He said,
“I think it’s a bad decision from the referee not to give Nigeria a second penalty]. It’s the defender’s mistake – he didn’t read the ball well.
“It’s difficult to give the penalty because it would take Argentina out of the competition.”
Wednesday, 27 June 2018
June 27, 2018
Former Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has said bad officiating led to Nigeria’s ouster against Argentina at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia on Tuesday.
The former Chelsea striker who spoke on BBC One said the referee favoured Argentina unjustly with the decision not to award the second penalty.
He said,
He said,
June 27, 2018
Super Eagles second-choice goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa was caught on camera asking Lionel Messi his number 10 jersey just after Nigeria crashed out of the World Cup tournament folowing their 2 – 1 defeat to Argentina.
In the video below, Ezenwa is seen waiting for the Barcelona superstar at the entrance of the stadium Tunnel, before then approaching him to ask for his jersey. The Argentine star took it off and gave to him.
Watch the video below.
Watch the video below.
¿Quién se quedó con la camiseta de Leo al final del partido? 🤔— Mundo Leo (@mundoleodeportv) June 26, 2018
¡Mirá! 👇 pic.twitter.com/8QIZQjBaxB
June 27, 2018
Floyd Mayweather is known for his expensive tastes and this time, the legendary boxer has splashed a whopping $18 million dollars on a time piece.
He announced his lavish purchase on Instagram writing
This my new timepiece, it’s called “The Billionaire Watch”. If you don’t know about it, google Billionaire Watch. That’s $18 Million on the price tag.
This my new timepiece, it’s called “The Billionaire Watch”. If you don’t know about it, google Billionaire Watch. That’s $18 Million on the price tag.
June 27, 2018
Joseph “Joe” Jackson, the patriarch who launched the musical Jackson family dynasty has died at the age of 89 in a Las Vegas hospital.
Jackson was the father and at times manager to pop stars Michael and Janet Jackson, along with the sibling-singing group, The Jackson 5.
The elder Jackson’s death came two days after the ninth anniversary of the death of his son, Michael.
He and Katherine Jackson got married in 1949. They moved into into a home on Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, the following year, where they welcomed their first of 10 children, Maureen “Rebbie” Jackson.
Rebbie was followed by Sigmund “Jackie” Jackson in 1951, Toriano “Tito” Jackson in 1953, Jermaine Jackson in 1954, La Toya Jackson in 1956, Marlon Jackson in 1957, Michael Jackson in 1958, Steven Randall “Randy” Jackson in 1961 and Janet Jackson in 1966.
The elder Jackson’s death came two days after the ninth anniversary of the death of his son, Michael.
He and Katherine Jackson got married in 1949. They moved into into a home on Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, the following year, where they welcomed their first of 10 children, Maureen “Rebbie” Jackson.
Rebbie was followed by Sigmund “Jackie” Jackson in 1951, Toriano “Tito” Jackson in 1953, Jermaine Jackson in 1954, La Toya Jackson in 1956, Marlon Jackson in 1957, Michael Jackson in 1958, Steven Randall “Randy” Jackson in 1961 and Janet Jackson in 1966.
June 27, 2018
President Muhammadu Buhari says it is unfair to blame him for the herdsmen-farmer crisis that has claimed many lives in parts of the country.
The President said this on Tuesday during his visit to Plateau State, following the attack on some villages during which scores of people were killed.
He asked the media to discharge their duties responsibly and be mindful of what is being given to them to report.
President Buhari further condemned the latest attack in Plateau and condoled with the affected families, the government and people of the state.
He also wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The President was accompanied to the meeting by Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and his counterparts from Kebbi and Niger states.
He used the occasion of the interactive session to appeal to Nigerians to avoid inflammatory utterances that endanger peace or promote conflicts.
President Buhari, however, said, “It is noteworthy that many Nigerians still acknowledge that despite the security challenges, this administration has made notable successes in the security sector.”
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Lalong blamed parties in the conflict in the state for defaulting on their agreement to maintain peace, leading to the recent upsurge in violence, after nearly three years of calm and normalcy in the state.
He said, “We are concerned as a state that the sophisticated weapons used in these attacks, from the evidence on the ground and the narrations of victims, are not those conventional to our environment for self-defence but reflective of a terrorist invasion.”
“It, therefore, demands a justified response like that which was undertaken to address the Boko Haram insurgency,” the governor added.
He also requested that given the number of villages completely ravaged by the violence, the Federal Government should establish an Emergency Special Intervention Fund to help reconstruct the destroyed communities.
Meanwhile, President Buhari carefully listened to the presentations and recommendations made by the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Mr Nura Abdullahi, and a representative of Berom community in Plateau, Mrs Florence Jambol, on engendering peace in the communities.
The meeting was also attended by traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, representatives of youth, women and trade union groups, security chiefs and some top government officials.
“The Farmer knows that the Nigerian cattle herder that he knows doesn’t carry nothing more than a stick,” President Buhari said, adding that occasionally, the herder carries “something to cut grass to feed his cattle.”
“But the present herder, I am told, carries AK47 and people are even blaming me for not talking to them because maybe (they say) I look like one of them.
“There is some injustice in these aspersions,” the President said in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu.
He asked the media to discharge their duties responsibly and be mindful of what is being given to them to report.
President Buhari further condemned the latest attack in Plateau and condoled with the affected families, the government and people of the state.
He also wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The President was accompanied to the meeting by Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and his counterparts from Kebbi and Niger states.
He used the occasion of the interactive session to appeal to Nigerians to avoid inflammatory utterances that endanger peace or promote conflicts.
President Buhari, however, said, “It is noteworthy that many Nigerians still acknowledge that despite the security challenges, this administration has made notable successes in the security sector.”
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Lalong blamed parties in the conflict in the state for defaulting on their agreement to maintain peace, leading to the recent upsurge in violence, after nearly three years of calm and normalcy in the state.
He said, “We are concerned as a state that the sophisticated weapons used in these attacks, from the evidence on the ground and the narrations of victims, are not those conventional to our environment for self-defence but reflective of a terrorist invasion.”
“It, therefore, demands a justified response like that which was undertaken to address the Boko Haram insurgency,” the governor added.
He also requested that given the number of villages completely ravaged by the violence, the Federal Government should establish an Emergency Special Intervention Fund to help reconstruct the destroyed communities.
Meanwhile, President Buhari carefully listened to the presentations and recommendations made by the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Mr Nura Abdullahi, and a representative of Berom community in Plateau, Mrs Florence Jambol, on engendering peace in the communities.
The meeting was also attended by traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, representatives of youth, women and trade union groups, security chiefs and some top government officials.
June 27, 2018
The Plateau State Government has asked the Federal Government to release N10billion from the Victims Support Fund (VSF) to the state.
Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr Yakubu Dati, made the request on Wednesday during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily via Skype.
The request is coming on the heels of the weekend attack on some villages in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of the state, where several persons were killed by suspected herdsmen.
The commissioner explained that the fund would help the government address the issues of compensation after the deadly attack rendered many other residents homeless.
According to him, the VSF is needed so that “Those who have been affected will be supported or compensated to reduce the human suffering and also feel that justice has been done to a level because, sometimes, most of these things lead to reprisals.”
Dati’ further decried a situation whereby security operatives allegedly receive directives from their headquarters in Abuja, rather than from the state governor who is considered as the Chief Security Officer.
He claimed the security situation would have been better managed if there was a better synergy between the state government and the agencies.
“The military (personnel) do not report to the governor, They report to the Commander-in-Chief (President),” the commissioner affirmed.
“If they (the residents) report (a situation), there has to be that process of taking clearance before they (the military personnel) can move.”
At least 100 people were killed and many others displaced by the attack on six villages of Xlands, Gindin Akwati, Ruku, Nhgar, Kura Falls and Kakuruk, all in Gashish district.
President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly leadership, as well as prominent Nigerians and groups, have condemned the incident.
During his condolence visit to the state, the President met with traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, representatives of youth, women and trade union groups in Plateau.
He also appealed to Nigerians to live in harmony and avoid inflammatory utterances that can endanger peace or promote conflicts.
President Buhari had consequently ordered the security chiefs to be vigilant and ensure that the lives and property of the people were protected.
The request is coming on the heels of the weekend attack on some villages in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of the state, where several persons were killed by suspected herdsmen.
The commissioner explained that the fund would help the government address the issues of compensation after the deadly attack rendered many other residents homeless.
According to him, the VSF is needed so that “Those who have been affected will be supported or compensated to reduce the human suffering and also feel that justice has been done to a level because, sometimes, most of these things lead to reprisals.”
Dati’ further decried a situation whereby security operatives allegedly receive directives from their headquarters in Abuja, rather than from the state governor who is considered as the Chief Security Officer.
He claimed the security situation would have been better managed if there was a better synergy between the state government and the agencies.
“The military (personnel) do not report to the governor, They report to the Commander-in-Chief (President),” the commissioner affirmed.
“If they (the residents) report (a situation), there has to be that process of taking clearance before they (the military personnel) can move.”
At least 100 people were killed and many others displaced by the attack on six villages of Xlands, Gindin Akwati, Ruku, Nhgar, Kura Falls and Kakuruk, all in Gashish district.
President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly leadership, as well as prominent Nigerians and groups, have condemned the incident.
During his condolence visit to the state, the President met with traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, representatives of youth, women and trade union groups in Plateau.
He also appealed to Nigerians to live in harmony and avoid inflammatory utterances that can endanger peace or promote conflicts.
President Buhari had consequently ordered the security chiefs to be vigilant and ensure that the lives and property of the people were protected.
June 27, 2018
The Nigerian team crashed out of the world cup after they failed to beat the Argentinian team.
Ighalo missed a few chances to score goals that could have secured a win for the Nigerian team.
In a chat with TheCable, Ighalo says he takes full responsibility for the loss of the match and has already apologised to his teammates.
”I apologise to Nigeria. I apologise to my team mates. I take responsibility for this game because I had taken those chances I had that would have made it a different ball game now. But that is football and life has to continue.
“It’s a sad day for me, the boys and the country because we went out in a bad manner and we deserved more in the gam. We had a penalty in the game and another one which the referee did not give. I missed a couple of chances that would have finished the game but that’s football because sometimes you win and sometimes to lose.”
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
June 26, 2018
Two Israeli missiles struck targets near Damascus airport early Tuesday, Syrian state media said, while a monitoring group said they hit arms depots for Hezbollah.
In a report in the early hours of Tuesday, Syria’s state news agency Sana said “two Israeli missiles came down near Damascus international airport”.
The head of monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman, also told AFP that “the Israeli missiles hit arms depots for Hezbollah near the airport”.
He said the air strike took place at 1:00 am local time “without causing huge explosions” even though they hit the weapons stores.
The observatory added that the Syrian air defence “failed to intercept the missiles”.
