The San Jose Sharks – through the first two weeks of the regular season – owned the worst offense in the NHL. Still do, in fact.
But if the Sharks have any hope of beating the Carolina Hurricanes today and ending their season-opening seven-game losing streak, they’ll need to cut down on the high-danger chances against, which, in turn, should help prevent so many pucks from going into their own net.
Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood covered up a lot of Sharks mistakes through his first four starts this month, but that dam broke wide open on Thursday, and the Sharks’ defensive shortcomings were exposed for all to see in what became a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena.
Five of the six goals the Sharks allowed came at even strength, and in those situations, per Natural Stat Trick, San Jose gave up 17 high-danger chances and created just five.
The Sharks have now allowed 18 goals during 5-on-5 play in seven games this season, tied for the third-worst per-game average in the NHL.
It’s an issue the Sharks faced last season as well but never fully solved, as they allowed 220 goals in 82 games during 5-on-5 play, a total which was again, third highest in the league.
Of course, it’s almost impossible to win with the 1.14 goals per game the Sharks (0-6-1) are averaging so far. But if good defense leads to offense, then that might be a way for the Sharks to get out of this.
Maybe it’s the only way.
“It’s too much up and down right now,” Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said. “Some nights we’re physical and we’re competing hard enough and other nights, our foot’s off the gas, and it’s just not good enough.
“Maybe we’re thinking too much on what we’ve got to do offensively and how to create, and I think just narrowing it down to the little things: our compete, being good teammates, and working hard every night. Until we’re consistent with that, we can’t worry about scoring.”
Against the Lightning, San Jose was too slow to pucks and often too late to react. Tampa Bay won races all over the ice and moved the puck through a shoddy Sharks defense with frightening efficiency.
One can say it’s the personnel, and that the overall lack of speed and anticipation is just a fundamental flaw of the roster.
But it might go deeper than that. Maybe there’s a lack of trust right now.
“I think there’s definitely hesitation,” Sharks coach David Quinn said. “I don’t think guys trust each other yet. I think guys are hesitant to do what they’re supposed to do because they’re wondering if the other guy’s going to do what he’s supposed to do. When that happens, that’s when you get hesitation.”
“We need to come together,” Sharks defenseman Jan Rutta said. “I think there’s too much second-guessing, and it translates to our game.”
Looking at Thursday’s game, you can see Rutta’s point. The Lightning play fast not because they have the quickest skaters in the league, but because they know where each other is going to be, and move the puck accordingly. It’s a corps of players that’s been together for a while, and it shows.
The Sharks can’t get into a rhythm because it seems they’re always chasing the game. They want to play a certain aggressive style, but there’s no predictability when they have the puck.
And when they don’t have possession, they need to be in a better position to defend.
“We’re not the biggest team but we’ve got to start finishing more checks,” Ferraro said. “That was a big emphasis, especially against all of these skilled teams. They have a lot of speed and it’s the only way we’re going to be able to slow them down. Tonight was an example of what happens when we’re stick-checking too much and not playing physical.”
“We have to be way more on our toes,” Quinn said. “Too often when they got the puck, they made a play. A guy would get it and then we’d arrive, instead of arriving when the puck arrived.
“When you allow that much time and space, you just have no chance. People are going to look at the zero and the fact we didn’t generate a lot of offense again, but when you’re hanging on for dear life and you finally get the puck out your zone, you’ve got to change and you’re not able to sustain any transition or any zone time.”
The question becomes, is it something this group of Sharks skaters is capable of fixing?
“Absolutely,” Quinn said. “I know that we can play a hell of a lot better than we did tonight.”
A former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has criticised Senator Sunday Karimi for his justification of the purchase of luxury vehicles for members of the National Assembly, describing it as “utterly disgraceful”
Karimi had on October 25th 2023, during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ defended the Senate over the purchase of N57.6b SUVs for its members.
Ezekwesili, while reacting to Karimi’s statement in defence of the SUVs’ purchase, said it was insensitive to the plight of Nigerians whose suffering had worsened lately.
