Joshua is a coward – Wilder

Deontay Wilder branded Anthony Joshua a “coward” live on television, talkSPORT reports.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain alongside Tyson Fury to promote his December 1 fight, the American was asked about the possibility of meeting British heavyweight Joshua in the ring.

Wilder, the WBC king, believes the Joshua camp don’t really want the fight.

“Hey Joshua, me and Fury are about to get this thing going on, baby,” he said looking down the camera. “We’re about to see who the biggest and the baddest in the world, one champion, one face, one name, something you were too much of a coward to do in your own country.


“You were a coward and you know this, your whole team know this. You said different things over and over. You manipulate, you’re compulsive liars.

“The audience put their hard-earned money into this, this is an emotional sport. Enough is enough. Joshua had a career plan and Deontay Wilder wasn’t in it from the start.”



































































Rainbowgist

Ihedioha emerges Imo PDP gov candidate

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, has emerged winner of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship primary in Imo.

Ihedioha won the contest with a total of 1,723 votes to defeat the Senator representing Imo East senatorial zone, Mr Samuel Anyanwu, who came 2nd with a total of 1,282 votes.

Announcing the results, the returning officer, Mr Emma Nwala, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed in various ways to the success of the electoral process.

“I am most grateful to all security personnel for their commitment to the security of lives and materials all through the night and till this morning.


“Also, I thank all aspirants, delegates and officials for conducting themselves properly.

“With the power vested in me as returning officer, I hereby declare Emeka Ihedioha the winner and flag bearer of the PDP in Imo for the 2019 governorship election,” Nwala he said.

The exercise which was originally scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 2 started at 4 pm on Monday and ended at 4.30 am on Tuesday at the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Centre, Owerri.


The exercise which was largely peaceful, hitch-free and transparent had over 3,000 delegates drawn from the 27 local government areas in the state.




























Rainbowgist

APC holds National Assembly primaries today

The All Progressives Congress will today hold its National Assembly primaries for those aspiring for the 109 senatorial seats across Nigeria.

Our correspondents gathered in Abuja, on Monday that the exercise will decide the political future of some prominent serving APC senators.

It will be particularly tough for those who either have political differences with their governors or those whose outgoing governors have shown interest in their seats.

Some of the Senators likely to face a Herculean task in their bid to get the APC tickets include: Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna-Central), Adesoji Akanbi (APC, Oyo-South), Lanre Tejuoso (APC, Ogun-Central), Dino Melaye (PDP, Kogi-West), Kabiru Marafa (APC, Zamfara-Central), Bukar Abba Ibrahim (APC, Yobe State), Ajayi Borofice (APC, Ondo-North).

Others are Senators Kabiru Marafa (APC, Zamfara-Central), Suleiman Hunkuyi (PDP, Kaduna-North) Magnus Abe (APC, Rivers State) Rafiu Ibrahim (PDP, Kogi-West), Isa Misau (PDP, Bauchi State), Suleiman Nazif (PDP, Bauchi State) and Mohammed Hassan (APC, Yobe State).























Rainbowgist

Saraki, Dogara, Obasanjo absent at Independence day rally

The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, were on Monday conspicuously absent at a parade organised to commemorate Nigeria’s 58th independence anniversary.

The strictly military event held at the Eagles Square, Abuja, was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.


Recall that Saraki and Dogara recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

Also in attendance at the parade was the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was also absent at the event attended by two former military leaders: Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.) and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.).


On arrival at the venue, Buhari first took the national salute before moving to inspect the parade in a motorcade.

He later returned to the VIP stand to join Osinbajo, Onnoghen, Gowon, Abdulsalami and other dignitaries.

















Rainbowgist

APC Vice-Chair to Ambode: Sanwo-Olu is credible

All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Vice Chairman (Lagos Central) Hakeem Bamgbola has backed the aspiration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu to pick the party’s ticket.
Bamgbola said Sanwo-Olu, if elected, is capable of taking Lagos to a greater height.
The House of Representatives aspirant urged APC members in Coker-Aguda and Itire-Ikate to vote for Sanwo-Olu in Monday’s primary election.

He hailed Dr Obafemi Hamzat for stepping down from the race for Sanwo-Olu and dismissed the insinuation that Sanwo-Olu is not credible for the job.