When contacted by AFP, a spokesman for the Israeli army said: “We do not comment on foreign reports.”
Israel has warned of a growing Iranian military presence in neighbouring Syria, which it sees as a threat to its safety.
Its military has been carrying out strikes on Iranian and Iran-affiliated targets in Syria, with a US official saying it was Israeli forces that carried out a deadly strike against an Iraqi paramilitary base in eastern Syria on June 17.
Israeli seized a large swathe of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it, in a move never recognised by the international community.
AFP
The head of monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman, also told AFP that “the Israeli missiles hit arms depots for Hezbollah near the airport”.
He said the air strike took place at 1:00 am local time “without causing huge explosions” even though they hit the weapons stores.
The observatory added that the Syrian air defence “failed to intercept the missiles”.
When contacted by AFP, a spokesman for the Israeli army said: “We do not comment on foreign reports.”
Israel has warned of a growing Iranian military presence in neighbouring Syria, which it sees as a threat to its safety.
Its military has been carrying out strikes on Iranian and Iran-affiliated targets in Syria, with a US official saying it was Israeli forces that carried out a deadly strike against an Iraqi paramilitary base in eastern Syria on June 17.
Israeli seized a large swathe of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it, in a move never recognised by the international community.
AFP
June 26, 2018
The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has visited Plateau State to condole with the people and government of the state, following the deadly attack that claimed scores of lives over the weekend.
Professor Osinbajo arrived at the Jos Airport in the state capital on Monday evening and was received by Governor Simon Lalong and other government officials.
He then proceeded to a meeting with leaders of different ethnic groups and the government officials in the state.
The meeting based its discussion on how to ensure that peace returns to the troubled areas and prevent further attacks from happening.
The Vice President’s visit followed the death of no fewer than 86 persons murdered by suspected herdsmen during the weekend attack on Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The assailants carried out the attack on six villages of Xlands, Gindin Akwati, Ruku, Nhgar, Kura Falls and Kakuruk, all in Gashish district of the LGA.
While the police authorities in the state told Channels Television that 50 houses, 12 vehicles, and 15 motorcycles were destroyed, there have been reports of renewed attacks in the state.
The incident had consequently resulted in apprehension in Barkin Ladi and bordering local governments, as residents flee the attacked communities to seek refuge elsewhere.
The attack has also prompted the state government to impose a dusk-to dawn-curfew in the affected local government and two others – Riyom and Jos South LGAs.
The government had explained in a statement that the curfew was part of measures to avert any spillover and reprisal, as well as curb the escalation of the crisis.
Condemning the incident, Governor Lalong had also appealed to people to remain calm and respect the curfew as the government investigates the immediate and remote causes of the attack.
See the photos of the Vice President’s arrival below;
He then proceeded to a meeting with leaders of different ethnic groups and the government officials in the state.
The meeting based its discussion on how to ensure that peace returns to the troubled areas and prevent further attacks from happening.
The Vice President’s visit followed the death of no fewer than 86 persons murdered by suspected herdsmen during the weekend attack on Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The assailants carried out the attack on six villages of Xlands, Gindin Akwati, Ruku, Nhgar, Kura Falls and Kakuruk, all in Gashish district of the LGA.
While the police authorities in the state told Channels Television that 50 houses, 12 vehicles, and 15 motorcycles were destroyed, there have been reports of renewed attacks in the state.
The incident had consequently resulted in apprehension in Barkin Ladi and bordering local governments, as residents flee the attacked communities to seek refuge elsewhere.
The attack has also prompted the state government to impose a dusk-to dawn-curfew in the affected local government and two others – Riyom and Jos South LGAs.
The government had explained in a statement that the curfew was part of measures to avert any spillover and reprisal, as well as curb the escalation of the crisis.
Condemning the incident, Governor Lalong had also appealed to people to remain calm and respect the curfew as the government investigates the immediate and remote causes of the attack.
See the photos of the Vice President’s arrival below;
June 26, 2018
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has asked the Federal Government to review Nigeria’s security architecture in a bid to stem the rate of killings in the country.
CAN made the demand on Monday in a statement by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the special assistant on media and communication to the group’s president, Reverend Samson Ayokunle.
They condemned the weekend attack which claimed scores of lives and destroyed several properties in some villages in Plateau State.
CAN lamented that despite assurances and promises by President Muhammadu Buhari that his government was committed to the safety of lives and property of Nigerians, “coordinated and premeditated” attacks have continued in Plateau and other states.
The association further called on the Federal Government not to rest on its oars until the perpetrators of the attacks are brought to book.
Read the full statement below;
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is disappointed and shocked at the spate of killings that was unleashed on three local government areas of Plateau State by herdsmen.
We noted that the affected communities are yet to come out with the exact figure of the death toll, we are alarmed that no fewer than 86 lives, as confirmed by the police, have been lost, including defenceless women and children.
We are sad that despite assurances and promises by President Muhammadu Buhari that his government is committed to the safety of lives and property, these coordinated and premeditated attacks on Plateau towns were not only horrendous but also unprecedented.
CAN is at a loss how scores of people can be killed without any form of resistance by soldiers deployed to contain the security challenge. How could dare-devil criminals assault communities without resistance by security agencies to stop these killings? Are these herdsmen in bed with soldiers to unleash mayhem on these peaceful communities?
Of what relevance is the intelligence gathering by the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies? If communities can be attacked and hundreds slaughtered without security organisations providing rescue efforts, then, it becomes obvious that Nigeria’s security system has been compromised. From all indications, these attacks on the Plateau clearly show that the Federal Government needs to review its security machinery in a bid to make it effective.
Considering the level of the human carnage of these attacks, we once again call on government not to rest on its oars until these criminals are brought to book as promised.
CAN and relations of victims of these attacks need more than assurances and promises of tracking down these criminals by the President. Much as these assurances are needed; they have become irrelevant in the face of incessant attacks that have claimed the lives of thousands of Christians.
Against the backdrop of the wave of attacks on innocent citizens, CAN has come to the conclusion that the Federal Government has been overwhelmed by the current security challenges. We once again call on the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations and the African Union, among others, to assist the Nigerian government to protect us against these criminals.
Meanwhile, following media reports of a secret ongoing recruitment of former members of Boko Haram into some military and paramilitary formations by the Federal Government, CAN is concerned over the security implications of such recruitment that pose security to our nation if the report turns out to be true.
In authenticating the veracity of the report, CAN had called the attention of the Federal Government to the disturbing media report and sought responses from Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police, with other relevant security organisations, to either deny or confirm the report.
Sadly, after two weeks of CAN’s request on relevant security organisations to speak on the matter, we are shocked that silence has been the answer. While we insist that silence, on this matter, can never be golden, we call on the Nigerian Army and other relevant security organisations alleged to have been involved in the recruitment of the former members of the militant Islamic sect to speak out.
While we continue to pray for the peace of our nation, we are, however, constrained to call on the Federal Government to respond to our fears over the alleged recruitment of former members of Boko Haram into the nation’s military and paramilitary formations.
CAN is particularly worried about the report that the Federal Government allegedly recruited former members of Boko Haram group into security agencies. If the report is true, we are at a loss on how the former terrorists could be so trusted with the protection of people they once killed with reckless abandon.
Unlike the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua that offered amnesty to former members of Niger Delta militants, none of them was recruited into any of the nation’s security agencies.
While CAN commends the Federal Government in embarking on the de-radicalisation programme for the former Boko Haram fighters, we are quick to advise that they should not be recruited into any of the nation’s military and paramilitary organisations.
They condemned the weekend attack which claimed scores of lives and destroyed several properties in some villages in Plateau State.
CAN lamented that despite assurances and promises by President Muhammadu Buhari that his government was committed to the safety of lives and property of Nigerians, “coordinated and premeditated” attacks have continued in Plateau and other states.
The association further called on the Federal Government not to rest on its oars until the perpetrators of the attacks are brought to book.
Read the full statement below;
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is disappointed and shocked at the spate of killings that was unleashed on three local government areas of Plateau State by herdsmen.
We noted that the affected communities are yet to come out with the exact figure of the death toll, we are alarmed that no fewer than 86 lives, as confirmed by the police, have been lost, including defenceless women and children.
We are sad that despite assurances and promises by President Muhammadu Buhari that his government is committed to the safety of lives and property, these coordinated and premeditated attacks on Plateau towns were not only horrendous but also unprecedented.
CAN is at a loss how scores of people can be killed without any form of resistance by soldiers deployed to contain the security challenge. How could dare-devil criminals assault communities without resistance by security agencies to stop these killings? Are these herdsmen in bed with soldiers to unleash mayhem on these peaceful communities?
Of what relevance is the intelligence gathering by the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies? If communities can be attacked and hundreds slaughtered without security organisations providing rescue efforts, then, it becomes obvious that Nigeria’s security system has been compromised. From all indications, these attacks on the Plateau clearly show that the Federal Government needs to review its security machinery in a bid to make it effective.
Considering the level of the human carnage of these attacks, we once again call on government not to rest on its oars until these criminals are brought to book as promised.
CAN and relations of victims of these attacks need more than assurances and promises of tracking down these criminals by the President. Much as these assurances are needed; they have become irrelevant in the face of incessant attacks that have claimed the lives of thousands of Christians.
Against the backdrop of the wave of attacks on innocent citizens, CAN has come to the conclusion that the Federal Government has been overwhelmed by the current security challenges. We once again call on the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations and the African Union, among others, to assist the Nigerian government to protect us against these criminals.
Meanwhile, following media reports of a secret ongoing recruitment of former members of Boko Haram into some military and paramilitary formations by the Federal Government, CAN is concerned over the security implications of such recruitment that pose security to our nation if the report turns out to be true.
In authenticating the veracity of the report, CAN had called the attention of the Federal Government to the disturbing media report and sought responses from Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police, with other relevant security organisations, to either deny or confirm the report.
Sadly, after two weeks of CAN’s request on relevant security organisations to speak on the matter, we are shocked that silence has been the answer. While we insist that silence, on this matter, can never be golden, we call on the Nigerian Army and other relevant security organisations alleged to have been involved in the recruitment of the former members of the militant Islamic sect to speak out.
While we continue to pray for the peace of our nation, we are, however, constrained to call on the Federal Government to respond to our fears over the alleged recruitment of former members of Boko Haram into the nation’s military and paramilitary formations.
CAN is particularly worried about the report that the Federal Government allegedly recruited former members of Boko Haram group into security agencies. If the report is true, we are at a loss on how the former terrorists could be so trusted with the protection of people they once killed with reckless abandon.
Unlike the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua that offered amnesty to former members of Niger Delta militants, none of them was recruited into any of the nation’s security agencies.
While CAN commends the Federal Government in embarking on the de-radicalisation programme for the former Boko Haram fighters, we are quick to advise that they should not be recruited into any of the nation’s military and paramilitary organisations.
