EFCC Starts investigation of Fayose’s wife - Feyisetan Fayose

New reports confirm that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun the investigation of Feyisetan Fayose, wife of Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose and his top aides.

According to TheCable, Feyi is being investigated alongside others to include Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to the governor; Toyin Ojo, the state’s commissioner for finance; Oluyemisi Owolabi, the state’s accountant general and Kayode Ojo, the former commissioner for works in the state, who was sacked by Fayose in July 2017.

All those being investigated according to some sources are being investigated on allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
Some of the letters seen by TheCable, dated July 20, 2018, and addressed to the managing director and the chief compliance officer of Access Bank Plc reveal that EFCC is also investigating the governor for abuse of office.

The EFCC listed four Access Bank accounts being run by “Ayodele Peter Fayose”, and about five accounts in the same bank, being run by “Feyisetan Helen O. Fayose”, believed to be the wife of the governor.
Sources also revealed that similar letters were also sent to other major banks in the country, where the governor and his loyalists run personal transactions.

Some of the letters referenced “CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/EG-TA/VOL.57/254” and “CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/EG-TA/VOL.57/258” requested that the banks’ compliance officers should report at the EFCC economic governance section on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 — 10 days after the just concluded Ekiti elections.

Insiders also revealed that the banks were asked to present the details of accounts of the governor and his loyalists, including their; statement of account, bank verification, and any other relevant information that may help the investigation.

Fayose is said to have many allegations to answer, including; money laundering, abuse of office, misuse of bailout funds, electoral fraud from the 2014 governorship election (EkitiGate), and the N1.3 billion poultry fraud.

NEWS- Bukola Saraki announces his exit from APC

Nigeria’s senate president,Bukola Saraki has left the ruling party, All People’s Congress (APC).

He made the announcement on his Twitter handle this evening

I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress (APC). he tweeted

TMZ: DEMI LOVATO Too Ill To Discuss Rehab

Demi Lovato is in no shape to talk about going to rehab , even though friends and family say she needs it to save her life.

Sources with firsthand knowledge tell us the people in contact with her have not even broached the subject of rehab , because she' s still not out of the woods after her overdose a week ago .
As we reported , she is still very ill , suffering from extreme nausea and a high fever , among other things .

We ' re told doctors are not even predicting when she might get out of the hospital, so there' s still time to discuss . Multiple people who have had contact with Demi tell us they have no idea how she will receive the message that she desperately needs rehab . As one source said, " We just don ' t know where her head is at . "

Demi can 't be forced to go to rehab . .. it will have to be her decision . The good news . .. she' s been receptive about rehab - - she went there in 2010, although she said at the time it was for an eating disorder . She has also celebrated her sobriety in the past, so from all signs she wants to regain it.

TMZ: CONOR MCGREGOR I'm Close On A UFC Fight With Khabib Maybe 2018

Conor McGregor says he ' s very close to finalizing the deal to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018 -- and he' s bragging that he' s already in fighting shape.

The UFC superstar was wrapping up his workout in NYC Monday when he updated Adam Glyn on fight negotiations with Khabib -- a fight expected to go down in October.
Conor raved about how much he loved the city of New York - - in the wake of his plea deal in his bus attack case -- but says the fight will most likely take place in Vegas . .. not Madison Square Garden .

via TMZ.com

There ' s more . .. McGregor also praised his former opponent, José Aldo , for his victory against Jeremy Stephens this weekend . Remeber, McGregor seemed to break Aldo ' s spirit with that
legendary 13 - second KO in 2016.
He even says .. . " the whole [nation ] of Ireland was happy for José Aldo that night. "

McGregor hasn' t fought in the Octagon since his victory over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 which , at this point, seems like an eternity ago . Of course, he fought Floyd Mayweather last year .

As for his claim to being in great shape .. . just check out his human being squats in the park . Yeah , we believe him .

STOP FIGHTING! Floyd and 50cent You Both Are Bitch Asses - Adrien Broner

Ever seen a drunk intervention before ? Well, that' s kinda what happened Monday night .. .

Boxing superstars Adrien Broner and
Gervonta Davis were leaving Ace of Diamonds in L . A . after balling out in the club . .. when AB decided to deliver a message to Floyd Mayweather and
50 Cent .

" Floyd and 50 ... y ' all on some bitch ass sh* t, " Broner said.
" Y ' all some bitch ass n****s . Y ' all gotta stop that man. Y ' all brothers . I ' m mad as f * ck y ' all doing that in public. "

via tmz.com

Broner' s friends with both guys and says he' s sick of watching them feud over Instagram. Broner also says if he and Davis can bury the hatchet , then 50 and Floyd can make peace too.

Now , someone get these guys some water and Advil -- ' cause you KNOW they ' re hungover this morning.

SPORTS - N'GOLO KANTE set to overtake Hazard as Chelsea best paid player

2018 FIFA World Cup winner N’Golo Kante set to overtake Eden Hazard as Chelsea as the best player with a new £290,000-a-week contract offer by the dethroned Premier League Champions.

The 27-year-old has been a key figure in Stamford Bridge since £30 million moves from Leicester City for two seasons ago and the Blues midfielder played an integral role in France’s success in this summer tournament in Russia.
Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Kante ahead of the new season but Chelsea have now made a substantial move to keep the two-time Premier League winner in West London.

According to The Times claiming that France international has been offered a new five-year contract worth a club-record £15 million per season to overthrow Chelsea’s highest earner Belgium captain with his £220,000-a-week deal, which expires in June 2020.

Hazard has attracted interest from European Champion Real Madrid and has expressed a desire to join the La Lagi giants, but Chelsea are willing to offer the former PFA player of the year similar terms to Kante

NCC Bags Award Of African Organisation Of The Year

In what seems like a barrage of awards , the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC ) has again clinched the 2018 African Organisation of the Year award .

The award ceremony organised by the African Achievers Awards was held at the United Kingdom House of Parliament in London, with a focus on girls ’ right to education in Africa.
Presenting the award to the executive vice chairman of NCC , Prof . Umar Danbatta, the principal partner , African Achievers Awards , Tonye Rex Idaminabo , said the NCC has been very influential to the growth of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria and had immensely contributed to the improvement in education through ICT .

“Millions of people now have access to telecommunications services and telecom companies are held accountable to customer services experience . We are excited and it is our motive to encourage and spur achievers across the continent to meet up to standards by honoring leading organizations , ” Idaminabo said.

Receiving the award , Danbatta expressed delight that the commission is being recognized , not only by people within the country, but also by global observers , saying “the basis for recognition is the way and manner we have empowered and protected the consumer, and the recognition rhymes with an important item of our eight -point agenda which is empowering and protecting the consumer.

