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Wayne Rooney: No issue with "greatest manager of all time" Sir Alex Ferguson

September 8, 2015, 10:54 am
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Alex Ferguson congratulates Wayne Rooney upon winning the Premier League title in May 2013.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has insisted that he has no personal issues with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, following the pair's high-profile falling-out in 2013.
The 29-year-old - who joined United from Everton in 2004 - was criticised by Ferguson during his final season at the club after the striker handed in a transfer request, but the England captain suggests that he has no problem with the manager who he believes to be the greatest "of all time".

Speaking at a press conference ahead of England's match against Switzerland, Rooney said: "I don't know if anyone knows how things ended. We had differences [of opinion]. That's normal. Ask Roy [Hodgson], he's had differences with other players. That's part of football.
"I'm not the only person who had differences with Sir Alex Ferguson, but I can still sit here and say he was the greatest manager of all time.
"I still see Sir Alex quite a bit at games and he travels away to European games with us. It's not that we don't like each other. We just had differences. That's normal."
Rooney was named Manchester United captain in 2014 by Louis van Gaal.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Nathan Redmond targets senior England place

September 8, 2015, 11:01 am
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Nathan Redmond of England celebrates scoring their second goal during the international friendly between England Under 21 and Germany Under 21 at Riverside Stadium on March 30, 2015 
Norwich City midfielder Nathan Redmond has admitted that he would like to earn a place in the senior England squad.
The winger has been part of the England Under-21s squad this week, helping them to victories in the friendly with the USA Under-23s and the European Championship qualifier against Norway.
Redmond, who has won 63 England youth caps at all levels, has said that he will do what it takes to be part of Roy Hodgson's senior side.

"We train no less than 100, 200 yards from each other so if you look over to the other pitch you get that desire to get on that pitch or in that squad one day," Redmond told the Eastern Daily Press.
"But if you're working hard back at your club and you're working hard here, I'm sure it won't go unnoticed."
Redmond has played 24 times for the Under-21s.
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Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat: 'Jack Rodwell needs to be more aggressive'

September 8, 2015, 11:09 am
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Jack Rodwell for Sunderland on January 1, 2015
Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat has called on Jack Rodwell to show "more aggression" on the pitch.
The 24-year-old's career at the Stadium of Light has been slightly stop-start due to various injuries.
This season, the former Everton and Manchester City midfielder has impressed Advocaat, but the Dutchman wants more.

"[Rodwell] can play much better aggression-wise, second ball-wise and interaction during the game," Advocaat told the Sunderland Echo.
"In principle, he is a player that can use his right and left foot, but the aggression is part of it too. If you can't do that in the top league, then you have no chance."
The Black Cats will face Tottenham Hotspur on home turf this Sunday.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Toby Alderweireld optimistic despite Tottenham Hotspur's winless start to season

September 8, 2015, 11:12 am
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Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on August 8, 2015
Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld is confident that he and his teammates will go on a successful run in the Premier League, despite being without a win four games into the season.
Mauricio Pochettino's side have recorded one defeat and three draws, scoring just three goals since the season kicked off in early August.
Alderweireld, who signed for Spurs from Atletico Madrid in the summer, has also insisted that he has not had second thoughts about his transfer following the team's slow start.

"In the last home game against Everton I think we played very well," FourFourTwo quotes Alderweireld as saying. "The only thing was that we couldn't score, but our game is improving.
"I think I've had a good start, and I'm feeling comfortable and confident. I'm very happy at Tottenham."
Spurs will face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk

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Martin O'Neill: 'England boss Roy Hodgson is putting pressure on Jack Grealish'

September 8, 2015, 11:16 am
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Jack Grealish in action for Aston Villa on May 9, 2015
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has accused England boss Roy Hodgson of putting "pressure" on Aston Villa youngster Jack Grealish to decide his international future.
The 19-year-old is eligible to play for both England and Ireland, but so far the teenager has been undecided on which route to take.
At the weekend, Hodgson publicly called for Grealish, who has played Under-17, U18 and U21 matches for Ireland, to make a choice.

