FIFA Boss Gives Indication Of Increasing Teams For 2022 World Cup From 32 To 48

January 2, 2019

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has given an indication that the world football ruling body may increase the number of teams for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 to 48 from 32.

The global governing body’s President said that a majority of national football federations were already in favour of expanding the tournament and a decision was expected ahead of the qualifying draw in March this year.

Infantino, who spoke at a sports conference today, Wednesday, also said FIFA is seeing whether it would be possible for some of Qatar’s Gulf neighbours to host some of the matches.

He said last month that it would be difficult to stage an expanded tournament in Qatar alone.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt launched a diplomatic and trade boycott of Qatar in June 2017 which has complicated the prospect of sharing the tournament. The countries accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism.

However, the tiny but wealthy Arab nation has since denied this.

FIFA voted in 2017 to increase the size of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, starting from 2026. But, since then, Infantino has been mulling the possibility of bringing the change forward to 2022.

“If you think it’s a good thing to have 48 teams in the World Cup, why not try four years before. That’s why we are analyzing whether it’s possible to have 48 teams already in 2022,” Infantino said.

“The World Cup will take place in Qatar with 32 teams. Obviously, if we can increase it to 48 teams and make the world happy, we should try it.”

Qatar said it would not take a final decision on the tournament expansion until it has seen details of a feasibility study from FIFA.

The study is expected to discuss aspects of scheduling, the number of required venues, training sites, and how many games per day would be played under an expanded format.

Qatar has moved ahead with ambitious plan to scale up infrastructure ahead of the 2022 tournament that includes $6 billion to $8 billion on eight stadiums and sporting facilities.

“If we can accommodate some of the neighbouring countries in the gulf region, which are very close by, to host a few games in the World Cup this could be very beneficial for the region and the entire world,” Infantino added.

“There is tension in this particular region and it’s up to their respective leaders to deal with that. But maybe it’s easier to talk about a joint football project than more complicated things.

“If it can help all the people in the Gulf and all the countries in the world develop football and bring a positive message to the world about football, then you should give it a try.”

Atiku Campaign For Presidency Is Sinking, Festus Keyamo Swears

Editorial staff

January 2, 2019

Director, Strategic Communications for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo has asked the Presidential candidate of the main opposition party, Atiku Abubakar to muster some courage and throw in the towel as his campaign is fast sinking.

Festus Keyamo, in a statement reacting to the refutal by investors in Etisalat and Keystone Bank that the family members of President Buhari have nothing to do with both companies, said that this is another indication of the fast-collapsing campaign of Atiku and that of the PDP.

“The result of the fact-check which was published in some news outlets, clearly shows the depth of desperation, deceit and debauchery to which the Atiku campaign has sunk. They have no moral compass, no scruples, no direction in their present attempt to smear just everyone in sight in order to run a campaign of ‘we-are-all-corrupt.’

“Rather than respect the feelings of Nigerians by offering clear-cut responses to straight-forward allegations of tax-evasion, grand corruption in and out of office, impending sealed indictment waiting for him in the US, Atiku Abubakar has decided to drag the world down with him as he goes down in a blaze of infamy. He has decided to go wild with unsubstantiated allegations against the President and Vice President, throwing caution to the wind in the process.

“We alerted the public about this impending avalanche of fake news a few days ago. This is the classic hallmark of a sinking campaign boat, clutching at straws, as Nigerians have woken up to the realisation that these are deceitful people who have nothing to offer. That is how its Vice-Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi was reeling out false statistics with a straight face throughout the Vice-Presidential debate. Till today, he has not apologized to Nigerians for taking them for a ride. It is a real shame.

“We call on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the PDP to apologize to Nigerians and especially the family of the President for adopting this unwholesome tactics and telling tales by moonlight that have clearly backfired.

“The public space is now full of jokes about President Buhari buying the whole of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the National Stadium and even the Presidential Villa.

“Instead of making a mockery of a serious campaign with such infantile lies, Atiku Abubakar should admit it is all over for him and the PDP, throw in the towel and endorse the candidacy of President Buhari. We would be sad to see that happen because democracy desires a healthy contest, a serious challenger and a competent opposition. But as it is, with nothing more to campaign about, it is the only way for him and his party to save face and still retain some modicum of honour before the Nigerian people for future engagements – that is if they survive this massive rejection by the Nigerian people as a result of their bare-faced lies.”