“Since the declaration of 2017 as , ‘year of the telecom consumer’, the level of activation of the ‘Do -Not -Disturb (DND ) 2442 short code by consumers has climbed from half a million before the campaign to almost ten million currently.

“The level of resolution of complaints by telecom companies have increased and calls to the NCC 622 toll free line and complaints ’ resolution through the facility has equally seen a spectacular rise.”

He reiterated that the NCC is deploying information and communication technology in key sectors of the nation , among which is education , in order to improve learning and teaching in the nation ’ s educational institutions .

“One of such programmes of the NCC is the Advanced Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI ) intended to build human capacity in the universities on how they can leverage the power of information and communication technology in content delivery ” , he added .

WIZKID Bagged An Endorsement Deal With Ciroc

Wizkid has bagged an endorsement deal with Ciroc.

The singer made the announcement in a series of tweets.

Other Nigerian celebrities who are also brand ambassadors are Tekno, Toke Makinwa, Banky W and D’banj.

PHONE BAN! French Parliament Bans Use Of Phones In Schools

The French parliament has approved a far-reaching ban on mobile phones in schools, radio broadcaster Franceinfo reported on Monday following the result of the vote in the National Assembly.

The law fundamentally bans the use of mobile phones in all preschools and primary schools, as well as middle school. The move had been a campaign demand by centrist President Emmanuel Macron.

French students are already not allowed to use their mobile phones during class, and each school can decide individually to implement rules that go even further.

With the new law, that position will be reversed: The use of mobile phones is generally banned in the entire school, with each one deciding to make exceptions to that rule.

PASTOR ADEBOYE - RCCG G.O's message is exactly what you need to hear (READ MORE)

This Day reports that the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), issued a goodwill message, which contained a friendly reminder, to the Redeemer's Men Fellowship, RCCG, New Life Assembly, Kubwa, FCT Province 2.

In his message for their annual Convention themed: 'Barrier Breakers,' Pastor Adeboye encouraged Christians to strive for success.
He also reminded believers to remember their adversary who will do his best to stop them from attaining victory.

In his words, "We remain the adversary's main target. The strategy of striking the shepherd to put the sheep in disarray is as deadly as when it was first devised."

¶ Special message for women

Pastor Modupe Suberu of RCCG, Region 10 continued in the same vein by advising Christian women to have a victorious attitude in spite of their battles and tribulations.
She said, " The Bible says we must suffer tribulations to enter into the kingdom of God and the kingdom of God suffers violent and the violent takes it by force.

"However, Jesus knew of the killings that is why He said in John 16:33, 'in the world ye shall have tribulations but be of good cheers, I have overcome the world.' Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, Jesus Christ our Lord had total victory during this life journey experience through the word of God.
"There is a particular word of God that is meant for winning a particular battle. Use the word of God to get total victory for the land."

She was supported by Pastor Ayannike Rotimi who urged women to intercede for their homes, churches and the nation.
In her words, "Worrying changes nothing but prayer can change all things. There is an unreserved power in prayer which you cannot access until you pray. The devil has this understanding and that is why he is attacking and weakening the prayer life of believers today and the church of God as a whole but victory is sure in Christ Jesus.

"We women have to arise to meet the king of kings on behalf of our families, our nation, the church, our children so that things will fall the way God has proposed them to be, " she concluded.

Pulse.ng

CRITICS - President Buhari, I’ve sent 1000 special soldiers to quell crises in Zamfara, others

President Muhammadu Buhari has, Monday, reiterated his government’s speedy response to the crises rocking many parts of the country, saying security of lives and property is his government’s paramount goal.

President Buhari, while replying critics, said he has authorized the deployment of a team of 1000 “strong military force” to Zamfara to quell the insecurity challenge rocking the state.

President Buhari also said that same sizes of special military forces have also been deployed to other flashpoint states like Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Plateau states.
Some Nigerians had taken to the micro-blogging site, Twitter, to critique the Buhari-led government’s response to the various security crises rocking some parts of the country.

While some gave him a thumbs up, many others gave it a knock, saying the president has not done enough to solve the security issues.

However, In a series of tweets by the official handle of Mr. President, @MBuhari, the president said, “I have authorized the deployment of a 1,000-strong Military Force to tackle the troubling security challenges in Zamfara. We have another Special Military Force, of about the same size, in Benue, covering Nasarawa and Taraba as well. In Plateau we have Operation Safe Haven.”

I have authorized the deployment of a 1,000-strong Military Force to tackle the troubling security challenges in Zamfara. We have another Special Military Force, of about the same size, in Benue, covering Nasarawa and Taraba as well. In Plateau we have Operation Safe Haven.

READ MORE -  Vanguardngr 

ELECTION: Zimbabwe polls open in first vote since Ex President Mugabe removal

Polls have opened in Zimbabwe’s first election since the removal of its former president Robert Mugabe , a watershed vote that will determine the former British colony’s future for decades.

The election pits the 75-year-old president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, a longtime Mugabe ally, against 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa , a lawyer and pastor who is vying to become Zimbabwe’s youngest head of state.
Voting began at 7am (0500 GMT) on Monday and will end at 7pm.

About 5.5 million people are registered to vote in the nation anxious for change after decades of economic paralysis and the nearly four-decade rule of the 94-year-old Mugabe. Long lines of voters were waiting outside some polling stations.

via guardian.co.uk

“I just have to do this. I have to see a better Zimbabwe for my kids. Things have been tough,” Tawanda Petru, 28, an unemployed man voting in Mbare, a low-income district of the capital Harare, said.

Isah Saulawa - Katsina Businessman Joins Presidential Race In PDP

Katsina – born businessman , Hon . Isah Saulawa , has declared his intention to contest the presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019.

Saulawa , who made this disclosure while delivering a keynote addresss during the North West PDP social media hnadlers ’ retreat held in Katsina at the weeekend , said although he had little political experience he is motivated by his love for the nation and the desire to change the current narratives of Nigerians.

The presidential aspirant , speaking more on the theme of the retreat :
“Identifying Social Media Role and Influence Ahead of 2019: A Focus on Social Media Handlers , ” urged Nigerian youths to join forces with him to oust APC in 2019.
He said if given the opportunity to serve, he would address unemployment and provide basic amenities to uplift Nigerian masses .

via leadership.ng

Saulawa condemned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC ), saying the party had ruled for almost four years but the country is not better than when the PDP served Nigerians.
He added that it would be counter -productive if the APC led government is allowed to comtinue to rule the country when Nigerians had realized that the party had no agenda to slvage the nation .