According to The Guardian, when O'Neill was asked to comment on Hodgson's remarks about Grealish, the ex-Villa boss said: "That's encouraging, that's encouraging. Roy's not going to hang around. Well done Roy, putting the pressure on."
Reports have claimed that Grealish will make a final decision by the end of the month ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifiers in October.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Chelsea captain John Terry: 'I'd chuck myself under a bus for Jose Mourinho'

September 8, 2015, 11:18 am
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John Terry celebrates scoring for Chelsea on May 10, 2015
Chelsea captain John Terry has reportedly admitted that he would throw himself under a bus for manager Jose Mourinho.
The former England defender has had a difficult start to the season having been substituted by Mourinho in the Blues' 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last month.
The 34-year-old is now serving a suspension after getting sent off in Chelsea's 3-2 triumph over West Bromwich Albion on August 23.

Journalist and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan has revealed that he recently bumped into Terry and tried to convince the defender to move to the Emirates after Mourinho 'threw him under the bus'.
In an extract of the pair's conversation, which has been published by Guardian Football Weekly, Terry told Morgan: "I couldn't do that. I could never play for any Premier League club other than Chelsea.
"Jose's the best manager I've ever had. I'd chuck myself under a bus for him."
Chelsea are already eight points behind Premier League leaders Man City after recording one draw, one victory and two defeats.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Arsenal made summer bid for AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo?

September 8, 2015, 11:24 am
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Milan's Sulley Muntari celebrates with teammate Riccardo Montolivo after scoring his team's second goal against Roma during their Serie A match on December 16, 2013
Arsenal reportedly launched a bid for AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo during the summer transfer window.
Petr Cech's £11m move to the Emirates from Chelsea was the only piece of transfer business that the Gunners completed.
However, according to The Express, the North London outfit tried to lure Montolivo to the club, but Milan rejected their advances.

"There's a strange hostility toward Montolivo," the newspaper quotes Montolivo's agent Giovanni Branchini as saying. "There have been several teams asking about him, but neither us or Milan have taken any offers into consideration."
Montolivo made just 10 starts in Serie A last season.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Wayne Rooney: 'Raheem Sterling happier since moving to Manchester City'

September 8, 2015, 11:29 am
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Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates scoring in the International Champions Cup on July 21, 2015
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has claimed that his England teammate Raheem Sterling is "a lot more relaxed and settled" since leaving Liverpool for Manchester City.
The 20-year-old's £49m switch to the Etihad Stadium was one of the biggest transfers in the summer window.
Prior to his move, Sterling had a slump in form at Anfield and suffered racist abuse on social media.
Now though, the winger is beginning to find form having scored his first competitive goal for City in their 2-0 victory over Watford at the end of August.

"You can see he's settled," the Daily Star quotes Rooney as saying. "He's happy, I'm sure. He's got the move he wanted. He's started the season excellently - settled in really well at City.
"When you are going through what he did, trying to leave Liverpool, it can be quite difficult, but he's a lot more relaxed and settled, which is good for [England]."
Sterling could feature in tonight's Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Report: Manchester United enquire about Lazio midfielder Felipe Anderson

September 8, 2015, 11:33 am
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Lazio's midfielder from Brazil Felipe Anderson celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match AS Roma vs Lazio at the Olympic stadium on January 11, 2015 
Manchester United have reportedly contacted Lazio over a possible move for Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson in January.
The 22-year-old, who has scored 12 goals in 58 games for the Italian side, had been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer.
Italian news outlet TuttoMercatoWeb reports that United have enquired about the availability of the player.
Anderson has made one appearance for the Brazil national team.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Werder Bremen sign Claudio Pizarro

September 8, 2015, 11:40 am
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Bayern Munich's Peruian striker Claudio Pizarro celebrates after scoring during the German first division Bundesliga football match Eintracht Braunschweig vs FC Bayern Munich in Braunschweig, central Germany, on April 19, 2014
Werder Bremen have re-signed striker Claudio Pizarro on a free transfer.
The 36-year-old was a free agent after not being offered a new deal by Bayern Munich at the end of last season.
Pizarro first played for Bremen from 1999 to 2001 before having a second spell with the Bundesliga outfit between 2008 and 2013.
"I am pleased to be here again," he told the club's official website.
"It is a very challenging task. I hope I can use my experience as much as possible for the team."
Pizarro has agreed a deal until the end of the season.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Manchester United hopeful that Michael Carrick can compete against Liverpool?

