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Arsenal Wallops Aston Villa 4-0 To Retain FA Trophy

Asernel

Arsenal became the most successful club in FA Cup history as they outclassed Aston Villa at Wembley, defeating it by four goals to nothing to earn Arsene Wenger a record-equaling sixth triumph.

The Gunners retained the trophy they won against Hull City a year ago to put Wenger’s total of wins alongside George Ramsay – who previously stood alone with the record for his victories with Villa between 1887 and 1920.

Arsenal’s 12th final victory was never in doubt as they dominated with a magnificent display, the only surprise being that it took until five minutes before half-time for their control to be rewarded with Theo Walcott’s goal.

Alexis Sanchez confirmed that superiority with one of the great FA Cup final goals shortly after the restart – a swerving, dipping 25-yard thunderbolt that flew high past startled Villa keeper Shay Given.

Villa were a shadow of the side that performed so impressively to beat Liverpool at Wembley in the semi-final, their flaws exposed ruthlessly as Per Mertesacker took advantage of an embarrassing lack of marking to head the third.

Substitute Olivier Giroud’s fourth in the final moments only completed what was a harrowing day for Tim Sherwood’s side, who had travelled to Wembley high on optimism and expectation after an impressive run to the final.

It was a day of triumph for Wenger, as he added another FA Cup to his three Premier League titles in a game that was a sharp contrast to the tension of last year’s final, when the Gunners had to recover from two goals down.

And Wenger recorded a tactical victory over Villa counterpart Sherwood, with his decision to use the pace of Walcott to take on Villa’s defence rather than the power of Giroud reaping rich rewards.

Sherwood’s big selection call – to play Charles N’zogbia ahead of Gabriel Agbonlahor – never looked like working. By the time the latter was introduced, just after Arsenal had gone two up, the horse had bolted for a Villa team that simply never performed.

Arsenal’s season can now be judged as a success, with the trophy adding to a third-placed finish in the Premier League that assured Champions League football again.

This was a day of unrelenting misery for Sherwood and his players – watched at Wembley by owner Randy Lerner, who was sitting next to Villa fan Prince William.

They will have to regard Premier League survival as their success this term, which was the main priority when the manager replaced Paul Lambert in February.

Villa ended the league season by being thrashed 6-1 at Southampton and losing at home to relegated Burnley and the ominous signs of those performances were flagged up once more as Arsenal’s pace and mobility ran them ragged.

Goalkeeper Given showed great athleticism to save from Laurent Koscielny, and Kieran Richardson blocked crucially from Walcott as he looked certain to score.

Just as it looked as if Villa would somehow survive until half-time, Arsenal got the breakthrough they deserved, Walcott thumping a finish past Given at his near post after Sanchez headed down Nacho Monreal’s cross.

Before Villa could regroup after half-time, Sanchez effectively settled the contest with a magical FA Cup final moment, sending a bullet finish high past Given with the keeper barely having time to react.

Villa, pretty much as they had looked from the first whistle, were shell-shocked and Mertesacker was allowed by Christian Benteke to rise unmarked and head in the third.

The formalities were completed with virtually the last kick of the game when Giroud turned in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross in front of a rapidly-emptying Villa end, with their supporters having had little more than a couple of half-hearted penalty appeals to sustain them.

Wenger took the applause of Arsenal’s fans before the trophy was presented – the manager who has had so many doubters delivering his answer with another piece of silverware.

[myad]

How Alamieyeseigha Discovered And Groomed Me, Jonathan Confesses

Former Gov. of Bayelsa state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha
Former Gov. of Bayelsa state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has confessed that his successful political career was accelerated by the efforts of former governor of Bayelsa, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha.

