FANI KAYOSE SLAMS YEMI OSINBAJO OVER SILENCE ON KILLING OF CHRISTIANS

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani- Kayode has expressed his anger on Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo over his loud silence on the killing of some Christians in Nigeria. Fani-Kayode said the refusal of Osinbajo to speak against the incidents and protect his own people from what he tagged as ‘sneaky dirty rats’ was very pathetic. The controversial writer-cum-orator, who was reacting to the Monday’s interrogation of the Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleman faulted Osinbajo for refusing to condemn the genocide that was being perpetrated by the Fulani militias on Christians across the country. In the concluding part of his article entitled ‘the travails of Apostle Johnson Suleman and the inciting words of the Sultan Of Sokoto, Fani said if the killing continued, the Christian community would have no choice but resort to self- defence. He wrote, “Our Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who is undoubtedly a fine gentleman and who is a practising Pentecostal Christian, appears to be helpless and has done absolutely nothing to help and protect his own from the “sneaky dirty rats”. “Clearly he has no power and he does not have the disposition or the political will and clout to take a stand against this great evil. “The best he could do was to issue a tepid statement telling Nigerian religious and political leaders not to allow religion to drive us apart. “He did not condemn the genocide that was being perpetrated by the Fulani militias and neither did he commiserate with the families of those that were butchered or express regret about the inability of the Federal Government to prevent the carnage,” he added. Fano-Kayode added that despite the killings and persecutions of Christian, it would not deter them from remaining steadfast and strong in faith. “Not even one hundred million inciting words from the Sultan of Sokoto or anyone else can change that,” he said.

BIAFRA:NO POLITICIANS SPONSORING US - IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has denied speculations that the organization was being funded by politicians. The group said no individual or group was capable of funding activities of a global movement that had presence in over 100 countries. IPOB was reacting to a statement credited to the former leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, that some Nigerian politicians were funding IPOB . IPOB spokespersons, Mr. Emma Nmezu and Dr. Clifford Iroanya, said in a statement that rather than accuse IPOB unduly, it was Uwazurike that allegedly collected money from politicians to fund MASSOB. The statement read: “To set the records straight, one of the cardinal rules in IPOB is that we don’t mingle with politicians, neither do we accept any monetary gift or inducement from any politician. “This is one of the greatest frustrations of certain governors who have tried everything within their powers to induce IPOB with money, but we rebuffed them.”

RIVERS POLICE COMMISIONER IS DEAD

Report reaching DAILY POST says the Commissioner of Police in Rivers state, CP Francis Odesanya is dead. DAILY POST gathered that CP Odesanya has been battling with an undisclosed illness. He was subsequently flown abroad for better medical care. A reliable source in the Command who does not want his name mentioned disclosed that CP Odesanya died early Tuesday. When contacted, Spokesman of the Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni declined comment on the development.

REPS SEEK APPROVAL FOR INCREASE OF FUEL PRICE BY 5N

Nigerians may have to pay N5 extra for petroleum products, if the House of Representatives signs the current National Roads Fund Bill into law. A technical committee set up by the House Committee on Works, headed by Toby Okechukwu, made the recommendation. The objective of the National Road Fund is to generate revenue for routine and periodic maintenance works on Nigerian roads. The committee recommended “fuel levy of N5 chargeable per litre on any volume of petrol and diesel products imported into Nigeria and on locally refined petroleum products.” 10% of any revenue paid as user charge per vehicle on any federal road designated as a toll, was also recommended as toll fees; inter-state mass transit user charge of 0.5% deductible from the fare paid by passengers, as well as surcharge of 0.5% chargeable on the assessed value of any imported vehicle into the country. The fund will be managed by a governing board, with a managing director as the head of the fund.

SIMEON: I AM HAPPY WHEN CARRASCO IS ANGRY

The Argentine has played down the Belgium international's frustrations after he kicked a water bottle after coming off at the weekend Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has no problem with Yannick Carrasco after the Belgium international reacted angrily to being substituted against Alaves. Auba: I want to leave Dortmund Carrasco kicked a water bottle when Simeone replaced him with Fernando Torres in the 62nd minute of Saturday's disappointing 0-0 draw. The 23-year-old signed a contract extension in October but his form has dipped after an impressive start to the season, his last goals coming against Guijuelo on November 30. Simeone is unconcerned by Carrasco's show of petulance, which he feels was simply an expression of frustration with himself. "When they get angry they make me happy. I never worried about that situation. Carrasco was angry with himself," said Simeone. The Argentine is instead focusing on Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Barcelona, and, unsurprisingly, he is wary of coming up against the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez after three successive draws. PRESSROOM @Simeone : "I can’t imagine a better setting than the Calderón’s for this match" #EveryoneToTheCalderón #AtletiFCB 6:51 PM - 31 Jan 2017 7 25 Atlético de Madrid @atletienglish + More Videos PLAY Simeone said: "When you have a good game beforehand, you get continuity. We played a good game in Bilbao, normal in Eibar in the Copa and bad against Alaves. "I do not know how the game will go. We find ourselves against the best opponents in the world and, whoever might be playing, they have three up front who settle 80 per cent of matches." The topic of video referees has been a persistent theme in Spain since Barca were denied a clear goal in their 1-1 draw with Real Betis on Sunday. OFFICIAL: Barca sign Bueno The Atletico boss feels the issue is only being so widely discussed because it involved one of the country's two traditional powerhouses. "It's always good to have things happen so solutions can be found," said Simeone. "If it happens to Barcelona and Real Madrid it has the biggest impact. It happens to other teams and the impact is not so great."

AUBAMEYANG EYEING REAL MADRID AS HE ADMITS HE NEEDS TO LEAVE IN SUMMER

The in-demand striker has put clubs all over Europe on alert by revealing that he must quit Thomas Tuchel's side to further his career Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted that he needs to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer to further his career, describing a move to Real Madrid as his "dream". Mourinho confirms Rooney is staying The Gabon international is one of the most in-demand strikers in European football after starring for the Bundesliga side, and has already scored 20 goals for his club this season. Dortmund have recently stated they would have to consider a sale if they received bids of €80 million for the forward, who has now claimed that he needs to quit the club in the summer. + More Videos PLAY "If I want to go to the next level, I need to leave in the summer,” Aubameyang told Radio RMC. "Real Madrid is still a dream, but there has been too much noise." Aubameyang has openly admitted he wants to join Madrid in the past, revealing he made a promise to his late grandfather that he would play for los Blancos. He reiterated to beINSports back in December: "Real has a close connection with my family. All the latest transfer rumours "The media is doing too much [speculation]. It's a childhood dream. But, as I always said, I play at Dortmund and I'm glad to be there and it's really good for me. "And I don't even know if Madrid really wants me. If Real comes one day, then that's good. Otherwise, life goes on. This is not a problem." Karim Benzema is currently Madrid's first-choice striker although has found himself booed by his own fans in recent times, with back-up option Alvaro Morata having been strongly linked with a Bernabeu exit. Aubameyang would certainly fit the 'Galactico' profile of a player that the Liga club look to sign, with the likes of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos having all arrived in recent seasons. Madrid are currently serving a transfer ban that has seen them unable to sign players in the current January window but they would be in a position to purchase Aubameyang in the summer of 2017, when the suspension is lifted.

RONALDO SHAKES OFF JEEKS AS MADRID EXTEND LALIGA LEAD

The Portuguese was whistled by the crowd on two occasions in the first half but his fine finish helped Los Blancos secure a vital victory COMMENT Things could hardly have gone better for Real Madrid this weekend. As Atletico, Barcelona and Sevilla all lost ground in the title race, Zinedine Zidane's side moved clear at the top of La Liga. It was the perfect end to a testing few days for Los Blancos. Real Madrid crash out of Copa del Rey Following their elimination from the Copa del Rey on Wednesday and a recent dip in form, Madrid came into this match against Real Sociedad under pressure and there were jeers for Danilo, Karim Benzema and Fabio Coentrao prior to kick-off. And then, following a slow start against a Sociedad side making life difficult with some solid pressing, the supporters also turned on Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese lost possession in the opening period. The 31-year-old has been questioned of late and did not like it when the fans jeered, turning to face them in a defiant gesture. However, it seemed to fire him up as he improved later in the game and produced a fine finish to make it 2-0 after Mateo Kovacic had netted the opener. Kovacic has come on leaps and bounds in his second season at the Santiago Bernabeu, and after marking this match with his first Liga goal of the campaign it was he who put Ronaldo through to make it 2-0 minutes after the interval. Barca lose ground after phantom goal Cristiano's crisp chip was a wonderful way to turn the jeers into cheers and after Inigo Martinez was sent off, the lively Alvaro Morata made it 3-0. An emphatic win in the end, and just what Madrid needed after a week which had brought both doubts and criticism following their exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Celta Vigo. On Saturday, Atletico dropped two points in a goalless game away to Alaves and then, on Sunday, Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw at Betis before Sevilla lost 3-1 at Espanyol. So all of Madrid's title rivals fell back and suddenly, everything looks brighter for Zidane's side. Madrid are now four points clear of both Barca and Sevilla at the top of the table, with Atletico a further six adrift. And on top of that, Los Blancos still have a game in hand due to their participation in the Club World Cup. With Luka Modric, Marcelo, Gareth Bale, Dani Carvajal, James Rodriguez and Pepe all still sidelined, Madrid did well to come through this test against a Real Sociedad side that has impressed in La Liga in recent weeks. Sevilla slip back after Espanyol defeat Next up for Madrid is another tough trip to Celta next weekend and Toni Kroos will be suspended for that one. Without the distraction of the Copa del Rey in midweek, however - as Atletico and Barcelona prepare to face off on Wednesday at the Vicente Calderon - Zidane will have time to rest his players for the game in Galicia. So after a tough week, confidence was restored for Real Madrid, their title rivals slipped back and again Los Blancos begin to look like a formidable force in the Primera Division. If they can embark on another unbeaten run, they will be very difficult to stop.

