Ex-Lagos Governor, Sir Michael Otedola, Laid To Rest

Former Lagos state governor & father of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, Sir Michael Otedola, who died May 6th, was buried today May 30th. His funeral mass held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Epe.

Guests included President Jonathan and his wife Patience Jonathan, Governor Babatunde Fashola and his wife Bimbola; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Aliko Dangote; Folorunsho Alakija; Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie; former governor Peter Obi; Abike Dabiri, former military Administrator of Lagos, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Ministers for Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke and Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Ayo Adesina.  

Jonathan orders full scale war against terrorists

(ABUJA)
President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday directed the security forces to launch a full-scale military operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists in the country.
The president gave the directive in his Democracy Day broadcast.
Jonathan said that Nigeria’s unity and stability as well as the protection of lives and property were non-negotiable.
He restated the determination of his administration to protect the nation’s democracy, national unity and political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism.
The president said the activities of terror groups in the country had caused debilitating pains and horror on the nation particularly the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno.
“It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians.
“I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.
“I have also authorised the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done.
“I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away.
“It will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.”
Jonathan, however, said that government would be open to dialogue and reconciliation with any one or group willing to genuinely renounce terror.
“For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.
“My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents.
“Government will also ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.”
The president underscored the need for all Nigerians to remain united to win the war against terrorism.
“Christians, Muslims, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together.
“The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever.
“The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.”
The president commended the Armed Forces for the supreme price they had paid in confronting insecurity and urged Nigerians to always appreciate them rather than castigate them.
“We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists,” he said.
Jonathan expressed optimism that the nation would overcome its challenges and Nigeria would take her rightful place in the world.

Nigeria Vs. Scotland: UK fans impressed by pattern of play

(LONDON)


Nigerians in the UK and other supporters of the Super Eagles have expressed satisfaction with the team’s readiness for next month’s World Cup in Brazil.
They expressed the views after the Super Eagles drew 2-2 with Scotland in an intentional friendly match in London.
The supporters, who turned out en mass, trekked for about a kilometre from the underground station to the Craven cottage ground of Fulham Stadium, singing and applauding the world cup bound team.
Some of those who spoke to the Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), were unanimous in their commendation for the team, which they described as “a reformed brand”.
They, however, called on the Eagles’ handlers to organize more training and strengthen their tactics, to enable the team to emerged victorious in its group.
Mr Chinedu Mba, a spectator, said: “I am impressed by the boys; they played well but need to do more.”
Also Mr Ojo Aderemi said: “Scotland almost dominated the match but when international based players like Osaze Odemwingi and Victor Moses joined the game in the second half, they changed the rhythm dramatically.”
Similarly, Dr Rose Anya said “the selection of players was in order; you can not field key players and risk them being injured; this is just a friendly match; Nigeria is World Cup bound but Scotland is not.”
Others who also voiced their opinion, said that with the current pattern and their form, the Super Eagles would gradually return to its past glory.
The match was part of their build-up to the June tournament in Brazil
(NAN)

Polythechnics and Colleges of Education students protest in Lagos

Students from Polytechnics and Colleges of Education this morning took to the streets of Lagos to protest the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic, ASUP, strike which has been on for over 9 months now. The strike has grounded academic activities in all Polytechnics and also halted the students' academic pursuits.

Also heard that police shot at the students protesting in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos this afternoon. See more pics from the protest after the cut...

Ronaldo gets another world crown

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is the world's most marketable footballer, according to a study released by an international sports market research company on Wednesday.

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi ranked second in the study conducted by Repucom, ahead of club teammate and surprise third-placed entry Gerard Pique of Spain.

The data measured the perceptions of over 6 500 people in 13 countries, including Britain, the United States, Brazil, China and India, which was reportedly claimed to represent the views of more than 1.5 billion people worldwide.

2013 Ballon d'or winner Ronaldo, who helped Real Madrid clinch a 10th Champions League title on Saturday, was also found to be the most well-known player on the planet with 83.9 per cent of people aware of who he was.

"Ronaldo is an endorser's dream. His value is as important to the teams he plays for as they are for the companies that endorse him," said Paul Smith, CEO of Repucom.

