Suspected Herdsmen attack NNPC officials working on pipelines in Benue state

Suspectedherdsmenhave reportedly attacked and killed an official of theNigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC, while his group were busy working on the petroleum pipeline at Tse Torkula a border community between Nasarawa and Benue state in Guma local government area of the state today January 30th.

Vanguard reports that the NNPC officials were busy working on the pipeline from Nasarawa state when they came under heavy fire from the armed men which also left some of the officials injured and hospitalized.

Confirming the development, the Benue state Police Commissioner, Fatai Owosenyi said the attack could be regarded as the handiwork of bandits operating in the said area. He saidthe police will be investigating the

matter.

House of Reps give INEC 30 days to submit budget for 2019 election

The House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to forward its budget estimates for the 2019 general elections within 30 days.

    The committee headed by Hon. Aisha Dukku gave the directive during the 2017/2018 budget defence.

Addressing the session, Dukku urged the Commission to ensure accountability and transparency in its budget, which is significant reform itself, with a multiplier effect on electoral reform.

    Dukku also stressed the need for the Commission to put necessarymeasures in place towards the conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2018 and 2019.

Rapper, Olamide, loses mum

The Rapper shared the sad news on his IG page this evening. May her soul rest in peace, Amen.

Chelsea news: Roman Abramovich open to selling Eden Hazard to Real Madrid

Eden Hazard has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for months amid uncertainty about his long-term future at Chelsea.

The Belgium international is yet to agree a new contract with the Blues, despite offers being on the table.According to Spanish outletDon Balon, Roman Abramovich is coming round to the idea of cashing in on the 27-year-old.

And the Stamford Bridge boss is said to want Hazard to join Real Madrid above anyof the club’s Premier League rivals.

The report says Manchester City have beenc hasing the Belgian and are willing to offer £150million for his services.H

owever, Abramovich will not let him moveto the Etihad and has opened the door to a potential La Liga switch instead.

Don Balonclaim the Blues owner has not entirely given up hope of keeping Hazard and thinksthe appointment of Luis Enrique in the summer could tempt him into staying.

However, it could be too little too late for the Belgian, who appears to have set his sights on a move to the Bernabeu to work under Zinedine Zidane.

Arsenal news: Arsene Wenger gives latest update on Olivier Giroud Chelsea transfer

Olivier Giroud has been linked with a move to Chelsea and the deal is expected to go through on deadline day tomorrow.

The Frenchman was included in the squad for the 3-1 defeat to Swansea this evening and came off the bench for the final 15 minutes of the match.A

fter the game, the 31-year-old went to applaud the away fans, suggesting he was bidding farewell to the Gunners faithful.

And Arsene Wenger seemed to suggest the striker had played his final game for the north London club when quizzed after the match.

When asked if Giroud had played his final game for Arsenal, Wenger told Sky Sports: “It’s a possibility.

Manchester City ready to swoop for Leicester star Riyad Mahrez after Leroy Sane injury

After learning of City’s interest, Mahrez immediately handed in a written transfer request to Leicester and did not travel with the Foxes for their game against Everton tonight (Wed).

Leicester insist the Algerian winger is not for sale and their Thai owners are under nopressure to sell. It is understood their valuation of Mahrez is about £90m after seeing Philippe Coutinho sold for £142m and Virgil van Dijk for £75m in the current transfer window. City have bid about £50m.

It is the second time Mahrez – who was voted the PFA Player of the Year in Leicester’s title-winning season of 2015-16 –has asked for a move.

Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with him over the past 18 months but last summer only Roma made an official bid for him and their offers were rejected.

City’s sudden move followed just hours after they had smashed their club record transfer fee by signing defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao for £57m.

Leicester’s valuation of Mahrez means a deal is unlikely to go through before tonight’s 11pm deadline but City’s sudden interest underlines Guardiola’s concern that the loss of in-form left winger Sane – who damaged ankle ligaments in a recklesstackle by Cardiff’s Joe Bennett – could derail their hopes of trophies on four fronts.

Buhari says killings in Nigeria must end, solicits support of traditional rulers on peace building

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday,January 30, solicited the support of the traditional rulers in restoring peace to all part of the nation under security threat.

The president made the appeal in Port Harcourt at the opening of the 9th General Assembly of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

The president also said he has ordered security agencies to do everything to end killings of Nigerians in all parts of the country.Represented by the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, thepresident reaffirmed the government’s resolve to accord the traditional rulers their pride of place.

He underscored the importance of the traditional institutions to the security architecture of the country and communitydevelopment.

“When you relegate the royal fathers, you have automatically failed in taking governance to the grassroots.

“With your support as traditional rulers, we are sure of restoring peace to any part of the nation that is currently under security threat,”he said.

The president urged the traditional rulers to foster friendship and harmony among their subjects to achieve national cohesion.

“You must ensure that there is partnership among your communities; this will give way for cultural interactions and national integration,”he said.

He urged the traditional rulers to come up with useful advice to end insecurity noting that their advisory role was imperative to national stability.

The president commended the traditional rulers for coming up with the theme, “Community Policing as a catalyst to CrimePrevention: The Role of Traditional Rulers”.

He stated that community policing was key to ensuring national security and nipping crime in the bud particularly at the grassroots.The president assured that the Federal Government would do all within its powersto end the killing and destruction of property of Nigerians.“

I am saddened on the waste of lives and properties, and I have directed the inspector general of police that no one is spared in all the atrocities.

“The killings in Benue and other states must be brought to an end because the actions amount to declaration of war on Nigeria, its sovereignty and territorial integrity,”he said.Earlier, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers said that the traditional rulers had been advancing peace and security in their communities.

He commended them for the theme of the meeting, saying, “Community policing is about incorporating the community and its leaders in the security architecture to ensure peace in the society.

“They are important in bringing about peace and social stability in our communities and the country at large.

Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said that the role of traditional institution was vital to national security.

Represented by Mr Umaru Bello, a Permanent Secretary in his office, Mustapha advocated for incorporation of the traditional rulers into community policing to draw from their wealth of knowledge

.He assured the traditional rulers that the federal government would not spare efforts in ensuring that criminals get arrested and prosecuted.

Buhari will fulfil all campaign promises - APC to UK governme

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured the United Kingdom that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government is committed to delivering on its 2015 campaign promises to Nigerians.

A statement by the party’s media office saidthe national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, gave the assurance when receiving a delegation of the UK in Abuja on Tuesday,January 30.

Odigie-Oyegun highlighted the achievementsrecorded by the Buhari-led administration in the areas of economic diversification, infrastructure, anti-corruption and security, particularly in the north-east.

