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  • Nasarawa Gov Election, Tribunal Reserves Judgement

    Nasarawa Gov Election, Tribunal Reserves Judgement

    By Abel Leonard Nzwanke

    The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Nasarawa State has reserved judgement on the petition filed by Emmanuel Ombugadu, Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 governorship election challenging the victory of Governor Abdullahi Sule of the All progressive Congress APC.

    Justice Abba Mohammed, Chairman of the tribunal stated this on Monday in Lafia, during the submission of final written addresses by counsels to the petitioner and the respondents.

    The Chairman said that the tribunal would communicate to all the parties in the petition on the day the judgment would be deliver.

    Earlier, Ola Olanikpekun (SAN), led counsel to the PDP candidate, said that there was no compliance with the accreditation requirements in more than 90 percent of the polling units during the March 9, governorship election in the state.

    He said that they have tendered evidence to the tribunal with certified copies of voters register and the total votes that returned the governor has not tally with the accreditation.

    “If there is no compliance with the accreditation therefore the law says that the election is invalid and should be declare as such.

    “The election conducted on March 9, in Nasarawa State has not complied to accreditation process and that is what we are holding unto.

    ‘We want the tribunal to declare the election invalid and order a fresh election,” the counsel added.

    According to Hassan Liman (SAN) and Mr Adebayo adelogun (SAN) counsels to All Progressives Congress (APC) and the governor, argued that the petition should be dismissed for lack of merit.

    They however argued that the petitiones claime that accreditation was not carried out was just an imagination.

    The counsel of the APC said that the petition be dismissed and the tribunal should award cost to the petitioner for wasting the time of the tribunal.

  • 7 health benefits of hibiscus tea (Zobo)

    7 health benefits of hibiscus tea (Zobo)

    Zobo is a very popular beverage throughout the world and is often used as a medicinal tea. Hibiscus flowers have various names and are known as “Roselle” in some places.

    Hibiscus tea also known as Zobo in Nigeria is ruby red in colour and has a sour taste. Therefore, it is also known as sour tea and has a flavour similar to cranberry.

    Health benefits

    The health benefits include its ability to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, disturbed the digestive and immune system, and inflammatory problems as well.

    It helps cure liver diseases and reduces the risk of cancer. It can also speed up the metabolism and help in healthy, gradual weight loss. It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants and helps in the treatment of hypertension and anxiety.

    The benefits of Hibiscus tea includes:

    ALSO READ: 5 best foods for constipation relief

    1. Manages Blood Pressure

    Consuming zobo lowers the blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. A study conducted by Odigie IP suggests that it has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which can be beneficial for people suffering from hypertension and those at high risks of cardiovascular diseases.

    2. Lowers Cholesterol

    It helps to lower the levels of (bad) LDL cholesterol from the body, thereby helping to protect against heart diseases and protecting blood vessels from damage. The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of hibiscus tea can be beneficial for those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes.

    3. Protects Liver

    Research studies have also suggested that the antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea also helps in treating liver diseases. Antioxidants help protect your body from diseases because they neutralize the free radicals present in body tissues and cells. Hibiscus tea could increase your lifespan by maintaining good overall health.

    4. Contains Anti-cancer Properties

    Hibiscus tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has anti-tumour and antioxidant properties. Hibiscus slows down the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.

    5. Anti-inflammatory & Antibacterial Agent

    It is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of the immune system. It is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever, due to its cooling effect.

    6. Relieves Menstrual Pain

    The health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from cramps and menstrual pain. It helps in restoring hormonal balance as well, which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.

    7. Antidepressant Agent

    Hibiscus tea contains vitamins and minerals like flavonoids which have antidepressant properties. Consumption of hibiscus tea can help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the mind and body.

  • 5 ways to white eyes naturally

    5 ways to white eyes naturally

    We all know how important having a very beautiful, soulful eye can be. Eyes don’t need a lot of diet control or heavy workouts.

    As we age our eyes change too, and not just regarding how they perform but also how they look to others. While burst blood vessels are relatively common, yellowing, dullness and discolouration are even more so.

    The good thing is that the eyes are actually pretty low-maintenance, generally. Simple upkeep every now and then ensures they’ll remain healthy year after year.

    1. Use Cucumber

    Cucumbers are known to have a high water content making them the best alternative for brightening you eyes. They also assist in minimizing dark circles that are gotten from being tired and lack of sleep. If you have been wondering which home remedy would help you on how to get white eyes, then cucumber is the real deal.

    2. Cold compresses on your eyes

    Putting anything cold in contact with the eye helps reduce puffiness, but it can also help whiten your eyes as well. Soak a washcloth in ice water or wrap it around ice cubes.

    Wring it out or lay the washcloth over your eyes for 5-10 minutes. The redness in your eyes should diminish after repeating this a few times over the course of a day

    3. Sleep more – get pure white eyes

    Getting enough sleep every night for 7 to 8 hours relaxes eye muscles and restores its natural white color. Have at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. If you are having trouble falling asleep.

    Taking a bath before bed could also help you achieve a perfect long rest.

