BID REJECTED: CHELSEA TURN DOWN LATEST BIG-MONEY OFFER FROM REAL MADRID FOR HAZARD

Chelsea have reportedly turned down a second offer from Real Madrid for Eden Hazard as the transfer saga looks set to drag on.

Given the Belgian’s importance to the Blues, it’s highly likely that they will not agree to sell until their demands are met by Real Madrid.

SEE MORE: Maurizio Sarri drops biggest hint yet he’s leaving Chelsea for Juventus
Hazard was in fine form again this past season, bagging 21 goals and 17 assists in 52 games, helping Chelsea to a top-four finish in the Premier League as well as winning the Europa League.

Coupled with their transfer ban which will deny them the chance to bring in an immediate replacement this summer if he does leave, it’s clear that they will only green light an exit if completely happy with the deal.

According to Calciomercato , via HNL in Belgium, the Premier League giants have rejected a second offer from Madrid which stood at €120m.

It has previously been reported that Chelsea were holding out for €120m, as per the Independent , but either one of the reports is inaccurate, or perhaps their demands have since gone up.
Regardless, it remains to be seen if Zinedine Zidane will see Madrid make a suitable offer to convince Chelsea to sell, as he’ll hope to continue to bolster his squad in the coming weeks having seen the arrival of Luka Jovic confirmed on Tuesday, as noted by
BBC Sport.

Having scored just 63 goals in 38 La Liga games this past season, attacking reinforcements are certainly needed in the Spanish capital, especially considering that prior to that they’d scored over 100 goals in three of the last four campaigns.
Given their inability to replace Cristiano Ronaldo adequately after the talisman’s move to Juventus last summer, the addition of Jovic and perhaps Hazard if a deal can be struck with Chelsea, will certainly raise the quality level in the final third.
For now, based on the report above, an agreement between the two clubs is still missing.

POLICE ARRESTS THREE AAUA STUDENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEATH OF THEIR COLLEAGUE

Three suspected student cult members of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko(AAUA) have been arrested by police detectives in Ondo State over the death of a student during initiation.

The deceased, 21 years Old Daniel Paul Oluwatosin, was a 200 level student in the Department of Philosophy .

The suspected cultists include 19- year-old- Ifedayo Oluwaseun , Nafiu Akani David, 22, and Ajibola Philips aged 22.
The state Police Commissioner Undie Adie, said: “On the 20/4/2019 at about 1300hrs, one Kabiru Rasak ‘M’ of Achiever University Road Idase, Owo came to the station and reported that his cousin one Daniel Paul ‘m’, aged 21yrs, who was a student of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, was murdered by unknown person(s).
“On the strength of this information, detectives from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad Akure swung into action and made the arrest.

According to the Police, the suspects confessed to belong to a cult group.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to be members of ‘Aiye’ secret cult confraternity; they also stated that on 20/4/2019 at about 4a.m., they took the deceased to the bush at Akungba Akoko town where he was murdered during initiation."
"The suspects mentioned other members of the group who are still at large," the police added.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun has set up a six-man investigation panel on the incident.

The VC through a memo signed by the institution’s Acting Registrar, Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa and obtained by ECHO said the panel should submit its report within three weeks.
Source: Echo Newspaper

FIVE EX-GOVERNORS IN TROUBLE

…Sacked Ogun LG officials ready to testify against Amosun
…Lagos Assembly set to probe Ambode
…Kwara, Imo government officials already in EFCC net

No fewer than five former governors who recently handed over power last Wednes-day, May 29 are in trouble over alleged corrupt practices while in office.
The five governors are former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, ex-Ogun governors, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Rochas Okorocha, Abdulfatah Ahmed and Barrister Mohammed Abubakar, governors of Imo, Kwara and Bauchi states respectively.

Last night, the sacked Chairmen of the 20 local government councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) under the aegis of ALGON in Ogun State have vowed to clear their names before the panel set up by Ogun State House of Assembly and tell the whole world the pains they undergone during the immediate past administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun which they described as dark era of politics.

