Corruption: NFF bans coach Salisu Yusuf for one year

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Committee on Ethics and Fair Play, on Wednesday, banned Super Eagles’ Chief Coach, Salisu Yusuf, from all football–related activities for one year.

The ban takes immediate effect.

He was also ordered to pay the fine of $5,000 to NFF within a period of three months.

Yusuf’s ban was announced in a statement issued by NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire.

Malam Nuhu Ribadu was chairman of the committee, Mr. Joshua Onoja was secretary, while Mainasara Illo and Rev. Justin Okoroji were members.

Super Eagles Coach Salisu Yusuf

 The decisions were reached following the findings in a probe carried out on the case of corruption in which he was recorded to be accepting 1,000 US dollars from an undercover reporter who disguised as a player’s agent.

The submissions by the committee read:

“Established from the admission of Coach Salisu Yusuf and also found as a fact from the documentary and video evidence before it, that he accepted the cash gift of 1,000 US dollars offered by Tigers Player’s Agency, an undercover reporter, purportedly interested in acting on behalf of Players Osas Okoro and Rabiu Ali, for their inclusion in the list of players for 2018 CHAN Competition in Morocco.

“The Committee found as a fact that it was not an error of judgment on the part of Coach Yusuf but a conscious and deliberate decision to have accepted the cash gift of 1,000 US dollars from the decoy player agent/undercover reporter, purportedly interested in acting on behalf of Players Osas Okoro and Rabiu Ali, even though the evidence before the Committee did not establish that his conduct influenced the choice of the two players.

“That the two Players could have made the team to 2018 CHAN Competition in Morocco on the basis of their talent and performance.

“That Coach Salisu Yusuf did not accept the offer of 15 per cent of the anticipated transfer fees of the said players, as there was no follow–up action on the promise.

“That the act of the Coach, which was widely published on the British Broadcasting Corporation, has a damaging effect on the reputation and integrity of Nigerian Football, as he ought to have conducted himself more professionally in line with the Code of Conduct signed alongside his Contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, as his conduct in public and in secret should be exemplary, since coaches are role models.

“That the FIFA Code of Ethics, NFF Code of Ethics and FIFA Disciplinary Code, did not contemplate negligence or error of judgment as a defence to violation of any of the provisions as contained therein, as punitive measures must be adopted to serve as deterrent to other intending offenders, even though, that he is a first time offender.”

The committee’s decision reads:  “In accordance with Art. 22, FIFA Disciplinary Code, he is hereby banned for the period of one year, from partaking or involvement or participation in any football related activity, effective from the date of this decision.

“He is also fined in the sum of 5,000 US dollars to be paid within three (3) months beginning from the date of this decision.”

Meanwhile, the committee gave an opportunity of appeal.

Yusuf, it was stated, could approach the NFF Appeals Committee to challenge the decision of the ethics committee.

Raid: We are sorry, IGP Ibrahim Idris begs Clark

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has apologized to elder statesman, Edwin Clark over the invasion of his Abuja residence by four policemen.

The policemen and their informant who have since been arrested on the order of the Idris were said to be looking for arms kept in the residence of the Ijaw leader.

The Inspector General of Police declared that the raid was unapproved and tendered apology.

According to Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, a delegation led by the DIG Habila Joshak, who is in charge of operations at the headquarters, visited Clark to tender the apology of the Inspector General of Police.

Moshood said Joshak “apologized on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force and the IGP for the misconduct of the said Police Personnel and the attendant embarrassment the search has caused on the Elder Statesman and his family.”

He stated further:  “The delegation was received by Chief Edwin Clark and the apology was accepted by him.”

The elder statesman had, on Tuesday, demanded a public apology from the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, over the invasion of his residence.

The octogenarian former federal information minister threatened legal action against the police.

Counsel to the Ijaw leader, Kayode Ajulo, in a statement, condemned the action of the police, describing it as “uncivil and brazen.”

“This afternoon, officers and men of the IGP Special Tactical Squad, a unit under the direct command of the Inspector General of Police, turned upside down the Asokoro residence of our client, Chief Edwin Clark on the pretext that they were in search for arms and ammunition,” the statement began.

 “However, despite the siege and search, they found nothing incriminating our client.  Our client believes that the unfortunate reasons given by the Nigerian Police is just another figment of their wild imagination.