“For those who have related with him, his competence to deliver as the Lagos number citizen is not in doubt. He has performed creditably well in all ministries handled so far. Having served three different Lagos State governors, I believe he is more than capable and credible to govern Lagos,” he said.

Bamgbola assured Lagosians that more dividends of democracy are on the way, saying “Lagosians deserve better than what they are getting from the present government and Sanwo-Olu is in a better position to deliver. I trust our party members to choose a more credible person who can perform better and that is why we are endorsing this man (Sanwo-Olu) now. We are sure he will perform well.”
The former Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman applauded the Gubernatorial Advisory Council (GAC) for endorsing Sanwo-Olu.

The GAC’s endorsement, Bamgbola said, is in order because any group within the party just like members has the right to pitch their tent with aspirant of their choice.
“If after a long time of deliberation they found Sanwo-Olu credible and fit to surpass the achievements of the present governor, they should be commended and supported by voting for the person the group endorsed,” he
Said.






















Rainbowgist

Buhari’s independence speech: What’s new and what’s not

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, delivered the tradition presidential independence speech to commemorate Nigeria’s 58th independence anniversary.

As usual, the President used the opportunity to highlight the progress and successes so far recorded by his administration, as well as the hiccups and challenges facing it.

We’re winning Boko Haram

This is a constant feature in every speech or address by President Buhari, but what would cheer the hearts of many Nigerians in Monday’s independence day speech is the President’s acknowledgment that the welfare of soldiers remains an issue, and his promise to address it.



“I am looking into all reported cases of inadequacies in relation to their (soldiers’) entitlements, their welfare and those of their families,” Buhari said. “I assure these our gallant men and women that I will continue to empower them by deepening their professionalism and providing all the necessary force multipliers and enablers required for them to prevail on the field.”

President Buhari also spared a thought for “the victims of the Boko Haram’s atrocities and their families”, but he mentioned none of them by name, not even Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi schoolgirl that remains in Boko Haram captivity, nor did he make any concrete statement about his administration’s commitment to secure their release.

We’re cleaning up the Niger Delta

“Efforts are on course in the Niger Delta to clean up polluted lands, restore hopes of the youths in the region and re-establish livelihoods, and strengthen their capacity to guarantee for themselves and for our country a brighter future,” Buhari stated.

However, as far as events on the ground are concerned, this is a mere rhetoric by the president. Asides the official flag-off of the Ogoni cleanup exercise in Rivers State, no other concrete action has been taken towards cleaning up polluted areas in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

Besides, Ogoni is just one out of the many oil-spill sites in the Niger Delta, polluted by crude methods of oil exploration, and rendering both land and water bodies in the region useless. No action has been taken by the federal government to compel the international oil companies responsible for the pollutions to clean up the areas.



We’re tackling farmers/herders crisis

This is yet another rhetoric by the federal government. 2018 has been one of the deadliest years in Nigeria in terms of deaths caused by herdsmen attacks. Hundreds of people have lost their lives in several states across the country as a result of these attacks, notably in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and other parts of Northern, and smetimes, Southern Nigeria.

President Buhari, in his speech, said the issue was “being addressed decisively”. “We will sustain and continue to support the commendable efforts by all including civil society organisations, local and states governments and our traditional and religious leaders in finding durable solution to this problem,” he said.

Others…

On the issue of climate change, President Buhari said Nigeria is a signatory “to almost all conventions and agreements aimed at slowing down the effect of climate change and mitigating its now evident consequences”, adding that “we will continue to mobilise international support for our efforts in this regard”.



But that as far as it goes. There is no concrete effort by the federal government at addressing the menace of climate change.

On corruption, Buhari said: “We are making progress in the fight against corruption and recovery of stolen public funds and assets despite vicious and stiff resistance. The shameful past practice, of the brazen theft of billions of Naira is no more.” Not many would agree with him on this, at least not when former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, is still waling free. Lawal was found guilty by a panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of wrongdoing in the award of contracts for some projects in the north east. He is yet to be prosecuted.

On the rise of technology and its attendant challenges, Buhari urged citizens, when they read anything on the social media, to “to question and question until we are satisfied we have the facts… otherwise, all the progress we have made as a democracy since 1999 is at stake”.

On the 2019 general election, Buhari said: “I have committed myself many times to ensure that elections are fully participatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly INDEPENDENT and properly staffed and resourced. The ballot box is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name.”

