TheNewsGuru

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  • Man Utd confirm release of nine players

    Manchester United have confirmed they will release nine of their academy players when their contracts expire next week.

    Demetri Mitchell, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Ethan Hamilton, Dion McGhee, Largie Ramazani, George Tanner, Aidan Barlow, Kieran O’Hara and Alex Fojticek will not be given new deals so will all leave the club when their contracts end on June 30.

    The departing players have been offered a support package and been invited back to the club’s Carrington training base for pre-season training to maintain their fitness, while the club have been supporting them in trying to find new clubs.

    No player under the age of 19 has been released as the academy are reluctant to let players leave during the current Covid-19 period.

  • COVID-19: Nigeria may go into severe recession – World Bank

    The World Bank says collapse in oil prices coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to plunge the Nigerian economy into a severe economic recession, the worst since the 1980s.

    The World Bank made this known in a statement in Abuja on Thursday as part of its latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU).

    The bank said the report indicated that Nigeria in Times of COVID-19: Laying Foundations for a Strong Recovery, estimated that the country’s economy would likely contract by 3.2 per cent in 2020.

    It stated that this projection assumed that the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria would be contained by the third quarter of 2020.

    It however noted that If the spread of the virus became more severe, the economy could contract further, adding that before COVID-19, the Nigerian economy was expected to grow by 2.1 per cent in 2020, which means that the pandemic had led to a reduction in growth by more than five percentage points.

    “The macroeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will likely be significant, even if Nigeria manages to contain the spread of the virus.

    “Oil represents more than 80 per cent of Nigeria’s exports, 30 per cent of its banking-sector credit, and 50 per cent of the overall government revenue.

    “With the drop in oil prices, government revenues are expected to fall from an already low eight per cent of GDP in 2019 to a projected five per cent in 2020.

    “This comes at a time when fiscal resources are urgently needed to contain the COVID-19 outbreak and stimulate the economy.

    “Meanwhile, the pandemic has also led to a fall in private investment due to greater uncertainty, and is expected to reduce remittances to Nigerian households, which in recent years have been larger than the combined amount of foreign direct investment and overseas development assistance,” it explained.

    The statement quoted Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, as saying “while the long-term economic impact of the global pandemic is uncertain, the effectiveness of the government’s response is important to determine the speed, quality, and sustainability of Nigeria’s economic recovery.

    “Besides immediate efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and stimulate the economy, it will be even more urgent to address bottlenecks that hinder the productivity of the economy and job creation,”

    The bank noted that the report showed that the human cost of COVID-19 could be high, adding that beyond the loss of life, the COVID-19 shock alone was projected to push about five million more Nigerians into poverty in 2020.

    It stated that before the pandemic, the number of poor Nigerians was expected to increase by about two million largely due to population growth, the number would now increase by seven million – with a poverty rate projected to rise from 40.1 per cent in 2019 to 42.5 per cent in 2020.

    According to World Bank, the report notes that the pandemic is likely to disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable, in particular women.

    “School closures have reduced the food intake of almost seven million children who are enrolled in the national school feeding program.

    Economic activities have been disrupted and women’s livelihoods have been particularly impacted.

    “Over 40 per cent of Nigerians employed in non-farm enterprises reported a loss of income in April-May 2020. In addition, the fall in remittances is likely to affect household consumption because half of Nigerians live in remittance-receiving households, of which about a third are poor.

    “The unprecedented crisis requires an equally unprecedented policy response from the entire Nigerian public sector, in collaboration with the private sector, to save lives, protect livelihoods, and lay the foundations for a strong economic recovery,” said Marco Hernandez, World Bank Lead Economist for Nigeria and co-author of the report.

    “Looking ahead, the report discusses policy options in five critical areas that can help Nigeria recover from the COVID-19 crisis, containing the outbreak and preparing for a more severe outbreak, enhancing macroeconomic management to boost investor confidence.

    “Others are safeguarding and mobilizing revenues, reprioritizing public spending to protect critical development expenditures and stimulate economic activity; and protecting poor and vulnerable communities.

