I Feel Your Daily Suffering, Buhari Tells Nigerians

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGCDWXFsuEnPp6ZjxFsYvFMyYt4qq7YX8Y76fW6zD5x3hgcOAV623AtLn5XDdpQDXPZVG_xs88U0UFbI7X0XgoQU0XngLfI-WHIdVpzVirnYz1aWMoHaE1b7x_aNdOdbht6DII2rlVZiB/s1600/Buhari-696x509.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGCDWXFsuEnPp6ZjxFsYvFMyYt4qq7YX8Y76fW6zD5x3hgcOAV623AtLn5XDdpQDXPZVG_xs88U0UFbI7X0XgoQU0XngLfI-WHIdVpzVirnYz1aWMoHaE1b7x_aNdOdbht6DII2rlVZiB/s640/Buhari-696x509.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Living in the State House has not alienated me from your daily sufferings; these challenges are only temporary,” President Buhari said in a New Year message to Nigerians.<br /> <br /> The President also said that the challenges facing the nation are temporary and will soon fizzle out.<br /> <br /> He assured that he will not fail to keep the promises he has made to Nigerians.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The President said: “I am aware that Nigerians have experienced a number of significant hardships over the past months. Living in the State House has not alienated me from your daily sufferings. I am aware of the lengthy queues at fuel stations and of the difficulties businesses have faced in acquiring foreign exchange. These challenges are only temporary, we are working to make things better.<br /> <br /> “When I presented myself to you as a presidential candidate and asked you to vote for me, I wanted to be a leader who keeps his promises. I wanted to be a leader who restores the people’s hope in those elected to serve them. I wanted to be a leader who initiates positive and enduring CHANGE.<br /> <br /> “I am still totally committed to being that kind of leader. Unforeseen circumstances and other distractions notwithstanding, I shall still do my utmost best to keep every promise I made to Nigerians during my election campaign.”<br /> <br /> Buhari said since the inauguration on May 29, his administration has focused on laying the right foundation for the change that Nigerians voted for during the presidential election.<br /> <br /> He added: “Nigerians will in due course begin to enjoy the fruits of all ongoing work. The effective and efficient implementation of our 2016 budget proposals will address many of the socio-economic issues that are of current concern to our people.<br /> <br /> “One area in which Nigerians, especially those in the northeast, have already begun to experience major change is in the war on terror.”<br /> <br /> He commended the Armed Forces for significantly curtailing the insurgency, which has ravaged the northeast over the last few years.

Latest-News I Feel Your Daily Suffering, Buhari Tells Nigerians

Living in the State House has not alienated me from your daily sufferings; these challenges are only temporary,” President Buhari said in ...

Read more »

BREAKING - New Year Tragedy: Fire sweeps through Dubai skyscraper

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxoXoHfcVNMp4SImTgAZNL7uO9q8YlVwuxDrwjexY5SrfehO1oEhFfLvpNvRa4OQZkvJRSyaV40wwptTTq5SHeOulk-i6THv0XVcXEL1Zf9Y2aQQi5vxwbwDz9exaZw1_aG18RZfUZWJJ/s1600/dubai_fire3_3538905b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxoXoHfcVNMp4SImTgAZNL7uO9q8YlVwuxDrwjexY5SrfehO1oEhFfLvpNvRa4OQZkvJRSyaV40wwptTTq5SHeOulk-i6THv0XVcXEL1Zf9Y2aQQi5vxwbwDz9exaZw1_aG18RZfUZWJJ/s640/dubai_fire3_3538905b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> A huge fire has broken out in a high-rise hotel in central Dubai close to the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa.<br /> <br /> Burning debris could be seen falling from the 300m-tall (1,000-feet) building, called The Address, as firefighters arrived at the scene.<br /> <br /> It was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties.<br /> <br /> The blaze erupted ahead of a major New Year's Eve fireworks display, due to be held at the Burj Khalifa.<br /> <br /> There is no indication so far of the cause.<br /> <br /> Up to two million people are expected in central Dubai for the fireworks. Crowds gathering to watch the display have been asked to leave the area around the hotel.<br /> <br /> Officials insist that the New Year celebrations will continue as scheduled.<br /> <br /> Flames engulfed much of the building, a luxury five-star hotel and apartment complex with more than 60 storeys. Black smoke could be seen covering the skyline.<br /> <br /> The Dubai government tweeted (in Arabic) that the fire had started on the 20th floor.<br /> <br /> A tourist, Michelle Duque told the BBC: "All of a sudden we saw this huge black plume of black smoke coming between the Khalifa Tower and the hotel.<br /> <br /> "The flames burst out really big and before we knew it the whole of the Address Hotel was covered in orange flames."<br /> <br /> Another tourist told the BBC that she saw lot of debris coming down from the building.<br /> <br /> "The problem is millions of people inside the Burj Khalifa cannot move anywhere because we [are] kind of waiting for the fireworks display."<br /> <br /> (BBC)