He commended the UK Government for its continued cooperation and support for the administration and Nigerians.

The chairman said that the meeting focusedon the forthcoming 2019 general election and United Kingdom’s engagements in Nigeria.

Read the full statement from the ruling APC below:

A United Kingdom government delegation led by the Head of West Africa Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London, Mr. Rob Dixon on Monday evening paid a working visit to the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The UK delegation which included the deputy head of political section, British High Commission, Stuart Gardner and senior political adviser, British High Commission, Osaro Odemwingie was received by Odigie-Oyegun accompanied by the deputy national chairman (South), Engr. Segun Oni; deputy national secretary, Hon. Victor Giadom and chief of staff to the APC national chairman, Edwin Ikhinmwin.

During the meeting, the APC national chairman expressed the commitment of the President Muhammadu-led APC administration to deliver on 2015 election promises to Nigerians. He also highlighted achievements recorded by the administration in the area of economic diversification, infrastructure, anti-corruption and security, particularly inthe Country’s North East. Odigie-Oyegun thanked the UK government for its continued cooperation and support for the administration.

Speaking to journalists after the close-door meeting, the leader of the UK delegation and Head of West Africa Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London, Mr. Rob Dixon said the meeting dwelt on the forthcoming 2019 General Election and the UK’s engagements in Nigeria.

“We talked about the extent of the UK’s engagements in Nigeria and also asked the APC National Chairman on his perspectiveson political developments in Nigeria. We talked about the breadth of the UK’s relationship whether it is what we are doingto help Nigeria fight Boko Haram in the Northeast and supporting economic development across the country. We also talked about shared interests for a smooth and peaceful elections and what the prospects for the campaign might be in the course of the next 12 months.”Mr. Rob Dixon told journalists.

Meanwhile, days after Chief Olusegun Obasanjo wrote a letter advising President Buhari against seeking re-election in 2019, reports have indicated that the latter has issued a warning to his aidesagainst attacking the Ota farmer.

Premium Times reports a source in the presidential villa as saying President Buhari issued the warning to his spokespersons immediately after Obasanjo released the letter.

Former Commissioner for Finance in Ekiti State, Dapo Kolawole files a N20bn suit against Governor Fayose

Former Commissioner for Finance in the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi,Dapo Kolawole, has sued Governor Ayodele Fayose and others demanding damages over alleged slander and libel against him by the defendants.

He is also seeking an order of thecourt stopping disbursement of loan and reinbursement funds to Ekiti State Government from the Federal Government and its agencies pending the determination of the matter.

The defendants in the writ of summons filed in suit number FHC/ABK/CS/6/2018 on January 18, 2018 by Isaac Obrutu Esq on behalf of Kolawole and set for hearing on Friday February 23, 2018, before the Federal High Court siting in Abeokuta, Ogun State,  are Mr. Dipo Abolude, Permanent  Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Attorney General of the Federation, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works; Accountant General of theFederation, Director General, Debts Management Office; and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.

Kolawole said the first defendant, Abolude, made libelous and slanderous statements against him in Ogun State during comments on Ekiti State financial matters under investigation by the disputed probe panel investigating the administration of Fayemi in Ekiti State between 2010 and 2014.

Other defendants are Director, Home Finance Department, Federal  Ministry of Finance; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; Executive Governor of Ekiti State,Secretary to the Government of Ekiti State, Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance, the Accountant General of Ekiti State and Attorney General of Ekiti State.Others include the Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Finance; a member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Samuel Omotoso, Fayose's media aide, Lere Olayinka.

Among other reliefs, the plaintiff is seeking declarations that  the sum of all funds received by the 10th – 15th defendants for and on behalf of Ekiti State Government from the Federation Account contained in the financial statements of 2013 were properlyand duly accrued for and due to Ekiti State Government as at the tenure of Dr.  Kayode Fayemi in which the Plaintiff was the Commissioner for Finance;

A declaration that the sum of  N17,724538,594:94 represented by the sum of N10,839,493,135:63 being reimbursement due on construction of Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki road construction and N4,012,384,082:60 being refund on Paris Club ($25,886,851,080:83) andamount due on ecological projects of N2,858,851,080:83 were all monies due to the Ekiti State Government as at 30th June,2014 and during the tenor of Governor Kayode Fayemi as expressly stated in the audited account of the State by the Ekiti State Auditor-General;

A declaration that the total indebtedness of Ekiti State Government to banks and financial institutions as containedin the financial statement published by the Auditor General of Ekiti State was N27,418,166,077:17 as at 15th October, 2014;

A declaration that there was no loan obtained by the Government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi in which theplaintiff was the Commissioner for Finance between 16th October,2010 and 15th October, 2014 whosetenor was beyond seven years, including the N25bn bond;An order of the Honourable court, directing and mandating the 6th defendant to ascertain the debt profile of Ekiti State, between October 16, 2010 and October 15, 2014 being the tenure of Dr. Kayode Fayemi and between 16th October, 2014 – 15th October, 2018 being the tenure of Mr. Ayodele Fayose;

An order of this Honourable Court restraining the 2nd to 9th defendants, their servants, agents and/or privies, from releasing, giving or in whatsoever manner make available to the governmentof Ekiti State, through the 10th – 15th defendants, their servants, agents and/or privies and under the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, the following funds:

The sum of N10,839,493,135.63 being reimbursement due from the Federal Government to Ekiti State on the construction of Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Road;The sum of N4,012,384,082.60 being refund of Paris Club (125,886,851,080.83);

The sum of N2,858,851,080.83 being an amount due on Ecological Projects, pending the 6th defendant’s ascertainment, publication, making available to the plaintiff, the debt profile of Ekiti State, between 16th October, 2010 – 15th October, 2014, being Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s regime and between 16 October, 2014 – 15th October, 2018, being Mr. Ayodele Fayose’s regime and until the payment of all arrears of salaries, pensions and entitlements of all serving and retired civil servants and public servants, particularly that of the plaintiff, until the plaintiff is totally paid.

