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The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) PLC, appear to have concluded plans to approve an extension to the N701 billion given to the generation companies (GENCOS) in 2017 to cover its losses. 

The fresh package, which is expected to be N600 billion, cover for the shortfall in remittances made by the distribution companies (Discos).

According to THISDAY, the Central Bank of Nigeria is expected to fund the scheme and determine the tenure of the loan. The last role out was a ten-year package.

Joy Agaji, Executive-Secretary of the Association of Power Generation Companies, told THISDAY that the fresh payment which is still a rumour to the gencos is simply a palliative measure.

“As far as we are concerned, it’s a rumour until we receive a formal notification. Relative to how we feel as Gencos, these are palliatives to the symptomatic decadence of the sector. Until the government decides to move from palliatives to cure, we will continue in this unending and incomprehensive dance,” Agaji stated.

Based on the design of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NBET buys power from the Gencos, making them responsible for the payment of monies to the power producers. 

However, the cost of production can only be recouped when the Discos sell power and collect their pay. Agaji told the News Agency of Nigeria in November 2018 that the Gencos were owed N500 billion between 2013 and December 2016. 

She said they had not been paid since June 2018 to the date the interview was published. Agaji further noted that the Gencos received only 80 percent of the monthly invoice submitted for draw-down on the N701 billion. 

The Discos have however maintained that the tariff paid for electricity consumed is not reflective of the cost of production and delivery. 

While the Discos have a billing rate of over 60 percent, it is not the same for revenue collection. In several Discos, revenue collection is less than 50 per cent according to quarterly reports published by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory commission.

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The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) PLC, appear to have concluded plans to approve an extension to the N701 billion given to the generation companies (GENCOS) in 2017 to cover its losses. 

The fresh package, which is expected to be N600 billion, cover for the shortfall in remittances made by the distribution companies (Discos).

According to THISDAY, the Central Bank of Nigeria is expected to fund the scheme and determine the tenure of the loan. The last role out was a ten-year package.

Joy Agaji, Executive-Secretary of the Association of Power Generation Companies, told THISDAY that the fresh payment which is still a rumour to the gencos is simply a palliative measure.

“As far as we are concerned, it’s a rumour until we receive a formal notification. Relative to how we feel as Gencos, these are palliatives to the symptomatic decadence of the sector. Until the government decides to move from palliatives to cure, we will continue in this unending and incomprehensive dance,” Agaji stated.

Based on the design of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NBET buys power from the Gencos, making them responsible for the payment of monies to the power producers. 

However, the cost of production can only be recouped when the Discos sell power and collect their pay. Agaji told the News Agency of Nigeria in November 2018 that the Gencos were owed N500 billion between 2013 and December 2016. 

She said they had not been paid since June 2018 to the date the interview was published. Agaji further noted that the Gencos received only 80 percent of the monthly invoice submitted for draw-down on the N701 billion. 

The Discos have however maintained that the tariff paid for electricity consumed is not reflective of the cost of production and delivery. 

While the Discos have a billing rate of over 60 percent, it is not the same for revenue collection. In several Discos, revenue collection is less than 50 per cent according to quarterly reports published by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory commission.

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Following unsuccessful attempts to settle internal rancour, the Action Alliance has suspended Uche Nwosu from the party over insubordination, anti-party activities and mismanagement of funds.

The party also said it recommended his expulsion from the party to the National Executive Committee.

Nwosu, who was the governorship candidate of AA in Imo State and son-in-law of Rochas Okorocha, finished second in the election behind Emeka Ihedioha.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Kenneth Uneze, National Chairman of AA, said Nwosu had flagrantly disrespected the party and has gone against the values of the party.

Uneze also claimed that Nwosu had divided the party in Imo by creating a faction he is using to carry out his plans.

He said, “This is a crisis we have tried to manage in-house for a while now. We have tried to make Uche Nwosu sees reasons to keep faith with the CUPP pact. But he has refused.

“As a party, we are bound by morality and good conscience to honour our words.

“This is why the NWC has decided to suspend him and has recommended his expulsion to the NEC.”

Uneze also threatened to dissolve the party structure in Imo State if Nwosu and all working for him fail to respect the wish and laid down orders of the party.

“It is absurd that Uche Nwosu has chosen to recruit a handful of our members in Imo state to disobey directives of the party.

