Third Place Match: DR Congo Beats Equatorial Guinea To Win AFCON Bronze

DR Congo have finished third after beating Equatorial Guinea 4-2 on
post-match penalties in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations third and
fourth playoff match in Malabo on Saturday night.

It was a massive consolation for DR Congo who enjoyed their best Afcon
run since finishing third again in 1998.

Robert Kidiaba saved one post-match penalty while Equatorial Guinea
missed their first spot kick to set the tone for DR Congo. Javier
Balboa stepped up to take Equatorial Guinea's first spot kick but
fired it wide.

DR Congo had Cedrick Mabwati, Lema Mabidi, Chancel Mbemba and Gabriel
Zakuani to thank who all converted their spot kicks.

Second half substitute Raul Bosio saw his spot kick saved by Kidiaba,
while Juvenal Owono and Ellong Doualla successfully converted but the
damage was already done.
--allsports.com

Pidgin English Should Be Introduced Into Nigerian Education System --Tuface Idibia

Multiple award winning artiste,Tuface IdibiatoldMTV Baseon
#ChooseOrLose Roundtable that Pidgin English should be introduced into
the Nigerian Education system in order to aid and transfer knowledge
to kids in rural areas who use Pidgin English as their second
language.

Tubaba said: "For me, they can gather some linguistic professors and
let them package pidgin English properly,"

Tuface also said"acknowledging that this may be the most effective way
of tackling the education deficit in parts of the country with a
language barrier"
--Gistreel

Happy Birthday To Omotola Jalade Ekeinde As She Clocks 37

Happy birthday to Omotola Jalade Ekeinde as she clocks 37. The
Nollywood superstar actress and mother of who doesn't look her age, is
celebrating today and we wishing her the very best in life.

The actress who recently celebrated her 20 years in the movie industry
shared a post on her facebook page thanking God for her life, health
and achievements. She wrote:

What a Great privilege to be able to see another year! I am grateful
to God almighty , the giver of life and health. Thank you too for
giving me a reason to smile , aspire and be inspired by. With Love ...

Read More About Omotola:

Omotola was born the 7th of February 1978, shes' a Philanthropist and
a Former Model. Since her Nollywood film debut in 1995, the leading
actress has appeared in 300 films, selling millions of video copies.

After receiving numerous high-profile awards, launching a music
career, and amassing an enviable fan base, the press has revered the
Screen Nation 'Best Actress' as The African Magic. She is the first
African celebrity to receive over 1 million likes on her Facebook
page.

Today, beyond her show business accomplishments, she is also applauded
for her remarkable humanitarian efforts. Over the years, Omotola has
been a pioneer in the Nollywood film industry, successfully becoming
the most watched actress in Africa.

In 2013, she was honoured in Time Magazine's list of the 100 most
influential people in the world alongside Michelle Obama, Beyonce and
Kate Middleton.

In 2014, she was honoured by the Nigerian government as a Member of
the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR for her contributions to
Nigerian cinema.
--Gistreel

Equatorial Guinea Fined $100K For Crowd Violence At African Cup Semifinal; At Least 36 Hurt

(Photo: Ghana's national football team players leave the pitch
protected by riot police at the half-time of the 2015 African Cup of
Nations semi-final football match between Equatorial Guinea and
Ghana in Malabo, on February 5, 2015.)

Equatorial Guinea's football federation was fined $100,000 on Friday
after at least 36 people were injured when angry home fans threw
bottles and rocks and clashed with riot police during their team's
semifinal loss at the African Cup of Nations.

The Confederation of African Football also ordered the Equatorial
Guinea federation to pay for the treatment of all the people injured
in the ugly scenes on Thursday at Malabo Stadium.

The match was halted for over 30 minutes late in the second half as
Ghanaian fans fled the missiles being thrown at them, forced open a
gate, and ran onto the field to huddle for safety behind one of the
goals.

Riot police fired tear gas at the Equatorial Guinea fans, and a
helicopter hovered dangerously low over the stands, whipping up debris
as authorities tried to restore order. The Ghanafans were escorted out
of the stadium by security for their own safety.

Of the 36 people injured, 14 were taken to the hospital, CAF said. One
person required "close monitoring," but CAF gave no more details.

Although the Ghanaplayers and officials were also targeted with
bottles when they left the field at halftime, there were no reports
they were among the wounded, which were believed to be mainly
supporters.

Still, the GhanaFootball Association said the stadium became like "a
war zone" for its fans, players and officials.
Ghanadominated and won the semifinal 3-0, while Equatorial Guinea's
biggest ever soccermatch ended up being a major embarrassment for the
small, oil-rich Central African country.

It was praised for stepping in at the last moment to host the African
Cup after Morocco pulled out over Ebola fears. However, the violence --
with fans later running from baton-wielding riot police -- has
completely overshadowed the tournament.

A third punishment for Equatorial Guinea -- forcing it to play its next
home game without any fans -- was suspended, CAF said in a statement
following a meeting of its disciplinary committee in Bata. That means
Equatorial Guinea's rowdy supporters will be allowed to return to
Malabo Stadium for Saturday's third-place game against a wary Congo
team.
"If they're throwing this at players, Eq Guinea, you can have 3rd
place, I love football but prefer to live," Congo player Gabriel
Zakuani wrote on Twitter on Friday. His tweet was in response to
photographs posted by a British reporter of a rock, a broken plate,
and a large jagged piece of broken glass found on the Malabo field
after Thursday's chaos.

CAF said it was not going to ban fans from Saturday's game, "to
promote a spirit of fair play and brotherhood" at the tournament. CAF
said in the same statement that the fine for Equatorial Guinea's
federation was because of the fans' "aggressive behaviour," and for
them being "repeat offenders."

CAF had already warned Equatorial Guinea over the conduct of its
supporters and fined it $5,000 after there was trouble in the stands
in the quarterfinals, a contentious 2-1 win over Tunisia at Bata
Stadium last weekend.

Ghana will face tournament favourite Ivory Coast in the final on
Sunday at Bata Stadium.

Alleged N60bn Bribe: PFN Urges Amaechi To Name Names

Umbrella body of Pentecostalism in Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship
of Nigeria, PFN, yesterday officially reacted to an allegation that
some pastors had collected the sum of N6 billion from politicians for
the purpose of influencing their members to vote a certain candidate
in next Saturday's election, challenging Gov. Rotini Amaechi to reveal
the culprits.

Making a brief remarks at the closing service of the 13 biennial
national conference at the TREM headquarters in Anthony Village,
Lagos, the national president of PFN, Rev. Felix Omobude assured the
modest congregation that PFN has nothing to do with the alleged bribe
taking because "it is not in our character."

Taking a cue from two leaders of the Fellowship, the General Overseer
of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye
and the president of Living Faith Church, Dr, David Oyedepo who spoke
earlier, Dr. Omobude said the governor should substantiate his claims
by naming names.

"I challenge Nigerian journalists to help the Nigerian nation by
asking the governor to go the whole hug by revealing names of the
pastors who had taken monies for such unholy endeavor and who had
given our collective wealth to a few pastors," he appealed.

Continuing, Omobude urged all Christians across the country who have
not collected their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, to take advantage of
the remaining few days to collect same to enable to actively
participate in the electoral process, stressing that PFN is not
partisan because the churches represent all the political parties in
the land.

"We will not be partisan. We are not partisan. We are recommending any
candidate for you instead we urge you to pray and vote wisely. You
must ask questions before you cast your vote. You must not mortgage
your future for a bag of rice or a few Mao notes. Your four vote is
very important and your must use it wisely.

"Do not use your hand to vote for someone who will fight you tomorrow.
It is important that we use our votes wisely in the coming elections.
We must come out to cast our ballot for any of the candidates that
build a Nigeria of our dreams", he said.

He called on all Pentecostal ministers in the country to ensure that
they help to put the house in order, stressing that PFN must hold on
to the values handed to us and must pass on the flame of love and
oneness.

