President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned ongoing crisis in Mali that led to ousting President Ibrahim Keita’s government by the military, saying only stability and peace can guarantee a lasting solution to the political unrest in the West African country.

Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse were detained on Tuesday by soldiers in a dramatic escalation of a months-long crisis in the country, a development which came hours after soldiers took up arms and staged a mutiny at a key base in Kati, a town close to Bamako.

Following his detention by the mutineers, Keita announced his resignation from his position, an action, he said was to avoid further political crisis in the country following continuous protests.

He explained that the need to mitigate plunging the country into more political turmoil necessitated his decision and as part of measures to prevent riot and bloodshed across the nation.

In its response to the development, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) yesterday suspended the Republic of Mali from its decision making bodies and ordered all member countries to close land and air borders with the country after the detention of President, Boubacar Keita by mutineer soldiers.

The West Africa regional body also demanded the immediate release of all cabinet members detained alongside the president.

But, reacting to the crisis on Thursday, President Buhari, through his social media page, described the development as a setback for regional diplomacy and stability.

According to him, all hands must be on deck to ensure the restoration of constitutional order and that the mutineers must act responsibly in its handling of transition process.

“The events in Mali are great setbacks for regional diplomacy, with grave consequences for the peace and security of West Africa.

“It is time for the unconstitutional ‘authority’ in Mali to act responsibly and ensure restoration of constitutional order, peace, and stability.

“Nigeria strongly supports the efforts of ECOWAS Chairman, President Mahamadou Issoufou, for wider regional and continental consultations with ECOWAS, the AU and the UN, and the adoption of strong measures to bring speedy resolution to the situation.

“A politically stable Mali is paramount and crucial to the stability of the sub-region. We must all join efforts, ECOWAS, the AU, the UN, and other stakeholders, and work together until sanity returns to Mali with the restoration of Civil Administration.”

The events in Mali are great setbacks for regional diplomacy, with grave consequences for the peace and security of West Africa. It is time for the unconstitutional ‘authority’ in Mali to act responsibly and ensure restoration of constitutional order, peace and stability.

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) August 20, 2020

The Federal Government has suspended requests from civil servants for corrections on their data posted on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System.

Such corrections that will not be entertained for now are requests for change of date of birth and date of first appointment.

The Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, disclosed this in a circular titled, ‘Mandatory update of employee records on non-core MDAs preparatory to the service-wide implementation of the Human Resource module of IPPIS,’ which was obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday.

Yemi-Esan, however, exempted civil servants whose salaries had been stopped due to errors in the entry of their records during payroll enrolment from the suspension.

The circular read parly, “In the meantime, all written requests from parastatals, agencies and institutions for correction and change of date of birth and date of first appointment on the IPPIS platform has been suspended.

“However, employees whose salaries have been stopped due to erroneous entry of their records during payroll enrolment can forward their request for correction.”

(Source: Punch)

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved the renewal of the appointment of Mr. Joseph Chiedu Ugbo as the Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC.

The President also approved the reappointment of Messrs Babayo Shehu and Ifeoluwa Oyedele as Executive Directors.

The reappointment was disclosed through a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, on Thursday.

According to the statement, “This renewal will take effect from August 25, 2020, for a period of four (4) years.

“The appointment of three (3) additional directors have also been approved for more effective and efficient coverage of the company’s areas of activity.

Source: Vanguard

MTN Group on Wednesday announced that the current group CFO of MTN Group, Ralph Mupita, has been appointed as the new group president and CEO with effect from 1 September 2020.

Ralph has served as the MTN Group CFO since April 2017 and has played a critical role in the development and execution of the group’s strategy, capital allocation processes, financial performance as well as in the resolution of a number of complex regulatory matters.

MTN Group chairman Mcebisi Jonas said: “After a rigorous and extensive search process, we are pleased to have appointed someone of Ralph’s calibre, experience and ability to fill the group president and CEO position. Ralph’s experience as the group CFO, strong knowledge of our businesses and markets, as well as successful background in financial services, M&A and emerging markets, place him in an excellent position to lead the growth and sustainability of the business going forward.”

