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NPO, Buhari, Others Grieve Passage Of Aboderin

'Dotun Akintomide
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NPO, Buhari, Others Grieve Passage Of Aboderin

By ‘Dotun Akintomide

The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), led by Prince Nduka Obaigbena has joined many prominent Nigerians to grieve the sudden death of the Chairman of Punch Newspapers, Wale Aboderin who died Thursday during a heart surgery.

Other prominent figures who had issued official statement to mourn Aboderin’s demise include President Muhammadu Buhari; APC national leader, Bola Tinubu; and Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement sent to The New Diplomat the NPO, consisting of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)  and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), said it was saddened by the news of the untimely death of the Chairman of the Punch Group of Newspapers.

“Wale , a consummate sport enthusiast, was jovial, amiable  and  easy going. His death is a big blow, not just to the Punch Group, but to the entire media  landscape of Nigeria and Africa”, said Obaigbena on Thursday.

“We offer  our condolences to the Aboderin family and the Punch Group”, Obaigbena added.

President Buhari had led the outpouring of condolences in a statement by  Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Thursday.

President Buhari commiserated with all members of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the media and sports industry in the country on the death of the respected entrepreneur and philanthropist.

The President believed that Aboderin, who was greatly admired by his peers in the media and sports industry, would be long remembered for his resourcefulness, managerial proficiency and invaluable contributions to the growth of these sectors.

National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has huge investments in the media, described Aboderin’s death  as a huge loss to the media and sports world.

Tinubu commiserated with the Aboderin family in a condolence letter, released by his Media Officer, Mr Tunde Rahman, on Thursday in Lagos.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Chairman of Punch Newspapers, we lost Wale at a rather young age when we still needed him to continue to be with us.

“At 60, he still had a lot to offer us but within those three scores though, he made appreciable impact and touched and changed lives.

“As Chairman of Punch, taking over from his uncle, the actuary, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, Wale continued to maintain and sustain the excellent journalism Punch is noted for, ensuring that the newspaper remains where it should be.

“Though he trained as a pilot, he was also a sports enthusiast. He particularly loved basketball to the point that he floated Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation.

“He was at one time the Chairman of our Basketball Association in Lagos.

“His death is a huge loss to the Aboderin family, both immediate and extended. The media and sports worlds, which he traversed and impacted positively, have also lost an outstanding partner.

“My deep sympathy and condolences to his wife and two children. I mourn with the Aboderin family, the Punch Newspaper, the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria and the media generally.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar described the death of Aboderin as hearth breaking.

He condoled with the immediate Aboderin family in particular; the media, especially the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the teeming lovers of Punch newspapers worldwide.

“In today’s world, 60 years is too young an age for anyone to pass on with their lofty dreams.

“Aboderin’s untimely departure is certainly heartbreaking: painful to the family, a monumental loss to the fourth estate of the realm and the nation at large,” Abubakar said.

The former Vice President noted that the deceased had been in the vanguard of sustaining the vision of his late father and founder of the Punch group of newspapers.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan also described late Aboderin a great Nigerian.

Ologbondiyan said Aboderin was  a quintessential administrator and very ingenious entrepreneur, who committed his resources towards the development of Nigeria.

He said Aboderin’s legacy in publishing a credible news medium of the status of the Punch Newspapers remained an indelible mark in the history and development of journalism in Nigeria.

“Aboderin was widely known for his philanthropy and sports enthusiasm.

“He played key role in the development of sports in Nigeria including as founder and chairman of the Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation as well as the former chairman of the Lagos, State Basketball Association.”

Mr. Gbadebowale Wayne  Aboderin, died early today after a heart surgery at the First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi, Lagos. He was 60 years old.

He attended the Government College, Ibadan and trained as a pilot in the United States.

He was also Chairman Punch Commercial Printing Limited  and  Lukahed Properties Limited.

He was a one-time vice-president of the Nigerian Basketball Supporters Club.

He is survived by his wife, Titilayo, and children.

CBN Deputy Governor Resigns

Hamilton Nwosa
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CBN Deputy Governor Resigns

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) deputy governor in charge of Operations, Adebayo Adelabu, will resign his appointment with effect from July 15.