Earlier, the Katsina State chairman of PDP, Hon . Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, enjoined youths to expose through the social media the failures that the presnt government represent as it had been unable to live up to its promises.
“APC leaders during their campaigns in 2015 promised to fix Nigeria within one year, almost four years down the line , the situation is getting worse by the day , ” he stated .
Majigiri also expressed confidence that next year ’s general elections would be won overwhelmingly by PDP judging by the current socio -political and economic trends into the country.

On the gale of defections that hit APC last week, he said: “This is a good signal for the 2019 general elections and also means that the PDP has been doing the right thing. Inspite of all the harrassments and intimidations , we have never taken the laws into our hands ; we keep doing the right thing and you can see that it has paid off .”

NBC - DAAR Communications Plc as Being Fines For Violation

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has fined DAAR Communications, owner of AIT/Raypower) N500,000 for persistent violation of the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

NBC’s Head of Public Affair, Mrs Maimuna Jimada, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, said comments made on Raypower’s programme `Political Platform’ was against the broadcasting code.
Jimada said that the organisation was sanctioned due to provocative, inflammatory and divisive comments by anchors of the Political Platform. She said that the Commission on May 2, 2017, Aug. 15, 2017 and February 2018, held meetings with staff of DAAR Communications to caution them on unprofessional manner of anchors of the programme.

She stated that the Commission had charged the team handling the programme to be fair, and balance their reportage.
According to her, during the Feb. 7 meeting, the Commission stressed the need to comply with the broadcasting code to avoid sanctions.

“The Political Platform episode on July 24, was marked by sensational and heated expression of opinion by its anchors, who went on to make unproven and inciting allegations.
“For avoidance of doubt, the Director-General drew the attention of DAAR Communications to the following provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code: (1) Section 1.9.3: “A presenter/anchor shall not express his or her personal opinion in a programme.”

“Also Section 5.2.7:“A broadcaster shall, in using political material for news, avoid taking inflammatory and divisive matter in its provocative form and Section 5.2.5 stated that political broadcasts shall be in decent language,” she said. Jimada reiterated that broadcasting stations should ensure that anchors of their programmes were properly informed and trained on the ethics of the profession as well as the provisions of the broadcasting code.

Nigerian striker over the moon to score against Man U

English-born Nigerian Sheyi Ojo has said he is delighted to get on the scorers’ sheet for Liverpool as they thrashed Manchester United 4-1 in a friendly.

The 21-year-old winger converted a spot kick in the 74th minute to give Liverpool a 3-1 lead.

“Mad win vs Man United, more minutes, nice to score. Thanks for your support out here,” he tweeted.
Ojo was a 46th minute replacement for Sadio Mane.

He has often been shipped out on loan by the Anfield side.

He has played at MK Dons, Fulham, Wolves and Wigan Atletics.
He has also represented England at U16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21.

RAY WEST - Kanye West Dad Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer

Kanye West' s father , Ray West , is battling cancer . .. TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Ray tell us he' s been diagnosed with prostate cancer -- not stomach cancer as has been widely reported . We ' re told Kanye dropped everything to help his dad upon hearing the news .

Ray is currently being treated in L .A . , and sources say he ' s responding well. We ' re being told that, for now, it looks like he' s going to be okay.
The diagnosis comes just over 10 years after the death of Kanye' s mother , Donda , to whom he was very close and whose death helped trigger his mental breakdown in 2016.

Ye and his pops were spotted grabbing lunch at Nobu Malibu in March .. . a rare sighting of the father and son together .
Ray and Kanye' s late mother divorced when Ye was a young child , but the 2 remained amicable over the years.

USHER RAYMOND Sells Metro Atlanta Mansion for $1.5M

Usher Raymond finally found a buyer for his 10,823 sq. ft. mansion he shared with ex-wife Tameka Foster.

Usher unloaded the house for a cool $1.5 million, The Blast reports.

The seven bedroom, 10 bath house with separate guest house was sold on July 2 after Usher listed the manse several times without success.

The home is located in the Country Club of the South in Alpharetta, an affluent suburb northwest of Atlanta.
The 39-year-old R&B crooner was forced to flee this house after a stalker was arrested twice for knocking on his front door, claiming she was Usher’s wife.

The home boasts a gourmet kitchen, home hair salon, yoga studio, resort-style master bath with sauna, a guest house with a recording studio converted into a private dance studio, and even a climate controlled treehouse for Usher’s 2 sons.

via The Blast — Usher originally bought the property in 1998 for $1.2 million from [music producer and LaFace Records owner] L.A. Reid. He tried to offload it in 2008 for $1.95 million, but took it off the market two months later.
The singer then listed the home last year for $2.488 million but slashed it down multiple times in the hopes of finding a buyer. He eventually found someone this month, when he sold off the pad for $1.5 million on July 2.

CELEBRITY COUPLE: Cardi B & Offset Lease Twin Lambos

Cardi B and her husband Offset are the latest rappers to team up with a high end car dealership for cheap leases on luxury cars.
Motor Cars of Atlanta posted this photo of the rap power couple picking up their new leased Lamborghinis.

Cardi and Offset, who welcomed their first baby earlier this month, picked up their Lamborghini Aventador S Coupe, left, and Lamborghini Aventador Roadster.
Don’t worry, they aren’t paying full lease price since the cars will double as rolling billboards for the dealership.

Anyone who owes the state of Georgia $28,000 in back taxes can’t afford to pay full price to lease a Lambo. But the dealership will cut a deal with any rapper who has at least one hit record on the charts (both Cardi and Offset qualify).

GOVERNOR AMBODE - Water sector, critical to solving traffic congestion

Lagos state Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday expressed the commitment of his administration to provide critical infrastructure and enabling environment for investors to participate in the ongoing efforts to rev up water transportation, saying the sector remains critical to solving the traffic congestion affecting the State.

Speaking at a Roundtable on Water Transportation, organised by the State Government, the governor said though the sector had been left unattended to over the years, the Lagos state government was now committed more than before to fully harness the potentials of the water transportation to the benefit of the people and economic prosperity of the State.

He said the chaotic traffic situation in some parts of the state, in recent times and the pressure on the road with attendant danger to lives and property, ensued the need to forge ahead with the reforms in the water sector being championed by his administration even more compelling.

“The question to ask is what has brought us to this despicable situation so to speak where the only mode of transportation for over 22million people is road and the road itself is chaotic.
“In the last three years, we have been fighting traffic and unfortunately in the last two weeks, we have seen what has happened in Apapa and what we have been trying to do.

