Hong Kong ship crew questioned in S. Korea for oil transfer to North

December 30, 2017 WORLD No Comments

The Lighthouse Winmore, chartered by a Taiwanese company, has been impounded by South Korean customs authorities at the port of Yeosu on November 24 following an inspection

OIL TRANSFER? The Lighthouse Winmore, chartered by Taiwanese company Billions Bunker Group Corp., is seen at sea off South Korea's Yeosu port on December 29, 2017. Yonhap/AFP

SEOUL, South Korea – The crew of a Hong Kong-registered ship have been detained for questioning in South Korea since their tanker was impounded in November for transferring oil to a North Korean vessel and breaching UN sanctions, customs officials said Saturday, December 30.

The Lighthouse Winmore, which was chartered by a Taiwanese company, was impounded by South Korean customs authorities at the port of Yeosu on November 24 following an inspection.

"Since then, inspectors have been coming on board and questioning the crew", a Korea Customs Service official told AFP.

The Lighthouse Winmore has 25 crew members including 23 Chinese citizens and two Myanmar nationals, another customs official at Yeosu said. He could not clarify whether they belonged to mainland China or Hong Kong.
The tanker, chartered by Taiwanese company Billions Bunker Group Corp., previously visited Yeosu on October 11 and loaded up on some 14,000 tonnes of Japanese refined oil before heading towards its purported destination in Taiwan.Instead of going to Taiwan, however, the vessel transferred 600 tonnes of oil to the North's Sam Jong 2 in international waters off China before returning to Yeosu, the customs service officials said. 
Earlier a foreign ministry official in Seoul had said the ship had been seized briefly by customs authorities who inspected it.
Results of the investigation will be reported to the UN Security Council's sanctions committee, foreign ministry officials said.
The Lighthouse Winmore is one of 10 ships the US has asked the Security Council to blacklist for violating sanctions against North Korea.
Taipei said the Billions Bunker Group is not incorporated in Taiwan but in the Marshall Islands, and that it would "continue to fully comply" with UN sanctions against North Korea.

Taiwan's transport ministry said it is investigating whether any Taiwanese entities were involved.

The ship is owned by a Hong Kong-registered company called Win More Shipping Limited. There was nobody Friday at the address given to the firm on Hong Kong's companies registry.

Four ships -- three North Korean vessels and a Palau-flagged oil tanker -- were blocked from international ports by the UN Security Council on Thursday over suspicions of carrying or transporting goods banned by sanctions targeting Pyongyang's weapons ambitions, according to the final list adopted by the world body.

Even though the Sam Jong 2 was not among the four banned vessels, it appears on a list of six other ships suspected of transporting illicit cargo, along with the Lighthouse Winmore.

The US had asked the Security Council to blacklist all 10 vessels, but China objected to the proposal, diplomats said, and only agreed to blacklist four ships on Thursday.

The Security Council has imposed three sets of sanctions on North Korea this year: one on August 5 targeting the iron, coal and fishing industries, another set on September 11 aimed at textiles and limiting oil supply, and the most recent on December 22 focused on refined petroleum products. 

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Nigerian Army effects major shake-up, redeploys generals [Full list]

December 30, 2017 NATIONAL No Comments

The Nigerian Army has announced major sake-up of some senior officers.

Those redeployed include major generals and brigadier generals.

The redeployment takes effect from 2nd January 2018.

A statement announcing the development read: “The Nigerian Army has today Friday 29th December 2017, released the 2017 Fourth Quarter Postings and Appointments of its Officers. It will be recalled that recently some senior officers were promoted to the ranks of Brigadier Generals and Major Generals respectively, while some have also left service on completion of mandatory years of service in the Army. The posting is also aimed at injecting new hands to further actualize the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, which is “to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its Constitutional roles”.

“Accordingly, the posting and redeployment has affected some Principal Staff Officers at Defence and Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, General Officers Commanding (GOC), Commandants of Training Institutions and Directors, amongst others. In all, the posting and appointments affected 399 Officers.

