MUTOUR China 2016

60% of Housing Stock in Nigeria are imported by Aliyu

60% of Housing stock in Nigeria are imported, Nigerians should wake up and make our economic strong by manufacturing some stuffs it self.
      In Nigeria we need to increase the number of goods we manufactured to decrease to rate of goods importing to Nigeria, let embark on Mining, Agricalture e.t.c.  
 

Terrorism deaths, 2015.

Terrorism deaths, 2015. Iraq: 6932 Afghanistan: 5292 Nigeria: 4886 Pakistan: 1081 Egypt: 656 India: 289 Philippines: 258 (US State Dept.)

Ex-Kano Deputy Governor, Magaji Abdullahi, dies at 69

                The death has occurred of the former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Magaji Abdullahi.
Aged 69, Abdullahi died in the early hours of Sunday after a protracted illness at his residence located at NNDC Quarters at Sharada area in Kano metropolis.
Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the former Press Secretary to the deceased, confirmed this in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Kano.
He said that Abdullahi is survived by one wife, many children and grand children.
According to him, the deceased was a one-time commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport between 1989 and 1990, and later commissioner for Water Resources.
NAN reports that Abdullahi came into limelight when he contested for the governorship of Kano State under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1991.
In 1999, Abdullahi defeated Sen. Kabiru Gaya in the APP governorship primaries, but lost to Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso.
            He later became Malam Ibrahim Shekarau’s running mate in 2003 and served as Deputy Governor under APP and later ANPP from 2003 to 2007.
The deceased had since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites at the Dandolo grave yard at Goron Dutse in Kano metropolis.
          Among those who attended the funeral prayer were Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje and his Deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, as well as other top government officials and politicians from within and outside the state. (NAN)

What mr. President think of you

What mr.President think of you, what contribution are you making to Nigerian, what can you make Nigerian proud of you?
       Are you leaving a better legacy to the next generation, what did the world gonna remember you for? a good leader, a bad leader? think about the lead you are

INNALILLAHI WA'INNA ILAIHIRRAJU'UN

INNALILLAHI WA'INNA ILAIHIRRAJU'UN 
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Wannan labari ya faru ne a cikin garin Damaturu 
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Wata mata mai kimanin shekaru 40 da yaro 'Dan shekara 9 taje gurin masusayar da masara tace abata masara kwano biyi wato mudu biyu sai akace mata 600 sai tace eh ta sani a gwada mata bayan an auna sai ta karba tace bari ta miqawa masu niqa zata bar yaronta idan ta dawo daga gurin niqan zata biya ta dauki yaronta sai mai sayar da masarar yace ai babu matsala sai ta dawo
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aka baiwa yaro gurin zama ya zauna aka shafe lokaci mai tsawo wannan mata bata dawo ba sai yaro ya fara kukan yunwa aka bashi abinci yaci har lokacin uwar bata dawo ba sai mutanen gurin suka tambayi yaron cewa wannan matar mamanka ce ? Sai yaro yace eh mamansa ce sai mutanen suka qara tambayar sa cewa kasan gidan Ku ? Sai yaro yace eh sai sukace to muje mutane uku ciki harda mai sayar da masarar suka sa yaro agaba zuwa gidan su yaro a Unguwar Nayi-Nawa acikin grain Damaturu sukayi sallama suka shiga sai suka tawar da wani dattijo bayan sun gaisa sai suka tambayi dattijon cewa ko yasan wannan yaro ? sai dattijo yace 'Dana ne kuma dama nasan zakuzo nine na tura uwarsa cewa taje ta auno mana masara ta barshi agurin mai masarar domin ko yayi zaton zata dawo sai tsohonnan ya fashe da kuka yace yau kimanim kwana hudu kenan ba'a dora tukunya a gidannan ba kullum sai dai na fita bayan gari na ciro tafasa ko wani ganye a dafa muci inada yara 5 yanzu wannan masara dana tura uwar wannan yaro ta auno haka aka dafa mana ita mukaci saboda bamu da halin sarrafata zuwa gari sai tausayi yasa wayannan mutane suka kama kuka har sukayi musu Alheri
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Nayi matuqar kaduwa da samun wannan labari Lallai Sai mun koma ga Allah sannan Allah zai yaye mana wannan hali da muke ciki

THE CHRISTIAN MARTYR HAS BEEN BURIED IN ABUJA, BUT IT CAN'T STOP THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST !!!

