- Senator Shehu Sani said the 2019 elections will be a big test for President Buhari’s integrity

- The Kaduna Central senator said integrity is not simply about fighting corruption

- Sani added that the executive, led by President Buhari, has to give INEC full support to conduct a free and fair election

Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Central at the upper legislative chamber has said the forthcoming 2019 general elections will put to test President Muhammadu Buhari’s widely acclaimed integrity.

Senator Sani made this statement in an interview with Premium Times.

Asked if he is confident that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is ready and will conduct a free and fair election, Sani said the electoral body “has no option than to conduct free and fair election.”

READ ALSO: APC chairman Oshiomhole summoned for contempt

He, however, said conducting free and fair election goes beyond INEC alone as the electoral needs input from the executive, particularly regarding security.

His words: “2019 election will verify and scrutinize the integrity of President Buhari and his government because integrity is not simply about fighting corruption, it is about a leader and his leadership being able to observe and respect democratic principles and also comply with it.

“The INEC has no option than to conduct a free and fair election. But there are areas beyond the control of INEC. The executive controls the army, the police, the machinery and apparatus of the state. Just as the apparatus of the state can be used against the masses and political opponents, it can also be used against INEC.

“For example, INEC cannot deliver election materials without being escorted. If the executive disallows the escort, it cannot happen. We cannot have a free, fair election simply by INEC results; the government must be responsible. If the election is credible, government will share the glory. If it is rigged, government will share the blame.”

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Meanwhile, the National Peace Committee headed by Nigeria's former military president, General Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd), invited the 42nd president of the United States of America, Bill Clinton, to deliver a keynote address as Nigeria's major presidential candidates sign another peace accord this week.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and incumbent President Buhari of the APC are the front-runners in the race as Nigerians go to the polls.

In a statement sent to Legit.ng on Sunday, February 10, the committee's head of secretariat, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo said the event would hold on Wednesday, February 13 at the Abuja International Conference Centre.

Sowore, Fela Durotoye, Buhari; who will Nigerian youths vote for? | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- Mesut Ozil was a subject of a speculated move out of Arsenal after failing to play regularly

- Juventus, Inter Milan rejected the move because of Ozil's high £350,000-per-week wages

- The 30-year-old was not in Unai Emery's the line up in the Gunners' 2-0 against Huddersfield

Mesut Ozil was rejected in the January transfer window by top European clubs after Arsenal tried to sell him, reports from Italy claim.

The former German midfielder was said to have been offered to Italian champions Juventus but the Old Lady were put off by his £350,000 weekly wages.

And according to Italian news media outfit, the Bianconeri had refused the offer back in November, but opted for Aaron Ramsey who signed a pre-contract agreement for next summer.

READ ALSO: Taiwo Ogunjobi, former NFF Secretary General, dies after brief illness

It is understood that his agents attempted to lure Inter Milan with the aim Arsenal will be interested in signing Croatia star Ivan Perisic.

Perisic is known to be ready to leave the Serie A club for a summer switch to the north London club.

Ozil was not listed in the Gunners' win at Huddersfield due to illness, which makes it the seventh time the ex-Real Madrid star has been ill since 2017.

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He trained with his teammates last Friday with Arsenal uploading the footage on YouTube but was not selected in the 2-0 win.

Emery's side are now fifth on the log after climbing above their London rivals Chelsea, who were battered 6-0 by Manchester City.

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Source: Legit.ng

- A young lady who was sent back to Nigerian to be disciplined sparked conversation on social media

- The lady had been deceived into thinking that she is just going to Nigeria for a week

- It was gathered that the lady was sent back to Nigeria for three years after she slapped her mother

Twitter user identified as King Deedorah recently shared a video of her cousin who was shipped back to Nigeria to be disciplined. The Twitter user had claimed that her cousin was deceived into coming to Nigeria.

The story of the young lady has sparked a reaction from many Nigerians. Some found her story funny while others expressed that she would get used to the Nigerian lifestyle after a while.

According to Deedorah, her cousin had been deceived into coming to Nigeria for a week after she slapped her mother.

READ ALSO: Bride chases groom after he dumped at the altar

In the video which has now been deleted, the lady identified as Moyin was heard talking about visiting for a week. The cousin, however, noted that she would be staying in Nigeria for three years.

Deedorah also stated that Moyin would stay with their grandma who has no WiFi service in her house.

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Nigerians immediately reacted to the story. Some people made fun of Moyin, stating that WiFi is the least of her problems.

Others noted that Nigeria would teach her a lesson and she would become a good child to her parents.

A Twitter user told her that she would be fine once she adjusts to the lifestyle we live here in Nigeria.

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Someone advised that her passport should be taken away, while another person advised that she should be watched in case she plans to go to the British embassy.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng shared reactions to story of Kenyan relationship expert Lisa Gaitho who was dumped by lover. It was gathered that the lady who is a vlogger broke up with alleged 70-year Nigerian lover

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Things you should know without having lived or been abroad before - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- The Nigerian Bar Association in Zamfara has condemned the desecration of the holy Qur'an in the state

- The association said the act is a very worrisome one and the perpetrators must be arrested to face the law

- NBA said the legal institution in the country also needs to be strengthened to facilitate timely prosecutions

Zamfara state chapter of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the reported desecration of the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an, in Gusau, and called for a thorough investigation to unravel the perpetrators.