Those affected include, Major General RO Yusuf Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), who is now the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General AA Salihu, Chief of Defence Communications will now take over as Commander, TRADOC, Major General LO Adeosun, also from Defence Headquarters, has been appointed Commander, Infantry Corps, Major General CM Abraham has been moved from 2 Division to Defence Intelligence Agency as Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence, while Major General OF Azinta replaces him as General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General US Yakubu is now to take over as Commandant of Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, while Major General FO Agugo, is now Commander, Command Army Records, while Major General JS Malu is now the Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Engineers and Major General JGK Myam, the Director of Operations is now the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja.

Others affected include, Commander Guards Brigade, Major General MS Yusuf, who is now General Officer Commanding 6 Division, replacing Major General EO Udoh, who is reassigned to 81 Division as GOC. In same vein, Brigadier General UT Musa is now the Commander Guards Brigade. Major General IBJ Okeke is now Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, while Major General KO Kadiri is now Group Managing Director, Nigerian Army Welfare Holding Limited/Guarantee. Similarly, Major General EJ Enenche has been appointed Commandant Army War College Nigeria, while Brigadier General JA Agim is now the Acting Director Defence Information and Brigadier General JTE Chukwu is now the Commandant of Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information.

Brigadier General LT Omoniyi has been appointed as the Commander of the newly established 17 Brigade with Headquarters in Katsina, Brigadier ET Essien is now Commander 29 Task Force Brigade, while Brigadier General TA Lagbaja is coming from Headquarters 8 Division to Army Headquarters as Acting Director Operations and Brigadier General GN Mutkut takes over as Commander 7 Multinational Joint Task Force Brigade.”

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Philippine stocks hit fresh all-time high on 2017's last trading day

December 30, 2017 WORLD No Comments

ALL-TIME HIGH. The executives of Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday, December 29 celebrate last trading day of 2017. Photo from PSE Corporate Communications

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine equities closed 2017 on a cheerful beat, as it posted a record high of 8,558.42 points, with all sectors moving north.

As closing bell rang on Friday, December 29, executives of the Philippine Stock Exchange Incorporated (PSE) rejoiced as PSE index (PSEi) rallied 126 points at 8,558.

This was the 14th time that the main index closed at an all-time high this 2017. For the year alone, the PSEi gained 25.1%. (READ: Philippine peso strongest in 6 months, stocks break 8500 level)

Five of the 6 sectoral indices also posted year-to-date gains. The financials sector was up the most as it rose by 34.7% for 2017, PSE said, while the mining and oil sector was the lone decliner as it lost 3% in 2017.

"Philippine shares closed at another record to end the year even though US Stock Trading has been muted as investors have little incentive to make on assets perceived as risky in the penultimate session of trade ahead of the New Year's holiday on Monday," Marita Limlingan, president of Regina Capital, said in a note.

Stock brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said in another note that the record high could be brought by investors' positive sentiment over "the tax reform program and other encouraging leads overseas."

Daily average value turnover rose by 3.2% year to date at P8.06 billion.

Philippine peso sets new 6-month high

Meanwhile, the Philippine peso gained 5 centavos against the greenback, lowering the full-year depreciation of the local currency to just 0.42%.

On Friday, December 29, the Philippine peso closed at a new 6-month high of P49.93:$1, from Thursday’s 49.98 to $1.

This was the local currency's strongest level for the peso since June 19.

Dubbed as the region's weakest currency, the Philippine peso rebounded strongly after it slid by 4.12% to hit a new 11-year low of P51.77:$1 last October 25.

Brokers had speculated that the October 25 drop was due to the rising geopolitical tensions between the US and North Korea and normalization path of the US Federal Reserve, among others.

