Messi names toughest defender he has played against

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January 15, 2020

Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi has named Girona’s Pablo Maffeo as one of the toughest defenders he has come up across in his glittering career.

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Messi played against Maffeo in Barca’s 3-0 win over Girona in 2017 and was man-marked by the 22-year-old.

The Argentine endured a frustrating night, as his impact in the match was reduced by Maffeo.

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Asked if he feared any defender in his career, Messi claims he’s not bothered by the man marking but named Maffeo as his most complicated marker.

“Man marking doesn’t bother me, but you already know that there will be bad matches, it is strange to always have someone around,” Messi told La Liga on DAZN.

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“In truth it hasn’t happened to me so often. It doesn’t bother me, but it is strange.”

Messi added: “Pablo Maffeo of Girona. That was too exaggerated.

“I’ve never been one who complains. I think physical contact and kicks are part of the game.

“I get more annoyed when I played bad and I get a little more angry. But if I’m not, it’s not a problem, it’s part of the game and I don’t take it badly.”

Maffeo, who is currently owned by Stuttgart, has also played for Manchester City on loan.

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Ogun: Confusion as Imeko-Afon APC leaders tackle Gov Abiodun

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January 15, 2020

Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imeko-Afon Local Government, have denied knowledge of Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.

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Isiaka who was the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside other leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) like former Deputy Governor, Salmot Badru, were received into the APC at an event held at Ake Palace Square in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

At the event, Gov Abiodun described Isiaka as coming into the ruling party through the right channel.

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Abiodun said Isiaka did not come through the backdoor like some decampees; apparently making a veiled reference to Hon. Adekunle Akinlade and his supporters, who just returned to the APC from the Allied People’s Movement.

But arising from a meeting at Isiaka’s Imeko-Afon Local Government yesterday, the APC leaders, who prided themselves as the authentic party faithful in the area, said they were not aware of the three-time governorship candidate’s defection to the APC; saying he did not follow the right channel.

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In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday, the APC leaders, said Isiaka, fondly addressed as GNI, did not inform party leaders at ward and local government levels that he was joining the progressives.

DAILY POST reports that the statement was jointly signed by Dr Dele Ogunsiji, a former Commissioner and House of Representatives member; Alhaji Gausu Bello, Imeko-Afon LG APC Party Chairman; the immediate past Executive Chairman of Imeko-Afon LG, Prince Tosin Adeluyi; immediate past Vice-Chairman of Imeko-Afon LG, Alhaja Taiwo Olusoji and Hon. Dopemu Felix.

“We the authentic APC leaders in Imeko-Afon Local Government, where Isiaka comes from, unanimously deny knowledge of the news of his defection to the APC as he did not follow the right channel.

“The APC Chairman from his ward is not aware of the movement; the leaders and elders of the local government were also not in the know.”

“GNI is our brother, but he is not ready to join the APC because we are not aware of him decamping to our party.

“As far as we are concerned, GNI remains a member of the ADC because we are not aware of any arrangements to bring him into the APC,” they said in the statement.

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Recall that the Ogun APC Spokesman, Tunde Oladunjoye, recently said anybody joining the party must register at his ward and local government before moving to the state level.

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Reason Buhari govt declared Amotekun ‘Illegal’ – Fani-Kayode

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January 15, 2020

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Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation has kicked against a statement by the Nigerian government describing ‘Operation Amotekun’ as illegal.

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Recall that in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr Umar Gwandu, the government said the establishment of Amotekun was not backed by any known law in the land.

“The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law.,” Malami said.

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But, Fani-Kayode reacting said he believed that Buhari government will not be in support of the Southwest security outfit because of the interest of herdsmen.

According to him, the present administration’s primary interest is to protect herdsmen not ‘sons of Oduduwa’

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On his Twitter page, Fani-Kayode wrote: “Not surprised that AG said Operation Amotekun is illegal.

“Anybody that believes that a Govt. whose primary interest is to protect the interest and further the fortunes of the Fulani & their herdsmen would want the sons of Oduduwa to defend themselves against mass murder is naive.”

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Transfer: Mourinho pays tribute to Eriksen

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January 15, 2020

Tottenham Hotspur manager, Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to playmaker, Christian Eriksen amid transfer interest from Inter Milan for the Denmark international.

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Mourinho said Eriksen should hold his ‘head high’ if he leaves Tottenham.