Ralph is a graduate of the University of Cape Town with a degree in Engineering and an MBA. Prior to joining MTN Group, Ralph was the CEO of Old Mutual Emerging Markets for five years, a business that provided financial services to individuals and corporates across 19 countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia, managing over R1 trillion of customer assets under management at the time.

Commenting on his appointment, Ralph said: “Leading a business with MTN Group’s history, scale and socio-economic impact is a privilege and honour, and I look forward to working with the group board and executive committee in driving growth and unlocking value for shareholders and broader stakeholders.”

“MTN Group is well positioned to take advantage of the digital acceleration shifts and opportunities across our markets, and we are well placed to play an important and leading role in digital and financial inclusion of the African continent, working with our stakeholders and partners.”

The current group president and CEO, Rob Shuter, will step down from his executive responsibilities on 31 August 2020 and will thereafter support Ralph as required until the end of his fixed-term contract early next year.

An update regarding the GCFO position will be made on or before 1 September 2020.

Leeds’ first Premier League game for 16 years will see Marcelo Bielsa’s men travel to defending champions Liverpool, while Manchester City and Manchester United will miss the opening weekend to give them extra time to recover from a late end to the 2019/20 season.

All sides were guaranteed by the football authorities to have at least 30 days off between the two seasons after the late finish to the campaign caused by a three-month stoppage due to the coronavirus pandemic.

City and United were eliminated from the Champions League and Europa League respectively last weekend, three weeks after the end of the Premier League season.

Chelsea and Wolves will start their seasons on Monday September 14th after they too were involved in European competition into August.

Leeds are back in the top-flight for the first time since 2003/04, but could not have asked for a tougher start, on September 12 against the champions who have not lost a league game at Anfield in more than three years.

Tottenham host Everton, Arsenal travel to newly-promoted Fulham and Chelsea are away to Brighton on the opening weekend.

City and Liverpool are scheduled to meet on the weekends of November 7 at the Etihad and February 6 at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s men do not face traditional rivals Manchester United until 2021 with the Red Devils visiting Anfield on January 16 and Liverpool heading to Old Trafford on May 1.

See below the full fixtures for 2020/2021 season:

12/09/2020 15:00 Burnley v Manchester United

12/09/2020 15:00 Crystal Palace v Southampton

12/09/2020 15:00 Fulham v Arsenal

12/09/2020 15:00 Liverpool v Leeds United

12/09/2020 15:00 Manchester City v Aston Villa

12/09/2020 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Everton

12/09/2020 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City

12/09/2020 15:00 West Ham United v Newcastle United

14/09/2020 20:00 Brighton v Chelsea

14/09/2020 20:00 Sheffield United v Wolverhampton

19/09/2020 15:00 Arsenal v West Ham United

19/09/2020 15:00 Aston Villa v Sheffield United

19/09/2020 15:00 Chelsea v Liverpool

19/09/2020 15:00 Everton v West Bromwich Albion

19/09/2020 15:00 Leeds United v Fulham

19/09/2020 15:00 Leicester City v Burnley

19/09/2020 15:00 Manchester United v Crystal Palace

19/09/2020 15:00 Newcastle United v Brighton

19/09/2020 15:00 Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur

19/09/2020 15:00 Wolverhampton v Manchester City

26/09/2020 15:00 Brighton v Manchester United

26/09/2020 15:00 Burnley v Southampton

26/09/2020 15:00 Crystal Palace v Everton

26/09/2020 15:00 Fulham v Aston Villa

26/09/2020 15:00 Liverpool v Arsenal

26/09/2020 15:00 Manchester City v Leicester City

26/09/2020 15:00 Sheffield United v Leeds United

26/09/2020 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

26/09/2020 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea

26/09/2020 15:00 West Ham United v Wolverhampton

03/10/2020 15:00 Arsenal v Sheffield United

03/10/2020 15:00 Aston Villa v Liverpool

03/10/2020 15:00 Chelsea v Crystal Palace

03/10/2020 15:00 Everton v Brighton

03/10/2020 15:00 Leeds United v Manchester City

03/10/2020 15:00 Leicester City v West Ham United

03/10/2020 15:00 Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur

03/10/2020 15:00 Newcastle United v Burnley

03/10/2020 15:00 Southampton v West Bromwich Albion

03/10/2020 15:00 Wolverhampton v Fulham

17/10/2020 15:00 Chelsea v Southampton

17/10/2020 15:00 Crystal Palace v Brighton

17/10/2020 15:00 Everton v Liverpool

17/10/2020 15:00 Leeds United v Wolverhampton

17/10/2020 15:00 Leicester City v Aston Villa

17/10/2020 15:00 Manchester City v Arsenal

17/10/2020 15:00 Newcastle United v Manchester United

17/10/2020 15:00 Sheffield United v Fulham

17/10/2020 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United

17/10/2020 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Burnley

24/10/2020 15:00 Arsenal v Leicester City

24/10/2020 15:00 Aston Villa v Leeds United

24/10/2020 15:00 Brighton v West Bromwich Albion

24/10/2020 15:00 Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur

24/10/2020 15:00 Fulham v Crystal Palace

24/10/2020 15:00 Liverpool v Sheffield United

24/10/2020 15:00 Manchester United v Chelsea

24/10/2020 15:00 Southampton v Everton

24/10/2020 15:00 West Ham United v Manchester City

24/10/2020 15:00 Wolverhampton v Newcastle United

31/10/2020 15:00 Aston Villa v Southampton

31/10/2020 15:00 Burnley v Chelsea

31/10/2020 15:00 Fulham v West Bromwich Albion

31/10/2020 15:00 Leeds United v Leicester City

31/10/2020 15:00 Liverpool v West Ham United

31/10/2020 15:00 Manchester United v Arsenal

31/10/2020 15:00 Newcastle United v Everton

31/10/2020 15:00 Sheffield United v Manchester City

31/10/2020 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton

31/10/2020 15:00 Wolverhampton v Crystal Palace

07/11/2020 15:00 Arsenal v Aston Villa

07/11/2020 15:00 Brighton v Burnley

07/11/2020 15:00 Chelsea v Sheffield United

07/11/2020 15:00 Crystal Palace v Leeds United

07/11/2020 15:00 Everton v Manchester United

07/11/2020 15:00 Leicester City v Wolverhampton

07/11/2020 15:00 Manchester City v Liverpool

07/11/2020 15:00 Southampton v Newcastle United

07/11/2020 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur

07/11/2020 15:00 West Ham United v Fulham

21/11/2020 15:00 Aston Villa v Brighton

21/11/2020 15:00 Burnley v Crystal Palace

21/11/2020 15:00 Fulham v Everton

21/11/2020 15:00 Leeds United v Arsenal

21/11/2020 15:00 Liverpool v Leicester City

21/11/2020 15:00 Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion

21/11/2020 15:00 Newcastle United v Chelsea

21/11/2020 15:00 Sheffield United v West Ham United

21/11/2020 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