Latest-News BREAKING - New Year Tragedy: Fire sweeps through Dubai skyscraper

A huge fire has broken out in a high-rise hotel in central Dubai close to the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. Burning...

Read more »

New Year: Borno restricts movement

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYm9J1V6QEEBjcqlrE80WPItqAnWnr-lSEtKlIVUEpNv4vQVZzPH9mtEg1P82qPPUQQMojxGkKpDh7UrFMdssjpm77tkCtXoXIBYW6p15syxQh6TXR4v9_Ms3eO5YqNP2f1p-Tosrw-S5F/s1600/yobe-adamawa-and-borno.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYm9J1V6QEEBjcqlrE80WPItqAnWnr-lSEtKlIVUEpNv4vQVZzPH9mtEg1P82qPPUQQMojxGkKpDh7UrFMdssjpm77tkCtXoXIBYW6p15syxQh6TXR4v9_Ms3eO5YqNP2f1p-Tosrw-S5F/s640/yobe-adamawa-and-borno.gif" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> To ensure a hitch free New Year celebration in Borno State, the state government on Thursday placed restriction of vehicular movement in Maiduguri metropolis and its environs.<br /> <br /> In a statement signed by the state commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Dr. Mohammed Bulama said the restriction will take effect from 5:00pm on December 31 and ends at 6:00am Saturday, January 2, 2016.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The statement said the decision was taken after due consultations with security agencies in the state.<br /> <br /> It said, “The measure becomes necessary in order to further safeguard lives and property of law abiding citizens in the state.<br /> <br /> “While wishing you a hitch free new year, members of the public are please requested to be more vigilant and security conscious throughout the period and report any suspicious person or movement to the nearest security agency. “<br /> <br /> “We wish to assure the good people of Borno State and indeed all law abiding citizens that every step is being taken by government and military authorities to root out terrorists causing mayhem in the society.”

Latest-News New Year: Borno restricts movement

To ensure a hitch free New Year celebration in Borno State, the state government on Thursday placed restriction of vehicular movement in ...

Read more »

New Year: Police IG, Arase, warns churches, mosques, motor parks to take adequate security measures

