Okorocha alleges invasion, looting of daughter’s Owerri shop (Guardian)
Immediate past governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has alleged that a shop belonging to his daughter, Mrs. Uloma Nwosu, located along Port Harcourt Road in Owerri on Thursday evening and some items looted by the Recovery of Moveable Assets Committee constituted by the Emeka Ihedioha administration. In a statement, yesterday, signed by Okorocha’s media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, the former governor claimed that the alleged attack was unleashed 48 hours after the Chairman of the committee, Jasper Ndubuaku, had claimed in a press conference that Okorocha and his wife carted away state government property worth about N50billion. Read more
FG begins Ruga settlements in Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, others (Punch)
Despite the harsh criticism of the planned establishment of Ruga settlements across the country, the Federal Government is set to commence the pilot phase of the project in Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna and seven other states, Saturday PUNCH’s investigations have confirmed. It was learnt in Abuja on Friday that the execution of the project would start in 11 states including Sokoto, Nasarawa, Kogi, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara and Niger. Documents seen by one of our correspondents at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development showed that all was set for the implementation of the initiative. Read more
INEC to review MoU with NYSC (Nation)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday revealed that it is planning to review its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on the rules regarding the engagement of corps members as electoral ad hoc staff. The Director General, The Electoral Institute, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, made this known in Abuja at the Policy Dialogue on “Dynamics of Delegation: Reforms in the Recruitment of Ad-hoc Election Personnel.” Read more
Rights groups back Buhari on financial autonomy for local councils (Guardian)
A coalition of civil society groups under the aegis of Guardians of Democracy and Development (GDD) yesterday threw their weight behind ongoing quest by President Buhari to ensure financial autonomy for the 774 local councils in the country. GDD’s National Convener, Solomon Adodo who addressed reporters in Abuja remarked that the initiative would surely curb theft of public funds and rural-urban migration of able-bodied unemployed youths in search of jobs. Read more
EFCC accuses Saraki of diverting N12bn from Kwara treasury (Punch)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission claims former Senate President Bukola Saraki withdrew N12bn in cash from the treasury of the Kwara State Government while he was governor of the state between 2003 and 2011. The money was then allegedly used by Saraki to offset a N1.36bn bank loan he used in purchasing homes located at 15, 15A, 17, 17A and four flats on Macdonald Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, hence the decision of the commission to seize the properties. The anti-corruption agency therefore asked Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to rescind the ex parte order preventing the commission from investigating and prosecuting Saraki. Read more
Minimum wage: FG-Labour meeting ends in a deadlock again (Punch)
The technical committee established to work on the consequential adjustment arising from the N30,000 new national minimum wage has again failed to reach an agreement after the representatives of the Federal Government and labour rejected the proposed percentage increases in their meeting on Thursday. This came despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise that the Federeal Government was committed to the implementation of the new minimum wage while asking state governments to do the same. Read more
Imo govt investigates 77 months’ pension arrears (Punch)
Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has constituted a committee to investigate 77 months’ pension arrears owed to retirees in the state. A statement issued in Owerri, the state capital by the Secretary to the State Government, Uche Onyeagucha, stated that the committee would investigate why the past administration was not able to pay the retirees. The committee is to conclude the assignment in two months. Read more
Leaders must develop moral courage to fight corruption, says ICPC chairman (Guardian)
The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Bolaji Owansanoye has said for Nigeria to attract foreign investment and economic boost, leaders at various level must develop a moral courage to fight corruption to its root. Owansanoye was the keynote speaker at the seventh yearly Christopher Kolade lecture organised by the Integrity Organisation in Lagos. The team of this year programme was Governance, Leadership and Ethics: How To Build A Thriving Economy. Read more
Use your initiatives to boost business, CBN tells SMEs (Punch)
The Central Bank of Nigeria has urged owners of small and medium-sized enterprises in Akwa Ibom State to take advantage of opportunities offered by the bank through its intervention initiatives to boost their businesses. The Director, Corporate Communications, Mr Isaac Okorafor, made the call during an enlightenment fair organised by the CBN in the state. The fair was organised with aim of sensitising the public to the bank’s initiatives and to let them know how the bank was working towards sustaining the sector and the Nigerian economy. Read more
Ondo monarch urges youths to shun cultism (Nation)
The Osemawe and paramount ruler of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, has urged youths to shun cultism in order to become responsible citizens and develop the community. He said a workshop on youth empowerment was being organized to educate youths on the need to shun cultism and other vices. Dr. Kiladejo, the Jilo III, who spoke yesterday on Victoria Island, Lagos at the workshop said it was regrettable that Ondo town, which in the past hosted many multinational companies, had become a shadow of itself. Read more
Gunmen behead generator repairer in Rivers (Punch)
A young man said to be a generator repairer has been shot dead in Rivers State and his head and genitals severed from his body. The incident, which happened in Choba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Thursday night, caused apprehension in the area as residents and business owners refused to open their shops the following day. An eyewitness, who spoke with Southern City News on condition of anonymity, said the victim lived and repaired generators in the area for many years and was well known to residents. Read more
Six jailed for internet fraud in Ogun (Guardian)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Office has secured the conviction of six internet fraudsters in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The convicts are Ibrahim Adenekan, Akinniyi Bankole Ojumu, Amoo Hammeed Olamide, Oshoala Abayomi Ganiu, Opaaje Oluwatobi Isiah and Ibukun Sunday. While Ibrahim, Akinniyi, Oshoala, Opaaje and Ibukun were found guilty by Justice Mohammed Abubakar, Amoo was convicted by Justice Ibrahim Watilat. Read more
Robber lures Uber driver with suya to steal car (Punch)
A 34-year-old man, Iwueze Kingsley, has been arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team in Lagos for stealing a car and other valuables belonging to an Uber driver. The suspect had lured his unsuspecting victim named Clifford Echereode to a bar in the FESTAC area of Lagos on the night of April 22, 2019 under the pretence of needing his taxi service. According to the IRT led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, Kingsley approached Echereode to pick up his brother, who he claimed was returning to Nigeria from Ghana that night. Read more
Trump says he wants to ‘shake hands’ with North Korea’s Kim at DMZ (BBC)
President Trump has invited North Korea leader Kim Jong-un – on Twitter – to meet him at the fortified frontier that divides North and South Korea. The US leader is due to visit South Korea after the G20 summit in Japan. He arrives in Seoul on Saturday for a two-day trip aimed at rescuing foundering denuclearisation talks with North Korea. In an apparently spontaneous gesture, Mr Trump unexpectedly mooted a meeting with Mr Kim. Read more
Venezuela crisis: US announces sanctions against Maduro’s son (BBC)
The United States has announced new sanctions against the son of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra, 29, known as Nicolasito, is a member of the pro-government Constituent Assembly. Juan Guaidó, who is seen by the US as the country’s legitimate leader, heads up a rival parliament that has been side-lined by the government. Read more
Baby found in plastic bag has ‘people waiting in line’ to adopt her (BBC)
A baby girl found inside a plastic bag in the US has families across the world “waiting in line” to adopt the “miracle” child, an official says. The baby, nicknamed India, was found on 6 June in Georgia after residents heard her crying and called the police. Police shared heart-rending bodycam footage of an officer tearing open the plastic bag in which she was swaddled. Read more
Stormzy makes Black British history with ‘sensational’ Glastonbury 2019 headlining performance (Metro)
Stormzy has been praised for his ‘sensational‘ Glastonbury Festival on Friday night after becoming the first solo black British artist to headline. The 25-year-old made history when he took Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm, as the country tuned in to watch the live performance on BBC Two which saw a duet with Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Dave and Fredo. His set was highly-praised by fans watching at home – and right there at the festival – with many celebrating the grime MC for performing without a backing track. Read more
Tom Holland ‘heartbroken’ Gwyneth Paltrow doesn’t remember being in Spider-Man (Metro)
Tom Holland is ‘heartbroken’ that Gwyneth Paltrow doesn’t remember being in his Spider-man film. Gwen, what’s going on? Tom is a sweetheart. The 46-year-old actress, who plays Iron Man’s magnanimous partner Pepper Potts in Marvel’s Iron Man and Avengers, films, revealed this tidbit on Jon Favreau’s new Netflix Chef Show. Read more
Omeruo relishes Eagles form (Punch)
Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, says regular playing time for Spanish side Leganes has rubbed off on the national team following his Man-of-The-Match display against Guinea on Wednesday. The Chelsea player, on loan at Leganes, played a total of 28 matches for the Spanish club and was instrumental for the Madrid-based side as they avoided regulation last season when they finished 17th on the table. Omeruo, who scored the winning goal against Guinea, said it was a good thing he enjoyed such a superb form for his club side as he continued to replicate the form at the AFCON tournament helping Nigeria to keep two clean sheets from their two matches. Read more
SA beat Namibia to boost chances (BBC)
South Africa boosted their chances of reaching the last 16 by beating neighbours Namibia 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations Group D. Bongani Zungu headed past Lloyd Kazapua from a second-half corner to score his country’s first goal of the tournament. Moments earlier, Deon Kavendji’s close range effort was cleared off the line for Namibia in Cairo. Read more
Amuneke laments defeat to Kenya (Punch)
Taifa Stars of Tanzania head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has lamented his team’s 3-2 defeat to Kenya in their second game of the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday at the June 30 stadium in Cairo. With the loss, Tanzania will need to beat Algeria by a wide margin to have some hope of progressing to the next stage of the competition. Amuneke’s team gave up their lead twice against the Harambee Stars and were punished by a late Michael Olunga’s goal in the 80th minute, which gave the team the maximum points in the East African derby. Read more
AFCON: Renard’s Morocco sink Ivory Coast again (Punch)
Morocco coach Herve Renard masterminded another victory over his former team Ivory Coast on Friday as a 1-0 win sent the north Africans through to the last 16 in Egypt. Youssef En-Nesyri’s superb first-half goal in Cairo earned Renard and Morocco a third win in a row over an Ivorian side he coached to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2015. After ending Ivory Coast’s involvement at the 2017 edition and qualifying for last year’s World Cup at their expense, Morocco again got the better of their west African opponents in a meeting of the top two sides in Group D. Read more
Cameroon hope to dim Ghana’s stars (Punch)
Indomitable Lions coach, Clarence Seedorf, has stated that he will go for a direct style of play when Cameroon play Ghana’s Black Stars in a potentially explosive clash at the Ismailia Stadium on Saturday (today) at the 2019 AFCON. Cameroon started their campaign on a bright note defeating underdogs Guinea-Bissau 2-0, while 10-man Ghana shared the spoils with Benin in a 2-2 draw. With Ghana looking for their first win of the competition, Cameroon coachSeedorfsaid, “Ghana have a strong team, when my brother Eto’o visited, it was positive for the team. Pressing from the middle is our strong weapon.” Read more
USA beat France to book England semi (BBC)
Holders the United States overcame hosts France to book a semi-final date with England at the Women’s World Cup. Megan Rapinoe scored a goal in each half for the USA, the first a low free-kick that went in through a crowd of players, the second a side-foot finish. France did not manage a single shot on target in the first half but Wendie Renard’s late header gave them hope. Read more
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Man Utd sign Crystal Palace defender in £50m deal (BBC)
Manchester United have signed England Under-21 right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace in a £50m deal. The 21-year-old, who made his first-team debut for Palace last year, has agreed a five-year contract that will earn him up to £80,000 a week. United are paying £45m up front, making Wan-Bissaka the club’s fifth-biggest signing, behind Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Angel di Maria and Fred. Read more
Willian backs ‘extraordinary’ Frank Lampard for success as Chelsea manager (Metro)
Willian says ‘extraordinary’ Frank Lampard has ‘everything it takes’ to be a success as Chelsea manager. The ex-England midfielder, who spent 13 years at Stamford Bridge as a player, is set to return to his former club after Maurizio Sarri left for Juventus. Lampard enjoyed an impressive first season in management, taking Derby County to the Championship play-off final where they were beaten by Aston Villa. Read more
Argentina set up Brazil semi-final (BBC)
Argentina set up a tantalising Copa America semi-final against hosts Brazil after easing past Venezuela 2-0. Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was involved in both goals as Argentina aim for their third straight final. Aguero’s low drive was flicked in by Lautaro Martinez and goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez spilled the striker’s shot for Giovani Lo Celso to tap home. Read more
Selling Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Manchester United would be ‘madness’, says Ray Parlour (Metro)
Ray Parlour has urged Arsenal to keep hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and says selling the striker to anyone – not least Manchester United – would be ‘madness’. Gabon international Aubameyang has scored 41 goals in 65 league games for the Gunners since signing from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018. The 30-year-old was one of Arsenal’s star players last season, helping the club reach the Europa League final and challenge for a top-four spot in the Premier League. Read more
Andy Murray has different Wimbledon feel as he gives update on mixed doubles plans (Metro)
Andy Murray admitted there is a different feel to this year’s Wimbledon as he targets a doubles title rather than mounting his usual singles challenge. The two-time champion used to get mouth ulcers in the build-up to the tournament – a physical side effect of dealing with the pressure of competing at his home Grand Slam – but appeared more relaxed this time around. Murray’s career looked on the verge of collapse as he broke down in tears and threatened retirement at the Australian Open in January but after a ‘life-changing’ hip resurfacing operation, the three-time Grand Slam winner has a new-found ‘perspective’. Read more