World football governing body, FIFA have slammed indefinite ban on Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja from hosting international matches, www.bestchoicesports.com.ng can report
The ban on Wednesday came after irate Nigerian fans invaded the stadium on Tuesday following their nation’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar
On Tuesday, the newly renovated turf hosted the final leg of Nigeria vs Ghana World Cup play-off but the Ghanaians snatched the ticket from their host in a dramatic fashion through away goal rule.
Angry Nigerian fans invaded the pitch after a 1:1 draw against Ghana forcing players and officials to run for their life into the changing room.
FIFA medical officer Dr. Joseph Kabungo who had cardiac arrest on his way to the dressing room was rushed to hospital but he passed on
Joseph suffered a cardiac arrest during the commotion and was pronounced dead soon after.
Dr. Joseph Kabungo is CAF medical committee member who was also recently appointed to the FIFA medical committee. He served as the Zambian team doctor from 2003 to 2016.
It is not clear what other sanctions FIFA and the regional body CAF could mete out to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF for failing to provide adequate security for the game but the too bodies frown at fans encroachment into the field of play
It could be recalled that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee in May 2006 sanctioned Nigeria with a $5,000 for poor crowd control at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, where the Super Eagles hosted Egypt in a Gabon 2017 African Nations Cup qualifier in March.
The organisers of the match allowed a crowd of over 40,000 inside the stadium designed to hold 25,000 spectators.
The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs drew 1-1 in that encounter, with the Egyptians subsequently defeating Nigeria 1-0 in the return fixture to stop the Eagles from qualifying for the competition.
The World Bank has suspended SoftTech IT Solutions and Services Ltd, and its Managing Director, Mr Isah Kantigi, for allegedly bribing officials to renew consultancy deals.
SoftTech IT Solutions and Services Ltd is a Nigerian information technology solutions company based in Abuja.
The company has been suspended for 50 months, while the MD is facing a 60-month sanction.
The Bank made the disclosure in a notice titled ‘World Bank Group debars SoftTech IT Solutions and Services Ltd. and its managing director’, which was published on its website.
The corrupt practice is in connection with the National Social Safety Nets Project, according to the World Bank.
According to the bank, the project is designed to provide access to targeted cash transfers to poor and vulnerable households under an expanded national social safety nets system.
The World Bank said, “The World Bank Group today announced the 50-month debarment of SoftTech IT Solutions and Services Ltd., an information technology solutions company based in Nigeria, and the 60-month debarment of its managing director, in connection with corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.
“The debarments make SoftTech and Mr Isah Kantigi, a Nigerian national, ineligible to participate in projects and operations financed by the World Bank Group.
“They are the result of settlement agreements under which the company and Mr. Kantigi acknowledge their responsibility for the underlying sanctionable practices and agree to meet specified corporate compliance conditions as a condition for release from debarment.
“According to the facts of the case, as an individual consultant, Mr. Kantigi made ‘appreciation’ payments to project officials as a reward for his receiving of a Bank-funded consultancy services contract.
“Mr. Kantigi also entered into an arrangement with other individual consultants and facilitated similar payments by them to project officials. This constitutes a corrupt practice under the World Bank’s Consultant Guidelines.
“SoftTech, acting under the direction of Mr. Kantigi, who is also the company’s Managing Director, served as the conduit through which he and the other individual consultants made the payments to project officials.
“Under the arrangement, SoftTech received into its bank accounts multiple payments from the individual consultants and then transferred the funds into the personal accounts of the project officials, effectively serving as a financial intermediary for these consultants. This constitutes a corrupt practice under the World Bank’s Anti-Corruption Guidelines. “
The World Bank said the offence committed by both Kantigi and of SoftTech qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks (MDBs) under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions that was signed on April 9, 2010.
Fast rising Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable has lost the chance to perform at a forthcoming show organized by a comedian, MC Morris, in Canada.
MC Morris disclosed this in a statement on his Instagram account shortly after Portable sacked his manager, Deejay and his promoter.
The comedian wrote, “For those that are asking why I removed idamu adugboyin from my May 22 show. Talent is not enough, a beautiful song without a beautiful attitude is a beautiful nonsense.
“Two managers in less than a year, even sack innocent DJ that his job na to play song and scratch shaka shaka. I cannot koshi mero am sorry. All transactions canceled and ijoba danku am sorry.”
The Zahzoo crooner on his Instagram account had accused his manager and promoter of being dependent on him.
He said, “Am I your father or brother? Manager, DJ, promoter, I will feed una, buy cloth for una, put money into your accounts, I go con do like say I broke, ask the manager for money but he will tell me he has no money as if he is building a house.
“Deejay will also say he has no money, promoter will also say he has no money. They think the grace will finish but it won’t. If you are not gaining from me, maybe you should clear from me.”
Dr Joseph Kabungo who served as the Confederation of African Football (CAF’s) doping doctor in Abuja has been confirmed dead following the stampede which broke out after Nigeria lost to Ghana on Tuesday in a world cup qualifier.
Kabungo lost consciousness after he was stepped on as unhappy Nigerian fans tried to make their way out of the stadium.
It is not yet clear if there are other causalities from the stampede.
Late Kabungo
There was pandemonium on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria was beaten to a place in Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup by Ghana after playing a 1-1. The Black Star of Ghana qualified on an away goal advantage.
After the game, Nigeria fans, who were angry the Super Eagles did not qualify, invaded the pitch, trying to attack the players and destroying any objects in sight.
Nigeria would most likely be sanctioned by world football governing body, FIFA, for the ugly scenes that followed the final whistle on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup after being held to a draw by the Black Stars of Ghana.
The World Cup qualifier second-leg encounter between Nigeria and Ghana ended 1-1 on Tuesday.
The Nigerian side lost by the away goal rule having held Ghana to a goalless draw in Kumasi.
Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong, scored a penalty in the 22nd minute to level Ghana’s lead.
The Black Stars of Ghana took the lead in the 11th minute through a goal by Thomas Partey.
Tinubu cancels 70th birthday colloquium to honour Kaduna train victims
All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, cancelled his 13th Birthday Colloquium to honour the victims of Kaduna train attack.
He made the announcement at Eko Hotels in Lagos, the venue of the 13th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium with the theme, ‘Pivoting Nigeria Into The New Order’.
According to him, the attack was a “national tragedy” and over 60 persons lost their lives to the terror.
He said, “Today is supposed to be a very joyful 70th birthday of mine living on earth. I give thanks to God Almighty for being able to survive to this age…
“I have just been informed of a very sad incident in our country, very sad indeed, that over 60 people and many more were killed and bombed on a train between Kaduna and Abuja just last night. That is a very serious incident about the security of lives in this country and it calls for a very serious sober reflection.
“For me to be here celebrating, dancing and enjoying myself doesn’t show enough concern of a statesman and a senior citizen of this country.
“This event should not be holding. I have consulted with the people you see around me here and they’ve agreed with me and being a very highly committed democrat, I have given myself to their suggestion that they agreed that this event be cancelled.”
The APC leader, alongside hundreds of others at the event, observed one-minute silence for the lives lost in the spirit of “national tragedy and concern”.
Tinubu urged the two clergies at the event to pray for the soul of the departed and for relief for their bereaved family members.
Terrorists had attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on Monday night with hundreds of passengers on board.
A former governor of Kano State and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has defected to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Kwankwaso in a letter dated 29th March, 2022 and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in his ward, said he was leaving due to some serious and irreconcilable differences.
The letter read, “It is with deep sense of humility that I write to notify you that, as a result of some serious and irreconcilable differences, I have reached the conclusion that my continued stay in the PDP is untenable.
“Therefore, effective from today, Tuesday the 29th of March, 2022 I have withdrawn my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party.”
Earlier, close political associates and supporters of Kwankwaso had defected to the NNPP.
The defectors include a former PDP governorship candidate in the 2019 general election, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, also known as ‘Abba Gida Gida’, as well as his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
THE WHISTLER had earlier reported how stakeholders in the PDP moved to withdraw the leadership of the party from Kwankwaso’s control over his ‘political romance’ with the NNPP.
The Kaduna State Government has said that passengers trapped in the Abuja-Kaduna train have been completely evacuated by Nigerian security agents.
The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Naija News earlier reported that bandit terrorists had planted explosives on the rail track which saw the Kaduna-bound train which has 970 passengers on board derail.
