BIAFRA NEWS : Simon Ekpa not fighting for Biafra – Uwazuruike

 

 

Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra/Biafra  Independence Movement (MASSOB/BIM) has said the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra in exile, Finland-based Simon Ekpa is not fighting for Biafra, but out to truncate the actualisation of the struggle.

 Founder of the Movement, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike stated this in Aba at the weekend during the 25th anniversary of the pro-Biafra group.

 Uwazuruike, represented by the Biafran Prime Minister, Ezinne Uwaezuoke Precious David, said Ekpa who claims to be the Prime Minister of Biafra in exile, cannot so be when he is preaching violence and not in touch with the situation at home.

 He insisted that the independence of Biafra can only be achieved through non violence approach which MASSOB/BIM has been advocating since 1999.

 “Simon Ekpa said he’s prime minister of Bịafra in exile. That’s his own way of seeing things. However, we believe that one must start from home to be good before going out there in the Diaspora.

 “Whatever you’re doing outside remains an outside thing until you’re back at home. When you stay at home to do whatever you’re doing or saying, people will know you’re serious and you have a stake in the nation you’re trying to build. He’s on his own in exile, but I’m out home just as UNPO approved.”

 “The young man is not fighting for the independence of Biafra; he is only causing confusion in the 

land. On the proliferation of pro Biafra groups, Uwazuruike assured that the groups would soon come together because the independence of Biafra was at hand. 

Precious David said she became the Prime Minister of Bịafra this year and was recognition by the UNPO, adding that if her election was not recognised by the UNPO, it’ll not have been successful. 

She used the occasion to reiterate the group’s insistence on non violence approach to the struggle, urging those who have taken to violence, to retrieve their steps.

BIAFRA NEWS ; Opposition federal lawmakers call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

 

Members of the Minority Caucus drawn across various political parties in the House of Representatives on Monday adopted a motion seeking for the immediate release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The motion was sponsored by the member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha which was adopted by the Minority Caucus, during the Dinner to commemorate the end of the first legislative year of the 10th Assembly.

Hon Aguocha who made an impassioned appeal to the Minority Caucus, urged his Colleagues to take a definitive position on the ongoing discourse surrounding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and to explore a political solution to this pressing issue.

He observed that the Minority Caucus consists of all members from the following political parties: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – 115 seats;
Labour Party (LP) – 35 seats; New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – 19 seats; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – 5 seats; Social Democratic Party (SDP) – 2 seats; Young Progressives Party (YPP) – 2 seats, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) – 2 seats, respectively.

In his lead debate, Hon. Aguocha emphasized the importance of a united stance within the Minority Caucus, highlighting that the resolution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case is crucial for national peace, stability, and unity.

He called for immediate and strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders to advocate for a peaceful and political resolution to the matter, which has significant implications for the socio-political landscape of Nigeria.

     

                               

Hon. Aguocha underscored the potential benefits of addressing the situation through dialogue and reconciliation rather than a prolonged abuse of legal processes and confrontation.

The lawmaker expressed optimism that a political solution could pave the way for enhanced national integration and the restoration of trust among various communities.

“Today, the opposition parties have taken a decisive stand on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the planned protest, insecurity, the dilapidated infrastructure, and the economy.”

The adoption of the position on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the influential Caucus comes off the heels of his recent visits to the former President Muhammadu Buhari, successful mobilisation of 50 of his Colleagues across all parties and also the South-East Caucus of the National Assembly.

It will be recalled that the South-East Governors Forum also joined in the call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.Hon. Aguocha’s call to action by his colleagues serves as a reminder of the critical role that legislative bodies play in fostering peace and stability in the nation.

He remains committed to championing initiatives that promote justice, equity, and harmonious co-existence across Nigeria.

BIAFRA NEWS : Nigeria Jailed Nnamdi Kanu, Mere Agitator, While Confirmed Terrorist Turji Walks Free, Lawyer Accuses Buhari Government Of Selective Justice

 

A human rights lawyer and activist, Barrister Malcolm Omirhobo, has berated President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over the detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Omirhobo accused the government of engaging in selective justice, discrimination, suppression, repression, oppression and subjugation by detaining Kanu, a Biafra Nation agitator while the same government has allowed a confirmed terrorist leader, Bello Turji to live and operate freely in the country.

