We’ll Bounce Back, Falconets Coach Promises As They Face Haiti

August 8, 2018

Coach of the Nigeria’s youth female national team, Falconets, Godwin Izilien has vowed that the team will bounce back from its loss to Germany in the opening match of the FIFA U–20 Women’s World Cup, by defeating Haiti team tomorrow, Thursday.

Izilien, who has in the past handled Nigeria’s female senior team, Super Falcons and under-17 boys squad, Golden Eaglets, said that what he saw from Coach Chris Danjuma’s side against Germany gave him confidence that Falconets will bounce back to winning ways.

Having reached the final in 2010 and 2014, Izilien charged the team to rise from Monday’s defeat by Germany and win their remaining group games against Haiti and China.

He posited that the Falconets would be out of contention for the second round if they failed to beat Haiti.

Izilien also called on the team’s technical crew to work on the tactically organisation and shooting ability of the Falconets to ensure they utilise all chances they create in games.

He noted that the Falconets gave Germany a good fight, but lost focus in the middle of the second half, which gave their opponents advantage to slot in a goal.

Izilien therefore tasked the girls to go all out for victory against Haiti, saying that picking the vital three points in the game would put the girls in high spirit to win the final group game against China.

“The Falconets could not deliver against Germany because the team’s main striker did not get enough support up front.

“The German girls were not spectacular in the game, but they capitalized on a minute’s loss of focus in the second half to score.

“The girls need more encouragement to go far in the championship. I think the coaches would have seen the mistakes in the team and corrected them before their next game against Haiti.

“They need to be more resilient and tactically disciplined in all departments of the game to earn the vital three points in the encounter.” [myad]

Iranian Club, Esteghlal, Signs On Ex Nigeria International, Alhaji Gero

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2018

Persian Gulf Pro League side, Esteghlal F.C have announced the signing of ex-Nigeria U20 international, Alhaji Gero.

The center forward has penned a deal tying him to the The Blues of the Capital until 2021.

Aged 24, Gero represented Nigerian clubs El-Kanemi Warriors, Lobi Stars, Kaduna United and Enugu Rangers before moving abroad in 2013 after making the Flying Eagles roster for the 2013 Fifa U20 World Cup in Turkey.

Prior to agreeing terms with Esteghlal F.C, he turned out for Scandinavian teams östers IF, Viborg FF and östersunds FK.

He saw his stock rise last season after playing a key role in östersunds FK’s qualification to the knock out rounds of the Europa League, playing 12 matches and scoring 2 goals.

Esteghlal F.C are managed by German Winfried Schäfer who was in the dugout when Cameroon won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2002.

Their next game in the league is against Tractor Sazi on Friday, August 10. [myad]

Security Siege: Kalu Fingers Politicians Desperate To Win 2019 On ‘Public Sympathy’

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2018

Former Governor of Abia State and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Orji Uzo Kalu has accused politicians who are desperate to win the 2019 elections on a platter of public sympathy of responsible for the siege on the National Assembly by men and officers of the Department of State Security (DSS) on Tuesday.

In a series of tweets today, Wednesday, the former governor described as funny, insinuation that what happened at the National Assembly was a siege on Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that it had nothing to do with the democracy but was meant to discredit President Muhammadu Buhari by desperate politicians.

Kalu wrote: “Its funny to insinuate that what transpired at the NASS was a siege on democracy. It was nothing but a scripted act by power hungry political elites who have vowed to win election on a platter of public sympathy rather than credibility.

“They have failed in all efforts to dent and discredit the efforts of Mr. President.

“They have lost every atom of credibility thus resulting to feasting on the Intellect of an average Nigerian who could be “emotional thinkers” in order to whip up public sympathy and support.

“It has absolutely nothing to do with our democracy or the masses neither did such order come from the Presidency.

“Don’t be fooled and be on intellectual guard we are in a political period and we should expect more of such.” [myad]

Oshimhole Describes PDP As Group Of Old Thieves

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2018

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a group of old thieves that stole Nigeria blind.

Oshiomhole who spoke today, Wednesday, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, during APC’s welcome rally for Godswill Akpabio, who defected to the party from the PDP, referred to the spending of $16 billion on power by the master of the old thieves without commensurate results.

The APC Chairman identified two forces that are now against President Muhammadu Buhari, to be those who are saying it is their birthright that Nigeria should continue to share the resources of the people, and President Buhari said no, you have done it for too long.

“For 16 years, you have been doing it, now enough is enough. And those of you who have already done it, I am sending you to prison. Those are the people running to PDP.

“But have you seen a man who can run away from his shadow? I have been accused of talking too much, and I’m really going to talk today…

“It is only in Nigeria that old thieves will be regrouping; they are being organized by an old master thief who spent 16 billion… the more dollars he spent on light, the more darkness you suffered.