Mr Adelabu whose disengagement notice has already been accepted by President Muhammadu Buhari, has indicated interest to join the gubernatorial race in his home state, Oyo.

In an acceptance letter dated May 24, President Buhari thanked Mr. Adelabu for his services to the country and wished him the best in his future ambitions.

“While appreciating your services in the Central Bank of Nigeria since April 9, 2014, I wish you the very best in your future ambitions and continued commitment to public service in our country and specifically, as you seek to play a more active role in politics, in your home State,” the president said in the letter.

Mr. Adelabu, who was one of the four deputy governors of the CBN, assumed duty on April 9, 2014.

Since then, he has served at different times as deputy governor in charge of Financial System Stability (FSS) and Corporate Services (CS), before his last position as the deputy governor in charge of Operations.

In political circles in Oyo State, Mr Adelabu is widely believed to be the most likely successor to the incumbent governor of the State, Abiola Ajimobi, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

One of the grand children of ace Oyo political godfather, late Adegoke Adelabu, Mr Adelabu has made his mark in the financial sector, rising to the position of Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of First Bank of Nigeria Plc. (FBN) prior to his ascension to the CBN.

Before his stint at First Bank, Mr Adelabu was the general manager and the West African Regional Head of Finance & Strategy (Consumer Banking Business) for Standard Chartered Bank.

A first class degree holder in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr Adelabu is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and member of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD).

Breaking: Buhari Signs Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill Into Law

Hamilton Nwosa
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Breaking: Buhari Signs Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill Into Law

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday signed the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill into law.

Buhari signed the bill into law at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, barely two days after he promised to do so.

The law reduces the age qualification for president from 40 to 30; governor from 35 to 30; senator from 35 to 30; House of Representatives membership from 30 to 25 and State House of Assembly membership from 30 to 25.

In his Democracy Day address on Tuesday, the President had promised to sign the bill into law “in a few days’ time.”

The National Assembly had passed the bill last year, altering sections 65, 106, 131, 177 of the Constitution to reduce the constitutional age requisition for president from 40 to 30; that of the governor from 35 to 30; senator from 35 to 30; House of Representatives membership from 30 to 25 and State House of Assembly membership from 30 to 25.

Details later…

Illegal Oil Bunkering: Nigerian Navy Hands Over Vessel, Nine Suspects To EFCC

Hamilton Nwosa
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Illegal Oil Bunkering: Nigerian Navy Hands Over Vessel, Nine Suspects To EFCC

The Nigerian Navy, NNS Delta on Wednesday May 30, 2018 handed over nine suspects and a vessel allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The suspects: Friday Ojogbeli, Captain; Samuel Chidi Akomas, Chief Engineer; Lucky Okpowo, Chief Mate; and six others are all Nigerians.


Commodore I. A. Dewu, Commander NNS Delta at the handing over in Warri, stated that the suspects were onboard the vessel, MT NIPAL when they were intercepted by men of NNS Delta at Afremo Oil Field while siphoning crude oil on January 30, 2018. The Commander further stated that the vessel was laden with 386,556 M T crude oil.
Receiving the nine suspects and the Vessel on behalf of the Commission, Richard Ogberagha, a Senior Detective Superintendent, said the Commission would do a painstaking investigation to ensure that those found culpable were brought to book.

 

Ekiti 2018: APC Picks Egbeyemi As Fayemi’s Running Mate

Hamilton Nwosa
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Ekiti 2018: APC Picks Egbeyemi As Fayemi’s Running Mate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for the July 14, 2018, in Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has settled for Chief Adebisi Adegboyega  Egbeyemi as his running mate in the election.

Egbeyemi was picked as the candidate after party leaders met for long hours to consider who should pair Fayemi during the election.

Former Executive Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government in Ekiti State, Egbeyemi, is a lawyer by training.

Egbeyemi’s choice came after speculations by the expectant public spread that certain eminent indigenes of the state had been picked  to fly the ticket with Fayemi in the July 14, 2018 governorship poll.