2019: Atiku’s Media Aide Wants Atiku, Buhari, Others To Go For Mental Checkup

Editorial staff

January 2, 2019

Paul Ibe, media adviser to the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Presidential candidates of all the political parties to submit themselves for mental checkup ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Ibe, who reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during the zonal flag-off of his Presidential campaign last week that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fulfilled all his election promises, stressed that because of many lies by candidates, the mental checkups on them has become imperative.

“Faced with such delusions and obvious denial of reality by President Buhari, it has become expedient to revisit the demand by the Coalition of United Political Parties for all Presidential candidates to submit themselves for a mental health test because clearly someone has badly lost touch with happenings around him.

“We declare that Atiku Abubakar is prepared to undergo such test and challenges President Muhammadu Buhari to accept CUPP’s challenge.”

Taliban Fighters Kill Over 20 Afghan Security Forces

Editorial staff

January 1, 2019

Taliban fighters have killed more than 20 Afghan security forces in simultaneous raids on a provincial capital and district in northern Afghanistan.

According to an official today, Tuesday, at least 21 local forces, including police and intelligence, were killed and another 23 wounded in the attacks.

Provincial governor spokesman, Zabihullah Amani confirmed that hundreds of militants were outside Sar-e-Pul city, and were at the risk of falling to the Taliban if reinforcements were not sent.

The Taliban have stepped up attacks on security forces across the country, slaughtering police and soldiers in record numbers, as the threat of a US drawdown complicates American-led efforts to end the 17-year conflict.

Amani told AFP that the enemy is still amassing forces outside the city, adding: “we have deployed all the forces available in the city, but no reinforcements have arrived from outside so far. The people inside the city are very worried.”

Taliban fighters launched the attacks on Sar-e-Pul and neighboring Sayad district yesterday, Monday night, which Amani said were aimed at seizing control of several oil wells on the outskirts of the city.

“They have attacked the city many times in the past, but this time the threat is more serious,” he said.

A security official, who spoke to AFP on the condition of anonymity, put the death toll slightly lower at between 15 and 20 members of local forces.

Kabul-based interior ministry deputy spokesman, Nasrat Rahimi confirmed there had been casualties, but would not provide details.

He said reinforcements had been deployed to Sar-e-Pul and dismissed concerns that the provincial capital was at the risk of falling to the insurgents.

The Taliban confirmed the attacks, saying their fighters had captured three checkpoints and killed or wounded 50 members of the security forces.

Afghanistan’s largest militant group made significant territorial gains in 2018, including overrunning Ghazni city — a few hours’ drive from Kabul — which they held for several days before being pushed back with the help of US airpower.

At the time, officials said Ghazni remained in government hands. But residents told AFP that the insurgents were in the streets, burning buildings and targeting civilians.

The Taliban’s increased aggression on the battlefield coincided with a flurry of diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the group to the negotiating table.

In recent days, Taliban representatives have met with Iran, as Tehran makes a more concerted and open push for peace ahead of a possible US drawdown.

The Taliban delegation discussed with Iran “the post-occupation situation, restoration of peace and security in Afghanistan and the region”, the militants said in a statement posted on social media and emailed to journalists on Tuesday.

It signals growing confidence among the Taliban that US troops will pull out of Afghanistan, after US officials last month told various media outlets that President Donald Trump had decided to slash the number of boots on the ground.

Members of Shiite Attend Church Service With Christians In Zaria

Editorial staff

January 1, 2019

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiite today, Tuesday attended the 2019 New Year Church Service with their fellow Christians at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.

A leader of the group, Professor Isa Mshelgaru told news men at the Church premises that the action of the Shiites was to strengthen relationship between Muslims and Christians and to further boost the bond of relationship between the followers of the two faiths toward fostering national unity.

Professor Isa, who is with the Building Department, Faculty of Environmental Design of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, said that going by the tenets of the two major religions in Nigeria, none of them preaches violence.

The Shiite leader described Christians as the closest people to Islam but lamented that Nigerians are divided by selfish politicians who hide under religion to achieve personal desires.

