Ronaldo better than Messi —Zidane

 

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world — ahead of Lionel Messi.

The pair’s combined career goal tally recently passed 1,000, with Ronaldo firing 30 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions for club and country this season.

But with the debate about the best player in the world continuing to rumble on, Zidane was clear about who he thinks takes the plaudits.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best,” Zidane told Record Mexico.

“People can say what they like about Cristiano Ronaldo, but in his heart he’s a good person. Messi is the rival and that rivalry is great for the footballing spectacle, it’s what the fans want to see.”

Zidane is yet to lose a game as Real Madrid boss, with four wins and one draw coming from his five games in charge since succeeding Rafael Benitez at the Bernabeu.

But the former France international said he never saw himself in management, although is extremely happy with the work his players have put in so far.

He said, “I never thought that I’d be a manager. When your playing career ends all you want to do is spend time with your family. I always liked being on the pitch, it’s what I knew how to do. Everything else was foreign to me.

“It’s always the manager’s fault if the team lose. But you have to accept that responsibility, with all the good and bad that comes with it.

“The main thing is getting my message across to the players. I only give them two or three instructions because they’re extremely professional. I have a sensational group of players, I’m delighted with the work they’re doing.”

Nigeria seeks secret trial for Nnamdi Kanu

The Nigerian government has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to conduct a secret trial to cross-examine witnesses in the ongoing case of alleged treasonable felony and other charges against leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Mr. Kanu and two others, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, are facing charges of alleged treason, maintaining unlawful society, possession of firearms, among others.
Counsel to the federal government, who is also the Director of Prosecution in the office of the Attorney General, Mohammed Diri, asked the court at the opening of session to permit the conduct of secret trial for the protection of witnesses.
But counsel to the first defendant, Chuks Muoma, opposed the application for secret trial, saying military personnel were already providing adequate security during the trial.
He however prayed the court to order the return of $2,200; N87,000 and two international passports collected from Mr. Kanu upon his arrest.
Mr. Muoma said the prosecution, despite collecting the said amount and items, had deliberately avoided stating anything regarding them in its affidavit.
He prayed the court to order the return of the item, stressing that the allegations against his client were yet to be proven in court.

Mr. Diri however objected, stating that the defendants had the right, as stipulated in Section 10 (7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, to ask for their items, from the prosecution. In his response, Mr. Mouma said it is only the court that can grant the relief sought by his client.
The trial judge, Justice John Tsoho, ruled that the submission of the prosecution counsel that the application for release of his client’s items should be made to the office of the AGF was wrong.
Mr. Tsoho noted that since the defendants had been brought before the court of law, the manner of making the application for retrieval of items was duly made.
He however ruled that since evidences were yet to be tendered before the court on the matter, it would be improper to assume that the items were not important to the prosecution.
“I hold a humble view that just as the prosecution is not to be confined to the number of witnesses it can bring before a court, its number of evidences cannot also be limited,” said Mr. Tsoho.
The matter was adjourned to February 19 for ruling on the application for secret trial.

I just love everything about Seyi Shay - Daniel K Daniel

– Daniel K Daniel was born in Maiduguri, Borno state
– The Nollywood actor once dated ex-beauty queen Chidinma Charles
– Daniel has won several awards

Daniel K Daniel

Fast rising Nollywood actor Daniel Kanayo Daniel who was shot into limelight for his heroic role in the Amstel Malta Box Office movie, The Child.
The award-winning actor who was recently nominated for Best Actor in Drama category, at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA 2016), for his lead role in the blockbuster movie A Soldier’s Story in an interview professed his undying love for popular music artist Seyi Shay.
Daniel K Daniel said: “I just LOVE everything about Seyi Shay, her voice is amazing, her performances are always breathtaking and she is super sexy!!! I have every one of her singles on my phone and her New Album Seyi or Shay is on repeat.”