She tweeted on Friday: “Who is this annoyingly vacuous Senator Sunday Karimi @SundayKarimi of the @NGRSenate whose sole argument for wasting public resources to purchase Luxury SUV vehicles for members of the @nassnigeria at this time of National FINANCIAL DISTRESS is, “it is not only Lawmakers that are irresponsible. Ministers and Local Government Chairmen all have 4-6 Land-cruisers so you citizens should stop disturbing us, naaa”.
“Utterly disgraceful and disgusting act of tone-deafness on display.
“Let me kindly ask you and your colleagues to please read the following scriptures as wisdom appears to be away from you all on this matter that enrages your Citizens: Luke 17:27, Matthew 24:38-39.
“Continue if it pays you but do not say Citizens did not help you to act wisely.”
Who is this annoyingly vacuous Senator Sunday Karimi @SundayKarimi of the @NGRSenate whose sole argument for wasting public resources to purchase Luxury SUV vehicles for members of the @nassnigeria at this time of National FINANCIAL DISTRESS is, “it is not only Lawmakers that are… https://t.co/DAT1q3OtRU
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kelly Osbourne, 39; Patrick Fugit, 41; Peter Firth, 70; John Cleese, 84.
Happy Birthday: Completion is the challenge, and stamina and ingenuity are the answers. Use your imagination, and you’ll find inroads to achieving what you want this year. Don’t cloud your vision with outside influences. Stick to the game plan, and don’t look up until you are confident you have everything in place. Change will lead to satisfaction and the place you want to call home. Create your dream and turn it into a reality. Your numbers are 8, 19, 26, 31, 37, 45, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stay within bounds, or someone will take an offensive position. It’s best to go under the radar, put everything in place and then use a discreet way to enforce your offer. Timing, commitment and appeal will necessitate triumph. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s up to you to exhibit positive change; if you let someone else act on your behalf, you won’t get what you want. Communication is vital, and mapping out what you want to accomplish will speed up the process. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Watch your back. Someone you least expect will disrupt your life by putting you in an awkward position. Play fair and point out anyone who isn’t abiding by the rules. Distance yourself from anyone trying to take over. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Choose your cohorts carefully. Someone will trick you into something using emotional blackmail if you aren’t careful. Stay one step ahead and devise a cost-efficient and unique plan to keep disruptive people out of your orbit. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Someone will try to derail your progress. Learn as you go and use experience to protect your rights, skills and plans. Revisit your options and choose what offers the greatest freedom to do as you please. Walk away from confrontations that serve no purpose. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Go it alone. Don’t rely on others or allow anyone to interrupt your plans. Implement the changes that lead to opportunity and take care of matters personally. Honesty is vital if you want to build respect and a following. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Pull from all your resources, process what you have to work with and concentrate on reaching your destination. Don’t take time out to examine what others are up to. The race is with yourself, not others. Be and do your best. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Apply energy where it counts. Go above and beyond the call of duty, and you’ll gain acceptance into the inner circle. A show of diversity will buy you time and approval from someone who impacts you. A partnership will enhance opportunities. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sit tight, and don’t let anyone talk you into something unnecessary. Pay attention to domestic issues and your emotional well-being. Dedicate time to research regarding ailments or weak links in your life that need updating. Take it slow and do things meticulously. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Refuse to let anyone use emotional manipulation to slow you down. Move forward and adjust what isn’t working for you anymore. A change at home will give you the boost you need to initiate opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to money coming in and going out. Keep your finances separate and decline joint ventures that can leave you paying for things you don’t want. Extravagance and overindulgence will leave a dent in your wallet and your ego. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Focus; don’t fuss or invite interference. Take advantage of a chance to get ahead or to invest in whatever brings you joy. A partnership will take a positive turn; be ready to take advantage of the situation. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are dedicated, possessive and innovative. You are persistent and reliable.
1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.
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Ethiopian Airlines has absolved itself from any wrongdoing in the establishment of Nigerian Air and the processes that led to its launch by the former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirka.
Ethiopian Airlines made the denial through its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mesfin Tasew during an interview with journalist in Addis Ababa.
Tasew revealed that Ethiopian Air almost pulled out of the deal but the former administration insisted that its expertise was needed for the success of the Nigerian Air.
The Nigerian Air was floated on May 27 after which it was discovered that the aircraft used for the exercise was a Boeing 737-800 which has registration Number ET-APL, Mode S Q4005C, and serial number: 40965/4075.