MLS ANNOUNCES 2012 ALL STAR GAME IN CHICAGO

The league has announced its 2017 contest will be held at Soldier Field with an opponent yet to be determined. MLS announced Tuesday that its 2017 All-Star Game will be held Aug. 2 at Soldier Field in Chicago. The home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears, the Chicago Fire played their home games at the stadium from their debut in MLS in 1998 through 2001, then again from 2003-2005. “The Chicago Fire is honored to join Major League Soccer and the City of Chicago in hosting the 2017 All-Star Game presented by Target," Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman said at a media conference. "The game is a great opportunity to bring international attention to our city, league and soccer club and we are excited for the spotlight to be on historic Soldier Field this August for an amazing match between MLS’s best players and a prestigious international club. As the Chicago Fire marks its 20th anniversary season, we are pleased to count this marquee event as part of our season-long celebration of soccer in the Windy City and I am personally grateful to our host committee for joining us in welcoming the All-Star Game to Chicago.” Seattle Sounders sign Swedish midfielder Gustav Svensson The league did not announce an opponent yet for the contest, but MLS commissioner Don Garber said at the media conference it would be one of the world’s top clubs. "Last year we played Arsenal, the year before we played Bayern Munich, you could assume it will be one of the top five teams in the world," Garber said. The MLS side will be coached by Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic.

OFFICIAL: IGALO LEAVES WATFORD FOR CHINA

The Nigeria international had scored just once in the Premier League this season before departing to the Far East Watford have confirmed the departure of striker Odion Ighalo to Chinese outfit Changchun Yatai. Keep up to date with all the Deadline Day rumours! The Nigeria international has reportedly moved to the Far East in a deal worth £20 million, though Watford have not revealed the official fee. Ighalo impressed for the Hornets last season but had fallen down the pecking order under Walter Mazzarri. Having joined the Vicarage Road outfit from Granada in 2014, he scored 20 goals as Watford won promotion back to the Premier League in 2014-15. And he continued his fine form into the top-flight, finding the net on 17 occasions as Quique Sanchez Flores's side comfortably avoided relegation. Under Mazzarri, however, he failed to fire, with his 18 Premier League appearances bringing about just the single goal. He joins Changchun ahead of the new Chinese Super League season as they look to improve on their 12th-placed finish last term.

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS WITH NIGERIA OVER DEAD WIFE OF MINISTER OF SPORT

President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with Solomon Dalung, the minister of youth and sports, on the death of his wife - The president in a statement prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest, promising his support to the family of Dalung in their moment of grief - Mrs. Dalung died after a brief illness in the early hours of Sunday, January 29 President Buhari mourns with minister of sports Solomon Dalung Nigeria's president, Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with Solomon Dalung, the minister of youth and sports, on the death of his first wife, Briskila Dalung. READ ALSO: Buhari may live longer than those wishing him dead - Oshiomhole In a statement issued by Nneka Anibeze, the media aide to Dalung on his Facebook page, said President Buhari telephoned Dalung on Monday night, January 30, from London where he is currently on vacation. Read the full statement below: "President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung on the death of his wife, Mrs. Briskila Dalung who died after a brief illness in the early hours of January 29, 2017 in Jos. In a telephone call made to Barrister Dalung by the President on Monday night from London where he is currently on a short vacation, he prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest. President Buhari regretted the death of Mrs Dalung which came at such an unripe age and prayed that God will forgive her sins and give the family she left behind the fortitude to bear the loss. The President promised his unflinching support to the family of Dalung in their moment of grief. DOWNLOAD: Naij.com current affairs app for android to get the latest news Mrs Dalung is survived by her husband and 5 children." Mrs. Dalung died after a brief illness in the early hours of January 29, 2017 in Jos. The minister announced the demise of his wife via his official Facebook saying it is a huge loss that he could barely continue.

HAUSA MAN KILLED YORUBA DRIVER OVER N30 AT LAGOS

A tribal riot started in Igando, Lagos, after a Hausa man allegedly killed a Yoruba driver - The duo reportedly fought over N30 ($0.06, black market rate) which led to the death of the driver - Friends of the deceased took to the street and attacked every Hausa man they could find Riot started on Monday, January 30, on Mojeed street, Igando Lagos, when a 40-year-old Hausa trader, Ibrahim Adamu, allegedly killed a bus driver, Lekan Adeleke. Residents and family of the deceased reportedly blocked the street, made bon fire and chased Hausa traders out of the area. According to a report by ThePunch, trouble started when the deceased had bought noodles worth N230 from the suspect’s son on Sunday, January 29, around 10.30pm. Hausa trader allegedly kills Yoruba driver over N30 in Lagos He was reported to have paid N200 and promised to pay the balance of N30 the following day, which did not go down well with the suspect’s son. Hausa trader allegedly kills Yoruba driver over N30 in Lagos READ ALSO: Iraq responds Trump, bans US citizens from their country The son allegedly reported to his father, Adamu, who became angry and attacked the 30-year-old Adeleke with a spiked plank. The victim reportedly slumped and hit his head against the concrete edge of a gutter in the area. Hausa trader allegedly kills Yoruba driver over N30 in Lagos A friend of the victim, Kehinde Akinduro, said Adamu had a kiosk where he sold confectioneries, while the son sold noodles beside the kiosk. He explained that Adeleke had actually paid the balance of N30 to the suspect’s son. He said: “He was joking with the boy that despite being a customer, he went and reported him to his father. They started abusing each other. At this time, the son was already preparing noodles for me on the instruction of Adeleke. “The next thing I saw was that Adamu, who was eavesdropping, brought out a spiked plank and hit Adeleke with it. I cautioned him, but he faced me and hit me in the leg. I sustained some injuries. “When Adeleke saw that he could no longer handle the situation, he took to his heels. But the man followed him and hit him in the head as he tried to jump the gutter. He fell and hit his head against the edge of the gutter. “When Adamu saw that he had become unconscious, he took him into his kiosk and poured water on his head. He was doing this when a large number of residents stormed the place. When he sighted them, he abandoned the man and took to his heels.” He said the suspect, speaking in Hausa, asked his son to flee in another direction. “The boy escaped, but we were able to get Adamu. We called the police and handed him over to them.” The mob was said to have destroyed Adamu’s kiosk and set it on fire after Adeleke died around 12am on Monday. The police public relations officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said investigations were ongoing. She said: “It was a case of murder. One Adamu used a plank to hit a bus driver, Adeleke, in the head which led to his death. The corpse was deposited in the Mainland General Hospital morgue for autopsy." READ ALSO: Oil mogul donates items to less privileged in Abuja and environs Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has explained how it intercepted and seized a massive weapons haul of 661 brand new pump-action rifles in Lagos state. In a press statement delivered by the Comptroller-General of NCS Hameed Ali at a briefing in Lagos on Monday, January 30, the outfit said the guns were intercepted on Sunday, January 22. The statement read: "On Sunday 22nd January 2017, the Roving Team of the NCS Federal Operations Unit while on information patrol intercepted a Mack truck with registration number BDG 265 XG conveying a 1x40ft Container with Number: PONU/825914/3along Mile 2 Apapa road."

APOSTLE SULEMAN'S ARREST- NPBODY OWNS THE COUNTRY,"WE ARE KEEPING QUIET DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE POWERLESS"-PASTOR CHRIS OKAFOR

More reactions have trailed the killings in Southern Kaduna killings and the call for the arrest of Apostle Johnson Suleiman. Apostle Suleiman's arrest: "Nobody owns this country, “We are keeping quiet does not mean we are powerless” - Pastor Chris Okafor Dr Chris Okafor -the founder, Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministries (MLMM) aka Liberation City, has, while lamenting the spate of killings in Kaduna said that “nobody owns this country” and that “We are keeping quiet does not mean we are powerless.”

APOSTLE SULEMAN SAYS DSSBDID THE RIGHT THING FOR INVITING HIM

Apostle Johnson Suleman has reacted to the invitation by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) saying it was in order. The president of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide escaped arrest in Ekiti when he was whisked away by Governor Ayodele Fayose when he allegedly incited killing of Fulani herdsmen. Apostle Suleman says DSS did the right thing READ ALSO: Apostle Suleman yet to honour DSS 10am invitation The religious leader had said that he received intelligence that his chirch was about to be attacked by Fulani herdsmen and called on his members to kill them. NAN reports that Suleman spoke on Monday, January 30 in Abuja where he said he was ready to go to DSS office and honour their invitation describing it as in order. “I presume the right thing was done. They have been in touch with me to come and that is why I am in Abuja, so that I can see them.” “I was talking in my personal capacity on information from a reliable source that certain people in the capacity of Herdsmen were coming to attack me and I told the people around me that if it happens they should defend themselves.”

I DONT HAVE A PROBLEM IF MEGA PARTY PUSHES NIGERIA ECONOMY- SARAKI

The Rivers state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised an alarm - This is due to the killing of one of its members recently - The party called for the intervention of the federal government The Rivers state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised an alarm over the killing of one of its members recently. APC national chairman, Chief John Oyegun. Photo Credit: NAN Mr Emmanuel Obuozo was assassinated at the early hours of Wednesday, January 25. He is from Obor community in Osomini area of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area. The APC says the killing of Obuozo is one of the several assasinations of its members all over the state. It was learnt the APC chieftain was killed at his home where the gunmen shot sporadically to scare the residents. READ ALSO: How dismissed policemen saved me from assassination – Wike Addressing reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, APC publicity secretary, Chris Finebone said the killing of the APC members showed the state government’s amnesty programme was dubious. His words: “We in APC have always said Rivers state government’s amnesty programme is dubious and characteristically questionable. “We continue to hold the opinion that government simply created the so- called amnesty to shield crooks. “It was just to shield them from clampdown by federal security agencies by surreptitiously legitimising the criminalities perpetrated by the criminal associates who shot and killed to climb to power.” On his part, the APC Chairman in the local government where Obuozo was murdered, Felix Ejechi said the killings required federal government’s intervention. Ejechi said what was happening in the area was beyond the party, adding that if something urgent was not done, the situation might spread to other places. He also called on the party’s national leadership to address the “insecurity that is threatening the unity and affecting the membership strength of the party”. READ ALSO: Rivers on the edge: Panic as 45 IPOB, MASSOB members are arraigned Meanwhile, gospel artist, Godswill Adiks Adikibiayeofori who was assassinated by unidentified gunmen in Rivers state on Wednesday night, December 21 was buried yesterday, January 29. .

