of its predecessors.

“Only then will they learn that Jonathan was able to do this through effective implementation of sound economic policies and institutional anti-corruption measures established by his administration.”

Eze said there was no doubt that Jonathan provided focused leadership on the economic front, through institutional and sectoral reforms which impacted positively on the fundamentals for growth.

Eze added, “Again, I urge them to bear in mind that no economy thrives where corruption is either rife or being concealed. So, those who rile and snap at Jonathan because he presented his scorecard in a book should provide their own numbers and statistics to counter his claim.

“In trying to do so, Nigerians would want to know what they have done about the high profile corruption allegations involving such individuals as Abdurahman Maina, Babachir Lawal, as well as sundry allegations of multi-billion-dollar sleaze involving such institutions as the NNPC, National Emergency Management Agency under this administration.”

He described Shettima’s reaction to the book as “a noisy but feeble defence” which he said ended up showcasing “a jaded ritual of chest-thumbing, rather than offer plausible explanations for the ignoble roles he played in worsening the Boko Haram tragedy in his home state. “

Eze said the governor had in the past four years, been living in denial and towing an evasive path he has beaten for himself.

He said, “What the governor may not know is that he is only walking the path of a villain.

“Once demand is made on him to explain why he deliberately ignored both the directive of both the Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council for governors to keep candidates in the affected locations out of harm’s way by relocating them to safer areas for their exams, he goes asking for the release of the report of Gen. Ibrahim Sabo-led facts-finding committee set up by President Jonathan.

“He probably thinks that challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan to publish the findings of the committee which, in any case, he is privy to, is a smart way of hiding his lapses.

“If it was bad enough that ignoring the directive meant deliberately exposing the girls and other school children to danger, it was utterly reprehensible that when the girls eventually got kidnapped the governor refused to cooperate with the Federal Government during the search and rescue efforts.

“He is on record to have boasted that he did not contact the President until 19 days after the abduction had taken place. One other of such clearly senseless behaviour was his ill-advised roller coaster trip to America and Europe soon after the girls were abducted; a development that pushed a bemused foreign journalist to ask him what he was doing abroad at a time his home was burning.”

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday faulted the Presidency and the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, for their attacks of his personality based on parts of his book, “My Transition Hours,” they found uncomplimentary.

Jonathan, had in the book which was presented to the public in Abuja on Tuesday, indicted Shettima for alleged negligence in the events leading to the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 and also claimed that his administration fought corruption better than the present administration.

The book drew the wrath of the governor who described it as an elementary book of fiction while the Presidency urged Jonathan to stop playing the ostrich.

The former President, however in a statement by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, on Friday described the reactions that have trailed the book as a comprehensive plan to discredit it.

On the Presidency’s reaction, Jonathan’s spokesman said the Senior special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, towed a “revisionist path” when he claimed that Jonathan’s anti-corruption records could not be substantiated.

He said rather than grandstanding, the present administration should understudy the success nuggets of previous administrations.

He added, “Nigeria’s best ranking in TI’s corruption perception index still remains her placing in 2014, under President Jonathan, as the 136th out of all the countries ranked.

“This is far better than the last position recorded under the present government where Nigeria was ranked as number 148, a decline that took the nation 12 places backward.

“Rather than continue to raise a false banner of piety which apparently is no longer working, this administration would have served itself and the country better by understudying the success nuggets of its predecessors.

“Only then will they learn that Jonathan was able to do this through effective implementation of sound economic policies and institutional anti-corruption measures established by his administration.”

Eze said there was no doubt that Jonathan provided focused leadership on the economic front, through institutional and sectoral reforms which impacted positively on the fundamentals for growth.

Eze added, “Again, I urge them to bear in mind that no economy thrives where corruption is either rife or being concealed. So, those who rile and snap at Jonathan because he presented his scorecard in a book should provide their own numbers and statistics to counter his claim.

“In trying to do so, Nigerians would want to know what they have done about the high profile corruption allegations involving such individuals as Abdurahman Maina, Babachir Lawal, as well as sundry allegations of multi-billion-dollar sleaze involving such institutions as the NNPC, National Emergency Management Agency under this administration.”

He described Shettima’s reaction to the book as “a noisy but feeble defence” which he said ended up showcasing “a jaded ritual of chest-thumbing, rather than offer plausible explanations for the ignoble roles he played in worsening the Boko Haram tragedy in his home state. “

Eze said the governor had in the past four years, been living in denial and towing an evasive path he has beaten for himself.

He said, “What the governor may not know is that he is only walking the path of a villain.

“Once demand is made on him to explain why he deliberately ignored both the directive of both the Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council for governors to keep candidates in the affected locations out of harm’s way by relocating them to safer areas for their exams, he goes asking for the release of the report of Gen. Ibrahim Sabo-led facts-finding committee set up by President Jonathan.

