Nigeria '14 vs Nigeria '94: Can lightning strike twice?

Do you believe in destiny? In such things as omens and hexes? If your answer is 'yes', then let's go on a journey together. However, before we do, let's take a detour for the benefit of those whose answer is 'no'. 
 
The legendary manager Bela Guttman, whose Benfica side had just eviscerated the mighty Real Madrid 5-3 in the final of the 1962 European Cup, felt he deserved a raise for his success. The management declined and the colorful Hungarian walked, but not before declaring that the Portuguese giants would never again win the continent's top title. 
 
Seven finals later, the curse of Bela Guttman is a clear and present reality. Once, twice, even thrice may be viewed as coincidence, but when a club loses all seven European finals since 1962 (as Benfica have), you have got to admit that you don't have all the answers. 

                                                  Guttman | The trophies soon dried up for Benfica.

Not convinced? Let's just explore some other 'coincidences' then. 

Wrestling Legend Ultimate Warrior Dies @ 54

Fans of professional wrestling worldwide are grieving the death of one of sport's biggest legends, The Ultimate Warrior (James Brian Hellwig). Hellwig was one of the most iconic wrestlers in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) throughout the mid 80s and early 90s. An unforgettable sight for everyone who witnessed him, his image became synonymous with the WWE on the same scale of his rival and colleague Hulk Hogan, whom he had some healthy feuds with. 

The Ultimate Warrior's death came just one day after he was inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame, marking his return to the company after 18 years of absence. The wrestler carried a chilling speech which led many to comment that it is almost as he felt what's to come. He said: "Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them believe deeper in something that's larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized by the storytellers".

Hall of Fame Wrestlers Commemorated in Video Slots 

The WWE has produced quite a few memorable wrestlers, many of them passed away too young. One of these was Andre the Giant who holds a special place in the world of wrestling, a contemporary of Ultimate Warrior. Andre the Giant's legacy is brought to life in Microgaming's video slot dedicated to him. A 5-reel, 25-payline slot, Andre the Giant takes players back in time right to the classic wrestling rings of the 80s, with bonus screens displaying the big man in action.         (onlinecasinoreports)

Chelsea Boss Jose Mourinho fined

The Football Association said on Thursday it had fined Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho 8 000 pounds for improper conduct during a defeat by Aston Villa last month.

Mourinho went onto the pitch to remonstrate with referee Chris Foy after Ramires was sent off and was sent to the stands.

An Independent Regulatory Commission hearing rejected Mourinho's denial of the charge and warned him as to his future conduct.

Mourinho also criticized Foy's performance after the match.  (sport24)

Lawyer Paints Reps N45M Allownace Demand Different Shades Of Wrong

Nigerian lawyer, Malachy Ugwumadu, on Thursday decried a reported demand of a total of N45 million naira quarterly allowance by members of the House of Representatives, stating that such a move would demoralise the people.

Members of the House had on Wednesday reportedly held a closed door meeting with their leaders to clamour for increase in the quarterly allowance, from N27 million per quarter to N45 million per Rep. Reacting to this development via a telephone interview on Sunrise Daily, Ugwumadu said the misalignment between the needs of the people and the activities of the operators of government was a “recipe for some form of very serious concern”.

The public affairs analyst said the figures being reeled out by the lawmakers was not in tandem with the reality of what the citizens earn particularly when placed against the backdrop of the minimum wage, “which is 18,000 naira, and the resentment which they also stand against policies and activities of government would ordinarily advance the well-being of the Nigerian people.”

Egypt continue progress in April FIFA rankings

Egypt advances to 24 in the world, second in Africa, and first among Arab countries in latest FIFA rankings

The Pharaohs have climbed two positions to 24th in April's FIFA world ranking.

After gaining 12 places in last month's ranking, Egypt have advanced another two places in the latest list issued on Thursday.

Egypt have played just one match under new coach Shawki Gharib, beating Bosnia-Herzegovina in March.

The Pharaohs made it into the world's top 10 after winning three successive African Cup of Nations trophies, in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Egypt is ranked second among African countries, behind Ivory Coast, and above Algeria and Ghana. They are the top ranked Arab team.  

