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The Nigerian Army has drawn the attention of the Federal Government and Nigerians of plans by some groups, foreign interests to disrupt the May 29, handover.

Army in a statement by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa on Saturday, said some unpatriotic individual groups and foreign interests, are determined to cause mischief and exacerbate the security situation in Nigeria and the West African Sub-region.

“These persons and groups are making concerted efforts to further induce ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists and bandits with funds and other logistic supports.

“Their body language and unguarded utterances seem to be in tandem with above and imply tacit support for the criminals. For example, a credible source has shown that some individuals are hobnobbing with Boko Haram terrorists, while others are deliberately churning falsehood against the security agencies with a view to set the military against the people and the government.

“We also noted that foreign interests are also working assiduously to cause disaffection and divide the coalition Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to give room for the so-called Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) and its defeated local franchise, Boko Haram terrorist group to resurrect.

“They are also demoralising troops and security agencies through false accusations and fake news. Therefore, it has become necessary to inform the public and warn such persons and groups to desist as the consequences of their actions would be calamitous to themselves and our great country,” he stated.

The Army spokesman also revealed plans by the groups to disrupt the May 29 handover, after failing to alter the 2019 General elections.

“Some of these mischievous elements thought that we would not have a safe and successful general election but were proved wrong, hence they want to derail the scheduled handing over later this month and to scuttle the democratic process in the country.

“The Nigerian Army is a stakeholder in our national security and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Additionally, we are making this statement because the military, particularly the Nigerian Army, has always been called upon to intervene in conflict situations in order to resolve crises in most cases when they get worse, while the public expects miracles.

He added that; “We would like to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are determined more than ever before, to continue to uphold the constitution and defend the territorial integrity of this nation from both external and internal aggression.

“Nigeria is a sovereign country with the clearly established judicial system, therefore all aggrieved persons and groups should take advantage of that and resolve differences amicably.”

The Ogun State Government has concluded plans to obtain N350 million loan from the World Bank.

Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Ogun stateGovernor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun disclosed this when he received a delegation of the World Bank in government house, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The loan, according to Amosun confirmed by VAM News, would help create a system-driven environment for business, needed for better welfare of citizens and good governance.
He said his administration would do everything possible to secure the loan, saying the incoming administration already had the support needed to enhance good governance.
He urged the bank’s team to fast-track the process for its final approval.
Amosun had, similarly, appointed over 1,000 workers into the state’s Civil Service and promoted 5,000 others barely a month to the end of his tenure.
VAM News gathered that he will hand over to Dapo Abiodun, the governor-elect, on May 29

The Edo State Government has commended petroleum marketers in the state for abiding by the directive to ensure Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) does not sell above the approved N145 per litre, noting that their sustained collaboration has led to hitch-free distribution of the product across the state. 

National Chairman of PTD, Mr. Salimon Oladiti (r) with other leaders of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) during the meeting between the Federal Government and oil marketers at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, disclosed this in a statement at the weekend, noting that stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector are to thank for seamless supply and distribution of PMS in the state in recent times. 

According to him, “This is to inform the members of the public that in view of the recent rumour of impending scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol, the state government has succeeded in ensuring the consistent increase in the supply and distribution of petroleum products in the state through constant liaison with relevant stakeholders in the downstream sector with a view to addressing and proffering solution to the situation across the state in the interest of all stakeholders and the populace. 

He said checks by the Ministry has shown an increase in supply and distribution of petroleum products at the stipulated approved pump price of N145 per litre all over the state. 

He added, “I wish to use this medium appreciate all stakeholders in the petroleum sector, for their cooperation and understanding during this trying period and to further re-affirm the commitment of the state government to the economic well being of the good people of our great state.” 

Recall that the state government has sustained a campaign to ensure that petroleum products are sold at the stipulated price across the state and to check the activities of those in the habit of diverting the products from the state to neighbouring states.

David alaba, Bayern Munich star, has accused coaches of the Golden Eaglets of denying him the opportunity to join the Nigerian squad at the 2007 FIFA World Cup in South Korea because he refused to pay bribe.