The NBA at a press conference in Gusau on Monday, February 11, said the incident was ”unfortunate and worrisome.”

Bello Galadi, the NBA chairman, said members of the association had reviewed the situation at a meeting on Saturday, February 9.

The chairman said: "We condemn the acts in strongest terms. These incidents are becoming too incessant, as it occurred in the recent past, where pages of the holy Qur’an were found in a toilet at Government Day Secondary School, Sabon Gari, Gusau.

READ ALSO: APC chairman Oshiomhole summoned for contempt

”It is very unfortunate this reoccurred few days ago where pieces of the holy book were found in a toilet at a hospital in Gusau."

Galadi also said that more needs to be done to strengthen investigations in the country and that security outfits in the state should move fast to bring those responsible to book.

He added: "We are not aware of the verdict passed by the Upper Sharia Court ll, Unguwar Yarima Gusau against the accused persons with regards to the previous incident.

”We have to request that so much needs to be done in the areas of investigation, intelligence gathering, prosecution as well as addressing the gap in our legal framework, to be able to deal with problems on our soil.

”We implore all the security apparatus in the state to do everything possible to ensure the arrest of the culprits in this case. We equally implore the state government to afford the security agents in the state all the necessary support and cooperation they require to carryout the assignment without hitch.

”The NBA, as a promoter of the rule of law, is always ready to partner with any stakeholder to ensure proper prosecution of any culprit in any court of law as part of our collective social responsibilities to the state.”

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the NBA, on Monday, January 28, ordered all lawyers in Nigeria to boycott the courts across the nation for two days between Tuesday, January 29, and Wednesday, January 30, to protest the crisis in the judiciary.

The action, according to the NBA, is protest against what it called the alleged constitutional infractions in the suspension of Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.

Onnoghen's Suspension: Lawyers, Civil Group protest in Abuja | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

Social media has always been used as a platform for many fans to reach out to their celebrity acts, especially, when they need to ask for financial assistance.

Nollywood actor and politician, Desmond Elliot, was recently approached by a fan on popular social media platform Twitter.

The user who revealed that he was a barber had prayed the actor to help him with some money to purchase a brand new generator, as the old one had developed a fault.

Elliot had, however, given him a casual and hilarious response. He disclosed to the social media user that he could only afford to give out money to repair the item.

READ ALSO: Actress Stella Damasus slams online beggars, says they should stop their ‘hand me down’ lifestyle

The actor also advised the barber to make due as this was a trying period and everyone was simply managing their resources the best way they could.

See a screen shot of their exchange below:

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Screenshot of exchange between Desmond Elliott and a fan. Photo source: @deselliot
Source: Twitter

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously gathered the report of Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli, who had taken to her social media page with a long post, in which she berated online beggars. The actress shared a screenshot of a particular lady who had been dropping comments on all her posts, soliciting for money.

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Oboli charged the online beggars to desist from begging. She told them to make better with themselves and actually get something doing.

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This old woman begging for her house not to be destroyed will make you cry | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- Guru Maharaj Ji has commended President Buhari's anti-corruption war

- The religious leader claimed he has the power to facilitate Buhari's re-election

- Maharaj Ji also claimed he had plans to make an Igbo person president

Ben Ezeamalu who is the self-acclaimed Black Jesus and Living Perfect Master, Sat Guru Maharaj Ji, has said that he has the authority to make Muhammadu Buhari president in the coming election.

In an interview with Premium Times, the religious leader said although all government administrations have done well, he particularly applauded President Buhari’s anti-corruption fight.

READ ALSO: How four army officers reportedly stopped plot to stall 2015 presidential election

He said: "All the governments have been doing well, even the present government. The difference is that even though people are sceptical about Buhari and his administration there are two things he has initiated that one need to be happy about. One, the TSA where all government monies go to one bank, we appreciate this. Secondly, the anti-corruption drive, not only did he initiate it but he crowned it with the whistle-blower system that makes even you a journalist a millionaire. With this, compare with other governments.

“I read in the paper where the former prime minister of Britain said if the amount that had been recovered were to be stolen in UK, the whole system will have fallen. So today Buhari is actually leading all of them. The fact is that as a human being he cannot be perfect because he is not Maharaj Ji. So all he needs is our support and I’m doing that today. He has done well for the people to have respect for the rule of law even though there are cases here and there but, of course, the opposition must be there to pinpoint these things so as to stimulate ultimate growth.”

Maharaji Ji, however, said he will not hesitate to tell Buhari the truth the same way he was constantly advising Goodluck Jonathan in the past.

He said: “Tomorrow, let Buhari react negatively I will tell him off in the papers everybody will hear. No you can’t get there, I have the authority to put you there as president.

