Nollywood Actress, Nkiruka Is Dead

Nollywood actress, Nora Nkiruka Ugo has been reported dead.

The actress died over the weekend in Lagos after batling a yet to be disclosed ailment.

Her death was disclosed by a colleague, Actress Ruth Kadiri on her Instagram page.

Ruth Kadiri wrote: “I’m so scared of putting this picture up, not sure if it’s the right thing to do. You were that girl that made my life change. 

You where that girl that made me laugh a lot you where that girl that I got so mad at. You where that girl that was friend to all.

“I spoke to you last. Week. You were the strongest sick person I know. I’m hurt by your death. My head still aches. Wish death was a thing that could be undone.

“I know God will have a new angel that makes him laugh all day and puts a smile on his face. Gone too soon. Rest in peace Nora. And look over all on earth that were genuinely connected to you. #RIPNora

Women Of Grammys Strike Back After Controversy

New Zealand pop prodigy Lorde has thanked her fans for supporting female musicians, as artists hit back amid controversy that the Grammy Awards neglected women -- a spat fueled by comments from the Recording Academy's president seen as disparaging.

The 21-year-old's "Melodrama" was the only work by a woman nominated for the most prestigious prize of Album of the Year on the music industry's biggest night Sunday.

She not only was bested by Bruno Mars' "24K Magic" but she was not given a spot to perform at the televised show in New York. The Recording Academy, which administers the awards, said the roster was full.

Lorde took out a full-page advertisement in The New Zealand Herald with doodlings about the Grammys and a handwritten note that thanked readers "for loving and embracing 'Melodrama' the way you did."

"Thank you, also, for believing in female musicians. You set a beautiful precedent!" she wrote.

The Grammy winners slanted overwhelmingly male at a time of mounting activism by women against sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

The Grammy show's most memorable performer may have been Kesha, who fiercely sang her track "Praying" about a producer she says raped and psychologically tormented her -- allegations he denies.

Recording Academy president Neil Portnow told reporters that the music industry needed to show a "welcome mat" to women, but drew controversy as he explained how female artists could win more awards.

"I think it has to begin with women who have the creativity in their hearts and their souls who want to be musicians... to step up, because I think they would be welcome," he said.

- Criticism by pop stars -

Pop singer P!nk struck back without naming Portnow: "Women in music don't need to 'step up' -- women have been stepping since the beginning of time."

Honoring women would show "the next generation of women and girls and boys and men what it means to be equal, and what it looks like to be fair," she wrote in a handwritten note on Twitter.

P!nk was backed by pop superstar Katy Perry, the most followed person on Twitter, who hailed women "making incredible art in the face of continual resistance."

"We ALL have a responsibility to call out the absurd lack of equality everywhere we see it," Perry, whose latest album was not nominated for any Grammys, wrote to her more than 108 million followers.

- Alessia Cara dismisses backlash -

Despite this year's controversy, the Grammys have not lacked female victors in the past.

The last two winners of Album of the Year were both women -- Adele and Taylor Swift. And on Sunday, Canadian soul-pop singer Alessia Cara won one of the top awards, Best New Artist.

But Cara also faced criticism on social media with users saying the 21-year-old singer, whose breakthrough hit "Here" came out in early 2015, did not qualify as new.

Cara -- whose socially conscious lyricism wrestles with issues such as poor self-image -- responded on Instagram that she had not sought the award and added: "I am not going to be upset about something I've wanted since I was a kid."

"I will not let everything I've worked for be diminished by people taking offense to my accomplishments and feeling the need to tell me how much I suck," she wrote.

"Here's something fun! I've been thinking I suck since I was old enough to know what sucking meant."

Update: 5 Dead, 39 Injured In Maiduguri Multiple Explosions

Five persons have been confirmed dead as suicide bombers suspected to be Boko Haram members attacked the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp in Dalori, Borno state on Wednesday.

The Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) chairman, Satomi Ahmad confirming the incident to newsmen in Maiduguri said five IDPs members and 39 others sustained various degrees of injuries in the suicide bomb attack.

Satomi said that a female suicide bomber infiltrated the IDPs camp and detonated explosive killing herself and five other people, while 39 others were wounded.

He said the second suicide bomber detonated improvised explosive device at the entrance of Dalori residential quarters and blew herself to pieces.


According to him, there was no casualty in the second attack.

The chairman added that the wounded had been taken to the Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri

Dalori camp is located on the road from Maiduguri to Konduga, Bama, and the border between Nigeria and Cameroon, 15 kilometres south-east of Maiduguri.

The camp has been targeted many times by suspected Boko Haram terrorist group. Worst of these attacks occurred on January 30, 2016, when at least 86 people were killed and at least 62 injured.

Eriksen Stuns United As Chelsea Crash To Bournemouth

Tottenham's Christian Eriksen scored within 11 seconds on Wednesday to overshadow Alexis Sanchez's Premier League debut for Manchester United, while Chelsea crashed to a 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City ignored the carnage around them to march serenely on, widening their lead to an enormous 15 points with a 3-0 victory at home to West Brom with just 13 games still to play.

The build-up to Wednesday's matches was dominated by late moves in the transfer window but Spurs ensured the focus switched back to the pitch immediately, stunning Jose Mourinho's men with a performance full of attacking verve in a 2-0 win.

Chelsea, who earlier announced the signing of Olivier Giroud from Arsenal, conceded three second-half goals while Theo Walcott scored twice for his new club Everton in a 2-1 win against Leicester.

"We always try to be aggressive from the beginning," said delighted Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. "Our aim is to be focused from the beginning. You can win a game if you're ready to fight. It was massive to be up early in the game.

"Three more points puts us in a very good position to fight for the top four. I'm sure new signing Lucas Moura enjoyed that a lot."

The painful defeat for United realistically ends any lingering hopes they may have harboured of catching runaway leaders City.

Mourinho signed Sanchez this month to bolster his attacking options but Spurs caught the visitors cold at a packed Wembley, Eriksen opening the scoring from the kick-off following a long ball from inside the Tottenham half.

The goal, timed at 10.48 seconds, was the first United have conceded in 2018 but despite some bright moments of their own they were 2-0 down just before the half-hour after Phil Jones lashed the ball into his own net.

Tottenham, who announced the signing of Moura from Paris Saint-Germain shortly before kick-off, were a constant threat and had multiple chances to stretch their lead.

Mourinho threw on Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini in the 63rd minute but bizarrely took Fellaini off just seven minutes later, replacing him with Ander Herrera. The Belgium international took off his shirt and marched straight down the tunnel.

The impressive win for Spurs puts them right back at the heart of the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot, just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

"It's a performance that starts with a ridiculous goal," said Mourinho. "That goal after a few seconds has a big influence in the game because Tottenham can play the way they like to play.

"In the end we played against a very good team. Both goals were ridiculous goals."

- Chelsea defeat -

AFP / Glyn KIRKConte's Chelsea Pochettino's men were further buoyed by the defeat for Chelsea, who fielded only Pedro up front, showing their need for more firepower. Callum Wilson, Junior Stanislas and Nathan Ake scored the goals for Bournemouth.

"We have to accept it's a bad result and understand that we have to fight this season -- if someone didn't understand this they don't understand football," said Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. "Football is not simple."

He said the signing of Giroud would not necessarily solve the club's problems in front of goal.

"In the past with a striker we have chances and still don't score," he said. "I think now is not the right moment to speak of the transfer market for me. It's not important, it's important to work and do best with my players."

It was business as usual for Guardiola's City, who handed a debut to £57-million-pound ($80 million, 65 million euros) defender Aymeric Laporte, who only signed for the club from Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday.

City struck through Fernandinho midway through the first half and doubled their lead through Kevin De Bruyne in the second half before Sergio Aguero struck late on.

City earlier opted out of a bid for Leicester's Riyad Mahrez, with reports putting the transfer package at £95 million, after ending their chase of Sanchez earlier in the transfer window, due to slam shut at 2300 GMT.

In other big-money moves on Wednesday, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed a move to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund for a club-record fee of around £56 million.

In other results on Wednesday, Newcastle drew 1-1 with Burnley, Southampton drew 1-1 at home to Brighton and Stoke were involved in a goalless stalemate with Watford.

On Tuesday, Swansea shocked Arsenal 3-1 while Liverpool beat Huddersfield 3-0 and West Ham drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace

Gymnastics Doc Abused At Least 265 Women And Girls, Court Told

The number of women and girls now known to have been abused by Larry Nassar has risen to 265, a Michigan judge told a final sentencing hearing Wednesday where the former USA Gymnastics doctor faced his accusers once again.