    “Besides the assessment of the economic situation, this edition of the Nigeria Development Update discusses the impacts of the 2019 land border closure; the opportunity to promote agribusiness for food security and job creation; and options to leverage emigration, remittances, and the diaspora for development,” the bank stated.

    The Bank said government of Nigeria had already taken important health, fiscal and monetary measures to contain the outbreak, moderate the recessionary pressures and start mitigating the effects of the economic shock.

  • Three Oyo excos test positive for COVID-19

    Three Oyo excos test positive for COVID-19

    Three members of the Oyo State Executive Council have tested positive for coronavirus.

    Only three turned positive after all members of the state exco went through tests.

    Governor Seyi Makinde, who made the disclosure on his social media handle, said two other results were inconclusive and would be retested.

    He assured that the affected Exco members have been contacted and contact tracing had begun while their offices have been closed ahead of being decontaminated.

    He warned residents not to mistake the government steps and efforts at re-opening the economy to mean that the virus has disappeared, adding that everyone must take actions to protect themselves and their families.

    The Governor said “Earlier today, we received COVID-19 confirmation tests for all members of the Oyo State Executive Council (EXCO).

    “Sadly, three tests came back positive, and two were inconclusive so they will need to be retested.

    “The Exco members have been contacted and contact tracing has begun. Also, their offices have been closed and will be decontaminated.

    “Let me reiterate that COVID-19 is still very much with us. That we are taking steps to re-open the economy, does not mean that the virus has disappeared. We must each take actions to protect ourselves and our families.

    “We must each own our actions and take preventive measures which include washing our hands with soap and water, wearing face masks whenever we are with other people and maintaining proper social distancing from others.

    “We also must not forget the various advisories the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has issued regarding what to eat to boost our immune systems. Sometimes, even after following all directives, we may still get the virus. When this happens, we need to have our bodies ready to fight this disease.

    “We all join in prayer for our colleagues who have come down with the coronavirus and wish them a speedy recovery.”

  • Martial hits Man Utd’s first league hat-trick for seven years

    Anthony Martial scored Manchester United’s first Premier League hat-trick in more than seven years as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men eased past Sheffield United at Old Trafford.

    Robin van Persie was the last United player to score a treble in the league.

    And while there was nothing to compare with the Dutchman’s brilliant volley against Aston Villa that helped seal the 13th and final title of Sir Alex Ferguson’s illustrious reign, Martial did complete his own milestone with a delightful chipped finish over Simon Moore after collecting Marcus Rashford’s return pass.

    The result moves United to within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea, who entertain Manchester City on Thursday.

    However, for Chris Wilder’s visitors it was another disappointing day. The Blades have now picked up just one point from three games since the resumption and are yet to score.

    BBC

  • Liverpool thrash Palace to move within two points of title

    Liverpool moved to within touching distance of their first title in 30 years as Crystal Palace were brutally dismissed behind closed doors at Anfield.

    Manchester City must now win at Chelsea on Thursday to further delay the inevitability of Liverpool’s coronation as Premier League champions.

    After the goalless Merseyside derby at Everton on Sunday, they shook off the cobwebs in their first home game since the campaign was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic to beat Palace with almost embarrassing ease.

    Anfield may have been home to only around 300 people but Liverpool played with familiar intensity, although Palace’s cause was hardly helped by the early loss of Wilfried Zaha to injury.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold was on target with a superb free-kick after 22 minutes and Mohamed Salah effectively settled the contest with a cool finish from Fabinho’s brilliant pass just before the break.

    And Fabinho produced something even more special in the 54th minute when he drilled a magnificent rising right-foot finish past Wayne Hennessey from more than 30 yards.

    Salah turned provider after 69 minutes with a slide-rule pass to Sadio Mane, who finished with precision as Liverpool’s superiority was stamped all over this game.

    BBC

  • BREAKING: Buhari okays Giadom as APC acting National Chairman

    BREAKING: Buhari okays Giadom as APC acting National Chairman

    President Muhammadu Buhari has okayed Victor Giadom as the acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), revealing he would be attending the virtual meeting of the APC convened by Giadom on Thursday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity made this known on Wednesday.