“Look, last year I was talking about making an Igbo man president. Ikedife (the late former president of Ohaneze Ndigbo), we had a meeting. I don’t know what they discussed, they made him to write a rebuttal in the newspapers, he didn’t know that they want to trap him. Within six months, papa has changed body.”

Meanwhile, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state has reportedly announced plans to implement the proposed N30,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.

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Channels TV reports that the Kwara governor revealed this on Monday, February 11.

Ahmed also approved the release of funds for the payment of one month salary to workers of the local government and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.

Minimum Wage: Is N30,000 Too Much for FG to Pay Workers? - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

Following the controversy surrounding former minister of petroleum resources Diezani Alison Madueke, one would not expect to see her walking around in freedom. Well, a man took to Twitter to share photos of the ex-minister walking freely on a particular street in London. Many Nigerians, surprised at these pictures, have reacted to this.

The man who spilled the beans about Diezani is named @Osquare78 on Twitter. According to him, he was driving on the streets of NW, London, when his eyes caught on a sight.

Upon looking closely, he saw that he was indeed looking at Alison Madueke. Hence, he took some pictures to show the world what his eyes had stumbled on.

According to @Osquare78, as soon as the ex-petroleum minister saw him taking photos of her, she quickly walked past him in anxiety. This did not stop him from sharing the few snaps he got.

READ ALSO: Legit.ng politician of the year 2018 (RESULTS)

See his post below:

One would recall that Diezani Alison has been accused of awarding multi-billion naira contracts without following due process and recklessly spending government funds on private jets.

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In the course of the investigation, she revealed that she had been battling breast cancer and is undergoing treatment in the UK. Against this backdrop, many Nigerians could not help but comment when they saw photos of her walking freely like a no man's land.

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In fact, several people were outraged and their outrage reflected in their comments. However, some people could not help but see humour in the situation. See some of the reactions below:

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Only recently, Legit.ng reported that Interpol issued a warrant for the arrest of Diezani Alison Madueke. On this note, they have ordered the extradition of the ex-petroleum minister from United Kingdom.

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Top 5 the Richest People of Nigeria: The Luxury of Corruption | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) continues to deal a huge blow to terrorists in Borno state

- The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole has destroyed one of the training camps of Boko Haram in Borno

- A video released by NAF showed that he terrorists suffered heavy casualties as a result of air strikes

The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole has destroyed an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) training camp and neutralized several terrorists at Malkonory in Northern Borno state.

Legit.ng gathered that the operation was executed on Sunday, February 10, after Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft observed significant human activities.

The ISR aircraft also observed several structures, equipment and vehicles spotted camouflaged under the dense vegetation in the area used by the terrorists for training.

READ ALSO: Clinton to deliver keynote address as Buhari, Atiku signs peace accord again

“Accordingly, 2 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft were dispatched to attack the location, dropping their bombs successfully within the camp leading to massive fires and resulting in the neutralizing of several terrorists.

“Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) by own and allied ISR later revealed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties as a result of the air strikes,” a statement sent to journalists by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola revealed.

Watch the video of the operation below:

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Recall that the ATF recently destroyed a Boko Haram logistics base in Sambisa forest, Borno state.

The operation was executed on Monday, January 28, after series of ISR missions revealed a resurgence of human and vehicular activities at the logistics base, which had hitherto been abandoned.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) is now-> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better.

President Buhari commissions first Nigerian drone | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

With few days to the general elections, members of the Commonwealth Observers team on Monday, February, 11, arrived Nigeria and headed to Abuja where they met the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu.

Although no official statement has been made by the electoral umpire, Vanguard reports that the Commonwealth observers, upon arriving Nigeria, were ushered to the INEC's conference centre where they met other officials of the commission.

Legit.ng, however, gathers that the major focus of the meeting would border on how the February general elections would be credibly conducted.

Commonwealth observers arrive Nigeria and meet INEC officials ahead of general elections. Photo credit: Vanguard
Source: UGC

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There would be a big responsibility on the electoral commission and observers to steer the middle cause and maintain neutrality during the election as questions keep growing over integrity of INEC to conduct credible elections for the country.

Commonwealth observers meet INEC officials ahead of general elections. Photo credit: Vanguard
Source: UGC

It would be recalled that the governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, recently vowed that attempt to give Nigeria the "Venezuela option" will be vehemently rejected.

The Kaduna governor was also quoted saying foreign observers, who interfere in the election, would be sent back in "body bags."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that just days after Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai issued a stern warning to foreigners against interfering in Nigeria’s electoral process, his party the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) made a similar move.

It was reported that while APC welcomed foreign observers to Nigeria for this year’s elections, it warned that intimidation or interference under the guise of election monitoring would not be accepted.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: We have updated to serve you better!

The next president of Nigeria. Who will win the 2019 Elections? - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- PDP calls on electorates to be politically active by voting for candidates of the party during the general elections

- Godwin Ezeemo, a chieftain of the PDP, says voting by the electorates is a civic responsibility that sustains democracy in any society

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have warned Nigerians not to make the mistake of voting another political party that would hinder the progress of Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Godwin Ezeemo, a chieftain of the PDP called on electorates in the state to be politically active by voting for candidates of the party during the general elections.

