Lagos State recovers a staggering amount worth N13m from accounts of dead staff

Mercy Lank

The Lagos State Government has recovered N13 million paid into accounts of dead colleagues and overpaid salaries of staff in its ministries and parastatals. This is just as it had demolished 12 buildings in the state in a move to prevent occurrence of building collapse. This was contained in a document obtained from the state government on activities of its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) during the third quarter of 2017. It was disclosed in the document that the recovered N13 million belong to deceased staff, those that had stayed beyond their stipulated retirement date and those who were over paid monthly salary. A breakdown of the recovered funds as revealed in the document showed that N7 million was recovered from terminal entitlement of the affected staff. It read in part: “Some of the staff stayed beyond their dates of retirement, some have passed on but some funds were paid into their accounts.

However, N6 million was recovered from overpaid salaries of various staff of Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within the period under review.” Also in the document, 132 distressed buildings were identified across the state. It further disclosed that 654 illegal and non-conforming structures were sealed while 841 buildings under construction were served contravention notices within the period under review. It stated: “Also, 132 distressed buildings were discovered within the period. 40 buildings were discovered prone to collapse.”

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Today is the Deadline for BVN registration

Mercy Lank

THE deadline for customers of Microfinance Banks (MfBs) and Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) without Bank Verification Number (BVN) linked to their accounts has elapsed today, January 1,2018.

If the directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) earlier in the year is anything to go by, such customers will be unable to make withdrawals from their accounts henceforth. The BVN enrolment is a brainchild of the apex bank and the Bankers’ Committee, a body of banks’ managing directors and the CBN. This is coming as the initial deadline set for July 31, this year was extended. The new directive indicated that by December 31, 2017, all customers of financial institutions operating in the country are expected to have had their BVN. The CBN, again, assured Nigerians that the BVN is geared towards financial system stability, while ensuring Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) customers are identified and known, so as to prevent those that will use the banking system as a platform to carryout illegal activities. The CBN had in November written a letter to the Deposit Money Banks in the country, asking them to submit list of customers and bank accounts without bank verification number. The letter came after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the CBN and 19 banks to freeze accounts without the BVN and got an interim order seeking the forfeiture of deposits in the accounts without theBVN, among others. Government has said that there were about 45 million accounts in the banking sector withoutBVN as at February this year. According to the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), there were 97.57 million accounts in the banking system as at February, 2017, with only 51.72 million of them having BVN. The BVN was introduced in 2014 to ensure that all bank accounts have biometric identification of their owners. There is raging debate on the legality or otherwise of the planned forfeiture of funds in such accounts without BVN.

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Governor Dickson Urges Nigerians to support President Buhari in 2019 election

Mercy Lank

The Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson has called on Nigerians to support and pray for President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. According to the governor, leaders across partisan boundaries must do more to deliberately unite the country. Dickson, who made the call in his new year message, said he “believes 2018 provides a rare opportunity to put the country on the path of mutual co-existence and stability for the President.” He said “people should stand firmly behind the Buhari-led administration, remain steadfast in God and pray for peace and stability of Nigeria. “It is when the leadership delivers selfless services backed with the fervent prayers of the citizenry that the country will attain its pride of place in the comity of nations.” Dickson added that his administration was sensitive to the yearnings of Bayelsans and will never let them down. He congratulated Nigerians in general and Bayelsans in particular over what he referred to as ‘triumphant entry’ into 2018. Dickson added “For all of us, who are privileged to be alive by the grace of God, we are celebrating our triumphant entry into the year, 2018. “On behalf of the government and good people of this great state, I congratulate you all for this great honour God has given to us.”

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West Brom vs Arsenal | Latest Team News | Line-Up’s | Predicted Score | Betting

Mercy Lank

Arsenal will look to close-in on the top four with a win when we take on relegation-threatened West Brom at the Hawthorns this afternoon.

We head in to the game off the back of a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace but sit four points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool after they came from behind to beat Leicester City yesterday. However, we can climb above Tottenham in to fifth position and move to within just one point of Liverpool if we take three points back to north London from the Hawthorns today. We’ll face a West Brom side who’ve endured a nightmare campaign and currently sit bottom of the Premier League table having not won any of their last 18 games so they are fighting for their lives. But Alan Pardew’s men held Everton to a 0-0 draw last time out and could move out of the bottom three with a win this afternoon so it’s certainly tight at the wrong end of the table.

Team news

We will have to make-do without the services of Aaron Ramsey as the midfielder continues to nurse a hamstring injury while Nacho Monreal is also out with an ankle problem. Olivier Giroud is still troubled by a hamstring injury while Granit Xhaka will face a late fitness test after limping off during the closing stages of the win at Palace. Arsene Wenger may decide to give Alexandre Lacazette a rest ahead of Wednesday’s crucial clash with Chelsea so Danny Welbeck could lead the line up front. West Brom will be without Nacer Chadli for the next two months due to a hip injury, James Morrison is out with an Achilles problem while Salomon Rondon is also a doubt with a hamstring issue.

