Welcome to m.oracle blog: December 2018

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Manchester United signs new coach- former Arsenal coach

You must be very heartless to think like that, do you think that something good can emerge from Arsenal to better the life of Man utd???
Moreover I still imagine how players⛹🏽‍♂🤾🏽‍♀🤼‍♂ can loose match just to see that a coach is sacked. Who is loosing???
Hmmmmmm😏😏😏 wetin concern me? Till I reach the top.

‘We Were Never👎 Interested in Nigeria✈ Air’ – Qatar Airways Faults FG

Qatar Airways has denied interest as a core investor in Federal Government’s national carrier project, Nigeria Air.

Akbar Al Baker, the Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways said his company was not looking to be a core investor, adding that the government only approached their management on how to go about floating a national carrier.

Al Baker said this while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing 18th Doha Forum in Doha, Vanguard reports.

While refuting rumours that the national carrier project was suspended for lack of investors, Hadi Sirika, minister of state for aviation had listed Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airways as some of the potential investors of the national carrier.

“We never applied to serve as core investor in the proposed Nigerian national carrier. The government of Nigeria only approached us on how to go about setting up the carrier. And we advised that Nigeria needs massive investments to float a national carrier,” Vanguard quoted Al Baker to have said on Sunday.

🚷ASUU Strike: Outcome of FG, 🤝Union Leaders’ Meeting Emerges

The ongoing strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) continues as the leaders of the union and the Federal government failed to reach an agreement again.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, presided over a resumed negotiation with the striking university lecturers on Monday at the ministry’s office in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The meeting unlike previous ones which ended inconclusively had ASUU National President, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, and other leaders of the union walk out of the meeting.

Professor Ogunyemi, however, refused to speak to newsmen about the outcome of the meeting and why the union leaders stormed out after about two hours.

But in an interview with newsmen after the meeting, Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige insisted that the lecturers did not walk out.

When asked the outcome of the meeting, the labour minister said negotiations were still on and that the government was poised to ensure all knotty issues were resolved before Christmas to enable students return to classes.

According to him, we gave ourselves some assignment with different Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) on what to do.

Atiku Releases 🔟 Questions Buhari❓ Must Answer

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has posed ten questions President Muhammadu Buhari must answer.

“According to Transparency International, Nigeria is more corrupt today and we ask the government to answer a few questions including:

“Who reinstated and double promoted Maina?

“Who owns the Ikoyi Apartment $42 million?

“What has happened to Aisha Buhari’s ADC who looted ₦2.5 billion?

“Why was the $25 billion NNPC contracts awarded without due process investigated?

“Why haven’t those behind Buhari’s padded budget scandals been sacked or charged to court?

“When will Babachir be charged?

“How come fuel subsidy has doubled even when petrol price has doubled?

“Why did President Buhari lift the suspension of the corrupt NHIS boss, Usman Yusuf, before public pressure forced him to suspend him? Why has he not been charged?

“In May, Transparency International warned that Buhari had increased Security Vote by 600%, yet our soldiers have no weapons and are killed by terrorists. Where is the money going?

“In February Buhari withdrew $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to ostensibly fund the war on terror, yet the Chief of Army Staff said after Metele that they have no weapons. Where did that money go?

National Assembly👮 Orders Police, DSS to Secure👀 Complex Ahead of Plenary, Buhari’s Visit

The leadership of the National Assembly has directed the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure adequate security within and outside its premises from Tuesday morning to enable members and staff come in and perform their legitimate duties without any hinderance.

The directive was passed after a meeting of the joint leadership of the two chambers with the management and representatives of the security agencies.

The meeting was called by the leadership to listen to the management, led by the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA) on efforts made so far to address the grievances of the striking staff.

A statement Monday night by Sani Omolori, Clerk of the National Assembly, said: “The leadership of the National Assembly called the meeting because they know that almost all the issues raised by the striking workers were being addressed by the management.

“And after listening to the CNA, it was unanimously agreed that the management had made sufficient plans and efforts to address all the grievances of the workers and ensure their happiness.

“We were sure that the issues raised by the workers have been well attended to and that it is necessary for the business of the National Assembly to continue without any disturbance."

Why Buhari Must🙏 Attend Presidential🗣 Debate – CD

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has reacted to the raging debate on whether President Muhammadu Buhari should participate in the presidential debate slated for January 19, 2019.

The CD in a statement by its General Secretary of CD, Pastor Ifeanyi Odili said the debate is an opportunity for Buhari to sell his 2019 programme.

Odili added that it is politically expedient and wise for Buhari to take part in the presidential debate, as a way of showcasing his programmes for another term.

The statement read: “Those who are urging the president not to be physically present in the upcoming presidential debate are only trying to be holier than thou.

“It is politically expedient and wise for him to come out and showcase his programmes for the people he wants to govern, as the people really want to hear from him. Since he is the one who is there to deliver his mandate if he wins, it is only advisable that he should attend the event.

“Beyond our advice that the president should attend the debate, if he likes, he should go, if not, he should stay back. Whether he goes to the presidential debate or not, the onus is on Nigerians to decide if the president deserves their votes.”

Presidency Bans🚷 Hope Uzodinma, David Mark, 36 Others from 🛩Traveling Abroad

The Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Funds, SPIPRPP, has submitted names of 39 alleged treasury looters to the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, for the purpose of stopping them from traveling abroad.

Chairman of the panel, Chief Okoi Obono Obla, said this at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja.

According to him, the action was in accordance with the provisions of the Executive Order No 6 of 2018.

He revealed that the panel in partnership with the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, NIA, was investigating some Nigerians allegedly implicated in the Paradise Panama Papers.

He said “findings will be made available to Nigerians in due course.”

He said the list of 39 persons contained those currently under its investigation, including the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma; former Senate President, David Mark; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Demeji Bankole and the Tunsa brothers, Tijani Tunsa and Ibrahim Tunsa) among others.

He said, “The Presidential Panel has requested the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), to place a travel ban on some persons who are alleged to have abused their offices and looted our commonwealth."

🚷ASUU Strike: Outcome of FG, 🤝Union Leaders’ Meeting Emerges

The ongoing strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) continues as the leaders of the union and the Federal government failed to reach an agreement again.

The meeting unlike previous ones which ended inconclusively had ASUU National President, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, and other leaders of the union walk out of the meeting.

Professor Ogunyemi, however, refused to speak to newsmen about the outcome of the meeting and why the union leaders stormed out after about two hours.

But in an interview with newsmen after the meeting, Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige insisted that the lecturers did not walk out.

According to him, we gave ourselves some assignment with different Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) on what to do.

‘We Were Never👎 Interested in Nigeria✈ Air’ – Qatar Airways Faults FG

Qatar Airways has denied interest as a core investor in Federal Government’s national carrier project, Nigeria Air.

Al Baker said this while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing 18th Doha Forum in Doha, Vanguard reports.

Friday, 14 December 2018

Trump Inauguration Spending 💰 Reportedly Under Criminal Investigation 🔍 by Federal Prosecutors

Manhattan-based federal prosecutors are investigating whether some of the $107 million in donations to then-President elect Donald Trump’s inaugural committee were misspent, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

The Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, said the investigation arose in part from the slew of materials seized in April raids on Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, by federal prosecutors. Cohen on Wednesday was sentenced to three years in prison on charges that came in part from those April raids on his office and residence.

The criminal probe is also looking into whether some of the committee’s top spenders traded money for access to the incoming Trump administration, as well as “policy concessions or to influence official administration positions,” sources told the Journal.

“Giving money in exchange for political favors could run afoul of federal corruption laws,” The newspaper explained. “Diverting funds from the organization, which was registered as a nonprofit, could also violate federal law.”

Federal prosecutors have reportedly also questioned Richard Gates — the ex-partner of onetime Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort — who pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy and lying charges lodged by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Sampaoli👔 to Take Charge of Santos🇧🇷

Jorge Sampaoli has reached an agreement with Santos to become their new manager, the Brazilian club confirmed on Thursday.