“It should be stated in clear terms that any further acts that entail subversion of the will of the party shall have all the structures of the party – from Ward to State – in Imo dissolved.”

The Imo State chapter of AA had earlier withdrawn its governorship election petition against Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

The party stated that it remains committed to the CUPP arrangement in forming Government of National Unity (GNU) at the center and Government of state Unity (GSU)) among the federating unit.

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Following unsuccessful attempts to settle internal rancour, the Action Alliance has suspended Uche Nwosu from the party over insubordination, anti-party activities and mismanagement of funds.

The party also said it recommended his expulsion from the party to the National Executive Committee.

Nwosu, who was the governorship candidate of AA in Imo State and son-in-law of Rochas Okorocha, finished second in the election behind Emeka Ihedioha.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Kenneth Uneze, National Chairman of AA, said Nwosu had flagrantly disrespected the party and has gone against the values of the party.

Uneze also claimed that Nwosu had divided the party in Imo by creating a faction he is using to carry out his plans.

He said, “This is a crisis we have tried to manage in-house for a while now. We have tried to make Uche Nwosu sees reasons to keep faith with the CUPP pact. But he has refused.

“As a party, we are bound by morality and good conscience to honour our words.

“This is why the NWC has decided to suspend him and has recommended his expulsion to the NEC.”

Uneze also threatened to dissolve the party structure in Imo State if Nwosu and all working for him fail to respect the wish and laid down orders of the party.

“It is absurd that Uche Nwosu has chosen to recruit a handful of our members in Imo state to disobey directives of the party.

“It should be stated in clear terms that any further acts that entail subversion of the will of the party shall have all the structures of the party – from Ward to State – in Imo dissolved.”

The Imo State chapter of AA had earlier withdrawn its governorship election petition against Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

The party stated that it remains committed to the CUPP arrangement in forming Government of National Unity (GNU) at the center and Government of state Unity (GSU)) among the federating unit.

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Following unsuccessful attempts to settle internal rancour, the Action Alliance has suspended Uche Nwosu from the party over insubordination, anti-party activities and mismanagement of funds.

The party also said it recommended his expulsion from the party to the National Executive Committee.

Nwosu, who was the governorship candidate of AA in Imo State and son-in-law of Rochas Okorocha, finished second in the election behind Emeka Ihedioha.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Kenneth Uneze, National Chairman of AA, said Nwosu had flagrantly disrespected the party and has gone against the values of the party.

Uneze also claimed that Nwosu had divided the party in Imo by creating a faction he is using to carry out his plans.

He said, “This is a crisis we have tried to manage in-house for a while now. We have tried to make Uche Nwosu sees reasons to keep faith with the CUPP pact. But he has refused.

“As a party, we are bound by morality and good conscience to honour our words.

“This is why the NWC has decided to suspend him and has recommended his expulsion to the NEC.”

Uneze also threatened to dissolve the party structure in Imo State if Nwosu and all working for him fail to respect the wish and laid down orders of the party.

“It is absurd that Uche Nwosu has chosen to recruit a handful of our members in Imo state to disobey directives of the party.

“It should be stated in clear terms that any further acts that entail subversion of the will of the party shall have all the structures of the party – from Ward to State – in Imo dissolved.”

The Imo State chapter of AA had earlier withdrawn its governorship election petition against Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

The party stated that it remains committed to the CUPP arrangement in forming Government of National Unity (GNU) at the center and Government of state Unity (GSU)) among the federating unit.

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The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja yesterday dismissed the petition filed by the defeated governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Lagos State, Chief Owolabi Salis, challenging the victory of Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the March 9 election.

The three-man panel headed by Justice T. T Asua dismissed the petition while ruling on a preliminary application filed by Sanwo-Olu and his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the competence of the petition.

Justice Asua held in the ruling that the failure of the petitioners to file applications for pre-hearing conference after the close of pleadings within seven days as prescribed by law rendered his case incompetent.

The tribunal also held that a timely application for pre-hearing conference was a condition to the hearing of the petitions and without the application for pre-hearing conferences, the petition cannot commence or get to judgment stage.

Justice Asua further stated that Section 285(4) of the Fourth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution was inapplicable because the timely application for pre-hearing conferences was a precondition in election petition matters.

The three-man panel, therefore, held that inability to serve any of the respondents was not an excuse and that the consequence of failure to apply timely for pre-hearing conference should lead to the dismissal of such a petition.