“I want to assure you that as President, I will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve what really matters: a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed,” he concluded.



















Rainbowgist

SDP opposes Omisore’s alliance with APC

One of the national leaders of the Social Democratic Party, Chief Olu Falae, has pledged the support of the party to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ademola Adeleke, in the governorship rerun election holding today .

Falae, reportedly called Adeleke on the telephone on Wednesday to disown Senator Iyiola Omisore who had also promised to work for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, to win the election.


The spokesperson of Adeleke Campaign Organisation, Mr Olawale Rasheed, confirmed to our correspondent that Falae called Adeleke on the telephone and expressed displeasure about the step taken by Omisore, who is the candidate of the SDP in the election.

He said, “Senator Ademola Adeleke won the last Saturday election without the support of Omisore and he is going to win again tomorrow. Our strength is not with any leader but in the people. We believe the people will reaffirm the mandate they already gave to Senator Adeleke.

“The spirit of national coalition remains and the spirit is that the SDP, PDP and others will unite to fight for the 2019 elections. Chief Falae called and talked to Senator Adeleke that the party did not authorise Omisore to support the APC. They said Omisore is on his own.”

Also, the National Publicity Secretary of the SDP, Alhaji Alfa Mohammed, in a statement sent to one of our correspondent said, “The SDP will like to make it categorically clear that the national leadership of the party was not part of the recent developments involving our party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore of Osun State, and the conclusions arrived at.


“We remain irrevocably committed to serving the Nigerian people on the basis of the vision, principles and goals of social democracy which underlie the philosophy of our great party, the SDP.”



















Rainbowgist

Rohr, Eagles reject ABS Kaduna

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has advised the Nigerian Federation to move the venue of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

Contrary to reports in the local media, the Nigerian Federation have not yet changed the venue of the AFCON qualifier to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, but Rohr expressed his concerns about the Ahmadu Bello Stadium when he met with the leadership of the Nigerian Federation during The Best FIFA Football Awards 2018 in London on Monday, September 24.

Rohr inspected the ABS last month and told Pinnick and his lieutenants that the field he inspected was too small, not up to standard and his players would not be comfortable playing on the turf. Rohr told his employers that he expects the Libyan team to be very defensive when they face the Super Eagles on October 12, pointing out that South Africa were forced to a goalless draw because the North Africans were too defensive conscious. He added that it would be very difficult for the Super Eagles to get a win on the small Kaduna pitch, and that he would have loved the game to be played in Uyo, where the pitch is bigger and the defensive Libyans can be opened up.































Rainbowgist

South Africa Pastor Using Poisonous Cobra Snake To Perform Miracle In Church

Didn’t they arrest this guy before? Lesego Daniel, the South African pastor who makes his members eat grass and drink petrol, has gone a step further by performing miracles using a live snake.

In photos shared online, the prophet wrapped his pet snake around a cross made in the shape of a cobra head. This happened during their communion service. The controversial prophet placed the snake in the middle of the communion which was later distributed to members to eat and drink.

South African prophet, Lesego Daniel, spotted using a snake to perform miracle

Lesego’s members seemed to have no qualms about having a snake in their midst and consuming the communion “sanctified” by the snake.

While preaching to his attentive members, he placed the snake on the pulpit. He also placed it on his shoulder at several points during his sermon.






























Rainbowgist

2019: Soldiers supporting political parties to face court martial, says Buratai

The Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, has said that a special court martial has been established to try soldiers who are found to be supporting political parties ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Buratai said on Tuesday that the military division and field commanders must, therefore, warn officers and soldiers under them not to be sympathetic to any political party or ethnic group ahead of the election.

The army chief noted that any soldier who was willing to participate in politics should “voluntarily retire from the army to pursue his or her political passion.”

Buratai spoke in Abuja at the 2nd and 3rd Quarters’ Chief of Army Staff Conference, saying that army personnel must shun politicians who were likely to approach them during the elections.

He said, “As political activities unfold towards the 2019 general elections, the General Officer Commanding and the Field Commanders are enjoined to continue to remind officers and soldiers under their commands to remain non-partisan and be guided by the stipulated code of conduct in the discharge of their duties. As professional soldiers, none of us should be sympathetic to any political, religious or ethnic cause. Any personnel of the army who is interested in politics should voluntarily retire to pursue his or her political passion.


