Controversial French film on Bataclan massacre ditched after survivors complain

 French public television has put a controversial film about the Bataclan massacre on ice "until all of the victims' groups are consulted".
"Ce soir-la" (That Night), starring Sandrine Bonnaire, is a love story set on the fateful night in November 2015 when Paris was hit by a wave of terror attacks that left 130 people dead.

But Claire Peltier, the partner of one the people murdered at the Eagles of Death Metal concert at the Bataclan - where 90 people were slaughtered by jihadist gunmen - had called for the "scandalous" film to be shelved.

She said it was far too soon for "such a painful" story to be revisited.

Filming finished earlier this month but the France 2 station said late Thursday that the project was being put on hold.

"No transmission date had been fixed for the film... which has not yet been seen by the station's management," it added in a statement.

An online petition calling for the film to be scrapped had gathered 36,000 signatures on change.org in a month.

"This project shocks and wounds us," said Peltier, who had two children with her murdered partner David. "We are scandalised that such a film could see the light of day so soon after such a violent event."

"Two years on our wounds are still wide open, our grief immense, our lives destroyed," she added.


The main Bataclan victims' group welcomed the decision to postpone the film.

"Even if we have never asked for censorship, we are glad that modesty and restraint have prevailed," Arthur Denouveaux, the head of the Life For Paris group told AFP.

Even so, he insisted that it was "not our role to be a censor".


Seven people are in custody after the November 13 attacks on the Bataclan, Paris bars and the Stade de France football stadium, while other key suspects remain at large, though police suspect some may be dead.
Among the 10 jihadists who wreaked havoc that night, the only survivor is Salah Abdeslam, who is refusing to talk to investigators.

He is due to be tried in Belgium in February over a shootout in Brussels that led to his capture.

EPL: Conte reveals Chelsea’s target this season

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte has said that catching up with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side would be a difficult task this season.

The Italian said the focus now is to finish top four and play in the the Champions League next season.

To achieve this, Conte urged his players to take a significant step by beating Stoke on Saturday.

Chelsea’s chances of retaining the Premier League title are slim given Manchester City ’s record-breaking run that has left the Blues16 points adrift of the leaders.

Conte told reporters, “In this league there is great motivation for all to try to stay there and fight until the end.

“I don’t know if we can do this for the title because it depends on Manchester City, who are doing something extraordinary.

“To win every game and draw one means you are having a fantastic run.

“But there is great motivation to find a place in the Champions League next year, there are four places for six top teams.

“Our start wasn’t easy for many reasons but we want to work and improve. There are many competitions and we must be very proud to play every game.”

APC speaks on Yusuf Buhari’s accident

The ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, has prayed for the speedy and full recovery of the president’s son, Yusuf Buhari.

This is contained in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Thursday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the first family following injuries sustained by Yusuf, the son of President Muhammadu Buhari in a motorbike accident.

“The APC family is relieved that accident was not fatal. We pray Yusuf makes a speedy and full recovery,” APC said.

Meanwhile, Aisha, mother of ailing Yusuf and wife of President Muhammadu Buhari was placed on bed rest at Cedarcrest Hospital in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The private health facility is where Yusuf was rushed to Tuesday night after his involvement in a bike accident.

However, staff of the presidential villa on Thursday offered special prayers for quick recovery of the president’s son.

The prayer session, which was held immediately after the afternoon (Zuhr) prayer, was led by the Chief Imam of Aso Rock Mosque, Abdulwahid Suleiman.

Suleiman prayed almighty God to continue to guide and protect the first family and all Nigerians.

He also prayed for peace, tranquillity and progress to reign supreme in the country.

Among those at the prayer session were the President’s Aide-De-Camp (ADC), Lawal Abubakar; Garba Shehu, the president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity; the president’s Chief Personal Security Officer, Abdulkarim Dauda, as well other presidential aides and staff of the villa.

2019 presidency: APC will rule Nigeria for very long time, PDP can’t return – Okorocha

Rochas Okorocha, Governor of Imo State, has declared that the All Progressives Congress, APC, will rule Nigeria for a very long time both in the state and at national level.
Okorocha made the remark while dismissing plans by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to retake power in 2019.
He urged members of the party to remain steadfast and be proud of the party.

In a statement, the governor called on leaders and members of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state “to remain steadfast and also be proud that their party is in power both in the state and at the federal level.

“The governor equally told the party members to be boastful of the monumental achievements of the party’s administration in the state which have exceeded all that the administrations before him had achieved.

“He assured the party members that APC would retain power in the state and at the national level for a long time and urged them to disregard the claims by other parties that they would return to power in 2019.

“The governor also celebrated Christmas for the party officials at the state, local government and ward levels with cash, and told them to continue to work for the progress of the party because APC is in power to retain it with visible achievements.”

Brigitte Bardot slams Macron on animal rights

French screen icon Brigitte Bardot will next month publish a book on her decades-long campaign for animal rights, she told AFP, taking a swipe at President Emmanuel Macron on the issue.
The 83-year-old star of "And God Created Woman" said the book, titled "Larmes de Combat" (Tears of Combat), will come out on January 25.

It will be "the record of my existence, of my fight on behalf of animals and the deep expression of my disgust".

"It will be the full record of my view of things, of society, of the way we are governed, of the way we treat animals in my country," said Bardot, known in France by her initials "BB".

She said she was "fed up" with what she called Macron's lack of support for animal rights.

"This government has got off to a very bad start," Bardot said. "Macron has no compassion for animals and nature."

Bardot slammed the 40-year-old president for holidaying with his family this month at Chambord, a hunting chateau in the Loire Valley.

"He congratulated hunters in front of their game while it was still warm," she said by telephone from Saint-Tropez. "It's scandalous and very inappropriate."

Bardot's publisher, Plon, described the upcoming book as "an original reflection, both calm and outraged at the same time, on her existence and the meaning of her fight."

The 1956 film "And God Created Woman", directed by Bardot's first husband Roger Vadim, propelled her to stardom but she retired less than two decades later, in 1973, when she was 39.

Bardot withdrew to a secluded home on the outskirts of Saint-Tropez on the Riviera.

Crusading against bullfights, hunting, and all forms of cruelty to animals, she is rarely seen in public except to press home her campaigns.

The former actress on Wednesday published an open letter in the Paris daily Le Parisien as her Brigitte Bardot Foundation launched its latest campaign against fur.

Ghanaians are disappointed in NPP gov’t – Amissah-Arthur

Former Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has broken his silence since the NDC’s defeat a year ago, claiming that Ghanaians are disappointed with the New Patriotic Party’s handling of the country.

“I think that quite a number of people are disappointed as to where this country is being taken,” he said while speaking to a section of the media in Ho in the Volta Region last Monday.

