Good As He Is; Nigeria Issues N100b Sovereign Sukuk for Subscription
1. Pele shreds Messi, says not as good as he is
Football legend Pele has said Lionel Messi ‘can’t compare’ to him – and slammed the Barcelona megastar for having just one attribute to his game: being one footed.
The 78-year-old Brazil icon said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s inability to head the ball means he was a better player.
Earlier this year, the Brazil hero said he believes Neymar is a better player than both Messi and long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
2.Nigeria issues N100b Sovereign Sukuk for subscription
The Federal Government has begun the sale of its second tranche 7-year N100 billion Sovereign Sukuk, the Debt Management Office (DMO), said on Thursday.
The offer circular, which was obtained from its website, said the seven year Islamic Sukuk, referred to as Ijarah is at a rental rate of 15.74 per cent and would be due in 2025.
The bond, which is aimed at funding road infrastructure across the six geo-political zones, is payable semi-annually.
Subscription for the bond, which is guaranteed by the government, will close on Dec. 17.
3.Rwigara's acquittal 'should herald new era'
Amnesty International is hopeful that the acquittal of Rwandan politician Diana Rwigara will bring in a new era of "greater tolerance and acceptance of critical views".
The 37-year-old opposition leader was acquitted of forgery and inciting insurrection - a term used to mean calling people to revolt.
“We call on the Rwandan authorities to build on this judgement and work towards developing greater tolerance and acceptance of alternative and critical views. The judgement must be a first step in reversing the ongoing trend of repression in Rwanda.”
“We call on the Rwandan authorities to build on this judgement and work towards developing greater tolerance and acceptance of alternative and critical views. The judgement must be a first step in reversing the ongoing trend of repression in Rwanda.”
Ms Rwigara had denied the charges, saying they were politically motivated.
A three-judge panel told a packed court all the charges were "baseless".
4. People with albinism compete in beauty pageant
The Albinism Society of Kenya have held a Mr and Miss Albinism beauty pageant in Nairobi to support those with the hereditary condition.
5. Eiffel Tower to close on Saturday amid Paris riot fears
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is to close on Saturday amid fears of further street violence from "yellow vest" anti-government protests.
Police have urged shops and restaurants on Paris's Champs-Elysees to shut and some museums will also be closed.
Paris saw some of the worst rioting in decades last Saturday.
The government has said it is scrapping unpopular fuel tax increases in its budget - the original trigger for the protests.
But broader discontent with the government has spread and protests have erupted over other issues.