Liverpool leapfrog league leaders in frantic Mohamed Salah’s comeback goal, assist against Palace

GistReel Entertainment

Mohamed Salah notched his 200th goal for Liverpool, igniting a late comeback that secured a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace. The match saw Jean-Philippe Mateta give the hosts an unexpected lead from the penalty spot, following a lengthy VAR review. The video assistant referee had earlier overturned a penalty decision for Palace after a four-minute, 31-replay analysis. However, Liverpool’s task was made more manageable when Jordan Ayew received a second yellow card, reducing Palace to ten men. EPL: Liverpool leapfrog league leaders in frantic Mohamed Salah's comeback goal, assist against PalaceMohamed Salah ensured a Liverpool victory against Crystal Palace in the away encounter – Getty image Seizing the opportunity, Salah scored a 76-minute leveler, providing his side the opportunity for a comeback. Just one minute into added time, he provided an assist for Harvey Elliott, who struck a superb goal, bringing the Reds to the top of the Premier League table with just one point. The comeback dealt a blow to Arsenal, who had anticipated traveling to Aston Villa with their top-flight lead intact. However, they are now faced with a tough challenge to beat Unai Emery’s men who are third in the Premier League table, and are yet to lose a single home game in their last 14 encounters. Furthermore, the Saturday’s victory marked a historic milestone for Salah, making him the third Liverpool player to reach the 200-goal mark for the club. Salah, who scored his debut goal in the Premier League against Watford in 2017, has become a prolific scorer for Jurgen Klopp, overtaking records and establishing himself among Liverpool’s greats.

Peter Obi reacts to Tinubu’s long convoy, says “leaders must show example”

Peter Obi reacts to Tinubu’s long convoy, says "leaders must show example"

Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election has reacted to the trending videos on social media space showing President Bola Tinubu’s long convoy in Lagos, stating that leaders who ask followers to sacrifice for a better Nigeria must also lead by example. Obi spoke on Thursday at St Faith Cathedral, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Awka, during the burial Mass of the late Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Maxwell Anikwenwa, who died at 83.

Peter Obi reacts to Tinubu’s long convoy, says "leaders must show example"

President Tinubu and Peter Obi According to Peter Obi, there was a need to cut down on the cost of governance, and that has always been his position about governance. He said: “I have not seen the video you talked about, but let me tell you what I have always said: that present Nigeria requires that all those who serve and lead must do so by example. “The behaviour, character, and public conduct of those who serve must be in consonance with what society requires today. You cannot continue to preach to the people to sacrifice without sacrificing. “The sacrifice must start with the leaders, visibly, measurably at all times, because the people are suffering and we must all be at the forefront of the suffering.” Obi, while speaking on the life of the late Archbishop Anikwenwa, said: “He is not just a pastor of God, but a great Nigerian who contributed to this country beyond his pastoral work in building a better Nigeria. “He is involved in advocating for a better Nigeria, good governance, and others. He was a great Nigerian and a great Igbo man, and I am not surprised about the number of people at [this] burial ceremony today.” Earlier, several prominent Nigerians, including; Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, his deputy, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, Senator Victor Umeh, and Archbishop Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Dr Chibuzo Ibezim, paid tribute to Anikwenwa. Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Most Reverend Dr Henry Ndukuba, described Anikwenwa as a soldier of Christ, saying that he is a rich reservoir of knowledge and church history. “He was a man who did all to please God, a soldier of Christ indeed. His death is not just a loss to the diocese but to the church and the country at large, as he holds a special award of the country. “He was a disciplinarian and a great timekeeper, and he was always mindful of it. I call on his wife and children to be comforted by the fact that Baba lived a great life.”

Ramaphosa confronts world leaders over hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines, failed promises

South African president, Ramaphosa, confronts world leaders over hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines, failed promises

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday confronted the world leaders at the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in Paris, over the treatment of African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and other failed financial promises. Ramaphosa said the African continent felt like beggars when they needed access to vaccines during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

South African president, Ramaphosa, confronts world leaders over hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines, failed promises