The former Vice president made the remark after he together with his wife, Mrs Matilda Amissah-Arthur, made some donations to Children on admission at the Ho Regional and Municipal hospitals.

Mr Amissah-Arthur, who was Vice President and then running to John Dramani Mahama on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress [NDC], were defeated in the December 2016 general elections.

He has since then been quiet on the political events after he was on many occasions jabbed by then running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia with some 170 questions on the economy during Mahama’s presidency.

Ranking the NPP government’s one year in office, Amissah-Arthur said: “The [NPP] government could have done better, that is what we are hoping for in the coming years.”

He said the NDC party is currently analyzing why it lost to the NPP government, while strategizing for a massive comeback.

He said they are “analyzing what we could have done better looking at the national situation and deciding how we can move this nation forward.

So that is what we are spending our time doing. Critically looking at policies, programmes that will move this country from where it is. I think that quite a number of people are disappointed as to where this country is being taken, and we are looking for an alternative that will provide better results. So that is what we are spending our time doing,” he added.

The former Vice President also took a swipe at the Akufo-Addo government over what he described as the haphazard nature in which the free Senior High School policy was implemented.

According to him, the policy was not well thought through, and was rushed by the NPP government for political expediency.

“The way it’s being done, it’s a little haphazard in my view, and it doesn’t help because every parents want to provide the best education for their wards. So they should be less haphazard in a way,” he said

Native Parisians now more and more likely to leave Paris

People born in Paris are increasingly likely to move away from the French capital, a new study reveals, with many opting to start a new life in the sunny south of France.
Living in the French capital might be a dream for many but apparently not for native Parisians.

A report published this week by French national statistics agency Insee showed that while in 1999, 70 percent of people born in the greater Paris region of Ile-de-France still lived in the city, that figure dropped to 68 percent in 2006.

And the most recent figures show that has dropped again to 66 percent.

It is estimated that a whopping third of French-speaking Paris natives, which amounts to 3.5 million people, have chosen to start new lives elsewhere in France.

But why are they leaving?

According to the study the reasons behind the exodus include the cost of housing, professional reasons or issues of living environment, especially when it comes to having children and retirement.

And it probably won't come as a surprise that the phenomenon tends to affect older Parisians who have perhaps had enough of big city living more than their younger counterparts.

The trend mainly concerns people over the age of 60, with just 49.8 percent of those born in the region still living there (compared to 53 percent in 2006).

And where are they going?

At whatever age Parisians decide to leave their home, they are overwhelmingly choosing to ditch it for the sunnier climes of southern France.

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in the south west of France drew 14 percent of Parisians moving away from the capital, and the southern Occitanie region, Provence and the Alpes-Maritimes department also proved alluring for natives of the French capital.


Unsurprisingly the French Riviera also proved a big draw, with 12 percent of Paris deserters choosing to make their lives there.

But not all native Parisians felt the pull of the south, with 10 percent of them choosing the Centre-Val de Loire region, geographically close to Paris as their new home.

The map below shows where in France Parisians are settling.

Sefa-Kayi unperturbed by opponents to his GJA award

Those that believe I do not deserve the Ghana Journalist Association, GJA, Journalist of the year 2016 are entitled to their opinion and I am unperturbed.

That is the reaction of Kwame Sefa-Kayi to persons criticizing the GJA for doing him the honours at the 22nd GJA awards held on Wednesday.

The host of Kokrokoo on Peace FM was given the award for among others contributing to efforts to prevent infant mortality, by leading a campaign to equip some health facilities in the country with 10 incubators. He was also honoured for his skilful moderation of the show which has the largest listenership on morning radio in Ghana.

Many have expressed disbelief that he won, contending that other journalist deserved the award for unearthing and highlighting very pertinent national issues and getting them addressed through the power of the media.

Social media has been buzzing since yesterday with arguments for and against the award to Mr Sefa-Kayi.

Speaking in an interview the Chairman General as he is popularly called said he had no hand in the determination of the journalist of the year. According to him, work done so far on his incubator project is deserving of the award.

Mr Sefa Kayi said, "people are entitled to their opinions, I am not about to argue with anybody about how they feel, while they are at it, my name has gone down in history and as they say 'me mada kraaa'[Im unperturbed]."

He walked home with GHC 60,000, a fully furnished 3 bedroom house and an SUV.

Buhari arrests Innoson who creates jobs, ignores killer herdsmen – Reno Omokri

Reno Omokri, former Special Assistant on New Media to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari was behind the arrest of Innocent Chukwuma, the Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Automobile group.

He faulted the arrest of Chukwuma by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, wondering why killer herdsmen were still on the loose.

In a tweet via his Twitter handle, the US-based Pastor asked if killing Nigerians rather than creating jobs is the way to progress under Buhari’s administration.

He wrote: “Buhari quickly arrests the innocent five percenter Innoson who creates jobs for Nigerians, yet can’t arrest the guilty ninety seven percenter herdsmen who killing Nigerians.

“Is it that if you want to progress in Buhari’s Nigeria you should kill Nigerians instead of creating jobs?”

Bundesliga: Anthony Ujah returns to Germany, joins Mainz 05

Former Werder Bremen and Cologne striker, Anthony Ujah is set for a return to the German Bundesliga after terminating his contract with relegated Chinese side FC Liaoning.

He scored five goals for the club.

The Super Eagles striker reached a mutual ‎agreement with FC Liaoning to terminate his contract following their relegation to the second division from the Chinese Super League at the end of the recently concluded season in China.

Press gathered that Ujah successfully passed his medicals and will return to Mainz 05, which he left six years ago.

Mainz 05 are currently 15 on the Bundeliga table.

EFCC release CEO of Innoson, Chukwuma

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has released the chief executive officer of Innoson Motors, Innocent Chukwuma.

In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, he said the businessman was released on bail.

The statement reads: ”The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has released Nnewi, Anambra-State born Industrialist, Chief Innocent Chukwuma on bail.

”The business man who runs a local auto assembly plant was arrested on Tuesday December 19, 2017 at his Enugu residence, following his refusal to respond to invitations by the Commission, after initially being granted administrative bail by the Commission, while his surety could also not be found.

”Unfortunately the industrialist resisted arrest and stirred controversy by bringing six truck-loads of thugs to block the entrance to his Plot W1, Industrial Layout, Abakaliki Road, Emeni, Enugu, home.

”This was after he initially misled the Police Command by informing them that his home had been invaded by armed robbers and kidnappers despite the fact that operatives of the Commission duly identified themselves to policemen guarding his home.

”His unruly thugs encircled and manhandled operatives of the Commission who had gone to effect the arrest. Consequently, a distress call was sent to the Commission’s Enugu Office for reinforcement.

“In all of this, the Commission’s operatives acted with decorum and civility. No one was manhandled or assaulted by the EFCC team, and not a single shot was fired, despite the provocation.