Ezeemo made the call in Awka on Monday, February 11, during a rally organized by the party to solicit for votes from electorate.

The PDP chieftain explained that voting by the electorates was a civic responsibility that sustained democracy in any society.

READ ALSO: 2019: If Buhari wins, power will go back to southwest - Shehu Sani

“Voting in any election is a national service. I call on all eligible voters who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards to do so before the deadline and those with their own to come out and vote.

“Do not stay at home and later condemn the government in power. Be politically active and shun the habit of being apolitical during electioneering period.

“Your active participation pays more than being lukewarm.

“The power to elect quality leaders or recall non performing leader is now and it is dependent on the electorate, so the time to act to save Nigeria from collapsing is now,’’ Ezeemo said.

In her contribution, Prof. Stella Okunna, an electorate at the event, said that time has come for voters to take their future in their hands by voting wisely to save the nation from collapsing.

Okunna said that any government that had interest of the people should be voted and urged all electorates to get their PVCs to be part of the positive change in governance.

Also speaking, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike, a PDP faithful appealed to voters in the state to come out en-mass to cast their vote for PDP because the party had a programme that would rejuvenate the nation and turned its economic fortunes positively again.

“Do not make the mistake of your lives by voting for a party that does not have your interest. PDP is the answer,’’ he said.

Okechukwu Nzeako a PDP candidate for Njikoka 2 State Constituency in Anambra House of Assembly, urged the voters to return PDP back to power.

He said that PDP was the only political party with a human friendly manifesto and urged the voters to collect their PVCs and elect their preferred candidates.

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Valentine Ayika, another PDP candidate vying for Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia federal constituency urged voters to cast their votes for PDP for lasting progress.

“PDP had managed the affairs of the country for 16 years and the progress achieved during their era cannot be compared to what is being experienced in the country today,’’ he said.

He urged the electorates to avoid the mistake of voting another party that would draw back the progress of the country.

Meanwhile, the national chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has given hints on the winning strategies the ruling party will embark upon during the beckoning February general elections across the country.

Speaking during the party's national working committee meeting in Abuja on Sunday, February 10, Oshiomhole disclosed that APC will conquer the country in surprise again through a free and credibly done process.

The former Edo governor, who did not curtain his party's desire to win with landslide victory, also attacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for involving in alleged mandate stealing and election manipulation.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better.

Sowore, Fela Durotoye, Buhari; who will Nigerian youths vote for? | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

Champions League round of 16 encounters for the 2018/19 season will begin on Tuesday night, February 12, with two games lined up for football fans in many parts of the world to watch.

Real Madrid who are the defending champions of this championship are also in the knockout stages of this competition as they face Ajax.

Los Blancos have been struggling since the departure of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who joined Juventus, and they will have to up their games against the Dutch club.

Today, we we shall preview all the eight matches that will played in the 2018/19 Champions League encounters.

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1. Manchester United VS Paris-Saint-Germain

Manchester United are currently in the best form of their lives since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over in December 2018 from Jose Mourinho, and the Red Devils will want to stretch their impressive performances to the Champions League.

The last time United won the Champions League title was in the 2007/2008 season and they will face PSG side who will be without Brazilian star Neymar.

United and PSG have never met before in the Champions League, and this maiden game will be interesting for all football fans.

2. Roma VS Porto

The Stadio Olimpico in Rome will be the venue where Roma will host FC Porto in what will be a tough Champions League battle between these two clubs.

Porto impressed in the group stages thereby finishing with 16 points and Roma finished second behind last season's Champions League winners Real Madrid.

3. Tottenham VS Borussia Dortmund

Premier League giants Tottenham will welcome Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund to the Wembley stadium on Wednesday, February 12, for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 encounter.

With the two sides both known for their work rates and fluid attacking play, this tie looks set to be one of the most mouthwatering of the knockout stages this season.

4. Ajax VS Real Madrid

The last time Ajax won the Champions League title was in the 1994/95 edition of the Championship, and since then, they have been struggling.

Ajax ended the group stages as 1 of only 5 teams to remain unbeaten throughout, and they only finished 2 points behind Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the end.

Real Madrid on the other hand struggled in the group stages due to the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, and their credentials will be put to test against the Dutch side.

5. Lyon VS Barcelona

French club Lyon have previously faced Barcelona six times with the Spanish club winning four games, while the other two ties ended in draw.

Barcelona have been impressive this season in all competitions, and it will be difficult for Lyon to overcome the Spanish champions in the two games.

6. Liverpool VS Bayern Munich

This will be the toughest ties in the Champions League round of 16 as last season's runners-up Liverpool will face German giants Bayern Munich.

These two teams both scored three goals in their last encounters and this tie will be the battle of strikers with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Firmino expected to be in great form.