Others are an order of the Honourable Court, restraining the 2nd to 9th defendants whether by themselves, servants, agents or privies from guarantying standing as surety, confidant, issuing bonds to or in whatsoever manner standing in any position to guaranty or stand-in or on behalf of the 10th defendant or any of its officials or Ekiti State thereby enabling her to get a loan or bond whereinthe 2nd – 9th defendants will assure the lender to the 10th – 15th Defendants or Ekiti State thatsuch borrowing shall be paid or offset from the expected re-imbursement from the FederalGovernment of Nigeria, from the funds owed, Ekiti State government during the period 16th October, 2010 to 15th October 2014;

And an order to pay the sum of ten billion naira in damages against the 10th – 15th defendants being officials, servants and agents of Ekiti State government for the slander committed against the plaintiff, when they made slanderous and disparagingwords against the plaintiff on television, radio and public fora, to the effect that the Plaintiff and Dr. Kayode Fayemi plunged Ekiti State into debt to the tune of N85band the indebtedness will not be liquidated until 2036.Other damages include the sum of ten billion naira (N10b) being general damages for the libel committed against the plaintiff bythe 10th – 15th defendants, when they defamed the plaintiff by publishing libellous words concerning the Plaintiff and  special damages against the 10th – 17th defendants, being unpaid and outstanding salary of the plaintiff and EXCO allowances.

The summons commanded the respondents that "within thirty days after the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for youin an action at the suit of Mr. Vincent Oladapo Kolawole and take notice that in default of your so doing the Plaintiff may proceed therein, and judgment may be given in your absence".The case is set for hearing on February 23, 2018.

Bruno Mars Wins Big At The 2018 Grammy Awards [See Full List Of Winners]

The 60th annual Grammy Awards held last night and while JAY-Z entered the night as thetop nominee, it was Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar who left as the night’s biggest winners.

Check out all the winners below.

Record of the Year: “24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Album of the Year: “24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Song of the Year: “That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus and Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best New Artist: Alessia Cara

Best Pop Solo Performance: “Shape of You” — Ed Sheeran

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Feel It Still” — Portugal. The Man

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: “Tony Bennett Celebrates 90” — Various Artists; Dae Bennett, producer

Best Pop Vocal Album: “÷” — Ed SheeranBest Dance Recording: “Tonite” — LCD Soundsystem

Best Dance/Electronic Album: “3-D The Catalogue” — Kraftwerk

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: “Prototype” — Jeff Lorber Fusion

Best Rock Performance: “You Want It Darker” — Leonard Cohen

Best Metal Performance: “Sultan’s Curse” — Mastodon

Best Rock Song: “Run” — Foo Fighters, songwriters

Best Rock Album: “A Deeper Understanding”— The War on Drugs

Best Alternative Music Album: “Sleep Well Beast” — The National

Best R&B Performance: “That’s What I Like” — Bruno Mars

Best Traditional R&B Performance: “Redbone” — Childish Gambino

Best R&B Song: “That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus and Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best Urban Contemporary Album: “Starboy”— The Weeknd

Best R&B Album: “24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Best Rap Performance: “HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar

Best Rap/Sung Performance: “LOYALTY.” — Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna

Best Rap Song: “HUMBLE.” — K. Duckworth, Asheton Hogan and M. Williams II, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)

Best Rap Album: “DAMN.” — Kendrick LamarBest Country Solo Performance: “Either Way” — Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance: “Better Man” — Little Big Town

Best Country Song: “Broken Halos” — Mike Henderson and Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Chris Stapleton)

Best Country Album: “From a Room: Volume 1” — Chris StapletonBest New Age Album: “Dancing on Water” — Peter Kater

Best Improvised Jazz Solo: “Miles Beyond” — John McLaughlin, soloist

Best Jazz Vocal Album: “Dreams and Daggers” — Cécile McLorin Salvant

Best Jazz Instrumental Album: “Rebirth” — Billy Childs

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album: “Bringin’ It” — Christian McBride Big Band

Best Latin Jazz Album: “Jazz Tango” — PabloZiegler Trio

Best Gospel Performance/Song: “Never Have to Be Alone” — CeCe Winans; Dwan Hill& Alvin Love III, songwriters

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: “What a Beautiful Name”— Hillsong Worship; Ben Fielding & Brooke Ligertwood, songwriters

Best Gospel Album: “Let Them Fall in Love” — CeCe Winans

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album: “Chain Breaker” — Zach Williams

Best Roots Gospel Album: “Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope” — Reba McEntire

Best Latin Pop Album: “El Dorado” — Shakira

Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album:“Residente” — Residente

Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano): “Arriero Somos Versiones Acústicas” — Aida Cuevas

Best Tropical Latin Album: “Salsa Big Band” — Rubén Blades con Roberto Delgado y Orquesta

Best American Roots Performance: “Killer Diller Blues” — Alabama Shakes

Best American Roots Song: “If We Were Vampires” — Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit)

Best Americana Album: “The Nashville Sound” — Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Best Bluegrass Album: tie, “Laws of Gravity” — The Infamous Stringdusters and “All the Rage — In Concert Volume One” — Rhonda Vincent and the Rage

Best Traditional Blues Album: “Blue & Lonesome” — The Rolling Stones

Best Contemporary Blues Album: “TajMo” —Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’Best Folk Album: “Mental Illness” — Aimee Mann

Best Regional Roots Music Album: “Kalenda”— Lost Bayou RamblersBest Reggae Album: “Stony Hill” — Damian “Jr. Gong” MarleyBest World Music Album: “Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration” — Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Best Children’s Album: “Feel What U Feel” — Lisa Loeb

Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books and Storytelling): “The Princess Diarist” — Carrie Fisher

Best Comedy Album: “The Age of Spin/Deep in the Heart of Texas” — Dave Chappelle

Best Musical Theater Album: “Dear Evan Hansen” — Ben Platt, principal soloist; Alex Lacamoire, Stacey Mindich, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, producers; Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, composers/lyricists (original Broadway cast recording)

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: “La La Land” — Various Artists

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media: “LaLa Land” — Justin Hurwitz, composer

Best Song Written for Visual Media: “How Far I’ll Go” — Lin-Manuel Miranda, songwriter (Auli’i Cravalho)

Best Instrumental Composition: “Three Revolutions” — Arturo O’Farrill, composer (Arturo O’Farrill and Chucho Valdés)

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella: “Escapades for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra From ‘Catch Me If You Can’” —John Williams, arranger (John Williams)

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals: “Putin” — Randy Newman, arranger (Randy Newman)

Best Recording Package: tie, “Pure Comedy (Deluxe Edition)” — Sasha Barr, Ed Steed and Josh Tillman, art directors (Father John Misty) and “El Orisha de la Rosa” — Claudio Roncoli and Cactus Taller, art directors (Magín Díaz

)Best Boxed or Special Limited-Edition Package: “The Voyager Golden Record: 40th Anniversary Edition” — Lawrence Azerrad, Timothy Daly and David Pescovitz, art directors (Various Artists)

Best Album Notes: “Live at the Whisky A Go Go: The Complete Recordings” — Lynell George, writer (Otis Redding)

Best Historical Album: “Leonard Bernstein —The Composer” — Robert Russ, compilation producer; Martin Kistner and Andreas K. Meyer, mastering engineers (Leonard Bernstein)