”Chief Chukwuma and his brother, Charles Chukwuma (who is still at large), are being investigated by the Insurance and Capital Market Fraud Section of the Commission’s office in Lagos over matters bordering on N1, 478, 366, 859.66 fraud and forgery.

‘The industrialist, among other infractions, allegedly used forged documents to secure tax waivers.”

World Cup: Messi reveals what Argentina must do to reach final

Argentina and Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi has disclosed what his country’s national team must do in order to reach the 2018 World Cup final in Russia.

The 30-year-old believes that for the Albiceleste to play at the World Cup final for the second time in a row, they have to overcome the group stage which include Nigeria, Croatia and Iceland.

Messi, who said it would be great to play again in the final, was speaking shortly after he was handed the Pichichi (top goalscorer in La Liga) and Di Stefano award, a prize for the best player in the Spanish Leagues.

When asked the possibility of facing Spain in the final of the 2018 World Cup, Messi told Marca: ”It would be something incredible to be able to play in a World Cup final again.

“First we have to think about the group, which is difficult, and then we will see what happens.”

Argentina was defeated 1-0 by Germany in the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Magu cries for help over corruption in Nigeria

Ibrahim Magu, acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has appealed to Nigerians to help the commission in its bid to rid the country of corruption.

The anti-graft agency’s czar made the appeal at an end of year event organised by the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Magu said the fight against corruption should be seen as the responsibility of everybody and not just the EFCC alone.

He also said judges of the Federal High Court who attended the event from their various divisions across the country have a duty to compliment government’s effort.

According to Magu, “Everybody here has a responsibility to fight corruption. Even my friend here, Ozekhome, has a responsibility to fight corruption.

“This is because corruption is a disaster in this country. I want to use this opportunity to call on every one here to help us and together we will win.

“We are already winning. All we need is for you to help us in the fight against corruption.”

Growth spurt: French economy to keep expanding in 2018

The French economy can look forward to continued steady growth in 2018, thanks in the main to a sharply improved business climate.
France's return to economic growth should remain on course in 2018, in step with its European neighbours, the national statistics agency said Tuesday.

Citing a "buoyant" world environment, INSEE revised its growth estimate for 2017 upward from 1.8 percent to 1.9 percent.

"Growth has set in since the end of 2016 at a steady rate of around 0.5 percent per quarter," INSEE official Julien Pouget told a news conference, predicting that the upward trend would last through mid-2018.

The European Central Bank last week forecast growth for the 19-member eurozone at 2.3 percent for next year, a leap from its September estimate of 1.8 percent.

French GDP growth is driven by a sharply improved business climate, reducing dependence on household consumption.

But it is well shy of EU powerhouse Germany's forecast by the ECB at 2.6 percent for this year and 2.5 percent in 2018.

In especially good news for France's centrist President Emmanuel Macron, French unemployment is expected to stabilise at around 9.4 percent by mid-2018, its lowest level since early 2012.

Joblessness was a constant thorn in the side for Macron's Socialist predecessor Francois Hollande, who failed to move the needle much below 10 percent during his single term in power.

Macron, elected in May, promised during his campaign to bring the rate down to seven percent by the end of his term in 2022.

Swine Flu vaccines arrive in Ghana today

Vaccines for the H1N1 Influenza Type A which claimed the lives of 4 students in the Ashanti Region will finally arrive in the country today.

The Head of Surveillance at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Asiedu Bekoe revealed this in a radio interview, Wednesday morning.

The vaccines were expected to arrive over the weekend, but the Ministry in a press statement said suppliers had indicated that there will be a slight delay in the delivery.

“The Ministry of Health with the support of the World Health Organisation, WHO, has procured vaccines and have taken steps to airlift them to Ghana for urgent use." the statement read.

Dr. Bekoe, however, disclosed that  “As far as we are concerned, it is supposed to come today [Wednesday], so hopefully they will get it as early as possible. WHO and the Ministry are going to get it cleared, so we give it to the students as early as possible. “


The disease has been detected in at least a dozen students of Kumasi Academy in the Ashanti Region, where four students are suspected to have died from it.

The school’s students and staff were administered some other antiviral agents, and the school was also fumigated, following the detection of the swine flu.

Aside from the suspected outbreak of swine flu at Kumasi Academy, a death from meningitis was recorded at the Koforidua Secondary Technical School in the Eastern Region.
Other meningitis deaths were recorded at the Damango Senior High School in the Northern Region and the Bawku Secondary Technical and Tempane SHS both in the Upper East Region.

John Terry reveals club that would end Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City unbeaten run

Former Chelsea ace defender, John Terry has revealed the Premier League club that can beat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and end their unbeaten run.

The 37-year-old believes Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea is better than the present Pep Guardiola’s Man City.

Terry said Mourinho‘s Chelsea sides in the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons would beat Pep Guardiola‘s current crop of Manchester City stars, despite their remarkable start to the current campaign winning 17 matches in 18 games.

The England International, who was part of a Mourinho side that set the record points tally for a Premier League season (95 in 2004/05), said the team would have the edge over Guardiola’s men.

When asked which other Premier League sides in history would compete with City, he told Sky Sports: “I would say 2004/05 or 2005/06, those two sides when Mourinho arrived at the club.”

“We were never afraid to say: “They’ll have more possession than us,” but we were set, comfortable.

“The full-backs would always go up the pitch, and [Claude] Makelele would always sit, which was great for us centre-backs. ‘But we had great legs, great power, and we had the big man up front. Didier [Drogba] made such a difference.

“We had that ball into Didier, and he could hold it up, with the runners off him and [Frank] Lampard would be box-to-box game after game,” Terry said.

Fani-Kayode attacks Sultan of Sokoto for defending hijab

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, on Monday berated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III for defending the wearing of hijab by Muslim women.

The former Minister said if the monarch can champion the fight against child marriage and pedophilia with the same zeal he is fighting the cause for hijab, the North will be a better place.

In a series of tweets via his social media handle, Fani-Kayode insisted that wearing of hijab is not a sign of women liberation.

He maintained that the wearing of hijab is a “Pavlovian reaction and a conditioned response.”

Fani-Kayode wrote: “If the Sultan of Sokoto would champion the fight against child marriage and pedophilia in the same way and with the same zeal that he is fighting for and championing the cause of those who wish to wear the hijab,the north would be a much better and safer place for little girls.

“Wearing the hijab is not evidence of women’s liberation and neither is it borne out of free will.

“It is a Pavlovian reaction and a conditioned response. It is also an eloquent testimony and ugly reminder of the suffering, servitude, repression, bondage and humiliation of women.”

Recall that the monarch had over the weekend faulted the decision of the Nigerian Law School to deny one Miss Amasa Firdaus call to bar for refusing to remove her hijab worn under her wig.

