FA Charged Arsenal star Wilshere Over Tottenham 's***' Taunts

The midfielder apologised on Twitter after starting an expletive-filled song during the Gunners' open-top bus tour following their FA Cup success, but must now respond to a charge. jack Wilshere has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for foul-mouthed chants aimed at Tottenham during Arsenal's FA Cup celebrations on Sunday.

The England midfielder caused controversy as Arsenal toured north London in an open-top bus following their 4-0 win over Aston Villa in the final at Wembley. Wilshere grabbed a microphone and addressed fans with the question: "What do you we think of Tottenham?" The supporters responded with "s***", before Wilshere asked: "What do we think of s***?"

Real Madrid Boss Benitez Reveals Sterling Admiration

The former Napoli boss, unveiled as los Blancos' new manager on Wednesday, admits the club are big fans of the Liverpool winger, but would not be drawn on David De Gea rumours New Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez admits Liverpool contract rebel Raheem Sterling is a player the club admire, though refused to be drawn any further on his transfer plans. The 20-year-old has told Liverpool that he intends to leave the club this summer, with controversial agent Aidy Ward insisting his client would not be staying even if he were offered £900,000 per week.

Liverpool subsequently cancelled planned talks over a new agreement while Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has previously revealed the Liga giants are monitoring Sterling's progression. When asked on Real's possible interest, Benitez - who signed Sterling for Liverpool in 2010 - reaffirmed Zidane's stance but refused to divuldge further: "We admire Raheem, that's no secret. "But he is not one of our players so I can't really comment on him."

Protests Against Burundi President Resume

In Burundi's capital, protesters took to the streets again against President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term. Scenes of unrest resumed on Tuesday morning in Bujumbura where police used teargas and live bullets to disband groups of protesters in several neighborhoods of the city. As soon as the clashes erupted, bystanders and street vendors quickly ran to find shelter behind gate doors, observing the scene from a distance. Still, some got teargas canisters thrown in their backyard, among them, Eric. 

 

"So now the police has decided to attack the population," he said. "They threw this teargas can in my yard... Can you imagine, there are mamas, and papas, and children in here." In another neighborhood, tensions were also high. A car from the Red Cross made its way between the police and the protesters and took away several injured people, who said they were hit by live bullets from the police. "Instead of protecting us," one man said, "the police kill us."

Sudan Swears in President Bashir, Wanted in War Crimes

Sudan swore in President Omar al-Bashir for another five-year term Tuesday, extending his 25-year rule as many Arab leaders stayed away from the ceremony for the world's only sitting leader wanting on international war crimes charges. During al-Bashir's quarter century in power, Sudan lost a third of its territory as South Sudan broke away and internal wars with rebel movements and international sanctions battered its economy.  Before his re-election, al-Bashir sought to make a major shift in his foreign policy, departing from his strategic alliance with Iran and inching closer to Sunni power Saudi Arabia in its proxy war against the Islamic Republic by throwing his support to the kingdom-led coalition against Shiite rebels in Yemen.

The shift, critics say, ensures a new cash lifeline from oil-rich countries to help the Sudanese economy.  Days before his inauguration, al-Bashir paid two visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to invite its leaders to the ceremony, though they didn't show up. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and a handful of African leaders, including Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, did attend.  In a ceremony held in the city of Omdurman, al-Bashir promised to combat corruption and emphasize economic growth. He also offered amnesty to armed rebel groups if they agreed to peace talks.

Nigerian President Buhari Embarks on First Foreign Trip

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is embarking on his first official foreign visit, with stops in Niger on Wednesday and Chad on Thursday. The two countries are part of a joint military offensive against the militant group Boko Haram. Buhari's trip follows Tuesday attack by Boko Haram against the Borno State capital, Maiduguri. Garba Shehu, Buhari’s senior special assistant on media and publicity, said the president is fulfilling a campaign promise to have a strong engagement with Nigeria’s neighbors and form a united front against Boko Haram.

