Lewandowski Beats Messi, Jorginho To 2021 Golden Player Award

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November 23, 2021

Member representing Bende North Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu has congratulated the Executive Secretary of Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, Rev. Jemima Kalu as she marks birthday, describing her an embodiment of sacrificial life and selflessness.

In a birthday message on Tuesday, Hon. Chukwu, Minority Leader of Abia State House of Assembly said Rev. Jemima Kalu has remained a model to many in sacrificing personal comfort for the welfare of others.

He said Rev. Jemima Kalu has demonstrated motherliness and uncommon commitment to alleviate the sufferings of the weak and downtrodden.

He therefore prayed God to grant her more zeal as she exhibits passion, leadership and dexterity in entrench a society future generations will be proud of.

Abia Assembly Minority Leader, Chukwu Salutes Hon. Onyejeocha On Her Birthday

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November 23, 2021

The Minority Leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke has congratulated the Deputy Chief Whip of House of Representatives and member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha at the occasion of her birthday.

Describing her as a Rare Gem in a congratulatory message made available to ABN TV on Tuesday, the lawmaker says Hon. Onyejeocha’s life has remained immeasurably impactful to humanity.

He further described her as a “bridge builder and a voice of reason in the continued quest for a virile Nigeria, constantly advocating for equity, peace and progress.

“Your ability to respect opinions irrespective of academic inclination, gender, social class, ethnic nor religious affiliation distinguishes your personality, indeed your imprints are indelible.”

He, on behalf of his Constituency wished her a long life and Godspeed as she adds another year.

2023 Presidency: South-West May Dump Tinubu For Orji Kalu – Babafemi

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November 23, 2021

As the 2023 general elections draw closer, there are concerns in some quarters as to the seriousness of the South West geo-political zone to vie for the presidential ticket.

Less than two years to the 2023 general elections, there are still concerns in certain quarters on the health challenges of the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu.

Reacting to the development, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Jimoh Adewunmi Babafemi has said that the South-West geo-political zone may shift their support to a former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in 2023.

According to him, “Kalu is more prepared to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 judging by his acceptability.”

He stated this in a chat with newsmen in Abuja, on Monday, noting that the South-West geo-political zone may consider Kalu because they feel that it is the turn of the South East to produce the president in 2023.

“What we are trying to achieve now is the unity of Southern Nigeria and Nigeria at large. If the South-West had ruled for eight years under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan did six years from South-South, then, if it is coming to South, it should be SouthEast.

“After South-East does its two tenures of eight years, the ideal thing, of course, is that power should go back to the North. Again, when power gets to the North, the North-East has never produced any president in the history of this country. Therefore, it should be given same opportunity.

“So for the sake of stability and equity, power should be rotated to Southern Nigeria in 2023 and if they want to micro-zone, they should give opportunity to the South-East. They deserve to govern Nigeria.

“Tinubu is eminently qualified to lead Nigeria but I fear for his health. I would’ve supported Tinubu in 2023 but Nigerians are not ready to risk it. He should relax and take good care of his health. I will also advise the South-West to relax and allow others.

“It is not just about micro-zoning it to the South-East, someone like Senator Orji Uzor Kalu should be considered for the position. He is a manager of resources and detribalised Nigerian with National appeal. We are seriously considering him ahead of Tinubu in 2023,” he said.

Emeka Okoroafor Greets Hon. Onyejeocha At Her Birthday, Describes Her As Channel Of Blessings

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November 23, 2021

Member Representing Isuikwuato State Constituency Abia state, Hon. Emeka Okoroafor has congratulated the Deputy Chief Whip of House of Representatives, Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeocha at the occasion of her birthday, describing her as a reliable channel of blessings

The lawmaker says Hon. Onyejeocha representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency has remained a special gift from God for humanity.

In a birthday message on Monday, Hon. Barr. Okoroafor extolled Onyejeocha’s life of sacrifice which he said manifests in her selfless and exemplary political leadership in Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Federal Constituency.

He said, “As God’s first class ambassador,Hon Barr Mrs Onyejeocha enjoys an uncommon grace of God and by her lifestyle made God’s presence her residence.