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: “24K Magic” — Serban Ghenea, John Hanes and Charles Moniz, engineers; Tom Coyne, mastering engineer (Bruno Mars)

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Greg Kurstin

Best Remixed Recording: “You Move (LatroitRemix)” — Dennis White, remixer (Depeche Mode)

Best Surround Sound Album: “Early Americans” — Jim Anderson, surround mix engineer; Darcy Proper, surround masteringengineer; Jim Anderson and Jane Ira Bloom, surround producers (Jane Ira Bloom)

Best Engineered Album, Classical: “Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5; Barber: Adagio” — Mark Donahue, engineer (Manfred Honeck and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)

Producer of the Year, Classical: David Frost

Best Orchestral Performance: “Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5; Barber: Adagio” — Manfred Honeck, conductor (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)

Best Opera Recording: “Berg: Wozzeck” — Hans Graf, conductor; Anne Schwanewilms and Roman Trekel; Hans Graf and Brad Sayles, producers (Houston Symphony; Chorus of Students and Alumni, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University and Houston Grand Opera Children’s Chorus)

Best Choral Performance: “Bryars: The Fifth Century” — Donald Nally, conductor (PRISM Quartet and The Crossing)

Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance: “Death & the Maiden” — Patricia Kopatchinskaja and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Best Classical Instrumental Solo: “Transcendental” — Daniil Trifonov

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album: “Crazy GirlCrazy” — Barbara Hannigan (Ludwig Orchestra)

Best Classical Compendium: “Higdon: All Things Majestic, Viola Concerto & Oboe Concerto” — Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor;Tim Handley, producer

Best Contemporary Classical Composition: “Viola Concerto” — Jennifer Higdon, composer (Roberto Díaz, Giancarlo Guerreroand Nashville Symphony)

Best Music Video: “HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar

Best Music Film: “The Defiant Ones” — Various Artists

Chelsea aim to tie up shock swoop for Olivier Giroud allowing Arsenal to complete £55million deal for top target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsenal’s £55million signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will only be sanctioned once London rivals Chelsea secure Olivier Giroud and loan out Michy Batshuayi.

In a complicated chain of sale, Dortmund insist they will only sign off the 28-year-old Aubameyang’s release once they have a replacement. They have targeted Batshuayi on loan and Chelsea will agree to that if they can sign Giroud.

On Monday, it looked as if Chelsea were using that to try to drive down the price for the Frenchman. Chelsea have offered £15m plus add-ons but are still short of Arsenal’s £30m valuation as the Gunners demand a premium price for selling to their London rivals.

Once a deal for Giroud is in place, Chelsea willallow Batshuayi to sign for Dortmund on loan,subsequently triggering Aubameyang’s release to London.

The Gabon striker withdrew on Monday from appearing as a witness at a court case to try aman suspected of targeting Dortmund’s bus with three bombs last April. Officially, Aubameyang is sick and cannot attend and Dortmund have given him permission to stay away.

Aubameyang is preparing to fly into London to become Arsenal’s club-record signing.

He will also become the best-paid player in the club’s history on a three-and-a-half-year contract worth £180,000 per week.

The move for the explosive striker has been driven by Arsenal’s recently appointed head of recruitment Sven Mislintat.

Aubameyang does not fit the usual profile of player the Gunners have tried to sign in recentyears.At 28, he is likely to have little resale value. Similarly, his bad-boy reputation represents ashift from the type of personality the club have targeted under Arsene Wenger.

In the meantime Chelsea believe they are closing in on Giroud, 31, and talks are expected to progress over the next 24 hours.

The clubs have to agree on the deals before tomorrow’s 11pm deadline, which is further complicated by a full Premier League programme of fixtures.

Chelsea have turned to Giroud after abandoning plans to sign Roma’s Edin Dzeko, who demanded a three-and-a-half-year contract and high wages.

The Champions have agreed to sign left back Emerson Palmieri, 23, from Roma for an initial £17.5m.

The defender will sign a four-year deal worth around £80,000 a week.

They expect to land Giroud, who has the addedbonuses of being able to play in the Champions League and the FA Cup, while he isalso settled in London.

He is highly motivated to push Alvaro Morata for a starting place as he wants to press his claims to make France’s World Cup squad this summer.

Arsene Wenger has a good relationship with his compatriot and does not want to stand in his way of progressing despite the rivalry with Chelsea.

The Arsenal manager and his striker were pictured in detailed discussions at the club’s training ground yesterday afternoon.

Aubameyang’s arrival means Giroud will have even less starting opportunities and Wenger recognises his desire to play.

Dortmund did ask about signing Giroud too aspart of negotiations over Aubameyang but only wanted the Frenchman on loan.Meanwhile, Chelsea left back Baba Rahman has officially re-joined Schalke on an 18-month loan deal.

Chelsea midfielder Charly Musonda, 21, has joined Celtic on an 18-month loan.

Delighted Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers said: ‘There were 24 other clubs interested in signing him. It’s a great opportunity for him toshow his talents.’

Benue killings: Presidency may take military action against perpetrators - Source

The federal government may opt to take military action to deal with perpetrators of the killings recorded in many parts of the country, most especially in Benue state, which have been attributed to herdsmen.

According to Vanguard, the development was disclosed by a reliable source from the presidency who reportedly spoke on the condition of anonymity.

He also disclosed that the new approach was the outcome of the committee put together by the National Economic Council and chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, to find ways to put an end to the crisis.

He stated:“The settled view in official circles is that the reported killings and violence recorded are the work of bandits and mercenaries since in many cases the herdsmen are often well-known in the communities where their cattle normally graze.

”According to the source, following the meeting, a clear consensus had been reached on the need to employ more decisive action via the military, to end the impunity.

Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano state whospoke after the NEC’s meeting which held on Thursday, January 25, stated that the group would“work in accordance with the president’s commitment to ensuring that allperpetrators of violence are brought to book."

President Muhammadu Buhari had orderedthe IGP to move to Benue, to restore law and order and forestall the crisis from escalating.

Idris, who made the promise during stakeholders meeting in Makurdi, assured that anyone involved in the killings would be brought to book.

Roger Federer seals 20th Grand Slam title after stunning five-set battle with Marin Cilic

Federer eventually extended his Grand Slam record in the men's game after an incredible three-hour battle on the Rod Laver court as it took five sets and some stunning changes of momentum.

Cilic fought bravely but Roger Federer was just too good in the end and won 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

World No 2 Federer came into he match hotf avourite having not dropped a set on the way to the final and after beating Cilic in the Wimbledon final last year.