Channels
June 26, 2018
Oh our God is alive! Alive!! Alive!!! A member of the Living Faith
Church (Winners Chapel) branch in Jimeta, Adamawa State on Sunday shared
the testimony of how her girl went to school, returned healthy, ate and
went to bed, but never woke up.
She said she raised alarm, and rushed her to church where they prayed and all of a sudden she rose from dead. Here’s how excited Mrs Grace Williams puts it;
I quickly rushed the baby to the church amidst crying and wailing with the slogan “Operation 615 is blessing and not sorrow”. The Pastor collected the baby from me and laid her on the altar praying. While the prayer was going on the Resident Pastor kept saying “Jesus the God of my father Bishop Oyedepo do it again”. Miraculously, I suddenly saw my baby moving her body and crying. I have come to return all the glory to the God of my father Bishop Oyedepo.’’ God be praised.
This reminds me of another very similar testimony, how God raised a dead child.
‘’My daughter returned from school on Thursday 21st June, 2018 safe and sound with no traces of ailment whatsoever. After taking her lunch she decided to sleep, but after long hours of sleep I went to check on her and discovered that she was lifeless. I quickly raised alarm but all efforts were to no avail. Her body became stiff and cold. All hope was lost.
I quickly rushed the baby to the church amidst crying and wailing with the slogan “Operation 615 is blessing and not sorrow”. The Pastor collected the baby from me and laid her on the altar praying. While the prayer was going on the Resident Pastor kept saying “Jesus the God of my father Bishop Oyedepo do it again”. Miraculously, I suddenly saw my baby moving her body and crying. I have come to return all the glory to the God of my father Bishop Oyedepo.’’ God be praised.
This reminds me of another very similar testimony, how God raised a dead child.
June 26, 2018
Music star D’banj who arrived Los Angeles two days ago to attend the 2018 BET Awards is reported to have lost his only son, Daniel D’Third who celebrated his 1st birthday just one month ago.
The little boy’s body has reportedly since been moved to a morgue in GRA.
Dbanj’s son, who he welcomed with his wife, Lineo Didi Kilgrow, last year May, drowned at the family residence in Ikoyi yesterday June 24th. D’banj wasn’t at home at the time.
There’s no official statement from Dbanj to confirm the news but he shared an ‘All black’ image on his instagram page minutes ago with the caption, ‘trying Times. But my God is Always and Forever Faithful’.
June 26, 2018
Davido‘s footprint was all over the 2018 BET Awards.
The DMW music boss was nominated in the ‘Best International Act’ award category alongside Tiwa Savage, Booba (France), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Dadju (France), Distruction Boyz (South Africa), Fally Ipupa (DR Congo), J Hus (UK), Niska (France), Stefflon Don (UK) and Stormzy (UK).
Tonight Davido emerged the winner at the 2018 BET Awards which held at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.
Before the main awards show, Davido performed at the pre-show a few hours ago. It was an electrifying performance.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 24: Davido performs onstage at Live! Red! Ready! Pre-Show, sponsored by Nissan, at the 2018 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BET) 
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 24: Davido performs onstage at Live! Red! Ready! Pre-Show, sponsored by Nissan, at the 2018 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BET)
In his acceptance speech for the award, Davido expressed his condolences for D’banj‘s loss of his son while thanking him for giving African artists the global platform they have today. He also spoke glowingly about Africa.
Watch below.
Congratulations, @iam_Davido! Much love to the 2018 #BETAwards Best International Act winner! pic.twitter.com/WZNg0uaBIT— BET (@BET) June 25, 2018
Monday, 25 June 2018
June 25, 2018
Pregnant Nigerian blogger, Linda Ikeji who always seizes any opportunity to inspire her fans and readers with her life story is back with another one.
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She revealed that the car was later taken by the seller as she could only pay 100k within the 3 months of their agreement.
Read her story below…
The celebrated blogger took to her blog to share an insight on how she bought her first car for 700k back then but made a down payment of 350k to pay the remaining 3 months later.
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She revealed that the car was later taken by the seller as she could only pay 100k within the 3 months of their agreement.
Read her story below…
I bought this car in 2007. It cost 700k back then but I made a down payment of 350k to pay the remaining 3 months later. After 3 months, I’d been able to pay only 100k of the remaining 350k & the car owner came to my house one day to seize the car. Lol. I can laugh now but it wasn’t funny back then. I remember my dad followed me to the man’s house to beg for him to return it to me and give me more time. The man refused. So I was carless for about 2 months but because I knew how important having a car was to my business (I was always running around), I knew it was top priority to raise the balance.
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I had a modeling agency back then and so I started going to bother all the ad agencies owing me money. I became a nuisance at their offices…lol. Before I’d wait for them to call and ask me to come collect my cheque but now, I wanted the money now now. Some managed to give me, some didn’t but I was finally able to raise the 250k balance & got my car back.
Fast forward to 5 years later. Between 2012 to 2018, I’ve probably bought about 15 cars for family, friends and staff. And none was 700k…lol.
Seeing this photo again brought back memories and reminded me of how God works. And how your life can change from not having enough to having so much, you can share with others.
You life can change for the better in an instant and that instant can last forever. Just remember to always hold on to God. He’s watching. He’s seeing your struggles and one day, He’ll hold your hands and never let go. .
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God is holding my hand so much right now that I was able to solely finance lindaikeji.tv from advertising money made from another platform he blessed me with…lindaikejisblog. All the crazy equipment we have, studios, office, mansion, content, manpower etc was solely financed 100% by LIB.
God works in ways we sometimes don’t understand! He can make you wait. I waited for 14 years. He hasn’t forgotten you. Be patient. He listens. He’s watching. And He will eventually come to hold your hands when it’s your turn. And when he does, your life will never be the same. Just never stop believing in Him. Your time is near. I declare God’s enormous blessings into your life. Say amen!
Sunday, 24 June 2018
June 24, 2018
he five men namely Alex Amos, Alheri Phanuel, Holy Boniface, Jerry Gideon and Jari Sabagi, were on June 13th, sentenced to death by a Yola High Court for “willfully and intentionally conspiring and attacking three herdsmen rearing cattle at Kadamun village in Demsa local government area, killing a herder in the process” in January 2017.
Reacting to CAN’s request, MURIC’s director, Ishaq Akintola, described CAN’s action as an attempt to obstruct the course of justice. A part of Akintola’s statement reads in part
The group urged the president to ignore CAN’s request for freedom for the “killers”.
CAN’s president, Samson Ayokunle, in a statement released on Tuesday, asked President Buhari to intervene in the death sentence. Ayokunle in his letter to President Buhari, argued that “hundreds of our members in southern Kaduna, Benue, Taraba and Plateau states in the north-central geo-political zones, and a state like Enugu in the south, have been killed.
Reacting to CAN’s request, MURIC’s director, Ishaq Akintola, described CAN’s action as an attempt to obstruct the course of justice. A part of Akintola’s statement reads in part
“Can you see what acrobatic religiousity has done to Nigeria? What will happen if Muslim leaders also use their influence (and that is if they have any) to secure freedom for Muslims who commit murder? How can we find any solution to these killings?. Our own stand is that whoever commits an offence, whether he is a Muslim or a Christian, should be punished in order to serve as a deterrent to others. Let the law take its due course. Sentence Muslims to death if they kill. Sentence Christians to death if they kill.
There are criminals among Muslims and there are criminals among Christians but for any religious leader to seek immunity for criminals in his flock makes mockery of the judicial system. We are all looking for an end to killings in this country. People are just being killed like rams everywhere. It is therefore shocking to hear a group which claims to be holier-than-thou attempting to shelter killers because they happen to belong to the same faith. Interestingly, CAN has been in the forefront of those complaining. The umbrella Christian body was pointing accusing fingers at Fulani herdsmen and Muslims but the outcome of investigations now prove otherwise.”
The group urged the president to ignore CAN’s request for freedom for the “killers”.
Saturday, 23 June 2018
June 23, 2018
Well, Melania Trump has gotten her answer.
The first lady asked the question, “I really don’t care, do u?” on Thursday, when she wore a jacket emblazoned with that message during a visit to a facility holding immigrant children who had been separated from their parents. While a number of celebrities expressed their displeasure with Trump’s wardrobe choice on social media, Jenna Ortega took another route.
The 15-year-old star of Disney’s Stuck in the Middle wore a jacket with her response to Trump’s message Friday on the red carpet for the Radio Disney Music Awards. It read, “I do care and u should too.” In case it wasn’t clear to everyone what Ortega meant by the jacket, she shared a picture of it with this caption, “Dear @flotus.”
Melania Trump departs Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on June 21, 2018, wearing a jacket with the words “I really don’t care, do u?” following her surprise visit with child immigrants on the US-Mexico border. (Photo: Getty Images)
There was some confusion about the meaning of the first lady’s jacket. First, her communications director said there was no hidden message in Trump’s look. Then, President Trump said something completely different in a tweet. He said it was a message to the media.
There are no questions here about the meaning of Ortega’s message.
The actress, who also played young Jane on Jane the Virgin, explained her personal connection to the issue of immigration in a 2016 essay for PopSugar Latina headlined “Jenna Ortega: ‘I Am Extremely Proud of Where I Come From.’” In it, she said that her ancestors had been born in Mexico and Puerto Pico.
“My greatgrandma on my mother’s side migrated from a small ranch near Sinaloa, Mexico,” Ortega wrote. “She came to the United States as an illegal immigrant in hopes to make a better life for her four daughters. She wanted them to speak perfect English, so that they would not draw attention and be deported, so they went to English speaking schools and were only allowed to speak English to her, so she could learn the language while trying to get her papers.”
Ortega has also spoken out on immigration issues before.
This time, she didn’t have to actually say anything.
The 15-year-old star of Disney’s Stuck in the Middle wore a jacket with her response to Trump’s message Friday on the red carpet for the Radio Disney Music Awards. It read, “I do care and u should too.” In case it wasn’t clear to everyone what Ortega meant by the jacket, she shared a picture of it with this caption, “Dear @flotus.”
Melania Trump departs Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on June 21, 2018, wearing a jacket with the words “I really don’t care, do u?” following her surprise visit with child immigrants on the US-Mexico border. (Photo: Getty Images)
There was some confusion about the meaning of the first lady’s jacket. First, her communications director said there was no hidden message in Trump’s look. Then, President Trump said something completely different in a tweet. He said it was a message to the media.
There are no questions here about the meaning of Ortega’s message.
The actress, who also played young Jane on Jane the Virgin, explained her personal connection to the issue of immigration in a 2016 essay for PopSugar Latina headlined “Jenna Ortega: ‘I Am Extremely Proud of Where I Come From.’” In it, she said that her ancestors had been born in Mexico and Puerto Pico.