RIVERS APC RAISES ALARM OVER MEMBER ASSASINATION

The Rivers state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised an alarm - This is due to the killing of one of its members recently - The party called for the intervention of the federal government The Rivers state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised an alarm over the killing of one of its members. APC national chairman, Chief John Oyegun. Photo Credit: NAN Mr Emmanuel Obuozo was assassinated at the early hours of Wednesday, January 25. He is from Obor community in Osomini area of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area. The APC says the killing of Obuozo is one of the several assasinations of its members all over the state. It was learnt the APC chieftain was killed at his home where the gunmen shot sporadically to scare the residents. READ ALSO: How dismissed policemen saved me from assassination – Wike Addressing reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, APC publicity secretary, Chris Finebone said the killing of the APC members showed the state government’s amnesty programme was dubious. His words: “We in APC have always said Rivers state government’s amnesty programme is dubious and characteristically questionable. “We continue to hold the opinion that government simply created the so- called amnesty to shield crooks. “It was just to shield them from clampdown by federal security agencies by surreptitiously legitimising the criminalities perpetrated by the criminal associates who shot and killed to climb to power.” On his part, the APC Chairman in the local government where Obuozo was murdered, Felix Ejechi said the killings required federal government’s intervention. Ejechi said what was happening in the area was beyond the party, adding that if something urgent was not done, the situation might spread to other places. He also called on the party’s national leadership to address the “insecurity that is threatening the unity and affecting the membership strength of the party”. READ ALSO: Rivers on the edge: Panic as 45 IPOB, MASSOB members are arraigned Meanwhile, gospel artist, Godswill Adiks Adikibiayeofori who was assassinated by unidentified gunmen in Rivers state on Wednesday night, December 21 was buried yesterday, January 29. .

5 DANGEROUS SIGN TO KNOW IS YA PASTOR IS A FAKE

The rate at which religion tends to find its way into virtually all that we do, has become very alarming. However, the issue is not with the various religions, but with those who believe and follow these diverse believes. It is no news that everyone is free to practice whichever religion suits him or her, but it is sad to note that that freedom has been abused and to a great extent has become man's captivity. People (especially Africans), tend to always throw away rationality in their dealings with religion and issues regarding belief. Some go as far as terming their irrational as "faith". For instance, one is sick but because his/her religious leader has spoken on exercising faith by not using medications, he/she follows the rule dogmatically and the end result is not palatable. The great German philosopher, Immanuel Kant noted that "The autonomous man, insofar as he is autonomous, is not subject to the will of another. He may do what another tells him, but not because he has been told to do it. He is therefore, in the political sense of the word, free." It is in trying to address this issue of freedom and rationality that this article has been written. For this piece, Christianity will be the focus and the major reason is because Christianity is the most populated in the world. Bringing it back home to Africa, and narrowing it down to Nigeria, statistics show that Nigeria has the largest Christian population of any country in Africa, with more than 85 million persons belonging to various denominations. Some major examples of rather controversial Christian practices will be presented, as to help draw the line between religion and rationality. For all the examples that will be highlighted below, the basic rule or yardstick of judgement will be if the practice or act by these preachers, pastors or prophets follow any biblical principle. It is only rational that if one says he/ she is a Christian, then the bible is the perfect book by which his/her actions would be measured. One would find out that most of the examples do not borrow from the bible, nor follow any rational principle. Hence the question, "why are many people still deceived?" 1. Pastor makes members eat grass A certain Pastor Lesego Daniel who is the founder and Head Pastor at Rabboni Centre Ministries, said that he was basically trying to prove that humans can be controlled by "the spirit" and they can eat anything to feed their bodies. This clearly is a case of debasing humans to the level of ruminants. And of course some will defend the act by saying there was a time when a certain king was made to live among lower animals for about 7- years. A pastor made his congregation eat grass to prove the potency of the holy spirit Then the question becomes how does it relate? In the bible story, the act was a punishment, but here was a full congregation being used for a so called "spirit experiment". It is still a mystery how the South African pastor got to convince adult members of his church to resort to eating grass. 2. Holy ghost foot mats The same Pastor Daniel made headlines again when in a bid to deliver members of his congregation, he used them as "holy ghost foot mats" Pastor walking on his members during deliverance service The pastor in question was practically walking on his members and one would be forced to ask, where in the bible was such a miracle module presented? 3. Drink petrol-pineapple juice The thought behind this action is rather simple, Jesus is said to have turned water into wine, hence this same man of God thought it wise to turn petrol into pineapple juice . A viral video showed the clergyman praying for a bottle which according to him contained petrol, to be turned to pineapple juice. He then offered it to his congregants to drink. Some of them were exclaiming how ‘sweet’ and ‘nice’ it tastes, some said it tasted like the blood while some others begged for more. The blood? 4. Human-donkeys and fake messiahs Controversial Prophet Penuel, was not satisfied with having fed his followers live snake , asking them to take off their underwear and eat them; the man of God called one of his members simply identified as ‘Thabiso’, he commanded him "by the power of God" to turn into a horse and according to the church’s Facebook update, indeed it happened. The man of God was said to have ridden on the horse, a perfect replica of Christ's triumphant entry. And again if your righteous mind has not been totally lost, you will want to question the rationale behind this miracle. Why continue to debase ourselves all in the name of religion? Only recently, a church was discovered in Tanzania where the pastor’s feet must not touch the ground until he finishes his preaching. According to a Facebook user who posted it online, the able- bodied brothers in the church have to carry him on their back one after the other until the end of the service.

4 MEN DRAG NIGERIAN ARMY TO COURT

Four men have dragged the Nigerian army to court - The men were arrested by the army in January 2016 and have remained in detention since then - The men accused the army of breaching their fundamental human right Some Nigerians have dragged the Nigerian army to court. The men - Osisomo Ake, Daboy Clinton, Ebikimi Mathew and Bubaiyenumubofa James – filed a suit againsy tne Nigerian army before a Federal Capital Territory High Court. READ ALSO: Army demotes general for misuse of military property The applicants in their suit accused the Nigerian army of illegally arresting them in Okaki Community in Rivers sometimes in January 2016. The counsel representing one of the individuals Gabriel Egbule said his clients were arrested on allegation of terrorism and vandalism of oil pipelines in the area. Egbule said his clients were flown to Abuja from Rivers state in August 2016 and have been in detention since them. Egbule said: “The army is now being charged to court for breach and enforcement of fundamental human right because it failed to charge the applicants since they were arrested.” At the hearing today, January 30, one of the applicants’ lawyer Osaze Ebie told the court that the defendant had served a notice of preliminary objection on the matter. READ ALSO: Falana threatens to drag Nigerian Army to court He also said he had relied with a counter objection. However, counsel to the defendant Bala Adukwu sought a leave of the court to enable him study the applicant’s reply. He said issues raised by the applicant needed time to respond. Adukwu said that new issues were raised by the applicants and that the defendant needed more time to react to the issues. Having heard the submissions and arguments Justice Vera Venda adjourned the matter to Wednesday, February 15, for hearing of the preliminary objection.

SPECIAL ADVICER TO FORMER GOVERNOR OF ABIA THEODORE ORJI ASSASINATED

Ben Onyechere, a former aide to ex-governor of Abia state, has been assassinated - He was kidnapped by unknown gunmen - His lifeless body was found on the streets with several shots Ben Onyechere, the former media adviser to former governor of Abia state, Theodore Orji, was shot dead on Sunday night, January 29, by unknown gunmen. A source told NAN that Onyechere was kidnapped at about 8pm in Ikenegbu axis of Owerri where he had gone with his driver to do some shopping. READ ALSO: Gunmen murder APC chieftain in Rivers The source said: “The gunmen numbering five trailed Onyechere to a popular super market in Ikenegbu and forced his driver out of his car before they sped off with Onyechere. “The following day the lifeless body of Oncheyere was found a few streets away from Maris Junction, Ikenegbu Owerri, after he was shot several times. It is sad.” According to the source, Onyechere’s driver who put up initial resistance was shot twice on the legs before the gunmen took his boss away. While the detail of the assassination is still sketchy, the police public relations officer in Imo Command, Andrew Enwerem, said that he was informed of the incident. READ ALSO: Minister Emmanuel Niyonkuru, shot dead in Bujumbura However, he said he could not confirm the identity of the victim. This incident is coming few days after a group of armed bandits invaded the premises of a High Court in Owerri and made away with their gang member facing court trial. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, January 25, unknown gunmen were said to have killed a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emmanuel Obuozo, in Rivers stat

SONE ALUKO SENDS FULHAM TO FA CUP FIFTH ROUND

The 27-year-old forward led the Cottagers to the next round of England's oldest football competition having caged the Tigers Nigeria international, Sone Aluko was on target for Fulham FC in their 4-1 victory over Hull City in their FA Cup fourth round clash on Sunday. The 27-year-old opened scoring for the Cottagers in the 17th minute of the encounter after connecting with a pass from Tomas Kalas to break the deadlock. Evandro Goebel equalised for the Premier League side just four minutes into the second half, and Chris Martin and Ryan Sessegnon struck in six minutes to ensure the hosts took a comfortable lead. While Stefan Johansen sealed the victory Slaviša Jokanović in the 78th minute to seal his side’s qualification for the tournament’s fifth round. Aluko has scored three goals in 15 appearances for Fulham since he joined them from Hull City in 2016.

