VAR Controversy: Mourinho Furious, Says Referees Are Now In The Office, Not On The Pitch Anymore

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July 3, 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

Tottenham Hotspurs Football Club of England Coach, Jose Mourinho, is an angry man.

His anger is not because his team lost 3-1 to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, but the controversy the Video Assistant Referee, VAR, created, which led to his team’s loss.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager questioned the point in having referees on the pitch, saying VAR was bad for the game.

His comments came after his side became a victim of a controversially disallowed equaliser in a 3-1 defeat at Sheffield United in the 2019/2020 English Premier League (EPL).

Harry Kane thought he had levelled for Spurs; almost, immediately after Sander Berge gave the hosts the lead in their EPL clash at Bramall Lane.

But VAR officials at their bunker in Stockley Park ruled that Lucas Moura had used his arm in the build-up.

This was in spite of the Brazilian being shoved over and then having the ball booted against him while sliding headlong on the turf.

Soccer pundit and former Liverpool Football Player, Jamie Redknapp, described the decision as one of the worst he had seen and called for common sense.

Mourinho looked furious at the time but the Portuguese coach refused to turn his ire on referee Chris Kavanagh.

“I think the referee should always be the man on the pitch and the man in the office should support and assist,” Mourinho said of the incident. “But that’s not the way that it is.

“Especially a referee who’s not very good on the pitch, we can’t expect him to be very good in the office. `

“We’re going into a direction that is very bad for a game which was the game that everyone fell in love with.

“Normally I am an emotional guy on the bench. But, in this moment, I never complain with the man with the whistle because he’s not the referee anymore.

“I used to go to the fourth (official). But the man on the pitch is the assistant referee and today the man and the lady with the flag, (who) used to be the assistant referees, are now assistant’s assistant. The ref. is in the office.”

Sheffield United’s manager, Chris Wilder, has been a critic of VAR and felt wronged when his side had a goal ruled out in their 1-1 draw at Tottenham in November.

He felt Mourinho’s angst.

“I’ve got a back catalogue of decisions that have gone against us. We’re the unofficial champs of Europe with decisions against us,” he said. “I think it’s a nonsense rule.

“I totally understand the frustration of their (Tottenham’s) manager and players. We’ve had the rub of the green tonight on that one, well overdue. But we’ll take it.”

Mourinho, whose side slipped to ninth, nine points adrift of the top four, questioned his side’s reaction to the decision to chalk off Kane’s goal.

“We have to do better, we have to be mentally stronger to cope with what happened during the game,” he said.

“It was a kick in the teeth but with 50 minutes to go, we have to be stronger. I don’t think we were strong enough mentally.”

2023: Osinbajo Receives Boost, Threatens Tinubu’s Presidential Bid

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Bayo Bernard

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July 3, 2020

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By Tosin Olatokunbo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo may be heading for a collision with his mentor and leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the 2023 presidential election.

Osinbajo was nominated by Tinubu to be President Muhamadu Buhari’s running mate in 2015.

Tinubu has signified interest in succeeding the incumbent, President Muhammadu, whom he helped to power, when the latter bows out of office in three years.

Other aspirants who are also determined to become the nation’s number one citizen are Governors Nasir el-Rufai, Kayode Fayemi, Dave Umahi and Pastor Tunde Bakare, a popular cleric who ran a joint ticket with President Buhari in 2011, and has vowed to occupy the highest office by the time the incumbent leaves office.

But lately, Professor Osinbajo has also been rumoured to be interested in the top job.

The vice president has not openly thrown his hat in the ring, but those close to him said he’s under pressure from his close associates to contest for president.

Apart from his aides who believe that the former Lagos Commissioner for Justice has what it takes to lead the country, some groups have started putting pressure on Osinbajo to enter the presidential race.

Yesterday in Abuja, a group Good News Nigeria said the vice president is the only eligible candidate to take over from President Buhari.

The advocacy book, has asked Osinbajo to run a joint ticket with Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum, adding that the duo will get a massive support from Nigerians.

According to Dauda Mbaya, the group’s national coordinator Nigeria would emerge as the next developed country in the world if Osinbajo and Zulum are allowed to rule the country in 2023.

In case Osinbajo decides to run, the political group under the leadership of Asiwaju Tinubu, political watchers say, could explode ahead the 2023 presidential election.

The King of Bourdillon, as the former Lagos governor is popular, some recent reports suggest, has been having a crisis of confidence with some members of the group.

“Muiz Banire has left the group, Fashola has not been very close to Asiwaju recently, including Rauf Aregbesola who’s now fighting Tinubu, because the former Osun governor believes, he, as a leader did not intervene in the plan by his successor, Governor Gboyega Oyetola, to rubbish him,” a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Lagos told the magazine.

Governor Oyetola is Tinubu’s Cousin.