The project has been suspended by the new Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Tasew said, “At one point, the leadership of Nigeria Air, which doesn’t include Ethiopian Airlines, asked us to bring aircraft painted with the Nigerian logo to facilitate the progress of the Air Operators’ Certificate. So, we agreed with that, we took out one of our aircraft, we painted it with the Nigerian logo, we flew it, it was for demonstration by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for their inspection.
“So, after two days, we brought back the aircraft, repainted it with the Ethiopian logo and it is flying. So, while we were here, waiting for the decision of the court, now there was a change of government that took place.”
He said Ethiopian Airlines didn’t have any intention or plan to set up an airline in Nigeria.
Tasewa explained that in May of 2022, when he took his current responsibility (as Group CEO), a request came from the Nigerian government asking Ethiopian Airlines to participate in a bid and help the Nigerian government to set up a Nigerian flag carrier.
He said, “It came in writing. Initially, we didn’t want to go into that. We said we have other initiatives in other countries and we were busy. But the Nigerian government insisted that Ethiopian Airlines is an African airline, it has to help the Nigerian government in setting up the national carrier. So, we had to respect them.
“We serve the Nigerian public and government by flying to four cities in Nigeria; we couldn’t say no, we cannot come and help you. So, we had to submit a proposal, we had to respect the Nigerian government.
“We thought that the Nigerian government had choices, ET being one; because they had also requested other airlines in the Middle East, Europe to participate in the bid. I don’t know whether they participated or not. We submitted our proposal and we received a letter from the Ministry of Aviation, saying that Ethiopian Airlines has been selected to be a partner to set up the airline.”
He said that the Nigerian government told Ethiopian Air that domestic airlines where not dependable and do not have the capacity to run the national carrier.
We are told from the onset that “Pain Hustlers” is “inspired by real events.”
It quickly becomes clear that what that means in this case is the movie, though largely entertaining, is not telling a dramatized true tale set within the country’s opioid crisis.
Its characters — including those played by appealing leads Emily Blunt and Chris Evans — never feel all that authentic. And as for what transpires … let’s just say “Pain Hustlers” isn’t afraid to lay it on a little thick now and then.
That said, does this story of ambitious folks getting caught up in pushing doctors to prescribe a potentially harmful drug in the hopes of lining their pockets ring true at various points? Oh, sure.
Its genesis was screenwriter Wells Tower being sent journalist Evan Hughes’ 2018 New York Times article “The Pain Hustlers,” about the scandal surrounding the company Insys Therapeutics. Furthermore, the book Hughes would later write, eventually titled “Pain Hustlers: Crime and Punishment at an Opioid Startup” and developed alongside the movie, serves very loosely as its basis.
However, “Pain Hustlers” — helmed by David Yates, the director of seven movies in the “Harry Potter” universe — is more interested in being engaging than it is in hitting hard.
It wants us to invest in Blunt’s Liza Blake, a scrappy if not always reliable single mom whom Evans’ Pete Brenner meets at the exotic dance club where she works.
Looking to do the best she can for teen daughter Phoebe (Chloe Coleman, “Gunpowder Milkshake”) and needing to move out of her judgemental sister’s garage, Liza takes Pete up on an offer for a sales position at Zanna, the failing Florida-based pharmaceutical company where he’s in management and works with people he despises.
Chris Evans portrays the ambitious Pete Brenner in “Pain Hustlers.” (Betina La Plante/Netflix/TNS)
She is given just one week to hook a “whale” — a doctor who will prescribe the company’s fentanyl-based drug, Lonafen, intended to relieve pain in cancer patients. With much effort, she finds that whale, Brian d’Arcy James’ Dr. Lydell, whom Chloe refers to at one point as “Doctor Sketchball.”
Soon, more prescriptions are being written by more doctors, money is flowing into Zanna and rules increasingly are being bent and broken by drug reps and docs alike.
While Liz and Pete are making the highly profitable moves, the puppetmaster is Zanna head Dr. Jack Neel (Andy Garcia). He talks of creating the drug because the idea of his wife being in pain while she died of cancer broke his heart but is obsessed with the company maintaining its incredible growth rate.
