Less than seventy- two hours after five Nigerians were arrested for robbing a Bureau de Change operator of Dh2.3 million (N225.4 million) in Sharjai, Dubai, the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended forthwith, the issuance of three months visa to Nigerians.
A travels and tours firm, Afric Holidays, announced this in a terse statement through its Instagram page on Wednesday.
The statement read: “Nigerian Passport holders are no longer eligible to three months UAE Tourist Visa.
“Nigerian Passport holders are now restricted to one month, 96 hours and 48 hours UAE Tourist Visas till further notice.”
The notice, according is coming two days after five Nigerians were arrested for robbing a Bureau de Change operator of Dh2.3 million (N225.4 million) in Sharjai, Dubai.
The suspects were identified as Chimuanya Emmanuel Ozoh, Benjamin Nwachukwu Ajah, Kingsley Ikenna Ngoka, Tochukwu Leonard Alisi and Chile Micah Ndunagu.
Meanwhile, the world remains in suspense as to whether the new visa policy is a direct consequence of the robbery incident.
Thursday, 4 April 2019
Friday, 22 March 2019
Tribunal declares Ademola Adeleke as Osun governor, sacks APC’s Oyetola
The Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal has declared Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party as the duly-elected governor of Osun state.
The tribunal sacked Isiaka Oyetola of the All Progressive Congress, APC.
The tribunal held that the re-run election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is illegal, null and void.
It urged INEC to withdraw Oyetola’s certificate and issue a certificate of return to Adeleke.
In the ruling read on behalf of a three-member panel of judges by Justice Peter Obi, the tribunal held that the returning officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had no powers to cancel the election in the seven polling units on September 22, 2018 leading to the rerun election on September 27, 2018, adding that he acted “ultra vires his powers.”
Ademola Adeleke of the PDP had 254, 698 votes against Gboyega Oyetola of the APC with 254, 345 votes before the election was declared inconclusive.
The tribunal sacked Isiaka Oyetola of the All Progressive Congress, APC.
The tribunal held that the re-run election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is illegal, null and void.
It urged INEC to withdraw Oyetola’s certificate and issue a certificate of return to Adeleke.
In the ruling read on behalf of a three-member panel of judges by Justice Peter Obi, the tribunal held that the returning officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had no powers to cancel the election in the seven polling units on September 22, 2018 leading to the rerun election on September 27, 2018, adding that he acted “ultra vires his powers.”
Ademola Adeleke of the PDP had 254, 698 votes against Gboyega Oyetola of the APC with 254, 345 votes before the election was declared inconclusive.
Wednesday, 20 March 2019
Olivier: I want to play Test cricket for England
Cape Town - Former Proteas fast bowler Duanne Olivier says he wants to play Test cricket for England after signing a Kolpak deal with Yorkshire last month.
The 26-year-old burst onto the international stage with his man-of-the-series performance against Pakistan that saw him take 24 wickets over three Tests.
A bowler with raw pace and natural aggression, Olivier was considered one of South Africa cricket's most prized possessions when contemplating life after Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.
The news that he had signed a Kolpak deal was a major blow to South African cricket as it effectively ended his Proteas career.
But, in an interview with England's Daily Mail, Olivier has made the startling confession that he wants to play Test cricket for England.
"I accept that my Test career is over for South Africa but if I do well, hopefully in the future, I can play for England," the article quotes Olivier as saying.
"I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and if you just concentrate on doing well that will take care of itself. I don't think too far ahead.
"Yes, it will be a goal to play for England one day and it would be amazing but for now my pure focus is on Yorkshire and just doing well for them."
In order to play for England, Olivier would first have to become a British citizen and that process could take up to five years.
Either way, he has made peace with his decision to move on from South Africa.
"For me, it was just the best decision to make. For me and my family, relocating is the best decision for our future," he said.
"I realise some people will understand and some people won't at all but it doesn't really faze me what they think.
"At the end of the day, it's about what I want to do. I want to see things going forward and I feel like my cricket will improve playing county cricket."
The 26-year-old burst onto the international stage with his man-of-the-series performance against Pakistan that saw him take 24 wickets over three Tests.
A bowler with raw pace and natural aggression, Olivier was considered one of South Africa cricket's most prized possessions when contemplating life after Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.
The news that he had signed a Kolpak deal was a major blow to South African cricket as it effectively ended his Proteas career.
But, in an interview with England's Daily Mail, Olivier has made the startling confession that he wants to play Test cricket for England.
"I accept that my Test career is over for South Africa but if I do well, hopefully in the future, I can play for England," the article quotes Olivier as saying.
"I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and if you just concentrate on doing well that will take care of itself. I don't think too far ahead.
"Yes, it will be a goal to play for England one day and it would be amazing but for now my pure focus is on Yorkshire and just doing well for them."
In order to play for England, Olivier would first have to become a British citizen and that process could take up to five years.
Either way, he has made peace with his decision to move on from South Africa.
"For me, it was just the best decision to make. For me and my family, relocating is the best decision for our future," he said.
"I realise some people will understand and some people won't at all but it doesn't really faze me what they think.
"At the end of the day, it's about what I want to do. I want to see things going forward and I feel like my cricket will improve playing county cricket."
Trump says strongly considering NATO privileges for Brazil
US President Donald Trump and Brazil's new far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro forged a bond over their shared brand of conservative and populist politics on Tuesday, with Trump pledging to give more US support to Brazil's global ambitions.
Speaking at a joint White House news conference Trump said: "As I told President Bolsonaro, I also intend to designate Brazil as a major non-NATO ally - or ... maybe a NATO ally. I'll have to talk to a lot of people but maybe a NATO ally - which will greatly advance security and cooperation between our countries."
Brazil has pursued a closer relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to make buying U.S. weapons easier and to lower barriers to military and other cooperation with the US.
At the outset of their first meeting, the two populist presidents exchanged football jerseys from their national teams, with Trump's name emblazoned on Brazil's famous yellow shirt and Bolsonaro's on the USA uniform.
Bolsonaro, a former army captain who styled his 2018 campaign on Trump's 2016 run, has declared himself on unabashed admirer of the US president and his politics and the American way of life.
Despite the friendly rhetoric, no major breakthroughs were expected from the White House meeting.
In 2018, Colombia became the only Latin American nation to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as a "global partner", which means it will not necessarily have to take part in military action.
Trump also said he supported Brazil's efforts to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a club of the world's advanced economies.
Brazil, the world's eighth-largest economy, applied in 2017 to join the OECD, which has around three dozen members including Latin American countries Mexico, Chile and Colombia.