THE CHRISTIAN MARTYR HAS BEEN BURIED IN ABUJA, BUT IT CAN'T STOP THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST !!!

     Pastor Mrs. Eunice Elisha, the Devoted Christian and Child of GOD, a female preacher of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Abuja, who was murdered in cold blood few weeks ago by Religious Fanatics who dosent want the Spread of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has been buried yesterday on the day when she was meant to clock 43.

The 42-year-old mother of seven and pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, was murdered lyin on her BIBLE and MEGAPHONE while preaching the gospel of Christ at Gbazango-West area of Kubwa in Abuja.

           Nigeria would only remain ONE Nation that all the citizens would be proud to call their home provided Religious Extremists ceased to champion Doctrines of Hatred and promote Democracy which guarantees freedom of choice of Religions as Enshrined in our Constitution for all the citizens.

While I Join millions of Christians in Nigeria and all over the world today as they Worship, I want to once again identify wit this Matyr who died for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ made us to understand as Christians that “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me (Jesus) before it hated you.
For, Blessed are those who are persecuted for
righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
While God will Continue to be wit her Family here on Earth and give them the fortitude and strength to bear the Irreplaceable Loss, Pastor Mrs. Eunice Elisha will be up there at the very bosom of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Sleep on Daugther of Zion !

Ghana flood 2016

Lagos Mayhem: Kwankwaso Warns Hausa Communities Against Violence

The former governor of Kano State Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso yesterday warned members of Hausa communities in the country to eschew violence and be good ambassadors of the Northern region in their settlements.

Kwankwaso who stated this at a reception held for him by members of the Arewa United Consultative Forum, in Lagos decried the rising spate of violence across the country, especially the clash between the Hausa and Yoruba communities in Mile 12 market Lagos that claimed many lives.

He said the loss of lives in the clash between the two tribes on 2nd March, 2016 and efforts made there after to secure release of people arrested in the aftermath of the clash was not necessary.

Kwankwaso explained that, “in the incident that happened in Lagos on the 2nd of March over 350 people were arrested and since then we have been up and down to ensure justice is done and ensure we secure the bail of our young men who were arrested on that day. This visit is my first visit to Lagos since that day in connection with that incident.”

He said they have been able to secure the release of over 68 people that were arrested in connection with the incident.

Kwankwaso said, “ I want to appeal to you to be good ambassadors of your parents, states , where ever you find yourself whether in Lagos, Kano ,any where in the country, even outside Nigeria.”

According to him, the Hausa leaders are ready to support the people to ensure they succeed , saying that the country needs peaceful coexistence of all the ethnic nationalities to implement its development programmes.

He said ,” Now that you are released we will give you a support of N20,000 each to back home. You should immediately go back home see what type of business you can do there but in case you want to come back to Lagos or any other part of the country you are free to do so, only that you must abide by the laws and rules of those states.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo pays condolence visit to the family of late Alh. Shettima Ali Monguno

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday arrived Borno State to condole with the family and the people of Borno over the death of Alh. (Dr). Shettima Ali Monguno, Nigeria's first Minister of Petroleum, who died on July 8 at the age of 95.

After receiving the former President and his entourage at the Maiduguri International Airport, the state governor, Kashim Shettima led them to the Shehu's palace and then to deceased's family resident where he condoled with them. Obasanjo described the deceased who was his former colleague as epitome of gentility.

"There are those we call founding father of Nigeria at independence, Shettima Ali Monguno is one of them so from the truthful point of view, we have lost one of the architect of Nigeria at independence. We lost a great citizen not only of this state but of Nigeria" Obasanjo stated.

"I had the opportunity to serve with him in the administration of Yakubu Gowon. He was a complete gentle man. An epitome of gentility in all the ramification of the word. He was a lover of Nigeria because any issue that is of national interest you will found Shettima clinging solidly to it" Obasanjo added.

He was neither parochial nor napotic. Our consolation is that he leaved his life for his family, his people and his country and our prayer is may his gentle soul be with Allah" Obasanjo further added.