21/11/2020 15:00 Wolverhampton v Southampton

28/11/2020 15:00 Arsenal v Wolverhampton

28/11/2020 15:00 Brighton v Liverpool

28/11/2020 15:00 Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur

28/11/2020 15:00 Crystal Palace v Newcastle United

28/11/2020 15:00 Everton v Leeds United

28/11/2020 15:00 Leicester City v Fulham

28/11/2020 15:00 Manchester City v Burnley

28/11/2020 15:00 Southampton v Manchester United

28/11/2020 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Sheffield United

28/11/2020 15:00 West Ham United v Aston Villa

05/12/2020 15:00 Aston Villa v Newcastle United

05/12/2020 15:00 Brighton v Southampton

05/12/2020 15:00 Burnley v Everton

05/12/2020 15:00 Chelsea v Leeds United

05/12/2020 15:00 Liverpool v Wolverhampton

05/12/2020 15:00 Manchester City v Fulham

05/12/2020 15:00 Sheffield United v Leicester City

05/12/2020 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

05/12/2020 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace

05/12/2020 15:00 West Ham United v Manchester United

12/12/2020 15:00 Arsenal v Burnley

12/12/2020 15:00 Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur

12/12/2020 15:00 Everton v Chelsea

12/12/2020 15:00 Fulham v Liverpool

12/12/2020 15:00 Leeds United v West Ham United

12/12/2020 15:00 Leicester City v Brighton

12/12/2020 15:00 Manchester United v Manchester City

12/12/2020 15:00 Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion

12/12/2020 15:00 Southampton v Sheffield United

12/12/2020 15:00 Wolverhampton v Aston Villa

15/12/2020 19:45 Arsenal v Southampton

15/12/2020 19:45 Aston Villa v Burnley

15/12/2020 19:45 Fulham v Brighton

15/12/2020 19:45 Leeds United v Newcastle United

15/12/2020 19:45 Leicester City v Everton

15/12/2020 19:45 Sheffield United v Manchester United

15/12/2020 19:45 West Ham United v Crystal Palace

15/12/2020 19:45 Wolverhampton v Chelsea

16/12/2020 20:00 Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur

16/12/2020 20:00 Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion

19/12/2020 15:00 Brighton v Sheffield United

19/12/2020 15:00 Burnley v Wolverhampton

19/12/2020 15:00 Chelsea v West Ham United

19/12/2020 15:00 Crystal Palace v Liverpool

19/12/2020 15:00 Everton v Arsenal

19/12/2020 15:00 Manchester United v Leeds United

19/12/2020 15:00 Newcastle United v Fulham

19/12/2020 15:00 Southampton v Manchester City

19/12/2020 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City

19/12/2020 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa

26/12/2020 15:00 Arsenal v Chelsea

26/12/2020 15:00 Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

26/12/2020 15:00 Fulham v Southampton

26/12/2020 15:00 Leeds United v Burnley

26/12/2020 15:00 Leicester City v Manchester United

26/12/2020 15:00 Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion

26/12/2020 15:00 Manchester City v Newcastle United

26/12/2020 15:00 Sheffield United v Everton

26/12/2020 15:00 West Ham United v Brighton

26/12/2020 15:00 Wolverhampton v Tottenham Hotspur

28/12/2020 15:00 Brighton v Arsenal

28/12/2020 15:00 Burnley v Sheffield United

28/12/2020 15:00 Chelsea v Aston Villa

28/12/2020 15:00 Crystal Palace v Leicester City

28/12/2020 15:00 Everton v Manchester City

28/12/2020 15:00 Manchester United v Wolverhampton

28/12/2020 15:00 Newcastle United v Liverpool

28/12/2020 15:00 Southampton v West Ham United

28/12/2020 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham

28/12/2020 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United

02/01/2021 15:00 Brighton v Wolverhampton

02/01/2021 15:00 Burnley v Fulham

02/01/2021 15:00 Chelsea v Manchester City

02/01/2021 15:00 Crystal Palace v Sheffield United

02/01/2021 15:00 Everton v West Ham United

02/01/2021 15:00 Manchester United v Aston Villa

02/01/2021 15:00 Newcastle United v Leicester City

02/01/2021 15:00 Southampton v Liverpool

02/01/2021 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United

02/01/2021 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal

12/01/2021 19:45 Arsenal v Crystal Palace

12/01/2021 19:45 Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur

12/01/2021 19:45 Fulham v Manchester United

12/01/2021 19:45 Leeds United v Southampton

12/01/2021 19:45 Leicester City v Chelsea

12/01/2021 19:45 Sheffield United v Newcastle United