Egbeyemi, an indigene of Ado-Ekiti, was born on May 8, 1944 to the family of the late EgbeyemiAlade and late Madam TinubuEgbeyemi.

He started his education at the Holy Trinity Anglican School, Ilawe-Ekiti and Baptist School, Ado-Ekiti, after which he attended Harding Memorial Modern School, Ado-Ekiti.

He studied privately while working as a Laboratory Assistant at Ekitiparapo College, Ido-Ekiti, and while working as a bursar at Notre Dame Grammar School, Usi-Ekiti, Egbeyemi sat as a private student to pass both the GCE O’Level and Advanced Level examinations.

He later proceeded to the University of Lagos College of Education where he graduated in Biology and Physical Education with distinction. He taught briefly at the St Mary’s Girls Secondary School, Ikole-Ekiti, in 1975 before he was transferred to the Teachers’ College, Oye-Ekiti, as a pioneer Physical Education tutor between 1975 and 1977.

He later went to the University of Ife to read Law between 1977 and 1980 before proceeding to the Law School in Lagos for his Barrister at Law certificate and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

His political experiences spanned many fields, including the Youth Leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) between 1979 and 1983; a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly in 1983; and Executive Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government between 1991 and 1993.

Others include Leader of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) in Ado-Ekiti Local Government between 1996 and 1997 and was founding member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), using the platform to win the House of Representatives election that was cancelled by the late Head of State, General SaniAbacha, in 1998.

Between 1991 and 1992, he was Commissioner of Education  and between 2001 and 2002, Egbeyemi was a member of the Governing Council of the National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna.

A receiver of many awards, the lawyer was appointed the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General between 2002 and 2003.

He was a founding member and Leader of the Action Congress in Ado-Ekiti Local Government and currently a foremost leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State.

Breaking: Punch Chairman, Aboderin Dies After Heart Surgery

'Dotun Akintomide
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Breaking: Punch Chairman, Aboderin Dies After Heart Surgery

Mr. Gbadebowale Wayne  Aboderin, the chairman of Punch newspapers is dead. He was 60 years old.

His death was announced today by the newspaper.

The newspaper said Aboderin died early today after a heart surgery at the First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He attended the Government College, Ibadan and trained as a pilot in the United States.

He was also Chairman Punch Commercial Printing Limited  and  Lukahed Properties Limited.

A sports enthusiast and philanthropist, he was the founder and chairman of  the Dolphins Female  Basketball Foundation, and also a former chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association.

He was a one-time vice-president of the Nigerian Basketball Supporters Club.

He is survived by his wife, Titilayo, and children.

Breaking: Real Madrid Coach, Zinedine Zidane Resigns

Hamilton Nwosa
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Breaking: Real Madrid Coach, Zinedine Zidane Resigns

Zinedine Zidane has resigned from his position as Real Madrid coach.

The French coach decided to throw in the towel after winning an unprecedented third consecutive Champions League trophy last weekend.

Zidane is one of the only three managers, along with Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisely, to have won the UEFA European Cup three times having guided Real Madrid to Champions League glory in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Zidane, 45, told a news conference at the Bernabeu Stadium he had “taken the decision not to continue next year.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was on Thursday present alongside Zidane when the announcement was made. Zidane who took charge of the club in January 2016.

He leaves having guided the Spanish club to three successive Champions League titles and one La Liga success.

More details to follow…

6m People Die Globally Every Year From Smoking, Says WHO

'Dotun Akintomide
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6m People Die Globally Every Year From Smoking, Says WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) latest data says that smoking is responsible for the death of about six million people across the world each year with many of the deaths occurring prematurely.

According to the report, no fewer that 1.1 billion  people are smokers in the world today, the same number as at the turn of the century.

WHO’s ‘Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Smoking 2000-2025’, coincided with World No Tobacco Day 2018 observed every May 31.

The report states: “Tobacco is the only legal drug that kills many of its users when used exactly as intended by manufacturers.

“WHO has estimated that tobacco use (smoking and smokeless) is currently responsible for the death of about six million people across the world each year with many of the deaths occurring prematurely.

“This total includes about 600,000 people that are also estimated to die from the effects of second-hand smoking.