Trade
Trump said he and Bolsonaro would also discuss improving trade between the two largest economies in the Western Hemisphere.
"Brazil makes great product and we make great product, and our trade has been never as good as it should be in the past. And in some cases it should be far, far more," Trump said.
China long ago surpassed the United States as Brazil's biggest trading partner and Bolsonaro's economy minister on Monday urged the US to open its market more to Brazil if it wanted to change the status quo.
Before Tuesday's Oval Office meeting, Bolsonaro waived a visa requirement for US visitors to Brazil and later in a Fox News interview on Monday night threw his weight behind Trump's immigration agenda, which includes a wall on the Mexican border.
"We do agree with President Trump's decision or proposal on the wall," Bolsonaro said, in remarks translated to English by the broadcaster. "The vast majority of potential immigrants do not have good intentions. They do not intend to do the best or do good to the US people."
Trump said that he and Bolsonaro will have a "fantastic working relationship" and that "we have many views that are similar".
Pressure on Maduro
Trump warned on Tuesday that the US could impose "a lot tougher" sanctions on Venezuela as he urged the country's military to depose leftist leader Nicolas Maduro.
Bolsonaro echoed his calls for an end to the Maduro regime in Venezuela and an opening of the Venezuelan border with Brazil to allow humanitarian aid in.
"We call on members of Venezuelan military to end their support for Maduro who is really nothing more than a Cuban puppet and finally set their people free," Trump said.
Trump called on Venezuelan authorities to allow US humanitarian aid to flow across the border from Brazil.
Bolsonaro said "re-establishing democracy in Venezuela is a shared interest" with the US.
The two declined to discuss publicly any potential deployment of US troops to Brazil but Trump said, "all options are open. All options are a possibility".
Separately, the US announced on Tuesday new sanctions against Venezuela's state-run mining company Minerven and its president, Adrian Perdomo.
Speaking at a joint White House news conference Trump said: "As I told President Bolsonaro, I also intend to designate Brazil as a major non-NATO ally - or ... maybe a NATO ally. I'll have to talk to a lot of people but maybe a NATO ally - which will greatly advance security and cooperation between our countries."
Brazil has pursued a closer relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to make buying U.S. weapons easier and to lower barriers to military and other cooperation with the US.
At the outset of their first meeting, the two populist presidents exchanged football jerseys from their national teams, with Trump's name emblazoned on Brazil's famous yellow shirt and Bolsonaro's on the USA uniform.
Bolsonaro, a former army captain who styled his 2018 campaign on Trump's 2016 run, has declared himself on unabashed admirer of the US president and his politics and the American way of life.
Despite the friendly rhetoric, no major breakthroughs were expected from the White House meeting.
In 2018, Colombia became the only Latin American nation to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as a "global partner", which means it will not necessarily have to take part in military action.
Trump also said he supported Brazil's efforts to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a club of the world's advanced economies.
Brazil, the world's eighth-largest economy, applied in 2017 to join the OECD, which has around three dozen members including Latin American countries Mexico, Chile and Colombia.
Trade
Trump said he and Bolsonaro would also discuss improving trade between the two largest economies in the Western Hemisphere.
"Brazil makes great product and we make great product, and our trade has been never as good as it should be in the past. And in some cases it should be far, far more," Trump said.
China long ago surpassed the United States as Brazil's biggest trading partner and Bolsonaro's economy minister on Monday urged the US to open its market more to Brazil if it wanted to change the status quo.
Before Tuesday's Oval Office meeting, Bolsonaro waived a visa requirement for US visitors to Brazil and later in a Fox News interview on Monday night threw his weight behind Trump's immigration agenda, which includes a wall on the Mexican border.
"We do agree with President Trump's decision or proposal on the wall," Bolsonaro said, in remarks translated to English by the broadcaster. "The vast majority of potential immigrants do not have good intentions. They do not intend to do the best or do good to the US people."
Trump said that he and Bolsonaro will have a "fantastic working relationship" and that "we have many views that are similar".
Pressure on Maduro
Trump warned on Tuesday that the US could impose "a lot tougher" sanctions on Venezuela as he urged the country's military to depose leftist leader Nicolas Maduro.
Bolsonaro echoed his calls for an end to the Maduro regime in Venezuela and an opening of the Venezuelan border with Brazil to allow humanitarian aid in.
"We call on members of Venezuelan military to end their support for Maduro who is really nothing more than a Cuban puppet and finally set their people free," Trump said.
Trump called on Venezuelan authorities to allow US humanitarian aid to flow across the border from Brazil.
Bolsonaro said "re-establishing democracy in Venezuela is a shared interest" with the US.
The two declined to discuss publicly any potential deployment of US troops to Brazil but Trump said, "all options are open. All options are a possibility".
Separately, the US announced on Tuesday new sanctions against Venezuela's state-run mining company Minerven and its president, Adrian Perdomo.
Sunday, 17 March 2019
FA Cup semi-final fixtures revealed [See full draw]
Manchester City will play Brighton and Hove Albion in the semi-final of the FA Cup.
City came from two goals down to defeat Swansea City in the quarter-final on Saturday, while Brighton needed extra time to see off Millwall today.
Watford face Wolverhampton Wanderers, who eliminated Manchester United yesterday.
The games will take place over the weekend of April 6.
Both fixtures will be played at Wembley Stadium.
City came from two goals down to defeat Swansea City in the quarter-final on Saturday, while Brighton needed extra time to see off Millwall today.
Watford face Wolverhampton Wanderers, who eliminated Manchester United yesterday.
The games will take place over the weekend of April 6.
Both fixtures will be played at Wembley Stadium.
Wednesday, 30 January 2019
More than 130 African migrants feared drowned off Djibouti - UN
More than 130 migrants were thought to be missing after two boats capsized Tuesday off the tiny East African nation of Djibouti, the U.N. migration agency said.
Local police had found five bodies and search efforts were underway, the U.N. statement said. Witnesses said the boats were overloaded and large waves caused them to tip over about a half-hour after departing.
The migration agency said its team at the site found an 18-year-old survivor who reportedly boarded a boat with another 130 people, including 16 women. There were no immediate details on the second boat.
Thousands of migrants from the turbulent Horn of Africa region set off every year from Djibouti to cross the Bab al-Mandab Strait for the Arabian Peninsula with hopes of finding work in rich Gulf countries.