12/01/2021 19:45 West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion

12/01/2021 19:45 Wolverhampton v Everton

13/01/2021 20:00 Liverpool v Burnley

13/01/2021 20:00 Manchester City v Brighton

16/01/2021 15:00 Arsenal v Newcastle United

16/01/2021 15:00 Aston Villa v Everton

16/01/2021 15:00 Fulham v Chelsea

16/01/2021 15:00 Leeds United v Brighton

16/01/2021 15:00 Leicester City v Southampton

16/01/2021 15:00 Liverpool v Manchester United

16/01/2021 15:00 Manchester City v Crystal Palace

16/01/2021 15:00 Sheffield United v Tottenham Hotspur

16/01/2021 15:00 West Ham United v Burnley

16/01/2021 15:00 Wolverhampton v West Bromwich Albion

26/01/2021 19:45 Brighton v Fulham

26/01/2021 19:45 Burnley v Aston Villa

26/01/2021 19:45 Everton v Leicester City

26/01/2021 20:00 Manchester United v Sheffield United

26/01/2021 20:00 West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City

27/01/2021 19:45 Chelsea v Wolverhampton

27/01/2021 20:00 Crystal Palace v West Ham United

27/01/2021 19:45 Newcastle United v Leeds United

27/01/2021 19:45 Southampton v Arsenal

27/01/2021 19:45 Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool

30/01/2021 15:00 Arsenal v Manchester United

30/01/2021 15:00 Brighton v Tottenham Hotspur

30/01/2021 15:00 Chelsea v Burnley

30/01/2021 15:00 Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton

30/01/2021 15:00 Everton v Newcastle United

30/01/2021 15:00 Leicester City v Leeds United

30/01/2021 15:00 Manchester City v Sheffield United

30/01/2021 15:00 Southampton v Aston Villa

30/01/2021 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Fulham

30/01/2021 15:00 West Ham United v Liverpool

02/02/2021 19:45 Aston Villa v West Ham United

02/02/2021 19:45 Burnley v Manchester City

02/02/2021 19:45 Fulham v Leicester City

02/02/2021 19:45 Leeds United v Everton

02/02/2021 20:00 Manchester United v Southampton

02/02/2021 19:45 Sheffield United v West Bromwich Albion

02/02/2021 19:45 Wolverhampton v Arsenal

03/02/2021 20:00 Liverpool v Brighton

03/02/2021 19:45 Newcastle United v Crystal Palace

03/02/2021 19:45 Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

06/02/2021 15:00 Aston Villa v Arsenal

06/02/2021 15:00 Burnley v Brighton

06/02/2021 15:00 Fulham v West Ham United

06/02/2021 15:00 Leeds United v Crystal Palace

06/02/2021 15:00 Liverpool v Manchester City

06/02/2021 15:00 Manchester United v Everton

06/02/2021 15:00 Newcastle United v Southampton

06/02/2021 15:00 Sheffield United v Chelsea

06/02/2021 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion

06/02/2021 15:00 Wolverhampton v Leicester City

13/02/2021 15:00 Arsenal v Leeds United

13/02/2021 15:00 Brighton v Aston Villa

13/02/2021 15:00 Chelsea v Newcastle United

13/02/2021 15:00 Crystal Palace v Burnley

13/02/2021 15:00 Everton v Fulham

13/02/2021 15:00 Leicester City v Liverpool

13/02/2021 15:00 Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur

13/02/2021 15:00 Southampton v Wolverhampton

13/02/2021 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United

13/02/2021 15:00 West Ham United v Sheffield United

20/02/2021 15:00 Arsenal v Manchester City

20/02/2021 15:00 Aston Villa v Leicester City

20/02/2021 15:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace

20/02/2021 15:00 Burnley v West Bromwich Albion

20/02/2021 15:00 Fulham v Sheffield United

20/02/2021 15:00 Liverpool v Everton

20/02/2021 15:00 Manchester United v Newcastle United

20/02/2021 15:00 Southampton v Chelsea

20/02/2021 15:00 West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur

20/02/2021 15:00 Wolverhampton v Leeds United

27/02/2021 15:00 Chelsea v Manchester United

27/02/2021 15:00 Crystal Palace v Fulham

27/02/2021 15:00 Everton v Southampton

27/02/2021 15:00 Leeds United v Aston Villa

27/02/2021 15:00 Leicester City v Arsenal

27/02/2021 15:00 Manchester City v West Ham United

27/02/2021 15:00 Newcastle United v Wolverhampton

27/02/2021 15:00 Sheffield United v Liverpool

27/02/2021 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley

27/02/2021 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Brighton

06/03/2021 15:00 Aston Villa v Wolverhampton

06/03/2021 15:00 Brighton v Leicester City

06/03/2021 15:00 Burnley v Arsenal

06/03/2021 15:00 Chelsea v Everton

06/03/2021 15:00 Liverpool v Fulham