    In a statement, Shehu stated that Buhari had received convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned.

    He further stated that the President had determined that the law was on the side of Giadom as acting National Chairman.

    “Because he will always act in accordance with the law, the President will be attending the virtual meeting Giadom called for tomorrow afternoon.

    “In addition to the President, the Giadom meeting will, hopefully, be attended by our Governors and the leaders of the National Assembly,” the statement reads.

    Meanwhile, a High Court of Justice sitting in Jos, Plateau State has granted an order compelling Giadom to proceed with the NEC meeting fixed for Thursday, June 25th, 2020.

    The order was made upon the application of the Chairman of Plateau APC, Mr. Latep Dabang, who is also a member of NEC.

    He complained that the provision of the APC constitution regarding the convening of a quarterly NEC meeting has been serially abused and ignored by the present NWC, leading to a litany of illegalities by the NWC.

    It would be recalled that just yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari gave his nod to the convening of an emergency NEC meeting to save the party from the multiple crises bedeviling it.

    Already letters have been sent out to all the Governors and members of the National Assembly who are NEC members.

    Whilst the Governors and lawmakers would be seated at the Council Chambers with Mr. President, others would join by virtual means.

    Already, the visitors list at the Presidential Villa contains the names of NEC members expected to arrive tomorrow, confirming the clear endorsement of the meeting by Buhari.

  • COVID-19: 500 airline staff test positive

    COVID-19: 500 airline staff test positive

    About 500 employees of Atlanta-based Delta Airlines have tested positive for coronavirus.

    The CEO Ed Bastian, confirmed this during the company’s annual shareholder meeting.

    He added that ten employees have also died from the virus.

    Bastian said, “We lost ten employees to the Coronavirus, every one of them breaks my heart.

    “Among other 500 employees who contracted the virus, the vast majority have recovered.”

    He added that the airline is testing its approximately 90,000 employees for COVID-19 would provide better protection for our people and then, eventually, certainly, our customers as we go forward.”

    Speaking on the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, Bastian said the aviation industry has been hit badly.

    “We shut operations in 10airports since May until at least September.

    “We could never have predicted how quickly the coronavirus pandemic would upend our plans as demand for near-term air travel dropped to almost zero in a matter of weeks,” he added.

    According to him, it could take two to three years to recover revenue and return to a new level of normal as it is so uncertain.

  • $9.8m fraud: Court declines to halt Ex-NNPC GMD Yakubu’s trial

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined to halt further proceedings in the trial of former General Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu over alleged money laundering offences involving about $9.8million.

    Justice Ahmed Mohammed, in a ruling on Wednesday, noted that although both parties have filed appeals before the Supreme Court, whose outcome would likely impact the case before him, he is constrained, by virtue of the provision of Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), to continue with hearing in the case as ordered by the Court of Appeal.

    Justice Mohammed noted that the provision of Section 306 of the ACJA and the decision of the Supreme Court n the case of Olisa Metuh v. the Federal Republic of Nigeria have effectively outlawed the grant of stay of proceedings in criminal cases on grounds of the filing of an interlocutory appeal.

    The judge noted that although both parties in the case were dissatisfied with the April 24, 2020 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja and has since appealed the decision; the court cannot do otherwise but to comply with the provisions of the law.

    He then adjourned till July 8 for the defendant to enter his defence in respect of counts three and four, which are now left in the original six counts charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Yakubu was arraigned on March 16, 2017 on a six-count charge of failure to make full disclosure of assets, receiving cash without going through a financial institution, which borders on money laundering and intent to avoid a lawful transaction under law, transported at various times to Kaduna, the aggregate sum of $9,772,800 and £74,000.

    The EFCC said the money was recovered by its agents from a safe allegedly hidden by the defendant in a house in a community Kaduna State.

