FG Pay out over N100 million to 600 members Farmers in Nasarawa State

The federal government yesterday disbursed over N100 million to 600 members of the United Farmers’ Association Kadarko (UFAK) in Nasarawa State under its anchor borrowers Programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Similarly, the government also disbursed to the Kadarko farmers farm inputs made up of 1,800 bags of assorted fertilizers, 600bags of 50kgs of rice seedlings and cartons of herbicides for cultivation on a 100 hectares of farm land acquired by the farmers for rice cultivation this year’s cropping season.

Disbursing the incentives to the farmers at Kadarko town in Keana Local Government Area of the state, the North Central zonal manager of Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ibrahim Alamba, said each of the 600 beneficiaries of the Kadarko farmers association would receive the sum of N179,000.

The BOA North Central zonal manager continued that each of the beneficiaries is to also receive two bags of NPK and one bag of urea assorted fertilizers as well as one bag of 50kgs rice seedlings.

German researchers has created an automatic landing system for small aircraft without a pilot (video)

A team of German researchers has created an automatic landing system for small aircraft that lets them touch down not only without a pilot, but without any of the tech on the ground that lets other planes do it. It could open up a new era of autonomous flight — and make ordinary landings safer, to boot.

Now it would be natural to think that with the sophisticated autopilot systems that we have today, a plane could land itself quite easily. And that’s kind of true — but the autoland systems on full-size aircraft aren’t really autonomous. They rely on a set of radio signals emitted by stations only found at major airports: the Instrument Landing System, or ILS.

These signals tell the plane exactly where the runway is even in poor visibility, but even so, an “automatic” landing is rarely done. Instead, the pilots — as they do elsewhere — use the autopilot system as an assist, in this case to help them locate the runway and descend properly. A plane can land automatically using ILS and other systems, but it’s rare and, even when they do it, it isn’t truly autonomous — it’s more like the airport is flying the plane by wire.

You can see the full flight in the video below.

Minority Leaderhip Crisis: PDP Suspends Elumelu, Others

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Friday slammed a one month suspension on the Ndidi Elumelu led Minority leadership of the House of Representatives, accusing them of indiscipline and disobedience to party directive.

Addressing newsmen after its NWC  meeting, the National Publicity Secretary of PDP,  Kola Ologbondiyan, said that the party  met Friday and reviewed issues surrounding the Minority Leadership of the House of Representatives. According to the spokesperson of PDP,  “The Party noted the roles played by the under-listed members which resulted in the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, reading another list for Minority Leadership of the House other than the list submitted to him by our party, the PDP.

“The members are; Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon. Anayo Edwin, Hon. Gideon Gwadi, Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Adekoya Abdul-Majid. “After preliminary examination by the NWC, it was evident that the roles played by the above mentioned members, bordered on indiscipline, insubordination and disobedience of party directives contrary to Section 58 (1)(b)(c)(f)(h) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), which provides that: “Subject to the provision of this Constitution, the Party shall have power to discipline any member who says or does anything likely to bring the party into disrepute, hatred or contempt; disobeys or neglects to carry out lawful directives of the party or any organ or officer of the party; engages in anti-party activities; or engages in any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members of the party or is likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party”.

Ologbondiyan said,  “Consequent upon this, the above mentioned members of our party are hereby suspended for one month and this matter is hereby referred to the National Disciplinary Committee of our party, in keeping with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution”.

Atiku has tendered additional 26,175 documents to prove his petition against President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the February 23 poll

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded general election has tendered additional 26,175 documents to prove his petition against President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the February 23 poll.

The documents were tendered by his lead counsel, Dr Levy Uzoukwu (SAN), at Friday’s proceedings of the hearing of the petition of Atiku and PDP against Buhari’s re-election.

Only on Friday, the petitioners at the commencement of hearing in the petition tendered 5,196 documents from Niger and Yobe States in their bid to substantiate their claims of alleged rigging of the outcome of the February 23 presidential poll in favour of the incumbent president.

The documents tendered included election results of units, wards and local government areas as well as receipt for certification of documents from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The presiding justice of the five-member panel, Justice Mohammed Garba, admitted the tendered documents as exhibits after the respondents registered their objections against the admissibility of the documents, particularly on the receipts which they claimed contained some attachment.

With the figures of Friday, the petitioners have so far tendered 31,371 documents from 10 states of the federation where they alleged substantial fraud in the February 23 presidential election. Though the petitioners said they were yet to conclude tendering documents from Kano State.

The eight states whose documents were tendered include Katsina, Kebbi, Borno, Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna and partly Kano.

'No way' Neymar coming to Barca but talks are open over Griezmann, says Bartomeu

Despite asserting that the Brazilian is unhappy at Parc des Princes, the Blaugrana chief recognised his club are not willing to sell

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has admitted defeat in his club's efforts to re-sign Neymar, while revealing that talks have begun over the arrival of Antoine Griezmann.

The Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid forwards are the Catalans' top priorities this summer, with little transfer activity elsewhere.

Frenkie de Jong, Emerson and Neto are the only new faces currently confirmed at Camp Nou, while Marc Cardona, Jasper Cillessen, Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes are among those to move on.