Expected line-ups

Predicted Score

West Brom 1-2 Arsenal: We’ve lost on our last two trips to the Hawthorns and I’m expecting a tough game today as West Brom are fighting for their lives at the foot of the table. However, there’s no getting away from the fact they are on a poor run of form so I’m confident we can edge this game and secure a much-needed three points. Betting Tips Arsenal are the 4/7 favourites to win this game with the bookmakers but we can get new customers enhanced odds of 25/1 on the Gunners – just click here to take advantage of these incredible odds [winning paid in free bets, max stake £1, T&C’s apply].

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Scarcity: Black market petrol booms in Kano

Mercy Lank

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many filling stations in the commercial city have shut down with the exception of the NNPC Mega station at Hotoro area and the few stations owned by a popular marketer, AA Rano. A few other stations still offering the product to the public are ignoring NNPC sanctions by jacking prices from N145 per litre to between N210 and N220 per litre. But their supply is not always reliable. As a result of the development, tens of unemployed youths have taken to the risky business of selling fuel on major streets in the metropolis. While they sell four litres for between N1,100 and N1, 200. AA Rano filling stations and the NNPC Mega filling station sell at the approved government price of N145 per litre, but motorists have to endure long queues to fill their tanks. Mohammed Bashir, a resident of Kano, who could not brave the queues, said he had parked his car at home, as he could no longer afford to buy fuel at the black market price.

“I need at least two gallons on daily basis, so if I have to buy two gallons daily, that means I need N2,200 because I cannot withstand the stress of following the queue at the filling stations that are selling,”he said. Another resident, Malam Aminu Inuwa expressed concern over the lingering fuel crisis in the country and called on the Federal Government to take stringent measures to end petrol scarcity in the country. Inuwa, who, described the scarcity as artificial, called on the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to sanction any marketer caught either diverting or selling the product above the government approved price of N145 per litre. (NAN)

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Jonathan’s aide, Omokri reacts to appointment of dead people by Buhari

Mercy Lank

Former aide to ex president Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to appearance of dead people in latest appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari. Reno Omokri said Buhari is to be blamed for the high rate of unemployment reported by NBS after giving jobs to dead people.

In his tweets, he wrote “If you don’t know your age. If you don’t know that your own Vice President is Osinbajo, not Osinbade. If you don’t know that there is no nation called West Germany. How will you know that the people you appointed are dead, not living? “In short I am tired of Nigerians! You asked the man to stop marginalizing the 5% in favour of the 97% and to be fair to all. Now he has decided to be fair to both the living and the dead and the same Nigerians are complaining. Who can satisfy Nigerians! “Recently we learnt from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics that 10 million Nigerians have lost their jobs under Buhari. We never knew it was because he was giving their jobs to the dead!”

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Chelsea Manager admits he’s honoured to be coaching Chelsea star

Mercy Lank

Antonio Conte has admitted his pride at being able to work with Eden Hazard at Chelsea.

The Belgian playmaker is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s top attacking talents and he seems to be finding his best form at Chelsea again this season. Ahead of this weekend’s games, Hazard had scored five goals and made two assists in 17 Premier League games for the west London side. The 26-year-old has won two Premier League titles since signing for Chelsea from French side Lille in the 2012 summer transfer window and he won the PFA player of the year award in 2015. And Conte has admitted that he is loving working with the talented attacker during his spell in charge at the west London side.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Conte said of Hazard: “I’m proud to have him in my team and my squad. “I’m very happy to work with him, he’s a really good guy. He has a lot of space for improvement to become one of the best players in the world.” Hazard will be expecting to feature for Chelsea when the Blues return to Premier League action on Wednesday night with a crunch clash against Arsenal at The Emirates. Arsenal managed to get the better of Chelsea in the FA Cup at Wembley back in May as they lifted the trophy for the third time in four years. Chelsea, meanwhile, celebrated winning the Premier League in Conte’s first campaign in charge at the club.

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Chelsea team news:Drinkwater and Zappacosta given rare starts as Christensen returns

Mercy Lank

Chelsea manager could well look to reshuffle his pack ahead of today's game against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge. Following on from Tuesday's 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, the festive fixtures come thick and fast with the Blues travelling to Arsenal on January 3.

Given Conte may have one eye on the fixture at the Emirates as Arsene Wenger's side bid to close the gap on the Premier League champions, he may rest some key names ahead of the team's first game of 2018. Stoke, who are currently languishing around the drop zone, travel to west London with a defensive injury crisis to deal with. While Kurt Zouma can't play given his loan spell from the Blues, Ryan Shawcross, Bruno Martins Indi and Glen Johnson are also unavailable for Mark Hughes' side. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Conte said that his team are fully focused on beating Stoke despite the Arsenal game on the horizon. "I think that tomorrow we have a difficult game against Stoke," said the manager. "As you remember last season in the same period we suffered a lot and we did struggle to beat them at home. "I remember the game really well. We must pay great attention. I think we have to go game by game.

"It's normal when you play every three days, I have to make rotations and give rests to players that are playing every game. "At the same time, all my players deserve credit and I trust all my players."

Andreas Christensen,

who missed Tuesday's win through illness, should return at the back in place of

Gary Cahill,

while

Davide Zappacosta

should come in for

Victor Moses

at right wing-back. he game also is a good chance for

Danny Drinkwater

to get some much-needed minutes under his belt and he comes in for

Tiemoue Bakayoko

to partner

N'Golo Kante.