At least 65 of Nassar's victims were to speak out over several days at the last of three sentencing hearings for the disgraced doctor who molested his patients for two decades under the guise of medical treatment.

The 54-year-old Nassar was sentenced last week to 40 to 175 years for molesting girls at his Michigan State University (MSU) clinic, in addition to a prior sentence of 60 years for possessing child pornography.

The poignant accounts of abuse suffered by more than 150 young women and girls, who took the stand over the past two weeks, have had profound repercussions for the US sporting world, with resignations, retirements and new investigations announced at a rapid pace.

Under pressure, the entire board of USA Gymnastics has stepped down as of Wednesday.

As the final hearings got under way, star gymnast Simone Biles slammed the US Olympic Committee for failing to reach out to her after she revealed this month she had been molested by Nassar.

She revealed she was initially in denial -- and broke down when she realized she had been abused.

"I remember just bawling my eyes out," the four-time Olympic gold medal winner told NBC News. "It feels like he took a part of me that I can't get back."

Biles, along with fellow gold-medalists Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas and McKayla Maroney, have all identified themselves as Nassar victims, along with scores of female athletes in gymnastics and others who sought medical treatment at Michigan State.

- 'Criminal of the worst kind' -

The small courtroom in Charlotte, Michigan filled up early in the morning, long before Nassar was brought in for hearings that were expected stretch into early next week.

"We have over 265 identified victims and an infinite number of victims in the state, in the country, and all over the world," Judge Janice Cunningham said.

"As a result, by allowing live streaming and tweeting, all individuals are able to participate in this process."

Jessica Thomashow, 17, who had also testified at Nassar's previous sentencing hearing, urged the judge to impose the maximum allowable sentence.

"Larry Nassar is evil," she said. "Larry Nassar is a criminal of the worst kind."

Under a plea agreement, Nassar could get a minimum 25 to 40 years in prison, in addition to his prior sentences.

- 'Best friends' -

Gymnast Madison Bonofiglio testified against Larry Nassar in March 2017, when molestation charges were initially brought. She said she knew of at least 10 other victims who have not come forward.

"This really makes me sad that some of my best friends think because they were only assaulted by Nassar five to 10 times, that it doesn't matter," she said.

The latest hearing relates to abuse that took place at the Twistars gymnastics training facility. Approximately 30 statements were read Wednesday, and another 35 expected when court resumes Friday.

The victims' courtroom revelations have sent shockwaves through the sport.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered an investigation of the Karolyi Ranch -- until recently the training ground for America's top gymnasts, where victims said they were abused.

USA Gymnastics severed ties with the ranch and three board members resigned, but that failed to quell the furor. The US Olympics Committee demanded all USA Gymnastics board members resign, and they complied Wednesday.

"USA Gymnastics embraces not only the changes necessary," it said in a statement, "but we also will hold the organization to the highest standards of care and safety."

US lawmakers on Tuesday passed a bipartisan bill mandating reporting of all sexual assault allegations in amateur sports.

Meanwhile, the fallout from the Nassar case may yet grow, with the US Olympic Committee, MSU and USA Gymnastics all facing investigations in what victims see as a belated push to establish who knew about Nassar's conduct, and what could have been done to stop him.

Train Carrying US Republicans Hits Truck, Killing One Person (Photos)

A train carrying several dozen Republican lawmakers including US House Speaker Paul Ryan collided with a garbage truck Wednesday in Virginia, killing one person and sending six others, including a congressman, to hospital, officials said.

The White House said no members of Congress were seriously injured, and that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the accident.

At least 300 people, including lawmakers, their families and staff, were aboard the train from Washington bound for a Republican policy retreat in West Virginia.

The truck that was struck was carrying three people, one of whom was killed and another seriously injured, Senator Bill Cassidy, a licensed physician who helped attend to the injured, said on Twitter.

"There is one confirmed fatality and one serious injury. There are no serious injuries among members of Congress or their staff," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected by this incident."
@Crozetgazette/AFP /A train carrying US Republican lawmakers to a retreat collided with a garbage truck near Crozet, Virginia

Train operator Amtrak said two crew members and three passengers were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, and that transportation safety officials were investigating at the scene of the accident in Crozet.

It said that while the event was under investigation, "this is an opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of exercising caution around railroad rights-of-way."

The engine, which according to lawmaker photographs was mangled in the crash, derailed, but the rest of the cars remained upright on the tracks, according to Amtrak.

Congressman Jason Lewis, a Republican from Minnesota, was taken to a hospital to be checked for a concussion, his office said.

- 'Harsh' impact -


Republican lawmakers left Washington Wednesday bound for the historic Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, for their annual three-day retreat

Congressman Tom Cole said first responders evacuated at least two people who were injured, and who were apparently on the truck.

Shortly after the accident, Ryan's office said the House speaker was "fine."

Vice President Mike Pence, who flew in later in the day, delivered an evening address to lawmakers at the three-day retreat west of the US capital.

Pence said he was in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump when the news broke.

"We were both deeply troubled at the initial reports but quickly relieved that the scope of the accident was not larger," he said.

"Days like today especially I just want you to know -- to you and your families -- thank you for your service to America."

Trump is due to headline the event on Thursday.

House Republican Greg Walden tweeted a photograph of the scene, showing people standing off the train tracks next to a badly-damaged truck, with garbage and debris strewn on the ground.

"We're fine, but our train hit a garbage truck. Members with medical training are assisting the drivers of the truck," Walden said.

The accident quickly became a security concern for police and security personnel tasked with guarding members of Congress, as lawmakers jumped off the disabled train to aid the injured.

Senator Jeff Flake described a chaotic scene along the tracks, where he said he helped carry a badly-injured man away from the truck and watched emergency responders try but fail to revive the person who died.

"It was harsh, it threw everyone up in their seat," Flake told CNN of the impact.

Last June, Flake was among several Republicans at a congressional baseball game practice when a gunman opened fire on lawmakers. Colleague Steve Scalise was gravely wounded, and Flake ran to his aid once the shooter was down.

Dozens of Republican members of the House of Representatives and the Senate left Washington earlier Wednesday, the morning after Trump delivered his maiden State of the Union speech before Congress.

They were bound for the historic Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, for their annual retreat. The event's organizers said the retreat "will proceed with an adjusted program," including a moment of prayer for those involved in the accident.

Top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi said she was "praying that all are well both on the train and off.

Benue House Seeks Defence Minister’s Exit

Herdsmen from the New Year’s Day killing of 73 people in the state, the Benue State House of Assembly yesterday called for the resignation of Minister of Defence Mansur Dan Ali.

For exonerating Fulani
The Assembly took the decision after a debate on a Motion of Urgent Public Importance moved by Majority Leader Benjamin Adanyi.

Speaker Terkimbi Ikyange attributed the decision to the “malicious, vexatious and unfortunate comments” by the minister, adding that those comments were indicative that the minister lacked the moral right to remain in office.

He said the minister is completely unaware of the security issues in the sensitive Ministry he is overseeing.

The House also condemned in its entirety what it described as the “reckless” utterances by the minister despite the fact that the killings started before the Anti Open Grazing Prohibition Law validly enacted by the Benue State Government.

The lawmakers commended Governor Samuel Ortom for his firm stance on the implementation of the law

Buhari To Senate: I have Acted On Benue Killings

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday tackled the Senate over its accusation that the Presidency has done nothing about the January 1 killings in Benue State.

President Buhari, in a letter to the Senate, said that it was incorrect to infer that nothing had been done, especially when the police were strenuously working to apprehend the killers.

The President’s letter was in response to the Senate’s which detailed its resolutions on the killings and the way out of the development.

The presidential letter dated 25 January, 2018 and addressed to the Senate President Bukola Saraki is titled “Re: Report on the review of security infrastructure of Nigeria on the emergency visit to Benue State”.

The letter was read to senators by Saraki yesterday.

Herdsmen suspected to be Fulani had, on January 1, swooped on two communities in Benue State, Guma and Logo, killing over 73 residents. Many others were injured.

The President said that on January 9, at a session with Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, the governor was informed of police arrest of some suspects.

He noted that the governor was told that the police had been instructed to speed up the trial of the suspects and give wide publicity to their (the police) efforts.

“To infer therefore that nothing has been done is incorrect. The police are strenuously working to apprehend the rest of the culprits of these heartless killings,” Buhari said.

He told the Senate that the Federal Government was initiating measures to address the Benue killings and other security challenges to alleviate the consequence of the attacks and forestall reoccurrence.