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm4JGyab-ZMVFPHyl8n5oVYkiuEz560X5Dgt4RX3j9CTNbTsSFwGrYlrZRx3Jb6epqYHKqvKZZZQbLVfDSdylhrLtlW5-u_dDPvnzhvK67OJDnnrPFcVKh57NQlkR9w5KlI7wnNuVizF6/s1600/arase+police+ig+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm4JGyab-ZMVFPHyl8n5oVYkiuEz560X5Dgt4RX3j9CTNbTsSFwGrYlrZRx3Jb6epqYHKqvKZZZQbLVfDSdylhrLtlW5-u_dDPvnzhvK67OJDnnrPFcVKh57NQlkR9w5KlI7wnNuVizF6/s400/arase+police+ig+2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has urged Christians and Moslems to take adequate security measures at their respective worship places during the New Year celebrations.<br /> <br /> In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, on Thursday, the police boss also urged operators of motor parks, shopping malls and recreational centres to work very closely with the police and other security agencies in the efforts to ensure adequate security in the respective places.<br /> <br /> “Against the backdrop of security challenges in the country and the general preparation for the New Year Celebrations, the Nigeria Police High Command has urged worshippers both at Jummat and Church services to take adequate measures to reduce the number of vehicles around these hallowed worship centres,” the statement read.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The Force equally advises operators of Motor Parks, Shopping Malls and Recreational Centres to work very closely with the Police and other security agencies as they strive to strengthen general security in their respective facilities.”<br /> <br /> Mr. Arase also directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General and State Command Commissioners of Police to ensure effective and efficient deployment of all operational manpower and tools at the disposal of their respective Commands in order to guarantee peaceful celebrations.<br /> <br /> He further directed the AIG Border Patrol to ensure that the nation’s borders were effectively manned to prevent any cross-border crime.<br /> Mr. Arase also saluted the courage and gallantry of officers of the force for their tireless services in protecting lives and property during the year.<br /> <br /> He however charged Police personnel to continue to be civil in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, warning that officers found acting contrary to the force’s vision and mission would be appropriately sanctioned.<br /> <br /> Mr. Arase, while wishing all Nigerians a very blissful and peaceful New Year celebrations, assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s readiness and commitment towards ensuring a safe and secure environment.

Latest-News New Year: Police IG, Arase, warns churches, mosques, motor parks to take adequate security measures

The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has urged Christians and Moslems to take adequate security measures at their respective w...

Read more »

Presidential media chat: Being an opposition party, not licence to abuse Buhari, APC tells PDP

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17H956dHU8iiE0wQzBLKz2leHxCl8eEr43BR4OvrBL7KMTIZ698E8RByfIYBgJYJWht49ZJqExOrpjy32E0Sjc9bBw3hDfKw_xgPy4GlIq29c88HXWNu-nNAZaLeMZMqGVhAzbFPAGba-/s1600/apc+pdp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17H956dHU8iiE0wQzBLKz2leHxCl8eEr43BR4OvrBL7KMTIZ698E8RByfIYBgJYJWht49ZJqExOrpjy32E0Sjc9bBw3hDfKw_xgPy4GlIq29c88HXWNu-nNAZaLeMZMqGVhAzbFPAGba-/s640/apc+pdp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The All Progressives Congress , APC, Thursday, took exception to what it referred to as unwarranted abuse of President Muhammadu Buhari by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its members, warning that it may not condone such act anymore.<br /> <br /> The party specifically told the opposition party and its members that being in opposition or critic was not a licence to denigrate the president or his office.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> APC National Chairman, John Oyegun, in a statement, through the party’s Assistant Director, Media and Publicity, Edegbe Odemwingie, condemned what it called the “Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) unprovoked insults and unguarded statements on President Muhammadu Buhari and other members of the APC.'”<br /> <br /> The statement reads: ‘”In the aftermath of Wednesday’s widely-acclaimed presidential chat, PDP’s spokesman, Olisa Metuh in a statement issued on Thursday amongst others called President Buhari an “unrepentant tyrant” and “fascist”. In other baseless allegations, the PDP accused ministers and APC members of corruption while further accusing the president of a selective anti-corruption fight.<br /> <br /> “APC’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun: “The APC is worried by PDP’s inciting statements. Respect for the office of the President or heads of government in any clime is not a matter of choice but a civic obligation sanctioned by laws. Being an opposition party or critic is no license to issue abusive, intemperate and slanderous statements on government officials; most especially the President of the country.<br /> <br /> “The PDP has proven that it is not a party to be trusted or taken seriously. Only recently, the PDP said in a December 24, 2015 statement: ‘we urge that Nigerians should not recourse to hauling insults on the President’.<br /> <br /> “For the umpteenth time, the APC urges Nigerians who see merit in the war that the President Buhari-led administration is waging against corruption, not to be distracted by the PDP and their agents of corruption to discredit the war. For the records, the ongoing war against corruption is not selective. Anybody guilty of corrupt practices will face the law.<br /> <br /> “If the PDP has any proof of corruption against any APC member or minister as alleged, we advise that they approach any of the anti-graft agencies constitutionally mandated to handle such cases.<br /> <br /> “PDP’s rant suggesting a selective anti-corruption fight by the present administration should be seen as a plot meant to distract the citizenry from the successful ongoing war against graft.