According to Omobude, God has been good to the Nigerian Church, adding
that there are many nations in the world so blessed, noting yet "we
have our shortcomings. We have our challenges. We must put our house
in order. Enough is enough of indiscipline."

He noted that God did not bless the Nigerian Church not to compete
with one another. As you leave this conference, please you must not
forget our heritage. Pentecostalism which started in Nigeria in a very
small scale has grown to become a major voice in the country.

According to him, "we can harness this tremendous growth to renew our
values," stressing that he was tired of hearing stories of 60-year old
men defiling 12-year old girls and they are said to be pastors.
--Vanguard

Pastor Adeboye Changes Profile Picture To Jonathan, Cover Photo To Osinbajo

General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch
Adejare Adeboye, has updated his Profile picture and Cover photo of
his official Facebook account.

The respected Man of God updated his profile picture with that of
president Goodluck Jonathan, who is the presidential candidate of the
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, kneeling before him for prayer while he
changed his cover photo to his prayer session with stalwarts of the
All Progressives Congress, APC, led by its Vice-Presidential candidate
and a pastor of the church, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

President Jonathan and Prof. Osinbajo were also seen exchanging
greetings at the February's Holy Ghost Service held at the Redemption
Camp on Friday.
--Vanguard

Emir Of Kano Sanusi II Gets Staff Of Office

Governor Rabi'u Kwankwaso of Kano State , Saturday, presented the
staff of office to the 14th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Sanusi was appointed the 14th Emir of Kano on June 8, 2014 after the
death of , Alhaji Ado Bayero, on June 6, 2014.

At the ceremony held at the newly constructed Coronation Hall at the
Government House, Kwankwaso described the Emir as a"knowledgeable
person who acquired both the Islamic and western education''.

He said the appointment of Sanusi was based on his personal track
record of service and education, which are the pre-requisites,
especially at this time.

"This occasion is a unique one for me personally as I present this
staff of office to Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano.

"Above all, he is heir apparent of the throne, who has distinguished
himself as an outstanding religious scholar that is quite conversant
with our time,'' he said.

Kwankaso commended all personalities and dignitaries who came from far
and near to grace the occasion.

Responding, Sanusi promised to ensure justice and fairness in the
discharge of his responsibilities.

He also promised to discharge his duties with the fear of God and to
treat the people equally in order to ensure peace, unity and economic
growth and development of the emirate and the country.

"With the responsibility vested on me, I promise to ensure justice and
fairness to all for the sustenance of peaceful coexistence,'' he said.

The emir said he would continue to protect the rights of his subjects
and in addition give useful and meaningful advice to leaders in the
state and the country.

"We will continue to protect the rights of our people and give other
leaders useful and meaningful advice for the development of our state
and the country.

"Today is not a day for long speeches but a day of joy and thanks to
the Almighty God,'' he said.

He used the occasion to call on politicians to ensure peaceful
elections in the country.

Sanusi urged district heads and other traditional rulers in the state
to accord priority to issues of health, security, economy and
education in their domains.

Among dignitaries who attended the ceremony were the Sultan of Sokoto,
Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar
El-kanemi.

Others are Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji
Shehu Idris, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Also in attendance were the governors of Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara,
Yobe, Niger, Edo, Kwara and Borno, members of the diplomatic corps and
members of the business community.
--(NAN)

Canadian University Offers Course Of Study On Cristiano Ronaldo

A Canadian university is offering fans of Cristiano Ronaldo the
opportunity to take a course in the Real Madrid star.

The University of British Columbia Okanagan says the sociology degree
will focus on the cultural importance of Ronaldo's fame and its
effects on the society.

A professor at the University Professor Luis Aguiar told the Telegraph
in an interview'Ronaldo is the centre and every discussion, class
meeting revolves around Ronaldo initially. And then we explore, we
broaden out to larger themes'.
--Gistreel

INEC Postpones Nigeria 2015 General Elections For 6 Weeks

TheIndependent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has decided to
postpone the 2015 General Elections.

INEC reached the decision at a stakeholders meeting held today,
February 7. INEC had earlier announced that it would reach a final
decision today.

An official close to the commission told The Associated Pressthat INEC
had decided to postpone the election for six weeks due to the threat
posed by Boko Haram.

The source added that the poll shift would allow extra time for a
newly constituted multinational force to secure the North-East which
is currently being plagued by Boko Haram attacks.

It would also enable the commission continue distribution of Permanent
Voters Cards(PVC) to citizens to prevent mass disenfranchisement.

INEC is expected to make an official announcement of the postponement
at a news conference later in the day.

The initial call for the postponement of the polls was made by
National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasukibut it was voted against by
the Council of State.

US Secretary of State, John Kerry also warned Nigeria against
postponing the polls.
--

Jimi Agbaje Shares Kerosene During Campaign Rally

PDP governorship candidate for Lagos guber, Mr Jimi Agbaje shared
kerosene to the residents of Ajeromi-Ifelodun during his Alaba-suru
campaign in Lagos.

Nigerian Military Says Security Will Be Inadequate If The February 14 Election Is Not Postponed

Military service chiefs have told the Independent National Electoral
Commission [INEC] that no soldiers will be available to provide
security anywhere in the country if it goes ahead with its plans to
hold the presidential elections on Saturday next week because they are
too busy with operations in the North East region.

According to DailyTrust, the commission is expected to table this
position, which has created for it a huge dilemma, at meetings planned
for this morning with registered political parties, civil society
groups and its resident electoral commissioners before it announces
its final decision on whether or not to go ahead with the polls as
scheduled.

Weekly Trust learnt yesterday that while all national attention was
focused on last Thursday's meeting of the National Council of State
which failed to reach a consensus on whether or not the polls should
be shifted, the military service chiefs had already advised INEC in
writing to postpone the polls for at least six weeks.

The letter was sent to INEC chairman Professor Attahiru Jega on
Wednesday by the President's National Security Adviser Colonel Sambo
Dasuki. The NSA said he was "strongly advising" INEC to postpone the
polls on the basis of a letter which he received from Chief of Defence
Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

Badeh's letter to the NSA, which he said had the concurrence of all
the service chiefs, said the military had just launched a major
effort with the collaboration of Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic to
rid the North East region of Boko Haram insurgents once and for all.
He said while the operation lasts, it will not be possible to hold
elections in Adamawa, Yobe, Borno and Gombe states. The CDS therefore
advised the NSA to advise INEC to either defer elections in the four
states or alternatively to postpone elections throughout the country
for at least six weeks. He indicated that the military preferred the
second option.

Weekly Trust learnt that when the INEC chairman made his presentation
at the Council of State meeting, he essentially said INEC was ready to
go ahead with the polls as planned. He however added that INEC had
received a new security report which could change the equation but did
not elaborate on it. Afterwards, the NSA briefed the council and
restated the military brass' call for an election postponement while
the operation in the North East lasts.

When Army Chief Lt Gen Kenneth Minimah was asked to speak, sources
said he added another joker. He said if INEC decides to go ahead with
the polls next week there will be no soldiers available anywhere to
provide election security. Director General of the State Security
Service then followed up by warning that Boko Haram's terrorist
ambitions are national and not just regional. He said the service
recently caught terrorists in Abuja and Uyo as they were planning to
carry out major attacks. He strongly supported the call for election
postponement.

APC presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari spoke against
election postponement, saying as a military man himself he knew that
the arrival of new weapons alone could not end the Boko Haram carnage
because the weapons have to be unpacked and tested and the personnel
must be trained to handle them. His position was supported by all the
APC governors notably Rochas Okorocha and Rauf Aregbesola.

However, Vice President Mohamed Namadi Sambo said he did not believe
that INEC was ready to conduct the elections next week, saying its
chairman's report failed to align systems and timing. All the PDP
governors then supported Sambo, saying more time was needed to enable
Nigerians collect their permanent voters' cards.