Spain continues leading the ranking ahead of Germany, Argentina and Portugal.

Top 10: (March positions in parentheses)

1. Spain (1)

2. Germany (2)

3. Portugal

4- Colombia

5- Uruguay (6)

6- Argentina

7- Brazil

8- Switzerland

9- Italy

10- Greece

Top 5 African teams:

21. Ivory Coast

24. Egypt

25. Algeria

38. Ghana

42. Cape Verde Islands

Top 5 Arab teams:

24. Egypt

25. Algeria

49. Tunisia

62. Libya 

(english.ahram)

Champions League: Five Reasons Atletico Madrid Beat Barcelona

Atletico Madrid sealed an historic triumph over Barcelona on Wednesday as they progressed to the Champions League semifinals for the first time in 40 years with a 2-1 aggregate victory over the four-time European champions. 

Here, we look at how Diego Simeone's men overcame the Catalans.  

1. Solid defence Atletico's organisation and defensive resolve has been the bedrock of the club's revival since Simeone took charge two-and-a-half years ago. 

They have conceded just five times in 10 Champions League games on their return to the competition for the first time in four years and, even more impressively, just twice in five encounters with Barcelona this season. 

2. Missing Messi The key to Atletico's defensive job had been crowding out four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi. 

Prior to May last year Messi had scored 20 times in 15 games against Atletico. He has been held scoreless in the six matches between the two since. 

Governors Can’t Remove, Appoint CJ Without NJC’s Recommendation’

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria holding in Abuja on February 17, 2012. before their lordships: Mahmud Mohammed, JSC; Walter Onnoghen, JSC; Christopher Chukwuma-Eneh, JSC; Muhammad Muntaka-Coomassie, JSC; Olufunlola Adekeye, JSC; Mary Peter-Odili, JSC and Olukayode Ariwoola, JSC.

Between

1. Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb
(Chief Judge of Kwara State)

2. National Judicial Council

And

1. The Attorney-General Of The Federation

2. The Attorney-General Of  Kwara State

3. The House Of Assembly Of Kwara State

Although the governor of a state has been vested with the power to appoint the chief judge of    his own state, that power is not absolute as the governor has to share the power with the NJC in recommending suitable persons and the State House of Assembly in confirming the appointment.

So held by a Justice of Supreme Court (JSC) Justice Mahmood Mohammed in  a lead judgment he delivered with his learned brothers: Walter Onnoghen, JSC; Christopher Chukwuma-Eneh, JSC; Muhammad Muntaka-Coomassie, JSC; Olufunlola Adekeye, JSC; Mary Peter-Odili, JSC and Olukayode Ariwoola, JSC, concurring in allowing the appeal and affirming that  state governor cannot appoint or remove a state Chief Judge without the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

It's Now Time For Me To Get Marriage" - D’BANJ

Few years ago, it was reported that the energetic singer would pick a lady as wife after it was earlier rumoured that his mother kicked against his purported affair with Genevieve Nnaji, a Nollywood star.

The 34-year-old music star is no doubt a hot cake to ladies, who would be glad to be D’Banj’s wife or be called ‘Mrs. D’Banj’.

At the traditional wedding ceremony of Paul Okoye of P-Square and Anita Isama, which took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday, March 23, 2014 , the ‘Eja Nla’ disclosed that he would now consider settling down just like Paul.

Chris Attoh & Damilola expecting baby…APRIL 12 wedding OFF

If you were keenly looking forward to what would have been another high-profile Ghana-Nigeria celebrity wedding, you will have to wait a little longer.

How long? Possibly, 15 more months.

Reason? A certain woman is pregnant.

Who is she? Damilola – the other half of that Tinsel off-screen union, which also stars our brotherChris Attoh.

Looks like their April 12 wedding, which was to become talk of town when it hit crunch may not come on after all.

The pair have decided to shelve their nuptial plans, to allow Miss Adegbite some time.

She is carrying Attoh’s first baby.