Latest-News Presidential media chat: Being an opposition party, not licence to abuse Buhari, APC tells PDP

The All Progressives Congress , APC, Thursday, took exception to what it referred to as unwarranted abuse of President Muhammadu Buhari by...

Read more »

President Buhari's New year message to Nigerians

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkVdbKudGweqU8-n4gwwV_BqIIuA1QLqks5lyU6NfNk7Xz_ApMtEhdtBHIqpzt2nct-LKYJ7vQMI5ea798X6OOBzKcsp8qy72D_kAplutNu4fW1n9uugPz_IOjM41IoWnmw-aifQA3AHx/s1600/buhari-sworn-in-ventures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkVdbKudGweqU8-n4gwwV_BqIIuA1QLqks5lyU6NfNk7Xz_ApMtEhdtBHIqpzt2nct-LKYJ7vQMI5ea798X6OOBzKcsp8qy72D_kAplutNu4fW1n9uugPz_IOjM41IoWnmw-aifQA3AHx/s400/buhari-sworn-in-ventures.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Welcome to the beginning of a New Year of the continuation of CHANGE in our beloved nation. I am aware that Nigerians have experienced a number of significant hardships over the past months. Living in the State House has not alienated me from your daily sufferings.<br /> <br /> I am aware of the lengthy queues at fuel stations and of the difficulties businesses have faced in acquiring foreign exchange.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> These challenges are only temporary; we are working to make things better. When I presented myself to you as a presidential candidate and asked you to vote for me, I wanted to be a leader who keeps his promises. I wanted to be a leader who restores the people's hope in those elected to serve them. I wanted to be a leader who initiates positive and enduring CHANGE.<br /> <br /> I am still totally committed to being that kind of leader. Unforeseen circumstances and other distractions notwithstanding, I shall still do my utmost best to keep every promise I made to Nigerians during my election campaign. In the past seven months since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, my administration has focused on laying the right foundation for the CHANGE you voted for during our historic presidential election. Nigerians will in due course begin to enjoy the fruits of all our ongoing work.<br /> <br /> The effective and efficient implementation of our 2016 budget proposals will address many of the socio-economic issues that are of current concern to our people. One area in which Nigerians, especially those in the northeast, have already begun to experience major CHANGE is in the war on terror. I commend our Armed Forces for significantly curtailing the insurgency which has ravaged the northeast of Nigeria over the past few years.<br /> <br /> However, there is still a lot of work to be done in the area of security. Our Armed Forces will maintain, consolidate and build on their successes in the war against Boko Haram and violent extremism. This government will not consider the matter concluded until the terrorists have been completely routed and normalcy restored to all parts of the country that have been adversely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.<br /> <br /> Our crackdown on corruption will continue to be vigorously undertaken. I urge the courts to support our efforts and help in the recovery of stolen funds by speedily concluding trials and showing that impunity no longer has a place in our country.<br /> <br /> There is much work to do in other areas as well and I have charged all my ministers and other appointees to ensure that Nigerians experience positive changes in their lives in 2016. We must reduce our country's reliance on oil. We must diversify our economy.<br /> <br /> And we must do all we can to promote job creation. Our challenges are many but our determination to succeed is strong and unshaken. So too is our confidence in God. I wish you all a very<br /> <br /> Happy New Year.<br /> MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Latest-News President Buhari's New year message to Nigerians

Welcome to the beginning of a New Year of the continuation of CHANGE in our beloved nation. I am aware that Nigerians have experienced a n...