“He probably thinks that challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan to publish the findings of the committee which, in any case, he is privy to, is a smart way of hiding his lapses.

“If it was bad enough that ignoring the directive meant deliberately exposing the girls and other school children to danger, it was utterly reprehensible that when the girls eventually got kidnapped the governor refused to cooperate with the Federal Government during the search and rescue efforts.

“He is on record to have boasted that he did not contact the President until 19 days after the abduction had taken place. One other of such clearly senseless behaviour was his ill-advised roller coaster trip to America and Europe soon after the girls were abducted; a development that pushed a bemused foreign journalist to ask him what he was doing abroad at a time his home was burning.”

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday faulted the Presidency and the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, for their attacks of his personality based on parts of his book, “My Transition Hours,” they found uncomplimentary.

Jonathan, had in the book which was presented to the public in Abuja on Tuesday, indicted Shettima for alleged negligence in the events leading to the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 and also claimed that his administration fought corruption better than the present administration.

The book drew the wrath of the governor who described it as an elementary book of fiction while the Presidency urged Jonathan to stop playing the ostrich.

The former President, however in a statement by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, on Friday described the reactions that have trailed the book as a comprehensive plan to discredit it.

On the Presidency’s reaction, Jonathan’s spokesman said the Senior special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, towed a “revisionist path” when he claimed that Jonathan’s anti-corruption records could not be substantiated.

He said rather than grandstanding, the present administration should understudy the success nuggets of previous administrations.

He added, “Nigeria’s best ranking in TI’s corruption perception index still remains her placing in 2014, under President Jonathan, as the 136th out of all the countries ranked.

“This is far better than the last position recorded under the present government where Nigeria was ranked as number 148, a decline that took the nation 12 places backward.

“Rather than continue to raise a false banner of piety which apparently is no longer working, this administration would have served itself and the country better by understudying the success nuggets of its predecessors.

“Only then will they learn that Jonathan was able to do this through effective implementation of sound economic policies and institutional anti-corruption measures established by his administration.”

Eze said there was no doubt that Jonathan provided focused leadership on the economic front, through institutional and sectoral reforms which impacted positively on the fundamentals for growth.

Eze added, “Again, I urge them to bear in mind that no economy thrives where corruption is either rife or being concealed. So, those who rile and snap at Jonathan because he presented his scorecard in a book should provide their own numbers and statistics to counter his claim.

“In trying to do so, Nigerians would want to know what they have done about the high profile corruption allegations involving such individuals as Abdurahman Maina, Babachir Lawal, as well as sundry allegations of multi-billion-dollar sleaze involving such institutions as the NNPC, National Emergency Management Agency under this administration.”

He described Shettima’s reaction to the book as “a noisy but feeble defence” which he said ended up showcasing “a jaded ritual of chest-thumbing, rather than offer plausible explanations for the ignoble roles he played in worsening the Boko Haram tragedy in his home state. “

Eze said the governor had in the past four years, been living in denial and towing an evasive path he has beaten for himself.

He said, “What the governor may not know is that he is only walking the path of a villain.

“Once demand is made on him to explain why he deliberately ignored both the directive of both the Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council for governors to keep candidates in the affected locations out of harm’s way by relocating them to safer areas for their exams, he goes asking for the release of the report of Gen. Ibrahim Sabo-led facts-finding committee set up by President Jonathan.

“He probably thinks that challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan to publish the findings of the committee which, in any case, he is privy to, is a smart way of hiding his lapses.

“If it was bad enough that ignoring the directive meant deliberately exposing the girls and other school children to danger, it was utterly reprehensible that when the girls eventually got kidnapped the governor refused to cooperate with the Federal Government during the search and rescue efforts.

“He is on record to have boasted that he did not contact the President until 19 days after the abduction had taken place. One other of such clearly senseless behaviour was his ill-advised roller coaster trip to America and Europe soon after the girls were abducted; a development that pushed a bemused foreign journalist to ask him what he was doing abroad at a time his home was burning.”

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The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Tin-Can Island Port Command, has seized 13 containers of Tramadol and bleaching creams worth about N3 billion at the Port in Lagos.

Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), who paraded the seized items in Lagos, yesterday, said the 10 containers were loaded with Tramadol, Ciprofloxacin Capsules, Diclofenac Sodium Tablets, Soffeathe I.V Cannula, Sildencdil Citrate Tablets, while two containers were loaded with bleaching soaps and one contains bales of used clothing.

Ali, represented by the Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Mr. Augustine Chidi, said that majority of the consignments were imported from China, while two suspects have been arrested in connection with the consignment and would be made to face the wrath of the law.