“Although often associated with ill-health, disability and death from non-communicable chronic diseases, tobacco smoking is also associated with an increased risk of death from communicable diseases’’.

The global health agency, in the report by health experts, said spreading the message that tobacco caused deadly illnesses such as heart disease and stroke helped prevent “needless” loss of life.

WHO warned that tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke were “major causes” of cardiovascular disease, contributing to three million deaths annually.

It said lack of awareness about the risks of tobacco use was most common in low and middle-income countries.

The report said in China, more than six out of 10 people were unaware that smoking could cause a heart attack while in India and Indonesia, more than half of all adults did not know that the habit could lead to a stroke.

Dr Douglas Bettcher, Director, Department for the Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases at WHO, said tobacco use was falling globally but it still killed more than seven million people a year.

“Progress is uneven in protecting consumers from the tobacco industry,’’ Bettcher said.

He explained that higher income countries were making “faster progress” than their poorer counterparts at protecting consumers, partly owing to stronger regulations.

“In spite of the apparent lack of progress in tackling the total number of smokers, the report highlighted that only one in five people smoked today, compared to more than one in four, 18 years ago.

“The decline was masked by the world’s growing population.’’

On efforts to encourage people to quit, the UN health expert warned that only around 12 per cent countries were on track to meet global targets to reduce by one-third the number of people dying from non-communicable diseases by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals agenda.

In a bid to promote a healthy heart, the WHO wanted every one of its 194 Member States to implement a series of increasingly strict tobacco control measures.

These include making indoor public and workplaces smoke-free and insisting that tobacco packaging carries warnings that demonstrate the health risks for users.

“The good news is that these deaths are preventable and we know what needs to be done,’’ Bettcher said.

He named Ireland and Uruguay as countries that had achieved the highest level of tobacco control before, adding that since 2007, the number of people around the world to have benefited from these measures has more than quadrupled, from one billion to five billion.

NGO Seeks Collaboration With ICPC To Protect Whistle Blowers

Hamilton Nwosa
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NGO Seeks Collaboration With ICPC To Protect Whistle Blowers

The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), an NGO working on accountability and good governance issues, is seeking to collaborate with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in order to provide adequate protection for whistle blowers.

The coordinator of the NGO, Mr. Chido Onumah, while speaking during a courtesy visit with his team to the Commission, said that a major focus of his organisation was the whistle-blower policy of government: how to help increase awareness for what is expected from the people as well as the kind of reports they should make to ensure the integrity of the policy and also guarantee that whistle-blowers receive adequate protection.

Mr. Onumah said that his NGO was ready to partner with ICPC on the sensitization of the general public towards the policy.

He listed town-hall meetings, radio jingles and the distribution of  information and enlightenment campaign materials as some of the enlightenment programmes they have embarked on to educate Nigerians on the whistle-blower policy.

In his response, the acting Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Abubakar, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, an Assistant Commissioner said that it was part of the Commission’s mandate to educate and enlighten the public on and against corruption, and that ICPC was ready to collaborate with the organisation.

The acting Chairman also said that there was need for NGOs and Civil Society Organizations to embark on the propagation of government policies in order to create more awareness among the general public.

Ex-Kaduna Gov. Yero, Others Detained By EFCC

'Dotun Akintomide
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Ex-Kaduna Gov. Yero, Others Detained By EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained a former Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Ramalan Yero and former Kaduna Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Mr. Haruna Gaiya.

Yero was detained on Wednesday also alongside a former Minister of State for Power, Mr. Nuhu Way; and former Secretary to Kaduna State government, Mr. Hamza Ishaq.

They have been under investigation by EFCC since 2016, for the role they played in the disbursement of the N750 million PDP campaign fund before the 2015 general election.

Although the four accused persons have been reporting at the EFCC office for some time, in line with the procedure for their investigation, they were however detained when they reported at the commission’s zonal office on Wednesday morning.

The Kaduna zonal spokesman of the EFCC, Mr. Kamaludeen Gebi, said that the four accused persons will be arraigned at a Federal high court sitting in Kaduna on Thursday.