Jonathan, who spoke today at the thanksgiving service to round-off the civic reception organized in his honour by the Bayelsa Government, said he remained grateful to the former governor.
Jonathan, who equally expressed gratitude to his aides and associates, said Alamieyeseigha discovered, mentored and brought him into politics.
“I am grateful to my aides and all those that worked with me to ensure our success. The business community, some of whom are here with us, on behalf of myself and wife, we thank you, we owe you so much.
“I will not forget to thank Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, without him, I won’t have been here talking about being a former president. At a time, I was not even thinking about being a commissioner in the state, he invited me to run with him.
“Of course that is why I am here to also thank him. Without him, it would not have been possible, nobody would have heard about Jonathan.”
Jonathan said that even as a former president, he remained committed to the development of his community, Bayelsa and the nation at large.
Speaking earlier, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa said that the feat attained by former president as a ‘Hero of Democracy’ was an act of God and justified the need for the thanksgiving service.
Dr. Uma Ukpai, who was the guest speaker at the event held at St Peters Anglican Church, Yenagoa, said that Jonathan remained consistent despite the various obstacles that confronted him.
He described him as a considerate leader and that obstacles in life were meant to make people resilient.
“If in life, you have no problem, it means that God has forgotten you and the devil has rejected you. We are measured in life by the enormity of the problems we solve.”
Also Rev. Ayo Oritsejiafor, President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led other clergymen in offering prayers for Jonathan, Bayelsa and for peace and security in Nigeria.
[myad]

Kaduna Embraces Namadi Sambo As He Returns Home

Former Vice President, Namadi Sambo
Former Vice President, Namadi Sambo

Thousands of Friends and supporters of former vice president Mohammed Namadi Sambo thronged the Kaduna International Airport yesterday to receive him back to Kaduna after dis-engaging as the country’s number two man.
Those who welcomed him include the immediate past deputy governor of Kaduna state, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, former ministers, former and serving members of the state and federal legislature, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains in the state, former local government chairmen.
They alls defied the heavy down pour and deafening thunderstorm as they jubilated when he alighted from the presidential aircraft which landed at about 7:00pm.
The friend and supporters then drove him in a long convoy to his Link road, Kaduna residence, singing and dancing in solidarity.
Namadi Sambo, who was apparently overwhelmed by the reception accorded him, expressed his gratitude to the people of Kaduna state for their show of love and affection and Nigerians for the mandate given to him and former President Goodluck Jonathan to serve the country for five years.
He wished the new administration success even as he assured that he would continue to make his contributions to the development of the country.
The former Vice President also prayed for peace, progress and development of the country and called on his followers to continue to respect the tenets of democracy and be law abiding and to always toe the path of peace and dialogue.
Namadi Sambo was sworn-in as Vice President on the 10th of May 2010 following the demise of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua and the subsequent swearing-in of President Goodluck Jonathan. Before then, he was the executive governor of Kaduna state, elected in 2007.

[myad]

We’ll Eradicate Corruption In Nigeria, Vice President Osinbajo Vows

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo vowed that the administration, being led by Muhammadu Buhari and him as second-in-command, will stop at nothing to eradicate corruption in Nigeria.
Speaking today at a Thanksgiving Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, to mark the inauguration of President Buhari and him, Vice President Osinbajo said that God has a plan for this nation and as a God of time and season, it is time to set things aright.
He said that corruption would be eradicated and there would be rule of law, stressing that anyone who breaks the law would be punished as God is no respecter of persons.
Vice President Osinbajo was full of praises to God who controls all things and rules in the affairs of man.
He said God plans to set things right and to make Nigeria a nation to be respected among the nations of the earth.
The service was laced with series of worship sessions and prayers; prayers of thanksgiving were made on the peaceful campaigns, release of the election results and acceptance of it and ultimately, a peaceful inauguration of the administration.
There were four Bible readings with the first two readings taken from Daniel 2 : 20 – 23 and the second from Psalm 124 : 1 – 8.
Delivering his sermon, Bishop Wale Oke of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, extolled the impeccable record of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who rose to the peak of his career at a tender age.
He took the text of his sermon from 1Samuel 2: 13, reminding of the life of Prophet Eli and his children.
Bishop Oke recalled that Eli was punished not because he was unrighteous but because of the sins of his children whom he did not correct and by implication, he Eli committed sin by proxy and God punished him.
He urged the Vice President not to condone corruption by anyone who works with him, noting that he should set standard and with this he will remain a friend of God like Abraham.
Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, thanked the Almighty God for being with them throughout the campaign period. She also thanked all the friends and well-wishers as well as the clergymen who came for the thanksgiving service.
Those who attended the thanksgiving service were former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, former Governors of Ekiti Segun Oni and John Kayode Fayemi: former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi as well as Dr. Ogbonaya Onu.
Others were Commandant of Civil Defence, Dr. Ade Aboderin, FRSC Corps Marshall, Boboye Oyeyemi, and members of the Diplomatic corps as well as other dignitaries and clergymen.

