Jurgen Klopp: No Premier League break hurts England chances

The busy schedule of the Premier League hurts England's chances in major tournaments, says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The German praised England's current team as "really talented", but said the lack of a winter break in the country would count against them at Euro 2016.
"You have too many games, that's for sure," Klopp told Football Focus. "You have no break, too many tournaments.
The 48-year-old added: "Everybody thinks [manager] Roy [Hodgson] should lead these boys to the title, they have really good players.
"But they've had no break for one year. All the other teams have. You can be [successful] but it's much harder."
England have not reached the semi-finals at any of their past eight major tournaments, and were knocked out at the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.


http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/35171607

‘Petrol to sell for N85 per litre from Jan 1’

The Federal government, has said that it can no longer afford to subsidize the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) following the fraud that has attended its operation, stressing that the product will sell for N85 per litre as from the first day of January, 2016.
The Minister of State for Petroleum, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, disclosed this during his inspection of the Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC), on Christmas day.
The current official price of the product is N87 but it sells for as high as N350 in some states of the federation with the country experiencing more than two months biting fuel scarcity.
Dr. Kachikwu said that the new price template of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulation Agency (PPPRA), was approved by the Federal government on Thursday, adding that the new price will convince Nigerians that the pricing modulation that the Muhammadu Buhari-led government promised to embark is not a trick.
“We have done a modulation calculation and it is showing us below N87,” Mr. Kachikwu said. “I imagine that if PPPRA publishes it today, it will become effective immediately. But the 1st of January that is when we are looking at.”


Vanguard
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Former Goodluck Jonathan Sends Christmas Message To Nigerians

Former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has dropped a message to hope to Nigerians on the celebration of Christmas through one of his social media platforms.
 Jonathan preached for team work and consolidation to make Nigeria and Africa great again.
 He said, "Jesus Christ our Lord, was born to bring people together and no matter the temptation to pursue individual or group interests over the collective, let us not forget that you and I belong to Team Nigeria and we must never allow individual or group aspirations distract us from the Championship ambition we have as a nation to be a beacon of hope in Africa and a pillar of the International Community".
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 Read:
“I love the game of football, and today, as I was watching a game, it occurred to me that even the most talented footballer in the world can not go anywhere if he will not work with others. Talent may win some games, but only teamwork wins the Championship.
 Jesus Christ our Lord, was born to bring people together and no matter the temptation to pursue individual or group interests over the collective, let us not forget that you and I belong to Team Nigeria and we must never allow individual or group aspirations distract us from the Championship ambition we have as a nation to be a beacon of hope in Africa and a pillar of the International Community. Merry Christmas from my family and I to you and your family.”


nigerianbulletin

Exchange rate falls on temporary supply boost

There appeared to be a significant respite for Naira as it strengthened against the US Dollar in the unofficial currency market  a day to the public holidays after suffering severe depreciation daily for three consecutive weeks.
As at close of business yesterday, the local currency gained 3.64 per cent relative to the greenback, USD, to close at N265/USD1.0  from N275/USD.0 in the preceding week at the Bureau De Change, BDC, market segment.
Naira-Dollar
Naira-Dollar
Similarly, the local currency appreciated by 3.57 per cent of its value relative to the USD at the parallel market segment to close at N270/USD1.0 up from N280/USD1.0 in the previous week.
Currency dealers told Vanguard that the development came on a temporal supply boost by homecoming diaspora Nigerians for the festive season.
However, the Central Bank of Nigeria,  CBN, clearing rate and interbank rate closed steady at N196.97/USD1.0 and N199.1/USD1.0 respectively.


Vanguard

We’ve met December deadline to defeat Boko Haram — FG

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said yesterday that the Nigerian military had met the December deadline to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists.
The minister said this during his maiden meeting with editorial heads of media houses in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had, upon assuming office, issued a December 31 deadline to the military to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists.
A photo shows a campaign signboad displayed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to show its readiness to defeat Boko Haram Islamists on assumption office at Ogijo, Ogun State in southwest Nigeria, on July 3, 2015. Boko Haram carried out a fresh wave of massacres in northeastern Nigeria on July 3, locals said, killing nearly 200 people in 48 hours of violence President Muhammadu Buhari blasted as "inhuman and barbaric". AFP PHOTO
A photo shows a campaign signboad displayed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to show its readiness to defeat Boko Haram Islamists on assumption office at Ogijo, Ogun State in southwest Nigeria, on July 3, 2015. Boko Haram carried out a fresh wave of massacres in northeastern Nigeria on July 3, locals said, killing nearly 200 people in 48 hours of violence President Muhammadu Buhari blasted as “inhuman and barbaric”. AFP PHOTO
“Today, I can report that the war against Boko Haram is largely won.
“I can confidently say this because just recently, I led a group of 33 journalists from both the local and international media to the hot bed of the insurgency
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/weve-met-december-deadline-to-defeat-boko-haram-fg/