“Just about three weeks ago, we saw what happened with regards to the Otedola Bridge disaster and then the carnage, as well as the inability of government to provide for the needs of the people.

“So, among the over 22 million people, almost 8 million are walking on the streets every second and at the same time, 86 people enter into Lagos every one hour according to United Nations statistics for 2016 which is the largest in the world.

“So, if other states are failing, more people are going to be coming to Lagos and that means maybe right now, there are 120 people entering Lagos not wanting to go back and the only mode of transportation we have for them is just the road and that is why we are coming up with other modes

DEMI LOVATO Is Getting Better After Overdose Amid Support From Family and Wilmer Valderrama

Demi Lovato is "getting better" days after her overdose, while receiving support from her family and ex Wilmer Valderrama , who has visited her more than once at the hospital.

The 25-year-old pop star was found unconscious at her Los Angeles home on Tuesday. Paramedics administered Narcan, used to reverse opioid overdoses, and transported her to a medical center. Her publicist said later in the day that Lovato was awake and with her family.

E! News has learned that Lovato is resting and getting better, while her whole family and Valderrama are there to support her through her recovery.

The 38-year-old NCIS star and That '70s Show alum, who dated Lovato for almost six years until 2016, was spotted at the hospital on Wednesday , a day after her overdose, and again on Thursday.

Lovato has battled substance abuse of years and has spent time in rehab before. Her hospitalization comes a month after she released her song "Sober," in which she sings about relapsing.

In 2015, while celebrating three years of sobriety, Demi paid tribute to Valderrama on Instagram, writing, "I really wouldn't be alive today without him . I love you Wilmer."

Read more -  Eonline 

IGBO LEADERS says, We’re not interested in 2023 Presidency

ENUGU- IGBO Leaders of Thought, ILT, an umbrella of Igbo statesmen intelligentsia lead by Professor Ben Nwabueze, has told whoever is planning Presidency for Ndigbo in 2023 that Igbo Presidency is no longer on the cards of the nationality.

They rather said that what would be more beneficial to Ndigbo and indeed the entire Nigerians is a restructured country, where Presidency would become less attractive and no longer an instrument for ethnic jingoism.
The group also warned that the country is close to being equated with a failed state given the level of insecurity with attendant killings across states.
It also spoke on the popular restructuring mantra and warned against escalated nepotism that it described as ‘political corruption.’

ILT made their positions known, Saturday, after two days meeting in Enugu, where the group said the focus of the meeting was anchored on the state of Nation and the National question.
Addressing Newsmen after the meeting, Deputy Chairman of ILT, Prof Chiweyete Ejike together with the Secretary General of the group, Prof Elochukwu Amucheazi said that people were becoming poorer by the day and asked for revise of the hopless situations.

Ejike said: “Igbo’s are not concerned about Presidency, we are concerned about restructuring. We want a fair and equitable Polity.
“There is the issue of use of fund not appropriate by the National Assembly. It is not lawful and we are opposed to that. The selective application of war against corruption is not in order. The Case of Maina is a clear example.
“Budgeting public fund for private ranching is corruption and a government that is fighting corruption is doing all these.

“On the issue of killings, we feel that enough is not being done to stop the scandalous situation and the government should do more in the interest of the nationalities for existential threat.

“There was no legislative reason to prescribe the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB. The federal government should deproscribe it because they have right to Self-determination.”

BLESSING ELEKE, Swiss FC sign Nigerian striker

Swiss Super League club FC Luzern have completed the signing of Nigerian striker Blessing Eleke from Israeli outfit Ashdod.

The 22-year-old has penned a four-year deal with Die Leuchten keeping him at the club until the end of the 2021-2022 season.

Commenting on the transfer of the Eleke, Sport Coordinator Remo Meyer stated: ''With Blessing, we were able to sign up an offensive player with a lot of potentials.
''Although still very young, he has prevailed at all clubs in Europe from the start and convinced.''

Luzern lost 2-0 to Neuchâtel Xamax in their opening match of the new season last weekend, and travel to Thun in their next fixture on July 29.
Eleke began his career with Flying Sports Academy in Nigeria before to Europe to play for Slovenian teams Gorica, Olimpija and Israeli club Ashdod.

President Buhari leaves for Togo Sunday to attend ECOWAS/ECCAS summit

A statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday, said President Buhari would on arrival have an interactive session at the Nigerian embassy with the Nigerian community based in Togo.

According to him, the President, on Monday, will attend the Joint ECOWAS/ECCAS Summit which will deliberate on common security threats to countries in West Africa and members of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

Shehu explained that the meeting was being convened with a view to forging concerted strategies in tackling the menace of terrorism, trans-border crimes and other forms of violent extremism.
It would be recalled that President Buhari had expressed support for the proposed ECOWAS/ECCAS Summit when he received the current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo on June 29, in Katsina.

Shehu stated that, while in Lome, the Nigerian delegation would also participate in a meeting on a Single Currency for ECOWAS with the deadline of 2020.
“Being the largest economy not only in West Africa but also on the continent, Nigeria’s leadership role in this sub-regional aspiration cannot be over-emphasised,’’ he noted.
According to the presidential aide, on Tuesday, President Buhari will join other leaders of the sub-region for the 53 Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
He said: “This session will be dominated by the political and security situations in Guinea Bissau, Mali and Togo; institutional reforms of the ECOWAS Commission to enhance its effectiveness; illegal migration of Africans to Europe; and the worrisome violent clashes between herders and farmers, among other issues.
“At the end of the session, a new Chair of the ECOWAS Authority is expected to take over from the incumbent and host.’’
The statement said President Buhari would be accompanied by Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River and Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger.
Others are Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Defence,
Mansur Dan-Ali; Minister of Finance,
Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau and Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah.
The National Security Adviser (NSA),
Babagana Monguno; the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA),
Ahmed Abubakar; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),
Godwin Emefiele, are also in the President’s delegation.

Pulse.ng

TMZ: BRUNO MARS No Cardi B, Big Problem

Bruno Mars was just as shocked as everyone by the news Cardi B was backing out of touring with him to take care of her baby ... and now his opening act for his impending tour is totally up in the air.

Sources connected to Bruno' s tour -- slated to kick off in Sept . -- tell us he' s without an opener and, so far, there has been no replacement made for Cardi.

We ' re told Bruno ' s people were burning up the phones Friday . .. starting conversations with reps from a number of musicians but nothing is close to being locked down .

Our sources say Cardi' s decision to back out of the tour has created some issues ... dancers were hired , costumes made and stage backdrops built.