"Global awareness of Ronaldo is what drives his commercial power and with over 82 million Facebook likes and 26 million Twitter followers, he is also one of the most liked in the business."

Onazi: I escaped Jos blasts by 15 minutes

Super Eagles and Lazio of Italy midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, has said that he narrowly escaped being killed in last week’s suicide bombings in Jos, Plateau State.

Onazi, who was born in Jos, told the British Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday, that he left the popular Main Market in Jos, barely 15 minutes   before the first blast rocked the area.

The first and second blasts at the crowded   market killed at least 150 people.

   “I am very, very lucky, just by the grace of God,”   said Onazi who   is now with the Super Eagles in London as they prepare for Wednesday’s(today) friendly against Scotland.

The footballer added, “It was just like an ordinary day. Happy faces and friendly warmth that make you feel happy to be back home.

“We had gone to the railway market to get something. I think it was 15 minutes later when we heard the loud blast from the place. And suddenly, people were just running.

“There was chaos and pandemonium. There was smoke, I was confused, lost and just wondered what had happened. I had no idea ofwhat was going on and it was scary.

“All my life I have never heard a bang or boom like that.”

Onazi said the unrest in Nigeria had made it difficult for him to focus on football.

“Some will say I should be happy to be alive but I just feel concerned about the security challenges in Jos and Nigeria as a country,” he said.

“I was born and bred in a peaceful Jos. I may be fortunate enough to live outside the place right now, but I still have my family and friends who live in the city.

“I always get worried when there are reports of terrible incidents there on a regular basis. It’s sad and depressing to live with this.

He challenged the Federal Government to quickly “step up security across the country” because “innocent people are dying.”

“Personally, I think there is a need for a holistic approach to solving this problem once and for all,” the player said.

Convicted Boko Haram terrorist, Kabiru Sokoto begs President Jonathan for pardon

A member of Boko Haram sect already convicted of terrorism charges, Kabiru Umar (aka Kabiru Sokoto), has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan for pardon.


The convict appealed against the judgment of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which sentenced him to life imprisonment on December 20, 2013.

But he told the President through a letter written on his behalf by his lawyer, Sheriff Okoh, that he was innocent of the offences he was convicted of.

Umar was jailed for being part of the mastermind of the 2011 Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mandala, Niger State.

His letter dated December 23, 2013, appealing for presidential pardon was obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday.

In his letter, Okoh faulted the process leading to his client’s conviction, and assured that Umar had offered to help government to solve the Boko Haram crisis in the country.

He insisted that Umar was innocent of the charges he was convicted of.

The appeal letter reads in part, “Your Excellency sir, an innocent man was convicted by the court on the date aforementioned. It is for this singular reason that we are applying to you for presidential pardon in the circumstance pursuant to your exclusive legitimate constitutional powers as enshrined in your golden conscience and under Section 175(a) and (b) of the Constitution.

“Your Excellency sir, we are applying for respite and pardon for the convicted felon Kabiru Umar (alias Kabiru Sokoto) because we have absolute faith in your compassion and highest sense of fairness, equity and justice first as a God-fearing man and next, as the leader of the most compassionate nation on earth.

“Had Kabiru Sokoto been sentenced in open court for the corporate acts of Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation, we would not have spared a thought to make this application, but he was sentenced alone for acts committed by other members of Boko Haram (an organisation that was only proscribed after his arrest, detention and the making of his no-case submission before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division).”

The convict also offered to help to resolve the Boko Haram crisis if his request for a pardon was granted by the President, adding that the President had the power to “right the wrong” against any Nigerian citizen.

His letter further reads, “Your excellency, we vow to reach out beyond the imagination and work with you in resolving the Boko Haram imbroglio, with the firm belief that no quarrel of brotherhood is eternal. We shall undertake this national task for the pleasure of God Almighty, believing in His divine will for our peaceful, united, symbiotic and mutual coexistence as brothers and sisters under a fair and just leader.