06/03/2021 15:00 Manchester City v Manchester United

06/03/2021 15:00 Sheffield United v Southampton

06/03/2021 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace

06/03/2021 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United

06/03/2021 15:00 West Ham United v Leeds United

13/03/2021 15:00 Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur

13/03/2021 15:00 Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion

13/03/2021 15:00 Everton v Burnley

13/03/2021 15:00 Fulham v Manchester City

13/03/2021 15:00 Leeds United v Chelsea

13/03/2021 15:00 Leicester City v Sheffield United

13/03/2021 15:00 Manchester United v West Ham United

13/03/2021 15:00 Newcastle United v Aston Villa

13/03/2021 15:00 Southampton v Brighton

13/03/2021 15:00 Wolverhampton v Liverpool

20/03/2021 15:00 Brighton v Newcastle United

20/03/2021 15:00 Burnley v Leicester City

20/03/2021 15:00 Crystal Palace v Manchester United

20/03/2021 15:00 Fulham v Leeds United

20/03/2021 15:00 Liverpool v Chelsea

20/03/2021 15:00 Manchester City v Wolverhampton

20/03/2021 15:00 Sheffield United v Aston Villa

20/03/2021 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton

20/03/2021 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Everton

20/03/2021 15:00 West Ham United v Arsenal

03/04/2021 15:00 Arsenal v Liverpool

03/04/2021 15:00 Aston Villa v Fulham

03/04/2021 15:00 Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion

03/04/2021 15:00 Everton v Crystal Palace

03/04/2021 15:00 Leeds United v Sheffield United

03/04/2021 15:00 Leicester City v Manchester City

03/04/2021 15:00 Manchester United v Brighton

03/04/2021 15:00 Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur

03/04/2021 15:00 Southampton v Burnley

03/04/2021 15:00 Wolverhampton v West Ham United

10/04/2021 15:00 Brighton v Everton

10/04/2021 15:00 Burnley v Newcastle United

10/04/2021 15:00 Crystal Palace v Chelsea

10/04/2021 15:00 Fulham v Wolverhampton

10/04/2021 15:00 Liverpool v Aston Villa

10/04/2021 15:00 Manchester City v Leeds United

10/04/2021 15:00 Sheffield United v Arsenal

10/04/2021 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

10/04/2021 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Southampton

10/04/2021 15:00 West Ham United v Leicester City

17/04/2021 15:00 Arsenal v Fulham

17/04/2021 15:00 Aston Villa v Manchester City

17/04/2021 15:00 Chelsea v Brighton

17/04/2021 15:00 Everton v Tottenham Hotspur

17/04/2021 15:00 Leeds United v Liverpool

17/04/2021 15:00 Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion

17/04/2021 15:00 Manchester United v Burnley

17/04/2021 15:00 Newcastle United v West Ham United

17/04/2021 15:00 Southampton v Crystal Palace

17/04/2021 15:00 Wolverhampton v Sheffield United

24/04/2021 15:00 Arsenal v Everton

24/04/2021 15:00 Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion

24/04/2021 15:00 Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur

24/04/2021 15:00 Leeds United v Manchester United

24/04/2021 15:00 Leicester City v Crystal Palace

24/04/2021 15:00 Liverpool v Newcastle United

24/04/2021 15:00 Manchester City v Southampton

24/04/2021 15:00 Sheffield United v Brighton

24/04/2021 15:00 West Ham United v Chelsea

24/04/2021 15:00 Wolverhampton v Burnley

01/05/2021 15:00 Brighton v Leeds United

01/05/2021 15:00 Burnley v West Ham United

01/05/2021 15:00 Chelsea v Fulham

01/05/2021 15:00 Crystal Palace v Manchester City

01/05/2021 15:00 Everton v Aston Villa

01/05/2021 15:00 Manchester United v Liverpool

01/05/2021 15:00 Newcastle United v Arsenal

01/05/2021 15:00 Southampton v Leicester City

01/05/2021 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Sheffield United

01/05/2021 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Wolverhampton

08/05/2021 15:00 Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion

08/05/2021 15:00 Aston Villa v Manchester United

08/05/2021 15:00 Fulham v Burnley

08/05/2021 15:00 Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur

08/05/2021 15:00 Leicester City v Newcastle United

08/05/2021 15:00 Liverpool v Southampton

08/05/2021 15:00 Manchester City v Chelsea

08/05/2021 15:00 Sheffield United v Crystal Palace

08/05/2021 15:00 West Ham United v Everton

08/05/2021 15:00 Wolverhampton v Brighton

