'Jonathan Had Ordered Keshi Be Reinstated'

Stephen Keshi could be set for a surprise return as coach of African
champions Nigeria after the apparent intervention of the country's
President Goodluck Jonathan.

Keshi, who steered the Super Eagles to Africa Cup of Nations glory in
2013 and the knock-out stage of this year's World Cup finals, was
sacked on October 16 after a string of poor performances.

But several senior officials at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
have revealed that Jonathan had ordered Keshi be reinstated and given
a contract.

Should that happen, he would be on the bench for Nigeria's next Africa
Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo and South Africa in November.

Keshi, who was in talks on Thursday with sports minister Tammy
Danagogo, said he was unaware of any presidential intervention.

But he added: "If the president of my country asked me to return, who
am I to refuse?"

The 52-year-old coach had earlier refused to comment on speculation
that he could be reinstated, with a power struggle for leadership of
the NFF rumbling on.

New NFF boss Amaju Pinnick sacked Keshi and his coaching staff soon
after his appointment last month, adding that the hunt was on for a
foreign coach.

Jonathan is said to have met Pinnick and Chris Giwa, who briefly led
the NFF in August, at the presidential villa in the capital, Abuja, on
Wednesday night.

"Keshi is back as Nigeria coach and he will be the one to lead the
Super Eagles against Congo and South Africa next month," said one
senior official.

In a separate NFF statement released on Thursday, caretaker coach
Shuaibu Amodu said Keshi should be allowed to take charge for the last
two AFCON qualifiers.

He said the executive committee should reconsider as he did not have
enough time to prepare for the games.

"The timeframe is too short to start tinkering with the fabric of the
team or attempt to build a new team altogether," he wrote in an open
letter to NFF bosses.

Nigeria play Congo-Brazzaville in Pointe Noire on November 15 and
South Africa in Uyo, southeast Nigeria, four days later.

They need to not only win both matches but beat Congo by a margin of
two away goals to stand any chance of automatic qualification for the
finals in Morocco next year.
--Vanguard

Tambuwal's Security Details Withdrawn

All the security details attached to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, have been withdrawn by the Federal
Government of Nigeria.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Media, Zachary Mohamed,
confirmed this on Thursday.

A press release issued by the Police Force Public Relations Officer,
Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, cited the recent defection by Aminu Tambuwal from
the PDP to the APC as reason.

Part of the statement read, "...having regard to the clear provision of
section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria as amended, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has redeployed its
personnel attached to his office."

Sources said that at about midnight on Thursday, top level security
report informed the Speaker that "orders have been given for the
withdrawal of his security details".

As the number four citizen of the country in the hierarchy of
protocol, the Speaker is entitled to a round-the-clock security made
up of men from the Police, Civil Defence Corps and the Department of
State Security (DSS).

The withdrawal of the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal's security details comes
less than 24 hours after he was formally presented as a member of the
All Progressives Congress, APC, during the party's extraordinary
national convention held in Abuja, the nation's capital on Wednesday,
October 29.

This was following the Speaker's announcementof his decision to leave
the ruling People's Democratic Party, PDP, for the opposition on the
floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tambuwal told the party members that he embraced the APC platform
because he saw it as a veritable instrument for genuine change and
enduring national development, adding that " APC represents the hope
for the change" which Nigerians have been clamouring for.
--Channels

2015: GEJ Picks PDP Nomination Form, Promises To 'Move Faster'

President Goodluck Jonathan has picked a nomination form at the PDP
Headquarters, Wadata House, in Abuja, to run for a second term under
the People's Democratic Party.

The ceremony attracted top government functionaries and party big wigs.

During his speech, President Jonathan thanked all those who
contributed to the cost of purchasing the PDP nomination form, a total
of 22 million naira, including the Transformation Ambassadors of
Nigeria (TAN), the National Executive Council, PDP Governors' Forum
and others.

At the close of his speech, which signalled the end of the ceremony,
he proceeded to a closed-door meeting with the Party Chairman, Adamu
Mu'azu.

In an exclusive interview with Channels Television's Chukwuma
Onyebusi, the President said that the event meant it was time "to do
more".

He noted that his and the party's committment was to take the country
to the next level. "We have set up the structure. We will never go
back. We will move faster", he promised.

Many supporters expressed satisfaction with the President's decision
to pick up the PDP nomination form, including newly elected Ekiti
Governor, Ayo Fayose, who said that "Mr President is a party man. He
believes in this party. He is living by example".
--Channels

Obasanjo Resumes School, Takes His First Ph.d Lesson, Gets Homework

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, had his first day in
class as a Masters/Ph.d student of the National Open University of
Nigeria, NOUN.

