Eden Hazard wary of threat posed to Chelsea by De Bruyne

Eden Hazard admits that Belgium international colleague Kevin De Bruyne is a “top player” and a man capable of troubling Chelsea when they travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The Blues have surged to the top of the Premier League table but will face another stern test of their title credentials in their next outing.

Seven successive wins have carried Antonio Conte’s side to the summit, with the goals flowing and key men performing at the peak of their powers.

Syria | Aleppo defeat ‘not the end for rebels’

The fall of rebel-held eastern Aleppo would not mean the end of the fight against President Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian opposition’s senior negotiator has told the BBC.

George Sabra added, however, that it would make any hope of a peace deal more difficult.

Syrian forces backed by heavy air strikes have seized more than a third of rebel-held territory in the city.

Rebel factions say they have pulled back to a more defensible front line.

Disagreement between Army, militant erupt over attack on NPDC pipeline in Delta

There are conflicting claims by the Army and the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) over an attack on a delivery line operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) at Otu-Jeremi, in Delta State.

The NDGJM, through its spokesman Gen. Aldo Agbalaja yesterday claimed the attack on the 42-inch NPDC delivery line, while the military joint force in the Niger Delta code-named Operation Delta Safe based in Bayelsa State debunked the militants’ statement.

The acting spokesman for the force, with headquarters at Yenagoa, Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Otuji, said there was no truth in the NDGJM claim.

Aisha Buhari pledge support for governors` wives

The wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, on Monday expressed her readiness to support the wives of governors to tackle challenges facing women and children in their states.

She gave the assurance when Southern Governors’ Wives Forum led by its Chairperson, Nkechi Okorocha, paid her a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja on Monday.

Aisha Buhari, who said she supported the creation of the southern governors’ wives forum, noted that it would ensure unity and development among womenfolk.

Thailand send invitation to Crown Prince to become new king

Thailand’s parliament invited Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn to be the new king on Tuesday, completing a formal step for the apparent heir to take the throne following the death of his father last month.

Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, president of the National Legislative Assembly, said in a televised session that the prince would be invited to ascend the throne after the cabinet earlier in the day formally asked parliament to begin the process of installing a new monarch.

Members of the assembly stood up during a short parliamentary session and shouted: “Long live the king!”

Clash in Central Africa leave 85 dead – Officials

The latest clashes between rival armed groups in the Central African Republic have left 85 dead, a government official said Monday, in what the UN warns is a worsening situation.

“This figure is confirmed,” said presidential spokesman Albert Mopkem, referring to a toll provided by Adama Dieng, a UN special envoy for the prevention of genocide.

Peter Odili says Senate not amending EFCC Act because of him

Erstwhile governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, has disputed the account of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on issues surrounding the status of his trial.

His reaction followed a report on November 28, 2016, where the South-South regional head of the commission, Mr. Ishaq Salihu, told a Senate delegation that perpetual injunction obtained by Dr. Odili, the former governor was affecting the morale of operatives as well as the prosecution of other suspects allegedly involved in the case.

Philippine | Nine troops including president’s guards hit by blast

Nine members of the military were wounded, including seven from the country’s elite Presidential Security Group, in a roadside explosion in the southern Philippines on Tuesday.

Military spokesman Restituto Padilla said the attack occurred in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province.

He said that the troops were part of an advance party ahead of the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to the area, which might not go ahead now for security reasons.

Kogi State | Gov. Bello threatens to sack deviant commissioners

The Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello, has threatened to sack any commissioner who is not in tune with his administration’s new direction agenda to move the state forward.

Governor Bello gave the warning while addressing reporters after an unscheduled visit to the Government Day Secondary School, Adankolo in the state’s capital, Lokoja.

The governor, who was at the school for an on-the-spot assessment, said it was deplorable for any commissioner not to be abreast of the challenges confronting their various ministries and agencies.

Nigerians to start paying VAT on passports – FIRS

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Monday said Nigerians will soon pay Value Added Tax (VAT) before obtaining their passports.