This Friday's rally, according to a broker, could be linked to strong inflows with the PSEi, which posted a fresh all-time high. – Rappler.com

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EPL: Why Lukaku, Ibrahimovic will no longer play together – Mourinho

December 30, 2017 SPORTS No Comments

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho has explained why he will no longer start strikers, Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic together in any of the club’s matches.

Mourinho said the duo will not play together for United until they are both “at their best level.”

Lukaku and Ibrahimovic were paired together in United’s match with Burnley; however, they struggled in a poor Red Devils first half that saw them down 2-0 at the interval. The match later ended 2-2 draw thanks to substitute Jesse Lingard’s second half brace.

The United boss believes that both strikers are dealing with issues that are limiting them.

“For it to happen, they both need to be in their best moment and they are not,” Mourinho said.

“Zlatan is a man with an incredible injury and an injury that a 20-year-old young man would suffer with. Imagine a man of 36 years old and so many miles in high level football…”

Mourinho added, “It is not easy. We did that against Burnley and will do it in some more matches if we need to do.

“For both of them to play together we really need them to be at their best level.”

Manchester United’s next EPL game is against Southampton at Old Trafford on December 30.

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Actor Sadiq Daba returns to Nigeria after surgery

December 30, 2017 ENTERTAINMENT No Comments

Veteran actor, Sadiq Daba, has returned to Nigeria after weeks of treatment for prostrate cancer and Leukemia at a UK hospital.

The actor arrived on Friday December 29th.

Sadiq Daba on arrival thanked his wife and Nigerians for their support and financial help.

He said ”it’s soooo good to be back home!! Who else will be there? Who has always been there ? Yes , the indefatigable woman of esteem and high standards, sincerity, honesty ,love, care, adoration and an Angel……Dr.Joe Odumakin!!

“I am back stronger, healthier and well….all thanks to the goodwill and kindness of thousands and thousands of Nigerians both home and abroad. Special mention and lots of love to Soni Irabor, who kick-started it all !! I am ever so grateful.”

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Four killed, several injured in Borno suicide attack

December 30, 2017 NATIONAL No Comments

At least four people have been reported dead and several injured in a suicide bomb attack on Thursday at Amarwa community of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 2 p.m. when a male suicide bomber infiltrated the village and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped to his body.

An eye witness, identified as Bukar Fantai, told newsmen that the bomber sneaked into the village disguised as a grain merchant.

Fantai said that the insurgent first approached a shop keeper and offered sorghum for sale thereafter, went to a shade where many villagers gathered for relaxation and detonated the explosive.

“The suicide bomber detonated the IED, blew up himself, killing some, while 13 others sustained injuries in the explosion,” he said.

A source confirmed the attack to NAN, saying that the wounded persons were referred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for treatment.

The source said that Police EOD and patrol teams had been deployed to sanitise the scene of the attack, adding that normalcy had been restored to the area.

Police and military authorities have yet to comment on the incident.

NAN

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What Liberia President-elect, George Weah must do – Goodluck Jonathan

December 30, 2017 WORLD No Comments

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday advised Liberian President-elect, George Opong Weah, to maintain his policy of open-mindedness in his new position.

He also congratulated Weah for winning the second round of the keenly contested presidential election in Liberia.

The former President also commended Liberians for demonstrating the willingness to give democracy a chance.

Jonathan, who has just returned from Monrovia after leading the National Democratic Institute (NDI) International Elections Observation Mission to Liberia, posted the goodwill message to Weah on his Facebook page, saying: “I congratulate the declared winner, Mr. George Weah.

“I urge him to continue as he has started, with an open arms policy. Everybody is a winner when democracy wins. And democracy has won today.

“Throughout my political life, I have lived by the creed that nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of their citizens. I am most grateful to the nation of Liberia and especially the candidates – Mr. George Weah and Mr. Joseph Boakai, for living up to this creed.

“As co-leader of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) International Elections Observation Mission to Liberia for these elections, I salute the zest for democracy of the Liberian people.”