Both have confirmed what started days ago as a rumour.  (ghanaweb)

The Finnish man who gave up all of his stuff -Petri Luukkainen

Petri Luukkainen, a Helsinki-based documentary maker, put everything he owned in storage and removed one item a day for a year. He tells Theo Merz how many things we really need

Like many of us, Petri Luukkainen felt he had too much stuff. Unlike many of us, he decided to put it all in storage for a year, removing one item per day in order to discover what he really needed to live comfortably. The result is the documentary My Stuff, released in Luukkainen’s native Finland two years ago and in the UK this weekend.

The film, an experimental documentary in the style of Morgan Spurlock's Super Size Me, begins with the 29-year-old naked in his empty Helsinki flat. From there he runs across icy streets to the depot where his belongings are stored, the first of which he takes being a long coat - preserving his modesty and providing a makeshift sleeping bag for the first night. On the second day he takes shoes, on the third a blanket and on the fourth jeans.

Graduate attempts suicide in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State police command yesterday stopped a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Ekiti State University who identified himself as Sunday Omotayo attempt suicide.

 Eyewitness sys, Sunday jumped off a of a speeding Toyota Hiace bus, expecting to be crushed to death by oncoming vehicles on the road leading to Ibom Plaza, Uyo.

 The police said Sunday had earlier gone to the Prison Service asking warders to either kill him or allow him rot in jail.

 An official at the prison who spoke anonymously said, “We just saw somebody, well dressed and on tie with no look of mentally deranged running towards us.

His action forced us to become immediately alert with our weapons. “The next thing he said was ‘shoot me’, ‘shoot me’, ‘I want to die’, ‘I am tired of this world.’ We were still facing him with our weapons when he scrambled towards us, saying we should allow him to enter and die inside the prison.”

 It was after prison officials calmed him done and got him on a bus that from his sitting jumped off the to attempt the failed suicide. Journalists at the scenece heard Omotayo mumbling, “There is no state that I have not gone to in search of job in the past 10 years, but none for me.

 Speaking with the press, Sunday lamented: “I came to Akwa Ibom State because this is my last hope. I have heard stories of Governor Godswill Akpabio uncommon transformation.

But unfortunately, since I came, I discovered that even many people from Akwa Ibom are also crying because of poverty and joblessness.      (Vanguard)

Keshi Resolve List Issue With NFF

Emeka Inyama says that there is no tension between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi as all previous disagreements have been amicably resolved.

Inyama who is the Chairman of the NFF’s Media and Publicity Committee revealed that the issues that led the Federation to query Keshi have been amicably resolved after the tactician satisfactorily answered to the query.

“There have been very worrying issues between the Federation and the Super Eagles,” Inyama said.

“It seemed as if there was war, but honestly I want to assure you today that there is peace and no tension between the federation and coach Stephen Keshi.

Prosecutor says Pistorius is an egotist

seattlepi  The chief prosecutor in the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius on Thursday accused the Olympic athlete of egotistical behavior in his relationship with Reeva Steenkamp before he killed her, and described Pistorius' courtroom apology to his girlfriend's family as an insincere "spectacle" that ignored the feelings of her relatives.

"Your life is just about you," prosecutor Gerrie Nel said on a second day of cross-examination of Pistorius, who fatally shot Steenkamp through a closed toilet cubicle of his home in the early hours of Feb. 14, 2013. Pistorius says he shot Steenkamp by accident, mistaking her for a dangerous intruder. The prosecution says he intentionally killed her after an argument.

Senate Passes N4.7 Trillion Appropriation Bill - Approves N7 Billion Confab Vote, As Education Gets Lion Share

 THE Senate, yesterday, passed the 2014 Appropriation Bill of N4,695,190,000,000 into law and advised the executive to implement the budget as passed.

Out of the total budget passed for the 2014 fiscal year, which is N52,230 billion higher than the initial amount of N4,642,960,000,000 proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan, N2,454,887,566,702 was for recurrent expenditure, N1,119,614,631,407 for capital expenditure, N408,687,801,891 for statutory transfer and N712 billion for debt service.