As we reported .. . Cardi backed out of her gig with Bruno because she "underestimated this whole mommy thing. " She told fans she needs more time to recover and isn ' t ready to part with her daughter , Kulture , while she goes on the road .
Mars replied with a heartfelt message of support and understanding , adding . .. "We love you Cardi and we will play Bodak Yellow every night in your honor. "

HELE PAUL says, Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs impacted my life in many ways

Helen Paul who anchored the star-studded wedding of the son of two major veterans in the Nollywood industry, Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs shared with Saturday Beats how the veterans have influenced her life positively. She said;

“I’ve always known and admired them, though as a screen couple that I love, admire, and respect so much. I never expected that I would get to meet them in person one day.
Funnily enough, Aunty Joke was one of the reasons I schooled at the University of Lagos. You know she speaks so eloquently.
Her diction fascinated me as a much younger person back then and I told myself that I had to attend the school she graduated from. She is an inspiration to me.
“Aunty and Uncle Jacobs are wonderful people who are mentors to me. Their lives as individuals and as a couple are exemplary.
I’ve met them at some events before and I’m amazed by how they carry on as a couple. I’ve observed that marriage is not a hindrance to their work. It is rather an icing on the cake for their careers. Sometimes, you see both of them in a movie and sometimes you don’t.

It must simply mean that they have no “set rules” about marriage. There are some couples who believe that if one gets a role in a movie, the other also should, since they’re both seasoned actors.

So, when they’re together in a movie, they interpret their roles the way a professional should and when they’re not together, the other person is either holding the home-front or on the set of another movie. And they’ve carried on like this for many years without any squabbles.”

“I’ve always known and admired them, though as a screen couple that I love, admire, and respect so much. I never expected that I would get to meet them in person one day.
Funnily enough, Aunty Joke was one of the reasons I schooled at the University of Lagos. You know she speaks so eloquently.

Chelsea accepts €75m bid for Willian to Manchester United

The Brazilian international worked under Jose Mourinho when he was manager at Chelsea, and the Portuguese want him in his sides.

The 29-year-old Willian was also on the radar of Barcelona who have now opted out of the deal following their signing of Malcom from Bordeaux.

However, TuttoSport, as cited by SportWitness, is reporting that Chelsea have accepted a bid of €75million from Manchester United.
The Sun recently claimed that the former Shakhtar star has decided to leave Chelsea, despite Maurizio Sarri’s appointment as new boss.

Sarri however recently revealed he is hopeful of keeping Willian: “It’s a pleasure to have Courtois, to have Willian, to have Hazard, but it [their futures] doesn’t depend on me, not only on me. “So, we have to wait. I’m confident.”

Ex-BBNaija2018 Housemates, Cee-C and Leo serves couple goals as they host their first event together

The pair are said to be ‘dating’ but these are just rumours, as neither of them have come out to either confirm or deny the relationship.

The duo apparently, had their first hosting duty together, and they looked absolutely stunning.
The lovely pair were the host of a beauty pageant event last night in Calabar. Lanre DaSilva Ajayi made Cee-C’s stunning dress.

Just recently Cee-C and her rumoured boyfriend Leo were just signed to a Property Development Company in Lagos and interestingly, the duo got a plot of land each at a choice location within the state.

Cee-C was recently signed as an ambassador to one of Nigeria’s foremost betting company, Nairabet.
The reality TV star took to her Instagram page to make the announcement to her teeming fans.

The most powerful thing you can do right now is to be patient while things are unfolding for you .
Another one in the bag, I love my new family!!
Thanks @officialnairabet, looking forward to an amazing relationship.
Spartans!
There’s no Ceec without you guys, I’m humbled.
I love y’all������

EL RUFAI - Saraki's Leadership, Worst In The History Of The Nation

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, has described the 8th senate under the leadership of Bukola Saraki as the worst in the history of the nation.

Speaking in an interview aired on some local radio stations in Kaduna on Thursday, the governor accused the senate president of listing some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) among those who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said many of those in the national assembly “rode to power on the back” of President Muhammadu Buhari.
El-Rufai also expressed optimism that Adams Oshiomhole, chairman of the ruling party, would resolve APC crisis.
“We have never had a bad senate leadership like this one by Bukola Saraki. Some people whose names were mentioned among those who decamped said they never authorised it,” he said.

“We know those who cannot win elections in their homes. Many of them found themselves in the national assembly by riding on the back of Buhari. Some of them won the election because presidential and parliamentary elections held on the same day.”

He also blamed the three senators representing the state for the inability of his administration to complete ongoing projects.

The senators are Shehu Sani (Kaduna central), Suleiman Hunkuyi ( Kaduna north) and Danjuma Laah (southern Kaduna).

El-Rufai said the senators’ rejection of the $350 million World Bank loan to the state is responsible for the non completion of some projects.
He said the state government had initiated many projects with the hope of funding them with the loan which the senate refused to give its approval.

“We initiated many projects this year because the World Bank approved a loan of $350 million to us and we were sure that we will get some part of the money this year,” he said.
“We included it in our budget to be able execute our projects – schools, hospitals and the roads that we are constructing in the town. Well, you know what happened. The house of representatives approved the loan but the senate rejected it. When it was presented to the senate, our senators from Kaduna kicked against it.
“They said the loan should not be granted. I was told that they ( the three senators) held a meeting and they said if Kaduna state government is given the loan, one of them will not realise the ambition of becoming governor.

“The betrayal of Kaduna people by Shehu Sani, Suleiman Hunkuyi and Danjuma Laah is the reason why many projects have stopped. So I want the people to understand this. Anywhere you see that a road project has stopped, ask them. Anywhere you see that a hospital project has stopped, ask them. Anywhere you see that the construction of a school has stopped, ask them.

“Anywhere you see that a project that is meant to benefit the people has stopped, ask these three people that betrayed the state. Whichever part they go, use your votes against them.”

FORBES Writer Slams Nicki Minaj for Working with Tekashi69

A Forbes writer criticized rapper Nicki Minaj for collaborating with troubled rapper Tekashi69, aka 6ix9ine and bringing him on her tour with rapper Future Hendrix.

Tekashi, real name Daniel Hernandez, took a plea deal when he was charged with 3 felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor under age 15. He was 18 at the time and he faced 15 years in prison if convicted.

Nicki’s brother, Jelani Maraj was convicted of predatory sexual assault of a child younger than 13 last year. He is currently in jail awaiting sentencing.

Forbes writer Bryan Rolli dragged Nicki for collaborating with the alleged sex abuser and attacking a female blogger who was later fired for tangling with Nicki on social media.