In a tweet with photos of Turji and Kanu placed side by side, Omirhobo said, “While Bello Turji, a confirmed Terrorist is working free, Nnamdi Kanu, a mere agitator is behind bars in chains.

“This is the height of selective justice, discrimination, suppression, repression, oppression and subjugation.”

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 after he was re-arrested in Kenya and returned to Nigeria for the continuation of his trial for treasonable felony and terrorism.

 

Meanwhile, Turji, a terrorist leader who has been declared wanted by Nigerian security agencies, has been operating in Zamfara State and its adjoining states and even attending functions.

Meanwhile, despite the ruling of a three-man panel of judges of the Appeal Court which discharged the IPOB leader, Kanu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has insisted that Kanu would remain in detention.

 So long as Ibos are excluded, the rest of southern Nigeria is not bothered.

 That's how and why the foolani seized Nigeria since 1970 and all policies are designed to "punish" the Ibos. Buhari came in 2015 to institutionalize this policy of outright exclusion and annihilation. It seems a bit belated to begin to cry about what buhari has been doing in the past seven and a half years unchallenged. 

That's why we regret the demise of someone like Gani. Wole Soyinka is aged and has lost his human rights verve to demand from the system a sense of equity and fairness. Let southerners search their minds and hearts why they turned their attention away from buhari's nepotism and bigotry. 

Why worry now that that the terrorist has less than six months to go. We are our own enemies. The consequences of our actions or inaction today await us in the now and the future.

weight loss diet, 12 tips to help you lose weight

 

12 tips to help you lose weight

 

Get off to the best possible start on the NHS weight loss plan with these 12 diet and exercise tips.

1. Do not skip breakfast

Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry.

2. Eat regular meals

Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar.

3. Eat plenty of fruit and veg

Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals.

4. Get more active

Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of  exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. you enjoy and are able to fit into your routine.

5. Drink plenty of water

People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need.

6. Eat high fibre foods

Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils.

7. Read food labels

Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan.

8. Use a smaller plate

Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full.

9. Do not ban foods

Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance.

10. Do not stock junk food

To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice.

11. Cut down on alcohol

A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain.

12. Plan your meals

Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list.

EPL : What Thomas Tuchel told me about playing for Chelsea first team – Trevor Chalobah

 

Chelsea starlet Trevor Chalobah has revealed what manager, Thomas Tuchel told him about becoming a first team player at the club.

The youngster said he was surprised when the German gaffer told him he was going to be staying with the first team this season.

The youngster was a surprise inclusion in Chelsea starting line-up against Palace in their Premier League opening fixture.

The 22-year-old spent the last three seasons on loan at Ipswich, Huddersfield and Lorient.

He was widely expected to be sent out for a fourth season with Chelsea having several experienced players in the same position.

“I spoke to the manager between the Palace and Arsenal games and he told me he wanted me to stay, so I moved over to the first-team building that week,” he told Chelsea FC.

“It was a nice feeling when the manager told me. He spoke to me after training and told me how well I’d done, that I’d taken my chance in pre-season and in the games.

“He said he thinks I can be a good asset to the team and learn from the other players and support them.

“Even until the day he told me I didn’t really believe it would happen. Even after the Super Cup, I thought he’d probably want me to go on loan.

“After the Palace game it was a bit half-and-half, but until he pulled me into the office and gave me the news I couldn’t really believe it.”

Cristiano Ronaldo named ‘greatest player’ in football history

 

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the “greatest player” in the history of football by his new Manchester United team-mate Harry Maguire.

The 36-year-old who has won the Ballon d’Or five times already, made a sensational return to Old Trafford after 12 years.

Maguire is optimistic that Ronaldo will have an influence both on and off the pitch, as the Red Devils fight for trophies this season.

“Yeah, of course, it’s amazing. Obviously, I’m away with England at the moment so my focus is on the game tomorrow but for him to sign back for the club and, for me, he is the greatest player to play the game.

“It’s amazing to have him at the club and I’m sure he’s going to have a huge impact on and off the field, and many players can look and learn and improve, and then, obviously, it’s going to improve our team as well with his goalscoring record.

“So it’s amazing to have him in the club and I’m looking forward to meeting him in a few days,” Maguire said at a press conference ahead of England’s hat-trick of World Cup qualifiers this month.