11/05/2021 19:45 Brighton v West Ham United

11/05/2021 19:45 Burnley v Leeds United

11/05/2021 19:45 Everton v Sheffield United

11/05/2021 20:00 Manchester United v Leicester City

11/05/2021 20:00 West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool

12/05/2021 19:45 Chelsea v Arsenal

12/05/2021 20:00 Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

12/05/2021 19:45 Newcastle United v Manchester City

12/05/2021 19:45 Southampton v Fulham

12/05/2021 19:45 Tottenham Hotspur v Wolverhampton

15/05/2021 15:00 Brighton v Manchester City

15/05/2021 15:00 Burnley v Liverpool

15/05/2021 15:00 Chelsea v Leicester City

15/05/2021 15:00 Crystal Palace v Arsenal

15/05/2021 15:00 Everton v Wolverhampton

15/05/2021 15:00 Manchester United v Fulham

15/05/2021 15:00 Newcastle United v Sheffield United

15/05/2021 15:00 Southampton v Leeds United

15/05/2021 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa

15/05/2021 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United

23/05/2021 16:00 Arsenal v Brighton

23/05/2021 16:00 Aston Villa v Chelsea

23/05/2021 16:00 Fulham v Newcastle United

23/05/2021 16:00 Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion

23/05/2021 16:00 Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur

23/05/2021 16:00 Liverpool v Crystal Palace

23/05/2021 16:00 Manchester City v Everton

23/05/2021 16:00 Sheffield United v Burnley

23/05/2021 16:00 West Ham United v Southampton

23/05/2021 16:00 Wolverhampton v Manchester United

The Commissioner of Commerce and Industry in Bauchi State, Mohammed Alhassan Sadiq, has resigned his appointment and joined his boss, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, in the All Progressives Congress.

Sadiq tendered his letter of resignation to the Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, during the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House.

In the resignation letter, which he published on his verified Facebook page, late Wednesday night, he stated, “Alhamdulillah, Ma sha Allah, every beginning has an end.

“Today, the 19th day of August 2020, I have honourably tendered my voluntary resignation as a Commissioner (Ministry of Commerce & Industries) and a Member of the State Executive Council in the Government of Bauchi State.

“It was a rare privilege and opportunity to have served my state in such an exalted position. I thank H.E the Executive Governor – Sen. Bala A. Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) for the wonderful opportunity accorded to me.

“In the same vein, I must appreciate my boss, H.E, the Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara for his usual support and the role he played in influencing same (his appointment)

“I sincerely thank all my colleagues in the EXCO and the Ministry, whom we have worked with as a formidable team. I have enjoyed the Understanding of my family at such a trying time.”

He added, “I beseech God to forgive all my wrongs and the general public/colleagues to pardon me.

“I urge you to help me, pray God to grant me success, contentment, and peace of mind in my new endeavor. Thank you all and remain blessed.”

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Governor of Taraba, Darius Ishaku, to appear before it over allegations of bias levelled against him in setting up a probe panel on the incessant communal clashes between the Jukun and Tiv Tribes in the state.

Also summoned are the four service chiefs of the country and heads of other security agencies, among others.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed gave the order when ruling on a fundamental rights enforcement suit brought by a group of plaintiffs from the state.

Newsmen report that the plaintiffs comprised an organisation of Tiv Tribesmen, Mdzough U Tiv; its President-General, Ihigagh Iorbee, who is a retired Commissioner of Police; David Uchiv; Jacob Gbagede; Julius Kwaghkar and Dr Yakubu Agbiye.

The respondents joined in the suit and summoned by the court included Governor Ishaku, the Taraba Government and the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice of the state.

The probe panel (4th respondent) and the 5th to the 12th respondents, comprising the Chairman of the commission of inquiry, Justice Kumai Aka’ahs, who is a retired Justice of the Supreme Court and the seven other members, were also invited.