In the announcement, Santos said that while a deal had been reached with the former Argentina and Chile boss, the final details must still be worked out.

Should everything go according to plan, Sampaoli will sign the deal after meeting face-to-face with Santos this weekend.

Sampaoli has been unemployed since managing Argentina at the 2018 World Cup.

The 58-year-old took over the Albiceleste in May 2017 and guided them during a turbulent qualifying cycle that saw the nation nearly miss out on Russia, with a Lionel Messi hat-trick against Ecuador on the final day of qualifying required to get them to the World Cup.

In Russia, Argentina struggled to a draw against Iceland and a heavy defeat to Croatia before narrowly securing passage out of the group stage with a victory against Nigeria amid reported strife between Sampaoli and many of his players.

Morata Welcome🙏 to Join Barca, says Alba❗

Alvaro Morata would be welcomed at Barcelona if the forward makes the move from Premier League club Chelsea, according to full-back Jordi Alba.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a surprise January move to the LaLiga giants and Serie A club AC Milan as he continues to struggle at Stamford Bridge.

Since making the move from Real Madrid in 2017, Morata has scored 16 goals in 45 Premier League matches for the Blues, with six of those strikes coming in his first six league games.

Alba, a Spain team-mate of Morata's, said he would be happy to see the former Juventus striker return their country and join him at the Nou Camp.

"Morata is a player that I appreciate a lot, he has been a top player for many years," Alba said on Thursday.

"At the end, it's the club's [decision] if they want to sign him or not, as with any other player.

"If the rumours are true, he would be very welcome, as all the new players [are]."

PSG🗼 Have Ligue 1 Fixture Postponed Again🙆

Paris Saint-Germain have had Saturday’s league clash with Dijon postponed due to the ongoing riots in France.

Protests, labelled 'gilet jaunes' demonstrations, have caused havoc across the country in recent weeks, particularly in Paris, with six Ligue 1 games having been postponed in matchweek 17.

And, with police resources needed to deal with more expected riots, half of the scheduled 10 fixtures set to take place in matchweek 18 have now been postponed.

PSG had their last outing against Montpellier put back to January 15, and the Ligue 1 leaders' encounter with Dijon will now also have to be rescheduled.

Four other Ligue 1 matches have been called off due to anticipated riots, including Marseille’s home tie with Bordeaux on Sunday evening.

Europa League🏆: Who All Have Qualified❓

The group stages of the UEFA Europa League has come to an end with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea progressing while Milan crashed out. The draw for the Europa League last 32 stage will take place on December 17, 2018.

Here are the teams in the running (Group winners + runners-up + Champions League third-placed teams)

Seeded teams

Bayer Leverkusen
Red Bull Salzburg
Zenit Saint Petersburg
Dinamo Zagreb
Arsenal
Real Betis
Villarreal
Eintracht Frankfurt
Genk
Sevilla
Dynamo Kyiv
Chelsea
Napoli
Valencia
Inter
Benfica

Unseeded teams

Zurich
Celtic
Slavia Prague
Fenerbahce
Sporting CP
Olympiacos
Rapid Wien
Lazio
Malmo
Krasnodar
Rennes
BATE Borisov
Viktoria Plzen
Club Brugge
Shakhtar Donetsk
Galatasaray

*AC Milan Crash Out💥 of Europa League

AC Milan crashed out of the Europa League as Konstantinos Fortounis' late penalty claimed a 3-1 win for Olympiacos, sending the Greek side through to the knockout stages.

Gennaro Gattuso's men required just a point to secure progression from Group F, but they found themselves behind when Pape Abou Cisse headed in on the hour.

With Milan's defence rocking, Olympiacos grabbed a crucial second goal as Cristian Zapata deflected Guilherme's hopeful strike into his own net nine minutes later.

Zapata immediately made amends when he bundled the ball in at the other end to make it advantage Milan courtesy of their improved head-to-head record, but, after Ignazio Abate was penalised for holding onto Vasilis Torosidis, Fortounis kept his cool to book Olympiacos' place in last 32.

Lacazette⚡ Helps Arsenal Beat👊 Qarabag

Alexandre Lacazette's first Europa League goal of the season secured Arsenal a straightforward 1-0 home win over Qarabag as Unai Emery took the opportunity to blood young and returning players in a pressure-free match.

The Gunners were confirmed as winners of Europa League Group E after their 3-0 win over Vorskla and Emery handed Laurent Koscielny his first competitive start since last season's semi-final, while Mesut Ozil made his first appearance after a back injury.

With Qarabag already eliminated from the competition, the game was played like an exhibition match, but there were flashes of brilliance from 17-year-old midfielder Bukayo Saka, making his first start for Arsenal on the left wing.

Lacazette's eighth goal of the season in the 16th minute settled the game, allowing Emery to turn his focus to pushing Arsenal into the Premier League's top four.

*Giroud Helps 🔵Chelsea Salvage Draw🙏

Olivier Giroud came off the bench to salvage an under-strength Chelsea a laboured 2-2 draw at Vidi in the Europa League on Thursday.

With the Blues already confirmed as Group L winners, Maurizio Sarri made 10 changes to the side that beat Manchester City last weekend and was almost made to endure an embarrassing defeat.

The visitors made life difficult for themselves as an Ethan Ampadu own goal quickly erased Willian's 30th-minute opener, before Loic Nego fired the unheralded Hungarians into the lead 11 minutes after the restart.

But the loss of Alvaro Morata to a first-half knee problem proved an unlikely blessing in disguise for Chelsea as Giroud stroked in their second free-kick late in the match to ensure the Premier League side enter the knockout rounds unbeaten.

Ottawa Confirms 👍 China Has Detained Second Canadian❗

Canada's foreign ministry confirmed Thursday that China has detained a second Canadian under what Beijing has said is suspicion of threatening its national security.

"We can confirm that a Canadian citizen, Michael Spavor, has been detained in China," the ministry said in a statement.

"We have raised this case directly with the Chinese authorities. The Canadian government is seized of this case and will continue to speak with the Chinese government."

Ottawa previously said it was informed that former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig was arrested in Beijing on Monday.

The two Canadians are "suspected of engaging in activities that threatened China's national security," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said, without explaining if the cases are related.

Kovrig, who works for the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank, was being investigated by the Beijing bureau of state security, while the agency's office in northeast Liaoning province was handling the probe into Spavor, Lu said.

Spavor is a China-based business consultant who facilitates trips to North Korea. He has met with its leader Kim Jong Un and arranged some of retired NBA star Dennis Rodman's trips to the country.

The detentions of the two Canadian nationals have fueled suspicions China is retaliating against Canada's arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, at Washington's request on allegations related to breaking Iran sanctions.

Trump Inauguration Spending 💰 Reportedly Under Criminal Investigation 🔍 by Federal Prosecutors

ICE Arrested 😱 170 Immigrants Seeking to Sponsor Migrant Children❗

Federal authorities have arrested 170 immigrants who came forward seeking to sponsor migrant children in government custody, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said.

ICE said Tuesday that the arrests were of immigrants suspected of being in the United States illegally and took place from early July to November. They were the result of background checks conducted on potential sponsors of unaccompanied migrant children placed under the care of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Nearly two thirds of those arrested — 109 in total — had no criminal record, the agency said. Another 61 of those arrested did have criminal records, but ICE did not specify the crimes and said it could not break down convictions by violent and nonviolent offenses.

The arrests follow a move by President Donald Trump's administration earlier this year that allowed immigration authorities to examine the criminal background and legal status of anyone who steps forward to sponsor unaccompanied migrant children — usually parents or close relatives already in the U.S. — as well as any other adults living in their home.

That rule allowed ICE to collect biometric data, including fingerprints, of the sponsors as well as other adults in the home.

Just under 80 percent of people screened by ICE during the sponsorship process showed results that they were not in the country legally, the agency said.

Alleged Russian 🇷🇺 Spy Pleads Guilty 🙏 to Engaging in Conspiracy Against US 🇺🇸

Alleged Russian spy Maria Butina pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday for conspiracy to act as an illegal foreign agent in the United States.

Butina, 30, was accused of working to infiltrate Republican political circles through groups such as the National Rifle Association to bolster Russian interests.

Butina said she acted "under direction of" a Russian official whom CNN has identified as Alexander Torshin, the recently retired deputy governor of the Central Bank of Russia.

"Butina sought to establish unofficial lines of communication with Americans having power and influence over US politics," the prosecutor said in a Washington courtroom.

Her guilty plea and agreement to cooperate comes with the hope that prosecutors will ask for a reduced sentence. She agreed to turn over any evidence of crimes she is aware of, submit a full accounting of her financial assets, sit for interviews with law enforcement (and waive right to counsel during those interviews) and testify before grand juries or in trials in Washington or elsewhere.

Trump Inauguration Spending 💰 Reportedly Under Criminal Investigation 🔍 by Federal Prosecutors

EU Extends Economic Sanctions 😱 on Russia 🇷🇺 Over Ukraine 🇺🇦 Conflict

EU leaders extended punishing economic sanctions against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine for another six months on Thursday, amid heightened tensions between Kiev and Moscow over their Azov Sea clash.

The EU first imposed the measures in July 2014 after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine, killing 298 people, an attack blamed by the EU on pro-Russian rebels.

The sanctions target whole sectors of the Russian economy including its valuable oil businesses.

"EU unanimously prolongs economic sanctions against Russia given zero progress in implementation of Minsk agreements," EU President Donald Tusk tweeted from a summit in Brussels.

The EU-brokered Minsk peace agreement, backed by Moscow and Kiev, was first reached in late 2014 and then re-worked in early 2015 but is violated regularly.

Apple to Create 👏 $1bn 💰 Texas Base

Apple has announced plans to build a new campus in Austin, Texas, saying the project will involve a $1bn (£790m) investment.

The company already has an existing base in the city.

The iPhone-maker said it expected the latest move would eventually make it the state capital's biggest private employer.

One expert said the area had a big pool of talent to draw on but was no longer cheaper to hire in than Silicon Valley.

Intel's Atom computer processors were developed at its facility in the city. Dell, Amazon, Samsung, Facebook, Google and IBM are among other large local employers.

"There's a lot of computer chip expertise but Texas is also a massive hotbed for the data-centre industry," said independent technology analyst Chris Green.

"It also has a reputation for its traditional entertainment media scene as well as social-media development, with lots spurred on by the South by Southwest festival and other technology gatherings that have made Austin their home."

Trump Inauguration Spending 💰 Reportedly Under Criminal Investigation 🔍 by Federal Prosecutors

Governor’s Aide⛓ Arrested Over Alleged😨 Rape of Minor

From Tina Todo, CalabarN aide to the Cross River State governor on Biodiversity, Mr. Edet Okon Asim, has been arrested by the police for allegedly defiling an under-aged girl for more than three years.

The victim, name withheld, was reportedly forced into committing abortion twice for Asim, a former local government chairman of Calabar Municipal, with the help of her mother causing damage to her uterus earlier this year.

The abuse was discovered by her teacher who decided to share it on a WhatsApp page where rights activist and the founder of Project Alert, a non-governmental organization that specializes in handling abuse cases, Mrs. Josephine Chukwuma, took up the matter.

Chukwuma swung into action and contacted the Basic Rights Council Initiative founded by child rights activist, James Ibor, which also informed the police, leading to the arrest of Asim.

The victim’s mother, Ms. Stella, (surname withheld), who was said to be the mistress of the suspect, had warned her daughter severally not to tell anyone about the serial abuses. She was also arrested by the police.

Trump Was in The Room 🚪 During Hush Money Discussions 👀 with Tabloid Publisher

Donald Trump was the third person in the room in August 2015 when his lawyer Michael Cohen and National Enquirer publisher David Pecker discussed ways Pecker could help counter negative stories about Trump's relationships with women, NBC News has confirmed.

As part of a nonprosecution agreement disclosed Wednesday by federal prosecutors, American Media Inc., the Enquirer's parent company, admitted that "Pecker offered to help deal with negative stories about that presidential candidate's relationships with women by, among other things, assisting the campaign in identifying such stories so they could be purchased and their publication avoided."

The "statement of admitted facts" says that AMI admitted making a $150,000 payment "in concert with the campaign," and says that Pecker, Cohen and "at least one other member of the campaign" were in the meeting. According to a person familiar with the matter, the "other member" was Trump.

Yemen's 🇾🇪 Warring Parties Agree 👍 to Ceasefire in Hodeidah*

Yemen's warring sides agreed on Thursday to a ceasefire for the flashpoint city of Hodeidah and its surrounding governorate, a major breakthrough that could end what the UN calls the "world's worst humanitarian crisis".

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that the Houthis agreed to withdraw from the strategic western city and relinquish control of three of its ports - Hodeidah, Saleef and Ras Isa - which serve as a major lifeline for more than 18 million Yemenis who live in rebel-held territory.

As part of the agreement, the ports would fall under the control of "local forces", who would then send the ports' revenues to the country's Central Bank.

The Central bank would then begin paying the salaries of government employees in Houthi-held areas. As many as 1.2 million civil servants have not received their salaries in nearly two years, leaving health, education and sanitation services without the people and resources needed to keep them running.

"The agreements today mean a lot. This can be a starting point for peace and for ending the humanitarian crisis in Yemen," Guterres told reporters.

"The war in Yemen has gone on for four years. Four devastating years of suffering for the Yemeni people," he said.

Nigeria Files💰 $1b Suit Against Shell,🤔 Eni in UK*

The Federal Government yesterday filed a $1.1 billion lawsuit against Royal Dutch Shell and Eni at a commercial court in London, United Kingdom in connection with a 2011 oilfield deal.

The OPL 245 facility is also at the heart of an ongoing corruption trial in Milan, Italy where officials of the two companies are on the bench.

Milan prosecutors are alleging that bribes amounting to $1.1 billion were paid to win the licence to explore the field, which, because of disputes, has never entered into production.

The fresh suit also relates to payments made by the firms in relation to the oil well, according to Reuters.

Consequently, United States’ bank JPMorgan is facing action for its role in transferring over $800 million of government funds to former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete, who has been convicted of money laundering.

Strasbourg ⚠ Gunman Shot Dead 👮 by French Police: Sources

The suspected gunman, who killed three people at a Christmas market in Strasbourg on Tuesday, has been killed, police sources have said.

Cherif Chekatt was killed in the Neudorf area of the city in northeast France after a police operation was launched around 20:00 GMT on Thursday, sources said.

A French police official said security forces, including the elite Raid squad, acted following reports that the 29-year-old suspect was hiding in a building in the neighbourhood.

Authorities said a taxi driver dropped Chekatt off in the Neudorf neighborhood of Strasbourg on Tuesday evening after the shooting, which also wounded 13 people.

Nigeria’s Active☎ Telephone Subscription Hits🙌 169m*

Total number of active voice subscriptions in Nigeria telecom services sector has reached an impressive 169 million, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has stated.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, gave the figure at a breakfast meeting with editors and Bureau Chiefs of media houses, in Abuja, yesterday.

He also said internet subscription base, as at end of last month, stood at 109 million, up from 107 million in October.

He stated: “As at November 2018, the active voice subscribers’ base grew from 165 million in October 2018 to 169 million.

Strasbourg ⚠ Gunman Shot Dead 👮 by French Police: Sources

The suspected gunman, who killed three people at a Christmas market in Strasbourg on Tuesday, has been killed, police sources have said.

Cherif Chekatt was killed in the Neudorf area of the city in northeast France after a police operation was launched around 20:00 GMT on Thursday, sources said.

A French police official said security forces, including the elite Raid squad, acted following reports that the 29-year-old suspect was hiding in a building in the neighbourhood.