And he surged to an early lead in comfortable fashion before Cilic rounded to make a game of it.

Federer simply blew Cilic away in the first set and looked on course for a straight-set victory but things swung round in the second set.

Federer then swarmed forward and won the third without much trouble before Cilic managed to get on top again.

But that was the end of the fight and Federer roared home in the final set to make it 20 Grand Slam titles and a sixth Australian Open title.

"I'm so happy, it's unbelievable,” Federer said on court afterwards.

"It's been a long time waiting for this final. It's easier in the afternoon, but when it's at night you think about it all day. I'm happy it's over now. It's a dream come true and the fairytale continues

."After the year I had last year, it's incredible.

The 36-year-old, the second oldest man to win a slam title behind Ken Rosewall, moves four clear again of Rafael Nadal in terms of overall titles and is only three behind Serena Williams and four adrift of all-time record holder Margaret Court.

The crunch moment of the match came in the opening game of the decider. Playing at his peak, Cilic overpowered Federer from the baseline but the second seed withstood the pressure to save two break points.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Arsenal agree £55million deal for Dortmund striker - report

The Gunners have been chasing the Gabon international all month after Alexis Sanchez left to join Manchester United.

Arsenal had two bids initially turned down believed to be in the region of £50m.

However, it now appears they have agreed terms with the Bundesliga outfit for a fee of€63m (£55m).

That is according to German publication Kicker.

It is also reported that Olivier Giroud will not be moving in the opposite direction as he prefers a transfer to Stamford Bridge.

The report is reiterated by German footballexpert Manuel Veth who wrote on Twitter: “Movement in the #Aubameyang to#Arsenal deal.

“@kicker believes that the #BVB striker willbe sold for €63m.

 “Giroud will not head to Dortmund instead the club is looking at Anthony Modeste as apotential replacements.

”And when asked how reliable his information was, he replied: “very.”

Olamide’s controversial song ScienceStudent finally banned by NBC

Though Olamide has explained severally that his latest smash hit song “Science Students” is aimed at fighting drug abuse, the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has slammed a Not-To-Be-Broadcast (NTTB) warning on the song.

The warning was served to all radio and television stations last week. Confirming the news, NBC’s Head of Public Affairs Hajia Maimuna Jihada told Tribune that the song was not out-rightly banned but prohibited from being played on local stations for public consumption.

She said:

NBC does not ban music. Our mandate is on what goes on Radio and TV. Olamide’s Science Student has been declared ‘Unfit for broadcast’. She further went on to mention that the song’s subtle promotion of illegal drugs was the main reason for declaring it unlawful as she issued a stern warning to all broadcasting houses; We have communicated all our licensees for compliance or they will face sanctions

FG to dump cattle colonies, urges states to proffer solutions to herdsmen attacks

A report by Daily Trust indicates that the 10-man working committee constituted few days ago by the National Economic Council to end attacks by herdsmen has decided that every state should design its own solutions.A

ccording to the report, the committee proposed that the states should come up with the solutions after a rigorous consultative process with all stakeholders.

The committee, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, comprises the governors ofAdamawa, Benue, Ebonyi, Edo, Kaduna, Oyo,Plateau and Zamfara states.

The report quoted an unnamed presidency official saying that the committee had resolved that the federal government would not impose any solution on any states.

The official, who craved anonymity, said Vice President Osinbajo stated in one of its recent meetings that fears being expressed on the cattle colonies proposed to establish by the federal government were misplaced.

He said the committee also resolved to work with the federal government to strengthen law enforcement as well all security and intelligence agencies so that they could coordinate better in dealing withthe crisis and preventing it from further escalation.

He said the committee also resolved that decisive military force be fully engaged to deal with bandits“behind the killings in parts of the country especially regarding the crisis often associated with herdsmen.”

“The role of bandits and suspected mercenaries in what has become known as herdsmen/farmers clashes and violence may have provoked the need for a fresh approach to dealing with the crisis,”the official was quoted as saying.

He also said that the military was already engaged and would soon begin to take decisive steps to address the situation.

He said the police and other security agencies had also been directed to recruit more rank and file to beef up security in the troubled spots in particular and the country in general.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has given a matching order to security agencies in the country to tacklethe proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.

The president gave the directive on Thursday, January 25, at the National Security Council Meeting which he chaired in the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja

.Speaking at the event, Buhari assured Nigerians that his government is doing everything possible to stem the tide of violence recorded frequently across the country.

War against corruption has come to stay in Nigeria - President Buhari insists

President Muhammadu Buhari has insisted that the fight against corruption has come to stay in Nigeria.

Buhari made the statement when unveiling the African Union’s anti-graft campaign at the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, on Sunday, January 28, The Nation reports.

He reiterated the commitment of Nigeria to the continuous fight against corruption.

The president advocated for strong institutions as necessary condition for winning the fight against corruption.

He urged African leaders to empower anti-corruption agencies and insulate them from political influence.

According to Buhari, African nations could entrench good governance by building synergy between the executive, judiciary and legislature.

He, however, noted that fighting corruption is not going to be a straight forward task ascorruption will always fight back.

He said African leaders must remain resolute irrespective of any setback faced in the fight against corruption.

Meanwhile, the Personal Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on social media Lauretta Onochie has accused all past Nigerian leaders of having corruption tied to them expect her boss.

Onochie tweeted a graphic on Saturday, January 27 claiming of all Nigeria's past leaders only President Buhari's named is not tied to corruption.

Millions of Nigerians will soon join APC - Buhari declares

President Muhammadu Buhari has said thathe is expecting millions of Nigerians from all parts of the country to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) in few months' time.

Daily Trust reports that President Buhari stated this in his letter dated Thursday, January 25, and sent to Senator Basheer Mohammed, who recently defected to the APC in Kano state.

Buhari's personal assistant on new media, Bashir Ahmad, on Sunday, January 28, posted a copy of the letter entitled:"Re: Declaration for APC"on his Twitter handle, @BashirAhmaad.

The letter, signed by the president, read:"I was most delighted to receive your letter informing me of your impending decision to formally declare for our great party, APC

."Furthermore, I am very encouraged to learn that you are bringing thousands of new supporters into the fold."We are expecting millions to join us in the next few months from all parts of the country

."I would have very much welcomed anotheropportunity to be in Kano but due to a conflict of engagements, I am due on that day in Addis Ababa for an important African Union meeting which was scheduled months ago.

"I hope I shall have the pleasure of welcoming you to the Presidential Villa in the near future. I wish the event turns out tobe a resounding success."