[myad]

Buhari Laments Collateral Damage Done To Economy

President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented over what he called “collateral damage” done to Nigeria’s economy by the successive governments.
Buhari who spoke yesterday at the inauguration gala night held at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja called on Nigerians to bear with his administration, adding that he and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are earnestly working to reconstruct the country.
The President said the enormous damage inflicted on the country could easily be appreciated by comparing the nation’s infrastructure in 1999 with what currently prevails.
“I ask Nigerians to please bear with us. A lot of damage has been done. You can look at our infrastructure in 1999 and now and you will appreciate this.”
Buhari regretted the high rate of unemployment among youths, who he said represented about 60 per cent of the country’s population.
The President said that the nation is sitting on a keg of gun powder with the prevailing unpleasant situation, adding that his administration would focus on agriculture and mining to engage some of the unemployed youths.
He asked Nigerians to pray for the country more than they are currently doing.
“Nigerians pray a lot; we need to even pray the more for luck so that the expectations our people have, especially the youth, would be met.”
Buhari promised to seek the supports of Europe, America and Nigeria’s neighbours in tackling the unemployment and security problems confronting the country.
The President noted that if Nigeria is enmeshed in crisis, the backlash on neighbouring countries would be monumental, stressing that Nigeria has to be well secured and efficiently managed.
“This was why the legacy parties made the sacrifice of jettisoning their personal ambitions, tried to come together and took the bull by the horn and therefore brought it down and slaughtered it literally.’’
He said the new party in power, All Progressives Congress (APC) had realised its problems and made the sacrifice, even as he added that his administration would articulate the nation’s requirements after studying the handover notes from the past administration and consult the immediate neighbours, Europe and US to help the nation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Nigeria and democracy as the winners of the last general elections.
“Democracy is the winner and Nigeria is the winner. I cogratulate all who made the election possible. I also congratulate former President Goodluck Jonathan for deepening democracy.”
Atiku believed that the path of honour Jonathan took would not be forgotten even as he advised the President to recognise the diversity of the country and accommodate all, realising that the nation’s diversity remained its strength.
A National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said that a new era had come for Nigeria, saying that a commitment to build a new Nigeria had been consecrated.
He described President Buhari as principled, passionate and determined to develop the country.
“The challenge is yours. We that are looking up to you will continue to do so with great commitment, perseverance and we have to show that Africa can compete, Nigeria must lead.”

[myad]

What Are Your Wishes? British PM Asks Buhari To Present Them At G7 Summit In Berlin

President Muhammadu Buhari and David Cameron
President Muhammadu Buhari and David Cameron

The British Prime Minister, David Cameron has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to come before the Group of seven industrialized nations, known as G7, with a “wish list” when he attends its meeting, scheduled to take place between June 7 and 9 in Berlin, Germany.
Delivering this message to the new President at a meeting on Friday shortly after the inauguration, British Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Philip Hammond said his Prime Minister had requested for a list of which of the Nigeria’s challenges that would need urgent attention of the body.
“We are waiting for your own list,” said the minister on behalf of Cameron.
The meeting was a follow-up to an earlier one between the then President-elect and Prime minister Cameron, at which commitments were given to the in-coming administration in several areas, including the fight against terrorism, power and energy and such matters of common concerns of migration challenges facing the continent as well as what he called “intelligence fusion” to secure Africa from global terror.
He also raised the issue of “free trade” between the EU and Africa, a proposal he said enjoyed the support of several countries on the continent and in support of which he sought to enlist the backing of President Buhari.
The President in turn promised to prepare the government’s aspirations for the summit which he said he will attend.
Mr. Han Changfu, the leader of the Chinese delegation, who is that country’s Minister of Agriculture at a similar meeting, asked President Buhari to open avenues for Chinese investments in Nigeria.
China promised to help Nigeria out in several areas including agriculture, power, railways and other infrastructure.
The President of Congo Brazaville, Dennis Sassou Nguesso was also among the several leaders who had audiences with the President after the inauguration on Friday.
The Congolese leader said he had been mandated by other leaders in Central Africa to seek a meeting with their counterparts in the ECOWAS with a view to tackling common challenges especially the one posed by terrorism. Nguesso also requested President Buhari to assume his rightful place as the leader of Africa.
President Buhari agreed that the meeting should hold before the nest African Union in South Africa as suggested.
The current Somali president, Sheikh Hassan Mohamoud asked for Nigeria’s help in its bid to conquer terror and establish control over the country’s territory.
Speaking while receiving Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa, President Buhari expressed his wish to work with Zuma to fight terrorism in Africa and outside the continent.
The two leaders agreed to come to meet and exchange state visits to deepen the existing bilateral relationships.