God has not revealed anything about Atiku – Fr. Mbaka

The Spiritual Director, Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has disowned media reports, which quoted him as saying that former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a most credible presidential candidate for the 2019 election.

Speaking on Saturday, the fiery priest ‎said the originators of the report were out to cause mischief.

While expressing shock over the comments attributed to him, Mbaka said “I read the report about my support for Atiku with bitterness in my heart as I can see how wicked and evil some people could be.

“Those who are impersonating my names wickedly and politically must be careful. People must fear God and respect His anointed. Whoever is trying to use my name to support or promote Atiku’s political exploits is attracting God’s wrath to himself or herself.

“For now, I have never spoken neither for nor against Atiku. God has shown me nothing about him. Neither in the public nor in the secret have I said what the reporter claimed. When? Where? With whom? and under what platform did the mendacious and wicked reporter hear or see me talk about Atiku?”

Mbaka said if those behind the report failed to do the needful, “I will take action against such vulturous and satanic character assassins who have been working hard to destroy my reputation or make me a false prophet.

“I am busy with the work of God and I am now in a deeper contemplative encounter with the Awesome God.

“My concerns now are the healings, deliverances, blessings, breakthroughs etc of my people. I don’t talk carelessly. I speak when God has given me a word. For now, God has not revealed anything about Atiku Abubakar”.

Similarly, Ike Maximus Ugwuoke,
Media and Legal Adviser, Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, added that “Fr Mbaka has been committed to the on-going 2017 crusade of Awesome Miracles from the Awesome God in the ministry which started last Wednesday where Adoration worshipers have been giving awesome testimonies.

“He has not been seen or heard in any other public or private forum where he could have made such declarations as claimed by the reporter.

“He is such a courageous man of God whose messages are always dubbed in video CDs for all who care to watch and listen no matter whose ox is gored.

“None of those declarations as contained in the said media report was Fr Mbaka’s. We challenge the fabricator of that report to produce the proof or evidence to back up their claim or recant the publication forthwith else he should brace up to face the consequence of his impersonating and mendacious report.”

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Six children die as train hits school bus in France

The collision occurred at a level crossing near a wooded area in Millas - near the town of Perpignan - and left at least 18 people injured, many seriously.

The bus was carrying 16 youngsters aged between 11 and 17 from a secondary school in Millas and was "shredded" by the collision, according to witnesses.

Four children were pronounced dead on Thursday evening, with authorities confirming that another two 11-year-old girls had died overnight.

Ambulance arrives at train crash scene
The front half of the vehicle was left on the track pointing at an upwards angle, with the body crushed towards the middle.

One of the train passengers, named as Barbara, told local media the impact was "very powerful", adding that she thought the train was going to derail.

The train company - state-owned SNCF - tweeted a "heartfelt message of support to the victims and their families". It is believed to be one of the worst crashes involving a school bus in France for more than 30 years.

The train involved in the fatal bus crash
An SNCF spokesman added that the train was running at 80kph (49.7mph) at the time of the accident and there were 25 passengers on board, three of whom were "slightly injured".

The dead and critically injured were all travelling on the bus, with the injured survivors taken to hospitals for urgent treatment.

The train was travelling west from Perpignan to the town of Villefranche de Conflent when it hit the back of the bus, which the mayor of neighbouring Saint-Feliu-d'Amont, Robert Olive, described as a "vision of horror".

Stop parading yourselves as kings – Ibadan family heads warn 8 High Chiefs

The Council of Authentic Ibadan Mogajis (Family Heads), has given a 7-day ultimatum to some High Chiefs in Ibadan who issued a 21-day detronment notice to the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

It warned that failure to withdraw the threat will amount to facing the wrath of Ibadan people.

Some High Chiefs and Baales promoted in a controversial manner as Kings by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi led administration in Oyo State had last Monday issued a 21-day ultimatum to the monarch to be of good conduct or risk being removed from the throne.

The High Chiefs who were members of the Olubadan-In-Council led by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun accused the Olubadan of taking decisions on behalf of the Council, inciting the people against the state government.

‎But, the Mogajis (family heads) at the end of their meeting held on Thursday, urged the High Chiefs to stop parading themselves as Ibadan kings in order to avoid anarchy in the city.

Chief Olawale Oladoja who spoke on behalf of the group said that the family heads decided to speak out on the threat to the Olubadan by the new kings in order to avert disintegration of the Ibadan chieftaincy customs and tradition.

The mogajis also called on President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Ajimobi to stop the 21 kings from disrespecting the Olubadan, whom they described as a peace loving monarch.

World Cup: Messi blasts Mikel-led Super Eagles

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has disclosed major problem of the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their group game in the 2018 World in Russia.

Messi described the senior national team of Nigeria as inconsistent in terms of how they approach games.

The Barcelona superstar scored twice, the last time Nigeria faced Argentina at the World Cup, which was at the 2014 edition in Brazil.

Grouped alongside Nigeria, Croatia and Iceland, Messi was asked by FIFA online to analyse the strength and weakness of the team in the same group as his country Argentina.

Speaking on the Super Eagles, Messi said, “One day they score four goals, the next one, they leave plenty of space for you to do anything.”

Speaking further, he said, “It might seem easy, but Iceland are tough and well organised while “Croatia, they give you more room to play but they have great players.”

The Super Eagles and Argentina will meet on June 26 in the final round of group games at the Russia World Cup 2018.

I will take bullet for you – Gov. Wike tells friends

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that he will take bullet for anyone who does the same for him.

The Governor said he will continue to work for the stability and growth of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Wike spoke on Wednesday night during a Special Birthday Service and Dinner in honour of his birthday in Port Harcourt.

Wike said, “People should be firm and truthful at all times. I don’t abandon my friends no matter the situation. If you take a bullet for me, I will take a bullet for you.

“I will never do anything that will bring down the PDP. I will continue to work for the party to meet the expectations of Nigerians. Nigerians are waiting for the PDP to rise and salvage them.

“My advice to the new National Working committee is that you should endeavour not to fail Nigerians. Don’t compromise, no matter the bait.

“I will continue to work for the people of Rivers State and Nigeria because my survival and longevity are deposited in the hands of God.

“God has protected me over the years, despite the challenges I have faced. Every additional year is a blessing from God and a call to greater service.”

Governor Wike said that he will always stand for what is right because God has been kind to him and his family.

Walt Disney buys Murdoch's Fox for $52.4bn

Walt Disney has agreed to buy 21st Century Fox's entertainment assets for a total $52.4bn (£39bn).
The deal includes Fox's 39% stake in satellite broadcaster Sky, and the 20th Century Fox film studio, Disney announced.
Fox's remaining assets, including Fox News and Sports, will form a new company.
The deal ends more than half a century of media expansion by Fox owner Rupert Murdoch, who is 86 years old.