Authorities said a taxi driver dropped Chekatt off in the Neudorf neighborhood of Strasbourg on Tuesday evening after the shooting, which also wounded 13 people.

Buhari Okays👍 65-Year Retirement Age for Teachers, Says🗣 Minister

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, on Thursday said that President Muhammadu Buhari was in support of increasing the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Adamu made this known during a public hearing on the need to insulate teachers from the retirement age for public servants organised by the House of Reps Joint Committee on Basic Education and Public Service.

Adamu informed the committee that the Nigerian Union of Teachers had submitted the new retirement age proposal to the ministry and the National Assembly for approval.

He said that the drive was based on the need for a better performance by teachers and the desire to have quality teachers in Nigeria’s primary and secondary schools.

“Nigerian teachers to some extent require a reasonable retirement age like their counterparts in India, Canada, Belgium that have increased the retirement age for teachers to 65 years.

“We are appealing to the House to approve the bill because the ministry is in support of increasing the retirement age of teachers,” he said.

'Defective Leadership': UNAIDS Chief to Quit Early 😱 Over Scandal⚠

The head of the United Nations' (UN) body focusing on AIDS has offered his resignation following an expert report on sexual harassment in the agency that blasted his "defective leadership".

Michel Sidibe, executive director of UNAIDS, told the agency's board on Thursday in the Swiss city of Geneva that he would leave his post in June, spokesperson Mahesh Mahalingham said without elaborating.

Sidibe, whose term was supposed to end in January 2020, has been accused of fostering a work environment that tolerated bullying, sexual harassment and a culture of fear among the staff.

A panel of independent experts released a report on Thursday, saying Sidibe was overseeing a "patriarchal" workplace and promoting a "cult of personality" centred on him as the all-powerful chief.

The experts said the situation could not be changed unless Sidibe, a native of Mali who has headed the UN agency for nine years, resigned.

Court Bars❌ Kogi Government From Probing, Suspending⬅️ Chief Judge, Chief Registrar

The Koton-Karfe Division of the High Court of Kogi State has restrained Kogi State Government and the state’s House of Assembly from taking steps that would hinder the discharge of the duties of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Nasiru Ajanah and his Chief Registrar, Yahaya Adamu.

The order was obtained by the Chief Judge and Chief Registrar when they approached the court on the heels of an alleged plan by the Assembly to investigate them and the state judiciary sequel to a petition to the House by the Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Arike Ayoade, indicating that there is an impasse between the Executive and Judiciary arms of the state.

Ayoade is standing trial before High Court 1, the CJ’s court, on charges proffered against her by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

California Man Freed 👏 After Two Days Trapped in Restaurant Grease Vent❗

A man has been rescued after spending two days trapped in a grease vent at a vacant Chinese restaurant in California, police say.

Emergency crews responded to reports of "a faint voice calling for help" from the building in the San Francisco area.

Police and fire crews arriving at the scene in San Lorenzo near Oakland at about 09:30 local time (17:30 GMT) heard a voice and discovered that it was coming from a rooftop vent belonging to the restaurant.

A ladder was then used to access the roof and locate the 29-year-old man, who was unable to move despite being covered with grease and oil, the Alameda County Sheriff's office said in a statement.

It took almost an hour to "extract" the man, who was then taken to a local hospital for treatment, the statement added.

Maduro Accuses 😡 US 🇺🇸 of Plotting to Kill Him❗

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of plotting to kill him and topple his government.

He told reporters that US National Security Adviser John Bolton was personally involved in the plot, but did not produce any evidence.

President Trump has labelled the leftist leader a dictator and has imposed sanctions.

Earlier this week the US criticised the arrival of two Russian bombers in Venezuela.

The Russian Tupolev Tu-160 bombers are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

Canada 🇨🇦 Is Seeking Consular Access 👀 to Ex-Diplomat Detained in China🇨🇳

Canada says it is seeking consular access as soon as possible to a former Canadian diplomat who has been detained in China.

Michael Kovrig was held on Monday by the Beijing National Security Bureau.

His current employers, the International Crisis Group (ICG), say they are concerned for his health and safety.

Canadian officials say the reason for his detention remains unclear.

They do not know where he is being held.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Wednesday the case has been raised directly with Chinese officials.

News of Mr Kovrig's detention came days after Canada arrested Chinese telecoms executive Meng Wanzhou.

Ms Meng, Huawei's chief financial officer, was released in Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday on C$10m (£6m; $7.4m) bail.

She was arrested on 1 December and could be extradited to the US to face fraud charges linked to the alleged violation of sanctions on Iran.

National Enquirer 📰 Publisher AMI Strikes Deal 🤝 with Prosecutors in Michael Cohen Probe

Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that they have struck a non-prosecution agreement with National Enquirer parent company American Media Inc., effectively ruling out charges for the tabloid publisher over its role in securing hush money from President Trump's longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen.

As part of the agreement, AMI admitted to making a payment of $150,000 in cooperation with members of Trump's presidential campaign in order to prevent former Playboy model Karen McDougal's claims of an affair with Trump from being made public during the 2016 race.
AMI chairman David Pecker is a longtime friend of Trump's, and the Enquirer was one of Trump's most reliable and enthusiastic media boosters during the campaign.

Pecker met with Cohen "and at least one other member of the campaign" in August of 2015, according to the non-prosecution agreement, which was struck with prosecutors from the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

"At the meeting, Pecker offered to help deal with negative stories about that presidential candidate's relationships with women by, among other things, assisting the campaign in identifying such stories so they could be purchased and their publication avoided," the agreement read. "Pecker agreed to keep Cohen apprised of any such negative stories."

Federal Judge Seeks Documents 📁 Related to Michael Flynn’s January 2017 Interview with FBI 👮 Agents

A federal judge on Wednesday ordered both former national security adviser Michael Flynn and the special counsel to turn over additional investigative records describing his January 2017 interview with FBI agents - a conversation in which Flynn later admitted he lied.

In an order filed Wednesday evening, U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan demanded to see the formal FBI records and all other relevant documents detailing Flynn's interview with the agents in 2017 and agreed to review them under seal.

The onetime national security adviser to President Trump pleaded guilty last year to lying to investigators and has been cooperating since then with special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 campaign.

Sullivan sought more details about Flynn's FBI interview a day after Flynn's attorneys in a court filing made their own case for why their client deserved no prison time, stressing that he had been "unguarded" when he spoke to FBI agents about his conversations with the Russian ambassador during the presidential transition.

Flynn, who advised Trump during the campaign and transition and served very briefly as his national security adviser, admitted last year that he lied when FBI agents came to his office in the White House four days after Trump's inauguration to ask about the nature of his conversations with then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

Trump got Mexico 🇲🇽 to Pay for The Wall by Simply Changing 👀 the Meaning of ‘Pay’ and ‘Mexico’*

Even as he threatens to shut down the government unless Congress funds his proposed border wall, President Donald Trump revived his claim that Mexico would pay for the barrier.

In a tweet Thursday, the president contended that his stance on America’s southern neighbor funding the wall “has never changed.” He claimed his replacement of the North American Free Trade Agreement would cause Mexico to pay the barrier “just by the money we save.” It is unclear how the new trade deal would fund the wall, which carries a price tag of up to $25 billion.

With just over a week until funding for parts of the government lapses, Democratic leaders aimed to turn the president’s statement against him. Two days after an on-camera spat where Trump said he would be “proud” to shut down the government, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would not approve any additional money for the border wall.

“Well, Mr. President, if you say Mexico is going to pay for the wall through NAFTA, which it certainly won’t, then I guess we don’t have to. Let’s fund the government,” the New York Democrat said Thursday on the Senate floor.

“Honestly, if the president really believed what he tweeted this morning that his new NAFTA would pay for the wall, he wouldn’t be threatening to shut down the government unless American taxpayers fund his wall. You can’t have it both ways,” Schumer continued.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi also questioned what the president meant by his tweet.