Cesc Fabregas

is also rested ahead of his return to north London, with Pedro coming into the team to play alongside

Eden Hazard

and

Alvaro Morata

in attack.

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Governor’s Forum approval of $1bn insurgency fund illegal – Wike

Mercy Lank

Demands same approval to tackle environmental challenges in Niger Delta Governor Nyesom Woke of Rivers State, Friday described as illegal the approval of $1 billion from Excess Crude account by Nigeria Governors’ Forum. GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike Governor Wike who spoke with the State House correspondents after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja also proposed that same amount be withdrawn to tackle environmental challenges in the Niger Delta. Giving reasons why he was at the State House, the governor said he came to update the President on security development in Rivers. Reacting to the approval given by the NGF for the withdrawal of $1billion from the ECA for the fight against insurgency, he said while he had given his supports the fight against insurgency, the approval by the Governor’s Forum is illegal. According to him, “For me it is illegal, however, we are talking about fighting insurgence and no right thinking individual will say that he will not support the government to fight insurgency. “But on the other hand, I believe that we have been talking about the environmental issues in the Niger Delta particularly in Ogoni land, I believe that we can also take the same money from the excess crude account to fund the problem in Ogoni land and other Niger Delta areas. That is my position.

” He described his relationship with the president as cordial and that their discussion also bordered on other developmental issues in the state. He said, “I’m happy with the discussion and I believe that something has to be done about (security) it. Nothing political just security issue that affects the state and things that may lead to the breakdown of law and order. “We talked on security challenges and he received me very well. We don’t have any bad relationship, I come here when he asked me to come.” On the allegation that he manipulated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congress to install his candidate as chairman of the party, Wike said it was impossible for an individual to install a party chairman in the country. He said, “It is impossible for one person to own a party. The only thing is that people are vibrating and the ruling party is jittering about it”. The Rivers helmsman enthused that the PDP, will continue to win elections in the state. He said: “Take example of my state, we are sure that PDP will win elections any day, anytime. “There is no amount of blackmail; there is no amount of intimidation that will stop us from winning the state. “So I believe that other people working hard in their states should be able to deliver them to PDP in future elections.”

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My breasts and nipples are too big

Mercy Lank

I am a 20-year-old undergraduate. Although my friends believe that I am a pretty lady by all standards, my problem is that I have very big breasts which continue to embarrass me. Kindly let me know what to do about it. Grace (by sms) If your friends have already confirmed that you are a pretty lady, then you don’t need to worry yourself about the size of your breasts. Apart from the fact that the size of your breasts could have also added to your beauty, any attempt to reduce the size of yourbreasts through surgery or medications will always result in unpleasant consequences for you. In view of this, you are best advised to leave thebreasts alone as they are.

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Davido’s 30Billion concert is trending worldwide now

Mercy Lank

2017 just keeps getting better for Davido as his concluded 30 Billion concert sets a new record not just in Nigeria but globally. The much-anticipated concert which held at Eko Hotel and Suites, on Wednesday, December 27, is recorded as the biggest music concert of the year as it thrilled fans across Lagos State and beyond, with the hashtag #30BillionConcert trending in two major continents; United Kingdom and United States. Davido and Wizkid Fans were treated to a great show across the world and adulation has continued to pour in for the B.E.T Award winner.

This latest feat further cements Davido’s stake as one of Nigeria’s biggest artiste of 2017. Among the highlights that ensured a worldwide trend of the concert include Mohits Records reunion onstage and Wizkid’s performance with Davido. Furthermore, the widely trended concert proves that Davido has truly gone international, and his fan base is growing fast in major countries of the world. The concert which was put together by TE Group, Achievas Entertainment, and Pentagon was the first for Davido in Lagos and has promised much more in the future. Other artists who delivered ecstatic performances asides Davido include, Terry G, Olamide, Reekado Banks, Daddy Showkey, Niniola, CDQ, Sexy Steel, TJAN, Terry Apala, Wale Turner, Mohits Stars – Don Jazzy, DBanj, KSwitch, Dr Sid, Ikechukwu, D Prince, Wande Coal.

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Buhari can only be unseat in 2019 by only one anointed of God —Primate Ayodele

Mercy Lank

Renowned cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele, is the founder and spiritual leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, with headquarters in Lagos.

In this interview by KEHINDE OYETIMI, he speaks on what Nigeria and the rest of the world should expect in 2018.

Politics and the polity

All Progressives Congress (APC) governors will have issues such that there will be attempts to break up the party. PDP is dying gradually and the party needs a lot of prayers. There will be crisis in the party. Some PDP governors will work for the APC. PDP has not really addressed its issues. Crime, insecurity, immorality, herdsmen clashes will continue. The $1billion earmarked to fight terrorism may not make much difference. Terrorism has come to stay in Nigeria. Except the root of what is causing terrorism is addressed. The economy still has many issues to be addressed. Nigeria will still borrow. Some banks will experience issues and this will affect the economy. Access, GTB, Diamond, Stanbic IBTC banks may face query from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and they may also be shaken financially. There will be new procedure for lending. There will be changes in deposit and withdrawal commission. Some Managing Directors of Diamond Bank, First Bank, and Access Bank will have problems. We should pray against fire outbreak and armed robbery attacks in First Bank, Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank and Heritage Bank. Some new banks will spring up in the year, and some may work without licence. A lot will change in the banking sector. Government will explain how they have channelled funds from looters but it won’t help the economy. More funds from looters will be returned to the coffers of government and they need to look into how the money will be disbursed. Nigeria should not borrow from the World Bank as doing that will affect our economy. Prices of foodstuff will increase. Prices of building materials will increase. The dollar rate can’t come down to as far as N100. Government needs a lot of prayers.

