Normalcy is to be restored, says President Ebele Goodluck Jonathan

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, vowed that his administration would not relent in its fight against terror until normalcy was restored in every part of the country. President Jonathan said this in Abuja at a special interdenominational service to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day. Represented by the Senate President, David Mark, Dr Jonathan expressed satisfaction at the extent of achievement of the Special Forces fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. According to him, the operation would end once terrorists were completely rooted out. He said: “Report reaching me indicates that our security forces are painstakingly reversing the negative trend of insurgency in the three affected states and their environs. I want to assure Nigerians that this administration is up to the task and we will not relent until peace and normalcy returns to the affected states. We will return sanity and peace to the streets of Nigeria, and we will defeat all the threats to our corporate existence. “My prayer to the family of our brave service men and women and all those who have lost their lives during the internal crisis in the nation, their memory will linger on in our hearts and to the unfortunate victims of the family, the churches, the mosques and those who lost possessions to the attack by insurgency, as a great nation, let me assure you that we will stand by you”. Also speaking, the Director of National Issues of Christians Association of Nigeria, Revd William Okoye, noted that the country found itself in the present situation, because of declining in societal values. He said: “The declining of societal values largely responsible for collection of conflicts, we witnessed in our lives. The churches will address moral decay in our society, by launching all denominational campaign for the restoration of values.”

Suspected DPO collects sand for ritual in court premises

OWERRI— Eagle-eyed security officers at the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal, Owerri, yesterday apprehended a man, who came into the premises to collect sand for suspected ritual purposes. The man, who was still held at the security gate when Vanguard visited the scene at 3.30p.m, not only gave his name as Alphonsus Madu but claimed to be a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, serving in Akwa Ibom State Police Command. “My name is Alphonsus Madu. I am a Deputy Superintendent of Police. I am the Ika Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Akwa Ibom State Police Command,”Madu told Vanguard. On why he came under the heavy rain to collect sand from the court premises, Madu confessed that he has a case pending in the court. He said: “I have a land matter pending in the Customary Court of Appeal, Owerri. I have been fasting all day in respect of the matter. I came to pick some sand from the court premises in continuation of my fasting and prayer.” Asked why he chose a non-working day to carry out his mission, he claimed that Sunday was the only opportunity he had to visit Owerri. When reminded that the court was a hallowed establishment and this singular act was capable of terminating his service, Madu told Vanguard that he was very sorry. He said: “I am not here for ritual purposes. I have no intention to go into any ritual. I only needed the sand for my personal prayers. I am afraid that this act may jeopardize my service.” Contacted on his mobile line, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, said: “Even if the man is a serving police officer, he has no reason to be in the court premises on Sunday and under the heavy rain.” Katsina said he would interview the man today to ascertain if truly he is a police officer and why he preferred visiting the court premises under the rain to collect sand. “The man must be a funny human being. Does he not know the security situation in the country? I have ordered the DPO, New Owerri Division to bring him to my office for interview,” the CP said. Efforts to reach the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Pius Ifeanyi Okpara, for his comments failed as he was said to be slightly indisposed to talk to anybody.  

Chevron vessel capsize in Delta state

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture,  has confirmed  that Jascon #4 vessel belonging to its contractor, West African Ventures Limited, has capsized and sank in the early hours of Sunday in Delta State. The vessel sank while supporting a tanker loading at Single Mooring (SBM) #3 a loading point 30 km offshore in the Escravos area. Chevron’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs explained in a statement that Initial reports indicated that heavy ocean swells caused the Jascon #4 to capsize while performing tension tow operations of the tanker at SBM #3. He confirmed that emergency response has commenced, including Search and Rescue operation with surface vessels, helicopters and divers. According to him “Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture, confirms that Jascon #4 vessel belonging to our contractor, West African Ventures Limited, capsized and sank early this morning while supporting a tanker loading at Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) #3, a loading point 30 km offshore in the Escravos area of Delta state, Nigeria. Initial reports indicated that heavy ocean swells caused the Jascon #4 to capsize while performing tension tow operations of the tanker at SBM #3. Emergency Response has commenced, including Search and Rescue operation with surface vessels, helicopters and divers. CNL wishes to stress that we conduct our business operations in line with the safest global industry standards. The safety of our employees and contractors alike, remains our highest priority,”