Manchester United Fan

A manchester united fan enjoying her self after a friendly match won between Wigan Athletico
Pre-season 2016,
First Mourinhoo Coatching as manchester manager

Ex Police IG Solomon Arase Accused Of ‘Stealing’ 24 Vehicles From The Force Headquarters

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has launched an investigation into the disappearance of some vehicles at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Idris said the vehicles were still in the premises of the Louis Edet House at least one week before his appointment as the police helmsman.

A probe has also been launched into irregular promotion in the Force by Idris.

The Acting IGP disclosed these on Sunday when he spoke with newsmen in Abuja.

He said preliminary investigations have revealed that his predecessor, Solomon Arase, alone took 24 of the vehicles, while some of the retired Deputy Inspectors-General of Police also went away with as many as they wanted.

Idris said letters have already been sent to Arase and the DIGs, adding that the former IGP was entitled to only four vehicles.

He said:
“A week before I was announced, when you look through my office window, you could see so many cars. “But the cars all disappeared when I came in.

Chelsea sign Kante from Leicester

25-year-old midfielder moves to Stamford Bridge on five-year deal

 N’Golo Kantfor an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old France midfielder, who was instrumental as Leicester won the 2015/16 Premier League title, has signed a five-year deal with the Blues.

Kante becomes head coach Antonio Conte’s second summer signing after centre-forward Michy Batshuayi moved to Stamford Bridge from Marseille. 

‘My first season in English football was very special and now I hope to go on to achieve even more during my time as a Chelsea player,” Kante told chelseafc.com. “I am looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and helping the club achieve a lot of success.”

The Paris-born player totalled 175 tackles in the Premier League – 31 more than the next-best player, Aston Villa’s Idrissa Gueye – and has also recorded more interceptions since the start of 2014/15 (266) than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues.

Tregedy as Ekiti Students dies in Ghastly motor Accident

A ghastly car accident involving EKSU students' cab and 18- passengers bus occurred along NNPC Iworoko Ekiti State University road this evening. According to Hon Ojosu Sunday, at least 7 people were feared dead while several others were severely injured. See graphic photos from the accident.

Charly Boy writes open letter to President Buhari

Mr. President Sir, Once again I am compelled to voice out my bewilderment at the stumbling and wobbly kind of governance we have had since you came onboard. I wonder what you are doing right now. I wonder if our tears, pains and hopelessness affect you in anyway. I wonder if you are the one in charge or some other people. 

You have tasted leadership before and you know what it entails. I understand that. However, then and now are two different scenarios, two separate dispensations.

We know you.

We know about your war against indiscipline.

We hear about your no-nonsense stand against corruption.

We have read so much about our stolen monies which you have managed to recover. Well done sha.

Meanwhile, the nagging questions that leave me sleepless most nights remain unanswered...

How much money have you collected from the looters so far?

To what use have the monies been put?

From where I stand, it seems you're the only one in your cabinet fighting corruption while your praise singers are busy washing you all over town trying to convince us that you're a good man.

I, CharlyBoy, know that you are a "good" man: someone who loves the country, a patriot with a high sense of morals perhaps. But na that one we go chop? Is that all that is needed to fix the rot of over 40yrs.?

I don't think so! For the full article, kindly use this 

Damittri Payet injured Christiono Ronaldo

France star player Damitri Payet created hatred for him self for injuring the Portugal super star player
Christiano Ronaldo, during Erope 2016 final match, France Vs Portugal.

Old Trafford’s looking good ahead of the new season!

Old Trafford’s looking good ahead of the new season!
Manchester United Pitch is getting ready ahead of new season

Cristiano Ronaldo weeps as he is stretchered off (photos)

Cristiano Ronaldo, leader and captain of Portugal wept as he was stretchered off in the first half of the final of Euro 2016. He possibly had an anterior crucial element ligament tear and had to leave the field on a stretcher at the 24th minute after trying all his best to withstand the pain and continue. More photos after the cut...

Photos: Thousands flee deadly fighting in South Sudan, at least 272 killed

ens of thousands of people have fled heavy fighting in northwestern South Sudan between government troops and a newly formed rebel group that has left at least 272 people dead. The Medical aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said that nearly 70.000 people have fled their homes in the town of Wau since Friday. About 10,000 of them have taken refuge at a United Nations base in the area.