READ ALSO: Lionel Messi is fine, says Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde

7. Schalke VS Manchester City

Schalke's last three Champions League campaigns have all ended in the round of 16 and they will be keen to make the most of home advantage as they welcome Manchester City for the first leg of their knockout tie.

Premier League champions Manchester City are in the knockout stages for the sixth year in a row, and have won two of their last three round of 16 ties.

8. Atletico Madrid VS Juventus

These two teams have reached the final twice in the past five seasons with Atletico losing to neighbors Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016 whereas Juventus were beaten by Barcelona in 2015 and Real Madrid two years later.

Juventus will be boosted with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo who joined the club from Real Madrid, but Atletico also have two dangerous strikers Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann.

Earlier, Legit.ng had reported how Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo told Juventus' chiefs to give him three more bodyguards for himself and his family in Italy.

The superstar is reportedly concerned about the safety of himself and his family as he has been swarmed by fans since his move to Turin from Real Madrid.

One of these three men will be monitoring his house in the Gran Madre Park, while the other two guards will be looking after him and his family.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

9-year-old girl tells Nigerian athletes how to win a marathon race | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- Anthony Martial has reached 50 goal involvements for Man United quicker than Cristiano Ronaldo

- The Frenchman reached the milestone after netting an exceptional goal against Fulham on Sunday

- Club's interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is backing Martial for greatness

Anthony Martial has beaten Cristiano Ronaldo’s time to reach 50 goal involvements for Manchester United and has been tipped for greatness by club boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

According to UK Sun report, Ronaldo featured in 118 matches to reach the landmark, netting 32 times along with 18 assists.

READ ALSO: Kylian Mbappe donates N13m to Sala's pilot David Ibbotson search fund

But the 23-year-old Martial, reached the milestone after netting exceptional goal against Fulham in Sunday's 3-0 win, scored 33 times and 17 assists in 106 matches.

Interestingly, many Man United fans and club legend Gary Neville compared Martial’s goal to Ronaldo’s strike against Fulham, 12 years ago.

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Speaking after the victory at Fulham, Man United interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer applauded the forward, stressing Martial can follow Ronaldo’s foot-steps.

"Yes, it was towards the end of the game and we played a very poor game and Cristiano scored it.

"He does have similarities, of course. If he wants to be at Cristiano's level, Anthony knows what he has to do.

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"It's up to him. He has the talent,” Solskjaer submitted.

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Manchester United defeated 3-0 win over Fulham at the Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Paul Pogba opened scoring for the Red Devils in the 14 minutes after connecting with Anthony Martial's pass in the game.

The French midfielder then fired home a powerful shot that went into the roof of the net to give his side the lead.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

9-year-old girl tells Nigerian athletes how to win a marathon race | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- A human rights activists has demanded for the certified true copies of videos showing Governor Abdullahi Ganduje allegedly receiving bribe

- Audu Bulama-Bukarti said the commission has seven days to make the copies available to him or face legal action

- Recall that video of the Kano governor allegedly receiving bribe had gone viral in 2018

- It was reported that the EFCC had established the authenticity of the video clips after forensic analysis within and outside the country

Human rights lawyer, Audu Bulama-Bukarti, has demanded for the certified true copies of videos showing Abdullahi Ganduje, the governor of Kano state, allegedly receiving bribe.

Bulama-Bukarti, in a letter to the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, gave the commission seven-day ultimatum to make the copies available to him or face legal action, Daily Nigerian reports.

The news medium also claimed to have gathered that the commission had established the authenticity of the video clips after forensic analysis within and outside the country.

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“I humbly write under Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 to request for certified true copy of the Result of the Forensic Analysis you conducted into the Video clips released by Daily Nigerian online newspapers between 14th and 15th October 2018 allegedly showing Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje receiving bribe.

“As you may recall, you informed me publicly on the 23rd of November 2018 at Queen Mary University of London that you were in London to, among other things, perform forensic analysis of the said videos.

“It is against the foregoing that I make this application.

“I am happy to pay such processing fees as you may charge for the preparation of the said document.

“Finally, may I remind you that by and under Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, you have 7 days within which to avail me of this information, failing which I shall not hesitate to proceed under the relevant provisions of the Act,” Bukarti wrote.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that a Kano high court presided by Justice Ahmed Tijjani Badamasi said the state House of Assembly does not have the power to investigate or invite or summon the governor over any alleged criminal case.

According to Justice Badamasi, the power to investigate criminal charges is vested in the police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better.

Senator Kwankwaso Rabiu announces his Presidential Bid (Election 2019) | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- Taiwo Ogunjobi's death has thrown Nigerian football family into mourning

- The football administration until his death was the Osun State Football Association chairman

- Ogunjobi was a former Green Eagles and Shooting Stars player in the early 70s

Football fraternity was thrown into mourning following the sudden death of former Nigeria Football Federation general secretary Taiwo Ogunjobi.

The late football administrator was said to have been ill for a couple of days before finally giving up.

His death was confirmed by his Special adviser and media aide, Tunde Shamsudeen on Monday morning, February 11.

