APC planning to rig in Osun but we will stop them - Omisore

Iyiola Omisore, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Osun state governorship election, has accused the All Progressives Congress of planning to use the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES) cadets to manipulate the election.

He said this in a press conference in Osogbo, the state capital, on Thursday.

The former deputy governor also alleged that the state government had compromised the management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to use the cadets instead of youth corps members.

He said his party, Action Democratic party (ADP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have signed a protocol to ensure diligence, credible and fair elections come what may.

“Three of the major political parties in Osun state met in the early hours of this morning after we have weighed all the antics, pranks and rigging tendencies of the APC,” he said.

“We’ve heard that they are going to rig the elections. They are going to arrest political leaders. They are bringing thugs from Lagos state. At their rally, they said they are going to use federal power to force Osun state people. We reviewed this issue and have come to tell the people to be ready to defend their votes. We are going to ensure that we have free, fair and credible elections. We are ready for the elections.

“The three parties have signed to a protocol of diligence to credible and fair elections. Our agents will be vigilant at polling units. The ruling APC has come to the extent that they want to use OYES cadets as presiding officers, instead of corps members. They have been able to manipulate NYSC authorities to use OYES cadets to compromise the election. Our agents will resist such. This government is the most corrupt in Nigeria and lacks fiscal discipline.” - TheCable

My maid is pregnant for my husband, had three abortions – Wife tells court

A Gudu Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja, has dissolved a 2-year-old marriage between Doyinsola Adebiyi and Adebiyi Kayode over infidelity.

The 26-year-old housewife who is a resident of Federal Housing Lugbe, Abuja, requested that the court dissolves her 2-year-old marriage because of her husband’s extra-marital affair with their househelp.

Doyinsola told the court that the maid confessed to aborting two pregnancies for Kayode and that, “She Is currently three months pregnant for my husband.”

She said, ‘’On hearing about the extra-marital affairs, I became agitated and left my matrimonial home In Lagos State for Abuja.

“Two months after I left the house, my husband married a 20-year-old woman and never bothered to look for me.’’

Kayode, 51, residing In Adegbe, Lagos, who never appeared In court, wrote a letter to the court through his lawyer, authorising the court to grant his wife’s request.

He added that since she abandoned her matrimonial home, the court should go ahead and dissolve the marriage. - Daily Post

PL news : Pellegrini hopes Arnautovic will be fit for Chelsea clash

Manuel Pellegrini hopes that Marko Arnautovic will be fit for West Ham’s clash against Chelsea after picking up a knock against Everton.

The Austrian was taken off in the second half against Everton in a 3-1 win for the Hammers last weekend. The striker got on the scoresheet in the win, West Ham’s first league victory of the season.

It had been thought that the striker would be fit for the visit of Chelsea, however, Manuel Pellegrini has issued an update on the Austrian’s fitness.

The Chilean said, via Metro:

“Marko finished with a problem behind his knee.”

“We will see if he is fit for Sunday. He played well against Everton and we hope he will recover.”

West Ham will have other injury worries for Sunday’s game with other stars potentially missing out.

Javier Hernandez is still ill, so could miss the game, whilst Jack Wilshere is out with an ankle problem.

“Javier Hernandez is still sick and Jack Wilshere has a problem with his ankle.”

“The doctor can say more about Jack. He has a screw in his ankle from his last surgery years ago.’”

West Ham will be hoping to make it two on the bounce when Chelsea visit the London Stadium. However, the Blues have yet to lose in the league so far this season, so will be tough opponents for the Hammers. - Read Sport

PL News : Chelsea scouting watching QPR's Eberechi Eze

Chelsea scouts are reportedly keeping an eye on the development of Queens Park Rangers youngster Eberechi Eze, but face competition from rivals Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool.

The London Evening Standard claims that the four Premier League giants are all interested in the player, while Crystal Palace are also believed to be in the running.

The report hints that scouts from clubs were present during QPR’s victory against Millwall on Monday night at Loftus Road, in which Eze scored in.

Eze has been one the shining lights in the Championship, adding flair and quality to a QPR side that were tipped by many to struggle this season.

In what was a difficult summer for the former Premier League club, Eze has provided fans with plenty of hope with a number of dazzling performances.