The APC chieftain, however told the magazine that Osinbajo “will support Tinubu when it’s time because he will not want to bite the hands that fed him.” He may be right.

Meanwhile, the APC Caretaker Committee set up by President Buhari last week, was at the Bourdillon, Lagos home of Tinubu on Thursday to consult with him, on the way forward for the party following the leadership crisis that led to the ouster of Adams Adams Oshiomhole as the chairman.

FAAN Releases New Guidelines For POST-COVID-19 Air Travels

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The Source

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July 3, 2020

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Following the approval that flight operations recommence gradually at the nation’s airports effective July 8, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has released new procedural guidelines for air travelers and other airport users.

The new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is aimed at protecting all stakeholders and preventing further spread of theCovid-19 virus.

A release signed by the General Manager Corporate Affairs,FAAN, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, says that in the “New Normal”, departing passengers must comply with the following guidelines; All passengers MUST arrive the airport properly kitted with their FACE MASKS ON, They MUST also ensure a minimum of one point five meters (1.5m) PHYSICAL DISTANCING, Aviation Medical/Port Health personnel would screen each passenger and ensure the use of FACE MASKS, those travelling with pets MUST get necessary clearance from Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services, All passengers’ luggage WOULD be DISINFECTED before entry into the departure halls, Passengers are required to WASH their HANDS as often as possible, HAND SANITIZER would be provided for passengers before entrance, at the waiting halls/lounges and pre boarding gates, All footwear would be DISINFECTED/SANITIZED by FOOT MATS placed at all entrances to the terminal building, amongst others.

For arriving passengers, the following guidelines MUST be adhered to; On disembarkation from the aircraft, passengers would observe PHYSICAL DISTANCING as they board the Co-Buses (Hand Sanitizer would be provided in the buses), PHYSICAL DISTANCING protocols MUST be observed at the BAGGAGE claim area, where HAND SANITIZER is also provided, DISINFECTED trolleys would be made available for passengers, All Covid-19 protocols MUST be observed while undergoing CUSTOMS check, Passengers would exit the halls and head straight to the car park for pick up, If you MUST speak to anyone around, please speak to a properly tagged Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer, PHYSICAL DISTANCING would be maintained while waiting to be screened by personnel of PORT HEALTH SERVICES, amongst others.

In addition to the above guidelines, passengers are required to observe SOCIAL DISTANCING and make use of the FLOOR MARKINGS at the security screening area. They must also comply with all other security guidelines as laid down by officials of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) department.

We urge all our passengers and other stakeholders to respect and observe these necessary protocols, put in place for our protection.

Our success in achieving healthy and safe air travels is highly dependent on your cooperation in this regard.

Ondo Health Commissioner’s Death: Government Declares Work Free Day

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The Source

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July 3, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni, Akure

Ondo state government has expressed its sadness on the death of the commissioner for health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, describing it as very unfortunate.

A statement by the commissioner for information, Mr Donald Ojogo, on Thursday evening, noted that Dr Adegbenro, a General in his chosen profession, died while healing others.

His passage, which was as a result of Covid 19 infection, was announced Thursday afternoon.

“Until his death, Adegbenro, a two-time Health Commissioner in the State, equally doubled as Chairman, Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee Against COVID-19.

“Dr Adegbenro wavs in the forefront of the State’s battles against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did he signpost commitment and diligence; he, indeed, was immeasurable in his inspiration clearly defining himself as an embodiment of selflessness, hardwork and inexorable professionalism.

“This is one death too heavy to bear. The excruciating pains the timing has unsparingly, wrought on us in Ondo State are no less potent. To say the least, Dr Adegbenro was our General, and died healing others. Having served humanity with the attendant kindness, he played his part honourably.

“The least we can do for this Medical Hero is to plant a seed of honour for him. Accordingly, the Ondo State Government has directed that all flags in the State must fly at half mast for seven days days from today Thursday, 2nd of July, 2020.

“Similarly, the Ondo State Government has declared Friday 3rd July a work free day to honour his memory as the family commits his body to mother earth,” the statement added.

Crisis Rocks Lagos NUJ

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Bayo Bernard

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July 3, 2020

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By Fola James

The Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos Council is in deep crisis following the decision of seven members of the council to pass a vote of no confidence on Dr Qasim Akinreti, the chapter’s chairman.

At a virtual meeting held on Thursday, seven members of the council, including its secretary Alfred Odifa Adebayo, condemned what they described as Akinreti’s high handedness in running the affairs of the council.

The aggrieved members in a letter addressed to the NUJ secretariat in Abuja said, we want to “formally notify you that the Executive Council members of the NUJ, Lagos State Council, today at a virtual WhatsApp meeting, passed a ‘Vote of No Confidence’ on the Chairman of the Council, Dr Qasim Akinreti.The Vote of No Confidence was carried on the basis of seven (7) in favour to (2) against.