He turned a single Australian newspaper he inherited from his father at the age of 21 into one of the world's largest news and film empires.
Mr Murdoch will still retain control of News Corp, the news publishing group that split away from 21st Century Fox in 2013 and which owns the Times and the Sun newspapers.
Disney's purchase will add to its huge back catalogue, with high-grossing films such as the original Star Wars movie, the Marvel superhero pictures, Avatar and Deadpool, as well as TV hits including The Simpsons.
Disney chief executive Bob Iger said that Disney was "incredibly excited" about the acquisition, and that it was an "opportunity to expand iconic franchises", including Avatar and Star Wars.
"May the Force be with us all," Mr Iger said.
Succession question
Mr Murdoch's shift to selling assets rather than buying them has come as a surprise to those who expected him to hand over the businesses to his sons, James and Lachlan.
James Murdoch had been widely tipped to be given a senior role at Disney. But Mr Iger told Good Morning America: "James and I will be talking over the next couple of months. He will be integral to the integration process. He and I will be discussing whether there is a role for him or not at our company."
Mr Iger will remain in his role until the end of 2021.


It is not clear how the deal will be received by US competition regulators.
The US Department of Justice recently sued to block AT&T's $85.4bn deal to buy Time Warner, on the basis that it will raise prices for consumers and competitors.
In the UK, Fox's proposed deal to buy the remainder of Sky is being already investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which is due to publish provisional findings in January.
The BBC understands that the Disney deal will not alter that CMA investigation.
Rupert Murdoch said: "If things go wrong, the existing [Sky] shares go to Disney. It will be up to them to decide what to do."
Fox is selling assets including its FX and National Geographic cable channels and media company Star India.
Disney also will buy Fox's stake in the Hulu video streaming service, giving it majority control of a competitor to Netflix.
Hulu is also partially owned by Comcast and Time Warner.
Paolo Pescatore, an analyst with CCS Insight, said: "The move will firmly establish Disney as one of the leading media companies in the world and puts it in a great position to compete head on with the threat posed by the web providers such as Amazon and Facebook."

Iniesta speaks on Neymar’s move to Real Madrid

Barcelona captain, Andres Iniesta, has said he would be annoyed if former team-mate, Neymar, joins bitter rivals Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar left Barca in the summer for a world record transfer fee of €222million.

However, he has been linked with a move back to Spain, with Madrid president Florentino Perez, who tried to sign Neymar before he joined Barca in 2013, openly courting him.

Perez claims claims the Brazil superstar would be more likely to win the Ballon d’Or if he moved to the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Anything can happen in football,” Iniesta said.

“We’ve seen situations which seemed impossible and have then happened before.”

SARS will be reformed not scrapped – Nigeria Police insists

NEWSSARS will be reformed not scrapped – Nigeria Police insistsPublished on December 14, 2017 By Fikayo Olowolagba

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Jimoh Moshood has stated that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, will not scrapped but reformed despite nationwide protest.

Moshood disclosed this at a youth-police forum on Police Accountability in Lagos by Korede Bello Initiative.

CSP Moshood urged Nigerians to be patient as the police force was investigating complaints and feel their pains.

“We have families and we feel your pain; SARS reform is the way to go and not to end SARS.

“SARS has been doing very well in ensuring that robbery is reduced to the barest minimum in the country. However, concerns and allegations against them as regard the violation of human rights are being investigated on the directive of the Inspector General of Police.

“The reform that he has put in place is to ensure that SARS is streamlined just as the Mobile Police Force under a unified commander at the Force headquarters, who is a commissioner of police”, he said.

Dolapo Badmos, the Zonal police public relations officer for Lagos and Ogun state also present at the event commended the Korede Bello Initiative for the forum, reassuring Nigerians that the reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad was currently going on.

”If you have any complaint about any police or SARS officer, report and it will be dealt with appropriately by the Police”, Badmos said.

Nigerian celebrities Ruggedman, Dr Sid, Simi, Sound Sultan, Korede Bello and ace broadcaster, Sulaiman Aledeh were at the forum.

MSF estimates more than 6,700 Rohingya killed in Myanmar

At least 6,700 Rohingya were killed in the month after violence broke out in Myanmar in August, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) says.
Based on surveys of refugees in Bangladesh, the number is much higher than Myanmar's official figure of 400.
MSF said it was "the clearest indication yet of the widespread violence" by Myanmar authorities.

At least 6,700 Rohingya were killed in the month after violence broke out in Myanmar in August, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) says.
Based on surveys of refugees in Bangladesh, the number is much higher than Myanmar's official figure of 400.
MSF said it was "the clearest indication yet of the widespread violence" by Myanmar authorities.


The aid group's survey found that at least 9,000 Rohingya died in Myanmar, also known as Burma, between 25 August and 24 September.
"In the most conservative estimations" at least 6,700 of those deaths have been caused by violence, including at least 730 children under the age of five, according to MSF.
Previously, the armed forces stated that around 400 people had been killed, most of them described as Muslim terrorists.


There have been plenty of detailed reports by journalists and researchers, based on interviews conducted with refugees, which make it hard to dispute that terrible human rights abuses took place at the hands of the security forces.
But many of these reports focussed on the worst cases; there are several media reports about a massacre at one village called Tula Toli. Some Rohingya I interviewed told me they had fled in fear of violence, but had not actually experienced it.
This well-researched figure by MSF suggests the operation conducted by the military was brutal enough to raise the possibility of taking a case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.
The problem would be that Myanmar has not ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC and is not bound to co-operate with it. Bringing a case would require the approval of all five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and China has until now given its full support to the Myanmar government's handling of the crisis.


The military crackdown began on 25 August after Rohingya Arsa militants attacked more than 30 police posts.
After an internal investigation, the Myanmar army in November exonerated itself of any blame regarding the crisis.
It denied killing any civilians, burning their villages, raping women and girls, and stealing possessions.
The mostly Muslim minority are denied citizenship by Myanmar, where they are seen as immigrants from Bangladesh. The government does not use the term Rohingya but calls them Bengali Muslims.
The government's assertions contradicted evidence seen by BBC correspondents. The United Nations human rights chief has said it seems like "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing".


"What we uncovered was staggering, both in terms of the numbers of people who reported a family member died as a result of violence, and the horrific ways in which they said they were killed or severely injured," MSF Medical Director Sidney Wong said.
According to MSF:
69% of the violence-related deaths were caused by gunshots
9% were due to being burnt to death in their houses
5% were beaten to death.
Among the dead children below the age of five, MSF says more than 59% were reportedly shot, 15% burnt to death, 7% beaten to death and 2% killed by landmine blasts.