A cross-section of participants at the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in Paris The former head of the African Union said that Western nations “had bought all the vaccines in the world and were hoarding them”. “We resented that and it got worse: when we said we wanted to manufacture our own vaccines and when we went to the WTO (World Trade Organization), there was a lot of resistance, enormous resistance. “We kept saying: what is more important? Life or profits by your big pharmaceutical companies?” Ramaphosa added that “we felt like life in the northern hemisphere is much more important than life in the global south.” Ramaphosa also brought to the attention of the leaders, a pledge by rich countries towards developing nations to help them adapt to climate change. A promise to provide $100 billion a year was made at a COP climate summit in 2009 but is yet to be fulfilled. South Africa’s foreign policy under Ramaphosa is under scrutiny in the West after his recent visit to Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin and following allegations that the country provided arms covertly to the Kremlin. Ramaphosa led a 7-country African peace delegation to Moscow and Kyiv this month that pushed for an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which has driven up the price of food and fertiliser imports for African consumers. Recall that President Bola Tinubu who is on his first foreign trip since his inauguration, is also at the Summit to network and attract foreign direct investment to Nigeria. According to Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, “The President wants to network with international finance Corporations and countries that would facilitate foreign direct investment into Nigeria. “Don’t forget that Mr. President has taken some very bold steps in the area of economy, in the area of social engineering in the last few weeks, and particularly with reference to the unification of the multiple exchange rates, which has caused a very positive multiplier effect.”

Tinubu scheduled to meet with leaders from United States, France, and Switzerland

Tinubu scheduled to meet with leaders from United States, France, and Switzerland

Starting Thursday, President Bola Tinubu will attend the Paris Financial Pact Summit where he will hold meetings with the delegations of France, the United States of America, Sweden, and two other countries. Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, informed reporters in Paris that the request for meetings with Tinubu is a result of his administration’s economic policies that have been implemented in the past three weeks since he took office.

Tinubu scheduled to meet with leaders from United States, France, and Switzerland

President Bola Tinubu “Quite a number of them, the US, France itself, Switzerland and two others. There are so many international financial institutions that are also willing to see him,” Alake told journalists in Paris on Wednesday. The presidential spokesman said the two-day summit would enable Tinubu, who is on his first foreign trip since his inauguration, to network and attract foreign direct investment to the country. Alake explained, “The President wants to network with international finance Corporations and countries that would facilitate foreign direct investment into Nigeria. “Don’t forget that Mr. President has taken some very bold steps in the area of economy, in the area of social engineering in the last few weeks, and particularly with reference to the unification of the multiple exchange rates, which has caused a very positive multiplier effect.” Apart from the immediate, medium and long-term positive effects of the unification policy, Alake said, “There could be a need for an injection of direct foreign exchange into the economy to shore up the value of the naira while market forces stabilise.” He cited the lifted restrictions on spending done through domiciliary accounts, saying it will “build confidence in the foreign exchange system of Nigeria, which means people abroad can begin to bring in their money into the economy.” “Even those at home, who have hoarded their dollars for fear of restrictions and all that, will now be more encouraged to bring the dollars into the financial system,” he added. Despite these, the presidential aide said the country still needs an injection of foreign exchange to build or complement its domestic policies. “That is the essence of this meeting; it is a global summit and there are several heads of state of developed societies. The President’s policies in the last three weeks have really encouraged these foreign nations and investors to become more interested in the affairs of Nigeria; in shoring up the economy of Nigeria. “A lot of them are quite interested. Many of them have even indicated interest to meet with Mr. President on this trip,” Alake said. On Thursday and Friday, Tinubu will join other leaders to review and sign a New Global Financial Pact that places vulnerable countries on the priority list for support and investment following the devastating impact of climate change, the energy crisis, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders will mobilise innovative financing for countries vulnerable to climate change, foster development in low-income countries, and encourage investment in “green” infrastructure for the energy transition in emerging and developing economies. The President and the other global leaders, multilateral institutions, financial experts and economists will also take a more holistic look at the recovery of economies from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising cases of poverty to provide access to finance and investment that will leverage inclusive growth. He returns on Saturday.