    On October 17, 2018 the prosecution closed its case after calling its seventh witness, Suleiman Mohammed (an EFCC operative) who gave evidence regarding how the commission’s officials, on February 3, 2017, recovered $9,772,000 and £74,000 stashed in a huge fire proof safe in a building belonging to the defendant, located at Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna State.

    At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, the defendant made a no-case submission, which Justice Mohammed partially upheld in a ruling on May 16, 2019.

    The judge struck out two of the six counts contained in the charge and ordered Yakubu to enter defence in relation to the remaining four counts.

    Justice Mohammed said: “I agree with the defence counsel that the prosecution has failed to prove the essential element of transportation of money on counts five and six. I accordingly discharge the defendant on counts five and six.

    “Even though I am tempted to discharge the defendant on counts one to four, I am however constrained to ask the defendant to explain how he came about the monies recovered from his house.

    “Fortified with my position, the defendant is hereby ordered to enter his defence in respect of counts one to four.”

    Rather than enter his defence as ordered by the court, Yakubu appealed to the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

    In a judgment on April 24, 2020, the Court of Appeal partially upheld Yakubu’s appeal.

    A three-man panel of the appellate court held, among others, that the prosecution was unable; by the evidence it led at the trial court, to establish a prima facie case against the defendant in relation to counts five and six.

    The Court of Appeal then struck out counts five and six from the charge and ordered the case be returned to the trial court for Yakubu to enter defence in respect of the remaining two counts – counts three and four.

    At the mention of the case on Wednesday, prosecution lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar said both parties have appealed to the Supreme Court, and that both appeals at the Supreme Court have been entered and briefs of argument filed

    Abubakar said the appeal by the defendant is marked: SC/CR/223/2020, while that of the prosecution is marked: SC/CR/241/2020.

    He added: “By the provision of Section 306 of the ACJA 2015 and the EFCC Establishment Act 2004, application for stay of prosecution shall not be entertained where there is an interlocutory appeal.

    “However, in the instant case, whatever decision the Supreme Court might arrive at will affect this case in one way or the other.

    “However, I am not making any application for stay of proceedings in view of the provision of Section 306 of the ACJA,” Abubakar said.

    Responding, lead defence lawyer, Ahmed Raji (SAN) objected to the court staying proceedings in the case.

    Raji referred to the provision of Section 306 of the ACJA and the Supreme Court’s decision in the Metuh v. FRN case and said: “I am therefore not surprised when Mr. Abubakar said he is not applying for stay of proceedings. I commend him.

    “I would have loved to get a stay of proceedings, because my appeal has great chances of succeeding, which would have made it unnecessary for the defendant to enter defence in respect of the two remaining counts.

    “Therefore, as a member of the Inner Bar, I owe it a duty to act, at all times, in accordance with the state of the law.

    “We are therefore compelled to comply with the subsisting order of the Court of Appeal, mandating the defendant to state his side of the story in respect of counts three and four,” Raji said.

  • Bayern’s Alcantara pushes for move to Liverpool

    Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara is eager to set up a move to England this summer.

    The Spain international feels he’s run his course in Germany with Bayern and wants a new challenge.

    As such, he is spying a move to England and has instructed his agents to sound out Liverpool about the prospect of a stunning switch to Anfield.

    BILD’s head of sport, Christian Falk, publicly broke the news on social media yesterday.

  • Edo 2020: Judge gives Obaseki, contending parties offer to settle out of court

    Edo 2020: Judge gives Obaseki, contending parties offer to settle out of court

    The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has given Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and those opposed to his standing for the state’s governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party three hours to agree on settling out of court.

    Justice E.O. Obile gave the three hours stand down following an oral application by Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), the lawyer of the plaintiff, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.

    Obile said the parties to the suit must present a documented terms of settlement when the court reconvenes.

    He then adjourned till 12:30pm.

    Ogbeide-Ihama had on Monday secured a judgment of the court barring Obaseki from standing for the primaries of the PDP.

    Among other claims, the plaintiff said the governor, who just defected from the All Progressives Congress, was not part of the initial aspirants that bought forms and indicated interest in the race within the stipulated timeframe given by the party.

    He also said there was reason to question Obaseki’s certificates.