Budget 2016’ll revive economy, says Buhari

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, apologised to Nigerians over the persistent and biting fuel scarcity in the country and attributed the problem to market speculators and stakeholders who are resistant to change. He assured that the government was working hard to end the shortages urgently.
President Buhari who begged Nigerians while presenting the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, said the government has not increased fuel price and that the pump price of fuel remains N87 per litre.
Buhari presents N6.08trn 2016 budget to NASS
Buhari presents N6.08trn 2016 budget to NASS
Buhari arrived the Chambers at 10.01am. Apologizing to Nigerians for the pains occasioned by the continued fuel scarcity across the country, he said: “The  current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologizes to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the


http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/budget-2016ll-revive-economy-says-buhari/

5 Facts That Shows PMB Administration Is The Same GEJ'S

Here are 5 basic facts that points Buhari's administration to that of the erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan's tenure..
 They are:
 1. More than six months into the Buhari led administration, Boko Haram is still wrecking havoc as freely as before in the North-east.
 2. Nigerians just like in the Jonathan administration are suffering from the harsh realities of fuel scarcity.
 3. There is still mass youth unemployment in Nigeria. The same people who canvassed and massively voted for this government.
 4. The Naira is getting weaker against other foreign currencies by the minute.
 5. Power is still as epileptic as it was during the past administration and Nigeria is still far away from the dream of uninterrupted power supply as promised by this administration.

 You can add yours...
nigerianbulletin

Breakdown of the 2016 Budget

Breakdown of the 2016 Budget



GDP Growth Rate Projection 4.37%
Revenue Projection 3.86 Naira
Deficit 2.22 trillion Naira (equivalent to 2.16% of Nigeria’s GDP)
Oil Related Revenues 820 billion Naira
Non-oil Revenues 1.45 trillion Naira
 Projected Independent Revenues 1.51 trillion Naira
Capital Expenditure 1.8 trillion Naira (30%  of total budget)
Works, Power and Housing 433.4 billion Naira
Transport 202.0 billion Naira
Interior 53.1 billion Naira
Special Intervention Programs 300 billion Naira
Education 369.6 billion Naira
Defence 294.5 billion Naira
Health 221.7 billion Naira
Ministry of Interior 145.3 billion Naira
Foreign and Domestic Debt Service 1.36 trillion Naira
Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans 113 billion Naira
Non-debt Recurrent Expenditure 2.65 trillion Naira


LIB

N1.4trn fine: FG calls MTN’s bluff, says Dec 31 deadline subsists

The Federal Government, yesterday, said it would neither be cowed nor threatened by MTN’s court action against the N1.4trn fine which was later reduced to N780 billion, insisting that the telecommunications company risks another fine if it fails to pay on deadline.
Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, made the statement yesterday in reaction to the suit instituted by the telecom operator at a Lagos High Court, weekend.
The minister, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Victor Oluwadamilare, however, admitted that MTN had the right to seek court’s interpretation if it feels unsatisfied with the action of the regulator but made it clear that nothing would stop the government from imposing additional fine on the operator, at the expiration of the deadline.
According to the minister, “it is the right of MTN to approach the court but there was an infraction, which MTN admitted to have committed before it pleaded for leniency that led to the reduction of the fine from N1.4 trillion to N780 billion and the subsequent December 31, 2015 deadline to  pay.
“If it has decided to go to court, it is still within the ambit of the law. I will not intervene, since they have gone to court, we will allow the court to decide if it is right for MTN to commit those infractions and breach the laws of the land.”
Click the link below to read more...
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/n1-4trn-fine-fg-calls-mtns-bluff-says-dec-31-deadline-subsists/