TAYE TAIWO JOINS FC LAUSANNA-SPOT

The 31-year-old defender has been signed to reinforce Les blancs’ defence till the end of the season Nigeria's Taye Taiwo has joined Switzerland’s FC Lausanne-Sport from HJK Helsinki. Despite an impressive season with the Finnish side last term, the left- footed defender took his decision to move. There, he would be hoping to help Fabio Celestini’s men strengthen their backline. Les Blanc announced his arrival on their website after the former Queens Park Rangers man passed his medical. Le FC Lausanne-Sport est fier d'annonce la signature de Taye Taiwo jusqu'à la fin de la saison 2016/2017! #AllezLausanne #LS 1:05 PM - 30 Jan 2017 181 175 FC Lausanne-Sport @lausanne_sport ‘’FC Lausanne-Sport is proud to announce the arrival of a defensive reinforcement of weight in the person of Taye Taiwo, who spent his medical visit today,’’ the statement read. ‘’This powerful defender of 31 years will reinforce the team until the end of the season 2016/2017, coming from the club of HJK Helsinki. ‘’Before his visit to Finland, the former Nigerian international has spent much of his career with Olympique de Marseille, the team with which he won the French Championship in 2010, before leaving for AC Milan in 2011.’’ Taiwo is expected to make his debut for the team when they welcome Luzern to the Olympique de la Pontaise on February 5. FC Lausanne-Sport are placed 7th in the Swiss Super League with 18 points from same number of matches. The former Lobi Stars defender had stints with Olympique Marseille, AC Milan, Queens Park Rangers, Dinamo Kiev and Bursaspor.

TRANSFER NEWS: THE LATEST RUMOURS FROM MAN UTD,CHELSEA,ARSENAL AND ALL THE TOP TEAMS

Goal summarises the biggest transfer talk from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and beyond CHELSEA IN FOR DEMBELE Chelsea are considering a late bid for Celtic striker Moussa Dembele, according to Sky Sports . Antonio Conte is in the market for another forward but the Scottish champions are extremely reluctant to sell this month and demanding at least £40 million for the Frenchman. GABBIADINI'S SAINTS MOVE AGREED Southampton have agreed a deal to sign forward Manolo Gabbiadini from Napoli, according to Sky Sport Italia. The Saints will pay €17 million up front for the Italian, with a further €3m payable depending on certain performance-related targets. IVANOVIC SET FOR ZENIT Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic is set to complete a move to Zenit St. Petersburg within the next 24 hours, Sky Sports reports . The Serbian defender, who has failed to impress Antonio Conte since the Italian's arrival at Stamford Bridge, has only personal terms left to agree before the switch is finalised. GIBSON & OVIEDO TO SUNDERLAND Everton duo Darron Gibson and Bryan Oviedo are undergoing medicals ahead of joining Sunderland, according to Sky Sports . Ex-Manchester United man Gibson and Oviedo, who both played under Moyes at Goodison Park, are set to be reunited with their former manager at the Stadium of Light after becoming surplus to requirements on Merseyside. BENZEMA OFFERED TO ARSENAL Real Madrid have offered France forward Karim Benzema to both Arsenal and Chelsea, according to Diario Gol . Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly frustrated with the 29- year-old, especially after fans booed the striker following their La Liga clash with Real Sociedad. Perez has informed both Premier League sides that he is willing to sell, while PSG are also in the hunt for the former Lyon man. LEICESTER WANT RAMIREZ AND MBODJI Leicester City are keen to add two new faces to their squad ahead of the transfer deadline as the club weighs up moves for Gaston Ramirez and Kara Mbodji, the Leicester Mercury reports . According to the newspaper, Leicester have already had bids rejected by Middlesbrough and Anderlecht respectively, but the Premier League champions have not given up on their targets. ARSENAL IN TALKS WITH ALLEGRI Arsenal are in talks with the representatives of Juventus coach Max Allegri, according to the Sunday Express . Arsene Wenger is yet to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium and the Italian could be in line to replace him at the end of the season. CHELSEA RETURN FOR GORDON Celtic are considering an increased £3.5 million bid made by Chelsea for goalkeeper Craig Gordon, according to the Daily Mail. The Blues had an opening £2.5m offer rejected but remain in the hunt for a new signing as Asmir Begovic is likely to leave the club before the transfer deadline. EVERTON REJECT MCCARTHY BID Everton have rejected a £16 million bid from Newcastle United for Irish midfielder James McCarthy, according to a report in the Daily Mail . The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who has made just six Premier League starts this season, is a target for boss Rafa Benitez as he looks to steer the Magpies back into the top division, but Everton are reluctant to sell. AUBAMEYANG TO REPLACE STURRIDGE Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants to raid former club Borussia Dortmund for star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a replacement for Daniel Sturridge, according to the Sunday Mirror . The Gabon international, who's valued at around £70 million by Dortmund, is on a transfer shortlist that also includes Athletic forward Inaki Williams. LIVERPOOL RACE TO SIGN PAREDES Liverpool have been alerted to Leandro Paredes' availability and will offer Roma €26.5 million for his signature, writes The Sun . The Argentine playmaker is surplus to requirements in the Italian capital with the club keen to sell him and raise funds to bring in Atalanta talent Franck Kessie. And Liverpool are ready to tempt their Serie A counterparts into a sale with an initial €22.5m bid plus €4m in bonuses as they attempt to arrest their slump. ROMA BEAT CHELSEA TO KESSIE Roma have completed negotiations to sign Atalanta starlet Franck Kessie this summer, reports Corriere dello Sport . The man widely tipped as the next Yaya Toure following his breakthrough season in Serie A had seen him come to the attention of Europe's elite, including Chelsea and Paris Saint- Germain, but Roma appear to have beaten them with a €30 million offer plus two youth team players in part exchange. ARSENAL TRY TO HIJACK GRIEZMANN BID Arsenal are ready to challenge Manchester United to the signing of Antoine Griezmann, according to The Mail on Sunday . United are said to be leading the race to sign the £85 million rated striker who was voted the third best in the world over the last year. Having made an initial approach to sign the France international in the summer, Arsenal are reportedly ready to match his release clause, though the Red Devils are expected to have the upper hand when it comes to wages. ATLETICO OFFER ALEXIS EXIT Atletico Madrid are ready to offer Alexis Sanchez a route out of Arsenal as they line up a replacement for Antoine Griezmann, according to the Sun . The Spaniards are prepared to hand the Chilean a deal worth £220,000 a week, significantly more than the £160,000 weekly on the table from the Gunners. TOTTENHAM WANT £25M ZAHA Tottenham are considering a late £25 million bid for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, according to the Sun . The Ivory Coast international is a long-term target of Mauricio Pochettino's but Crystal Palace are determined not to sell as they fight relegation. MAN UTD CLEAR ROONEY FOR CHINA MOVE Manchester United are prepared to let Wayne Rooney move to China in a deal that will see him become the highest paid player in the world, Sunday Mirror reports. Several Chinese Super League sides have shown they are prepared to offer Rooney an incredible £140 million deal, and Jose Mourinho has given it the nod. LEICESTER REJECT £38M SLIMANI BID Leicester City have turned down a £38 million bid for Algeria international Islam Slimani, according to Sky Sports . Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian made an offer for Slimani, but the Foxes are unwilling to sell the striker after only signing him in August. Tianjin were willing to pay the 28-year-old £300,000 a week to move to China. JUVENTUS TURN TO PAREDES Juventus are weighing up a move for Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes before the end of the transfer window, according to Gazzetta dello Sport . The Bianconeri are keen to strengthen in the middle of the park and are ready to turn to Paredes after Wolfsburg turned down the Old Lady's bid for Luiz Gustavo. CHELSEA OPEN KOLASINAC TALKS Chelsea have entered into transfer talks with Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac, reports Calcio Mercato . The Blues will, however, face competition from Serie A champions Juventus for the signature of a player set to be out of contract and available on a free in the summer. PATO SET FOR CSL Alexandre Pato is set to become the latest player to head for the Chinese Super League, according to Gianluca Di Marzio . The Brazilian forward is currently on the books at La Liga side Villarreal, but is wanted in Asia by Tianjin Quanjian in an €18 million deal. WATFORD CONSIDER IGHALO OFFER Watford are considering a £27.5 million offer from Shanghai Shenhua for striker Odion Ighalo, according to the Daily Mirror . The Nigerian has struggled to replicate his form of last season and the Chinese Super League club want to pair him with Carlos Tevez in attack.

'IF HE CAN STAY FIT,EVERY THING WILL BE FINE'- KLOPP BACKS STURRIDGE TO REDISCOVER FORM

The Liverpool manager remains convinced that the England international has an important role to play at Anfield if he can avoid the treatment table Privacy Policy Terms of Service About Us Contact Us Copyright © 2017 Goal.com All rights reserved. The information contained in Goal.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of Goal.com 1/27/17 MAIN  SHARE Getty Images Jurgen Klopp says Daniel Sturridge can overcome his current troubles to rediscover his best form, providing he stays fit. Sturridge, who has been plagued by injuries in the past, has endured a difficult season so far, starting just five Premier League matches. Rush salutes Sturridge's mentality The England striker was given a chance to shine on Wednesday in the EFL Cup - a competition in which he has scored four goals - but he failed to prevent Liverpool crashing out to Southampton in a 2-0 aggregate semi- final defeat. That performance prompted former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher to claim the Reds are "basically down to 10 men" when Sturridge plays and fails to score. Liverpool fans are longing to see the re-emergence of the Sturridge of old, when the 27-year-old combined so lethally with the since departed Luis Suarez. "I don't know exactly about the level of 2013-14 because I wasn't here, but that's not too important," Klopp said. "I thought after Southampton it was a good game for Daniel. He was involved from the first second until the last. Gomez commits to Liverpool until 2022 "Usually, and it's not about speed, Daniel scores twice. But he is a human being and he missed the chances. "Of course longer injuries can have an impact. Ask a sprinter. If you get a few injuries maybe it takes time, but it's not lost forever. "Daniel is the best age for a football player. If he can stay fit everything will be fine." PLAY One player who will have to prove his worth away from Anfield is Lazar Markovic, who has been sent to Hull City on loan. But Klopp, who says he is unlikely to make any additions to his squad before Tuesday's transfer deadline, insists the Serbia international has a future on Merseyside. Klopp responds to Mourinho wind jibe "He still has a contract. Why should I say no chance? He's still a young boy. He has struggled with injuries," added Klopp. "If he plays against the other teams very well then he has a chance."