Read more »

Appeal Court sacks PDP's Okezie Ikpeazu as Abia governor

<br /> <br /> An Appeal Court has declared the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, Mr Alex Otti, as winner of the April 11 Governorship election in Abia State.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXYiIsLiC53LlypGP84JjsknfWoAJJOpFsowyVcjgdFErz7U1ER_zt3XWkxz4BgSd-8CFn_eWdzp0V1C0A7-0GoR9sRPBSlfXma-frb4hIf3MeNuPYFTjhsnFIK9S4sWn9uJfalJYx6Ad/s1600/Okezie+Ikpeazu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXYiIsLiC53LlypGP84JjsknfWoAJJOpFsowyVcjgdFErz7U1ER_zt3XWkxz4BgSd-8CFn_eWdzp0V1C0A7-0GoR9sRPBSlfXma-frb4hIf3MeNuPYFTjhsnFIK9S4sWn9uJfalJYx6Ad/s400/Okezie+Ikpeazu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okezie Ikpeazu <a name='more' id="more"></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> The court in its ruling on Thursday ordered the swearing in of Otti, as governor of Abia State and asked Mr Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate the office.<br /> <br /> Mr Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and also had his victory upheld by the Election Tribunal.<br /> <br /> The Abia State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had in November dismissed the petition filed by Otti challenging the election of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as governor of the state.<br /> <br /> Otti had sought the nullification of the election on the grounds that it was marred by malpractice and irregularities, but the tribunal held that his petition lacked merit.<br /> <br /> Unsatisfied with the judgment Otti, who resigned as the Managing Director of Diamond Bank in 2014 to pursue his political ambition, took his case to the court of appeal.<br /> <br /> Ikpeazu has reportedly said he would challenge the decision at the Supreme Court.

Latest-News Appeal Court sacks PDP's Okezie Ikpeazu as Abia governor

An Appeal Court has declared the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, Mr Alex Otti, as winner of the April 11 Governorship ele...

Read more »

We will create 1 million jobs in 2016 – Osinbajo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR4W52HAoi0f8I3UKg1shj4gLTjNpJ6UQVCfYH8ooN4iWLPDYNrc3dFf48l_hL6kwmJIYfnO7n5qiGJwWQ-cmSuW65iQfobzZONuzSwoqBhGbwZ5pLNBHgb_995WvifBTMuz9BIFMhx-j/s1600/Yemi-Osinbajo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR4W52HAoi0f8I3UKg1shj4gLTjNpJ6UQVCfYH8ooN4iWLPDYNrc3dFf48l_hL6kwmJIYfnO7n5qiGJwWQ-cmSuW65iQfobzZONuzSwoqBhGbwZ5pLNBHgb_995WvifBTMuz9BIFMhx-j/s400/Yemi-Osinbajo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>The Federal Government will create no fewer than one million direct jobs in 2016, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said A statement issued by Laolu Akande, his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity, quoted Osinbajo as saying that another one million poor Nigerians would benefit from the first phase of the Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme.</b><br /> <br /> The statement, released to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, said that theVP made the remark during an interactive session with a cross section of Nigerian Community in Burkina Faso. Osinbajo was Burkina Faso to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at the inauguration of the newly elected president of that country Roch Marc Christian Kabore.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had announced job opportunities for 500,000 graduate-youths to be engaged as teachers. He added that an estimated 500,000 non-graduate unemployed people would be trained as artisans. The Vice President explained that the Conditional Cash transfer Scheme was intended to utilise the thrift system to grant loans to market women to enable them improve their businesses and earn decent living.<br /> <br /> He said the homegrown school feeding programme would not only provide adequate nutrition to school children, but would also boost agriculture, create jobs and wealth locally. Osinbajo assured the Nigerian community that the fight against corruption was a continuous one. He said that the Buhari administration would not only prosecute those involved but also recover all the loot that had been traced.<br /> <br /> “We will go after Nigeria’s fund wherever it is found and we will recover it,’’ he said, saying “our country is bound for greatness.’’ The Vice President told the Nigerian community that President Buhari was a man to be trusted; a man of integrity. “I am proud of our leadership and this is a great opportunity for the country to be great,’’ he added.<br /> <br /> In his remarks, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, David Bala, described the one million Nigerians resident in the country as `peaceful and law abiding.’ people. Michael Adeyanju, the leader of the Nigerian Community in Burkina Faso, thanked the federal government for attending the inauguration of the Burkinabe President.<br /> <br /> He described the gesture as a sign of cordial relationship between both countries. He said Nigeria was the only country that donated 20 Hilux vans to assist the country’s electoral commission, adding that the gesture raised the pride of the Nigerian community.