He said that the Senate resolution itemised in the letter to him, would be considered and “I’m instructing all relevant Ministries Departments Agencies (MDAs) to factor them in their work”.

As part of measures to address the security situation, President Buhari said that on December 19, 2017, while receiving the report of the committee that was set up to review the technical and administrative structure of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), he underscored the need to review the entire national security architecture.

The President said that the measure was in line with his promise in his inaugural address on the 29th May, 2015.

He said action was being initiated to receive maximum cooperation from the Senate in line with paragraph three of the Senate resolutions which sought collaboration in addressing security challenges.

The letter reads: “I thank you for your letter referenced NASS/8S/R/01/33 dated 18th January 2018 and carefully studied the resolutions and comments there in.

“As I griefed you and the RT. Hon. Speaker when we met, several courses of action have been taken prior to the Senate resolution. 

“You may recall that I told you of the following steps taken as soon as the information came in to me about the Benue killings. 

“One, on Thursday 4th January, I sent the Minister of Interior and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. 

“Two, on Friday 5th January, the Inspector-General of Police briefed me verbally on the latest situation, calm had then been restored. 

“Three, on Monday 8th, the Minister of Interior met with the following: Governors of Adamawa, Kaduna, Niger, Benue Taraba and Nasarawa together with the DG of the State Security Services, Inspector-General of Police, CG Civil Defence, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Police Commissioner of the six aforementioned states. 

“After the meeting, I instructed the Minister of Interior to brief you on the information gathered so far and steps taken. 

“On Tuesday, 9th of January, I had a long session with Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State during which I informed him of police arrest of some suspects with Kalashnikovs. In addition, I told him that I have instructed IGP to speed up trial and prosecution of the suspects and give wide publicity of the police efforts. 

“At the request of the Governor, a meeting was held in the Presidential Villa on 15th January with a wide cross-section of Benue personages where frank and open discussions were held and everybody in the meeting appreciated the complexity and difficulties of this farmers-herders strife. 

I assured all and sundry of my commitment to ensure that justice is expeditiously done. 

“To infer therefore that nothing has been done is incorrect. The police are strenuously working to apprehend the rest of the culprits of these heartless killings. 

“Furthermore, I have instructed the IGP to relocate to Benue State and redeploy forces to the most sensitive towns. 

“The Federal Government is initiating measures to address these and other security challenges, alleviate the consequence of these attacks and forestall reoccurrence. The Senate resolution itemised in your letter would be taken into consideration and I am instructing all relevant MDAs to factor them in their work.
“On December 19 to be precise, while receiving the report of the committee that was set up to review the technical and administrative structure of the Nigeria Intelligent Agency (NIA), I underscored the need to review the entire national security architecture as I promised in my inaugural address on the 29th May 2015,
“Action is being initiated to receive maximum cooperation from the senate in line with paragraph three of the senate resolutions.

Ortom Imposes Dusk-To-Dawn Curfew On Gboko Town Killings Today

The Benue Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Gboko town in Gboko Local Government Area of the state beginning from Jan. 31 till further notice.


Speaking to Journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi, the Police Commissioner in the state, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said the curfew was approved by the State Security Council whose meeting was chaired by Gov. Samuel Ortom.

Owoseni said the curfew would be from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

He explained that the curfew followed the killing of 7 persons by hoodlums in Gboko.

He said the victims who were suspected to be Herdsmen were beaten to death at the Gboko motor park and burnt to ashes.

The commissioner said some of the victims came to the park to travel to Okene, while some were on their way to Taraba.

He said the situation in the town had been brought under control and assured that those responsible for the murder of the victims and their sponsors would be apprehended and brought to book.

He said strict measures had been adopted to ensure compliance with the curfew, stressing that police personnel were well equipped to enforce it.

Owoseni disclosed that criminal elements both within and outside the state were planning to carry out more reprehensible attacks on the state along its borders with Nasarawa State.

He said that the planned attacks were being facilitated by those who equipped their “foot soldiers” with illegal arms.

He warned that the police would not allow the state to be thrown into commotion and anarchy.

The commissioner also warned of the danger of possible escalation of the security situation in the state and assured that the police would not hesitate to arrest anybody found to be connected with the crimes, no matter how highly placed.

He said the police were monitoring those suspected to be stockpiling arms and that the law was “no respecter of persons’’.

(NAN)

LEAKED: Neymar's Message To Isco About Ronaldo And Benzema

Neymar's WhatsApp message to Real Madrid midfielder Isco about Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema has been leaked.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder maintains a good relationship with Isco and has reportedly told the Spanish forward that he wants Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to leave Bernabeu if he is to join the European Champion.

Neymar is one of the few players who can break the hegemony of Cristiano and Messi in the battle of Balon d’Or.

Since his departure to PSG, he has been constantly linked with a return back to Spain and this time to Real Madrid.

The latest reports suggest the 25-year-old has been chatting with a prospective new team-mate about what would need to happen for Real to snare him.

According to Spanish news outlet Diario Gol,Neymar is in regular contact with Isco via WhatsApp.

And he’s apparently told the playmaker "we cast this" as he looks for Real Madrid to freshen up their attack.

The former Barcelona star wants the Portuguese forward and Benzema to be sold before he swaps Paris for Madrid, despite recently liking a few of the Frenchman’s Instagram posts

Olivier Giroud Completes £18m Move Co Chelsea

Chelsea have successfully beat transfer deadline to finalise the signing of Oliver Giroud from Arsenal for £18million

The Gunners agreed to sell Giroud to their London rivals after wrapping up a club-record £56m deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Dortmund were prepared to sell Aubameyang once they knew they had a deal secured for Michy Batshuayi, who underwent his medical in Germany on Wednesday morning.

The two clubs have yet to announce Giroud’s transfer, but he has also completed his medical and agreed personal terms for his move across London.

The signing of Giroud ends Chelsea’s frantic search for a striker this January, with the club chasing Roma’s Edin Dzeko,

Andy Carroll from West Ham, and even 37-year-old Stoke star Peter Crouch.

Wenger hailed the ‘top class’ commitment of Giroud after the striker played in Arsenal’s defeat by Swansea despite being on the brink of joining Chelsea.

The 31-year-old Frenchman, who spent five-and-a-half years at Arsenal, came on for the final 15 minutes of the surprise

3-1 loss on Tuesday night even while the club ironed out the final details of his transfer.

In the wake of his side’s disappointing display in South Wales, Wenger paid tribute to his departing forward.

Hoodlums kill seven in Benue

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said on Wednesday that seven people have been killed in Gboko by “criminal elements.

He also said several people have been arrested in connection with the killing and brought to the state police command in Makurdi for interrogation.

He refused to reveal the number of suspects arrested so far.

Addressing journalists at the command headquarters, Owoseni said the victims were attacked at a motor park in Gboko.

He said the victims were set ablaze by the hoodlums.

“It is a pure act of criminality which has no ethnic or religious coloration. Those behind the dastard act will be apprehended and dealt with according to the law of the land,” Owoseni said.

The police commissioner said Governor Samuel Ortom has visited Gboko for on the spot assessment and a dust- to- dawn curfew has been imposed on the town.

He warned that anybody found wandering between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in Gboko would face the law

Man Who Bragged Online Of Child Murder Sentenced To Life

A German man who stabbed to death a nine-year-old boy, bragged about it online and then killed another man while on the run was sentenced to life in jail Wednesday.

Marcel Hesse, 20, committed the grisly crimes out of “bloodlust”, dissatisfaction with his life, delusions of grandeur and “to satisfy his sadism and show off”, prosecutors said during his trial.

The case shocked Germany when, almost a year ago, police learnt of the child’s murder through images the killer had posted on the darknet — hidden websites only accessible using encryption technology that are notoriously used to trade illegal drugs, weapons and child pornography.

Hesse had lured the boy from a nearby family home, in the western town of Herne, into his basement and stabbed him 52 times with a folding knife, then went on the run.

As authorities issued a public alert and staged a large-scale manhunt, Hesse hid out at the home of an acquaintance who had not yet heard of the crime.

When his 22-year-old host heard of the search the following morning and confronted Hesse, the killer murdered him too, stabbing him 68 times, the court was told.

Hesse stayed on and two days later set fire to the apartment, prosecutors told the court in the western city of Bochum.

He was arrested after three days on the run when he entered a restaurant in Herne and shouted “call the police, I’m wanted”, Bild newspaper reported at the time.

Unemployed Hesse — who was socially withdrawn, lived with his parents and spent a lot of time playing video games — admitted to the crimes through his lawyer but did not speak in court.