Weah, a former soccer star and standard bearer of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) in the presidential election was declared winner on Thursday after garnering over 60 percent of the votes in the election runoff held on December 26.

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Israel strikes Gaza strip as clashes over Jerusalem continue

December 30, 2017 WORLD No Comments

Israeli tanks and aircraft on Friday hit the Gaza Strip after rocket fired from the Palestinian enclave targeted a southern community.

According to Aljezera, there were no immediate reports of casualties.

This is the first in more than 10 days that Israeli army and Palestinian militants will exchange fire.

According to the report, Palestinian militants fired three rockets at southern Israel.

Two of the rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome aerial defence system.

The Israeli army statement said, “In response to the rockets fired towards Israel, IDF (Israel Defence Forces) tanks and IAF (Israel Air Force) aircraft targeted two posts belonging to the terrorist organisation Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip,”

The Israeli army said there were “very small clashes” in a number of sites.

Clashes continue in the West Bank as Palestinians protest US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

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Hoodlums loot rice donated to Kogi workers by National Assembly members

December 30, 2017 LIFESTYLE No Comments

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned in totality the looting of attitude of the first consignment of 220 bags of rice sent to Kogi State by members of the National Assembly.

The rice was meant to ameliorate the suffering of the state workers who have not been paid salaries for several months by the state government.

The union also debunked media report that union leaders were part of the agreement for the payment of percentage salaries to the state and local government workers.

In statement signed by the Vice Chairman of NLC, Kogi state chapter, Comrade Meliga Obaka, which was made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Fridaye, the union leader expressed shock and disappointment over the nefarious attitude of some unknown hoodlums that hijacked the rice.

He described the action as inhuman and uncivilized.

According to him “The first consignment of 220 bags of rice was still in the truck that brought it to Lokoja at the old market when hoodlums invaded the area and looted the rice.”

Obaka, who described the occurrence as much unfortunate, called on law enforcement agents to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, the organised Labour in Kogi State has described as outright falsehood the statement credited to the vice chairman of NLC over the percentage salaries being paid by the state government to workers.

Comrade Obaka said the affiliate unions of the NLC and TUC were currently on break when the percentage payments commenced and that meeting of the Unions had not been called on the issue to take a position.

He said the statement trending on the social media concerning the percentage payment was the figment of imagination of the writer and therefore urged the Union leaders and general public to discountenance the fake news.

According to him “I have said it unequivocally that none of the organised labour was either invited or was part of any discussion with the state government on the recent payment of percentage salaries to workers. It is imperative to workers to disregard the publication, it is misleading and we are not part of the arrangement.”

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Two drivers arraigned for allegedly killing bus conductor

December 30, 2017 LIFESTYLE No Comments

An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned two drivers for alleged reckless driving which caused the death of a bus conductor.

The accused, Monday Johnson (40) and Michael Teko (32), are facing a two-count charge of reckless driving and manslaughter.

According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Olatunde, the duo on Christmas Eve drove their vehicles recklessly on Apapa-Oshodi expressway, causing the death of Emeka Ogbu, a bus conductor.

Olatunde said “Johnson, the driver of a Volkswagen bus with registration number LSR 125 XD, had suddenly changed lanes to load passengers when Teko, the driver of Toyota Camry with registration number EPE 160 EV, on high speed, hit the bus from behind.

“Ogbu, the conductor, who was hanging on the bus had fallen down and sustained injuries to the head, but was later confirmed dead in the hospital.

The offences contravened Sections 19(1) and 20 of the Road Traffic Law of Lagos State, 2012.

The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs Bola-Williams, granted the duo N500,000 bail each with two responsible sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a blood relation.

She adjourned the case until Feb. 2 for mention, and ordered that the case file be duplicated and sent to the office of the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

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How Arsene Wenger helped me achieve my dream – George Weah

December 30, 2017 SPORTS No Comments

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has told his Manchester United counterpart, Jose Mourinho, that he has spent 21 years not being able to spend as much as his title rivals.