The former president is studying for a Masters and Doctorate degree in
Christian Theology. The class which took place in Ota, Ogun State, was
held with his internal supervisor, Philip Tachin, a lecturer in
Systematic Theology and a pastor.

After receiving an outline for the course, he was given his first
assignment to review a number of literatures on the subject and to
present a research paper for review.

Olusegun Obasanjo obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in 2009.

The Masters degree will precede the Doctorate degree.

Obasanjo said he was optimistic that additional knowledge in Theology
will help him understand how to use religion in the alleviation of
problems that affect people at the grass roots generally but
particularly in Africa.

Last month, Obasanjo told Premium Times that he was returning to
school to achieve his aspirations in life.

"I'm going back to school because I have to have something to aspire
to in every endeavour of life. "I always aspire to something new in my
farm. I do that in my international activities. I do it in my writing.
I do it in the improvement of my academic work which helps to sharpen
my brain and strengthen my faith," he said.
--PUNCH

Suspected Ebola Patient Causes Panic At Lagos Airport

Passengers and other users of the Murtala Muhammed International
Airport, Lagos were on Wednesday thrown into panic as a suspected
Ebola patient was flown into the country by Royal Air Maroc in the
early hours of the day.

The Moroccan airline arrived Lagos from Casablanca at 6am.

View Ebola cases/deaths around world

The victim, one Theophilus Onnakhinon, a Nigerian, was said to have
been flown into the country by the airline, while his younger brother,
Chinedu Eroka, absconded from Sierra Leonean authorities.

As at the time of filing this report, it was not clear why Eroka
absconded from the Sierra Leone.

A source close to the Port Health Services at the airport, who spoke
on condition of anonymity, explained that the passenger had already
been treated for the Ebola Virus Disease and declared cured.

The source said the passenger was assisted into the country by a
Nigerian consular official, Mrs. T. Mohammed.

According to the source, the consular officer accompanied Onnakhinon
into the country in order to avoid stigmatisation by Nigerian health
officials and others at the airport.

On arrival, he was immediately handed over to the Port Health
officials, who immediately isolated and quarantined him.

As of the time of filing this report, Onnakhinon was still being
observed by the Port Health officials.

The source said that the essence of his being quarantined was for the
officials to determine his health status and confirm that he was
indeed free of the disease before being allowed to integrate into the
society.

The source said, "It is true that there was an Ebola scare at the
Lagos airport today, but the fact is that the victim had been cured of
the disease in Sierra Leone before being assisted into Nigeria by our
consular officer in that country.

"Immediately he landed, he was handed over to the port health
authorities who immediately carried out checks on him and isolated him
from other passengers.

"But the truth is that we just want to re-check what has already been
done by the Sierra Leonean authorities. You know, we cannot take
chances again in the country. I can assure you that the situation is
under control."

Wednesday's incident came a week after the World Health Organisation
declared Nigeria Ebola free.
--PUNCH

Ameobi Makes EPL History

Sammy Ameobi's goal eight seconds after coming on as a substitute in
Newcastle United 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspurs made history as the
fastest scored by a substitute in the league history from open play.

Ameobi was introduced before the start of the second half and scored
straight from the kick-off for the half. He ran behind the Tottenham
Hotspurs defence to finish off a delightful through ball from Jack
Colback to draw his team level after Emmanuel Adebayor had given Spurs
the lead. Debutant Ayoze Perez completed Newcastle United's amazing
comeback by scoring their second and winning goal in the 58th minute.

The goal was also a personal milestone for the lanky, pacy winger as
it was his first ever goal in the English Premier League since his
debut for the magpies in 2010. Prior to his goal against Spurs Ameobi
has only previously scored for Newcastle in the football league cup, a
winning goal against Scunthorpe on 25 August 2011.

Ameobi is in the last eight months of his deal and with no offer yet
from Newcastle his performances in their last two games means he won't
be short of suitors if they fail to offer him fresh terms. In January
he will be free to discuss with interested parties in his services in
view of a transfer in the summer as a free agent if Newcastle United
fail to sanction a winter move. So far he has made five appearances
for them in the Premier league from a possible nine games this season.

My Sayings

Don't let life change your goals, because achieving your goals can
change your life.

NHRC To Release Electoral Fraudsters' List

The National Human Rights Commission said on Wednesday that it would
soon release the list of persons it had indicted for committing
various electoral offences in the 2011 general elections.

Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, said this at the
commission's headquarters in Abuja, while receiving a delegation of
the Economic Community of West African States, led by former Ghanaian
President, Mr. John Kuffour.

Kuffour said his delegation was in Nigeria for a pre-election
assessment of the nation's preparedness for the 2015 polls.

The former Ghanaian President added that the delegation had visited
the ECOWAS secretariat in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party, the
United Nation Development Programme and the Independent National
Electoral Commission as part of its assessment tour.

Angwe, who painted a picture of general panic by Nigerians ahead of
the 2015 elections, said the NHRC had been making efforts toward
ending electoral impunity in the country by ensuring that those
indicted for various electoral offences were punished.

The commission had earlier in the year released a list of persons it
indicted after reviewing various judgments of the election tribunals
and appellate courts on previous elections and recommended them for
prosecution.

No action had been taken on the NHRC recommendation, though some of
the individuals had gone to court to challenge the legality of the
commission's report.

The NHRC boss said the step taken by the commission to indict and
recommend the alleged offenders for prosecution was part of the
efforts targeted at ending electoral impunity in the country.

He said, "On the eve of the 2015 general elections, the National Human
Rights Commission has commenced implementation of practical steps that
will bring to an end the electoral impunity in this country.

"Consequently, the past few months, the commission reviewed decisions
of election tribunals and identified persons who are indicted in the
various electoral tribunals to have committed some electoral offences
and accordingly recommended to the Attorney General of the Federation
and the relevant state Commissioners of Justice for prosecution of
those indicted persons.

"In some few weeks to come, the commission is still going to release
another set of persons, who were specifically indicted in the 2011
general elections to have committed various election offences for
prosecution."

He said the law could only be effective when the sanction attached to
it was being enforced.

"It is our belief that when those indicted for election offences are
punished this will indeed serve as a deterrent and it will assist in
putting an end to the culture of impunity, which the commission
considers a major violation of the rights of the people of Nigeria,"
he added.

Kuffour, who described the respect for human rights as the pillar of
democratic governance, said his delegation was in Nigeria to learn
from the activities of the commission in the areas of human rights in
order to "to compose a report on the situation on the ground in
Nigeria and the preparedness of the nation for the election of the
presidency and the legislature."
--PUNCH

My Sayings

Life has so many different chapters. One bad chapter does not mean
it's the end of the book.

Stella Mbachu Retires

Super Falcons striker, Stella Mbachu has announced her retirement from football.
Stella Mbachu

Mbachu, who was a member of the Namibia 2014 African Women
Championship-winning Super Falcons, said she is calling time on her
football career at club and country.

The 36-year-old had first national team appearance and scored in the
Super Falcons' 2-0 win against Ghana in Abeokuta in the maiden African
Women Championship in 1998.

The Most Valuable Player at South Africa 2010 African Women
Championship, who had 89 appearances and scored 20 goals for Nigeria,
said she is fulfilled after winning lots of laurels for her country
and club in her trophy-laden football career.

The former Rivers Angels forward, who is the only remaining member of
the Super Falcons that played at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup in
the United States, also announced plans to venture into coaching as
she felt the time is right to take a bow.

"This is complete, I've completed everything about football both for
national team and club football. I'm not playing anymore," Mbachu
said.

"I just want to rest and give the younger ones the chance. I know they
will do it because they are already doing it," she explained.
--Vanguard

Mikel's A True Professional --Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has praised the professionalism of Super
Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel for keeping up his performance when
needed despite losing his spot in the team.

The manager in his post-match conference after beating Shrewsbury 2-1
highlighted the Nigerian and Goalkeeper Petr Cech as players who
should ordinarily be regulars in the team for big games, but were not
bothered and put up a good showing in the game against the team from
league two, the fourth tier in English football.

"I had people like Petr Cech and Mikel people with lots of years at
the club, who would prefer to start the game at Old Trafford," said
Mourinho.

"They didn't and they came here today and gave a fantastic example.
After that there are the young boys and they have to follow the spirit
and the professionalism of the others.

"Today even if I lost I would have the same kind of words for my
players - their respect for the competition, for the opponent, for
Chelsea and the Chelsea fans was fantastic.'

John Obi Mikel has been at Chelsea since 2006 making a total of 214
Premier league appearances with one goal since joining from Lyn Oslo
in Norway.

Manchester United Sign Deal With Nigerian Fruit Juice Company, Chi Ltd

English Premiership giants, Manchester United, have signed a deal with
with Chi Limited to become the club's official soft drinks partner in
Nigeria.