    4. Tea bags

    Whether black tea or green tea, tea bags are the best for relaxing and rejuvenating eyes for a youthful healthier look. Tea bags are great for reducing bacteria and also reducing inflammation that could cause your eyes to become read. Below are steps on how to get white eyes by using tea bags.

    5. Eat more Fruits and vegetables

    Eating green, leafy foods like spinach and kale also have a great effect on you the eye. These fruits and vegetables will also help to detoxify your liver. A healthy liver will help keep the whites of your eyes bright and white. If your liver is full of toxins, then it may not be able to process foods and vitamins as efficiently as it should.

  • FG Replies Financial Times report on Ban on Food Importation

    FG Replies Financial Times report on Ban on Food Importation

    The Presidency has described as untrue the Financial Times report suggesting that Nigeria has placed restrictions on importation of agricultural products into the country.

    Day Break reports that the article, with the headline, ‘Muhammadu Buhari sparks dismay over policy on food imports,’ was published on August 15, alleging that the Buhari administration had placed embargo or restrictions on food imports.

    However, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a letter addressed to the Editor of the Financial Times and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, dismissed the content of the article, describing it as incorrect.

    According to the presidential aide, there is no ban or restriction placed on the importation of agricultural products into the country, as being insinuated in the report.

    He maintained that the Buhari administration had consistently worked towards strengthening Nigeria’s own industrial and agricultural base.

    The statement reads in part: “Sir – Your article ‘Muhammadu Buhari sparks dismay over policy shift on food imports’ (Aug. 15) suggests the Nigerian Government is restricting the import of agricultural products into the country. This is simply incorrect.

    “To be absolutely clear, there is no ban or restriction on the importation of food items whatsoever.

    “President Buhari has consistently worked towards strengthening Nigeria’s own industrial and agricultural base. A recent decision sees the Central Bank maintain its reserves to put to use helping growth of domestic industry in 41 product sectors rather than provide FOREX for the import of those products from overseas.

    “Should importers of these items wish to source their FOREX from non-government financial institutions (and pay customs duty on those imports – increasing tax-take, something the FT has berated Nigeria for not achieving on many occasions) they are freely able to do so.

    “Diversification of FOREX provision towards the private sector and away from top-heavy government control, a diversification of Nigeria’s industrial base, and an increase in tax receipts – are all policies one might expect the Financial Times to support.

    “Yet for reasons not quite clear, the author and this newspaper seem to believe the president’s administration seeks to control everything – and yet do so via policies that relinquish government control.

    “We look forward to the next installment of M. Munshi’s bizarre and puzzling article series.” he said.

  • Spice Girls reunion motivates Beyonce to bring back Destiny’s Child

    Spice Girls reunion motivates Beyonce to bring back Destiny’s Child

    This is said to be inspired by the highly successful reunion tour of Spice Girls. If things go as planned, the year 2020 might see the girl band get back together again.

    A close source said:

    “Beyonce has been desperate to get the girls back together with her in the studio and she can’t think of a better time than 2020, when they will be marking two decades as one of the world’s biggest all-female groups. She saw the success of the Spice Girls tour and wants to replicate that — but far bigger and better.”

    They added,

    “Beyonce has been meeting with Kelly and Michelle and discussing what they can do. It’s early days but they want to record new music and put it out alongside some of their biggest hits. Then they want to do a tour which will be short enough for them to fit it into their schedules, but big enough to make sure all their fans can make a date to see them. As well as going around the US they want to play dates in Europe, including the UK. They are one of the very few groups where love for them has only grown since they went on hiatus in 2006, so the demand is massive.”

  • Maj-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, takes over command of OPs Lafia Dole

    Maj-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, takes over command of OPs Lafia Dole

    By Dauda R Pam

    The new Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi has since taken over from his predecessor, Major General Benson Akinroluyo.

    While taking over the helms of affairs in a brief ceremony at Maimalari Cantonment at the weekend in Maiduguri, Major Gen.Olusegun Adeniyi promised to scale up the heat against Boko Haram insurgents in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

    He narrated how several senior military officers, have fought Boko Haram terrorists in their enclaves of Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region and promised to take the counter-insurgency battle farther, by turning up the heat on the insurgents.

    According to him; “Generals have taken the fight to Boko Haram and I will take it farther. You will remember I said so.”

    He noted that he was very much proud and happy that he took over from his predecessor, Maj-Gen. Benson Akinroluyo, who he worked with as deputy commander at the theatre adding that, the former commander, has groomed him unknown to him he would take over from the General one day.

    He used the occasion to thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, for appointing him as the new commander of the theatre and pledged “I will not let him down.”

    Major Gen.Adeniyi, said his mission in the theatre was taken from the army chief mission statement, assuring that he would live up to the expectations of the army leader.

    In his remarks, the outgone Theatre Commander, Maj-Gen. Akinroluyo, while handing over to the new theatre commander, said he was “delighted to hand over to his former deputy Major Gen. Adeniyi”.

    He said, “The transition was like a moving vehicle. When the driver leaves, the spare driver takes over but the vehicle remains,” urging the troops to support his successor.

  • Fowler under fire!

    Fowler under fire!