Also in the budget is N268,370 billion, which is for the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme, SURE-P, a component of the budget, which did not form part of the aggregate budget figure of N4,642,960,000,000 as proposed by the executive, which was however captured in the final compilation of the Bill.

FEC Sign six-month imprisonment, N50,000 fine for smokers

The Federal Executive Council approved six months imprisonment or N50,000 or both for individuals that smoke outside public places designated as smoking areas.

Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu,  and Information Minister, Mr. Laban Maku; disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Chukwu said the penalties for corporate offenders varied from N1million to N5million and one year to two years imprisonment for the chief executives of such firms.

The minister added that all forms of advertisement of tobacco is totally banned under the proposed law.

He added that while the law forbids government from accepting gifts from tobacco firms, it also bans the firms from sponsoring any public event.

When it finally becomes a law, he said 50 per cent of the packaging of tobacco is expected to be used to warn the public of the risks involved in smoking.

Chukwu said the government would set up a standing committee that would assist law enforcement agencies in implementing the law.

Attention-seeking Mourinho grabs the spotlight - again

Love him or loathe him, no-one can accuse Jose Mourinho of avoiding the spotlight.

After Chelsea dramatically booked their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League by overcoming Paris Saint-Germain, Mourinho made a mad dash down the touchline as Demba Ba's decisive strike sparked wild celebrations.

He claimed he wanted to make an urgent tactical point to his players but the scenes were reminiscent of the moment at Old Trafford a decade ago when he claimed his place in the consciousness of football fans in England. And that was far from the only 'special' limelight-stealing moment in a dramatic managerial career:

The original touchline run

In 2004, Porto looked to be heading out of the Champions League on the away goals rule, trailing 1-0 at Old Trafford and drawing 2-2 on aggregate. However, Costinha's injury-time equaliser silenced the Manchester United fans.

But there was nothing quiet about Mourinho's reaction to the dramatic goal, as he jumped out of his seat in the dugout and sprinted down the touchline to join the team in front of the Porto supporters.

Celebrations all round

What would you do if you won the Champions League? Kiss the trophy? Jump with joy with your team-mates?

Mourinho just walked off did when he masterminded an unlikely triumph for Porto over Monaco in 2004. He removed his medal immediately after the presentation and disappeared down the tunnel, the last time the Chelsea-bound manager would be seen as Porto's main man.

Laurent Blanc exposed as rich owners of Paris Saint-Germain ponder future

The inevitable question was fired at Laurent Blanc towards the end of his numbed post-match media duties at Stamford Bridge. He knew it was coming. Any manager overseeing a team constructed at lavish expense by owners who expect swift returns on their outlay would be braced for the inevitable grilling in the wake of elimination from the Champions League, a fate Paris Saint-Germain had just suffered. The same would happen at Chelsea or Manchester City, Real Madrid or maybe even Barcelona.

"Have you spoken to the owner since the final whistle?"

"Yes."

"And what did he say to you?"

"That is of no concern to you."

It was a brief exchange, the manager too submerged in his own disappointment to bite back with any real snarl, but the weeks ahead may be littered with similar exchanges until some certainty is provided, either way, over the manager's future at Parc des Princes. Blanc was not Qatar Sports Investments' first choice to succeed Carlo Ancelotti last summer. He was not even their seventh choice, with José Mourinho, Fabio Capello, Arsène Wenger, Guus Hiddink, André Villas-Boas, Frank Rijkaard and Manuel Pellegrini all sounded out once it was known Ancelotti was keen on a move to Madrid. When Blanc was unveiled the sense was that, even as a former France international of considerable standing, he was a last resort with an increasingly desperate recruitment drive having failed to secure one of the glitzier candidates.

This man hasn’t taken a bath since 1954

Amou Hadji made headlines this week after a story circulated that he hasn’t bathed himself in 60 years. The 80-year-old Iranian man sat down for a brief photo series that details what could happen to the human body.

