As the 2012/2013 academic session for students of the University of Ibadan (UI) has been billed to commence on Monday, January 7, 2013, controversy has continued to trail a purported move by the university to increase students’ accommodation fee on resumption.

Emeka Wogu has been relieved of his appointment as Commissioner for Special Duties in Rivers state. This was contained in a Government House statement made available to newsmen.

Chelsea have been given permission to approach Newcastle United striker Demba Ba after making an offer that triggered a release clause in his contract, Newcastle confirmed on Wednesday.

The Federal Government on Wednesday  said that no fewer than 10 million cell phones would be  distributed to farmers to boost agricultural production in  the country.

ABEOKUTA- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos has the political will to dislodge the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in the coming 2015 elections.

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova visited team players at their training ground on Wednesday, less than two weeks after he had cancer surgery, the club said.

The visit raised hopes that Vilanova, 44, may soon return to work with the team, which is flying nine points clear at the top of the Spanish league.

The US Congress pulled back from the brink of “fiscal cliff” disaster and sparked a New Year stock rally with a last-minute deal averting tax hikes and massive spending cuts which threatened to unleash economic calamity.

Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Wednesday said that Paris Saint-Germain’s transformation is a work in progress, with results in all competitions this season key to attracting the best players in the world.

…Says “our focus is on 2015”
CHIEF Eze Duruiheoma, SAN, is the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Imo State. In this interview, he explains why the party challenged the outcome of the 2011 governorship election in the state, despite congratulating the winner. He also speaks on the sacking of Local Government chairmen in Imo state and his efforts to reposition the party ahead 2015 among other issues. Excerpts:

CATHOLIC Bishop of Bomadi, Hyacinth Egbedo hit headlines with his remarks at the funeral of General Owoye Andrew Azazi, former National Security Adviser. He blamed the death on the poor condition of the East-West Road and corruption. His audience included President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Seriake Henry Dickson.