Chelsea news: Man City enter tug-of-war battle with Real Madrid to sign Eden Hazard

Hazard’s current contract at Stamford Bridge doesn’t run out until 2020, but Chelsea are keen to tie their star player to a new lucrative deal in order to fend off potential suitors.

The Belgium international is yet to put pen to paper on new terms, prompting further speculation he could be looking for a movethis summer.

His dad, Thierry Hazard, recently claimed the 27-year-old is putting off signing a new deal in the hope Real will make a move for him in the summer.And reports in Spain have suggested Hazard tops their transfer list for the summer, along with the likes of Harry Kaneand Mauro Icardi.

However, theSunday Mirrorclaim Real willnow face competition from Premier Leaguehigh-flyers City for Hazard’s signature.

It is said Pep Guardiola’s side are willing to pay a British transfer record worth £150million to bring Hazard to the Etihad.

The report suggests Hazard would earn similar wages to Kevin De Bruyne, who agreed to a new five-year deal with City earlier this week worth close to £350,000-a-week.

While City have the chance of winning the quadruple this season, Real have been in free-fall this season.

Buhari, African leaders consider regional efforts to combat Boko Haram

Ahead of Sunday’s opening of the 30th African Union Summit, President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday, January 27, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, started his four-day engagement.H

e joined 14 other members of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) to discuss conflict and crisis situations across the continent. PSC is a standing organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.

This was contained in a statement issued by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehuin Abuja on Saturday, January 27.

He said that the meeting would be discussing the persistence of violent conflicts and crisis situations in some parts of the continent.

He said the meeting would also discuss the upsurge of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees, climate change and its consequences as well as the issue of the derailment of national development programmes.

According to him,''The meeting is essentially reviewing the situations in Somalia, South Sudan, Libya, Guinea Bissau,the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“It is also discussing the situation in Lake Chad Basin, the regional efforts to combat Boko Haram as well as the situation in Mali and the Sahel region which continues to be a source of deep concern despite efforts by the countries of the region and the United Nations.

''The PSC’s major duty is to “conduct early warning and preventive diplomacy, facilitate peace-making, establish peace-support operations and, in certain circumstances, recommend intervention in Member States to promote peace, security and stability.

”The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari arrived Addis Ababa on Friday evening ahead of Sunday’s opening of the 30th African Union Summit.

Buhari is expected to unveil a new logo on anti-corruption on Monday, January 29, as part of activities meant to inaugurate a campaign against the menace of corruption across the continent.

The unveiling followed his endorsement to champion the fight against corruption on the continental level at the 29th summit held last year.

The president would speak on ''Winning theFight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.

''Beyond the issue of anti-corruption fight, delegates attending the summit would also be brainstorming on ways of implementingsingle air transportation system, free movement on the continent and free trade.

The delegates are also expected to deliberate on climate change, security among other issues bedeviling the continent.

Military force alone can’t defeat terrorism - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday,January 26, declared that the military force and law enforcement measures alone couldnot defeat terrorism.

President Buhari said African leaders must adopt what he described as multifaceted approach to tackle the scourge.Buhari said this at a meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council on the sidelines of the 30th AU Summit holding in in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to him,''Terrorism cannot be defeated only through military force and law enforcement measures. We need to adopt a multifaceted approach of good governance, economic development and creation of job opportunities for our youths.

’’He said Nigeria was gravely concerned over the increasing threats by transnational terrorism and the attendant humanitarian crisis.He condemned the continued activities of terrorist groups in Africa and around the world and called for more concerted action by the council and the rest of the international community to address the scourge.

The president added: ''For us to combat thethreats posed by transnational terrorism, we must first of all address the conditions that are conducive to the spread of extremism, radicalisation and terrorism in our communities

.“We must take collaborative measures to disrupt terrorists recruitment and financing networks. We must find effective ways to stop the movement of foreign fighters.

’’Buhari said Nigeria was encouraged by the sustained multidimensional fight against the Boko Haram and their foreign supporters which led to the degrading of the group, through the multinational joint task force.

He extolled the efforts of the Lake Chad Basin countries and Benin, the AU and the international community in achieving that feat.

He said the replication of the multinational joint task force model should be encouraged for countering terrorism on the continent.

The president acknowledged that in spite ofthe achievements so far recorded, there arestill some pockets of terrorist activities within the Lake Chad Basin region particularly northeastern part of Nigeria.

Bayelsa governor Dickson calls for restructuring of Nigeria before 2019 polls

Bayelsa state governor Seriake Dickson has praised the latest moves to restructureNigeria by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Premium Times reports that Dickson on Friday, January 26, commended the APC’s restructuring committee chaird by Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai over the recommendations it made in its report recently submitted to party chairman John Odigie-Oyegun.

According to the report, while Dickson believes that there is still a lot to be done because restructuring a nation as big as Nigeria can be cumbersome; he was however impressed by the moves made theAPC so far.“

Even though we have a long way to go to fine-tune this, I commend and appreciate their commitment to building a stable, equitable and, therefore, prosperous Nigeria,” the governor told reporters at the Bayelsa State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

Dickson however argued that the entire matter must be resolved before 2019 elections, noting that politicians can no longer play hide-and-seek with the issue of restructuring.


He said:“Nigeria must be restructured before 2019 elections. Where there’s a will there’s a way.”

Look at the stats... in 14 years 10 Chelseamanagers have been sacked' (And that'sAntonio Conte talking!)

Antonio Conte says he is beginning to understand what it was like for Chelsea’s previous coaches who found themselves caught up in the club’s politics.

Sportsmail revealed earlier this month that the Chelsea manager will leave this summer, and it has been another week of discord between Conte and the board, with reports that he has stopped speaking directly to the club’s transfer supremo Marina Granovskaia.

The Italian himself added fuel to the fire following the Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Arsenal on Wednesday by claiming he has little say in any transfers.

Sportsmailcan also reveal that friction has also developed between players and Conte over his decision to make the squad stay together at a hotel the night before certain training days.

Despite these difficulties, Conte insists he is not the first to go through this at Chelsea and that he is a ‘specialist’ in getting himself out of a tight spot.

‘If you look at the stats you can see that in 14 years 10 managers were sacked at this club,’ said Conte, whose side host Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Lionel Messi receives new Adidas bootsin spectacular fashion as drone delivers Barcelona star with the black and blue customised footwear

Lionel Messireceived his new Adidas boots in spectacular fashion on Friday as the stunning custom footwear was delivered by drone.

At the Club Montjuic of the Palau Sant Jordi ofBarcelona, Messi was presented the Nemeziz Cold Blooded boots.