Couple Stabbed Each Other Over 'American Idol' Finale

When a couple in Pennsylvania couldn't agree over which contestant -- Candice Glover or Kree Harrison -- should win this year's American Idol finale, they allegedly stabbed each other. Only now, The York Dispatch reports, the two can't agree on who stabbed whom first. Karen Elaine Harrelson, 48, and Gregory L. Stambaugh, 57, were arrested after the drunken fight Wednesday, May 15. According to the affidavit obtained by CBS 21, Stambaugh told authorities that Harrelson started drinking at 5 a.m., "and was drinking beer and a lot of tequila throughout the day." He, on the other hand, claims he did not start drinking until noon and that he "was drinking beer and had a pint of Scotch." Both alleged that the other went into the kitchen during the argument, grabbed a knife, and began the stabbing. When police responded, the pair were on the front porch, bloody and still arguing, CBS 21 reported. Harrelson and Stambaugh are now being held in York County Prison, according to an inmate roster. The Associated Press reported that authorities slapped the two with assault charges. According to the Dispatch, both were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.

Arsenal wins FA cup: Who says Arsenal is trophy less for 8years

Congratulations Arsenal Ladies, Newly Crowned FA Cup Winner as they win the match versus bristol Academy with 3goals to Nill. Arsenal Ladies remains the most successful club in English women's football having won 39 major trophies. Arsenal men will learn. Up Gunners#wink#.

Breaking News: David Moyes plead to wayne rooney to please stay at Old Trafford

Wayne Rooney is to have urgent summit talks with new Manchester United manager David Moyes as the club attempt to resolve the impasse over the England striker's future created by his fall-out with Sir Alex Ferguson. While Moyes is preparing for a family holiday and Rooney is on England duty this week, it is understood that both parties are keen to meet as soon as possible to settle 27-year-old Rooney's future, which increasingly looks as though it will be at United. The club now accept that Rooney has never submitted a formal transfer request and, although Moyes will want to meet the player personally before final decisions are made, with Rooney committed to the club and Moyes an open admirer of the player, a resolution seems imminent. Rooney's fall-out with Ferguson came at a meeting last month, which prompted the former United manager to claim that Rooney had asked to leave after nine years at Old Trafford. But that meeting has now been described by sources as more an exchange between a frustrated player and his manager, in which Rooney expressed his exasperation at being dropped and frequently substituted. Having received little encouragement from Ferguson, Rooney is said to have suggested that if he were not going to be played then he might as well be sold. It is understood that while Sir Alex might have regarded such a statement as tantamount to requesting a transfer, there was no formal communication asking for a move and that it was a statement made in the heat of the moment, driven by Rooney's desire to play more. At the time of the meeting there was also no indication that Sir Alex was about to retire and the situation for both club and player changed radically with the arrival of Moyes. The new manager demonstrated his independence from Sir Alex last week with the departure of Ferguson's assistant, Mike Phelan, and his goalkeeping coach, Eric Steele. Moyes's assistant at Everton, Steve Round, and his goalkeeping coach, Chris Woods, would be the most likely replacements. United's departing chief executive David Gill also said last week that he fully expected Rooney to be playing at Old Trafford next season, indicating that the club have no problem with the player. Moyes gave Rooney his Premier League debut as a 16-year-old at Everton but the pair then fell out over false claims in Rooney's autobiography that Moyes had leaked information to the media. Rooney and the publishers of his autobiography apologised in court and paid damages thought be around £500,000, which were donated to a charity supporting former Everton players. Since then, Moyes has spoken warmly of Rooney, claiming the player telephoned him to apologise personally and thank him for guidance given him early in his career.