“My greatgrandma on my mother’s side migrated from a small ranch near Sinaloa, Mexico,” Ortega wrote. “She came to the United States as an illegal immigrant in hopes to make a better life for her four daughters. She wanted them to speak perfect English, so that they would not draw attention and be deported, so they went to English speaking schools and were only allowed to speak English to her, so she could learn the language while trying to get her papers.”
Ortega has also spoken out on immigration issues before.
This time, she didn’t have to actually say anything.
June 23, 2018
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and other Republican leaders thought President Donald Trump could be the magic bullet for accomplishing the elusive GOP goal of passing an immigration bill. Instead, he’s looking more like the death blow.
After telling House Republicans Tuesday night that he backed both of their immigration proposals “1,000 percent,” Trump has gone soft. He first asked on Thursday what the purpose was of the House passing immigration bills if the Senate was just going to reject a GOP-only bill ― a fair point. Trump then stepped up the Twitter criticism Friday morning to say, “Republicans should stop wasting their time on immigration” until after the November elections, where he improbably predicted a “Red Wave.”
Setting aside the delusions of increased GOP margins in the House, Trump’s statement that Republicans should set aside immigration is not the endorsement GOP lawmakers had been looking for ― and it’s already spooking Republicans who were on the fence about backing a compromise bill.
“Well that weighs a lot in my decision-making, what the president says,” Freshman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) told HuffPost Friday. “So one of the things we expressed to leadership was the president needed to come out and strongly endorse this compromise plan. It doesn’t appear that he has.”
Comer, who comes from a district that supported Trump over Clinton by nearly 50 points, said he was following Trump on immigration, and he had no reservations about giving the president such wide latitude on policy-making.
Other Republicans also told HuffPost they agreed that continuing to work on immigration was an exercise in futility.
“Given the makeup of the Senate, yeah, it is a waste of time,” Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.) said. “And it’s forcing a lot of our folks to walk the plank for no good reason.”
Hice said even before Trump came to this conclusion, he was saying that it was pointless to try and work on immigration when Senate Democrats wouldn’t agree to a GOP immigration bill. He didn’t seem receptive to the idea of crafting a bipartisan immigration proposal.
“Why they even brought it up in the first place is a bit beyond me,” Hice said.
House Republicans seem to understand that no immigration bill that could pass the Senate could pass the House. That is unless the House passes a bill with nearly all Democrats and a couple of dozen Republicans. But, the two dozen Republicans who signed a discharge petition to force a vote on immigration are outnumbered by rank-and-file Republicans who don’t want to actually work with Democrats, at least not in a way that would require actual policy concessions.
When HuffPost raised the point with Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) that Republicans could solve immigration issues if they were willing to work with Democrats, he flipped the statement around and said, “Obviously Democrats could solve this issue if they were willing to work with Republicans.”
But Perry and other Republicans aren’t really open to the ideas that Democrats have for addressing the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program, and even when Democrats have shown willingness to give Republicans concessions like funding a border wall, Republicans (in the House, at least) have shown no willingness to bring Democrats to the table.
With that in mind, Trump’s diagnosis that solving the issue is impossible seems accurate, at least if you accept that Democrats shouldn’t have a say in the solution.
Speaker Ryan has consistently demonstrated he doesn’t think Democrats should have a seat at the table. And even in the House GOP’s failure to pass a Republican-only immigration bill, Ryan has been successful in his main endeavor: preventing a discharge petition from bringing up a bipartisan immigration bill that could pass the House.
“Our goal was to prevent a discharge petition from reaching the floor, because a discharge petition would have brought legislation to the floor that the president would have surely vetoed,” Ryan said Thursday. “It would have been an exercise in futility.”
Never mind that producing two GOP-only bills is an exercise in futility, and never mind that the only immigration bill that has a majority in the House is probably one that nearly all Democrats would support. Ryan doesn’t want to demonstrate that he’s blocking the will of the chamber.
But now Ryan is in a different pickle. Part of the gambit to block the discharge petition was to schedule two votes on immigration: one for a hardline bill named after Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and one for a compromise measure that moderates would support.
After Thursday, however, when the hardline bill failed but drew a surprising amount of support ― more support than the compromise bill would garner. Leadership decided to forego the embarrassment of putting up the second bill, at least for now.
It’s now considering changes that would bring the bill further to the right, but without Trump’s support, the bill would still likely fall short of the 193 votes that the so-called Goodlatte bill drew. That would show Republicans that the way to pass a GOP-only immigration bill is simply by tailoring it to the far right and hoping that, with the president’s support, you can pressure enough moderates to support the bill.
The problem there is that, while Republicans were closer than they thought to passing the Goodlatte bill, they were still 20 votes away. And even if you passed it through the House, you’d just be further from passing it in the Senate, where you need 60 votes and the support of at least nine Democrats.
Ryan would end up teaching Republicans the wrong lessons on immigration ― that the path toward passage is to the right ― when the truth is probably the opposite.
But with Trump seemingly hardening every day on immigration, and his willingness to support a DACA solution waning, Trump is just like many in the GOP conference when he advises Republicans to just give up.
Setting aside the delusions of increased GOP margins in the House, Trump’s statement that Republicans should set aside immigration is not the endorsement GOP lawmakers had been looking for ― and it’s already spooking Republicans who were on the fence about backing a compromise bill.
“Well that weighs a lot in my decision-making, what the president says,” Freshman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) told HuffPost Friday. “So one of the things we expressed to leadership was the president needed to come out and strongly endorse this compromise plan. It doesn’t appear that he has.”
Comer, who comes from a district that supported Trump over Clinton by nearly 50 points, said he was following Trump on immigration, and he had no reservations about giving the president such wide latitude on policy-making.
Other Republicans also told HuffPost they agreed that continuing to work on immigration was an exercise in futility.
“Given the makeup of the Senate, yeah, it is a waste of time,” Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.) said. “And it’s forcing a lot of our folks to walk the plank for no good reason.”
Hice said even before Trump came to this conclusion, he was saying that it was pointless to try and work on immigration when Senate Democrats wouldn’t agree to a GOP immigration bill. He didn’t seem receptive to the idea of crafting a bipartisan immigration proposal.
“Why they even brought it up in the first place is a bit beyond me,” Hice said.
House Republicans seem to understand that no immigration bill that could pass the Senate could pass the House. That is unless the House passes a bill with nearly all Democrats and a couple of dozen Republicans. But, the two dozen Republicans who signed a discharge petition to force a vote on immigration are outnumbered by rank-and-file Republicans who don’t want to actually work with Democrats, at least not in a way that would require actual policy concessions.
When HuffPost raised the point with Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) that Republicans could solve immigration issues if they were willing to work with Democrats, he flipped the statement around and said, “Obviously Democrats could solve this issue if they were willing to work with Republicans.”
But Perry and other Republicans aren’t really open to the ideas that Democrats have for addressing the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program, and even when Democrats have shown willingness to give Republicans concessions like funding a border wall, Republicans (in the House, at least) have shown no willingness to bring Democrats to the table.
With that in mind, Trump’s diagnosis that solving the issue is impossible seems accurate, at least if you accept that Democrats shouldn’t have a say in the solution.
Speaker Ryan has consistently demonstrated he doesn’t think Democrats should have a seat at the table. And even in the House GOP’s failure to pass a Republican-only immigration bill, Ryan has been successful in his main endeavor: preventing a discharge petition from bringing up a bipartisan immigration bill that could pass the House.
“Our goal was to prevent a discharge petition from reaching the floor, because a discharge petition would have brought legislation to the floor that the president would have surely vetoed,” Ryan said Thursday. “It would have been an exercise in futility.”
Never mind that producing two GOP-only bills is an exercise in futility, and never mind that the only immigration bill that has a majority in the House is probably one that nearly all Democrats would support. Ryan doesn’t want to demonstrate that he’s blocking the will of the chamber.
But now Ryan is in a different pickle. Part of the gambit to block the discharge petition was to schedule two votes on immigration: one for a hardline bill named after Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and one for a compromise measure that moderates would support.
After Thursday, however, when the hardline bill failed but drew a surprising amount of support ― more support than the compromise bill would garner. Leadership decided to forego the embarrassment of putting up the second bill, at least for now.
It’s now considering changes that would bring the bill further to the right, but without Trump’s support, the bill would still likely fall short of the 193 votes that the so-called Goodlatte bill drew. That would show Republicans that the way to pass a GOP-only immigration bill is simply by tailoring it to the far right and hoping that, with the president’s support, you can pressure enough moderates to support the bill.
The problem there is that, while Republicans were closer than they thought to passing the Goodlatte bill, they were still 20 votes away. And even if you passed it through the House, you’d just be further from passing it in the Senate, where you need 60 votes and the support of at least nine Democrats.
Ryan would end up teaching Republicans the wrong lessons on immigration ― that the path toward passage is to the right ― when the truth is probably the opposite.
But with Trump seemingly hardening every day on immigration, and his willingness to support a DACA solution waning, Trump is just like many in the GOP conference when he advises Republicans to just give up.
June 23, 2018
Sarah Sanders had a hard time getting dinner in the D.C. area on Friday. She and her family were asked to leave the Red Hen restaurant in Lexington, Va.
The post went viral when the director of Clean Virginia, a left-leaning energy nonprofit, shared the post on Twitter, along with a handwritten note, purportedly from the restaurant, with the note: “86 — Sara Huckabee Sanders.”
The term “86” is restaurant shorthand for cutting people off, asking them to leave, or throwing them out.
Sanders confirmed that she was asked to leave in a tweet this morning.
She also got in a dig, noting that being asked to leave said more about the owner than her.
As has become common when a business stirs up controversy, the restaurant’s Yelp and Facebook pages have been flooded by reviewers weighing in on Sanders being given the boot.
On Yelp, one person from Texas wrote, “Decides who can and who cannot dine based on their employment or political affiliations. What a despicable business model! Poor decision by owners and management.”
Another, from California wrote, “I was dining at the Red Hen and witnessed them rudely refuse service to Sarah Huckabee Sanders. I was disgusted and appalled by the incident. I will never eat at this establishment again.”
Facebook was not much different.
There were also some positive comments, with one Yelper writing: “Best restaurant in the world. Owner has her head screwed on straight. I only wish I lived closer so I could eat here every night. Thank you for being brave, I’m sure you’re going to be threatened by all sorts of troglodytes. Stand tall, there are more of us than there are of them.”
Another seemed to draw a parallel to the Colorado baker who won his case in the Supreme Court after refusing to bake a cake for a gay couple, writing: “Glad you stood up for your moral convictions. This used to be against the law, but we all know who changed that and what’s good for the goose… well, you know the rest.”
In a similar incident, Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen was heckled by activists as she dined at a Mexican restaurant on Tuesday. The protesters chanted “shame!” repeatedly at the woman who has become the frontline defender of the Trump administration’s widely condemned practice of separating migrant children from their parents.
Jaike Foley-Schultz, who says he is a waiter at the Red Hen, shared a post on Facebook that said his boss kicked out the press secretary and her party.