“Nigeria lacks selfless leaders committed to national interest” ― Peter Obi

Democracy Day: "Nigeria lacks selfless leaders committed to national interest" ― Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the February 25 general election, Mr Peter Obi has claimed Nigeria as a country lacks selfless leaders committed to national interest, sustainable development and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian freedom of choice of abode, protection of lives and property and ordered liberties. Obi in a post via his official Twitter page joined other stakeholders to celebrate Nigeria’s  Democracy Day, while lamenting that it is regrettable the country is now in an era where foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence and bloodletting. The presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi Obi noted that the collective choice of late Chief M. K.O Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and peoples across the world, pointing out that June 12 underpins Nigerians’ long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy. Part of his statement read, “Our collective choice of late Chief M. K.O Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and peoples across the world. Therefore, June 12 underpins our long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy. “However, the current state of our politics tells a different story. Our democracy is deeply troubled while our nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious. We remain a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems. “Above all, the government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution. A cardinal responsibility of the government in this regard is respect for the rule of law. “Regrettably, we are now in an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence and bloodletting. The trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand. “The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly. The challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections. “This is the surest way to restore the confidence of our people in the future of our nation and the promise of true democracy. I however urge us all not to lose faith in the inbuilt design of our democratic system to self-correct. “Personally, I remain committed and convinced that a New Nigeria is possible. Our aspiration for a nation of equity, justice, security and peace can hardly be utopia. We are a nation blessed richly with human and natural resources. “What we lack are selfless leaders who are committed to national interest, sustainable development and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity, religion or social strata, the freedom of choice of abode, and protection of lives, property and ordered liberties. “These aspirations are real and achievable, and I hereby reiterate my promise to Nigerians that we will not relent in our fight to bring about a leadership that will accord them the priority they deserve.”

Lagos APC Leaders Deny Knowledge of Tobun’s Speakership Aspiration

Lagos APC Leaders Deny Knowledge of Tobun’s Speakership Aspiration

One of Lagos APC Leaders, Abiodun Tobun, the lawmaker representing Epe I in the Lagos Assembly, has not yet informed them of his intention to challenge Mudashiru Obasa, the current Speaker, for the position of the 10th Lagos Assembly, according to prominent leaders of the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bashorun Olorunfunmi and Kaoli Olusanya.

Lagos APC Leaders

Lagos APC Leaders. Photo Credit: @OfficialAPCNg: Twitter The two, who are also GAC members, admitted to the public that they followed the news on social media just like every other resident of the state. They denied knowledge of any discussions on how to help Tobun unseat Obasa as a Speaker. Their responses follow a social media article with the headline: “Speakership crisis rocks Lagos Assembly as Abiodun Tobun leads race.” ALSO READ: Presidential Tribunal: Obi tenders 136 exhibits from 6 States Including Lagos and Edo According to the report, Lagos APC Leaders have decided to prevent Obasa from seeking reelection a third time. The leaders, notably Tajudeen Olusi, the head of the GAC, were believed to have met after the elections and decided that the next Speaker needed to be a native of the region. According to the source, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was not in favour of Obasa’s attempt for a third term because of the party’s mood and his tacit criticism of the president’s attitude. As one of the party’s leaders in Lagos East, where Tobun comes from, Olorunfunmi stated: “I haven’t been told anything, and the party hasn’t yet discussed something similar. Tobun himself said nothing to me. Olusanya added that Tobun’s desire to become a speaker had not yet been disclosed to him. He claimed that because the legislative branch is an independent entity, lawmakers have the free will to choose who leads them. However, he asked the lawmakers to carefully consider their options before making any decisions, especially with the party leadership, noting that “that’s the beauty of Lagos APC democracy and its internal mechanism of handling issues.” ALSO READ: Ohanaeze Criticises APC for Allocating Deputy Speaker Slot to South-East Governor Sanwo-Olu is an insightful democrat who understands the concept of the separation of powers and the independence of the legislative branch of government, according to the governor’s spokesperson, Gboyega Akosile. He will never interfere with lawmakers’ business. “The governor has always had a cordial relationship with the Assembly and he (Sanwo-Olu) has no issue with Obasa and therefore would not have instigated any uprising in the Assembly,” said Akosile, who called the author of the stated report intentionally “mischievous.” Lagos APC Leader, Seye Oladejo also asked the public to disregard whatever rumours they may have heard regarding the election of the 10th Assembly’s leadership. “APC has a reliable internal system to deal with problems, and this will not be an exception,” he asserted. When the time is right, the necessary work will be completed, and Lagos’ residents will be aware of the next Speaker. He added that the legislative branch is an autonomous entity with the power to choose its leaders.