“This is a commitment he has given in the course of the campaign to say that, under him, there will be a very strong engagement with the neighbors in order to bring them to the table and to take a common position against the terrorists that have been causing havoc in the sub-region,” he said. Buhari said during his election campaign that having foreign troops on Nigerian soil was a “national disgrace.” Shehu said the former general was speaking of his own disappointment in how the Nigerian military had been treated under President Goodluck Jonathan.

Senate Passes 46 Bills in 10Mins

The Senate Wednesday passed 46 bills into law in less than ten minutes. The passage was done immediatly the bills were presented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang. But the passage of the bills caused an uproar in the upper chamber, even after the voice vote by the presiding officer and Senate President, David Mark, who announced, ” the Ayes have it.” Senator Mark, told those who were not satisfied with the passage of the bills to come tomorrow, being the next legislative day with their names and signatures for consideration. Before the bills were passed, the Senate had suspended Order 79 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders and deemed all the Bills as having passed first, second and third readings on the floor of the Senate. (Vanguard)

Money Laundering - EFCC Grills Former Adamawa State Governor Muritala Nyako For 10 Hours

Barely 48 hours after his return to the country from self-exile in Europe, former Adamawa State governor, Alhaji Murtala Nyako, was yesterday quizzed by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over offences bordering on economic crimes. He was grilled by the commission’s operatives for over 10 hours. A reliable source confided in LEADERSHIP that the retired naval officer willingly surrendered himself to the anti-graft agency when he called at the Wuse II, Abuja headquarters of the EFCC yesterday morning. ‘’He is still here with us now (at 5:55pm) undergoing interrogation. He came here at about10am and he is being quizzed by our operatives over alleged infractions when he was governor,’’ the source said.

It can be recalled that the EFCC had, since February this year, declared Nyako and his son, Abdulazeez Murtala-Nyako, wanted after they failed to honour the agency’s previous invitations. EFCC head of media and publicity, Wilson Uwujaren had, in a statement sent to journalists on February, said that Nyako and his son were wanted for economic crimes. “Both are wanted in a case of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering,” he had said then.

Read President Buhari’s Inaugural Speech

Inaugural speech by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari following his swearing-in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29th May, 2015. I am immensely grateful to God Who Has preserved us to witness this day and this occasion. Today marks a triumph for Nigeria and an occasion to celebrate her freedom and cherish her democracy. Nigerians have shown their commitment to democracy and are determined to entrench its culture. Our journey has not been easy but thanks to the determination of our people and strong support from friends abroad we have today a truly democratically elected government in place.

I would like to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his display of statesmanship in setting a precedent for us that has now made our people proud to be Nigerians wherever they are. With the support and cooperation he has given to the transition process, he has made it possible for us to show the world that despite the perceived tension in the land we can be a united people capable of doing what is right for our nation. Together we co-operated to surprise the world that had come to expect only the worst from Nigeria. I hope this act of graciously accepting defeat by the outgoing President will become the standard of political conduct in the country.

Rafa Benitez Confirms Napoli Exit, Silent on Real Madrid Link

Rafa Benitez has announced in a press conference that he is leaving Napoli, although he has refused to discuss an expected move to Real Madrid. Benitez’s future has been the subject of sustained debate in recent days with Florentino Perez thought to be keen to anoint him successor to Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked after failing to win a trophy this season. The former Liverpool and Inter coach – who won La Liga twice with Valencia, in 2002 and 2004 – was said to be “99%” sure to land the Madrid job by Ancelotti’s agent.

De Bruyne - I Won't Return to Chelsea While Mourinho is There

The Belgium international was given just three Premier League outings by the Blues boss and says he will not return to Chelsea while he is still in the hotseat. Wolfsburg winger Kevin de Bruyne has given suitors Manchester City a boost by hinting he would welcome a return to England – but not to a Chelsea side managed by Jose Mourinho. De Bruyne moved to Stamford Bridge from Genk in 2012 but was initially loaned to Werder Bremen. Having been recalled for the 2013-14 season he made just three Premier League appearances under Mourinho before completing a permanent move to Wolfsburg last January.