INTER TARGET VERRATI'MORE THAN HAPPY' AT PSG SAYS AGENT

The Italian has been linked with a return to his homeland at the San Siro, but his representative says a move to Serie A would be 'a major difficulty' EXCLUSIVE Marco Verratti’s agent insists the Italy international is “more than happy with his adventure at Paris Saint- Germain”. Speculation continues to suggest that the 24-year-old’s days in the French capital are numbered, with interest mounting in his services. Chelsea have been credited with holding a long-term interest in the combative midfielder, with the Blues one of a few sides that boast the financial firepower required to put a deal in place. RUMOURS: Inter ready Verratti offer It is, however, talk of a possible return to his homeland that is building at present, with Verratti said to form part of ambitious plans at Inter. Recent reports have suggested that a €78 million summer bid could be tabled from the San Siro, with the Nerazzurri prepared to spend big in an effort to reclaim domestic dominance. Verratti’s representative doubts a Serie A switch will be made, though, as his client is settled at Parc des Princes and setting his sights on more major honours. PLAY Donato Di Campli told Goal on the possibility of an Italian homecoming being made: "I believe that would be a major difficulty. “Marco is more than happy with his adventure at Paris Saint-Germain, a club with which he has a contract until 2021 and one where he is greatly admired by the supporters. It's obvious that he wants to win." Agent: Verratti has offers from Serie A Di Campli has admitted in the past to having received offers from Serie A, telling TeleLombardia in December: "There are a lot of teams interested in him, but you would have to ask PSG. "Will he stay in Paris for life? I can assure you - no. I can confirm that he has had offers from Italy, but I have no news at the moment.” Verratti has made 28 appearances for club and country this season, netting two goals.

WENGER SLAPPED WITH A FOUR MATCH TOUCH-LINE BAN FOR PUSHING FOUGHT OFFICIAL

The Arsenal manager will miss the crucial Premier League match against Chelsea after being sanctioned, even though he insists he said "nothing bad" Arsene Wenger has been handed a four-match touchline ban and fined £25,000 for pushing fourth official Anthony Taylor during Arsenal's win over Burnley. Why Marco Reus would be the perfect signing for Arsenal The Frenchman was sent to the stands in injury time of the 2-1 victory after clashing with Taylor, towards whom he was also charged with using abusive or insulting language. Wenger was also penalised for remaining in the tunnel area to watch the final minutes of the match. As a result, he will not be in his technical area for the Gunners' crucial Premier League fixture against Chelsea on February 4 as well as three other games. Wenger will begin his suspension immediately, sitting in the stands for the FA Cup tie at Southampton on Saturday before Arsenal take on Watford, Chelsea and Hull City in the English top flight. The incident in question occured after he was sent off after complaining to referee Jon Moss about the awarding of a 93rd-minute penalty to Burnley, which Andre Gray converted to equalise before Alexis Sanchez netted a spot-kick of his own to seal a dramatic win for Arsenal. After moving to stand in the tunnel amid a heated exchange with fourth official Taylor, Wenger appeared to push the official as he attempted to usher him away. PLAY The 67-year-old apologised for his actions and requested a personal hearing with the Football Association, which took place on Friday before his suspension was announced. "I regret everything," Wenger said after the game. "I should have shut up and gone home basically. And I apologise for that. "It was nothing bad, I said something that you hear every day in football. Overall nine times out of 10 you are not sent to the stands for that but if I am I am and I should have shut up completely. "I was quite calm the whole game, more than usual, but just in the last two or three minutes…" Madrid & Ronaldo need Bale back to win the big prizes A statement from the FA reads: "Arsene Wenger has been given a four-match touchline ban with immediate effect after he was charged for misconduct following Arsenal’s game against Burnley on Sunday 22 January 2017. "It was alleged that in or around the 92nd minute, he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official. "It was further alleged that following his dismissal from the technical area, his behaviour in remaining in the tunnel area and making physical contact with the fourth official amounted to improper conduct. "The Arsenal manager, who was also fined £25,000, admitted the charge and requested a personal hearing which took place before an Independent Regulatory Commission [on Friday]."

MANCHESTER UNITED MAKE £80M GRIEZMAN THEIR TOP TRANSFER

The Old Trafford outfit are keen to recruit the 25-year-old and Atletico may need to sell to fund the move to their new stadium SPECIAL REPORT Manchester United have made Antoine Griezmann their top transfer target and will tempt Atletico Madrid with an offer in the region of €80 million (£68m) in the summer. Manager Jose Mourinho is still looking to improve his side's attack in order to compete with the best in the Premier League and Europe, and the Portuguese sees the 25-year-old France forward as a player who can provide quality across a number of positions at Old Trafford. Wenger reacts to Benzema rumours Griezmann is under contract at Atletico until 2021 and has long maintained his happiness at the Vicente Calderon, saying last year that he would stay at the club as long as coach Diego Simeone is in charge. The Argentine has cut his contract by two years to 2018 and is expected to join Inter after leading the Rojiblancos in their first year at their new stadium, the Wanda Metropolitano, in 2017-18. But the high costs involved in the construction of that stadium mean Atletico are strapped for cash and the Madrid club will likely look to raise more funds in the summer through the sale of one of their big players - possibly Griezmann to United. Atletico would prefer not to sell Griezmann, who signed a new deal last June, and club president Enrique Cerezo said recently: "I don't know what Manchester United's interest is. But Griezmann will be at Atletico for a long time." Talk is cheap when it comes to transfers, but it is true that Atletico (currently unable to sign next summer due to a transfer ban) would rather part company with another of their players instead of losing their prized possession - a footballer who recently stood alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA's The Best prizes. 'Coutinho sale a huge regret' At the ceremony for The Best in January, Griezmann was asked if he would be leaving Atletico and said no. Nevertheless, the Old Trafford club are working hard behind the scenes to try and seal his signature. When he renewed his contract last summer, the 25-year-old's release clause was set at a prohibitive €100m. However, if Atleti decide to sell, they could be tempted by an offer in the region of €80m, which would represent a €50m profit on a player bought for €30m from Real Sociedad in 2014. Paul Pogba has been trying to persuade Griezmann to join him at United and the Atletico forward admitted in an interview in November that he speaks regularly to his friend and international team-mate about the club, Jose Mourinho and also the Premier League. Beckham: I rejected Barca for Real Madrid "I always ask Pogba about Manchester United," he said. "If some of the players are that good. If Mourinho is that good. It's an enormous club, a really good project. I have heard a lot of things about United and PSG, but at the moment I don't see myself at another club." PLAY But Griezmann is clearly fond of United and admitted last year that his idol was David Beckham. Meanwhile, his brother also intensified speculation of a possible move when he wrote on Twitter following Memphis Depay's transfer to Lyon: "Sorry Memphis, I think Old Trafford is better!" With Wayne Rooney set to move on in the summer, Griezmann is an interesting choice to revitalise the attack at United, with the France forward able to play across the front three, as a main striker or as a number 10. Mourinho believes Pogba could be key to sealing his signature, but it may be more realistic for United to wait one more season because Griezmann is happy at Atletico right now and not convinced he wants to swap Spain (where he has lived since 2009) for England. He would also want to continue playing in the Champions League and right now, that is not something United can promise as they sit sixth in the Premier League. Mata: I couldn't be more motivated! Inter also hold an interest in Griezmann, but believe he will end up moving to United. However, Milan could interest the player if he wants to link up again with Simeone - a coach he admits has totally transformed his career - in the future. Atletico are currently in fourth in La Liga, just a point clear of Griezmann's former club Real Sociedad. Failure to qualify for the Champions League could hasten his departure due to the player's own ambition and the loss of funds for the Rojiblancos if they miss out on Europe's premier club competition. Otherwise, however, both he and Simeone could stay together for one more season and any interested clubs - United among them - would have to come back again in 2018. be the first to comment

COMEDIANS SHOULDN'T USE CHRISTIAN SONGS IN THEIR JOKES

The song, Opelope Anointing, will surely rank as one of the most popular Nigerian gospel songs of all time. The artiste behind the gospel hit, Dunni Olanrewaju , has admitted that she is still reaping the rewards of the song which was recorded in a day. In a chat with Sunday Scoop , she said , “There is no doubt that Opelope Anointing is my biggest song till date . Seventeen years after , the song still opens doors for me . I still enjoy a lot of benefits from that song because if God opens one door for you, that door will definitely lead to other doors. ” Olanrewaju also bared her mind on secular artistes and comedians performing in church . She said , “You cannot compare secular artistes to gospel singers . Anytime you are in church, you have to do everything in the spirit . I don’ t like the way comedians use the word of God and Christian songs as the basis of their jokes . They distort a lot of these things and it is not good ; that is why I don’t support comedians coming to the pulpit . They see everything as a joke , and the ministry is more than that . Besides, many secular artistes cannot control themselves when they are in church as they often use some of their worldly slangs on the altar . But if they can caution themselves , there is nothing bad in them performing in church .” On gospel artistes charging fees before performing in churches, she said , “I charge fees before performing in churches and I don’t blame people who do that . After your ministration, there is no way you can get money to sponsor your organisation and other things you need to do . People will just use you and dump you. Gospel artistes have children that they have to send to school and other responsibilities as human beings, so if they don’t charge fees , how are they supposed to get money to do all these ? If you don’t charge them , churches will just tell you ‘God bless you’ after your ministration and that is all. In other countries , pastors will even offer to pay you without you asking but Nigerian pastors will never do that .” The gospel singer who has over 20 music albums in her kitty also hinted that she is working on her new album at the moment, as well as a concert that will coincide with Easter celebration.