The letter was signed by Adebayo.

The allegations against Dr Akinreti include high handedness, lack of trust and total disregard for exco members and decisions.

They also accused him of divisive leadership, financial recklessness and abuse of office among others.

“It is unfortunate that we had to arrive at the Vote of No Confidence due to these serious constitutional infractions committed by Dr Akinreti and his refusal to tow the path of peace facilitated by well meaning stakeholders.

By taking this decision, we are greatly constrained to act in the interest of the foremost Council in Nigeria and save it from impending implosion,” the council members said in the letter.

Dr Akinremi took over from Deji Eluyomi who’s now under investigation for allege fraud and financial recklessness.

Cybercrime: UAE Police Extradites Alleged Fraudsters, Hushpuppi, Woodberry To US

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The Source

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July 3, 2020

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Ramoni Igbalode, popularly known Hushpuppi

By Akinwale Kasali

The end is not yet heard of Nigerian Instagram Celebrity and Cybercrime alleged fraudster, Ramoni Igbalode, popularly known as Hushpuppi

Last week, Hushpuppi was arrested by Dubai Police authorities in United Arab Emirates for alleged fraudulent Cybercrime activities.

He has now been handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the US, Dubai Police said on Thursday, with Gulf News Dubai disseminating the information to the world.

According to a statement, Christopher Wray, Director of FBI, praised the role of Dubai Police in arresting Hushpuppi and Olalekan Jacob Ponle aka Woodbery and handing them over to the US.

“Director of FBI expressed his thanks for the exceptional efforts (of Dubai Police) in fighting organized cyber crimes and arresting Hushpuppi and Woodbery,” Dubai Police said in the statement.

According to Dubai Police, Hushpuppi and Woodberry engaged in series of crimes that bothers on money-laundering, fraud, hacking of websites and accounts, impersonation, banking fraud etc.

Hushpuppi and Woodberry were arrested along with 10 other suspects on allegations of fraud, involving huge money.

Hushpuppi often posted pictures on Instagram with his luxury cars and private jet.

Last month, Dubai Police said that the operation called “Fox Hunt 2”, revealed a hidden online fraud network that was committing crimes outside the UAE, including money-laundering, cyber fraud, hacking, criminal impersonating, scamming individuals, banking fraud and identity theft.

Police said the raid resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents pertaining to a well-planned international fraud worth Dh1.6 billion.

According to Dubai Police, the gang used to hack corporate emails and send fake emails to corporate customers to change money transfers to the gang’s personal banking accounts.

“They were designing and mimicking company and bank websites to steal credit card data and illegally obtain victims’ money before laundering the cash,” said Brigadier Jamal Al Jallaf Director of Criminal Investigation Department at Dubai Police.

During the arrest, police found a huge amount of data on individuals, companies, bank accounts, credit cards as well as documents of money laundering, online fraud, and hacking accounts of victims outside the UAE.

“The forged documents pertained to online fraud outside the country. The fraud was worth more than Dh1.6 billion. We seized more than Dh150 million in cash from them and confiscated 13 luxury cars worth Dh25 million,” Brig Al Jallaf said.

Police confiscated 21 computers, 47 smartphones, 15 memory cards, five hard disks containing 119,580 fraud files as well as addresses of nearly two million victims.

It was discovered that Hushpuppi and his gang, allegedly, defrauded over 1.6 million people, and made over N160 Billion.

Imo: Raped Hawker Delivers Triplets – All Boys; Owes Hospital N300k

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The Source

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July 2, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

It was sadness and joy in Ubomiri, near Owerri, the state capital, when a 20-year old delivered triplets, in two hospitals. The babies were all boys.

The banana/groundnut hawker, Nkechi Ezenwa, was raped as she hawked her wares. When she noticed she was pregnant, she opted to keep the pregnancy, as she had no choice, even if she wanted to terminate the pregnancy to avoid the stigma of rape, and putting to bed babies who are products of rape.

Aided by one of her Church members, Ugochi Uba, she was initially taken to, and admitted on June 14, at a Health Centre within the community where she delivered one of the babies, but could not continue with the delivery of the other two.

She was then moved to Prevailed Care Hospital in Owerri, where a caesarian section was performed on her.

She said her bill was in the neighbourhood of N300,000.00, and still counting, and therefore, asked for help to keep her babies alive.

She also thanked the doctor in charge of the hospital, Dr Christy Okoro, for taking care of them, not minding the mounting bills.

According to her, the doctor said she needs more blood. Already, six cylinders of oxygen have been expended on the babies to keep them alive.

Dr Okoro, reportedly, said the babies are in good condition.

PDP Dissolves South West Zonal Caretaker Committee

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The Source

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July 2, 2020

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To stem a brewing crisis, and strengthen the party, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has dissolved the South West Zonal Caretaker Committee of the party.

