Tokyo Olympics: We Had No Contract Agreement With PUMA ― AFN
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has said that it is not in possession of any contractual documents signed between it and German sportswear company, PUMA, Newspremises reports.
Recall that the kit manufacturers terminated the four-year sponsorship contract worth $1.67m with the federation on Wednesday.
PUMA cited the failure of Nigerian athletes’ to wear their brand at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.
Also, the technical director of the factional Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) board, Sunday Adeleye, on Thursday, said that PUMA will sue for breach of contract.
However, reacting to the development, AFN, in a statement signed by Prince Adeniyi Adisa Beyioku, its Secretary-General, said it could not be liable for what it knows nothing about.
The statement read,
”The attention of the AFN has been drawn to a media statement signed by Shehu Ibrahim Gusau confirming the termination of the agreement he and Mr Sunday Adeleye signed with sportswear and equipment company, PUMA purportedly on behalf of the AFN in July 2019.
”The AFN wishes to state unequivocally that it is not aware of any contract as there was no document in the Secretariat of the federation pertaining to any contractual agreement with PUMA.”
Lagos Assembly Approves 50% Reduction In Pensions Of Former Govs, Deputies
The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved a 50 percent reduction in pension of former governors and deputies of the state.
The approval was made after the lawmakers considered the report of its committee on establishment.
The committee recommended the removal of the section of the law that stipulates the provision of houses for ex-governors in Abuja and Lagos State while it reduced the number of vehicles to be made available to them and their deputies.
Though the committee recommended three vehicles for ex-governors but the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, suggested two vehicles for them, including a car and a van.
He also suggested that the amended bill should provide that the cars be changed every four years instead of the three years recommended by the committee in the report.
Also, some of the lawmakers at the plenary called for an upward review of the pension for the affected public office holders by 75 percent while others urged that the pension remain as stipulated in the old law.
The speaker, however, argued that the pension be left at 50 percent since the report had recommended removal of houses and reduced other benefits.
Obasa stressed the need to secure the lives of ex-public office holders, saying he has seen some former speakers and ex-governors in very bad situation after leaving office.
He further pointed out that the argument for downward review of the pension for former governors and others by his colleagues could be affected by inflation and other economic considerations while he stressed the need for the House to meet the yearning of the people, which include cutting down cost of governance.
Official: Manchester City Complete Signing Of Jack Grealish From Aston Villa
English Premier League (EPL) champions Manchester City on Thursday announced the signing of Jack Grealish on a six-year deal.
Society gazette reports that the 25-year-old midfielder joins from Aston Villa, having made 213 appearances over the course of eight seasons, scoring 32 goals and assisting 43.
Grealish played an important role in England’s run to the just concluded Euro 2020.
“I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City,” Grealish said. “City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.
“Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe. To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it’s something any top footballer would want.
“The facilities are amazing, and I honestly can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Jack Grealish to Manchester City. He is an incredible talent.
“Jack’s development over the past few seasons both for club and country has been plain for everybody to see. His natural talent together with his commitment to improve as a player, has seen him become one of the most exciting attacking players in world football today.
“I am certain that the fans are going to love seeing him in our team. Pep loves the way he plays, and we all feel he is an ideal fit for Manchester City. Our style and his style are a perfect match. I’m excited to watch him over the coming years.”
Breaking! Barcelona To Let Messi Go For Lack Of Money
Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona after the La Liga club were unable to fulfil a new contract that had been agreed with the player due to “financial and structural obstacles”.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has officially been a free agent since July 1 after he failed to agree terms over a renewal before his previous Barcelona contract expired on June 30.
However, the 34-year-old had been expected to sign a new five-year contract with the Catalan club, which would have seen his salary reduced by 50 per cent.
Messi has spent his entire career at Barcelona, coming through the club’s academy before going on to score 672 goals in 778 appearances after making his senior debut in 2003.
LATEST NEWS | Leo #Messi will not continue with FC Barcelona
A club statement said: “Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations).
“As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.
“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”
BREAKING: Police Arrests Lady Who killed Her boyfriend, absconds with New Benz Car in Akwa Ibom
A lady has been arrested by officers of the Nigerian Police Force for allegedly killing her boyfriend and escaping with his Mercedes Benz 4matic Vehicle and its original ownership papers in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
According to an eyewitness, Vincent Aluu, the vehicle was tracked and the girl was swiftly arrested.