Speaking with Naijagist, about his previous relationship to former beauty queen Chidinma Charles and why he is yet to go into any relationship, Daniel disclosed that he would not go into any relationship for dating sake revealing that if he is to go into any relationship, it would be the whole 9 yards.
In a previous interview, Daniel revealed why he broke up with his ex-girlfriend Chidinma saying: “we had a good relationship and probably the longest relationship I have ever had. We dated for two years. It didn’t work out. We had unsettled differences. There were things I would have loved to change but they weren’t changing and I guess she must have had that same feeling about me. But we are still very close and we talk all the time. We decided it would be best if we don’t have a relationship.”
See more photos below:

Syrian Rebels kill Russian Military Officers in Mortar attack

Turkish artillery on Monday shelled a small town in Syria's northern Latakia province inflicting casualties among civilians, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said.

DAMASCUS (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, Lebanese Al Mayadeen TV channel reported that one Syrian serviceman was killed and five others were wounded in a shelling from the Turkish territory.

"The Turkish authorities are responsible for artillery shelling of the town of Jabal Oteira in northern Latakia, which caused casualties among peaceful civilians," the ministry said in statement as quoted by official SANA news agency.

© Photo: Youtube/ Russian Defence Ministry

Turkey Shells Civilian Villages on Syrian Border, Russian MoD Has Proof (VIDEO)

Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said Monday that it obtained video proof of Syrian civilian areas being shelled from Turkish border posts. The Russian Defence Ministry expects an explanation from NATO, Pentagon and Turkish Armed Forces on the incident. The correspoding statement was made on Monday by the Ministry's spokesman Igor Konashenkov.
According to the spokesman, the Ministry of Defense recently received the video footage from the Syrian General Staff which shows "self-propelled heavy artillery weapons deployed at the Turkish outpost in question."

EFCC slams charges on Nigerian senior lawyer, Ricky Tarfa, ‘for obstruction of justice’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to arraign a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Ricky Tarfa, on a two- count charge bordering on obstruction of justice and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Mr. Tarfa was arrested on Friday, February 5, by operatives of the EFCC in Lagos, where he allegedly hid two suspects – Nazaire Sorou Gnanhoue and Modeste Finagnon, both Beninoise – in his Mercedes Benz Sports Utility car, thereby shielding them from being arrested and willfully obstructing the course of justice.
The suspects were alleged to have fraudulently converted some sophisticated manufacturing equipment belonging to Rana Prestige Nigeria Limited for their own use.
Besides, they are being investigated for alleged tax evasion running into millions of naira.
An operative of the Commission who was officially detailed to effect their arrest was reportedly prevented from carrying out his duty by Mr. Tarfa.
The senior lawyer would also be arraigned for illegally and unethically communicating with a judge (name withheld) in a suit involving the EFCC and two companies.
Download charges against Mr. Tarfa below.
 

Is Jose Mourinho the right man for Man.u

Jose Mourinho is the "perfect man" to help Manchester United compete with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City next season, according to former Porto striker Benni McCarthy.

The BBC has learned ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho, 53, could replace Louis van Gaal as United manager this summer.
McCarthy, 38, played under Mourinho during the Portuguese's time at Porto.
"Mourinho is one of those people who knows how to beat Guardiola's tactics," he told BBC Sport.
"When he was at Real Madrid, he beat him a couple of times. At Inter Milan, he also had success against him.
"At the moment, I can't see anyone taking on Pep and his tactics at Manchester City but with Mourinho at United, he would have the resources, the players and the financial backing to beat Guardiola."
Former Barcelona coach Guardiola, now in charge of Bayern Munich, will succeed Manuel Pellegrini as City manager in the summer.

'Mourinho is not damaged goods'

Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola have faced each other 16 times as managers, drawing five of them

Mourinho's second spell as Chelsea boss ended in December, when he was sacked after losing nine of the season's first 16 league games.
His departure came just seven months after he had won his third Premier League title with the Blues, the first two of which came during his first spell at the club - from 2004-2007.
Mourinho fell out with the Blues' medical team, in particular club doctor Eva Carneiro, after describing them as "naive" for running on to the pitch to treat midfielder Eden Hazard during a draw against Swansea in August.
McCarthy, who won consecutive Portuguese titles and the Champions League at Porto, said suggestions his former boss is "damaged goods" are "majorly unfair".
The South African added: "Everywhere he has gone, he has been successful.

Jump media player

Media player help

Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.