Prosecutors told the court that Hesse had murdered “two completely innocent young people”, had mocked them “in an inhumane way” by publishing images of their bodies and had terrified the local population.

The court dismissed the option of judging Hesse as a minor, which is possible for defendants up to age 21, and sentenced him to life in jail.

It judged that the crimes were of extraordinary severity, which means Hesse may be kept behind bars to protect society beyond Germany’s usual maximum term of 15 years.

E-Money’ Killed in Gun Duel With Police [Photos]

Collins Ezenwa, also known as ‘E-Money’, has been shot dead by the operatives of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad during a shootout with kidnap kingpins in Imo State. He was gunned down on Sunday, January 28, 2018

Collins who was said to have had a lavish wedding last November had gone underground with the pretext that he traveled to Malaysia for greener pastures.

According to a Facebook post, “E-Money” returned in December, 2017 with loads of cash making a lot of people green with envy over his new found wealth.

Andrew Enwerem, the Imo State Police public relations officer confirmed that “E-Money” was killed along with two others. Three other members of his gang were arrested.

“E-Money” was allegedly so rich that he bought and gave out cars to people during the last Yuletide.

Also, another member of the kidnap syndicate, Chinwendu Sylvester, 24, from Olori Amaraku in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, who allegedly operated as the driver, said that he took to kidnapping after Governor Rochas Okorocha demolished his business at Ekeonunwa Market, Owerri.

Chinwendu said that his clothing shop was demolished and he approached a friend who introduced him to the syndicate, where he operated as the driver.

According to him, he has spent three years at the Owerri Prisons for robbery related offences.

He said: “When a job pays, he pays us according to the role we played. One of our victims paid N2million and he gave me about N380,000. From December till date, he gave me above N600,000 in all the operations.”

A police source told newsmen that the gang leader accumulated millions via the crime, saying that “it is unfortunate that we could not capture him alive. He was a multi-millionaire, he bought cars and gave out some to communities where he received chieftaincy tittles.”

Police Starts Crackdown On Vehicles With Tinted Glasses In Kaduna

The Kaduna state Police command has declared a massive clampdown on all users of unapproved tinted glass vehicles cars on the roads.

The state commissioner of Police, Austin Iwar, who gave the hint on Wednesday when he paraded 38 armed robberies and kidnap suspects, said the move has become important following series of security breaches which included kidnapping and armed robbery in some parts of the state.

According to the Police Commissioner, the suspects who were part of the gangs that have been terrorising motorists along Kaduna-Abuja highway and Zaria were arrested after a fierce gun battle with operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Safer Highway Squad.

He disclosed that among those arrested was a serving military Sergeant who was arrested along with his gang in connection with a case of kidnapping, criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

The police boss, who stated that the suspects would soon be arraigned in court reassured residents of the state that the command will not relent in ensuring that criminals are thrown out of business.

“The suspects who are in custody have made useful statements which are aiding police investigation. 

“I want to reassure members of the public that the police in the command will not relent on its efforts in the fight against all form of crime and criminality under our pledge; we intend to curb the surge in crime, while at the same time respecting the fundamental rights of all individuals. 

“In addition, I want to call on all good citizens of the state to braze up and be part of fighting crime in the state. 

“We will not stand by and watch criminals degrade our quality of life and destroy our ability and commitment the contribute to the socioeconomic development of the state through community partnership to policing which will soon be launched in the state.
“Communities will be mobilized to participate effectively in how they will be policed.
“We will effectively work with already established community and state crime prevention and community safety outfit to achieve this”. 

The command also vowed not to spare any vehicle with unauthorized tinted glasses.
” We are going to carry out a massive check on these vehicles, making sure that those that have factory tinted glasses will be classified separately and deal with them.
“And those that don’t have factory tinted glasses, but their cars are tinted, we are going to peel them off. 

No law says you should tint your car”, he added.

Items recovered from the suspects included 41 Arms and ammunition, three stolen vehicles, as well as the rescue of four kidnapped victims.

Outrage As Emirates Flight Attendant Punch, Tie-Up Nigerian Man

A 71-year-old Nigerian man has narrated how he was punched and tied up for hours on an Emirates flight which he was taking to reunite with his family in the United States.

David Ukesone’s lawyer told ABC Newsthat the grandpa was eight hours away from landing at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport when the incident occurred.

The dispute, ABC news reports, began when Ukesone abandoned his seat to use the bathroom at the rear of the plane. When he returned, he miscalculated and sat on a wrong seat.

“He apparently sits in the wrong seat and was told to change seats by a flight attendant. He didn’t think he was in the wrong seat and there was an argument and, at some point, he was hit. 

“He also believed he was “in the right” and didn’t understand why they wanted him to move. They told him he was in the wrong seat and they laid hands on him to move him and that’s when everything escalated,” attorney Howard Schaffner told ABC News.

The argument intensified and a member of the flight crew allegedly struck him leaving him with a swollen face.

Ukesone as a result of the attack had wounds on his wrists and ankles which is caused by a rope allegedly used to restrain him. His mouth was also reported to have been taped and the flight crew allegedly left him alone to ride out the rest of flight without any food or water.

Emirates Airlines released a statement Monday morning confirming that the incident occurred.

“Emirates can confirm that a passenger on flight EK235 from Dubai to Chicago on 23 January had to be restrained by cabin crew due to unruly behaviour during the flight. 

The passenger was handed over to the authorities on arrival in Chicago. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance and will not be compromised. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the other passengers on the flight for their understanding, in particular, the individuals who had assisted our crew during the flight,” the statement read.

Ukesone’s lawyer, however, said that until last week’s two international flights, Ukesone last flew on a plane 35 years ago. He said further that he had earlier flew from Nigeria to Dubai before the trip to Chicago “with no incident at all.”

Ukesone he said speaks and understands English, but “he has some difficulty understanding” it when it’s spoken by someone who isn’t Nigerian.

British Airways in September 2017 sacked one of its hostess, Joanne Wickenden, for recording a racist video in which she was seen ranting and insulting Nigerian passengers.

The 23-years-old hostess sparked outrage after she recorded the racist clip in her British Airways uniform before flying from London Heathrow to Abuja.

Senate Warns Nigerians Against Use Of Bitcoins

Federal lawmakers on Tuesday called for more investigation into cryptocurrencies to protect Nigerians from the unverified and risky investment.

Beaming its searchlight on the cryptocurrency phenomenon, the lawmakers said it is important for the Federal Government to pay attention to the proliferation of cryptocurrency schemes in the country.

“It (Bitcoins) does not exist in any tangible form and it is also not subject to any local or international monetary regulation or backed by any established government institution,” one of the lawmakers said, while calling for the education of Nigerians on the dangers of the currency.

Bitcoin ads in Nigeria are well-circulated as they appear on social media and are even aired on local television and radio stations with the promise of a huge financial windfall.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) warned in 2017 that anyone trading in Bitcoin is doing so at his or her own risk as cryptocurrencies are not legal tenders in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Senator Magnus Abe called the attention of the lawmakers to the arbitrary bank charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks.

He also asked the Senate to look into what he termed ‘unjust remedies’ which the CBN offer to victims of excess and illegal deductions by commercial banks.

“Aware that the Central Bank of Nigeria on the 20th of February reported that it had recovered over N2.6billion from depositors fund from banks as excess funds imposed on their customers in 2015 alone,” he said.

Another lawmaker said many bank customers don’t care to look through the terms and conditions when opening a bank account but only lament when the bank charges are deducted from their accounts. Others were of the view that banks have the obligation of being honest to their customers.

The Senate thereafter directed its committee on banking to conduct a public hearing to amend the laws, rules and guidelines which do not protect customers and does not provide for a substantial remedy when overcharged by commercial banks.

"My Government Will No Longer Tolerate Killing, Kidnapping'' - President Buhari

President Buhari has warned that his government would no longer tolerate wanton killings and kidnapping by hoodlums in any parrt of the country.

President Buhari issued the warning when he declared open the 9th General Assembly of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. He was represented at the event by the Minister of Interior, Abduraham Dambazau.

I am very worried and saddened about the persistent killings and kidnappings happening in our country, especially the wastage of innocent lives in different parts of the country by whatever means it is done, particularly in Benue State. I have therefore directed that no effort should be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those that are carrying out the acts. I have therefore directed the Chief of Army Staff to relocate to the North East to ensure that the activities of Boko Haram are stopped'' he said

Court Clerk In Meek Mill's Case Fired After Asking Him For Money For Her Son's Education During Trial

The court clerk Wanda Chawarria, who slipped rapper, Meek Mill a note asking him for money during his probation violation hearing, has been fired.