Playing in behind the striker, Eze has developed an eye for goal. With three goals to his name, many are predicting big things for the youngster. - Read Sport

EU summit takes Brexit battle into final straight

European leaders meet Wednesday in Austria for a summit to put summer tensions over migration behind them and to set up the last stretch of talks for a Brexit deal.

The European Union's top officials face intense pressure over the next three months to seal a divorce deal and a plan for future ties with Britain to avert a chaotic exit in March.

EU negotiator Michel Barnier insisted Tuesday that a long-planned October 18 summit in Brussels remains the "moment of truth" for his team and his British counterpart.

But he appeared to tacitly accept that another meeting would follow in November when he said October would allow the leaders to see "if an accord is within reach and we'll see if the Irish issue is solved."

By "Irish issue" the French official meant efforts to ensure that Britain's decision to leave the EU does not create a "hard border" between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

The EU wants Northern Ireland's economic rules to stay aligned with the remaining 27 bloc members after Brexit as part of a "backstop", or insurance policy to avoid border checks that might undermine the Good Friday peace agreement.

But Britain, fearing the EU proposal would lead to a de facto break up its territory, has suggested that instead the whole UK remain aligned with the EU in certain areas, but only until the end of 2021.

'Improved proposal' 

Speaking in Brussels on the eve of Wednesday's get together, Barnier said: "Our proposal for the backstop on Ireland and Northern Ireland has been on the table since February."

But he added: "We are ready to improve this proposal."

Specifically, Barnier said that he would "clarify" which goods will have to be checked by customs officers as they are transported between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland.

"We can also clarify that most checks can take place away from the border, at the company premises or in the market," he said. "We need to de-dramatise the checks that are needed."

Whether this offer will be enough for Prime Minister Theresa May, whose parliamentary majority depends on support from Northern Ireland loyalists bitterly opposed to any weakening of links with the UK, remains in doubt.

As the British team prepared to set off, a senior Number 10 source said: "Neither side can demand the unacceptable of the other, such as an external customs border between different parts of the United Kingdom.

"No other country would accept it if they were in the same situation," the source added, insisting that the European Commission's proposal does not respect "the constitutional and economic integrity of the UK."

 May will brief her 27 EU counterparts on the state of the Brexit talks at a dinner hosted by Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Wednesday.

The leaders will then meet without May on Thursday to discuss the hurdles to a deal and a parallel statement on future relations with Britain.

Diplomats expect little headway in Salzburg as both sides act cautiously before May's divided Conservative Party begins its annual conference on September 30.

Future ties 

Officials say that 80 percent of the divorce settlement is agreed, but that progress must be made quickly on Ireland and on the parallel political statement that will lay out a blueprint for future relations.

London wants a detailed timetable for building trade ties in exchange for paying billions of euros the EU says it is owed in dues.

"We will discuss how to organise the final phase of the Brexit talks," EU Council President Donald Tusk said, in a letter inviting the 28 leaders to the informal summit.

They will consider, he added, "the possibility of calling" a special summit in November after having initially set October's formal summit as the deadline.

November would still give the British, European and member state parliaments enough time to debate and ratify the terms before March 2019, when Britain would otherwise crash out without a plan.

"Unfortunately, a no-deal scenario is still quite possible. But if we all act responsibly, we can avoid a catastrophe," wrote Tusk, who chairs the EU leader summits.

In Brussels for pre-summit briefings, Ireland's Foreign and Trade Minister Simon Coveney warned a deal must be found by the October summit instead of being allowed to drag into November.

End 'mutual resentment' 

The summit will also seek to ease tensions over migration after a summer showdown with Italy's populist government and amid rising tensions with some eastern member states.

Italy has repeatedly turned away rescue ships carrying hundreds of African migrants to force other member countries to share responsibility for them.

Europe has yet to work out ways to implement proposals agreed in June to set up centres in Europe and north Africa to separate genuine refugees from economic migrants who could be deported.

"I am hoping that in Salzburg we will be able to put an end to the mutual resentment and return to a constructive approach," Tusk said. - AFP

Biafra: What we’ll do to Orji Kalu – IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Thursday revealed its plan to drag the former Governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu, to court.

The IPOB said it was taking the action over Kalu’s comment on the whereabouts of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The lawyer to IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, told Vanguard that Kalu’s statement was a “script written by the Federal government and acted by him.”