The post went viral when the director of Clean Virginia, a left-leaning energy nonprofit, shared the post on Twitter, along with a handwritten note, purportedly from the restaurant, with the note: “86 — Sara Huckabee Sanders.”
The term “86” is restaurant shorthand for cutting people off, asking them to leave, or throwing them out.
Sanders confirmed that she was asked to leave in a tweet this morning.
“Last night I was told by the owner of Red Hen in Lexington, VA to leave because I work for [President Trump] and I politely left,” Sanders tweeted.
She also got in a dig, noting that being asked to leave said more about the owner than her.
As has become common when a business stirs up controversy, the restaurant’s Yelp and Facebook pages have been flooded by reviewers weighing in on Sanders being given the boot.
On Yelp, one person from Texas wrote, “Decides who can and who cannot dine based on their employment or political affiliations. What a despicable business model! Poor decision by owners and management.”
Another, from California wrote, “I was dining at the Red Hen and witnessed them rudely refuse service to Sarah Huckabee Sanders. I was disgusted and appalled by the incident. I will never eat at this establishment again.”
Facebook was not much different.
There were also some positive comments, with one Yelper writing: “Best restaurant in the world. Owner has her head screwed on straight. I only wish I lived closer so I could eat here every night. Thank you for being brave, I’m sure you’re going to be threatened by all sorts of troglodytes. Stand tall, there are more of us than there are of them.”
Another seemed to draw a parallel to the Colorado baker who won his case in the Supreme Court after refusing to bake a cake for a gay couple, writing: “Glad you stood up for your moral convictions. This used to be against the law, but we all know who changed that and what’s good for the goose… well, you know the rest.”
In a similar incident, Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen was heckled by activists as she dined at a Mexican restaurant on Tuesday. The protesters chanted “shame!” repeatedly at the woman who has become the frontline defender of the Trump administration’s widely condemned practice of separating migrant children from their parents.
“How can you enjoy a Mexican dinner as you’re deporting, imprisoning tens of thousands of people who come here seeking asylum in the United States?” one of the activists cried out in a 10-minute video the group posted on social media.
June 23, 2018
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has said that there will be no use of the electronic voting system in the 2019 general elections.
The occasion also saw the adoption of the revised 2018 edition of the Nigerian Media Code of election coverage by media stakeholders across the country, with the European Union pledging to support free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria.
Professor Yakubu said this on Friday while addressing participants at the International Press Institute world conference which took place in Abuja.
“There is no electronic balloting in 2019. In other words, there will be no electronic voting in the next general election but technology is already being used in many aspects of the processes.
“Electronic voting should be the ultimate step in the chain involving five inter-related processes,” he said.
The occasion also saw the adoption of the revised 2018 edition of the Nigerian Media Code of election coverage by media stakeholders across the country, with the European Union pledging to support free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria.
June 23, 2018
Serbia’s coach has reacted to his team’s World Cup defeat to Switzerland by calling for the referee to be put on trial in the Hague, in a reference to the war crimes tribunal for the ex-Yugoslavia.
Serbia were furious when German referee Felix Brych failed to award a penalty in Friday’s game after Aleksandar Mitrovic was wrestled to the ground in the penalty area by Swiss defenders Stephan Lichtsteiner and Fabian Schaer.
Despite opening the scoring through Mitrovic in the fifth minute, Serbia lost 2-1 after Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri netted for Switzerland.
The Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia is a UN body that prosecutes the perpetrators of war crimes committed during the wars in the former Yugoslavia.
Krstajic also posted photographs from the match on his Instagram account, accompanied by the comment: “Unfortunately, it seems that only the Serbs are condemned to a selective justice, once (it was) the Hague and today in football the VAR…”
He was referring to the video assistant referee that is being used in the World Cup to check controversial incidents, but was not used on this occasion.
The match in Kaliningrad was played in a febrile atmosphere underpinned by Balkan politics because Xhaka and Shaqiri have roots in Kosovo, a former province of Serbia that has declared independence in a move not recognised by Belgrade.
Both players pointedly celebrated their goals by making a double eagle gesture with their hands to represent the Albanian flag, with which many people in Kosovo identify.
Shaqiri said his celebration was “just emotion”.
AFP
Despite opening the scoring through Mitrovic in the fifth minute, Serbia lost 2-1 after Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri netted for Switzerland.
“We were robbed,” Mladen Krstajic told Serbian reporters on Saturday, when asked about Brych’s decision.
“I wouldn’t give him either a yellow or red card, I would send him to the Hague. Then they could put him on trial, like they did to us.”
The Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia is a UN body that prosecutes the perpetrators of war crimes committed during the wars in the former Yugoslavia.
Krstajic also posted photographs from the match on his Instagram account, accompanied by the comment: “Unfortunately, it seems that only the Serbs are condemned to a selective justice, once (it was) the Hague and today in football the VAR…”
He was referring to the video assistant referee that is being used in the World Cup to check controversial incidents, but was not used on this occasion.
The match in Kaliningrad was played in a febrile atmosphere underpinned by Balkan politics because Xhaka and Shaqiri have roots in Kosovo, a former province of Serbia that has declared independence in a move not recognised by Belgrade.
Both players pointedly celebrated their goals by making a double eagle gesture with their hands to represent the Albanian flag, with which many people in Kosovo identify.
Shaqiri said his celebration was “just emotion”.
AFP
June 23, 2018
Troops from the One Division of the Nigerian Army have killed at least 20 suspected bandits during an Operation in Jambrini village in Maru local government area of Zamfara state.
He said the troops who are part of the ongoing ‘Operation IDON RAINI Corridor II’, also destroyed several camps belonging to the armed bandits during an early morning raid on Saturday.
Colonel Dole further stated that the troops also arrested three suspected bandits during a gun battle, while some others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered during the operation included: four AK 47 rifles, One F 99 – Pistol, 111 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition among others.
The army spokesperson, however, re-affirmed its continued determination to frustrate activities of bandits in the state.
The Deputy Director Army Public Relations of One Division, Colonel Muhmmad Dole, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
He said the troops who are part of the ongoing ‘Operation IDON RAINI Corridor II’, also destroyed several camps belonging to the armed bandits during an early morning raid on Saturday.
Colonel Dole further stated that the troops also arrested three suspected bandits during a gun battle, while some others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered during the operation included: four AK 47 rifles, One F 99 – Pistol, 111 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition among others.
The army spokesperson, however, re-affirmed its continued determination to frustrate activities of bandits in the state.
June 23, 2018
Toni Kroos rescued Germany's World Cup hopes in dramatic fashion on Saturday, curling in a stunning free-kick deep in injury time to seal a 2-1 win against Sweden.
Germany's task was made more difficult when key defender Jerome Boateng was sent off in the 82st minute for a second yellow card.
But Kroos stepped up in the 95th minute to curl a free-kick from the left edge of the penalty area into the top corner, beating the despairing dive of Robin Olsen, who had been outstanding in the Swedish goal.
The result in Sochi means Germany join Sweden on three points in Group F, with Mexico in the lead on six points after their earlier victory against South Korea, who have no points after two games.
The final games in the group on Wednesday pit South Korea against Germany and Mexico against Sweden.
AFP / Khaled DESOUKI Javier Hernandez scored his 50th international goal for Mexico
Mexico showed that their shock defeat of Germany last weekend was no fluke with a 2-1 defeat of South Korea in Rostov-on-Don.
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez grabbed his 50th international goal while Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela was also on target from the penalty spot.
South Korea scored a late consolation strike from Tottenham's Son Heung-min, but it was too little, too late for the Asian giants, who desperately needed a victory after losing to Sweden in their opening game.
"Sometimes against teams that have less of a footballing tradition than the biggest nations, you can tend to rest on your laurels and lose concentration," said Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
"But it was a deserved victory. We are very happy and we share that with the whole of the country."
- Lukaku, Hazard strike -
Earlier, Belgium powered towards the last 16, producing an imperious display to overwhelm Tunisia, with Premier League stars Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard scoring two apiece in a 5-2 rout at Moscow's Spartak Stadium.
The one-sided victory cemented Belgium's place at the top of Group G and all but guaranteed their place in the knockout rounds, with just one group game, against England, remaining.
Manchester United striker Lukaku took his goals tally to the tournament to four as the Red Devils carved open Tunisia's defence with an impressive attacking display.
Chelsea playmaker Hazard fired Belgium into an early lead from the penalty spot before Lukaku found the net in the 16th minute, adding another on the stroke of half-time.
Hazard added another in the 51st minute before substitute Michy Batshuayi added the fifth in the 90th minute.
AFP / Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV Romelu Lukaku scored twice to draw level with Cristiano Ronaldo on four goals
Dylan Bronn and captain Wahbi Khazri grabbed consolation goals for Tunisia, who now face almost certain elimination.
"We are a good team, we want to reach the final and we are stronger than four years ago," said Hazard, the man-of-the-match.
"The match was easy because we scored after five minutes and knew Tunisia would leave spaces as they needed to win, making it easier for us."
Belgium and England will qualify for the last 16 on Sunday if England defeat Panama in Nizhny Novgorod.
The fallout from Friday's politically charged clash between Switzerland and Serbia rumbled on Saturday.
Switzerland snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Serbia on Friday courtesy of goals from Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri.
Both Xhaka and Shaqiri, who have roots in Kosovo, a former province of Serbia that has declared independence in a move not recognised by Belgrade, celebrated their goals by making a gesture representing the Albanian flag.
The Serbian press slammed the celebrations as "shameful provocation."
Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic demanded German match referee Felix Brych be tried as a war criminal in The Hague after failing to award his team a penalty.
"We were robbed," Mladen Krstajic told Serbian reporters on Saturday, when asked about Brych's decision.
"I wouldn't give him either a yellow or red card, I would send him to The Hague. Then they could put him on trial, like they did to us."
The now-defunct Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was a UN body that prosecutes the perpetrators of war crimes committed during the wars in the former Yugoslavia.
The defending champions were in desperate trouble when Ola Toivonen put the Swedes ahead in the first half and even though Marco Reus equalised shortly after the interval, Joachim Loew's men could not find the goal they craved as time ticked away.
Germany's task was made more difficult when key defender Jerome Boateng was sent off in the 82st minute for a second yellow card.
But Kroos stepped up in the 95th minute to curl a free-kick from the left edge of the penalty area into the top corner, beating the despairing dive of Robin Olsen, who had been outstanding in the Swedish goal.
The result in Sochi means Germany join Sweden on three points in Group F, with Mexico in the lead on six points after their earlier victory against South Korea, who have no points after two games.
The final games in the group on Wednesday pit South Korea against Germany and Mexico against Sweden.
AFP / Khaled DESOUKI Javier Hernandez scored his 50th international goal for Mexico
Mexico showed that their shock defeat of Germany last weekend was no fluke with a 2-1 defeat of South Korea in Rostov-on-Don.