Latest-News We will create 1 million jobs in 2016 – Osinbajo

The Federal Government will create no fewer than one million direct jobs in 2016, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said A stat...

Read more »

Samoa, Kiribati and New Zealand welcome year 2016

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy6Lzj4w0DX54q6EyTOhWorTk5m3A_7G-uHL2JPFKqIngKGyLwRVi8SxVv6A3TEwh18B6tJeh39fkQcIdowBhI6iTTidx36BD0-wQtYsb7rOhNso0488Zw3ITgWJt8lwBsb4xwp15en9k/s1600/2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy6Lzj4w0DX54q6EyTOhWorTk5m3A_7G-uHL2JPFKqIngKGyLwRVi8SxVv6A3TEwh18B6tJeh39fkQcIdowBhI6iTTidx36BD0-wQtYsb7rOhNso0488Zw3ITgWJt8lwBsb4xwp15en9k/s400/2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Samoa and Kiribati are the first countries to usher in 2016 followed by New Zealand which put up an impressive fireworks display, reported to be the biggest in the city’s history.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Nigeria and some other African countries will welcome year 2016 at exactly 12:00 midnight.

Latest-News Samoa, Kiribati and New Zealand welcome year 2016

Samoa and Kiribati are the first countries to usher in 2016 followed by New Zealand which put up an impressive fireworks display, report...

Read more »

22 Shiites sentenced to life in prison, one to death

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-XDtVT6blBZvYs6JHvfH4rd-BRxNf9yrSFY2TubbkYqWO_3ic18wu_wdymaUV2VthX-mz4RGBZrTjTx25rh-ioK0CjcbhA8Os3feaVDwq0zA3DiMgsurb3FpYCl3_xXF1OI1fvVkXxsq/s1600/law6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-XDtVT6blBZvYs6JHvfH4rd-BRxNf9yrSFY2TubbkYqWO_3ic18wu_wdymaUV2VthX-mz4RGBZrTjTx25rh-ioK0CjcbhA8Os3feaVDwq0zA3DiMgsurb3FpYCl3_xXF1OI1fvVkXxsq/s400/law6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> A court in Bahrain has sentenced 23 Shiites to life imprisonment and another one to death over the killing of a policeman in 2014, a Bahraini defense lawyer has said.<br /> <i><br /></i><i>The Daily Star of Lebanon</i> reported that seven of those convicted are in custody while the rest were tried in absentia, including the man sentenced to death.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The defence lawyer for three of the convicted Shiite members, Jassim Sarhan, told The Associated Press that the Higher Criminal Court on Thursday found the 23 guilty of terrorism-related charges, including setting up the explosives that killed the policeman.<br /> <br /> He said, “The court also revoked the defendants’ citizenship.<br /> <br /> “They have the right to appeal,” he added<br /> <br /> The Sunni-led monarchy had been faced with unrest and protests since 2011 by the small Persian Gulf nation’s Shiite majority demanding greater political rights.<br /> <br /> It can be recalled that on Wednesday, December 29, some Shiite members in Nigeria were arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Zaria Road, Kaduna and charged with criminal conspiracy and inciting public disturbances.<br /> <br /> It could not be confirmed if the plea of the accused were taken or if they had legal representation, but it was learnt that they had been remanded in prison custody.<br /> <br /> Members of the group, had clashed with the Nigerian Army about two weeks ago during which many of them were killed.<br /> <br /> Their leader, Ibrahim El-zakyzaky, was subsequently taken into custody by the army before he was released to the police for investigation.