Mr Tunde Fowler said this at the 136th meeting of the Joint Tax Board which had the theme: “ Increased Inter-Agency Co-operation to Enhance Tax Compliance and Optimise Revenue Collection’’ in Abuja.

He also announced that Nigerians who either want a new passport or renew an old one must show evidence of being a tax payer.

Federal Government express worries by BIAFRA, IPOB threats

The Federal Government said on Monday said that it was worried by the threat posed by activities of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign Of Biafra and the Indigenous People of Biafra which has in recent times turned violent.

He, however, assured that it was determined to tackle all security challenges facing the country.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, David Babachir Lawal who expressed government’s concern at the opening of the 4th Eminent Persons and Experts Group Meeting in Abuja, said the government is making efforts to engage stakeholders in the south east as a way of dousing tension in the region.

Church members defend pastor after spraying them with insecticide

Members of a church in South Africa who were sprayed with insecticide by their pastor have defended him amid outrage over his actions, according to the South African Broadcast Corporation.

Pastor Lethebo Rabalago of the Mount Zion Christian Assembly in Zebediela, Limpopo, had attracted criticism after reports and images of him spraying members with Doom insecticide went viral.

Action Film! Watch Nigeria Airforce ‘Operation Thunderbolt’ that caused panic in Lagos Airport

The Nigerian Airforce has released a video of the Operation Thunderbolt Carried out at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport Lagos. You really need to watch the video so you can give more kudos to our Arm Forces.

Watch the video below:

N4.7bn Fraud Saga: Obanikoro ready to testify against Fayose

A former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, was at the Abuja office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday where he agreed to testify against Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and his aide, Mr. Abiodun Agbele.

A reliable source said, “Senator Obanikoro came to the EFCC office on Monday morning as part of investigations into the N4.7bn. Since he has confessed that he was the one who collected the N4.7bn and distributed it, he is in the best position to testify in court.

Samuel Ortom: God is the real governor of Benue State not me

Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom on Monday said that God is the real Governor of his state.

Ortom made the remark in Gboko at a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the Full Gospel Revival Crusade Incorporated Nigeria.

1993 Election: I warned Abiola not to declare himself president - Anenih

Twenty- three years after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, supposedly won by late business mogul and candidate of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, National Chairman of the party at the time, Chief Tony Anenih, has said Abiola refused to heed his warning not to declare himself president.

Anenih, who revealed this in his autobiography, titled My Life and Nigerian Politics, said:  “ I wish he had listened to my advice not to declare himself president of this country.

Fr. Mbaka praises Buhari over judges’ arrest

Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka has hailed the arrest of some Judges in the country as a welcome development.

According to reports, the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Emene, Enugu, stated this at the Thanksgiving Mass to mark the Enugu State Judiciary 2016/2017 legal year at the Adoration Ground.

Aircraft carrying Brazilian team crashes in Colombia

A flight carrying 72 passengers, has crashed in Colombia, south of Medellin’s International Airport.

According to Reuters, those on board included a Brazilian football team, Chapecoense. They were on their way from Bolivia, when the incident happened.

The country’s civil aviation association confirmed the tragedy on their website and said rescuers are moving survivors from the crash site.

Army introduces ‘Operation Python Dance’ against secessionist groups in South-East

The Nigerian Army on Monday launched ‘Operation Python Dance’ in the South-East part of the country.

It, therefore, warned secessionist groups against acts capable of threatening the nation’s sovereignty.

It said it would not hesitate to apply the Rule of Engagement to deploy troops and deal with secessionists as appropriate.

According to the military, the exercise became imperative in anticipation of rise in violent crimes during the Yuletide.

Tragic! Four dead in multiple accidents along Enugu/Port Harcourt Express Way

At least four people were confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia, Abia State following a multiple auto crash that occurred along Ubakala axis of the Enugu/ Port- Harcourt expressway.

It was gathered that four vehicles were involved in the crash, including a Toyota Hilux van with registration number CG 539RSH, a Peugeot J5 bus with registration No XA 874 AKW, and a Mercedes Benz tipper with registration no EGG 555 YG.