Whoever wants to contest against Buhari must consult God very well. Only one anointed of God will unseat Buhari. Bread will be scarce in 2018. Some markets will be shut down. Let’s pray against losing market leaders in 2018. They should also be watchful of scandals. If the president puts the right people in place – people who understand how to improve the economy – that is when we can have a better economy. However, as things are now, only God can stabilise Nigeria’s economy in 2018. Pensioners will still complain. There will be fluctuations with Forex. Union Bank, First Bank and Keystone Bank will have problems with Forex. Some bank managers may be indicted for fraud. States will have a lot of troubles. In Imo State, if APC does not field the right person, the party will lose that state. Imo State should also be watchful of unexpected troubles and political riots. In Ekiti State, APC may experience lucky win if the PDP doesn’t put the right person in place. In Osun State, if APC brings out the right candidate, they can still win the state. In Oyo State, only if the APC gets the right candidate, will the party win. In Abia State, in the second term of the governor may experience challenges. It won’t be easy for the APC to capture Delta, Enugu, and Rivers states. Some senators and members of the House of Representatives will lose re-election bids. For the presidential election, Buhari will do a lot of alliance and political strategies, but his aides will create problems for him. However, if there’s a right candidate, Buhari will lose. Buhari’s second term bid will create problems for Nigeria and for Buhari himself. The only people who can hold Buhari’s administration together is Fashola and Amaechi. However, for second term, their roles will be threatened. There will be changes in APC leadership in Lagos State. Tinubu may not be as active and another person will take his position. Atiku’s eye on the presidency will be very serious. He must consult God very well on taking the right step. James Ingilari would have been a good candidate, but they will not access him. He’s the only person that can beat Buhari. Sule Lamido will face many controversies. There will be imposition of candidate in the PDP and the party may break up. After 2018, these are the people (if they’re alive) to watch for as regards the 2019 presidential election – Tambuwal, Saraki, Fashola, Amaechi, Amosun. Besides that, PDP has to put their house in order if they want to remain a party.

Buhari is weak. He doesn’t have the strength to move the country forward. Buhari’s government has been hijacked by cabals and he doesn’t understand the system. Buhari’s administration cannot take Nigeria to the Promised Land. In Kogi State, the government house is vacant if the PDP has a good candidate. Some governors trying to get second term will be disappointed. In Oyo State, PDP is dying. In Ondo State, Akeredolu may fail a second term bid if he’s not careful. Benue State governor must be watchful so his second term will not be experience challenges. Some of Buhari’s loyalists may still betray him. The next APC convention will experience troubles as there will be division of interest. The 2018 budget will not help the economy and it will not be accelerated as expected. The budget may still cause recession for the country. Let’s pray not to lose any major Nollywood artiste or Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Let’s also pray for good health for Soyinka, Shonekan, Gowon, Shagari. Let us also watch against protest in the country. Nigeria Army should be prepared against unexpected attack. IGP, Chief of Army Staff may face more challenges. There will be exposition of illegalities in the military. Let’s pray against explosion in Lagos, Abuja, Maiduguri, Bauchi. Let’s pray air force will not land-crash. There will be changes in the aviation sector. More airports will be refurbished. Some airlines – Aero Contractors, Dana, Air peace, Medview airlines must be very careful. KLM, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian should pray against technical troubles. There will be scarcity of aviation fuel because the price will increase. Some pilots may go on strike. Some Arik staff may protest. FAAN must be careful of problems. Dangote cement and BUA may have problems. Dangote will shut down some of his companies. He should pray against bereavement. He should pray against serious accident that will see him being sued. Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Osun Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Ogun states should be very careful. Government will take the issue of tax very serious. There will be troubles in the judiciary and there will be refurbishments of some courts. Some fake drugs on malaria will be detected. Nigeria will improve in the agriculture sector. Government will also make money from mining but they will not take it very serious. There will be new transportation system. We should pray against rail mishap. We should pray against bomb scare at MMIA Lagos. There will be a lot of expositions in 2018. Let’s pray not to lose any musician. There will be changes in ASUU leadership. A prominent person may resign from Trump’s cabinet. We should pray not to lose a prominent pastor. Government will try to bring up a law against churches but the law will not go far. We should pray against ethnic and religious crisis. Dasuki’s issue will come up next year, and they will attempt to indict him, but he will be free. Kanu’s issue is a dead issue. Another Biafra leader will come up, but won’t be able to actualise what they’re clamouring for. Olubadan should pray against bereavement again. Also, the issue the Olubadan has with the Obas, he won’t be able to address it.