Key Lawmakers Seek 👍 to Haul in Trump Associates Working with Mueller❗

Now that President Donald Trump's former "fixer," Michael Cohen, has been sentenced to prison, leaders of the House and Senate Intelligence committees are preparing to haul him back before Congress before he begins serving time.

He's not the only one.

The Senate Intelligence Committee is also seeking to speak to other officials in Trump's orbit who have been charged in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, his former deputy Rick Gates and former campaign adviser George Papadopoulos, according to committee leaders and sources familiar with the probe.
"I think it's safe to say if they were indicted, they were on our list," Senate Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr, a North Carolina Republican, told CNN. "We potentially will talk to a lot of folks."

The witnesses, if they testify, would help the Senate Intelligence Committee fill in key blanks in its investigation into 2016 Russian election interference, which has remained a bipartisan probe as it's stretched on for nearly two years, though it has yet to reach consensus on whether the Trump campaign conspired with the Kremlin. Burr and Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the panel's top Democrat, have waited to speak to -- or in some cases re-interview -- several key officials after they agreed to cooperate with Mueller, but the opportunity could soon be approaching.

The committee has been engaged in discussions with the special counsel and defense attorneys to get access to several cooperating Mueller witnesses in addition to Cohen, including Flynn, Papadopoulos and Gates, according to a source familiar with the investigation.

Pak 🇵🇰SC Orders 🔊Imran Khan’s Sister to Pay 💰₹2,940 Cr.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday ordered Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum to pay a hefty ₹2,940 crore in taxes and fine within a week in the foreign assets case.

A three-judge bench, while hearing a case against 44 politically exposed individuals who possess properties in the UAE, remarked that failure on Khanum’s part to honour the court orders will result in confiscation of her properties.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told the court that a fine and tax worth ₹2,940 crore has been imposed on Khanum, who has been identified as ostensible owner (benamidar) of a property.

Khanum, who was present with her lawyer in the court, said that she had bought the property in 2008 against USD 370,000 and that she had sold it in 2017 . The FBR in previous hearings submitted properties and tax details of Khanum.

British Lawmakers Due to 🗳Vote on👉 Brexit Bill in January*

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British lawmakers will vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in January, according to a schedule published on Thursday (Dec 13) by the leader of the Lower House of Parliament Andrea Leadsom. The coming week has been filled by other draft legislation, with Parliament then breaking for the holidays until Jan 7.

Mrs May has promised to hold the vote by Jan 21. The British leader will brief lawmakers next Monday about her latest visit to Brussels, where she is meeting the other 27 European Union leaders in a bid to wrest more concessions on the deal.

EU leaders refuse to renegotiate the actual draft but seem willing to offer Mrs May non-binding assurances on the main dispute involving measures to prevent the return of a hard border with Ireland. Mrs May pulled a vote on the draft scheduled for Tuesday because of its certain defeat.

President 👔Sirisena’s Move to 👉Dissolve Parliament Illegal, Rules 🇱🇰Sri Lanka Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on Wednesday ruled President Sirisena’s dissolution of Parliament as illegal. The judgement was delivered by a seven-judge bench, seven weeks after Sri Lanka plunged into an unprecedented political crisis, arguably the biggest since the civil war ended a decade ago.

For over a month now, the country has been left without a legitimate government or cabinet. The economy and the tourism sector, in particular, have taken a huge beating.

The crisis erupted on October 26, when Mr Sirisena sacked incumbent Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and abruptly replaced him with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was until then the President’s chief political rival.

EU's🇪🇺 Tusk to Meet🤝 UK's🇬🇧 May for 'Last-Minute' Pre-Summit💬 Talks*

EU President Donald Tusk will meet British Prime Minister Theresa May Thursday for "last-minute talks" to try to help save her beleaguered Brexit deal ahead of a crucial European summit. "Ahead of #EUCO, I will meet PM for last-minute talks," Tusk said. May comes to the EU summit in Brussels after postponing an attempt to ratify the Brexit treaty, only to have to face down a bid from fellow Conservative MPs to unseat her. The other 27 EU countries have drawn up a six-paragraph statement designed to appease concerns about the "Irish backstop" in the Brexit withdrawal and ease the deal's passage through the British parliament.

According to European diplomats, the leaders will not allow the backstop nor the deal itself -- which was only agreed at the end of last month -- to be renegotiated at this stage. But the statement, which could be issued at the summit, would declare that any backstop "would only be in place for a short period and only as long as strictly necessary."

West Bank Shootings Kill 3⃣ Palestinians🇵🇸, 2⃣ Israelis🇮🇱

At least two Israelis have been killed and two injured in a shooting in the occupied West Bank after Israeli forces killed three Palestinians in separate operations overnight on Wednesday. Israel's army said that "a Palestinian opened fire at a bus stop killing 2 Israelis, severely injuring 1 & injuring others".

Eli Bin, the head of Israel's Magen David Adom emergency services, confirmed to Israeli Army Radio that two people were killed in the shooting. Their identities were not immediately known. The shooting took place near the illegal settlement of Ofra, in the central West Bank. Israeli media reported that a passing car opened fire outside the settlement.

At Least 3⃣ Killed During DRC Opposition😨 Rally

Three people were killed on Wednesday in clashes with police on the sidelines of an opposition rally in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of this month's presidential elections, sources said.

The violence erupted in Kalemie, a town on Lake Tanganyika, as opposition candidate Martin Fayulu was campaigning there.

It came a day after two of Fayulu's supporters were killed and 43 hurt in clashes at a rally in Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city.

Two witnesses said "live rounds" were fired after the opposition candidate arrived in Kalemie and headed to the venue.

Fayulu blamed the violence on police as well as on "armed youths on drugs" who, he said, were "dressed in PPRD clothing," a reference to the country's ruling party.

2⃣ Boca Juniors Supporters Murder a River Plate Fan😱

River Plate emerged victorious from the rearranged Copa Libertadores final in Madrid, but two Boca Junior supporters have been accused of murdering one of River's fans in the aftermath of Sunday's fixture.

After celebrating the extra-time victory, Exequiel Aaron Neris, 21, was murdered in the Misiones province. According to the Clarin newspaper, the 21-year-old was assaulted by two Boca Juniors supporters, before he was fatally stabbed to death in his left leg, with the blade severing the femoral artery. Despite being treated on the scene, Neris later died in hospital, although was able to speak to his mother before he passed away.

"I'm dying, I'm dying, they attacked me for celebrating the result, because I'm a River fan," he explained to her. Lucia Ramona Neris was also quoted in the Diario de Misiones, confirming just what had happened to her son.

"They killed my son, he was just walking, he had surgery and three nails in one leg after a motorcycle crash a few months ago," she intimated.

High Court⚖ to Decide if Zuma Must🤔 'Pay Back the Money'💸 for his Legal Fees

The North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria is expected to decide Thursday whether or not former president Jacob Zuma should pay back the R15.3 million the State has already spent on his legal fees to defend allegations of impropriety levelled against him over the years.

The fees were incurred as far back as 2006, during Zuma's criminal prosecution in the spy tapes matter.

The application to have Zuma pay back the money was brought by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which was later joined by the Economic Freedom Fighters. Both parties also want the agreement between President Cyril Ramaphosa and his predecessor Zuma to cover his legal costs declared unlawful.

Arguing that the criminal prosecution was against Zuma in his personal capacity, the DA said the state should not be paying for his legal fees.

Former Juve CEO👔 Marotta Takes Over at Inter❗

Former Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta has taken up a similar role at Serie A rivals Inter Milan, the club announced on Thursday.

Marotta joined Juve in 2010 and presided over a glorious period for the club, which included seven consecutive Serie A titles before stepping down at the end of September.

The 61-year-old had been heavily linked with the presidency of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) towards the end of his tenure, but he strongly denied that and claims of talks with Inter surfaced soon after.

Marotta's installation will surely come with great expectations given Juve's success under his guidance, coupled with Inter's underwhelming showings in recent years.