"We don't know how many people were killed, but dead bodies are still lying in the streets," said MSF deputy medical coordinator David Kahindi.

he government has blamed the violence on a new hardline rebel group that includes former government troops, fighters from the Ugandan-led rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army and a Sudanese militia known as the Janjaweed. The Spokesperson of the opposition Vice President Riek Machar James Gadget said that their base in Jabele was attacked by government forces at around 8am. 

"We managed to repulse the attack. They are using tanks and planes but we shall defend ourselves," he said on phone from Juba.

But government sources say they wanted to retrieve the bodies of the government soldiers killed by the opposition in same base shared by the rival groups. Jabele is the Military headquarters of Machar troops. Machar stays in Gudele a few kilometres from Juba town, Mr Gadget told media that he was at Jabele by the time of the attack. Most of those killed since the heavy battle erupted on Thursday, were soldiers. 

"Gunshots, heavily armed exchange UN House area once again; going on now since approx. 0825 (0525 GMT)," the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said on Twitter.

The UN House camp, close to where both former rebels and government soldier are camped at the foot of a mountain to the west of the city, is home to roughly 28,000 people previously uprooted by the war.
The violence comes a day after the country marked its fifth independence anniversary, and is a fresh blow to a peace deal that has failed to end the civil war that broke out in December 2013. City residents in the area of the camp began fleeing their homes as the UN reported the use of mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and "heavy ground assault weaponry"

A helicopter gunship was also reported above Juba. A steady stream of fearful civilians, clutching children and possessions, was seen heading for the refuge of another UN base close to the city's airport. Source: Reuters/MSF/UN Missions in South Sudan/UN Refugee

81 killed in herdsmen attack in Benue state

No fewer than 81 persons have been reported dead during herdsmen attacks in Logo and Ukum council areas in Benue state in the last two weeks. Attacks on communities in the locality have been consistent and have led to death of so many people. The traditional ruler of Logo council area, Chief Jimmy Meeme, who spoke to Channels Television said 70 people have been killed in six out of the 10 council wards in his domain. 
Eyewitnesses also claim that Turan, Mbagber, Yonov and Tombo communities in Logo were attacked on the same day while Varser in Ukum Local Government came under siege, leaving 53 persons dead. 

Speaking on the new statistics of the dead victims from the attack, the spokesman of the Benue State Police Command, ASP Moses Yamu, denied the claims, arguing that only 22 deaths were recorded in Logo and Ukum local government areas.

Who knows this man? Help spread the word

The man in the pictures was found at Polo Bus-Stop (Polo Mall), Enugu, unconscious, where it's said that he'd been for about a week. Information on him (from a prayer book in his possession) suggests a possible link to Umuahia, Abia State, and a Joseph Dominic. Some good Samaritans rushed him to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH, Parklane) and then Mother of Christ Missionary Hospital, Enugu, for treatment and are looking to find a relative of his.
If you are one, please contact Mother of Christ Hospital, Enugu and if you aren't, kindly take the time to share this post until one can be reached. Another photo after the cut...

Jealous girlfriend slashes partner's face after catching him kissing another woman

A woman, 30 year old Joylene Cunningham, has been jailed for two and a half years for slashing her now former boyfriend's face with a blade, from his mouth to his ear after she caught him kissing and making out with another woman. After the cut, her boyfriend, Sean Harman needed 18 stitches for it to be repaired.

Cunningham told York Crown Court that the slash was caused from a ring or a glass her boyfriend was holding - but when her ring was examined by Recorder of York, Judge Paul Batty QC, it was found to be blunt.
The Judge in charge of her case, Judge Batty told her:

"The wound had been a deep laceration in places, running virtually from Mr Harman's mouth to his ear and causing a permanent scar."

Cunningham said that when she saw him with another girl they were kissing and cuddling, adding that :

"I felt pretty upset - I just stormed over and hit him."

She admitted to have punched him but denied having a blade in her hand, and said the wound must have been caused by a ring on her finger, or the glass he was holding.

Her former boyfriend, Mr Harman in a way defended Cunningham, saying that he had provoked her during the incident which occurred in York one evening in June 2015.
He told the court that he had wrongly believed she had been the one having an affair so decided to make her jealous by being with someone else. He said:

"I was disgusting - I was horrible. I was awful. "I was angry with her - I thought she had been cheating on me in my own bed. I wanted revenge on her. I wanted her to be sent down."