General Ibrahim Babangida then spoke, saying the INEC chairman should
explain if it was okay to hold the elections in the rest of the
country without the four troubled states. General Yakubu Gowon and
General Abdulsalami Abubakar both supported IBB's view but President
Goodluck Jonathan brushed the suggestion aside, saying he would not
allow elections to be held without the North East states. If that
happened, he said, it would lend support to the charge that he allowed
the Boko Haram to fester or even created it in order to disenfranchise
a part of the country. The meeting ended after eight hours with the
president saying INEC heard all the views expressed and should go and
consult before making its final decision known to the public.

Weekly Trust learnt last night that the commission has scheduled a
series of meetings for today.
--Laila's Blog

See Photos of Jonathan and Prof Osinbajo At The RCCG Holy Ghost Service

President Goodluck Jonathan and APC VP Prof Yemi Osinbajo attended the
RCCG Holy Ghost service yesterday, Feburary 6, 2015.

At the prayer service, Jonathan met Pastor E.A Adeboye who prayed for
him and Prof Osinbajo who posed for pictures with him.

Jonathan was given a few minutes to address the congregation, he
said"I am interested in this service because it's close to election, I
am not here to campaign, you know very well that daddy G.O will not
allow his altar to be used for campaign. I want to assure you that we
will soon smile as a nation. I am here to thank you for your
prayers....we pray for peace in the presidential, state and all the
elections. Thanks mama G.O for the prayers for Nigeria,"
--Gistreel

Caf Fines, Expels Morocco From Afcon 2017 & 2019

Morocco have been banned from the next two editions of the Africa Cup
of Nations (Afcon) as punishment for failing to host this year's
tournament.

Following the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Executive
Committee (ExCo) meeting in Malabo on Friday, the Royal Moroccan
Football Federation (FRMF) has, in line with the competition rules,
been fined the sum of £650,000 ($US1m) and ordered to pay for damages
to the tune of about £6m (EURO 8.05m) for exercising a "Force majeure"in
football matter.

Morocco disclosed their unpreparedness to host Afcon 2015 as
originally scheduled towards the end of last year, maintaining her
request for postponement to 2016 because of concerns over the spread
of the Ebola virus.

(Photo: A Moroccan Player Vies for the Ball With Nigeria's Ejike
Uzoenyi During the 2014 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

Equatorial Guinea eventually stepped in as host nation and the Atlas
Lions were expelledfrom the tournament.

Caf had rejected their request with President Issa Hayatou saying " we
cannot sign our death warrant."

An edition of the Afcon has never been postponed or canceled since its
inception in 1957, despite the geopolitical challenges facing the
continent.

A Caf statement read: "The CAF Executive Committee decided to suspend
the national team of Morocco from the next two editions of the Africa
Cup of Nations, 2017 and 2019, and to impose on the federation the
regulatory fine of US$ 1 million (One million United States Dollars).

"By a separate measure to be borne by the Royal Moroccan Football
Federation the sum of eight million and fifty thousand euros (EURO 8.05m
million euros) in compensation for all material damage sustained by
CAF, stakeholders and partners as a result of the decision not to host
AFCON 2015."

Despite calling for postponement of Africa's showpiece event, Morocco
retained her hosting right for the 2014 Fifa Club World Cup in
December.

The 1988 Afcon hosts argued that the Club World Cup, unlike the Afcon,
attracts a relatively moderate influx of international supporters.

Meanwhile, World Health Oraganisation (WHO) health workers have been
conducting Ebola screening at entries into stadium venues in
Equatorial Guinea. There has been sponsored sensitisation campaigns
against the spread of the disease throughout host cities and at match
stadia.

Screening exercise involves taking fans' temperatures and giving
supporters sanitising gel as they make their ways into the stadium.

Caf Bans Tunisia FA Boss, Waddie

President of the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF), Mr. Wadie Jary,
has been suspended from the Confederation of African Football (Caf)
with immediate effect until he apologise or back his claims of "bias"
against the Carthage Eagles with genuine evidence.

Mr Wadie publically criticised Caf and match official Seechurn
Rajindrapasard following Tunisia's ouster from the Africa Cup of
Nations (Afcon) at the expense of host nations Equatorial Guinea
amidst poor officiating.

Caf had in a previous sitting ordered the FTF to pay a fine of US$50,
000 (£33,000) over the unruly conduct of its players at the end of
last week's 2-1 defeat by Equatorial Guinea. Disgruntled Tunisian
substitute players invaded the pitch, insulted and tried to engage
referee Seechurn, after he awarded a controversial stoppage-time
penalty to the Equatoguineans.

Tunisia football boss Wadie resigned from Caf in protest after his
country's elimination. FTF wrote two letters to the Caf "insinuating"
the continental body and its officials were responsible for their
elimination as a result of "questionable and biased" officiating.

A Caf statement read: "The AFCON Organising Committee decided to
suspend with immediate effect the President of the Tunisian Football
Federation, Mr. Wadie Jary, from all activities related to CAF until
he submitted a letter of apology or presented a letter with
irrefutable, tangible evidence to substantiate claims of CAF bias
against the Tunisian team."

The FTF now has from now until March 31 "to comply with the
recommendations of the Disciplinary Panel and the organising
committee" or risk disqualification from the 2017 tournament.

Stop Diabetes Before It Stops You

An estimated five million Nigerians have diabetes. About half of this
number of persons have their cases diagnosed and even less are under
treatment. This makes Nigeria the country with the highest number of
diabetic patients in Africa. In fact diabetes is the most common
chronic illness that is being managed all over the country.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no
longer able to produce insulin, or when the body cannot make good use
of the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas,
that acts like a key to let glucose from the food we eat pass from the
blood stream into the cells in the body to produce energy.

The disease may remain undetected for many years and the diagnosis is
often made when a complication appears or a routine blood or urine
glucose test is done. It is often, but not always, associated with
overweight or obesity, which itself can cause insulin resistance and
lead to high blood glucose levels. People with type 2 diabetes can
often initially manage their condition through exercise and diet.
However, over time most people will require oral drugs and or insulin.

In Nigeria, an estimated five million people are suffering from
diabetes. If this sounds bad, experts warn that the scenario is likely
to get even worse as the number of diabetics is expected to double
within the next 20 years, to the extent that 63 percent of undiagnosed
and many that are diagnosed are not being correctly controlled. As
much as 76 percent of deaths due to diabetes occur in people under the
age of 60 in Africa. The bad news continues.

That the cost of diabetes management is prohibitive and gradually
increasing is equally worrisome. Already, most patients seen at
Federal and state teaching and specialist hospitals are often at the
late stage when effective treatment is too late and only palliative
measures can be administered.

What is the community doing about diabetes? What is it doing to
subsidise some of the drugs for its treatment? What about the
availability, and education of the public and at community level?

Just last week, some medical experts expressed concern over the burden
of diabetic disorders and the rising cost of its management in the
country.

Consultant Physician/Endocrinologist, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU,
Ile Ife, Osun State, Prof. Babatope Kolawole, said the magnitude of
diabetes in the country is too alarming to be ignored. He noted that
according to statistics, the prevalence of diabetes varies. It is a
disease of urbanisation and from previous studies, the highest burden
is in Lagos which has a prevalence of over 7 percent per population.

Kolawole blamed urbanisation and lifestyle factors as well as physical
exercise as factors driving the epidemic and recommends that reliable
preventive measures must target these. "Diabetes is a risk factor for
so many other problems, and also contributes a lot to disorders such
as kidney disease, blindness and amputation of the foot in Nigeria. It
can precipitate emergencies that can lead to death and these are the
issues related to poorly treated or untreated diabetes and no effort
should be spared in instituting preventive measures at all levels of
healthcare delivery in the country."

On his own, the Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University
Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Prof. Adewale Oke, said most diabetes cases
seen at the hospital are in the late stage. "The commonest
complications I see involve the blood vessels and the heart. It is a
common cause of myocardial infarction and can affect the heart
muscles. There can be heart failure, and renal failure. When you are
passing too much water without any explanation, you should
investigate," he urged.