Brazillian star Neymar signs for Barcelona

Spanish champions Barcelona have agreed the signing of Brazil striker Neymar from Santos. The 21-year-old will sign a five-year contract, the club said, with the player confirming he will sign his contract on Monday. A Barcelona statement read: 'FC Barcelona and Santos have agreed to terms for Neymar da Silva Santos Junior. The Brazilian forward will don the Blaugrana strip for the next five seasons. The 21-year old is one of the most promising footballers on the planet.' Neymar had been considering his future after his club Santos revealed on Friday they had accepted two offers for their star player, with Barca confirmed as one of the bidders and Real Madrid widely assumed to be the other. Neymar has confirmed his decision, writing on Instagram: 'I'm here with friends and family and they have helped me to write a few things here. I'm not going to hold out until Monday. My family and friends already know my decision. 'On Monday I will sign a contract with Barcelona.' The 21-year-old's contract at Santos was due to expire at the end of next season and some reports had suggested an agreement with Barcelona was reached as much as a year ago. Now the move has been confirmed. Neymar wrote: 'I want to thank the fans of Santos for these incredible nine years. My feeling for the club and the fans will never change. It is eternal! 'Only a club like Santos FC could give me everything I have experienced on and off the field. I thank the wonderful fans who supported me even in the most difficult moments. 'Titles, goals, dribbling, celebrations and songs that fans created for me will be forever in my heart...' Neymar will say goodbye to the Santos fans at Sunday's season-opening game against Flamengo. 'I made sure I could play the match tomorrow in Brasilia,' he said. 'I want to have the opportunity to once again take the field and hear the crowd scream my name ... 'It is a strange time for me, sad (farewell) and happy (new challenge). May God bless me in my choices ... And I'm always a Santos fan!' In a statement, Santos said they had made every effort to keep hold of the player. It read: 'The management committee of Santos FC announces that it has received notification from the athlete Neymar Jr advising that he has decided to accept the proposal of Barcelona. The transfer of playmaker to the Spanish team will be sealed in the coming days. 'After refusing a offers of many millions for Neymar Jr since mid-2010, and implemented a career plan that allowed his historic stay in Brazil for several years, bucking the trend of Brazilian football to quickly sell its greatest talents, Santos FC finally agreed to sell. 'Every effort was made to keep him in Brazil as long as possible, even offering to renew the current contract, which ended in July 2014. At this time, however, it was not possible to compete with the terms offered from abroad, which affected the decision of the player to review his professional life. 'Due to the confidentiality agreement, and by mutual agreement, the terms of the transfer will not be disclosed by any of the parties.' Barcelona assistant boss Jordi Roura refused to be be drawn on the progress of Barcelona's chase on Friday, but acknowledged the talent of the player, who already has more than 30 international caps. 'Let things run their course,' he said. 'He's a spectacular player and any club would want him.' Neymar is a superstar in Brazil, and his departure will be a big blow to fans of Santos, who had hoped he might stay until after next year's World Cup in the country. With Neymar, who made his debut as a 17-year-old in 2009, Santos have enjoyed their greatest period of success since Pele was playing for the club, winning three straight Campeonato Paulista titles and the Copa do Brasil. The crowning glory came in 2011 when the club won the Copa Libertadores for the first time since 1963 and Neymar was named the South American Footballer of the Year as well as winning the Puskas Award for the world's best goal. The statement from Santos concluded: 'More than an idol, Neymar Jr became a myth not only for Santos, but for Brazilians and football fans around the world. 'The club says goodbye for now to its playmaker, wishing you much success in your new journey, certain that the Vila Belmiro (stadium) will continue being your second home.' 1992: February 5 - Born in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil.2003: Joins Santos' youth academy.2006: Travels to Spain to trial at Real Madrid but opts to remain at Santos.2009: March - Makes his Santos debut at the age of 17 before scoring his first senior goal a week later.2010: April 15 - Scores five goals as Santos beat Guarani 8-1.May - Voted best player in the Campeonato Paulista as Santos win the title.July - Santos director of football Pedro Luiz Nunes says the club rejected a £12million offer from West Ham. Neymar also denies he has agreed a deal with Chelsea.August 10 - Scores on his Brazil debut in a 2-0 friendly win against the United States.December 30 - Third in the voting for the South American Footballer of the Year after he scores 42 goals in 60 games.2011: June - Scores as Santos win the Copa Libertadores for the first time since 1963 - when Pele was at the club.November - Signs a new deal at Santos to remain until after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.December - Nominated for FIFA's Ballon d'Or and wins the Puskas Award for his goal against Flamengo.Wins Bronze Ball at the FIFA Club Word Cup as Santos lose final to Barcelona 4-0.December 30 - Named the South American Footballer of the Year.2012: February 5 - Scores his 100th senior professional goal on his 20th birthday against Palmeiras.May - Scores a double in both legs of the Campeonato final against Guarani as Santos win title 7-2 on aggregate.June - Top scorer in the Copa Libertadores but Santos lose semi-final to Corinthians.December - Named South American Footballer of the Year for a second time while he also wins the Golden Ball as the best player in the Brazilian National Championship. Denies he has a deal with Barcelona.2013: March 18 - Says it was his dream to play in Europe.April 25 - His father and agent, Neymar da Silva Sr, says Neymar will leave Santos before the 2014 World Cup.May 25 - Santos announce they have accepted two bids for the striker, thought to be from Real Madrid and Barcelona.May 26 - Neymar and Barcelona confirm he has chosen to join the Spanish champions.