“Furthermore, there is the prohibition of army personnel from any form of worship outside the established barracks worship areas, except those permitted for some peculiar social functions. I want to reiterate that the special court-martial to try defaulters is already in place. I enjoin you to refrain from any occult, ethnic, political or religious extremism as these would distract us from our constitutional responsibility.”

The army chief said the conference was to also appraise the performances of the army in the past few months in view of the insecurity challenges facing the country.

“There are ongoing operations to curtail the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, farmers and herdsmen’s clashes and others. The security situation in the North-West and North-Central states of Kaduna, Zamfara, Benue, Plateau and Taraba has necessitated the deployment of troops by the army and there is progress.

“The issue of drugs and other substance abuse is an area that could pose a serious threat to the operational capabilities and effectiveness of the army if the extra commitment is not taken towards eliminating it,” Buratai added.

















Rainbowgist

Applicant dies during FRSC recruitment in Kogi

A male applicant on Tuesday died during the Federal Road Safely Corp recruitment in Lokoja, the Kogi State capita

The FRSC Sector Commander, Segun Martins, who confirmed the death of the male applicant, however, did not give details.


One of our correspondent could not immediately ascertain the name, age and other details of the victim.

It was gathered that he died shortly after completing a two-kilometre race.

He was said to have dropped his tally and passed out.

Medics from the FRSC were said to have quickly attended to him.

He was later admitted to the army clinic in the Chari Megumeiri Barracks and died about 30 minutes after his admission.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Martins, while expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, said the incident would not result in the suspension of the recruitment in Kogi.

On September 25, the FRSC commenced the recruitment of 4,000 people out of the 324,000 shortlisted applicants.


The government agency scheduled the screening and physical fitness assessment for September 24 to 29.















Rainbowgist

Oshiomhole, APC govs, others storm Omisore’s residence ahead of Osun rerun

Some governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress and other party leaders have stormed the residence of Senator Iyiola Omisore to plead with him to support the APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, in the rerun supplementary election holding in seven polling units in Osun State.

The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunke Amosun; Ekiti State Governor-elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi were some of those who visited Omisore’s residence in Ile Ife late Tuesday night to beg him to support Oyetola.

Others are: the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf; Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed and other chieftains of the ruling party held a meeting with Omisore.

Omisore contested the governorship poll held on Saturday on the platform of the Social Democratic Party and came third behind the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who polled the highest number of votes and Oyetola who trailed Adeleke by 353 votes.


The details of the meeting are still sketchy but a chieftain of the APC said the party was optimistic of winning.

The Director of Publicity, Research, and Strategy of the APC in Osun State, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, confirmed the meeting to our correspondent on Wednesday morning.

Oyatomi said, “I can confirm to you that our leaders went to Senator Omisore’s residence yesterday and had a good talk with him. We are optimistic that we will win the election and both sides will benefit from that discussion.”






















Rainbowgist

FIFA Best Player award: Messi votes for Ronaldo

Lionel Messi voted for Cristiano Ronaldo in The FIFA Best Men’s Player award – albeit behind Luka Modric and Kylian Mbappe, Europe Eurosport.com reports.

Meanwhile, Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr and captain Mikel Obi voted fora Modric and Messi respectively for the top award.

Rohr voted for Modric in the first place and Mbappe in second place. Mikel voted for Messi, who was not shortlisted, as his best player while Mbappe and Modric came second and third in his voting.

After a history of snubs involving world football’s most revered duo, Messi elected to issue Ronaldo with a solitary point in the 2018 vote. It was not enough to propel his nemesis to victory, however, as Modric ended the Ronaldo-Messi stranglehold on the award.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Ronaldo was not as kind and cast his three votes for Raphael Varane, Modric and Antoine Griezmann.

International captains and head coaches, plus journalists from FIFA member countries, were invited to pick their top three players from the 2017-18 season – with their first pick receiving five points, second receiving three points, and third receiving one point. Messi and Ronaldo got to vote as captains of Argentina and Portugal respectively.

England’s Golden Boot winner Harry Kane, probably still reeling from his nation’s loss to Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals, opted to ignore Modric’s stellar season in favour of Ronaldo, Messi and Kevin De Bruyne.