Oke, an experienced cardiologist noted that Lagos State is thinking of
starting a health insurance scheme to cover diabetes. "It has been
read at the state House of Reps. but is yet to be passed, and once
that is happening there will be better for management of diabetes
especially in the area of drugs for management."

One of the big worries about diabetes, according to Dr. Dorothy
Esangbedo, an experienced paediatrician and renowned endocrinologist,
is the increasing burden of diabetes in infants and children.
Esangbedo, who is also President, Union of National African Paediatric
Societies and Associations, UNAPSA, regretted that even infants and
children are not spared the burden of diabetes.

Read more at Vanguard here:
t.co/zVDfKpAchx

Woman Hides Late Brother's Skeleton In Wardrobe For Two Years In Anambra

A food vendor in Anambra State, Ngozi Aloefuna, is in the eye of the
storm after she was discovered to have been in custody of the remains
of her brother who died of mental illness about two years ago. The
corpse of Stephen Aloefuna, a former footballer with Rangers
International Club in the 80s, was hidden in the family house for the
past two years until it had decomposed to a skeleton.

Residents of Amikwo Village, Awka South Local Government Area, where
the incident happened, were benumbed by the shocking discovery, even
as people accused Ngozi, the food vendor, of mischievously harvesting
her brother's body parts to cook the food she sells to the public in
the market.

Daily Sun investigation revealed that the woman was a popular food
vendor in Eke-Awka market. Eyewitnesses to the horror told our
reporter that the remains of the young man had turned into a skeleton
when it was discovered by one of his brothers, who pressed Ngozi to
show him where the late Stephen was buried.

The man, stunned by the bizarre sight, raised the alarm that attracted
neighbours to the room. The sight shocked the neighbours, as they
never imagined that they had lived with a decomposing corpse for the
past two years. While suspecting Ngozi of sinister motives, the
villagers alleged that she was using her late brother's parts to
prepare food for her customers, as nothing could explain why she
locked up his remains in a room for two years.

It was gathered that the bewildered neighbours descended on Ngozi, as
they demanded explanation for such evil. Sources disclosed that Ngozi
admitted that it was the skeleton of her brother, Stephen, who died of
mental sickness. However, her failure to explain why she hid the
corpse increased people's speculation that she had something sinister
rolled up her sleeves.

But when Daily Sun went to the residence of the suspect to probe
further, her relations denied the claim, insisting that she was
innocent of any diabolical act. A member of the family, who spoke with
our reporter on condition of anonymity, confirmed the death of
Stephen, who he said suffered mental problem for many years before his
death.

It was reported that Ngozi tried all she could do for him to recover
from his sickness but all her efforts proved abortive. So, when he
died, she called one of their brothers and reported the death of their
brother, Stephen, but he allegedly shunned her and asked her not to
bother him again. For the past two years, the corpse was denied a
proper burial and abandoned in the room, where it decomposed to bones.

The dishonour to the dead came to light recently when Mr. Ifeanyi
Aloefuna accosted Ngozi and demanded to see where the deceased was
buried. It was at that point that she led him to the room where he
beheld the terrifying skeleton of the late Stephen.

When this reporter asked Ngozi whether she was guilty of cooking her
brother's body parts, she said: "I am innocent. I did not kill my
brother. Everybody knew he had a mental problem and was seriously sick
before he died. Before he died, I was the only person that was taking
care of him for years and nobody asked me how he was faring until he
died. They said I killed him and used his body to prepare the food
that I sell but only God knows the truth. I leave it for God to
judge."

She explained that shortly after her brother's death, she called their
elder brother, that was living outside the state but he warned her not
to disturb his peace. According to her, since she could not bury his
brother alone, she left the corpse in a room and covered him.

"I decided to cover him till he comes back because only I cannot bury
him. After two years of his death, some of our family members came and
asked of him and I told them he is dead and they said I should show
them his grave. I opened his room and showed them where he died. Then
I was arrested and taken to the police station," she explained.

Ngozi denied embalming the corpse with native herbs to dry it and
prevent any odour in the neighbourhood. One of the residents of the
area told our reporter that a pungent smell pervaded the air within
the area for many months in the past but no one could trace the source
of the stinking odour. It was after the shocking discovery was made
that residents felt disgusted of inhaling such odour from a
decomposing corpse.

Daily Sun gathered that the remains of the deceased were taken to the
police station, while Ngozi was detained and interrogated for some
days. She was later granted bail when some of her kindred intervened.
The relatives also buried the remains of late Stephen in their family
compound.

When our reporter contacted the state Police Public Relations Officer,
Mr. Uche Eze, he confirmed the incident and said that investigations
are ongoing.
--DailySun

Ekiti Polls: Audio File Alleges Rigging As Fayose Denies Claim

An audio recording allegedly showing how the June 2014 Ekiti State
governorship election was rigged, has been released online.

The recording, which was onSahara Reporters, purportedly captured the
voices of the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, a military general
who was in charge of the election, Senator Iyiola Omisore and former
Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, in a meeting where
they allegedly gave directives to the military to favour the Peoples
Democratic Party.

But in a swift reaction to the development, Fayose said he never held
any meeting with anyone to rig election. In a statement by his Chief
Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, on Friday, the governor described the
audio clip as a new calculated attempt by the All Progressives
Congress to discredit the election results.

Reports said the audio recording was made by one Captain Sagir Koli of
the 32nd Artillery Brigade in Ekiti State, who was allegedly present
during the meeting.

A voice alleged to be that of Fayose in the audio recording complained
that the military had arrested some of his supporters with arms and
had failed to release them.

Another part of the recording also referred to some stickers which
served as forms of identification through which the military was
supposed to identify foot soldiers of the PDP that should not be
detained during the election.

A voice directed the military officer to arrest the Director-General
of the Kayode Fayemi campaign organisation, Mr. Bimbo Daramola.

It was claimed that Brig.-Gen. Aliyu Momoh and the Minister of Police
Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, were also present at the meeting.

The following quotes are taken from the transcription of the audio
recording with the names of those who allegedly made the comments:

Fayose:This brigadier general, I was governor of this state 12 years
ago, you would probably be a captain or a major, but we give God all
the glory. When you talk to this man he would argue from morning to
night. What we want to eat does not allow us to know our right.

"Number two, my younger brother retired in the army as
brigadier-general, when you explain to this man, its argument,
argument, argument. Today, we met and agreed on how to work, myself,
Omisore and all the heads. We agreed on a strategy to use, and the
nine that would join us and all you expect me to do, I have done.

Obanikoro:We have a challenge on our hands, how do we resolve this
challenge? I am here, the governor is here, when we call you, we want
action, it should not take two hours to get action, the governor said
he called you, somebody was detained for over two hours, I want to
know who was asked to be disarming those people.

Caleb Olubolade:Another thing, General relax, sit down. You are a
soldier man, you are working for us. You have more shock absorber than
we bloody civilians. Forget about that there are some things that are
not clear to us. One - that your boys are disarming even the police.
(General "are the police for us? Yes now! Yes now!")

However, Fayose had described the audio clip as fake.

He said his voice and those of others in the clip could have been
faked using technology like Natural Voices.

He said, "Nigerians should be reminded of how the APC people lied in
2007 that they recorded how the governorship election was rigged even
in the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, but the
party could not produce a single photo evidence at the tribunal
because their plan to do what is known as Morphing and Synizesis was
exposed.

"Nigerians should also be reminded of the existence of a technology
called speech software, which is good at reproducing the sounds,
inflections and intonations of a human voice.

"The APC that we all know is a party of crooks, who are capable of
doing anything, no matter how criminal to achieve its aim."

Also, Obanikoro denied reports that his voice was one of those on the
audio recording.

Obanikoro said in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media
and Strategy, Ohimai Amaize, that "you will never find him anywhere
in the world talking about rigging an election in favour of anyone.

"Senator Obanikoro is initiating a legal action againstSahara
Reportersin New York and Nigeria for defamation of character," the
statement said.
--PUNCH

Women March For Buhari In Owerri

Several of thousands of women on Friday, trooped out in Owerri, Imo
State capital, as part of a programme organized by the All
Progressives Congress (APC) South East Women Mobilisation, to drum up
support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress
in the February 14 general elections, General Muhhamadu Buhari.

