NEYMAR'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SUCCESS MAKES HIM ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD

Neymar has proven to be one of the most reliable Champions League performers since joining Barcelona in the 2013-14 season.

The 25-year-old, who has been heavily linked to a move to PSG in recent weeks, has scored 21 goals and assisted 15 others -- numbers that situate him among the best players in the past four years.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo (55), Lionel Messi (35), Robert Lewandowski (29) and Thomas Muller (23) have scored more Champions League goals than Neymar during that span.

In terms of assists, only Ronaldo -- who has set up 16 goals -- has more.

If PSG do end up adding the Brazil international, they know what he can do. Neymar scored two goals in Barcelona's stunning 6-1 victory over PSG on March 8 -- one in the 88th minute and another on a penalty in the 91st -- that allowed the Blaugrana to advance 6-5 on aggregate to the quarterfinals.

Neymar joined Ronaldo and Messi as the top scorers in the Champions League in 2014-15, when all three players each scored 10 goals. He was difficult to stop that year, scoring in eight of Barca's 12 games -- including a goal in the 97th minute of a 3-1 victory against Juventus to put the game beyond doubt. The score effectively handed Barcelona the Champions League title.

He also netted a brace in the second leg of the quarterfinal against PSG and the second leg of the semifinal against Bayern Munich.

Despite all the scoring, the forward's only hat trick in the Champions League dates back to 2013 -- the first game in which he scored. Neymar tallied three goals in a 6-1 victory against Celtic in the group stage that year, scoring just before half-time and then adding two more.

In total, Barca have only lost twice in the 15 games where Neymar has scored, demonstrating his value to any club hoping to secure him for Europe's top competition.

I AM NOT INTERESTED IN WHAT JOSE MOURINHO SAYS: Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said he is "not interested in what Jose Mourinho says."

Manchester United boss Mourinho, who guided his team to a Europa League win last season, suggested Liverpool and Chelsea would find it difficult to juggle the demands of domestic and European action next season.

However, Klopp pointed out that Liverpool had experienced a hectic schedule when they reached the Europa League final during his first season in charge at Anfield.

"I'm not interested in what Jose Mourinho says," he said. "Why should I talk about Manchester United? Jose is talking about us, yes.

"OK, we had a season like Man United the year before. I don't know if anybody asked us how it feels. Sorry that we lost the final, yes. We played Sevilla, they played Ajax. That's the difference.

"So we suffered during the season. The Europa League was hard. Yes, Chelsea will feel also the difference -- they played something like 13 players last season. But it's also not my problem if they use only 11, well done.

"I don't want to be part of this. I answer if you ask, but I am not interested."

Liverpool have added three players this summer, spending a club record fee on Mohamed Salah and bringing in Andrew Robertson and Dominic Solanke.

Everton have signed seven new faces, with Manchester United having spent an initial £75 million on Romelu Lukaku as well as bringing in defender Victor Lindelof.

But asked about their business, Klopp said: "First of all, I'm not interested in what other clubs are doing until we play them.

"They can do the best business or the worst business, I'm not in it. I don't know why they do the things they do, that's why I'm completely fine.

"But, at the end of the day, just like us, they can only line up 11 players. Then we have to see what will happen. But all the teams have tried to get stronger.

"With Everton, usually derbies are really close games. I don't think we have gone into any of the last few derbies thinking: 'It's only Everton.'

"There is a lot of respect and, if they've done good business, well done. But when we face them we still want to win."

PRINCESS VITARAH: “I MASTURBATE 10 TIMES EVERY WEEK”

Now this is extreme, the nigerian singer who goes by the name princess vitarah, just revealed to the whole world, what she does privately.
See video... https://youtu.be/cBIEDIudGfI

DANIEL CRAIG IS COMING BACK AS JAMES BOND IN 2019

Sound the trumpets: Daniel Craig will play James Bond in at least one more film, which will be released in November 2019.

Eon Productions, the London-based company that oversees all things 007, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which holds rights to the franchise, said on Monday that the next installment would arrive in theaters in North.

Eon and MGM also said that the script would be written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who have teamed up on the screenplays for the last six Bond installments, starting with “The World Is Not Enough” in 1999. The next Bond movie — the 25th in the series, if you include “Never Say Never Again” from 1983, which was made by an outside production company — will be produced by Eon’s Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

The companies said in a statement that details about a distribution partner, international release dates and the film’s cast and director would be announced “at a later date.” But Mr. Craig’s return is a done deal, according to two people briefed on the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid conflicts with Eon and MGM.

After a grueling shoot for the last Bond movie, “Spectre,” Mr. Craig expressed a strong desire to move on from the role, which he took over in 2006 with “Casino Royale.” “I’d rather break this glass and slash my wrists,” he told a British magazine in October. He later said that he had been overtired during that interview and that he would consider returning.

PSG EYES NEYMAR AND SANCHEZ

If ever there were an example of talking telephone numbers, it must be this: If Paris Saint-Germain succeed in signing Neymar from Barcelona, it will cost them almost £500 million in total, according to the Mirror.