“We most honestly and sincerely urge you to exercise your prerogative of mercy and grant pardon or respite in this matter in the interest of justice. The law permits you to right each and every wrong in Nigeria, including those of the courts and this is one good situation where such powers under Section 175 of our grundnorm serve the collective interest of our beloved nation towards peace and harmony.”

Umar was convicted of two counts of terrorism charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja on December 20, 2013 and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

The court found him guilty of facilitating terrorism acts and concealing information from security agencies on the December 25, 2011 bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mandala, Niger State.

In his notice of appeal dated January 17, 2014, which he filed before the Court of Appeal in Abuja, the convict faulted the judgment of the Federal High Court, which it said was tantamount to a miscarriage of justice against him.

My services are still available – Boko Haram negotiator, Saldika

Northern-born journalist widely reported to have strong ties with the Boko Haram sect, Ahmad Salkida, has said that he is still readily available to render his services to bring an end to the insurgency in the country.


Salkida was said to be close to the late Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf, as well as many top shots of the group.

He had since fled to the United Arab Emirates on account of an alleged threat to his life over what he described as his “professional closeness” to the insurgents.

“My first-rate exclusive reports on the insurgency in northern Nigeria served by the Boko Haram militant group unsettled a section of the local authorities. This consequently led to threats to my life. I now live with my family and work part-time in the United Arab Emirates,” a post on his LinkedIn page read.

But, writing on Twitter, Salkida stated that despite being “gagged for doing his work dutifully and lawfully,” he is still willing to make use of his “rare” working relationship with members of the sect to restore peace to northern Nigeria.

According to him, terrorism as seen today in the country is a tactic used by “a few extremists” against an overwhelmingly peaceful population.

“There is nothing wrong in having professional access to insurgents as long as it is used to save lives and promote peaceful co-existence. I will forever be readily available to use my rare professional access and knowledge to end this madness and senseless violence in Nigeria.

“Speculations should not becloud the fact that there are many well-meaning patriots, including myself, that are working quietly day and night for peace. Nigeria is our country. We have no other country to call our own. So let’s get it right. I love Nigeria, I cherish its unity. I will do anything legitimately to make it better than it is, if I can,” he wrote on his Twitter feed.

The 40-year-old who grew up in Maiduguri, Borno State added that the most effective way the Federal Government can fight terrorism was to “study those behind it and review what strategy works and what doesn’t work.”

He also urged Nigerians to unite against the Boko Haram insurgency by not seeing it as a menace ravaging the northern Nigeria but a threat to the entire country.

Calling on Nigerians to render “unconditional support” to the military, he counselled the armed forces to endeavour to be “more accountable” in the ongoing war against the insurgents.

Salkida frowned on summary killing of Boko Haram detainees, saying the development amounted to extrajudicial executions opposed by international laws.

“Is there a good understanding of the structure, composition and lifeline of the Boko Haram by our leaders? Has there been a counter-terrorism strategy in Nigeria that has worked in the last three years beyond summary execution and detention without trial?

“Will the Boko Haram crisis end? It may never be totally eliminated, but a cohesive community that trusts its authorities can curb it. The day we begin to see this war as a threat to Nigeria and not a threat to the Beroms, Christians or Muslims, that is the beginning of our victory,” he added.

Confronting terrorism, he argued, would be futile if the Federal Government does not move to confront “lesser evils” which he reeled out as corruption, electoral fraud and bad governance.

The journalist, who has won grants from organisations such as the Committee to Protect Journalist and Reporters without Borders, carpeted President Goodluck Jonathan for blaming the opposition for terrorism.

“I’m frustrated each time my dear President blames the opposition and the opposition blames him. You all need to sit down in the interest of Nigeria and learn. How can this crisis stop when security and political leaders, with the onus of responsibility for public safety, politicise insurgency?

“This is a case of corrosive doctrine that is poorly managed by the authorities. If effective measures are not taken today, at the end of GEJ’s administration – whether it is General Muhammodu Buhari, (Babatunde) Fashola or Atiku (Abubakar) that is taking over – the crisis will intensify. It’s not who is in power.The central theme of the Boko Haram insurgency is to undermine the institution of democracy and those that support it,” he added in a series of tweets.