Latest-News 22 Shiites sentenced to life in prison, one to death

A court in Bahrain has sentenced 23 Shiites to life imprisonment and another one to death over the killing of a policeman in 2014, a Bahr...

Read more »

BREAKING NEWS: Appeal Court reverses 'Mama Taraba', Aisha Alhassan’s victory at tribunal

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0Oxpkbo62vJpaBWbRM2EBgZ9Epk5mSK2ODGs0T22hYJ0gJjzRm3i1MsFp1C-D6i-rH95XdcvqGPNakfwul9Pl42VwHDnqawNzlpjF7_14c4jX4r_-wny5AAcO5cWhGwCh8yr94vo0WBC/s1600/aisha+alhassan+taraba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0Oxpkbo62vJpaBWbRM2EBgZ9Epk5mSK2ODGs0T22hYJ0gJjzRm3i1MsFp1C-D6i-rH95XdcvqGPNakfwul9Pl42VwHDnqawNzlpjF7_14c4jX4r_-wny5AAcO5cWhGwCh8yr94vo0WBC/s400/aisha+alhassan+taraba.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday reversed the judgment of the Taraba State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which had on November 7, 2015 sacked Governor Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party and ordered the All Progressives Congress’ governorship candidate in the state, Aisha Alhassan, to be sworn in his stead.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In the lead judgment read by the presiding Justice of the five-man bench, Justice Abdul Aboki, the appeal court held that Alhassan and the APC had no legal right to challenge the alleged improper conduct of the primary which produced Ishaku as PDP’s candidate.<br /> <br /> The appeal court held that the APC and Alhassan, who is currently Minister of Women Affairs, lacked the locus standi to challenge Ishaku’s qualification to contest the April 11, 2015 governorship election on the basis of alleged non-compliance of the conduct of PDP’s primary with provisions of sections 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act.<br /> <br /> ‎The appeal court therefore set aside the judgment of the Justice Danladi Abubakar and ordered that the certificate of return issued to Governor Ishaku by the Independent National Electoral Commission remained valid.

Latest-News BREAKING NEWS: Appeal Court reverses 'Mama Taraba', Aisha Alhassan’s victory at tribunal

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday reversed the judgment of the Taraba State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which had on N...

Read more »