It immediately announced a new Caretaker Committee.

A statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Kola Ologbondiya, said that the action of the NWC is pursuant to Sections 29 (2)(b) and 31(2)(e) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

The newly constituted South West Zonal Caretaker Committee has Dayo Ogungbenro as Chairman, and Hon. Daisi Akinniran as Secretary.

Other members of the Committee are Chief Taiwo Abayomi Kuye, Chief Adeola Ogunrinde, Mrs. Oyebola Fadeyi Awolowo, Prince Nekan Olagbegi, Mrs. Funmi Oguns and Hon. Owokoniran Olabisi Wahab.

The new Caretaker Committee is to pilot the affairs of the party in the South West Zone for a period not exceeding three months (90) days as prescribed by section 32(2)(e) of the PDP Constitution pending the conduct of elective zonal congress.

The NWC enjoins all leaders and members of our great party in the South West zone to continue to work together in harmony especially as the party join forces with the people of Ondo state for a successful governorship election in September.

Edo 2020: Sad, As Obaseki’s Governor Colleagues Lead Campaign Against Him; Odigie-Oyegun Included

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The Source

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July 2, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was a surprise member of the 49-man Team named by the Party to lead the Governorship campaign in Edo State, against Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The team which has Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, and Imo’s Governor Hope Uzodinma as Chairman and Deputy, respectively, also parades Lagos State’s Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu and other Governors as members.

Recently sacked APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, also made the list.

This magazine gathered that Odigie-Oyegun may either publicly turn down the offer, or completely ignore it. He is a staunch supporter of Governor Godwin Obaseki, and openly disagreed with the party and Oshiomhole on the humiliation of Obaseki, which climaxed in denying him a second term ticket. Oyegun may not have been consulted before his name was put on the list.

However, it is not known if Oshiomhole will actively take part in the campaign, but he worked hard to see to the disqualification of Obaseki, and the nomination of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the candidate.

The constitution of the team comes less than three months to the September 19, 2020, Governorship election.

A 49-member high-level National Campaign Council for the September 19 Edo State Governorship Election has been selected by the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the APC.

Governor Obaseki will watch, perhaps, in shock, as four of his brother Governor- colleagues in his former party, will run him down while campaigning for Ize-Iyamu, their former political foe.

The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yekini Nabena in a statement in Abuja on Thursday said the appointment of the council followed the approval of the National Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni.

The Full List of Members are as follow:

H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje – Chairman
H.E. (Sen.) Hope Uzodinma – Deputy Chairman
Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege – Member
H.E. Inuwa Yahaya – Member
H.E. Alh. Yahaya Bello – Member

6.H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Member

7.H.E. (Chief) John Odigie-Oyegun – Member

H.E. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole – Member
Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko – Member
H.E. Sen. Godswill Akpabio – Member
H.E. Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu – Member
H.E. Sen. Owelle Roachas Okorocha – Member
H.E. Timipre Sylva – Member
H.E. Dr. Pius Odubu – Member
Sen. Degi Eremiemyo Biobaraku – Member
H.E. Prof. Oserheimen A. Osunbor – Member
H.E. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan -Member
Sen. John Owan Enoh – Member
Rt. Hon. E.J. Agbonayiman – Member
Engr. Babachir Lawal – Member
Prince B.B. Apugo – Member
Gen. Charles Airhiavbere – Member
Hon. Peter Akpatason – Member
Hon. Patrick Alsowleren – Member
Hon. Johnson Oghuma – Member
Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Member
Hon. Pally Iriase – Member
Hon. Dennis Idahosa – Member
Mrs. Rachel Akpabio – Member
Mr. Bolaji Afeez – Member
Engr. Gabriel Iduseri – Member
Chief Cairo Ojougboh – Member
Patrick Obahiagbon – Member
Chief Ayiri Emami – Member
Hon. Abubakar Adagu Suberu – Member
Usman Nahuche – Member
Engr. Chidi Orji – Member
Dr. Almajiri Giadam – Member
Sen. Sa’idu Umar Kumo – Member
Chief Pius Akinyelure – Member
Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi – Member
Chief Solomon Edebiri – Member
Prof. Ebegue Amadasun – Member
Hon. Saturday Uwulekue – Member
Hon. Osaro Obaze – Member
Chief Samuel Ogbuku – Member
Miss. Rinsola Abiola – Member
Theresa Tekenel – Member
Hon. Abbas Braimoh – Member/Secretary

Breaking: NSITF MD, Four Directors Suspended Over Corruption Allegations

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Uche Mbah

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July 2, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

Presidency has approved the suspension of the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Adebayo Somefun. The suspension, which takes effect immediately, was based on indictment over financial impropriety.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Labor, Somefun and four other directors are under indefinite suspension because a preliminary investigation has indicted them.

Details later…