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez grabbed his 50th international goal while Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela was also on target from the penalty spot.
South Korea scored a late consolation strike from Tottenham's Son Heung-min, but it was too little, too late for the Asian giants, who desperately needed a victory after losing to Sweden in their opening game.
"Sometimes against teams that have less of a footballing tradition than the biggest nations, you can tend to rest on your laurels and lose concentration," said Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
"But it was a deserved victory. We are very happy and we share that with the whole of the country."
- Lukaku, Hazard strike -
Earlier, Belgium powered towards the last 16, producing an imperious display to overwhelm Tunisia, with Premier League stars Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard scoring two apiece in a 5-2 rout at Moscow's Spartak Stadium.
The one-sided victory cemented Belgium's place at the top of Group G and all but guaranteed their place in the knockout rounds, with just one group game, against England, remaining.
Manchester United striker Lukaku took his goals tally to the tournament to four as the Red Devils carved open Tunisia's defence with an impressive attacking display.
Chelsea playmaker Hazard fired Belgium into an early lead from the penalty spot before Lukaku found the net in the 16th minute, adding another on the stroke of half-time.
Hazard added another in the 51st minute before substitute Michy Batshuayi added the fifth in the 90th minute.
AFP / Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV Romelu Lukaku scored twice to draw level with Cristiano Ronaldo on four goals
Dylan Bronn and captain Wahbi Khazri grabbed consolation goals for Tunisia, who now face almost certain elimination.
"We are a good team, we want to reach the final and we are stronger than four years ago," said Hazard, the man-of-the-match.
"The match was easy because we scored after five minutes and knew Tunisia would leave spaces as they needed to win, making it easier for us."
Belgium and England will qualify for the last 16 on Sunday if England defeat Panama in Nizhny Novgorod.
The fallout from Friday's politically charged clash between Switzerland and Serbia rumbled on Saturday.
Switzerland snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Serbia on Friday courtesy of goals from Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri.
Both Xhaka and Shaqiri, who have roots in Kosovo, a former province of Serbia that has declared independence in a move not recognised by Belgrade, celebrated their goals by making a gesture representing the Albanian flag.
The Serbian press slammed the celebrations as "shameful provocation."
Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic demanded German match referee Felix Brych be tried as a war criminal in The Hague after failing to award his team a penalty.
"We were robbed," Mladen Krstajic told Serbian reporters on Saturday, when asked about Brych's decision.
"I wouldn't give him either a yellow or red card, I would send him to The Hague. Then they could put him on trial, like they did to us."
The now-defunct Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was a UN body that prosecutes the perpetrators of war crimes committed during the wars in the former Yugoslavia.
June 23, 2018
Something tells us this is the happiest wedding the Game of Thrones cast has ever seen.
Harington and Leslie, who starred as love interests Jon Snow and Ygritte from seasons four through six on the HBO series, found love in real life, and got engaged last September after five years of dating. They announced their wedding date in May.
In an October interview on The Jonathan Ross Show, Harington revealed that he nearly ruined his proposal to Leslie, deciding to forgo his extravagant plans and pop the question a day early.
Leslie's character, Ygritte, was killed off the show in season six. The 31-year-old actress is now starring on The Good Fight, while Jon Snow is now romancing Clarke's character, Daenerys Targaryen -- but Harington and Leslie taking their romance off-screen is all good in Clarke's book.
And in 2017, Harington couldn't help but gush to ET about how he found a real-life love connection on GoT.
Kit Harington and Rose Leslie tied the knot at the actress' family's castle, Wardhill, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on Saturday. It was a star-studded affair as fellow Thrones stars Sophie Turner, Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke and more were there to watch the couple say "I do."
Harington and Leslie, who starred as love interests Jon Snow and Ygritte from seasons four through six on the HBO series, found love in real life, and got engaged last September after five years of dating. They announced their wedding date in May.
In an October interview on The Jonathan Ross Show, Harington revealed that he nearly ruined his proposal to Leslie, deciding to forgo his extravagant plans and pop the question a day early.
"I was going to string up some lights in some trees and do all the romantic stuff," he revealed. "But we were in the country and we were under this beautiful night sky and had a log fire burning and red wine."
"I blew my load early," Harington, 31, confessed. "I was meant to do it the day after with the lights. What I meant to say was, I popped my question a bit early."
Leslie's character, Ygritte, was killed off the show in season six. The 31-year-old actress is now starring on The Good Fight, while Jon Snow is now romancing Clarke's character, Daenerys Targaryen -- but Harington and Leslie taking their romance off-screen is all good in Clarke's book.
"My goodness! You know, we like to spread the love on our show. It's a beautiful thing," she told ET in 2016. "She's one of my best friends, so it's good."
And in 2017, Harington couldn't help but gush to ET about how he found a real-life love connection on GoT.
“I think that's the really special thing about it is that we met on this show and here we are seven years down the line back here promoting season seven,” he said. “I mean, it's mad. It's such a special thing. I'm so privileged.”
June 23, 2018
Perks of having your dad date Jennifer Lopez?
Alex Rodriguez took to social media on Friday to share a fun video showing his daughter, Natasha, and girlfriend, Lopez, performing a perfectly in sync dance to Lopez’s hit, “Dinero,” featuring Cardi B and DJ Khaled.
In the clip, taken on a boat, the gorgeous ladies rocked bikinis while pumping out the killer choreography.
“#dinero #tashi @jlo,” Rodriguez simply captioned the post.
Natasha, 13, is the eldest of Rodriguez’s two daughters with ex-wife, Cynthia Scurtis. They are also parents to Ella, 10.
Lopez meanwhile has 10-year-old twins, Max and Emme, from her marriage to Marc Anthony.
The World of Dance star recently paid tribute to the role Rodriguez has played in her and her twins’ lives.
However, on Saturday, the couple took some time out from the kids to hang out a country club, with Lopez, “trying to fit in.”
Learning killer moves from a queen of dance!
Alex Rodriguez took to social media on Friday to share a fun video showing his daughter, Natasha, and girlfriend, Lopez, performing a perfectly in sync dance to Lopez’s hit, “Dinero,” featuring Cardi B and DJ Khaled.
In the clip, taken on a boat, the gorgeous ladies rocked bikinis while pumping out the killer choreography.
“#dinero #tashi @jlo,” Rodriguez simply captioned the post.
Natasha, 13, is the eldest of Rodriguez’s two daughters with ex-wife, Cynthia Scurtis. They are also parents to Ella, 10.
Lopez meanwhile has 10-year-old twins, Max and Emme, from her marriage to Marc Anthony.
The World of Dance star recently paid tribute to the role Rodriguez has played in her and her twins’ lives.
"Appreciating you and loving you today and everyday for being our fearless leader, our everyday hero, for making us all laugh and enjoy this adventure we are all on together in every moment... for being the ringmaster to this traveling circus we call our life!!” she wrote in a sweet Father’s Day post.
“We love you today and everyday,” she continued. “Happy Fathers Day to the most loving daddy to Tashi and Ella!! And thank you my love for being so beautifully loving to Emme and Max. Your kindness and generosity is never taken for granted. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives... ♥️♥️.”
However, on Saturday, the couple took some time out from the kids to hang out a country club, with Lopez, “trying to fit in.”
XXXTentacion Murder: Police Reveal How Killers Tracked Rapper In Final Moments Before Fatal Shooting
June 23, 2018
The killers of rapper XXXTentacion tracked his movements before shooting him dead in a robbery, police have revealed.
A 22-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with murdering the rapper, real name Jahseh Onfroy, after he was ambushed and fatally shot in his BMW electric car in Florida.
Police said surveillance camera footage showed two men climbing out of a dark SUV and following the rapper into Riva Motorsports in Deerfield Beach at 3.30pm on Monday.
One of the men, wearing a white tank top and wearing bright orange sandals, bought a mask from the high-end dealership’s parts department, added detective John Curcio of the Broward Sheriff’s Office in a sworn court statement obtained by the New York Times.
The men then left the store and moved their vehicle to the entrance of the car park. When Onfroy tried to drive away in his BMW, his killers – now masked and armed – stepped out of their car and “demanded property”, wrote the detective.
“After a brief struggle, the victim is shot,” Det Curcio added. XXXTentacion’s killers stole a Louis Vuitton bag from his car before driving off.
XXXTentacion's attorney, David Bogenschutz, said investigators told him the rapper had visited a bank shortly before the shooting and possibly withdrew cash to buy a motorbike. He said Onfroy appeared to have been the victim of a "random robbery".
Dedrick Devonshay Williams, of Pompano Beach, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with the rapper’s first-degree murder.
Police said they found recent pictures of Williams, a tattoo artist, wearing “the same or similar bright orange sandals” as Onfroy’s killer on his Instagram feed. Riva Motorsports staff also identified him from photographs.
No other arrests have been made but the sheriff's office said it was seeking additional suspects in the murder investigation.
Williams appeared before Broward County judge Kim Theresa Mollica via video on Thursday afternoon.
Court records show Williams has been charged previously with several offences, including car theft, domestic violence, cocaine possession and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Some of the charges were dropped and he is not thought to have spent time in prison.
XXXTentacion's girlfriend revealed on Friday she was pregnant with the artist's baby.
His mother, Cleopatra Bernard, confirmed his girlfriend was pregnant on Instagram, where she posted an ultrasound photo with the caption: “He left us a final gift.”
Onfroy had been widely touted as a future superstar his genre. His album ? topped the US charts in March.
However, his career was also dogged by controversy and at the time of his death he was facing charges over accusations he beat up his pregnant ex-girlfriend.
CCTV footage studied by detectives showed two men, one in orange sandals, following XXXTentacion into a motorbike dealership, where they bought a red mask, according to court documents.
A 22-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with murdering the rapper, real name Jahseh Onfroy, after he was ambushed and fatally shot in his BMW electric car in Florida.
Police said surveillance camera footage showed two men climbing out of a dark SUV and following the rapper into Riva Motorsports in Deerfield Beach at 3.30pm on Monday.
One of the men, wearing a white tank top and wearing bright orange sandals, bought a mask from the high-end dealership’s parts department, added detective John Curcio of the Broward Sheriff’s Office in a sworn court statement obtained by the New York Times.
The men then left the store and moved their vehicle to the entrance of the car park. When Onfroy tried to drive away in his BMW, his killers – now masked and armed – stepped out of their car and “demanded property”, wrote the detective.
“After a brief struggle, the victim is shot,” Det Curcio added. XXXTentacion’s killers stole a Louis Vuitton bag from his car before driving off.
XXXTentacion's attorney, David Bogenschutz, said investigators told him the rapper had visited a bank shortly before the shooting and possibly withdrew cash to buy a motorbike. He said Onfroy appeared to have been the victim of a "random robbery".
Dedrick Devonshay Williams, of Pompano Beach, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with the rapper’s first-degree murder.