10 Things President Buhari’s Government Has Achieved So Far

As culled from Nairaland, though it's open for criticisms based on divergent opinions.
Within the few months of becoming the president of the federal Republic of Nigeria, Buhari has achieved the following things in office...
 Although, some people have questioned the integrity of some of these points, nevertheless, it has happened while others are still happening within the space of time
 These are:
 1. Oil thieves have drastically reduced with the recent arrest of them by Nigerian Navy. It is in this new administration unlike before that foreigners who have been stealing oils are been arrested and prosecuted.
 2. It is in this administration that lawlessness was fought head on with strong hand in the recent Army/Shitee face off.
 3. It is also in this administration that the untouchables are been arrested, prosecuted and locked up in the on going arms scandal.
 4. This is the first time a Nigerian President is about passing a huge budget of N 6 trillion for next year programmes.
 5. Almost all the territories in North East held by Boko Haram Sect have been liberated by the Nigerian Army.
 6. Smuggling of goods are no longer in sway as it used to be in the past administration.
 7. Taxes are been paid by corporate organisations that have not been paying before under the past government.
 8. Bribery in government parastatals have reduced drastically.
 9. Standard Organisation of Nigeria has woken up to its responsibility.
 10. Anti Corruption Crusade is been widely propagated across the country which has never happened during the past administration.

Arsenal Beat Manchester City 2-1

Arsenal maintains their second position on the log of the English Premier league table following their 2-1 victory over third place Manchester City on Monday night football.
 The Gunners have now opened a four points lead over City, and reduced Leicester City's lead to two points after 17 league games.
 Theo Walcott opened scoring for the Emirate side after connecting with a Mesut Ozil's assist in the 33rd minute of the game, as Olivier Giroud doubled Wenger's men's lead in the 45th minute, just before half time.
 Meanwhile, City's Yaya Toure pulled one back for the Manuel Pellegrini's men in the later period of the game, but Yaya's goal wasn't enough to rescue a point for the noisy neighbours on the night.
 Arsenal ended the game with just 37 percent of ball possession and six shots on target while two hit the back of the net while City enjoyed more ball possession but couldn't convert most of their chances at the end of the day.
 Arsenal will travel to Southampton for the boxing day fixture while Manchester City welcome struggling Sunderland to the Ethiad stadium.
nigerianbulletin

ARMY AND ZARIA CLASH, MY OWN POINT OF VIEW. By Enenche Enenche (Comedian)

This article was written by Enenche and I find it knowledgeable that I should share it with readers.
He wrote:
I think the outcry that the recent clash between Nigerian Army and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria had generated, has reached a point that I break my silence.
Since the incident, I have done countless research to know the difference between the Sunnis and Shiite forms of Muslims.
The Shiite has their highest members in Iran, Irag, Palestinians, India and few other countries, the Sunnis has the Saudi Arabia, Africa and other locations as their stronghold
The Sunnis are 80 - 90% Muslims in Nigeria, while Shiite are 10-15% of Muslims worldwide.
The division came after the death of their Founder, and leadership tussle that followed. Sunnis are the followers of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq while Shiites are followers of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
In Nigeria, the Shiite movement once had their home base in Sokoto, but were dislodged from Sokoto by Sunni backed government. This is because, you can't have two Caliphs in one Caliphate.
They moved to Zaria, their current base. Zaria is strategic to them because it is on the major road that links the Nation's Capital and Sokoto, the seat of the Caliphate.
Shiites see their Zaria base as a good ground to frustrate the flow of traffic to Sokoto by their countless processions.
I have been a victim of their procession before, I was rushing to Katsina to anchor a Gala Nite of Northern Regional Retreat of Management Staff of Fidelity Bank in 2013.
There was no flight from Abuja to Katsina, except Kano. I had an event in Abuja and had to leave that same day, I chattered a car from Zuba to Zaria, then from Zaria I would enter vehicle to connect Katsina or Malumfashi.
My journey was smooth, not until I got to Zaria, the Shiite procession was on. The convoy was up to 10KM stretch. I spent over 5 hours there, how I got to Katsina Motel by 3AM still remains a miracle I would forever live to tell the story.
The lawlessness of those on the procession, was something else, I think in the interest of decorum, something urgent was supposed to be done.
I think they mistook Chief of Army's Staff convoy as one of those they torment with their processions.
Blocking the convoy of a Nation's Army Chief is as good as questioning the military might of that Nation.They asked for it and got even more.
Nigeria must not sleep, because Iran is not sleeping, Iran is mourning the death of Nigerians even more than Nigerians.
Nigerian Government once arrested some owners of Supermarkets and Parks in Abuja. The suspects were allowed to go because they are Shiites. Shiites can never back Boko Haram which is a Sunni extremists fundamentalism.
Shiites number one common enemy is Isreal, but with this Zaria attack, Nigeria should look out more for Shiites and "Supermarkets owners", because their weapons may soon start to find expression in Nigeria.
In as much as we are trying to clear a blockade in Zaria, we must be mindful not to create another "Maiduguri" in Zaria.
In conclusion, I totally condemn the deaths of Nigerians in Zaria, I strongly believe that the attack by Army was disproportionate in response, but I subscribe to the school of thought that it was appropriate.
I rest my case!
Enenche Enenche (Comedian)
 21st December, 2015 9:46GMT +1

How much sex should you be having?