David AlabaThe late Yemi Tella was in charge of the Eaglets at the time.
In an interview with All Nigeria Soccer, alaba called the Nigeria U-17 coaches, “jokers” and vowed not to have anything to do with any of them in future.
He claimed to have trained with Palanga midfielder, Haruna Lukman Abdulkarim, UB Conquense forward, Macauley Chrisantus and Slovan Bratislava’s midfielder, Rabiu Ibrahim ahead of the 2007 World Cup.
The 26-year-old was eligible to represent Nigeria but he switched to Austria, his country of birth, after that encounter.
Alaba, who was born in Vienna, capital of Austria, has a Filipino mother and Nigerian father.
Alaba has earned 68 caps for Austria, scoring 13 goals and represented the country at the 2016 European Championship.
On September 9, 2007, the late Tella led a team of youngsters to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
NationOnlineNews recorded that was the third time Nigeria had that title after previous wins in 1985 in China and 1993 in Japan. 

Ahead of Ramadan, prices of tomato and pepper have soared by 60 per cent in some markets in Lagos, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. 

Tomatoes and pepper at a market in Kano. A NAN survey conducted at Mile 12, Oke Odo, Oyingbo and Iddo markets, Lagos, reveals that a 40 kilogramme (kg) basket of tomato, which cost N5,000 two weeks ago has risen to N12,000. 
Similarly, a 50 kg basket of bell pepper (tatashe) has risen to N12, 000 from its previous price of N6,000; 50 kg Chilli pepper (sombo) costs N9,000 as against N5,000, while of a basket of scotch bonnet pepper (rodo) costs N13,500 as against N9000. Alhaji Haruna Mohammed, Market Leader, Mile 12 Perishable Traders Association, attributed the price increase to off-season effect and cost of transportation. 
He, however, maintained that the prices of the food items were still relatively cheaper compared to the same period two years ago.     Mohammed said the influx of perishable food items from South-West states and Cameroon into the market would augment the shortfall of supply from the north, and ensure that their prices were not too expensive. Conversely, the price of a bag of onion decreased from N15,000 to N13, 000; 25-litres of palm-oil dropped from N9000 to N8,200 and five litres vegetable oil cost N2400. Also, a bag of beans (Olo 2), which had been stable since March declined to N16, 000, as against N17,200 last week. 
Alhaji Musa Yahaya, a beans seller at Iddo market, said the Ramadan season often spiked the price of beans, but the reverse was the case this year. “Beans is one of the most consumed food in Nigeria, especially during Ramadan, people purchase beans to make ‘akara’ (bean cake) and ‘moi-moi’ (another local delicacy) for the fasting period. 
“The declining prices of commodities would encourage people to focus on their fast and prayers with little concern about cost of food,” he said. He said many farmers through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers’ Programme cultivated beans, maize and other crops on large expanse of land, thus aiding price drop in markets. 
Yahaya urged the Federal Government to sustain programmes that would boost food production in the country. (NAN)

Major opposition political parties have picked holes in the alarm raised by the Nigerian Army on Saturday that some individuals were working with foreign interest to frustrate the May 29 inauguration of President Mohammadu Buhari for a second term in office.

The Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress and the Social Democratic Party, apart from distancing themselves from the alleged plot, said the suit instituted against Buhari over his victory at the presidential poll was behind the alarm raised by the military.

The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sagir Musa, also alleged that some foreign interest were working to cause disaffection and divide the Multinational Joint Task Force fighting Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State for West African Province fighters.

The army spokesman said, “The army has noted with great concern the efforts by some unpatriotic individuals, groups and foreign interest determined to make mischief and exacerbate the security situation in this country in particular and the West African sub-region in general.

“These persons and groups are making efforts to further induce the ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists and bandits with funds and other logistic support. Their body language and unguarded utterances seem to be in tandem with the above and imply a tacit support for the criminals.”

Musa added, “Some of these mischievous elements thought that we would not have safe and successful general elections but were proved wrong. Hence they want to derail the scheduled handover later this month and to scuttle the democratic process in the country.

“We note that foreign interest are also working assiduously to cause disaffection and divide the coalition, MNJTF, to give room for ISWAP and its defeated local franchise, the Boko Haram terrorists’ group, to resurrect.”

There have security crises in the North-West region, ranging from banditry and killings in Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states, to the Boko Haram attacks in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in the North-East.