Churches, mosques now to pay tax – CONFAB

DELEGATES at the on- going National Conference Tuesday voted that henceforth, Churches and Mosques will be paying tax to the federal government, just as they also agreed that Federal and state governments should no longer fund Christian and Muslim pilgrimages to the Holy lands.


These were part of the resolutions reached yesterday during discussions of report of Religion Committee.

The decision to make religious bodies pay taxes came up when a delegate representing Civil Organisations, Mallam Naseer Kura during his contribution on the report had raised it that religious leaders were making much money and should be taxed.

Also in his contribution, a delegate representing the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Isaac Ighure however frowned at the situation where pastors and heads of churches make too much money with some of them owning private jets, just as he stressed that they should be made to pay taxes and the elite class must stop abusing the little ones in the society, “some people buy private jets when people in their churches are suffering and living in abject poverty, they should be made to pay taxes.

Governor Suswam Reacts To The Boko Haram Sect’s Threat To Attack The State

Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam on Tuesday reacted to the threat made by the Boko haram of their plans to attack the Mount St. Gabriel Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State and abduct male pupils.



It was reported in May 18, that the Principal of the College Godfrey Ugudu had informed the Governor after receiving two letters from the Boko haram sects of their intention to attack the College and the neighbouring catholic Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School either on Friday (May 16) or on Monday (May 19) and kidnap the boys then marry them to the over 200 Chibok school girls they kidnapped on April 14 in Borno state.

The Governor while speaking to House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja described the purported letters from Boko Haram warning of an impending attacks on schools in the state as a mischief saying:

“I think that letter was from some mischievous people.“The way the letter was couched show it was from some mischievous elements and not from the quarters that it was purported to have come from’.

“The way the letter was couched show it was from some mischievous elements and not from the quarters that it was purported to have come from,’’ he said.

The Governor who said he has taken adequate measures to protect the lives of the students also urged Nigerians should assist the government in the fight against Boko haram Insurgentsand the search of the missing Chibok school girls rather than condemn the President.

He said: “People should not play politics with security matter in the way that I have seen people play politics with Chibok girls.

“Instead of condemning the animals that are perpetrating these acts, people are condemning the government.

“If people are throwing bombs, kidnapping our children, instead of people to join hands with government, they are demonstrating against government.

“It has become job for the jobless who will gather everyday to condemn government instead of condemning the act itself.

“People are playing politics with this and it has the tendency and potential of consuming everybody not just President Jonathan or the PDP government.

He expressed optimism that there was light at the end of the tunnel for country with the security and other challenges facing it saying the country would emerge from the crises victorious, stronger and more united.

OBJ Holds Meeting With Relatives Of Senior Boko Haram Fighters

OBJ Holds Meeting With Relatives Of Senior Boko Haram Fighters


Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has met with people close to the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram, in an attempt to broker the release of more than 200 kidnapped schoolgirls, a source close to the talks told AFP.

The meeting took place last weekend at Obasanjo’s farm in Ogun State and included relatives of some senior Boko Haram fighters as well as intermediaries and the former president, the source said.

“The meeting was focused on how to free the girls through negotiation,” said the source who requested anonymity, referring to the girls seized on April 14 from the remote northeastern town of Chibok, Borno State.

Reports of the talks emerged as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, said the girls had been located while casting doubt on the prospect of rescuing them by force.

Obasanjo, who left office in 2007, has previously sought to negotiate with the insurgents, including in September 2011 after Boko Haram bombed the United Nations headquarters in Abuja.

Then, he flew to the Islamists’ base in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to meet relatives of former Boko Haram leader Mohammed Yusuf, who was killed in police custody in 2009.

The 2011 talks did not help stem the violence and some at the time doubted if Obasanjo was dealing with people who were legitimately capable of negotiating a ceasefire.

Spokesmen for the former head of state, who remains an influential figure in Nigerian politics, could not be reached to comment on the latest reported Boko Haram talks.

But the source told AFP that Obasanjo had voiced concern about Nigeria’s acceptance of foreign military personnel to help rescue the girls.