[myad]

I Won’t Spare Boko Haram, President Buhari Vows

President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he would not spare members of Boko Haram whom he described as criminal elements that are bent on causing anarchy.
The President condemned the latest terrorist attack on Maiduguri, stressing that his administration won’t tolerate wanton and wilful destruction of life by members of the sect.
The President, who reacted to the latest attack, which left scores of people dead, injured and maimed, said in a statement issued by his media team that his administration meant business in its determination to tackle terrorist violence with all the resources available to his government.
Describing terrorists as cowardly murderers that target innocent people, President Buhari said that as the Commander-in-Chief, he has sworn to protect the security of Nigerians everywhere.
The President called for increased vigilance by local communities, even as he assured that his administration would give security close attention, and that his government is committed to boosting the morale of the armed forces by effectively funding them and attending to their welfare.
He condoled the families of the victims of the latest terrorist attack on Maiduguri and assured them that the worst days of these criminal elements will be over soon.

[myad]

No One Has My Permission To Bar Anybody From Travelling Abroad – President Buhari

Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari
Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he has not authorised anybody to stop any Nigerian from travelling outside Nigeria.
The President who was today, responding to some cases of “V.I.P stoppages” at the airports which he said was reported to him emphasised: “we have not banned anyone from travelling.”
President Buhari directed all agencies under the government to run their affairs in full compliance with extant rules, regulations and the constitution of the country.
“Unless otherwise directed by the courts, no law-abiding citizens should be barred from travelling abroad. We must treat fellow citizens with courtesy and respect. “Officials at the borders and other points of entry and exit should conduct their affairs in strict compliance with due process. No one has my permission to bar anyone from travelling abroad.”
The President stressed that officials of the past administrations including ministers are entitled to their full rights and privileges under the constitution and must not be subjected to any undue harassment and intimidation at the airports or at other points of entry and exit.

[myad]

President Buhari, Vice President Osinbajo Declare Assets

The Official Portrait of Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
The Official Portrait of Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have declared their assets, as required by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Code of Conduct Bureau on Friday acknowledged the submission of President Buhari’s and Vice President Osinbajo’s assets declaration form submitted separately on May 28, and signed for by the organisation’s Chairman, Sam Saba. President Buhari’s Declarant ID was given as: ‘President: 000001/2015.’
The Nigerian Constitution states in Chapter VI Section 140, that a person elected to the office of President shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed in the Constitution.
By declaring their assets, President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo may have not only fulfilled the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution, but also fulfilled the first of their many campaign promises.
While seeking election into the highest office in the land, the President had promised Nigerians that he would publicly declare his assets as soon as he took over government.

[myad]

Youths Who Disrupted El-Rufai’s Inauguration Say Emir of Zazzau Was Target, Accuse Him Of Being PDP Agent

Emir of Zaria

Some angry youths, who disrupted the swearing in of Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai by hauling stones, sachets of water and other objects at the venue yesterday have confessed that their target was the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, whom they accused of being the agent of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

They said that the Emir had shown open hatred for governor Nasiru el-Rufai, citing an example of when the emir refused to grant audience to the governor on three occasions during the campaigns.
“He is a supporter of PDP and we don’t expect to see him here because during the campaigns, El-Rufai visited him three times but he refused to grant him audience. His presence at the swearing in is out of hypocrisy,” one of the youths said.
The youths started throwing stones and shoes at the Emir when he was invited to the podium to present his address shortly after the governor took his oath of office.

The Murtala Square, venue of the event was thrown into confusion as the security agencies struggled to control the situation.
The rioting youths had a running battle with the police as they continued to throw stones and shoes directed at the emir who was seated at the VIP stand among other guests.
The police pursued the hoodlums who were throwing stones from different directions, but when such effort became fruitless, they threw teargas at them.
The emir was immediately taken to one of the guest waiting rooms at the Murtala square by armed police men where he was kept before he was eventually smuggled out of the place.
The programme which started on an exciting mood suddenly came to an abrupt end as people quickly left the venue.
It was learnt that youths took advantage of the relaxed security at the venue of the event. They smuggled in stones in their pockets with a view to attack the former governor of the state, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero and the emir. However, Yero did not turn up for the event. [myad]

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