FBI sacks agent who exchanged anti-Trump messages with lover

FBI agent Peter Strzok, who was removed from the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election after it was revealed he had exchanged anti-Trump text messages with his lover, has been fired, his lawyer said Monday.

Aitan Goelman, Strzok’s attorney, said the 21-year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation was fired by FBI deputy director David Bowdich on Friday.

Goelman said Strzok was dismissed despite the fact that the disciplinary office had decided he should face a demotion and a 60-day suspension.
He described the move as “a departure from typical bureau practice.”
“This decision should be deeply troubling to all Americans,” Goelman said in a statement.
“A lengthy investigation and multiple rounds of congressional testimony failed to produce a shred of evidence that Special Agent Strzok’s personal views ever affected his work,” he said.
“In fact, in his decades of service, Special Agent Strzok has proved himself to be one of the country’s top counterintelligence officers,” Goelman said.
“The decision to terminate was taken in response to political pressure, and to punish Special Agent Strzok for political speech protected by the First Amendment, not on a fair and independent examination of the facts,” he said.
“It is a decision that produces only one winner — those who seek to harm our country and weaken our democracy,” the attorney said.
Strzok, 48, and his lover, former FBI lawyer Lisa Page, exchanged text messages during the 2016 election campaign which were critical of Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Following the public revelation of the messages, Strzok was removed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller from the investigation into Russian meddling into the 2016 election.
Trump has seized upon the messages to bolster his claim that the Special Counsel’s probe is a political “witch hunt” by biased prosecutors.

Why I paid Osanjo a visit –Bukola Saraki

Samuel Awoyinfa, Abeokuta
The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has disclosed what he called “the main reason” why he visited ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta on Monday.
Saraki had held a closed-door meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the latter’s pent house within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on Monday.

Saraki, who came in a black Toyota Land Cruiser in company with some security aides, arrived the OOPL around 5.30pm.
He emerged from the meeting at 7.12pm.
Our correspondent gathered that the meeting was earlier scheduled to hold at 4.00pm but it did not start until 5.30pm when Saraki arrived the venue.
Emerging from the meeting, Saraki told journalists that he was with Obasanjo to make up for his (Saraki’s) absence at the formal inauguration of the Presidential library held last year.
He said, “You know, I missed the official opening of the library and that is why I have decided to come and see the place and, honestly, it is beautiful.
“We are very proud of what he has done here.”
The embattled Senate President hurriedly entered his vehicle and it zoomed off when journalists asked him questions about the crisis rocking the National Assembly.
Informed sources, however, said that the meeting was not unconnected with the crisis rocking the National Assembly over the plot to impeach him by the All Progressives Congress senators

APC claims third National Assembly seat in 24 hours

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the bye-election in Bauchi south senatorial district, securing its third National Assembly seat in 24 hours.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier announced candidates representing the ruling party, winners in Katsina north senatorial district and Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency.

Lawal Gumau, candidate of the APC in the election, defeated Ladahan Salihu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Gumau, a member of the house of representatives, polling 119,489 votes to beat Salihu who got 50,256 votes.

Apart from Salihu and Gumau, six other candidates took part in the election, including a former Governor of the state, Isa Yuguda, who ran on the platform of Green Party of Nigeria. He came third with 33,079 votes.

Others are: Haruna Ayuba (African Democratic Congress ), Aminu Tukur (Action Peoples party), Usman Hassan (Kowa Party), the only woman in the race Maryam Bargel (Social Democratic Party), Husseini Umar (New Nigeria Peoples Party) and Usman Chaledi (People for Democratic Change).

Source:

http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/13/apc-claims-third-national-assembly-seat-24-hours/

Farmer punches mother-in-law dead over child custody in Ondo

 Ondo state .Police Command, weekend, declared a 29-year-old farmer, Segun Daniel, wanted for punching his mother-in-law, Mrs. Beatrice Lajuwomi, to death over custody of his child. Vanguard gathered that the incident happened at a farm settlement in Igbotako, Okitipupa council area of the state on Saturday. The deceased, mother of the child, Olamiotan Lajuwomi, and her child had been living together in the farm settlement, while the suspect lived separately. Vanguard learned that the suspect insisted that her daughter should be living with him and not the mother-in-law in the farm settlement and an argument ensued, which degenerated into a scuffle. The issue, according to reports, had been unresolved for months until the suspect insisted on taking the girl into his custody. He was said to have continually expressed concern over his child’s living condition in the farm settlement and the impression by the family of the wife that he was irresponsible. An eyewitness said: “On Saturday, he went to the house of his mother-in-law, where his wife and child were living, and wanted to take his child from the woman. “But they did not allow him. This led to an argument between them, which degenerated into a free-for-all. “During the fight, he punched the woman, who collapsed and, shortly after, she passed away.” Vanguard was informed that on sensing danger, the suspect reportedly fled and his whereabouts unknown. Contacted on the matter, the Police spokesperson, Femi Joseph, said the search for the suspect an!d investigation have commenced. Joseph said: “Immediately after committing the crime, the suspect ran away and we have been looking for him. I am sure he will be arrested to face the full wrath of the law.

Why Gov. Udom should expose Akpabio to EFCC – Ex-Deputy Gov, Chris Ekpenyong

A former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Chris Ekpenyong, has blasted former governor Godswill Akpabio, saying his departure from the party that gave him fame and fortune, to pitch tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was a clear case of betrayal and self-serving.

Ekpenyong also called on the Governor of the State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel to expose all the alleged financial misconducts of the past governor to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said this, weekend, in an interview with newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital.

Senator Akpabio had while decamping to the APC at a ceremony held at Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, said that he was a nationalist on a mission to take Akwa Ibom to the larger picture

of national politics, explaining that “it would be difficult for my State to have a fair share of national cake while remaining as opposition”.

He added that his migration from the PDP, a platform he stood to rule Akwa Ibom for eight years (2007-2015), to the APC was not to shield himself from the anti-agency’s long arm, but to join hand with President Muhammadu Buhari, to fix Nigeria.

But Ekpenyong, his kinsman from the same Ikot Ekpene geo-political entity was quick to fault the former Minority Leader, saying the immediate past governor would continue to remain a serial liar, even when his (Akpabio’s) monumental frauds were common knowledge even to the birds.

His words, ”Akpabio left for the ruling party to escape justice and to seek more powers because he is an Emperor, who believes only in himself.

“Godswill is not used to consulting his people before taking decisions, even when he was the governor. And because he knew that his decision to defect from the PDP to the APC was entirely for his personal interests, he could not consult his people because he knew no one would support him.

”Governor Udom Emmanuel had in the last three years been subsumed under the spell of Akpabio. The former governor was living under the cover of this administration which made it impossible for the anti-graft agencies to nail him.

“As it is now, if I were to be Udom Emmanuel, I will expose Akpabio; I will reveal his books because he (Akpabio) should not continue to toss us around.

“He (Akpabio) was the person that called all of us to queue behind Udom and we all obeyed, even when 23 aspirants declared interest for the position. So, if he was no longer comfortable with his choice, he should formally consult and explain why it should be so.

“I don’t feel bad about his exit from the PDP because it is within his right and a big relief for the party.”

Source:

http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/12/gov-udom-expose-akpabio-efcc-ex-deputy-gov-chris-ekpenyong/

CSO drags Daura to EFCC over alleged foreign accounts

A civil society organization with focus on anti-graft campaigns, Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, CACOBAG has dragged the former Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Lawal Daura before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over two foreign bank accounts allegedly linked to the spy master sacked last week by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on the order of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Daura

The CSO in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Toyin Raheem, expressed support for Daura’s sack, saying such will pave the way for the unraveling of a lot of graft allegations that have been swirling around the security chief for some time.

According to the group, “We have been calling on EFCC for some weeks now to unravel the mystery face behind the name Auwalu Kallamu, which is a pseudo name used to operate two foreign accounts into which some part of over £3 million allegedly paid by the Nigerian government to secure the release of some of the schoolgirls abducted from Chibok and Dapchi towns in Borno and Yobe has been traced to”

“We are glad to tell Nigerians that our formal petition with documentary evidence is now ready and will be submitted to the EFCC on Tuesday in Abuja so that the anti-graft agency can have a lead to work on in unraveling the link between Daura and the name Auwalu Kallamu.”

CACOBAG said information available to the group show that foreign investigators have been probing alleged diversion of millions of Euros by a Nigerian security chief using the pseudo name of Auwalu Kallamu as part of payments to secure the release of some of the abducted girls. The foreign intelligence, it was learnt, raised the red flag on how suspected proceeds from over £3million ransom funds were stashed at Lamda Privat Bank in the Swiss-German principality, Liechtenstein, through some accomplices.

Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/cso-drags-daura-to-efcc-over-alleged-foreign-accounts/

EPL: Why Manchester City beat us – Arsenal goalkeeper, Petr Cech

Arsenal goalkeeper, Petr Cech has explained why his side lost to Manchester City in their Premier League opener on Sunday evening.

Goals from Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva in either half of the match ensured that City defeated Unai Emery’s men 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Cech believes the Gunners made lots of mistake during the second half of the encounter, adding that they lacked invention to find the killer pass against the Premier League champions.

“We feel that we could have got something from the game,” Cech told BBC Sport.

“In the second half, we forced them to make mistakes and we had some opportunities. Unfortunately, we lacked invention to find the killer pass.

“When you play against a team of City’s quality and confidence it is always going to be difficult.

“Inevitably, you can make a few mistakes. It was a shame we couldn’t finish off our counter-attacks and overall we’re disappointed with the defeat.”

Arsenal will face Chelsea in their next EPL game on Saturday.

Source:

http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/13/epl-manchester-city-beat-us-arsenal-goalkeeper-petr-cech/

EPL: Why Liverpool thrashed West Ham – Klopp

Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp has explained why his side thrashed West Ham United in their Premier League opener on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane (2) and Daniel Sturridge ensured that the Reds defeated the Hammers 4-0 at Anfield Stadium.

Klopp believes that his side deserved the three points against West Ham because his players were defensively good.

“You cannot wish for better. It was a fresh start from the first minute, everything looked like it should have been. It’s a good day. It’s only the start, and we know that, but for a start it was really good. We all know West Ham have a lot of quality, individual quality. In all other situations we were really concentrated defensively,” Klopp told Sky Sports News.

“It’s a good game, now let’s carry on. It’s all good, but for the moment, it’s no more. It’s a nice moment, and we can enjoy it for two, three hours, and then prepare for Crystal Palace. We already today, with a few injuries, had to make really hard decisions. Alberto Moreno not in the squad, I have no explanation for that, apart from needing Clyney (Nathaniel Clyne) on the bench, or others on the bench.

“It’s quite difficult to strengthen this squad, because this squad is good. They are used to the style of play, sometimes it needs a bit of time, I have no problem with that. Only the public and media could cause problems by questioning constantly why some aren’t playing. We need everyone in that squad before the end of the season.”

Source:

http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/13/epl-liverpool-thrashed-west-ham-klopp/

Transfer: Nigerian star to leave Chelsea on loan to Italian club

 

Nigerian international, Ola Aina is set to complete a loan move to Torino from Chelsea.

According to West London Sport, the deal will include the option of a permanent move if the 21-year-old right-back does well at the Italian club.

Aina has also drawn interest from a number of other clubs this summer, including PSV Eindhoven.

He has made three Premier League appearances for the Blues, all as a substitute.

His first-team experience came last season on loan at Hull City, where he made 47 appearances for the Tigers.

Source:

http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/13/transfer-nigerian-star-leave-chelsea-loan-italian-club/

FIFA U-20 WWC: Falconets in make or mar clash against China

Falconets

Nigeria’s Falconets must win their last group D tie against China this afternoon, or they will be headed home from the FIFA U-20 Women World Cup ongoing in France.

The Falconets lost their first game to Germany 1-0 and they redeemed themselves with a hard win against Haiti. Though a draw will be good against the Chinese ladies, however, they also need a win to progress.

According to assistant coach, Mansur Abdullahi the Falconets would not be laid back in this game as they need to win to guarantee a passage.

“We just have to put in the best of ability and know that we don’t have to draw or lose the game against China because we believe we can go all the way, even past the group stage.

“We believe in our abilities and strength as a team to do well. The girls know the importance of the World Cup so they cannot afford to lose the next match. The only way to reciprocate the tax payers money is by churning out good performance at the Mundial.

We are focused as a team and hopeful that we will qualify from the group.” Germany top the group with six points they will play Haiti today.

Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/fifa-u-20-wwc-falconets-in-make-or-mar-clash-against-china/

We are going to win because PDP has failed – Orji Kalu

Abuja – Dr Orji Kalu, a former governor of Abia has stressed the need for respect for the rule of law in order for democracy to thrive in the country.

Kalu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that any pronouncement from a properly constituted court of justice must be obeyed and complied with.

According to Kalu, because the various tiers of government, individuals and corporate entities have no respect for the decisions of the courts, “we are making many unlawful things possible.

“If a court issues an order that Sambo Dasuki be released, it should be obeyed.
“If we Nigerians genuinely want democracy to endure, we should learn how to respect the laws of the land.

“The law of the land is our constitution and any pronouncement made by the court based on the constitution should be obeyed,’’ Kalu said.

The former governor also condemned vote-buying during elections, saying that it was capable of truncating the country’s democratic process.

According to him, people should stop taking N2,000 to vote.
“Vote-buying should be totally condemned by every Nigerian because democracy can only stand when the choice of the people prevailed and the choice of the people must prevail,’’ he added.

Kalu urged voters who were yet to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to do so before the deadline for the suspension of the exercise.

He said that the move would enable them choose their desired candidates during elections.

“I must ask Nigerians to go out now to register because that is their power.
“If you have your PVC you have power, but if you don’t have it you are powerless.

“ The card enables you to put in place government you want for the next four years,’’ he said.

He also restated that APC would win all elections in Abia in 2019.
“APC is going to win in Abia in 2019 and we are going to win from the first election to the last election, because we are ready for it locally and we are ready for it mentally.

“We are going to win because the PDP has failed for not doing enough for Abia people.
“President Muhammadu Buhari will secure 75 per cent votes in our state in the presidential election,’’ Kalu said (NAN)

Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/we-are-going-to-win-because-pdp-has-failed-orji-kalu/

Sanusi warns politicians on exploitation of religion

Sanusi warns politicians on exploitation of religion

Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II PHOTO: TWITTER/GOVERNOR KADUNA

• Blames Sharia governors for states’ underdevelopment
• CAN cautions presidency, police over threat to democracy
• Restructuring is answer to nation’s challenges, Markarfi insists

Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II has cautioned politicians who hide behind the mask of religion to exploit Nigerians.

He regretted that the North, in the last two decades, was robbed of focus due to the politicisation of religion and culture.

Politicians turned religion into a vehicle for campaign, thereby exploiting the religious character and ignorance of the people, he said.

Rather than solving problems in the education and health sectors, governors were busy promising to deliver religion, which led to the underdevelopment of many states, the emir noted.

He said it was not surprising that states which placed too much emphasis on religion over development lagged behind in socio-economic milestones. According to him, “The most backward and underdeveloped states in Nigeria today are also the same states that claimed to be run based on Sharia. The people seemed satisfied with slogans and pilgrimages that have become jamborees.”

Due to the hype, people in the region stopped demanding the education of their children and healthcare from their leaders, he noted.

Sanusi spoke in Katsina State yesterday while delivering a speech marking International Youth Day and a graduation ceremony at Katsina Vocational Training Centre.

The centre, founded by the late M.D. Yusuf, a former Inspector General of Police, empowers youths, particularly the physically challenged.

The emir called on government to engage youths through increased investment in agriculture. He also urged politicians to sign peace pacts before next year’s general election and discourage youths from violence.

On its part, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) warned the presidency and the Nigeria Police against acts capable of threatening democracy. It also urged the legislative and executive arms of government to collaborate in the interest of smooth governance.

“We express grave concerns over the poor handling of the police invitation to the Senate President Bukola Saraki, over the infamous Offa robbery saga that led to the death of about 30 people, and the alleged plan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arrest the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, over alleged money laundering,” CAN said in a statement by its president, Samson Ayokunle, in Abuja yesterday.

“The Christian umbrella body condemns in strong terms the way the police were deployed in subjecting the leadership of the National Assembly to needless embarrassment and harassment. The ongoing action of the police is a siege against democracy,” the association noted.

“We are shocked, disappointed and alarmed at the aborted moves by the police to stop both the senate president and his deputy from attending Tuesday’s proceedings for whatever reasons. We call on both the leadership of the National Assembly and the presidency to stop acting in a manner that constitutes international disgrace and embarrassment.

“We appeal to all security agencies to stop being involved in partisan politics. Nigerians must realise that leadership goes around and comes around, but our country will continue to remain. CAN calls on all service chiefs, including the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, not to destroy our democratic institutions through needless partisanship.”

CAN further called on civil society organisations and professional bodies like the Nigeria Bar Association, Nigerian Labour Congress, Nigerian Medical Association and Nigeria Union of Journalists to resist anti-democratic forces.

In a related development, the Supreme Knight of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Chief Diamond Ovueraye, expressed fear that the nation was hurtling towards the precipice.

“There is too much self-aggrandisement on the part of the leaders. But as knights, our duty is to speak when things are going wrong and pray for the country and for solutions to problems. The leadership must bring us back from the drift by doing the right thing,” he said at the investiture of 150 ladies and brothers into the apex Fourth Degree of the Order at the Catholic Church of Ascension, Ikeja, Lagos.

A former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, meanwhile, reiterated calls yesterday for restructuring of the nation.

He told delegates and members of the party in Owerri, Imo State that the move would satisfy the yearnings of the geo-political zones. He promised to toe this line if he was given a chance to rule the country next year.

Source:

https://guardian.ng/news/sanusi-warns-politicians-on-exploitation-of-religion/

Senate crisis: ‘You can’t impeach Saraki, stop exhibiting ignorance, thug mentality’ – PDP tells Oshiomhole

Senate crisis: ‘You can’t impeach Saraki, stop exhibiting ignorance, thug mentality’ – PDP tells Oshiomhole

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has slammed the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, over his alleged bid to change leadership of the Nigerian Senate.

The party, which said Oshiomhole was only exhibiting thug mentality, cautioned the APC chairman to stop such actions, saying it was completely out of his reach to change NASS leadership.

DAILY POST recalls that Oshiomhole had at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, vowed to impeach the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki if he fails to resign ‘honourably’.

Spokesman of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement on Sunday in Abuja said, “The party counsels Oshiomhole to stop his childish tantrums and get educated on the fact that the positions of the Senate President and that of Deputy Senate President do not belong to political parties but to Nigerians, who elect persons into the seats through their elected representatives in the Senate.”

The opposition party added that Mr. Oshiomhole should also stop exposing his ignorance in thinking that the Senate leadership can be changed by his inconsequential orders as a factional chairman of a political party, when the law is settled that such power is vested only on the two-third votes, representing 73 of the 109 senators.

Ologbondiyan further affirmed, “We know that Oshiomhole is under intense pressure from the Presidency to overheat the polity, distract the National Assembly members and make as much effort to cause a constitutional crisis in the country, having realized that they cannot win the 2019 general elections.

“However, the PDP strongly cautions these desperate power-grabbers to note that their actions have unlimited capacity to destroy our democracy.

“Nigerians have noted that since his imposition as the factional Chairman of the APC, Mr. Oshiomhole, has done nothing but spewing hate
speeches and officially introducing a thug mentality into the polity, while causing confusion in every sector of our national life, including the Federal Executive Council, the security system, our legislature as well as in his dysfunctional APC, which as an undertaker, he is finally set to bury.

“Since Oshiomhole assumed office, the nation has witnessed various unimaginable constitutional infractions, including the invasion of Benue State House of Assembly and the Ekiti state Government House by APC-Controlled federal security agencies, the escalated harassment of federal legislators and persons perceived to be averse to APCs’ re-election bid; the siege at the residences of Senate President Bukola Saraki and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu by security agencies as well as the recent invasion of the National Assembly
by security operatives.

“While the PDP invites Nigerians and the international community to note the activities of Mr. Oshiomhole, as being directed by the
Presidency, the party hold firmly that they are fighting a lost battle as they cannot cow Nigerians into changing their resolve to end this nightmare by voting the APC out and returning our nation to the path of peace, national cohesion and economic prosperity, on the platform of the repositioned PDP, come 2019.”

Source:

http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/12/senate-crisis-cant-impeach-saraki-stop-exhibiting-ignorance-thug-mentality-pdp-tells-oshiomhole/

Pdp-raises-alarm-over-alleged-plot-to-arrest-saraki-ekweremadu

PDP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot To Arrest Saraki, Ekweremadu

(File) Senate President Bukola Saraki and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised alarm over an alleged plot by security operatives to arrest and detain the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbodiyan, made the allegation in a statement on Sunday.

He alleged that the arrest was planned to come ahead of the reconvening of the National Assembly and to purportedly hold the Senate leaders back from the sitting and, thereafter, impeach them in their absence.

“The fresh plot to detain the two presiding officers is part of renewed design to keep them out of circulation, ahead of Senate resumption, so as to enable the APC senators, who are now in the minority, to throw up two of their members as Senate President and Deputy Senate President respectively on the excuse that Saraki and Ekweremadu failed to show up for proceedings in the Senate,” the National Publicity Secretary claimed.

Ologbodiyan accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being behind the said arrest and detention of the Senate President and his deputy.

He added that part of the plot was to purportedly use security forces and some government agencies to clamp down on the family members of the Senate leaders.

The PDP spokesperson, however, called on Nigerians and the international community to prevail on the ruling party to shelve such plan.

“In all, the PDP cautions the APC and power mongers to know that Nigerians have seen through their intentions and will continue to firmly resist them by standing for democracy and the unity of our nation at all times,” he said.

The opposition party made the claims two days after Senator Saraki and Senator Ekweremadu accused the Federal Government of planning to implicate them in the recent blockade of the National Assembly by security operatives.

In a statement on Friday by their media aides, Yusuph Olaniyonu and Uche Anichukwu, both leaders had alleged that the government was also executing a plot to implicate their colleagues in the PDP.

Source:

https://www.channelstv.com/2018/08/12/pdp-raises-alarm-over-alleged-plot-to-arrest-saraki-ekweremadu/

If I run for presidency, only in Igbo land will I suffer opposition —Okorocha

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has condemned what he described as the “pull-him-down-syndrome” among the Igbo, saying it is the only likely problem he will have if he chooses to run for the presidency.

The governor expressed regrets that the Igbo do not honour their own, including their leaders, “unlike what obtains in other parts of the country.”

He added that Igbo alone cannot make or produce a president of Igbo extraction, adding that Igbo need other Nigerians to be able to have a president of Igbo origin who would also see himself as a Nigerian, first and foremost.

Okorocha spoke while fielding questions from newsmen on Sunday after a press briefing at the Government House, Owerri.

He stated that it would be a foolish thought for any Igbo man eyeing the presidency at any time to think that the Igbo only would make him president.

He, however, contended that any Igbo man wanting or aspiring to achieve the feat of being the president one day cannot rely on the Igbo alone.

He said, “The Igbo do not know how to honour their own. They rather like to run down any of their rising leaders. The pull-him-down syndrome is high in Igbo land. And it is very unfortunate. Anytime I come out to run for the presidency of this country, I will not suffer pull-him-down from the North or from the South West or South South, it is only in Igbo land that I will suffer it.

“And they engage in this pull-him-down practice without knowing the overall implications on the Igbo. So, it will be out of place for an Igbo presidential aspirant at any given period to think that the Igbo will make him president, because Igbo do not value their own.

“They don’t value what they have, while they value outsiders. It is in their character. It is in their nature.”

“Read the newspapers and go to the social media, all the insults and attacks you get are all from the Igbo.

“They go to any length to run you down without caring about your good intentions and all the efforts being made to see that things work out fine for the people of the area.

“It is a problem. It didn’t start today. Go down memory lane and you’ll discover that the pull-him-down syndrome in Igboland didn’t start today.”

PDP senators write Saraki over impeachment threat by APC, Oshiomhole

Forty-nine Senators of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have written to Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to inform him of their vote of confidence in his leadership, and that of his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had on Friday vowed that the party will work for his impeachment “in accordance with the law”.

DAILY POST had reported how the 49 Senators jointly declared their support for the duo last Tuesday.

The development followed the siege on the National Assembly.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, in a swift reaction, sacked Lawal Daura as the Department of State Services (DSS) Director General, for what the presidency described as unauthorised action.

On Sunday, a source close to one of the lawmakers told our correspondent that Saraki received the letter of support at the weekend. 

He said: “The PDP Senators expressed their support for him and Ekweremadu. They also condemned the invasion of the legislature by law enforcement agencies.

“The stated that any they are against any illegal impeachment and emphasized that the plot by the APC was – in their words – dead on arrival.

“I can also confirm to you that the two Senate leaders also have some support within the APC caucus.”

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it had “uncovered a fresh plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the cabal in the Buhari presidency” to use security agencies and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to invite, arrest and detain Saraki and Ekweremadu.

PDP raised the alarm in a statement on Sunday by his spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan.

He said: “It is part of renewed design to keep them out of circulation, ahead of Senate resumption, so as to enable the heavily induced APC senators, who are now in the minority, to throw up two of their members as Senate President and Deputy Senate President respectively on the excuse that Saraki and Ekweremadu failed to show up for proceedings in the Senate.

“The PDP notes that the new plot to cage Saraki and Ekweremadu, in devilish rehash of the Tuesday July 24, 2018 hostage-taking and invasion of their official residences by security agencies is coming after the August 7, 2018 failed attempt to use security forces to take control of the leadership of the Senate.

“Apart from plots to arrest and detain Saraki and Ekweremadu, the PDP has also been made aware of plans to use the EFCC and security forces to clamp down on their family members, including their wives and siblings as well as close associate, all in the effort to weaken their resolve”.

2019: Don’t campaign for me yet – Buhari warns supporters

The presidency has said it has observed that some fervent supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari have begun what may be interpreted as political campaigns in their advocacies and advertisements in the mass media.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, in a statement on Saturday, said while they appreciate the enthusiasm, Buhari’s supporters should exercise patience, so that the game can be played according to the rules.

He noted : “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a timetable for political campaigns, and we urge committed supporters around the country (and beyond) to be mindful of such.

“There will be ample time ahead to trumpet the good works of the Buhari administration, and solicit re-election, all for the good of our country and her people.

“While a chronicle of the achievements of the administration is in order now, outright canvasing may amount to jumping the gun. We are an administration committed to due process and scrupulous respect for rules, law and order.

http://dailypost.ng/2018/07/28/2019-dont-campaign-yet-buhari-warns-supporters/“We appreciate our massive supporters nationwide, and urge them to exercise restraint till the race commences officially as stipulated by law.”

Croatia V England: England is favoured to beat Croatia

Croatia and England will do battle for a place in the 2018 World Cup final on Wednesday evening when they face off at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Croatia last graced this stage in 1998 and are bidding to reach their first ever World Cup final, whereas England have not made it to the biggest game in football since lifting the trophy for the one and only time in 1966.

Croatia came into this summer’s World Cup boasting some of the most talented players at the tournament, but their recent record on the biggest stage left them quite far down the list of potential winners.

Since finishing third in 1998 — their first World Cup as an independent nation — Croatia have failed to make it past the group stages, and even missed out on qualification altogether in 2010.

However, the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic have finally come good this summer and, in what may be the trio’s final World Cup, they now stand on the brink of the greatest achievement in their nation’s footballing history.

While Croatia may not be able to match the World Cup pedigree of even England, their squad does boast significant experience and at club level, they have won nine Champions League titles between them.

England’s players, by contrast, have won just one.

Not even a Champions League final can quite prepare someone for the pressure of a World Cup semi-final, though, and so far, Croatia have struggled slightly in the knockout stages of the tournament.

After cruising through Group D with a 100 per cent record — including a 3-0 win over Argentina — Croatia have needed penalties to scrape past Denmark in the last 16 and then host nation Russia in the quarter-finals.

England should pose more of threat than those two previous knockout opponents, but Croatia have certainly shown character during those past two games — they bounced back from a first-minute goal against Denmark and then picked themselves up after a 115th-minute Russian equaliser to win on penalties.

Only one other nation has ever won two penalty shootouts at a single World Cup — Argentina doing so in 1990 — and fatigue could play a part should Wednesday’s match also look like going the distance.

Croatia do have a good record against European opposition at the World Cup, though, with the 1998 semi-final defeat to France their only loss in eight such matches. Indeed, that loss to the hosts 20 years ago is also their only defeat in six previous World Cup knockout games.

There are also goals throughout this Croatia team, with their 10 World Cup goals being scored by eight different players — a tally second only to fellow semi-finalists Belgium.

Whether that is an advantage compared to having one particularly prolific goalscorer like England’s Harry Kane remains to be seen on Wednesday night; but manager Zlatko Dalic is confident that his side can stop the Three Lions captain and, if they do, they could well be on course for an historic World Cup final appearance.

Recent form: WWWWW

Recent form (all competitions): WWWWWW

World Cup fever has well and truly gripped the nation and fans; players and pundits alike will have been wishing for Wednesday night to come around from the moment the final whistle went in the quarter-final win over Sweden on Saturday.

The semi-final against Croatia will be the biggest match in English football for 28 years since they last reached the semi-finals at Italia 1990. Indeed, some may argue that it is the biggest game since the 1966 final, considering how the draw has opened up for them.

There has been semi-final heartbreak for England in the past, though, from Gazza’s tears in 1990 to current manager Gareth Southgate missing the crucial penalty in the last four of Euro 1996. So, fans will still be guarded despite the team already surpassing all expectations in Russia.

It is perhaps no coincidence that a tournament which began with almost unprecedentedly low levels of expectation has resulted in England’s best run for almost three decades, with the players finally looking free from what has been a suffocating weight of pressure in the past.

Some old demons have been exorcised too; a first World Cup penalty shootout victory in four attempts over Colombia in the last 16 saw belief levels shoot up, and the relatively comfortable nature of their 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-finals — albeit via a man-of-the-match display from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford — instilled further confidence in the ability of Southgate’s youthful squad to handle the big occasion.

There is no getting away from the fact that the draw has fallen kindly for England, though, and Croatia are likely to be a step up in class from any other team they have faced in Russia so far given that their final group game against Belgium saw Roberto Martinez field a second-string side.

One route to success for England could be via set pieces, which have proven to be a rich source of goals for them at this World Cup. Eight of their 11 goals have come via that route – already the most at a World Cup since Portugal in 1966 – while three of the four goals Croatia have conceded have also come from set pieces.

Fans will take any omens that grant optimism at this stage of a tournament too, and the last three teams to score four or more goals from corners at a World Cup — a feat England have already achieved — have gone on to lift the trophy; Germany in 2014, Italy in 2006 and France in 1998.

Regardless of what happens on Wednesday night, it has already been a World Cup to remember for England; their tally of 11 goals is their joint-highest ever — alongside 1966 — and they have come from five different goalscorers, which is also the joint-most they have ever had at a tournament.

Southgate’s side will arrive in Moscow full of confidence having lost just two of their last 30 competitive games and only one of their last six World Cup outings, although if they are to progress then they will have to beat two European nations at a single World Cup for the first time since 1982.

The Three Lions have already broken records galore at this tournament, though, and if they can end the semi-final hoodoo which has seen England lose their last three at major tournaments then they will etch their names even deeper into English football history.

One month ago, it would have been scarcely believable that England would still be involved in the final week of the World Cup, but the Three Lions are potentially now just 180 minutes away from bringing it home.

Southgate should have a fully fit squad to choose from for Wednesday’s match after all 23 players took part in their final training session on Tuesday morning.

Jordan Henderson — who is on an unprecedented run of 30 consecutive England games unbeaten — had been a doubt with a tight hamstring, but he is expected to be fit to play.

There were also minor doubts over the fitness of Pickford and Dele Alli, but both are also expected to feature with Southgate likely to name an unchanged side.

Should that be the case then Raheem Sterling will once again lead the line alongside Kane, despite criticism of his performance during the win over Sweden.

Kane has had no such trouble in front of goal and still leads the Golden Boot race with six goals – a tally only Ronaldo in 2002 has bettered from the past nine World Cups and one no European player has beaten since 1974.

Jamie Vardy is back available after missing the quarter-final win over Sweden with a groin problem, but he is likely to be left on the bench once again.

Croatia will be without first-choice right-back Sime Vrsaljko, who has been ruled out due to a knee injury he sustained during the quarter-final win over Russia.

Vrsaljko’s absence could see Domagoj Vida moved out to right-back and former Tottenham Hotspur defender Vedran Corluka drafted in alongside Dejan Lovren at the heart of the defence.

Dalic is also sweating over the fitness of goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, who picked up a hamstring injury against Russia but went on to finish the match.

Croatia possible starting lineup: Subasic; Vida, Lovren, Corluka, Strinic; Rakitic, Brozovic, Rebic, Modric, Perisic; Mandzukic.

England possible starting lineup: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Henderson; Trippier, Lingard, Alli, Young; Sterling, Kane.

Head to head
This will be the eighth meeting between these two sides, with England winning four and losing two of the previous seven.

One of those England victories came in their only previous meeting at a major tournament, with a teenage Wayne Rooney helping England to a 4-2 victory in the group stages at Euro 2004.

Croatia got revenge with a victory over Steve McClaren’s England which denied them a place at Euro 2008, although the last two meetings have seen England win by a 9-2 aggregate scoreline – winning 4-1 in September 2008 before sealing their place at the 2010 World Cup with a 5-1 triumph at Wembley.

We say: Croatia 1-2 England (a.e.t)

Croatia have not been at their best in the knockout rounds so far, and they could be forced to go all the way again on Wednesday, which could give England’s slightly fresher legs the edge. It promises to be a hardfought encounter, but we’re backing England to make it into the final.