The petitioner has joined, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sanwo-Olu, APC and the INEC's resident electoral commissioner for Lagos State as respondents to the petition.

Also joined as respondents are the Returning Officer for the Lagos State Governorship Election, the Commissioner of Police and the Nigerian Army.

The counsel to the Governor, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) had in a Motion filed on May 22 challenged the petition based on Paragraph 18(1)(4) of the Electoral Act.

Owonikoko noted that the AD had not filed applications for pre-trial conference hearing within seven days after the close of pleadings as stipulated by law.

Aidi, however in his response dated May 26 had said Section 285(8) of the Fourth Alteration of the 1999 Constitution does not permit any electoral petition to be terminated at the interlocutory stages.

AD and Salis had in their petitions challenged Sanwo-Olu’s victory on the grounds that he is not competent to run as a gubernatorial candidate in the election.

The petitioners claimed that the March 9 polls were marred by violence, voting irregularities and that Sanwo-Olu cannot vote or be voted for as he has no valid voters card.
 

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The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja yesterday dismissed the petition filed by the defeated governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Lagos State, Chief Owolabi Salis, challenging the victory of Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the March 9 election.

The three-man panel headed by Justice T. T Asua dismissed the petition while ruling on a preliminary application filed by Sanwo-Olu and his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the competence of the petition.

Justice Asua held in the ruling that the failure of the petitioners to file applications for pre-hearing conference after the close of pleadings within seven days as prescribed by law rendered his case incompetent.

The tribunal also held that a timely application for pre-hearing conference was a condition to the hearing of the petitions and without the application for pre-hearing conferences, the petition cannot commence or get to judgment stage.

Justice Asua further stated that Section 285(4) of the Fourth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution was inapplicable because the timely application for pre-hearing conferences was a precondition in election petition matters.

The three-man panel, therefore, held that inability to serve any of the respondents was not an excuse and that the consequence of failure to apply timely for pre-hearing conference should lead to the dismissal of such a petition.

The petitioner has joined, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sanwo-Olu, APC and the INEC's resident electoral commissioner for Lagos State as respondents to the petition.

Also joined as respondents are the Returning Officer for the Lagos State Governorship Election, the Commissioner of Police and the Nigerian Army.

The counsel to the Governor, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) had in a Motion filed on May 22 challenged the petition based on Paragraph 18(1)(4) of the Electoral Act.

Owonikoko noted that the AD had not filed applications for pre-trial conference hearing within seven days after the close of pleadings as stipulated by law.

Aidi, however in his response dated May 26 had said Section 285(8) of the Fourth Alteration of the 1999 Constitution does not permit any electoral petition to be terminated at the interlocutory stages.

AD and Salis had in their petitions challenged Sanwo-Olu’s victory on the grounds that he is not competent to run as a gubernatorial candidate in the election.

The petitioners claimed that the March 9 polls were marred by violence, voting irregularities and that Sanwo-Olu cannot vote or be voted for as he has no valid voters card.
 

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The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja yesterday dismissed the petition filed by the defeated governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Lagos State, Chief Owolabi Salis, challenging the victory of Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the March 9 election.

The three-man panel headed by Justice T. T Asua dismissed the petition while ruling on a preliminary application filed by Sanwo-Olu and his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the competence of the petition.

Justice Asua held in the ruling that the failure of the petitioners to file applications for pre-hearing conference after the close of pleadings within seven days as prescribed by law rendered his case incompetent.

The tribunal also held that a timely application for pre-hearing conference was a condition to the hearing of the petitions and without the application for pre-hearing conferences, the petition cannot commence or get to judgment stage.

Justice Asua further stated that Section 285(4) of the Fourth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution was inapplicable because the timely application for pre-hearing conferences was a precondition in election petition matters.

The three-man panel, therefore, held that inability to serve any of the respondents was not an excuse and that the consequence of failure to apply timely for pre-hearing conference should lead to the dismissal of such a petition.

The petitioner has joined, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sanwo-Olu, APC and the INEC's resident electoral commissioner for Lagos State as respondents to the petition.

Also joined as respondents are the Returning Officer for the Lagos State Governorship Election, the Commissioner of Police and the Nigerian Army.

The counsel to the Governor, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) had in a Motion filed on May 22 challenged the petition based on Paragraph 18(1)(4) of the Electoral Act.

Owonikoko noted that the AD had not filed applications for pre-trial conference hearing within seven days after the close of pleadings as stipulated by law.

