Author: Chronicle Editor

Gambian leader, Yahya Jammeh, has accused West African regional body, ECOWAS, of declaring war against his country for refusal to step down at the end of his mandate this month. Jammeh, who accused ECOWAS of putting forces on alert in case he refused to step down, has vowed to stay in power despite losing a Dec. 1 election to rival Adama Barrow. He also promised to defend Gambia against any outside aggression, in a New Year speech broadcast on state TV. The veteran leader initially conceded defeat in the vote, then changed his mind days later – raising fears that…

On Saturday, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump rattled China once again as he left open the possibility of meeting with Taiwan’s president if she visits the United States after he is sworn in on Jan. 20. He also expressed continued scepticism over whether Russia was responsible for computer hacks of Democratic Party officials. In remarks to reporters upon entering a New Year’s Eve celebration at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump said, “We’ll see,” when pressed on whether he would meet Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s president if she were to be in the United States at any point after he becomes president. Taiwan’s president…

Governor Nysom Wike of Rivers state has urged the people to live in peace and work for the collective security, progress and prosperity. In a New Year message to the people, Wike prayed that 2017 would usher in “a new hope that the era of vindictiveness has ended’’. He said Rivers will be justly treated and accorded its fair share of development projects and attention by the Federal Government. “My brothers and sisters, let me take this opportunity to remind us that 2017 is a special year for Rivers. “It is our year of Golden Jubilee and we must roll…

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in his first New Year Message has acknowledged the sacrifices of the people of the state in the past year and also thanked them for their understanding as his administration tries to forge a new spirit in the state. “This administration came on board at a particularly difficult time in the life of both state and nation, and it was clear to conscientious Kogites and genuinely concerned observers that the ride would be far from easy. “But 11 months down the road, following my many interactions with the good people of Kogi, I am…

Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba kick-started the New Year’s Eve celebrations for Manchester United with late strikes as Jose Mourinho’s men saw off a spirited Middlesbrough 2-1 at Old Trafford. United were well worth a victory that they looked to have been denied for long parts of the game by poor refereeing, dogged Middlesbrough defending and Grant Leadbitter’s goal. However, Mourinho eventually came out on top in the battle with his former Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka with a late comeback straight out of the playbook of Sir Alex Ferguson, celebrating his 75th birthday in the stands. Mourinho may well…

Burundi minister of of water and environment, Mr Emmanuel Niyonkuru has been assassinated, continuing the cycle of violence in the tiny African country. Burundi’s police confirmed the death of the 54 year-old cabinet member of the government of President Pierre Nkurunziza. He was appointed minister after a long time in banking in August 2015. At least 500 people have been killed and 300,000 have fled the country since unrest began in April 2015. Niyonkuru was shot dead in the capital Bujumbura early on Sunday, police said, the first assassination of its kind since the country was plunged into political turmoil.…

Nigeria is set to establish a match-making data base for international business interconnectivity and stress-free investments. The 119 Nigeria missions would serve as one-stop shops to spur investments through information sharing and elimination of bottlenecks. Foreign Affairs minister Geoffrey Onyeama, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the initiative would enable Nigeria’s products and investors to access the world market easily. It would also enable foreign investors have unfettered access to informed and genuine information concerning business opportunities in Nigeria. The minister explained that the scheme was to be implemented through a matching-making data base aimed at…

My dear Compatriots, I am happy to welcome you to the beginning of a New Year in our beloved country Nigeria. I felicitate with you today at a time when our nation is witnessing a new and impressive turnaround in our security and socio-economic situation. I know you will join me to, once again, congratulate the heroic and gallant efforts of our military and other security agencies on their remarkable successes to rid the nation of terrorism. Following the successful capture of Sambisa Forest, spearheaded by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, we have entered a new phase in our battle…

On Saturday, President Muhammadu Buhari was among thousands of well-wishers who graced the wedding Fatiha of the daughter of Governor Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto. Buhari was represented by the Leader of the Federal Government delegation and Minister of Justice, Alhaji Abubakar Malami. Other members of the delegation included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, Defence Minister, Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, as well as the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika. Also among the delegation were Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and the Sarkin-Fulanin Daura, Alhaji Musa Haro. The event was…

The Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) on Friday distributed offer letters to some of the beneficiaries of the pilot scheme of the N25 billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF), with a pledge to create at least 300, 000 direct and 600, 000 indirect jobs by 2019 through the initiative. Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Executive Secretary of LSETF, Mr. Akin Oyebode said the award of the offer letters was in fulfillment of one of the cardinal promises of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to set up a fund to drive the growth of the Micro,…