The 23-year-old's agent, Patrick De Koster, has claimed Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the race to sign the Belgium international following a fine season in the Bundesliga, though the player himself says he would be open to another Premier League move. But it will not be Chlesea while Mourinho is in the hotseat: "I think, to be honest, I would not return to Chelsea as long as he is in charge," he told Bild.

Bianca Gascoigne Seen Out Enjoying The Beach in Spain

Molestation Claim Against Michael Jackson's Estate Dismissed

A choreographer who accused Michael Jackson of years of molestation cannot pursue his allegations against the singer's estate because he waited too long to file the legal action, a judge ruled. Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff wrote in his ruling Tuesday that Wade Robson's claim is untimely and should be dismissed. Robson had previously denied the pop superstar molested him and testified in Jackson's defense at the singer's criminal trial in 2005. Robson also spoke favorably about Jackson after the singer's death in 2009.

However, Robson sued Jackson's estate in May 2013 over the molestation allegations. Attorneys for Robson said Jackson molested him over a seven-year period. Attorneys for Jackson's estate have denied the allegations. Robson's attorney Maryann Marzano wrote in a statement that Beckloff's ruling will be appealed, and the molestation claim will be pursued against Jackson's business entities. Jackson estate attorney Howard Weitzman praised the ruling and noted Robson's previous testimony about Jackson. "Mr. Robson testified under oath in a courtroom that Michael never did anything improper with him," Weitzman wrote in an email.

Losing to Buhari Is a Pride – Jonathan

Despite the painful loss of the Presidential election to his opponent of the All Progressives Congress, President Goodluck Jonathan, has said that he has no regret over his defeat. And rather than whine over the historic defeat of an incumbent president, Jonathan has moved on in his strides, describing the sad development as an act of God. The President, who is handling over the mantle of leadership to Buhari on Wednesday, spoke at a grand House Reception organised in his honour by the Chairman Emeritus of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, owners of AIT and Raypower.

The elaborate send forth event, which attracted top Nigerians from all walks of life, was held at the Daar Communications Headquarters, Kpaduma Hills, Asokoro and was attended by many top Nigerians from all walks of life, including the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Chairman and publisher of Vanguard, Mr. Sam Amuka.

FIFA Crisis - Putin Backs Blatter, Accuses USA of Meddling

The FIFA bribery scandal has reached diplomatic proportions with Russian president Vladimir Putin accusing America of trying to meddle in FIFA affairs. The world of football has been stunned by a series of developments since news emerged in the early hours of Wednesday that nine senior FIFA officials had been arrested and charged by US authorities alleging a rampant, systemic and deep-rooted” plot over decades to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks”. In a simultaneous operation, Swiss authorities announced an investigation into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup, to be held in Qatar, as they raided FIFA headquarters in Zurich.

US attorney general Loretta Lynch said in a press conference that FIFA would be forced to decide whether the next two World Cups should go ahead as planned, given the persistent claims of corruption which have plagued them. Russia sports minister Vitaly Mutko, though, insisted his country had "nothing to hide” as an embattled FIFA insisted the World Cup will not be changing hands. And now Putin has accused America of trying to meddle in foreign affairs and unseat Blatter, who has been given the backing of the Russian leader.

NLC Calls For Public Declaration of Assets by Political Office Holders

Mr Issa Aremu, Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Thursday said political office holders should publicly declare assets to facilitate easy tracking of ill-gotten wealth. Aremu gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kaduna. “The President-elect has promised to publicly declare his assets. Let all public officers follow. We can then know who has what and who is having an eye on our commonwealth. “Let nobody earn more than what is recommended by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission,’’

He described Nigeria’s system of governance as most prohibitive with very low dividends for the people. “Nigeria system of governance is the most prohibitive. “Worse still is that it delivers low benefits to citizens; poor roads, lack of water, irregular electricity, insecurity and of late scandalous non-sale of petroleum products while government officials remain indifferent.’’ Aremu attributed the situation to greed and mismanagement by public office holders. “May be we should talk of high cost of mis-governance or high cost of no-governance.