“Killing one another is an imaginary life; in the actual sense it does not exist; we are all created by one God, we must therefore, endeavour to live together in peace with one another. We should share joy, happiness and sorrow together. Our leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky said we should learn to live together in peace.

“When we are united as Nigerians, nothing will break us apart and nothing will go against the peace of the nation, not even Boko Haram nor militants or any other thing else.”

This was even as the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Ibrahim-Bazai, expressed appreciation for the action of the Shiites, describing it as the first of its kind.

“We are happy to receive our brothers and sisters from Islamic faith here in our Church to celebrate with us today on 1st January 2019. It is true that sometimes we are scared of each other, this is because some of us are ignorant of the religion but we are all one.”

Ibrahim-Bazai stressed the need for followers of the two religions to always practice their religion according to its tenets to pave way for peaceful and harmonious relationship.

He called on the two faiths to respect, accommodate, embrace and tolerate one another towards building a stronger society and by extension, a stronger nation.

According to report, Shiites were hosted to a lunch and refreshment at the Church premises. Source: NAN.

Pope Francis Warns: Church Risks Becoming Beautiful Museum Of The Past

Editorial staff

January 1, 2019

Pope Francis has warned that Church risk becoming “a beautiful museum of the past” if people lost “the amazement of faith.”

In his traditional New Year’s Mass today, Tuesday, in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis called for Roman Catholics to remain rooted to the Church, saying: “Unity counts more than diversity.”

The Pope’s New Year’s address came on the heels of a turbulent 2018, as the Church was battered by a torrent of sex scandals across the world. The sense of crisis was underscored yesterday, Monday when the Vatican spokesman and his deputy abruptly and unexpectedly resigned following disagreements on communications strategy.

Speaking on the world scene, Pope Francis bemoaned lack of unity across the world, and warned against a soulless hunt for profit that benefits only a few.

He asked: “how much dispersion and solitude there is all around us?

“The world is completely connected, yet seems increasingly disjointed.”

In his homily, he paid homage to motherhood, saying that a world that looked to the future while forgetting “a mother’s gaze” is shortsighted.

“It may well increase its profits, but it will no longer see others as children. It will make money, but not for everyone. We will all dwell in the same house, but not as brothers and sisters.”

Zamfara Killings: Jama’atu Nasril Islam Throws Questions To Government

Editorial staff

January 1, 2019

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has thrown some questions to the government on incessant killings that have been perpetrated by bandits in Zamfara State, and the resurgence of Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe and Borno States.

In a statement today, Tuesday in Kaduna by the Secretary General, Khalid Aliyu, the Muslim body asked: “who are the blood thirsty fellows (involved in the killings), why have they been allowed for years; why have they not been arrested and interrogated and what has been the motive behind such repeated scandalous acts?”

“Why all these bloodlettings must be allowed to resurface? All these reoccurring acts of terrorism, dehumanisation, sacrilege of sanctity of life and all forms of wickedness are utterly and unreservedly condemned in their entirety and government must go beyond mere condemnations.”

It said that parts of Zamfara State have been allowed to turn into a theater of dehumanisation and desecration of the sanctity of life, properties, personal liberty and communal integrity.

“This is utterly reprehensible and unacceptable, for hooligans and way wards to hold a whole state to ransom.

“Equally painful is the return of insurgency in some parts of Borno and Yobe states, with wanton destruction of lives and properties.

The JNI called for realistic investigation into the killings in Zamfara State, even as it said: “it is hardly imaginable that such pusillanimous and evil acts could still occur in Zamfara state despite frequent assurances by government.”

The Muslims’ umbrella body called on governments at all levels to do everything possible as a matter of urgency to stop these evil acts of terror repeatedly being unleashed on innocent souls and restore peace and security, which is their first constitutional role, as silence is no longer golden.

“We commiserate with the families of the victims of these inhuman attacks and particularly condole with the families of gallant security men that died at battle fronts, husbands and wives, parents and guardians who have lost their wards/children in these orgies of misfortunes.

“We pray to the Almighty Allah, to grant the deceased forgiveness and mercy, while those that sustained injuries quick recovery.”

On the forthcoming general election, the JNI urged political gladiators to play according to the rules, and conduct political campaigns with decorum and in a peaceful manner.