READ ALSO: Sol Bamba replies Cardiff City fans, saying he hugged him harder than his wife

The country's football body also confirmed the news on their official Twitter handle, mourning the death of current Osun State FA chairman.

"We are sad to announce the shock demise of former Nigeria Int'l, Ex-NFF Gen. Sec., former NFF Executive Committee member, and current chairman, Osun State FA, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi after a brief illness. Our prayers are with his family, relatives and the football family in Nigeria."

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Meanwhile, football stakeholders across the country have however begun to react to the death of the former Shooting Stars player.

Ogunjobi rose to become the captain of 3SC between 1973-74 and was later called up to the Green Eagles owing to his impressive display at the club level.

He got his football administration started after hanging his boots and served as a secretary at the Ibadan based club. He became the General Manager of the club and then the sole administrator.

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Ogunjobi took over as the president of Gabros International (now FC IfeanyiUnah- in Nnewi in 1999 and after which he was appointed the General Manager of Lagos-based club Julius Berger.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Taiwo Ogunjobi, former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is dead.

The news of Ogunjobi's demise have been confirmed on the Nigerian football governing body's NFF via their Twitter handle.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better.

Rio Ferdinand admires Okocha, reveals why he quit boxing and problem with Man United | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- Senator Shehu Sani said the APC was founded by people who merely wanted to remove PDP from power

- The Kaduna Central senator said most of those who are said to have destroyed Nigeria under PDP are now in APC

- Sani said the majority of the APC members did not leave PDP due to the party’s failure but because they had been schemed out of the power game

Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Central at the upper legislative chamber has claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was founded by people who merely wanted to remove the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Ex-president Goodluck Jonathan from power.

Responding to questions in an interview with Premium Times, Senator Sani said it may not be far from the truth to say that most Nigerian politicians and parties are devoid of ideologies and that they pitch their tents where their interest lie.

The Kaduna Central senator was elected on the platform of the APC in 2015 but has since defected to the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) where he is seeking re-election to the Senate.

READ ALSO: Taiwo Ogunjobi, former NFF Secretary General, dies after brief illness

Sani said the majority of those who were said to have destroyed Nigeria during the PDP’s 16-year rule are now with the ruling APC.

He said: “Most of those who are said to have destroyed Nigeria are very much alive and present in the APC and their attitude, the character has not changed.”

Senator Sani further made reference to the $16bilion meant for power that was allegedly embezzled during the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo and the former president’s controversial third term agenda.

He said the same people “who wasted the 16 billion power project are also the same people who are in APC.”

His words: When President Buhari is criticising (ex-) president Obasanjo for wasting 16 billion power project and for embarking on a failed third term project, all I said is very clear: that it is the same people who were part of the government that destroyed Nigeria and wasted 16 billion power project are also the same people who are in APC.

“The people who worked for third term, who were the engineers and technicians of third term are already very much among the supporters of President Buhari. It is impossible to send OBJ to jail without his fellow culprits and people who have worked in his government.”

He claimed that Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state cannot be absolved from the corruption allegations leveled against PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over the alleged “selling off public enterprise as an auction”.

He said: “If you accuse Atiku of selling off public enterprise as an auction, as the chairman of National Council of Privitasation, who is the DG of that company? It is not Nasir-El-Rufai.

“Ninety percent of the APC are from the PDP. The APC is party founded on grievances. Founded by people who just wanted to remove the PDP and Jonathan from power.

“And many people who supported not because they saw the failures of the PDP, but because they have been schemed out of the power game.”

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Kaduna state high court on Friday, February 8, issued a warrant of arrest against the chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for contempt over a case in which Governor El Rufai was alleged to have declared N90 billion in his CCB assets declaration form.

The warrant of arrest was issued by Justice Mario Mohammed after the chairman had ignored several summons by the court in a suit between Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufa’i and Today’s publishing Company Limited, and one other.

A warrant form obtained directed that police personnel and authorities should arrest the CCB chairman and produce him before the court on February 13.

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Nigeria Latest News: Buhari vs Atiku - 2019 Elections | Legit TV:

Source: Legit.ng

- The United States and other countries have been cautioned over unguarded statements ahead of the forthcoming 2019 general elections

- The APC Presidential Campaign Council issued the warning on Monday, February 11

- The council was reacting to statements credited to the United States ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, and diplomats of other countries

The APC Presidential Campaign Council has cautioned the United States and other countries over unguarded statements ahead of the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

The caution was contained in a statement sent to Legit.ng on Monday, February 11, by the spokesperson for the council, Festus Keyamo (SAN).

Keyamo said: "We are deeply concerned about many of the expressions of the United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador W. Stuart Symington and other Western Diplomats which have been directed towards Nigeria’s upcoming elections. Whilst we laud and whole-heartedly welcome their interests in the elections, many of these expressions have been notably off- key.

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"The continued warnings about ‘flawed elections’ is capable of casting an unwarranted cloud over the process. Instead of encouraging our country toward credible elections, such statements undermine public confidence. It would appear that these envoys seem to have discredited the election before it has even taken place.