Aidi, however in his response dated May 26 had said Section 285(8) of the Fourth Alteration of the 1999 Constitution does not permit any electoral petition to be terminated at the interlocutory stages.

AD and Salis had in their petitions challenged Sanwo-Olu’s victory on the grounds that he is not competent to run as a gubernatorial candidate in the election.

The petitioners claimed that the March 9 polls were marred by violence, voting irregularities and that Sanwo-Olu cannot vote or be voted for as he has no valid voters card.
 

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Justice A. A. Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, June 17, 2019, granted an application made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the arrest of a serving senator, Albert Bassey, popularly known as OBA, compelling him to appear in court and face the money laundering charges preferred against him by the anti-graft.

The serving senator, according to his counsel, Barrister Samuel Ikpo, failed to appear in court because he was not served a copy of the charge. 

Ikpo also added that he was instructed by his client, to appear in court and receive the charge on his behalf.

However, the prosecution through its counsel, Mohammed Sadisu Abubakar, told the court about efforts made by EFCC to serve the lawmaker.

"My lord, since the filling of the charge, the prosecution has made frantic efforts to serve the suspect the charge but all our efforts proved abortive, as the suspect, who has been on administrative bail granted him by the EFCC has jumped bail. The Investigating Officer, Osatuyi Ayodele, also placed a call to him on June 6, 2019, inviting him to the office so as to be served the charge, but the Lawmaker failed to show up after he promised that he would.

“One of his (Senator Bassy) lawyer, Ini Utuk, was also contacted on June 7, 2019, but equally failed to show up, after promising to do so. Till this moment My lord, the suspect has failed, to honour the terms of his administrative bail which is to always make himself available. In the circumstances my lord, I humbly apply, pursuant to Section 113 and 114 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act for this honourable court to issue a warrant for the arrest of the suspect and to produce him before this honourable court." Abubakar said.

But the defence counsel, however, argued that the charge should be given to him since the matter was coming up for the first time before the court and that the suspect was not served the copy of the charge. 

"The defendant was sworn in last week in Abuja as a Senator. I respectfully apply that the charge should be given to me to hand over to him", said Ikpo.

Responding on point of law, the EFCC counsel countered the argument of the defence, as he hinged his argued on the provisions of Section 114 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

He said, "My lord, Section 114 of the ACJA provides that the court can issue an order for the first time, depending on the nature and circumstances of the case and the nature and circumstances of this case give rise for the issuance of a bench warrant. 

"This is a criminal matter and there is no provision in ACJA 2015 to serve a charge through counsel in respect of a suspect who has not appeared before the court. My lord, I urge you to discountenance the submissions of the defence counsel," Abubakar argued.

After listening to both sides, Justice Okeke upheld the arguments of the prosecution, saying: "Section 114 of the ACJA is instructive on this issue. The court can issue a warrant on the first day depending on the circumstances and nature of the case. One should lead by example and to whom much is given, much is expected.

“Where the defendant found it necessary to attend a legislative function, he should also find it obligatory to honour invitations by law enforcement agencies. Justice is for all in the temple of justice and if there is an application to be granted in the interest of justice, it should be the application made by the prosecution.

“The court, therefore, grants the application and consequently issue a bench warrant against the defendant for his production in this court on the next adjourned date."

The matter was thereafter adjourned until June 24, 2019, for arraignment. 

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Justice A. A. Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, June 17, 2019, granted an application made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the arrest of a serving senator, Albert Bassey, popularly known as OBA, compelling him to appear in court and face the money laundering charges preferred against him by the anti-graft.

The serving senator, according to his counsel, Barrister Samuel Ikpo, failed to appear in court because he was not served a copy of the charge. 

Ikpo also added that he was instructed by his client, to appear in court and receive the charge on his behalf.

However, the prosecution through its counsel, Mohammed Sadisu Abubakar, told the court about efforts made by EFCC to serve the lawmaker.

"My lord, since the filling of the charge, the prosecution has made frantic efforts to serve the suspect the charge but all our efforts proved abortive, as the suspect, who has been on administrative bail granted him by the EFCC has jumped bail. The Investigating Officer, Osatuyi Ayodele, also placed a call to him on June 6, 2019, inviting him to the office so as to be served the charge, but the Lawmaker failed to show up after he promised that he would.