Kane was voted the best player by an illustrious trio: Bahamas coach Dion Godet, Chinese Taipei coach Gary White and Vanuatu journalist Nase Raymond. It was not enough to make the final shortlist.

















Rainbowgist

How PDP can win in 2019

I am on record for saying the All Progressives Congress is a shoo-in for a second term in office come the 2019 election. This is far from being a rash assertion; it is based on a careful study of party politics in this country since 1999, and projections from current permutations and power calculus. Despite the dust up from Osun governorship poll over the weekend, I still stand by that prognosis (albeit) with a caveat. That is, all things must remain equal. That said, it is a foolish man who thinks all things will remain equal in politics even for one week. Hoping (or indeed praying) for all things to remain equal in politics is an electoral strategy only in the adolescent playing field. Complacency, as I have stated here before, is the APC’s most potent in-house enemy (See; “APC’s in-house enemy”, The PUNCH, August 28, 2018). On the other hand, for the Peoples Democratic Party, defeatism is the bogeyman they should fear the most. After all, predictions by pundits, experts and observers, no matter how well-founded, are mere predictions. Gravity is there to be defied, records are there to be broken, odds are there to be beaten, and votes are there to be garnered. Nothing is won or lost in an election until the last ballot has been counted. So, I say c’mon, the PDP, “yes you can”. Here is how.


First, I say the obvious, get your house in order. Narrow down your presidential torchbearer to a shortlist of two quickly. Whoever becomes the top man should nominate a female running mate from any part of the country. That would be historical; it would cut deep into a major block vote, and signals that the party is indeed the true “progressive” in the country. Second, steer clear of policy debate in the campaign. You were in power for over 16 years, without really having anything to show for it. The APC has also been in power for one term without anything concrete to show for it either. Concentrate, instead, on wresting power from the APC in the same way as they did to you in 2015. Look at the APC’s greatest Achilles heel; willingness to maintain the power configuration in this country, coupled with its unwillingness to change the status quo. At the moment, the South-West remains the main catalyst for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election in 2019. The region is not a monolithic bloc vote for any single candidate or personality, but it is a monolithic voice for one thing: devolution of powers. If there is any sin the Buhari administration has committed to the chagrin of everyone in the southern part of the country in the course of his first term in office, it is the overrepresentation of his northern brethren in key strategic positions of government administration in the country. Of itself, that is not sufficient to sustain the charge of “northern domination” unless the government personnel are, in fact, pursuing a policy of ethnic domination which is not the case. President Buhari is worthy of praise for not allowing perception and professional opinion moulders to determine the building blocks of his administration. That takes real courage – at a cost.


Not being swayed by perception and transient popularity is one thing, being accused of not giving a damn about the feelings of all ethnic nationalities that constitute Nigeria is quite another. The latter has become accentuated towards the end of the first term of this administration. It has underlined the need for “restructuring” even more vociferously. So, given the god-like image of President Buhari and the cult-like figure he has become to many in the North, it has become imperative that the presidential standard bearer for the PDP in 2019 ought to be not only from the North, but be a flamboyant, larger-than-life type of character, who can capture at least one-third of the electorate in that region. Having done that, the PDP then need only campaign with one agenda in their manifesto: Sovereign National Conference. Even Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has poo-pooed the idea of “restructuring”. Once in power, the APC has found it expedient to jettison the idea of devolution of powers for which many of their followers and supporters fought and suffered humiliation and harassment for many years. The APC hierarchy now see themselves as men of power who do not look far ahead anymore. The only interest they harbour now appears to be the retention of power at the next election and the one after that. The vision of a new Nigeria many of them used to harbour, and which, in fact, drove them into exile for a long period of time is now a distant memory. There is a vacuum of ideas in the coming electoral contest between the parties. The PDP has a unique opportunity to steal the APC’s thunder and run with it. They can go to the electorate with a singular promise of convening a Sovereign National Conference as the first order of business upon victory at the polls. Should they be bold enough to adopt this as their battle plan, the electorate in the South, more importantly, South-West, would abandon the APC in leaps and bounds. The APC would be as good as dead in the region.


In the final analysis, politics is about managing and leveraging interests; the ultimate objective being the attainment or retention of power. The political space in Nigeria is becoming sterile with an increasingly despondent electorate. National offices are full of professional politicians, who are so vacuous they are unable to disengage from the captivating corridors of power. Many of them became journeymen councillors and local assemblymen, then, morphed into senators, then, became governors, served the maximum two terms permissible, then, put themselves forward for a return to the Senate again. They cannot imagine life outside party politics, they have rendered participatory democracy predatory and parasitic at its core.