"The numbers of deaths are likely to be an underestimation as we have not surveyed all refugee settlements in Bangladesh and because the surveys don't account for the families who never made it out of Myanmar," Mr Wong said.
In November, Bangladesh signed a deal with Myanmar to return hundreds of thousands of the refugees.
MSF said the agreement was "premature" pointing out that "currently people are still fleeing" and reports of violence have come even in recent weeks.
The group also warned there was still very limited access for aid groups into Rakhine state.
The Rohingya are a stateless Muslim minority who have long experienced persecution in Myanmar.

2018 World Cup: What Rohr will do about Iheanacho, Musa’s lack of playing time at Leicester

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr will speak with managers of club sides of Nigerian players ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Rohr is not happy about the lack of playing time for Nigerian forwards, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa at Leicester City in particular.

The German coach is set to have talks with various coaches of clubs engaging Nigerian players, and Leicester City will be his first port of call.

Complete Sports reports that the Super Eagles coach, aside discussing the Nigerian players’ inactivity or lack of impressive playing time, will also exchange ideas on how best to use the players at both club and country levels.

“Rohr is worried about Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa not seeing action at Leicester City and has been trying to schedule a meeting with

A Nigeria Football Federation, NFF source told the sports newspaper that “Gernot Rohr will meet with Claude Puel, and coaches of other clubs with Nigerian players.

“He would also visit Turkey, Belgium and Germany to see other players and their coaches,” the impeccable source told Completesportsnigeria.com.‎

“He is more concerned about Iheanacho not seeing action ahead of the world cup. Musa plays for the Leicester’s U-23s, and may go on loan to another club in January. Only Wilfred Ndidi plays regularly for Leicester.”

The coach would also visit Carl Ikeme to know his health situation, as well as meeting Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina at their respective clubs.

Palestinians no longer accept US as mediator, Abbas tells summit

The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, has formally declared that Palestinians will no longer accept the US as a mediator in the Middle East peace process following Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In his strongest public statement since Trump’s announcement last week, Abbas called the move a “crime” that threatened world peace. He demanded the United Nations take charge of the peace process as Washington was no longer “fit” for the task.

Abbas was speaking at a hastily convened meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, where members were called upon to recognise a Palestinian state amid strong condemnations of both the US and Israel.

“Jerusalem is and will forever be the capital of the Palestinian state,” Abbas told delegates. “We do not accept any role of the United States in the political process from now on. Because it is completely biased towards Israel.”


Also at the meeting were King Abdullah of Jordan, the Lebanese president, Michel Aoun, the emirs of Qatar and Kuwait, and the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, who called on all Muslim nations to unite to defend the rights of Palestinians.

The summit was opened by the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who regards himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause. He hopes to unite Muslim leaders behind a tough final statement from the meeting.

Erdoğan called for the acceleration of the recognition of Palestine by international institutions, denouncing the US move as an unlawful and provocative “red line” for Muslims, and describing Israel as an occupying and “terror” state.

In a sign of cracks in the unity of Muslim countries – and reflecting the wider tensions in the region – Saudi Arabia and Egypt were represented at a relatively junior level, and took a backseat in the proceedings.

In comments pointedly aimed at Saudi Arabia, Rouhani said the only reason Trump dared recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was because some in the region were seeking to establish ties to Israel.

Rouhani’s remarks – and the prominence of countries closer to Iran at the summit – suggest there is a risk that the contentious issue of Jerusalem will be sucked into the escalating confrontation between Riyadh and Tehran.

Much of the language on Wednesday morning echoed that used in an emergency Arab League meeting in Cairo at the weekend, when Arab foreign ministers demanded that the US rescind Trump’s decision.

Analysts raised doubts as to whether Turkey’s leadership could bridge gaps in the Muslim political community, which is divided along Shia and Sunni lines.

Despite the strength of the condemnations the meeting appeared to have fallen short of the hopes of Palestinians for a display of unity.

Aaron Stein, resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, told AFP before the meeting he believed Muslim leaders would merely “issue a boilerplate condemnation”. “What that actually means is anyone’s guess,” he added.

There are fears that regional tensions may be fanned further by the US vice-president, Mike Pence’s visit early next week, originally billed as focusing on the experience of Christians in the Middle East.

Abbas has already said he will refuse to meet Pence in protest, and Christian Palestinian leaders have also come under pressure to boycott his visit.

Trump’s announcement last week prompted an outpouring of anger in the Muslim and Arab world. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets to denounce Israel and show solidarity with the Palestinians.

Firing aimed at Israel from inside the Palestinian coastal enclave of Gaza that began after the announcement continued on Wednesday morning. The Israeli air force – which has killed four Palestinians in Gaza in recent strikes – retaliated, wounding several Palestinians.

Victor Moses hit 200th EPL milestone for Blues in Chelsea’s 3 -1 win over Huddersfield

Victor Moses, the Super Eagles attacker who celebrated his 27th birthday, on Tuesday reached his 200th Premier League milestone when he returned to the starting lineup for the Chelsea after featuring from the bench in the1-0 defeat to West Ham last time out.

Chelsea bounced back to winning ways with a resounding 3-1 victory against Huddersfield Town at The John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday evening.

With barely 23 minutes played, Huddersfield goalkeeper, Jonas Lossl made a horrible clearance under pressure, slipping and inadvertently passing to an opponent which ended with quick interchanges between Eden Hazard and Willian, the latter playing through midfielder, Tiémoué Bakayoko for a cool finish.

Willian added a second two minutes into the break with a well-taken header, stealing in unmarked at the left back post to nod over the line and in past a shockingly poor Terriers defence following a Marcos Alonso’s cross.

It was 3-0 five minutes after the restart as Chelsea continued to ruthlessly carve their hosts open, and Alonso’s long ball into the area fell to Willian who deftly laid it off for Pedro to curl a sweet effort into the top corner.

Pedro and Michy Batshuayi missed further chances to add more gloss on the scoreline before Laurent Depoitre grabbed a consolation for Huddersfield via a header in the second minute of stoppage time.

Victor Moses was very active and influential throughout the game, logging the full ninety minutes.

CharlyBoy blasts Nigerian youths, says Buhari, Atiku unfit to lead

Popular musician-turned-activist, Chukwuemeka Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, has blasted Nigerian youths for contributing to the many problems confronting Nigeria as a nation.

The convener of OurMumuDonDo movement questioned why Nigerians, especially the youths were queuing behind presidential candidates like Buhari and Atiku when they are intelligent and educated persons like Akinwumi Adesina, Donald Duke, Chukwuma Soludo in the country.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, the maverick singer said “Our Mumu no get part two.

