Global Naija Info

President Muhammadu Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians to be on the alert and watch out for strange figures settling in their communities this new year. In his new year message to the nation, the president urged Nigerians to report to the nearest security agencies strange figures found in their communities as the armed forces intensify the pursuit of fleeing terrorists from the captured Sambisa Forest. ”I urge all Nigerians to be on the alert and watch out for strange figures settling in their communities, and report to the nearest security agencies, as our armed forces intensify the pursuit of fleeing terrorists from the captured Sambisa Forest. ”Misguided elements who decided to take up arms against constituted authorities must be brought to face the full weight of the law. ”The support of all Nigerians to security agencies to enable them successfully execute their mandate is crucial in our bid to effectively secure our country,” President Buhari stated

Liverpool consolidated on its second position by beating Manchester City one nil in a hard fought encounter at Antfied to end the year with a win. Georginio Wijnaldum’s header was enough for Liverpool to defeat Manchester City and move clear in the pursuit of Premier League leaders Chelsea. In a poor game, Wijnaldum rose to meet Adam Lallana’s cross to score with the first half’s only effort on target. City improved slightly after the break, had more possession and more efforts on goal, but barely troubled Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet. Second-placed Liverpool are six points behind Chelsea and four ahead of City. Arsenal, in fourth, are two adrift of City before their game against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

President Muhammadu Buhari In the discharge of his mandate as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mediator for The Gambia, President Muhammadu Buhari has activated the process for the execution of his task. A statement signed by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) on Saturday revealed that one of the outcomes of the just-concluded ECOWAS Summit held on December 17, 2016 in Abuja was the decision to designate President Muhammadu Buhari as the Mediator for The Gambia with Mr. John Mahama, the out-going President of Ghana as Co-Mediator. The Summit also gave the terms of reference to include ensuring the safety of the President-Elect, Adama Barrow, the political leaders and the entire population; upholding the result of the Presidential election held on December 1, 2016 and ensuring that the President-elect is sworn into office on January 19, 2017, in conformity with the constitution of the country. On the direction of the P

President Muhammadu Buhari Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to defeat corruption, insecurity and revamp the economy in 2017. The president, in his New Year message urged Nigerians to be alert as fleeing insurgents might want to hide in their domains. saying that they must report such to security agencies in their area. READ FULL SPEECH My dear Compatriots, I am happy to welcome you to the beginning of a New Year in our beloved country Nigeria. I felicitate with you today at a time when our nation is witnessing a new and impressive turnaround in our security and socio-economic situation. I know you will join me to, once again, congratulate the heroic and gallant efforts of our military and other security agencies on their remarkable successes to rid the nation of terrorism. Following the successful capture of Sambisa Forest, spearheaded by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, we have entered a new phase in our battle against our common enemy, Boko Haram. When we see

Robson-Kanu Hal Robson-Kanu scored a stunning winner on his first Premier League start since May 2013 as West Brom came from behind to beat Southampton. The Wales international spearheaded a well-drilled West Brom outfit, but they conceded possession all too easily in the first half and fell behind to Shane Long’s powerful header. They levelled within two minutes when Robson-Kanu turned Chris Brunt’s first-time pass into the path of Matt Phillips, who finished neatly. The Baggies were perhaps fortunate not to have Allan Nyom sent off before half-time, and they took full advantage when Robson-Kanu slammed left-footed into the top corner from 20 yards. Robson-Kanu was the only change to the side beaten at Arsenal, and boss Tony Pulis was rewarded with a show of determination and organisation as Saints had few clear-cut chances. Southampton, who made six changes following a 4-1 loss to Spurs, were blunt and ultimately exposed by their efficient visitors, their day made worse when V

Slimani heads Leicester to a win Leicester City pulled six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone as Islam Slimani’s header ended West Ham United’s three-match winning run. Slimani had already headed against the post when he nodded home Marc Albrighton’s excellent cross. Home keeper Kasper Schmeichel twice denied Dimitri Payet with fine saves, while Michail Antonio hammered a shot against the Leicester bar. Schmeichel also did well to keep out Aaron Creswell’s deflected free-kick as champions Leicester ended a momentous 2016 with a first clean sheet in 12 league games. The win lifts the Foxes one place to 15th, while West Ham’s first league defeat since 3 December means they drop from 11th to 13th. Leicester chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha rewarded the club’s older fans with a free beer before the game. It was not to drown their sorrows despite a poor first half to the season, but to reward them for their backing during a historic year in which the 5,000-1 outside

Andre Gray scores for Burnley Andre Gray became the first Burnley player to score a Premier League hat-trick as the Clarets comfortably defeated a poor Sunderland side. Gray, who was playing in the sixth tier of English football with Hinckley United in 2012, netted his first after a defensive mix-up between John O’Shea and Papy Djilobodji. The striker rounded Vito Mannone for his second before completing his treble with a low shot from Ashley Barnes’ pass. Barnes converted a penalty to make it 4-0, before a consolation goal from Jermain Defoe after good play from Adnan Januzaj.