He, therefore, warned importers to desist from bringing in illicit drugs, as it affects the health of the youth and tease them into criminal acts.

According to him, the seizures were in violation of the absolute prohibition list of CET 2015-2019, while the harmful bleaching creams and second-hand clothing were seized in line with the provisions of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C45 LFN 2004 Section 46 and 161.

“The Service reiterates its concerns for the health and security of Nigerians and one would better imagine the devastating effect on the life of our youths if these quantities of unwholesome drugs had found their way into the market. Not only will it lead to increased insecurity, but will also impact negatively on the health of our youths,” he added.

Ali said considering the global trend of insecurity, which can be attributed to the desperation of importers/exporters to circumvent the process by bringing in unwholesome items, the TinCan Island Command has re-jigged its operational methodology to deal with the trend.

The Customs boss said some of the seized items have been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

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The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Tin-Can Island Port Command, has seized 13 containers of Tramadol and bleaching creams worth about N3 billion at the Port in Lagos.

Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), who paraded the seized items in Lagos, yesterday, said the 10 containers were loaded with Tramadol, Ciprofloxacin Capsules, Diclofenac Sodium Tablets, Soffeathe I.V Cannula, Sildencdil Citrate Tablets, while two containers were loaded with bleaching soaps and one contains bales of used clothing.

Ali, represented by the Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Mr. Augustine Chidi, said that majority of the consignments were imported from China, while two suspects have been arrested in connection with the consignment and would be made to face the wrath of the law.

He, therefore, warned importers to desist from bringing in illicit drugs, as it affects the health of the youth and tease them into criminal acts.

According to him, the seizures were in violation of the absolute prohibition list of CET 2015-2019, while the harmful bleaching creams and second-hand clothing were seized in line with the provisions of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C45 LFN 2004 Section 46 and 161.

“The Service reiterates its concerns for the health and security of Nigerians and one would better imagine the devastating effect on the life of our youths if these quantities of unwholesome drugs had found their way into the market. Not only will it lead to increased insecurity, but will also impact negatively on the health of our youths,” he added.

Ali said considering the global trend of insecurity, which can be attributed to the desperation of importers/exporters to circumvent the process by bringing in unwholesome items, the TinCan Island Command has re-jigged its operational methodology to deal with the trend.

The Customs boss said some of the seized items have been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

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IPOB members at a pro-Biafra rally

Two policemen and four others believed to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra on Friday died during the group’s protest in Nnewi, Anambra State.

But the Anambra State Police Command said only one policeman died in the protest while a Divisional Police Officer in the area was hospitalised after sustaining injuries in the clash that erupted when security agencies stormed the venue of the protest.

Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Mike Okoli, said, “I will confirm to you that we lost a policeman, an inspector in the clash. The DPO who went with him to that operation is hospitalised. I can’t tell you of any other casualties; this is the much I know.

It was gathered that the pro-Biafran agitators marched round Nnewi and environs on Friday sensitising the people about the need for a referendum to highlight the need for the Sovereign State of Biafra and the rejection of the 2019 general elections.

Members of the group numbering about 2000 had stormed the Nnewi market, shouting “No referendum, no 2019 election.”

Waving the Biafran flag as they moved round, the protesters asked people in the market not to participate in the 2019 general elections unless the Federal Government heeded their demand for the conduct of referendum to actualise Biafra Republic.

Our correspondent gathered that trouble started when security operatives arrived at the scene in three Toyota Hilux pick-up vans and attempted to stop the protesters.

Members of the group were said to have pounced on the policemen and destroyed their vans, with two people dead in the process. The development forced traders in the Nkwo Nnewi market to close their shops and scampering for safety.

The IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, in a statement made available to our correspondent in Awka, said members of the group went on a peaceful demonstration to express their joy over the “second coming and appearance” of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in Israel.

Powerful said the reappearance of their leader was a testimony that the struggle for Biafra was divine.

The statement partly read, “Our leader’s reappearance in Israel after the Nigerian government and her security forces, including the Nigerian Army, Air force and Naval forces invaded his compound at Afaraukwu Ibeku in Umuahia, Abia State, last year September is clearly an indication to all and sundry that God Almighty is behind the struggle for Biafra liberation.

“Biafrans are equally today showcasing to the world that we are ready to boycott every Nigerian elections come 2019 especially the presidential election next year.

“Our march today on the roads and streets across Biafraland must send signals to politicians and saboteurs among us that Biafrans are determined to leave the prison called Nigeria where British government experimented to lead black Africans and other black nations across the globe but failed to live up to the expectations for over 100 years because of the Hausa-Fulani caliphate dominations.