Real Madrid insert €1bn release clause in Valverde’s new contract

 

Federico Valverde has put pen to paper on a contract extension at Real Madrid, with the LaLiga club including a €1billion release clause in the new deal, according to Goal.

Valverde has spent the last six years with Los Blancos, having initially been snapped up from Penarol as a teenager in 2016.

The 23-year-old has established himself as a key member of the squad and he has now been handed a bumper new deal.

Valverde was already tied to Real until 2025, but has now agreed to renew that agreement by two more years.

In addition to being given a significant pay rise, the Uruguay international has also seen his original €500m (£428m/$527m) release clause doubled, with an official announcement of the contract expected later on Tuesday.

Willian in talks to leave Arsenal

 

Arsenal midfielder, Willian, is set to leave the club and return to Brazil with Corinthians, according to Daily Mail.

The two clubs are in discussion over a deal for Willian, who would be allowed to leave on a free transfer.

Negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage with a willingness from all parties to complete a deal.

Willian left Chelsea for Arsenal as a free agent last season. But his move has not gone according to plan for all parties involved.

EPL: Willian set to return to Chelsea from Arsenal

The Gunners are keen to remove his £190,000-per-week salary from the wage bill and would allow the Brazilian to leave the Emirates.

The player is yet to feature in any match this season.

Sports, Pastor Peters hints on Ronaldo signing for PSG, doing great things with Messi

 

The Senior pastor of Divine Mercy Church, Olatobiloba Peters has hinted on Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo signing for Paris Saint-Germain, PSG.

Pastor Peters said Ronaldo’s move to PSG would birth great things in the world of football.

Speaking with , the clergyman said the Portuguese is determined to bow out of football in a big way, hence the need to join PSG.

According to Peters: “In the area of sports, I see that Ronaldo may end up in PSG just like Messi.

“PSG are planning to replicate what Galaticos of Real Madrid did then when they had almost all the world stars in their team.

“The money that would be thrown at Ronaldo would make him accept the offer because he is approaching the peak of his career and I see he wants to bow out of football big.

“So you media to tell him, when PSG comes for him he should accept that would make him bow out of football in a big way.”

When asked if such move would not bring about rivalry, Pastor Peters said: “Forget about rivalry, I don’t see such. Ronaldo and Messi would play very well together and do greater things for PSG.

“If the move happens, it would produce one of the greatest things football has ever witnessed.”

SPORT : Chelsea vs Crystal Palace, Tuchel names player to feature in EPL clash

 

Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel, has confirmed that Tammy Abraham is in his side’s squad to tackle Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener on Saturday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel said this on Friday at his pre-match press conference.

Chelsea head to the game after beating Villarreal to win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

“Tammy [Abraham] is in the squad for tomorrow,” Tuchel said.

“He is our player and right now it’s Friday afternoon and the only focus for us is on Saturday’s game.

“Of course, there are always possibilities that players could leave us, especially when we’ve other players arriving in the same position.

“The situation for Tammy is clear though and it has been discussed. At the moment, there is no news. We’ve a good relationship, he’s our player and he’s in the squad for tomorrow. ”

The kick-off time for Chelsea vs Crystal Palace is 3 pm.

Top five players signed by Premier League clubs

 

Romelu Lukaku, Jack Grealish, Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Ibrahima Konate are the top five signings made by Premier League clubs so far in this summer transfer window, DAILY POST reports.

The transfer window is open and over £700m has been spent by Premier League clubs already this summer and there are now a number of title contenders this season.

Much of this fund was spent by the traditional ‘top six’, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Manchester City broke the English transfer record to sign Jack Grealish for £100m. Grealish’s addition adds even more firepower to City’s already formidable attack.

Chelsea re-signed Lukaku from Inter Milan for a club record fee of around £97.5m after the Belgian scored 64 goals in 96 appearances for the Serie A champions.

Also, Manchester United have completed the signing of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid in a deal worth around £39m. And the Frenchman is expected to take Victor Lindelof’s place in United’s starting XI.

Another top player, who joined the Premier League this summer is Jadon Sancho. Sancho joined from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £73 million.

United could not sign the player last season because they couldn’t meet Dortmund’s £108m asking price and waited till this summer to land him for a far more respectable £73m in July.