The Nerazzurri have not won the title since 2009-10, but they will hope Marotta's arrival is the first step on the road to domestic success once again, with their new chief well aware of the requirements needed to win the Scudetto.

*Uhuru👔 to Visit Jaramogi's Home in Bondo 'for Blessings'🙏

President Uhuru Kenyatta will on Friday visit Jaramogi Oginga Odinga home in Bondo to pay tribute to the late Fidel Odinga.

EALA MP Oburu Oginga said the president will visit the home, known as Kang'o ka Jaramogi, after attending a graduation ceremony at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.

Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga will be conferred with honorary degrees at the graduation ceremony.

Oburu, who is Jaramogi's eldest son, said it will be the "second time Uhuru is seeking a blessing from Jaramogi".

The MP said the first time Uhuru visited Jaramogi’s resting place was when he was the Gatundu MP.

"I had invited him for a harambee at Nyamira Girls’ High School, a few metres from our rural home when he decided to pass by for the blessing before he scooped the presidency seat in 2013," Oburu said.

He said the visit will cement ties the two families have had over the years before politics sparked divisions between them.

Martin Glenn Resigns as FA Chief Executive😳

Martin Glenn has resigned as the Football Association’s chief executive and will leave his role at the end of this season.

Glenn started in the job in May 2015 and departs with England having reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia. His recent plan to sell Wembley to Fulham’s owner, Shahid Khan, fell through.

“I was tasked with improving the effectiveness of the organisation and making it financially secure,” Glenn told the FA’s website in announcing his departure.

Before joining the FA Glenn was chief executive of United Biscuits. He was a director at Leicester City from 2002 to 2006. As marketing manager of Walkers Crisps he enlisted Gary Lineker to become the face of the brand. He is a qualified FA grassroots coach and was appointed by former FA chairman Greg Dyke.

Youths👥 Declare CS Matiang’i👔 for Nyamira Governor

Nyamira Jubilee Youth leaders have said they will support interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i to run for gubernatorial race in 2022 as he is the person who will save Nyamira.

Led by Brian Mamboleo, the youths said the county needs to be liberated from the jaws of corruption surrounding it among other issues of development and the only person who can be able to do that is Matiang'i.

"We have witnessed unequipped health facilities, unmaintained market centers, a 12 hour economy, poor policies put in place regarding response to emergencies, unexplainable early childhood programmes, water scarcity, fishy youth empowerment projects and poor revenue collection methods marred with high corruption," said Mamboleo.

"In order for Nyamira to move a step higher like other counties, and lay a better economic platform for investors it can be achieved by installing CS Matiang'i as the CEO since he has a capacity to make tough decisions and stands resolutely for what he stands for," he noted.

"As the youth we believe that we have a bigger share in the appointments to senior positions according to our inputs, unlike the selective recycling and shifting of the old involvement of the youths in governance will ignite change, bring up new ideas and drive real progress on a whole range of county building," they said.

German🇩🇪 Upswing Continues 👉Despite Trade Conflicts

The German economy remains on a growth track due to strong domestic demand, but the upswing is being slowed down by a difficult trade environment and temporary effects in the automobile sector, the Economy Ministry said on Thursday.

“Trade conflicts, emerging market currency turmoil and geopolitical conflicts weigh on the global economy and have increased general uncertainty about the economic development,” the ministry said in its monthly report.

“The postponement of the British parliament’s vote on the Brexit agreement has not averted the risk of a disorderly exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union,” it added.

On the other hand, the government’s agreed measures such as lowering the income tax and increasing benefits for families with children will give the economy an additional boost from the beginning of next year, the ministry said. “All in all, the German economy should perform well in this difficult environment,” it said.

3rd Person Dies ⚰After Strasbourg 🎄Christmas Market Attack💥*

A third person has died from wounds sustained during a shooting attack on a popular Christmas market in Strasbourg, French authorities said Thursday. Another 13 people are injured, with five still in critical condition, the local prefecture said in a statement. One of the injured has been declared brain dead.

Previously officials had said two victims had died and 13 were injured. The suspected attacker, a 29-year-old Strasbourg native named Cherif Chekatt, opened fire at the eastern city’s annual Christmas market on Tuesday night. Police and soldiers exchanged fire with Chekatt, who was wounded but managed to escape.

More than 700 police in France have been searching for him since and the government has raised its security alert for terrorism to its highest level. Border controls have been reinforced in Germany and Switzerland, where the career criminal has previous convictions, and hundreds of additional soldiers have been deployed to secure other Christmas markets across France.

Bangladeshi🇧🇩 Journalists✍🏻 Self-Censor as🗳 Election Approaches*

With less than a month to go to a general election, many journalists in Bangladesh say they are living in fear of ever-tightening media laws and engaging in self-censorship as a result.

While Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration has won plaudits globally for welcoming hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar, critics have lashed out at it for cracking down on free speech and an increasingly authoritarian rule.

In interviews conducted with 32 journalists and editors across print, digital and broadcast media in Bangladesh, the vast majority said the recent strengthening of defamation laws with a new Digital Security Act (DSA) has spread a climate of fear in the industry. Dozens of journalists were arrested for defamation under the earlier law, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act.

Wenger Tips Zidane👔 for Premier League Post😯

Zinedine Zidane continues to spark speculation regarding a possible role at Manchester United and fellow Frenchman Arsene Wenger believes he should take a Premier League post.

The World Cup winner is currently without a job having walked away from Real Madrid on the back of a third successive Champions League triumph.

Various positions have been mooted for Zidane during his absence from the dugout, with an iconic figure still in high demand.

It has been suggested that he could be taken to Old Trafford if United lose patience with Jose Mourinho and wield the axe.

Former Arsenal manager Wenger would like to see Zidane in England, telling beIN Sports: “Yes, why not? If you want to work at the top, it has to be England nowadays.

“But there are many uncertainties with Brexit and the uncertainty: will the Premier League continue to dominate financially? We'll know soon.

“England is the only country with six clubs that can fight for the championship.

“In all the other countries basically you can say in December who will win the championship and there are some countries, like France, where you can say it in September.”

Scholarships🎓 Secretariat Confirms✔ Akufo-Addo’s Grants for 24 Best 🌾Farmers*

Government is in negotiations with Mendel University in the Czech Republic to provide training and skill development to the 24 winners of this year’s National Farmers Day winners. Mendel University is one of the best university in the world in the field of Agriculture.

The government in an attempt to make agriculture more attractive to increase the food production in Ghana has announced a 1 million cedis scholarship package for the wards of the awardees at the 34th National Farmers Day celebration held in Tamale.

Announcing the package, the President said the scholarship package will cover tuition and all expense in any agriculture-related study field from undergraduate level to the PhD level.

CAN Denies👎 Endorsing Buhari for😕 Second Term

The President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, has dismissed as fake news the report in some online media that the umbrella christian body has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for second term in office.

Ayokunle made the dismissal on Thursday in a statement signed by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, his Special Assistant, Media & Communications to the CAN President, in Abuja.

Recall that CAN had met behind closed doors with 14 presidential candidates to ask them their credentials for aspiring to the highest office in the land as well as to interrogate their plans for the nation including the church. However, the outcome of the parley was yet to be made public.

Ghana🇬🇭 De-Industrialising💰 Economy – AGI President

The President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Dr Yaw Adu Gyamfi, has bemoaned the dwindling fortunes of the manufacturing sub-sector in recent years, warning that the country risks losing its industrial base should the situation remain the same.

Addressing captains of industry and government officials at AGI’s Ghana Industry Awards on December 8, the president pointed to the phasing out of businesses in the textiles, alumina, vehicle assembly, glass manufacturing and those in the processing of agricultural products such as meat, sugar, tomatoes and citrus as evidence of a country which had its manufacturing base deteriorating rather than progressing.