“One of his (Senator Bassy) lawyer, Ini Utuk, was also contacted on June 7, 2019, but equally failed to show up, after promising to do so. Till this moment My lord, the suspect has failed, to honour the terms of his administrative bail which is to always make himself available. In the circumstances my lord, I humbly apply, pursuant to Section 113 and 114 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act for this honourable court to issue a warrant for the arrest of the suspect and to produce him before this honourable court." Abubakar said.

But the defence counsel, however, argued that the charge should be given to him since the matter was coming up for the first time before the court and that the suspect was not served the copy of the charge. 

"The defendant was sworn in last week in Abuja as a Senator. I respectfully apply that the charge should be given to me to hand over to him", said Ikpo.

Responding on point of law, the EFCC counsel countered the argument of the defence, as he hinged his argued on the provisions of Section 114 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

He said, "My lord, Section 114 of the ACJA provides that the court can issue an order for the first time, depending on the nature and circumstances of the case and the nature and circumstances of this case give rise for the issuance of a bench warrant. 

"This is a criminal matter and there is no provision in ACJA 2015 to serve a charge through counsel in respect of a suspect who has not appeared before the court. My lord, I urge you to discountenance the submissions of the defence counsel," Abubakar argued.

After listening to both sides, Justice Okeke upheld the arguments of the prosecution, saying: "Section 114 of the ACJA is instructive on this issue. The court can issue a warrant on the first day depending on the circumstances and nature of the case. One should lead by example and to whom much is given, much is expected.

“Where the defendant found it necessary to attend a legislative function, he should also find it obligatory to honour invitations by law enforcement agencies. Justice is for all in the temple of justice and if there is an application to be granted in the interest of justice, it should be the application made by the prosecution.

“The court, therefore, grants the application and consequently issue a bench warrant against the defendant for his production in this court on the next adjourned date."

The matter was thereafter adjourned until June 24, 2019, for arraignment. 

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Amnesty International, an international human rights organization has condemned the incessant bombing and killings by the Boko Haram sect in Borno and other Northern states in the country.

Reacting to the multiple suicide bomb attacks targeting people watching a football match on TV in Konduga, in North Eastern Nigeria, Osai Ojigho Director Amnesty International Nigeria said the attack is a type of Boko Haram’s disdain on the sanctity of life.

“These horrific suicide bomb attacks that killed at least 30 people and injured over 40 more bear all the hallmarks of Boko Haram and its vicious, unrelenting campaign targeting civilians.

“These unlawful attacks are typical of Boko Haram’s despicable disdain for the sanctity of human life. We are calling on Boko Haram and other armed groups to immediately stop targeting civilians,” Ojigho said.

The country director of Amnesty in Nigeria also urged the Nigerian to immediately improve on the security of lives and properties in the country while asking that justice must be done for all the lives killed by the terrorist group.

“All those responsible must face justice for all the atrocities it has committed, including the use of children for suicide missions.

“The Nigerian authorities must do more to protect civilians, especially in areas like Konduga that have frequently been targeted by Boko Haram.”

Background:

Boko Haram has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, which took place on Sunday evening. However, based on analysis of the attacks as well as information from witnesses and journalist in the area, it is clear the attacks fit the pattern of the group’s methods and targets.

According to media reports, it was the biggest mass killing by suicide bombers in Nigeria this year. Reports coming in suggest that the number of casualties is set to rise due to the gravity of injuries.

Since 2009, Boko Haram has been carrying out a violent campaign against civilians in North Eastern Nigeria through acts of almost daily killings, bombings, abductions, and looting.

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The First democratically elected President in Egypt, Mohammed Morsi Monday, fainted and subsequently died in court, Egyptian state tv reports. Morsi was oustered by the military after serving one-year of a four-year mandate following protests.

The 67-year-old former president was elected on the platform of the now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood after the Arab Upspring uprising that terminated the thirty-year rule of Hosni Mubarak.

"He was speaking before the judge for 20 minutes then became very animated and fainted. He was quickly rushed to the hospital where he later died," says a judicial source.

Morsi and 23 others were handed life imprisonment and death sentences after they were deposed and their political organization which had a militant wing as well was banned. Morsi’s sentence was educed to 20 years by a higher court and 21 of his brotherhood members also had their convictions reduced.