In her address to the women, wife of the presidential candidate of the
APC, Hajia Aisha Buhari, has called on Nigerian women to work for the
unity of the country.

Hajia Buhari, supported by the wife of the vice presidential candidate
of the APC, Oludolapo Osinbanjo, spoke yesterday in Owerri, the Imo
State capital, during the South East APC zonal rally, held at the Dan
Anyiam Stadium.

In her speech, she enjoined the crowd of APC women to support the
change that will midwife a new Nigeria, where she said the Nigerian
women will have a feel of what governance is all about.

She stated that for a new Nigeria to be actualized, the people should
vote for the APC, assuring that once this is done, they would know
that they have played a prominent part in the salvation of Nigeria.

Mrs.Buhari, who was given the Ibo name Ogechi, meaning God's time,
harped on the need for the unity of the country at all time, adding
that, "we are one in this country and we should work together
irrespective of religion or ethnic differences."

Urging support for the reelection of Imo State governor, Rochas
Okorocha, and other APC candidates, she charged the women to return to
their communities and mobilize for the party.

Also addressing the women, the Imo State First Lady and Zonal Leader
South East Campaign Initiative, Nneoma Okorocha, described women as
agents of change, noting that change revolves around them as home
builders.

She urged the women in South East to give massive support for the APC
presidential candidate, adding that the change has started in Imo
State and will spread to other parts of the zone.

According to her, the emergence of Buhari as the nation's president
will restore the economy and security of the country.

In his remarks, Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, described Buhari
as a great and disciplined Nigerian who is poised to end corruption.
He added that, "when Buhari takes over as president, criminals will
flee the country."
--TheNation

Read This Interesting Open Letter From Actor Prince Eke, To Buhari

Nollywood actor Prince Eke, who is also married to Muma Gee has
written an open letter to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the
elections.

Read below: -

"My letter to BUHARI, Sir ,let us examine your service records. I
consider your generation a very privileged one, indeed. In 1975 at d
age of 33, you were appointed d Military Governor of d North-Eastern
State, present day Borno & Yobe states. In 1976 at d age of 34 you
became d Minister 4 Petroleum and Natural Resources. In 1978 at d age
of 36 you became d Chairman of d Nigeria National Petroleum
Corporation (NNPC). Today d reverse is d case. Most Nigerians at age
of 35 are still unemployed and still living with parents. Many are
still not married. During your time you were already Governor at this
age.

"One major reason for this unfortunate turn of events is that many
elders like you have refused 2 voluntarily handover d baton 2 d next
generation. Life should be a relay race where one runs his race and
hands over 2 d next. In Nigeria many elders like you have run their
races and are still holding on tenaciously 2 d baton.But Sir, I have
an important question here 4 you. The question is simple, MUST YOU
SERVE NIGERIA AS A PRESIDENT ONLY? IS THERE NO OTHER CAPACITY YOU CAN
SERVE US EXCEPT D PRESIDENCY? It is very erroneous 2 imagine that you
can only serve Nigeria only in one capacity. During d regime of late
General Sani Abacha, you accepted d appointment 2 serve as d Chairman
of d then Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). D general opinion was that you
served faithfully in this capacity.

"Well done Sir! But you never asked Abacha 2 vacate office 4 you as
your former subordinate in d army. Never! In fact that would have been
a dangerous move, if not suicidal. Rather you served faithfully under
your former junior in d army. Sir, imagine if you take on another job
like d Chairman of EFCC or ICPC or NDLEA. Nigerians actually need you
2 serve in one of these capacities much more than they need you in d
Presidency.

"Mere mentioning your name as Chairman of EFCC would drive many
corrupt men underground. But you wouldn't . Either d Presidency or
nothing. When are you going 2 handover 2 d next person? It is either
you do it voluntarily or risk disgrace at d polls. God bless you sir.
--informationNigeria

Ohakim Runs Amuck Again, Beats Wife To Coma

In what has characteristically become part of his life, former
governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim has beaten his wife, Barr.
Mrs Chioma Ohakim to coma, 247ureports reports.

The incident which reportedly took place last weekend in Abuja,
started over a minor domestic issue of selling the family properties
in the nation's capital.

The former governor had sold the property in the high brow area of
Abuja to finance his re-election campaign without informing his wife.

According to the source, trouble started when the former first Lady
queried her husband over his reason for selling one of their
properties in Abuja without her consent.

This was said to have infuriated the ex-governor and in a fit of
anger, he started beating her mercilessly.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that to avoid the rein of
punches from her husband, Chioma ran to her private room.

But, not satisfied with the beating he gave her yet, Ohakim was said
to have pursued his wife to the private room, ripping the door open
and continuing the beating.

When she slumped into a coma, he left her and walked away.

She was however revived by her children who discovered the incident later.

To cover the bruises he inflicted on his wife, the source hinted that
he pleaded and persuaded his wife to seek treatment abroad.

The Imo former governor who felt heavy remorse over his action flew
his wife out of the country for medical attention.

It would be recalled that just last week Wednesday, Ohakim in a rare
display of rage flew off the handle and physically assaulted his
confidant, Chief Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe.

According to Ajumbe, who served as Ohakim's agent at the December 8
PDP governorship primaries, the former governor owed him millions of
naira accruing from the jobs he did for him, part of which included
some millions he helped raise for him before the primaries.

"When i called on him to pay me, he finally invited me to his
residence in Owerri after dodging me several times. He gave me a
Fidelity Bank cheque which could not be cashed both in Abuja and
Owerri", he said.

Ajumbe added that he mailed the bounced cheque back to the former
governor, who now invited him to his house in Owerri.

Because of the sensitive nature of the issue, Ajumbe said he went to
see Ohakim in the company of two of his friends.

He stated that after about two hours delay, Ohakim emerged from his
swimming pool and requested that the two friends of Ajumbe should go
and leave him to thrash the matter out with him as friends".

"I obliged his request and told my friends to go in front of the house
to wait for me. It was then that Ohakim started shouting at me and was
asking if I was using the dud cheque to blackmail him. I told him that
I would do no such thing.

"But before I could finish what I was saying Ohakim grabbed an iron
bar by the side of his house and started hitting me. He hit me first
on the head with blood gushing out and later on my back when I fell
down. He hit me severally with this iron bar and ordered that the
gates be lucked for him to kill me the way he killed other people like
me.
--247ureports

Kanu Takes Over Ihedioha's Campaign In Imo

Former Nigerian football star and ex-captain of the Super Eagles,
Nwankwo Kanu has taken over the governorship campaigns of the deputy
speaker and flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Imo
State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, calling on the youths of the state to
massively vote for the party in theFebruary 28governorship election.

Kanu, who led the PDP campaign train to Isu and Njaba Local Government
Areas of the state, yesterday, came in the company of the former
governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, his
running mate, Chief Chuma Nnaji; PDP chairman, Sir Nnamdi Anyaehie;
Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu, Chief Chris Ohuruzor, Chief John Agbasi, Hon.
Jones Onyereri and many others.

Speaking at Central School, Umuaka in Njaba LGA, where throngs of
youths and women came out to see and hear him, the ex-football star
also called on Nigerian youths to vote for President Goodluck
Jonathan's re-election onFebruary 14, noting that with Jonathan, the
future is bright for Nigerian youths.

His words, "Na me be Papilo. I know say one day, I go make you proud.
My dear youths of Njaba, I've come with PDP so that you will not be
deceived again into making another mistake during the next week's
election. I'm here to urge you to vote for Rt.Hon Emeka Ihedioha
onFebruary 28. Ihedioha will make you a proud native of Imo State if
you vote for PDP. He will ensure that you, I mean the unemployed
youths among you will get good jobs and ensure that your schools will
be of great quality again.

"Also, I want to urge you to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan and
PDP onFebruary 14to enable him complete the good programme he had
started in the country".