“The fact that a man of Chief Edwin Clark’s stature could have his house raided in this uncivil, undemocratic and brazen manner by the Nigerian Police underscores an anomalous and despotic tendency and is an indication of the recent clampdown on opposition voices in Nigeria.

Our client at a graceful age of 92, has played a very active role in the promotion and restoration of peace and order in the Niger Delta region, his patriotic disposition to issues of national affairs clearly puts him in a class of his own, second to none.

“It is also a fact that cannot be gainsaid or misconstrued that his inputs in the Federal Government Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta militants clearly paved the way for the eventual resolution of the crisis.

“Therefore, it can be safely concluded that our client is not deserving of such humiliation and embarrassment as meted out to him by the Nigeria Police Force.

 “In the final analysis, our client finds the act of the Nigeria Police Force as reprehensible, inexcusable and absolutely unacceptable.

“Consequent upon this, we demand that an unreserved public apology be tendered to our client by the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement concluded.

Villagers flee as flood takes over Delta communities

Residents of Aika and Abala-Oshimili, coastal communities in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State are presently fleeing the communities following the flood that has submerged their houses

Imirror gathered that farmlands and farm produce have also been destroyed by the flood which started on Monday as the River Niger overflowed its banks. An indigene of Aika community, Mr. David Olisa who spoke to Vanguard on the development, said:

“The flood has rounded up the communities and people are moving the places to move their relatives out of the villages before the situation gets out of control. “People are going through Asaba to chatter speed boats from Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State to Aika and then take their relatives back to Atani before going back to Asaba. “The water current is very high and with the way it’s is going, things will get worse in the next few days.” Reacting to the development, another indigene, Mr. Daniel Ogiriki expressed fears that more communities in the council area are likely to be affected in a matter of days. While calling on the state government to come to the aid of the victims, he stressed the need for other communities along the Niger to be alerted with no further delay.

Many dead, several injured as BIDAPOLY students, indigenes clash

Many people were feared dead, while several others were injured after a clash between students of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida and some indigenes of Bida town.

The incident reportedly occurred after alleged  disagreement between some of the students and a commercial driver, on Saturday.

The said driver, it was gathered, was alleged to have short-changed the students and reneged on an earlier agreement to drop them off at a particular location.

It was gathered that the students later regrouped regrouped on Sunday and with the support of some of their colleagues stormed the park which resulted in a brawl which later turned violent, involving residents of the town.

The brawl reportedly snowballed into a free for all with both parties reportedly using dangerous weapons in the process.

The institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Husseini Enagi, on Monday reportedly confirmed the incident.

Enagi was quoted as saying that the claims about loss of lives could not be substantiated, although according to him, many students were injured, and properties destroyed in the clash.

Some of the students, however, told Channels Television that at least five students were killed in the clash.

Enagi also said the institution’s management will meet, on Monday morning, to deliberate on the matter and to also ascertain more facts concerning the incident.

Auto crash: 3 APC council chairmen die in Saudi Arabia

This is not the best of times for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Hajj Commission in Zamfara on Friday confirmed the death of three local government chairmen from the state, in an auto crash in Saudi Arabia.

The Public Relations Officer of the commission, Malam Yakub-Yahaya Talata-Mafara, confirmed the death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview.

Talata-Mafara said that the accident occurred around 3.00a.m on Friday, while they were travelling from Makkah to Madina, Saudi Arabia.

According to him, the victims are six local government chairmen of APC from the state.

“Three of them died, while three others are receiving treatment at Saudi Arabia Hospital,’’ Talata-Mafara told NAN.

He said that the remains of the deceased were under the custody of the Saudi Arabian authorities where they would be processed for burial.

“Hajj officials of the Zamfara contingents are making the necessary documentation to join the Saudi Arabian authorities in order to give the deceased befitting burial,’’ he said.

Reacting, the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Lawal M-Liman, described the death as a great loss to the state and Nigeria as a whole.

M-Liman described the deceased as loyal members of the party who had been in good relationship with their communities.

“Synergy among security agencies, catalyst for peace, investment”- Gov. Okowa

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said that his administration's partnership with security agencies has ensured an investor friendly and peaceful environment in the state.