    By Samuel Itsede

    Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has issued a query to the chief executive of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Babatunde Fowler, over the service inability to meet tax revenue target since 2015.

    In the leaked letter dated August 8, the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, said the presidency “observed significant variances between the budgeted collections and actual collections for the period 2015 to 2018.”

    The indication is that since 2015, when Buhari came to power, FIRS under Mr Fowler has not been able to meet collection targets, as against previous years when Jonathan was in power.

    In 2015, FIRS set N4.7 trillion target but was only able to make N3.7 trillion in the actual collection. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, the target collections were N4.2 trillion, N4.8 trillion and N6.7 trillion but the actual collections were N3.3 trillion, N4.0 trillion and N5.3 trillion, respectively.

    “Accordingly, you are kindly invited to submit a comprehensive variance analysis explaining the reasons for the variances between the budgeted collections and actual collections for each main tax item for each of the years 2015 to 2018,” the query said

    “Further we have observed that actual collections for the period between 2015 and 2017 were significantly worse than what was collected between 2012 and 2014,” stated Mr Kyari. “Accordingly, you are kindly invited to explain the reasons for the poor collections.”

    Mr. Fowler is to appear before Abba Kyari on Monday, August 19.

  • Taraba chief felicitates with IBB on 78th birthday

    Taraba chief felicitates with IBB on 78th birthday

    The first class chief of Gashaka chiefdom, in Taraba state, Lamdo Zubairo Hammangabdo Sambo has congratulated former military President, retired Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on his 78th birthday.

    Lamdo Zubairo Hammangabdo congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement issued by the secretary of the Gashaka Traditional council.

    The Lamdo said: “On behalf of Gashaka traditional Council, his family and all Tarabans, please accept my warm felicitations on your 78th birthday.

    “On this special day of your life, the reminiscences of your courage and invaluable service to the army in protecting the sovereignty of the country come to the fore. Thank you for the role of statesman you are playing in the affairs the nation.

    “As you age gracefully, the country will continue to look up to you for guidance and wisdom.

    May Allah continue to increase your health and grant you the strength to give your best to your family and the nation.

  • FG condemns attack on Ekweremadu in Germany

    FG condemns attack on Ekweremadu in Germany

    Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has condemned the attack on Senator Ike Ekweremadu at the 2nd Annual Igbo Cultural Festival held in Nuremberg, Germany.

    In a statement in Abuja the Chairman of NIDCOM, Mrs AbiKe Dabiri-Erewa said that the incident was an embarrassment to the country.

    “It is also shamefully pathetic that an event, which was nobly put together by the Ndi-Igbo community whose members make up the majority of Nigerians living in Germany, ended up in such a disgraceful manner,” she said.

    Dabiri-Erewa noted that the event was to provide a forum for the Diasporans and various stakeholders to network and facilitate a better cooperation between German and Nigerian businesses.

    She disclosed that some of the culprits who perpetrated the act had been
    apprehended.
    Dabiri-Erewa called on the German government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that there are consequences for the actions of the culprits.

    She also appealed to Nigerians to be of good behavior wherever they find themselves, as such unruly
    incidents tarnish the image of the country.

    Sen. Ekweremadu In a statement on Saturday confirmed that he was physically assaulted by some members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, in Nuremberg, Germany.
    Enweremadu confirmed the attack in a statement released by his Media Assistant, Uche Anichukwu in Abuja.(NAN).

  • Ortom closes case at tribunal

    Ortom closes case at tribunal

    Gov Samuel Ortom of Benue on Saturday, closed his case at the ongoing Benue Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Makurdi and expressed confident that the tribunal will deliver justice.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ortom, who on Saturday, stormed the courtroom with a litany of aides, party supporters and well-wishers, did not give evidence.

    Speaking on behalf of his client, lead counsel to the governor, Mr Sabastine Hon (SAN), told the court that the governor had decided to close his case after having a cursory look at the evidence presented by the petitioner.

    He said the onus of proving the case rested with the petitioner.

    “After taking a critical look at the evidence provided by the petitioners, we have come to the inevitable conclusion that we will not be calling any further witnesses.”

    However, counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oba Maduabuchi (SAN), who was next in line to open his case, asked the court to grant him adjournment till Monday, Aug. 19 to do that.

    He said he would call five witnesses and close his case.

    Both parties in the suit agreed to the request and the tribunal chairman, Justice Henry Olusiyi, thereafter, adjourned the matter to Monday, Aug. 19.

    Speaking to journalists after the sitting, Gov Ortom, expressed confidence in the court to uphold justice, claiming that the 2019 governorship election in Benue was free, fair and credible.

    Also Speaking to journalists on why he decided to call only one witness, Ortom’s counsel, Hon, said the statement on oath of the petitioner himself and his star witness for the whole state, Joe Abaagu were not signed, and therefore, not substantial.

    NAN recalls that both Ortom and the PDP had requested the court to disqualify Mr Abaagu from testifying on the basis that his statements on oath were not signed and proceeded to appeal against the decision of the tribunal to allow the witness to testify.

    The tribunal had argued that it would rule on the eligibility of the witness to testify in its final judgment on the petition, a position that was upheld by the Appeal court. (NAN)