Kalu had on Tuesday in Minna, while on a visit to former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, told reporters that Nnamdi Kanu, was in London and doing well.

He claimed that Kanu fled to the UK during the time the military were looking for him.

After the September 14, 2017’s Operation Python Dance, by Nigerian Army in the Southeast region, IPOB said their leader had disappeared.

Angered by this statement credited to former Abia state governor, Ejiofor said that, “Orji Uzor Kalu, had made himself a party to the matter already in court.” - Daily Post

Boko Haram ‘must face the consequence’ of killing Borno aid worker

The Peace, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Initiative (PRRI), a non-governmental organisation, says the greatest tribute the nation can pay to Saifura Khorsa, the Red Cross official killed by Boko Haram, is to ensure that her murderers are brought before the law.

In a statement, Bukola Olasanmi, PRRI media officer, appealed to donor agencies not to allow the action of the insurgent group scare them from rendering help.

Olasanmi said the time had come for the world to apply pressure on the “bloodthirsty group” to end its violent activities.

“We must not allow terrorism to win by falling into fear as the terrorists intended. If Boko Haram intended to scare off intervention and aid workers from helping people in the northeast, we at PRRI have resolved to react different from what the terrorists expected by continuing to provide succour to the communities they have afflicted and we believe that other aid agencies will join in sending similar clear messages to them that humanity will always triumph over the barbaric path they tread,” she said.

“We encourage NGOs that already work in the northeast to continue supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), including those that have elected to return home to areas that have been totally cleared by the Nigerian Army.

“It is important that they are reassured and not allowed to become despondent by panic reactions.

“This should have the strategic benefit of helping to further isolate the group and criminalize any entity that might still have dealings with it.”

PRRI also appealed to the international community and the United Nations Security Council to activate a process of unmasking the foreign countries and international interests that have been reported to be aiding Boko Haram.

“Our position is summed up as there is need to make the repercussions for this singular sad incident costly for Boko Haram and it must be done immediately,” she said. - TheCable

Minimum wage: University workers warn Nigerian govt ahead of nationwide strike

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has asked the federal government to implement the new minimum wage or face workers’ wrath.

The warning followed the declaration by the Nigeria Labour Congress ((NLC) that nationwide strike will commence September 26.

SSANU in a communiqué after its 34th National Executive Council, NEC, meeting at the Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, accused the government of not being sincere with the negotiation team.

The communiqué was signed by SSANU National President, Samson Ugwoke and National Public Relations Officer, Abdussobur Salaa.

It reads: “NEC in session noted that the negotiations on the new national minimum wage are becoming unnecessarily protracted.

“NEC observed that the Federal Government appears not to be sincere about the negotiations and that the decision of the Federal Government side, to postpone the meeting of the Committee sine die, on the grounds of further consultations, is flimsy.

“SSANU, therefore, joins the Nigeria Labour Congress to call on the Federal Government to face the serious business of reviewing the national minimum wage lest it incurs the wrath of the Nigerian workers and their millions of dependents who have been long suffering and patient.

“Nigerian workers should not be pushed to the wall, as the implication of this could have dire consequences on governance.” - Daily Post

CBN ‘reviewing’ sanctions placed on MTN, four banks

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it is reviewing the recent sanctions placed on MTN and four commercial banks.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the apex bank said the parties involved have submitted fresh documents in response to the sanctions.
CBN had ordered MTN to refund $8.1 billion which it claimed the company repatriated using irregular certificates of capital importation.
It had also ordered four banks, Diamond Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic IBTC and Citibank, to pay a fine of N5.87 billion.

“The recent sanctions on the banks arose due to irregularities with respect to repatriations made on behalf of MTN Nigeria Limited and were not in any way designed to restrict access to investor returns,” the statement signed by Isaac Okorafor (pictured), CBN’s spokesman, read.
“In response to the recent regulatory actions, the Banks and MTN are engaging the CBN and have provided additional information which is currently being reviewed with a view to arriving at an equitable solution.”

The apex bank assured foreign investors that there will be no retroactive application of foreign exchange rules and regulations.
“We assure all investors that the integrity of the CCI regime remains sacrosanct,” the bank said.
“We wish to restate that the CBN will continue to welcome foreign investments and investors. 