Activating a Sovereign National Conference changes all that at once. It will set about the arduous task of redesigning, renewing and recreating this entity called Nigeria in a way that is equitable and fair to all. The APC momentarily toyed with this noble cause and quickly abandoned it. The PDP has a chance, a rare chance, to grab the bull by the horns. What an irony it would be for a party set up in large part to protect, conserve and preserve the interest of the establishment to be the one that creates the opportunity for progressive ideas to flourish through the SNC. It would be the ultimate irony to see a pig flying, I know, but nothing is so sacrosanct in politics anymore these days. 2019 may yet prove to be an interesting tale of the unexpected.


















Rainbowgist

Stoke star fathers three children in six weeks

Saido Berahino is at the centre of a legal battle over claims he has fathered a hat-trick of children in less than two months, according to reports.

The Stoke City striker is named on birth certificates as the father of two of the babies — born on May 30 and July 17.

His lawyers are in talks with a friend who claims he is dad of her tot born on July 15.

A month later, Berahino, 25, finally found the net after 913 days — but he’s still fathered more kids than he has scored goals this season.

Mum No 1 is ex-fiancee Stephania Christoforou, 27, who gave birth to son Costa on May 30 at Birmingham Women’s Hospital.

The tot weighed 7lbs 1oz and the birth certificate names Berahino as the dad.

He threw a lavish engagement bash for restaurant boss Steph last October.

But she called off the wedding after a Valentine’s Day bust-up outside his mansion in Cannock, Staffordshire, when he tried to smuggle in US model Chelsea Lovelace.


Steph was pictured hammering on the door and roaring, “Open the door you f*****g slag!”

Mum No 2 is an African-born nurse aged 28 — a childhood pal of Berahino who cannot be named for legal reasons.

She gave birth to a girl on July 15 at Manor Hospital, Walsall.

Though Berahino is not named on the birth certificate, she is in talks with the footballer and his lawyers.

Birth registration laws state that where a dad does not consent to being on a child’s birth certificate, the mother must get a court order if she wants to name him.

Berahino played for England at youth level, later opting to play for Burundi.

He moved from West Brom to Stoke for £12m in January 2017.

























Rainbowgist

Manchester United expect higher revenue, core earnings for 2019

English Premier League soccer club Manchester United forecast higher revenue and core earnings for 2019, even as the company reported lower results for the fourth quarter of 2018.

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization for 2019 are expected to be between 175 million pounds and 190 million pounds, the 20-time English champions said.

Revenue for 2019 is expected to be between 615 million pounds and 630 million pounds, United said.

It reported adjusted EBITDA of 177.1 million pounds and revenue of 590 million pounds for 2017-18 on Tuesday.

















Rainbowgist

Minimum wage: Strike commences on Thursday, TUC insists

The Trade Union Congress on earlier today insisted organised labour would commence strike from early hours of Thursday, September 27, following the Federal Government’s failure to honour its ultimatum on the new minimum wage.

A statement signed by the Secretary-General of the union, Mr Musa-Lawal Ozigi, in Abuja stated that the decision to embark on strike was sequel to the resolve of the Central Working Committee of TUC on September 24.

Ozigi said that following the mandate of the CWC, TUC leadership would take all necessary action to effect the ultimatum on the new minimum wage in collaboration with other stakeholders.

“Strike is hereby declared to commence from early hours of Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018,” the Secretary-General said.

He noted that as a result of the TUC’s decision to embark on strike, mobilisation of members would commence immediately.

According to him, all workers, Civil Society Organisations and the masses are hereby put on notice to stockpile their houses for all necessary provisions and food items.


Ozigi, however, called on state councils to form joint state strike implementation committee that would comprise the TUC, NLC and other stakeholders in the state to ensure effectiveness.

He called on union members to be alert for further directive on or before Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the labour leaders had on September 12 cautioned the Federal Government against foot-dragging on the new minimum wage and allow the tripartite committee to conclude its job to avoid action.

The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, had said that the committee was not pleased with the comments allegedly made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

The Minister had earlier told the committee to adjourn indefinitely to give room for further consultations with the government on the new minimum wage.