They would be arraigned on charges bordering on money laundering, criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds among others.

The former governor and the three others were at the EFCC office last week Friday and were later released after they were interrogated for over four hours.

Fraud: Ex Gov. Shema’s Case Adjourned Till June 12

Hamilton Nwosa
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Fraud: Ex Gov. Shema’s Case Adjourned Till June 12

Justice Maikaita Bako of the Katsina State High Court has adjourned the case of the former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shehu Shema and three others to the 12th of June, 2018.

The adjournment came as a result of service of a document which the defendants protested that they were not served on time.

It would be recalled that, on the last adjourned date, the prosecution was leading PW1 in evidence during which the defence counsels raised objection on document mentioned by the witness which was not readily available in court at the time.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to today, May 30th for the production of the said document and it’s service on the defendants.
Shema is charged alongside three others, Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba, Sani Hamisu Makana and Ahmed Rufai Safana before the Katsina State High Court for allegedly embezzling over Eleven Billion Naira from the coffers of Katsina State.

When the matter came up today, counsel representing the first defendant, J.B Daudu SAN argued that the matter was not ripe for hearing.

He submitted that on the last adjourned date the prosecution asked for an adjournment to serve the defendants with document which was not readily available in court. He further informed that from 10th April, we didn’t hear from them until the 28th of May, 2018.

In the circumstance, Daudu asked the court for an adjournment to enable them do a background check on the document for the purpose of cross examination.

A.T Kehinde SAN for the second defendant aligned himself with Daudu and so did B.Y Kura SAN for the 3rd defendant and Uyi Igunma for the 4th defendant.

Counsel for the prosecution, Joseph Olatoke SAN urged the court to discountenance the submission of the learned counsels for defendants.

He told the court that the defendants having conceded that the report has been submitted to the commission of enquiry, it means they are aware of the existence of the document which means they had time to do whatever they wanted on the document because they are familiar with the document.

“My Lord would recall that the case was last adjourned because they applied to have a copy of the report. By that token, they are aware that the report became part of this proceeding”. He said.

Olatoke also informed the court that the defendants have also conceded that they were served with the report on the 28th of May 2018.

He added that the document is not a motion that will entitled them 48 hours to respond.
It is only a document that needed to be tendered which means after the document has been tendered and the prosecution finished examination in chief, the defence counsels can choose to cross examine or not.

Daudu and the other defence counsels informed the court that all they are asking is a constitutional right, as stipulated under section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 constitution.
Justice Bako granted the application of the defendants and adjourned the matter to June 12, 2018.

Court Finds Former Taraba Governor, Jolly Nyame Guilty Of Fraud

Hamilton Nwosa
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Court Finds Former Taraba Governor, Jolly Nyame Guilty Of Fraud

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has found a former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame, guilty of some counts in the charge of fraud brought against him.

Mr Nyame was charged on a 41-count for allegedly diverting N1.64 billion while he served as governor of the state between 1999 and 2007.

The prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, presented various witnesses who alluded to the fact that Mr Nyame approved the diversion of of various funds amounting to over N345 million to a company, Saman global, within five weeks in 2005, among other allegations.

Despite claims by Mr Nyame that he never knew the said company, the court found him guilty of breaching public trust after noting that the ex-governor confirmed approving the memo wherein the order for the transfer of the funds was made.

The court held that Mr Nyame is guilty of over half of the charges.

According to the judge, Adebukola Bankole, the actions of the perpetrators under the watch of the ex-governor can be likened to the story of Alibaba and the 40 thieves

The court is, however, yet to deliver it’s final verdict.

An application by the defendant for a no-case submission was dismissed in March after the judge ruled that Mr Nyame had good reason to enter his defence.

Jolly Nyame

#Russia2018: Buhari Bids Super Eagles Farewell [PHOTOS]

'Dotun Akintomide
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#Russia2018: Buhari Bids Super Eagles Farewell [PHOTOS]

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday received Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their coach Rohr Gernot in Abuja.