“JNI call on Imams to return to special prayers offered in calamitous situations and trying times, seeking Allah, the Most High, to deal with the situation and evil perpetrators with what they deserve, and to restore peace and security to all affected areas, and the country at large.”

Source: NAN.

2019: Father Mbaka Endorses President Buhari

Editorial staff

January 1, 2019

The Spiritual Director, Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has endorsed the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari for the February Presidential election.

He therefore, asked Nigerians to support the President to continue his fight against corruption, adding that the Catholic Church supports the fight against corruption and that was why she created “prayers against bribery and corruption.

“A President that is fighting corruption needs to be supported.”

Mbaka, in his New Year prophetic message and crossover service today, Tuesday, January 1^st, however warned of hardship facing the country and asked for prayer to overcome what he described as ‘impending unimaginable difficulty.’

Mbaka explained that the type of difficulty the country is going to face is such that has not been “witnessed in its 58 years history.”

The Catholic priest also advised Nigerians to pray for the country and its leaders.

This was even as the Grand Imam of Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide in Oyo State, Professor Sabit Olagoke, predicted that President Buhari will emerge winner of the 2019 presidential despite the stiff competition from the main opposition.

The cleric, who spoke in Ibadan, headquarters of Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide Wakajaye, while releasing his 2019 prediction to the country after his confinement and fasting as well as prayer for the country, said: “against all odds, winners would emerge. APC as a party would have some threat and surprises but election would tend to favour the incumbent president.”

The Professor, who doubles as the President of Ajagun Esin Consultative Forum (AECF), the major opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would create a scene of disappointment for its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

According to Professor Olagoke, the 2019 election would come up after some structural adjustment for effective feasibility, advising all stakeholders in the elections to ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible in order to avoid a stalemate.

He warned that the wrath of God would descend on anybody or group of people plotting to cause violence and plunge the country into any upheaval.

I Defected To PDP Because It Supports Open Grazing Prohibition – Benue Gov, Ortom

Editorial staff

January 1, 2019

Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom has said that he decided to shift his political loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because it supports the State open grazing prohibition, which adversely affects Fulani herdsmen in the state.

“We had to abandon that platform (APC) in search of one that offers more accommodation and support for our policies, especially the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017.”

Governor Ortom, who won his first term election in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but recently defected to his former PDP that denied him the governorship ticket in 2015, stressed that he defected to PDP because it is a more credible alternative for him to achieve his policies.

The governor, who spoke in Makurdi, the state capital during the flag-off of his governorship campaign, regretted that highly paced officials in the APC-led Federal Government made various attempts to frustrate an imperative legislation aimed at finding lasting peace between farmers and herders in the state.

“Such frustrating efforts by highly placed members of the federal government necessitated my exit from the party to one that will not compromise our stance on a matter so key to the Benue people.

“This is the platform on which we seek the renewal of our mandate. No one will bend us as far as the Ranching Law is concerned because we draw consent and sustained support from the Benue people.”

Governor Ortom, reacting to allegation that he had not performed, declared that he had done well “given the circumstances of our economy and unwarranted aggression and attacks on Benue.

“I may not be a genius, but I perfectly know what I wanted as a governor. I cannot lie to the people that trust me. Take this truth from me; my government has done well, and statistics don’t lie.”

Source: NAN.

Police Arrest Senator Melaye, To Face Murder Charge In Lokoja

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2018

The police have announced the arrest of Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi State Central Senatorial zone.

Report reaching us said that the Senator submitted himself to the police outside his Maitama, Abuja, home in the evening of today, Monday, following appeals from some of his colleagues at the Senate.

According to his media aide, Gideon Ayodele, he has been taken to the special anti-robbery squad office in Guzape, Abuja..

Ayodele said that the police planned to take Senator Melaye to Kogi to face murder charge, in addition to the current criminal investigation being carried out on him by the police.

“They (police) told us they wanted to take him to court here in Abuja, but they diverted towards Kogi now. But he has said he will not go to Kogi and there is currently a stalemate over that.”

Ayodele said that taking his principal to Kogi would be illegal because the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had recently ruled that his case should be transferred to Abuja.

1...1,1361,1371,138...2,499 Page 1,137 of 2,499