The Portuguese said this following Spurs’ FA Cup third-round replay 2-1 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

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DAILY POST had reported that Eriksen has agreed on a personal term with Inter Milan to join Antonio Conte’s men in this January’s transfer window.

The 27-year-old’s current deal at Tottenham will expire at the end of the season.

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Asked about Eriksen’s future at Tottenham after his side’s FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough, Mourinho told reporters: “He played very well. Played very well, very professional which is what I expect from him.

“If his decision is to leave, I think he has to leave with his head up if he gives everything which is what he tries to do for the team.

“Fans, it’s always to respect, we have to respect but I think the boy did it for us today.”

Eriksen has scored 69 goals in over 300 appearances for Mourinho’s side since joining the club from Ajax in 2013.

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‘Justice will catch up with you’- Islamic Movement in Nigeria tells Gov. El – Rufai

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January 15, 2020

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, have expressed concern over the continuous detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife.

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In a press statement, the group’s spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, chided Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his recent comments justifying El-Zakzaky’s detention.

Recall that the governor had in a recent live broadcast said the detained Muslim cleric was being tried for the alleged crimes he committed in Zaria for over 30 years, and vowed never to release him.

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Responding, the IMN said no amount of blackmail or misuse of state power could avert the whirlwind of justice from catching up him; adding that justice will be served in El-Zakzaky’s case.

The sect assured that its members would intensify peaceful campaigns until justice is done to Sheikh Zakzaky and other victims of Zaria genocide of December, 2015.

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The statement reads, “With increasing pressure on the Buhari regime from home and abroad occasioned by the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague to investigate the crimes against humanity committed by this regime during the Zaria Massacre of 2015, there have been increased efforts at belittling the matter and trivializing the issues.

“This reached a peak in the last hours when the Kaduna state governor, Nasiru El-Rufai was rattling half-truths and pathological lies, for which he has come to be known.”

According to the governor, Sheikh Zakzaky is being tried for crimes he and his followers committed in the last 30 years in Zaria.

“On the contrary, after the criminal invasion of the Sheikh’s residence in December of 2015 and the subsequent killing of hundreds of his supporters including his sons and relatives by Officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the Sheikh and his wife were shot at and arrested. The Sheikh and his supporters were the victims of state terror and crimes and not the perpetrators.

“They also declared that the wife was not in detention but “merely keeping her husband company” and that she was free to walk out anytime she so wishes. So, what crimes is Elrufai referring to?

“The government has remained in contempt of that order. Clearly, Elrufai, like the master he is working for, General Buhari, has no respect for the rule of law,” IMN explained.

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Transfer: Fernandes finally completes move to Premier League giants

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January 15, 2020

Premier League giants, Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Benfica’s Gedson Fernandes on loan.

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Spurs made this known in a statement on the club’s official website on Wednesday morning.

The statement read: “We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement for the 18-month loan of Gedson Fernandes from Benfica with an option to make the transfer permanent.

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“The midfielder will wear the number 30 shirt for the remainder of this season.

“A product of the Benfica academy, Gedson made his first team debut last season and was named the Primeira Liga’s Best Young Player of the Month for August. He went on to finish the season as a league champion, making 22 appearances as The Eagles secured their 37th Primeira Liga title. In total, he has made 53 appearances in all competitions for Benfica, scoring three times.

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“On the international stage, he has made more than 50 appearances for Portugal, representing his country at every age group from Under-15 upwards, including winning two caps for the senior team to date. He was also a member of the Portugal side that won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2016.”

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Imo: Ogun State Gov, Abiodun reacts to dismissal of Ihedioha by Supreme Court

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January 15, 2020

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the Supreme Court ruling declaring Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the Imo State governorship election was an indication that God was at work.

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Abiodun stated this in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin.

The governor urged the immediate past governor of the state, Emeka Ihedioha to see the hand of God in his dismissal by the Supreme Court.

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Abiodun also expressed hope that Uzodinma’s coming will not only swell the ranks of governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, but will help deliver dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

The governor said: “It is a manifestation of the divine will of God and that truth crushed to earth shall sprout in the long run.

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“Given his antecedents, I have no doubt that Senator Hope Uzodinma has the competence, capacity, character, and wisdom to steer Imo State to the next level of development.

“This is no time for politics but for policies, programs, and actions that will usher in a new lease of life for the people.”