The crossing is dangerous, with smugglers in some cases forcing migrants overboard before reaching their destination. Other boats have been fired on as they approach the coast of Yemen, where fighting continues between pro-government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels.
The U.N. migration agency operates a migrant response center in the Obock region where Tuesday morning’s capsizing occurred as well as four similar centers in neighboring Somalia and Ethiopia. According to the nearly 7,000 migrants registered at the centers between January and July 2018, a “vast majority” were Ethiopian, young and male and headed toward Saudi Arabia.
Local police had found five bodies and search efforts were underway, the U.N. statement said. Witnesses said the boats were overloaded and large waves caused them to tip over about a half-hour after departing.
The migration agency said its team at the site found an 18-year-old survivor who reportedly boarded a boat with another 130 people, including 16 women. There were no immediate details on the second boat.
Thousands of migrants from the turbulent Horn of Africa region set off every year from Djibouti to cross the Bab al-Mandab Strait for the Arabian Peninsula with hopes of finding work in rich Gulf countries.
The crossing is dangerous, with smugglers in some cases forcing migrants overboard before reaching their destination. Other boats have been fired on as they approach the coast of Yemen, where fighting continues between pro-government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels.
The U.N. migration agency operates a migrant response center in the Obock region where Tuesday morning’s capsizing occurred as well as four similar centers in neighboring Somalia and Ethiopia. According to the nearly 7,000 migrants registered at the centers between January and July 2018, a “vast majority” were Ethiopian, young and male and headed toward Saudi Arabia.
Thursday, 10 January 2019
Dangote poorer by $2bn, Adenuga richer by $3.9bn… here are Africa’s billionaires
Aliko Dangote is Africa’s richest man for the eighth consecutive time — although his wealth dropped by $2 billion from $12.2 billion in January 2018 to $10 billion in 2019.
This is according to Forbes’ Africa Billionaires List released on Wednesday.
Mike Adenuga, chief executive officer of Globacom with interests in oil exploration and real estate, moved up to be Africa’s second richest man.
The American magazine said Adenuga’s net worth dramatically increased from $5.3 billion to $9.2 billion.
Abdulsamad Rabiu, chief executive officer of BUA Group, featured on the list for the first time since 2015.
Rabiu’s Kalambaina Cement firm merged with Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, which he controlled, in December 2018. He now owns 97% of the entity.
Kalambaina, which operates a new cement production facility, started selling cement in mid-2018. Separately, Rabiu’s OBU Cement recently expanded its operations, adding a new production line.
Folorunsho Alakija, whose net worth dropped to $1.1 billion from $1.3 billion, was ranked 19th.
The rank was a tie with South African banker, Michiel Le Roux.
Commenting on the reduced net worth of the personalities, Forbes said “buffeted by plunging stock prices and weaker currencies, the number of African billionaires has shrunk to just 20, down from 23 a year ago.
“Four people fell off Forbes’ annual list of the continent’s richest since last year while one returned to the ranks after a four-year absence. All but four members of the list have smaller fortunes than a year ago.”
In a per country ranking, Egypt and South Africa are tied with five billionaires each, followed by Nigeria with four and Morocco with two. Forbes found one billionaire each from Algeria, Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
This is according to Forbes’ Africa Billionaires List released on Wednesday.
Mike Adenuga, chief executive officer of Globacom with interests in oil exploration and real estate, moved up to be Africa’s second richest man.
The American magazine said Adenuga’s net worth dramatically increased from $5.3 billion to $9.2 billion.
Abdulsamad Rabiu, chief executive officer of BUA Group, featured on the list for the first time since 2015.
Rabiu’s Kalambaina Cement firm merged with Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, which he controlled, in December 2018. He now owns 97% of the entity.
Kalambaina, which operates a new cement production facility, started selling cement in mid-2018. Separately, Rabiu’s OBU Cement recently expanded its operations, adding a new production line.
Folorunsho Alakija, whose net worth dropped to $1.1 billion from $1.3 billion, was ranked 19th.
The rank was a tie with South African banker, Michiel Le Roux.
Commenting on the reduced net worth of the personalities, Forbes said “buffeted by plunging stock prices and weaker currencies, the number of African billionaires has shrunk to just 20, down from 23 a year ago.
“Four people fell off Forbes’ annual list of the continent’s richest since last year while one returned to the ranks after a four-year absence. All but four members of the list have smaller fortunes than a year ago.”
In a per country ranking, Egypt and South Africa are tied with five billionaires each, followed by Nigeria with four and Morocco with two. Forbes found one billionaire each from Algeria, Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Tuesday, 8 January 2019
FA Cup 4th round: Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea get opponents
The draw for the fourth round of this season’s FA Cup was conducted on Monday night, shortly after Wolves dumped Liverpool out of the competition.
Arsenal host Manchester United at The Emirates, in what is definitely the tie of the round.
Defending champions Chelsea got another home draw against Sheffield Wednesday or Luton, while Tottenham have a tough away fixture at Crystal Palace.
The matches are due to be played on the weekend of January 26.
FA Cup fourth round draw in full:
Swansea City vs Gillingham
AFC Wimbledon vs West Ham
Shrewsbury/Stoke vs Wolves
Millwall vs Everton
Brighton & Hove Albion vs West Brom
Bristol City vs Bolton
Accrington Stanley vs Derby/Southampton
Doncaster Rovers vs Oldham
Chelsea vs Sheffield Wednesday/Luton
Newcastle/Blackburn vs Watford
Middlesbrough vs Newport County
Manchester City vs Burnley
Barnet vs Brentford
Portsmouth vs QPR
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
Arsenal host Manchester United at The Emirates, in what is definitely the tie of the round.
Defending champions Chelsea got another home draw against Sheffield Wednesday or Luton, while Tottenham have a tough away fixture at Crystal Palace.
The matches are due to be played on the weekend of January 26.
FA Cup fourth round draw in full:
Swansea City vs Gillingham
AFC Wimbledon vs West Ham
Shrewsbury/Stoke vs Wolves
Millwall vs Everton
Brighton & Hove Albion vs West Brom
Bristol City vs Bolton
Accrington Stanley vs Derby/Southampton
Doncaster Rovers vs Oldham
Chelsea vs Sheffield Wednesday/Luton
Newcastle/Blackburn vs Watford
Middlesbrough vs Newport County
Manchester City vs Burnley
Barnet vs Brentford
Portsmouth vs QPR
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
Arab states snub Syria over summit
Lebanon on Monday resisted mounting pressure from Hezbollah to invite a delegation from Syria to an Arab economic summit next week in Beirut.