Not surprisingly, Hadji has a deep odor and his skin is tough and scaly. Hadji is homeless and refuses to eat food or drink clean water. His favorite food is dead porcupine and he regularly smokes a pipe filled with animal feces. Hadji claims that he has chosen this lifestyle to stay in touch with with the earth.

From the Tehran Times:

The last record of longest time going without showers belonged to a 66-year-old Indian man, Kailash Singh, who had not taken a bath over 38 years.

Not to our surprise, when we searched the reason behind Amou Haji’s way of life, we found out that he had gone through some emotional setbacks in his youth and from then on decided to live an isolated life.

He escaped from the hands of a few young men who offered him free shower, because he believes cleanliness brings him sickness.     (worldobserveronline)

Funke Akindele denies stories of new lover

Actress, Funke Akindele has denie the rumour that she is  moving into a private estate in Lekki, Lagos with a new lover. 

In a press statement released by Ms Akindele’s rep, Funke said, “‘It will be vainglorious to make it a media issue, just as it is condescending to claim any imaginary lover paid for the apartment”

In Funke’s words, “In the past few months I have enjoyed tremendous love from my fans, family and brands that I represent. I cherish every second I get to spend with my colleagues on sets because it has been rewarding. I look forward to many more precious moments in the years ahead. 

Manchester United open Kroos talks in Munich

Old Trafford chief executive Ed Woodward plans to talk to Bayern Munich about a deal for the midfielder during the Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday

Manchester United will test the water over a £40 million summer move for Toni Kroos when they face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will be in Munich for the Champions League quarter-final clash and plans to discuss a potential deal for the Bayern midfielder with the German club.

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists Kroos will not be sold this summer but the 24-year-old is David Moyes’ top target to strengthen his midfield at the end of the season.

Alex: PSG can have no complaints about Chelsea loss

(goal) Alex believes Paris Saint-Germain can have no complaints about their Champions League exit at the hands of his former club Chelsea.

The Ligue 1 champions looked set to reach the semi-finals of Europe's premier club competition for the first time in 19 years when they secured a 3-1 first-leg lead at Parc des Princes.

Chelsea had other ideas, though, as they progressed courtesy of Andre Schurrle's first-half strike and a dramatic late goal from Demba Ba at Stamford Bridge.

The manner in which PSG were denied a place in the last four was hard to take for Laurent Blanc's side, but Brazilian defender Alex admitted they came up short in Tuesday's second leg.

"We conceded the first goal too easily and in the second half they started to put pressure on us," he told reporters.

"I know how difficult it is for opponents to play here [Stamford Bridge]. We didn't start with enough aggression like we played at home.

"Scoring the first goal near the end of the first half was very important for them.

"It was very difficult for us and all the players are sad. We were confident of getting a good result but we did not play like we can and we paid for it."

I WILL TELL NIGERIANS IF I AM LEAVING APC – FEMI FANI KAYODE

Former Minister of Aviation and one of the fiercest critics of President Goodluck Jonathan, Femi Fani Kayode yesterday visited the Presidential Villa where he held discussions with the President.

Though he declined to divulge what he discussed with the President, Femi Fani-Kayode told state House Correspondents that every Nigerian who feel strongly about an issue should be able to discuss with the president about it.

Job Vacancy! Job Vacancy!! Job Vacancy!!!

1. A Nigerian company with business units in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and the information and communication technology(ICT) segments is offering for immediate employment, personnel for the following positions:

·         (AIE-2014)-accounting and inventory executive

·         (SME-2014)-sales and marketing executive

·         (ISE-2014)ICT support & service executives

·         (HRE-2014) human relations executives

Applicant must possess at least 5 years working experience and must be proficient with personal computer (pc) system.

Send a copy of your CV/Resume to:

apps@coralgroupng.com

Using the Alpha-numeric vacancy code as the subject of the mail.

2. Emergency medical service Nigeria limited, a new  and fast growing company in Lagos dedicated to providing out-of-hospital health care services and transport to patients who requires immediate medical attention. The company requires the service of the following:

Emergency medical dispatcher  ref:EMD001) Lagos required candidates:50

Responsibilities:

·         Receives incoming calls\system alert from patients

·         Provides an expert systematized caller interrogation, using the scripts provided by the emergency medical dispatched system, in order to determine the likely severity of the patient’s illness or injury, so that the most appropriate type of response resource may be expedited.