Jose Mourinho Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba scored late goals as Manchester United deservedly beat Middlesbrough in the Premier League. The home side had fallen behind when Grant Leadbitter gave Boro a shock lead, drilling home a low finish from Alvaro Negredo’s knock down. Up until then, United had bossed a match in which Pogba struck the post with an overhead kick and Martial hit the same upright with a long-range strike. Zlatan Ibrahimovic also had a goal harshly ruled out for a high boot on ex-United goalkeeper Victor Valdes, while the Spaniard twice blocked the United striker’s shots from close range in the second half. With time running out, Frenchman Martial poked in on 85 minutes and fellow countryman Pogba headed into the top corner a minute later. Having been frustrated following wave after wave of attacks, it looked like United were going to be left without a point when they fell behind at home to Boro. Jose Mourinho’s men had forced Valdes into 10 saves – which hig

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Willian celebrates after scoring for Chelsea Premier League leaders Chelsea equalled the top flight record of 13 consecutive wins in a single season after overcoming valiant Stoke in a thriller at Stamford Bridge. An exceptionally entertaining second half witnessed five goals as the Blues were twice made to retake the lead by a Potters side who gave them one of their toughest tests this season. Gary Cahill gave Chelsea the lead when he headed in shortly before half-time, but Stoke defender Bruno Martins Indi levelled only a minute after the break when he poked in from close range. Willian handed the Blues the advantage again only for Peter Crouch to level with a sidefoot effort high past Thibaut Courtois. Stoke barely had time to celebrate, as moments after the restart Chelsea drove towards goal with Willian applying an fierce angled finish. With five minutes remaining, the Blues all but sealed the three points when Diego Costa – who was magnificent as a target-man – shrugged of

Sydney Harbour Bridge was the focal point for Australia’s celebrations A massive fireworks display has lit up Sydney Harbour as Australia’s largest city ushered in 2017. Some 1.5 million revellers had been expected to turn out on the waterfront. Earlier, Auckland in New Zealand has become the first major world city to welcome the New Year. Many cities around the world have stepped up security for New Year’s Eve celebrations, after a year in which attackers drove lorries into crowds in Berlin in Germany and Nice, France. Thousands of extra police will be on duty in London and other cities. In Paris, Madrid and New York, concrete barriers and heavy goods vehicles will be used to block off central squares where crowds gather to celebrate. The midnight fireworks display at Sydney Harbour paid tribute to Prince and David Bowie, two music superstars who died in 2016. “This year, sadly, we saw the loss of many music and entertainment legends around the world,” fireworks co-producer C

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday thanked Lagosians for the massive support given to his administration in the outgoing year, assuring that he would work assiduously to ensure that the State is taken to the next pedestal in 2017, especially in the area of physical and social infrastructural development. The Governor, in his New Year Message to Lagosians released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the State Government has earmarked several developmental projects which it intends to undertake in 2017, restating that he remains totally committed to his promise to deliver a vibrant, non-discriminatory, clean, prosperous and safer Lagos. He said while the State witnessed significant improvements in its performance indices due to the massive investment on its tripod of Security, Infrastructure and Job Opportunities in 2016, more emphasis will be placed on sustaining the growth in 2017 through people-oriented programmes and policies which cut across edu

Dr Idiat Adebule, Deputy Governor, Lagos State. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Oluranti Adebule has reassured Lagosians that the state government under the leadership of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will continue to make life more meaningful for them in the new year, urging them to continue to support the government in its quest to make the state economically viable. Adebule, in her new year message to Lagosians noted that the modest achievement of the present administration in 2016 could be traced to the tremendous support and understanding it enjoyed from the residents, whom she acknowledged understood the enormity of the challenges facing the state and the systemic strategic approach that the Ambode led administration adopted in tackling some of the problems. She, therefore, appealed to Lagosians to continue to support the state government as it embarks on full transformation works in critical sectors like education, road, tourism, agriculture as well as employment generation and

