ANC to investigate misappropriation of Mandela funds

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party has promised to investigate recent allegations that funds for Nelson Mandela's memorial services were misappropriated.

UN condemns attack on journalists in Egypt

The United Nations has condemned the "increasingly severe clampdown and physical attacks" on journalists by Egyptian authorities, with particular reference to three Al Jazeera reporters held for more than a month.

Former Barcelona President, Nunez sentenced for embezzlement

The Spanish Supreme Court has upheld the decision of a lower court that Nunez was actively involved in a conspiracy that saw tax inspectors maintain “a pact of silence” while receiving millions of euros to accept returns they knew to be false.

Josep Lluis Nunez was sentenced to two years and two months in prison for the embezzlement of 13 million euros in public funds. Nunez who was in charge between 1978 and 2000, is however unlikely to serve any time behind bars because of his age, El Pais has reported.

Lawmakers back Ihejirika

Lawmakers in the Abia State House of Assembly have criticised the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and described as mischievous, their recent threat to take legal action against former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika.

"We have been dinning with the devil" Shekarau blast APC leadership, defects to PDP

The last has not been heard of party defections across the political landscape of Nigeria as the ruling party battles with the opposition ahead of the general elections in 2015.

Weeks after Kano state Governor, Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso along with some other PDP Governors defected to the APC following the crisis rocking the PDP, his rival and predecessor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau has denounced the APC for the PDP and urged his supporters all over the state and country to do likewise.

11 PDP Senators to defect to APC

According to reports in the Nigerian media, some 11 senators of the ruling People's Democratic Party are planning to defect to the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC)

CHAN 2014: Ghana beat Nigeria to reach final

The Black Stars of Ghana have defeated Nigeria's home-based Super Eagles to secure a place in the final.

The Ghanaian team were reduced to ten men in the second half but handled the situation well by holding their Nigerian counterparts till the end of the second 45 minutes, taking the game to extra time.

Malawi rocked by financial scandal

Malawi has been rocked by the biggest financial scandal in it's 50-year history. (What is now referred to as "cashgate").

BBC reports that "some government officials have allegedly been exploiting a loophole in the system to divert millions from government coffers".

Morsi appears in court for plotting to "destroy the Egyptian state"

Ousted Egyptian president, Mohamed Morsi, has returned to court for the second time since he was ousted in July, to stand trial for jailbreak charges during the 2011 uprising. Morsi stood inside a glass-encased metal cage at the start of his trial in eastern Cairo. The Egyptian authorities have accused him and the other defendants of plotting to "destroy the Egyptian state and its institutions."

Our action is legitimate - APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed critics of its recent directives to members in the National Assembly to block all bills emanating from the President. National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed expressed this position saying that 'the decision won't change until the President intervenes to bring back law and order in Rivers State'.

El Rufai finally honours SSS invitation

The Deputy National Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El Rufai finally reported to the SSS this morning. He was accompanied by his wife and some APC chieftains including Governor Rotimi Ameachi of Rivers State and Senator Chris Ngige.

Political parties divided over elections timetable

Mixed reactions have greeted the release of the 2015 elections timetable which indicated that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Feb. 14, 2015 before the gubernatorial and state assemblies elections scheduled for Feb. 28, 2015.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Interim Organising Secretary in Jigawa, State, Ahaji Nasiru Dantiye, is quoted by Vanguard as saying that the INEC's plan to conduct elections on separate days would cost the nation a lot of money.

'au revoir': French President confirms separation from partner Valerie

French President François Hollande has confirmed his separation from first lady Valérie Trierweiler. This decision comes two weeks after media reports that Hollande was having an affair with French actress Julie Gayet.

"I wish to make it known that I have ended my partnership with Valérie Trierweiler,"

Blame game in South Sudan amidst violation ceasefire deal

Just few days after the warring factions in the world's newest state, South Sudan agreed a ceasefire deal, both parties have accused each other of violating the agreement meant to bring an end to the conflict that has killed thousands of people and driven half a million from their homes.