The army had, on Friday, confirmed that its current threat assessments indicated the migration of bandits from Zamfara State to Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Niger states.

It added that it was expanding its operation, Harbin Kunama 3, to cover the affected states.

The army also said on Saturday that it was usually called in when insecurity got worse while the public expected miracles.

The army spokesman said, “The army is a stakeholder in the national security and sustenance of democracy. Additionally, we are making this statement because the military, particularly the army, has always been called upon to intervene in conflict situations and resolve crises in most cases when they get worse, while the public expect miracles.

“We reiterate our loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to defend the territorial integrity of this nation from both external and internal aggression.  Nigeria is a sovereign country with a clearly established judicial system. Therefore, all aggrieved persons and groups should take advantage of that and resolve their differences amicably.”

We’ll use legitimate means to retrieve our mandate –PDP

But the PDP said it was not involved in any alleged plan to disrupt the handover ceremony on May 29 or working with any foreign elements to destabilise the country.

The party said it was behind the enthronement of democratic rule in the country since 1999, wondering how it would now turn back to work against such an institution it helped to build.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, who spoke with one of our correspondents, said the party must not be counted among any group behind such a plot.

He said the PDP believed that its mandate was stolen at the national level, adding that as a law-abiding party, it would allow the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal to adjudicate on the matter.

Secondus stated, “Allegations are being made here and there without any concrete evidence. If there are people making efforts at derailing the democratic institution in the country, we can never be part of it.

“The PDP built the democratic institution that the All Progressives Congress is enjoying today. We are democratic in nature and in name.

“We know that our mandate was stolen by the APC in connivance with the Independent National Electoral Commission.  We are law-abiding and that is why we are already in court to retrieve our stolen mandate.

“We know that the Nigerian people are with us and are going to celebrate soon when we get our mandate. So, tell them that we are not part of any group of individuals or institutions that may be working to achieve what the army claimed.”

Secondus said the PDP would not support anyone or individual that “does anything outside the constitution to seek redress on any issue.”

We’re not part of such plans, says ADC

Also, the African Democratic Congress, on Saturday, said it would never be part of any plan to derail the nation’s democracy.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Yemi Kolapo, said this in an interview with SUNDAY PUNCH while reacting to the alarm raised by the army.

Kolapo said although the ADC believed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar won the presidential election, the party would never take the law into its own hands.

She stated, “The ADC, as a party, will never be part of any plan to halt our democracy. Of course, we believe that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar won the last presidential election and the case is currently in court.

“So, as a party, we believe in the rule of law and legitimate means of retrieving the mandate. We do not believe in violence and we shall not encourage such.”

Army should tackle insecurity, stop raising the alarm –SDP

In the same vein, the National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, Alfa Mohammed, advised the Nigerian Army to tackle the security challenges facing the country rather than raising the alarm.

Mohammed said, “It is the responsibility of the Nigerian Army to ensure safety of lives and property. They should carry out their constitutional responsibility instead of raising the alarm.”

Tony Okafor, AwkaA couple, Chinonso Anyanwu and Oluebube Anyawu, have allegedly sold their three-day-old son for N300,000.A source told our correspondent that the couple had had three daughters before they got the male child.“We were surprised that a family with such history could behave this way by selling their only son,” the source stated.Our correspondent gathered that the couple who hails from Imo State sold the baby to one Sandra Odimege of Umuezike, Amorka, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mohammed Haruna, confirmed the story to our correspondent.He said the couple was apprehended following intelligence report.He said, “The Command arrested a man and his wife for selling their three-day-old baby boy at the rate of N300,000.“Following intelligence report, Police detectives attached to Area Command, Ihiala arrested one Chinonso Anyanwu, aged 32 years and Oluebube Anyawu, aged 20 years of lbiasiegbe village, Imo State.“Suspects conspired and sold their biological son, a baby boy of three days old at a rate of N300,000 to one Sandra Odimege of Umuezike, Amorka in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.“The three suspects have been arrested and the baby recovered in good condition.”He said the suspects would be charged to court after investigation.

Former Super Eagles defender, Celestine Babayaro, is set for action again with London club Chelsea as he has been listed in the legend squad to face their Real Madrid counterparts in a Charity match at the Bernabeu on June 23.