President Buhari and VP Osinbajo with the Super Eagles and their coaching crew today

It was at a farewell reception at the Council Chambers in the Presidential Villa, for the national team, before their departure to Russia to take part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

 

Just In: Salah’s Recovery Falls Short Of Egypt’s World Cup

'Dotun Akintomide
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Just In: Salah’s Recovery Falls Short Of Egypt’s World Cup

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah’s shoulder injury will keep him out of action for three to four weeks, Liverpool’s club physiotherapist has said.

The Egyptian tries to recover in time for the World Cup.

The 25-year-old winger is desperate to play for Egypt in only their third World Cup and their first for 38 years.

“He is sad about what happened but is totally focused on recovery, seeing when he can be ready,” physiotherapist Ruben Pons told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

Salah was injured during Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.

“In principle it will be between three and four weeks but we will try to reduce those dates, that’s the big goal,” he added.

Egypt begins their campaign in World Cup Group A against Uruguay on June 15, before facing hosts Russia on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25.

This means if the Egyptian striker takes four weeks to recover, he could be fit in time for the knock-out phases.

Egypt reached the tournament after Salah scored a 95th minute penalty to help them beat Congo 2-1 in October.

Salah, who scored 44 goals in a sensational first season for Liverpool after joining from Roma, was voted Player of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association this month.

ERA/FoEN Asks UNN To Refuse PMI Foundation Funds

Dotun Akintomide
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ERA/FoEN Asks UNN To Refuse PMI Foundation Funds

The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has written to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), asking it to have nothing to do with the Foundation for A Smoke-Free World created by multi-national tobacco company Philip Morris International (PMI) that is currently actively seeking partners around the world.

ERA/FoEN in the letter dated May 15, 2018 and signed by Nnimmo Bassey, Chair of its board, said it learnt that the Foundation is now in talks with the International Centre for Biotechnology (ICB) – a Category II Center under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) domiciled at the University of Nigeria Nsukka to support alternative livelihoods for Africa’s smallholder tobacco farmers.

The group said it is of the view that if this organisation succeeds in building a base of partners and collaborators, it will endanger years of progress of preventing and reducing tobacco use and nicotine addiction.

The letter was sent to the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Professor Benjamin Ozumba and copies sent to the President of Nigeria, Vice –President, Ministers of Education and Health, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission and the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.

The group said that UNN should follow the honorable path of 17 public health schools in the U.S. and Canada, including Harvard and Johns Hopkins early this year that pledged to refuse any form of research money from the foundation, citing the fact that it is too closely tied to an industry that sells deadly products to millions.

It noted that the Foundation for Smoke-free World was formed to promote research into so-called “reduced-risk” products currently being developed and marketed by PMI and other tobacco companies which will enable PMI to boost its credibility as a legitimate stakeholder in discussions about tobacco risk reduction while still aggressively market Marlboro and other cigarette brands.

PMI has also sued countries acting to implement the policies proven to reduce tobacco use.

The letter adds, “WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) – and not PMI’s alleged ‘harm reduction’ business strategy or its Foundation – represents global consensus on how to prevent and reduce tobacco use and associated death and disease.

PMI’s Foundation is an effort to deflect attention from the company’s efforts to prevent the WHO FCTC from being fully implemented. In fact, an investigative report published by Reuters in July 2017 revealed a massive, secret campaign by PMI to undermine the WHO FCTC, depicting “a company that has focused its vast global resources on bringing to heel the world’s tobacco control treaty.”

ERA/FoEN alerted that representatives of the Foundation have begun contacting civil society organisations, conference committees and other entities around the world to initiate dialogue, influence these organizations’ agendas, and inform them about potential “funding opportunities.”

While urging UNN to refuse any kind of funding from the foundation, ERA/FoEN said that the ICB and the UNN risks undermining their reputation and credibility by associating with the Foundation.

Ekiti Governorship: Fayemi Resigns As Minister

Hamilton Nwosa
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Ekiti Governorship: Fayemi Resigns As Minister

Dr. Kayode Fayemi has resigned his appointment as Minister of Mines and Steel Development to concentrate on defeating Kolapo Olusola, Governor Ayo Fayose’s deputy, at the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Fayemi tendered his resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari three weeks ago, but it officially takes effect from Wednesday, May 30.