Wenger was reacting to Mourinho’s comments that the £300m he has spent so far at Old Trafford, is still not enough to compete with Manchester City.

 When the Gunners boss was asked on Wednesday about the Portuguese remarks, he said: “I have been in that position for 21 years so I can’t start to complain now.

“There have always been three or four teams richer than I am. I’ve learned to cope with that.

“We deal with our own situation as well as we can.

“Man City, Chelsea and Man United are all richer than us. Have to find ways to be successful.”

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Jerusalem: Israel plans to honour Donald Trump

December 30, 2017 No Comments

Israel has decided to name a new train line after US President Donald Trump.

This follows Trump’s bold move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel.

Reports by Hebrew daily Yediot Ahronot on Wednesday, said Israel’s national train operator, Israel Railways, is planning on naming the last stop in Jerusalem for its new train line after President Trump, in honour of his historic December 6th declaration.

The station will be the final stop on the Tel Aviv to Jerusalem train line, which is slated to open next year.

The new train line will operate alongside the city’s light rail system, and will include a three-kilometer tunnel (1.9 miles), linking the Binyanei Haumah convention center near the Central Bus Station to the entrance of the Old City of Jerusalem.

A steering committee for Israel Railways has approved the proposal.

They are reportedly planning on naming the new station the “Donald John Trump Train Station.”

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Why I’m bigger than Imo state, Nigeria – Okorocha

December 26, 2017 NATIONAL No Comments

Governor Rochas Okorocha has declared that he is bigger than Nigeria and his state, Imo.

He said this while giving reasons he appointed his sister as commissioner for happiness and purpose fulfilment.

He explained further that he has gone beyond Imo State and Nigeria, adding that he is now African.

He told Vanguard, “Rochas is bigger than Imo State. I am bigger than Nigeria.

“No, when I say “bigger”, I mean that this is not the only place I belong to. I mean I have gone beyond being an Imo man, beyond being a Nigerian. I am now an African.

“So, don’t put me like a small rat in a small hole. I have a bigger image than what people see. If you say I run a family government, that means I run a very big government. I have thirty commissioners.

“All of them are members of the same family with me. What a fantastic family! I have 27 Special Advisers and 30 Special Assistants.

“They are all members of my family. I have Perm Secs, all are members of my family. Without running a family government, you cannot make progress.

“But if they are talking about biological relationship, that my younger sister is made a Supervisory Commissioner for Happiness and Purpose Fulfilment, I also want to explain that Ministry.

“But before I go into that, the young lady is my sister. She has committed no offence. My predecessor appointed his brother as Chief of Staff; same mother, same father.

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Trump spent one-third of presidency at his properties

December 26, 2017 WORLD No Comments

An aerial view of Mar-a-Lago, the oceanfront estate of billionaire US President Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida

Almost one-third of Donald Trump’s time as president has been spent at his properties including his ongoing 10-day Christmas vacation at his Florida luxury resort.

With Trump comes a host of White House aides, an abundance of Secret Service agents and the ongoing controversy around the president boosting his private businesses by making frequent visits to properties that bear his name.

Although US presidents have always taken trips, Trump’s case is different as it involves places where others can stay if they pay.

According to a Monday Wall Street Journal report, as a businessman who made his fortune in residential and commercial real estate, Trump’s considerations are more complicated because his visits can create the appearance of a conflict of interest in highlighting a Trump property—from which he draws revenue—on a visit paid for by taxpayer dollars.

“George W. Bush went to his ranch in Crawford, Texas, a lot, but it’s not like you could rent the bedroom next to his,” said Jordan Libowitz, a spokesman for the transparency advocacy group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Critics of the president say the stops are a clear violation of the Emoluments Clause in the US Constitution and give each Trump business a signature competitive advantage: The presidential seal of approval. 

