The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has gone after Abdullahi Adamu, the National chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), over his inability to account for over N32 billion raised by the party from the sale of forms for the 2023 general election.

A source in the Commission confirmed to THE WHISTLER that operatives were in Adamu’s residence on Sunday night after he reportedly tendered his resignation letter to the Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The operatives visited his residence located on Ali Akilu Crescent, by Aso Rock Presidential Villa with a search warrant around 8pm.

The source who does not want to be mentioned, said he was not part of the team that went to the chairman’s house, but a colleague who was part of the team told him that they were barred by police orderlies guarding Adamu’s residence from entering the house.

According to him, the operatives were barred despite presenting search warrants as they were told that it was late to grant such a request.

It was reported that Adamu left only N7 billion in the party’s account despite claims that the party account was audited.

Adamu was said to have sought the support of the state chairmen of the party to avoid being removed but failed.

The APC state chairmen were said to have distanced themselves from the alleged action of Adamu because he didn’t carry to hem along in line with the constitution of the party.

The spokesman for the EFCC didn’t respond to calls and messages sent to him as at press time.

Newcastle United continue to be linked with signing Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, who now looks even more certain to leave Old Trafford this summer.

With Eddie Howe looking to add another centre-back to his squad ahead of next season, there have been rumours that Maguire could swap the North West for the North East.

It has been claimed that Newcastle are interested in the England international, with the Magpies open to signing him on loan. That is in contrast to a permanent deal, with Man United looking to receive up to £50million for the defender.

A permanent move would obviously be preferred by the Red Devils, and the latest decision from Erik ten Hag has increased the likelihood of Maguire departing this summer.

Harry Maguire ready to leave Manchester United after Erik ten Hag decision

According to the Sun, Newcastle are still interested in signing Maguire, who is ‘angry’ after being stripped of the captaincy at Old Trafford.

 

 

 

 

It was confirmed on Sunday that Maguire would no longer be the Manchester United captain, despite having the armband since he joined the club for £80million back in 2019.

The report states that he is now ready to leave the club, and that Man United will likely lower his asking price from £50million to £30million.

With Maguire no longer the captain, an exit feels inevitable. It will surely be difficult for him to stay and be led by someone else after four years of leading the players out. Staying would create a difficult dynamic behind the scenes, and could create further issues down the line.

Erik ten Hag’s decision to change his captain is a brave one, and one that could have a negative impact if Maguire is not sold or loaned out.

That opens the door for someone like Newcastle to make a move, who continue to be linked. However, his £190,000-a-week wages make a switch to St James’ Park pretty much impossible.

[geordiebootboys]

Senator Iyiola Omisore, National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has been denied access to an emergency meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) amid reports that he and the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, resigned from their respective positions.

Omisore arrived at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja at about 12:05 PM but was shut out of the ongoing meeting.

Our correspondent observed that Omisore had entered the party secretariat situated at Blantyre Crescent in Wuse 2, shortly after some members of the APC NWC had arrived.

The visibly angry former Osun senator, however, stormed out of the building after being denied access to the conference room by the sergeant at arms.

Some of the APC NWC members who had arrived before him were Senator Abubakar Kyari, Deputy National Chairman (North), Emma Enukwu Deputy National Chairman (South); National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman among others.

When asked by journalists about his reported resignation, Omisore responded: “I’m going to meet with the National Chairman, Adamu, to know why he’s not here.”

“I want to meet Adamu, and find out what’s wrong,” he said before zooming off from the party secretariat.

The meeting is taking place ahead of APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which would be attended by President Bola Tinubu.

Omisore’s exit will pave the way for the Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter (Plateau State), to immediately assume office as Acting National Secretary.

A Councilor, Nelson Sylvester, popularly known as Ofunwa, representing Eha-Ulo ward, in Nsukka Local Government Area Legislative Council, Enugu State, has been shot dead.

According to report, he was murdered by gunmen on Sunday night at his residence in Eha-Alumonah.

Although details of the incident are still sketchy, sources disclosed that the assailants stormed the lawmaker’s house and started raining bullets on him.

He added that the Councilor ran into a neighbouring compound, from where his lifeless body was later recovered.

The development has sparked tension in the town and other neighbouring communities.

According to Dailypost, the source, who described the suspected assassination as one too many, added that “it is heartbreaking; it is too hard for us to swallow. We are in deep agony.”

All efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Enugu, DSP Daniel Ndukwe proved abortive as he was yet to respond as of the time of filing this report.

In another tragic development, a Lagos chief, Baale of Lotu community, Epe, Fatai Jubril, 43, has been murdered by another traditional leader,during a land dispute at the weekend.

It was alleged that the Baale(nameswitheld), led some thugs numbering over 40, accosted the deceased and took him in handcuff to the disputed land in Museyo, Epe.

It was gathered that the thugs were accompanied by security operatives in mufti who handcuffed Jubril.

A family source told Journalists that trouble started when Jubril resisted to be handcuffed and he was beaten and subdued by the thugs accompanied y some security men in mufti before taken him to the land in dispute.

The source said that at the disputed land, those loyal to Jubril wanted to secure his release,but serious crisis ensued and there was exchange of gunfiring where Jubril was shot dead.