He said he had been violent towards Cunningham previously. He also defended Cunningham by echoing what she said about the ring. He said she had hit him with her fist but the cut must have been caused by a ring on her finger or a glass he was holding.
But Judge Batty who examined the ring said it was not sharp and he did not believe the pair's claims. 

Judge Batty said that in sentencing he gave Cunningham credit for a guilty plea to wounding with intent at an earlier hearing.

Nigeria’s inflation rate to return to stability —Economic research

Nigeria’s inflation readings may close first half positive as research reports indicate a moderation to 15.4 per cent in the month of June 2016, down   from 15.6 per cent recorded for the preceding month, May 2016.


The trend has been on upswing month-on-month for the past ten months, culminating in a huge 6-year high recorded in May. National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, is expected to release its June figures this week. Research reports by FSDH Merchant Bank and Financial Derivatives Company, FDC, headed by Nigeria’s leading economist, Bismark Rewane, were in agreement that the headline rate for June would show a stabilizing range between 15.39 and 15.5 per cent. The stability would be coming at the backdrop of two major cost-push developments in the macroeconomic policy environment, notably, the upward price adjustment in petroleum products in May and the huge depreciation of the Naira against major currencies in June. In its report FSDH said it expects the marginal drop in inflation to come from decrease in the prices of tomatoes, beans and rice. Reflecting on the impacts of the two major cost-push developments in the economy, FSDH said “we believe the depreciation in the inter-bank foreign exchange rate did not translate to an increase in domestic prices because most transactions were earlier carried out at parallel market exchange rate”. According to economists at the investment bank “the prices of food items that FSDH Research monitored in June 2016 dropped on the average compared with May 2016. “The prices of tomatoes, Irish potatoes, rice and beans were down by 38.41%, 4%, 3.33% and 2.56%, while the prices of Irish potatoes, onions, vegetable oil, palm oil, fish and yam increased by 8.33%, 6.67%, 5.56% 5.56%, 1.96% and 0.46%. Meanwhile, the prices of garri and meat remained unchanged. “The movement in the prices of food items during the month resulted in a 0.79% increase in our Food and Non-Alcoholic Index to 203.32 points. We also noticed increases in Clothing and Footwear; Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & Other Fuels divisions between May and June 2016. “Our model indicates that the price movements in the consumer goods and services in June 2016 would increase the CCPI (composite consumer price index) to 199.82 points, representing a month-on-month increase of 0.76%. We estimate that the increase in the CCPI in June will produce an inflation rate of 15.39%”. FDC, in its own report stated that “after an almost unstoppable rise in headline inflation to a record high, the economy may be entering an era of disinflation or declining rates of inflation. “We are projecting inflation in June to drop from 15.6% to 15.5%. If this estimate turns out to be accurate, it will raise some fundamental questions as to the direction of inflation and possible level of interest rates in the money markets. However, FDC noted that headline inflation in Nigeria had almost been a loose cannon, defying most rules of economic gravity and logic, adding that the root cause of the near hyper inflation rate experienced in the last ten months can be traced to supply shocks, sometimes attributable to artificial scarcity compounded by uncertainty in the foreign exchange markets. The big question, according to them, is whether this drop in inflation is a blip or a point of inflection. On the likely impact of a stability in the financial markets, FDC noted that the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, scheduled to meet next week will be closely monitoring the inflation data. They stated “a lower inflation number will ease the pressure on the policy makers. However, a precipitated move such as lowering rates is an unlikely outcome at this meeting. “In aggregate, we see an upward shift in interest rates move out of the risk mitigation attitude of the market than as a result of the inflation data”. On the exchange rate they noted that Naira is still trying to find its true value in the transition from an imperfect towards a more efficient market, adding that the apparent lack of liquidity in the spot market is hampering the effective development of a forward and futures market. Consequently, FDC stated, “a 0.4% of a decline in the rate of inflation will be exchange rate neutral”. They also noted that the market will be looking forward to CBN’s willingness and ability to settle the 90-day foreign exchange forward contracts entered into on June 20, 2016, which will mature on  September 17, 2016. They added that analysts will derive some comfort from a lower inflation rate because the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) value of the Naira will actually appreciate.