The 21-year-old was involved in 89 goals, including assists, in his 104 appearances for Dortmund.

Liverpool have added Konate to their set up. The Reds’ downfall last term was attributed to the season-ending injury sustained by Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds landed the RB Leipzig defender for £34 million as manager Jurgen Klopp sought to ease the club’s reliance on Van Dijk.

Guardiola reveals Bernardo Silva three other players want to leave Man City

 

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, has revealed that Bernardo Silva wants to leave the club.

Guardiola also said that three players want to leave Man City.

The Spaniard stated this on Friday during his pre-match press conference ahead of Man City’s FA Community Shield final tie against Leicester City on Saturday evening.

“Bernardo Silva wants to leave,“ Guardiola told reporters.

“There are two or three players who want to go.

“When they bring some offers, and they want to leave, we are open to discuss… but it depends on them.”

Meanwhile, Man City on Thursday, completed the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.

Tokyo Olympics: We’re not aware of any PUMA contract ― AFN

 

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, has said that it is not in possession of any contractual documents signed between it and German sportswear company, PUMA.

Recall that the kit manufacturers terminated the four-year sponsorship contract worth $1.67m with the federation on Wednesday.

PUMA cited the failure of Nigerian athletes’ to wear their brand at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

Also, the technical director of the factional Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) board, Sunday Adeleye, on Thursday, said that PUMA will sue for breach of contract.

However, reacting to the development, AFN, in a statement signed by Prince Adeniyi Adisa Beyioku, its Secretary-General, said it could not be liable for what it knows nothing about.

The statement read, ”The attention of the AFN has been drawn to a media statement signed by Shehu Ibrahim Gusau confirming the termination of the agreement he and Mr Sunday Adeleye signed with sportswear and equipment company, PUMA purportedly on behalf of the AFN in July 2019.

”The AFN wishes to state unequivocally that it is not aware of any contract as there was no document in the Secretariat of the federation pertaining to any contractual agreement with PUMA.”

SPORTS : Tokyo Olympics. Banned Nigerian athletes protest in Japan

 

Nigerian athletes staged a protest in Tokyo, Japan, after ten of them were banned from taking part in the track and field competition at the ongoing Olympic Games, which begins on Friday.

The protesting athletes carried placards with inscriptions such as “Why should we suffer for someone else’s negligence”, “We are not just alternates but potential medalists,” and “All we wanted to do was compete.”

They expressed frustration at seeing their dreams of competing at the ongoing Olympics dashed by negligence from the Ministry of Sports and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN.

 had reported on Wednesday that Nigeria had 10 of its representatives disqualified.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), which runs the anti-doping program for the sport, disclosed that the athletes failed to meet the minimum testing requirements under Rule 15 of the Anti-Doping Rules for ‘Category A’ federations.

Meanwhile, two Nigerian athletes, Blessing Okagbare and Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha, have made it to the semifinals of the women’s 100m race in the ongoing Olympic Games in Tokyo.

This is the first time since 2012 Nigerians will be having two of her athletes contesting in the semifinals of the 100m women race.

However, following the disqualification, the president of the AFN, Tonok Okowa, in a statement, said that the non-testing affected athletes are residents in America.

SPORTS : We’ll unmask you – Pinnick reacts as Nigerian man harasses Super Falcons in Austria

 

Amaju Pinnick, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, has vowed to unmask the unidentified Nigerian man who harassed the Nigerian Women football team, Super Falcons, in Vienna, Austria, while on a train to their way to training on Tuesday.

The man had accused the Super Falcons of failing Nigerian Youths by representing ‘a terrorist government’.

In a viral video, he accused President Muhammadu Buhari’s government of kidnapping Nigerian youths and killing them.

Reacting to the development, Pinnick said the Falcons did not deserve to be subjected to such harassment.

“We’re infuriated because these are young ladies [Super Falcons] who are our ambassadors and are there in Austria preparing for major international competitions.

“That was a dastardly act by that fellow, and we’re not taking it lightly. The girls simply wanted to go on sightseeing, and there’s nothing wrong with that. They don’t deserve to be subjected to such a diatribe by a so-called fellow Nigerian.

“We’ll unmask the fellow and then take it from there,” Pinnick was quoted by Soccernet as saying.