Oil sector

The NNPC will face a lot of problems and Buhari will not listen to advice. There will be changes in NNPC hierarchy. Some refineries will not operate at maximum level. Some NNPC contractors will be exposed. Some people will try to partner with the NNPC. The current fuel scarcity will cause increase in the price of fuel and the situation will become politicised. NNPC GMD and some directors will be indicted. Let’s pray they don’t bomb any of our refineries. The issues with NNPC may cause the Avengers to rise again in 2018. There will be issues with Shell, Texaco, Oando, Forte Oil. Some members of staff of the NNPC will be laid off. PENGASSAN may still go on strike. Some fuel stations will be sealed off.

Electricity, labour

In the beginning of the year, light will be stable. However, from April, there will be problems and some states may experience blackouts and some dams will have problems. Government will look at bringing in companies to reorganise the power sector, which will have a lot of issues. Labour will threaten government as a result of minimum wage, because what they will ask for will be more than what government is willing to pay. The issue of minimum wage will be serious. Some labour leaders will experience unexpected termination of their appointments. There will be series of dialogue without results. Some teachers, doctors will go on strike. Some governments will have issues with doctors. The Paris Club refund will put 12/13 governors in problems, such that they will be tackled by the EFCC.

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Reno Omokri responds to Buhari’s 17 achievements in 2017 claim

Mercy Lank

Reno Omokri, erstwhile aide on New Media to former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to the 17 achievements of the federal government listed by the Presidency on Friday. DAILY POST had reported that the federal government listed among other things Nigeria’s exit from worst recession, naira stabilising against dollar, bumper harvest, especially in rice, payment of pension, among others. But according to Omokri, the achievements were an embarrassment for the Buhari administration. In a post published on his Facebook page, Omokri said: “The Buhari government released a list of 17 of its greatest achievements a few hours ago and after reading it, I was embarrassed for the regime. “The Buhari administration counts exiting a recession that it put Nigeria into as its greatest achievement of 2017! This government is the definition of cluelessness! We exited recession by growing at 0.5% meanwhile our population grew by 2.6%. Do the math and pray that 2019 is the end of this nightmare! “And going further they go on to list stabilizing the Naira as one of their achievements! A Naira they met at ₦199 to $1 and which is presently ₦365 to $1 has not been ‘stabilized’, it has been murdered. The Naira is in such bad shape that $1 can give you a Naira for every day of the year. “And how can this propagandist regime list bumper harvest as achievements when the latest Global Hunger Index published by the US based International Food Policy Research Institute, indicates that hunger has increased in Nigeria? “And stating that ‘the Nigeria Customs Service recorded its highest-ever revenue collection, crossing the One Trillion Naira (N1,000,000,000) mark’ is nothing short of fraud. “What the Buhari administration and the Nigerian Customs Service failed to tell Nigerians is that this amount is less than half what the Nigerian Customs Service generated in 2014 when you factor in the devaluation of the Naira. “In 2014, the Nigerian Customs Service generated ₦978 billion.

“When you factor in the official exchange rate in 2014 of 150 Naira to a dollar, that ₦978 billion was equivalent to $6.5 billion. “However, when you convert the ₦1 trillion the Nigerian Customs Service generated in 2017 using the official interbank exchange rate of 365 Naira to one dollar, that ₦1 trillion is equivalent to $2.7 billion! “In other words, the Nigerian Customs Service generated less than half of what it generated in 2014 and this fact cannot be hidden with their infantile propaganda. “You go through these 17 so called achievements and you soon realize that there is nothing tangible, like a road built or a refinery started. All their farcical ‘achievements’ are non tangibles. “Finally, let me add that Nigeria is broke. The Buhari administration has borrowed more than any government before it. Our total debt stands today at slightly over $64 billion. “Foreign and domestic lenders are now wary of lending to the Nigeria government. The landing cost for petrol is ₦171.40 per litre. Buhari has been secretly paying a subsidy of ₦26.40 per liter because he was ashamed of being exposed as a hypocrite for telling Nigerians that subsidy does not exist and Jonathan was deceiving the nation. Now he can no longer afford the deception. Don’t be a fool. Prepare for fuel price increase. IT WILL HAPPEN! “That is one achievement I can credit the Buhari administration with.”

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Chelsea Manager hints that these outcast could still have a big future at Stamford Bridge

Mercy Lank

Antonio Conte has revealed that forgotten man Baba Rahman could still have a future at Chelsea. Signed by Jose Mourinho in August 2015 from German club FC Augsburg, the 23-year-old has yet to kick a ball under the Italian since he took over in west London last summer. The Ghanaian was sent on loan to Schalke at the start of last season, yet, despite impressing early on, an anterior cruciate ligament injury picked up in Africa Cup of Nations curtailed his season. With Rahman back at Chelsea as he steps up his recovery, Conte has said the left-back could play a part for the Blues despite reports suggesting Fiorentina want to sign him on loan. "It's a good question," Conte told the media. "This player is coming from a bad, bad injury.

"He's struggling a bit to recover the best form. "To be honest, I don't know what's happening with Baba. "For sure, from the human aspect, I'd like to give him an opportunity to come back stronger like before. I think that now he has to face recovery.

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Chelsea news:Hazard is waiting for Real Madrid to make an offer the father confirms

Mercy Lank

Eden Hazard’s father has sensationally revealed his son is stalling on signing a new Chelsea contract to find out whether Real Madrid want to sign him in the summer. The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a move to Madrid in the last few years and Zinedine Zidane’s side are expected to step up their interest at the end of the season.

Madrid have endured a difficult campaign so far and Florentino Perez will look to remodel the club’s offensive options in the summer as a result. Hazard has just over two years remaining on his existing Chelsea deal but Antonio Conte’s side are desperate to resolve his long-term future with a huge new contract. However, Chelsea’s worst fears appear to be materialising after his father, Thierry, told newspaper Le Soir that his son his waiting for Madrid. “Eden has rejected a contract extension so he can, if necessary, deal with interest from Real Madrid, where he likes what he sees,” he said, via AS. “At this moment in time, there is no contact. Eden is just one of the parts involved.” A serious ankle injury in the summer has limited Hazard to just 13 Premier League starts this season, but he has still weighed in with five goals and two assists.

Furthermore, Hazard has completed more dribbles than any other player in the Premier League this term (79), while also boosting the best success rate (50+ dribbles attempted) in Europe’s top five leagues (80%).

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This is Our 17 achievements in 2017 – Presidency

Mercy Lank As the year 2017 remains two days to go, the federal government on Friday listed its achievements called ’17 Highlights from 2017’ newsmen report. Among the achievements include,

1. Nigeria exists from worst recession, naira stabilising against dollar, bumper harvest, especially in rice, payment of pension among others. This was made known to newsmen through the Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity. Read the full achievements listed by Femi Adesina: Nigeria exited its worst recession in decades. After five quarters of negative growth, the economy bounced back into positive territory. Agriculture was one of the stars of 2017, posting consistent growth levels even throughout the recession. Also, Inflation fell for ten consecutive months during 2017 (February to November). 
2. The Naira stabilised against the dollar, after the Central Bank introduced a new forex window for Investors and Exporters. The stability has attracted billions of dollars in portfolio investments since April 2017. 
3. On the back of a stable Naira and increased investment inflows, Nigeria’s stock market emerged one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 percent. 
4. Nigeria saw bumper food harvests, especially in rice, whose local production continues to rise significantly (States like Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kano leading the pack, with Ogun joining at the end of 2017). The price of a 50kg bag of rice – a staple in the country – has fallen by about 30 percent since the beginning of 2017, as local production has gone up. 
5. The Federal Government launched a 701 billion Naira Intervention Fund (‘Payment Assurance Programme’) aimed at supporting power generation companies to meet their payment obligations to gas and equipment suppliers, banks and other partners. The impact is being felt, the amount of power being distributed is now currently steady at around 4,000MW – higher than previously recorded. 
6. The Federal Government began paying pensions to police officers who were granted Presidential pardon in 2000 after serving in the former Biafran Police during the Nigerian Civil War. These officers, and their next of kin, have waited for their pensions for 17 years since the Presidential pardon. 
7. Nigeria rose 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, and earned a place on the List of Top 10 Reformers in the world.
8.  Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves grew by $12 billion, reaching the highest level since 2014. Nigeria also added, this year, an additional $250m to its Sovereign Wealth Fund. Also, Nigeria’s trade balance crossed over into surplus territory, from a deficit in 2016. 
9. Nigeria successfully issued two Eurobonds (US$4.5bn), a Sukuk Bond (100 billion Naira), a Diaspora Bond (US$300m), and the first Sovereign Climate Bond in Africa, raising billions of dollars for infrastructure spending. 
10. The Federal Government launched a Tax Amnesty scheme expected to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenues when it closes in March 2018. 
11. The Federal Government successfully commenced implementation of a Whistleblowing Programme that has so far seen recoveries of tens of millions of dollars. 
12. The Social Investment Programme – Nigeria’s most ambitious social welfare programme ever – rolled out across dozens of states. (Currently, 5.2 million primary school children in 28,249 schools in 19 states are being fed daily; 200,000 unemployed graduated enlisted into the Npower Job Scheme, and a quarter of a million loans already distributed to artisans, traders, and farmers). 
13. The number of Nigerians facing food insecurity in the northeast dropped by half, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The Nigeria Customs Service recorded its highest-ever revenue collection, crossing the One Trillion Naira (N1,000,000,000) mark. [The target for 2017 was 770 billion Naira (N770,573,730,490); 2016 Collection was just under 900 billion (N898,673,857,431.07)] 
14. The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), under the new management appointed by President Buhari in 2016, remitted 7.8 billion Naira to the coffers of the Federal Government. The total amount remitted by JAMB between 2010 and 2016 was 51 million Naira.
15.  2017 was also the Year of Nigeria’s Agriculture Revolution, embodied by the successes of the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) and the Anchor Borrowers Programme. More than a dozen moribund fertilizer blending plants were revived under the PFI this year. Finally, 
16. 2017 will be the Year that laid the foundation for a 2018 that will be Nigeria’s Year of Infrastructure. A number of important infrastructure projects, in power, rail and road, are scheduled to come on-stream or inch close to completion next year