"We truly hope some of the statements attributed to these diplomats are inaccurate. For instance, the Premium News reported that Ambassador W. Stuart Symington threatened to “hold to account” anyone whose speech, no matter the motivation of that speech, engendered hatred. We all agree that any speech willfully intended to trigger violence is condemnable.

"However, in condemning other forms of political speech, the American envoy overstepped his ambassadorial brief. For instance, the American Ambassador was reported to have condemned a situation where a candidate says that his opponent’s political and economic policies are abhorrent and dangerous to the greater welfare of the people and calls on the citizens to hate and reject such policies.

"In our view, this is a correct statement because it is the duty of the candidate to tell the people these truths to protect the nation from subsequent calamity. But Ambassador Symington says his country would punish such necessary political speeches.

According to Keyamo, such strong political speeches are not unlawful in the United States. He said: "But Ambassador Symington is seeking to penalize such speeches by Nigerians. He seeks to shrink our ambit of free speech so that we may behave in accordance with their vision of well-behaved Africans, rather than in consonance with our vision of our own democracy, no matter how tumultuous and dramatic we may be.

"It would appear that his position seeks to prohibit forms of expression integral to our political discourse. These forms of expression have time and time again been adjudged to be constitutionally-protected speeches by the United States Supreme Court.

"However, Ambassador Symington intentionally issued his threats to place a chilling effect on speeches in Nigeria that, if uttered in America, would be constitutionally protected. Unfounded allegations and threats to penalize people for constitutionally-protected free speech is improper interference in our internal affairs. Sadly, what Ambassador Symington and some other western diplomats are doing border on the improper.

Keyamo said constant statements by Ambassador Symington and other diplomats were implicit attacks against the government of Nigeria.

According to him, the statements imply that the Nigerian government is inclined to rig the general elections in favour of President Muhammadu Buhari.

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He said: "This is unfair and unacceptable to us. President Muhammadu Buhari has never been accused of electoral malpractice all his life. However, in contrast, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar publicly boasted a few months ago that he rigged the 2003 election in the Southwest States.

"Here, we have an open confession of blatant electoral malfeasance by the PDP candidate. But in all of these, there seem to be no concern by Ambassador Symington and other diplomats about this well-acknowledged proclivity of the main opposition."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported the All Progressives Congress (APC) warned foreigners against interfering in Nigeria’s electoral process.

While APC welcomed foreign observers to Nigeria for the 2019 general elections which starts with the presidential polls on Saturday, February 16, it warned that intimidation or interference under the guise of election monitoring would not be accepted.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

Who are the Nigerian presidential candidates? - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

Popular female rapper Cardi B has made history after she became the first female rap artist to win the Grammy award for Best Rap Album category. The rapper's album Invasion of Privacy is the album that gave her the win.

Cardi B did not only make history as the first female rapper to win the award, but Invasion of Privacy is also her debut album.

The mother of one won the award against talented rappers like Pusha T, Travis Scott and the late Mac Miller.

Talented and gorgeous Cardi B accepted her award dress in a beautiful white dress alongside her husband, Offset, who is also a rapper with rap group Migos.

READ ALSO: 2019 Grammys: Seun Kuti loses out in World Music category

During her acceptance speech, the rapper thanked her daughter, Kulture, who was virn in July, 2018.

She said:“I’m not just saying thank you because she’s my daughter. It’s because, you know, when I found out I was pregnant, my album was not complete, like three songs that I was for sure having. And then you know, you know how it was, we was like, we have to get this album done so I could still do videos while I’m still not showing. And it was very long nights.”

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Some Nigerian Twitter users celebrated the female rapper for working hard to become the best she can be. They talked about how she worked her way up from being a gang member.

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Others were furious that the rapper won the award before Nicki Minaj who started her music career before Cardi B. Many expressed that paved the way for female rappers in the male dominated industry.

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In a related news, Legit.ng had published a list of things to know about the Soweto Gospel Choir after the group won the award for Best World Music Album category at the Grammy Awards which took place on Sunday, February 10.

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Nigeria News Today: Peter Okoye - Receiving His First Major Award For His Solo Act - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- Chelsea suffered a 6-0 humiliation against Man City in a Premier League clash played at Etihad

- The heavy defeat saw Chelsea drop to sixth on the standings

- Maurizio Sarri has since apologised to Blues' fans after the Etihad humiliation

Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri, has sent an emotional apology go the club's fans after his side's 6-0 thumping by Manchester City in a Premier League clash played at Etihad Stadium.

A Sergio Aguero hat-trick, Raheem Sterling's brace and Gundogan's sublime finish ensured City's comprehensive victory over the former EPL champions.

READ ALSO: Kylian Mbappe donates N13m to Sala's pilot David Ibbotson search fund

A remorseful Sarri admitted his side was a little unlucky during the away trip, revealing he had made sufficient preparations prior to the encounter.

“I am doing my best and I’m trying to get the players to do their best but at the moment I can only say sorry because in the last three away matches we played very badly," talkSPORT quoted Sarri.