Syrian leader Bashar Assad is also unlikely to be invited to the next Arab League summit in Tunisia in March, after a planned meeting to discuss Syria’s readmission to the body was canceled.
The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership in November 2011 and imposed political and economic sanctions over the Syrian civil war. Three months later, the Gulf Cooperation Council states withdrew their ambassadors from Damascus.
However, as the Assad regime solidifies its military victory after seven years of war, with help from Russia and Iran, there is growing pressure to normalize relations.
In Lebanon, the campaign is being led by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The group’s parliamentary bloc said it was “in Lebanon’s interest to invite Syria to participate in the Arab Economic
and Social Development Summit,” which begins in Beirut on Jan. 16.
Inviting Syria “would strengthen Lebanon and would be in its strategic interest, especially as current developments are creating a positive Arab atmosphere that is seeing Arab states rushing back to Damascus, and as Syria’s closest neighbor and considering the country’s interests, Lebanon should be at the forefront of efforts to reinforce and strengthen this atmosphere,” Hezbollah said.
If Syria were not invited the summit should be postponed, the group said, but Lebanon rejected both suggestions.
“Lebanon is hosting and organizing the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit but is not the one inviting states. Invitations remain the competence of the Arab League,” Rafiq Chlala, head of the summit’s media committee, told Arab News.
“Syria had not attended the previous Arab summits upon the Arab League’s decision, but it can return to participating by a decision from the Arab League,” he said.
“Lebanon has nothing to do with this issue, and President Aoun has pledged not to postpone the economic summit and to hold it on time.”
President Michel Aoun confirmed that the summit “will be held on time,” and said Lebanon’s failure for the past eight months to form a Cabinet of ministers under Prime Minister Saad Hariri was no reason to postpone it.
“The current government is exercising its powers according to the constitution,” he said.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, have already confirmed their attendance. Other Arab leaders are expected to do so in the next few days.
Delegates will meet initially on Jan. 16 to agree on the topics for discussion and draft a communique. Foreign ministers will meet on Jan. 18, followed by delegation chiefs and national leaders on Jan. 19, before the full summit on Jan. 20.
Syrian leader Bashar Assad is also unlikely to be invited to the next Arab League summit in Tunisia in March, after a planned meeting to discuss Syria’s readmission to the body was canceled.
The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership in November 2011 and imposed political and economic sanctions over the Syrian civil war. Three months later, the Gulf Cooperation Council states withdrew their ambassadors from Damascus.
However, as the Assad regime solidifies its military victory after seven years of war, with help from Russia and Iran, there is growing pressure to normalize relations.
In Lebanon, the campaign is being led by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The group’s parliamentary bloc said it was “in Lebanon’s interest to invite Syria to participate in the Arab Economic
and Social Development Summit,” which begins in Beirut on Jan. 16.
Inviting Syria “would strengthen Lebanon and would be in its strategic interest, especially as current developments are creating a positive Arab atmosphere that is seeing Arab states rushing back to Damascus, and as Syria’s closest neighbor and considering the country’s interests, Lebanon should be at the forefront of efforts to reinforce and strengthen this atmosphere,” Hezbollah said.
If Syria were not invited the summit should be postponed, the group said, but Lebanon rejected both suggestions.
“Lebanon is hosting and organizing the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit but is not the one inviting states. Invitations remain the competence of the Arab League,” Rafiq Chlala, head of the summit’s media committee, told Arab News.
“Syria had not attended the previous Arab summits upon the Arab League’s decision, but it can return to participating by a decision from the Arab League,” he said.
“Lebanon has nothing to do with this issue, and President Aoun has pledged not to postpone the economic summit and to hold it on time.”
President Michel Aoun confirmed that the summit “will be held on time,” and said Lebanon’s failure for the past eight months to form a Cabinet of ministers under Prime Minister Saad Hariri was no reason to postpone it.
“The current government is exercising its powers according to the constitution,” he said.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, have already confirmed their attendance. Other Arab leaders are expected to do so in the next few days.
Delegates will meet initially on Jan. 16 to agree on the topics for discussion and draft a communique. Foreign ministers will meet on Jan. 18, followed by delegation chiefs and national leaders on Jan. 19, before the full summit on Jan. 20.
Fresh audio leaks: Amaechi ‘indicts’ APC, Tinubu, Fashola as failures
Another audio clip of Rotimi Amaechi, Director-General of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign organisation, has leaked with the embattled Minister of Transport heard describing Lagos as a ‘glorified village’.
The audio tape was released by Phrank Shaibu, an aide of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the trending audio clip, Amaechi said there was very little infrastructure in Lagos, especially water and roads, while lamenting the spate of traffic jams in the state.
The Minister’s purported rants subtly indicts the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has controlled Lagos for 20 years through AD, AC, and ACN; the Co-chair of President Buhari’s Campaign Council, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; fellow cabinet minister, Babatunde Fashola; both of who governed the state for 16 years combined.
Amaechi “I live in Abuja, tell me where else we have infrastructure. Lagos is a glorified village. The only difference between Lagos and other cities is the fact that business is in Lagos, everybody is there doing business, so you can at least have food,” he said in the New audio clip.
“If not, tell me what else you have in Lagos? 1,000 plus megawatts. That’s all. That’s what you have. What else do you have? No water, there are no roads. The reason why you meet traffic jams in Lagos is because there are no roads.”
The audio tape was released by Phrank Shaibu, an aide of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the trending audio clip, Amaechi said there was very little infrastructure in Lagos, especially water and roads, while lamenting the spate of traffic jams in the state.
The Minister’s purported rants subtly indicts the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has controlled Lagos for 20 years through AD, AC, and ACN; the Co-chair of President Buhari’s Campaign Council, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; fellow cabinet minister, Babatunde Fashola; both of who governed the state for 16 years combined.
Amaechi “I live in Abuja, tell me where else we have infrastructure. Lagos is a glorified village. The only difference between Lagos and other cities is the fact that business is in Lagos, everybody is there doing business, so you can at least have food,” he said in the New audio clip.
“If not, tell me what else you have in Lagos? 1,000 plus megawatts. That’s all. That’s what you have. What else do you have? No water, there are no roads. The reason why you meet traffic jams in Lagos is because there are no roads.”
Tuesday, 18 December 2018
‘Google, Facebook, Twitter are so biased’ – Donald Trump
President of United States of America, Donald Trump has again accused Facebook,Twitter and Google of being biased towards him.
Trump accused the America’s tech giants of having a liberal bias and claiming Twitter was making it more difficult for people to follow his account.