“How can a country that have intelligent people like Akinwumi ADesina, Mohammed Bankidi,Aliko Dangote, Tony elemelu, Donald Duke, Chukwuma Soludo< Okonji Iweala

“With the numbers of Nigerians that have brains, intelligent and smart Nigerians across the globe, all political equations have to offer us is Buhari and Atiku

“Abi we should add Wike and his fans ‘kidnappers’ to the list

“Are you people crazy or I’m the crazy one?

“Yeye useless youths dulling, busy and analyzing Arsenal and Chelsea matches..Tufiakwa!

Fuel scarcity: NNPC threatens to shut stations hoarding fuel

The Group Managing Director (GMD), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, Tuesday said the Federal Government would adopt what he termed “aggressive measure” to tackle the ongoing artificial scarcity of petroleum products across the country.

According to him, part of the approach was the directive to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to not only dispense free fuel to motorists and other members of the public from filling stations found hoarding products, but seal the such stations.

Baru gave the warning in Ibefun, Ogun State,during the inauguration of 300million litres tank farm sited in the community by Petrolex Mega Oil City.

Baru attributed the artificial scarcity of fuel to the activities of unscrupulous marketers who he accused of hoarding the product.

“We must have noticed the sudden return of fuel queues in some parts of the country last week; this is unfortunately attributable to the activities of some independent marketers who are hoarding the product in anticipation of perceived (increase in) price of petroleum product.

“We’ve said it time and time that the government and NNPC has no intention of increasing the price of petroleum at this moment.

“Moving forward however, DPR will be more aggressive in curtailing this menace by sealing any petrol station found hording petroleum products. The products will be dispensed to motorists free of charge, so be on notice,” Baru said.

Germany and Ghana in 100 million Euro partnership for Sustainable energy

Germany and Ghana on Tuesday signed a 100 million Euros bilateral Investment and Reform Partnership agreement to promote private investment in renewable energy and vocational training.

The agreement is part of Germany's G-20 Compact with Africa programme for sustainable economic development.

Ghana's Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and Germany’s Deputy Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Friedrich Kitschelt signed the agreement under the auspices of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

The Partnership with Ghana is geared towards improving conditions for sustainable private sector investment, investment in infrastructure, economic participation, and employment in the country.


Addressing the press after the signing ceremony, President Akufo-Addo warmly welcomed Mr Steinmeier to Ghana, optimistic that his visit to the country would "renew the friendship and advance the dialogue that has been between our two countries."

With Ghana being the third largest trading partner of Germany in Sub-Saharan Africa, the President said the relations between the two nations had been excellent, with many important features of commonality between both states.

President Akufo-Addo said the German economy had been distinguished by the prevalence and importance of small and medium scale enterprises, a rich experience Ghana could exploit to scale up and strengthen the sector to revamp its economy.



The President noted further Germany's leading role in the training of its workforce had made that country's workforce one of the most efficient in the world "and it shows in the continuous performance and resilience of the German economy."

President Akufo-Addo stated further that there were many other areas of international concern where Ghana and Germany "stood shoulder to shoulder in our view of issues about terrorism."

"And above all, we have taken a great deal of inspiration from the commitment of Germany’s leaders in supporting the options that Ghanaians have taken to assume greater responsibility for their economic development."

The President Nana Addo said the "Ghana beyond aid" was one of the finest and greatest resonances of the leadership of Germany and it provided "another important basis for this continuing and fruitful dialogue that there is between our two countries."


"I am particularly happy that today that he has come with a very impressive business delegation and we are hoping that the delegation would have a serious and meaningful intercourse with our own business community so that the very strong relations that are between our two countries would continue to develop," the President said.

Mr Steinmeier said the longstanding relations between his country and Ghana had been given an additional impetus with him being in Ghana with a business delegation and praised Ghana's democracy and tradition of stability, as well as the excellent and friendly business climate, which suited well with German businesses and industry that were very keen to invest in the country.

Ghana, Mr Steinmeier noted, had shown the world in the last twelve months "that it was possible to move away from divisive tendencies through determined actions and the data available to us, has improved and we are more optimistic more than we were a year or two ago."

"I think we both are quite aware of the fact that this is not only a right and objective way to go but it can also be beneficial if you open up the opportunities for the young people through training and vocational education to follow a perspective for yourself and your country," he noted.

Mr Steinmeier pledged his country's support to partner Ghana to promote private investment and sustainable economic development for mutual benefit.


“Beyond what I have just said, we hope that we would be able to partner more strongly in the field of university training and in view of that I will be paying a visit to the University of Ghana and will be opening a study course for advanced university studies.”

Ideas, This Xmas Search Well To Celebrate Well- Actually Skirtman Cfr

This Evening, A Know Comedian Of Nigeria Called Mc Actually; Told Actualnews_Press Of How He Discovered This Huge Some Of Money In One Of his Jean Trousers Last Month Been November 29.

He Narrated A Story Of How The Dry Bones Rose Again In The Bible,  Saying. In All We Do in Life We Must Apply Faith In Christ Jesus. 

A Focused Mind Hits The Target, He Apparently Recce For A Successful Xmas Celebration This Season 2017, Until The Day He Taught Of Taking His Abandoned Clothes, Jeans, Shoes Etc. To A Motherless Home, He Was Touched To Search The Pockets Of The Clothes Before Taking It  To The Motherless Baby Home. Their He Discovered Some Hard Currencies And Naira Notes In Some Of The Clothes He Abandoned Six(6) years Ago.

He Also Advised, That Many Are Crying Over This Recession And The Government Are Not Turning up To Resolve Issues This Xmas. He Said, They Should Never Seize In Praising God And Applying Faith. That God Still Do Wonders,  He Still  Show Compassion..

This Xmas Season, Expect The Unexpected Our God Is A God Who Can Do An Undo. Get Involved in Praises This Period.

2019: Gov. Ahmed speaks on him, Saraki joining Atiku in PDP

The Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has said he and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, would not join a former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Ahmed said they were committed to using the platform of the APC to deliver service to the people.


Governor Ahmed addressed newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

He pointed out that while they had cause to dump the PDP as of the time they did, they had no reason to leave the APC now.

According to Ahmed, “It is very unlikely for us to return to the PDP because we are not unhappy with where we are in terms of expectations, service delivery and direction of governance.

“When you are already working towards achieving result , you will want to see that the result get to the people before you will begin to say you want to jump boat.

“We don ’t have any reason to jump boat for now. Don’t forget that we left the PDP because we had reasons to do so. We don’t have reasons to leave now. We have reason to see that service delivery is given to the people.

“We are committed to ensuring it gets to the people. When I used the word ‘we,’ it is inclusive of the Senate President. We are fully committed to using the instrumentality of the APC to deliver service to the people and we have a strong direction.

“It will be foolhardy to abandon that, leave and go and start all over again. When I say ‘we,’ I am talking about the political group in Kwara.”

He said former President Goodluck Jonathan made it easy for them to leave the PDP because he did not inaugurate any project in Kwara State.