The Federal Government had assured the organised Labour that the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage would conclude its negotiation before the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum.













Rainbowgist

Merkel says still unclear what Britain wants in Brexit talks

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier today that Britain had still not expressed a clear position on its post-Brexit relations with the EU, warning that only “six to eight weeks” remained to reach an agreement.

Success in the upcoming negotiations depended “largely on what it is Britain really wants, and on this the discussion has still not been entirely clear”, Merkel told a business conference in Berlin.

Merkel reiterated the stance of the remaining 27 EU members that “you can’t belong to a single market if you want to stick to just one of its principles but not the other three”.

Brussels believes May wants Britain to keep the benefits of free trade on goods with the EU without following its three other core principles, the free movement of people, services and capital over borders.

British Prime Minister Theresa May had hit back Friday at the EU after it roundly rejected her Brexit plan, saying its refusal to compromise was “not acceptable” and warning she was still prepared to walk away from the talks.

May blamed Brussels for the “impasse” just weeks ahead of a deadline to seal a deal — and six months before Britain leaves the EU in March.

The EU summit in Salzburg had also raised the stakes by putting on ice a special summit planned for November to seal a deal, saying it would only happen if there is progress next month.

Merkel said the November special summit would “probably” take place but warned that “six to eight weeks of intense work lie ahead in which we have to make political decisions”.

Progress could be achieved in October, she said, but added that any proposal should “formulate in the most concrete terms possible” what future relations should look like.

Otherwise, warned the chancellor, “the transition period could become too short to reach any kind of reasonable agreement”.

May’s government faces heightening pressure as it lacks a stable majority in parliament and could face defeat by MPs if and when it brings a final deal with Brussels for a vote.


Critics of May’s Brexit proposal have launched a “Save Brexit Campaign” to push for a clean break with the EU.

Polls show the country is still more or less divided on Brexit, although a narrow majority might now support staying in the EU.



















Rainbowgist

FRSC screens 15,000 applicants in Kaduna

The Federal Road Safety Corps has begun screening of more than 15,000 applicants for various positions in Kaduna State in its ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.

The officer in charge of the exercise in Kaduna, Assistant Corps Marshal Susan Ajenge, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday that the exercise would last for five days.

Ajenge said that out of the 15,000 applicants, 8,000 had first degree, Higher National Diploma, National Certificate in Education and National Diploma, while the remaining had secondary school certificate.

“We will screen applicants’ certificates and check their height, chest and feet to ensure they are physically fit and healthy,” she said.

Ajenge said that those who applied but did not receive e-mail from FRSC inviting them for the screening exercise, could also come for the exercise.

“They should not forget to come along with their credentials, application print out and other relevant documents.


“We want to give everybody equal opportunity. As long as such persons meet the minimum requirements and have applied, they should come; we will screen them,’’ she said.

Some of the applicants, who spoke with NAN, described the exercise as smooth, orderly and well-coordinated.

One of the applicants, Mr Saidi Yekine, said that he was impressed with how the exercise was organised.

He said that the exercise was not stressful and there was no intimidation.



























Rainbowgist

Air Peace to resume Lagos-Asaba route flight Oct. 8

A Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has announced plans to restart its daily Lagos-Asaba-Lagos flights on Oct. 8.

The airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah, said earlier today in Lagos State that the airline decided to return to the Asaba route to end the nightmare of air travellers seeking to connect the Delta State capital, Anambra State and other adjoining cities.

According to him, Air Peace, which pulled out of the route more than two years ago because of safety concerns about the runway of the Asaba Airport, will also add Abuja-Asaba-Abuja flight to the service.

“We are pleased to announce our return to the capital of Delta State, Asaba, starting from October 8.

“Air Peace had to suspend flight operations to the Asaba Airport more than two years ago due to safety concerns with the facility.

“Since we suspended our operations to the airport, members of the flying public have inundated us with calls and appeals to return to end their nightmare on the route,” Iwarah said in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria .


“We are, however, thankful that the Delta State Government had to intervene to give the airport a facelift.

“We have been assured that the airport is now safe and we cannot but move in immediately.”

NAN reports that some foreign athletes, who participated in the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championship in Asaba in August, had difficulties connecting local flights to the city from Lagos State and Abuja.

























Rainbowgist