S. Africa Government Denies Bribing FIFA to Host World Cup

South African Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula on Thursday denied allegations that huge bribes were paid to win the right to host the 2010 World Cup, saying that public money had not been given to “criminals”. FIFA has been engulfed in a bribery scandal that includes accusations from the US attorney general that FIFA officials took cash in return for awarding the tournament to South Africa.

The US indictment alleged that bundles of cash in a briefcase were handed over at a Paris hotel as a bribe by a “high-ranking South African bid committee official”. It also alleged the South Africa government agreed that $10 million that was due to be paid to South Africa to run the World Cup was instead transferred from FIFA’s funds to pay bribes to former FIFA vice president Jack Warner.

Malaysia -139 People Buried in Remote Graves on Border

Malaysia's Deputy Home Affairs Minister says the government believes 139 people are buried in a group of graves discovered in a remote location on the country's border with Thailand. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar told reporters Thursday that investigators believe there is one body in each of the graves discovered, rather than multiples, as was first suspected. He said each of the bodies, suspected to be linked to human traffickers, was wrapped in white cloth and buried according to Muslim tradition.

Malaysia's National Police Chief Khalid Abu Bakar first announced the discovery of the graves on Monday, saying they were found at 28 suspected human trafficking camps that likely housed from 20 to 300 people per camp. The discovery of the camps and the graves followed a similar one earlier this month on the Thai side of the border. Southeast Asia is battling a humanitarian crisis involving thousands of people smuggled from Myanmar and Bangladesh into Malaysia and Indonesia through Thailand.

ICC Upholds Ruling on Trial of Former Ivorian First Lady

Appeals judges at the International Criminal Court have called on Ivory Coast to hand over former first lady Simone Gbagbo, upholding an earlier ruling that she stand trial in The Hague. Polish Judge Piotr Hofmanski said Wednesday that Ivory Coast must stand by its obligation to surrender Gbagbo without delay. He said Ivorian authorities had failed to offer proof that could counter the ICC’s initial decision against holding Gbagbo’s trial in Ivory Coast, noting that the information they supplied was vague. The appeals ruling also found Ivorian officials had not proved in a timely manner that they were investigating the former first lady for the same allegations of crimes against humanity that she faces in The Hague. 

Fifa Congress Opens as Sponsor Concerns Grow Over Arrests

Football's governing body Fifa is due to open its annual congress despite warnings from sponsors that they may review ties over the arrest of senior officials on corruption charges. Visa says it will reassess its sponsorship unless Fifa makes changes. Coca-Cola and Adidas voiced concern. The European football body Uefa will decide whether to boycott Friday's vote for the next Fifa president. Seven top Fifa officials were arrested on corruption charges on Wednesday. Fifa provisionally banned from football-related activity 11 of the 14 people charged by the US authorities on Wednesday. They are accused of racketeering, fraud and money laundering. But it said the election on Friday - in which Fifa president Sepp Blatter is seeking a fifth term - would go ahead.

Nigeria's Foreign Trade Down By N110.2bn in First Quarter

Nigeria's total external merchandise trade decreased by N110.2 billion to N4.87 trillion in the first quarter of the year (Q1 2015) compared to N4.98 trillion in the previous quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The bureau explained that the 2.2 percent drop occurred despite a rise of N275.6 billion or 9.3 percent in the value of exports compared to the preceding quarter. The country's structure of exports was dominated by crude oil, which accounted for an estimated N2.25 trillion or 69.7 percent of the value of total exports in the period under review.

The statistical agency said a decline of N385.8 billion or 19 per cent in the value of imports resulted in an overall decline in the value of merchandise trade. According to the Foreign Trade Statistics for the first quarter of 2015 which was released yesterday, the rise in exports and decline in imports however, improved the country's trade balance which increased by 71.6 percent from the preceding quarter to N1.5 trillion. Compared with the corresponding quarter of 2014, however, the value of total merchandise trade decreased by 639.5billion or 11.6 percent, while the trade balance decreased by N839.1 billion or 34.6 per cent.