He laid the allegation in a post on his verified Twitter page on Tuesday.
Trump wrote: “Facebook, Twitter and Google are so biased toward the Dems, it is ridiculous.
“Twitter, in fact, has made it much more difficult for people to join Donald Trump. They have removed many names and greatly slowed the level and speed of increase. They have acknowledged-done NOTHING.”
MEDIA recalls that US congress summoned Google CEO, Sundar Pichai to explain why the photo of its president, Trump comes up when you type the word ‘Idiot’.
However, Pichai denied allegation of being ‘politically biased, saying Google has no manual control of its search results.
Meanwhile, Trump at the moment has over 56m followers on Twitter, his favourite platform and pundits say he may be angry that his predecessor Barack Obama has 104million followers.
Trump accused the America’s tech giants of having a liberal bias and claiming Twitter was making it more difficult for people to follow his account.
He laid the allegation in a post on his verified Twitter page on Tuesday.
Trump wrote: “Facebook, Twitter and Google are so biased toward the Dems, it is ridiculous.
“Twitter, in fact, has made it much more difficult for people to join Donald Trump. They have removed many names and greatly slowed the level and speed of increase. They have acknowledged-done NOTHING.”
MEDIA recalls that US congress summoned Google CEO, Sundar Pichai to explain why the photo of its president, Trump comes up when you type the word ‘Idiot’.
However, Pichai denied allegation of being ‘politically biased, saying Google has no manual control of its search results.
Meanwhile, Trump at the moment has over 56m followers on Twitter, his favourite platform and pundits say he may be angry that his predecessor Barack Obama has 104million followers.
Saraki reacts to death of Ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh
Senate President, Bukola Saraki has reacted to death of Former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Sabundu Badeh.
MEDIA had reported that Badeh who rose to the rank of Air Chief Marshal in the Nigerian military, died from gunshot wounds he sustained after his vehicle was attacked while returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi Road on Tuesday.
Reacting, Saraki, while commiserating with family of the the deceased, said Nigeria had suffered a great loss.
He, however, prayed that God grants him eternal rest.
He said, “Nigeria has suffered another great loss with the passing of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.
“My heartfelt prayers go to his family and our Armed Forces at this tragic time. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest. Amin.”
MEDIA had reported that Badeh who rose to the rank of Air Chief Marshal in the Nigerian military, died from gunshot wounds he sustained after his vehicle was attacked while returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi Road on Tuesday.
Reacting, Saraki, while commiserating with family of the the deceased, said Nigeria had suffered a great loss.
He, however, prayed that God grants him eternal rest.
He said, “Nigeria has suffered another great loss with the passing of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.
“My heartfelt prayers go to his family and our Armed Forces at this tragic time. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest. Amin.”
Wednesday, 5 December 2018
Trevor Noah suffers vocal cord damage, postpones shows
Popular comedian, Trevor Noah has announced a break from stand-up comedy for the rest of the year.
The comedian who recently headlined Global Citizen festival in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life said this on Wednesday.
Writing on his Twitter page, he revealed that he is suffering a damage to his vocal cord.
He, however, promised to come back stronger and work hard on rehabbing his voice.
Noah wrote: “Sad news that I don’t have a voice right now, I thought that my vocal cords were healed but according to the doctor, flying 36 hours and hosting a giant concert in South Africa didn’t help me.
“I hate canceling shows but I also hate the idea of losing my voice forever so I’m postponing all this year’s stand up shows.”
Noah, also a producer, political commentator, actor, and television host, is known for hosting The Daily Show, an American satirical news program on Comedy Central.
The comedian who recently headlined Global Citizen festival in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life said this on Wednesday.
Writing on his Twitter page, he revealed that he is suffering a damage to his vocal cord.
He, however, promised to come back stronger and work hard on rehabbing his voice.
Noah wrote: “Sad news that I don’t have a voice right now, I thought that my vocal cords were healed but according to the doctor, flying 36 hours and hosting a giant concert in South Africa didn’t help me.
“I hate canceling shows but I also hate the idea of losing my voice forever so I’m postponing all this year’s stand up shows.”
Noah, also a producer, political commentator, actor, and television host, is known for hosting The Daily Show, an American satirical news program on Comedy Central.
Biafra: IPOB slams Asari Dokubo for faulting Nnamdi Kanu
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has defended its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in the row he has with ex-leader of Niger-Delta militants, Asari Dokubo, over the boycott of 2019 elections.
IPOB deputy leader, Uche Mefor, in a statement yesterday said the pro-Biafra group was not interested in Dokubo’s ‘lectures’ on how to achieve its objectives.
Recall that Nnamdi Kanu had urged IPOB supporters and sympathizers in the two geopolitical zones of south east and south south to shun the 2019 general elections unless the Federal Government announced a date for Biafra referendum.
But Asari Dokubo expressed disagreement over the call for the boycott of the 2019 general elections by Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that heeding Kanu’s advice was suicidal since it would be tantamount to empowering those opposed to the Biafra aspirations with resources from the national treasury to frustrate the people’s struggle.
He went further to point out that pro-independent agitators in Spain, Ireland and Palestine contested elections and won seats into political offices in a bid to push their agenda rather than boycott general elections in their respective nations.
Picking holes in Dokubo’s argument, Uche Mefor, said: “Whether Catalonia, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Hamas, used election to control their territories or not, that is their business. Their examples are incongruent and serves no purpose in our circumstance as it stands. On our part, IPOB has taken a decision to use civil disobedience manifesting in so many ways including election boycott and that we must do.
“We do not believe in the recalibration nor extinguishing of our averred principles on the altar of political expediency and certainly, don’t need any lectures on what or how to go about the path we have chosen.
“Hamas started by fighting wars, IRA started by fighting wars and same with Catalonia and even Scotland and these violences gave rise to their attaining political statuses they have today. Why then are those who claim to be Biafra freedom fighters not fighting like Hamas, IRA, etc if citing them is a standard?”
IPOB deputy leader, Uche Mefor, in a statement yesterday said the pro-Biafra group was not interested in Dokubo’s ‘lectures’ on how to achieve its objectives.
Recall that Nnamdi Kanu had urged IPOB supporters and sympathizers in the two geopolitical zones of south east and south south to shun the 2019 general elections unless the Federal Government announced a date for Biafra referendum.
But Asari Dokubo expressed disagreement over the call for the boycott of the 2019 general elections by Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that heeding Kanu’s advice was suicidal since it would be tantamount to empowering those opposed to the Biafra aspirations with resources from the national treasury to frustrate the people’s struggle.