The 30-year-old Barcelona ace was guest of honour at the sponsors event and they took the boot unveiling to the next level.

And while Messi was more than happy to posewith his new boots, the attacker also provided a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the young men who joined him on stage - smiles all round.

Messi has showed no signs his career is ready to slow down and he played a central role for Barcelona as they progressed to the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Wednesday with a 2-0 home win over Espanyol.

He added the crucial second goal on the night after Luis Suarez had opened the scoring for the Catalans.
And his part in the Espanyol win brought with it further history for the star as his goal was Barcelona's 4,000th at the Camp Nou in official competition.

Real Madrid's incredible £500m splurgeto land the Premier League's big three of Harry Kane, Eden Hazard and David de Gea

Real languish 19 points off La Liga leaders Barcelona but have not spent big for almost four years — despite taking second place in this week’s Deloitte Money League of world football’s top earners.

The Spanish club’s biggest concerns about their Premier League raid surround Kane who— with his clean-living image — perfectly fits the player profile president Florentino Perez insists on.

But there are genuine doubts in Madrid about whether the relationship Kane has with Tottenham, and the lure of playing in a new Spurs stadium next season, will put him out ofreach.Spurs have also made it clear that even a world-record bid will not persuade them to part with Kane, though securing his guide and mentor Pochettino could make the difference

Real’s current manager Zinedine Zidane — who has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain amid doubts about his own future — wants Hazard. But this week the Belgian forward dismissed his father’s claim that he had rejected a Chelsea contract offer to see if Realwill bid for him.An urgent need for a goalkeeper has also arisen, now Athletic Bilbao have tied 23-year-old Kepa Arrizabalaga to a new deal with a £70m buy-out clause.

The club’s desire for De Gea is no secret. Real were so convinced they had signed him in the summer of 2015 that Rafa Benitez had told his closest advisors the goalkeeper was coming, before Perez’s staff bungled a deadline-day bid.

Real have lined up Chelsea goalkeeper ThibautCourtois as their second choice in case Uniteddemand more than £100m for De Gea.

Perez’s return to the Premier League for players follows a four-year period in which Madrid have looked way off the pace set by Manchester United, Manchester City and PSG as Europe’s big spenders.

Real’s 2010-17 net transfer spend was £172m, even less than Arsenal’s (£219m) and Liverpool’s (£223m), while United’s was £815m.

The Deloitte report revealed Real have leapfrogged Barca into second place in the table of Europe’s top earners, pulling in £592.8m revenue in 2016-17, second only to United’s £594.3m.

It is the narrowest gap at the top of the Money League but behind Deloitte’s figures lies a more complicated financial story for Real.

Their income was boosted by winning the Champions League and La Liga last season, a double which helped the failure to make an eye-catching 2017 summer signing pass without comment.

Yet talk of a £263m Abu Dhabi naming-rights deal for the ageing Bernabeu has come to nothing and nor has a new kit deal to match United’s £75m-a-season Nike tie-up.

President Buhari signs 8 bills into law

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters (Senate), Ita Enang, briefed State House correspondents yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari has signed eight bills into law.

Prominent among the bills signedinto law is the Legislative Houses (Power and Privileges), Act 2018. The Act grants members of Legislative Houses in the NationalAssembly and State Houses of Assembly immunity from litigation for actions taken in plenary or committee proceedings of the House or committee. .

According to Enang, the law is meant to strengthen the power ofthe legislators to carry out their legislative functions. .

The powers include powers to summon any person to appear before her, give evidence, including power of an officer of the legislative House to arrest any person who commits an offence against the Act. .

Another bill signed into law was the National Institute of Legislative Studies (Amendment) Act, 2018. Another law the President assented to was the National Senior Citizens Centre Act, 2018. The Act establishes the National Senior Citizens Centre inthe country to cater for the needsof senior citizens. .

Others are Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Spain (Domestication and Enforcement) Act, 2018; Rail Loan (International Bank) (Repeal) Act, 2018, Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2018, Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration Act, 2018 and Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (Establishment), Act, 2018.

Amaechi arrested in Germany over Boko Haram links

A Nigerian man suspected of being a member of Boko Haram and killing people in Nigeria during attacks on schools and a village has been arrested in Germany, the federal prosecutor said on Friday. .

According to Reuters, the 27-year-old man, named as Amaechi Fred O., was detained onWednesday in Bavaria and a day later a judge issued an arrest warrant and ordered that he be remanded in custody, the chief federal prosecutor said in a statement.

 .“He is strongly suspected of being a member of the foreign terrorist organisation Boko Haram,” the statement said. It saidAmaechi Fred O. was believed to have joined Boko Haram in 2013 and had admitted to actively taking part in four attacks againstNigerian civilians during his one-year membership of the group.

.He is accused of killing several people during two attacks on schools and one attack on a village and taking part in another attack on a village, during which members of Boko Haram took girls as hostages and burned down a church.

Security agencies have standing instructions to arrest and prosecute anyonefound with illegal arms' - President Buhari

Following President Buhari's National Security Council meeting that held yesterday, the Nigerian leader has now tweeted that,'security agencies have standing instructions to arrest and prosecute anyone found withillegal arms'.

According to him,'yesterday I chaired a National Security Council Meeting. We are stepping up our efforts to tackle the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.The security agencies already have standing instructions to arrest and prosecute anyone found with illegal arms'.

Nigerian veteran rapper, Ruggedman who is part of the on-going reality show ‘Celebrity Housemates’, while chatting with Junior Popeand Funky Mallam, bragged about buying Chocolate City’s act, Ice Prince his first ticketto London back in 2010.

   Ruggedman said;

      ‘When I tell am say make we go London go shoot him video he shock. Na so I buy am ticket, I even leave am for London forone week before I go join am so tey he con dey fear’.

Recall that Chocolate City act, Ice Prince, who broke into the Nigerian music scene with “Oleku’, which he had ex-label mate, Brymo on, in a new Twitter exchange, admitted that he is back to being an upcoming act.

Oprah Winfrey Finally Breaks Her Silence On Running For US Presidency In 2020

Oprah Winfrey has revealed that she has no interest in contesting against Trump for the US presidency in 2020. The world-famous television personality and business mogul disclosed this in InStyle magazine’s March 2018 issue.

After her acclaimed speech at the Golden Globes awards ceremony, people urged Winfrey to run for the White House, but she’s not interested.

Some Democrats still reeling from Hillary Clinton’s shock loss to Donald Trump, have embraced the idea of having their own celebrity candidate the next time around.