How much sex are you getting?
Do  you take a roll in the hay every night, once or twice a week, monthly or at no particular time? For the good of your own relationship, how much sex should you be having? Many couples do find infrequent sex to be an issue. While some are fine with the occasional 5-minutes romp under the sheets, others wish they were getting a whole lot more.
sex1
There are women who worry that their men demand too much sex and secretly wish they’d slow down. But a lot more men complain that it is their women that are not giving it up as often as they (men) desire.
More than next door
On the whole, the average couple is happy if it thinks it’s getting more sex than the couple next door regardless of how much it’s actually getting.
Having more sex than your neighbours can actually make you happy, and research shows that couples who have sex at least two to three times a month are more likely to report a higher level of happiness than those who who’ve had no sex during the previous 12 months.
The more sex people have, the happier they tend to be, even when factors like income, marital status, health and age are taken into account.
What is more surprising is that even people who have reasonable amounts of sex report lower levels of happiness if they think there is a chance they could be having less sex than their peers.
 Conversely, people who think they are getting more sex than their peers report higher levels of happiness, even if — in the great scheme of things— they aren’t having that much sex.
How much is normal?
This sounds like a simple question, but there are no right answers. What happens when a couple has what is called mismatched libidos? If she likes to have sex four times a week and he only once or twice, of course they want to find out who is the abnormal one.
Essentially the amount of sex you have will depend on you and your relationship, and that the ideal frequency is tricky to pin down.People tend to have more sex in the early stages of a relationship and less lately on.But the average does suggest that a natural sexual frequency is something like once or twice a week in a committed, long term relationship.
Many couples will be happy with less, and others will be at it every night, but if you’re up with the average at least you can stop stressing about what’s happening next door and start enjoying what’s happening in your own bedroom.
At least once a week
Every relationship is different, and the amount of sex you need is the amount that makes both partners happy. While there may be no one right answer to the question of how often couples should have sex, they should to try to do it at least once a week.
Pencilling in sex at least once a week means sex becomes a habit, something you fit in however busy or stressed you are. Once a week means you’ll get all the health and wellbeing benefits, too. So the more you have the better.
Sexless marriages
 Generally speaking, a sexless marriage is one in which a committed couple has sex less than 10 times per year. About 1 in five couples fall into this category.
This may or may not be an issue, depending on the couple. Some couples, especially older pairs who’ve been together a long time, are perfectly fine with once or twice a year or even not at all, thank you very much.
Not having sex doesn’t mean these couples aren’t deeply in love, monogamously committed and happy together. It just means that sex isn’t as high a priority for them as it is for some of their friends, neighbours or people they see on TV and in the movies.
Spice up your flagging sex life If you and your partner have gone several weeks or even months without sex and the lack of activity is troubling you, usually a little bit of effort is enough to revive your flagging sex life, especially if the emotional connection between you and your partner remains strong.
Try one or more of the following tips
Schedule it:  Sounds horribly unromantic, but really it’s quite the opposite. Plan a relaxing shower and mutual massage as part of foreplay. After all, who doesn’t look forward to a massage? Couples who search together for the right scent of massage oil are off to a great start.
Mix it up: Perhaps you’ve always had that special secret fantasy, but you’ve never mentioned it or acted on it. Now is the time to talk about it with your partner. Who knows, maybe he or she is willing to try it. And be sure to ask about his or her secret fantasy. It might be a turn-on for you, too. Just make sure that if you both say yes, you really mean to say yes. No regrets, please.
Go away. If you’ve always done it in the bedroom, try another room, the kitchen, or a hotel, or a cabin in the woods. It’s amazing what a little change of venue can do for a stale sex life.
 Be romantic
Give your partner a gift “just because.” Write a list of things you love about your partner and give it to him or her. Plan a surprise date that involves an activity you know your partner enjoys (even if it’s not your favorite thing to do).
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/much-sex/