Protesters were angered that the Muslim Brotherhood were appointed into many top positions, sectarian violence still thrived, unemployment among others. Morsi was deposed and detaind by the military on July 3 2013.  The Muslim Brotherhood was accused of having connections with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

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The 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations, which will kick-off on the 21st of June has a total of six groups; A, B, C, D, E, and F. The SaharaReporters Sport team brings you group review and what to expect from each team.

Group A – Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe

EGYPT

The Egyptian national football team, nicknamed The Pharaohs, is the most successful team in the history of African football, having won the African Cup of Nations seven times.

The host team, Egypt, will be aiming to once again lift the trophy to end their 19 years wait. Currently ranked 58 in FIFA World ranking, the Egyptian team would be hoping to have a wonderful outing at their home soil when the competition kick-off.

Javier Aguirre will be leading a team of mostly home based players with a mix of European experience to the AFCON2019.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Ahmed El-Shennawy (Pyramids FC), Mohamed El-Shennawy (Al Ahly), Mahmoud Gennesh (Zamalek).

Defenders: Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa), Baher El-Mohamady (Ismaily), Ahmed Hegazi (West Bromwich Albion), Mahmoud Alaa, Mahmoud Hamdy El-Wensh (Zamalek), Ahmed Ayman Mansour, Omar Gaber (Pyramids FC), Ayman Ashraf (Al Ahly).

Midfielders: Tarek Hamed (Zamalek), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal), Ali Ghazal (C.D. Feirense), Nabil Emad Dunga, Abdallah El-Said (Pyramids FC), Walid Soliman (Al Ahly), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet (Kasimpasa), Amr Warda (Atromitos).

Strikers: Ahmed Ali (Arab Contractors), Marwan Mohsen (Al Ahly), Ahmed Hassan Kouka (Olympiacos).

The team would be counting on the experience of Mohammed Salah and Ahmed Hassan, who both have a total of 43 goals to their names.

DR Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo located at central sub-Saharan Africa will be making their 19th appearances at the African Cup of Nations in Egypt. The Leopards were eliminated at the quarterfinals at the last outing in Gabon.

DR Congo last won the trophy in 1974 while their best outing after that was in Equatorial Guinea 2015 when they finished at the third place.

Coach Florent Ibenge would be hoping to have a wonderful outing in Egypt and reach the final of the competition.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Parfait Mandanda (Dinamo Bucharest, Romania), Anthony Mossi (Chiasso FC, Switzerland), Ley Matampi Vumi (Al Ansar Club Medina, Saudi Arabia)

Defenders: Djuma Shabani and Glody Ngonda Muzinga (both AS Vita Club), Issama Mpeko (TP Mazembe), Christian Luyindama Nekadio (Galatasaray, Turkey), Arthur Masuaku (West Ham, England), Wilfred Moke Abro (MKA Ankaragucu, Turkey), Marcel Tisserand (Wolfsburg, Germany), Merveille Bope Bokadi (Standard Liege, Belgium), Beaudrick Ungenda (Primeiro Do Agosto, Angola)

Midfielders: Chadrac Akolo (Stuttgart, Germany), Paul-Jose Mpoku (Standard Liege, Belgium), Chancel Mbemba Mangulu (Porto, Portugal), Tresor Mputu (TP Mazembe), Youssouf Mulumbu (Kilmarnock, Scotland), Jacques Maghoma (Birmingham City, England)

Forwards: Britt Assombalonga (Middlesbrough, England), Cederic Bakambu (Beijing Guoan, China), Yannick Bolasie (Everton, England), Jonathan Bolingi Mpangi (Antwerp, Belgium), Elia Lina Meschack (TP Mazembe).

The two-time African champions will begin their AFCON journey against Uganda on June 22, thereafter playing hosts Egypt and Zimbabwe on June 26 and June 30, respectively.

Uganda

Currently sitting at the 80th position in the FIFA ranking, the Uganda team is yet to make it out of the group stage since 1978 when the team finished second.

The last appearance at the Nations Cup was in 2017 when they were eliminated at the group stage. Before then, Uganda has failed to qualify for AFCON between 1992 and 2015. The other time Uganda appeared at AFCON was in 1978.