Speaking [31-08-18] when he received on a courtesy visit the new General Officer Commanding 6^th Division, Nigeria Army, Port-Harcourt, Major-General Jamiu Sarham  in Asaba, Senator Okowa said the partnership between the state government and security agencies has ensured the state is ranked among the most peaceful in the country.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Jamil Sarham, during a courtesy call on the Governor, in Government House Asaba.

According to him “the Niger Delta region has become more peaceful because of the cooperation of the security agencies and the various outfits put in place to build peace in the region. Team work is responsible for this peace and we appreciate the partnership with the security agencies. We will continue to secure our national asset so that production of oil will be at a level it is economically viable for our nation and state”.

From right; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Secretary to State Government, Hon. Ovie Agas and the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, during a courtesy call on the Governor, in Government House Asaba.

Governor Okowa commended Maj. General Sarham on his new appointment and enjoined him to use his wealth of experience to achieve success and ensure an upscale of peace in his area of command. “ We as a state are mindful of the importance of peace because it is only under a peaceful environment that we can truly develop our state and if there is no peace it will be difficult for investors to come into our state and if investors do not come it will become difficult for us to engage our youths and create meaningful opportunities for our people. I pray that Nigeria will become more peaceful as it is in the interest of the nation and the youths”. He said.

Earlier, Maj General Sarham said he was in the state to familiarise himself with the working of the division and the people of the state assuring Governor Okowa that in line with the charge of the Chief of Army Staff, troops under him would remain apolitical and carry out their duty in line with the constitution of the country.

Cross Section

He commended the developmental strides and peaceful environment of the state stressing that he would synergise with other security agencies to maintain peace and security in the state.

Delta Govt. to pay hospital bill for victims of collapsed church building

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has said the State Government will undertake the medical treatment of the victims of the Sunday collapse of St. Paul Catholic Church building, Ugolo, Adagbrasa in Okpe local government area of the state.

An updated statement by his Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Okowa has directed  that adequate medical attention must be given to the survivors of the unfortunate building collapse. 

Church building collapsed on worshippers in Delta

According to the prelimnary report by the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, one person died from the incident, eleven were rushed to the hospital out of which seven have been treated and discharged while the remaining four were still undergoing      

treatment and were in stable conditions.

Aniagwu quoted Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye as saying "the church is a 100 years old church building and in an attempt to rebuild and expand the church, the old church building collapsed as a result of heavily soaked waters ocassioned by the weight of worshippers who leaned against the walls while the early morning mass was on.

"While we pledge to pay the cost of treatment for the injured, people must ensure they seek necessary approvals before construction of buildings particularly public structures to avoid incidences such as this." the statement added

Policeman flee after shooting Sapele computer operator

There was tension in Sapele town, Delta State in the early hours of Wednesday (29-09-18) following the shooting of a 28-year-old computer operator in the area by alleged trigger-happy policeman, identified as Chucks Owudi, over the victim’s refusal to follow him to the station.
The trigger happy policeman and his colleagues were reported to have escaped from the scene of the accident after committing the havoc.
Problem started when the victim, Precious Imade, who was driving in a Toyota Camry car along the new road area where was allegedly hit by a truck driver, resulting in a shouting match.
An eyewitness, Joseph Otori, who spoke to newsmen disclosed that while the shouting bout lasted, passersby intervened and the issues were resolved, but the policeman including three of his colleagues, who were invited to the scene, insisted that Imade should follow them to the police station; a demand he resisted, and was being forced into a waiting vehicle with police inscription.

Delta CP, Muhammed Mustafa

It was further gathered that Precious Imade a native of Benin City, Edo State, who has been a computer operator in Sapele in the last six years after graduating from one of the polytechnics in the state, screamed for help, but the policeman in anger threatened to shoot him, and in the process the said Chucks allegedly opened fire on him, leaving the victim in a pool of blood.
After the policemen fled, succor came the victim’s way from good Samaritans, who immediately rushed him into a nearby hospital where he is at present, receiving treatment.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the incident, noted that the four policemen took to their heels, adding that efforts were ongoing to bring them to book.
Aniamaka, said: “the police are on the trail of the policemen who allegedly shot the computer operator, and investigation is ongoing, we will bring them to book”.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed sources said the victim “was shot in his legs, and is at present, being treated in a private hospital”.

Amaechi nominates Diezani Madukeke's main man, Tonye Cole, for River Gov

Yes, Tonye Cole was one of the few oil magnates who benefited immensely from former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke sleazy administration.  In the mafia-esque oil and gas industry, with its unwritten and understated Omerta, Tonye Cole, Tope Sonubi and Ade Odunsi are notable cowboys. Though successful young men whose storied and sensational life would make many of their peers feel like they came to the world at a wrong time.

Those who couldn’t understand their meteoric rise contented themselves by making up stories and mustering conjectures about the trio; oil industry pundits and rivals concluded that they were exactly the kind of guys that you give a rope and they doggedly aspire to become cowboys.

However, Tonye Dele-Cole, is poised to fly the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Rivers State governorship election next year, following the adoption of his candidacy by stakeholders at their apex leadership caucus meeting in Lagos on Thursday.

Observers had expected the ticket to be a straight fight between the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr.Dakuku Peterside and Senator Magnus Abe.

That, however, was not to be as the Lagos meeting, presided over by Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who doubles as APC leader in Rivers State, gave Cole the nod.

Other party leaders at the Lagos meeting included oil magnate, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs; the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside; a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, Chief Sam Jaja and Senator Andrew Uchendu (Rivers East).

Informed sources said that Amaechi wanted a ‘neutral’ candidate that would be largely acceptable to the mainstream APC in the state as well as the Abe faction of the party.

Amaechi has been pushing for a candidate from the riverine part of the state to take over from the incumbent governor, Nyesom Wike. The riverine area has not produced governor since 1999.

Cole, an architect and Chief Executive of Sahara Energy, is a son of Dr. Partick Dele Cole, a former managing director of Daily Times and a former ambassador of Nigeria to Brazil.

He is from Abonnema-Kalabari, headquarters of Akuku-Toru (rivernine) Local Government Area.

He attended the Lagos meeting along with Peterside who was the party’s candidate in the 2015 election.

The NIMASA boss welcomed Cole’s endorsement yesterday as did Abe, who was not at the meeting. But Abe said he was not aware that Cole was an APC member.

Peterside, in his response, said: “Our leader, Rt. Hon. Amaechi,” whose leadership they all subscribed to, made a decision on who members of the party in Rivers State should back for the office of governor of Rivers State in 2019, with the lot falling on his friend and brother in Christ (Cole).

Former NDDC MD, son, others burnt to death in auto crash

He was involved in a fatal auto crash at the Bayelsa end of the East-West road.

One of his aides, Dan Sagey confirmed the incident Vanguard.

He said Aginighan died alongside his son, Tami, who was driving.

Sagey disclosed that the corpses and the vehicle were still at the scene of the accident as at Saturday afternoon.

The Delta State Treasurer of the APC, Hon. Ebiakpo Ezebiri also confirmed the ugly incident.

Former Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Pastor Power Aginighan

“We were together on Thursday when we hosted Professor Utomi. People were trying to reach him yesterday to get his attention on some matters, but he was unreachable, nobody knew he was dead. The accident happened during the day, but since they had been burnt beyond recognition, nobody could have known who was involved.

“He was in the vehicle with his son and his police escort when the accident happened just after the Mbiama bridge. Some of our people have already gone to the scene of the accident to retrieve the bodies. We are in mourning, this is very painful”.

Orphanage where 4-year-old Elo Ogidi was found has been shut down

God’s Own Orphanage in Benin was shut by the Edo State Government, following the discovery of a missing Elo Ogidi.

This was made known in a statement by the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, on Friday.

According to the statement, three other children were found without proper documentation during a visit by officials from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to the facility.

Elo was reported to have been stolen during a church service she attended with her parents at the Christ Embassy in Oregun, Lagos, in July but was found at the orphanage on August 24.

The proprietress of the facility located in the Siluko area of Benin, one Mrs. Kehinde Imarigbe, had later been arrested and detained by the state police command.

Imarigbe, who was paraded on Tuesday, had alleged that the little girl was brought to her orphanage on July 8 by one Mr. Chukwuma, who she said claimed to be her (Elo) father.

She had also claimed that her centre was registered by the ministry and had been in operation for four years with 15 children.

But the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Magdalene Ohenhen, said that the management of the children’s home did not follow due process in admitting Elo into the centre.

Ohenhen, however, noted that the remaining children at the orphanage would be moved to a safer centre.

She also said that the children would be placed under the care of the state government, pending when the investigation on the activities of the home was concluded.