But even if that mind-bending move comes off, it wouldn't be the end of PSG's spending -- Arsenal attacker Alexis Sanchez would remain a summer transfer target.

The Mirror says PSG have agreed to meet Neymar's £196 million buyout clause, with the club "determined to land one of the top three stars on the planet: Lionel Messi, Ronaldo or Neymar."

Sanchez, though, is still firmly in their sights, despite Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claiming PSG are pursuing Neymar because they know Sanchez is not available.

Last week, a source told ESPN FC that Sanchez and his representatives were in Paris to meet PSG sporting director Antero Henrique, with other reports suggesting a bid of £35m could soon follow.

NNAMDI KANU WAS OFFERED A DEAL BUT HE DECLINED – Nnamdi Kanu

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday, disclosed that the Federal  Government offered him Biafra Republic while in Prison with only the five South East States as the component parts but he rejected it. According to him, he rejected it because that did not constitute the complete Biafra, saying that he told them that he wanted a Biafra with Rivers and Benue States inclusive. The IPOB leader also claimed that he was offered an oil block and mansion in Dubai aimed at making him to abandon the cause but that he rejected them and insisted on the actualization of Biafra.

Kanu said those things were Greek gifts to buy him over and maintained that he has no price other than to actualize the restoration of Biafra Republic and liberate the Igbo. “They gave me Biafra in prison with only the five Igbo states; I said no, I want Benue and Rivers”, Kanu said, pointing out that “Biafra is coming, there is nothing to stop it”. Also yesterday, Anambra Governor, Chief Willie Obiano  rubbished the statement of IPOB that the November 18 gubernatorial election in the state would not hold. Speaking at the erosion site in Odume Obosi Layout in Idemili North Local Government , Obiano said IPOB  does not have the interest of the people they claim to be fighting for at heart. This is even as some former state governors  raised concerns over agitations by separatist movements in the country. Knocks Igbo leaders Kanu, who spoke when leaders of Igbo Civil Society Coalition led by Prof. Obasi Igwe paid him a solidarity visit at his Umuahia home, also gave knocks to Igbo elites for their anti-Biafra activities, saying that they have no interest in the Igbo masses. He lambasted Igbo elites who he said are bent on scuttling the Biafran agitation, saying they were doing so for their selfish interest and challenged them to show the Igbo masses what they have been able to do for them since their romance with Nigerian Government. He said they would not succeed. Kanu lamented the deplorable condition of roads in Igbo land and general lack of social amenities and wondered what the elites have been doing in Abuja other to fight for their self interests. He further dismissed Igbo elites whom he said had thought he could be bought over, saying he has no price tag. “They can’t buy us with money. If I can turn down oil block, turn down mansions in Dubai, what can they offer us? All the roads in Biafra land are in deplorable condition, yet we have elites who are just interested in their pockets. “All the roads in Biafra are bad. Apart from Okpara (late Michael Okpara), Mbonu Ojike and Sam Mbakwe, I have not seen any elite in Igbo land. Let them show us what they have done, no roads, no water, nothing. Because they are in Abuja, they are now elites, let them show us what they have done for the people as elites. “They said everything has price, I told them that Nnamdi Kanu has no price. All of you here know my wife, I sacrificed her for two years; so what can they offer me. “Self actualization is not war. We are not for war. We are not talking of war but self actualization. Self determination is not war. Any elite that interprets self determination to be war does not understand English. “Biafra is coming; there is nothing that can stop it, no matter the level of intimidation and blackmail. Some people are running around, saying why must it be Nnamdi Kanu, why not me. I am not an elite, I was born to restore Biafra. We are not interested in any violence, self actualization is not violence”, Kanu said. Adding to the IPOB leader’s statement, Media and Publicity Secretary for IPOB, Emma Powerful said  Kanu’s  position has always been clear. “Our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu had discussion with government in prison   and he rejected every offer and demanded a referendum in all the states in South East and South South, including those of our brothers and sisters living in some parts of Benue, Edo and Kogi States. Federal Government should fix a particular date for the people to decide where they want to be. We cannot afford to abandon those in Igbanke, Igala, Idoma and Igede because they are Biafrans unless they decide otherwise. “To join or be part of Biafra is not by force but through referendum, we ascertain who wants to be part of Biafra or not.” In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Obasi Igwe commended Kanu and IPOB for their non-violence approach to the agitation and urged him to maintain that approach. He said their aim of visiting him was to encourage him and urge him to ensure that the Igbos have one voice for peace and prosperity of Igbo nation, the entire Eastern region, southern region as well as the middle belt. In an interview, Prof. Igwe insisted on non-violence approach to the issue, and called for appropriate sanctions for the Arewa youths who gave the Igbo quit notice. Obiano replies IPOB In his reaction to IPOB’s statement on Anambra election, the visibly angry Governor Obiano said that “whoever that says there will be no election in the state and the South East in general is not carrying  the interest  of the people at heart and wants the thing that happened during the last census in which our people were not counted to happen again. “We will not allow what happen during the last census where our people were not counted to repeat itself. Due to MASSOB activities, our people were not counted and it affected the entire South east adversely. It will not happen again.We are still suffering it today because we were counted less than what we are. “People are free to vote the candidates of their choice. You can see that in Anambra state today, people now sleep with their two eyes closed”. He urged the people to vote for him come Nov 18th  for continuity. “We are not against our brothers in IPOB and MASSOB who are agitating for Biafra restoration, but they must apply caution and ensure that whatever they are doing are within the law. Election must hold in Anambra State and South East at the appointed time, nobody can stop elections in any part of South East.” Ex-govs call for calm over separatist agitations Members of the Forum of Former Governors, FFG, class of 1999,  said they were particularly worried by the call of the coalition of Northern Youths  for Igbos to vacate the north within three months. The Forum also called on governors of the south-east region to engage the agitators and diffuse the threats by the Indigenous People of Nigeria, IPOB in the region. In a statement signed by Lucky Igbinedion and Niyi Adebayo, the forum’s chairman and secretary respectively, the forum called for calm. “No sacrifice is too much to avert chaos, prevent any further incidence of criminality, protect human lives and spare the lives of the country,” the forum noted. They also urged Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to convene a joint meeting of the various patrons of the contending groups in which assurances could be given. “The elders and leaders of thought from both the South East and the North should jointly meet to state a common position; we further recommend that traditional rulers from the two areas should do same,” the ex-governors said. The meeting of the past governors was attended by Obong Victor Attah, James Ibori and Isa Yuguda, among others. If restructuring fails, we’ go for referendum— Ohanaeze But reacting through its National Deputy Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said its position on restructuring Nigeria is clear. “We don’t are not  talking  about  IPOB. Our position has been clear all these  while. Nigeria needs restructuring now. But if restructuring fails, then we will talk about referendum. We have realised that many people have been saying many things and some are claiming to be Ohanaeze. But our position is very clear. Restructure Nigeria now or deal with referendum.” Presidency sources however would not react to Nnamdi Kanu’s  claims when Vanguard contacted them yesterday ,  saying they don’t  want to dignify the IPOB leader  with a reaction over  his claims.

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI HOSTED A DELEGATION OF APC GOVERNORS AND LEADERS

President Muhammadu Buhari hosted a delegation of APC Governors and leaders in Abuja House, London earlier on Sunday, July 23rd, 2017.

According to the official Twitter handle of the Presidency, President Buhari sends his best wishes to all Nigerians and will be back to the country as soon as his doctors give the go-ahead.

We wish him quick recovery.

OFFICIAL - WEST HAM SIGN HART AND CHICHARITO HERNANDEZ

West Ham announced having signed both English international goalkeeper Joe Hart (30) and Mexican international forward Javier Chicharito Hernandez (29), respectively joining in from Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen.

OFFICIAL - LIVERPOOL CONFIRMED THE SIGNING OF ROBERTSON

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of left-back Andrew Robertson from Hull. The Scotland international signed a long-term contract after completing a medical.

A FORMER MISS KENTUCKY USA FROM LOUISVILLE IS ACCUSED OF SMUGGLING DRUGS INTO AN OHIO PRISON FOR AN INMATE.

Kia Hampton, 28, was arrested on May 26 in Allen County, Ohio, after police say she was caught smuggling marijuana into the Allen Correctional Institution for Jeremy Kelly, an inmate at the facility, according to an affidavit detailing the arrest.

Hampton was crowned Miss Kentucky USA in November 2010 when she was 21 years old. She was the first African American chosen to represent Kentucky in the Miss USA pageant.

While listening to recorded phone calls, officers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol said they obtained enough evidence to obtain a warrant for a cavity search.

As officers were interrogating her, Hampton reached into her pant leg and pushed a white balloon on to the floor, the affidavit said.

Officers later determined that she was carrying 2.82 grams of marijuana into the jail, Assistant Allen County Prosecutor Kenneth Sturgill said.

She was indicted on July 13 by an Allen County grand jury and faces one count of "illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility," a third-degree felony that carries a three-year prison sentence.

Hampton is scheduled to be arraigned July 26 in Allen County.

MORATA CREATES QUIET A GOOD IMPRESSION WHILST TRAINING WITH HIS NEW LEAGUE CLUB, CHEALSEA FOR THE FIRST TIME

After completing an impressive deal from Spanish club Real Madrid to Chelsea, Spanish international soccer star Alvaro Morata has trained with his Blues' teammates in Singapore. Morata had earlier arrived Singapore and he watched on television as Chelsea who are the reigning Premier League champions defeated arch rivals Arsenal in a pre-season friendly. After beating the Gunners in China, Chelsea then flew to Singapore where Morata had been waiting and he has met new new Blues' teammates.

HERE’S WHY THE NORTH IS AGAINST RESTRUCTURING- Ezeife

Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife urged the federal government to take the issue of restructuring serious and  He accused the north of benefiting from the current structure . The former governor said the call for war or disintegration will also not work Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife has questioned why the north is against the issue of restructuring when all other regions in the country are calling for it. In an interview with The Punch, the former governor of the old Anambra state said things were not right in Nigeria and this was due to the current structure. Ezeife said history has shown that Nigeria was better off during the period of regionalism where each region was autonomous.

He said: "The issue is that time is running out on Nigeria. It is either we restructure now and survive or we don’t restructure and disintegrate. The restructuring is simple. It is not a matter of inventing new ideas or arrangements. What we call for is merely going back to Nigeria, as agreed by our founding fathers. That is what restructuring actually means. Nigeria was a truly federal system and it was made up of three regions as federating units: East, West and North. Later on, Mid-West was added, making four — three in the South and one in the North. "Things were going well; regions had their own constitutions. They were autonomous; they were growing at their own pace and resources for maintaining the federation were contributed by the federating units. After the (1967-1970 Nigerian civil) war, the system became even more unilateral, arbitrary and dictatorial. It is therefore surprising that without much consultation as usual, many states were created by those who controlled the (levers of) power, so that, today, we have 36 states plus Abuja (the Federal Capital Territory)”

On whether Nigeria may go to war if the demands of pro-Biafra agitatirs are not met, Ezeife said: "No, no, no. I don’t think that anybody in his right senses will go for war. War is out of it. Anybody who is talking about war doesn’t know what he is talking about and I don’t support anything violent. It’s an empty threat. Nigeria should be wise not to go to war. People who want us to have another civil war hate the country.

"Things are clear now. (Former Vice President) Abubakar has come out to support restructuring. Even Ango Abdullahi, who sometimes makes it difficult to understand statements, is also in support. So, I don’t think we are in such a difficult situation now. It’s a matter of facing realities, hoping and praying to God, and taking the right decisions. I mean, what is the problem? Why is the North reluctant? Is it because the North is getting many advantages from the existing situation? The North has been resisting restructuring; the APC has been resisting restructuring. Even if I were in the APC, I would know what the interest of the country is and the interest of my own part of the country. This party system is changing; I think people are not free at all (to serve their people’s interests)." Meanwhile, Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna central constituency hinted that the recent moves by his party the All Progressives Congress (APC) at restructuring Nigeria might be a fake one. In a Facebook post on Saturday, July 22, which the outspoken senator titled: “Timetable for Restructuring”, he noted that the recent setting up of a committee to look into how to restructure Nigeria was being used to buy time. He said this would continue till 2018 when it will change into a campaign mode and the restructuring will die in 2019 during the elections. 

TONTO DIKEH HAS DECLARED HERSELF A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN

Following her Instagram page, actress Tonto has publicly declared this.

In her words "Iam a proud born again christian. Christianity isn't religion to me is a way of living"

In the light of this notice her fans has asked her to clean her tatoos as it can drive good and God fearing Men away. Replying to that she never felt insulted rather openly accepted and said she realize that and will clean it. 

Do you honestly believe she will clean those tattoos.

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PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI HOSTED A DELEGATION OF APC GOVERNORS AND LEADERS

President Muhammadu Buhari hosted a delegation of APC Governors and leaders in Abuja House, London earlier on Sunday, July 23rd, 2017.

According to the official Twitter handle of the Presidency, President Buhari sends his best wishes to all Nigerians and will be back to the country as soon as his doctors give the go-ahead.

We wish him quick recovery.

P-SQUARE TO BE LOCKED UP IN PRISON UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, FOR SPEAKING AGAINST SICK BUHARI’S GOVERNMENT

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has ordered for the immediate arrest of  Peter Okoye of Psquare, over alleged disparaging remarks against the current administration.

The call for the arrest, came as the brothers via their Instagram pages, questioned the Federal Government’s purported move to ban the production of music videos abroad.

They said the Federal Government was trying to control what it never supported, adding that, one day a law would surface that will monitor how they sleep with their wives.

Reacting in a statement signed by the APC Youths National Secretary, Collins Edwin, the group described Peter Okoye as a “son of darkness.”

“We read the scurrilous remarks credited to Mr Peter Okoye of the P-square group, against the Federal Government’s job-saving policy in the entertainment industry, with great anger and vexation.

“Least of all persons to make scathing remark against the government, is the P-square group, which the local content policy of the Federal Government dusted-up from the valley of obscurity.

“Where was Peter Okoye or Psquare brand in 1999, when foreign music dominated our airwaves? If not for the government policy which mandated all broadcast stations in Nigeria to pay attention to Nigerian music, by playing 95 percent of Nigerian songs everyday, would Peter Okoye or Psquare be known to anybody in Nigeria today?

“Or would they have competed with better American music, which dominated our airwaves then?

“After the government have used its policy to brush them up from nothing to something; instead of giving opportunity to other people, they are taking Nigerian jobs to foreign countries, through the shooting of music videos abroad.

“Now that government has intervened to raise great and better Entertainers again, Peter Okoye has the gut to insult the entire Federal Government, by calling our great leaders ‘Ndi Ala’, which means mad and stupid people. How dare you say that Psquare?

“We therefore, urge the security agencies in the country to arrest Mr Peter Okoye, for disrespecting our government and bringing it to a disrepute.

“If you cannot produce in Nigeria and hire Nigerians, then leave the industry. We must export Nigerian culture to the outside world, through our music and videos.”

AC MILAN PLAN TO SIGN ONE OF BELOTTI, MORATA OR AUBAMEYANG - MARCO FASSONE.

AC Milan are aiming to strengthen their attacking options with the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andrea Belotti or Alvaro Morata, according to CEO Marco Fassone.

Milan have already signed Hakan Calhanoglu, Mateo Musacchio, Franck Kessie, Ricardo Rodriguez, Andre Silva, Fabio Borini and Andrea Conti this summer -- with Leonardo Bonucci's move from Juventus all but complete -- and they are now turning their attention to landing a marquee striker.

"Many names have been mentioned of very strong strikers," Fassone told Milan TV. "We would like to have one from Belotti, Morata or Aubameyang. We will see who our choice falls to, although there are also other names who are yet to be splashed on the front pages by the media.

"Clearly we are still thinking of doing something else in that position. We are keeping all the options open and we will definitely do something beautiful.

"Fortunately we are in China now so we can hold discussions with the owners to understand what our resources are, because they are not unlimited. We must also reason with the coach, because the next two friendlies can give some technical indications to him and [director of sport] Massimiliano Mirabelli."

Fassone added that the signing of Bonucci, a player who has won six Serie A titles in a row with Juventus and reached two Champions League finals in three years, proves that Milan are able to attract top talent.

He said: "I was very sceptical thinking: 'Imagine if Juventus give us Bonucci.' It was a crazy idea and we didn't even want to try it, but then Vincenzo Montella told us to continue pushing.

"It is a very important sign to see that now players in Champions League clubs want to join us. Buying Bonucci is a signal for the future. Leo is a warrior and a leader who will give us a lot both on and off the field."

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has told Welt am Sonntag the club are yet to receive any offers for Aubameyang.

"We have not had any offers," Watzke said. "We will wait a few more days, but not long anymore. I personally would prefer if he stays but there are a few clubs on this planet where he can obviously earn more."

PARENTS OF KIDNAPPED LAGOS PUPILS PAY N31M RANSOM

Parents of the six abducted pupils of Lagos State Model College, Igbonla Epe, have paid N31m ransom to the criminals who kidnapped their children.

Investigation revealed that some parents were assigned to take the money to an undisclosed place, where they paid to some members of the gang in two tranches.

The parents were, however, worried that their children had not been released since last week when their abductors promised to set them free.

The kids were kidnapped exactly 53 days ago,  three days after the gunmen notified the school management of their plans.

They broke into a boys’ hostel around 6am on Thursday, May 25, picked 10 Senior Secondary School pupils and led them to a waterside.

The pupils were screened based on their family background. While four were consequently released, the assailants whisked away the remaining six pupils identified as Peter Jonah, Isiaq Rahmon, Adebayo George, Judah Agbausi, Pelumi Philips and Farouq Yusuf in a speedboat.

The kidnappers last Sunday promised to release the children.

Sources, who spoke with SUNDAY PUNCH, said many parents sold their property and borrowed from friends and relatives to pay the N31m ransom.

A source said, “We don’t know what else these people want. The parents are stranded. The first time, three parents met with them somewhere and gave them N10m.

“They demanded another N21m ransom. The parents took the money to the place and gave it to some gang members. They told the parents that they had done all the necessary things and promised to release the children in the next two days. They have been expecting the children since last week.”

One of the parents said his quest to reunite with his child had increased tremendously in the last few days as a result of the assurance by the abductors.

“We gave them N31m cash. We didn’t send it through a third party and they confirmed the money was complete. They promised to release our children soon.

“We were confused when we heard that they demanded another N1.5m before the children could be released,” the parent added.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole and the Force PRO, CSP Mashood Jimoh, had repeatedly assured the parents and members of the public that the pupils would be rescued soon.

TWO INJURED AS SEN. OMO-AGEGE & WIFE ESCAPE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

At least two persons have sustained life threatening injuries when armed youths attacked Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, representing Delta Central at the National Assembly, his wife and some top members of the All Progressives Congress during an empowerment programme in Effurun, Uvwie council area of Delta State.

The attack which occurred on Saturday is believed to be an assassination attempt on the senator when he visited the Effurun Market located along the popular PTI road during the second phase of his constituency empowerment programme in Effurun, Ekpan and Ugberikoko areas of Uvwie.

The incident created panic as market women and motorists left their vehicles and scampered for safety when the gunmen opened fire on the senator’s entourage.

Recounting details of the incident, Senator Omo-Agege said, “There is Igho Majemite. There is Wilson Oki. These are all known thugs in Uvwie.  I don’t know who sent them to assassinate me.  But I was lucky because the bullet grazed through my right ear. If I was not lucky I would have been dead.  Two bullets were shot at me; one was shot by Ayeye and another bullet was shot at me by Ngozi and also, my brother was shot.

“Also, we have one of my supporters who was almost killed at Ekpan market all in the presence of police officers who could not even effect any arrest.  I have taken a first step by filing a report with the Ekpan Police Division. I have equally spoken with the State Commissioner of Police.

“I will take it to the highest level. All I seek is that these undesirable elements who are out to assassinate people are removed from the system.  And I will go to any extent to see to this.  You cannot attempt to kill a sitting Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  I refuse to read any political motivation to this. I’m not in any way saying that there is none.

“For those who were beaten and those who were equally shot at, like me, I can assure them that we will get to the very bottom of it.   Everybody who is involved in this attempted assassination, we will bring them to face the wrath of the law.”

The Police Commissioner, Mr Zanna Ibrahim, confirmed the attack on Senator Omo-Agege when contacted on Sunday.

Ibrahim added that preliminary investigation into the incident has commenced

HILDA DOKUBO GLOWED AT THE AMAA AWARDS

Despite the fact that the actress phone was stolen at the AMAA AWARDS she maintained a happy look through out the event.

According to her instagram post she said the thief cannot make her unhappy

ANYBODY WHO DOES NOT WANT TO SEE MY RED EYES SHOULD STOP CALLING ME MATTHEW - OBASANJO

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has officially denounced his Christian name, Matthew. He said he should no more be called by it because he is not a tax collector like his biblical namesake. Accordingly, he adopted only Olusegun Okikiola Aremu as his names, stressing onthat the former president went on to say anybody who does not want to see his eyes red should stop calling him Matthew. He stated this in Abuja on Friday, July 14 at an event organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in commemoration of his 80th birthday. Obasanjo clocked 80 years in March.

His words: “When I was born in my part of Nigeria, the system was that after eight days, you must be given a name and for people to know that you were born into a Christian family, you will be given one Hebrew name.

“My mother and father decided to name me Matthew but when I grew up, I started asking myself the meaning of Matthew. “Not only does it not have meaning as long as I am concerned, the biblical Matthew is a stupid tax collector. Anybody who does not want to see my eyes red should stop calling me Matthew.”

 He commended the NSE presidential system of election and governance, wishing that it could be introduced into Nigerian politics. Also speaking, the president of NSE, Engineer Oliver Tagbo Anyaeji noted that Obasanjo successfully initiated and pioneered the establishment of an engineering and technology university (Bells) as well as the state-of-art presidential library in Ota, Ogun state, which considered as first of its kind in Africa. “While it will be pretty difficult to bring to the fore all the achievements of this world acclaimed achiever, I wish to mention that President Obasanjo initiated the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP)in 2005 and directed by policy that Nigerian engineering firms must get at least 25 percent of exhausted project scope,” he stated. Meanwhile, the minister of state for industry, trade and investment, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar, has said about N7 trillion was spent on the importation of consumables and household items into Nigeria in 2015.

Abubakar made the comment in her address in Kano on Friday, July 14, at a stakeholders meeting on "Buy Made-in- Nigeria Products" organised by her ministry in collaboration with the federal ministry of information and culture.

TONTO DIKEH SHARES A PHOTO OF HER SICK FRIEND ACTRESS HALIMA ABUBAKAR

Some days back, Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar was slightly indisposed. The actress became so severely sick that she was rushed to the hospital unconsciously. Shortly after she was a bit conscious, She stated on her Instagram page with picture "I left a friend’s wedding to the hospital bed, though I was ill mainly from exhaustion and fatique. Tot I was great considering my happy state and dancing skills der lol, indeed life is funny. Rest n get urselves calm just sharing abit...stl in d clinic, missing my bed and u all."

 Halima has not only been discharged from the hospital, but also lost a lot of weight and has almost achieved a flat stomach. We are sure she likes her new look. Hear what she said, "I lost fat, just wanna show you my progress dearies." So, those who are carrying false rumour about Halima that she's pregnant should desist from it because, the abnormal part of her abdomen now has a new shape

Popular actress Tonto Dikeh appears to have confirmed Halima’s state of health as she recently posted a photo of her on what seems to be a hospital bed. In the caption of the said photo, Tonto wrote that she had to go and pick Halima up to make sure she takes good care of her.

YOUTHS GIVE PRESIDENT BUHARI 8-WEEKS ULTIMATUM TO RESIGN

A group, the Nigerian Youth Advocate for Justice has given President Muhammadu Buhari an eight-week ultimatum to either resign or form an interim government following his absence from the country for more than 53 days.

The group warned that if the president fails to comply with the ultimatum, it would lead seven million youths in 22 states to force him out of office.  The group’s chairman, Seriki Olorunwa, said the prevailing health condition of the president had made it impossible for him to govern the country. “We urge the Senate, House of Representatives, state house of assemblies and parastatals to persuade Mr. President to resign and hand over to an interim president in the interest of Nigerians,” group said.

Though the youths pledged not to shed any blood, they however noted that they were prepared to fight than to live as slaves.

The group said the All Progressives Congress (APC) had subjected Nigerians to humiliation because of its self-serving activities. The youths complained that that killing, kidnapping and robbery have become the order of the day in the present-day Nigeria. Meanwhile, the APC has said President Muhammadu Buhari is fast recovering from his illness contrary to allegations that he is on life support. The national chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday, June 30, while speaking with newsmen at the end of a meeting between the party`s national working committee (NWC) and state governors elected on the party’s platform. Oyegun, however noted that Buhari will only return to the country after his doctors abroad certify him fit to do so, The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

WHY NIGERIA'S PRESIDENTIAL JET IS PARKED IN LONDON – PRESIDENCY

There's been a viral news circulating on the media about the presidential jet being parked at london and accumulating cost.

Quote

“Consuming 4k pounds everyday for parking lot and its idleness. It’s been more than 50 days it has stayed idle and if multiplied by 400 per pound for 50 days, this will amount to 80,000,000 for doing nothing but waiting for the president to get well”.

The presidency has cleared the air to explain why this has been so.

The Presidency says it is constrained to decry criticisms, mostly on social media, on the retention in London of Nigeria’s Presidential Aircraft, NAF 001 as “mostly informed by lack of understanding of protocol around foreign trips by Heads of State all over the world”.

The spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu, said in a statement on Thursday that for reasons of protocol, national security, diplomacy and prestige, “no world leader who travels abroad and is left without plans for immediate return or possible evacuation”.

The statement said from an operational point of view, Nigeria’s Armed Forces as represented by the Nigeria Air Force are not to abandon their Commander-In-Chief in whichever circumstance he is. “This is a standard operating procedure”.

“We have also read claims about outrageous fees allegedly paid by Nigeria. The published amounts are totally untrue. Aircraft conveying heads of state all over the world usually enjoy waivers even where payments for parking are differentiated by aircraft categories.

“We have been assured that where the waiver is not granted, payment will not exceed £1,000, which is a quarter of the amount being peddled,” Mr. Shehu said.

He also said Mr. Buhari was not the first, and will not be the last, to have a presidential aircraft standing by for him.

“All past Heads of this country have had this privilege, and the part that surprises the most is that leaders who in the past travelled with three Nigerian aircraft did not suffer this trenchant criticism.

“We appeal to Nigerians to ignore opposition campaign aimed at derailing this administration’s big plans for the country,” Mr. Shehu claimed.

“This is a government that is constructing the Second Niger Bridge, the Mambila Power Plant, the East-West and the North-South standard gauge railway lines.

“We are a government that has saved this country an annual loss of two trillion Naira from fraudulent petroleum subsidy schemes by influential citizens and their children, and rid the public service of about 50,000 ghost workers.

“The Buhari administration certainly deserves a chance,” Mr. Shehu said.

TOYIN DAWODU, A NIGERIAN CITIZEN, FILES LAWSUIT TO COMPEL SENATE TO ASCERTAIN BUHARI’S HEALTH STATUS

Toyin Dawodu, a Nigerian citizen, has filed a lawsuit to compel the Senate of Nigeria to constitute a medical panel to determine if President Muhammadu Buhari can discharge his constitutional duties.

In a statement dated June 28, he said he instructed his attorneys from Forthright Chambers and lawyers for Citizens Advocacy of Nigeria to file the action [FHC/ABJ/CS/508/2017] at the Federal High Court in Abuja a few weeks ago.

Citing reports that Nigeria is being controlled by a group of unelected bureaucrats, and that Mr. Buhari is in such incapacitation that even his wife is not allowed to see him, Mr. Dawodu said it was possible that President Buhari is being held by his handlers against his will, and that Nigerians deserve to know his current status and whereabouts.

Affirming his love and respect for President Buhari, and praying fervently for God to give him strength to gain back his health, Mr. Dawodu said:

“But I love Nigerian more. I fear for my country, I fear for the future of millions of Nigerians both living and unborn,” adding that hecannot stand by and allow the current leadership vacuum that exists to continue.

He stressed it is now incumbent on the members of the Senate, who were elected, to stand up and be counted to save Nigeria in her hour of need.

“I am also urging every Nigerian to impress upon their Senators to discharge their duty by constituting a medical panel as prescribed by the constitution to determine if President Buhari is capable of discharging his duty.”

Text of the statement:

IS NIGERIAN PRESIDENT BEING HELD AGAINST HIS WILL?

THE LAWSUIT FILED AT THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT IN ABUJA NIGERIA.  CASE NUMBER FHC/ABJ/CS/508/2017

TO COMPEL THE SENATE OF NIGERIA TO CONSTITUTE A MEDICAL PANEL TO DETERMINE THE HEALTH STATUS OF PRESIDENT BUHARI.

Riverside, CA 6/28/17- A few weeks ago, I instructed my attorneys from Forthright Chambers and lawyers for Citizens Advocacy of Nigeria to file a lawsuit compelling the Nigerian Senate to constitute a medical panel to determine if President Buhari is capable of discharging his constitutional duties.

Several reports have indicated that the country is being controlled by a group of unelected bureaucrats whose motives may not align with the aspirations of most Nigerians.

Reports have also indicated that our elected President is in such a medical incapacitation that even his wife is not allowed to see him in his incapacitated state.

It is possible, that President Buhari is being held by his handlers against his will and Nigerians deserve to know his current status and his where about.

This Press release explains my rational for the lawsuit to all Nigerians and other well-wishers of Nigeria.

In 2014, I campaigned to elect then General Buhari to be elected President of Nigeria. Here's a link to the video I uploaded to YouTube as my support for his candidacy.  goo.gl/P2EExJ

A full copy of the law suit can be found on my blog at www.amazingtoyin.blogspot.com  (see below)

My admiration for President Buhari dates back to his first foray as head of state. In 1985, I expressed this admiration by contacting him through the Nigerian Embassy.

In my letter, to him and his administration, I outlined how he could make Nigeria a great nation economically by focusing on our strategic assets of both human and natural resources.

Unfortunately his administration was short lived.

Fast forward 2014. After three tries, he succeeded in becoming the head of state.

My support for him in the last election was based on my inclination that President Buhari can finally finish the job he started 30 years earlier.

Regardless of his current policy failures, I and millions of Nigerians are now convinced that the President, despite all his intentions, is incapable of discharging his duties. Therefore, he should resign or be forced to do so, by the Senate, or the executive council as prescribed in the Nigerian constitution.

The Nigerian electorate voted for Buhari as head of state.

Currently we have an acting President.

The problem with the current situation is that the acting president is not fully in charge of the country.

There is no proof that any elected official, including leaders of both houses of assembly have seen the President in the last several weeks.

There is no proof that even the vice President or any member of the cabinet of President Buhari has spoken to him in his current incapacitated state.

I love and respect President Buhari and I wish and pray fervently for God to give him strength to gain back his health.

But I love Nigerian more. I fear for my country, I fear for the future of millions of Nigerians both living and unborn.

Therefore, I cannot stand by and allow the current leadership vacuum that exists in out polity to continue.

There are several current agitations for the restructuring of Nigeria.

If Nigeria needs a strong leader, it is now. Unless a strong leader emerges that has the full authority of Nigerians, the country may descend into chaos.

Our elected leader is indisposed, due to no fault of his own.

Therefore, if we love our country, we must collectively urge our President to face his health issues and let Nigeria be led fully by a capable Vice President as prescribed by the constitution.

As it stands, the Vice President takes direction from the so called Cabal, who passes such instruction under the pretext that they come from the President.

No one can confirm the present condition of the President. As such, it is now incumbent on the elected members of the Nigerian Senate to stand up and be counted to save Nigeria in its hour of need.

I am also urging every Nigerian to impress upon their Senators to discharge their duty by constituting a medical panel as prescribed by the constitution to determine if President Buhari is capable of discharging his duty.

That is the basis of my lawsuit.

I love President Buhari and wish him speedy recovery, but I love Nigeria more.

May God bless all of us and bless Nigeria.

DIEGO COSTA DEPARTURE WOULD BE 'A VERY BIG LOSS FOR CHELSEA' – PEDRO

Chelsea forward pedro still hopes that fellow spain international diego costa will remain at the club.

Costa was chelsea's top scorer last season with 20 goals and he set up seven more in 35 league starts to help the blues win the premier league, but the 28-year-old announced earlier this month he would be leaving this summer after receiving a text message from coach antonio conte stating he was not counting on his services despite player having two years left on his contract.

Pedro, who has played with costa the past two campaigns in london, told cadena ser radio: "we will see what happens to diego but we don't know.

"he is obviously a very important player in attack for us. He has scored the majority of the goals for us this season.

"he is a player feared by defenders because he is fast. He scores with ease.

"diego gives you an added strength and more so in this league, because he is strong, he scores and he has good physical condition.

"if eventually it is confirmed that he will not continue with us, it will be a very big loss for us.

Costa reportedly had a training ground bust-up with conte in january and was linked with chinese super league club tianjin quanjian soon after. However, pedro says too much was made of the incident.

"i don't know what type of relationship they have but i think it's a good one," he said. "diego has played everything, he has achieved all the goals that the coach set him. In the changing room and on the pitch, we haven't seen anything strange between them."

Costa, who joined chelsea in the summer of 2014 from atletico madrid after the english club triggered his £32 million release clause, and has said he would welcome a

 Return but the liga side cannot register new players until january 2018 due to a fifa transfer ban.

Pedro knows chelsea, who did not play in european competition in the 2016-17 campaign, will need the best players to again contend for honours next season.

"we hope to have another great year," the former barcelona player said. "we know it's going to be a very demanding season, more complicated as we will be competing in the champions league.

"to compete in four competitions, including the champions league, which is a very prestigious and challenging competition, will be a stern test and so will it be to defend the league title.

"we are going to work very hard. This coach works all facets very well and i'm sure we will point to have a great campaign."

"it's early days but i hope as a player and friend that he can stay with us."

Pedro said chelsea's success was inspired by former juventus and italy coach conte, who took the helm before last season.

"In my second season at the club, there has been a radical change with respect to the team," he said. "We had a different mentality and I think this coach has worked very well with the players he has had.

"He has been able to create a group, build a strong and solid team, and in the end, we have reaped the rewards. We all worked for the same objective ...

"It's his tactical rigor. He gives us a lot of security and has given us order, which we didn't have. We all know our position on the pitch, where he wants us to defend or attack. We have worked on that during training every week in an almost obsessive way.

"His tactical work has given us the added strength. He has united the changing room so that we can all go together as one."