The Blaugrana's chances of recapturing the Brazil international they sold for a world-record fee in 2017 were heightened by reports he was unhappy at Parc des Princes and angling for a move.

But Bartomeu has now poured cold water on that talk, recognising that if PSG are not willing to sell then Barca's options are limited.

New Video: D’Banj feat Slimcase – Mo Cover Eh

D’Banj has released the video of his street-themed banger “Mo Cover Eh” which features Slimcase. 

Directed by Unlimited L.A, the song shows amazing chemistry between father and son as they effortlessly delivered their lines and showed extreme artistry in the visuals.

Watch:

P*ssy doesn’t pay well here in America - Huddah Monroe explains

Huddah Monroe who few days ago was accused of selling her body for money by OAP Kamene Goro, has explained that having p*ssy doesn’t pay well in United States where she relocated to.

Recall we reported earlier that Kamene Goro said there was no way a girl with standard 3 English can own a Range Rover and a Kileleshwa apartment if not by being a prostitute.

“Has she been selling p**sy? A girl with standard three English owns a Range Rover and an apartment in Kileleshwa, what else have you been selling other than p**sy?”  she said.

Huddah Monroe who neither denied nor confirmed the claim in her first response to the comment, has dropped a rejoinder in which she stated that a man giving a lady $1000 in cash is a nightmare in America.

The Kenyan socialite who revealed there is money in business in the United States, also told her critics she won't be revealing her business no matter how much they try to downplay her hardwork.

Pop star, Rihanna showed off her stunning look as she made a trip to her hometown of Bridgetown, Barbados on Thursday.(Photos)

Pop star, Rihanna showed off her stunning look as she made a trip to her hometown of Bridgetown, Barbados on Thursday.

The 31-year-old Umbrella hitmaker was pictured in a graphic tee and futuristic sunglasses as she carried a Louis Vuitton box trunk bag while stepping off a private jet  She completed her look with black joggers and bright white sneakers.

The outing comes amid reports her Fenty Beauty brand has been sued by a legally blind woman over a lack of website accessibility.

According to her, the website has not been adapted to her needs.   

Beatriz Gutierrez requested in court docs an injunction against Fenty Beauty to modify its website immediately to conform to federal statutes for people who are visually-impaired, according to The Blast.

Gutierrez told the court the site has significant 'access barriers' and believes the site doesn't have standard screen-reading technology that would enable her to shop on it.

Gutierrez is also requesting $15,000 in damages from the Umbrella singer's brand, which is a subsidiary of The French luxury line LVMH.

AFCON 2019: Angry Guinean youths storm footballer Naby Keita’s home to blame his family of ‘witchcraft’ over the player's injuries

A group of angry Guinean youths reportedly stormed footballer Naby Keita’s home to confront his family after the Liverpool player was forced to pull from the 2019 AFCON because of injury.

According to the gang, they believed that a member of the midfielder's family had performed an act that affected his ability to perform for his country.

Injuries have set Keita back recently and he even got a fresh knock in last Sunday's African Cup of Nations win over Burundi.

Following that, it was confirmed that he had flown back to Liverpool for "consultation" on treatment.

With the country's star player not fit to play in their last-16 tie, a group of frustrated young fans led a protest to Keita family home in Conarky, the capital of Guinea.

BBC quotde a police source as saying: “We sent a team of policemen to a house at Coleah in Conakry to restore calm after some youths attempted acts of riotous conduct in a house believed to be the family home of footballer Naby Keita."

Reports locally detail the belief that witchcraft, allegedly performed by a relative of Keita, was believed to be behind the incident.

A Guinea team spokesperson told BBC: "He consulted with medical staff [at Liverpool] and they asked him to come back for two days.

"The idea is that he is here to play in the last 16 but I don't think we can say he will 100%."

Photos: Dino Melaye buys PDP nomination form for Kogi State Governorship election in November

Senator Dino Melaye has purchased the PDP nomination form for Kogi State Governorship election in November

The lawmaker who currently represents Kogi West in the Senate, declared his intention to stand for the November 16 poll at a  Peoples Democratic Party meeting a few weeks ago and according to him, 'in God we trust. We shall overcome'.

Dino Melaye will go head to head against his very bitter rival and incumbent governor, Yahaya Bello.

Forfeiture of Diezani ALison-Madueke’s jewelry, gold iPhone worth $40m to FG, Court orders

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State has ordered the forfeiture of 2,149 pieces of jewellery and a customised gold iPhone, all valued at $40m, belonging to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The presiding judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, ordered that the items should be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government following an ex parte application moved today Friday July 5th by a lawyer for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Rotimi Oyedepo.

The EFCC in its application before the court, said that it found and recovered the jewellery and the customised gold iPhone which it believes was acquired with “proceeds of unlawful activities.”

Senator Ademola Adeleke has reacted to the Supreme Court judgement

Senator Ademola Adeleke has reacted to the Supreme Court judgement which upheld Governor Gboyega Oyetola's victory in the 2018 Osun governorship election.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed, the PDP Governorship candidate in the 2018 election, said he has accepted the ruling of the apex court irrespective of his misgivings over the verdict

Mr. Adeleke who expressed gratitude to his teeming supporters, leaders and members of the PDP for their profound support, affirmed that his ambition to be governor of Osun was never a do-or-die affair.

