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Manchester City aims to pressure Arsenal in title race, Guardiola says
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Pep Guardiola stated that Manchester City must defeat Brentford on Saturday to intensify pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Following a 3-3 draw against Everton, Arsenal now holds a five-point lead with three matches remaining, while City has four games left. A victory for City at the Etihad would reduce the gap at the top for at least 24 hours before Arsenal's match against West Ham. Guardiola emphasized the team's focus on winning their remaining games. Jeremy Doku's late goal secured a point against Everton, and Guardiola praised Doku's overall contribution this season. Guardiola also acknowledged the Manchester City women's team's recent Women's Super League success, highlighting the growing impact of women's football. He expressed hope for the return of Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol from injury for the Brentford match.
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Must ReadA Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit seeking to disqualify former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election until May 11, 2026. Justice Peter Lifu granted the adjournment after the plaintiff's counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, requested more time to respond to a preliminary objection filed by the defense. The suit, filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, asks the court to determine if Jonathan can lawfully run for president again under the 1999 Constitution. Jideobi argues that Jonathan has already exhausted his constitutional term limits, having completed the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's tenure and then serving a full four-year term. Jonathan's counsel, Chris Uche, informed the court he learned of the case through media reports and questioned why the eligibility issue was resurfacing given similar past rulings. The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation, listed as respondents, were not represented in court. The plaintiff seeks declarations that Jonathan is constitutionally ineligible, an order restraining him from presenting himself as a candidate, and a directive barring INEC from accepting his name for the 2027 general election. The case centers on the interpretation of sections 11, 2, 3, and 1373 of the 1999 Constitution regarding presidential term limits.
Must ReadStakeholders and victims of terror attacks from Nigeria's Middle Belt region have called for urgent and coordinated action to end the cycle of violence. During a town hall meeting convened by News Central TV in Jos, Plateau State, community leaders, conflict victims, security agencies, and civil society representatives discussed the persistent violence. Joyce Ramnap, Commissioner for Information, speaking for Governor Caleb Mutfwang, affirmed the state government's commitment to addressing the root causes of the violence and ensuring accountability for perpetrators. Prophet Isa Elbuba, General Overseer of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministries, described the killings as a test of the nation's conscience, emphasizing its humanitarian rather than political nature. Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, highlighted the necessity of early warning and response mechanisms. Dr. Gideon ParaMallam, President of the Gideon and Funmi ParaMallam Peace Foundation, stressed the importance of victims' voices in driving policy. Victims shared accounts of loss and displacement, urging government and security agencies to prioritize protection and justice. Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director of News Central TV, stated the event aimed to find solutions to insecurity in Plateau State and promote peace across the Middle Belt. Participants agreed on the need for stronger collaboration among communities, civil society, and government to address insecurity, rebuild trus
Must ReadA coalition advocating for former President Goodluck Jonathan's return to power has stated he will appear on the 2027 presidential ballot, despite Jonathan not yet formally accepting the proposal. Dr Tom Ohikere, Convener of the Coalition for Jonathan and a member of the African Democratic Congress, indicated in an interview that Jonathan would announce his decision within one to two days. Ohikere clarified Jonathan's previous comment about seeking the presidency not being a "computer game," explaining it meant the process is complex. The ADC is positioning itself as a platform for Jonathan's potential candidacy, which the coalition frames as a means for national healing and unity. Jonathan reportedly plans to consult widely before deciding. His eligibility to contest remains a legal question, with a Federal High Court suit challenging whether a return to the ballot would violate term limit provisions of the 1999 Constitution, given his previous service as president from 2010 to 2015.
The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, has delivered intervention materials to victims of insecurity residing at the Internally Displaced Persons IDP camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area. The relief supplies, which included Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene WASH items, were handed over to the camp management for distribution to the displaced residents. This initiative was detailed in a statement released by Afolabi Temple, Press Secretary of the Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency RUWASSA. Officials from RUWASSA formally presented the materials to the Camp Commandant, Captain Umar Adamu. Olorunfemi Oladipo, General Manager of RUWASSA, represented by Abdulazeez Rufai, Head of Department, Sanitation and Hygiene, commended the Kwara State Government and UNICEF for their support to vulnerable residents affected by insecurity, highlighting the strong collaboration in addressing humanitarian needs. Oladipo assured residents of continued support and efforts to restore normalcy to their communities, adding that RUWASSA would intensify hygiene awareness within the camp. Captain Umar Adamu and Mr. Bello Abubakar, a representative of the displaced persons, both expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, with Abubakar noting that the support has restored hope, especially for women and children. The Yikpata camp currently houses over 1,000 displaced persons, including approximately 800 children, 500 women, and