IN ONE WEEK,TRUMP SHAKES UP WASHINGTON AND THE WORLDWORLD

Donald Trump hurtled through his first week in power, punching out at critics, dishing up “alternative facts,” polarizing public opinion and making good on an electoral promise to shake up Washington. One week into the Trump era and there is a serious case of political whiplash in America ’s capital . Just a week ago , an outsider who never before held elected office rode into town . Seven days later , norms and doctrine that have guided the United States for decades are being re - examined . Trump’s down- to- the-studs gut job began with a feisty inaugural address: a call to arms that tested old distinctions between left and right . “Today, we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another,” he said . “We are transferring power from Washington, DC, and giving it back to you, the people . ” The establishment “elites ” in big cities, in politics and the media were no longer the technocrats in charge of the world ’s only superpower, they were the enemy . The new president also put the rest of the world on notice. For the last 75 years, America had been what Barack Obama described as the “indispensable nation” — the glue that bound the global order . The era of Trump would be the era of “America first, ” he said , of naked self -interest and zero - sum diplomacy . Old alliances would be reassessed, new alliances would be explored . Before his inauguration , many asked if the presidency would change Donald Trump, or whether Donald Trump would change the presidency. Barely 20 minutes into his four - year term , anyone who was listening had their answer. Rolling thunder Before arriving to the Oval Office, Trump’s strategists had decided to use the first few weeks to unleash a daily wave of executive orders . The aim was to unbalance opponents , define Trump as a man of action and slake his supporters’ thirst for change . For much of middle America , globalization, automation and the Great Recession had been apocalyptic. Politics had passed them over and worse, they felt steamrollered by “coastal elites ” in America ’s “culture wars ” over abortion , gay rights , immigration , global warming and religion . Trump had won the election by promising to be their champion , and he was going to — as Ronald Reagan said — “dance with the one that brung ya. ” For the most part , the CEO- in- chief put forward actions that could have come from any Republican in the country: defunding abortion , preening the military and approving oil pipelines. But it was coated with a thick veneer of nationalist and populist rhetoric, and accompanying policies championed by top aide Steve Bannon . Trump ripped up a trans -Pacific trade deal designed to counterbalance China ’s regional economic power, imposed a ban on refugees from Syria and migrants from seven other Muslim countries . He ordered planning to begin to build a wall on America ’s southern border and picked a very public fight with Mexico ’ s president Enrique Pena Nieto , who canceled a trip to Washington. The United States, a nation founded by migrants , was now willing to shut its doors. Not since Obama ’s election or perhaps the Iraq War has America’ s image around the world changed so dramatically and so quickly. But Trump supporters saw an outsider sticking up for them and sticking it to the elites . “Get used to it, ” said Trump aide Kellyanne Conway, boasting that Trump had delivered a “shock to the system. ” “And he ’s just getting started , ” she said . Rocky start But it was not all positive for Trump. The White House is far from purring. Key positions have yet to be filled and the decision making process is haphazard . Trump aides were forced to publicly row back suggestions of a 20 percent border tax on Mexican goods and defend a chaotic rollout of the refugee and migrant ban. Throughout the week, Trump engaged in intemperate outbursts about the size of his inaugural crowd , alleged election fraud and perceived media persecution. Privately, in call after call , he complained to top aides about press coverage. The impression was of a man focused on his image more than running the country. Trump also seemed like a a man for whom becoming US president was not adulation enough. Spokesman Sean Spicer — between tirades and missteps — offered a window onto the soul of the White House. “There’s this constant theme to undercut the enormous support he has,” Spicer said . “It’s unbelievably frustrating when you’re continually told it’s not big enough; it’ s not good enough . You can ’t win. ” According to a Quinnipiac poll, Trump’s approval rating at the end of his first week stood at 36 percent. But critics saw a more sinister motive for the outbursts , particularly Trump’s unsubstantiated claim that three million people voted illegally in the election. Brian Klaas , an expert on global democracy at the London School of Economics, sees Trump “casting aspersions ( without evidence ) on electoral integrity is a key way to restrict voting rights and erode confidence in elections . ” “Attacking the media and blurring the lines of truth with state narratives not grounded in fact is important to sowing public doubt ,” he said . Mindy Finn , who ran as a independent vice presidential candidate , summed up Trump’s strategy as “sow chaos, deepen division and consolidate power. ” For his harshest critics, the question is now whether Donald Trump breaks the presidency, or whether the presidency breaks Donald Trump . ( AFP )

(LIFESTYLE)THE LIFESTYLE CHOICES THAT ARE AFFECTING YOUR MEMORY

Diet, exercise, sleep and other ways you live your life can affect your memory. More often than not, people think that memory slips can only be caused by diseases, forgetting personal habits. Here are some of our lifestyle choices that can lead to faulty memory. Diets Diets play an important role in the retention of memory; some diets like saturated fat (found in meat) causes memory slips. Foods consumed by humans have changed in the last 50 years. They have become more highly processed and neurotoxic. The chemicals present in such foods cause premature brain cell death, which can affect memory and cognition. Studies have shown that people who eat more saturated fat do worse on memory tests than those who eat less. Foods like omega 3-rich fish, heart- healthy olive oil can protect the memory. Exercise Thirty minutes exercise daily is good for the brain and the whole body. Some believe that their daily running around and activities are equivalent to exercise; they are wrong. Daily activities that require more energy is not equivalent to exercise. It’s at best, stress, which also does serious damage to your memory. In a previous laboratory study carried out on mice which were exposed to repeated stress, results showed that they had impaired temporal order recognition memory. Exercise improves cognitive functions which enhance our memory storage and retrieval Sleep Sleep deprivation impairs your ability to process information and consolidate new memories. Good sleep helps your brain file memories which become accessible later on. Long term memories are enhanced by rapid eye movement sleep (the one experienced at night), so the better your night sleep, the better your memory. Short term memories are enhanced slow wave sleep. Here, deep sleep is required where there is no rapid eye movement. Just one hour, thirty minutes of missed sleep each night can reduce daytime alertness by 32 percent, studies say. Alcohol/Tobacco consumption Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to permanent memory loss. Alcohol distorts the activity of the hippocampus (the organ in the brain responsible for the formation of emotions and explicit memories). Smoking also damages blood vessels. It causes a thinning of the brain’s cortex (cortex is the outer layer of the brain). When the cortex is shrunk, the brain is exposed to memory loss.