EFCC is manufacturing fake evidences against me, says Obanikoro

The former Minister of State for Defense, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has revealed another plot and desperate attempt by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to nail him in the ongoing investigation of arms deal linked to the embattled Office of the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki by making use of blanked signed letter headed paper found in his 0house to forge acknowledgement reciepts.
In a statement released on Friday by his Media Aide, Mr Jonathan Eze, the former Minister expressed disappointment that the anti graft agency has ignominously graduated from political persecution into manufacturing evidences against his person in other to drag his name in the mud, proving us right that the commision has devolved into a government appendage for political withchunting.


The statement reads in parts:

" Recall that when the EFCC illegally raided my houses in Lagos, they went away with various documents which included a blanked signed letter headed papers as testified in the Affidavit sworn in the Court.

"It has however came to my notice that the EFCC has allegedly written an acknowledgement on one of the document purportedly as evidence that i collected the equivalent sum of 1million dollars in cash from a Bureau the Change and signed for it. "This is another lie from the pit of hell. How can anybody change money from a Bureau De Change and sign for it ? 

"I still insist that throughout my stints as Minister, I never collected any money from any Bureau De Change and as such, I urge the public to ignore the EFCC who are trying to skew up investigations in its favour. 

"The EFCC has obviously betrayed public trust by its latest sinister plan of manufacturing receipt in my name. Instead of genuinely carrying out it's mandate, it has been grossly overshadowed by political wiles.

 Last month, Punch newspaper had quoted a detective at the EFCC saying that :

“The owner of A. A. G. B. S Oil and Gas confirmed to us that the company is a BDC but was only bearing the name of an oil company. He confirmed that he received N168m from Sylvan McNamara and $1m was delivered to Obanikoro in cash while he was the Minister of State for Defence based on the exchange rate at the time.

“Obanikoro acknowledged receipt of the cash and we have recovered evidence.”

Treasury looters now regretting their actions – Buhari

ABUJA-President Mohammadu Buhari has said that the people who cornered the $2.1 billion meant for the purchase of military hardware to fight insurgency into their private pockets were not regretting their action.

He also reiterated his resolve to deal with corrupt individuals, stressing that anyone found culpable would have himself to blame. The president spoke while receiving the Northern Christian Leaders Eagles Eyes Forum at the State House, Abuja on Friday. President Buhari thanked the Christian leaders for their support to the Federal Government’s anti-corruption campaign and other policies geared towards reviving the economy. “It is saddening that some of those who stole from our national resources put the money in their personal accounts. “However, it is gratifying that those who stole money and shared funds meant for the purchase of arms for our military are regretting their actions and they will regret more. “Those caught in corruption will have themselves to blame,’’ he said. Appealing to the religious leaders not to lose hope in the unity, stability and progress of the country, Buhari said his administration would be transparent to Nigerians in its resolute commitment to restore the economic fortunes of the country and deliver prosperity to them. He emphasized that the Federal Government would continue to prioritize the safety of lives and property. He added that the government would continue to equipped Nigerian farmers with the right tools, technology and techniques to boost agriculture. He said: “You must tell your followers the truth about the country. We have nothing to hide because we have no other country but Nigeria. “Tell them to give us a chance to stabilize the country. Your concern for the security, unemployment, anti-corruption campaign and the frequent altercations between herdsmen and farmers are genuine concerns. “I know the Ministry of Agriculture and the Governors Forum are doing a lot to resolve the lingering crisis between herdsmen and farmers, we must give them a chance,’’ the President said. In his remarks, leader of the Forum, Pastor Aminchi Habu called on Nigerians to support the President’s anti-corruption war and his vision to restore the lost glory of Nigeria. “In your administration, I see a new Nigeria where the fear of bribery, corruption and extortion is the beginning of wisdom. “I see a new Nigeria, where tribalism, religion and ethnicity is no longer a barrier that separates us but a bond that unites us for a greater tomorrow,’’ he said. Speaking to State House Correspondents, he emphasized the need to go back to farm to help rebuild the economy.

TBank Ogun State Principals Cup in semi-finals.