In a press statement signed by the duo of the ALGON Chairman, Hon Semiu Bola and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Association, Comrade Femi Onanuga, they vowed to explore the window of opportunities open to LG/LCDA chief Executives by the Ogun state House of Assembly to clear their precious names as a good name is better than silver and gold.
“We have graciously put behind us the dark days in our various LG/LCDA of immediate past administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun and hopefully looking forward to our incumbent Governor Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun MFR” the Chairmen, whose tenure in office would end in October 2019 if they are not sacked by the House of Assembly.
The statement denied earlier press release purportedly from Ogun ALGON circulating on the social media which described the suspension order of the local government executives by the state House of assembly as unconstitutional and one that could never stand the test of time.

The previous press release denied by ALGON had claimed that the suspension was a mere rumour. The fake press release states “We would like to make it crystal clear that the purported rumoured suspension of the LG and LCDA political functionaries by the Ogun State House of Assembly led by Rt Hon Suraj Adekunbi is a mere rumour and if it’s found to be true it cannot stand the test of time as it’s illegal, unconstitutional and was done in bad faith with no regards for the wish of the people that elected 57 LG /LCDA Chairmen, 57 Vice Chairmen and 349 Councillors not to mention the 57 appointed Secretaries to the LGs / LCDAs”

In a related development, officials of Kwara and Imo State state governments have already been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Four Kwara State officials that had already been arraigned by EFCC include Abubakar Ishiak (Permanent Secretary Government House), Shina Akorede (Director of Finance and Administration), Rasaq Momonu (Controller Finance and Accounts) and Hafeez Yusuf (Cashier) the quartet were arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin
The officials were charged to court for allegedly engaging in money laundering to the tune of N20.3 million.
In the charge sheet, EFCC accused the four of making “cash payment of N20.3 million to one Energy Multi-Trade Interbiz Limited for services rendered to the Kwara State Government House, saying that the cash sum exceeded the limitation of N10 million payable to a corporate body thus committing an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 12(2) of the same Act.”

Similarly, EFCC had also arrested the Acting Accountant-General of Imo State, Mr. Uzoho Casmir on suspicion of laundering the sum of N1.050billion.

The cash was allegedly withdrawn in three tranches for vote buying during the last governorship election in the State. Okorocha’s son-inlaw, Uche Nwosu contested the election under the banner of Action Alliance..

In Lagos, our investigation revealed that the House of Assembly would soon set up a probe panel against the immediate past governor, Ambode.
The former governor who had been at logger-heads with the House of Assembly towards the tail end of his administration is being considered for Ministerial appointment by the power brokers in the presidency. However, our correspondent is yet to ascertain the position of the National leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on the issue.

Tinubu came to the rescue of Ambode when the House wanted to commence impeachment proceedings against him few months ago.

However, an associate of the former governor who pleaded for anonymity said Ambode is not losing sleep over the probe issue because he has no skeleton in his cupboard.
“We are ready for this because we are aware of all their sinister moves but I assure you that majority of Lagosians whom Ambode served diligently during his term will rise against them” he said

In Bauchi State, the newly sworn-in governor, Senator Bala Muhammed has vowed to probe ex-governor of the state Mohammed Abubakar’s administration despite the State House of Assembly passing a bill to repeal the state public property and funds recovery tribunal of 2017 in the state into law less than two weeks to the end of Abubakar’s administration,

The first, second and third readings of the three bill was done on the same day on the floor of the House with the Speaker, Kawuwa Damina presiding
the Member representing Lere/Bula constituency, Aminu Tukur who was against the passage of the new bill said the repealed law was put in place to serve as a deterrent to whoever misappropriate the funds of the citizens.

FLYING EAGLES PROTEST UNPAID ALLOWANCE IN POLAND.

Manchester City wonder kid, Tom Dele-Bashiru and Bournemouth’s Nnamdi Ofoborh, have left the rest of the Flying Eagles team to their fate as the team protest unpaid allowances.

The two England-based youngsters were not part of the ongoing protest embarked upon by the players.

The two midfielders have left the Flying Eagles and have returned to their respective bases, according Allnigeriasoccer

The Flying Eagles players left behind in Poland have vowed to collect every single penny they are owed by the Nigerian Federation before leaving the camp.

They were, however, literally bundled out of the Hotel Ambassador Premium this morning.