The clerk had asked Meek Mill, in the note, to help her with funds to pay her son's college tuition, so he doesn't get kicked out of school. Writing, "unfortunately with my bad credit, I am unable to secure a loan or co-sign a loan for my son. Anything that you can do is very much appreciated."

Wanda Chavarria slipped Mill (born Robert Rihmeek Williams) a note during his November 6, 2017 hearing, asking if he would help to fund her son’s final college semester at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Court officials say the clerk irretrievably crossed the line by writing in her note she needed college tuition money for her son.

Chavarria told TMZ that Mill never replied to her note. Hours after slipping it to him, Judge Genece E. Brinkley who was in charge of Mill's case, sentenced the rapper to two to four years in prison for violating the terms of his parole on two separate occasions.

Chavarria, who worked for the Philadelphia court system for close to three decades, said Brinkley wasn’t aware of the note before she delivered Mill’s sentence.

A spokesperson for the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania issued a statement on Tuesday confirming that Chavarria had been terminated following a review of her conduct during the November hearing:


“The Philadelphia courts have always prioritized fairness, impartiality, and the highest ethical standards. The courts fully expect all employees to conduct themselves in a principled and professional manner so as not to infringe upon the neutrality of the courtroom.”

Below is the letter obtained by TMZ.

Here's The Full Transcript Of President Trump's First Ever State Of The Union Address

President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address to the joint congress and the American people Tuesday evening, January 30, one year after he assumed office.

 

Below is the President's speech as prepared for delivery and released by the White House:

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and my fellow Americans:



Less than 1 year has passed since I first stood at this podium, in this majestic chamber, to speak on behalf of the American People -- and to address their concerns, their hopes, and their dreams. That night, our new Administration had already taken swift action. A new tide of optimism was already sweeping across our land.

Each day since, we have gone forward with a clear vision and a righteous mission -- to make America great again for all Americans.

Over the last year, we have made incredible progress and achieved extraordinary success. We have faced challenges we expected, and others we could never have imagined. We have shared in the heights of victory and the pains of hardship. We endured floods and fires and storms. But through it all, we have seen the beauty of America's soul, and the steel in America's spine.

Each test has forged new American heroes to remind us who we are, and show us what we can be.

We saw the volunteers of the "Cajun Navy," racing to the rescue with their fishing boats to save people in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane.

We saw strangers shielding strangers from a hail of gunfire on the Las Vegas strip.

We heard tales of Americans like Coast Guard Petty Officer Ashlee Leppert, who is here tonight in the gallery with Melania. Ashlee was aboard one of the first helicopters on the scene in Houston during Hurricane Harvey. Through 18 hours of wind and rain, Ashlee braved live power lines and deep water, to help save more than 40 lives. Thank you, Ashlee.

We heard about Americans like firefighter David Dahlberg. He is here with us too. David faced down walls of flame to rescue almost 60 children trapped at a California summer camp threatened by wildfires.

To everyone still recovering in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, California, and everywhere else -- we are with you, we love you, and we will pull through together.

Some trials over the past year touched this chamber very personally. With us tonight is one of the toughest people ever to serve in this House -- a guy who took a bullet, almost died, and was back to work three and a half months later: the legend from Louisiana, Congressman Steve Scalise.

We are incredibly grateful for the heroic efforts of the Capitol Police Officers, the Alexandria Police, and the doctors, nurses, and paramedics who saved his life, and the lives of many others in this room.

In the aftermath of that terrible shooting, we came together, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as representatives of the people. But it is not enough to come together only in times of tragedy. Tonight, I call upon all of us to set aside our differences, to seek out common ground, and to summon the unity we need to deliver for the people we were elected to serve.

Over the last year, the world has seen what we always knew: that no people on Earth are so fearless, or daring, or determined as Americans. If there is a mountain, we climb it. If there is a frontier, we cross it. If there is a challenge, we tame it. If there is an opportunity, we seize it.

So let us begin tonight by recognizing that the state of our Union is strong because our people are strong.

And together, we are building a safe, strong, and proud America.

Since the election, we have created 2.4 million new jobs, including 200,000 new jobs in manufacturing alone. After years of wage stagnation, we are finally seeing rising wages.

Unemployment claims have hit a 45-year low. African-American unemployment stands at the lowest rate ever recorded, and Hispanic American unemployment has also reached the lowest levels in history.

Small business confidence is at an all-time high. The stock market has smashed one record after another, gaining $8 trillion in value. That is great news for Americans' 401k, retirement, pension, and college savings accounts.

And just as I promised the American people from this podium 11 months ago, we enacted the biggest tax cuts and reforms in American history.

Our massive tax cuts provide tremendous relief for the middle class and small businesses.

To lower tax rates for hardworking Americans, we nearly doubled the standard deduction for everyone. Now, the first $24,000 earned by a married couple is completely tax-free. We also doubled the child tax credit.

A typical family of four making $75,000 will see their tax bill reduced by $2,000 -- slashing their tax bill in half.

This April will be the last time you ever file under the old broken system -- and millions of Americans will have more take-home pay starting next month.

We eliminated an especially cruel tax that fell mostly on Americans making less than $50,000 a year -- forcing them to pay tremendous penalties simply because they could not afford government-ordered health plans. We repealed the core of disastrous Obamacare -- the individual mandate is now gone.

We slashed the business tax rate from 35 percent all the way down to 21 percent, so American companies can compete and win against anyone in the world. These changes alone are estimated to increase average family income by more than $4,000.

Small businesses have also received a massive tax cut, and can now deduct 20 percent of their business income.

Here tonight are Steve Staub and Sandy Keplinger of Staub Manufacturing -- a small business in Ohio. They have just finished the best year in their 20-year history. Because of tax reform, they are handing out raises, hiring an additional 14 people, and expanding into the building next door.

One of Staub's employees, Corey Adams, is also with us tonight. Corey is an all-American worker. He supported himself through high school, lost his job during the 2008 recession, and was later hired by Staub, where he trained to become a welder. Like many hardworking Americans, Corey plans to invest his tax?cut raise into his new home and his two daughters' education. Please join me in congratulating Corey.

Since we passed tax cuts, roughly 3 million workers have already gotten tax cut bonuses -- many of them thousands of dollars per worker. Apple has just announced it plans to invest a total of $350 billion in America, and hire another 20,000 workers.

This is our new American moment. There has never been a better time to start living the American Dream.

So to every citizen watching at home tonight -- no matter where you have been, or where you come from, this is your time. If you work hard, if you believe in yourself, if you believe in America, then you can dream anything, you can be anything, and together, we can achieve anything.

Tonight, I want to talk about what kind of future we are going to have, and what kind of Nation we are going to be. All of us, together, as one team, one people, and one American family.

We all share the same home, the same heart, the same destiny, and the same great American flag.

Together, we are rediscovering the American way.

In America, we know that faith and family, not government and bureaucracy, are the center of the American life. Our motto is "in God we trust."

And we celebrate our police, our military, and our amazing veterans as heroes who deserve our total and unwavering support.

Here tonight is Preston Sharp, a 12-year-old boy from Redding, California, who noticed that veterans' graves were not marked with flags on Veterans Day. He decided to change that, and started a movement that has now placed 40,000 flags at the graves of our great heroes. Preston: a job well done.

Young patriots like Preston teach all of us about our civic duty as Americans. Preston's reverence for those who have served our Nation reminds us why we salute our flag, why we put our hands on our hearts for the pledge of allegiance, and why we proudly stand for the national anthem.

Americans love their country. And they deserve a Government that shows them the same love and loyalty in return.

For the last year we have sought to restore the bonds of trust between our citizens and their Government.

Working with the Senate, we are appointing judges who will interpret the Constitution as written, including a great new Supreme Court Justice, and more circuit court judges than any new administration in the history of our country.

We are defending our Second Amendment, and have taken historic actions to protect religious liberty.

And we are serving our brave veterans, including giving our veterans choice in their healthcare decisions. Last year, the Congress passed, and I signed, the landmark VA Accountability Act. Since its passage, my Administration has already removed more than 1,500 VA employees who failed to give our veterans the care they deserve -- and we are hiring talented people who love our vets as much as we do.

I will not stop until our veterans are properly taken care of, which has been my promise to them from the very beginning of this great journey.

All Americans deserve accountability and respect -- and that is what we are giving them. So tonight, I call on the Congress to empower every Cabinet Secretary with the authority to reward good workers -- and to remove Federal employees who undermine the public trust or fail the American people.