The semi-finals of the GTBank Ogun State Principals Cup, Season 4, begin today at the M.K.O Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta with eight secondary schools in Ogun state competing in both male and female categories. The first semi-finals in the female category will see Iganmode Grammar School, Ota tackle Our Lady of Apostles, Ijebu-Ode, while Muslim High School, Isolu will face Makun High School,  Sagamu in the second match of the day. In the male category, Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado Odo will battle Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu Ode as Pakoto High School, Ifo challenges Methodist Comprehensive College, Sagamu for the second slot in the finals

Lionel Messi handed jail term in Spain for tax fraud

Argentina and Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax fraud.

His father, Jorge Messi, was also given a jail term for defrauding Spain of €4.1m (£3.5m; $4.5m) between 2007 and 2009.

They also face millions of euros in fines for using tax havens in Belize and Uruguay to conceal earnings from image rights.

However, neither man is expected to serve time in jail.

Under the Spanish system, prison terms of under two years can be served under probation.

'I knew nothing', Messi tells court

Messi retires from international football

Is Messi best of all time?

How Messi reached his 500-goal milestone

Quizz: How well do you know Messi?

The footballer and his father were found guilty of three counts of tax fraud in Wednesday's ruling by the court in Barcelona.

As well as the jail terms, Messi was fined about €2m and his father €1.5m. They made a voluntary €5m "corrective payment", equal to the alleged unpaid tax plus interest, in August 2013.

The sentence can be appealed against via the Spanish supreme court.

---

Lionel Messi's illustrious career:

Messi unlikely to serve time, in spite of 21-month jail sentence Read more at: http://www.sulyben.blogspot.com /2016/07/messi-unlikely-serve-time-spite-21-month-jail-sentence/

FC Barcelona’s Argentine football star Lionel Messi is unlikely to serve time, even though he was sentenced on Wednesday to 21 months in prison by a court in Spain.


Read more at: http://www.sulyben.blogspot.com /2016/07/messi-unlikely-serve-time-spite-21-month-jail-sentence/
Messi was also fined two million euros (about 2.2 million dollars), after being found guilty of three counts of tax fraud. The Barcelona court handed the same sentence to the player’s father, Jorge, with a 1.5 million euro fine. Both defendants have around five days to appeal to the Supreme Court, the Barcelona court said in its statement. NAN reports however that Spanish law is such that any sentence under two years for a non-violent crime rarely requires a defendant without previous convictions to serve jail time. A spokeswoman for the court confirmed Messi was unlikely to be imprisoned. Messi, 29, and his father defrauded the Spanish tax office of almost 4.2 million euros between 2007 and 2009 by using a web of shell companies to evade taxes on income. The income was from the player’s image rights, the court said in a written ruling. The companies — with names such as Sport Consultants and Sport Enterprises — were based in tax havens such as Belize, Uruguay and Switzerland. These are countries where legislation kept the identities of their owners secret, according to the ruling. Messi, five-times World Player of the Year, admitted during the trial to signing contracts protecting his image rights. He however said he had no knowledge he was partaking in any wrongdoing or defrauding the Spanish state. Messi said his father had control over his financial affairs, but the court said on Wednesday that this was not enough to avoid charges. “(His) avoidable ignorance, which was derived from indifference, is not an error, and it does not remove responsibility,” the presiding judge, Mercedes Armas Galve, wrote in the statement. “The information that the accused avoided having was, in reality, within his reach via trustworthy and accessible sources.’’ Messi, who has held Spanish nationality since 2005, and his father had already paid five million euros to the tax authorities as a “corrective” measure after formal investigations were opened. The footballer is 10th on Forbes Magazine’s list of the world’s highest-earning athletes over the past decade, with an estimated income of $350 million during this period. FC Barcelona, of which Messi is the leading goal scorer of all time in all competitions, said in a statement on its website following the ruling it was backing him. It said it considers the player to be free of criminal liability. “The Club … considers that the player, who has corrected his position with the Spanish tax office, is in no way criminally responsible with regards to the facts underlined in this case,’’ the club said. Messi, who has won eight La Liga titles, four King’s Cups and four Champions League crowns with Barcelona, said last month he was quitting international soccer. This was after the Argentine national side, of which he was captain, lost on penalty kicks to Chile in the Copa America tour