Obasanjo is said to be worried that Nigeria’s prestige in Africa as a major continental power had been diminished by President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to bring in Western military help, including from the United States.

Mustapha Zanna, the lawyer who helped organise Obasanjo’s 2011 talks with Boko Haram, said he was at the former president’s home on Saturday.

But he declined to discuss whether the Chibok abductions were on the agenda.

“I was there,” he told AFP, adding that Obasanjo was interested in helping orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria’s embattled northeast and that possible charitable work was on the agenda.

Zanna had represented Yusuf’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the government following his death in police custody.

It was not clear if Obasanjo’s weekend meeting had been sanctioned by the government.

Obasanjo, who backed Jonathan’s 2011 presidential campaign, fiercely criticised him and his record as president in a letter released to the public last December and the two are widely thought to have fallen out.

According to the source, Obasanjo supported a prisoner-for-hostage swap that would see some of the girls released in exchange for a group of Boko Haram fighters held in Nigerian custody.

As a private citizen whose ties to the presidency have been damaged, Obasanjo likely does not have the authority to negotiate any deal on the government’s behalf.

The government, which has officially ruled out a prisoner swap, sent intermediaries to meet Boko Haram in the northeast to negotiate for the girls’ release.

The source identified one of the envoys as Ahmad Salkida, a journalist with ties to Boko Haram who had been close to Yusuf before his death.

“There was contact but it was bungled by the government,” according to the source, saying Jonathan backed away from the deal after returning from a security conference in Paris earlier this month.

The conference saw Nigeria and its neighbours vow greater co-operation to tackle Boko Haram because of the potential threat to regional stability.

The chief of defence staff on Monday said that despite having located the girls, the risks of storming the area with troops in a rescue mission were too great and could prove fatal for the hostages.

UN blacklists Boko Haram

The United Nation Security Council committee yesterday May 22nd blacklisted Islamic sect Boko haram after the Nigerian government on Wednesday May 21st made a request asking for the sect to be blacklisted.

 

A statement released by the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power says the move was to help close all avenue of funding received by Boko Haram members

"Today, the Security Council took an important step in support of the government of Nigeria’s efforts to defeat Boko Haram and hold its murderous leadership accountable for atrocities. By adding Boko Haram to the U.N.’s 1267 (al Qaeda) sanctions list, the Security Council has helped to close off important avenues of funding, travel and weapons to Boko Haram, and shown global unity against their savage actions,”

With this blacklisting, it makes it an offence for any country or individual to provide any form of support to Boko Haram. The group is now subject to an international asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

Nicki Minaj responds to a Forbes article claiming Iggy Azalea runs Hip Hop

Nicki Minaj has responded to a Forbes article published on May 19th titled “Hip Hop Is Run By a White, Blonde, Australian Woman.”, describing rapper Izzy Azalea as the new princess of hip hop. The mag said while Minaj has been 'oddly quiet for months', Iggy's rise in the charts has been swift.

The comment made Nicki feel some type of way and when asked about it on Power 105′s The Breakfast Club yesterday, Nicki said;
“Listen. All Forbes needs to worry about is my finances and when I’m going to be selling Myx Fusions for $250 million. That’s all they need to worry about. We rely on hip-hop connoisseurs and blogs for that kind of information. So we appreciate it, but no thank you

Breaking News! Breaking News!!Breaking News!!!

Breaking News! Breaking News!!Breaking News!!!
There's another plane crash and nobody survived. The plane was carrying all your Problems, Shame, disappointment,­ discouragement,­ Sorrows, Failure, Tears, Sickness, Weakness, Pains, and Struggles.
If you believe In God, say a BIG "AMEN!

Police Press Release: Police avert another bomb blast in Kano

Here's a Police press release signed by The Force Public Relations officer, Frank Mba...

The Police in Kano today, 19^th May, 2014, about 9:00am averted what could have been another devastating bomb blast in the ancient city of Kano. Kano Police operatives, acting on intelligence, tracked and recovered a Mitsubishi Station Wagon car, ash in colour, with registration number Kano – AE 756 GSW loaded with assorted gas cylinders, one container of fuel and other electrical components of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The vehicle was recovered at Tafawa Balewa Street, Nasarawa area of Kano State and has since been rendered safe by Police Bomb Disposal experts.

