Author: Chronicle Editor

California has become the largest state in the US to legalise recreational cannabis use. As of 1 January 2018, adults aged over 21 can possess up to an ounce (28 grams) of the drug and can grow up to six marijuana plants at home. Opponents say the law will lead to more driving under the influence of the drug and introduce young people to drug use. But business is eyeing what could be an industry worth tens of billions of dollars in the next few years. Californians voted in favour of Proposition 64 legalising cannabis 14 months ago, in a…

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus faces up to two months out after suffering an injury in the goalless draw at Crystal Palace. The Brazilian was forced off midway through the first half at Selhurst Park with a problem in his leg and manager Pep Guardiola confirmed he faces several weeks on the sidelines. There is also concern over Kevin De Bruyne after he was stretchered off in the closing moments following a rash challenge from Jason Puncheon, and Guardiola said he is a doubt for the clash with Watford in two days time. “Gabriel will be out for a little…

Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been officially unveiled at Atletico Madrid and could play as early as this week. Spain international Costa agreed to sign for the La Liga side in September but has been unable to play due to the club’s transfer window ban. “I’ve waited a long time for this day, I’m tired of training and I need to play,” Costa said on Sunday. Atletico play Lleida Esportiu in the King’s Cup on Wednesday. Costa was officially presented at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Sunday, alongside fellow Spain team mate Vitolo, who signed from Sevilla in July.…

A fire has broken out at a 1,600-capacity car park next to Liverpool’s Echo Arena, and police say all vehicles inside have been destroyed. Liverpool’s mayor, Joe Anderson, said the blaze started in a Land Rover on the third level of the multi-storey car park – and police believe this caused other vehicles to ignite. There were periodic explosions and flames shooting up the outside of the building as the cars inside burned. Merseyside Police have described the fire as accidental, adding: “We believe that all vehicles parked in the car park have been destroyed and advise owners to contact…

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to get to the root of the petrol scarcity across the country that marred the Christmas and New Year celebrations across Nigeria. The president, who stated this in a nationwide broadcast in Abuja on Monday to mark the New Year, attributed the hardships to the activities of a few but heartless individuals working within the nation’s oil and gas sector. He, however, reiterated the determination of his administration to get to the root of the persistent petrol scarcity, and ensure that whichever groups were behind this manipulated hardship would be prevented from doing so again.…

Kim Jong Un has used his New Year message to warn the US that he has a “nuclear button” on his desk that is always in reach. In his address, North Korea’s leader said his country’s nuclear forces are now a reality and not just a threat. Mr Kim also proclaimed that the isolated state achieved the historic feat of “completing” its nuclear forces in 2017. The speech, broadcast on North Korean television on Monday morning, suggests escalating tensions over the nation’s weapons programme are not going to die down in the coming year. He reiterated that North Korea has…

President Muhammadu Buhari has announced that Nigeria would stop importation of rice from 2018, to encourage the production of local rice. He also warned that the days of business as usual are over and advised that Nigerians have got to get used to discipline and direction in economic management. In his New Year broadcast on Monday, he also said, it is in view of this reality that in 2015 he appealed to people to go back to the land. “I am highly gratified that agriculture has picked up, contributing to the government’s effort to re-structure the economy. “Rice imports will…

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “withdraw without further delay the list of appointments to the boards of agencies and parastatals in order to remove a clear and recognizable danger to the integrity of these bodies, and allow the civil service systems to carry out the appointments, in strict conformity with established rules and Nigeria’s international anticorruption obligations and commitments.” Buhari had on Friday approved the constitution of the governing boards of agencies and parastatals, appointing 209 chairmen and 1258 members to fill the board positions. However, it has been discovered that at least…

Nigeria’s Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has noted that every Nigerian deserve a chance to live a better life in his Happy New Year message. Saraki wished Nigerians happiness as they begin 2018, noting that, 2017 had its challenges. “Yes, we all know that the end of one year and the beginning of another is a time that is full of hope for the future and reflections on the past. “While 2017 was a challenging year for many families across the country, we must all look forward with the simple understanding that better days lie ahead. “Although we still have much…

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has noted that “significant Goliaths will fall” in Nigeria. Adeboye who was reeling the prophecies for 2018 at the Redemption Camp on 1 January, did not specify if the Goliaths that will fall are political, spiritual or physical Goliaths. At the crossover service themed, Enforcing Victory, Adeboye noted that many Nigerians will realise that their hope does not hinge on the government. Sharing some of the prophecies for individuals, Nigeria and the world, Adeboye revealed that the countdown to the end has begun. Here are…