Babayaro, who spent the majority of his career playing in the Premier League, mainly for Chelsea from 1997 to 2005 has been invited alongside 23 other Chelsea greats for next month’s charity.

He was a regular figure in the left side of the defence for Chelsea in his glory days and would be reuniting with his former team-mates also invited for Real Madrid.

The 40-year old faced competition from Graeme Le Saux during his seven-year spell, but managed to play over 200 games for the London side.

His acrobatic celebrations with backflips were noted and loved by the fans of the club.

As stated on the Chelsea official website, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien, who both featured for the Blues and Los Blancos during their illustrious careers are also on the roster for the June 23 friendly.

Chelsea is assembling a strike force comprising Zola, Hernan Crespo, Tore Andre Flo, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Andriy Shevchenko.

Real Madrid’s team will include Raul, Roberto Carlos, Alvaro Arbeloa, Julio Baptista, with further names to be announced in due course.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has continued to explain why it is yet to release the result of the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

UTMEThe unsual delay has created room for anxiety and suspicion among some Nigerians.
Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB spokesman, told The Sun on Saturday, that they appreciate the anxiety and concerns of candidates.
He, however, requested that JAMB be allowed to do the necessary things before releasing the result.
He said that though results were released pretty much earlier in 2017 and 2018, it was necessary for the board to improve on its credibility this time around.
According to him, many candidates had in the past, escaped with illegitimate acts they perpetrated during the UTME exercise, but that won’t be allowed to continue.
He said JAMB would take its time and scrutinise the outcome of the exercise to ensure that tertiary institutions are proud of whatever they get from JAMB.
He added, “We are gatekeepers but the entire security system of the house could be compromised, if we refuse to keep the gate.
“We would strictly follow the process so that we can get it right. We are less concerned about the time, but (more about) how well and credible (the results become); neither policy meeting nor admission will start this month. So, the delay will not affect any item on our timetable.
“The UTME results are intact and nothing has happened to them. No server has crashed and no other major challenge. The 2019 UTME exercise recorded malpractices but they were not as bad as they used to be.
“Even in previous examinations, there were malpractices but nobody noticed because of the way we handled them. We are not ashamed to admit that there are issues. But our pride is in getting it right. Once we get it right, it will serve as a message that it’s no longer business as usual.
“Illegality had thrived in the society of over the years because people failed to follow issues to (their) logical conclusion. But we have decided to do otherwise, and we need the support of Nigerians to achieve that.”
“Tertiary institutions who are our end users would also be proud of it.
“Our target is that candidates that commit any offence should not go unpunished. At same time, we don’t want any innocent candidate to be punished unjustly. DAILYPOST.

The Federal Government has said that the Second Niger Bridge is important to the Nigerian economy and the project will be delivered on schedule.

This was made known by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was quoted in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Laolu Akande on Friday, after inspecting the progress work at the Asaba end of the bridge.

According to the Vice President, the bridge and other infrastructural projects across the country are critical to the economic agenda of the President Buhari administration.

“The Second Niger Bridge is so important for the economy of the South East and for the Nigerian economy, and of course, it’s not just the bridge, there are the access roads, which are also very important.

“It is obvious so much progress has been made here. It is an important project that the President is committed to completing. In the past 18 months or so, a lot of work has been done and I came to see for myself.

“As you can see, the foundation goes all the way down, and this is just the Asaba end of the bridge. There is also the Anambra end of the bridge, so it is a lot of work. There are a huge number of people who are also benefiting in various ways.”

The Vice President also noted that the commitment of the Buhari administration to complete strategic infrastructure projects that will improve the nation’s economy necessitated the creation of the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).

“There are some critical infrastructures that we consider very strategic to our economic plan and which, through this fund, we hope to complete. One of the reasons why projects were hardly ever completed was because there was not enough money going into the projects. That is why the President has decided that we must have a fund for all of these projects, which is the PIDF, and we also have a smooth sailing process.”

Osinbajo explained that “the PIDF, an initiative of President Buhari administration, has projects being executed to include; the Kano-Abuja expressway, the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and the Mambila hydro project, amongst others.

“The good thing is that the President has set aside the funds, the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, which is a fund dedicated to certain strategic projects, including the Second Niger Bridge,” he added.