“Her efforts and contributions in the wellbeing of her Constituents in terms human capital development and provisions of infrastructure remain unparalleled and a shinning testimonial of her purpose on earth.

“On behalf on my family and good and great people of Isuikwuato state Constituency,we wish her more beautiful Years on earth.”

50-Year-Old Spiritual Leader Of Bandits Nabbed In Niger

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November 23, 2021

Police operatives have arrested a 50-year-old suspect, Umar Samaila, said to be the spiritual leader of bandits in parts of Niger State, as well as Nasarawa and Abuja.

The spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed this in a statement on Monday in Minna, the state capital.

He explained that the suspect was arrested on Saturday based on a technical intelligence that bandits were planning to kidnap some worshipers the next day in a church at Buku village in Abaji Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being the spiritual leader to some notorious bandits hibernating in Niger, FCT Abuja, and Nasarawa States,” said Abiodun. “During his last conversation with his gang on the same date at about 0720hrs, he directed them to go ahead with the operation and assured them of success.

“He also promised to pray for the release of a suspected bandit known as ‘Julli’ currently in police custody in Abuja. The suspect will be transferred to the FCT (Police) Command, Abuja for further investigation.”

Rustlers Arrested
The arrest of Samaila, according to Abiodun, comes four days after police operatives attached to Lapai Division intercepted four suspected cattle rustlers at a forest located on a boundary between Niger State and Abuja.

Suspected cow rustlers arrested by police

Those arrested on Tuesday last week included Abubakar Buba – 27, Shehu Jare – 20, Abubakar Garba – 44, and Abubakar Na’Allah – 25.

The command’s spokesman stated that the policemen, in collaboration with local vigilantes, recovered 40 cows and fifteen 15 sheep.

“During interrogation, the suspects claimed to be rearing cattle in the said forests but could not give a satisfactory account of the cattle in their possession,” he said.

“The case is under investigation while the suspects will be arraigned in court for prosecution immediately after the investigation is concluded.”

Super Eagles: Minister Drums Support For Local Coach

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November 23, 2021

Sports minister, Sunday Dare, may have thrown his weight behind the choice of a local coach to take over the Super Eagles coaching job.

Speaking during TotalEnergies AFCON Trophy Tour in Lagos, yesterday, Dare spoke glowingly on the exploits of Nigerian ex-players, who led the Super Eagles to success in past editions of the competition.

“At the 1980 AFCON, a 16-year-old schoolboy, Henry Nwosu, was in the Nigerian squad. Alongside established stars like Best Ogedegbe, Segun Odegbami, Muda Lawal, Felix Owolabi, Christian Chukwu and others, and they delivered Nigeria’s first-ever AFCON title. The entire nation stood still for them.

“Many members of that squad became renowned coaches after their active playing days and made a huge impact in the game. The captain of that squad, Christian Chukwu would later be the assistant coach when Nigeria won the title for the second time in 1994, and the head coach in 2004 when the Super Eagles won the bronze. Interestingly, both tournaments were held in Tunisia.

“Another product of the 1980 squad was Kadiri Ikhana, who became the first coach to lead a Nigerian club side, Enyimba FC of Aba, to the most prestigious club trophy on the continent in 2003. Ikhana was voted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Coach of the Year after his feat.

“In 1994, a golden generation of Nigerian players lived up to the hype and fulfilled their potentials by clinching the AFCON trophy in Tunisia. Led by their captain, Stephen Keshi (now late), arguably the biggest influence in Nigerian football ever, Keshi and company swept aside all the oppositions along their path to claim Africa’s biggest football prize. We cannot forget the roles played by superstars like Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory), Emmanuel Amuneke, Sunday Oliseh, Peter Rufai and others in that squad.”

He continued: “Keshi would later lead the Super Eagles to Nigeria’s third AFCON title as head coach in 2013. He was the second man in history to win the tournament as a player and head coach after Egyptian legend Mohammed El Gohary.

“Keshi’s 1994 teammates – Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Sunday Oliseh have had their stints as Super Eagles head coaches at one time or the other. Some others like Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nduka Ugbade and Mutiu Adepoju have also had successes as coaches with junior national teams and club sides in Nigeria. Mutiu Adepoju is currently an ambassador for the Spanish La Liga.