It was gathered that the train which took off around 6 pm from the Idu train station at the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja on Monday hit an explosive device about 30 minutes to Rigasa train station in Kaduna.
According to the commissioner, security operatives have rescued and evacuated the stranded passengers from forests and rocky locations close to the scene of the attack.
Aruwan disclosed that passengers who sustained injuries have been moved to hospitals and their medical bills would be footed by the state government.
The commissioner added that the state government is still liaising with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ascertain the list from the passengers’ manifest for efficient tracking
He, however, disclosed that search-and-rescue operations were still ongoing in the general area as of Tuesday morning.
The statement reads: “Evacuation of passengers on the trapped Kaduna-bound train from Abuja has been concluded this morning by security forces, officials of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Nigerian Red Cross.
“Passengers who sustained injuries, and other fatalities, have been moved to hospitals.
“The passengers were evacuated from different hard-to-reach areas in forests and rocky locations in Audujongom, off the Kaduna-Abuja Road.
“As stated yesterday, the Kaduna State Government is still liaising with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ascertain the list from the passengers manifest for efficient tracking.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufai who commended all those who participated in the evacuation appealed to the hospitals to attend to the victims diligently.
“The Governor also directed the Ministry of Health to be in contact with the hospitals as the government will bear the cost of their treatment.
“As of the time of this update, search-and-rescue operations are in progress.”
They also praised him for helping the parliament of the State achieve financial autonomy years before the mass clamour for it by other Houses of Assembly.
The lawmakers gave accolades at a special plenary session in honour of the astute politician to commemorate his 70th birthday, which holds on March 29, 2022.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, described Asiwaju Tinubu is a benefactor, adding that the presidential aspirant had done well as a leader.
“This is an opportunity for us to recognise all that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for us as a leader. In the face of opposition, he resolved and insisted on being on the opposition against against the Federal government.
“It is better to celebrate people that have contributed immensely to the development of the society.
“This Assembly has distinguished itself in all areas. This House has been running independently of the executive arm with financial autonomy through the help of Asiwaju. When he came in as the governor, he increased the IGR of the state,” Dr. Obasa said.
The Speaker added that the special plenary was to show respect and honour for a deserving Lagosian who had contributed immensely to the progress of the State.
Contributing, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, said Tinubu had done a lot for democracy since he joined politics.
“It was easy for him to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but he refused and focused on building a progressive party. We call on him to continue his ambition to become the President of Nigeria,” he added.
On his part, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, who represents Eti-Osa 2, described Tinubu as a man with a large heart and one who easily forgives.
He said: “Beyond the intimidating credentials of Tinubu, he’s a forgiving man with a large heart. He’s extraordinary. I salute him. He is the Asiwaju of everything that is good. I wish him long live.”
Hon. Victor Akande, who represents Ojo1, used the opportunity to address the critics of Tinubu’s ambition.
He those threatening to leave the country if Tinubu becomes president to start gathering their things because he was optimistic that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will lead the country.
He described Tinubu as a political colossus, political mathematician and doyen of modern day Nigeria.
Also speaking, Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) described Asiwaju Tinubu as a respected politician, promise keeper, bridge builder and lover of Nigeria, adding that he would be l supported on his ambition to be the President of Nigeria in 2023.
The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, described Asiwaju Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian, a leader of the people, and politician with a difference.
According to Hon. Rotimi Abiru (Shomolu 2), Tinubu “is a man of many parts, a true leader and the Mungo Park of our time. He laid the template for modern Lagos and he created agencies such as LASTMA, LAWMA, Office of Public Defender (OPD and others.”
Other lawmakers spoke glowingly about Asiwaju Tinubu, who they said had been able to build several leaders that have taken important positions in the country.
Meanwhile, the House also held a mini-lecture with the theme The Youth: Economic Challenges, Democracy and The Future with speakers including Adepeju Olukokun of Kokun Foundation, Shola Ladoja of Simply Green Limited, Eilen Sobanjo, and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji of Future Africa.
Others who spoke included AbdulGaniyu Obasa, Head of Performance Management and Strategy at Parallex Bank, Dr. Biola Eshinlokun, a medical doctor, Olusegun Osundairo, CEO of Arc-View Investments Limited, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented, Hon. Seyi Adisa.