On National convention of the PDP, Ahmed added, “No, their convention was not a threat.

“In fact, I expect that they should organise themselves because we require a vibrant opposition. Don’t forget that it is when there are checks and balances in the system that allow you to see areas of deficit and improve on what you are doing.

“Without a viable opposition, we may likely not be able to see what we are doing wrong. You know the system is full of people that will always tell you what you want to hear but from the perspective of the opposition, you will begin to see clearly areas that require adjustment and improvement. For me, their coming on board is a welcome development.”

The governor further explained that it would be foolhardy of him to run the state independent of the Senate President or any other person that had contributions to make.

Ahmed said, “Kwara State Government is run under institutional frameworks that are working. I was part and parcel of my predecessor’s administration. I was part and parcel of the policy formulation which formed the bedrock of what I am driving in the state today.

“It will be foolhardy to say I want to run the state independent of his input . It will also be foolhardy to say I want to run independent of others that have things to contribute to the state.

“What makes good governance is inclusiveness. Traditionally, people are used to seeing sitting governors fighting their predecessors and sitting Presidents fighting their predecessors. That has robbed us of continuity, improvement and upscaling.

“We keep forgetting that governance is about service delivery . We believe that as far as governance is about the people of the state, we will continue to work together because it was under his administration I understood politics, policy formulation and service delivery.

“It will be foolhardy for me to begin to run independent of his opinion and input as well as those before him.

“We have for once made Nigerians to see the benefit of continuity. If this can be translated to what we do at the national level , Nigeria will be better off for it.”

PDP clears Bode George, Dokpesi, others for Saturday’s National Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday cleared all the nine national chairmanship aspirants and certified them fit, ahead of Saturday’s national elective convention.

Chairman of the committee and former Governorship candidate of the party in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, presented certificates of clearance to all aspirants at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

Aspirants for Saturday’s convention include, Prince Uche Secondus, Chief Gbenga Daniel, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Prof.Taoheed Adedoja, Prof Tunde Adeniran, Chief Olabode George, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Mr Aderemi Olusegun.

Speaking while handing the aspirants their certificates, Ize-Iyamu said the list of other aspirants cleared for other offices would be displayed at the party’s secretariat.

PDP clears Bode George, Dokpesi, others for Saturday’s National Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday cleared all the nine national chairmanship aspirants and certified them fit, ahead of Saturday’s national elective convention.

Chairman of the committee and former Governorship candidate of the party in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, presented certificates of clearance to all aspirants at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

Aspirants for Saturday’s convention include, Prince Uche Secondus, Chief Gbenga Daniel, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Prof.Taoheed Adedoja, Prof Tunde Adeniran, Chief Olabode George, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Mr Aderemi Olusegun.

Speaking while handing the aspirants their certificates, Ize-Iyamu said the list of other aspirants cleared for other offices would be displayed at the party’s secretariat.

PDP clears Bode George, Dokpesi, others for Saturday’s National Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday cleared all the nine national chairmanship aspirants and certified them fit, ahead of Saturday’s national elective convention.

Chairman of the committee and former Governorship candidate of the party in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, presented certificates of clearance to all aspirants at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

Aspirants for Saturday’s convention include, Prince Uche Secondus, Chief Gbenga Daniel, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Prof.Taoheed Adedoja, Prof Tunde Adeniran, Chief Olabode George, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Mr Aderemi Olusegun.

Speaking while handing the aspirants their certificates, Ize-Iyamu said the list of other aspirants cleared for other offices would be displayed at the party’s secretariat.

Jerusalem status: World condemns Trump's announcement

Traditional US allies are among a growing chorus condemning President Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Saudi Arabia called it "unjustified and irresponsible", while France and the UK said they did not support the decision.
But Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hailed it as "a historic day".
President Trump's move reversed decades of US policy. The fate of Jerusalem is one of the thorniest issues between Israel and the Palestinians.


Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denounced Donald Trump's move as "deplorable".
Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are expected to hold a day of strikes and protests on Thursday.
The UN Security Council is to discuss the issue on Friday after eight of the 15 member nations called for an emergency session. The Arab League is to meet on Saturday.
What did Trump say?
The US president said on Wednesday he had "judged this course of action to be in the best interests of the United States of America, and the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians".
He said he was directing the US state department to begin preparations to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.


Despite warnings of regional unrest over any such move, the decision fulfils a campaign promise and appeals to Mr Trump's right-wing base.
"Today, I am delivering," the US leader said.
Recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital was "nothing more or less than a recognition of reality", he added. "It is also the right thing to do."
He said the US still supported a two-state solution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict, if approved by both sides, which would essentially see the creation of an independent Palestinian state living alongside Israel.


What do Israel and the Palestinians say?
Following the announcement, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was profoundly grateful, tweeting: "Jerusalem has been the focus of our hopes, our dreams, our prayers for three millennia."
On Thursday, he went further, saying President Trump "bound himself forever with the history of the capital", and predicting that many other countries would follow Washington's example.
The Republican Jewish Coalition thanked the president in a New York Times ad.
The mood was very different on the Palestinian side, with a day of strikes and protests planned.
The leader of Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, called for a new intifada, or uprising, saying it was the only way to "confront" Israel and the US.


Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called Mr Trump's announcement "deplorable" and said Jerusalem was the "eternal capital of the state of Palestine".
Fatah, Mr Abbas's party, said it would push for a UN resolution requesting that Washington "rescind its decision" and disqualifying the US as a co-sponsor of the peace process.
What does the rest of the world say?
The Arab and the wider Muslim world - including a number of US allies - condemned Mr Trump's announcement.
Demonstrations have already taken place outside the US consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.
"The US move represents a significant decline in efforts to push a peace process and is a violation of the historically neutral American position on Jerusalem," the Saudi royal court said.


Malaysian PM Najib Razak called on Muslims everywhere to "make it clear that we strongly oppose" the US move.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said it was "a moment of great anxiety". He said "there is no alternative to the two-state solution".
In other reaction:
British PM Theresa May said she disagreed with the US decision, which was "unhelpful in terms of prospects for peace in the region"
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron both said their countries did not support the move
EU chief diplomat Federica Mogherini voiced "serious concern"
Why is the announcement significant?
Mr Trump's announcement puts the US at odds with the rest of the international community's view on Jerusalem's status.
The Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state, and according to the 1993 Israel-Palestinian peace accords, its final status is meant to be discussed in the latter stages of peace talks.
What are the alternatives to a two-state solution?
Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem has never been recognised internationally, and all countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv.
Jerusalem contains sites sacred to the three major monotheistic faiths - Judaism, Islam and Christianity.
East Jerusalem, which includes the Old City, was annexed by Israel after the Six Day War of 1967, but before now it has not been internationally recognised as part of Israel.