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Yahaya Bello: Kogi indigenes warn EFCC against failed politicians denting Commission’s image with ethnic struggle

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Yahaya Bello: Kogi indigenes warn EFCC against failed politicians denting Commission’s image with ethnic struggle—Indigenes of Kogi State have cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against those they described as embittered and desperate ethnic jingoists who are strengthening the public opinion that the Commission is collaborating with certain opposition figures to persecute the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The indigenes said since the allegation of corruption by the EFCC against the former Governor became a national discourse, “some persons who are afraid of chasing their dreams at the polls have hidden under the veneer of activism to sponsor their tribesmen to impugn on the character of ex Governor Yahaya Bello maliciously”.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chairman of Kogi Youth Leaders Forum, Benjamin Oguche, PhD, specifically noted that those still calling for the arrest of Bello even in the face of an ongoing court process, were either uninformed or out to rubbish the image of EFCC while pursuing their prolonged vendetta mission.

The Kogi youth leaders said this particular group had consistently pursued a “we against them” agenda, causing division and hate among the ethnic groups in Kogi, spreading falsehood and propaganda to the public on the matter.

“It is sad and regrettable that the so-called corruption allegation against Bello, which remains an allegation until established in the court of law, has become an opportunity for chronic political failures to unleash their intolerance and deep-rooted frustration on a state that our founding fathers have laboured so hard to unite.

“Without credible reasons, they have been said to have mobilised resources to fight him for daring to govern a state he hails from and for overseeing a free and fair election which produced another Governor, not from their fold,” they stated.

According to them, the polarisation, ethnic and religious colouration that have been introduced in recent times into the EFCC trial of the immediate past Governor calls for worry, especially among every Kogi indigene who has a firm belief in the peaceful co-existence of the state as an indivisible entity.

“Suffice to say that what we see playing out today is a microcosm of what our country represents, where the so called minority is discriminated against, sidelined and treated like a lesser citizen in a country he has made equal, if not greater, contributions to building. The so called minority has been made to believe his voice does not count and his fundamental right to pursue social, economic and political interest taken away.

“Since through divine providence that former Governor Yahaya Bello became governor in 2016, several arrow of ethnic bitterness, needless attacks and corruption profiling have been targetted at him and his government for no offence other than for the simple reason that the responsibility to lead our dear state at that time fell on his shoulder.

“While God saw him through his four years in office, the people of our dear state equally and overwhelmingly renewed their mandate for him, sending him to go again, amidst hate campaign, violence attacks and ethnic war by some ethnic driven elites who have sworn never to allow certain ethnic groups have a taste of leading the state. While this gathering is not about catalogue of exploits he achieved and the records he broke within these eight years, it is important to note that since he left office, same known tribal jingoists and ethnic champions have been having sleepless nights plotting the downfall of the man.

“The anti-Bello protests in the UK last week, Lagos last week and Abuja today highlight the glaring danger those they regard as minority ethnic groups face in the hands of those who feel that their population is for the purpose of suppressing the fundamental rights of others to seek political interest. One continues to wonder where the protesters gathered the money to go on a protest spray, if some people are not bankrolling them, which suggest a sinister plan different from genuine fight against corruption as the public is made to understand.

“We understand that the case for which these hate-induced protests are going on is in the court and the court is a place of orderliness where every party will push their stands without necessarily drawing dagger to murder our peace. We are, however, surprised that dimension of sustained protests have been added to their inglorious mission.

“We have often expressed our confidence in the judiciary and irrespective of how long it could take, the wheel of justice must grind to a logical end. We, however, frown at the seeming open hands the EFCC has been showing to the protesters which is fuelling an unfortunate suspicion that must be immediately corrected.

“While we welcome in its entirety the probe of the former Governor, we, however, reject the deliberate image smearing against him. We call on the EFCC to disregard the propaganda of ethnic agents and face the task of diligent prosecution,” the Kogi Youth Leaders advised.

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Aston Villa Complete Alejandro Garnacho Signing from Chelsea on Season-Long Loan with Mandatory Buy Clause

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Aston Villa Complete Alejandro Garnacho Signing from Chelsea on Season-Long Loan with Mandatory Buy Clause—-Unai Emery has landed one of his top transfer targets after Aston Villa reached an agreement with Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho to join on a season-long loan, with a conditional obligation to make the move permanent.

Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Argentina international Alejandro Garnacho on a season-long loan, with a buy clause that will become mandatory if certain conditions are met. The move is expected to be finalized after the 22-year-old completes the remaining formalities following his medical in Birmingham.

The deal represents a significant show of faith from Villa manager Unai Emery, who has long admired Garnacho and had attempted to sign the winger before his move from Manchester United to Chelsea last summer. Emery is understood to have personally pushed for the transfer, believing he can help the Argentine rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents.

Although structured initially as a loan until the end of the 2026-27 season, the agreement includes a conditional obligation to buy. The exact conditions have not been disclosed publicly, but reports indicate they are linked to performance or appearance targets and are widely expected to be met. Garnacho has already agreed personal terms on a four-year contract that will take effect once the permanent transfer is triggered.

Garnacho’s departure comes just one year after Chelsea signed him from Manchester United on a long-term contract. Despite arriving at Stamford Bridge with high expectations, the winger struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, managing only limited league starts as competition for places intensified under new manager Xabi Alonso. Chelsea’s recent club-record £117 million signing of Morgan Rogers further reduced Garnacho’s prospects of regular first-team football, making a move away increasingly likely.

For Aston Villa, the signing is another statement of intent as the club prepares for a campaign that includes UEFA Champions League football. Emery has built a reputation for revitalizing players whose careers have stalled, and Villa believe Garnacho’s pace, direct running and attacking flair can add a new dimension to their frontline. Club officials are confident the Argentine international still possesses the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s top wingers under Emery’s guidance.

The transfer also continues a busy summer of business between Aston Villa and Chelsea. It follows Chelsea’s acquisition of Morgan Rogers in a British-record £117 million deal, with Garnacho now heading in the opposite direction as both clubs reshape their squads ahead of the new season. While the financial details of the future permanent transfer remain undisclosed, all parties are confident the move will become permanent once the agreed conditions are fulfilled.

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BREAKING: Ferran Torres the Hero as Spain Beat Argentina to Capture 2026 FIFA World Cup

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BREAKING: Ferran Torres the Hero as Spain Beat Argentina to Capture 2026 FIFA World Cup—-Substitute Ferran Torres struck the decisive extra-time winner as Spain edged defending champions Argentina 1-0 to lift their second FIFA World Cup title and complete a historic double as reigning men’s European and world champions.

Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 following extra time in a tense and tactical final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

After 90 minutes of relentless intensity failed to separate the two footballing giants, substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero, scoring the only goal of the match in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second World Cup crown, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa.

Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled much of the contest from the outset, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities against an Argentina team chasing back-to-back World Cup titles. Spain finished the match with 15 attempts on goal and won nine corners, while Lionel Scaloni’s men struggled to impose themselves in attack, failing to register a shot on target for long periods of the encounter.

Spain’s patient approach was finally rewarded early in extra time. Following sustained pressure around Argentina’s penalty area, Ferran Torres collected the ball inside the box before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike beneath the crossbar, leaving goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with no chance and sending the Spanish supporters into wild celebrations.

Argentina’s task became even more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time, forcing the reigning champions to play the remainder of the contest with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina fought until the final whistle but were unable to break down Spain’s disciplined defence.

Goalkeeper Unai Simón produced another assured performance behind a well-organised back line marshalled by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, while Rodri once again dictated the tempo in midfield. Teenager Lamine Yamal also impressed throughout the tournament, capping a breakthrough World Cup campaign by helping Spain reach the summit of world football.

The victory crowns a remarkable era for Spanish football under Luis de la Fuente. Having already won UEFA Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League, Spain now add the FIFA World Cup to their growing list of honours, becoming world champions for the first time since 2010. The triumph also makes Spain the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles.

For Argentina, the defeat brought an end to their bid to retain the trophy they lifted in Qatar four years earlier. Lionel Messi and his teammates had reached the final after dramatic victories over England and Switzerland in the knockout rounds, but they were ultimately denied by a composed Spanish side whose consistency and tactical discipline proved decisive on football’s biggest stage.

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