In our drive to make Washington accountable, we have eliminated more regulations in our first year than any administration in history.

We have ended the war on American Energy -- and we have ended the war on clean coal. We are now an exporter of energy to the world.

In Detroit, I halted Government mandates that crippled America's autoworkers -- so we can get the Motor City revving its engines once again.

Many car companies are now building and expanding plants in the United States -- something we have not seen for decades. Chrysler is moving a major plant from Mexico to Michigan; Toyota and Mazda are opening up a plant in Alabama. Soon, plants will be opening up all over the country. This is all news Americans are unaccustomed to hearing -- for many years, companies and jobs were only leaving us. But now they are coming back.

Exciting progress is happening every day.

To speed access to breakthrough cures and affordable generic drugs, last year the FDA approved more new and generic drugs and medical devices than ever before in our history.

We also believe that patients with terminal conditions should have access to experimental treatments that could potentially save their lives.

People who are terminally ill should not have to go from country to country to seek a cure -- I want to give them a chance right here at home. It is time for the Congress to give these wonderful Americans the "right to try."

One of my greatest priorities is to reduce the price of prescription drugs. In many other countries, these drugs cost far less than what we pay in the United States. That is why I have directed my Administration to make fixing the injustice of high drug prices one of our top priorities. Prices will come down.

America has also finally turned the page on decades of unfair trade deals that sacrificed our prosperity and shipped away our companies, our jobs, and our Nation's wealth.

The era of economic surrender is over.

From now on, we expect trading relationships to be fair and to be reciprocal.

We will work to fix bad trade deals and negotiate new ones.

And we will protect American workers and American intellectual property, through strong enforcement of our trade rules.

As we rebuild our industries, it is also time to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure.

America is a nation of builders. We built the Empire State Building in just 1 year -- is it not a disgrace that it can now take 10 years just to get a permit approved for a simple road?

I am asking both parties to come together to give us the safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure our economy needs and our people deserve.

Tonight, I am calling on the Congress to produce a bill that generates at least $1.5 trillion for the new infrastructure investment we need.

Every Federal dollar should be leveraged by partnering with State and local governments and, where appropriate, tapping into private sector investment -- to permanently fix the infrastructure deficit.

Any bill must also streamline the permitting and approval process -- getting it down to no more than two years, and perhaps even one.

Together, we can reclaim our building heritage. We will build gleaming new roads, bridges, highways, railways, and waterways across our land. And we will do it with American heart, American hands, and American grit.

We want every American to know the dignity of a hard day's work. We want every child to be safe in their home at night. And we want every citizen to be proud of this land that we love.

We can lift our citizens from welfare to work, from dependence to independence, and from poverty to prosperity.

As tax cuts create new jobs, let us invest in workforce development and job training. Let us open great vocational schools so our future workers can learn a craft and realize their full potential. And let us support working families by supporting paid family leave.

As America regains its strength, this opportunity must be extended to all citizens. That is why this year we will embark on reforming our prisons to help former inmates who have served their time get a second chance.

Struggling communities, especially immigrant communities, will also be helped by immigration policies that focus on the best interests of American workers and American families.

For decades, open borders have allowed drugs and gangs to pour into our most vulnerable communities. They have allowed millions of low-wage workers to compete for jobs and wages against the poorest Americans. Most tragically, they have caused the loss of many innocent lives.

Here tonight are two fathers and two mothers: Evelyn Rodriguez, Freddy Cuevas, Elizabeth Alvarado, and Robert Mickens. Their two teenage daughters -- Kayla Cuevas and Nisa Mickens -- were close friends on Long Island. But in September 2016, on the eve of Nisa's 16th Birthday, neither of them came home. These two precious girls were brutally murdered while walking together in their hometown. Six members of the savage gang MS-13 have been charged with Kayla and Nisa's murders. Many of these gang members took advantage of glaring loopholes in our laws to enter the country as unaccompanied alien minors ?- and wound up in Kayla and Nisa's high school.

Evelyn, Elizabeth, Freddy, and Robert: Tonight, everyone in this chamber is praying for you. Everyone in America is grieving for you. And 320 million hearts are breaking for you. We cannot imagine the depth of your sorrow, but we can make sure that other families never have to endure this pain.

Tonight, I am calling on the Congress to finally close the deadly loopholes that have allowed MS-13, and other criminals, to break into our country. We have proposed new legislation that will fix our immigration laws, and support our ICE and Border Patrol Agents, so that this cannot ever happen again.

The United States is a compassionate nation. We are proud that we do more than any other country to help the needy, the struggling, and the underprivileged all over the world. But as President of the United States, my highest loyalty, my greatest compassion, and my constant concern is for America's children, America's struggling workers, and America's forgotten communities. I want our youth to grow up to achieve great things. I want our poor to have their chance to rise.

So tonight, I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties -- Democrats and Republicans -- to protect our citizens of every background, color, religion, and creed. My duty, and the sacred duty of every elected official in this chamber, is to defend Americans -- to protect their safety, their families, their communities, and their right to the American Dream. Because Americans are dreamers too.

Here tonight is one leader in the effort to defend our country: Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Celestino Martinez -- he goes by CJ. CJ served 15 years in the Air Force before becoming an ICE agent and spending the last 15 years fighting gang violence and getting dangerous criminals off our streets. At one point, MS-13 leaders ordered CJ's murder. But he did not cave to threats or fear. Last May, he commanded an operation to track down gang members on Long Island. His team has arrested nearly 400, including more than 220 from MS-13.

CJ: Great work. Now let us get the Congress to send you some reinforcements.

Over the next few weeks, the House and Senate will be voting on an immigration reform package.

In recent months, my Administration has met extensively with both Democrats and Republicans to craft a bipartisan approach to immigration reform. Based on these discussions, we presented the Congress with a detailed proposal that should be supported by both parties as a fair compromise -- one where nobody gets everything they want, but where our country gets the critical reforms it needs.

Here are the four pillars of our plan:

The first pillar of our framework generously offers a path to citizenship for 1.8 million illegal immigrants who were brought here by their parents at a young age -- that covers almost three times more people than the previous administration. Under our plan, those who meet education and work requirements, and show good moral character, will be able to become full citizens of the United States.

The second pillar fully secures the border. That means building a wall on the Southern border, and it means hiring more heroes like CJ to keep our communities safe. Crucially, our plan closes the terrible loopholes exploited by criminals and terrorists to enter our country -- and it finally ends the dangerous practice of "catch and release."

The third pillar ends the visa lottery -- a program that randomly hands out green cards without any regard for skill, merit, or the safety of our people. It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system -- one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country.

The fourth and final pillar protects the nuclear family by ending chain migration. Under the current broken system, a single immigrant can bring in virtually unlimited numbers of distant relatives. Under our plan, we focus on the immediate family by limiting sponsorships to spouses and minor children. This vital reform is necessary, not just for our economy, but for our security, and our future.

In recent weeks, two terrorist attacks in New York were made possible by the visa lottery and chain migration. In the age of terrorism, these programs present risks we can no longer afford.

It is time to reform these outdated immigration rules, and finally bring our immigration system into the 21st century.

These four pillars represent a down-the-middle compromise, and one that will create a safe, modern, and lawful immigration system.

For over 30 years, Washington has tried and failed to solve this problem. This Congress can be the one that finally makes it happen.

Most importantly, these four pillars will produce legislation that fulfills my ironclad pledge to only sign a bill that puts America first. So let us come together, set politics aside, and finally get the job done.

These reforms will also support our response to the terrible crisis of opioid and drug addiction.

In 2016, we lost 64,000 Americans to drug overdoses: 174 deaths per day. Seven per hour. We must get much tougher on drug dealers and pushers if we are going to succeed in stopping this scourge.

My Administration is committed to fighting the drug epidemic and helping get treatment for those in need. The struggle will be long and difficult -- but, as Americans always do, we will prevail.

As we have seen tonight, the most difficult challenges bring out the best in America.

We see a vivid expression of this truth in the story of the Holets family of New Mexico. Ryan Holets is 27 years old, and an officer with the Albuquerque Police Department. He is here tonight with his wife Rebecca. Last year, Ryan was on duty when he saw a pregnant, homeless woman preparing to inject heroin. When Ryan told her she was going to harm her unborn child, she began to weep. She told him she did not know where to turn, but badly wanted a safe home for her baby.