·         Receives \collect blood samples from patients.

·         Effective use of AED for emergency medical situations.

·         Follows prescribed protocols to provide emergency medical instruction to patients during high risk situation before transfer to hospital.

Qualifications and requirements:

·         Ability to ride a bike or willingness to same within short period of time

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

·         Minimum qualification: medical laboratory technician\OND in health technology\community health extension worker.

AMBULANCE DRIVER:(REF:AMD002) LAGOS

REQUIRED CANDIDATES:25

Qualifications and requirements:

Insecurity: CSO Commends Sokoto For Installing CCTV

leadership A civil society group, the Caliphate Grassroots Movement, has commended the governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu M. Wamakko, for instaling  solar-powered traffic lights, close circuit television cameras (CCTV) and road name signage within Sokoto metropolis.

The group called on motorists in the state to obey traffic rules to ensure effective usage of the facilities.

The group said that the CCTV came at the appropriate time considering the security challenges facing most parts of  northern Nigeria.

In a statement by the group’s director of information, Mallam Dahiru Paki, the group expressed hope that the government will use the advantages offered by this CCTV to be a step ahead of criminals.

Six things we've learned about missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 as search closes in on black box

The mystery of Malaysia Airlines MH370 could be solved if two black boxes can be retrieved from the bottom of the ocean.           

An Australian vessel picked up the signals from around 14,764 ft below the surface of the southern Indian Ocean, 1,650km off the coast of Perth.

The world is waiting to hear if the flight data recorders hold vital clues in understanding what happened to the plane.

Malaysian acting transport minister Hishammuddin Hussein is hoping for a "positive outcome" from the intense search operation.

For 30 days the plane has been missing and all 239 passengers and crew are thought to have perished.

Oronsaya Report: FG Accept to Merges NAMA, NCAA, NIMET

The Federal Government, yesterday, accepted the recommendation that Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), be merged into a new body to be known as the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA), while their respective enabling laws are to be amended accordingly to reflect the merger.

It, however, rejected the recommendation of the Steve Oronsaye committee that  the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Code of Conduct be merged.

Nollywood actress Funke Akindele Finds Love Again

Funke Akindele aka Suliya kan Ayetoro Kan, again found another love after she broke up with her former husband, Almaroof. According , She met this new man late last year through a mutual friend and everything seems to be working very well and fast for them. Though the man lives outside the country, he moved Funke to his duplex at Chevron Estate, Lekki to ensure everything will be fine with her

Osun PDP Governorship Pry Election: Omisore’s Emergence, Good For APC - Osun APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the emergence of Senator Iyiola Omisore as the gover
norship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the August 9 gubernatorial election as a good omen for the APC.

The APC said Omisore’s emergence made victory easier for the party, because the PDP has a candidate that lacks pedigree, credibility, responsibility and focus.

According to the APC in a press statement signed by its Director of Research, Publicity and Strategy, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, on Sunday, the people of the state do not want a candidate with questionable character.
The APC described the primary election that produced Omisore’s candidature as typical of a party, which ground norm for political engagement is gangsterism.

Oyatomi said Omisore’s emergence was not unexpected, as his co-aspirant had to withdraw from the race because of the alleged threat from Omisore and his loyalists.

Osun Residents Panic As Omiosre Emerges PDP Candidate

Residents of major towns in the State of Osun have started  panicking as Senator Iyiola Omisore emerged
the flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the gubernatorial election in the state in August.

The people of the state have been following development in the party with keen interest as the party primary built up for about two weeks.

Findings showed that the people were concerned with the calibre of aspirant that would eventually emerge as the party candidate, believing it would have a lot with the populace before and during the election.

As the party announced its candidate after the primary, some residents expressed their pessimism on the peaceful conduct of the August 9 poll, particularly with the event leading to the build-up to the party primary election held last Saturday.