Others, who were sued as the 13th to 19th respondents and also summoned by the court, were the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Service and the Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Justice Mohammed directed the entire 19 respondents to appear in court on Aug. 26 to show cause why the Commission of Inquiry set up by the governor should not be stopped from sitting as prayed by the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs, through their counsel, Chief Sebastine Hon, SAN, had filed the suit marked: /955/2020 on Aug. 14, alleging that the panel was set up by the state governor in bias against the people of Tiv in the state.

They argued that the composition of the Commission of Inquiry sued as the 4th to the 12th respondents “is likely to breach the fundamental right to fair hearing of the applicants.”

The plaintiffs accused Governor Ishaku of “showing open hatred for the Tiv Tribe in Taraba, which amongst other things, includes his using his office and strength of the 2nd respondent (Taraba Government) in collaboration with the 13th to the 19th respondents (the service chiefs and heads of other security agencies), to forcefully/genocidally evict Tiv tribesmen from Taraba State.”

They added that the chiefs of the security outfits sued in the case “are, till date, aiding and abetting the 1st respondent (the governor) in the genocidal eviction of Tiv tribesmen from Taraba State.”

The plaintiffs also contended that although the Tiv people in Taraba,, had been having “long-standing dispute” with Jukun tribe resulting in loss of lives and property” the terms of reference of the panel or the instrument setting it up did not mention any other tribe or community in the dispute.

This, the plaintiffs contended, had “profiled, discriminated” against them and “accentuated “the Tiv tribe “for adversity.”

The plaintiffs’ lawyer urged the court to grant an order of “interim injunction restraining the 4th to the 12th respondents (chairman and members of the Commission of Inquiry) from sitting to conduct proceedings.”

They also sought an order of interim injunction restraining the 13th – 19th respondents (the service chiefs, the I-G, the C-G of NSCDC from continuing to aid and abet the forceful removal of the applicants and the applicants’ Tiv tribesmen from their ancestral homes and other places of residence in Taraba.

Delivering ruling, the judge held that he preferred to summon the defendants to appear in court to show cause why the plaintiffs’ requests for interim injunction should not be granted.

“I hereby make an order directing all the respondents to appear on Aug 26, 2020 to show cause on why the prayers being sought by the plaintiffs’ should not be granted,” he ruled.

Justice Mohammed also directed the plaintiffs to serve their motion ex parte, their motion on notice and other processes filed in the case on all the 19 respondents.

He also directed that hearing notice for the Aug. 26 proceedings be issued and served on the respondents.

Tope Akinyode, National President of Revolutionary Lawyers’ Forum, has vowed to challenge the continued detention of Mubarak Bala, President of Humanist Association of Nigeria.

Law Reporters had in April reported how Mubarak was arrested at his home in Kaduna State.

Mubarak, who has not been heard from since his arrest, is accused of posting comments that were critical of Islam and Prophet Muhammad on Facebook.

Mubarak Bala According to Akinyode, blasphemy laws have no place in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

He described the continued detention of the humanist without any access to his lawyer and family and without being charged to court as ‘very preposterous and undemocratic’.

He said, “Since his arrest in April, nobody knows Mr Bala’s whereabouts as he’s being held in communicado by state forces. The Nigeria Police purportedly acted on a petition against Bala by some lawyers who alleged blasphemy. Blasphemy laws have no place in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. They derogate from citizens’ fundamental human right to freedom of religion guaranteed by Section 38 of Nigeria’s constitution.

“Furthermore, by virtue of Section 39 of the constitution, nobody’s fundamental human right to freedom of expression can be curtailed on religious grounds. The continuous detention of Mr Bala without any access to his lawyer and family and without being charged to court is very preposterous and undemocratic. Mr Bala is not a Muslim and cannot therefore be subjected to the Sharia court by any stretch of the imagination.

“Mr Bala’s wife, Mrs Amina Mubarak, has requested me to take up the case. She’s very keen on speaking with her husband and introducing his new born baby who was six weeks old at the time of Mr Bala’s arrest to him.

“Accordingly, we shall immediately proceed to court and sue the Nigeria Police Force and every other necessary party aiding the continuous and unjust incarceration of Mr Bala.”

 

Source: Sahara Reporters