SPORTS : Chelsea give Arsenal condition to sign Tammy Abraham

 

Chelsea have given Arsenal a condition to sign their striker, Tammy Abraham.

According to Express UK, Chelsea will only let Abraham go out on loan this summer if a deal with a permanent switch can be secured.

Arsenal are interested in signing Abraham this summer transfer.

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing Abraham to Emirates if a deal for the forward can be struck.

The Gunners will now have to battle West Ham United for the 23-year-old’s signature.

Abraham is free to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after falling out of favour under Thomas Tuchel’s squad last season.

Chelsea wants to sell the England international to help fund a big-money move for Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.

Abraham has scored 30 goals in 82 matches for Chelsea.

SPORTS : Rennes confirm they are ready to sell Camavinga to Man Utd

 

Rennes president, Nicolas Holveck, has admitted the club are “open” to discussing a deal to sell Eduardo Camavinga, who is a target for Manchester United this summer.

United are keen to add the 18-year-old midfielder to their squad and are monitoring his situation at the French club.

Camavinga has one year left on his current contract and Holveck says they are willing to let the player leave for the right price.

“One of the priorities is to reduce the squad. We still have eight or nine players who need to leave. There also remains the situation with Eduardo.

“Discussions are still ongoing, everything is open, either for a departure during this transfer window — if an offer satisfies everyone — or to extend [Camavinga’s deal]

“He won’t leave for cheap,” Holveck told French radio station RMC.

United will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid for Camavinga’s signature this summer.

SPORTS : Tokyo Olympics: NBBF condemns FIBA’s rejection of Ogwumike, Williams

 

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has expressed disappointment at the decision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on Nneka Ogwumike and Elizabeth Williams.

FIBA has stopped the duo from playing for D’Tigress at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The tournament, moved from last year, will run from 23 July 2021 to 8 August 2021.

On Twitter, NBBF declared that the action was contradictory to natural justice and equity.

The sports body said FIBA permits African players to play for other countries, but denies them the opportunity to represent their country of birth.

“We do tacitly believe that there are undercurrents and motivation for such a decision”, the tweet read.

“It is also discriminatory because players of African descent are approved to play for other countries constantly but the reverse is not the case.”

Otis Hughley Jr., D’Tigress coach, urged FIBA to help basketball grow by allowing Ogwumike and Williams to play for Nigeria.

“Allow them the opportunity to help grow the game”, Hughley said.

Man City offer Sterling, three other players in exchange deal for Harry Kane

 

Manchester City is desperate to land Harry Kane this summer and has resolved to offer Tottenham Hotspur four players in an exchange deal.

According to L’Equipe, the four players are Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus.

Man City are willing to offer Tottenham one out of the four players plus cash in a bid to sign Kane.

The Citizen are keen to sign Kane this summer to bolster Pep Guardiola’s squad ahead of the 2021/2022 season after winning the Premier League title last season.

Kane is set to leave Tottenham this summer after he told the club ahead of the recently concluded Euro 2020 that he wants to leave Spurs.

His current deal with Tottenham will expire in 2024.

Asked about Kane earlier this week, the new Tottenham manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, told reporters that Kane would not leave Tottenham this summer.

Santo said, “Harry is our player, period. There’s no need to talk about anything else. Now is the time for him to rest [after the Euro 2020].

“When he returns, we can have a good conversation. I’m looking forward to him joining the group.”

SPORTS : You’re representing a terrorist govt – Man harasses Super Falcons in Austria

 

An unidentified Nigerian man has harassed the Nigerian Women football team, Super falcons in Vienna, Austria while on a train.

The man accused the Falcons of failing Nigerian Youths by represent ‘a terrorist government’.

In a viral video, he accused President Muhammadu Buhari’s government of killing Nigerian youths and kidnapping them.

He noted that such government should not be represented, adding that the footballers have failed by representing Nigeria rather than representing the youths.

He said: “I’m a Nigerian I live in Vienna you guys are representing a Terrorist government.

“Everyone of you should be ashamed of yourself, this cannot happen in another European country.

“Their youths will not represent a terrorist government, A football team who knows the truth should not be doing this suooorting an Organisation bu Buhari killing youths, kidnapping

“You are mother f*c*ers, representing a government that’s killing your people, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.”

The man was, however, stopped midway as the Falcons prevented him from taking a video of their faces.