He went further to point out that pro-independent agitators in Spain, Ireland and Palestine contested elections and won seats into political offices in a bid to push their agenda rather than boycott general elections in their respective nations.
Picking holes in Dokubo’s argument, Uche Mefor, said: “Whether Catalonia, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Hamas, used election to control their territories or not, that is their business. Their examples are incongruent and serves no purpose in our circumstance as it stands. On our part, IPOB has taken a decision to use civil disobedience manifesting in so many ways including election boycott and that we must do.
“We do not believe in the recalibration nor extinguishing of our averred principles on the altar of political expediency and certainly, don’t need any lectures on what or how to go about the path we have chosen.
“Hamas started by fighting wars, IRA started by fighting wars and same with Catalonia and even Scotland and these violences gave rise to their attaining political statuses they have today. Why then are those who claim to be Biafra freedom fighters not fighting like Hamas, IRA, etc if citing them is a standard?”
2019: Oshiomhole carpets APC governors
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has described some state governors on the party’s platform as poor students of history.
Oshiomhole spoke after receiving the APC women leaders from Edo State and Abuja, who paid him a solidarity visit in his office in Aso Drive, Abuja.
Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun and Abdul-Aziz Yari of Zamfara are aggrieved that their preferred candidates lost during primaries.
Oshiomhole said, “Those who think our political future is tied to them, they are poor students of their own political history.
“Some of these people who talk as if they are invincible, they have forgotten that they have run elections in the past and lost until they abandoned their parties and joined us. So if they return back, history will repeat itself.
“Whether you are a big or small man, the rules are not supposed to discriminate. Our popularity in Imo and Ogun today is much higher. It is not that once you are a governor you have high electoral value.
“Yes in APC, our governors have high electoral value but we also have a few who are electoral liabilities.”
The former Nigeria Labour Congress President said Nigeria needed to go back to the era where institutions were respected and protected and not powerful individuals.
He added that the actions of the two governors would not affect the fortunes of the party in the elections.
“In Imo state today, APC will win more votes. My focus is on ordinary Imo voters because on that day, the governor would have only one vote, his son-in-law would have only one vote while his Commissioner for Happiness would have only one vote.
“But artisans, traders, teachers and workers whose salaries are not being paid have the same weight of vote and they are excited about the renewed possibility of a new government coming with fresh ideas free of all the encumbrances of the present system. So in Imo I’m very confident.
“Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is from Ogun State. The state is one of the most enlightened States in Nigeria. They have a huge history; they are not in a political kingdom headed by one person.
“If they were looking for true reconciliation, they wouldn’t have done what they did (defection of aides). That is not how democracy works. Nigeria must grow beyond this syndrome ‘I’m the governor, I will decide.’ You have only one vote. With due respect, I was once a governor. Overall APC is much stronger now”.
Oshiomhole spoke after receiving the APC women leaders from Edo State and Abuja, who paid him a solidarity visit in his office in Aso Drive, Abuja.
Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun and Abdul-Aziz Yari of Zamfara are aggrieved that their preferred candidates lost during primaries.
Oshiomhole said, “Those who think our political future is tied to them, they are poor students of their own political history.
“Some of these people who talk as if they are invincible, they have forgotten that they have run elections in the past and lost until they abandoned their parties and joined us. So if they return back, history will repeat itself.
“Whether you are a big or small man, the rules are not supposed to discriminate. Our popularity in Imo and Ogun today is much higher. It is not that once you are a governor you have high electoral value.
“Yes in APC, our governors have high electoral value but we also have a few who are electoral liabilities.”
The former Nigeria Labour Congress President said Nigeria needed to go back to the era where institutions were respected and protected and not powerful individuals.
He added that the actions of the two governors would not affect the fortunes of the party in the elections.
“In Imo state today, APC will win more votes. My focus is on ordinary Imo voters because on that day, the governor would have only one vote, his son-in-law would have only one vote while his Commissioner for Happiness would have only one vote.
“But artisans, traders, teachers and workers whose salaries are not being paid have the same weight of vote and they are excited about the renewed possibility of a new government coming with fresh ideas free of all the encumbrances of the present system. So in Imo I’m very confident.
“Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is from Ogun State. The state is one of the most enlightened States in Nigeria. They have a huge history; they are not in a political kingdom headed by one person.
“If they were looking for true reconciliation, they wouldn’t have done what they did (defection of aides). That is not how democracy works. Nigeria must grow beyond this syndrome ‘I’m the governor, I will decide.’ You have only one vote. With due respect, I was once a governor. Overall APC is much stronger now”.
Friday, 16 November 2018
Beyoncé buys out Ivy Park venture from Sir Philip Green
Beyoncé has ended a business venture with Topshop boss Sir Philip Green by buying him out of Ivy Park, the gymwear label they founded together.
The pair launched Ivy Park two years ago, playing on the personal brand of the US singer and outspoken feminist.
The buyout comes weeks after Sir Philip was named as having taken legal action to prevent publication of allegations of sexual harassment of staff.
Sir Philip says he "categorically and wholly" denies the allegations.
However, Beyoncé had faced pressure from campaigners to cut ties.
In a statement on Thursday, Ivy Park said: "After discussions of almost a year, Parkwood has acquired 100% of the Ivy Park brand. Topshop - Arcadia will fulfil the existing orders."
Ivy Park sells items such as hoodies and leggings, part of a trend towards so called athleisure.
Beyoncé and Sir Philip had both owned 50% stakes in the label, which is named after the singer's daughter with rapper Jay Z, Blue Ivy.
Sir Philip, one of Britain's best known businessmen, was named in parliament last month by Lord Hain as the man behind a court injunction preventing the publication of allegations of sexual harassment and racial abuse of staff.
In a statement last month, he denied having broken the law and said his businesses fully investigated employee grievances.
However, campaign Equality Now had called for Beyoncé to end her relationship with the tycoon, arguing it was at odds with her stated principles.
Yasmeen Hassan, from the campaign group, said in October: "Beyoncé has put herself forward as a women's rights activist. She and her team need to look closely at these allegations."
Another activist, Nimco Ali, said: "Beyoncé should say 'I don't want to work with Philip Green'."
A representative of Sir Philip would not comment further on the Ivy Park deal, while Beyoncé could not be reached for additional comment.
The pair launched Ivy Park two years ago, playing on the personal brand of the US singer and outspoken feminist.