Hurray! NEPA announces end of blackout in Nigeria

Pls don't crucify me, I thought the same way until I saw the year. The headline was the title of what NEPA told Nigeria in the year 1986, well we are now in 2016 that's 30-years ago and we are still waiting for them to keep their promise...

Lol! See the Job advert seeking Lawyer with N40k as salary that's got everyone talking (Photos)

This job advert was spotted on a sign board and it boldly states that a lawyer with a minimum 3 year experience is needed. Salary will be N40,000 per month.

Wow! See Ateke Tom’s Daughter’s Massive Wedding Cake (Photos)

Ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Ateke Tom’s daughter, Ibierebo Michael Ateke Tom (IB), wedded her heartthrob, Austin Ugwonna Okoro last weekend in Okrika.

Their wedding cake, got our eyes popping with it’s magnificence and gigantic nature. Also in attendance at the wedding were Nollywood actors Nkem Owoh (Osuofia), Pete Edochie and more.

More photos after the cut:

Toke Makinwa's estranged husband, Maje Ayida covers This Day Style Magazine (Photos)

Toke Makinwa's estranged husband, Maje Ayida isn't concern about revelations revealed by his estranged wife, media personality, Toke Makinwa, in her new book, “On Becoming“.

He gracefully sits on the cover of ThisDay style with other fitness experts, Farida Sanusi, Sarah Boulos and Ngozi Ojora. 

See more photo below:

Cross River State | Governor presents N11m, brand new car to Miss Africa Winner

Governor Ben Ayade today presented the cash award valued at $50,000 dollars to the winner of the Miss Africa pageant and the first and second runner-up.

The stunning Neurite Mendes from Angola beat 17 other contestants to win the 2016 Miss Africa pageant. The pageant took place on Saturday, November 27th in Calabar. She took home $25,000 and a car.

See photos from the event:

Participant of Ponzi Scheme, MMM Commits Suicide In Enugu Over Debt

Authorities at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, have confirmed the death of a final year student who reportedly committed suicide.

A final year student of agricultural engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who is also reported to be a participant of the Mavrodi Mondial Movement investment scheme (MMM), has committed suicide.

Premium Times reports the student, identified as Tobechukwu Okeke was found on Sunday morning, November 27, dangling from a rope in his room at Odenigwe, a community in Nsukka, Enugu state.

“Lil Kesh’s Label, YAGI is under YBNL.. He is still with us” – Olamide

Olamide has finally set the records straight concerning Lil Kesh’s label, YAGI.

Recall that after Kesh floated his own label, YAGI, he took to his Instagram to confirm his company, however added that he maintains YBNL as only his personal manager. Olamide later confirmed same in chat with TVC.

But the YBNL boss is shedding new light on their relationship.

Kemi Olunloyo List “Nigerians going to Hell by December 31st”

Lol, Aunty Kemi is at it again! According to controversial journalist Kemi Olunloyo, Speaker Dogara, Maje Ayida (Toke Makinwa Ex), CBN Governor Emefiele and his staff, EFCC boss Magu and his cohorts and DSS top the list of Nigerians who will make hell.

7 reasons why FG can’t shut down MMM in Nigeria

MMM one of the most popular acronym and biggest scams in the 90’s will never be forgotten by Nigerians in a hurry.

The Ponzi scheme has taken Nigeria by storm with many putting huge sums into the it despite clear warnings from the Central Bank of Nigeria, House of Representatives and a threat from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to desist from it.

According to Wikipedia, МММ was a Russian company that perpetrated one of the world’s largest Ponzi schemes of all time, in the 1990s.

I’m ready remarry but still looking for a serious suitor – Actress, Toyin Adegbola

Though she is now above 50 years of age, actress Toyin Adegbola’s beauty and achievements in the Yoruba Movie Industry still speak volumes and would endear any man to her.

As an actress, Toyin Adegbola has done well for herself and as a mother she has trained her children to an enviable stage; all of them are Masters degree holders and they are also doing well in their own chosing fields.