In that moment, Ryan said he felt God speak to him: "You will do it -- because you can." He took out a picture of his wife and their four kids. Then, he went home to tell his wife Rebecca. In an instant, she agreed to adopt. The Holets named their new daughter Hope.

Ryan and Rebecca: You embody the goodness of our Nation. Thank you, and congratulations.

As we rebuild America's strength and confidence at home, we are also restoring our strength and standing abroad.

Around the world, we face rogue regimes, terrorist groups, and rivals like China and Russia that challenge our interests, our economy, and our values. In confronting these dangers, we know that weakness is the surest path to conflict, and unmatched power is the surest means of our defense.

For this reason, I am asking the Congress to end the dangerous defense sequester and fully fund our great military.

As part of our defense, we must modernize and rebuild our nuclear arsenal, hopefully never having to use it, but making it so strong and powerful that it will deter any acts of aggression. Perhaps someday in the future there will be a magical moment when the countries of the world will get together to eliminate their nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, we are not there yet.

Last year, I also pledged that we would work with our allies to extinguish ISIS from the face of the Earth. One year later, I am proud to report that the coalition to defeat ISIS has liberated almost 100 percent of the territory once held by these killers in Iraq and Syria. But there is much more work to be done. We will continue our fight until ISIS is defeated.

Army Staff Sergeant Justin Peck is here tonight. Near Raqqa last November, Justin and his comrade, Chief Petty Officer Kenton Stacy, were on a mission to clear buildings that ISIS had rigged with explosives so that civilians could return to the city.

Clearing the second floor of a vital hospital, Kenton Stacy was severely wounded by an explosion. Immediately, Justin bounded into the booby-trapped building and found Kenton in bad shape. He applied pressure to the wound and inserted a tube to reopen an airway. He then performed CPR for 20 straight minutes during the ground transport and maintained artificial respiration through 2 hours of emergency surgery.

Kenton Stacy would have died if not for Justin's selfless love for a fellow warrior. Tonight, Kenton is recovering in Texas. Raqqa is liberated. And Justin is wearing his new Bronze Star, with a "V" for "Valor." Staff Sergeant Peck: All of America salutes you.

Terrorists who do things like place bombs in civilian hospitals are evil. When possible, we annihilate them. When necessary, we must be able to detain and question them. But we must be clear: Terrorists are not merely criminals. They are unlawful enemy combatants. And when captured overseas, they should be treated like the terrorists they are.

In the past, we have foolishly released hundreds of dangerous terrorists, only to meet them again on the battlefield -- including the ISIS leader, al-Baghdadi.

So today, I am keeping another promise. I just signed an order directing Secretary Mattis to reexamine our military detention policy and to keep open the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay.

I am also asking the Congress to ensure that, in the fight against ISIS and al-Qa'ida, we continue to have all necessary power to detain terrorists -- wherever we chase them down.

Our warriors in Afghanistan also have new rules of engagement. Along with their heroic Afghan partners, our military is no longer undermined by artificial timelines, and we no longer tell our enemies our plans.

Last month, I also took an action endorsed unanimously by the Senate just months before: I recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Shortly afterwards, dozens of countries voted in the United Nations General Assembly against America's sovereign right to make this recognition. American taxpayers generously send those same countries billions of dollars in aid every year.

That is why, tonight, I am asking the Congress to pass legislation to help ensure American foreign-assistance dollars always serve American interests, and only go to America's friends.

As we strengthen friendships around the world, we are also restoring clarity about our adversaries.

When the people of Iran rose up against the crimes of their corrupt dictatorship, I did not stay silent. America stands with the people of Iran in their courageous struggle for freedom.

I am asking the Congress to address the fundamental flaws in the terrible Iran nuclear deal.

My Administration has also imposed tough sanctions on the communist and socialist dictatorships in Cuba and Venezuela.

But no regime has oppressed its own citizens more totally or brutally than the cruel dictatorship in North Korea.

North Korea's reckless pursuit of nuclear missiles could very soon threaten our homeland.

We are waging a campaign of maximum pressure to prevent that from happening.

Past experience has taught us that complacency and concessions only invite aggression and provocation. I will not repeat the mistakes of past administrations that got us into this dangerous position.

We need only look at the depraved character of the North Korean regime to understand the nature of the nuclear threat it could pose to America and our allies.

Otto Warmbier was a hardworking student at the University of Virginia. On his way to study abroad in Asia, Otto joined a tour to North Korea. At its conclusion, this wonderful young man was arrested and charged with crimes against the state. After a shameful trial, the dictatorship sentenced Otto to 15 years of hard labor, before returning him to America last June -- horribly injured and on the verge of death. He passed away just days after his return.

Otto's Parents, Fred and Cindy Warmbier, are with us tonight -- along with Otto's brother and sister, Austin and Greta. You are powerful witnesses to a menace that threatens our world, and your strength inspires us all. Tonight, we pledge to honor Otto's memory with American resolve.

Finally, we are joined by one more witness to the ominous nature of this regime. His name is Mr. Ji Seong-ho.

In 1996, Seong-ho was a starving boy in North Korea. One day, he tried to steal coal from a railroad car to barter for a few scraps of food. In the process, he passed out on the train tracks, exhausted from hunger. He woke up as a train ran over his limbs. He then endured multiple amputations without anything to dull the pain. His brother and sister gave what little food they had to help him recover and ate dirt themselves -- permanently stunting their own growth. Later, he was tortured by North Korean authorities after returning from a brief visit to China. His tormentors wanted to know if he had met any Christians. He had -- and he resolved to be free.

Seong-ho traveled thousands of miles on crutches across China and Southeast Asia to freedom. Most of his family followed. His father was caught trying to escape, and was tortured to death.

Today he lives in Seoul, where he rescues other defectors, and broadcasts into North Korea what the regime fears the most ?- the truth.

Today he has a new leg, but Seong-ho, I understand you still keep those crutches as a reminder of how far you have come. Your great sacrifice is an inspiration to us all.

Seong-ho's story is a testament to the yearning of every human soul to live in freedom.

It was that same yearning for freedom that nearly 250 years ago gave birth to a special place called America. It was a small cluster of colonies caught between a great ocean and a vast wilderness. But it was home to an incredible people with a revolutionary idea: that they could rule themselves. That they could chart their own destiny. And that, together, they could light up the world.

That is what our country has always been about. That is what Americans have always stood for, always strived for, and always done.

Atop the dome of this Capitol stands the Statue of Freedom. She stands tall and dignified among the monuments to our ancestors who fought and lived and died to protect her.

Monuments to Washington and Jefferson -- to Lincoln and King.

Memorials to the heroes of Yorktown and Saratoga -- to young Americans who shed their blood on the shores of Normandy, and the fields beyond. And others, who went down in the waters of the Pacific and the skies over Asia.

And freedom stands tall over one more monument: this one. This Capitol. This living monument to the American people.

A people whose heroes live not only in the past, but all around us -- defending hope, pride, and the American way.

They work in every trade. They sacrifice to raise a family. They care for our children at home. They defend our flag abroad. They are strong moms and brave kids. They are firefighters, police officers, border agents, medics, and Marines.

But above all else, they are Americans. And this Capitol, this city, and this Nation, belong to them.

Our task is to respect them, to listen to them, to serve them, to protect them, and to always be worthy of them.

Americans fill the world with art and music. They push the bounds of science and discovery. And they forever remind us of what we should never forget: The people dreamed this country. The people built this country. And it is the people who are making America great again.

As long as we are proud of who we are, and what we are fighting for, there is nothing we cannot achieve.

As long as we have confidence in our values, faith in our citizens, and trust in our God, we will not fail.

Our families will thrive.

Our people will prosper.

And our Nation will forever be safe and strong and proud and mighty and free.

Thank you, and God bless America.

Trump Vows Again To Bring Down Prescription Drug Prices

President Donald Trump vowed again on Tuesday to bring down prescription drug prices in the United States, an issue on which his government has been accused of dragging its feet.

Trump has also raised eyebrows by naming a former pharmaceutical executive, Alex Azar, to be the secretary of health and human services.

In his State of the Union Speech, Trump said bringing drug prices down was one of his top priorities. He noted that in many countries, prices for medicines are often much lower than in the United States.

“That is why I have directed my administration to make fixing the injustice of high drug prices one of our top priorities,” Trump said. “Prices will come down.”

One way the government could do this is by exercising its purchasing power in the drug market. But despite Trump’s pledges, his administration has shown little interest in this approach and Azar himself  formerly president of drug maker Ely Lilly has said he opposes it, according to the news website Axios.