Meanwhile, security agencies in Kano have commenced investigation into both the aborted blast as well as the last night bomb incident. Continue...

It will be recalled that a suspected suicide bomber detonated an IED yesterday, 18^th May, 2014, about 9:30pm at Middle Road, off Gold Coast Street, Sabon Gari, Kano. The blast led to the death of five persons including the suspected suicide bomber. Seven persons were injured, four of them already treated and discharged while six vehicles were also damaged.

While commiserating with the families and friends of the victims of the last night incident, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, psc called for the cooperation of all in the fight against terrorism. He promised that the law enforcement agencies will continue to do their best towards winning the ongoing war against terrorism

Nigerian Unemployed graduates to receive N19k monthly allowance?

That's what a committee at the on-going National Conference is suggesting...for all unemployed graduates in Nigeria to earn a monthly allowance equivalent to the allowance of members of the National Youth Service Corps, which is N19,800.

Punch reports that the conference’s Committee on Law, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Reform made the recommendation but it can only fall through if it's accepted by the Federal Government.

A member of the committee said the recommendation was one of the ways the committee members felt that crime could be reduced in the country. He told Punch;

"The recommendation is our own way of finding solutions to the rising wave of crime in the country and to also force the government to do the needful for the increasing number of unemployed graduates in the country. We have done our part and it is left for the delegates to either reject or accept it at plenary.”

I have a feeling FG won't be interested in this. Who thinks it's a good idea?

Former players back Giggs

As Manchester United ponder the vital decision about who will become their next manager former players continue to champion the cause of Ryan Giggs.

The Welshman was given the job until the end of the season following the sacking of David Moyes last week and made a positive start with assured performances in front of the media and an emphatic 4-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday.

Dutchman Louis van Gaal is the favourite but Dutch media reports have said he would insist on bringing Patrick Kluivert and a team of his coaches to Old Trafford, putting the future of Giggs in doubt.

Giggs's former teammates have no doubts he is ready for the role despite his obvious lack of managerial experience.

"He started well on Saturday," former United defender Gary Neville said this week.

"So let him have two or three more games to see whether he settles into the position and whether he can bed in and be given that role.

"There's the idea that Ryan hasn't got experience, but he knows the club. And then there's the idea that Van Gaal has massive experience, but he doesn't know the Premier League.

"At the end of the day the owners will do what they want to do. I suppose in some ways they want an experienced hand, but I personally would like to see a British manager be appointed because Manchester United have always appointed British managers."

Neville said the success of young managers like Diego Simeone, Pep Guardiola and Kenny Dalglish proved that experience was not always necessary.

"There is no hard and fast rule in appointing managers nowadays," said Neville, a close friend of Giggs and now working as a television analyst.

"You've seen different examples of how sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't work, and until you appoint someone, you haven't got a clue whether it's going to work or not.

"From that point of view, people say Ryan's got no experience, but then is Van Gaal going to work? We don't know. It's a call for people at the club."

Former United striker Louis Saha also backed his ex-teammate. "He can do the job now, for sure," the Frenchman said.

"It seems like an easy choice for now because he proved he can do it last weekend.

"I was sad to see David Moyes go. But maybe it would have been more clever to give (Giggs) his chance months ago."

GOOD FRIENDS

Giggs, assisted by his good friends and former United class of 92 members Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes, made a confident start, promising his team would play with tempo and passion.

He made a bold decision to leave Marouane Fellaini, signed by Moyes for £27.5 million in August, out of the squad against Norwich and started record signing Juan Mata on the bench.

The Spanish midfielder scored twice after coming on as a second-half substitute and Old Trafford rejoiced at watching a much more fluent and vibrant display than they had become used to under the cautious Moyes.

Giggs has home games against Sunderland and Hull City to negotiate before taking United to Southampton on the final day of the season and four successive wins would considerably strengthen his claims to get the job.