The players headed to
 Warsaw, Polish capital where they are planning to protest in a big way
The U20 stars, who crashed out of the World Cup to Senegal on Monday, are protesting the nonpayment of their allowances and qualification bonus totaling US$5,000 per player.

BABA SUWE VISITS IYAADURA ESTHER WHO GAVE HIM N10 MILLION FOR TREATMENT

The CEO of Ovations Magazine, Dele Momodu, has shared the photos of Nollywood comic actor, Baba Suwe and Clergy, Ajayi Esther, during their meeting.
The comic actor went in search of the clergywoman after her donation to him when he was sick.
Dele Momodu who witnessed the meeting wrote:
“It was all hearts and emotions as Iya Adura, Rev Esther Ajayi welcomed iconic comedian, Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe from the journey to his treatment.
The comedian who was flown to a hospital in Rhodes Island near New York, U.S.A on a wheelchair, weeks ago for treatment, returned to Lagos, Nigeria, on Tuesday.
Arriving Sheraton hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, today to see his benefactor, Iya Adura, in the company of his son, Shola and younger brother Adegboyega, he expressed gratitude to Iya Adura, describing her a true Christian, with Christ-like virtues .
Also Read: Tonto Dikeh Spotted With Daniel Amokachi Again!
You will recall that a few weeks back, Baba Suwe publicly sought for help to raise funds for the treatment of his ailment, but to no avail.
Generously, Iya Adura Rev Esther Ajayi came to his rescue, with a donation of #10,000,000.00 (ten million naira) for his treatment in the United States of America.
The woman of grace also prayed for the talented actor, for perfect health.”

Source: informationng.com

LATEST BALLON D’OR ODDS: VAN DIJK CUT TO 5/4 AFTER BEING NAMED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL MAN OF THE MATCH

The Dutchman put in another superb performance to lead Liverpool to European glory but still trails five-time winner Lionel Messi in the betting

Virgil van Dijk has been cut to 5/4 (2.25) to win this year’s Ballon d’Or after a stellar performance in the Champions League final.

Liverpool beat Premier League rivals Tottenham 2-0 at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano to win the trophy for the sixth time, keeping their 13th clean sheet of 2019 in the process.

The Dutchman has been a rock at the back since signing for Jurgen Klopp’s men and was named official Man of the Match in Madrid, becoming just the third defender to win the award after Paolo Maldini in 2003 and Sergio Ramos three years ago.

William Hill offered van Dijk at 15/8 (2.88)prior to the final but that has been cut after another influential performance for the Reds. Stunningly, no player has dribbled past the centre-back in any of his last 64 appearances for Liverpool.

No defender since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 has won the award and if van Dijk is able to scoop the award later this year, he will become the first Dutchman in 27 years to claim it.

However, the bookmaker still believe he was some work to do to oust Lionel Messi at the top of the pile with the Argentine 4/5 (1.80)to win a record sixth Ballon d’Or despite missing out Champions League glory again.

Still, Messi was the top scorer in this season’s European competition with 12 goals. Six of those came in the knockout stages including a stunning 30-yard free kick against Liverpool in the semi-finals.
He was also top scorer in La Liga for the sixth time, scoring 36 times en route to another league title, with 21 of those coming in 2019. The Barcelona star also registered four league assists in the calendar year.

Third in the betting is Mohamed Salah, who is 16/1 (17.0). The Egyptian opened the scoring in the Champions League final with a penalty in the second minute but has his work cut out to chase down Messi and van Dijk.

An outstanding African Cup of Nations tournament this summer is perhaps unlikely to see his odds cut too much, even if he guides his country to a first title since 2010.
Source: goal.com

DOGARA JOINS RACE FOR SPEAKERSHIP

•As 64 non-APC lawmakers are set to endorse Gbajabiamila •Bago’s camp confident of support from 195 members-elect •Nwajiuba’s emergence from South/East may threaten zoning

THE last may not have been heard about the race for the Speakership of the House of Representatives in the yet-to-be inaugurated National Assembly, as the outgoing Speaker, Yakubu Dogara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reportedly joined the race.
Dogara’s interest in retaining his seat was announced through a campaign launched in the social media platforms by his aides over the weekend with various posters tagged ‘continuity.’