“Industry continues to shrink and we risk losing our industrial base,” he said at the event which was graced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. “On the occasion of our 60th anniversary, therefore, we are taking stock of developments in the industry over the past 60 years and I am sorry to say the picture of manufacturing has not been encouraging. “We are actually de-industrialising,” Dr Gyamfi, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Danadams Pharmaceutical Industry Limited, said at the event.

⭐Ronaldo Wants to Lure Vinicius Away from Madrid👑

Real Valladolid's majority owner Ronaldo has revealed that he spoke to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez about the possibility of signing Vinicius Junior.

The former Brazil international brought a 51 per cent stake in the Liga club back in September and has already tried to use his contacts at Santiago Bernabeu to his advantage.

Ronaldo played for Los Blancos between 2002 and 2007, winning two La Liga titles and contributing 97 goals in 164 appearances.

The World Cup winner spoke to Perez to inquire about the availability of Vinicius, who is currently in the middle of his first season with Madrid's senior team.

Ronaldo told Sports Breakfast Europa Press about discussing a loan deal for the youngster: "I've asked Florentino Perez if we can have him, but I think it might be difficult!

"We do not have the money for a permanent deal, but of course I would like to see Vinicius in Valladolid."

Vinicius has eight appearances under his belt across all competitions so far this term and started the team's latest Champions League fixture against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday.

World Bank💰 Grants Ekiti $3m for👌 Vocational Education

Three government technical colleges in Ekiti State are set to receive $3 million intervention grant from World Bank under the Bank’s Innovation and Development Effectiveness for Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) programme.

This was made known during a meeting of the World Bank Team with Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Wednesday.

According to Dr Tunde Adekola, the Bank’s Senior Education Specialist, the IDEAS programme would focus on technical and vocational education skills and would be private sector-driven.

Adekola, who stated that the programme aims at skills acquisition for youth employability and empowerment, added that IDEAS would provide training and certification for middle level manpower that would see Technical Colleges return to their original purpose of establishment.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, explained the World Bank Team members were confident that the programme would be a huge success in Ekiti State because of the full accreditation of the state- owned technical colleges.

Mourinho Criticises😠 Starting Players After Valencia Loss😟*

Jose Mourinho criticised Manchester United's starting players after their limp Champions League loss to Valencia, saying he "did not learn anything".

The 2-1 defeat saw United miss a chance to top Group H but Mourinho said it was still a "success" to finish second.

United had already secured a last-16 place and made eight changes to their line-up in Valencia.

"Nothing that happened surprised me at all," said Mourinho when asked if he had learned anything about his players.

"I didn't learn anything from this game."

United, who play Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, recalled midfielders Paul Pogba, Fred, Marouane Fellaini and Andreas Pereira, plus defenders Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo and goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

APC Postpones🗓 Governorship Campaign in Kwara🤔 Over Insecurity

The Kwara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday postponed its plan to launch Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s governorship election campaign over insecurity problem.

The campaign was scheduled to hold in Kosubosu, the headquarters of the Baruten Local Government Area of the state, before the abrupt cancellation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kosubosu is a border community with the Republic of Benin which is a journey of more than five hours from Ilorin.

Journalists and party supporters had gathered on Thursday morning for the political journey when a member of the Media Committee, Kayode Oyin-Zubair, conveyed the decision of the party to the media men.

NAN findings revealed that the party postponed the programme due to an alleged plan by some thugs to scuttle the event.

No❌ Diaspora or out-of-country Voting🗳 in 2019- INEC*

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says there will be no Diaspora or Out-of-Country voting for Nigerians in the 2019 general election.

INEC gave the clarification in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, on Thursday in Abuja. Okoye said that INEC attention had been drawn to a report by a section of the media which gave false impression that the Commission has “made special provisions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) outside Nigeria to vote in the 2019 General Elections.”

“The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that there will be no Diaspora or Out-of-Country voting for any Nigerian, in accordance with extant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).

Ezekwesili🗣: I Will Try My Possible Best👍 to Eradicate Poverty*

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Presidential candidate for the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Obiageli Ezekwesili, has pledged to reduce poverty in the country if elected into power 2019.

She disclosed during a courtesy visit by ‘Women in Politics Organisation’ to her campaign office on Thursday in Abuja.

Ezekwesili said poverty cannot be completely eradicated from the society but she would try her possible best to minimize it through inclusive economic growth and job creation for youths.

She said being a woman was not a challenge for her to win the election, adding that she was keen on delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

“The unemployment figure in the country is scary, and huge number of graduates come into the labour market every year without jobs,” she said.

“Some will argue that gender equality is a deal that cannot be achieved, but I disagree because the society is already moving in that direction,” she added.

Thursday, 13 December 2018

Fighting Corruption💸 Not an Economic🙅‍♂️ Policy, Says Obi

Vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Peter Obi has advised that fighting corruption should not be regarded as an economic policy, arguing that once strong institutions are built, they will automatically put a wedge to corruption.

Obi was speaking in Enugu at the 3rd South East Economic Summit. The theme of the summit was “South East Nigeria: The Investment Destination.”

Obi who was emphatic that the new economic order is knowledge-based, called South East and the entire Nigeria to follow the new order and take the world by storm. He said this could principally be achieved through attention to education. “We got the talent here; very intellectually endowed and resourceful people of all ages to rise to the occasion.

We’re all hoping that things will change and the requisite infrastructure put in place, especially in support of education.”

Drawing some characteristic comparisons, Obi informed that Venezuela with the biggest deposit of oil in the world is currently in economic crisis. Also that the state of California without oil is the richest American State instead of Texas that is floating on oil. He therefore concluded that it is not about mineral deposits, but about developing sound human resources that will utilize the abundant intellectual capital in the country.

🎤Davido Declared Wanted👀 by Police in Gambia🇬🇲

Nigerian pop star, Davido, has reportedly been declared wanted in Gambia for allegedly assaulting one Kenny Egbuke.

Egbuke is a celebrity photographer who came to cover his recent music concert in Gambia.

Just recently, the singer had threatened the life of celebrity blogger, Ayodeji Jaguda for accusing him of buying YouTube views for his latest song, ‘Wonder Woman.’

Davido now has a case of assault reported against him at the Kololi Police station in Gambia.

According to celebrities investigative tabloid, Enquirermag, the singer violently broke the head, tore the lips of Egbuke who is said to be one of Gamiba’s most notable celebrity photographers.

According to the report, a young female fan had approached Davido for a selfie while he was eating.

The lady was said to have taken a few pictures of him before going close to him and this, it was gathered, did not go down well with Davido, who sent her back by shouting at her.

This attracted Egbuke’s interest as he advised Davido to take it cool with the lady because star-struck ladies could be annoying, especially when they see a star like him.

However, reports has it that the photographer’s advice got Davido livid with anger as he threw his very thick, heavy cognac glass directly at him, shattering his lips and skull.

🇺🇸US Speaks🗣 as Atiku, Buhari Sign🕊 Peace Accord

The United States has advised that there must be a level-playing ground in next year’s poll, after Nigeria’s presidential candidates signed the 2019 Presidential Election Peace Accord.

This was contained in a statement by the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, Public Affairs Section.

The statement reads: “The United States warmly congratulates the presidential candidates and parties who have signed the Peace Accord for the 2019 Presidential elections.

“We also congratulate all those advocates for peace and democracy who have worked together to achieve this important result. Your peace accord is a great step towards the goal shared by all Nigerians of national elections that are free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful.

“Achieving your goal is critical to the credibility and effectiveness of the next government, and it is essential to advance Nigeria’s unity, prosperity, justice, and security.”

The US added that it anticipated that all parties and leaders would honour the terms of the new accord just as faithfully as the 2015 pact, as it looks forward to a positive effect on the 2019 election.

Word Processor Pioneer Evelyn Berezin Dies 💐 Aged 93 😢

The woman who created and sold what many recognise as the world's first word processor has died aged 93.

Evelyn Berezin called the device the Data Secretary when, in 1971, her company Redactron launched the product.