'You're getting sacked' - Van Gaal to reporter

"The fans, the media, the people don't know what went on behind closed doors at Chelsea and what caused the problems they had when he was in charge. I certainly don't think that experience makes him a bad manager.
"The problems he has had of late seem to be due to personality clashes. When you want more from your players and they think they can't give you more, it results in a clash and players don't play to the best of their ability."
McCarthy said Mourinho's man-management skills were "unbelievable".
He added: "Manchester United have a lot of young players, who want to achieve things and make names for themselves. He would come in and be the perfect man for the job.
"If the players give him 100% effort, and show a willingness to succeed, he could definitely get Manchester United back to being one of those powerhouses in Europe, where teams fear to go."

'Mourinho ready for a long-term job'

Sections of the United support have called for Mourinho to become their new manager

Mourinho has never spent more than three years in a single spell as manager of a club.
But McCarthy feels he is ready for a long-term challenge, and thinks United would be the perfect job for him.
"During my time at Porto he had time to settle in and instil his philosophy," said McCarthy. "Nobody interfered much in what he was doing. He had full support and I think that is why he was so successful.
"Manchester United is that kind of club. It is a very well-run club and a family club. Because of that I think he will be able to make those players play to their ability and put the club back where they belong.

Jump media player

Media player help

Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to contin

Is Jose Mourinho the right man for Man Utd?

"I definitely think he wants that opportunity to have a long-term spell at a club, where he can build a foundation and fix things properly. When he gets that, people will see the real Mourinho we all know."
Van Gaal has responded angrily to speculation about his job, and said there was no need for the club to deny they were in talks with Mourinho.
But both he and predecessor David Moyes, who was sacked just 10 months after succeeding the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, have struggled to match expectations at Old Trafford.
McCarthy said Mourinho wants the challenge of "following in Ferguson's footsteps" so he is not just known as "someone for a short-term fix".
He added: "He is not quite up there yet with Ferguson but, in terms of what he has won, he is only one of a handful of people who can take the Manchester United job and rebuild it.
"It is the people's club and he would have the right resources to once again make them one of the most fierce teams in Europe. He would come in, change things around and get one up on Chelsea."

Islamic State foothold in Libya poses threat to Europe

Counter-terrorism officers in the Metropolitan Police are increasingly concerned that so-called Islamic State's foothold in Libya could become a second springboard, after Syria, for attacks on the UK and the rest of Europe.

As the US-led coalition steps up air strikes on IS positions in Syria and Iraq there are growing fears that the IS "enclave" around the Libyan city of Sirte is providing a safe haven in which jihadists can train, fund and plan attacks across the Mediterranean. So how real is this threat?

Last week the US State Department and the Pentagon jointly raised their estimate of the number of foreign jihadists with IS in Libya to 4,000-6,000. They believe large numbers are being recruited from African countries to the south, helped by cash inducements.
There is no question that Libya offers IS a convenient second base after Syria, something it started scouting out as far back as 2014 by covertly sending "emissaries" to make contact with jihadists in the east of the country.
Libya today is awash with powerful weapons and there are unlimited places in which to train jihadists for future terrorist attacks, with little chance of being disrupted by any kind of central authority because there isn't one.
Both IS and Western governments have made much of Libya's proximity to southern Europe, pointing out that it brings the group geographically much closer to the West than its bases in Raqqa or Mosul.

Gruelling journey

But in fact, when it comes to access to Europe, Libya is a lot less convenient for IS than it appears on the map.
On its western border the Tunisian government has just completed the first part of a border security barrier aimed at preventing the sort of devastating attacks on tourists carried out in Tunis and Sousse last year.
There will still be ways round the fence, further to the south, but it makes the international crossing much harder. Libya shares a long, 989km western border with Algeria, but the authorities there have been assiduous in pursuing Islamist groups inside their borders and have assigned thousands of extra troops to patrol the Libyan border.

Tunisia has erected the first part of a barrier along its border with Libya

To the east is Egypt, where the secular government of President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has vowed to crush the Islamist insurgency in his country and where Apache helicopter gunships patrol the western desert close to the Libyan border.
To the north is, of course, the Mediterranean, hardly an impenetrable barrier, but Western analysts still assess that IS will be reluctant to risk sending trained operatives by sea on a boat overloaded with migrants if they can find a safer way into Europe.
That still leaves nearby Malta and the wide open borders to the south but the latter entails a gruelling journey across the Sahara Desert and the risk of arrest in a Sahel country such as Niger or Chad.