Fayemi, who will be the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer in the election having won a rescheduled primary of the party on May 12, will be in office today to address a press conference where he will give account of his stewardship in the ministry and finally sign off at 12:00pm.

To become the Ekiti APC candidate, Fayemi polled 941 votes.

The aspirants who came closest were Segun Oni (481 votes), Kayode Ojo (281), Olufemi Richard Bamisile (179), Oluyede Oluwole (121), and Aluko Daniel Olugbenga (86).

Fayose has already boasted that an “electoral disaster” awaits Fayemi in July, saying: “He will suffer the worst defeat of his political career… after the July 14 election, he will go into political oblivion.”

 

UPDATED: Dino Melaye Defects To PDP

Hamilton Nwosa
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UPDATED: Dino Melaye Defects To PDP

Senator Dino Melaye on Wednesday made a dramatic appearance at the Senate, declaring his intention to cross-carpet to the other wing of the chamber.

Melaye had been away from the Senate, since over a month, when the Nigerian Police arrested him and he was subsequently admitted at the intensive care unit of the National Hospital, Abuja.

Appearing with clutches and neck support to Wednesday’s plenary, Melaye said he was no longer comfortable sitting on his seat at the wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he would cross over to the wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The lawmaker who is currently representing Kogi West senatorial district, had come under order 14 of the Senate rules (which covers personal privileges and welfare of members of the Senate), thanking his colleagues for standing by him during his ordeal in the hands of the Nigeria Police.

Melaye specially thanked the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, members of the 8th Senate, the Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and members of the green chamber, for the show of solidarity, saying, “an injury to one is an injury to all”.

He also appreciated the entire Nigerians, “kogites and particularly the good people of Kogi West, young and old, children and the aged” for standing and defending his mandate.

“They stood up for me when I could not stand up, they fought for me and protected my mandate during the failed recall exercise, orchestrated by the Governor of Kogi state”, Melaye said.

The lawmaker specially acknowledged the opposition party, the PDP, for standing by him through strong statements and campaigns that Kogi West electorate should stay off the recall exercise.

Melaye accused the Nigeria Police for attempting to poison him twice, saying, “one, through the application of a chemical substance and the second time through injection. They actually came with an injection but God intervened”.

The outspoken Senator, however, said he would not be deterred by the trauma he went through “and still going through”, vowing to continue to speak out at all times and ask questions when things go wrong.

He said, “The battle to salvage this country from financial scavengers and economic canker worms, to me, is a battle of no retreat, no surrender. We must salvage this country together, we don’t have any other to call our own. As my voice gets better, it will get louder. I shall not cease to ask questions where necessary”.

The Senate, was however, thrown into rowdy session when, Melaye, in his usual dramatic style, requested that a seat be provided for him at the PDP wing, saying, he was no longer comfortable sitting on the APC wing.

His words, “I have a request to you Mr President. Because of the trauma I went through and I’m still going through, I want to seek your indulgence that you will call on the Sergeant-At-Arms to look for a comfortable seat for me on this side of the divide (pointing at the PDP wing).

“I’m no longer comfortable sitting here. So I want to ask the Senate President that you mandate the Sergeant-At-Arms tomorrow to look for a seat for me on this other divide of the chamber.

“Before you do that today, through the help of my walking sticks I will take a comfortable seat close to Papa General, Senator David Mark (PDP), pending when you get me a comfortable seat on this side”.

As soon as he finished speaking, the opposition members in their large numbers welcomed Melaye to their wing with loud ovation as Senator Ben Bruce and others helped him to walk slowly to his new seat.

This, however, didn’t go down well with the ruling APC, as the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, objected to the movement, saying it was wrong for Melaye to abandon his seat on the mere excuse of not being comfortable.

But the deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, said Melaye had come under an order of personal privileges, and as a member of the Senate, he was entitled to a good treat on matters of welfare and privileges, adding that section 41 of the 1999 constitution as amended also allowed free movement, which the chamber falls within the Nigerian territory.