Sunday Tribune stumbled on a poster tagged “God chose Right Honourable Speaker Dogara Yakubu in the Eighth Assembly not any Lagosian. We believe He would do it again for us in the Ninth Assembly.”

Some of the campaigners have also created a hashtag  #Dogaraforspeakeragain” which has been generating ripples in some section of the polity and on social media platforms.
In June 2015, Dogara defeated Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila by eight votes to emerge the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before switching party affiliation to the PDP.

APC leadership has endorsed Gbajabiamila as speaker and directed all lawmakers elected on its platform to vote for him and ensure his emergence in the election coming up on June 11.

All efforts to speak with the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Dogara, Mr Turaki Hassan, on the development proved abortive as all calls and text messages sent to him were not replied.

However, one of the close allies of the Speaker and a returning member told Sunday Tribune in confidence that the project “Dogara for Speaker again” was real.

This came just as Sunday Tribune learnt in Abuja on Saturday that all might be now set for the endorsement of Gbajabiamila for speakership by non-APC lawmakers.

Findings revealed that a group of Representatives known as Ninth Assembly Progressives, comprising 64 non-APC members and led by a ranking and returning member, Honourable Oluwole Oke, PDP, representing Obokun-Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, will be meeting on Tuesday (June 4th) to endorse Gbajabiamila.

A member of the group told Sunday Tribune in confidence that the action became necessary in order to further deepen the nation’s democracy for the people to enjoy true dividends of democracy.

When contacted, Honourable Oke, confirmed the development but declined further comments.

In a related development, another leading APC contender for the seat from the North-Central zone, Honourable Mohammed Bago is boasting of having 195 members-elect who have signed for his candidature.

Findings revealed that the move apparently showed that the members-elect may have largely bought into the equity agitation from the aspirant.

Similarly, 156 members were said to have openly declared support for his candidature recently after a meeting at a location in Gwarimpa, Abuja.

Speaking on the current standing of the candidates, a member elect from the South-West told news men in Abuja on Friday that the current swing towards Bago might have arisen from a combination of factors, chiefly his brilliant showing at the interaction which the rival People’s Democratic Party(PDP), held for all the aspirants, including Gbajabiamila, at the Transcorp Hilton recently.

Besides this, the member elect who craved anonymity stated that “even within the ruling APC, Bago has so deftly sold his message that he is currently running neck to neck with Gbajabiamila for the signature of our party members.”

The member-elect also disclosed that the current crisis of confidence among top APC stalwarts is also working perfectly in Bago’s favour.

When contacted for comments on the new development, the spokesman for Bago Campaign Organisation, Honourable Victor Afam Ogene, stated that issues that have to do with members elect supporting Bago would remain closely guarded until few days to inauguration.
According to him, “You know this is a contest involving only 360 members as the electorate. So, we are focusing on those that would vote for us, instead of engaging in show-off trips.”

The speakership aspiration of Honourable Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, a House of Representatives member-elect from Okigwe South Federal Constituency, appears likely to threaten calculations for those in the camp of Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, a front runner in the race.

Reliable northern sources said many governors and elected representatives on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are favourably disposed to Nwajiuba emerging speaker.

The Imo State lawmaker, who left APC to contest on the platform of Accord, had recently called for a review of the zoning of the position to the South-West, urging the APC leaders to look in the direction of the South-East.

Although he left the APC on account of the running battle he had with the immediate past governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, he has not left anyone in doubt about his for APC.

His aide, Chief Jimmy Isilebo, confirmed that the HCN Project 2019 was aimed at not just winning the Okigwe South constituency seat but also to make a solid aim at the speakership of the House of Representatives.
“There have been some strident calls for some time now, to fairly distribute elective and non-elective offices across all six geopolitical zones, and the case of the South-East zone has been the most harped about. Therefore, HCN’s aspiration to the speakership couldn’t have come at a better time than now.
“Being a one time member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, which makes him a ranking member, he is qualified.
“He is also a foundation member of the APC, and in fact the secretary of the Constitution Drafting Committee that produced the document which gave birth to APC.”
Source: tribuneonlineng.com