Turkey's blind eye

Compare this with the ease with which IS jihadists and recruits have been able to travel between Syria and Europe.
Those heading for Raqqa in Syria have been able to buy cheap plane tickets to Istanbul, pretending they are going on holiday, with no need for a Turkish visa in advance, then meet up with a fixer who directs them to either a bus or internal plane journey down to a border town like Gaziantep.
From there, smugglers who know every loophole in the border take them across into IS territory.
Meanwhile, contrary to the initial assessment of European intelligence agencies, a small number of IS operatives heading the other way have been able to hide themselves among the mass movement of migrants travelling from the Middle East and up through the Balkans into western Europe.
Today the Turkish-Syrian border is a rather less benign crossing point for IS jihadists. Kurdish militia groups control much of the Syrian side of that border while Turkey, which has long been accused of turning a blind eye to jihadists passing through, has now tightened up its border controls significantly.

IS fighters attacked a Libyan oil terminal at Es Sider in January

So where does this leave Libya and the possibility, as feared by the Met Police, that the situation on the ground there will lead to a new wave of attacks on the UK and Europe?
UK officials in Whitehall say that until now there is no evidence of IS operatives leaving Libya to target Europe, nor of attack planning on the UK from Sirte, the IS centre of operations in Libya.
But they also caution that IS in Libya is still on an upward curve in terms of growth and consolidating its powerbase.
Just as IS in Syria and Iraq first concentrated its efforts on taking territory and disposing of local enemies, IS in Libya is currently doing the same.
But the expectation in Western capitals is that once that phase is over it will be only a matter of time before attacks are planned and dispatched from Libya.
"We know it's coming down the track," said one official. "It's just a question of when."

---

 

IS in Libya

IS seized a strip of land along Libya's coast, around the city of Sirte, last year
Libyan intelligence officials say foreign fighters and some IS commanders have relocated there from Iraq and Syria
The US estimates the number of IS foreign jihadists at 4,000-6,000
The largest groups are said to be from Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan and Iraq; there are smaller numbers from many other countries
Recent recruitment has focused on sub-Saharan African countries
It is not known how many of the jihadists are nationals of European countries
IS has attacked Libyan cities, including Tripoli and Benghazi, and oil installations

---

India:Elephant rampage causes panic in West Bengal

A wild elephant went on an hours-long rampage in India's West Bengal state, sending residents fleeing in panic.

Officials fired tranquillizer darts to control the animal after it damaged dozens of homes, cars and motorbikes.
Local forestry authorities said no-one was hurt in the incident, in the town of Siliguri.
The animal was taken to a park where domesticated elephants are kept and officials have said they hope to return it to the wild.
Eyewitnesses said the animal had strayed into the town from a nearby forest and seemed frightened and confused.

Image caption People threw stones to try to drive away the elephant

Image caption According to an official, the female elephant appeared to be a loner without a herd and was likely searching for food

Image caption The animal damaged dozens of cars and motorbikes

Image caption Authorities shot the elephant three times with a tranquilizer gun

Image caption Officials used a crane to lift the animal into a truck once it had calmed down

Happy birthday to Prophet David Oluwafemi

Parophet David oluwafemi Lukman is a God fearing man. He is the founder of Kingsway Apostolic church.
Located at Lagos State Agege. Today is your Bornday day sir. We all wishing you a happy birthday sir.
For spiritual help you can add him on Facebook with David Oluwafemi
Contact number: 0802 324 2310

US government sues Ferguson over police reform

The US Justice Department is suing Ferguson, Missouri to force the city to adopt police reforms negotiated with the federal government.

Unarmed black teenager Michael Brown was shot dead by a police officer in the city in 2014, sparking protests.
Ferguson was required to reform its policing after investigators found widespread racial bias in the force.
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said there was no option but to sue after the city voted to revise the agreement.

• Michael Brown profile
• How the shooting sparked national protests

"The residents of Ferguson have waited nearly a year for their city to adopt an agreement that would protect their rights and keep them safe," she said.
"They should not be forced to wait any longer."
She accused Ferguson's police of routinely carrying out unconstitutional practices that disproportionately targeted the black community.