“Buhari asked: $16billion, where is the power? You say ‘Buhari, why are you asking? How dare you ask? If you ask, we will ask Nigerians to reject you.’ How can a man who has never won his polling booth in Ogun State suddenly become a… And look at those who are paying pilgrimage to Ota, who are they? They are the thieves of yesterday, the thieves of today and those are to be thieves tomorrow.” [myad]

Tinubu Warns Lawmakers Planning To Impeach Buhari To Drop It

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2018

The National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned some members of the National Assembly who he alleged are planning to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari to drop what he called: “sinister move.”

Tinubu, who spoke today, Wednesday, at the formal defection of ex-senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, at a packed full Ikot Ekpene township stadium in Akwa Ibom, warned: “it is not possible for a lizard to wrestle an antelope.”

He described what is happening in the country now as a war between progressives and the conservatives.

“We believe in government of the people, for the people and by the people but the conservatives believe in government of sharing.

“We say Nigerian money belongs to Nigerians. We say Nigerians must be given development. We believe in investing in the people. But they believe in sharing and looting the money.

“Today we are aspiring in our vision, but the PDP has no vision. They believe in sharing and looting the treasury.”

He said that Nigerians gave PDP 16 years to rule but the party failed, saying: “today, Buhari says we must change; we must account for Nigeria’s money but they are resisting.”

Tinubu expressed happiness that Akwa Ibom had embraced the change of Buhari. [myad]

D’banj Honours Dead Son, Dedicates New Song To Wife

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2018

Award-winning music superstar, D’banj, has honoured his 1-year old son, Daniel Jr. who died recently in a private pool, as he dedicates his new song to his wife, Lineo.

In a post to Instagram, the 38-year-old musician shared a video montage of his wife as he assured her of his love and commitment in the song.

The song titled” ‘Letter to My Wife,’ talks about their recent ordeal, how much he loves her and will always stand by her no matter what happens.

“Together We Will Pass Every Test That We Pass Through. This Is For You My #WhatYouWant #LetterToMyWife #Everything #MamaDaniel 8/8/18,” he captioned the post.

Lineo was said to have been at home when the tragic incident occurred.

Some followers on social media blamed her for being careless and they attributed the death of the one-year-old to negligence on her part.

The sad incident happened one month after Daniel celebrated his first birthday.

Gov Forum Kicks As EFCC Freezes Benue Government Accounts

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2018

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has kicked against the freezing of the Benue State government’s bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The accounts were frozen by the EFCC which linked the governor of the State, Samuel Ortom to an alleged fraud to the tune of N22 billion but the governor has since denied the allegation.

The EFCC said that between June 30, 2015 and March 2018, the governor ordered the withdrawal of N21.3bn from four government’s accounts in Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank of Nigeria and the United Bank for Africa.

On paper, about N19 billion out of the money was said to be meant for the payment of six security agencies that had been deployed in the state to address the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state, Terver Akase, said: “yes, it is true that accounts of the Benue State Government have been frozen by EFCC. It is part of the political witch-hunt against Governor Samuel Ortom. The action of EFCC is already having negative impact on the running of government in Benue State. It is a move that will affect salaries, pensions and other sundry payments.

“The question we are asking is; why did EFCC not investigate the governor’s security votes when he was still a member of APC? Why start the investigation now?”

He said that EFCC should not allow itself to be used as an attack dog unleashed against perceived political opponents.

“Let the Federal Government tell us how much it has spent on prosecuting the fight against Boko Haram and how much it spent on the other operations such as Python Dance, Crocodile Smile and Whirl Stroke.”

He added that Benue had suffered heavy attacks by Fulani herdsmen since the beginning of the year even as he said legitimate support were given security agencies to protect the people of the state.

“Governor Ortom has not diverted funds. He runs a transparent administration”, he said.

He said the state government will welcome the investigation, but added it should start from the Presidency and go across the 36 states. “Benue should not be singled out for victimisation, intimidation and harassment as the Federal Government with its agencies is currently doing.”

However, chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari described the freezing of the Benue state accounts as an attempt to shut down the state, adding that it is unconstitutional and wrong especially as the state is still battling with security challenges.

Answering reporters’ questions today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Governor Yari called on the Federal Government not to allow security agencies to become lawless.

“The freezing of any account of the state government whether Benue or anywhere is unconstitutional and is not right. That is shutting down government. Government must spend, most especially Benue that is facing insecurity challenges.

“Well, we don’t know why the EFCC took the action. But if indeed EFFC freezed the account, from my point of view, it is wrong.