She grew Redactron from nine employees to close to 500 and was named one of the US's top leaders by BusinessWeek magazine in the year she sold it, 1976.

She had earlier built one of the original computerised airline reservation systems.

The innovation - which matched customers and available seats - was tested by United Airlines in 1962.

According to the Computer History Museum, it had a one-second response time and worked for 11 years without any central system failures.

The technology vied with the rival Sabre system, developed by American Airlines, for being the first of its kind.

Google Hearing Sees 'Idiot' Trending 👀

The word "idiot" has been searched for more than one million times, following testimony typing it into Google Images threw up pictures of President Trump.

The link between the two was mentioned during a congressional grilling of Google chief executive Sundar Pichai.

He was asked whether this was an example of political bias in algorithms, something he denied.

According to Google Trends, "idiot" is currently the number one most searched for term in the US.

Democratic congresswoman Zoe Lofgren posed the question about why "idiot" highlighted results that included pictures of the president.

"How would that happen? How does search work so that would occur?" she asked.

Mr Pichai replied that Google search results were based on billions of keyword ranked according to more than 200 factors, including relevance and popularity.

"So it's not some little man sitting behind the curtain figuring out what we're going to show the user?" responded Ms Lofgren.

Republican members of congress continued to grill Mr Pichai, with Steve Chabot asking why, when he searched for news about his party's health care bill, only negative news appeared.

Mr Pichai replied that equally negative news was highlighted when people used the search term "Google".

National Enquirer Publisher 📰 Agrees 👍 to Cooperate with Prosecutors

American Media Inc., the parent company of the National Enquirer, has agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors in New York, the Department of Justice announced in a statement on Wednesday.

AMI admitted that it paid $150,000 to a woman "in concert with" President Trump's campaign "in order to ensure that the woman did not publicize damaging allegations about the candidate before the 2016 presidential election."

Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model, was paid $150,000 in 2016 by publishers of the National Enquirer for exclusive rights to her story about her alleged affair with Trump. The Enquirer then never ran the story.

The National Enquirer purchased the rights to McDougal's story "to suppress the woman’s story so as to prevent it from influencing the election" according to prosecutors, who did not refer to McDougal by name.

4⃣ Killed, 43 Injured🤕 in Turkish🇹🇷 Train🚆 Crash in Ankara: Governor

A high-speed train hit a railway engine and crashed into a pedestrian overpass at a station in the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday, killing four people and injuring 43 others, officials and news reports said. The train was en route from Ankara to the central Turkish city of Konya.

Ankara Gov. Vasip Sahin said the high-speed train crashed into an engine that was checking the tracks at a station in Ankara. Rescue teams sent to the scene were looking for more survivors, he said. "Our hope is that there are no other victims," he said.

'Yellow Vest'✊ Protester Dies⚰ in France 🇫🇷After Being Struck by Truck

France has seen a wave of mass protests since mid-November when the so-called yellow vest protesters took to the streets to rally against fuel tax hikes. A protester has died in France after being hit by a truck, according to the prosecutor's office.

The incident follows a deadly attack close to Strasbourg's Christmas market where a gunman opened fire killing two people with a third person listed as being brain-dead and injuring 12 people. The "yellow vest" rallies in France have been marked by violent clashes between the police and protesters, some of whom were torching cars and looting shops in Paris.

Trump Moves 👀 to Deport Vietnam War Refugees❗

The Trump administration is resuming its efforts to deport certain protected Vietnamese immigrants who have lived in the United States for decades—many of them having fled the country during the Vietnam War.

This is the latest move in the president’s long record of prioritizing harsh immigration and asylum restrictions, and one that’s sure to raise eyebrows—the White House had hesitantly backed off the plan in August before reversing course. In essence, the administration has now decided that Vietnamese immigrants who arrived in the country before the establishment of diplomatic ties between the United States and Vietnam are subject to standard immigration law—meaning they are all eligible for deportation.

The new stance mirrors White House efforts to clamp down on immigration writ large, a frequent complaint of the president’s on the campaign trail and one he links to a litany of ills in the United States.

Weather Agency Chief: I’ve Never Briefed Trump on Warming❗

The head of the government agency that monitors climate change says that in nearly two years he has never discussed the issue with President Donald Trump.

Acting National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief Adm. Timothy Gallaudet said in a press conference at a scientific meeting this week, “I personally have not briefed the president on climate change.”

Gallaudet says he doesn’t know if others had briefed the president. He does note that he was in the room when Trump signed a bill aimed at keeping plastic trash out of the ocean.

Trump has dismissed his administration’s warnings about the impact of climate change, including a recent government forecast that it could lead to economic losses of hundreds of billions of dollars a year by the end of the century.

WWF Announces 🔉 Discovery of 157 New Species in Southeast Asia❗

A bat which looks like *NSYNC's Lance Bass, a gibbon named for Luke Skywalker, and a toad which seems to have come "from Middle Earth," are among 157 new species discovered in the Greater Mekong Region last year, according to a new report from the World Wildlife Fund.

Three mammal, 23 fish, 14 amphibian, 26 reptile and 91 plant species were found in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, in some of the region's most impenetrable terrain, such as remote mountainous and dense jungle areas, as well as isolated rivers and grassland.
However, experts warned that many more undiscovered species will be lost due to deforestation, climate change, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.

"There are many more species out there waiting to be discovered and tragically, many more that will be lost before that happens," Stuart Chapman, WWF's Asia-Pacific Regional Director for Conservation Impact, said in a statement. "It doesn't have to be this way. Ensuring that large reserves are designated for wildlife, along with increased efforts to close illegal wildlife trade markets, will go a long way to conserving the extraordinary wildlife diversity in the Mekong region."

Former 🇺🇸President🕴🏻 George H.W. Bush ⚰Dead at 94

George Herbert Walker Bush, the president who managed the end of the Cold War and forged a global coalition to oust Iraqi forces from Kuwait, has died at age 94. In a political career that spanned three decades, he lost his bid for re-election and lived to see his son win the Oval Office.The death of Bush — nicknamed "41" to distinguish himself from son George W. Bush, "43" — was announced in a statement released late Friday.

"Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died," his son, former President George W. Bush, said in a statement released by family spokesman Jim McGrath. "George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41's life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens." Bush's death comes months after the passing of his wife of 73 years, Barbara.

Tanzanian Girls' Rights Activist Wins 👏 the UN Human Rights Prize 🏆

At just 31 years old, Rebeca Gyumi has a list of accomplishments anyone twice her age would be proud of. She has successfully challenged her country's legal system, winning a landmark ruling in 2016 to raise the age of child marriage for girls in Tanzania from 14 to 18; started a foundation to advocate for girls' education; won the UNICEF Global Goal Award and was named 2016 Woman of the Year by New Africa Magazine. Now, she's on her way to New York to collect the 2018 Human Rights Prize awarded by the United Nations.

"I was pretty much shocked. So shocked and caught unaware that I was even considered for such a prestigious prize," she tells CNN.

It wasn't until she was in university studying law that she learned about the Law of Marriage Act of 1971 and saw the potential in trying to mount a legal challenge against it.

In 2016, with a couple of years as a lawyer under her belt, Gyumi and her colleagues decided to do just that. They started work on a legal case to petition against the Marriage Act, compiling reports to prove that child marriage for girls was an issue nationwide and why it needed to be stopped.

According to the country's national demographic and health survey of 2015/16, two out of every five girls marry before their 18th birthday with a prevalence rate of 37% nationwide, giving Tanzania one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world.

"Lots of people were not amused and thought we were disruptive, saying 'young people have tried before and failed.' But when we started attending sessions in court with a positive outcome, organizations came back and said they were willing to work together with us."

Gyumi and her colleagues persevered and in 2016, at the age of 29, she was victorious. Tanzania's High Court ruled that sections 13 and 17 of the Marriage Act were unconstitutional and that the age for girls to legally marry should be raised to 18.

"I was so happy that day for the fact that a girl child had won. I was overwhelmed with joy," she says.