Yates and Tower want us to have someone to root for, so Emily — after buying an incredible home and paying “enhanced tuition” at her daughter’s exclusive private school — develops a conscience. She worries about what doctors agreeing to prescribe Lonafen for not-FDA-approved uses will mean for patients and wants to take steps to make Zanna less of a target for the feds. However, Jack — an increasingly paranoid germaphobe who has worked to isolate himself from the actions of his employees — isn’t interested.
Thanks to the almost always compelling Blunt (“Edge of Tomorrow,” “A Quiet Place”), it is, in fact, pretty easy to care about what happens to Liza, whose motivation for (eventually) doing the right thing includes her daughter’s need for a pricy medical procedure. She’s no angel, Blunt is so good that we forget that for big stretches of “Pain Hustlers.”
It’s a little harder to worry about what will become of Pete, a character given little dimension by Tower and Yates and who, for some reason, has been provided with a distracting Boston accent by Beantown native Evans (“Avengers: Endgame,” “Knives Out”).
We wouldn’t have minded a bit more screen time for Garcia (“Expend4bles”), who adds a little color to “Pain Hustlers” as the eccentric if ultimately loathsome Jack.
Likewise, the film doesn’t find quite enough for the talented Catherine O’Hara (“Best in Show,” “Schitt’s Creek”) to do as Jackie, Liza’s loose-cannon mother, whom she hires to be a sales representative. (What could go wrong there?)
“Pain Hustlers” doesn’t ignore the damage the drug is doing to the people taking it and their loved ones, but that isn’t where its focus lies. The movie wants to be “The Wolf of Wall Street” rather than something akin to the excellent Hulu limited series “Dopesick.” As a result, it feels a bit slight, short story writer Tower’s lack of screenwriting experience perhaps showing a bit.
On the other hand, in Yates’ hands, it’s brisk and punchy. There’s simply something to be said from any streaming offering that doesn’t stagnate.
“Pain Hustlers” shines more light on a shady and dangerous world, one in which doctors are incentivized to write prescriptions and where profit can be more important to some than quality health care. It isn’t the first work to do that, and it isn’t the best.
But at least it has Emily Blunt.
‘Pain Hustlers’
Where: Netflix.
When: Oct. 27.
Rated: R for language throughout, some sexual content, nudity and drug use.
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has declared the commitment of his government to work in synergy with President, Bola Tinubu.
The governor in a congratulatory message to the President after he (Tinubu) was affirmed winner of the election by the supreme court on Thursday said the proactive measure the president took is stirring the nations economy to the right direction.
He said: “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Imo State, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his triumphant victory at the Supreme Court, securing his presidency in the recent general elections.
“I commend President Tinubu’s proactive measures in stirring the economy of our dear nation. Despite interim difficulties experienced by the people, Mr. President’s policies are designed to offer greater economic advantage on a long term basis. His dedication to national development is evident and we are confident in his ability to lead our great nation towards a brighter future.”
The governor affirmed that the state is committed to work with president to bring about unity.
“As a state, we are ready and committed to working hand in hand with Mr. President on this national assignment. Together, we can achieve progress, unity and prosperity for our beloved country. We look forward to the collaborative efforts that will bring about positive change and growth on a national scale,” he added.
Uzodinma will test his popularity at the November 11 polls as he will compete against 16 candidates from other political parties.
The City of Angels offers tourists a heavenly number of star-studded attractions. Many come with sky-high price tags, but not all. Some of the best sights, sounds, attractions and activities in the city are free.
Visitors can join Angelenos at play, gain an insider’s appreciation of the city and indulge in a plethora of pleasures without paying a penny.
Here’s where to go and what to do to maximize the Los Angeles experience:
Beaches
Life is a beach in LA. As if ocean, sunshine and long stretches of soft sand aren’t enough, LA beaches come with all sorts of enhancements. The beaches are free for the access, but they vary in style, substance and extracurricular activities (that may come with fees).
A sign marks the end of the historic route 66 as people walk on the Santa Monica Pier on April 30, 2021 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Santa Monica State Beach
All day and well into the night, the Santa Monica State Beach brims with fun. During the day, over 2 miles of sandy coastline lures beach lovers with surfing, swimming, sunbathing and a variety of sports. The 114-year-old Santa Monica Pier (the iconic end point of Route 66 — selfie anyone?) is a bright and buzzing spot from which to watch the sunset over the Pacific. The pier’s fee-based fun includes an amusement park, aquarium and food outlets.