In his Forbes piece, Rolli slammed Nicki for playing “the victim when it fits her narrative.

COUNTINUE READING -  SANDRAROSE 

DOWNLOAD AUDIO & VIDEO: Mr. Eazi – Property ft. Mo-T

With visuals for Overload still gaining high acceptance, Mr Eazi puts out another video titled “Property” featuring Mo-T
Pioneer of Banku Music, a fusion sound he describes as the mixture of “Ghanaian bounces, Ghanaian highlife, Nigerian chord progressions, and Nigerian patterns, Mr Eazi who recently celebrated his birthday surprises fans with this new musical video.

Accompanying him on this infectious summer tune is South African trumpeter, Mo-T from Mi Casa. The musical video is directed by Meji Alabi.

As we enjoy this, watch out for ‘Life is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos To London’ coming soon

DOWNLOAD MP3 |  Property ft Mo-T 

DOWNLOAD MP4 |  Property ft Mo-T 

DOWNLOAD MUSIC: Omawumi – Malowa ft. Slimcase & DJ Spinall

Vocal powerhouse, Omawumi is back on your playlist with this brand new single titled “Malowa” featuring Slimcase and ace disc jokey, Dj Spinall.
After a long music silence, Omawumi shows she is moving past her “timeless” album to make new music for her fans. Just very recently, the songstress released  the visual for her single “Me Ke” which featured Fly Boy Inc honcho act, Kizz Daniel.

Omawumi decided to tap into the shaku shaku rave and this time she sorts the help of one the hottest singers right now, Slimcase, with banging ad-lib from DJ Spinall.

Trust Otunba Lamba to always slay on any shaku shaku beat. Malowa was produced by the top afrobeat maker, Killertunes. The lineup on this record speaks for itself. You know it can never go wrong.

Have a feel of the sound and don’t forget to share your thoughts below.

DOWNLOAD |  Malowa ft. Dj Spinal & Slimcase 

Kim Zolciak considering going breast implant for smaller boobs

Kim Zolciak is considering going under the knife to replace her size DD breast implants with size C implants (You care because you read this far).

Like most women who opted for large breast implants, Zolciak is concerned that the silicone bags might burst because they are past their expiration date.

“I obviously have implants,” said the 40-year-old mom of six in the July 25 episode of her podcast, House of Kim . “I have the largest implants they actually make, but it doesn’t look that big on my body because of just the way I’m built. But I’m thinking about actually getting my boobs reduced.”

Zociak said she already consulted with her plastic surgeon about getting the silicone bags removed and replaced with size C implants like the ones she purchased in 2009

“I already called Dr. [Leonard] Hochstein, who did my boobs and tummy a few years ago — he did my hernia repair and my tummy tuck after that, you might as well!” she said of the doctor.
Zolciak is also feeling the effects from the strain on her back.
“I said, ‘You know, I feel like I should get my boobs reduced. They’re heavy, my posture is terrible, I’m getting older.'”

Just for fun, she involved her social media followers in her decision: “I was thinking of going from like a DD to like a C, so head over to my Instagram and vote: DD or C,” she said.

Zolciak and her husband, retired NFL player Kroy Biermann, have 4 children together. She also has 2 grown daughters from a previous relationship

#BRANDY discography has been streamed 1.5billion times, has she set new record

Brandy, who came through in the 90’s with so many hit songs has set a new streaming record, as her discography has been streamed for over 1.5billion times on all digital platforms.

Though Brandy ‘s career may have stalled and been stifled by poorly executed moves in recent years, but that’s done all of nothing to shake her status as one of Pop’s greatest success stories. According to Music Connect, this makes her the only artist from the 90’s era to have to achieved this feat.

Leading the way for the likes of then-teenagers Beyonce and Britney Spears in the 90s, the vocalist’s unmatched success on stage and screen during the period saw her harvest a fan base which has unknowingly turned her into a streaming magnet as her ability to pick up pure sales falters.

Ascertaining how much Brandy and her co-writers will earn from this feat may prove to be a difficult task, as streaming platforms offer varying rates which must be split between an artist’s label, the creatives behind each song and the platform itself once paid.
She was born on February 11, 1979, in McComb, Mississippi.

The only daughter and oldest child of William Ray Norwood Sr., a church pastor , and his wife, Sonja Norwood, Brandy got her start as a singer by performing in her family’s church choir. Recognizing that both of their children were gifted performers (Brandy’s younger brother, Ray J, is also a singer and actor), William and Sonja left Mississippi for Los Angeles, California, in the early 1980s in hopes of helping their children launch their careers.

As Brandy later recounted, she was 7 years old when she first heard Whitney Houston, and was immediately transfixed by the singer. “I was like, ‘This lady is mad crazy!'” a 14-year-old Brandy told reporters in the early 1990s. “I just wanted to be like her. Not just the beauty, but her voice … she was very powerful, the way she’d sing a word like ‘love,’ or ‘mine.”

AHMED MUSA - Super Eagles star welcomes baby boy

Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa has announced the arrival of his new baby boy on Thursday night.

The wife of the Leicester City star was taken delivery of the bouncing baby boy and the 25-year-old break the good news on his Instagram page.

Musa and Juliet got   in 2017said: I would like to announce to you all that moments ago Allah blessed me with a beautiful baby boy! Words cannot describe this feeling.

Musa's second against Iceland was ranked as the 8th best goal scored at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia but former Kano Pillar man has rejoined Leicester City in Austria for pre-season ahead of the new 2018/19 season.

 ahmedmusa718 I would like to announce to you all that moments ago Allah blessed me with a beautiful baby boy! Words cannot describe this feeling!

Congrats to him....

Meghan Markle Forced To Give Up Her Favourite Food As The Queen Bans It From Palace Menu

There are a lot of rules royalty must follow.From how to dress to the right way to walk and talk, Meghan Markle will have had to make many changes to her lifestyle when she became the Duchess of Sussex.

As well as learning new habits, the former actress will also have to make some big changes to her diet.
This is because certain foods are off the menu at Buckingham Palace . According to royal chef Darren McGrady, the Queen won't allow some of Meghan's favourite foods, with carbs not typically served at the palace.

He said that the carb ban was a personal choice of the Queen, who prefers not to serve rice, pasta and potatoes.

Pasta is said to be one of Meghan's favourite foods.
In 2013, she is quoted in The New Potato as saying that a “leisurely dinner of seafood and pasta” would feature in her ideal day of food.
Similarly during an interview with Delish.com , the 36-year-old revealed her go-to meal was a pasta and slow-cooked courgette (or zucchini as the Americans call it) dish.