Prescription drugs are often cheaper in western Europe and Canada because of price controls imposed by governments, but mainstream Republicans and Azar have said they oppose such controls, Axios said.

AFP

Man Admits To Strangling Wife To Death

A French IT worker on Tuesday admitted to killing his wife in a case that has gripped the country since her charred corpse was found in a wood in October.

The body of Alexia Daval, a 29-year-old bank employee, was found hidden under tree branches near their town of Gray-la-Ville in eastern France.

Her husband Jonathann Daval, 34, had previously insisted that Alexia had gone jogging on October 28 and never come back.

In the days after her death he cut a distraught figure, appearing in tears at a press conference with her parents and leading one of the running outings organised across the country in her memory.

But his lawyers told reporters that Daval had finally admitted he killed his wife, though “he says it was an accident, that he did not want to do it, and that he regrets it”.

“He strangled her,” lawyer Randall Schwerdorffer told the press, adding that his client’s motivation “was not criminal”.

The lawyer said Daval maintains that he acted alone — but he added that his client insists he did not set fire to his wife’s body.

The grisly murder shocked the couple’s peaceful town, with nearly 10,000 people turning out for a silent march in her memory.

Daval, initially questioned as a witness, had told police an argument with his wife turned physical on the day before her disappearance, which he said explained the scratches and bite marks on her hands.

Several sources told AFP the couple were experiencing marital problems.

Police arrested Daval on Monday and searched his home after interviewing more than 200 people over the past three months.

Police sources said a neighbour had reported hearing a car leaving the couple’s home on the night before Alexia was reported missing — a fact backed up by a tracking device on his work car.

Traces of tyres matching those of his car were also discovered close to where Alexia’s body was found, Schwerdorffer said.

Barcelona Sign Arsenal Starlet Mcguane

Barcelona signed promising Arsenal teenager Marcus McGuane on Tuesday on an initial three-year contract that includes a £22.5 million ($31 million, 25 million euros) release clause.

McGuane caught the eye of Barcelona with his performances for Arsenal’s Under-23 team.

The midfielder has moved to the Spanish club for an undisclosed fee and will initially join up with the Barcelona B squad.

Barcelona B compete in Spain’s second-tier Segunda division, which is the equivalent of the English Championship.

Barca have an option to extend the 18-year-old’s contract by a further two years.
London-born McGuane graduated from Arsenal’s youth academy after joining the Premier League club at under-six level.

“We would like to thank Marcus for his contribution and wish him well at Barcelona,” an Arsenal statement read.

England Under-19 midfielder McGuane played twice for Arsenal’s first team this season in Europa League ties against Red Star Belgrade and BATE Borisov.

Speaking about McGuane last year, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “He is a defensive midfielder, and overall he can play as a wing-back or even a centre-back in training.”

A Barcelona statement added: “McGuane’s deal will keep him at Barca for three seasons, plus two option years. The buy-out clause has been set at E25m.”

US Threatens New Sanctions As Russia Laughs Off Putin List

The United States warned Tuesday that it may soon impose new sanctions on Russian figures after Vladimir Putin laughed off the release of a US target list of his closest and richest allies.

The world was braced for a US sanctions onslaught on Monday when a new law came into effect 180 days after President Donald Trump, still hopeful for warmer ties, begrudgingly signed it.

But to general surprise, Washington declined to identify any companies or individuals to face new measures, and the Treasury contented itself with issuing a list of top Russian officials and super-rich businessmen it regards as Putin’s inner circle.

The people on the list will not face immediate action — despite calls for Moscow to be punished for alleged interference in the 2016 US election — and Putin dismissed the United States’ latest “unfriendly act” as a minor inconvenience.

US officials admitted the public version of the list had been drawn up based on publicly available data such as Forbes Magazine’s annual lists of the super wealthy, and Putin joked that he was upset not to have been included himself.

“I am offended, you know,” Putin told his supporters with a smile, citing a famous line from a popular Soviet-era movie.

The 65-year-old Russian president — who is running for re-election — said he had not seen the list and quoted an old proverb, “the dogs bark but the caravan goes on,” to play down the significance of Washington’s report.

Many in Washington were underwhelmed by the enactment of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which Congress passed last year in the teeth of opposition from the White House to force a reluctant Trump to take on Russia.

But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told the Senate there would be more action under this or one of the other acts giving the US administration authority to punish Russia for human rights abuses, election interference or intervention in neighbours like Ukraine.

“In the near future, you’ll see additional sanctions,” Mnuchin said during Senate testimony. “In the next several months, maybe a month, I want to be careful in making that commitment.”

Democratic lawmakers pressed Mnuchin to defend the administration’s decision to hold off on new sanctions.

“There was an extraordinary amount of work that went into this,” Mnuchin said of the list.

There is a classified annexe to the report which may go into more detail about what Washington knows about the oligarchs’ global holdings and their ties to officials in Putin’s Kremlin, but the public list looks like what it is: a list of famous Russians.

“Our sanctions going forward will be based upon a lot of the work that the intelligence community did,” Mnuchin insisted. “We did not waive or delay.”

The list is led by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, one of 114 political or official figures on the list, alongside 96 people considered “oligarchs” worth at least $1 billion (805 million euros) each, like tycoons Roman Abramovich or Oleg Deripaska.

– ‘Zero’ significance –

Putin said Washington’s “Kremlin list” was a blow to not only the government and business circles but to the entire country.

“Essentially, all of us, everyone out of the 146 million people has been put on some sort of list,” Putin said.

He said the US report further complicates US-Russia ties as well as international relations, but added that  while he has “reciprocal measures” in mind  he would take no action for now.

“We are not interested in curtailing our ties with the United States,” he said. “We know what we want. We want to build long-term, stable ties based on international law.”

Putin is widely expected to win a fourth presidential term in March, extending his Kremlin rule until 2024 and becoming the longest-serving Russian leader since dictator Joseph Stalin.

The seven-page unclassified report also includes the names of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and energy giant Rosneft’s chief executive Igor Sechin, considered by many to be Russia’s second most powerful man.

– ‘Putin’s Kremlin mafia’ –

Russia’s credit rating agency ACRA said the US report had “not affected significantly the financial stability of our country.”

Putin’s bete noire, anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny  who is barred from standing in the March election  said the US list exceeded his expectations, adding that it features many of those he and his team had investigated in the past.

“I’d say this is a rather precise description of Putin’s Kremlin mafia,” the opposition politician told Echo of Moscow radio.

Washington imposed sanctions on Moscow following Russia’s 2014 annexation of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine and Moscow’s meddling in eastern Ukraine.

Tensions between the two countries have grown despite Trump’s promises to mend fences between the former Cold War-era enemies.

US intelligence agencies concluded in late 2016 that Putin had directed a broad effort to influence the presidential election that year.

Putin has sought to turn the tables on Washington, claiming the US wanted to see Navalny elected president.

AFP

Administrative Panel Recommends Gwarzo’s

The Administrative Panel of Inquiry set up to intervene in the conflict between the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and the suspended DG of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Mounir Gwarzo, has recommended the dismissal of Mr Gwarzo, from the Public Service of the Federal Government.

The Panel at the resumed hearing on Tuesday, also recommended that the suspended SEC Director-General be referred to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for further investigation of the allegation of using his position to influence the award of contracts to Outbound Investments Limited.

Furthermore, the panel directed Gwarzo to refund the sum of N104,851,154.94 being the severance package he approved and received.

It also noted that holding the position of the DG of SEC as well as, director in two private companies (Medusa Investment Limited and Outbound Investments Limited) was in breach of public service rule 030424, public service rule 030402 and Section 6 of the Investment and Securities Act, ISA 2007.

Other issues of concern revolved around allegations that Gwarzo had diverted for personal use, three cars that the SEC had purchased as project vehicles.

The Panel, therefore, advised the Federal Government to re-orientate public servants to the very fact that the Public Service Rules and Financial Regulations are ground norms of every Government Service Contract, be it at the Federal, State or Local Government levels.

It added, “Accordingly, all Government Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies should be made to understand that the PSR and FR are superior to whatever specific legislations and domestic arrangements that guide their operations, except when such issues were not covered by any provision of the PSR.”

US Releases ‘Putin List’ Of Russians Eligible For Sanctions

The US Treasury has released a long awaited list of Russian officials and business leaders eligible for sanctions under a law designed to punish Moscow for its alleged meddling in the election that brought Donald Trump to power.

The list published shortly after midnight Monday features the names of most of the senior members in President Vladimir Putin’s administration 114 politicians altogether and 96 business people the US considers close to Putin and each worth at least $1 billion.

AFP