Venice Beach
Tourists from around the world head to Venice Beach, not so much for sunbathing and swimming — although there is that, but rather to soak up the vibrant, boho spirit. Stroll along the2-plus-mile boardwalk rich with street performers, art galleries, casual food outlets and quirky souvenir shops. Gawk at the scantily dressed skaters who whiz around and the perfectly toned bodybuilders working out at Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym where the famous train. Participate in activities on the fishing pier, at the skate park, on different sports courts, or simply stroll and savor the scene.
Trails
Mellow weather. Flourishing flora and fauna. Panoramic views. LA provides the perfect setting for year-round hiking. These two exceedingly popular urban parks are filled with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Note: Best to wear sunscreen and hydrate when tackling any trail.
Tourists walk around the Griffith Observatory on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California, on July 25, 2023. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Griffith Park
This city-owned park spreads over 4,200 acres at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountain range and offers hikers a broad range of excitements, including breathtaking trails leading to the Griffith Observatory (free to visit — except for planetarium shows). Griffith Park is also home to the Hollywood Sign, as well as some of its best viewpoints. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Runyon Canyon Park
Highly popular with locals, so a bit crowded (think celebrities and those who come to see celebrities), Runyon Canyon Park covers 160 acres in the heart of Hollywood. Trails offer workouts of various difficulties and steep rises yield sweeping views of Hollywood, downtown LA and even Catalina Island on clear days. Don’t miss Rock Mandala, a meditative circle designed by artist Robert Wilson. The park sports some off-leash areas for canine companions.
Art Museums
Some are large. Some are small. And most are just right to delight a variety of special interests. LA hosts a wealth of museums dedicated to different subjects. While some charge hefty fees, a few display their treasures free of charge.
Although entrance is free, these museums require advance reservations with timed entrance (available on each museum’s website). Prepare to be wowed!
Getty Center
This crown jewel of the LA art scene sits at the top of a hill in the Santa Monica Mountains in Brentwood. Visitors must park in a designated lot (for a hefty fee) at the hill’s base and take a free, four-minute tram up to the center. With more than 120,000 objects in its collection, the center’s exhibits cover a broad time frame — from the Middle Ages to today — and a wide range of subjects including illuminated manuscripts, photography, decorative arts, sculpture and painting (from Rembrandt to Manet). Captivating modern architecture, lush landscaping and spectacular views complete the picture. More information at getty.edu/visit/center
The Broad comtemporary art museum in Los Angeles, California is seen on November 15, 2021 ahead of the exhibition ‘Since Unveiling: Selected Acquisitions of a Decade’, which opens on November 20. – The Broad hosts a Diversity Apprenticeship Program, an initiative to create career opportunities for underrepresented communities in the museum field. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
The Broad
A modern architectural wonder located downtown, The Broad is a must-visit for fans of contemporary art. Galleries showcase works of more than 200 artists including such popular favorites as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons. Timed entrance tickets give access to Yayoi Kusama’s incredible Infinity Mirror Room — one of the most popular installations in Los Angeles. More information at thebroad.org
Ethnic Enclaves
The ethnic communities of LA cover the world. Take your pick: Thai Town, Chinatown, Cambodia Town and the “Littles,” such as Little Saigon, Armenia, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Moscow and many more. These are the places to explore different cultures, try special foods, shop for imports and enjoy unique festivals that express the neighborhood’s celebratory joy. Two to try:
Koreatown
The 3 square miles that make up Koreatown are packed with trendy fun. Shops, bars and particularly restaurants draw customers from all over Los Angeles. According to DiscoverLosAngeles.com, Koreatown not only houses more Koreans than anywhere else in the world outside of Korea, but also holds one of the largest concentrations of nightclubs and 24-hour businesses and restaurants in the country, and contains more large malls than any other similar-sized area in the U.S.
Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo began life in the 1880s, was recognized as a historic landmark in 1986, and remains the culture core for LA’s Japanese descendants. Covering an area of about five city blocks in downtown LA, the district holds the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center; the lovely, serene Garden of the Clear Stream; Buddhist temples; and shops selling video games and anime. Eateries specialize in Japanese delights such as ramen and sushi (the famed California roll was supposedly invented here).
Nightlife and entertainment
Yes, it is possible to go clubbing, attend concerts, discover new comedians and enjoy assorted entertainment in LA for free. Check online for free listings and tickets at TimeOut, Eventbrite and Discotech.
Only window shopping is free, but there are two areas where one can window shop and people watch — win-wins easy on the budget.
Rodeo Drive
A 2-mile street flashing famous shops, glitzy boutiques and legendary fashion houses, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills draws the wealthy Hollywood crowd. Pretty women shop here. Celebrities with tons of money do too. Good place to see how the other half fills their closets.
The Grove and The Original Farmers Market
Referred to as an open-air mall, The Grove in LA’s Melrose neighborhood emits an upscale, small-town main street ambiance. A double-deck trolley (free rides) travels the central corridor, looping around a water fountain that dances to piped tunes of Frank Sinatra and his contemporaries. The mall offers popular retail shops (See’s Candies gives free samples — yippee), a movie theater and restaurants. Next door, The Original Farmers Market, dating to 1934, draws both locals and tourists to enjoy shopping at the stalls of gourmet food purveyors that fill the market.
Catching the Vibe
Tour downtown to see rich and diverse architectural gems. Don’t miss the shining, stunningly dramatic Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Pay tribute to celebrities at both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in the forecourt of the nearby TCL Chinese Theatre (also known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre).
Drive (or stroll) through Beverly Hills to see celebrity homes (from a distance).
Cruise along Mulholland Drive (avoid rush hour) for glorious views captured in many movie scenes.
Look here, there, everywhere to behold awesome street art. Sculptures sit on street corners. Installations front buildings. Murals cover walls. Graffiti brightens alleys.
Color, creativity and pizazz thrives in most neighborhoods, but particularly in Venice and downtown’s Arts District.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has recaptured one of the two pre-trial detainees who had escaped from a medium-security custodial facility in Katsina State.
ASC Najibullah Idris, spokesperson for the NCoS in Katsina, revealed this on Thursday.
“Following the recent escape of two awaiting trial inmates from the medium security custodial centre, Katsina (Old), on October 17, 2023, a search party was constituted in collaboration with sister security agencies.
“Consequently, the principal suspect among the duo, Abba Kala, has been recaptured.
“The NCoS Katsina Command is tracking the remaining fleeing inmate using the service’s e-tracking system as well as collaboration with sister security agencies and the command will soon take him into custody” said Idris.
In 2022, a Jailbreak saw the escape of Boko Haram suspects from the Kuje Correctional Facility in Abuja after an attack by suspected members of the terrorist group.
In 2018, several inmates fled when the Minna Medium Prison in Niger State was attacked, resulting in the deaths of an official of NCoS and a motorcyclist.
SAN FRANCISCO — Buster Posey, despite his status as part-owner, board member and newly minted local resident, wasn’t on hand Wednesday morning as the Giants introduced their new manager, Bob Melvin. He tuned in remotely, which meant he didn’t miss his partner in the C-suite, club chairman Greg Johnson, briefly interrupt the fanfare with a dose of reality and a splash of cold water.
In between pledges to return to the postseason and promises to revamp the roster this offseason, Johnson, the son of majority owner Charles Johnson, was asked about money. The club hasn’t come close to returning to Bobby Evans-era spending levels since they handed the reins to Farhan Zaidi five years ago. Would they consider broaching the luxury tax threshold? Maybe for one year, maybe for the right player, Johnson said.
“But,” he said, “we also represent a group that hopefully our goal is to somewhat break even, which is somewhat of a challenge in this business.”
Johnson’s comments didn’t overshadow Melvin’s introduction, but their implications could hang over the new manager’s attempt to turn the club around, with glaring need for the kind of stabilizing forces in their lineup and pitching staff only costly star power provides. Unsurprisingly, it also didn’t sit well with fans.