Boko Haram flag found around the pit by Nigerian troops The Nigerian Army on Friday night in Abuja hosted President Muhammadu Buhari to Guards Brigade Regimental Dinner and presented to him the captured Boko Haram flag. The flag was handed over to the President by the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. -Gen. Lucky Irabor. Men of the Operation Lafiya Dole operating in the North East had ‎‎successfully captured ‎the‎ “Camp Zero”, ‎the strongest enclave of Boko Haram terrorists sect, in the Sambisa Forest.‎ ‎ Irabor had disclosed that ‎about 1,240 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested during a mop-up operation by troops inside the Sambisa forest. While receiving the flag, President Buhari challenged the armed forces on the need to continue to ensure the survival of Nigeria as a geo-political entity despite what he described as “”political madness’’ being exhibited in some parts of the country. According to him, it is duty bound for the army to ensure the susten

Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC Spokesperson The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked speculation that its Acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, has been removed from office. “It is not true,” spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said in response to an SMS enquiry by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday. The rumour of Magu’s sack hit the social media and some traditional media websites in the early hours of Saturday. Citing anonymous sources, The Guardian newspaper reported on its website that Magu had been redeployed back to the Nigeria Police Force to pave way for a fresh nominee by President Muhammadu Buhari. The report said the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had already notified the EFCC Acting Chairman on the development through a letter. Malami, according to the report, has also directed Magu to hand over to the Director of Operations in the commission. It would be recalled that Mag

Acting EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu The Presidency has dismissed social media report on the removal of Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, describing the report as “speculative and pre-emptive.’’ Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari made this known in his Facebook page on Saturday. According to him, the presidency is still awaiting the outcome of an investigative panel instituted against Magu by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. He said: “we are reading reports that the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu has been sacked’’. “No report has been made available to the Presidency by the Attorney-General of the Federation over the matter. “The report of his sack is therefore speculative and pre-emptive.’’ President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to investigate the various allegations aga

Zenda The Philadelphia Zoo has euthanised a 25-year-old lioness believed to have been the oldest lion in the United States after the animal suffered acute decline in mobility and behaviour, media reports on Saturday. Lioness Zenda, born at the Johannesburg Zoo in 1991, arrived in Philadelphia in 1993 and became a fan favorite over the years, the Philadelphia Zoo said in a statement. The statement quoted Dr Andy Baker, the Chief Operating Officer at the Philadelphia Zoo as saying “this remarkable cat will be missed by staff and guests alike, particularly by the keepers who catered to her changing needs as she grew old.” The typical life expectancy of lions in zoos is 17 years, the zoo said.

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State The Rivers Government has elevated two traditional rulers in the state to first class and another one to second class chieftaincy. The elevation is contained in a government special announcement signed by the Rivers Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Emmanuel Aguma. A statement issued by Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, the Special Assistant to Gov. Nyesom Wike, said the governor “in exercise of his powers under the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Law, No. 4 of 2015 , elevated the following Chieftaincy Stools and Recognised the following traditional rulers. “The Traditional Chieftaincy Stool of Amayanabo of Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State is elevated to a First Class Chieftaincy Stool and His Royal Majesty, King Nicholas Dickson Ibiebele Nimenibo (Loko IX) is recognised as Amayanabo of Ogu. “The Traditional Chieftaincy Stool of Awoh of Ndoni, in Ndoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State is elevated

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State Forty additional undergraduates studying across Nigeria would benefit from the scholarship scheme of Imo born philanthropist and politician, Chief Tony Chukwu and his wife Rose. The scholarship award presentation was performed during the reception for the twin children of Chukwu and wife after church service at the Catholic Church at Umueze community in Ehime Mbano Area of Imo. Chukwu explained that 23 lucky beneficiaries to receive N100,000 each per academic session came from Ehime Mbano area of Imo, while the remaining 17 came from Afikpo North Area of Ebonyi. He explained that the scholarship scheme was his family’s contribution to assist in the education of intelligent but indigent students in the society. Chukwu, the Managing Director of an indigenous construction firm, Roudo conglomerate, said that the Rosy/Tony Scholarship Foundation which began in 2007, currently has more than 200 students on its payroll. He said that the family mem

The blasts hit during the Saturday morning rush in a busy market area. At least 28 people have died in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in a double bombing claimed by so-called Islamic State (IS). The explosions happened one after another in the busy al-Sinak market. More than 50 people were injured. Police said a roadside bomb exploded near a car spare parts shop, then a suicide bomber detonated his device among the crowd that had gathered. Baghdad has seen frequent attacks, often targeting Shia districts IS released a statement saying two of its militants had carried out the bombings wearing suicide vests. The jihadist group is under pressure from an Iraqi army offensive further north in Mosul, the last major IS stronghold in the country. “Many of the victims were people from the spare parts shops in the area,” local shopkeeper Ibrahim Mohammed Ali told the AFP news agency. ” “They were gathered near a cart selling breakfast when the explosions went off.” -BBC