“It’s very difficult to describe our performance. It’s also very difficult to understand because during the week I really was very happy with the team," he explained.

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He acknowledged Chelsea's defensive blunders in the opening exchanges of the Sunday evening, February 10, tie that saw them concede four goals at half-time.

The Italian tactician further took time to demystify the Blues' previous four matches that have seen them slip to sixth on the Premier League standings.

The result at Etihad could throw Sarri's future at Stamford Bridge under sharp speculation should the club fail to quality for the Champions League next season.

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Meanwhile, City's victory over the West London side saw them unseat Liverpool from the top spot as the race for the Premier League title heats up.

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Manchester City thrashed Chelsea, 6-0 at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, February 10.

This was City's third test in their push to reclaim the EPL title after an arguably gruelling week that saw them battle Arsenal last weekend and Everton in midweek.

Both encounters saw the Pep Guardiola-tutored side pick maximum points as they leapfrogged Liverpool into the first place on the standings.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

9-year-old girl tells Nigerian athletes how to win a marathon race | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

- Peoples Democratic Party in Kogi state alleged that Senator Dino Melaye's life is in danger

- According to a statement by state spokesman of the party, Usman Okai, there was a plan to invade Melaye's home in an attempt to assassinate him

- Okai urged the new inspector general of police, Mohammed Adamu, to call his men to order

Emerging reports have claimed that Peoples Democratic Party in Kogi state on Monday, February 11, alleged that there was a plot to assassinate Dino Melaye, the senator representing Kogi west senatorial district.

In a statement by the state spokesman of the party, Usman Okai, the plan was to invade Melaye's home in an attempt to assassinate him.

Reports by The Cable also claimed that Okai stated that no amount of intimidation would change the minds of the peoples’ rejection of the APC-led administration and for all its candidates in the state.

READ ALSO: APC chairman Oshiomhole summoned for contempt

The statement read: “There are plans to invade the country home of Senator Dino Melaye, shoot sporadically at the house in an attempt to assassinate him.

“We have it on good authority from a reliable source privy to the plan allegedly mandated to carry out this undemocratic plans between tonight 10th February and tomorrow.

“We in the PPCC therefore call on the inspector general of police to call his men to order and to also use this opportunity to inform the general public especially the good people of Kogi west senatorial district of this wicked plans and to resist such movies.

“The PPCC notes that the fortune of the party in the coming election has continued to soar on a daily basis.

''No amount of intimidation would change the minds of the peoples’ rejection of the APC-led administration and for all its candidates in Kogi state.

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“The PPCC called on the people of Kogi state, particularly its members in Kogi west senatorial district to be vigilant and watchful as the Governor Bello’s administration, having failed to perform, now realises that its time is up, now has resorted to intimidation, harassment and arrest of members of the PDP.”

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the high court sitting in Maitama, the Federal Capital Territory and presided over by Justice Yusuf Halilu again granted bail to Senator Dino Melaye who was arraigned on a nine-count charge of trying to evade arrest.

Melaye, who represents Kogi West at the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly, is facing issues of alleged conspiracy, resistance to arrest, failure to honour police invitation and intentionally giving false information to the public.

The senator’s application was filed by Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), his lawyer. In his ruling, Justice Halilu, who presided over the case, said that the essence of bail could not be overemphasized, saying that it was meant to make a defendant to stand for trial.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.

Onnoghen Absent As Trial Commences | Legit TV:

Source: Legit.ng

- The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, has been summoned for contempt of court

- Oshiomhole was asked by the Federal High Court in Abuja to appear before it next week

- The court summoned the APC chairman for dissolving the elected executive of the APC in Imo state

The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has been ordered by the Federal High Court in Abuja to appear before it next week for dissolving the elected executive of the APC in Imo state.

The Guardian reports that the national chairman will explain why he should not be sent to prison for disobeying the court's order.

Legit.ng gathers that on August 14, 2018, Oshiomhole and the APC were directed by the court not interfere or tamper with the elected Imo APC leadership led by Daniel Nwafor.

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Oshiomhole was served a notice dated January 301, 2019. It read: “Unless you obey the direction(s) in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”

Recall that when the Nwafor-led Imo APC was dissolved, Oshiomhole constituted and inaugurated a caretaker committee led by Marcellinus Nlemigbo to be in charge of the party in the state.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the alleged mismanagement carried out by ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, when he ruled the country.

Oshiomhole made the request when he spoke in Damaturu, Yobe state, during the APC presidential campaign.

The APC national chairman accused Obasanjo of bribing members of the National Assembly with millions of naira during his tenure.

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He said: “He (Obasanjo) introduced corruption into the National Assembly by giving every senator N100 million. He gave every House of Representatives member N50 million; where did he get that money from?

“Mr President, in the name of Almighty God, you have a duty when you are re-elected to probe Obasanjo."

Speaking at the rally, President Buhari assured the people of Yobe state that his reelection for a second term would benefit them greatly.

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Obasanjo bombs Buhari again, says FG is empowering Boko Haram | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng