BREAKING: Court hands cash EFCC discovered in Lagos to FG

The presiding judge at Federal High Court in Lagos Justice Muslim Hassan says the money should be handed over to the government pending when the owner comes forward to make a case against the decision to seize the money - The EFCC has also explained to Nigerians how the money would be treated in series of tweets on its official Twitter handle on Thursday, April 13 A court in Lagos state has ordered that the $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from an apartment in the Ikoyi area of the state be temporarily forfeited to the Nigerian government. In a ruling on Thursday, April 13 afternoon, Justice Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court in Lagos ordered that the funds be handed over to the Federal Government for now. The judge then adjourned the matter till May 5, 2017 for anyone who wants to claim the funds and give reasons why it should not be permanently forfeited to the government to show up before him. Earlier in the day, the EFCC had explained to Nigerians on Twitter in series of tweets how the money would be taken care of. It tweeted in reply to a Twitter user's enquiry:

Emir Sanusi Blasts Northern Leaders

Emir Sanusi said conservative Muslims are the real problem of the zone - The Emir, however advised Northern leaders to emulate southern economic way of life rather than being idle The Emir of Kano and former Central Bank Governor (CBN), Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has blamed northern leaders for the increased numbers of beggars roaming the streets in Nigeria, especially the northern part of the country. The Emir made the comments on his insatagram account as he called on northerners to emulate southern economic ways of life rather being idle. Sanusi had on Saturday April 8 distanced himself from the verified Instagram account, @Sanusilamidosanusi, saying that it was not run by him. The account claimed that the praise singers around President Muhammadu Buhari are the real enemies of the present administration. Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi noted that most of the beggars roaming Nigerian streets are northerners, begging for a living while their Southern counterparts learn trade and become technicians, contributing economically and socially to the development of Nigeria, Emir said. He slammed the conservatives Muslims whom he said are harming Islam through their refusal to expand their knowledge outside their own religion and failure to realize that knowledge is power. He said Northern political leaders like Governor Yari should pay attention to him, adding that there would never be a day when anywhere in the North would be like the modern Muslim cities of Kuala Lumpar, Istanbul, Jakarta, Lahore, Greater Cairo, Dacca, Karachi, Dubai, Riyadh or Faisalabad. However, Sanusi charged Northern leaders to hearken to his voice and opinions towards the development of the Northern region. “I choose to fight for the progress of Nigerians and suggest solutions to their problems. “It’s my duty to speak the truth about the ill-effects of conservative Muslims who are harming Islam rather than helping it. “I condemned their refusal to expand their knowledge outside their own religion and failure to realize that knowledge is power. “I also correctly concluded denying the right to pursue scientific and technological knowledge and restricting people to Islamic knowledge is the best means of ensuring that Muslims in Northern Nigeria will remain economically backward. “I’m upset at the legion of beggars on the streets and is trying to bridge the gap between the backward North and the Southern parts of the nation. “I still believe that conservative Muslims are still stuck in the 13th Century and their claim that children need no other knowledge than Islamic studies flies in the face of reality. “All the poverty, under-development and immense suffering in the North are a result of uneducated masses refusing to learn work or a trade. “The majority of technicians in Kano are from the South while untrained indigenes beg. How does that make sense? “Why is it that conservative Muslims who claim to be against scientific progress enter aeroplanes and fly to perform the Hajj in Mecca rather than using camels to cross the desert! "Why do they watch sermons beamed by TV live from Mecca and read the Holy Quaran on their laptops yet profess to abhor modern technology? “I’d like to point out that there is no harm in copying from the West if it brings succour to the masses of poverty stricken Muslims in Northern Nigeria. “After all Saudi Arabia, the “home” of Islam is known for its highly-rated airline, modern hospitals, indigenous oil industry and space program all of which make it a world leader. "If northern political leaders like Governor Yari pay attention to me, there will never be a day when anywhere in the North will not be like the modern Muslim cities of Kuala Lumpar, Istanbul, Jakarta, Lahore, Greater Cairo, Dacca, Karachi, Dubai, Riyadh or Faisalabad."

Gernot Rohr threatens to resign as Super Eagles coach if...

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr threatens to resign if Nigeria does not qualify for 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia - The national team are currently top of group B after defeating Zambia and Algeria in their first leg encounter - The Super Eagles will have to face AFCON Champions Cameroon in a double legged tie in August and September - Rohr has not lost a single match since taking charge as the Super Eagles manager in August 2016 Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has promised to tend his resignation letter if Nigeria fails to make it for the 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia. Nigeria national team are on top of group B table with six points and they are on the verge of qualification for Russia 2018 as they have defeated Zambia and Algeria in their first leg encounter. READ ALSO: "I will sign contract extension" - Arsene Wenger tells close friends The Super Eagles will face AFCON champions Cameroun in their next World Cup qualifier in late August and play the second leg in September. Gernot Rohr “If we don’t win the World Cup ticket, for me I’ll say is goodbye,” the German coach said on a SuperSport show. “Though it is difficult against Cameroon, it is a challenge that am willing to take. However, if I fail, I’ll leave.”  Rohr has not lost a single match since taking charge as the Super Eagles coach in August 2016. The Super Eagles during a training session Rohr is yet to taste defeat as Super Eagles coach winning his first game; the World Cup qualifying game against Swaziliand in November following that up with another victories over Zambia and Algeria in the CAF World Cup qualifiers group stage. The only game he has yet to taste victory is the friendly game against Burkina Faso which was drawn by both teams. 

Kante, Sanchez nominated for PFA player of the year award, Diego Costa misses out.

Frenchman N'Golo Kante has made the final six shortlist for the 2017 PFA award - The 26-year-old has been in good form this season for Chelsea - Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also among the final nominees Chelsea star N'Golo Kante has been nominated for 2017 PFA player of the year award after his superb performances this season for the Blues. The Frenchman has been in great form for the Blues this term and he is among the reason Chelsea are currently topping the Premier League standings. But Kante will now have to face serious competition from the likes of Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Harry Kane for the award. Chelsea star N'Golo Kante Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also been of great help this term to the Red Devils and he has already helped them to win a title this season. READ ALSO: Chelsea legend Didier Drogba buys top America football club Phoenix Rising Our source report that Algerian international Riyad Mahrez won the award last season after a remarkable campaign with current English champions Leicester City.

Osinbajo laments death of strong political parties in Nigeria.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said political parties in Nigeria are on the brink of extinction - Osinbajo blame constant defection from one party to another as the nail biggest trouble facing parties Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo said the two major political parties in Nigeria are dying due to constant party defection by political leaders. Osinbajo made this statement on Monday during the National Conference on Political Party Supremacy and the Dynamics of Parliamentary Autonomy put together by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, in Abuja, Osinbajo who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Political matters, Babafemi Ojudu, said: “Today, we cannot talk of strong parties in Nigeria. "The PDP is on death row, the APC is gasping for breath, therefore, it is very important that in building our party we must also look out for leaders that can work assiduously to mobilise people, leaders with conviction, leaders who are independent, leaders who are courageous, leaders who have capacity, and leaders who are disciplinarian. “If we have these leaders and we appoint them to lead our parties both at national level and at the local level, we can be talking of political parties that will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.” “Concern should be directed at strengthening the political parties as things stand today our political parties are very weak.”He disagreed with former Senate President, Ken Nnamani who stated that people have right under the constitution to move from one political party to the other. Osinbajo said: “If we keep jumping from one party to the other there will be no way we are going to strengthen the existing ones. “People should be able to stay in their political party, work at strengthening them and ensure that it even becomes a family culture whereby my son, my grand son, great-grand son will know themselves.” 

BREAKING: Emir of Adamwa confers special title on Vice President Osinbajo

Emerging reports suggests that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been conferred with a special title by the Lamido of Adamawa. According to a Tweet by Laolu Akande, Special Assistance on media to the VP, Professor Osinbajo has been given the title of "Jagaban Adamawa" Our source gathered that the Vice President landed in Yola, the Adamawa state capital, where he will be commissioning a number of Adamawa state govt projects this Thursday, April 13. He was received at the Lamido Adamawa’s palace. The Lamido conferred the VP with the honorary title - “Jagaban Adamawa” meaning front-runner of Adamawa, with a colorful presentation of a horse. After a colorful Durbar parade in honor of VP, Osinbajo accepted the honorary title with greetings from President Buhari, “in-laws” to Adamawa people. The vice President assured that even if it may not be easy, "we shall see a new Nigeria soon". He noted that rebuilding of Adamawa and the Northeast region has started.

Supreme Court justice Ngwuta in fresh asset declaration charge

The Supreme Court Justice Ngwuta will be arraigned by Code of Conduct Tribunal. He will stand before Tribunal over fresh asset declaration charge - The AGF said Ngwuta contravened Section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.Justice Sylvester Ngwuta would be arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, on April 20. The tribunal’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ibraheem Alhassan, said in a statement in Abuja that Mr Ngwuta would appear before a two-member panel over alleged false asset declaration. He said that summons had already been served the judge. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Federal Government preferred a 10-count charge against Ngwuta before the tribunal. The Supreme Court Justice Sylvester Ngwuta Transview magazine gathered that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, said that Mr Ngwuta contravened Section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. According to Mr Malami, false declaration of assets is punishable under Section 23 (2) of the Act. Mr Ngwuta is one of the judges from whose residences, the State Security Service, SSS, claimed it uncovered huge sums of money in various denominations. The SSS raided the judges’ residences in October, 2016. Mr Ngwuta is also currently standing trial before Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on an amended 16-count charge bordering on money laundering.The Federal Government which preferred that charge, said that Mr. Ngwuta contravened Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012 (as amended). It added that the offences are punishable under Section 15 (3) of the Act. 

