WikiLeaks founder marks first year in Ecuador’s embassy
A year after seeking refuge at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, Julian Assange remains fearful of US “revenge” over the WikiLeaks disclosures and aware that the diplomatic deadlock over his case may continue for months, if not years. “All I ask is to be treated like a normal person and not have the politics affect judicial decisions,” said the Australian ahead of the anniversary Wednesday of his confinement
Boko Haram militants kill 7 students, 2 teachers
Suspected Islamist extremists have attacked a secondary school and military checkpoint in Nigeria’s northeast state of Yobe, leaving 11 people dead including seven students, the military said Monday. Details were sketchy and the information could not be independently confirmed
Fed Cup: Pillars, Wolves, Sunshine Go For Broke
Leading elite clubs Kano Pillars, Sunshine Stars and Warri Wolves are among 34 teams that will be involved in the Round of 64 games of this year’s Federation Cup competition on Wednesday. Wolves go up against Dynamite FC of Benin City at the Rojenny Stadium, Oba, near Onitsha while Sunshine Stars, semi-finalists in last year’s CAF Champions League competition, will tackle Fountain FC of Ekiti at the Ilorin Sports Stadium. Pillars, reigning Premier League champions, take on Global Academy FC of Anambra at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja
Climate agency warns on dangers of burning coal
With rainfall patterns changing and food growing region getting drier, an Australia climate agency warned today that most fossil fuels must remain in the ground because burning them will unleash changes that will “challenge the existence of our society”. Australia’s Climate Commission study found that the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, a key Australian export, represented the most significant contributor to climate change.
Nigeria grounds cargo plane from Ukraine
Nigeria’s authorities have grounded a Ukrainian cargo plane suspected to be carrying military hardware at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport. According to agency reports, the cargo plane landed at the airport on Saturday night and was immediately grounded by the military authorities who could not confirm the actual destination or owners of the cargo. An aviation official disclosed that the plane is currently parked on the airport tarmac, where investigation will be thoroughly carried out by Nigerian security operatives.
PDP leaders paid a condolence visit to Dosunmu family— Photo News
PDP Chieftain, Chief Olabode George, exchanging greetings with Kuburat Dosunmu,
Balotelli gives Italy vital win in Rio
RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) – A goal 12 minutes from time from an effervescent Mario Balotelli sealed a 2-1 win for Italy over Mexico in Rio’s Maracana stadium on Sunday in their Confederations Cup Group A opener. Balotelli struck from close range on 78 minutes to give Italy a precious win as they joined Brazil on three points following the hosts’ 3-0 win over Japan in Brasilia on Saturday
Abibat Mogaji: Fashola, others condole the Tinubus
The Tinubus and Abibatu Mogaji Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, his counterpart in the state of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola and Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the ACN’s presidential candidate in 2011, have all mourned the demise of the President General of the Market Men and Women in Nigeria, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji. They all described her death as a national loss.
Amaechi organised kangaroo election – Suswam
Governor Gabriel Suswam’s comments on the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) crisis has not changed since two parallel leaderships emerged at an election perceived to be the most controversial since the forum came into existence. During an interactive session with newsmen in his residence over the weekend, the governor said he would continue to stand by his earlier statement that Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State organised a kangaroo election so as to force himself on other governors. GODWIN AKOR, who was at the event, reports that Suswam’s stand on the NGF indicates that both factions may remain in crisis for some time.
FG has made nonsense of our June 12 sacrifices – Opadokun
Chief Ayo Opadokun, renowed legal luminary and activist, was the Secretary-General of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the anchorage platform that was used to wrest power from the military 14 years ago. In this interview with KALU OKWARA, he relives some of the experiences he had during those dark days of the nation, lamenting that subsequent administrations have made nonsense of the sacrifices they made during the struggle. Can you tell the people how it all began?
Away win keeps Burkina Faso in World Cup race
Africa Cup of Nations runners-up Burkina Faso won away for the second time in seven days Saturday to keep alive hopes of a first World Cup appearance.
Efe Ambrose: Nigeria Fear No Foes In Brazil
Super Eagles and Celtic centre-half, Efe Ambrose has declared Nigeria fear no foes in the ongoing FIFA Confederation Cup in Brazil. Ambrose said in an interview with FIFA.com Saturday that though the African champions are in a group that includes the European and world champions, Spain, he still has the confidence that the Eagles would not disappoint soccer loving Nigerians and the continent as a whole.