Winfrey told In Style: “I’ve always felt very secure and confident with myself in knowingwhat I could do and what I could not. And so it’s not something that interests me

Real Madrid news: Zinedine Zidane threatens to QUIT after Mauro Icardi fee agreed - report

The Spanish giants are experiencing a season to forget by their standards and sit 19 points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona in La Liga.

Their struggles were compounded this week when they were embarassingly knocked out of the Copa del Rey by cross-city minows Leganes.

Perez is determined to turnReal's fortunesaround by splashing the cash on new players this month.However, the latest reports from Spain indicate Perez has had to forget about bringing in Icardi due to Zidan

According toDiario Gol, Perez made a crisis call to Inter Milan and agreed to pay more than £88m (€100m) for Icardi.

However, Zidane apparently threatened to quit Real if a deal for the Argentine was pushed through.

Zidane's opposition to signing Icardi is centred on his backing of Karim Benzema to rediscover his best form.

The French gaffer is also concerned about Icardi's personality and how it would impact the rest of his squad.

News of Zidane's refusal to sanction Icardi's arrival will have come as a boost toCristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos.

Ronaldo does not want Icardi to move to Real because he would challenge his status as top dog in Madrid.

Actress Mercy Aigbe hints she wants another baby

Despite being a two time divorcee and a mother of two children, Mercy Aigbe still has intentions of adding to her family.

It appears the beautiful actress may be suffering from a little bit of baby fever. She recently revealed on social media that she might just try to have another baby and a baby girl, to be precise.

This happened after a photo of a lovely little girl was shared on Instagram. The actress, moved by the sheer beauty of the adorable little girl, got in the comment section and wrote:"Oh my ovaries^^^^^^i might just try, for another baby girl^."

The actress had moved out of her second husband's house in 2017 due to alleged domestic violence. Despite their divorce case still being in court and a restraining order again Lanre Gentry,there were rumours that they were trying to make peace with each other as they reportedly started following each other on Instagram again.

With her recent urge to have another child, perhaps there is hope for her relationship with her estranged husband after all!

Trump sends warm greetings to African leaders

President Donald Trump on Friday, January 26, told the African Union chairman to send his "warmest regards" to other regional leaders at a summit this weekend after triggering rage with a reported derogatory remark on against Africans.

The US president congratulated Rwandan President Paul Kagame on taking over as chair of the African bloc, which Trump described as a "great honour", Channels News Asia reports.

African Union, chaired by Kagame asked for Donald Trump's apology to Africa.But Trump denied making the remark as reported by US lawmakers present at the meeting.

Breaking: 5 killed, 8 injured in alleged fresh clash in Plateau

An alleged fresh clash between suspected herdsmen and indigenes of Jebbu Miango village in Bassa local government area of Plateau state has left five persons dead while eight others are said to have sustained various degrees of injury.

The incident, according to the New Telegraph, happened very late on Thursday, January 25.The report also said the incident was confirmed by the police spokesperson in the state, DSP Mathias Terna, on Friday, January 26 in Jos.

Terna reportedly said three people were killed and burnt by the armed men. He gavetheir identities as Danlami Gomaster, male, of Kwall district; Emmanuel Audu, male, of Jebbu-Miango and said the last person is yet to be identified.

“Eight other persons sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries and were takento Enos Hospital in Bassa for medical treatment. Twenty housing units were also set ablaze.

“Investigation is on to unravel the remote and immediate causes of these attacks.

”“Yesterday at about 1900hrs, the police division in Bassa Local Government Area received a distress call that Jebbu-Miango in Bassa was under attack.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino refuses to rule out Real Madrid job... but would rather work on a farm than manage Arsenal or Barcelona

Mauricio Pochettino is refusing to shut down rumours of a move toReal Madrid- but says he would rather work on a farm than manage Arsenal or Barcelona.

Zinedine Zidane is under pressure at Real andSports mail revealed in November that Tottenham boss Pochettino would be the No 1 target if Zidane is sacked.

Pochettino is focused on Spurs but said: 'You never know what will happen in football.

The Argentine, who is the son of a farm labourer, said there are only three clubs he would rule out joining.

He said: 'I am never going to be manager of Barcelona or Arsenal because I am so identified with Tottenham and Espanyol. I grew up with Newell's Old Boys and will nevermanage (their rivals) Rosario Central.

'That is my decision. I prefer to work on my farm in Argentina than in some places.'

Alexis Sanchez in drug storm as Manchester United's new star 'missed a doping test' while at Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez is at the centre of an alleged doping storm after it was claimed he missed adrugs test at Arsenal's training ground on Monday.

It is unclear who was at fault and whether it is Sanchez,Manchester United's new £600,000-a-week superstar striker, or Arsenal who could be facing a possible sanction. Indeed, there is even confusion about whether doping control officers attended Arsenal's London Colney base.

Initial reports in Spain said testers from UEFAhad arrived and requested a sample from Sanchez only to discover he was not there, but UEFA on Thursday night denied any involvement. More likely is the possibility that Sanchez has fallen foul of 'whereabouts' rules,having travelled north to complete his move to United when his where abouts details still showed him in London.

How Drake Cut Out Burna Boy Who Wrote 5 Songs In His ‘More Life’ Album

Burna Boy who is one of the most celebrated artistes and song writers in Nigeria has opened up on how he wrote 5 songs for Drake in one of his albums.

Burna Boy made this revelation during the listening party for his forth coming album titled “Outside.” which held on Sunday January 21st, 2017 at the We´re´ House in Lagos.

Burna Boy spoke on how he met with Drake in London and how their meeting led to themworking on the project Drake was working on at the time, which turned out to be an album titled “More Life.

”He also added that he worked so hard to enure that he only delivered quality materials for the projects.

He said:“I worked on 5 new songs for the project, and submitted them all.”

Burna Boy revealed that he got confirmation from Drake and his team that one of the songs he wrote named “More Life” would make it to the project but it came out in a different form on the album and it even went on to be the title of the entire album.

Sadly, the like to party crooner did not get the deserved credit for writing the song that went on to become so huge that it made the top of the Billboard Hot 200 album chart and broke streaming charts.

Burna Boy was hoever featured on the outro of the album ‘Get It Together’, which was a remake of South African DJ, Black Coffee, and Bucie’s 2010 single Superman.T

he new version had UK singer Jorja Smith, singing about fixing a strained relationship. Burna Boy’s More Life was reworked and sampled at the outro of the record and it wasentirely different from the version that he had written.

“They told me they had picked it, but when the song came out it was…chopped.” Burna Boy said.

Burna Boy however said he has moved on from that episode and stated that the originalversion of the More Life song he wrote would be on his forthcoming album “Outside,” which is set for release on January26th, 2018.