“This government will not sit down and oversee unlawful operation from the security agencies. From what happened yesterday (Tuesday, Daura sack), everyone can understand that government is following due process and the laws of Nigeria.

“For one to just send security agencies to shut down the National Assembly, and the action that followed, that is what gave credit to this government by local and international community.

“Similar thing had happened in 2011 and 2014 respectively, but nothing was done about it, this time around, government said enough is enough. But the government of Muhammadu Buhari is following due process and will never oversee an unlawful activity by any security agency. So in the case of Benue, I believe something must be done.” [myad]

Presidency Was Unanimous In Lawal Daura’s Sack – Femi Adesina

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2018

Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina has said that the presidency was on one page in the decision to sack Lawal Daura as Director General of the Department of State Security (DSD).

“What we will like to say for the umpteenth time is that the presidency is one. When something like what happened yesterday will happen, there then will be unanimity. There is no way there won’t be unanimity on that kind of decision. It’s not something that will be discussed with the press but know that there was unanimity in the decision.”

Adesina, in a statement today, Wednesday, said that though, President Buhari had transmitted power to Yemi Osinbajo when, as usual, he proceeded on vacation, but that it didn’t mean that he would act in isolation.

“It’s a matter then of decency and we know that the acting President is a decent man. There is no tussle for power. There is no tough battle between him and the president.”

Diplomatic Row: Saudi Pulls Medical Patients From Canadian Hospitals

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2018

Saudi Arabia has announced that it will remove all patients who are currently receiving treatment in Canadian hospitals, while Ottawa urges the Islamic Kingdom to free imprisoned human rights activists.

According to the state news agency SPA, Riyadh has stopped sending patients to Canadian hospitals and “is coordinating for the transfer of all Saudi patients from Canadian hospitals according to directives by the leadership.”

It is not clear how many patients will be affected by the decision, although it is known that the Saudi government provides health care services overseas for many of its employees in countries such as Canada where the quality of care is markedly superior.

The announcement is the latest in a series of punitive measures taken by Riyadh over comments made by Canada’s Foreign Ministry, who called for the release of prominent women’s rights activists.

In a post on Twitter, the ministry said they are “gravely concerned about additional arrests of civil society and women’s rights activists in Saudi Arabia, including Samar Badawi,” before “urging Saudi authorities to “immediately release them and all other peaceful human rights activists.”

Saudi officials dismissed these claims as “blatant interference” in the country’s internal affairs, and proceeded to expel the Canadian ambassador and suspend all new trade and investment, remove all Saudi students from Canadian universities, and has pledged to pursue additional measures.

“There is nothing to mediate. A mistake has been made and a mistake should be corrected,” Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said at a news conference on Wednesday, adding that they would “considering additional measures.” Canadian investments in Saudi Arabia will not be affected by the dispute.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland has indicated that they are “seriously concerned” by Saudi Arabia’s actions, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to hold a press conference in Montreal on Wednesday afternoon to address the ongoing crisis.

“Canada will always stand up for the protection of human rights, very much including women’s rights, and freedom of expression around the world,” a spokeswoman for Freeland said in a statement Tuesday. “Our government will never hesitate to promote these values and believes that this dialogue is critical to international diplomacy.” [myad]

APC Catches ‘Big Fish’ As Senator Akpabio Decamps To It

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2018

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has cause to celebrate as it’s former chief critic, Senator Godswill Akpabio, formally decamped from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on which he was governor of Akwa Ibom State for eight years to it.

Akpabio, who until yesterday, was the Senate minority leader, still under the PDP, was welcomed into the fold of the APC today in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital by the National chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, the National leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and representative of the acting President, Yemi Osinbajo in the person of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

Also on hand to receive Senator Akpabio are the Senate Majority Leader, Ahmed Lawan, former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni.

Addressing what was described as huge crowd of supporters, Senator Akpabio said that he decided to join APC because he discovered that President Muhammadu Buhari “is a man of integrity and a nationalist.”

According to him, APC is a party that would sweep away poverty and impunity, adding that with him in the party, he would be able to participate in helping to salvage the country.

“The country is at war and all the hands must be on deck to salvage the situation and not to aggravate it. As keepers of national emergency, everyone should put heads together. I decided to join to emancipate the people and provide succour for the people.”

He said that the PDP of today has no vision and the leadership is replete with arrogance.

Earlier, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC), Nsima Ekere, said that change had come to Akwa Ibom and SouthSouth.

He said that Akwa Ibom has joined the progressive states because the people were dissatisfied with the long misrule of the PDP.

He said that Akpabio built the people and provided them with infrastructure but the present PDP government was a failure.

Ekere said that the people have agreed to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. [myad]

Report reaching us from Uyo said that thousands of supporters trooped to the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium for the rally to receive the Senator. [myad]

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