The buyout comes weeks after Sir Philip was named as having taken legal action to prevent publication of allegations of sexual harassment of staff.
Sir Philip says he "categorically and wholly" denies the allegations.
However, Beyoncé had faced pressure from campaigners to cut ties.
In a statement on Thursday, Ivy Park said: "After discussions of almost a year, Parkwood has acquired 100% of the Ivy Park brand. Topshop - Arcadia will fulfil the existing orders."
Ivy Park sells items such as hoodies and leggings, part of a trend towards so called athleisure.
Beyoncé and Sir Philip had both owned 50% stakes in the label, which is named after the singer's daughter with rapper Jay Z, Blue Ivy.
Sir Philip, one of Britain's best known businessmen, was named in parliament last month by Lord Hain as the man behind a court injunction preventing the publication of allegations of sexual harassment and racial abuse of staff.
In a statement last month, he denied having broken the law and said his businesses fully investigated employee grievances.
However, campaign Equality Now had called for Beyoncé to end her relationship with the tycoon, arguing it was at odds with her stated principles.
Yasmeen Hassan, from the campaign group, said in October: "Beyoncé has put herself forward as a women's rights activist. She and her team need to look closely at these allegations."
Another activist, Nimco Ali, said: "Beyoncé should say 'I don't want to work with Philip Green'."
A representative of Sir Philip would not comment further on the Ivy Park deal, while Beyoncé could not be reached for additional comment.
Gabon amends constitution for ill President
Gabon's constitutional court has intervened to avert a political crisis brought about by the ill health of President Ali Bongo.
There have been no government meetings since he was taken to hospital in Saudi Arabia last month.
The court has amended the constitution to allow the Vice-President or Prime Minister to run cabinet meetings if the President is temporarily unavailable - a move the opposition says is illegal.
Amid speculation that the President had suffered a stroke and some even questioning whether he was still alive, Mr Bongo's office finally admitted on Sunday that he was recovering from surgery.
In 2009 Ali Bongo succeeded his father Omar Bongo who had been President for more than 40 years.
There have been no government meetings since he was taken to hospital in Saudi Arabia last month.
The court has amended the constitution to allow the Vice-President or Prime Minister to run cabinet meetings if the President is temporarily unavailable - a move the opposition says is illegal.
Amid speculation that the President had suffered a stroke and some even questioning whether he was still alive, Mr Bongo's office finally admitted on Sunday that he was recovering from surgery.
In 2009 Ali Bongo succeeded his father Omar Bongo who had been President for more than 40 years.
Thursday, 15 November 2018
U.S election turnout highest for 104 years
If Donald Trump has one undisputable achievement during the first two years of his presidency, it's that he has succeeded in increasing the political engagement of a large share of the American public.
Preliminary figures for nationwide turnout in the 2018 mid-term elections are in, and they've reached a mark not seen in more than a century. Across the US, 49.2% of the voting age public cast ballots. In 2014 that number was 37%, and the average over the last few decades has hovered around 40%.
The last time turnout for a mid-term topped 50% was 1914 - before women had the vote in the US.
In some states, the numbers were even higher. Washington and Colorado, which heavily utilise voting by mail, topped the list at 69.4% and 65.5%, respectively. Minnesota, always a high-participation state, came in at 64.3% this year.
Even states with lower 2018 turnout saw sharp increases over recent mid-terms. In Texas enthusiasm generated by Democrat Beto O'Rourke (who was narrowly defeated) helped boost turnout to 46.1%, compared to 28.3% in 2014. Georgia, which had a contentious governor race, saw an increase from 38.6% to 55%.
In California, where several prominent Republican congressional incumbents have been unseated, turnout rose from 30.7% to 47.8%
The numbers across the US still fall short of the roughly 60% voter participation seen during recent presidential elections, although 2018 does come close to the 51.7% mark for Bill Clinton's 1996 re-election campaign. And digging back farther into the historical records, it surpasses the levels of the 1920 and 1924 presidential years.
Overall, more than 103 million votes were cast across the US in races for the House of Representatives (in which all 435 seats were up for election). Some states, such as California, are still processing mail-in ballots, but at last count Democrats won 51.8% of the overall vote, while Republicans accounted for 46.5%. With seven races still to be decided, Democrats have posted a net gain of 35 seats, giving them control of the chamber for the first time since 2010.
Thirty-three states also had Senate races, in which a total of at least 84 million votes were cast (a partisan breakdown of the balloting here is misleading because California, the largest state, had two Democrats advancing to the general election).
And if there was any doubt that this election was a referendum on the Trump presidency, a just-released Pew Research Center poll should put them to bed.
Only 35% of Americans said the president was not a factor in their mid-term vote. For those who had Mr Trump on their minds, 39% said they were casting their ballot against the president, while only 25% were voting to support him.
According to Pew, 57% of Americans are "happy" about the results of the mid-term elections - although there are sharp partisan divides over exactly what they like about it.
Ninety-one percent of Democrats are glad their party took control of the House, but only 11% are happy about Republicans holding the Senate. The numbers are reversed for Republicans, who are overwhelmingly pleased that their party kept the Senate, while only 20% are happy Democrats took the House.
When it comes to the chance for real, bipartisan legislative progress in the next two years, the American public's outlook grows darker. Sixty-three percent of poll respondents say Mr Trump won't be successful in getting his programmes enacted, while 61% say the same thing about Democrats.
Nearly half of all Americans think that relations between Republicans and Democrats will get worse, while only 9% see them getting better.
And that may be the key takeaway from the 2018 mid-term elections. More Americans are engaged, more Americans are voting, but the partisan lines are deepening, and no one is all that convinced things are going to get better.
Democrats and Republicans have two years to try to figure it all out before they face the voters again. And in 2020, Mr Trump w
Preliminary figures for nationwide turnout in the 2018 mid-term elections are in, and they've reached a mark not seen in more than a century. Across the US, 49.2% of the voting age public cast ballots. In 2014 that number was 37%, and the average over the last few decades has hovered around 40%.
The last time turnout for a mid-term topped 50% was 1914 - before women had the vote in the US.
In some states, the numbers were even higher. Washington and Colorado, which heavily utilise voting by mail, topped the list at 69.4% and 65.5%, respectively. Minnesota, always a high-participation state, came in at 64.3% this year.
Even states with lower 2018 turnout saw sharp increases over recent mid-terms. In Texas enthusiasm generated by Democrat Beto O'Rourke (who was narrowly defeated) helped boost turnout to 46.1%, compared to 28.3% in 2014. Georgia, which had a contentious governor race, saw an increase from 38.6% to 55%.