She is currently detained at the B division Police station in Ewet Housing Estate area of the state. According to Aluu, the lady visited the deceased simply identified as ‘Chukwuma’ at his residence in Osongoma before proceeding to murder him.
The eyewitness wrote on Facebook: “The girl in the picture visited the deceased in Uyo, butchered him to death and made away with his brand new Mercedes Benz 4matic and the original documents.”
“The victim, Chukwuemeka, is the only son to the parents and was an importer. All efforts to reach him by his friend to come clear his consignments failed. He was found in his pool of blood inside his bed room.”
“Using the vehicle tracker, the daughter of Jezebel was traced to a nearby hotel enjoying. Currently, she is singing like a parrot at Ewet Housing Police Station.”
It was gathered that the suspect was simply identified as ‘Laurretta’ and she hails from Ogoja in Cross River state. She reportedly also stole N7 million naira from the deceased.
NURTW Chairman, MC Oluomo In Alleged Messy S*x Scandal With Alaafin Of Oyo’s Queen
The national chairman of the National Unions Of Road And Transport Workers, MC Oluomo has been dragged into a messy s*x scandal with one of the queens of traditional ruler, Alaafin Of Oyo.
In a series of allegation posted by popular instagram blogger, Gistlover, it was made known that Alaafin Of Oyo queen, Olori Omoh and one other are on their way to the united kingdom after being helped by MC Oluomo to secure a secret wedding in the United Kingdom.
Gistlover also revealed that the Queen was in Lagos to spend somedays with MC Oluomo before moving to the UK.
Read the full gist on GISTLOVER PAGE BELOW
Story of how them GBE ALAAFIN NI HANDICAP🤦♂️
It’s a very messy gist but I will try as much as possible to summarize 🤣🤣🤣
As we type,Olori Omoh and Olori shade(Iya meta) are on their way to the UK,all thanks to MC Oluomo and the arranged secret marriage Queen omo did sometimes last year to get papers.
According to my source,Alaafin already planned of disposing the Queens to the UK before so new set of Queens to come in,so they started making arrangements since two years back even when the two Queens that left the palace were still around.The process went on and on and they were unable to finish it,Queen Omo who was desperate then to get the visa done knack the Visa guy,knack Kudeti,and MC Oluomo,whereas MC was datin Queen folashade as at them,one way or the other MC sha helped them and as we speak they are on their way to the UK with the consent of Alaafin and tueh are going to arrive at the Alaafin mortgage house in London contrary to The Kings agreement with them,they went to lagos before to spend days in hotel and MC Oluomo was servicing Omo back to back,my source revealed that MC oluomo gave them some cash and promise to arrange a Better place for them on the UK with their kids,it was also revealed that plans are ongoing for fhe two Queens to divorce the man once they are out of Nigeria,Omoh who is so popular in ibadan for her random knacking with peoples husband and Alaafin’s son revealed to her friend that the Baba has plans and they also have plans ,say the baba don Dey recruit new set of Queen 🤣🤣🤣🤣that’s how the Queens dragged a whole Royal Puna in the mud with MC oluomo and Kudeti,i come in peace
Supreme Court Affirms Buni, Others as APC Caretaker Committee
The Supreme Court has affirmed the appointment of the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Careraker-National Convention Planning Committee.
A seven-man panel of the apex court headed Justice Emmanuel Agim, in its verdict, held that Buni’s position in the ruling party was not contrary to the provision of Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution because it is on a temporary basis which is not akin to Executive office or paid employment as envisaged by Section.
Controversies and perceived misinterpretations of the judgement over Governor Buni’s headship of the APC have trailed the recently delivered Supreme Court judgement affirming Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s second term victory wherein his nomination under the party’s Caretaker Committee was challenged.
Naija News reports that extracts from the certified true copy of the judgement in the case against Akeredolu’s re-election, which was made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday by the Legal Adviser of the APC, Prof. Tahir Mamman, quoted the apex court as saying that the Committee headed by Buni “is on firm ground to proceed with its mandate as given by the National Executive Committee of the APC.”
It reads in part: “The law is and still remain that the provisions that govern sponsorship and nomination of candidates in an election are: Sections 31 and 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended.
“That there is no provisions in the Electoral Act prescribing any form for forwarding or submission of the sponsored candidate of a political party in an election.
“Sections 177 and 182 of the CFRN which make provisions for qualifications and disqualification of candidates for Governorship election are exhaustive and leave no room for any addition.
“That no other Law/Act can be relied upon to disqualify a candidate in an election save for the provisions of Section 182 of the CFRN.