Indeed, some of our recent innovations and reforms of the Foreign Exchange regime such as the introduction of the NAFEX window, are designed to simplify foreign exchange regulations.
“Furthermore, the delegation of the issuance of Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs) to commercial and merchant banks some years ago was done to instil confidence in the investor community and encourage the flow of foreign direct and portfolio investments into the Nigerian economy.

“The CBN welcomes all legitimate investors to take advantage of the enormous investment opportunities in Nigeria.”
Although all parties have denied the allegations, the bank has deducted the fines from their accounts. - TheCable

Transfer news : Morata's agents considering their options amid West Ham links

Alvaro Morata’s representatives are considering the player’s options, with a loan move to West Ham not being ruled out, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish outlet AS follows up claims made in the British press about Morata’s future and suggest that the player’s international future is going to play a big role in deciding his next move.

Morata has been very vocal in his desire to nail down a starting place in Luis Enrique’s Spain squad. To do so, he knows he has to be playing regularly in order to be in contention.

He has fallen behind Olivier Giroud in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, which limits his options at Chelsea.

The player is said to have offers in Italy, but West Ham also remain keen on a possible loan signing.

It is yet to be seen how Chelsea would feel about a deal, but they would almost certainly need to bring in a replacement before Morata would be allowed to leave. - Read Sport

EL : Luiz urges Chelsea to win the Europa League this season

Chelsea defender David Luiz is encouraging the rest of his Blues team-mates to win the Europa League this season.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard, Luiz explains that Chelsea should be looking to ‘lift the trophy’ and earn themselves a return to the Champions League.

“It is important to win the trophy. Some talk about how winning it is a route back into the Champions League but, for me, it’s about lifting a trophy.”

“We will fight for all the titles. It doesn’t matter the name of the competition, we play for a big club. We will always be under pressure to win every game.”

The Blues kick off their European adventure on Thursday night against PAOK in Greece after missing out on a place in the top four under Antonio Conte last season.

However, Luiz is set to miss Thursday night’s opener, with Maurizio Sarri deciding to rest the Brazilian and rotate his squad.

Chelsea enjoyed a successful campaign in the Europa League under Rafa Benitez back in 2013.

Having been knocked out of the Champions League group stages just months after winning the competition, Chelsea dropped into the Europa League and went all the way, beating Benfica 2-1 in the final. - Read Sport

PL news : Liverpool yet to offer Milner new deal

Liverpool are yet to begin talks with James Milner about a new deal, according to the Daily Mail.
The midfielder has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, but is yet to begin talks with the Reds about a deal to keep him at the club.

Milner’s deal at Anfield expires at the end of next season, with the player free to leave the club on a free transfer if his deal runs out.

There had been rumours of a one-year extension earlier this year, but the Daily Mail is reporting that Liverpool are yet to open talks with the former Aston Villa and Manchester City midfielder.

The veteran midfielder has been in top form so far this season and netted against Paris Saint Germain in midweek as Liverpool beat the French champions 3-2 at Anfield to begin their Champions League campaign.

Milner will be 33 in January, but the midfielder is certainly not slowing down yet. Liverpool may be wary of his age, but the midfielder’s performances certainly give the Reds hierarchy something to think about. - Read Sport

‘Many killed’ as Boko Haram attacks Borno community

Boko Haram insurgents have attacked Konduga town in Borno state.

The town is located along the Bama-Maiduguri road.

The incident, which lasted for about two hours, is said to have occurred around 9pm on Wednesday.

Wanori, Kaleri and Amarwa villages are the areas in Konduga said to be affected by the attack which left more than 20 houses destroyed.

A witness from Wanori, identified as Mala, told TheCable that the insurgents stormed the village heavily armed.

The witness said apart from burning down houses, the insurgents took away foodstuff from the residents.

Mala said the villagers fled to the bush for safety, hence he was unable to determine the number of people killed.

The insurgents fled when they saw a fighter jet, he added.

Goni Abacha, a resident in Amarwa, said the insurgents also burned down some parts of his village.

“Many people were killed during the attack but I cannot confirm [how many people],” Abacha said.

Confirming the attack, Bello Dabbata, head of emergency response, Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), told TheCable that his team has been deployed the area to get details of the incident. - TheCable

New minimum wage: Nationwide strike begins September 26 – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said its members will commence nationwide strike alongside civil society organisations on September 26 unless the tripartite committee completes its assignment on the new minimum wage.

NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, made the declaration on Wednesday after a National Executive Council meeting.

Wabba lamented that the federal government had failed to show seriousness in implementing the new wage.

“NEC noted that this is against the principle of collective bargaining as provided in ILO conventions 98 and 131on minimum wage setting process, which Nigeria had domesticated”, he said in a statement.

“NEC has resolved that at the expiration of the 14 days industrial action notice issued to the federal government over the new minimum wage issue, and the demand of the organised labour was not met, NEC has given NAC and the leadership of organised labour the power to declare appropriate industrial action or any action it deems necessary.

“NEC in session accordingly approved and applauded the organised labour for taking a proactive step by issuing a statutory 14 days industrial action notice to preserve the sanctity of the collective bargaining process, and the demand for the tripartite committee to reconvene within a set period to finalise its report in line with the principle of collective bargaining.   

“NEC resolves that all its affiliates unions and the 36 state councils of Congress and the FCT and joint action front communicate the decision of NEC to their members and all workers.” - Daily Post

Kastina herbalist, two others arrested for removing police officer’s eyes for rituals

The Katsina State Police Command have arrested 80-year-old herbalist, Ussaini Musa, and two others for allegedly plucking out the eyes of a police sergeant in Jos, Plateau State, as part of items to make an invincible jacket.

The state Commissioner of Police, Muhammadu Wakili, during a press conference on Wednesday identified the other suspects as Abubakar Sani, 35 and Abubakar Muhammed, 28.

It was learnt that while Sani resided in Katsina, Muhammed and Musa based in Jos.

The Police Commissioner said the victim, Sergeant Umana Ishaya, a mobile policeman on special duty at Operation Safe Haven, Jos, was in mufti when the incident happened.

Wakili said the suspects plucked out the eyes of the sergeant before killing him.

The suspects allegedly told the herbalist that they wanted the invincible jacket to enter a house where huge sums of money were kept.

The herbalist reportedly told them to get the eyes of a human being who was alive as part of items to make the jacket.

The CP said, “The suspects have confessed to the crime, each stating the roles he played. They will be arraigned immediately investigation is completed.

“The victim’s eyes were among exhibits recovered from the suspects.” - Daily Post

Governance problems killed old Nigerian companies, says Institute of Internal Auditors president

Uduak Nelson, president of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), says governance problems killed old Nigerian companies.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Uduak said Nigeria would have had indigenous companies within the leagues of Cadbury and Nestle if internal auditors played their parts.

“Internal audit is crucial to organisational survival. It will proactively see risks coming and prepare for how the organisation will respond to it,” he said.

“This is because they have a view of every aspect of the business, they will be able to detect where there are weaknesses, whether it is in governance that will lead to the eventual collapse of the business.

“They look at the internal control structure and how effective their work is. When these things are not resolved, you cannot guarantee organisational sustainability.”

Uduak said the upcoming annual conference will be targeted at “providing cutting edge and up to date insights that participants could implement to position their internal audit functions as truly trusted and indispensable advisers to their organisations.

“We want to let internal auditors know that they have a key role in helping companies exist.

“The conference is not just for internal auditors, it’s for everyone who wants to run a sustainable business.”

The conference, which is themed ‘Advancing Internal Audit in a Disruptive Landscape’, will hold at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos between September 27 and 28. - TheCable

PL News : Leno set for Arsenal bow

Bernd Leno is set to make his Arsenal debut as Unai Emery’s side host Vorskla in the Europa League.

It is the opening match of their European campaign and the first chance for Leno to show that he can be Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper.

Petr Cech has started all of Arsenal’s Premier League matches so far, with fans criticising his early performances.

Emery has backed Cech, though, and claims that Leno will need to prove that he is better than the veteran shot-stopper if he wants a regular place in the team.

Speaking to The Mirror, Emery said this:

“He is in the starting line-up after we have spoken with Javi Garcia, the goalkeeping coach. We need to give him a chance and game minutes.”

“We signed him for now to improve with us and to compete with another goalkeeper. I am very happy with his every work-day and I am looking forward to him playing well.”

“I spoke with him before the first match about my decision. I gave him my arguments for the decision.” - Read Sport