Johnson’s father is worth an estimated $4.8 billion, according to Forbes, and the value of his franchise has skyrocketed more than 3,000%, to $3.7 billion, since his ownership group purchased the club for $100 million in 1992. Jutting up from behind McCovey Cove is the team-owned Mission Rock development, which displaced hundreds of parking spots but was expected to create another stream of revenue to invest in the ballclub.
In an appearance Thursday morning on the club’s flagship radio station, KNBR 680-AM, Posey was asked about Johnson’s comments and attempted to quell fans’ concerns.
“I’ve gotten to know Greg really well,” said Posey, who joined the ownership group in 2022. “Greg, first and foremost, loves the San Francisco Giants. I know whole-heartedly that it’s his intent to put a championship team on the field. There’s no doubt in my mind about that, whatsoever. I don’t know if that helps people that maybe were, I don’t know, upset or a little concerned about that. There’s no question in my mind where Greg’s intent is, where the rest of the ownership group’s intent is.”
In a year where attendance was up almost 10% league-wide, it remained flat at the Giants’ waterfront ballpark. They averaged 30,866 fans per game, 17th in MLB. Posey said that recreating the draw the gameday experience was during his playing days, when the club sold out a National League record 530 consecutive games, is a top priority, one he believes Melvin gives them “instant credibility” in achieving.
“I’m hopeful for that feeling in the ballpark that we all love to be back,” Posey said. “For whatever reason since COVID, there’s a myriad of reasons we could probably point to, but we’ve got to get that feeling back. How you do that comes a lot of times by winning games, but it also comes about how you go about winning games. I think what’s exciting about Bob is the fact that he has such an intimate history with the Bay Area. …
“Bob said it: The Giants are the city and the city is the Giants. We understand that,” Posey continued. “We understand just how impactful the right group of players on the field can be to this city. That’s something that is discussed a lot. Probably discussed the most. How are we going to create that environment? How are we going create a product that is going to bring the fans and create the joyous memories that 50 years from now people are going to be able to share with their grandkids that are watching these teams?
“Whole-heartedly believe Greg is 100% on board with putting the best team out there for us to not only win but have fun. A team out there that’s fun. Those teams in the ‘10 to ‘17 years were fun teams. You can do it a lot of different ways with a lot of different personalities.”
Those teams were fueled by a homegrown core, which is how Zaidi has said he wants to build the next winner in San Francisco. But they were also willing to spend the money necessary to compete, ranking among the top eight payrolls from 2011 to 2019 and the top five in four of those years. Their estimated $188 million Opening Day payroll this season was the largest it has been under Zaidi, 10th-highest in the sport.
The luxury tax threshold for 2024 is set at $237 million, giving the Giants close to $80 million in leeway this winter, according to Cot’s Contracts.
“When you look at the luxury tax, in a one-year number, you could go past that if you had to. I don’t think it’s something we want to do for a long period,” Johnson said. “I think if you look at the teams that have jumped up in free agency, they didn’t really have great years this year. I’m not sure there’s a direct correlation there. But we plan on being active, and if we have to go through that, we’ll go through that.”
Regrettable contracts are the price of admission to free agency, and the three top-spending teams this season all missed the playoffs. But, if Spotrac’s estimates are accurate, the league will set a record with nine teams — nearly one in three — over the luxury tax threshold.
Who better to attest to a direct correlation between spending and winning than Bruce Bochy? Two years ago, the Giants won 107 games and the Texas Rangers lost 102. The Rangers spent more than $800 million the past two winters, and Bochy spent Wednesday preparing for his fourth World Series while the Giants introduced a new manager.
The Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti, on Thursday witnessed the decoration of an illustrious Abia son, Mr. Ifeanyi Uche who was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police and decorated in Abuja.
Otti described the new CP as a fine gentleman and officer whose success has brought honour to the state and prayed that he would continue to excel and break new grounds in his professional career.
The newly promoted Commissioner of Police, Uche hails from Umunnechi LGA of the state.
Uche is a certified Ethical Hacker and a Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator.
He is said to have taken several local and international courses on cyber security.
He is also a member of INTERPOL Cybercrime Advisory Body, Association of Cybercrime Specialists, among others.
Until his promotion he was the Deputy Commissioner of Police Cybercrime (INTERPOL) Nigeria .