September 8, 2015, 11:46 am
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Michael Carrick of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Hull City at Old Trafford on November 29, 2014
Manchester United are reportedly hopeful that Michael Carrick could be fit to play some part in the club's derby against Liverpool.
The experienced midfielder pulled out of England's international squad on Monday, but the Daily Mail suggests that United believe that Carrick has a chance of making the squad for Saturday evening's clash at Old Trafford.
It is thought that Carrick is at United's Carrington training ground today in order to receive treatment on an injury to his thigh.
The 34-year-old has played at least some part in all six of United's fixtures so far this season.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Gary Cahill: 'Wayne Rooney will go down as an England legend'

September 8, 2015, 11:48 am
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Wayne Rooney of England celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier between San Marino and England at Stadio Olimpico on September 5, 2015
England defender Gary Cahill has insisted that teammate Wayne Rooney will one day be considered as a legendary player for his country.
Rooney has the chance to become England's all-time leading scorer on Tuesday night against Switzerland, as a single goal would see the 29-year-old surpass Bobby Charlton's record of 49 international goals for the Three Lions.

"He's a top player. Sometimes you take people for granted when they've been around for so long, but he is still at a young age compared to what he has done in the game," said Cahill, according to the Football Association's official website.
"By the time he finishes his career, if you put down on a piece of paper all his achievements then I'm sure that will go down as legendary, not just for England but for his club, too."
Rooney has made 106 appearances for his country in a career that has so far stretched 12 years.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Barcelona consider move for Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez?

September 8, 2015, 11:52 am
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Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on August 22, 2015
Barcelona are reportedly lining up a move for Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez.
The 24-year-old has made a strong start to the new Premier League season, scoring four goals in as many appearances.
The Algeria international signed a new four-year deal with the Foxes last month which will keep him at the King Power Stadium until 2019.

Barcelona are said to have drawn up a list of replacements for Pedro, who was sold to Chelsea before the closure of the transfer window.
According to the Daily Mail, the Catalan side have been alerted by Mahrez's form and will watch his performances over the coming weeks.
Mahrez moved to Leicester from Le Havre in January 2014 for £350,000.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Sergio Romero: 'Louis van Gaal trusts me'

September 8, 2015, 12:00 pm
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Sergio Romero of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero has suggested that he has the backing of manager Louis van Gaal as he bids to be the club's first choice between the sticks.
The Argentina international has started the season as number one, with David de Gea expected to join Real Madrid, but the Spaniard could now be back in contention after the deal fell through.
Romero came under fire after United's defeat at Swansea City last week, but he is confident that he still has the support of Van Gaal.

"Playing for United is a dream and if God helps me this dream will never end," Romero told La Nacion. "As I have been saying, I have to thank Van Gaal for trusting me.
"But let me tell you, I don't think that the goalkeeper spot in United is already mine. I do know that I have a huge support from Van Gaal and his staff. Although I had not done a pre-season, I started playing for the biggest club in the world. It's important for a goalkeeper to have this support.
"That is because there is no rotation between goalkeepers - a goalkeeper starts or he is benched. They are the only two choices - there is not a third one. And Van Gaal has given me his trust."
Romero, who worked with Van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar, joined United from Sampdoria earlier this summer.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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EU’s Aid Policy Toxic To Africa’s Stability-German Varsity Students

September 9, 2015, 7:15 am
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IbeBy Kelvin Ekeh, Lagos

Students of Hohenheim Universitat, Germany have described European Union (EU) policy on aids for countries in the South as toxin for conflicts by referring to them as Third World.
According to them, politics and vested-interest were ruining the successful implementation of well-intended European Commission (EC) development policy in the South.

The group led by Nigerian student, Innocent Ibe, who is pursuing a Masters degree in Environment Modelling and Food Engineering at Hohenheim University, pointed out that EU’s policies for countries of the South have moved from one that espouses the true meaning of aid backed by sound initiatives to one of aggression.

In their presentation at the preliminaries of the 2015 Good Governance Debate Series (GGDS 2015) , held this week at  Hohenhiem universitat, Stuttgart, Germany, the group stated that, from 1984 to 1993, only 17 per cent of the total official aid given by the EU member states got to the South.

They also pointed out that, the EU, in its own assessment of development policy for the South from its inception, admitted that it had failed to achieve the desired aim, hence the attempt in  April 2000 to fix what it identified as ‘problem of  lack of clear policy objectives’ with the adoption of a ‘Statement on Development Policy’ by the Council, which was complemented with a detailed administrative reform proposals.

According to the lead presenter, Ibe, political and ethnic divides and vested  interests, which have become so pronounced among governments in Africa and other countries of the South is a consequence of the commercial-interest and self-serving policy of the EU development policy for them.  He said this supports the ‘Moderate Opposition’ against an unfavoured government, resulting most times in conflicts aimed at forceful and sometimes regime changes, as was the case in Iraq and Libya in that last decade.

He said: “The European Union development policy is only creating more problems instead of solving the conflicts by labelling the South third world,” Ibe stated in his presentation on Monday, the first day of the 2015 challenge series.

 

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Rape: UNILAG Lecturer Fails To Appear In Court

September 9, 2015, 7:31 am
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Part-time lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) who was accused of raping an 18-year-old girl was absent in court, Wednesday, as hearing continued into the alleged sexual assault.

Afeez Baruwa, 42, a lecturer in the Department of Accounting?, allegedly raped the teenager in July, as she sought help to get admitted into the university.

?After his arraignment in August, Mr. Baruwa was remanded at the Kirikiri prison pending his meeting of a N250, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

?At the Ogba magistrate court on Wednesday, Terry Adeniji, the defence counsel, said the lecturer was “critically ill” in prison.

But Ibukun Ibikunle, a lawyer holding a “watching brief” for the girl’s family, said? the accused refused to attend the day’s court hearing.

“I don’t understand what the defence counsel is saying,” said Mrs. Ibikunle, who works with the Office of the Public Defender.

“I contacted the Head of Prison and he said that when they were calling the names of those to come to court today, Baruwa didn’t show up, and he was left behind.”

?The magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, adjourned the matter till September 21 for the DPP’s legal advice.

The police charged Mr. Baruwa with a one count of rape.

According to the charge: “That you, Baruwa Afeez, of Block 73, Flat 2, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, on July 23, 2015, at about 09:25 hours, at the Faculty of Business Administration Annex building, Room 8, University of Lagos, in the Ikeja Magisterial District, did unlawfully rape one (name withheld), aged 18 years, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 258 of the Criminal Law of Justice, Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.”

 

Source: Premium Times

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Crime: Police, Aba Landlords To Partner

September 9, 2015, 7:49 am
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By Emeka Okafor, Aba

 

Abia State Police Command has disclosed its willingness to partner

with Aba landlords in providing useful information on the activities

of their tenants as a way to reduce

crime in the commercial nerve

centre of the state.

State Commissioner of Police, Habilla Joshak, stated this while

addressing members of Aba Landlords, Protections and Development

Association (ALPADA) at Aba Sports Club, Aba.

The commissioner, who was represented by his deputy, DCP Anthony

Ogboji, said that since the criminals live among the people and the

people know them, if the people who know them cover them, the police

will not be able to give the required security to the people.

He said that the emphasis today is on community policing, in which

all stakeholders in security of the place are expected to watch their

neighbour and their neighbour will watch them .

“If you are watching each other and somebody is doing something

against the law, it is your civic responsibility to inform the law

enforcement agents to correct that anomaly so that we will sleep with our two eyes closed.We all want to create enabling environment for

you to sleep with your two eyes closed while we

ensure that peace that has been created is maintained”, the commissioner

said.

The association’s Ppresident-General, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, said that the inauguration of the outfit

marks a new stage in the affairs and expectations of Aba residence,

particularly, the Landlords.

“I am convinced that going by the caliber of members of this

association, who today have been officially presented to the people,

the property owners in Aba and its environs can find a new model of

purposeful leadership and accountability”.

He said that the aims and objectives of the association is to create

a forum that will be rallying point for all the Land Lords in Aba and

its environs, irrespective of tribe, race, ethnicity sex or any other

differences.

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Queen Elizabeth Opens New Scottish Borders With Ride In Historic Locomotive

September 9, 2015, 8:01 am
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  • Becomes UK’s Longest Serving Monarch

By Kelvin Ekeh (with agency reports)

The Queen of England, Elizabeth the II officially opened the new Scottish borders with a in the Union of South Africa, an LNER Class A4 steam locomotive built in 1937 in Doncaster, UK.

The train, which was once renamed Osprey in consonance with political situation at the time, is one of six surviving A4s designed by one of Britain’s most famous steam locomotive engineers, Sir Herbert Nigel Gresley, that is currently operational and mainline certified.

Union of South Africa, which the locomotive train was named after, is the historic predecessor to the present-day Republic of South Africa, which came into being on May 31 1910 with the unification of four previously separate British colonies including Cape Colony, Natal Colony, Transvaal Colony and Orange River Colony.

The Queen, who goes by the maiden name, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, was designated the longest serving UK Monarch after spending 64 years on the throne, used the opportunity to thank her well-wishers at home and overseas for sending “touching messages of kindness.”

Speaking in the Scottish Borders, the 89-year-old monarch said, “The title was not one to which I have ever aspired.”

Meanwhile, by about 17:30 BST, the Queen would have reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours and approximately 30 minutes – 63 years and seven months.

 

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Igbo Deserve Marginalisation By Buhari, Says MASSOB

September 9, 2015, 8:04 am
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By Chukwujekwu Ilozue, Awka

 

A faction of Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has decried the hue and cry of Igbo leaders over alleged marginalization in appointment into sensitive positions by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that Igbo are being paid in their own coin for not voting for the president.

In a statement by the factional National Director of Information of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu, the group said “though President Buhari has a personal dislike and animosity against Biafrans, Ndi-Igbo are the architect of their political humiliation in President Buhari’s administration because of their individual selfishness, personal ego and lust for money”.

“President Buhari is very, very right in relegating Ndi-Igbo to their current political status in Nigeria governance. Some Igbo political, Traditional, Religious, Markets and Youth leaders blindly bagged their egg of political and economic future in Nigeria in a fragile, demoralized and unsteady leader called Jonathan Goodluck, who glaringly crashed heavily with the Igbo political and economic eggs”.

Madu said “President Buhari is just paying Ndi-Igbo back in their own coin as they did not vote for him or his APC”, and wondered why leaders of Ohaneze Nd’Igbo, Igbo leaders, political leader and religious leaders and other social groups should be outspoken about Igbo marginalization.

“These selfish Igbo men are the real enemies of Ndi-Igbo not President Buhari.

These Igbomen openly and shamefully campaigned for Goodluck Jonathan who politically deceived Ndi-Igbo even Chief Ralph Uwazuruike (Factional MASSOB leader) and self- acclaimed agitator/liberator of Biafra shamefully and openly campaigned for Goodluck Jonathan to continue in office as Nigerian President till 2019, while impoverished MASSOB members and Ndi-Igbo earnestly want Biafra before 2015 as Nigeria Amalgamation expired in 2014”.

“Partisan politics has diminished Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo”, he added.

Madu said the silence of these selfish Igbo political leaders since President Buhari’s administration “is an open acceptance of political defeat and self- condemnation associated with political inferiority complex.

He predicted that Igbo political, traditional, religious and economic leaders will continue to blindly wallow in Nigeria’s political wilderness until they rediscover the courage of late Biafran leader, Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu as enshrined in the Spirit of Biafran consciousness, that is, “the unrelenting and undeterred Spirit of no surrender no retreat”.

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Dickson’s Declaration For Second Tenure Gulped N1.5b –Group

September 9, 2015, 8:14 am
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By Igoniko Oduma, Yenagoa

 

The Bayelsa Surveillance Group (BSG), a body of stakeholders, has accused the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, of using public funds to organise his Tuesday’s declaration for second tenure in office in the December 5, 2015 state governorship election.

The BSG made the allegation in a statement signed by the Chairman, Kemekiye Oliver, and the Secretary, Peter Izontari James, and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

It alleged in the statement that “Dickson spent a whopping N1.5 billion of Bayelsa State funds for his declaration for a second term as governor”.

The group posited that the Dickson administration could have used the colossal sum of money to complete some of the abandoned projects it had undertaken in the past three and half years.

“We have it on good authority that the said amount was used to enable Dickson’s foot soldiers rent crowed from all nook and cranny of the state to attend the declaration.

“The aim was to create a facade of popular support by the grassroots for Dickson.

“Some of the abandoned projects are fast constituting an eyesore and dent on the Bayelsa skyline.

“Furthermore, this wrongful and unproductive deployment of scarce resources by Dickson clearly negates his avowed commitment to bring badly-needed infrastructural development to Bayelsa.

“Spending that huge sum of money for a failed governor’s declaration for second tenure is quite appalling and needs to be probed by anti-graft agencies”, it stated.

The BSG also disapproved of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s public endorsement of Dickson’s second-term bid rather than playing the role of elder statesman in the election process.

It maintained that Jonathan’s public endorsement of the governor amounted to imposing him on Bayelsans, stressing that the former President was repeating what he did in the run-up to the 2012 governorship election.

When contacted, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Esueme Dan-Kikile, dismissed the allegation as “false in its entirety and a figment of the imagination of the group and their sponsors”.

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