The courgette is cooked for five hours until it breaks down into a "filthy, sexy mush" to stir into pasta.
"The sauce gets so creamy, you'd swear there's tons of butter and oil in it, but it's just zucchini, water and a little bouillon," the Duchess said.
It's also previously been reported that she has had to give up eating another dish she loves - seafood.
Royal Butler Grant Harrold said the royal family do not eat seafood out of fear of getting food poisoning.
He told the Express : “It is a very sensible move to abandon having seafood when out and about on public duties.
“We don't want a member of the Royal family having a serious reaction to food poisoning, especially if she is on an overseas tour.”

Mr Harrold added: “As well as shellfish, it would also be quite appropriate for foods such as foie gras to be avoided.”
Other rules Meghan now has to follow include not being allowed to vote, no selfies, no autographs and she must always travel with a black outfit in case a member of the royal family dies.

LEBRON JAMES Says He Regret Naming His Son After Himself

LeBron James says he regrets naming his 14- year-old son LeBron James Jr . -- because he' s concerned about all of the pressure that comes with it .

The NBA superstar was opening up about his family to Jon Stewart , Snoop Dogg , Odell Beckham Jr . and Maverick Carter in his new HBO series , ' The Shop .'

While James was talking about how much fun he' s having watching his kids play youth basketball -- Stewart asked , "How do you give them a piece of mind that they don ' t have to be you?"

That ' s when James explained his regret when it comes to naming his kid -- but said it was an overreaction from not having a father while he was growing up.

James said he always swore that he would be the dad he didn' t have -- and naming his kid " Jr . " -- was the first step. It ' s actually a really touching story .

TMZ

TMZ: DEMI LOVATO Rejected Help From Her Team Weeks Ago

Demi Lovato ' s team tried to stage an intervention and get her help for her drug addiction , but the singer blew them off . .. TMZ has learned .
Sources close to Demi tell us members of her team noticed she was in a bad place a few weeks ago , and even confronted her about it. We ' re told they offered assistance to get her back to sobriety. The plan was to urge her into a rehab program .
We ' re told the intervention attempt was not successful -- Demi refused and continued to party , instead.

Other sources tell us she tried to make it seem like everything was okay, but her struggle became obvious shortly before Tuesday 's overdose .

There ' s also this -- Lovato and her longtime manager, Phil McIntyre , parted ways a couple months ago . Although neither has said why they broke off their professional relationship . .. we ' re told Phil had a hand in the intervention efforts.

TMZ: UPDATE - Conor McGregor Strikes Plea Deal Felony Dropped , Gets Anger Management

We told you it was gonna happen .. . and now it did -- prosecutors just dropped the felony against Conor McGregor and he will not spend 1 second in jail .
It ' s hugely significant because if he was convicted of a violent felony , he could have been deported -- which would have had a major impact on his UFC career .
Here' s what happened inside the Brooklyn courtroom on Thursday -- Conor accepted a plea deal in which
the felony count was dismissed . He pled guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge.
He was sentenced to 5 days of community service, ordered to pay for the damage he caused to the bus -- and ordered to complete an anger management course.
Outside the courtroom , Conor issued a short statement -- " I just want to say I ' m thankful for the D. A . and the judge for allowing me to move forward . I want to say to my friends , my family , my fans , thank you for the support ."

Sources tell TMZ Sports . .. Dana White will not bar him from the UFC as he has other fighters who have engaged in illegal violence.
One of the reasons is that White believes the legal system has already exacted punishment on the superstar.
Conor ' s co-defendant , Cian Cowley -- who also participated in the bus attack -- got the same deal .. . but with only 3 days of community service.
A spokesperson for the Brooklyn D. A .' s office tells TMZ Sports ... " This is a fair resolution that holds the defendant accountable , ensures restitution for the victims and requires the defendant to perform community service where he can reflect on his conduct and give back to society .”
As we previously reported , Conor' s attorneys had been negotiating a plea deal in the felony mischief case - - filed after the UFC champ threw a dolly at a UFC bus on April 5 , injuring several fighters.
Conor was initially charged with 1 count of felony criminal mischief and 3 counts of misdemeanor assault.
Just last week, we were told prosecutors had agreed to reduce the felony to a misdemeanor -- which is a big deal since a felony involving violence could trigger permanent deportation from the U. S .
30 -year -old UFC fighter faced up to 7 years in prison if convicted on all counts .

OSUN 2018: Drop Ademola Adeleke as flagbearer, seven PDP gov aspirants tell party

Seven governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State have asked the national leadership of the party to rescind its decision on the nomination of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the candidate of the party in the September 22 governorship election .

The aspirants: Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi ; senators Olasunkanmi Akinlabi and Felix Ogunwale ; Prof. Adeolu Durotoye and Dr . Ayoade Adewopo said this at a joint press conference in Osogbo on Thursday.

via punchng

Other aspirants who are also urging the PDP leadership to drop Adeleke are: Messrs Adejare Bello and Jide Adeniji. They were both absent at the press conference , but their names were listed as supporting the call.

Olasunkanmi , who read the address said, “ The candidacy of Senator Ademola Adeleke will further divide rather than unite the PDP in Osun State in view of the fact that a great number of the party members will not feel secure working for him, because of the very controversial circumstances of his nomination .
“The PDP may not be able to secure the support of critical stakeholders in the state with Senator Adeleke ’s candidacy , because of his not too impressive public conduct as a senator of the Federal Republic .
“In view of the foregoing, therefore, we the under listed aspirants call on the national leadership of our party to rescind its decision on the nomination of Senator Ademola Adeleke as our candidate for the September 22 governorship election . ”

Ogunbiyi stated that he would not leave the party but would not stop to demand that the party do the right thing.
He said, “We are actually facing a challenge at present . It is a storm that will pass and I , Dr . Akin Ogunbiyi and other aspirants will not leave the PDP under any guise . We believe that the leadership of the party will do the right thing. We will stay together and fight to uproot the government of APC.

“The good people of Osun State should remain calm. The PDP is the hope of Osun State . There is no alternative party that can rescue Osun State and Nigeria .
“I cannot be a mole in the hands of anybody . With my modest achievement as a village boy with this level of grace God has given me , I cannot condescend to do such dishonorable job . ”

Durotoye said the aspirants and people of the state wanted the party to announce the name of the “real winner” as the party ’s governorship candidate .
He said although the aspirants and the people would not defect, they would not join the alleged impunity .