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Imo: Atiku speaks on Supreme Court ruling

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January 15, 2020

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President has reacted to the Supreme Court ruling which declared Senator Hope Uzodinma winner of Imo election.

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The apex court had on Tuesday removed Gov Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and declared the All Progressive Congress, APC’s Hope Uzodinma as the Governor of Imo State.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun said 236,000 votes due to Uzodinma and APC from 318 polling units were wrongly excluded and should be added.

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On his Twitter page, Atiku urged Nigerians to accept Supreme Court ruling.

The presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party, PDP during last election wrote: “With regards to the judgment of the Supreme Court, which nullified the election of the candidate of the PDP, Emeka Ihedioha, as Governor of the state of Imo, I can only say that since the Supreme Court is final, we must accept its judgment.”

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2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Why FG must review welfare of serving personnel, retirees – Sen Gyang

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January 15, 2020

Senator representing Plateau North, Istifanus Gyang has appealed to the Federal Government to use the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day to review the welfare of serving officers and men as well as retirees, “including dead benefits and wellbeing of surviving families”.

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He also said as the Deputy Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, the Committee will initiate and engage necessary legislative interventions to further equip and empower the Armed Forces “to effectively undertake and deliver on their clearly defined constitutional responsibility”.

Gyang disclosed this through his Special Adviser Media and Protocol, Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, on the occasion of the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, commemorated across the country.

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He said, “As the nation marks the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, I salute officers and men of the Armed Forces and veterans alike who placed their lives on the line to secure the lives of citizens and preserve the territorial integrity of the nation.

According to him, “From the battlefields of the Civil War to the ongoing war against insurgency in the North-East and other numerous Internal Security Operations across the nation, the Armed Forces have continued to play the much needed stabilizing constitutional role.

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Gyang noted that, “In remembering the service of our officers and men in the frontlines, including those that had to pay the supreme price, the nation owes the living and families of the dead a responsibility to ensure that their labour and sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

He added that, “the Remembrance Day event is an opportunity to review the welfare regime of serving officers and men and retirees, including dead benefits and wellbeing of surviving families.

The Lawmaker who is the Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, maintained that, “As the Deputy Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, we will initiate and engage necessary legislative interventions to further equip and empower the Armed Forces to effectively undertake and deliver on their clearly defined constitutional responsibility”, he stressed.

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Amotekun: Explain why Hisbah police in North is legal, Southwest security outfit illegal – Southern leaders ask Buhari’s govt

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January 15, 2020

The Southern and Middle Belt leaders Forum, SMBLF, has faulted the Federal Government’s decision to declare Southwest security outfit, Amotekun illegal.

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SMBLF said the Federal Government should explain why Amotekun security outfit is considered illegal while Hisbah in the North was legal.

Recall that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami on Tuesday declared the Southwest security outfit code named Amotekun illegal.

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In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr Umar Gwandu, Malami had said the establishment of Amotekun was not backed by any known law in the land.

“The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law,” Malami had said.

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Reacting, the SMBLF described the AGF’s stance as an abuse of office.

Their remark was contained in a statement signed by Yinka Odumakin (South-West); Gen CRU Iherike (South-East); Senator Bassey Henshaw (South-South) and Dr Isuwa Dogo (Middle Belt).

According to the leaders, the right to preserve one’s life cannot be under any exclusive list.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has been drawn to the illegal diktat by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami SAN declaring Amotekun, the South-West security (not military or police) outfit illegal.

“We consider his action as an abuse of office to suppress the rights of federating units to secure themselves and in furtherance of the widely – held suspicion that sections of the country are deliberately being rendered vulnerable for herdsmen and other criminals by the Federal Government.

“We ask the Governors of the South-West to ignore Malami and allow him to go to court to challenge their decision as he cannot constitute himself as a court over elected governors. We are not under military rule.

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“The right to preserve your life cannot be under any exclusive list other than the list of those who have no value for human lives.

“The ultra vire action of the AGF has further exposed Nigeria as a country under command and control and governed by a conquest mentality.

“We ask Malami to tell us what makes Amotekun illegal and Hisbah legal.

“He should further explain to us what makes Civilian JTF legal in the North East where there is war and in Zamfara and Katsina and Kano where there is no war, while Amotekun is his only illegal take.

“This is a defining moment to decide if we are under segregation and different laws in the country.”

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