Image caption Michael Brown's death put the spotlight on issues of race and policing in the US

Ferguson's council voted six to none on Tuesday night to reject the agreement, citing concerns about costs.
Even if they win the civil rights suit filed against them, they could face millions of dollars in legal fees.
There has been no immediate comment from Ferguson officials on the justice department's announcement.
A grand jury and the Department of Justice declined to prosecute Michael Brown's killer, white officer Darren Wilson.
The shooting generated a national debate about race relations and police violence.

Police accuse 17 ABUAD students of attempted bank robbery

Police on Wednesday accused 17 students of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, of an attempt to rob a branch of Wema Bank in the institution.

At the hearing on Wednesday, the police prosecutor, Mr. Samuel Osobu, informed the court of the intention to file a probable cause of action against the students, other than the six-count earlier slammed on them on Tuesday.

This was after the court had earlier admitted the students to N300,000 bail each and one surety in like sum, who must be either a civil or public servant on the previous charge.

The prosecutor said he had forwarded the case file to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions forlegal advice.

Osobu alleged that the students on February 7 unlawfully committed the offence of arson by burning houses belonging to ABUAD University security staff and burglary of a boutique belonging to the wife of the ABUAD founder.

He added that the students also attempted to rob the branch of Wema Bank situated on the campus.

According to him, the alleged offences contravene Section 443(a), 411(2) and 403 of the criminal code, Cap C 16, Laws of Ekiti State of Nigeria, 2016.

The plea of the accused were not taken as their counsel, Mr Peter Ogunkile, Chris Omokhafe and eight others sought for a date of adjournment pending the advice of the DPP office.

Chief Magistrate Adesoji Adegboye consequently ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the outcome of the DPP advice.

He adjourned the case till February 12 for further hearing.

EFCC seizes N5bn houses of ex-NAF chief, Amosu, others

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has seized houses and other properties belonging to the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (retd.), and other senior military officers worth N5bn.

Our correspondent learnt on Wednesday that the properties, which were seized in the Ikoyi, Ikeja GRA and Badagry areas of Lagos State, allegedly belonged to Amosu; the immediate past Chief of Accounts and Budgeting of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal J.B. Adigun; and Air Commodore O. O. Gbadebo, who was the Director of Finance and Budget at NAF.

A senior EFCC official, who did not want his name in print, told our correspondent that the suspects and others were cooperating fully with the anti-graft agency.

The source, who spoke to The PUNCH on Wednesday, in Abuja, said, “We have sealed a block of 12 luxury flats, located on Agodogba Street, Park View Estate, Ikoyi, belonging to Adigun. It is worth over N1.7bn. The same Adigun also owns another block of luxury flats on Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. It is worth N1.8bn.

“A parcel of land, located on Bourdillon Drive, Ikoyi, worth N908m, belonging to Adigun has also been seized by the EFCC operatives.”

The source added that six other properties had been traced to Adigun, including a set of four terrace houses on Agede Street, off Aminu Kano in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja.

He stated that the properties traced to Amosu were located in the Ikeja area of Lagos metropolis.

The operative said apart from the buildings, Amosu’s vehicles had also been confiscated by the anti-graft agency.

He added, “Amosu confessed to owning an ultra-modern hospital on Adeniyi Jones Avenue in Ikeja. The hospital, St Solomon Health Care Limited, which is worth about N85m, has been sealed off.

“A house located on Adeyemo Alakija Street, GRA Ikeja, near the Ghanaian High Commission, which belongs to Amosu has also been sealed. It is worth over N200m.

“Amosu, who is from Badagry, also built a house in the area. That house has also been sealed off. I cannot state the worth of the house for now.

“We have also seized a bulletproof Toyota Sports Utility Vehicle and a Toyota Avalon, belonging to Amosu. He is cooperating with us.”

The detective said six other properties had been traced to Amosu, including one in Harmony Estate in Abuja.

The EFCC source said a block of flats, belonging to Gbadebo, had also been seized.

“Gbadebo was the assistant to Adigun. He is also helping with investigation. He owns a block of eight two-bedroomed flats in a border town between Lagos and Ogun states. He also has a fish pond in the compound. The building has also been sealed off,” he said.

Our correspondent learnt that as of Wednesday afternoon, detectives were still tracing and sealing off other properties.

Amosu and over 10 senior officers are being probed by the EFCC as part of investigations into the $2.1bn arms scam, especially in relation to the 10 contracts of the NAF, said to be worth $930,500,690.00.

On Monday, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.), was detained by the anti-graft agency.

Both Badeh and Amosu are answering questions on the non-specification of procurement costs, absence of contract agreements, award of contracts beyond authorised thresholds, transfer of public funds for unidentified purposes and general non-adherence to provisions of the Public Procurement Act.

The source explained that the EFCC had been given 30 days by the court to do a proper investigation.

“We have obtained court order and holding charge; we can detain them. It subsists for 30 days. Hopefully, we will be able to charge them to court very soon.

“We are sending a message to civil servants because the era of impunity is over,” the source stated.

All attempts to get an official confirmation from the EFCC proved abortive as the spokesperson for the agency, Wilson Uwujaren, neither responded to repeated telephone calls nor a text message sent to his mobile.

The PUNCH exclusively reported on February 3 that the EFCC had asked the former Chief of Air Staff to refund some money or contract sums traced to him.

Since his detention, Amosu had been quizzed over the procurement of two second-hand Mi-24V Helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at a cost of $136.9m.

The helicopters were alleged not to be operationally airworthy at the time of delivery while a brand new unit of such helicopters costs about $30m.

Chelsea's Willian reveals his free-kick heroes and secrets to his success

Chelsea midfielder Willian has revealed the secrets to his free-kick success and the players whose techniques he has learnt from.

The Brazilian has been one of the shining lights for Chelsea in their disappointing season, scoring eight goals in all competitions, seven of which have come directly from free-kicks.
"There are some players I always watched, various players who I knew hit the ball well," he told UEFA's official website.

"Ronaldinho and David Beckham, they took free-kicks and took them very well, so there are some players I always try to follow and to learn important things from so that I am able to score goals."Willian, who joined Chelsea in 2013 from Anzhi Makhachkala, also explained that practice has been integral to his success.
"It's an important thing to practice," he said. "Training is always important. Not to train too much, but during the day, take four or five shots here and there. That helps you quite a lot in a real match and gives you the chance to score.

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has played down rumours that he's been approached to take over at Chelsea

"When the time comes in a match it's about concentration, watching the goalkeeper as well, and looking at the posture of the goalkeeper, trying to hit it right."
Willian and Chelsea will be in Champions League action again next week when they travel to Paris Saint-Germain for the first leg of their last-16 tie.
The French side beat Chelsea at the same stage last year after a 2-2 extra-time draw at Stamford Bridge.

Souleymane Sylla to attend PSG v Chelsea

A commuter racially abused by Chelsea fans in Paris last year will attend the last-16 tie

"Without a doubt it will be another great match, another great challenge, another battle for us," said Willian. "People know how difficult it is to play against them, but this year we hope it will be different and Chelsea can go further in the competition.
"We'll need determination on the pitch to achieve this, we know what we want, we want to win.
"I'm very happy with what I've been doing. I hope to be able to do more for the team and to continue helping Chelsea with more goals and more wins. I try not to feel satisfied, I always try to evolve and play better."

Poland to join fight versus Islamic state in return for Nato help

 WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland will join the fight against Islamic State, its defense minister said on Wednesday, though he signaled that the scale of its involvement would depend on NATO's response to Russia's renewed assertiveness on the alliance's eastern flank.

    The announcement, made by Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz after a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter in Brussels, confirmed an earlier Reuters report that Poland would boost its Middle East involvement in an attempt to convince its allies to shift NATO forces eastwards.
   "Poland has joined the actions, which are now so crucial, on NATO's southern flank," Macierewicz told reporters.
  
 
  "When it comes to details ... we will continue to discuss it, particularly as we consider it in the broad context of NATO's situation, hoping that both the U.S. and NATO as a whole will back Poland and other countries on the eastern flank with their ... permanent presence."
    Alarmed by Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014 and its support for armed separatists in eastern Ukraine, Poland hopes NATO will agree at a summit in Warsaw in July to send more troops to former communist eastern Europe.
    NATO agreed on Wednesday its boldest steps yet to deter Russia from any attack in the Baltics or elsewhere in eastern Europe, setting out ways to rapidly deploy air, naval and ground forces without resorting to Cold War-era military bases.
The United States and its allies are bombing Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq, where the militant group occupies swathes of territory.
    Poland's contribution to the campaign against Islamic State could involve reconnaissance and training, Macierewicz said.
    NATO defense ministers are meeting in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for the Warsaw summit.

(Reporting by Wiktor Szary; Editing by Gareth Jones)

YABATECH students protest death of colleague

 

 Students of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State, on Wednesday grounded activities at the institution in protest of the death of a final year colleague, Ms. Comfort Dazan.

The protesting students blamed Dazan’s death on the poor state of the college’s medical centre and the refusal of officials at the centre to attend to her.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the diseased, a Higher National Diploma II student in the Department of Technology Management, had been rushed to the college’s medical centre after fallen seriously ill days ago.

However, the centre demanded N35,000 for her treatment and left her unattended when she couldn’t raise money.

She was eventually rushed to a hospital on Wednesday as her condition worsened but did not make it.

Angered by the development, students took to the roads, blocking the Jibowu end of the Herbert Macaulay Road, Yaba, singing solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “This nonsense must stop.”

Alleged bribe: Otedola to testify against Farouk Lawan

 

 Billionaire businessman, Mr. Femi Otedola, has been scheduled to appear as a prosecution witness before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Lugbe, Abuja, in the ongoing trial of a former Chairman, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy, Mr. Farouk Lawan, for alleged bribery.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission is prosecuting Lawan for allegedly “corruptly” collecting $500,000 out of the $3m bribe he requested from Otedola in exchange for the removal of the businessman’s company’s name from the list of firms indicted by the House committee for allegedly abusing the fuel subsidy regime in 2012.

The presiding judge, Justice Angela Otakula, on Tuesday adjourned the case till March 7 and 8 to enable the first prosecution witness, Mr. Boniface Emenalo, who was then secretary to the Lawan-led committee, to conclude his evidence.

Otedola, the chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, is expected to appear in court as the second prosecution witness on either of the two days, depending on how soon Emenalo concludes his own part.

Our correspondent learnt that Otedola was initially scheduled to testify against Lawan on February 2, but the businessman, who was somewhere within the court premises during the proceedings, was said to have taken his leave when it was clear that Emenalo was going to stay much longer in the witness box.

The lead prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), was only able to tender some documents through Emenalo on February 2 before the case was adjourned till Tuesday.

Emenalo returned to the witness box on Tuesday but the case was stalled, as Awomolo informed the court of the difficulties he encountered in his bid to pay for the certification of the tendered documents as directed by the court.

Justice Otakula had on February 2 overruled the objection of the defence counsel, Mr. Sekop Zumka, to the admissibility of the documents over non-payment of the certification fees.

The judge had admitted the documents as exhibits but subject to the payment of the fees, as she held that the non-payment of the fees could not have rendered a document inadmissible inasmuch as it was relevant to the case.

Awomolo said on Tuesday that the National Assembly had no avenue for collecting such fees and sought for extension of time to enable him to receive guidance on how to go about it.

The judge granted the extension of time and directed that the prosecution should go ahead to pay the fees to any government revenue collector.

Before giving the directive, the judge overruled a fresh objection raised by Lawan’s lawyer, Zuma, who had insisted that the money ought to be paid to the National Assembly.

The judge thereafter adjourned the case till March 7.

Emenalo was initially charged along with Lawan with respect to the bribery charge.

Both of them were first arraigned before Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, then of the FCT High Court on February 2, 2013.

But a later amendment to the charges by the ICPC saw Emenalo’s name removed as a defendant.

Lawan is now the sole accused person in the case.

The case was re-assigned to Justice Adebukola Banjoko after Justice Oniyangi was elevated to the position of a Justice of the Court of Appeal.

The case was further re-assigned to Justice Otakula in Lugbe Division of the FCT High Court following the withdrawal of Justice Banjoko from the case in November 2014.

The amended charges, comprising three counts instead of the previous seven, now indicated that Lawan corruptly asked for $3m from Otedola and did corruptly collect $500,000 from the businessman.

The offences are said to be contrary to sections 8(1)(a) and 17(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under sections 8(1) and 17(1) of the same Act

How to remember your password

 
The best way to remember your password. This is just a clue for you

Amazing Martial goal

This is the best premier league goal of the season. Anthony Martial stunning goal vs Stoke City

Adam Johnson admit sex charge

 

 The Sunderland midfielder has pleaded guilty to the charges but has denied two counts of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old appeared in court on the first day of his trial into allegations of child sex charges relating to incidents between December 2014 and February of last year.
England international Johnson denies two further charges of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16.
The Sunderland-born midfielder, who has 12 England caps to his name, moved to the Stadium of Light from Manchester City in 2012 and was initially suspended by the Black Cats following his arrest and subsequent bail in March.
Having seen his bail extended by Durham Police, Johnson was cleared to return to training later that month and has since remained in the first-team picture.

Johnson was on the scoresheet at the weekend in Sunderland's 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

Alakijas donate ultra-modern law faculty to Crowther varsity

As a way of contributing their quota to human and national advancement, particularly in the law profession, Mr. Modupe and Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, have donated an ultra-modern law faculty to the Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo State.
The three-storey building houses the entire law faculty consisting of four departments with offices for lecturers and head of departments.
The structure hosts moot courts for practical sessions, two libraries (a big library and e-library), students centre, seminar rooms and five big classrooms that can take up to 100 students. It also has a big auditorium that can accommodate about 750 people.
Pro-Chancellor of the university, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), in his welcome remarks at the inauguration of the facility, stated that the donation was an “uncommon contribution to the law profession”.

Ads by Buzzeff

He said, “I thank God for the life of my brother and sister, (the benefactor). Anglican brought education to Nigeria and it is in furtherance of this, that the family of Alakija is donating this building to this institution. I am particularly appreciative for what you have done for the law profession, I must say this as a lawyer; this is the biggest law faculty in this country. We thank you for the advancement of knowledge and giving to humanity. We also thank you for beautifying our landscape.”
On his part, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Prof. Oladipo Akinkungbe, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the institution, averred that the donation represents a major milestone in the life of ACU.
He said, “I cannot recall this size of donation from a couple or individual. They (Alakijas) are renowned for their style of quiet philanthropy. This Faculty of Law Complex is being donated without much prompting and soliciting. ACU can never thank the Alakijas enough for this elegantly finished, multi-functional faculty building. It is reputed to be the largest and modern law complex in the country.”
Also, a representatives of the proprietors, Most Rev. Michael Akinyemi, remarked that God has used the family in a big way to bring succour to the institution.

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the Secretary of the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, while commending the donors, admonished wealthy Nigerians to emulate their gesture.
“In this era of austerity, I want to congratulate the donors of this faculty. Having seen what you have done elsewhere, I am sure, this is just a tip of the iceberg. The Alakijas are extending the frontiers of knowledge. This is a clarion call to wealthy Nigerians to emulate this enviable feat,” he said.
Modupe Alakija’s in his address noted that the donation was a testimony, faithfulness, and love of God on his family”.
He said, “As a young man, I did not pay attention to academics. I rather indulged in drinking and partying to the extent that my father condemned me that I will serve my mates as their steward. Nobody expected anything good out of me. But later on, I realised my responsibility to myself, first and foremost, and then to others. I gathered my acts together and started working hard. I went to study law and was called to the Bar. This surprised everybody.
“I could remember in 1971 while standing in front of a High Court in Lagos, an old friend of mine whom we used to drink together saw me and said, “Alakija, when did you become a lawyer? And how?
He continued, “It is all the grace of God. Later, I met my amiable wife; we joined our resources together with a determination to build up a happy home. Today, I wish my father were alive. If he could be here today, he would have said: “No, this is not my son. I would have expected him in Ikoyi hotel serving drinks.
“I thank God for the lives of my children. Nobody thought anything good could come out of me. I have been able to raise children that attended some of the most prestigious universities in the world. They are now top executives in their own right. My wife has been of tremendous support too.”
Mrs. Alakija on her part intoned, “God has supplied all my needs according to His riches in glory. I am not talking about material needs alone, but God’s protection over me, my boys and my sweetheart, Modupe. That, we are alive and basking in His glory is enough testimony.”