GRV accuses Yoruba leaders of being quiet during herdsmen invasion

GistReel

Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour alias GRV, accuses Yoruba leaders of playing politics while referencing herdsmen invasion. GRV accuses Yoruba leaders of being quiet during herdsmen invasion GRV criticized politicians who seek to divide the inhabitants of Lagos State by claiming that it solely belongs to the Yoruba people during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, March 09, 2023. The LP candidate stated that such politicians have ulterior motives, and his statement is in contrast to the stance of some APC stakeholders, including former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, who insist that Lagos solely belongs to the Yoruba people. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour argued that it contradicts the notion that Lagos is a no man’s land while referencing the silence of some Yoruba leaders during the herdsmen invasion in some parts of Nigeria. In his words; “Lagos State has been in harmony for a long time. What happens is politicians try to divide us. Let us be wary of politicians who remember that they are Yoruba when it is time for politics. “When Fulani herdsmen were making incursions into Oyo and people like Sunday Igboho, and Rotimi Akeredolu stood up, a lot of politicians in Lagos were quiet. They played politics with it. GRV added, “When it was time for Amotekun, they were quiet. They were quiet on so many interests of the Yoruba people because they wanted an alliance with the north. “So, they put their political interest above the interest of their people. And all of a sudden, it is election time and they are reminding you that this person does not speak Yoruba.”

“This is the time, don’t allow anyone address you as leaders of tomorrow”

"This is the time, don't allow anyone address you as leaders of tomorrow"

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday, warned the Nigerian youths not to buy into the narrative that they are the leaders of tomorrow because ‘tomorrow may never come’.
Charging the youths to take over leadership positions right now, the former president noted that some corrupt leaders would destroy the so-called tomorrow if the younger generation failed to rise up and take their future in their hands.

Also, he recounted his farming career and his emergence as both a military Head of State and President of Nigeria.
According to him, leading Nigeria in those time frames was by accident.
As reported by The PUNCH, Obasanjo made this revelation on Saturday while on a live radio interview with one of its journalists, Segun Odegbami.
Replying to Odegbami who had asked him to speak about what he termed his ‘romance with farming’, the former president said, “I don’t like the word you used, ‘romance with farming’. I am a farmer. What do you mean by romance. Everything I have done in my life is by accident. The only thing that is not accidental is farming. Every other thing that I’ve been is by accident. And you called that romance? No! What do you mean by romance?
“You know my beginning. I was born and bred in a village. I went to school by accident. My father just said, ‘won’t you do something different?’ So I went into farming.
“When you look at countries that have made it, they developed on agriculture. First, for the purpose of food security; second, for the purpose of processing what they get from their farms, which is the beginning of industrialisation. 
“Third, to give it out as export, which is for the purpose of foreign exchange; and fourth, as a means of generating employment for the youth.
 “My advice for Nigerian youths is that, never let anybody tell you that you are the leaders of tomorrow. If you wait for tomorrow before you take over leadership, that tomorrow may not come. They will destroy it. 
“This is the time, youths get up and make it happen.”

«script type=”text/javascript” async=”async”
src=”https://widgets.outbrain.com/outbrain.js”>

Nice men like Osinbajo don’t make good leaders, they should be selling popcorn and ice cream – Former governor of Borno, Kashim Shettima

Nice men like Osinbajo don’t make good leaders, they should be selling popcorn and ice cream – Former governor of Borno, Kashim Shettima

Senator Kassim Shettima has described the vice president of Nigeria, Yemi Osibanjo as a kind man, but that quality isn’t enough to qualify him as a presidential candidate in 2023.
The senator had said this on Friday night while speaking in an interview with Channels TV.

Shettima believes that the vice president stands no chance to defeat Abubakar Atiku of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the polls.

The senator, who is representing Borno Central Senatorial District, says that Osibanjo is a nice man but that doesn’t make one a good leader.
He said;
“Nobody has ever doubted the competence of Professor Osinbajo, but we believe that in terms of intellectual capacity, and someone who is capable of winning the election, is Bola Tinubu.
“We need someone who can match and even overshadow the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Osinbajo is a good and nice man but nice men do not make good leaders, nice men should be selling ice cream”.
Watch him speak:

Peter Obi lectures Nigerians on how to select the right leaders shortly after declaring presidential interest

Peter Obi lectures Nigerians on how to select the right leaders shortly after declaring presidential interest

Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has given a short lecture on how to select the right leaders.

On his Twitter page, the vice presidential candidate in the 2019 general election urged Nigerians to always look at the history of people who vie for any political positions in the country before electing them into office.
Mr. Obi’s lecture is coming a few days after he declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election.
Charging Nigerians to always ask questions before selecting a leader for the country, the former governor wrote: “We must begin to look at the history of people who vie for any political positions in our country. Where was the person 25 years ago? What was he/she doing? How has he/she managed wealth and other leadership positions?
“These are critical questions we need to ask to be sure we are selecting capable hands for our dear country.

“It is time we shunned ethnic and religious sentiments and voted a truly Nigerian leader who will unite every section of the country and ensure the integrated development of the nation.”