SHOCKER:TRUMP TO BAN 2 -YEAR VISA FOR NIGERIANS

takes a proactive visa policy review, Nigerians will no longer be issued with American entry visas which have two-year validity following the Executive Order signed on Friday by President Donald Trump, TheCable can report. Also, Nigerians who hold dual nationality will be affected if their other passport is from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen — the seven Muslim-majority countries “of concern”. A lot of attention has been on the temporary visa ban on citizens of the seven Muslim-majority countries, but the impact on Nigerians is far more than previously thought. An analysis of the Executive Order by TheCable editors shows that at least two sections will affect Nigerians directly. Nigeria currently only issues one- year multiple-entry visa to Americans, which is a non- reciprocation of the two-year visa the country issues to Nigerians. Section 9 of the Executive Order states: “The Secretary of State shall review all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements to ensure that they are, with respect to each visa classification, truly reciprocal insofar as practicable with respect to validity period and fees, as required by sections 221(c) and 281 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1201(c) and 1351, and other treatment. If a country does not treat United States nationals seeking nonimmigrant visas in a reciprocal manner, the Secretary of State shall adjust the visa validity period, fee schedule, or other treatment to match the treatment of United States nationals by the foreign country, to the extent practicable…” By this provision, except the federal government quickly moves to extend the validity of Nigerian visa to Americans, Nigerians too will be issued with one-year visas. Given that the Trump order takes immediate effect, Nigerians holding valid two-year US visa are most likely going to be affected. Nigeria is also not reciprocating the fees charged by the American government — despite shorter visa validity. While the US charges Nigerians $160 for a typical visit visa, Nigeria charges $180, in addition to a $35 “processing fee”. The section on dual nationality involving seven Muslim-majority countries is not expected to affect a significant number of Nigerians because a second citizenship of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen is not common. Many Nigerians, including government officials, hold dual nationality with either the US or Europe. However, Nigerians who have been to Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen in recent times may be subjected to extra immigration control with possible deportation. THE EXECUTIVE ORDER IN FULL PROTECTING THE NATION FROM FOREIGN TERRORIST ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq., and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Purpose. The visa- issuance process plays a crucial role in detecting individuals with terrorist ties and stopping them from entering the United States. Perhaps in no instance was that more apparent than the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when State Department policy prevented consular officers from properly scrutinizing the visa applications of several of the 19 foreign nationals who went on to murder nearly 3,000 Americans. And while the visa- issuance process was reviewed and amended after the September 11 attacks to better detect would-be terrorists from receiving visas, these measures did not stop attacks by foreign nationals who were admitted to the United States. Numerous foreign-born individuals have been convicted or implicated in terrorism-related crimes since September 11, 2001, including foreign nationals who entered the United States after receiving visitor, student, or employment visas, or who entered through the United States refugee resettlement program. Deteriorating conditions in certain countries due to war, strife, disaster, and civil unrest increase the likelihood that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States. The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans and that they have no ties to terrorism. In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles. The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law. In addition, the United States should not admit those who engage in acts of bigotry or hatred (including “honor” killings, other forms of violence against women, or the persecution of those who practice religions different from their own) or those who would oppress Americans of any race, gender, or sexual orientation. Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks in the United States; and to prevent the admission of foreign nationals who intend to exploit United States immigration laws for malevolent purposes. Sec. 3. Suspension of Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits to Nationals of Countries of Particular Concern. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall immediately conduct a review to determine the information needed from any country to adjudicate any visa, admission, or other benefit under the INA (adjudications) in order to determine that the individual seeking the benefit is who the individual claims to be and is not a security or public-safety threat. (b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the President a report on the results of the review described in subsection (a) of this section, including the Secretary of Homeland Security’s determination of the information needed for adjudications and a list of countries that do not provide adequate information, within 30 days of the date of this order. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence. (c) To temporarily reduce investigative burdens on relevant agencies during the review period described in subsection (a) of this section, to ensure the proper review and maximum utilization of available resources for the screening of foreign nationals, and to ensure that adequate standards are established to prevent infiltration by foreign terrorists or criminals, pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12), would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days from the date of this order (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas). (d) Immediately upon receipt of the report described in subsection (b) of this section regarding the information needed for adjudications, the Secretary of State shall request all foreign governments that do not supply such information to start providing such information regarding their nationals within 60 days of notification. (e) After the 60-day period described in subsection (d) of this section expires, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the President a list of countries recommended for inclusion on a Presidential proclamation that would prohibit the entry of foreign nationals (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas) from countries that do not provide the information requested pursuant to subsection (d) of this section until compliance occurs. (f) At any point after submitting the list described in subsection (e) of this section, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security may submit to the President the names of any additional countries recommended for similar treatment. (g) Notwithstanding a suspension pursuant to subsection (c) of this section or pursuant to a Presidential proclamation described in subsection (e) of this section, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may, on a case-by-case basis, and when in the national interest, issue visas or other immigration benefits to nationals of countries for which visas and benefits are otherwise blocked. (h) The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall submit to the President a joint report on the progress in implementing this order within 30 days of the date of this order, a second report within 60 days of the date of this order, a third report within 90 days of the date of this order, and a fourth report within 120 days of the date of this order. Sec. 4. Implementing Uniform Screening Standards for All Immigration Programs. (a) The Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall implement a program, as part of the adjudication process for immigration benefits, to identify individuals seeking to enter the United States on a fraudulent basis with the intent to cause harm, or who are at risk of causing harm subsequent to their admission. This program will include the development of a uniform screening standard and procedure, such as in- person interviews; a database of identity documents proffered by applicants to ensure that duplicate documents are not used by multiple applicants; amended application forms that include questions aimed at identifying fraudulent answers and malicious intent; a mechanism to ensure that the applicant is who the applicant claims to be; a process to evaluate the applicant’s likelihood of becoming a positively contributing member of society and the applicant’s ability to make contributions to the national interest; and a mechanism to assess whether or not the applicant has the intent to commit criminal or terrorist acts after entering the United States. (b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of this directive within 60 days of the date of this order, a second report within 100 days of the date of this order, and a third report within 200 days of the date of this order. Sec. 5. Realignment of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for Fiscal Year 2017. (a) The Secretary of State shall suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for 120 days. During the 120-day period, the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Homeland Security and in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, shall review the USRAP application and adjudication process to determine what additional procedures should be taken to ensure that those approved for refugee admission do not pose a threat to the security and welfare of the United States, and shall implement such additional procedures. Refugee applicants who are already in the USRAP process may be admitted upon the initiation and completion of these revised procedures. Upon the date that is 120 days after the date of this order, the Secretary of State shall resume USRAP admissions only for nationals of countries for which the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence have jointly determined that such additional procedures are adequate to ensure the security and welfare of the United States. (b) Upon the resumption of USRAP admissions, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, is further directed to make changes, to the extent permitted by law, to prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual’s country of nationality. Where necessary and appropriate, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall recommend legislation to the President that would assist with such prioritization. (c) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of nationals of Syria as refugees is detrimental to the interests of the United States and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I have determined that sufficient changes have been made to the USRAP to ensure that admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest. (d) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of more than 50,000 refugees in fiscal year 2017 would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I determine that additional admissions would be in the national interest. (e) Notwithstanding the temporary suspension imposed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may jointly determine to admit individuals to the United States as refugees on a case-by-case basis, in their discretion, but only so long as they determine that the admission of such individuals as refugees is in the national interest — including when the person is a religious minority in his country of nationality facing religious persecution, when admitting the person would enable the United States to conform its conduct to a preexisting international agreement, or when the person is already in transit and denying admission would cause undue hardship — and it would not pose a risk to the security or welfare of the United States. (f) The Secretary of State shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of the directive in subsection (b) of this section regarding prioritization of claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution within 100 days of the date of this order and shall submit a second report within 200 days of the date of this order. (g) It is the policy of the executive branch that, to the extent permitted by law and as practicable, State and local jurisdictions be granted a role in the process of determining the placement or settlement in their jurisdictions of aliens eligible to be admitted to the United States as refugees. To that end, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall examine existing law to determine the extent to which, consistent with applicable law, State and local jurisdictions may have greater involvement in the process of determining the placement or resettlement of refugees in their jurisdictions, and shall devise a proposal to lawfully promote such involvement. Sec. 6. Rescission of Exercise of Authority Relating to the Terrorism Grounds of Inadmissibility. The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall, in consultation with the Attorney General, consider rescinding the exercises of authority in section 212 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182, relating to the terrorism grounds of inadmissibility, as well as any related implementing memoranda. Sec. 7. Expedited Completion of the Biometric Entry-Exit Tracking System. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall expedite the completion and implementation of a biometric entry-exit tracking system for all travelers to the United States, as recommended by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. (b) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the President periodic reports on the progress of the directive contained in subsection (a) of this section. The initial report shall be submitted within 100 days of the date of this order, a second report shall be submitted within 200 days of the date of this order, and a third report shall be submitted within 365 days of the date of this order. Further, the Secretary shall submit a report every 180 days thereafter until the system is fully deployed and operational. Sec. 8. Visa Interview Security. (a) The Secretary of State shall immediately suspend the Visa Interview Waiver Program and ensure compliance with section 222 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1222, which requires that all individuals seeking a nonimmigrant visa undergo an in- person interview, subject to specific statutory exceptions. (b) To the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of State shall immediately expand the Consular Fellows Program, including by substantially increasing the number of Fellows, lengthening or making permanent the period of service, and making language training at the Foreign Service Institute available to Fellows for assignment to posts outside of their area of core linguistic ability, to ensure that non- immigrant visa-interview wait times are not unduly affected. Sec. 9. Visa Validity Reciprocity. The Secretary of State shall review all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements to ensure that they are, with respect to each visa classification, truly reciprocal insofar as practicable with respect to validity period and fees, as required by sections 221(c) and 281 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1201(c) and 1351, and other treatment. If a country does not treat United States nationals seeking nonimmigrant visas in a reciprocal manner, the Secretary of State shall adjust the visa validity period, fee schedule, or other treatment to match the treatment of United States nationals by the foreign country, to the extent practicable. Sec. 10. Transparency and Data Collection. (a) To be more transparent with the American people, and to more effectively implement policies and practices that serve the national interest, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall, consistent with applicable law and national security, collect and make publicly available within 180 days, and every 180 days thereafter: (i) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been charged with terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; convicted of terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; or removed from the United States based on terrorism-related activity, affiliation, or material support to a terrorism- related organization, or any other national security reasons since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; (ii) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been radicalized after entry into the United States and engaged in terrorism-related acts, or who have provided material support to terrorism-related organizations in countries that pose a threat to the United States, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and (iii) information regarding the number and types of acts of gender- based violence against women, including honor killings, in the United States by foreign nationals, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and (iv) any other information relevant to public safety and security as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, including information on the immigration status of foreign nationals charged with major offenses. (b) The Secretary of State shall, within one year of the date of this order, provide a report on the estimated long-term costs of the USRAP at the Federal, State, and local levels. Sec. 11. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