Ekweremadu was supported by the Minority leader, Goodwill Akpabio, who thanked Melaye for crossing the carpet to the PDP, urging other APC lawmakers to follow suit, “as there are more comfortable seats” yet to be occupied in the PDP wing.

Responding, Senate President , Saraki, who presided over the session, said he didn’t know why Melaye chose to abandon his seat, but he said he has taken note of his request.

Alleged Corruption: Defecting To APC Won’t Stop Your Probe, EFCC Tells Orji Kalu

Hamilton Nwosa
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Alleged Corruption: Defecting To APC Won’t Stop Your Probe, EFCC Tells Orji Kalu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has insisted that the fact that a former governor of Abia State, Mr Orji Kalu, changed his political party won’t stop the alleged corruption case involving him.

Spokesperson for the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said on Tuesday during his appearance on Channels Forum, a Channels Television programme which brings opinion leaders and policymakers together to discuss and find solutions to Nigeria’s problems.

N3.2bn Corruption Trial: Witness Refuses To Testify Against Orji Kalu

The EFCC had charged Mr Kalu with fraud allegations running into billions of naira when he served as governor of Abia State.

In January, A legal practitioner, Kingsley Ekwem, declined to testify as a prosecution witness in the trial of the former governor and two others over an alleged N3.2billion fraud.

Kalu has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while members of the opposition party have continued to accuse the APC government of a one-sided anti-corruption war.

Uwujaren, however, maintained that the alleged corruption case against the former governor is ongoing, stressing that joining the APC folk has no effect on the matter.

He said, “Yes, Orji Kalu has left the PDP to APC; but that does not mean that his case under prosecution has stopped. I can recall that on May 11, the prosecution closed its case in that matter.

“That case is going on and I don’t see how political association can affect the matter that is being prosecuted in court. It has nothing to do with the corruption allegations against him.”

The EFCC spokesman further responded to the allegations of a one-sided anti-corruption fight and asked Nigerians to be wary of the credibility of such accusation.

He explained that the anti-graft agency goes through a process before a case can be prosecuted and such is based on the strength of the evidence it has.

Uwujaren noted that those who are being prosecuted by the EFCC are used to crying foul, insisting that nobody is being prosecuted because he or she belongs to a particular political party.

He said, “If you are alleged to be corrupt, the question we should ask is ‘does the EFCC has the evidence to prosecute you?’ We should not be concerned about whether somebody is in APC or is in PDP.”

“The issue is ‘did you violate the law; did you commit an offence?’ if you commit an offence then the agency should have the liberty to take you to court. It will not be a matter of vindictiveness, it should be a matter that is based purely on evidence and that is what we are doing,” the EFCC spokesman added.

He further disclosed that the EFCC has identified some cases which it believes it has enough evidence to prove in court and it has begun to prosecute them.

Uwujaren reiterated that belonging to a political party does not mean corrupt individuals are immune from prosecution, pointing out that the immunity applies to only the four categories of officials provided by the constitution.

Fayose Dismisses Ex-Minister’s Defection to APC

Hamilton Nwosa
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Fayose Dismisses Ex-Minister’s Defection to APC

Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti says the defection of former Minister of State for Works, Dayo Adeyeye, from the PDP to APC will not affect the party’s fortune.

The governor made the disclosure in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.

Mr Fayose said Mr Adeyeye’s defection to the All Progressives Congress had merely confirmed his earlier position that he was never a loyal and committed member of the Peoples democratic Party.

According to him, “I am not bothered by the action taken by the former aspirant in the just concluded PDP governorship primary election in the state”.

“His move to APC will not in any way affect us. This is because majority of those he thought were behind him did not defect with him.

“In fact, one of his two party agents for the last primary is still with us in PDP and you know what that means.

“If somebody is your party agent and could not go with you to another party, it tells a lot and even as he is moving from PDP, many others from APC are coming to us, so we have nothing to lose with his defection,” he said.

The governor said that he held no grudge against him because he had the right to move from one political party to the other adding that he wished him well in his new party.

“While he was the PDP national spokesman, he had spoken terrible things against the APC and he has now gone to join the same party,” Mr Fayose said.

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