Urging Nigerian youths to have their trust in Jonathan's
Transformation agenda, Kanu noted that Jonathan had given Nigerian
youths bright hope and stated that with the speed at which Nigerian
economy was growing under the administration, the youths would be
better for it.
--247ureports

Kano, Kaduna, Lagos Top PVC Collection List --INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission has listed Kano, Kaduna
and Lagos as the states leading in the collection of Permanent Voter
Cards.

The electoral body said it was committed to its earlier position that
the Temporary Voter Cards would not be allowed for voting during the
next general elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, in his submission to the
Council of State meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan
on Thursday, said the commission would not reverse its decision to use
PVCs for the elections in order to enhance the credibility of the
polls.

A copy of the submission titled: "Preparations for the 2015 general
elections: Progress report," presented to the Council of State meeting
by Jega stated that a total of 45,098,876 PVCs had been collected
across the country as of Wednesday.

A document tagged "Attachment 2" attached to Jega's presentation
claimed that the figure represents 65.81 per cent of the 68,833,476
total number of registered voters nationwide.

The document indicated that 3,190,417 voters had collected their PVCs
out of the 4,975,701 registered voters in Kano State representing
64.11 per cent of the registered voters.

In Kaduna State, 2,976,628 voters, representing 87.36 per cent, have
collected their cards out of 3,407,222 registered voters.

In Lagos State, 2,267,039 voters, representing 38.39 per cent, have
collected their PVCs out of 5,905,852 registered voters.

In Katsina State, 2,245,303 voters (79.40 per cent) have collected
their cards out of 2,827,943 registered voters.

Bayelsa State has the least number of voters with PVCs. In that state,
386,125 voters (63.26 per cent) have collected their cards out of
610,373 registered voters.

In Abuja, 464,769 voters (52.73 per cent) have collected their cards
out of 881,472 registered voters.

In Ekiti State, 496,536 voters (67.83 per cent) have collected their
PVCs out of 732,021 registered voters.

Jega, however, said the commission would not conduct elections with
TVCs because they (the TVCs) had no chips and could therefore not be
authenticated by card readers.

He added that if TVCs were allowed, millions of people who were
involved in multiple registration and whose names had been removed
from voters register for the next elections would approach polling
units on election days, whereas their names would not be in the
register.

The INEC chairman said, "The nation has invested a lot in the Card
Readers and Permanent Voters Cards technology and the commission
believes that using them in the 2015 general elections would confer
remarkable transparency and credibility to the electoral process.

"There have been demands that the commission should revert to the use
of TVCs issued during the 2011 registration and the subsequent
Continuous Voters Registration.

"The TVCs have no chips and therefore cannot be verified or
authenticated by the card readers. Also, there are more than four
million cases of multiple registration; people with TVCs, who have
been removed from the certified register of voters for the 2015
elections.

"Once the use of TVCs is allowed, many of these people would inundate
polling units on election day; their names will not be in the
register, and they would start agitation that they have been
'disenfranchised' as was the case during the Anambra State
governorship elections in November 2013.

"In any case, people who collected PVCs no longer have TVCs because
they used them to exchange for PVCs.

"Additionally, a high percentage of voters had to use the attestation
forms provided to collect their PVCs due to loss of TVCs on account of
floods, insurgency, etc."

Meanwhile, Jega regretted that due to funding constraints, the
commission could not do enough hands-on training for its Presiding
Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers on the technology of the
PVCs and card readers.
--PUNCH.

Pope Francis Says It's OK To Spank Children If You Don't Demean Them

Pope Francis has stirred up a hornet's nest with remarks in which he
said it's OK for parents to spank children, so long as they do it with
dignity.

The comments came in his general audience Wednesday in St. Peter's
Square, when Francis was talking about the importance of a good father
within a family.

"I once heard at a wedding a father say, 'I sometimes have to hit my
children a little but never in the face, so as to not demean them.'
How nice, I thought, he has a sense of dignity," the Pope said.

"When he punishes, he does it right and moves on."

The principle of not humiliating the child while doling out the
punishment appears to be central to the Pope's justification of
spanking, as is that of forgiveness.

"A good father knows how to wait and knows how to forgive from the
bottom of his heart. Of course he can also discipline with a firm
hand: he's not weak, submissive, sentimental," he said.

"This father knows how to discipline without demeaning; he knows how
to protect without restraint."

The issue of corporal punishment for children is divisive in many
countries, and the Pope's remarks prompted an outpouring of both
support and criticism on social media.

Father Thomas Rosica, a Vatican spokesman, told CNN that it was
important not to take the Pope's words out of context -- and that
there was an important distinction to be made between discipline and
punishment.

"It's about time that we stop and allow the Pope to speak the language
of most ordinary people, especially parents, who understand the Pope
far better than those who parse every single word and statement that
comes out of his mouth!" he said.

Opinion: Spanking isn't child abuse; it's common sense
"Let us not read into the Pope's words anything other than what is
there. He speaks constantly of mercy and tenderness. He speaks as a
pastor and loving father figure who loves children and wants the best
for them."

Francis showed this affection in a Google Hangout with disabled
childrenfrom around the world Thursday, Rosica added, and "speaks
about disciplining children and never punishing them."
The pontiff also met with street children on a visit to a shelter in
the Philippines last month.

According to the website of the Global Alliance to End Corporal
Punishment of Children, children in at least 43 states are protected
by law from all corporal punishment.

They include more than 20 European nations, as well as countries in
Africa and Latin America.

The United States is not one of the nations where corporal punishment
is banned, but an anti-spanking movement has gained momentum there.

The case of NFL star Adrian Peterson, given probation, a fine and
community service in November after he admitted whipping his
4-year-old son, stirred up the debate. The NFL also suspended the
Minnesota Vikings star running back for the rest of the season.
--CNN

Nyanya Bombing: Ogwuche's Arraignment Stalled

The arraignment of Aminu Ogwuche and six other accused persons
suspected of master minding the Nyanya bomb blast which claimed 75
lives on April 14, 2014 has been stalled following the absence of a
counsel to represent some of the accused persons.

The seven accused persons who are to be arraigned before Justice Ahmed
Mohammed on a seven count charge of terrorism are Aminu Ogwuche, Ahmad
Abubakar, Mohammed Ishaq, Ya'u Saidu, Anas Isah, Adamu Yusuf and
Nasiru Abubakar.

Following the absence of counsel for five out of the seven accused
persons, the trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, fixed February 20 as
the new date for the arraignment of the accused persons.

Aminu Ogwuche and the six other accused persons are alleged to have
conspired and committed an act of terrorism by driving and later
detonating a car laden with improvised explosive devices which claimed
75 lives on April 14, 2014.

The incident happened at El-Rufai Park in Nyanya located on the
outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory.

An eighth accused person, Ahmed Abubakar, who is at large had his name
deleted from the charge sheet.
--ChannelsTV

Boko Haram: Chadian Troops Reclaim Nigerian Town From Terrorist

Chad's army has dispelled the Boko Haram terrorists out of Malumfatori
town in north-eastern Nigeria, a senior security source from Niger
said.

The reported recapture followed a two day fighting, the source disclosed.

Both air and ground forces are reported to be in the assault. The
ground forces are said to have moved in after crossing Lake Chad.

The Nigerian authorities said they were doing all they could to tackle
the militants, but neighboring countries, including Niger and Cameroon
sent troops to help it counter the incursion.

However, the Nigerian military confirmed that the town had been
captured but said the action was performed by soldiers from Chad,
Niger and Nigeria. Though Cameroon was supposed to be a part of the
countries contributing troops, they are yet to participate in the
activities of the force.

Nigeria's Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, was quoted as saying that
Nigeria "has to redefine its fault lines in fighting the Boko Haram".
He also added that tackling the group required not just military
action, but also "improving the capacity of the Nigerian State in
areas such as the judiciary, prison system and law enforcement
agency".

He expressed optimism that a lot would be done about Boko Haram beyond
fighting them in the Northern part of the oil rich nation.

Ghanian President, John Mahama had said that the leaders of Nigeria
must produce a "specific plan of action to deal permanently with the
Boko Haram".

The terrorist group has carried out series of terror attacks on
communities in Nigeria's north-east, as they sought the establishment
of an Islamic State and an end to western education in the region.
--ChannelsTV

Ghana To Face Ivory Coast In AFCON Final, Crowd Trouble Mars Semi Final

Ghana would be facing Ivory Coast in the final of the 2015 African Cup
of Nations after securing a 3-0 win over hosts Equatorial Guinea.

However, crowd trouble marred the end of the semi-final duel in
Malabo, as the match was suspended in the closing stages.

With the match in the final 10 minutes, their fans were forced to
leave the stands and take refuge behind one of the goals after being
pelted with objects from rival supporters.

Bottles could be seen scattered across the running track which
surrounded the pitch.

The referee stopped the match and the players were left waiting in the
middle of the pitch to find out if the match would restart, with the
Equatorial Guinea players pleading with their fans to calm down.

Many of the fans left the stadium as the suspension dragged on.

The game restarted and Ghana sealed a place in the final against Ivory
Coast after a penalty from Jordan Ayew and a Wakaso Mubarak strike at
the end of the first half and a tap-in from Andre Ayew in the second.

The Ghana supporters appeared to be escorted by police through the
tunnel, with reports of Equatorial Guinea supporters waiting for them
outside the stadium.

Equatorial Guinea only stepped in to host the tournament after Morocco
pulled out due to the Ebola epidemic.

Having never qualified for a World Cup, their only previous African
Nations Cup campaign was in 2012 when they reached the quarter-finals.

Ghana have not won the Nations Cup since 1982, despite making the
final four in the last four tournaments. They were losing
semifinalists in 2008, 2012 and 2013, they were defeated in the 2010
final by Egypt.
--ChannelsTV

Liverpool Agree Record-Breaking Kit Deal With New Balance

Liverpool have sealed the biggest kit supplier deal in the club's
history with American sportswear manufacturer New Balance.
The Reds had in 2012 signed a six-year deal worth £25m a season with
Warrior Sports, whose parent company is New Balance.

The Anfield outfit's kits will be made by New Balance from next season
onwards in a deal which reportedly could worth as much as £300m in
estimate.

Alberto Moreno Displaying His Warrior Sports Crested Chelsea Upon
Joining the Reds in February 2014. Image: Liverpool via Getty.

"We are thrilled to announce this partnership with one of the world's
leading sportswear brands, which is a record-breaking deal for the
club", Liverpool's chief commercial officer Billy Hogan said.

"Like Liverpool FC, New Balance has over 100 years of heritage and a
global footprint and they have a presence in many countries across the
world, which will all feature LFC kit."
--informationNigeria

I Didn't Convert Christians To Islam --Okorocha

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has denied a report published by
an Owerri-based newspaper that he converted some Christians to Islam.

Speaking during a debate organised by the state chapter of Pentecostal
Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the governor also condemned the recent
attack on his person, and warned against the use of religion to
destabilise the country.

Okorocha, who said he is a devoted Christian and that he contributed
to the building of the National Worship Centre in Abuja, wondered why
anyone should make such allegation against him.

He described the allegation as falsehood purported to cause problem
between him and the Catholic Church.

The governor noted that he can never be involved in such a thing and
urged Imo indigenes to disregard the rumour.

He also explained that he contested the governorship position in 2011
to liberate Imo indigenes from poverty and bondage and assured that
his administration would do its best to eradicate poverty through
massive industrialisation.

In his speech, chairman of PFN, Bishop Maxwell C. Korie, said the
debate was to give governorship candidates opportunity to present
their programmes to the people and to also pray for them.

He described Okorocha, as a true Christian with the fear of God.

Governor Okorocha is seeking re-election on the platform of the All
Progressives Congress and will face stiff contest to retain his seat
from Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha
(PDP) and ex-Minister of the Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
--infonaija

Okorocha Appeals Verdict On Ndi Eze Chair

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has filed a fresh appeal
against the decision of the Court of Appeal to reinstate the sacked
Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze (Dr.) Cletus
I. Ilomuanya.

He had dissolved the Imo State Council of Ndi Eze, in his maiden
broadcast on June 6, 2011. It was a decision which Ilomuanya resented
and for which he sued Okorocha. Not satisfied with the rule against
him, he went to the Court of Appeal and obtained a favourable verdict.

Dissatisfied with the decision, the governor went to Supreme Court.
When the matter came up yesterday at the Supreme Court, Abuja, the
presiding Justice, Justice John Fabiyi, struck out the suit on the
ground that leave was not obtained.

In a mild drama ensued, as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for
Justice Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN), within minutes refiled the appeal
through suit No SC9/ 2015, in which Okorocha is praying the apex court
that the five years tenure of Dr. Cletus I. Ilumounya had elapsed on
January 28, 2015, having been appointed on January 28, 2010, by the
former governor of the state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim.

Okorocha had, also, through the Attorney-General, filed a motion for a
stay of execution of the Court of Appeal judgment pending the
determination of his fresh appeal.

He maintained that the tenure of Ilumounya cannot be extended, with
reference to the verdict of the Supreme Court on the Rashidi Adewolu
Ladoja v Independent National Electoral Commission case.

Meanwhile, Justice Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN) had petitioned the
Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, over an attempt by Eze
Ilumounya to mislead the public on the appeal, which is still pending.
--DailyTimes

My Quotes

"As we are top of the league, everyone wants to steal our position.
That is why Jose wants us to be aware of it and maintain focus."
--Willian

Council Of State Says Elections Should Go As Planned If INEC Thinks It's Ready

The National Council of State on Thursday reaffirmed the sole power of
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain or amend
the election timetable. The council therefore refused to pressurise
the INEC to shift the election dates despite calls from several
quarters for the postponement of the polls.

The meeting, which was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at
the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, lasted about seven hours.
The council, at the end of the meeting, resolved that INEC should
consider its advice and take necessary steps on the conduct of the
election.

Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, who briefed State House
correspondents at the end of the meeting, alongside his Imo and
Adamawa states counterparts, Rochas Okorocha and James Ngilari, noted
that the council was essentially an advisory body, but the electoral
body would brief the nation on its final decision.

Mimiko said the council essentially deliberated on the state of
preparedness of INEC and provided the commission the benefit of input
from council members and security chiefs and agencies.

"Based on the very exhaustive discussion and pieces of advice, INEC is
constitutionally empowered to brief the nation and then the news will
be communicated to you," he said.

"INEC is going to consult widely with stakeholders and come up with a
decision on which it will brief the nation soon."

Mimiko observed that President Jonathan summoned the meeting to enable
INEC brief the council on its preparedness, saying "based on what INEC
briefed us and based on perception of council members and security
agencies, INEC was properly advised and you will hear from INEC."

Okorocha, in his remarks, said INEC had assured of its readiness for
the election and had, therefore, been advised to perform its civic
responsibility. He said the body had assured of its readiness for the
election.

"National Council of State advised INEC to go and perform its civic
responsibility, which is to conduct elections. That is what we agreed
on.

"It was a very challenging moment and INEC has reaffirmed severally
that it is ready, but because of concerns of security agencies in some
few local governments, council asked INEC to go and perform its civic
responsibilities, which is the conduct of elections."

Asked if there was a decision on date change, he added that "there is
no decision as to change of date, but the council has asked INEC to go
and perform its responsibility."

Former leaders of the country present at the meeting were General
Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, General Muhammadu Buhari, General
Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Earnest Shonekan and General Abdulsalami
Abubakar.

The Senate President, David Mark was also present, as well as Speaker
of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; former Chief Justices
of the Federation, Justice Alfa Belgore and Dahiru Musdapher.

State governors present were James Ngilari (Adamawa), Rabiu Musa
Kwankwaso (Kano); Rauf Aregebsola (Osun); Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Umaru
Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa); Aliyu Wamako (Sokoto); Willie Obiano of
Anambra and Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger.

Others were Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa),
Idris Wada (Kogi), Rotimi Ameachi (Rivers), Mukhtar Ramalan Yero
(Kaduna), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abubakar
Yari (Zamfara) Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Ibrahim Shehu Shema of
Katsina.

Also present were Mimiko (Ondo); David Jang (Plateau); Liyel Imoke
(Cross Rivers); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Isa Yuguda (Bauchi);
Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Emmanuel Uduaghan
(Delta); Ayo Fayose of Ekiti and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe.

Borno, Yobe, Abia and Oyo state governors were represented by their
deputies. Taraba State acting governor, Danladi Abubakar, was present,
while Benue, Ebonyi and Kebbi governors were neither present nor
represented.

Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of
Army Staff, Lieutenant -General Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Naval Staff,
Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin; Admiral Adesola Amosu (Air Force); Suleiman
Abba, Inspector-General of Police; Ita Ekpeyong, Director-General,
SSS; National Security Adviser, Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki, were
also present.

Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, was the only living former
Nigerian leader absent at the meeting.
--VOFNImo

2011 Post-Election Violence: More Evidence Submitted Against Buhari At ICC

Counsel representing a Coalition of Northern Civil Society
Organisations at the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICC),
Professor Goran Sluiter, on Thursday, filed supplementary evidence
against the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Muhammadu Buhari, over his alleged role in 2011 post-election
violence.

Sluiter, who spoke on live telephone from Hague, headquarters of the
court, during a news conference in Abuja, said the full version of the
case of over 66 pages with the supplementary evidence, including video
clips, were submitted to the prosecutor at about 3.00p.m on Thursday.

Secretary General, Documentation and Research, Northern Coalition for
Democracy and Justice, Dr Ibrahim Baba, who addressed the news
conference, insisted that Buhari must be prosecuted to serve as
deterrent. The group will pursue the case until it reaches a logical
conclusion, despite death threats from the supporters of Buhari, he
added.

According to him, supplementary evidence would complement a previous
ICC filing submitted by the NCDJ in May, 2011. The evidence had been
submitted for forensic investigation.

Baba added that the group had overwhelming evidence to prosecute
Buhari at the ICC for allegedly instigating the 2011 post-election
violence that claimed the lives of about 800 people.

He said an international human rights lawyer, Professor Goran Sluiter,
a partner at the Amsterdam law firm of Prakken d'Oliveira Human Rights
Lawyers, was engaged to immediately commence the process of
prosecution at the ICC.

Baba noted that since the Federal Government had not demonstrated
political will to prosecute Buhari, the groups had to approach the
court because Nigeria was a signatory to international laws.

Baba said dragging Buhari to ICC was not politically motivated as the
case had been pending since 2011 "because we could not influence the
case to be expeditiously dispensed."

He said there was no need to keep silent to allow reoccurrence of
similar violence in this election. He said categorically that the
post-election violence in 2011 was not spontaneous but as a result of
the inflammatory statements by Buhari.

"Based on the available evidence, there are compelling reasons to
believe that crimes against humanity; including murder, torture, r*pe;
forcible population transfer, persecution and other inhuman acts, were
committed in the context of the politically-motivated sectarian
violence that immediately followed the Nigerian presidential elections
of April, 2011.

"Due to the seriousness of these crimes, the lack of adequate response
by the Nigerian authorities, the prosecutor of the ICC will be asked
to conduct investigations into the alleged acts and their
perpetrators, in state, General Muhammadu Buhari."

He said the evidence collected to date strongly suggested that the
highly inflammatory public comments made by Buhari prior to, during
and immediately following the elections led directly to the deaths of
over 800 people and the displacement of more than 65,000 individuals
in April, 2011.

Only 2 Out Of 10 Nigerian Adults Belong To Political Parties --Poll

Nigeria has 26 political parties registered by the country's electoral
commission, but its citizens know only a few of them. This is
according to a recent poll that sought to measure the awareness of
Nigerians on registered political parties as well as their membership
in these parties.

The survey conducted by NOI Polls, a leading country-specific polling
services provider, revealed that 87 percent of respondents surveyed
are more aware of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). This is
closely followed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 82
percent, while 25 percent of the respondents said they were aware of
the All Progress Grand Alliance (APGA).

Nigerians Do Not know much about political parties

Respondents showed equal awareness for the PDP and major opposition
party, APC, across all geo-political zones in the country at 47
percent. The South-East zone showed the highest awareness for PDP, at
91 percent, while the South-West zone has the largest proportion of
respondents who were aware of the APC, at 89 percent. However, 54
percent of respondents from the South-South zone showed awareness for
APGA.

The PDP had until recently prided itself as the only political party
in Nigeria that cuts across all ethnicity. The defunct Action Congress
of Nigeria (ACN), which was popular in the South West; the Congress
for Progressive Change (CPC), popular in the North; the All Nigeria
Peoples Party (ANPP), also popular in the North; and a faction of the
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), popular in the South East and
South South, changed this with a merger in 2013. They formed the All
Progressives Congress (APC), which now matches the PDP in terms of
nationwide awareness.

Only 2 out of 10 adults claim political afiliation

Although, a lot of Nigerians are aware of the main political parties,
they are not actively engaged in the activities of these parties. Just
two out of 10 adults in the country are registered members of various
political parties and have party membership cards. 8 percent are
registered members, but do not have party membership cards. However,
seven out of 10 adult Nigerians confirmed that they are not registered
to any political party. Majority of them are also not keen to join
any.

According to NOI Polls, the reluctance of some Nigerians to join
political parties, may be due to general apathy towards politics,
political parties and their activities, or due to perceptions of a
poor enabling environment for participation of individuals (especially
the female gender) in political activities among other reasons.

The two major political parties in Nigeria, the All Progressives
Congress (APC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) hold the
largest share of respondents who are registered members of political
parties, at 47 percent.

Most of them hear about political parties on TV and radio

The poll conducted in the week that started on December 8, 2014,
revealed that the traditional media still play a huge role in making
people know about political parties. The TV accounts for 57 percent
and the radio, 50 percent. About 32 percent of Nigerians, mostly aged
18-21 years hear about political parties through 'word of mouth'.

Fourteen parties have presented candidates for Nigeria's presidential
election, which holds on February 14. But representatives of the two
most popular parties in the country, APC and PDP, are the ones widely
known. A huge percentage of Nigerians are aware of both parties and
they are likely going to vote them in the forthcoming election.
--infonaija

Tanker Explosion Near Police HQ In Port Harcourt

A tanker exploded behind the Nigerian police divisional headquarters
along Agree road in Port harcourt, Rivers state this evening. People
in the area say the Fire Service is yet to come to the scene of the
explosion.
--infonaija

Zimbabwe's President Collapses At Harare Airport

Ninety-year-old Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe fell on Wednesday
after addressing a crowd at Harare Airport.

The incident, witnessed by newsmen, increased concern about his
health, but his Spokesman, George Charamba, said the president had
"just missed a step'' when coming down from the podium.

Mugabe had just returned from Addis Ababa, where he had assumed the
chairmanship of the African Union.

He was quickly helped to stand by his aides and escorted away.

Press photographers said that security guards forced them to delete
pictures of the president lying on the floor.

Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980 and refused to appoint a
successor, frequently visited the Far East for medical check-ups.

The government had denied that the president suffered from any serious
health problems.

Images released recently showed him sleeping at several meetings.

Mugabe is due to hold his 91st birthday bash on Feb. 28 in the resort
town of Victoria Falls.

The opposition in that country had criticised the president for
spending millions of dollars on party while failing to revive the
country's ailing economy.

Rihanna Swims With Shark In New Harper's Bazaar Photoshoot

The pop star, Rihanna appears on the cover of the latest issue of
Harper's Bazaar magazine, and in one of the pictures in the
photoshoot, she was seen swimming with a shark. Hope she doesn't get
bitten though.....lool.....kidding!!

See the picture after the cut.
--Gistreel