HOW VP OSINBAJO RUNS NIGERIA AS ACTING PRESIDENT

Since stepping in as President and Commander-in-Chief in May, 2015, Muhammadu Buhari has gone on vacation abroad three times and consequently transfered the powers of his office to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The last he did was on Thursday, January 19, 2017 – for a period of 10 days. Meanwhile, the country was buffeted with rumours, wild rumours, about the President’s health, as well as unfounded stories about the Yar’Adua/Jonathan-type ugly power transmission and its attendant high- wire politics; all of which have since been debunked by the Presidency and the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. This piece takes a globular look at the activities of Vice President Osinbajo and his style each time he acts on behalf of President Buhari. VP Osinbajo This would not be his first shot at discharging the functions of the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is not also the second. It is Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s third, since May 29, 2015. He is fast learning the job and also proving himself a dependable ally of Mr. President. In Nigeria, despite the sacred dictates of the constitution, sitting presidents are not usually known to be generous transferers of the powers of their office to their deputies; instead, they choose to delegate such powers to their Chief of Staff or a “Kitchen Cabinet” Minister. But that has never been the case with the present administration. Keen observers of Nigeria’s political experiment since the return of democracy in 1999 would recall that the scenario hardly existed between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his Vice, Atiku Abubakar. Such was still not the case between the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and his former deputy, former President Goodluck Jonathan. If it ever existed, it was between Jonathan and his vice, Namadi Sambo. But in the present regime, delegating the presidential powers to a deputy has never been a big deal for President Buhari who has always done that. In the course of his service to the nation in the Fourth Republic, he has had to publicly transfer the powers of his office to his vice. FIRST TIME OUT First was in February 2016 when the President took some five days off for a vacation abroad. While the vocation lasted, Osinbajo held sway as Acting President. For the period, he oversaw the day-to- day running of the affairs of the country. The second time Osinbajo was also made the Acting President was in June, 2016 when the President also announced a vacation to London to attend to an ear infection. For the 13 days Buhari was abroad Osinbajo effectively fitted in the shoes of his boss. Amongst the major tasks he undertook were the meeting with governors of Niger Delta states and the Service Chiefs on the threats of the Niger- Delta Avengers to bomb government buildings in Abuja,. It was also during that time that he inaugurated a Task Force on Rice and Wheat production. That was not all – the launching of Home-grown School Feeding Programme was also done. On a sad note, it was the lot of Osinbajo to issue condolence messages on the demise of ex-Super Eagles Coaches, late Stephen Keshi and Amodu Shuaibu. Chairing the meetings of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, and the National Economic Council, NEC – he is constitutionally empowered to chair the latter – had become almost a norm by this time. THE FIRE THIS TIME Yet, on January 19, 2017, another opportunity availed itself for the Vice President to act as President. Interestingly, Osinbajo was made Acting President while he was in far away Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum, WEF, summit. Upon his return on Friday, January 20, the Acting President journeyed straight to Ibadan, Oyo State, for a function. Coming back to Abuja, the seat of power, later that evening, he received updates and briefings on the situation in The Gambia where Nigerian troops were stationed to give effect to the transition from the recalcitrant Yahya Jammeh, to then President-elect, Mr. Adama Barrow. Osinbajo also took briefings from a number of cabinet ministers. On Monday, Jan 23, he chaired the Second Presidential Business Forum which held at the Old Banquet Hall, located within the precinct of Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. Kicked off last September, the Forum is a platform to engage and interact with the private sector operators to keep them abreast of government’s economic policies, programmes and activities. The Acting President, at the meeting, underscored the need for full public/ private partnership in the salvation of the sick economy. He said: “I am extremely pleased to welcome you all to this second quarterly business forum. The last one was held in Sept 2016. This is the first this year and we will ensure it keeps running. The main plan of our economic plan is the sustenance of the robust private sector partnership. Indeed, it is our strong belief that sustenanable economic growth is only possible if it is private sector led and a great deal of attention has been paid as you will possibly find in sustaining private sector leadership, especially in the plan of economic recovery and growth plan 2017, which is to be launched next month. The pivot of that plan is the private sector-led recovery growth and plan. So, this Forum is an important one for engendering the continuous engagement that this partnership will entail.” Tuesday, Jan 24 was yet another busy day for Osinbajo. He launched the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME Clinics in Abuja. Organised in-conjunction with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the programme is designed to not only to sensitise operators of Small Scale Enterprises, SMEs in Nigeria on the best business strategies, but to also assist them financially to grow their businesses. Abia and Kwara State governors were amongst various dignitaries in attendance as the programme was billed to be replicated in the 36 States of the federation starting with Abia. One take-away from that event that also held at the Old Banquet Hall was Osinbajo’s displeasure with the activities of most revenue generating agencies of the federal government that delay registration of SMEs and inadvertently, stifle the growth of the SMEs. Earlier that same day, he had presided over the meeting of Presidential Enabling Business Council, PEBEC, where a decision was taken to begin the evaluation of various options that would eliminate hitches in the Nigerian business climate. On Wednesday, Jan 25, the Acting President presided over the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting in Abuja. Of course, this was not his first time. It can only be the umpteenth time. Curiously, Wednesday ended with a stinging controversy. The day ended with a wicked rumour that Nigerian Governors were pressuring on Osinbajo to resign his office amidst the rumoured fears of concerns for President Buhari’s health. But his office through the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, in the Vice President’s Office, Sen. Femi Ojudu, quickly dismissed the resignation threat in a statement. Thursday, Jan 26, the Acting President performed a function at the National Defence College, NDC, Abuja, and later at noon took off to Abia State to launch the first phase (State-wise) of the MSME. He returned to Abuja later in the evening. Friday, Jan 27, the Acting President was also seen in his office. But it was unknown if he had any functions that required media coverage. At least, not at 5:30 pm when this piece was being written. The Man, Osibajo Apart from ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo who was lucky to rule Nigeria as a military man and later elected President for two terms, former President Goodluck Jonathan who was within the corridors of power for 16 years; served as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, Acting President and President, and President Buhari who, like Obasanjo, ruled the country militarily and now elected President, Osinbajo is another lucky Nigerian. His political profile may not be as rich as those mentioned above but he got lucky, becoming the Vice President of Nigeria from just nowhere – only having served as commissioner for justice in Lagos State between 1999 and 2007. This is because, Buhari had run for the Number One office in the land for three consecutive times without luck. But Osinbajo, a Pastor of the Redeemed Church of God, RCCG, got elected with Buhari at his fourth shot at the presidency. The Acting President is also a Professor of Law. He’s adjudged to be cerebral but to many people, Osinbajo is very carries his professorial calling one step too many in politics (meaning there is too much talk coming from his office) Osinbajo is a workaholic as well as the typical Lagosian who wouldn’t stay outside of the city for weeks. Sunday Vanguard had observed that most times, he leaves his office as late as 10 pm. Sometimes also, he returns to the office to perhaps, clear his table. Unlike what characterised the Obasanjo/Atiku Presidency, Sunday Vanguard is yet to notice any face-off between him and his boss. In fact, the feeling is that he’s totally loyal to President Buhari. This informed why he has been allowed to represent the President in many fora both within and outside the country. Should there be problem between them, many believe that such would have been influenced by external forces. But at the moment, he’s Buhari’s Man but not his Man Friday. Religion Is Osinbajo a religious man? Yes, he is. To him, prayer is key and that’s why the Acting President spares time to pray. But just as the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, had to confront him last Friday, it was asked whether the Acting President has for one day shown compassion on his people in the face of the violence unleashed by some criminals on Christians by keeping a disturbing silence as christians are being slaughtered; to which his office said he will always defend the rule of law..

REVEALED: WHAT DIEGO COSTA SAID TO PEDRO DURING CONFROTATION IN TOTTENHAM DEFEAT DEFEATDEFEAT

The striker had a long argument with his fellow Spain international during Chelsea's loss to Spurs but insists that there was no damage to the pair's relationship Diego Costa has revealed what was said during his mid-game spat with Pedro during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat by Tottenham but insists that it was not important, likening his fellow Spain international to a "brother". 'Alexis wants to STAY at Arsenal!' The Premier League pace-setters were denied a record 14th successive win in a single top-flight season as Dele Alli's double earned Spurs the bragging rights over their London rivals at White Hart Lane. Part of Chelsea's problem on the day was a lack of cohesion in attack and that was encapsulated by a first-half incident which saw Pedro and Costa embroiled in a heated exchange after a miscommunication between the two. PLAY The pair argued for several minutes before eventually appearing to shake hands and Costa is adamant that their relationship did not suffer any lasting damage. "Nothing happened," the former Atletico Madrid striker told the International Business Times. "We have a great understanding with each other. When you have a trusted relationship and intimacy with a team- mate, it is normal for these things to happen. Mikel has medical ahead of Chelsea exit "It was just a moment during the game and that's it. It was nothing. "I told him: 'You have to get in there, why didn't you go?' He said 'I went' and I said he didn't. That's it. "Pedro is my brother and we love each other."

BARCELONA SIGNS RONALDINHO AGAIN!

It has come to light that the Brazilian, who earned hero status at Camp Nou after helping the Blaugrana return to their former glory, will work with the club once more... EXTRA TIME Ronaldinho is back at Barcelona! But don't get too excited, fans, as it is in a non-playing role... The Brazilian, 36, is teaming up with the club he helped return to its former glory between 2003 and 2008 to act as an ambassador. Barcelona are opening a new office in New York, USA, to enhance their growth internationally on 6 September, which has brought about them re-signing Ronaldinho. The Catalan giants will certainly prove to be a hit in the States if Ronaldinho is good an ambassador as he was with his feet back in his heydey at Camp Nou...

BARCELONA LOSE GROUND IN TITLE RACE WITH BETIS DRAW

The minnows hit the woodwork twice before Alex Alegria struck, but Luis Enrique's men saw Jordi Alba's goal moments later wrongly disallowed Privacy Policy Terms of Service About Us Contact Us Copyright © 2017 Goal.com All rights reserved. The information contained in Goal.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of Goal.com REAL BETIS vs BARCELONA REPORT Primera División FT 1 - 1 (HT 0 - 0) 1/29/17 Álex Alegría 75'  L. Suárez 90'  PREVIEW  BET  LINEUPS  LIVE  RATINGS  REPORT  12:52  SHARE Getty Images by Taboola Barcelona missed the chance to temporarily overtake Real Madrid in the La Liga table, slumping to a 1-1 draw at Real Betis on Sunday. The champions pulled within a point of their arch-rivals and the league leaders, who host Real Sociedad later in the day and still have a game in hand to extend their lead. Betis took charge of the clash early at Estadio Benito Villamarin and hit the woodwork twice through Dani Ceballos and then Ruben Castro. Alex Alegria struck 15 minutes from time to give the hosts a deserved advantage but Luis Suarez salvaged a draw in the closing stages, after the champions had seen a clear goal not given earlier on. Complaints from Camp Nou figures over officiating have dominated headlines in recent weeks and the acrimony is likely to continue after the officials failed to spot that Jordi Alba had turned the ball over the line just moments after Betis' opener. The incident compounded Barca's fortunes, though, with Luis Enrique's side short on ideas and second-best for long spells of the match, in which Betis twice hit the woodwork before eventually finding the net. That was until the 90th minute, however, when Suarez raced onto Lionel Messi's pass and slotted home to snatch a point. The visitors will certainly feel justice was done, despite their largely lacklustre display, but leaders Real Madrid could be four points clear with a game in hand if they beat Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu later on Sunday. Barca wasted little time in taking the game to their hosts, Suarez seeing a half-volley deflect narrowly wide following Aleix Vidal's deep cross. Ruben Castro saw a chance go begging when he scuffed the ball straight at the restored Marc-Andre ter Stegen after Lucas Digne had been pressured into conceding possession, but the Germany goalkeeper had to be a little more acrobatic to claw Dani Ceballos' shot away from the top corner. Barca's play was becoming increasingly disjointed and it was Betis that continued to look the more likely to break the deadlock, but Antonio Adan produced a fine one- handed save to deny Neymar following Lionel Messi's superb throughball shortly before half-time. The visitors looked a little sharper after the restart, Vidal volleying just past the left-hand post after meeting Messi's cross from the left unmarked. Betis recovered and continued to frustrate Barca in their approach play, with MSN kept firmly on the fringes of play, and Ceballos was inches from giving them the advantage on the scoreboard with a dipping drive that cannoned off the top of the crossbar. Luis Enrique introduced Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto and Gomes from the bench in a bid to inject some intensity into the champions' play but they were again saved by the woodwork when Castro cut in from the left and saw a shot deflect off Gerard Pique and onto the post. But Betis were not to be denied from the resulting corner. Ter Stegen failed to reach the in-swinging delivery and Alegria turned the ball over the line from Ryan Donk's knockdown despite Pique's best efforts. Barca were then denied an equaliser by a dreadful decision from the officials. Alba met Vidal's low cross at the far post and steered the ball clearly over the line before Aissa Mandi hooked it away, but referee Jose Hernandez Hernandez failed to award the goal. Another Vidal centre from the right deflected towards the near post but was just cleared in time by Mandi again, but Castro shot straight at Ter Stegen when he should have made the points safe after being sent through one-on-one. That missed ultimately proved costly as, in the 90th minute, Messi picked up a loose ball 20 yards out and slid it through to Suarez , who fired low past Adan first time to rescue a point