Shocking ! Family rejects daughter for refusing to sell newborn baby for upkeep

Family of one 24-year-old Miss Oluchukwu has allegedly rejected her for refusing to sell her baby boy after she delivered him out of wedlock.

Oluchukwu, an indigene of Ebonyi State, whose family resides at Awka Etiti in Idemili South local government of Anambra State had initially been advised to abort the pregnancy after she got pregnant out of wedlock, but she refused, insisting on keeping the pregnancy.

She was, however, picked by an NGO, Safenest, after she ran away from the family to Awka, Anambra State capital.

The executive director of Safenest, Mrs Oluchukwu Ckukwuenyem who spoke at a seminar organised by the group, said upon Oluchukwu’s delivery, she contacted her family to broke the good news of her delivery to them, but was rather advised to sell the baby for her upkeep and be sure not to return to the family with it.

“We were so amazed when we learnt of this, and we have taken it upon ourselves to take care of her and the baby. She is currently in a location we put her. We do not want to release her exact location, but I can tell you she is doing well.

“How much will she sell the baby that can assuage her sufferings for nine months?” Oluchukwu said.

She revealed that within a year of the operations of her NGO, she has discovered that most families were threatened by very flimsy excuses, and had gone ahead to experience serious problems like division, divorce and even murder.

Oluchukwu admitted that abuse of substances like hard drug, alcohol and others were primarily behind the cause of violence in families.

She commended the Anambra State command of the national drug law enforcement agency, NDLEA for their proactiveness in tackling drug related issues in the state.

A guest lecturer to the event, traditional ruler of Ifitedunu community in Anambra State, His Royal Highness, Dr Emeka Ilouno, a renowned medical doctor and Chief Medical director of Madonna Hospitals took guests on a lecture on Cervical, Breast and prostrate cancers - Daily Post

NAFDAC arrest suspected fake drugs manufacturers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has arrested one Chidiogo Okeke in Odekpe Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra for alleged involvement in the manufacture of fake anti-malaria drugs.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Adeyeye said that officials of the agency nabbed the suspect with fake Merit liquid Quinine Anti-malaria 200ml at his residence with plastic bowls.

She explained that a total of 17cartons x 40 x 200ml and one PVC Drum containing the fake products were recovered from him.

According to her, the suspect has been handed over to NAFDAC Investigation and enforcement directorate for prosecution.

In a related development, the director-general disclosed that NAFDAC office in Anambra had sanctioned six herbal practitioners for alleged illegal advertisements of their not certified products in the state.

She said that the officials of the agency confiscated the suspects’ fake products and advertisement materials such as mega phones, amplifiers and flash drives.

“All the herbal practitioners sanctioned had earlier been punished for the same offence previously yet they continued with their illegal adverts.

“The offenders were issued administrative charge but they refused to pay, claiming that they have been issued advert permit by the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria,” she said. - PM News

UK to relax cannabis oil rules, making it available on prescription within a month

The Home Office is set to relax rules over the prescription of cannabis oil across the UK, it has been reported, making it available to those with chronic pain within a month.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has approved the 'rescheduling' of cannabis-derived medicines in Parliament. An announcement is expected in the coming fortnight which will allow them to be prescribed without significant delays.

Currently, medicines of a cannabis origin are only prescribed in certain circumstances, after permission is granted by a number of medical experts.

Specialist doctors, it is expected, will be able to prescribe for people suffering chronic pain, epilepsy, chemotherapy nausea or MS and patients will no longer need to try other drugs before gaining a prescription for cannabis-derived treatments.

Treatments

Cannabis oil and other medicinal cannabis treatments do not produce a high. The component THD, found in recreational marijuana, is not found in medicinal cannabis treatments.

Read more: Mother reacts after son with epilepsy finally gets cannabis oil back from Home Office

The Home Office in June allowed Charlotte Caldwell’s 12-year-old son Billy (who suffered from severe epilepsy) to keep medicinal cannabis treatments prescribed to him in America after they were seized at Heathrow Airport, the first sign the Government was taking a softer stance in these rules.

England’s chief medical officer conducted a review on the similar treatments earlier this year. It is understood the review convinced the Home Secretary to relax the rules.

A Home Office spokesman recently told the BBC in a statement: "We completely sympathise with the families who have been facing desperate situations as they try to find treatment.

"In July the Home Secretary committed to swift action on behalf of those whose medical conditions could potentially be eased by cannabis-based products and we have announced that cannabis-based products for medicinal use will be available for specialist doctors to prescribe legally from the autumn.

"Any proposed course of treatment with cannabis-based medicine must be clinically led." - i News

PL News : Liverpool let off by missed Mahrez pen

Man City spurned the chance to end Liverpool's unbeaten start to the season as Riyad Mahrez missed a late penalty in their 0-0 draw at Anfield on Super Sunday.

The Algeria international had the chance to snatch all three points for the champions after Virgil van Dijk tripped Leroy Sane in the area on 85 minutes, but he blazed over from 12 yards as the much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash ended level.

Liverpool looked to have City's number in a blistering opening 10-minute spell but Pep Guardiola's men settled, limiting the Reds to few chances as both sides' flawless starts to the season remained intact.

The draw means City regain top spot in the Premier League on goal difference, which also sees Liverpool sit third behind Chelsea.

Keen to add to their three victories over the champions last season, Liverpool flew out of the blocks. Mohamed Salah had the first opening inside four minutes as he latched onto a Joe Gomez header and skipped inside a defender, but he fired wide at Ederson's near post.

Sadio Mane looked to have set up Salah for the opener with an inch-perfect cross three minutes later, after bursting past Bernardo Silva to get into the area, but the outstretched leg of Benjamin Mendy bailed City out, hacking the ball to safety.

The trademark of Liverpool's powerful start was their ability to win the ball back high up the field - the first time City manage to replicate that, they created their first chance as Fernandinho slipped Raheem Sterling in down the right channel, and his shot was blocked behind for a corner.

City's first prolonged spell of pressure yielded a strong appeal for a penalty on 20 minutes. Gomez's sliced clearance fell for Aguero in the area where he was clumsily bundled to ground by Dejan Lovren but referee Martin Atkinson was unmoved.

Liverpool suffered a blow just before the half-hour mark with the loss of James Milner to injury and that, coupled with the hosts' inability to maintain their break-neck start, allowed City to get a foothold in the game.

City's perseverance playing out from the back almost cost them dear nine minutes after the interval as Liverpool regained possession in opposition territory. Milner's replacement, Naby Keita, and Mane both tried to get shots away in quick succession but some last-gasp City defending scrambled the ball clear.

City saw another appeal for a penalty turned down on the hour when Fernandinho was penalised for a push on Virgil van Dijk instead of the Dutchman's handball.

The sense of injustice galvanised City, who created their best chance of the game a minute later. After David Silva threaded Mahrez through on goal, the Algerian outfoxed Andrew Robertson to fashion space and get a shot away but flashed a left-footed effort a yard wide.

Liverpool rallied but their clinical final touch continued to evade them as Salah blazed an effort into the Kop, after latching onto Robertson's long through ball on 69 minutes, and substitute Daniel Sturridge failed to get enough power on a header 10 minutes later.

City's third penalty appeal proved successful after Van Dijk's lunge on Sane, but Mahrez's woeful attempt let Liverpool off the hook as City surrendered two points. How crucial those points are, come the end of the season, remains to be seen. - Sky Sport

PDP: Why Nigerians should worry about Atiku’s emergence – APC chieftain, Ogbonnia

SKC Ogbonnia, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed concern about the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate.

His reaction was contained in a statement Sunday night.

He said: “With this nomination, the Nigerian value system ought to take at centre stage. We are involved. The Nigerian masses are overdue to learn how Mr. Abubakar became a billionaire after retiring as a mere custom officer, and much more.

“The world will like to finally know why a potential president of Nigeria cannot set his foot on the American soil, among many other controversies.

“This election is guaranteed to be like no other. For Nigeria’s leadership failure has continued because there appears to be no consequences for bad behavior in the country.

“When there are no consequences for bad behavior, the bad behavior only goes to worsen. That explains why the likes of Atiku must not be elected Nigerian president.” - Daily Post

‘Toughest decision of my life’ — Oby Ezekwesili joins ACPN, gets nominated for president

Oby Ezekwesili, former vice-president of the World Bank, has declared to run for president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, the two-time minister disclosed that she will be running on the platform of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with profound gratitude, sincere humility, and deep responsibility that I accept this nomination for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said.

“I start by expressing my thanks to the leadership and members of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), for your belief and whole-hearted response to my vision for Nigeria, which has brought us here together today.

“To the love of my life, Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili, to our children… I would not be taking this historical step, without the consensus of my family, you have been my support and inspiration.”

The 55-year-old co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, went on to say that this has been the toughest decision of her life.

“I have taken some really difficult decisions in my 55 years on this earth, but I want to say to you, that choosing this challenge to run for president of our great nation is the toughest decision that I have ever had to make.

“I believe that every generation faces its defining moment, and for us, this is our defining moment.”

Earlier, Tunde Bakare, serving overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, had revealed that Ezekwesili will be running for president, while he will also be running for true nationhood.

Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, Bakare said “yes, I am running. I am running for a united Nigeria that will birth the New Nigeria. I am running to begin to stir conversations around the seven-point agenda. I am running to lead Nigerians in a movement to demand the adoption of the pragmatic steps towards restructuring Nigeria”.

“But don’t get it mixed up. I am not running with my name on the ballot paper; my name is in the Book of Life. I am not running for any office in the 2019 elections; the doctrine of my election stands sure.

“I am not running on the platform of any political party; I am building a political family. For those who care to listen, I am the nationhood candidate. I am stepping in to pitch the unyielding political class against God and His agenda for our nation.” - TheCable

Another godfather in making !! Okorocha clinches senatorial ticket, son-in-law wins APC guber race in Imo

Uche Nwosu, son-in-law of Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo, has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket.

In the early hours of Sunday, Ibrahim Agbabiaka, chairman of the electoral panel, said Nwosu polled a total of 269,524 votes to win the party’s ticket.

Ahmed Gulak, the former chairman of the electoral panel, had declared Hope Uzodimma, senator representing Imo west, winner after fleeing the state.

But the national working committee of the APC disbanded Gulak’s panel and set up a fresh committee to conduct the exercise.

Agbabiaka also declared Okorocha winner of the Imo west senatorial poll.

According to him, Okorocha polled 141,117 votes to defeat Uzodinma and Osita Izunaso, former national organising secretary of the APC, who got 1,359 and 24 votes respectively.

The chairman of the electoral committee declared Emma Ojinere winner of Imo east senatorial primary.

He said Ojinere scored a total of 41,562 votes ahead of Chima Anthony who got 37,815 votes and Max Igwe’s who got 275 votes.

Nnamdi Obiaraeri was dedlared the winner of Imo north senatorial primary.

Agbabiaka said Obiaraeri polled 67,438 votes to defeat Benjamin Uwajumogu, incumbent senator for the zone, who got 5,743 votes. - TheCable

Minimum wage: Why Nigerian workers may not get demand – APC chieftain

Second republic senator, Chief Olorunnimbe Farukanmi, on Saturday said the N50,000 minimum wage being demanded by Nigerian workers may not be realised soon.

 The former lawmaker noted that the labour unions have been asking for N50,000 minimum, which he said would be 250 per cent increment based on the current N18,000.

Farukanmi, Chairman, Elders Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, told Nation: “It is evidently clear that some of the various levels of governments in existence presently owe their workers over 10 months salary arrears.

“It means that if some local and state governments are unable to meet up the N18,000 especially as sources of revenue generation are dwindling, the proposed N50,000 per month demanded by the labour force, if acceded can never be met by these present government”

The APC stalwart said the negotiation on the demands of the labour unions for over N50,000 as the national minimum wage has been on for many years without any resolution.

The elder statesman warned that new minimum wage of N50,000 would cause another economic recession in the country, as it would lead to general increase in the prices of all commodities and food stuff.

He said: “The labour Unions should ensure that this nation does not slip into recession again since every Nigerian is aware of the fact that Nigeria derives majority of its revenue from oil and gas, but with the large scale reduction in the prices of oil in the world market, the country’s revenue has reduced drastically.

“At a time when the economy should be strengthened with a stable naira as against encouraging further inflation, to embark on a stable naira as against encouraging further inflation, to embark on a 250 per cent wage increase will be enormously detrimental to the successful growth of the economy.” - Daily Post

Aisha Buhari condemns APC primaries, says impunity happening under Oshiomhole

Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not fair to aspirants who partook in its primaries across the country.

President Buhari emerged unopposed in a direct primary election, but the exercise in some states was marred by controversies.

Commenting via Twitter on Sunday, the president’s wife expressed her disappointment over the way APC, led by Adams Oshiomhole, conducted the primaries.

“It is disheartening to note that some aspirants used their hard earned money to purchase nomination forms, got screened, cleared and campaigned vigorously yet found their names omitted on Election Day, these forms were bought at exorbitant prices,” she wrote.

“All Progressives Congress being a party whose cardinal principle is change and headed by a comrade/activist whose main concern is for the common man, yet, such impunity could take place under his watch.

“Given this development one will not hesitate than DISSOCIATE from such unfairness, be neutral and speak for the voiceless.

“It is important for the populace to rise against impunity and for voters to demand from aspirants to be committed to the provision of basic amenities.”

Halilu Ahmed, Aisha Buhari’s brother, is a governorship aspirant of the APC in Adamawa state. He has called for the cancellation of the primary election won by Muhammadu Bindow, governor of Adamawa.

In the same vein, Nuhu Ribadu, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said the exercise was hijacked.

There have also been issues over the conduct of the party’s governorship primaries in Imo, Rivers, Zamfara, and Kaduna states. - TheCable

Board text warned me of reports - Jose Mourinho

Mourinho has revealed he received a text from a Manchester United board member ensuring him his job was not under threat. 

Reports emerged on Friday night that the Portuguese would lose his job regardless of Saturday's result against Newcastle, which saw United come from behind to win 3-2, followed by denials from the club the following morning.

Mourinho believes he is the victim of a "manhunt" that will "never stop", but he offered an insight into his continued relationship with the United hierarchy at full-time at Old Trafford.

"If I hadn't had an SMS from my board not to read (the papers), I would have been convinced too," he told talkSPORT.

Alexis Sanchez helped to ease the pressure on Mourinho with a late winner, after United went 2-0 down to the Mapgies inside 10 stunning minutes at the 'theatre of dreams'.

Juan Mata and Anthony Martial started the comeback, which happened inside the last 20 minutes, after Mourinho made a raft of substitutions, including swapping Eric Bailly for Mata after just 18 minutes.

The victory gave Mourinho the highest win percentage of any Manchester United manager, with 60.3 per cent above Sir Alex Ferguson's record of 60.1 per cent.

Further newspaper reports on Saturday night claimed ex-Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been put on standby and told to reject all other job offers as United prepare for the future. - Sky Sports

2019: We didn’t step down for Buhari – APC presidential aspirants blow hot

A coalition of presidential aspirants on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has rejected the results of primaries of the party of September 28.

The results saw President Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

The aspirants made their position known in a statement jointly signed by Alhaji Mumakhhai Unagha and Dr S.K Ogbonnia.

According to the aspirants, it was wrong for the party to declare Buhari as its sole presidential candidate.

Their statement said, “We, the presidential aspirants under the platform of All Progressive Congress, APC, in the 2019 general elections, henceforth, referred to as the Coalition Of The 2019 APC Presidential Aspirants, hereby reject the APC presidential primary election purportedly held on the 28th day of September, 2018.”

“The claim that Buhari is unopposed as the flag-bearer of the APC for the 2019 elections was not only grossly disingenuous but also a figment of the imagination latent lackeys grandstanding as presidential handlers.

“The truth is that we neither stepped down for the president nor suspended our ambition to be president on the platform of the APC in 2019.

“Buhari is merely being imposed, but such plot will fail,” the statement continued.

“Second, denying qualified citizens their right to seek public office is constitutionally ultra vires.

“Neither the Constitution of the Federal Republic nor the Constitution of the APC promotes prohibitive nomination fees, which the Adams Oshiomhole-led National Executive Committee is employing to exclude thousands of party faithful, particularly the youth and women, from exercising their right to seek public office.

“Neither the Constitution of the Federal Republic nor the Constitution of the APC recognizes the bogus clause, Right To First Refusal, which the party leadership assumed to sideline Buhari’s fellow aspirants from the presidential primary.

“It is also worthy of note that, while the idea of the ‘right to first refusal’ is promoted for the executive office of the president, the opposite is the case for the executive offices of the governors where notable relatives of party leaders, including Buhari’s in-laws, are aspirants.

“Third and very critically, there was no level playing ground in the party’s screening exercise.

“While serving ministers and governors were subjected to a rigorous screening exercise, no attempt was made whatsoever to re-evaluate President Buhari’s qualifications, with special attention to his educational and other certificates, state of health, fidelity to the party as well as national principles in context of the Nigerian multiethnic state, and much more.” - Daily Post

Sowore emerges AAC presidential candidate unopposed

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, has emerged the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC).

Sowore emerged unopposed at the maiden convention of the AAC which held in Lagos on Saturday.

Addressing his supporters after the convention, Sowore called for more support.

“We must work to realise the dream of a new Nigeria, where we would be able to send our children to school and where the black man will be proud of the Nigerian nation. We must say enough is enough. Those who are taking Nigeria into the future are here with us,” he said.

In an interview with TheCable shortly after he declared for presidency, the known activist had listed things he would do differently if elected.

“I have a clear plan and my policy team is now in the process, tweaking detailed implementation plans for every sector of the Nigerian economy that we will soon be shared with Nigerians, he had said.

“Unlike President Buhari who did not elect a cabinet until after six months of taking office, I have begun to bring together a shadow cabinet of experts that are understudying what is going on right now in each sector of the Nigerian nation so that when we are voted in by the Nigerian people, we can truly hit the ground running from day one.

“Nigeria is truly blessed with a solid professional class at home and abroad. We can’t wait to unleash them on a Nigeria that we know is destined for prosperity and prominence.”

He added that he would provide outlines of his vision for the country. - TheCable

Nigerian humanitarian crisis: UN calls for closer collaboration

The United Nations (UN) on Friday called for stronger partnership with stakeholders to address humanitarian crisis caused by Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region.

Achim Steiner, the UN Development Administrator and Mark Lowcock, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, made the call at a joint press conference in Maiduguri.

Steiner stressed the need for national and international partners to reinforce efforts toward addressing dire humanitarian needs in the conflict-ravaged states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

He noted that such partnership between humanitarian and development organisations was imperative to tackle humanitarian needs and root cause of the crisis.

Steiner said: “We have a unique opportunity to make real difference to communities across the North-East.

“Helping communities affected by the crisis requires us to work together; humanitarian and development organisations alike, to tackle immediate humanitarian needs and the root causes of the crisis.

“The government of Nigeria has launched recovery initiatives and efforts in the North-East aimed at rapid stabilisation.

“Early recovery and livelihoods activities implemented by UN agencies, international and local organisations seek to address the underlying causes of the conflict, lay foundation for sustainable development and prevent aid dependency.”

Steiner expressed satisfaction with rebuilding and resettlement of displaced communities in Borno, adding that proactive activities are necessary to ensure sustainability of the programme.

Also commenting, Lowcock said they were on a two-day official visit to Nigeria to appraise the humanitarian situation in North-East and Lake Chad region.

Lowcock reiterated UN commitments to support Nigeria to address humanitarian crisis, fast track recovery and stabilisation of communities affected by the conflict.

“We are committed to Nigeria and to the people of Nigeria.

“We are here to support the government’s leadership towards solutions in the North-East as humanitarian intervention can only be a temporary solution.

“I am pleased to be here with the UNDP administrator to help join up humanitarian and development efforts to save lives; help stabilise the situation, rebuild lives and communities for the future.

“We must do everything we can to prevent this crisis from continuing for years,” he added.

According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), the visit was sequel to an international donor conference held in Berlin in September, during which donors pledged 2.5 billion dollars for humanitarian, stabilisation and recovery projects in Lake Chad region.

The UN agency said over 7.7 million people need humanitarian assistance, while food security and nutrition remained fragile in the war ravaged region.

Also, an estimated three million people face critical food insecurity and about one million children between the ages of six-months and 5-years face malnourishment while 440,000 others suffers severe acute malnutrition, it said. - PM News

Alaafin’s sons to battle eachother for Oyo Reps seat under APC, PDP

Two sons of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Prince Akeem Adeyemi and Prince Bayo Adeyemi will battle each other for the Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives during the 2019 general election.

Prince Akeem Adeyemi fondly known as (Skimeh) is currently representing the constituency under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He was elected to represent the constituency in 2015.

The duo of Akeem and his brother, Prince Bayo Adeyemi popularly called (D-Guv), secured the tickets of APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Reps seat during the primary elections of the parties respectively.

DAILY POST reports that Akeem got the APC ticket while Bayo secured the PDP ticket during the primary elections held in Oyo town. - Daily Post