Photos: Ronaldo shares his Ballon d'Or award with Real Madrid fans in the Bernabéu

The 2013 World Footballer of the Year was greeted by a golden mosaic spelling out CR7 as he came out on to the pitch

Very Super Eagles stun Morocco

The home-based Super Eagles of Nigeria shocked the Atlas Lions of Morocco in today's quarter final tie at the on-going CHAN Championship.

The eagles after a poor display in the first half which saw them concede three goals, came back stronger in the second 45 minutes to turn the 3-0 deficit into a 4-3 victory.

Goals from Ugonna Uzochukwu, Rabiu Ali and Ejike Uzoenyi, who scored the equalizing goal in the nick of time, ensured their progress to the next round.

Photos: Juan Mata arrives Manchester in style

Juan Mata arrived by helicopter at Manchester United’s Aon Training Complex on Saturday to finalise his club-record transfer from Stamford Bridge.

Digital ballot boxes for 2015 elections - INEC

Snatching of ballot boxes would be impossible in the Nigeria's 2015 general elections. This was made known by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, on Thursday at the closing ceremony of a four-day retreat for INEC’s commissioners in Kaduna.

The INEC boss further adviced politicians not to engage in electoral malpractice in the forthcoming polls.

Manchester United launch bid for Luke Shaw

Manchester United have reportedly tested the resolve of new Southampton Chairman by launching a bid for their 'not for sale' 18-year-old full-back Luke Shaw.

Reports from the Daily Mirror suggests United have made a 22.5 million bid for the highly-rated defender.

The Premier League champions are hoping to build on the momentum after their club record signing of Spainish International, Juan Mata from the blues.

A 'Mata' of Necessity: Manchester United agree deal for Juan Mata

Manchester United have confirmed that an agreement has been reached for the signing of Chelsea's Juan Mata for a fee believed to be in the region of £37 million ($60.8 million). The Old Trafford club is expected to offer Mata a four-and-a-half year contract.

It is indeed a matter of necessity for both parties who have not enjoyed a blissful season. The EPL Champions will be looking to re strategize and get their woeful season back on track with the signing of the Spaniard whom David Moyes expects to provide more creativity in the middle of the park.

CAR's first female president, Samba-Panza sworn in

Former Mayor of Bangui, Samba-Panza who was chosen to lead the Central African Republic (CAR) by a national transitional council on Monday has now been sworn in.

Samba-Panza, 59, has a huge challenge ahead as she seeks to re-establish stability in the country, including disarming the militias, establishing a new national army and ending outbreaks of sectarian violence. The recent unrest has also brought the country's food production to a halt according to FRANCE 24

South Sudan government and rebels sign ceasefire agreement

The warring factions in South Sudan have agreed on a ceasefire after talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"These two agreements are the ingredients to create an environment for achieving a total peace in my country," said Taban Deng, head of the rebel delegation, as reported by AFP.

Opposition too far: Nwanyanwu criticises APC for its directives to lawmakers

National Chairman of the Labour Party, Dan Nwanyanwu, has described as subversive and inciting, the recent directive by the All Progressives Congress (APC) calling on its members in the National Assembly to block all executive bills.

Nwanyanwu who addressed a news conference in Abuja, condemned the step taken by the APC saying the opposition party had taken it too far. “This is opposition taken too far. The APC has, in unmistakable terms, declared war on the Nigerian people and it must be resisted at all cost.”

Sir Alex Ferguson Appointed UEFA Ambassador

UEFA president Michel Platini has revealed that former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson would take on the post of coaching ambassador to European football's governing body.

The Frenchman who spoke after an executive meeting meeting in Switzerland on Friday explained that: "Sir Alex will be chairman of the forum of elite coaches that meet every year.

"He will also be a member of the technical study group of the Champions League and the European Championship."

Sir Alex has accepted the role saying it is "an honour and a privilege to accept this role as ambassador for UEFA."

African leaders advocate for inclusive economic growth on the continent.

African leaders at the on-going World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland are calling for priority to be accorded to inclusive economic growth on the continent. Nigeria's President, Goodluck Jonathan, who spoke in a live debate on CNN at the forum, said his administration was already doing a lot to enhance inclusive growth in Nigeria by initiating policies and programmes that bordered on wealth creation rather than poverty alleviation.