Police said they found recent pictures of Williams, a tattoo artist, wearing “the same or similar bright orange sandals” as Onfroy’s killer on his Instagram feed. Riva Motorsports staff also identified him from photographs.
No other arrests have been made but the sheriff's office said it was seeking additional suspects in the murder investigation.
Williams appeared before Broward County judge Kim Theresa Mollica via video on Thursday afternoon.
Court records show Williams has been charged previously with several offences, including car theft, domestic violence, cocaine possession and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Some of the charges were dropped and he is not thought to have spent time in prison.
XXXTentacion's girlfriend revealed on Friday she was pregnant with the artist's baby.
His mother, Cleopatra Bernard, confirmed his girlfriend was pregnant on Instagram, where she posted an ultrasound photo with the caption: “He left us a final gift.”
Onfroy had been widely touted as a future superstar his genre. His album ? topped the US charts in March.
However, his career was also dogged by controversy and at the time of his death he was facing charges over accusations he beat up his pregnant ex-girlfriend.
June 23, 2018
North and South Korean officials agreed Friday to hold highly emotional temporary reunions in August of families separated since the 1950-53 Korean War. A look at key issues:
MILLIONS SPLIT BY WAR
After the conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, the two Koreas banned millions of people who found themselves suddenly divided from visiting each other's territory across the world's most heavily fortified border. Decades later, most have no word on whether their loved ones are still alive — their governments prohibit even exchanging letters, phone calls and emails.
Most of the separated family members are now in their 70s and older and eager to reunite with their long-lost relatives before they die. In South Korea, more than half of the 132,124 people who applied for past reunions have died.
ON-AND-OFF REUNIONS
There was a one-time, small-scale reunion in 1985. But the reunions in their current form were first held in 2000, after the leaders of the two Koreas held a first-ever summit earlier that year. About 23,520 Koreans have had meetings together since 2000 — some 19,770 in person and the others by video. Most of the 20 face-to-face reunions were held at the North's scenic Diamond Mountain resort, the site for the next reunion.
The last such event was held in 2015. Participants were typically given three days to spend with their relatives and parted again for good after their brief encounters. No Koreans have ever been given a second chance to see their relatives from the other side.
TEAR-JERKER
In past reunions, elderly Koreans wept, embraced and stroked each other's cheeks in a rush of words and emotions. Some exchanged gifts like long johns, liquor and photographs of relatives who couldn't attend or had died, while others struggled to continue their conversations. They included women who had never remarried and were briefly reunited with husbands who had new families, and those who met relatives they assumed had already died and had memorial services held for them.
North Koreans typically wore almost identical clothes: men in dark suits, ties and bowler hats and women in traditional Korean "hanbok" dresses. During tearful separations at the end of three days, many aboard buses extended their hands out the windows to hold their relatives' hands one last time.
WHO CAN ATTEND
South Korea uses a computerized lottery system to pick participants, while observers believe North Korea chooses only citizens seen as loyal to its authoritarian government. Some South Koreans said they were surprised after seeing their North Korean relatives praising their ruling Kim dynasty even during private meetings in hotel rooms.
South Korea has long pushed for more reunions, but North Korea is reportedly reluctant to do so because it worries the expansion of its citizens' contacts with more affluent South Koreans could eventually loosen its grip on power. The North has also often tried to win aid and concessions from South Korea for allowing reunions.
After the conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, the two Koreas banned millions of people who found themselves suddenly divided from visiting each other's territory across the world's most heavily fortified border. Decades later, most have no word on whether their loved ones are still alive — their governments prohibit even exchanging letters, phone calls and emails.
Most of the separated family members are now in their 70s and older and eager to reunite with their long-lost relatives before they die. In South Korea, more than half of the 132,124 people who applied for past reunions have died.
ON-AND-OFF REUNIONS
There was a one-time, small-scale reunion in 1985. But the reunions in their current form were first held in 2000, after the leaders of the two Koreas held a first-ever summit earlier that year. About 23,520 Koreans have had meetings together since 2000 — some 19,770 in person and the others by video. Most of the 20 face-to-face reunions were held at the North's scenic Diamond Mountain resort, the site for the next reunion.
The last such event was held in 2015. Participants were typically given three days to spend with their relatives and parted again for good after their brief encounters. No Koreans have ever been given a second chance to see their relatives from the other side.
TEAR-JERKER
In past reunions, elderly Koreans wept, embraced and stroked each other's cheeks in a rush of words and emotions. Some exchanged gifts like long johns, liquor and photographs of relatives who couldn't attend or had died, while others struggled to continue their conversations. They included women who had never remarried and were briefly reunited with husbands who had new families, and those who met relatives they assumed had already died and had memorial services held for them.
North Koreans typically wore almost identical clothes: men in dark suits, ties and bowler hats and women in traditional Korean "hanbok" dresses. During tearful separations at the end of three days, many aboard buses extended their hands out the windows to hold their relatives' hands one last time.
WHO CAN ATTEND
South Korea uses a computerized lottery system to pick participants, while observers believe North Korea chooses only citizens seen as loyal to its authoritarian government. Some South Koreans said they were surprised after seeing their North Korean relatives praising their ruling Kim dynasty even during private meetings in hotel rooms.
South Korea has long pushed for more reunions, but North Korea is reportedly reluctant to do so because it worries the expansion of its citizens' contacts with more affluent South Koreans could eventually loosen its grip on power. The North has also often tried to win aid and concessions from South Korea for allowing reunions.
June 23, 2018
No fewer than 18 persons were reportedly killed and several others injured following an attack on
Dowayan village in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The residents said the herdsmen struck around 8:00 pm attacking the communities in the village. Several houses were also burnt and properties destroyed.
Numan, Demsa and Girei Local Governments Areas in Adamawa State have previously been attacked by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.
Dowayan village in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Local residents say the attack was carried out last night by herdsmen.
The residents said the herdsmen struck around 8:00 pm attacking the communities in the village. Several houses were also burnt and properties destroyed.
Numan, Demsa and Girei Local Governments Areas in Adamawa State have previously been attacked by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.
June 23, 2018
One of France’s richest men Francois Pinault faced a backlash on Saturday for accusing President Emmanuel Macron of “not understanding little people.”
Macron, who has been dubbed a “president of the rich” by his detractors, was criticized this week for unveiling plans for a swimming pool at his private presidential retreat.
Pinault was said to be close to former president Jacques Chirac, prosecuted in 2011 for embezzlement during his time as mayor of Paris, and voted for the Socialist Francois Hollande in the 2012 presidential election.
Defending Macron, government spokesman Benjamin Grivaux told Radio 1: “From someone who for a long time did not pay taxes, I’m not sure he himself understands the little people.”
MP Richard Ferrand from Macron’s La Republique en Marche party, added that Pinault’s comments were “surreal,” quipping on Twitter that “only billionaires can understand others.”
In 2002, Pinault settled a dispute with the tax authorities, paying out 450 million euros, after sharing his business group with his children.
The year before he handed the reins of his empire — which includes the Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Puma and Balenciaga brands — to his son Francois-Henri, who is married to Hollywood star Salma Hayek.
Since then the businessman, who also owns the auction house Christie’s, has mostly dedicated himself to his art collection.
“I am afraid that he is leading France toward a system that forgets the most modest,” the French billionaire and luxury goods mogul told M du Monde magazine on Friday.
Macron, who has been dubbed a “president of the rich” by his detractors, was criticized this week for unveiling plans for a swimming pool at his private presidential retreat.
Pinault was said to be close to former president Jacques Chirac, prosecuted in 2011 for embezzlement during his time as mayor of Paris, and voted for the Socialist Francois Hollande in the 2012 presidential election.
Defending Macron, government spokesman Benjamin Grivaux told Radio 1: “From someone who for a long time did not pay taxes, I’m not sure he himself understands the little people.”
MP Richard Ferrand from Macron’s La Republique en Marche party, added that Pinault’s comments were “surreal,” quipping on Twitter that “only billionaires can understand others.”
In 2002, Pinault settled a dispute with the tax authorities, paying out 450 million euros, after sharing his business group with his children.
The year before he handed the reins of his empire — which includes the Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Puma and Balenciaga brands — to his son Francois-Henri, who is married to Hollywood star Salma Hayek.
Since then the businessman, who also owns the auction house Christie’s, has mostly dedicated himself to his art collection.
June 23, 2018
The Benue State Government has denied having anything to do with the arrest of a former governor of the state, Mr Gabriel Suswam, by the Department of State Services.
According to a statement by Mr Terver Akase, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Samuel Ortom, claims that the arrest was based on a petition by the governor, are false.
“We wish to categorically state that Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom did not write a petition which led to the arrest of former Governor of the State, Gabriel Suswam, contrary to some media reports,” the statement read in part.
An aide to Suswam, who confirmed his arrest, had alleged on Tuesday that he was arrested as a result of a petition by the Governor Ortom.
The government, however, believes the allegation is false and aimed at causing disaffection and creating “a state of confusion” in Benue.
It, however, said that it had written a petition to the DSS against the leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as a result of the killings in the state.
Since New Year’s Day when suspected herdsmen attacked the state killing 73 persons in what turned out to be the start of a fresh wave of killings in the state, the Governor has blamed the attacks on Miyetti Allah.
The group has strongly opposed the state’s anti-open grazing law and the government says it will not relent until victims of the attacks get justice.
“We wish to categorically state that Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom did not write a petition which led to the arrest of former Governor of the State, Gabriel Suswam, contrary to some media reports,” the statement read in part.
An aide to Suswam, who confirmed his arrest, had alleged on Tuesday that he was arrested as a result of a petition by the Governor Ortom.
The government, however, believes the allegation is false and aimed at causing disaffection and creating “a state of confusion” in Benue.
It, however, said that it had written a petition to the DSS against the leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as a result of the killings in the state.
Since New Year’s Day when suspected herdsmen attacked the state killing 73 persons in what turned out to be the start of a fresh wave of killings in the state, the Governor has blamed the attacks on Miyetti Allah.
The group has strongly opposed the state’s anti-open grazing law and the government says it will not relent until victims of the attacks get justice.
“The Benue State Government has written a petition against leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and has filed a lawsuit against the group. The State Government has evidence to prove that the socio-cultural organisation is responsible for recent attacks and killing of innocent people in the state,” the government said.
“The Ortom administration will not be distracted from its commitment to get justice for victims of mindless attacks on the state.”
“The Ortom administration will not be distracted from its commitment to get justice for victims of mindless attacks on the state.”
June 23, 2018
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he survived an attempt on his life after a blast at a party rally Saturday, while one of his vice-presidents and several other party officials were wounded.
A number of other people were also hurt in the explosion during the election campaign event in Zimbabwe's second city Bulawayo, according to witnesses, but no official toll has yet emerged.