"The president's incessant exploitation of his office to promote his properties is unprecedented in American history," said Norm Eisen, the chair of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Before he moved into the White House, Trump was a big fan of criticizing former President Barack Obama for the amount of time he spent on the golf course.

“Can you believe that, with all of the problems and difficulties facing the US, President Obama spent the day playing golf,” Trump wrote in 2014. “Worse than Carter.”

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Those who cause violence in Oyo now in APC – PDP

December 26, 2017 POLITICS No Comments

The Oyo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday said politicians who promoted violence within the party are now in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

PDP said instead of the state chapter of APC to rejoice over the defection of some politicians in the state, it should “prepare for violence within”.

Publicity Secretary of PDP, Engineer Akeem Olatunji, while speaking with journalists noted that “former governor of the state Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, his Deputy, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin and others, who recently decamped into the ruling APC, were among politicians who made the Oyo PDP to be notorious for violence then”.

Olatunji revealed that the “Oyo PDP was happy to do away with such violent politicians, saying the carnival like rally organised to welcome the people into the Oyo APC negated the claim of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the state that his administration has zero tolerance for violence”.

He maintained that “the exit of Akala, Folarin, Arapaja and others from the Oyo PDP has made the political party violence free, as witnessed during the congresses held recently by the political party”.

Olatunji pointed out that former Governor Alao-Akala, who led the decampees into the ruling APC, did not hide their violent nature when he publicly declared during the event which took place at Mapo Hall that he used to harass Chief Akin Oke, the state APC chairman with thugs on election days in Ogbomoso.

Olatunji added that “people of Oyo state will not quickly forget the violence promoted by both the former governor and former Senate leader that led to the death of a former leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, Lateef Salako (a.k.a Eleweomo)”.

He revealed further that the late leader of the ruling APC in Oyo state, Alhaji Lam Adeshina, once reported that Arapaja led political thugs to invade his Felele, Ibadan residence of the late politician during the 2011 elections.

Olatunji alleged that apart from that, it was on record that the former Deputy Governor led a convoy of vehicles full of thugs brandishing dangerous weapons in major streets of Ibadan when the results of the 2011 governorship election in the state were being collated for announcement at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office.

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‘The Sound of Music’ star, Menzies-Urich dead

December 26, 2017 ENTERTAINMENT No Comments

Hollywood actress, Heather Menzies-Urich, best known for portraying Louisa von Trapp in the 1965 film “The Sound of Music” has passed on at the age of 68.

The actress died on Sunday night, December 24 in Frankford, Ontario.

According to her son, Ryan Urich, Menzies-Urich, had recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Urich said his mother died on Christmas Eve, surrounded by her children and family members.

“She was an actress, a ballerina and loved living her life to the fullest.

“She was not in any pain but, nearly four weeks after her diagnosis of terminal brain cancer, she had enough and took her last breath on this earth at 7:22 pm,” he said.

Toronto born Menzies-Urich’s first screen credit came in the TV series “The Farmer’s Daughter” in 1964. She was then cast as the third-oldest of the seven von Trapp children in “The Sound of Music.”

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Christmas: Boko Haram burn 3 persons to death, abduct woman in Borno

December 26, 2017 REGIONAL No Comments

At least three persons were burnt alive while a woman was abducted as Boko Haram militants attempted to overrun Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Monday, Christmas day.

Those killed were drivers who were bringing food items to Maiduguri from Biu but were caught up in cross fire at Molai.

This is as the dreaded Boko Haram fighters attacked a security post in Molai, in their attempt to make an inroad to the city on Christmas evening.

Security operatives, who repelled the insurgents told DAILY POST that they were still looking for more corpses.

“It was a serious attack; we are still on patrol at Molai and environs. We have seen three people who were killed. We also learnt that they have abducted a woman in Molai, while they were fleeing.

“The situation is now calm, but the people who fled for safety are yet to return. We are trying to ensure that innocent people are safe,” a security source at the scene of the incident said.

It was earlier reported that the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram had attacked ED Security Post in Molai, along Maiduguri/Biu road and overran it.

Earlier, a security source, who spoke to our correspondent said, “We are currently being mobilised to advance and the militants were said to be advancing towards the city. Our men are holding them.”

Also a resident of Molai told DAILY POST that the militants are advancing to the city, as many people were seen fleeing towards Maiduguri on foot, including women and children.

“I am currently at Bakassi IDP camp. I spoke with my family who locked themselves in our home at Molai.

“They said I should not attempt coming home as the insurgents have killed many people, including members of the civilian joint task force and order security personnel around Molai,” a resident reported earlier.

The military and the Borno State police command is yet to make statements with regards to the attack in Molai.

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Buhari deliberately created fuel scarcity to increase price – Fayose

December 26, 2017 NATIONAL No Comments

The Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on Monday said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government deliberately created fuel scarcity to intimidate Nigerians into accepting a raise in pump price.

He claimed that the federal government intended to increase the pump price, but didn’t know how to go about it.

Fayose made this claim while supervising the sale of state government assisted petrol at N145 per litre to the people at Alade filling station, along Iyin road Ado-Ekiti in fulfilment of the promise he made on Sunday.

He said: “It is time for Nigerians to take me seriously that the Federal Government wants to increase the pump price. Ordinarily, the N145 is too much for the people not to talk of increasing it. Today I tell you that there is a queue even at black market.

“This is also why I decided not to be part of the $1bn Boko Haram funds because our needs vary. Not until Nigeria is run like a federation, we will only be wasting our time. People must decide the way forward for Nigeria.”

“I have said it before that 2019 is an opportunity for Nigerians to make a choice, either to change the change or to continue this suffering,” he said.

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Mayhem in Abuja as Gbagis, Hausas engage in bloody cash [PHOTOS]

December 25, 2017 WORLD No Comments

There was mayhem in Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Monday.

This followed an outbreak of fight between Hausas and Gbagis.

The ethnic groups have resided in the area for a long period.

Cars and shops were either burnt or vandalised.

It was gathered that fire service team that arrived to put of the fire occasioned by the burning of shops and cars was prevented from doing so until security agents stormed the scene.

DSP Anjuguri Manzah, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, confirmed the incident to DAILY POST.

He said operatives from Bwari division have swooped on the area to restore peace.

“Our men rushed to the scene and are still on ground”, Manzah said on phone.

“The cause of the clash is not yet known but investigation has commenced.

“Maintenance of law and other is our priority; the incident has been brought under control.

“If the need arises, more deployment will be made from the command headquarters”.

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Victor Moses speaks on being left out of 2017 African Footballer of the Year award

December 25, 2017 SPORTS No Comments

Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses, says he is not disappointed to be left out of the final three-man shortlist for the 2017 African Footballer of the Year award.

The winger won the Premier League title with Chelsea last season under Antonio Conte.

Moses also played major role as Nigeria became the first African country to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

He was among the initial 10-man shortlist for the award, but was shockingly left out of the final three-man list by CAF.

Saido Mane, Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang, and Egypt’s Mohammed Salah made the final three men for this year’s award.

Moses told Daily Star, “I must have done well. It felt good to be nominated. I’ve worked so hard. It’s a bit crazy and shows how far I’ve come.”

Despite a little setback due to injury, Moses claimed he has enjoyed his time at the club this year.

“It’s been a great year for me. I’ve really enjoyed it, but want to keep it going”, he added.

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20 dead in Philippines bus crash on way to Christmas Day mass

December 25, 2017 WORLD No Comments

Twenty pilgrims from the same extended family were killed Monday in a head-on bus collision while traveling to Christmas Day mass in the northern Philippines, police said.

A small bus taking the group to a dawn church service crashed into a larger bus in the town of Agoo killing 20 on board, including six children, police said.