In California, where several prominent Republican congressional incumbents have been unseated, turnout rose from 30.7% to 47.8%
The numbers across the US still fall short of the roughly 60% voter participation seen during recent presidential elections, although 2018 does come close to the 51.7% mark for Bill Clinton's 1996 re-election campaign. And digging back farther into the historical records, it surpasses the levels of the 1920 and 1924 presidential years.
Overall, more than 103 million votes were cast across the US in races for the House of Representatives (in which all 435 seats were up for election). Some states, such as California, are still processing mail-in ballots, but at last count Democrats won 51.8% of the overall vote, while Republicans accounted for 46.5%. With seven races still to be decided, Democrats have posted a net gain of 35 seats, giving them control of the chamber for the first time since 2010.
Thirty-three states also had Senate races, in which a total of at least 84 million votes were cast (a partisan breakdown of the balloting here is misleading because California, the largest state, had two Democrats advancing to the general election).
And if there was any doubt that this election was a referendum on the Trump presidency, a just-released Pew Research Center poll should put them to bed.
Only 35% of Americans said the president was not a factor in their mid-term vote. For those who had Mr Trump on their minds, 39% said they were casting their ballot against the president, while only 25% were voting to support him.
According to Pew, 57% of Americans are "happy" about the results of the mid-term elections - although there are sharp partisan divides over exactly what they like about it.
Ninety-one percent of Democrats are glad their party took control of the House, but only 11% are happy about Republicans holding the Senate. The numbers are reversed for Republicans, who are overwhelmingly pleased that their party kept the Senate, while only 20% are happy Democrats took the House.
When it comes to the chance for real, bipartisan legislative progress in the next two years, the American public's outlook grows darker. Sixty-three percent of poll respondents say Mr Trump won't be successful in getting his programmes enacted, while 61% say the same thing about Democrats.
Nearly half of all Americans think that relations between Republicans and Democrats will get worse, while only 9% see them getting better.
And that may be the key takeaway from the 2018 mid-term elections. More Americans are engaged, more Americans are voting, but the partisan lines are deepening, and no one is all that convinced things are going to get better.
Democrats and Republicans have two years to try to figure it all out before they face the voters again. And in 2020, Mr Trump w
Tuesday, 13 November 2018
French mother tried for hiding baby in car boot
A French woman has gone on trial accused of hiding the existence of a child she kept in the boot of her car.
The girl was discovered by a garage mechanic who heard noises when the car was brought in for repairs.
The mother is charged with repeated violence against a minor causing permanent disability, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
She is said to have hidden the pregnancy and birth from her partner and three older children.
Rosa-Maria Da Cruz, who is being tried in the central city of Tulle, called the baby Serena and kept her in a room in her house and in the boot of her car.
When she was found in 2013 in Terrasson-Lavilledieu in the Dordogne region, the child, who was thought to be about two years old, was malnourished and displaying severe developmental problems, reports say.
The garage mechanic who discovered the girl said he was greeted by an unpleasant smell when he opened the boot to discover a pale, feverish child, lying naked in her own excrement.
Portuguese-born Ms Da Cruz, who is now 50, is said to have told investigators about her daughter at the time: "Not a baby but a thing (...), a thing that had to be discovered to live", a child "to whom she started talking at the age of 18 months, because she had smiled [to her]".
The girl, who is now nearly seven, is in foster care.
Her two brothers and sister, aged nine to 15, were returned to the couple after being placed in foster care for a time.
The case against Ms Da Cruz's partner, who denied knowing anything about the pregnancy or the baby, has been dismissed.
The trial is expected to last between five and seven days.
The girl was discovered by a garage mechanic who heard noises when the car was brought in for repairs.
The mother is charged with repeated violence against a minor causing permanent disability, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
She is said to have hidden the pregnancy and birth from her partner and three older children.
Rosa-Maria Da Cruz, who is being tried in the central city of Tulle, called the baby Serena and kept her in a room in her house and in the boot of her car.
When she was found in 2013 in Terrasson-Lavilledieu in the Dordogne region, the child, who was thought to be about two years old, was malnourished and displaying severe developmental problems, reports say.
The garage mechanic who discovered the girl said he was greeted by an unpleasant smell when he opened the boot to discover a pale, feverish child, lying naked in her own excrement.
Portuguese-born Ms Da Cruz, who is now 50, is said to have told investigators about her daughter at the time: "Not a baby but a thing (...), a thing that had to be discovered to live", a child "to whom she started talking at the age of 18 months, because she had smiled [to her]".
The girl, who is now nearly seven, is in foster care.
Her two brothers and sister, aged nine to 15, were returned to the couple after being placed in foster care for a time.
The case against Ms Da Cruz's partner, who denied knowing anything about the pregnancy or the baby, has been dismissed.
The trial is expected to last between five and seven days.
Sunday, 11 November 2018
Messi returns but Barca beaten at home by rampant Betis
La Liga leaders Barcelona fell to a first home defeat in any competition for more than two years when they were beaten 4-3 by Real Betis at the Nou Camp on Sunday despite Lionel Messi returning from injury, while Ivan Rakitic was sent off for the Catalans.
Betis's livewire winger Junior gave the visitors a deserved lead in the 20th minute, finishing off a hugely impressive counter-attack that had started in their own penalty area, while captain Joaquin doubled their lead in the 35th after another venture down the wing from Junior.
Messi pulled Barca back into the game by converting a penalty midway through the second half but Betis restored their two-goal cushion through Giovani Lo Celso.
Arturo Vidal quickly responded with a goal down the other end but Rakitic was
then dismissed for a second booking and Sergio Canales soon made it 4-2.
Messi scored from close range in stoppage time but Betis hung on to clinch a first league win at the Nou Camp since 1998. (Reporting by Richard Martin; editing by Clare Fallon)
Betis's livewire winger Junior gave the visitors a deserved lead in the 20th minute, finishing off a hugely impressive counter-attack that had started in their own penalty area, while captain Joaquin doubled their lead in the 35th after another venture down the wing from Junior.
Messi pulled Barca back into the game by converting a penalty midway through the second half but Betis restored their two-goal cushion through Giovani Lo Celso.
Arturo Vidal quickly responded with a goal down the other end but Rakitic was
then dismissed for a second booking and Sergio Canales soon made it 4-2.
Messi scored from close range in stoppage time but Betis hung on to clinch a first league win at the Nou Camp since 1998. (Reporting by Richard Martin; editing by Clare Fallon)
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