“IPOB rally and march today (Friday) being November 23, 2018 is ongoing in all the states across Biafraland like Rivers, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states and other Biafra clans and tribes fraudulently carved into Kogi, Benue and Edo States.”

He said the group would not rest until a date was given for Biafra referendum to hold so that its people would decide whether to stay in Nigeria or not.

He added, “IPOB is divinely ordained to retrieve Biafra sovereignty from this enclave called Nigeria. We are coming to show Nigerians and its handlers including their security apparatus what is called civil disobedience because IPOB is more of intellectuals.”

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IPOB members at a pro-Biafra rally

Two policemen and four others believed to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra on Friday died during the group’s protest in Nnewi, Anambra State.

But the Anambra State Police Command said only one policeman died in the protest while a Divisional Police Officer in the area was hospitalised after sustaining injuries in the clash that erupted when security agencies stormed the venue of the protest.

Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Mike Okoli, said, “I will confirm to you that we lost a policeman, an inspector in the clash. The DPO who went with him to that operation is hospitalised. I can’t tell you of any other casualties; this is the much I know.

It was gathered that the pro-Biafran agitators marched round Nnewi and environs on Friday sensitising the people about the need for a referendum to highlight the need for the Sovereign State of Biafra and the rejection of the 2019 general elections.

Members of the group numbering about 2000 had stormed the Nnewi market, shouting “No referendum, no 2019 election.”

Waving the Biafran flag as they moved round, the protesters asked people in the market not to participate in the 2019 general elections unless the Federal Government heeded their demand for the conduct of referendum to actualise Biafra Republic.

Our correspondent gathered that trouble started when security operatives arrived at the scene in three Toyota Hilux pick-up vans and attempted to stop the protesters.

Members of the group were said to have pounced on the policemen and destroyed their vans, with two people dead in the process. The development forced traders in the Nkwo Nnewi market to close their shops and scampering for safety.

The IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, in a statement made available to our correspondent in Awka, said members of the group went on a peaceful demonstration to express their joy over the “second coming and appearance” of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in Israel.

Powerful said the reappearance of their leader was a testimony that the struggle for Biafra was divine.

The statement partly read, “Our leader’s reappearance in Israel after the Nigerian government and her security forces, including the Nigerian Army, Air force and Naval forces invaded his compound at Afaraukwu Ibeku in Umuahia, Abia State, last year September is clearly an indication to all and sundry that God Almighty is behind the struggle for Biafra liberation.

“Biafrans are equally today showcasing to the world that we are ready to boycott every Nigerian elections come 2019 especially the presidential election next year.

“Our march today on the roads and streets across Biafraland must send signals to politicians and saboteurs among us that Biafrans are determined to leave the prison called Nigeria where British government experimented to lead black Africans and other black nations across the globe but failed to live up to the expectations for over 100 years because of the Hausa-Fulani caliphate dominations.

“IPOB rally and march today (Friday) being November 23, 2018 is ongoing in all the states across Biafraland like Rivers, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states and other Biafra clans and tribes fraudulently carved into Kogi, Benue and Edo States.”

He said the group would not rest until a date was given for Biafra referendum to hold so that its people would decide whether to stay in Nigeria or not.

He added, “IPOB is divinely ordained to retrieve Biafra sovereignty from this enclave called Nigeria. We are coming to show Nigerians and its handlers including their security apparatus what is called civil disobedience because IPOB is more of intellectuals.”

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The Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday, said he was done with the conferment of honorary degrees on him.

He said this, while receiving the Doctor of Letters honours, at the convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

“This is an institution, where in the same town and state, is where I took my first steps to learning. So it is symmetrical, it is a closure. I said this is symbolical way to end my teaching career. But there is one thing which I thought, that, suppose this is the last honorary degree, I receive from anywhere, what a beautiful closure it is.

“The reason I am announcing it now is because I can always use you, this institution, this town, all the royalties present, the students, as witnesses to this day, that the next time I am invited to accept any honorary degree, I will politely decline.

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The Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday, said he was done with the conferment of honorary degrees on him.

He said this, while receiving the Doctor of Letters honours, at the convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

“This is an institution, where in the same town and state, is where I took my first steps to learning. So it is symmetrical, it is a closure. I said this is symbolical way to end my teaching career. But there is one thing which I thought, that, suppose this is the last honorary degree, I receive from anywhere, what a beautiful closure it is.

“The reason I am announcing it now is because I can always use you, this institution, this town, all the royalties present, the students, as witnesses to this day, that the next time I am invited to accept any honorary degree, I will politely decline.

Wole Soyinka Books POETRY News The Nation Newspaper AddThis :  Original Author :  Jane Chijioke Disable advertisements : 
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