“Nigeria’s last triumph at the AFCON is so significant. Stephen Keshi, the chief coach and his assistant, Daniel Amokachi were 1994 AFCON winners, Sylvanus Okpala, one of the fitness coaches was a 1980 AFCON winner, while the goalkeeper coach, Ike Shorounmu was an AFCON silver medalist in 2000 and bronze medalist in 2002.

“I am looking forward to seeing that headline tomorrow. For us in Nigeria, the AFCON is an important tournament. Football is in our DNA. We eat, sleep and talk football all the time. We are football-loving people and we love our Super Eagles.

“Football is a unifier, the strong force that binds the spirits of all Nigerians together. Religious, cultural, ethnic and political differences and considerations take the back seat when the Super Eagles are playing. This explains our hope, excitement and optimism as we look forward to the kickoff of the 33rd edition of the tournament in less than 50 days,” Dare stated.

He commended TotalEnergies for its commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria, as well as its partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

“I am excited to see the AFCON trophy here. I have taken this photograph, and every morning, I will pray with it. My dream is to see the Super Eagles win our fourth AFCON trophy in Cameroon.”

Guardian

Lingering APC National Congress Holds February 2022 — Buhari

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November 23, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved February 2022 for the conduct of the long awaited national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, announced this on Monday in Abuja.

He briefed State House correspondents after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in the nation’s capital.

Governor Bagudu was accompanied to the villa by the Chairman of the APC National Caretaker Committee and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, as well as Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State.

He told State House correspondents that the meeting was to brief the President on the decision of the Progressives Governors Forum when the members met on Sunday night.

According to Bagudu, the governors resolved that the convention should hold in February 2022 and the same suggestion was proposed to the President for approval.

He, however, stated that that party’s leadership has yet to decide on a specific date to conduct its national convention.

The governor said the party would notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while it works out a timetable.

Governor Buni took over the APC leadership in June 2020 following the dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.

Amid the crisis that hit the party at the national level at the time, the APC National Executive Council met and resolved to dissolve the NWC based on the recommendations of the President.

The party, thereafter, appointed Governor Buni to head the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), and he was immediately sworn by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami.

While addressing party leaders at the meeting, President Buhari had called for the immediate suspension of all pending litigations involving the APC and its members.

He informed party chieftains at the meeting that mutating disagreements could lead to the self-destruction of the party with dire consequences.

The caretaker committee was directed to take over the leadership of the APC pending when a convention would be conducted to elect a new set of national officers of the ruling party.

Buhari Marginalising Ndigbo, Treating Them As Second Class Citizens — Nwodo

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November 23, 2021

The immediate past President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, has accused the federal government of Nigeria of treating the Igbo race as second class citizens.

Nwodo who made the allegation while delivering a paper on: “Nigeria’s Political and Economic Future – the Dangers We Can Avert”, lamented the exclusion of the Igbo race in the security architecture of the country as well as other sensitive and strategic public positions.

His words: ” We are grossly marginalised and treated by the federal government as second class citizens. No Igbo man, for instance, heads any security arm of the Nigeria Armed Forces.

” Our area is the most heavily policed as if there was a deliberate policy to intimidate us and hold us down.

” The brazen impunity in dealing with matters which concern the South East is provocative.”

” We invest and contribute to the economic and social life of the communities where ever we live. We are proudly Christians but very accommodating of our brothers of other persuasions.”

The former Information Minister regretted that the militarization of the South-East zone and the high-handedness of the federal government in dealing with the zone were the reason for the growing disenchantment among youths in the zone.

” This current approach makes it impossible for leaders in the South East to effectively contain the anger of their youths”.

He said that despite Nigeria’s harshness and unfriendly disposition towards Ndigbo, the race remains the most accommodating and enterprising and religious-tolerant tribe in the country.

” We are the largest ethnic group other than the Indigenous tribe in any part of Nigeria. We invest and contribute to the economic and social life of the communities where ever we live. We are proudly Christians but very accommodating of our brothers of other persuasions”, Nwodo contended.

Gov. Uzodinma Sends Names Of 17 Commissioners-designate For Screening

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November 23, 2021