Buhari, Jonathan emerge Vanguard Personalities of the Year, 2015

*Tinubu, Jega, heroes of democracy
*Ekwueme, Danjuma, Dafinone, Akande others win life time awards
*Oshiomhole, Amosun, Dankwambo, Shetimma emerge Governors of the Year
Muhammadu Buhari was focused in his persistent pursuit of the presidency. Having attained the maximum political office as a military head of state 32 years earlier at the age of 41, Buhari seemed determined to regain political office as president.
President Buhari, Ex-President Jonathan, Ex-INEC Chairman, Jega and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
President Buhari, Ex-President Jonathan, Ex-INEC Chairman, Jega and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
He submitted himself to a democratic process that in its course projected the re-engineering of the political landscape. In the end and for the first time in the nation’s political history, an incumbent president was defeated in an election.
In the run-up to the election, the Buhari persona became a major issue, but Buhari as candidate took the inquisition with remarkable aplomb. To the credit of the Buhari personality, many of those who contested on the platform of his party won on the coattails of his remarkable victory.
His dogged pursuit, his incomparable victory and his so far unwavering efforts in sanitising the polity, Muhammadu Buhari is by the unanimous decision of Vanguard editors, Vanguard Personality of the Year, 2015.
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan – Personality of the Year, 2015
Like the mortal he is, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s fairy tale political expedition was bound to come to an end. Following his advent, President Jonathan had promised to sanitise the electoral process, just as nearly all of the nation’s previous leaders. Dr. Jonathan, however, proved to be an exception allowing the incorporation of an electoral system that eventually  led to his defeat.
President Jonathan’s decision not to seek judicial or other crude disruption of the outcome of the 2015 presidential election not only turned out to be his finest hour, but a glittering anchor that has helped to stabilise the nation’s democracy.
For his brave smile in the face of defeat, his efforts in refining the nation’s electoral system and his continuing continental role in the promotion of democracy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is the choice of Vanguard editors for Joint Personality of the Year, 2015.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Hero of Democracy
Unarguably one of the country’s leading political engineers, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has now taken his remarkable political wizardry to the national space. His dogged resistance to the encroachments of the former ruling party in Lagos State, and to its routing in most of the Southwest states, largely bore the footprints of the former Lagos State governor.
Tinubu’s central role in the enthronement of the new administration and the eclipse of the former government has been generally acknowledged by friends and foes. Remarkably, he has achieved his aim within the rules of democracy. For his political dexterity and commitment to the rule of law in his political engagements, Vanguard recognises Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Hero of Democracy, 2015.
Professor Attahiru Jega – Hero of Democracy
Professor Attahiru Jega, a former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, boosted his pedigree in 2011 when he conducted one of Nigeria’s most credible general elections. He was at that time less than 10 months in the saddle as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. In 2015, in spite of pressures from many quarters he introduced many innovations into balloting in Nigeria such as the Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and Smart Card Readers (SCR), which helped to reduce ballot rigging in the general polls. His efforts led to the first undisputed presidential election in Nigeria’s practise of presidential democracy.
Lifetime Achievements Awards
*Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, Chairman, First City Group
*Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (Rtd)
*Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman, BUA Group
*Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former Vice-President
*Senator David Dafinone, Eminent Accountant
 *Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, President, LCCI
 African Businessman of The Year
 *Dr Mike Adenuga, Jnr, Chairman, Globacom
Governors of The Year
 Adams Oshiomhole, Governor, Edo State
 Ibikunle Amosun, Governor, Ogun State
 Kashim Shettima, Governor, Borno State
 Ibrahim Dankwambo, Gombe State Gov
Vanguard

Never Jettisoned Tomorrow Success For Today's Arrogance

Eight months ago she was a minister in Africa's most populous nation and the president of OPEC making her one of the world's most powerful women alive.
Today she is begging the cold hands of death to spare her life from the grip of cancer.
Seven months ago he had won the biggest soccer leauge in the world as manager of one of the world's most talked about football teams.
Today he is jobless and the butt of the cruelest of jokes in the sports world.
He was released after 1year to serve a 4year house arrest term for culpable homiside of his model South African girlfriend.
Then suddenly, on December 3rd he was convicted of murder for the same action by an appeal court
On Saturday afternoon he was leading the polls to be governor of his Nigerian middle belt state. By 7pm he was pronounced dead by the doctors.
And so the stories of Diezani, Mourinho, Oscar and Audu remind us of what effect the snap of a finger can have on our lives and how unready life can make us look regardless of the insight and work invested into securing tomorrow.
While there is enormous stupidity in living recklessly under the umbrella of "One Life", there is a want of wisdom in believing that tomorrow is guaranteed as a result of individual struggle and will. Even the son of God disagrees with that notion, teaching that you prayed for DAILY bread and let the anxiety over tomorrow be.
No excuse at all to be planless for even ants are not that senseless but please appreciate the gift of grace that you have nothing to do with. In the words of Nigerian comedian Basket mouth : "if you think say na by your power you dey wake up, set alarm clock for the head of dead body"
Dear blessed and privileged reader of this message, let humility and gratitude greet your everyday approach to life and never mix confidence for a better tomorrow for arrogance in its certainty from self will.