Coach Sebastien Desabre had made a list of 23 Uganda Cranes to hoist the flag of Uganda and do the country proud when the competition kicks-off in Egypt.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Jamal Salim (Al Hilal-Sudan), Robert Odongkara (Adama City, Ethiopia)

Defenders: Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam, Tanzania), Brian Ronald Ddungu Mukiibi (Ostersunds, Sweden), Murushid Jjuuko (Simba, Tanzania), Bevis Mugabi (Yeovil Town, England), Isaac Muleme (FK Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Un-attached), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Timothy Denis Awanyi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Godfrey Walusimbi (Un-attached)

Midfielders:  Mike Azira (Montreal Impact, Canada), Allan Kateregga (Maritzburg, South Africa), William Kizito Luwagga (Shakhter Karagandy, Kazakhstan), Khalid Aucho (Church Hill Brothers, India), Faruku Miya (HNK Gorica, Croatia), Abdul Lumala (Syrianska, Sweden), Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers SC-Uganda)

Strikers: Patrick Henry Kaddu (KCCA FC, Uganda), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha, Egypt), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC Uganda), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Simba, Tanzania)

The Cranes has very little chance of making it past the group stage but they would hope to stun Africa by pulling a remarkable match in Egypt.

Zimbabwe

Nicknamed The Warriors, Zimbabwe has never made it beyond the group stage of AFCON.

Ranked 109 in FIFA World ranking and 26 in Africa, Zimbabwe would hope to break the group stage jinx.

At the AFCON 2017, Zimbabwe failed to win a match. However, the team looks stronger after winning Group G to qualify for the competition in Egypt.

The Warriors will play the opening game with the hosts, Egypt before locking horns with DR Congo and Uganda.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: George Chigova (Polokwane City), Edmore Sibanda (Witbank Spurs), Elvis Chipezeze (Baroka)

Defenders: Jimmy Dzingai (Power Dynamos), Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids), Teenage Hadebe (Kaizer Chiefs), Divine Lunga (Golden Arrows), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Bloemfontein Celtic), Tendai Darikwa (Nottingham Forest)

Midfielders: Danny Phiri (Golden Arrows), Marshall Munetsi (Orlando Pirates), Marvelous Nakamba (Club Brugge), Tafadzwa Kutinyu (Azam), Ovidy Karuru (AmaZulu), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Orlando Pirates), Talent Chawapihwa (AmaZulu), Thabani Kamusoko (Young Africans).

Forwards: Knowledge Musona (Anderlecht), Nyasha Mushekwi (Dalian Yifang), Evans Rusike (SuperSport United), Tinotenda Kadewere (Le Havre), Knox Mutizwa (Golden Arrows).

 

Sports News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Ilaje youths demonstrating over the "total neglect of their oil-rich communities" by the government SaharaReporters Media

Anti-riot policemen on Monday tear-gassed youths from Ilaje Local Council Area of Ondo State protesting in front of the Governor’s Office in Akure.

The youths, under the aegis of the Ilaje Advancement Forum, were demonstrating over the "total neglect of their oil-rich communities" by the government.

SaharaReporters reported that the youths were tear-gassed to disperse them with the youths having blocked Alagbaka adjourning street. 

The protesters had gathered as early as 9 am on Alagbaka Street of the governor's office carrying placards displaying their grievances and demands.

Ilaje youths demonstrating over the "total neglect of their oil-rich communities" by the government SaharaReporters Media

The youths, who demanded financial autonomy for Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, also noted the government needs to devote the 40 percent oil derivation coming from the federal government to the coastal areas.

Oyetakin Akinjo, a leader of the IAF, said OSOPADEC under the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu administration had failed to meet the demands of the people.

"This is because the OSOPADEC as you know was created by an act of parliament in 2001 and its function as stated in the act which was amended in 2003 was that the commission shall receive and also manage exclusively 40 percent of the 60 percent oil derivation fund coming from the federation account.

"But now what do we have in return? The only thing we see in this present OSOPADEC is the construction of footbridges and these are not sustainable project as dictated by the commission's mantra itself. You would recall that Ilaje LGA is the only oil-producing local council in the entire South-west of Nigeria, not until recently that Lagos State also became an oil-producing state," he stated.

Reacting, the Chairman of OSOPADEC, Mr. Gbenga Edema, said the current government had been transparent in handling the funds accruable to the commission under the state government.

Edema added that the government, through OSOPADEC, had embarked on massive construction and rehabilitation of wooden walkways in all the villages to the tune of N500 million.

"I also hear that the youth are shouting autonomy, Akeredolu was not the one that created the commission, there is a provision for supervision and control by the governor in the act," he added.

ACTIVISM Human Rights Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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