Department of State Service (DSS). The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested three suspected Boko Haram fighters at Dirbunde Village in Takai Local Government Area of Kano State. The suspects are Samaila Muhammad, Sanusi Musa and Hudu Muhammad. In a statement issued by an operative of the service, Mr Tony Opuiyo, said that the suspects were arrested on Nov. 30. He said the suspects had perfected plans to carry out series of coordinated attacks with Improvised Explosive Devices ( IEDs) in selected states of North West zone in November. Opuiyo said that the service also arrested two suspected terrorists, Sani Digaru and Mohammed Ali on Dec. 25 along Gombe-Dukku road, Gombe. He said that Digaru was shot when he attempted to escape arrest. ”The arrest was sequel to earlier intelligence that he was in possession of cash worth two million Naira (N2m) meant for the coordination of a terrorist operation in Yobe and Bauchi States,’’ he said. Similarly, he said that a new crim

Andy Murray World number one Andy Murray started his new season Friday with a surprise defeat to Belgian David Goffin in the semi-finals of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi. Murray, who had not conceded a set in his previous five encounters against the Belgian, was beaten 6-7 (4-7) 4-6. After losing the opening set at the exhibition tournament, Murray recovered to go 3-2 up in the second set. But the world number 11 broke back and piled the pressure on the Briton. Goffin will face either Milos Raonic or Rafael Nadal in Saturday’s final, with Murray up against the loser of the semi-final. Murray lost just nine matches in his entire 2016 season. His focus now turns to the Qatar Open in Doha in the first week of 2017 as he builds towards his push for an elusive first Australian Open title next month.

Putin and Trump Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has hailed the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to delay his planned expulsion of 35 U.S. diplomats. Putin’s planned expulsion of 35 U.S. diplomats was in response to Thursday’s expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats from U.S. among other sanctions over Russia’s interference in the U.S. presidential election. The News York Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Trump, who had consistently dismissed Russia’s involvement in the hack, took to his twitter handle and called Putin’s decision a “great move”. “Great move on delay (by V. Putin) – I always knew he was very smart!” Trump tweeted. Reports quoted Putin as saying on Friday that Moscow would not expel American diplomats in response to U.S. sanctions against Russia. “Further steps toward the restoration of Russian-American relations will be built on the basis of the policies carried out by the administration of President Trump,” a Kremlin statem

Three persons, including a footballer, were reportedly shot dead on Thursday night in Benin City, in a cult war between rival groups. The footballer who’s name was given as Uzama Douglas, was a former member of the Nigeria Golden Eaglets and a defender with Gombe United football club. The victims who were taken to the Benin Central Hospital at about 8 p.m., were said to have been pronounced dead on arrival. A close friend of the late footballer who pleaded not to be named, said the deceased went out with friends when he was shot. “He went out with friends when some cult boys carried out an attack on them. He was shot and that was it. The killers fled and left my friend in cold blood,” he said. In another incident, an Engineering student of the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Solomon Onorunu, was shot by a four-man robbery gang over his refusal to give his cell phone to them. He was reportedly shot in the stomach along Igbesamwan Street while struggling with the robbers over the c

Professor Okey Ndibe It is time they stopped this practice of unleashing ravenous agents to prey on innocent Nigerians. And with the impression gaining ground that these agencies have launched a vicious assault on the enterprising spirit of the South-East, it is time the government rethought its strategy—or risk an unpredictable, possibly explosive, response. A few days ago, a friend sent me a video of a choir made up of members of Nigeria’s security agencies singing “Feliz Navidad,” a popular Christmas song. The rendition was entirely inspiring, a thrilling combination of rousing singing, dancing and festive atmosphere. I was moved by the sheer cheeriness of the service singers, infected by their sunniness of spirit. The high professional quality of the performers was complemented by the outstanding videography. In between the Christmas lyrics, members of Nigeria’s respective service arms took turns pitching messages. A female officer informed us that the police were our friends,

James Ibori In saner climes, people dissociate themselves from people with criminal records. But in ours today, people take pride in being known as friends and supporters of corrupt politicians whose malfeasance have brought untold misery and agony to many Nigerians. The euphoria that engulfed Delta State a few days ago as jubilant supporters of James Ibori, former governor of Delta State, took to the streets in celebration, shortly after the news of his release from a UK prison broke, confirms the stance of Professor Wole Soyinka on the “death of common sense” in Nigeria. Sometime in August 2015, a religious crusade was organised to intercede for the release of Ibori, I recall. The invitation card to the crusade ridiculously read: “Crusade! Crusade!! Crusade!!! Rise Up Deltans For A Grant Bail And Release Prayer For Our Amiable Brother, Redeemer And Daddy. Enough Is Enough.” Praying for a thieving “redeemer” then sounded more like one of the social media jokes. However, the celeb