According to the source, Jubril died on the spot, fueling speculation that his abductors had the intention of killing him as he was shot in the head a a close range.

Barcelona have already closed three signing this summer. Vitor Roque will only join the team a year from now, but Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan are already in Catalonia for the new season.

The German midfielder is set to be presented later today and will immediately link up with Xavi Hernandez in training. With Oriol Romeu also on the brink of completing his move to Barcelona, the focus is now on sales.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugranas still believe that they can complete a big sale this summer. Their effort so far have not borne any fruit, but there is now a clear idea of the players considered saleable.

Pablo Torre and Nico Gonzalez are two stars who are on the brink of sealing an exit. Both players will leave the club on loan given the severe competition in the middle of the park.

The administration also has its focus on shipping out other players who spent the previous season on loan at various clubs. Of the six players on that roster, only Samuel Umitti is no longer on the club’s wage bill having terminated his contract.

Barcelona are working hard to reach an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over Clement Lenglet’s transfer, while Alex Collado is very close to completing a move to Real Betis.

The two remaining players, Sergino Dest and Ez Abde will likely travel to the USA with the team, hoping to impress Xavi Hernandez and win a spot under his tutelage. Ironically, the former makes the trip as a result of having no offers on the table while the latter does so through merit.

Apart from the petty loans and minor moves, Barcelona hope to complete at least one large-sum departure in the coming weeks. Three candidates sit strong on that front- Ansu Fati, Raphinha and Ferran Torres.

Of the trio, the Brazilian winger appears to have the lowest chance of leaving considering his impressive form last season. The departures of the other two will depend on their willingness to explore new avenues, something they have not shown so far this summer.

[BarcaUniversal]

The atmosphere at the Mike Adenuga Centre in Lagos was electric as industry professionals and thought leaders gathered to celebrate the successful conclusion of the World PR Day 2023 event.

Organized by GLG Communications, a renowned PR and reputation management firm, the event was a captivating affair that showcased the immense talent and contributions of the Nigerian PR ecosystem.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Dr. Reuben Abati, an accomplished media practitioner; Lanre Olusola, the founder of the Life Coaches Association of Nigeria (LCAN); Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, the Group Managing Director at CMC Connect (Perception Managers) and President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA); Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, a public speaker and corporate executive; Nkechi Ali-Balogun, the CEO of NECCI Limited; Charles O’Tudor, the Group Principal Consultant of Adstrat BMC; and Peter Ukhurebor, the founder of Black at Cannes, among others.

In her address, the event convener, Omawumi Ogbe, described the cocktail reception as an opportunity for stakeholders and thought leaders to push the boundaries of public relations and set the agenda for the Nigerian PR industry. 

The event featured insightful speeches from prominent speakers. Peter Ukhurebor shared his thoughts on harnessing the power of black creativity, highlighting the significant impact that diverse perspectives and experiences bring to the PR industry.

Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, in his address, emphasized the crucial role of public relations and how it can be harnessed to drive positive change and success.

The GLG World PR Day event also unveiled this year’s honorees of the PR Power List published exclusively by The Guardian.

The 2023 PR Power List, a comprehensive compilation of 50 exceptional PR and communication professionals who have made significant contributions to the Nigerian PR industry,  showcased both returning honorees from previous years and new entrants who have distinguished themselves over the past 12 months.

see full list below 

Explaining the rationale behind the PR Power List, Omawumi Ogbe emphasized the importance of recognizing PR practitioners and elevating the profession in Nigeria.

She acknowledged that PR professionals often work tirelessly behind the scenes, making magic happen for their clients. The PR Power List provides a platform to celebrate these unsung heroes who contribute to transformative change in business and society.

Furthermore, the list aims to foster creative excellence across all aspects of public relations and communications.

[MarketingEdge]

Jack Butland wasn't prepared to spend any longer on the Manchester United bench and chose to join Rangers in order to play regular football.

The former England international goalkeeper, 30, secured a loan move to United for the second half of last season from parent club Crystal Palace. Butland didn't make a single appearance whilst backup to David de Gea, who's also moved on from Old Trafford.

Having never truly made his mark at Palace over three seasons with the Eagles, Butland decided upon his release in June that he'd find a new club where he could be No.1. Scottish giants Rangers promptly snapped up his signature to give him the opportunity which he craved.

"As much as I enjoyed Palace and as good as United was, I missed playing. And that's important to me," the 30-year-old affirmed, as quoted by the Scotsman. "All right, 'Could you be at United?' Well, yes, but what would the rest of my career look like? That was important to me. I wanted 30 onwards to be something l like back on as a successful period and not one that drifted away."

During his first few years in the professional game, Butland was tipped to be a future England No.1 but after moving to Stoke and suffering relegation from the Premier League, his stock dwindled. Now looking to reset at Ibrox, the ex-Birmingham star is eager to put the past few years behind him.

"I mean, I am still 30," Butland reiterated. "There's a long way to go. A lot happened early. If I went through my career without any setbacks and without any moments it would have been a miracle. These things happen. One or two of them happened at a good time, not in my prime if you like."

[mirror]