The multi-year deal allows Chi Limited to use United's crest and club
imagery on their products in Nigeria.

The deal is reportedly worth between 1-2 Million pounds a year, as
they continue to boost their income signing lucrative deals with the
aid of their global appeal.

Man United boast a huge fan base in Nigeria and paraded their 2008
champions league trophy in Nigeria when they came on tour.

At a colourful ceremony, held at the prestigious Old Trafford Stadium
in Manchester UK, the management of Chi Limited signed the sponsorship
deal with at an event attended by leading players of the club like
Angel Di Maria, Robin Van Persie, Valencia and Anders Lindegaard.

While signing the agreement at Old Trafford, Chi Limited's Head of
Marketing, Probal Bhattacharya said "As the flagship brand of Chi Ltd,
Chivita 100% will feature as the fruit juice of choice for the
Manchester United team".

Describing the partnership as between two of the most cherished brands
in Nigeria, he states "as a company, we are proud to partner with such
a reputed and successful club like Manchester United whose tradition
of excellence is in tandem with ours"

"We are confident that the partnership will further deepen consumer
loyalty as well as ensure that millions of passionate soccer fans
across Nigeria continue to refresh and rejuvenate themselves with
Chivita 100% fruit juice and Chi's other beverage offerings as they
relish every moment of the beautiful game" he adds.

Police Rescue Diezani's Sister, Arrest Two Suspects

The police on Wednesday rescued the Minister of Petroleum's sister,
Madam Osiya Agama, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Port
Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Diezani Alison-Madueke's sister was abducted on her way back from an
evening church service on October 21, 2014, at Leventis Bus-stop along
Port Harcourt-Aba Road.

But a text message from the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr.
Ahmad Mohammad, indicated that the septuagenarian as rescued during a
joint operation by the police, military and operatives of the State
Security Service.

Though Mohammad did not state where the victim was rescued, he
disclosed that two suspects were arrested during the operation.

"This is to inform you that Osiya Agama has been safely rescued during
a joint operation by the police, military and the State Security
Service. Two suspects were arrested," he said.
--PUNCH

INEC To Commence Distribution Of Permanent Voters' Card In Imo, 12 Other States

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would commence
distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in Imo and in 12 other
states of the federation.

The resident electoral commissioner in Imo State, Mrs. Selina Oko,
disclosed this yesterday at a press conference in Owerri.

She said that the third phase of the exercise which involved states
such as Adamawa, Borno, Edo, Kaduna, Kano, Kastina, Lagos, Nasarawa,
Niger, Ogun, Plateau and Rivers states, would begin on Friday November
7 and end on October 9, 2014.

Oko disclosed that the commission also approved Continuous Voter
Registration (CVR) exercise which commences on Thursday November 13
and end on Monday November 17, 2014.

The resident electoral commissioner informed the people that the
register will be displayed at the polling units where the distribution
officer would be present from 8-00am till 4.00pm during the 3-day
exercise.

The commissioner advised people whose name appear in the register to
go to the distribution officer at the polling units with his or her
temporary voters card TVC to collect the permanent voter card.
--DailyTrust

Entries Open For 2014 UBA Foundation National Essay Contest

Students in senior secondary schools across the country have been
invited to submit entries in the 2014 UBA Foundation National Essay
Competition. UBA Foundation is the corporate social responsibility and
sustainability initiatives arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and
uses this annual competition to challenge the reading, research,
writing and critical thinking skills of Nigerian students.

The UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, which is in its fourth
consecutive year, has witnessed increased participation from students
since it was first launched in 2011. Going by the success recorded in
Nigeria, UBA is taking the competition to other parts of Africa.
Similar essay competitions according to the MD/CEO UBA Foundation Ms.
Ijeoma Aso are going on simultaneously in Senegal and Ghana as part of
UBA's continued efforts to intellectually challenge African youths to
improve their capacity to compete in an increasingly global world.

"The Essay competition is a follow up to our Read Africa initiative,
which involves giving out literature books to secondary school
students to help rekindle the reading culture. With the essay
competitions, we are seeking to further challenge the students" she
explained.

Eligible senior secondary students willing to participate in the
competition are expected to send in handwritten entries on the topicIs
Social Media a safe place to make friends?,to the UBA Foundation's
office in Lagos. Entries for the Nigeria competition close by November
14, 2014.

A distinguished panel of judges made up of professors from reputable
Nigerian Universities will review the entries and select an initial
shortlist of 12 for further assessment until the overall three best
candidates emerge. The top three winners of the competition will win
educational grants to study in any African university of their choice.
--Vanguard