Emma Ugolee

Obafemi Martins Obagoal bags American citizenship

Nigeria      international Obafemi Martins will no longer count as a foreigner for Seattle Sounders as he has been listed as an American following the issuance of a Green Card to the ex-Inter Milan forward.
Nigeria allows for dual citizenship and this is also good news for Seattle Sounders, who could now sign another foreign player in place of Martins.
Obafemi Martins obtained the Green Card at some point this year and this was confirmed when the Major League Soccer (MLS) released the roster update for all the 20 MLS teams and listed Martins as a home player.
Sounders may benefit more in cases like that of ‘Oba’ as Jamaicans, Oniel Fisher and Damion Lowe, who have spent several years as students and professionals in the US could obtain Green Cards soon.
MLS clubs are allowed to have eight foreign nationals.


Vanguard

66 soldiers on death row saved

For the 66 soldiers sentenced to death for mutiny and other offences in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East, the good news is that they will no longer face the firing squad.
The Army authorities announced, yesterday, that their death sentences had been commuted to terms of 10 years imprisonment.
“The death sentences by firing squad, passed on 66 soldiers in January and March, 2015, by separate General Court Martials (GCMs), have been commuted to 10 years imprisonment each”, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Usman Sani, said yesterday.
After the sentencing of 12 soldiers to death for shooting at a vehicle conveying the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Borno State, Major-General Ahmed Mohammed, the Army authorities, on October 2, 2014, at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Garrison, inaugurated another nine-man GCM to try about 100 soldiers.
The soldiers were charged with offences ranging from mutiny to assault, misconduct and tampering with military property.
Of the lot, 77 were accused of committing mutiny, punishable by death.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/66-soldiers-on-death-row-saved/

American Politics: Sanders apologises to Clinton over data breach

Bernie Sanders has apologised to fellow US Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton after his staff stole valuable voting data from her campaign.
"This is not the type of campaign that we run," he said during a TV debate.
The candidates criticised Republican frontrunner Donald Trump for his call to ban Muslims from entering the US.
But they clashed over Syria, with Mr Sanders accusing Ms Clinton of being set on regime change while she said US leadership was needed.
Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley also took part in the debate in Manchester, New Hampshire.




But the former secretary of state remains the frontrunner.
On Syria, she insisted that the US should seek to remove President Bashar al-Assad from power.
"If the US does not lead, there is not another leader - there is a vacuum," she said.
Mr Saunders however argued that the US should first concentrate on defeating so-called Islamic State (IS).
"Getting rid of dictators is easy, but you have to think about what happens the day after," he said.

Screen showing number of tweets about each candidate
Image caption
Clinton and Sanders got about the same number of Twitter mentions during the debate
These differences aside, the BBC's Laura Bicker at the debate says the candidates are not seeking a damaging race and used their TV appearances to appear as safe adults serious about policy in comparison to their Republican rivals.
Both had strong words for Mr Trump, with Ms Clinton calling him "the biggest recruiter for IS" and saying he used "bigotry and bluster to inflame people".
The debate was the first for Democrats since 14 people were killed by a married couple that the authorities say had been radicalised.
All three candidates said it was important to work more closely with Muslim-American communities to tackle radicalism at home.
Data access
Bernie Sanders admitted that on two occasions his campaign could see proprietary data from Hillary Clinton's campaign following computer breaches - which he said were the fault of the software vendor.
He said that the most recent breech involved inappropriate behaviour by one of his staff members, adding that person had now been dismissed.
He said that the Democratic Party's decision to temporarily suspend his campaign's access to the strategically crucial database was "an egregious act".

US Democratic presidential hopefuls (L-R) Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and Martin OImage copyright AFP/Getty
Image caption
All three candidates criticised Republican frontrunner Donald Trump
The Sanders campaign on Friday filed a lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee in a federal court to restore its access to the voter data.
Strategically important information on voters is contained in the database, which campaigns use to decide strategy.
That data takes on a crucial role as campaigns prepare for early primary voting in just over a month's time.
http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-35144242