“As a Democrat and law abiding citizen, I accept the ruling no matter my misgivings and wish Governor Oyetola well in the governance of Osun state.
“In all circumstances, we must thank God Almighty. We gallantly fought a good fight in pursuance of a democratic cause. The ideals we fought for lives on.
“Our ambition was never a do or die affair. We aspired to serve and deliver democratic dividends to the people of Osun state. Our ambition was altruistic. We wish Governor Oyetola the best in governance of the state”, the statement read.

Designer creates jumpsuits you can easily pee in without getting totally naked and women are here for it

Every woman who wears jumpsuits understands the problem it presents when it's time to pee.

Thankfully, a designer  has created a kind of jumpsuit that doesn't require you to take off the whole thing just to pee.

Henrietta Lawrence’s newest design: the ezp™ jumpsuit is a jumpsuit that lets you use the toilet easily without troubles, thanks to two zips on the trouser half.

With the Zips, you can partially undo the jumpsuit, letting the back drop down so you can go about your business.

The 29-year-old London-based designer who created the jumpsuit told Metro UK: "Being at Glastonbury a few years ago, most of the toilets there aren’t enclosed like Portaloos, you’re open to the elements.

"Try going to the toilet in a jumpsuit, with people peering over the top to see if it’s free and you’re in there naked.

"And then of course there’s the whole winter vs jumpsuit issue – when it’s 0 degrees outside, why would you want to get undressed unnecessarily? Particularly in my office, where the toilet is freezing."

The designer is currently crowdfunding jumpsuit business and if the campaign is successful, jumpsuits will be sold in denim, velvet and linen, and will be available to customers in the UK, Europe, US, Australia and New Zealand.

Women are really excited about this and can't wait for it to go on sale. Some have promised to buy it in every color.

President Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Boss Mustapha as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and Abba Kyari as his Chief of Staff (COS)

President Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Boss Mustapha as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and Abba Kyari as his Chief of Staff (COS).

This was made known in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu.

According to him, both appointments take effect from May 29th 2019.

Toyota electric cars tested and confirmed

Toyota will start testing a new solar roof for the Prius that it says can add as much as 44.5 km of range to the plug-in hybrid a day. The solar cells, which are being manufactured by Sharp, are just 0.03mm thick, but deliver around 860 watts of power, and can even charge the car while it’s being driven. Testing is due to start on public roads later this month, but there’s no word on when it might make it into a commercial vehicle.

This isn’t the first time Toyota has made solar panels available for its cars. Way back in 2010 the manufacturer sold panels that could be used to recharge the car’s auxiliary battery (which powers secondary systems like the sat-nav and climate control). The difference here is that the new panels are much more efficient. They’re capable of producing almost five times as much power as the previous model, and can give over seven times the amount of range.

Toyota doesn’t currently produce any pure electric vehicles (unless you count the hydrogen-powered Mirai) so these solar roofs are destined for plug-in hybrids for the time being. Toyota has previously justified its decision to focus on hybrids by saying that if it uses its battery production capacity to produce a larger amount of hybrids, then it will reduce carbon emissions more than if it produced a smaller amount of pure electric vehicles. However, last month it announced plans to produce an all-electric drivetrain platform in partnership with Subaru, indicating that an all-electric Toyota could arrive eventually.

Considering the relatively minor power output you can get from putting solar panels on the roof of a car compared to the roof of a building, not to mention the challenges of doing so, it’s not surprising that the idea hasn’t really taken off yet. But there are a few companies experimenting with it. Most notably, the startup Lightyear plans to start delivering its “solar car” to customers in 2021, and Hyundai also announced plans to start installing solar roofs on select cars last year.

Migrant boat with 86 on board sinks off Tunisia, 4 rescued

More than 80 migrants have gone missing and only four were rescued after their boat capsized off Tunisia crossing the Mediterranean from Libya to Italy, Tunisia's coast guard said Thursday.

A Malian survivor, still in a state of shock, said their inflatable sank on Monday, Wajdi Ben Mhamed, an official of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), said after meeting the man in his 20s

He said the boat, with 86 people on board, started to leak and tipped over only hours after setting out to sea from the Libyan town of Zuwara, west of Tripoli, as passengers switched to one side of the vessel.

"We spent two days like that, clinging to a piece of wood," the Malian told the IOM representative for southern Tunisia.

"He doesn't know what happened to the others. They're missing and there's a high probability that they drowned," Ben Mhamed said.

The Red Crescent and the navy told AFP that three Malians and an Ivorian were rescued off Zarzis in southern Tunisia on Wednesday by the coast guard who had been alerted by local fishermen.

The Ivorian, however, died in hospital and one of the Malians has also been hospitalised in intensive care.

"About 80 migrants are feared dead. More updates are needed in order to confirm what happened and the actual number of missing," Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesman, tweeted.

Libya, which has been wracked by chaos since the 2011 uprising that killed veteran dictator Moamer Kadhafi, has long been a major transit route for migrants, especially from sub-Saharan Africa, desperate to reach Europe.

On Tuesday night, 44 migrants were killed in an air strike on their detention centre in a Tripoli suburb.

6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Southern California

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake rattled Southern California on Thursday July 4th.

This is the largest earthquake to hit the region in decades. The quake, which occurred at 10:33 am was centered in the Searles Valley, a remote area of Kern County about 100 miles from Los Angeles.

The quake was the largest in Southern California since the 1994 6.6 Northridge quake, which caused deaths and destroyed properties worth billions of dollars. Thankfully, today’s quake was located far from the metropolitan Los Angeles area.

Reacting to the tremor, Ava DuVernay tweeted: "Been living in Los Angeles all my life. That was the longest earthquake I’ve ever experienced. Not jerky. Smooth and rolling. But it was loooong. It was so long I thought for the first time ever “Is this the big one?” Damn. Respect Mother Nature. She’s the boss."

"I was in my kitchen trying to get some coffee and all the windows started rattling," said Emma Gallegos, a 34-year-old journalist in southwest Bakersfield. "It was just a little bit at first — I thought something was going by, and then I realized all the windows were rattling. It was kind of a long gentle roll and I felt two distinct waves."

Gallegos said that the dried chiles hanging from a hook on her kitchen wall were all shaking. "It was surreal."

Local emergency agencies have been flooded with calls, and officials urged that people only use 911 for emergencies.

"We are very much aware of the significant earthquake that just occurred in Southern California. Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless there are injuries or other dangerous conditions. Don't call for questions please," the LAPD said in a statement.

EFCC accuses judge of bias in cases involving Bukola Saraki and Rochas Okorocha

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has accused Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja of exhibiting bias in favour of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the immediate past Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorcha, in his handling of the cases they filed. 

The allegation is contained in two fresh motions the EFCC filed before the court, demanding the withdrawal of Justice Taiwo from the two fundamental rights enforcement cases filed by Saraki and Okocha. 

The EFCC said although it did not hope to always win its cases before the judge, the trend of Justice Taiwo’s orders in cases where it was conducting corruption/financial crimes investigations, made it difficult for it (the EFCC) to believe in the judge’s impartiality. The commission resorted to filing the fresh motion following the refusal by the court’s Chief Judge, Justice Adamu Kafarati to transfer the cases from Justice Taiwo’s court, as requested by the EFCC in a petition it earlier wrote against the judge.

The grounds, on which the EFCC based its fresh motions, include that:  “His Lordship while sitting in Ekiti Judicial Division of the Federal High Court had in two previous cases involving former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, Attorney-General of Ekiti State and officials of Ekiti State Government given orders/decisions wherein the 4th respondent/applicant’s statutory powers to investigate economic and financial crimes were curtailed and gagged contrary to the established principles by superior courts.
“One is suit number, FHC/AD/CS/32/2016 between A.G. Of Ekiti State vs. EFCC and 17 Ors, while the other has been upturned by the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/EK/8C/2017 between EFCC V. Mr. Ayodele Fayose & Anor.
“The 4th respondent/applicant does not expect to always win its cases before this honourable court, but the trend of decisions/orders being made against it by my lord in cases where it is conducting corruption/financial crimes investigations. has made it difficult for it to believe in my lord’s impartiality.
“The 4th respondent/applicant had petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court seeking that this matter be re-assigned from my Lord’s court to another court, and the Chief Judge advised that a formal motion be filed to that effect.”

It faulted the ex parte orders parte directing the respondents in the case, including the EFCC,”to stay all action in connection with the subject matter of this suit, to stay all action in connection with the subject matter of pending the determination of this suit”.

The commission said the orders had an indefinite life span “since no one can state when the main case can be determined.”  It added that the orders were in the nature of interlocutory injunction “which ordinarily requires the aderse party to be put on notice”  The EFCC stated:

“Without considering the merit in the application vis a vis the venue of the alleged violation of the fundamental rights, the court made an interlocutory order without hearing from the respondents applicant.

It is well established legal principle that no court has the power to stop the investigative powers of the 4th respondent or any agency established under the laws to investigate crimes.”
The commission argued that the orders issued by the court on May 9 and May 14, 2019 restrained it from performing its statutory duty. Other respondents in both cases the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau. 

The EFCC had, in its earlier petition to Justice Kafarati, May 21, 2019, accused Justice Taiwo of being bias against it.  In the petition, signed by the EFCC’s acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, the commission equally complained about the ex parte orders made by Justice Taiwo on May 9 and 14, restraining the commission from continuing its investigations of certain corruption allegations against Saraki, and Okorocha.  

It requested in the petition the re-assignment of the two men’s cases and all other ones involving it in the judge’s docket to another judge of the court. It also recalled in the petition how the judge, out of alleged bias while sitting in the Ado-Ekiti Division of the court, gave rulings in favour of a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose. 

In their separate responses, Okorocha and Saraki urged Justice Kafarati to ignore the request by the EFCC, arguing that it was baseless.  Saraki and Okorocha also contended that the orders made in their favour by the judge were justified owing to the circumstances of alleged harassment by the commission leading to their decision to file the cases in which the judge issued the restraining orders. 

When the cases came up on Thursday, Justice Taiwo drew parties’ attention to the fresh motions by the EFCC,to which lawyers to Saraki and Okorocha sought time to respond to. The judge consequently adjourned both cases till September 27, 2019 for the hearing of the motions.

Lampard confirmed as new Chelsea manager on three-year deal

 

The former Blues midfielder leaves Derby County after one year in charge to succeed Maurizio Sarri in the dugout at Stamford Bridge

Frank Lampard has been confirmed as the new Chelsea manager, returning to the club where he became a legend as a player.

The Blues agreed a deal with Derby County worth £4 million to cover the final two years of Lampard's contract at Pride Park after a week's worth of talks with the 41-year-old.

He has signed a three-year deal upon his return to Stamford Bridge to succeed Maurizio Sarri, who departed the club after a single season in charge to take over at Juventus.

Boeing gives N36bn to help 737 Max crash families

Following the two crashes involving Boeing 737 Max planes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, the Aerospace giants has offered $100m (N36bn) to help families of those affected.

Recall that two Nigerians, Ambassador Abiodun Bashua and Professor Pius Adesanmi, died in the Ethiopian airlines crash which killed all 157 people aboard, five months after an identical Boeing aircraft owned by the Indonesian carrier Lion Air, crashed into the sea off Jakarta in October 2018.

Boeing in its statement on Wednesday, said the money will go toward "education, hardship and living expenses for impacted families, community programs and economic development in impacted communities," and will be committed over multiple years. It is also said to be independent of lawsuits filed in the wake of the disasters, which killed 346 people

It had been reported that  Boeing faces at least 80 lawsuits on behalf of victims of the accidents. Consumer advocate Ralph Nader, whose grand-niece was among those who died, had also lobbied to permanently remove the plane from service.

BREAKING NEWS: CHRIS UBA (PDP) LOSES TO SENATOR IFEANYI UBAH (YPP) IN COURT OF APPEAL, ENUGU AS POLICE REPORT DISMISSES CHRIS UBA'S CLAIMS AND ALLEGATIONS.

..... Also, Senate inaugurates Ifeanyi Ubah and others into adhoc committees on Legislative Agenda and Media/Public Affairs today.

A Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu, on Wednesday July 3rd 2019, upheld the appeal filed by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in Suit No: CA/E/253/19, against the decision of the Federal High Court Awka Division judgment presided over by Hon. Justice I B Gafai in suit No; FHC/AWK/CS/29/2019 which amongst others, ordered INEC to investigate Senator Ubah for electoral violence in the recently concluded Senatorial election for Anambra South Senatorial District.

The Appellate Court, today in its judgement agreed with the submissions of the learned Senior Advocate representing Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and held that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction in post election matters.

Hon. Justice Ignatius Igwe Agube JCA who presided and delivered the lead judgment of the Appellate Court further held that only the election petition tribunal is competent to hear and determine post election disputes including issues bothering on alleged acts of electoral violence.

The Court further deprecated the tactics adopted by Counsel to Chris Uba in commencing the action at the Federal High Court, and held that such an action amounts to legal ambush. The Court of Appeal consequently set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court and dismissed the suit of Chris Uba.

The Nigerian Police in its report, also dismissed the claims of Chris Uba as all evidence tendered by the investigation committee proved that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah won Chris Uba in a free and fair contest, refuting every allegation of violence and manipulation levelled by Chris Uba.

Senate appoints and inaugurates Ifeanyi Ubah, others into adhoc committee on Media and Public Affairs.

The President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan on Wednesday, appointed Anambra South Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah into the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs. The Senate President announced the appointment during the plenary. According to Senator Lawan, the ad-hoc committee which is headed by Senator Dayo Adeyeye has the responsibility of planning, interacting and relating with the press and general public pending the re-constitution of the standing committees for the ninth Senate. Other members of the committee include Senators Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, Uba Sani, Abba Moro and Betty Apiafi. In his remark, Senator Adedeye thanked the Senate Leadership for the confidence reposed in them. He also assured Nigerians that the Committee will cooperate with all relevant bodies to ensure that the ninth senate delivers its legislative agenda for the benefits of Nigerians.

Furthermore, Senator Ubah and other members of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs, as well as other members of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Legislative Agenda were inaugurated by the Senate President after Tuesday plenary. Members of both Ad-hoc committees who have distinguished themselves in their various backgrounds are expected to set the tone for a progressive and successful senate determined to provide Nigerians with the dividends of democracy.

Saudi Arabia has invited American rapper Nicki Minaj to perform in the country this month in an unusual move for the famously conservative kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has invited American rapper Nicki Minaj to perform in the country this month in an unusual move for the famously conservative kingdom. 

Minaj is scheduled to headline the Jeddah World Fest, a music and performance festival, on July 18. DJ Steve Aoki and singer Liam Payne have also been announced, and the kingdom is offering quick online visas for international visitors.

The Saudi government in recent times has made efforts to relax some of its restrictions. Last year, a 35-year ban on movie theaters was lifted, and women were finally given the right to drive.

This year, Mariah Carey held her own concert in Saudi Arabia, despite backlash from women's rights activists. It's all part of an economic overhaul under Vision 2030, an effort to reduce the kingdom's reliance on oil. The kingdom is attempting to create economic activity at home and encourage citizens to spend their money within its borders.

60th Wedding Anniversary Photos This Couple proves Love is Real

For your love to endure for sixty years is a big deal, and that’s the truth.

George and Ginger Brown, on their 60th wedding anniversary, decked themselves in their their wedding dress and suit and tie, and took new wedding photos.

Asked to give some advice on love and marriage (as they’re evidently pros at it), they suggested: I’d like to say be prepared to forgive, always.

Check out the lovely, lovely photos.

Mace almost snatched as House of Representatives members fight over Minority Leadership position (video)

The House Of Representatives chamber got quite rowdy today, as lawmakers fought over the minority leadership position.

The fight was ignited by House of Representatives' speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila’s decision to announce Ndudi Elumelu as minority leader even after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sent a letter to the House nominating Kingsley Chinda as minority leader on Wednesday, July 3.

Gbajabiamila who ignored the party’s nominee and announced Elumelu also of the PDP as minority leader, saw the mace being snatched by one of the lawmakers present.

 According to reports, the announcement which led to the rowdy session witnessed today at the Green Chamber, was in retaliation to the opposition party's call for its members not to vote for Femi Gbajabiamila as the House of Representatives Speaker.

Social Media platforms; Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Twitter are all experiencing various issues globally today

Leading social media platforms; Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Twitter are all experiencing various issues globally today

Users are reporting bugs, such as images not loading on Instagram and problems with Twitter direct messages, including the app showing notifications for unread DMs that weren't there when users checked their inbox.

"During one of our routine maintenance operations, we triggered an issue that is making it difficult for some people to upload or send photos and videos. We're working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and we apologize for any inconvenience," a Facebook spokesperson told CNN on behalf of its other apps Instagram and WhatsApp.

It's unclear what caused issues on Twitter, but the company said; "We're currently having some issues with DM delivery and notifications. We're working on a fix and will follow up as soon as we have an update for you. Apologies for the inconvenience".

Man locks up his son for 20 years for having epilepsy

 

A 23-year-old boy identified as Basty Abass, has lived 20 years of his life in isolation in Nkwanta south of Oti region, Ghana, as his father reportedly locked him up for having epilepsy.

Abass, whose only source of seeing light is through his window, passes urine, defecates, eats and sleeps in a room locked and heavily secured with a padlock so that he would not get the opportunity to walk out.

The boy's father, Mallam Abass Abdulai, who told MyJoyOnline why he decided to isolate the boy from the rest of the family, said he is epileptic, unable to independently think for himself and also understand what he is told or take care of himself.

Mallam Abass Abdulai revealed that his son defecates anywhere and his best option was to lock him up for 20 years of his life in a secluded room. He also disclosed that the boy's mother abandoned him when he was just 18 months old and had not returned since.  He was raised by his grandmother who has passed on.

It was further learnt that the young man is unable to communicate his needs due to the rejection he suffered in the past 23 years. According to some neighbours, food and water are not consistent so he often cries out for help when he feels hungry and thirsty. He reportedly depends on some caring strangers and passers-by to get him water.

Angry South African lady assaulted her husband's girlfriend on the street.( photos)

 

A viral video making rounds online, captured moment an angry South African lady assaulted her husband's girlfriend on the street. The viral video got mixed reactions, as many web users have stated that the lady should have taken out her anger on her cheating husband and not his girlfriend while others insisted that girls who sleep with married men ought to be severely punished.

Why FG suspended the RUGA settlement programme - Dave Umahi Ebonyi State Governor explains ,

Moments ago, the Federal Government  suspended the plan by the President Buhari administration to build Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlements in some states across Nigeria. 

The Chairman of the National Food Security/Herders/Farmers Conflict, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, briefing State House correspondents at the end of a meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, stated that the suspension “is owing to lack of consistency with the NEC and FG approved national livestock transformation plan, which has programme of rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) resulting from the crisis and development of ranching in any willing state.”

The governor added that “the NEC says it is not compulsory and any state willing is required to put up a development plan towards the implementation in line with the NEC program based on the challenges inherent there.” 

Those at the meeting were governors of Ebonyi, Dave Umahi, Plateau, Simon Lalong, Kebbi, Atiku Bagudu and Adamawa Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari. The National Livestock Transformation Plan approved by state governors under the auspices of the National Economic Council (NEC) is chaired by the Vice President. 

The NEC had on January 17 approved the plan based on the recommendations of a Technical Committee of the Council chaired by the Governor of Ebonyi State.  Other state governors on the committee and Working Group of the NEC are those od Adamawa, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Oyo and Zamfara – mostly frontline states in the Farmer-Herder crises.

My mother died without telling me I had HIV' - Activist, Brian Omondi shares touching story

 Alot of parents in Kenya took the secret of their HIV status to their graves, leaving their children ignorant and constantly sick.  

Brian Omondi, who was born with HIV, started taking anti-retroviral (ARV) pills when he was 10. However, it was not until he was 14 when his mother had died that he realised what the pills were for. 

Now 22, and an HIV activist working with a church group, he says his condition was not picked up at birth. During his early years growing up in Mombasa he remembers being ill often:

"I was sick most of the time but the condition worsened, so my mum decided that I should get tested. That is when I tested positive and started taking the ARVs, but my mum never told me why I was taking those drugs" he said.

It was when he went to live with his aunt, after his mother died, that neighbours in the close-knit community got wind of his HIV status and his peers began mocking him.

He went on to say, 'parents will often warn their children about playing with those who have HIV. I remember this girl in high school, we met in person and she addressed me as: 'You HIV person.' This hurt me."

Omondi however says that he does not blame his mother for not being upfront with him

"I think she could have been open with me but on the other hand I cannot blame her because she was trying to protect me at that age. It is hard!

You find that you will be stigmatising yourself, you will be asking yourself some questions like: 'If these people find out about my status how will they take me? How will they treat me?'"

California judge ordered Missguided to pay Kardashian West $2.7 million in damages

Kim Kardashian West has won close to $2.8 million from the fast fashion company Missguided in a lawsuit claiming that the company used her “persona and trademarks” to sell replicas of her outfits, in part by continually tagging her on Instagram.

The issue of whether Missguided’s Instagram behavior violated trademark law was never actually litigated, though: the company just didn’t respond to her lawsuit, leading to a loss. In a default judgment last night, a California judge ordered Missguided to pay Kardashian West $2.7 million in damages and $59,600 in attorney fees. She also ordered the company to cease using Kardashian West’s trademarks in connection with the “sale, marketing, or distribution of its products.”

Kardashian West’s original lawsuit made the argument that Missguided profited off of her brand and likeness. The suit included images from Missguided’s website and Instagram that depicted Kardashian West and her outfits. In one example, customers could click on photos of her and be taken to a Missguided page selling a similar look.

“Missguided’s use of Plaintiffs’ marks is likely to cause consumers to mistakenly believe that Plaintiffs are associated with Missguided, or that they sponsor or endorse Missguided and its websites,” the lawsuit states. “And in fact, consumers have already expressed such confusion, suggesting in social media posts and online articles that Plaintiffs must be in a ‘collaboration’ with Missguided.”

It’s unclear why Missguided never responded to Kardashian West’s lawsuit, but it has since deleted an image of her from its Instagram.

Senator Elisha Abbo weeps as he begs for forgiveness, apologies to Nigerian women

Senator Elisha Abbo, at a media briefing in Abuja today July 3rd apologized to the nursing mother he assaulted at a sex toy shop captured in a viral video.

The senator representing Adamawa North who claimed he has never been known or associated with assault in the past, blamed it all on anger which he said he was sincerely sorry for.

Elisha Abbo broke down in tears as he pleaded that all Nigerian men and women should forgive him, and added that the backlash he has faced so far has taught him a lesson as a private citizen and a public officer. He said;

"It is with a deep sense of remorse and responsibility that I, Senator Ishaku Abbo, profoundly apologize to all Nigerians, the Senate, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), my family, friends as well as our mothers, the Nigerian women.

“I personally apologize to Bibra (the victim) and her family for my action towards her, which has brought immense discomfort in our body polity. I have never been known or associated with such actions in the past. Regardless of what transpired prior to my expression of anger, I am sincerely sorry and plead that all men and women of good conscience should have the heart to forgive me.

“To err is human, to forgive is divine. To the church of God everywhere in the world, I am sorry. As an ambassador of Christ, much is expected of me. My family and religious upbringing do not give approval of such conduct and for this, as a leader, I seek forgiveness before God and all those who feel offended by my action.

“Indeed, this episode has taught me very great lessons, but as a private citizen and a public officer, particularly as a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria upon whom public confidence is bestowed.”

Yaya Toure has signed for Chinese second division club Qingdao Huanghai.

Yaya Toure has signed for Chinese second division club Qingdao Huanghai.

The former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder has announced he has made the move two months after dismissing reports that he had retired to move into coaching.

The 36-year-old had a brief spell at Olympiakos last season after leaving City in 2018.

Toure, who has also posted pictures of himself with a Qingdao shirt, wrote on www.officialyayatoure.com: “Since the start of my football career, I have always loved challenges and now I have decided to take this new challenge and make history once again with Qingdao Huanghai Football Club.

“This is a very exciting young club with a lot of potential and we share the same philosophy – that is to play beautiful football! It will be my great honour to grow and succeed with this club.

“I believe my experiences in football will offer something new to this growing club and together we can make great history! I can’t wait to let my football do the magic once again, let’s enjoy football together!”

Cocu on the brink of replacing Lampard as Derby manager

Philip Cocu is close to replacing Frank Lampard as Derby’s new boss

The former Netherlands international is expected to sign a four-year deal once Lampard completes his switch to Chelsea, PA understands.

Lampard is poised to return to Chelsea, where he played between 2001 and 2014, after a year as Derby manager which culminated in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final defeat to Aston Villa in May.

Cocu, who will become the Rams’ seventh manager in four years, should join the squad for their pre-season trip to America later this week.

Reports in Holland suggest the 48-year-old will bring in Dutchman Twan Scheepers, who is currently assistant of PSV’s Under-21 side. as his number two.

Cocu spent five years in charge at PSV, winning three Eredivisie titles, before moving to Fenerbahce last summer.

He lasted just 15 games, however, winning three times, and left in October after one of the worst starts to a season in the club’s 111-year history.

As a player, he won 101 caps for the Netherlands, four Dutch titles with PSV and LaLiga with Barcelona.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for a club record fee of £65million.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for a club record fee of £65million.

The 22-year-old French midfielder completed his medical on Tuesday after agreeing to terms on a six-year contract with the option to extend it by a further 12 months with the Premier League club.

According to Daily Mail, Spurs will pay an initial £56.5m for Ndombele, although the future fee could rise to around £65m due to the add-ons included in the package.

Ndombele who has drawn comparisons in style to former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, has six caps for France and has made 96 appearances for Lyon and registered 16 assists.

Lyon thanked the player for his time at the club, praising his "professionalism and his performances".

Man convicted of road rage stabbing wears blackface to court, claims he was treated ‘like a black man’ (Photos)

A man convicted at a Hawaii court on Monday for his role in a road rage stabbing attack wore blackface to court to protest the system treated him "like a black man."

Mark Char, an Oahu, Hawaii resident, was found guilty in March of 3 counts of attempted murder after he stabbed three people in 2016,  a driver, a passenger, and an uninvolved third-party driver in what appeared to be a road rage-induced attack.

One of the victims was stabbed 5 times and was hospitalized in critical condition after the stabbing, reported KGMB-TV.Char was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole on Monday.

“Now this kangaroo court is giving me a life sentence for me trying to protect and defend myself against the attack from three guys, in essence treating me like a black man,” said Char shortly before he was sentenced, which was recorded by KGMB-TV. He is not black.

"I prepared myself to play my part in your kangaroo court — treating me like a black man, so today I’m going to be a black man.”

Mr. Char who reportedly used a black permanent marker to give himself blackface requested the court to put a stay on his sentencing pending his appeals, but Judge Todd W. Eddins denied his request to stay sentencing.

"If you look in the mirror, Mr. Char, you’re not gonna see a black person," said Judge Todd Eddins in his sentencing, KITV reported. "You’re gonna see a menace. You’re gonna see a menace to society.”

“This continues a pattern of disruptive behavior designed to undermine the administration of justice,” Eddins said, before sentencing Char to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Rivers government rejects RUGA settlements

Rivers State Government has stated that it will not participate in the planned settlements for herdsmen.

In a statement released and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Paulinus Nsiri, the government said the state has no land for the implementation of such a policy. It noted that in his second term as Governor, Nyesom Wike has prioritised commercial agriculture, hence all available arable land in the state would be needed to drive commercial agriculture across the state to create employment for Rivers youths.

The State Government emphasised that it has not given any approval for the siting of Ruga settlements anywhere in Rivers State and no such approval will ever come from the Rivers State Government.

The statement reiterated that the Governor would continue to defend the interest of Rivers people, who have overwhelmingly rejected Cattle Colonies, Ruga Settlements and any such policy.

“Rivers indigenes are hereby advised to join the State Government to protect all arable lands by reporting any form of encroachment under whatever guise”, the statement added.

Confirm Adrien Rabiot Signing by Juventus

The 24-year-old midfielder will sign a five-year deal to seal the free transfer to the Turin side after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired

Juventus have completed the signing of Adrien Rabiot, the Serie A side have announced.

The midfielder joins the Italian champions on a free transfer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, with a medical completed Monday.

Juve did not disclose any details about the France international’s deal, but he will be presented to the media on Tuesday.

Meghan Markle accused of being "difficult" and has already "gone through 3 nannies" in just 6 weeks of her son's birth

Meghan Markle is being accused by the British press of being "difficult". According to them, she has gone through 3 nannies already in the few weeks that she's been a mother.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed baby Archie on May 6, 2019. Though Meghan's mum, Doria Ragland has been around to help with caring for the baby, professional nannies have been employed. But, according to Dailymail, at least two of the three nannies employed these past few weeks were so upset that they quit.

The publication claims Meghan has lost a number of staff since she got married to Prince Harry, largely because of her demanding nature. She lost a female bodyguard, a personal assistant and a private secretary. Now, nannies are also leaving as soon as they come. She has reportedly "gone through 3 nannies in six weeks."

However, Meghan's reps do not agree with Meghan being labelled "difficult."

Addressing why Meghan let go of three of Archie's nannies, the palace rep said that the couple's decision in choosing a nanny for Archie,was "deeply personal" and "depends on the needs of the baby and parents"

Minnie Dlamini South African actress, poses completely naked to celebrates her curvy body (Photo)

South African on-air personality and actress, Minnie Dlamini, 28, took to Instagram to share this raunchy photo of herself posing completely naked to celebrate her body.

'Celebrate your skin', she captioned the photo.