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Evil:Man caught having Sex with his ‘Sister’ at his wife’s Funeral (PHOTOS)

Mercy Lank

A GWERU man left Chiredzi people shocked when he was caught having sex with another woman during his wife’s funeral service. Circumstances are that the accused Luscious Chiturumani stayed in Gweru with his wife Sibongile Mthetwa who allegedly died after a short illness. Since Chiturumani had not fully paid the bride price, it was then decided that the deceased be buried in Chiredzi, her parents’ rural community. On arrival the deceased’s husband was accompanied by a woman whom he claimed to be his sister and he was accorded full respect as a son-in-law of the family. The two were then given a courtesy room for them to rest as a family and they then retired to bed earlier than other people as visitors. More people were expected to join them in the room but none did and they took advantage of the situation and woke up to some early morning sex. Cla

ims are that just before 6am someone smoking outside leaning on the window heard some funny sounds emanating from the room which the two were resting in. The unidentified man then decided to call others to see what was happening inside. Unfortunately the doors had no locks and the two were found busy having sex. A close relative of the deceased identified as Grace Mtethwa confirmed the incident saying that Chiturumani had brought disgrace to their family as the case will remain the talk of town. “It is very much disgusting what my uncle has done. Humbwa chaiwo. “He has proven to be a dog and lacking any sense of morality. How can someone come all the way from Gweru to have sex here aaah? I had never seen anything like such in my entire life. “Apa haana kumbopedza kubhadhara roora racho but he found the courage to bring a prostitute saying it was his sister. Mthetwa added; “We gave them a room to sleep in at around 9pm.

“You know at a funeral very few people retire to bed and if they do so it will be around 1am vatoneta nekuimba so I guess that is the advantage which the so called brother and sister took because no one joined them in their room. “At around 5am a certain man came to a place where my aunts and I were sitting saying we should visit the room where he heard some sounds assuming there was a problem. Mob justice is said to have followed for disrespecting the dead, the in-laws and again for deceiving people that the lady was his sister and agreeing to share a room with her. The two were force-marched out of the room and Chiturumani was being slapped and kicked as he made the short walk to a car that was waiting for him in the yard.

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#RUSSIA2018 | Croatia to play Brazil in readiness for Super Eagles

Mercy Lank

The Croatian Football Federation are in advanced talks with their Brazilian counterparts over a pre-World Cup friendly, according to reports. Novilist newspaper claims the Croatian national team will play a friendly match against five-time world champions Brazil by the end of May or the beginning of June next year. The newspaper added that the leadership of the Croatian Football Federation have agreed on the conditions for the friendly to take place, and what is left is the venue and date. It is certain that the Croatia-Brazil friendly will take place in England, Stamford Bridge and Anfield are among the stadiums being considered for the event. Ahead of their first game in the mundial against Nigeria, Croatia have lined up confirmed friendlies against Peru in Miami and Mexico in Dallas on March 23 and March 27 respectively.

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Obiora Okonkwo wants INEC Chairman jailed for contempt over Anambra Central re-run

Mercy Lank

A member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Obiora Okonkwo, has commenced contempt proceedings against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. Recall that Okonkwo was declared by a Federal High Court in Abuja as the senator-elect to represent Anambra Central Senatorial District.

In the uncontested judgement of December 13th 2017, Justice John Tsoho also ordered the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to immediately inaugurate Okonkwo to take over the Anambra Central Senatorial District seat in the Senate. However, Okonkwo on Thursday initiated the contempt suit due to alleged disobedience of the court’s December 13, 2017 order directing the INEC chairman to issue the Certificate of Return to him as the winner of the Anambra Central Senatorial seat. The Form 48, the notice for consequences of disobedience of the order of court marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1092/14 was caused to be issued through the registry of the court by Okonkwo’s counsel, Sabastine Hon (SAN). The document read in part, “Take notice that unless you obey the decisions contained in the consent judgment of this honourable court made by Justice John Tsoho on December 13, 2017, already served on you on December 19, 2017, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”

In addition to the contempt proceedings, Obiora equally asked the court to stop INEC from conducting the rerun election for the senatorial seat scheduled for January 13, 2018, since he had already been declared the winner of that election by court. He also asked the court to declare as invalid in law, null and void, all the processes leading to and consequent upon the scheduled rerun election, including announcement of results, declaration of the ‘winner,’ issuing of certificate of return to the ‘winner’ and the determination of an election petition or election petitions against any of the defendants. The suit has 29 defendants including INEC, Chief Victor Umeh, the All Progressives Grand Alliance; Flint Ikechukwu Obiekwe; United Progressive Party; Senator Chris Ngige; the All Progressives Congress; Oyeh Mercy Uche; Accord Party; Hon. Oby Kate Okafor; Advanced Congress of Democrats; Chief Anayo Nweke; African Democratic Congress; Christopher Chukwendu; Citizens Popular Party; Okafor Ikechukwu; Independent Democrats; Chief Dennis Oguguo; Kowa Party and Kingsley Nwafor. The rest are Ekweozoh Nkem; Mega Progressive Peoples Party; Ubakamma Ikenna; National Conscience Party; Rev. Charles Ekwueme; People For Democratic Change; Igwilo Michael and the Progressive Peoples Alliance.