United chief executive Ed Woodward will be reluctant to upset the fans by jettisoning the hugely popular Giggs, the club's most decorated player and still in the first-team squad at the age of 40, but he will also covet the proven pedigree of Van Gaal.

The 62-year-old Netherlands coach has won league titles as coach of Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona and Bayern Munich and whether he and Giggs can both be accommodated in a workable managerial appears to be at the heart of Woodward's conundrum.

Rich black celebs, including Oprah, Diddy & Mayweather want to buy Clippers

With the Basketball Commission forcing L.A Clippers owner Donald Sterling to sell his team following his racist audio tape scandal, several high-profile black celebrities have shown interest in buying the team. Oprah Winfrey, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Floyd Mayweather and Magic Johnson have all shown interest, especially Oprah.

Sterling, however, says his team is not for sale and won't go down without a fight. The 81 year old, who has not issued a public apology yet, bought the Clippers for $12 million in 1981. Today they are worth a staggering $575 million. Oprah is worth over $3billion...so she's capable.

The only way Sterling can be forced to give up his team is if 3/4 of the NBA owners agree to the sale.

Fresh Abuja blast leaves several people dead>>> MAY 1 2014

I'm bringing an update on this now because I was on my way out of Nigeria last night when the news broke. Just landed to hear that 30 people may have been killed in the blast. Some media outlets are reporting as high as 70 while CNN puts the figure at 9, NEMA at 10 and the Nigerian police at 12.

The blast occurred last night Thursday May 1st around 8.20 at Karshi Taxi Park, very close to the scene of the April 14th bomb blast. It is believed that the explosion came from a bomb-laden white Volkswagen parked at the taxi park.

The bomb went off as residents of the area were returning home. Eye witnesses said bodies of some of the victims were scattered on the ground, while some were burnt beyond recognition.

A statement released by the NSCDC and NEMA said that 10 bodies were recovered from the scene while several others were taken to different hospitals.

"While security agencies have condoned off the area of the explosion in Nyanya, Abuja, response agencies have moved injured victims to hospitals and at least 10 lifeless bodies have been deposited in the mortuary while 13 unconscious victims are receiving medical attention in different hospitals in Abuja. Other injured victims too are being attended to." the statement read in part.

Some security sources said yesterday that they believe the bomb was set to explode early this morning, just like the Nyanya blast that went off as commuters gathered at the park to take transport to their various destinations, but something went wrong and the bomb accidentally went off, killing the driver and other innocent people who were about to board buses to leave the Abuja City Park. Meanwhile, NEMA has called onAbuja residents to donate blood to help victims of the blast. This can't keep happening. It just can't! See more pics after the cut...

Fifa investigates Super Eagles

Fifa has opened an investigation into allegations by convicted match-fixer Wilson Perumal Raj, that he helped Nigeria qualify for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

In his book released last Monday, the 48-year-old Singaporean revealed how he met with a Nigeria Football Federation official to try and fix games so that Super Eagles could top their group.

He also stated in his book that he had an agreement with the Nigerian federation that he would organise friendly matches for its men's national team as well as some percentage of whatever Fifa pays the country in lieu of qualifying.

NFF spokesperson, Ademola Olajire confirmed Fifa are looking into the matter with full cooperation from the federation.

Olajire affirmed that the NFF has received correspondence from the football ruling body related to the case and are watching tapes of the games Nigeria played during the qualifying series for the 2010 World Cup.

"We have forwarded the letter to our match-fixing officer Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and NFF's Integrity Officer Dr. Christian Emeruwa. All enquiries should now go to Fifa as I explained in my earlier release on the matter," Olajire said.

The NFF had in an earlier release condemned the allegations, citing it as a figment of imagination of a convicted felon.

"Perumal's statements are a hogwash and have no legs to stand on. We have ordered the book itself with a view to digesting it and looking critically at it," NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu said on Tuesday.

" If the book impugns on the image of the Nigeria Football Federation, our players and the larger image of our dear country, we will take appropriate action."

Nigeria qualified for the 2010 Fifa World Cup ahead of Tunisia, Mozambique and Kenya in the final rounds of the Africa zone of qualifying.