NEWS: SPEAKER - Why we shut down Ekiti Assembly indefinitely

The Ekiti State House of Assembly has been shut indefinitely over alleged invasion by strange policemen.

The Speaker , Kola Oluwawole , announced this at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Thursday .
He said the shutting down of the Assembly became necessary because two units of heavily armed riot -policemen stormed the premises on Wednesday without an official request.
When our correspondent visited the Assembly on Thursday, there was no policeman in sight .

Oluwawole , who addressed journalists in company with 17 other lawmakers, said members of the All Progressives Congress in the Assembly were the brains behind the alleged strange Police deployment.
He said the Police were acting on a letter forged by the three APC members using the name of the Clerk, Mr . Tola Esan , and addressed to the Commissioner of Police , Mr . Bello Ahmed, calling for deployment .
He said the letter and the request were “unwarranted. ”
Recently , three PDP House members had defected to the APC.

They are Gboyega Aribisogan , Sunday Akinniyi and Ebenezer Alagbada , who left the PDP after a disagreement with Governor Ayodele Fayose.
Oluwawole said the Assembly would remain shut until security of lives of lawmakers and staff of the hallowed chamber could be guaranteed.
The Speaker said the Assembly had petitioned the CP to raise allegation of forgery against Aribisogan, Akinniyi and Alagbada .

He recalled that the Clerk had, on July 25 , written a similar letter dissociating himself from the letter purportedly written by him requesting Police cover at the Assembly .
He urged the Police authority to conduct unfettered investigations into the issue and bring the culprits to justice .
The Speaker said, “This is strange in democracy, for lawmakers to wake up and see unauthorised Police deployment in the legislative arm of government.

“On Wednesday at about 9 pm, Police authority deployed two detachments of heavily armed policemen to the premises of the Assembly . This came to us as a shock because we are in a recess and such action was unwarranted.
“Before now , we had it on good authority that Police were planning to provide cover for the three defecting lawmakers to perpetrate violence in the Assembly and cause confusion and also to endanger the lives of our staff.

“As we speak, the lives of our people are no longer safe , because the Police and APC thugs have laid siege to Ekiti Assembly and under this circumstance , our staff are no longer safe and we declare indefinite closure of the Assembly pending the time security can be guaranteed.
“We have not recovered from the harassment and abduction of our members by Police during the July 14 election . But let me say expressly that such strange police deployment was unsolicited, unwarranted and ultra vires ,” he said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr . Caleb Ikechukwu, could not be reached , as his phone was switched off.

ALEXIS SANCHEZ - on target as Manchester United edge Milan

Alexis Sanchez was on target as Manchester United defeated AC Milan on penalties in their International Champions Cup friendly here Wednesday.

Chilean international Sanchez was United’s best performer in a low-key game at Carson’s StubHub Center which finished 1-1.
Sanchez fired Manchester United into the lead with a well-taken goal on 12 minutes before Spanish midifelder Suso equalised for Milan three minutes later.

Although Sanchez produced a lively performance for United, the Premier League giants were unable to find a further goal, sending the game to penalties.
A bizarre shoot-out was won 9-8 by Manchester United , with both teams having to recycle their penalty takers after a string of missed spot-kicks.
Ander Herrera fired United into the lead in sudden death with his second penalty before Ivorian youngster Franck Kessie chipped his spot-kick over the bar to give United the win.
Manchester United’s Portuguese goalkeeper Joel Pereira, deputising for the absent David De Gea and Sergio Romero, said he hoped his performance in the shoot-out had helped his bid to win a place in manager Jose Mourinho’s squad.
“Obviously I have been the last 18 months here and the manager shows good faith and trust in me, he wants me to play and he thinks it’s the right thing for me,” Pereira said.
“I will find out next week where I play next season.
“I want to prove the manager the faith he put in me is right.”

PUNCH: Ortom defects to PDP, APC says gov’s action surprising

At last, Benue State Governor , Samuel Ortom , on Wednesday formally announced his defection from the All Progessives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party .

This is coming a day after the APC lost 13 of its senators and 37 of its House of Representatives members to the PDP , thus giving the majority status to the former ruling party in the Senate.

Ortom made the declaration during the meeting with local government chairmen and their councillors at the new banquet hall of the Government House, Makurdi .

Thirteen local government chairmen and 276 councillors were in attendance .
Ortom , who said that despite the intervention of the national leadership of the APC, the “state chapter of the party has continued to launch attack on me . ”
“This morning, I had wanted to go to Abuja to attend the meeting but some youths in the state refused , they asked me to go back .

“But let me formally inform this gathering that I have forwarded my resignation letter from the APC to the chairman of my council ward and he has promised to join me in the new party,” Ortom declared.
Immediately he announced his resignation from the APC, the governor displayed his resignation letter to the people .

“As I talk to you, 10 out of 17 state lawmakers of the APC are ready to follow me to the new party . May I formally announce to you that I have formally moved to the Peoples Democratic Party , PDP , ” Ortom declared.

Earlier , the 13 council chairmen and leaders of the legislative council in attendance promised to follow the governor to the PDP to ensure his re-election aspiration .

Earlier , youths under the auspices of ‘Coalition of Benue Youths ’, comprising 40 groups on Wednesday had stormed the government house and prevented Ortom from travelling to Abuja as they forced him to return to the government house .
Ortom was on his way to Abuja to meet with the leadership of the APC with a view to settling the rift between him and Senator George Akume .
The governor had around 10 am taken off from the Government House, Makurdi when the youths in their hundreds blocked his route .

The youths carried placards with various inscriptions such as : “Ortom don’ t go back to the APC ,” “We don ’ t have land to donate for ranching ,” “The APC is Miyetti party, ” Our farms are not for cows ,” You must leave the APC ,” Ortom is our party, “ and “2019 : On Ortom we stand . ”
Terrence Kuanum and Pastor Dave Ogbole, who spoke on behalf of the youths , advised the governor not to attend the meeting but to seek an alternative platform for his re-election bid .
The youths threatened not to vote for him if he shunned their advice and attend the meeting .
To give fillip to their declaration, Ogbole, ordered the removal of the APC flag from the governor ’s official car .
The governor’ s driver complied immediately by removing the APC flag.

“We need a leader that will protect us and you have shown that in the past three years but we don ’t want you to attend the meeting with the leaders of the APC. But if you insist , there is no problem but be ready to crush all of us ,” Ogbole said.
The governor, who pleaded with the youths to allow him attend the meeting with the promise to protect their interest had to make a U - turn when the youths insisted that he should not go to Abuja for a meeting with the APC leaders .

READ MORE |  PUNCH