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Fuel scarcity: You are hypocrites – PDP chieftain, Onuesoke attacks Bakare, Soyinka, Utomi, others

Mercy Lank

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has described Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Pat Utomi, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Femi Falana and others as hypocrites for keeping mute as scarcity of fuel continues to bite harder across the country. According to them, during the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan, they were vocal and took to the streets at the slightest provocation but had remained motionless even when fuel price has risen to N145 from N85, yet Nigerians can’t see it to buy.

Onuesoke said since they had shown themselves as activists in 2012 during the tenure of Jonathan, they should equally speak out against the present hardship the masses were facing with respect to scarcity of fuel. He made the appeal after purchasing fuel for N420 per liter in Abuja yesterday, adding that what was happening presently in Nigeria with respect to fuel scarcity showed that the APC-led government did not have anything to offer. He said: “What are the Soyinkas, Femi Falanas, Joe Odumakins, Pastor Bakares, Utomis and others who claim to be activists and defenders of the masses doing now when the prices of the commodities went to the roof top and it is not available in this present administration. “When former President Goodluck Jonathan wanted to deregulate the oil sector and raise fuel pump price they protested. They shut down the country for six days.

“They shut down the country for six days. Then they claimed they were fighting for the interest of their generations. “But when this present government which promised to reduce fuel pump price during campaign removed fuel subsidy and increased fuel pump price from N65 to N145 per litre, none of them raised an eye brow. They pretended as if they were not aware of the astronomical increase of fuel pump price by President Muhammadu Buhari’s government. That is the hypocrisy of the western people.”

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Buhari incapable of governing Nigeria – Reno Omokri

Mercy Lank

Former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday’s described Buhari as unfit to rule Reno Omokri queried what time President Buhari has to govern since doctors ordered him to sleep longer hours.

In his tweets he wrote “At 74/75, Buhari’s doctors have ordered him to ‘sleep longer hours’ in order to fully recover. “So what time does he have to govern effectively? When he was not sleeping ‘longer hours’ Buhari was not able to improve Nigeria. Is it now that he is sleeping on duty that he can?”

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Chelsea News:Christensen Is Back, Hazard and Morata Up Front – Strongest 3-4-1-2 Chelsea Line-up To Face Stoke

Mercy Lank

Predicted Chelsea Line-up To Face Stoke City In The Premier League

Chelsea returned back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on the Boxing Day in the Premier League. Alvaro Morata and Marcos Alonso scored for the Blues as we moved a point closer to Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United, who were held for a 2-2 draw by Burnley at Old Trafford.

Stoke City, like many of Chelsea’s opponents over the past month, are not exactly in good form, but we cannot be complacent and should face this challenge tactfully. The last time the two sides met in September, it turned out to be a forgettable day for Mark Hughes’ side at the BET365 stadium, as Morata inspired our club to a thumping 4-0 victory by scoring his first-ever Chelsea hat-trick. Hughes will hope to avoid similar circumstances on Saturday and aim to give Antonio Conte’s side a few headaches at Stamford Bridge.

Team News

Chelsea are again without David Luiz, who is continuing to recover from a serious knee injury, whilst Charly Musonda remains a doubt for the game. Andreas Christensen was hit by sickness prior to the game on Boxing Day but could return to the squad against Stoke.

Probable Chelsea XI

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Thibaut Courtois (GK)

Courtois is Chelsea’s undisputed No.1 and should start against Stoke City.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RCB)

Azpilicueta is possibly the most consistent defender we have and he should start the game on Saturday.

Andreas Christensen (CB)

Christensen missed the last game due to sickness but is expected to be back in the starting line-up. The 21-year-old has established himself as a regular at the heart of Antonio Conte’s defence and has impressed the Italian with his performances this season.

Gary Cahill (LCB)

The skipper will have a task cut out to marshal his defence against the physical Stoke side.

Victor Moses (RWB)

Since his return, Moses has provided Chelsea the width they were lacking previously. The Nigerian is defensively decent but adds more going forward.

Marcos Alonso (LWB)

What a super signing he is proving to be! The Spaniard is always a threat during set-pieces and demonstrated it with a bullet header against Brighton. Alonso is a guaranteed starter at the weekend.

Tiemoue Bakayoko (CM)

After struggling for form since his arrival from Monaco in the summer, the Frenchman is finally starting to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

N’Golo Kante (CM)

Kante played in our previous game and the diminutive midfielder has to play once again as we need to keep the Stoke midfielders at bay.

Cesc Fabregas (CAM)

Fabregas’s incisive passing and guile will be needed in the game against the Potters as we need to pick up three points at home.

Eden Hazard (ST)

Conte’s side were inspired by an Eden Hazard performance in which he played four positions, better than anyone else on the pitch; right wing, left wing, No.10 and centre-forward. He orchestrated Chelsea’s attacks and linked up pretty well with goalscorer Alvaro Morata.

Alvaro Morata (ST)

His return to the starting line-up made such a massive difference as the Spaniard scored a minute after half-time against Brighton. Stoke defenders will be wary of what he did last time at the BET365 stadium.

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