36 APC chieftains jostle for Ekiti state governor's seat in 2018.

Not less than 36 chieftains of the Ekiti state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are jostling for the party’s ticket for the 2018 governorship election. - Some of the aspirants have not officially declared their interest, but majority of them are intensifying their efforts in wooing party leaders - The second term of the incumbent state governor, Ayodele Fayose, elapses in October next year. Not less than 36 chieftains of the Ekiti state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are jostling for the party’s ticket for the 2018 governorship election. According to our source some of the aspirants have not officially declared their interest, but majority of them are intensifying their efforts in wooing party leaders both in the state and the centre to clinch the APC ticket. Among those jostling for the APC ticket include: 1. Minister of Solid Minerals and Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi 2. APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Engr. Segun Oni 3. Femi Ojudu; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters 4. Gbenga Aluko 5. Former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Olufemi Bamisile. 6. Bimbo Daramola 7. Opeyemi Bamidele 8. Bamidele Faparusi; former Chairman of Ekiti State Hospitals Management Board 9. Dr. Adebayo Orire; 2007 governorship candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) 10. Otunba Yinka Akerele; former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) 11. Dr. Femi Thomas; former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Fayemi 12. Mr. Yemi Adaramodu; former House of Assembly Majority Leader 13. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye; Australia-based medical practitioner 14. Dr. Wole Oluyede and former House of Assembly member 15. Hon. Bayo Idowu. 16. Chief Sesan Fatoba 17. Chief Bisi Aloba 18. Chief Dele Okeya; former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo 19. Mr. Bodunde Adeyanju; former Ekiti South senatorial aspirant 20. Mr. Kayode Adaramodu; an industrialist 21. Mr. Olajide Akinyemi Jnr; a retired officer of the United States Army 22. Captain Sunday Adebomi; former Special Assistant on Forestry 23. Mr. Bayo Babalotin; son of former governor of old Ondo State 24. Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua 25. Mr. Oladipupo Ogunkoyode There is apprehension among the APC leadership over the growing list of aspirants, and most especially the profile of the individuals involved. Fayose, who reacted to the growing list of APC governorship aspirants through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said the PDP is not bothered as the APC lacks presence in the state. He said: “The question is: Is APC still in Ekiti State? The answer is no. They can have 1,000 aspirants, but we are not bothered because the party does not exist here, though it is public knowledge that one of the aspirants already has the ticket in his pocket. “In 2014, the PDP defeated an incumbent governor, who worked with two former governors. We will do that again in 2018 in a free and fair contest.” Meanwhile, the minister of mines and steel development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said Governor Ayodele Fayose will get his due reward at the appropriate time. The minister made the statement in reaction to recent allegations made against him by Fayose. Fayemi, the immediate past governor of Ekiti state, was succeeded by Fayose, who recently claimed the minister was working with some justices of the Supreme Court to sack him via a review of the ruling of the apex court which upheld his election as governor of the state.

President Buhari nominates 5 non-executive directors For CBN board.

President Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded the list of five nominees to the Senate for confirmation as non-executive directors of the board of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). According to Femi Adesina, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Buhari forwarded the names to the upper chamber in a letter to Senate president Bukola Saraki on Wednesday, April 12.  The letter to the Senate president contained the following as the nominees and their geo-political zones. 1. Professor Ummu Ahmed Jalingo – north east 2. Professor Justitia Odinakachukwu Nnabuko – south east 3. Professor Mike I. Obadan – south south 4. Dr. Abdu Abubakar – north west 5. Adeola Adetunji – south west.  The recent appointments were in accordance with sections of the CBN Act 2007. The appointments were in accordance with sections 6 (1) (d) and 10 (1) and (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2007.  Meanwhile, it was a moment of surprise for ministers as President Muhammadu Buhari was absent at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting today, Wednesday, April 12, 2017,this is the first time Buhari would be absent from the FEC meeting since March 10 when the president returned from London where he spent weeks on medical vacation. In his absence, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo took charge calling on the Minister of Defense, Dan Ali Mansur, to say the Muslim opening prayer, while the Christian prayer was said by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah. Multiple reports confirmed the president’s absence from the meeting and that the reason was yet to be revealed as there was no official statement.