Footage circulating on social media showed an explosion and plumes of smoke around the president as he descended stairs from the podium at the White City stadium.
Mnangagwa suggested he was the target of the attack, which he said also injured Vice-President Kemo Mohadi.
State broadcaster ZBC also reported that the ZANU-PF party secretary in charge of political organisation, Engelbert Rugeje, was injured.
- 'Senseless act of violence' -
Mnangagwa told state media that an object "exploded a few inches away from me -- but it is not my time".
The "blast... has affected my vice-presidents -- especially comrade Mohadi," he added.
ZBC described the blast as "an assassination attempt".
But Mnangagwa insisted that the "country is peaceful" as Zimbabwe prepares to stage its first ever elections not to feature former president Robert Mugabe on July 30.
According to Mnangagwa's spokesman George Charamba, the president was "evacuated successfully" to his official residence in Bulawayo.
- 'People started running' -
Mnangagwa had been in the city to campaign for votes ahead of nationwide elections due on July 30.
The polls in five weeks will be the first since Zimbabwe's veteran leader Robert Mugabe resigned following a brief military takeover in November last year after 37 years in power.
The intervention by the army was led by Chiwenga who was then head of the armed forces.
The vote will be a key test for Mnangagwa, 75, who succeeded the 94-year-old autocrat and remains untested at the ballot box.
He has pledged to hold free and fair elections as he seeks to mend international relations and have sanctions against Zimbabwe dropped.
Previous elections in Zimbabwe have been marred by electoral fraud, intimidation and violence, including the killing of scores of opposition supporters in 2008.
Mnangagwa has been accused of involvement in the Gukurahundi massacres of the 1980s that claimed the lives of around 20,000 regime opponents in the country's southwest where Bulawayo is situated.
Twenty-three candidates –- the highest number in the country's history -- will contest the presidential race.
The main competition will be between Mnangagwa and the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change's leader, 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa.
Footage circulating on social media showed an explosion and plumes of smoke around the president as he descended stairs from the podium at the White City stadium.
Mnangagwa suggested he was the target of the attack, which he said also injured Vice-President Kemo Mohadi.
"I am used to these attempts," Mnangagwa said in his first comments on the explosion.ZANU-PF chairwoman and cabinet minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and the wife of the other vice-president, retired General Constantino Chiwenga, Mary Chiwenga were injured, he said, as was deputy parliament speaker Mabel Chinomona.
State broadcaster ZBC also reported that the ZANU-PF party secretary in charge of political organisation, Engelbert Rugeje, was injured.
- 'Senseless act of violence' -
Mnangagwa told state media that an object "exploded a few inches away from me -- but it is not my time".
The "blast... has affected my vice-presidents -- especially comrade Mohadi," he added.
ZBC described the blast as "an assassination attempt".
But Mnangagwa insisted that the "country is peaceful" as Zimbabwe prepares to stage its first ever elections not to feature former president Robert Mugabe on July 30.
"Several people were affected by the blast, and I have already been to visit them in the hospital," Mnangagwa wrote on his verified Facebook account describing the attack as a "senseless act of violence".Injured ZANU-PF supporters were pictured in a nearby hospital where one man wearing a blood-stained party T-shirt waited for treatment.
"The campaign so far has been conducted in a free and peaceful environment, and we will not allow this cowardly act to get in our way as we move towards elections."
"The campaign so far has been conducted in a free and peaceful environment, and we will not allow this cowardly act to get in our way as we move towards elections."
According to Mnangagwa's spokesman George Charamba, the president was "evacuated successfully" to his official residence in Bulawayo.
- 'People started running' -
Mnangagwa had been in the city to campaign for votes ahead of nationwide elections due on July 30.
"People started running in all directions and then immediately the president's motorcade left at a very high speed. Suddenly soldiers and other security details were all over the place," said an AFP correspondent at the scene.Bulawayo has long been a bastion of opposition to the ZANU-PF and it was Mnangagwa's first rally in the city.
The polls in five weeks will be the first since Zimbabwe's veteran leader Robert Mugabe resigned following a brief military takeover in November last year after 37 years in power.
The intervention by the army was led by Chiwenga who was then head of the armed forces.
The vote will be a key test for Mnangagwa, 75, who succeeded the 94-year-old autocrat and remains untested at the ballot box.
He has pledged to hold free and fair elections as he seeks to mend international relations and have sanctions against Zimbabwe dropped.
Previous elections in Zimbabwe have been marred by electoral fraud, intimidation and violence, including the killing of scores of opposition supporters in 2008.
Mnangagwa has been accused of involvement in the Gukurahundi massacres of the 1980s that claimed the lives of around 20,000 regime opponents in the country's southwest where Bulawayo is situated.
Twenty-three candidates –- the highest number in the country's history -- will contest the presidential race.
The main competition will be between Mnangagwa and the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change's leader, 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa.
June 23, 2018
Belgium and Mexico powered towards the last 16 of the World Cup on Saturday with convincing victories as defending champions Germany prepared for a crunch clash with Sweden aiming to avoid a humiliating first-round exit.
Tournament dark horses Belgium produced an imperious display to overwhelm Tunisia, with Premier League stars Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard scoring two apiece in a 5-2 rout at Moscow's Spartak Stadium.
The one-sided victory cemented Belgium's place at the top of Group G and all but guaranteed their place in the knockout rounds, with just one group game, against England, remaining.
Manchester United striker Lukaku took his goals tally to the tournament to four as the Red Devils carved open Tunisia's defence with an impressive attacking display.
Chelsea playmaker Hazard fired Belgium into an early lead from the penalty spot before Lukaku found the net in the 16th minute, adding another on the stroke of half-time.
Hazard added another in the 51st minute before substitute Michy Batshuayi added the fifth in the 90th minute.
Dylan Bronn and captain Wahbi Khazri grabbed consolation goals for Tunisia, who now face almost certain elimination.
"We are a good team, we want to reach the final and we are stronger than four years ago," said Belgium captain Hazard, the man-of-the-match.
"The match was easy because we scored after five minutes and knew Tunisia would leave spaces as they needed to win, making it easier for us."
Belgium and England will qualify for the last 16 on Sunday if England defeat Panama in Nizhny Novgorod.
Mexico meanwhile showed that their shock defeat of Germany last weekend was no fluke with a 2-1 defeat of South Korea in Rostov-on-Don in Saturday's second game.
- Hernandez half-century -
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez grabbed his 50th international goal while Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela was also on target from the penalty spot.
South Korea scored a late consolation strike from Tottenham's Son Heung-min, but it was too little too late for the Asian giants, who desperately needed a victory after defeat by Sweden in their opening game.
The win leaves Mexico in pole position to win Group F with six points from two games. A point against Sweden in their final game will guarantee them a place in the last 16.
Mexico could even advance before then if Germany fail to beat Sweden later Saturday in Sochi.
Pressure is building on the 2014 champions following their defeat against Mexico in the opening game.
Coach Joachim Loew made four changes to his starting line-up for the Sweden game, most notably dropping Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil.
Mats Hummels is absent due to injury, while Sami Khedira and Marvin Plattenhardt are also dropped along with Ozil.
Germany team director Oliver Bierhoff said the Sweden game was treated like "our first 'final'."
"It's annoying that it comes so early, but it's self-inflicted," Bierhoff said.
Meanwhile, the fallout from Friday's politically charged clash between Switzerland and Serbia rumbled on Saturday.
Switzerland snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Serbia on Friday courtesy of goals from Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri.
Both Xhaka and Shaqiri, who have roots in Kosovo, a former province of Serbia that has declared independence in a move not recognised by Belgrade, celebrated their goals by making a gesture representing the Albanian flag.
Serbian press slammed the celebrations as "shameful provocation."
Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic meanwhile demanded German match referee Felix Brych be tried as a war criminal in The Hague after failing to award his team a penalty.
The now-defunct Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was a UN body that prosecutes the perpetrators of war crimes committed during the wars in the former Yugoslavia.
The one-sided victory cemented Belgium's place at the top of Group G and all but guaranteed their place in the knockout rounds, with just one group game, against England, remaining.
Manchester United striker Lukaku took his goals tally to the tournament to four as the Red Devils carved open Tunisia's defence with an impressive attacking display.
Chelsea playmaker Hazard fired Belgium into an early lead from the penalty spot before Lukaku found the net in the 16th minute, adding another on the stroke of half-time.
Hazard added another in the 51st minute before substitute Michy Batshuayi added the fifth in the 90th minute.
Dylan Bronn and captain Wahbi Khazri grabbed consolation goals for Tunisia, who now face almost certain elimination.
"We are a good team, we want to reach the final and we are stronger than four years ago," said Belgium captain Hazard, the man-of-the-match.
"The match was easy because we scored after five minutes and knew Tunisia would leave spaces as they needed to win, making it easier for us."
Belgium and England will qualify for the last 16 on Sunday if England defeat Panama in Nizhny Novgorod.
Mexico meanwhile showed that their shock defeat of Germany last weekend was no fluke with a 2-1 defeat of South Korea in Rostov-on-Don in Saturday's second game.
- Hernandez half-century -
South Korea scored a late consolation strike from Tottenham's Son Heung-min, but it was too little too late for the Asian giants, who desperately needed a victory after defeat by Sweden in their opening game.
The win leaves Mexico in pole position to win Group F with six points from two games. A point against Sweden in their final game will guarantee them a place in the last 16.
Mexico could even advance before then if Germany fail to beat Sweden later Saturday in Sochi.
Pressure is building on the 2014 champions following their defeat against Mexico in the opening game.
Coach Joachim Loew made four changes to his starting line-up for the Sweden game, most notably dropping Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil.
Mats Hummels is absent due to injury, while Sami Khedira and Marvin Plattenhardt are also dropped along with Ozil.
Germany team director Oliver Bierhoff said the Sweden game was treated like "our first 'final'."
"It's annoying that it comes so early, but it's self-inflicted," Bierhoff said.
Meanwhile, the fallout from Friday's politically charged clash between Switzerland and Serbia rumbled on Saturday.
Switzerland snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Serbia on Friday courtesy of goals from Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri.
Both Xhaka and Shaqiri, who have roots in Kosovo, a former province of Serbia that has declared independence in a move not recognised by Belgrade, celebrated their goals by making a gesture representing the Albanian flag.
Serbian press slammed the celebrations as "shameful provocation."
Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic meanwhile demanded German match referee Felix Brych be tried as a war criminal in The Hague after failing to award his team a penalty.
"We were robbed," Mladen Krstajic told Serbian reporters on Saturday, when asked about Brych's decision.
"I wouldn't give him either a yellow or red card, I would send him to the Hague. Then they could put him on trial, like they did to us."
"I wouldn't give him either a yellow or red card, I would send him to the Hague. Then they could put him on trial, like they did to us."
The now-defunct Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was a UN body that prosecutes the perpetrators of war crimes committed during the wars in the former Yugoslavia.
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