“That non-compliance with INEC directives (regulations, guidelines or manuals) for the purpose of election, but which is not contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act shall not of itself be a ground in an election petition.
“Paragraph 17 (a) of the First Supplementary to Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections cannot be relied upon as a ground to question the return of a candidate in an election.
“That sponsorship of a candidate in an election is that of the party and not the individual Officer of the party forwarding the name of the candidate.
“That the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party is empowered to create, elect and appoint Committees (including the instant CECPC) or any other committee it may deem necessary to act in any capacity.
“On the strength of all the above position of the Supreme Court in the instant case and other earlier decided cases cited in support, it is our opinion that the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) headed by Governor Mai Mala Buni is on firm ground to proceed with its mandate as given by the National Executive Committee of the APC.”
PUMA terminates four-Year contract with Athletics Federation of Nigeria
German sportswear manufacturing giants PUMA has terminated its four-year contract with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
According to PUMA, the termination of the deal was a result of Nigeria’s athletes’ inability to wear the brand at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In a letter dated Wednesday, August 4, and signed by the company’s director Manuel Edlheimb, PUMA said it was officially notifying the Athletics Federation of Nigeria of its termination of sponsoring and Licensing Agreement.
“We are referring to the licensing and sponsoring agreement signed between our company and your federation.
“As a direct consequence of the recent developments, particularly at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 and pursuant to clauses 9.2 and 7.3 of the Agreement, we hereby terminate the Agreement with immediate effect.
“PUMA especially declares to be discharged from any or all obligations towards all stakeholders involved and reserves all rights against these entities and individuals”.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria under the leadership of Engr Ibrahim Gusau signed a 4-year contract with PUMA in 2019 and was due to expire in 2022.
Part of the contract is that PUMA will supply kits to all age categories to Nigeria’s Athletics team for four years at no cost.
In addition, gold medalists at the Olympic Games will earn $15,000, silver medalists will get 5,000 while a bronze medal will fetch athletes wearing the PUMA apparel at the games $3000. This means, Ese Brume would have gotten an additional $3000 for winning bronze wearing PUMA kit if the deal was still on.
The termination of the deal comes amidst an alleged leadership tussle between the Ibrahim Gusau-led AFN board and that headed by the Minister for Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare.
The minister is said to have vowed that the Nigerian Athletes will not wear the PUMA kits, stating that the contract is “a subject of a criminal investigation”.
Last year, the Department of State Services cleared Gusau and his vice president Sunday Adeleye over corruption allegations levelled against him by the sports ministry.
Sanwo-Olu Reveals Tinubu’s Health Condition After Visiting Him In London
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has disclosed that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is in a perfect state of health.
The Governor spoke on Wednesday in Lagos on the sidelines of the commissioning of 102 compactor trucks and 100 double dino bins acquired by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
According to the Governor, Tinubu is well and healthy contrary to some reports about his ill health.
“My going to see our leader was really around the rumours flying around about him.
“He is well and healthy. We discussed happening in our party and country at large. All is well with him as I saw myself and there is nothing to worry about,” Sanwo-Olu declared.
Chaos In Ilorin As Rival Cult Group Beheads Kwara Poly Student
A Student of Kwara State Polytechnic, identified as Olawale, has been killed by suspected cultists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
It was gathered that his assailants, who are from a rival cult group, ambushed him shortly after he left home on Tuesday.
His severed head was found in the morning around Unity roundabout in Ilorin after several hours of search by his aged mother.
The whereabouts of the body is still unknown before the filing of this report.
It was gathered that the deceased was also a phone repairer at the popular challenge phone market, Ilorin.
According to the mother, “Olawale left home past 8 on Monday morning. But when he didn’t return on time which was unusual of him, I called his number several times but there was no response.
“We now decided to report at the ‘A’ Division police station and also go to his school and search hospitals if perhaps he had an accident.
“However, it was while searching for him that we saw some persons gathered around a spot around Unity, taking pictures.
“It turned out to be the severed head of my son,” the mother who couldn’t control her emotions said.
When contacted on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the state command, Ajayi Okasanmi, said efforts to arrest the perpetrators was ongoing.
“While responding to a distress call, a bodiless head was recovered at Challenge area of Ilorin on Tuesday.
“Investigation so far confirmed it was an attack by cultists.
“Deceased was also a suspected cultist, an alleged student of Kwara Polytechnic. An effort to arrest the perpetrators is ongoing,” he said.