The nine other occupants of the small bus were injured, as were 17 traveling on the bigger bus, according to an updated tally released by regional police.

"They (the family) were trying to catch a mass in Manaoag," Agoo police officer Vanessa Abubo told AFP, referring to a northern Philippine town near Agoo with a famous Catholic church.

The centuries-old Our Lady of Manaoag church is a popular pilgrimage site in the mainly Catholic nation, featuring an icon of the Virgin Mary which the faithful say performs miracles.

Agoo police chief Roy Villanueva told Manila radio station DZMM by telephone that the smaller vehicle had left its lane to overtake a third vehicle.

Authorities are investigating whether the driver, who Abubo said was among those killed, had fallen asleep or was under the influence, Villanueva added.

Agoo is located 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of Manila. The pilgrims had come from the town of Bauang, an hour's drive from Manaoag, police said.

(Source: AFP)

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Biafra: Buhari is Nigeria’s last president – MASSOB

December 25, 2017 NATIONAL No Comments

Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has said President Muhammadu Buhari is the last president of Nigeria.

MASSOB also boasted that Nigeria would definitely collapse in 2019.

Leader of the group, Uchenna Madu, in a statement he personally signed said while politicians worked towards 2019 election, Biafra agitators would be carrying out referendum.

Madu also said the current fuel scarcity in Nigeria was aimed at punishing Christians and Igbos travelling to their homeland.

Madu noted that no matter the level of stigmatisation, subjections, mesmerisation, intimidations and economic sabotage against Igbos and Christians, the group will never succumb to pressures of oppressors.

According to Madu, “The governance styles and policies, including the ethno -religious sentiments of President Buhari-led federal government is the worst in the fragile history of Nigeria.

“MASSOB is truly comfortable with the present system because it justifies and eulogises our self-determination struggle for Biafra actualisation and restoration.

“MASSOB also disagrees with President Buhari that Nigeria has survived. Nigeria can never survive the heat of Biafra as long the people of Biafra and Christians are being oppressed and religiously stigmatised.

“We also wish to remind President Buhari that he still remains the last president of united Nigeria because Nigeria will certainly collapse in 2019.

“In 2018, as politicians are planning and warming up for the 2019 general elections, the coalition of Biafra agitators will be executing the Biafra referendum programmes, even leading agitators of restructuring of Nigeria state will add more value.”

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Buhari stirs fresh confusion over age, says ‘I was told I’m 75, thought I was 74’

December 25, 2017 NATIONAL No Comments

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said he thought he was 74 but was told he was 75.

Buhari spoke when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammed Bello, led a delegation to pay him Christmas homage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

​Speaking, Buhari recalled the health challenge that kept him away from the country for months earlier in the year.

He said he had recovered well from the sickness because he obeyed his doctors who instructed him to be eating and sleeping well.

“I am very grateful (to you) for taking time out on a very important day to come out and spend it with us ​”, Punch quoted him as saying.​

“It has been a tumultuous year. I am thinking I am 75. I thought I was 74 but I was told I was 75.

“I have never been so sick, not even during the 30-month civil war that I was stumbling under farm of yams or cassava.

“But this sickness…I don’t know, but I came out better. All those who saw me before said I look much better when I came back.

“But I have explained it to the public that as a General, I used to give orders. But now, I take orders.

​”​ The doctors told me to feed my stomach and sleep for longer hours. That is why I am looking much better,”‎ he said.

Buhari said he appreciated the visit because he respects good neigbourliness both at individual and national levels.

He said that was why immediately after his inauguration as President in 2015, his first foreign trip was to Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Benin Republic.

“If you are in good terms with your neigbours, then you can make some savings for development.

“But if you start fighting your neigbours, then I am afraid the resources you have you will lose it in trying to be very clever.

“So I try to be very close to my neigbours both individually and nationally. I thank you very much for being very good neigbours,” he added.

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