Child Abduction Saga: Davido apologises to Dele Momodu, fans

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEDxDijHLslDhxEzjqOBfF09x-OTomCkDNh6pwZvZXhB95Qp5XPQ6jE_87tMVbhZ9mVplHFE_XSkN7crLyOYELl9bAHXzZkhH0TgyAFhb4IrqEA1WU88PMliawcuVAPdriWc2DhAu9fcx/s1600/davido8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEDxDijHLslDhxEzjqOBfF09x-OTomCkDNh6pwZvZXhB95Qp5XPQ6jE_87tMVbhZ9mVplHFE_XSkN7crLyOYELl9bAHXzZkhH0TgyAFhb4IrqEA1WU88PMliawcuVAPdriWc2DhAu9fcx/s400/davido8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b> <b>Popular Nigerian popstar, Davido, has apologised to Dele Momodu and his fans for his conduct over the baby abduction drama which has rocked his plans and been in the news since Tuesday.</b><br /> <br /> “Mr. Dele Momodu I Apologise but …U didn’t have to…,” the artist, who had engaged the Ovation Magazine publisher in a war of words, tweeted minutes ago.<br /> <br /> The music star and his sister, Ashely, had on Tuesday been stopped from travelling to Dubai with the child by immigration officials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in response to a petition by Momodu that the child had been abducted.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Despite the apology, the artist insisted the allegations against him were untrue, saying, “All these lies being put on me … no be today … I have so much to say but in respect for my daughter I will keep quiet … I apologise.”<br /> <br /> He thanked his supporters and those “bashing” him, adding, “The truth will come out! Even if I don’t keep her, she will grow up to know I fought for her.”<br /> <br /> Sophia’s lawyers had in a petition to the Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, alleged that the baby had been forcibly taken from her on July 11 at Ashley’s house in Lekki after she was tricked into going there.<br /> <br /> The petition also claimed that repeated efforts by Sophia to get her baby back since then were unsuccessful, leaving her to turn to friends and her cousin, Dele Momodu, for help.<br /> <br /> The Ovation Magazine publisher had accompanied Sophia to alert immigration officials, sparking a war of words between the two.<br /> <br /> Momodu took to Instagram and Twitter, posting photos form the airport and mocking Davido over his inability to use his influence to have his way.<br /> <br /> “All the phone calls to Abuja by Davido’s powerful family failed to impress the highly professional officers at MMIA as they tried to travel illegally with a seven month old baby they had seized from her mum months ago!” he wrote in a post.<br /> <br /> Davido, who had initially, expressed disappointment in Momodu, however, tweeted in the early hours of Thursday, “I leave them for God.”<br /> <br /> In another tweet, he explained that he did not deserve all that was happening as all he had ever done “is to love that baby”.<br /> <br /> Earlier, an angry David had told Momodu he should be ashamed of himself. “You should be ashamed of yourself!! God bless you still,” he tweeted.<br /> <br /> Momodu, who also put up a screen shot of a chat between David and Sophia in which the artiste insulted him, said in a post, “No one no matter how wealthy or powerful has the right to forcefully detach a baby from her mum… Nigeria is not that lawless!”<br /> <br /> Sophia, who says she has been denied access to her daughter for months, is however worried that the baby could be sneaked out of the country via land.<br /> <br /> She has also asked the Department of State Security, the police and the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to intervene in the matter.<br /> <br /> Momodu has yet to respond to the apology.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the singer hinted that he will continue to provide for Sophia Momodu. “I won’t let the mother of my child be in the streets,” he tweeted after after a fan said he shouldn’t have agreed to pay Ms Momodu monthly allowances.<br /> <br /> Read his tweets:<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">ALL THESE LIES BEING PUT ON ME ... NO BE TODAY ... I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY BUT IN RESPECT FOR MY DAUGHTER I WILL KEEP QUIET .. I APOLOGIZE</div> — Davido (@iam_Davido) <a href="https://twitter.com/iam_Davido/status/682539789694976000">December 31, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Love to my supporters And to those bashing me THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT !Even if I don't keep her she will grow up and know I fought for her..</div> — Davido (@iam_Davido) <a href="https://twitter.com/iam_Davido/status/682539310277615616">December 31, 2015</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">I LEAVE THEM FOR GOD ...</div> — Davido (@iam_Davido) <a href="https://twitter.com/iam_Davido/status/682375071692898305">December 31, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br />

Latest-News Child Abduction Saga: Davido apologises to Dele Momodu, fans

Popular Nigerian popstar, Davido, has apologised to Dele Momodu and his fans for his conduct over the baby abduction drama which has rock...

Read more »

NCC set to force MTN to pay fine as deadline expires

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSgcd9HSGLLfLVhOMImpoW2bonIGb9jRl_KswiaOYDFRYHvuqQcIbBy2xebnwfbMJcJNAjM4qmUxp8D5Qf8-yMqjvY5JcFyU3rhSoBE7hLDwgkVwTXTPEsbRi7zmD4Pa2ODCVr553e__1/s1600/MTN-NCC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSgcd9HSGLLfLVhOMImpoW2bonIGb9jRl_KswiaOYDFRYHvuqQcIbBy2xebnwfbMJcJNAjM4qmUxp8D5Qf8-yMqjvY5JcFyU3rhSoBE7hLDwgkVwTXTPEsbRi7zmD4Pa2ODCVr553e__1/s640/MTN-NCC.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Nigeria said it was expecting telecoms giant MTN to meet a deadline for paying a record $3.9 billion fine which expires Thursday, despite the South African operator challenging the penalty in court. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s telecoms regulator, had in October fined the firm for missing a deadline to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards, citing security concerns in a country plagued by frequent kidnappings and an extremist Islamist insurgency Boko Haram.<br /> <br /> It imposed a whopping $5.2 billion fine, later reduced to $3.9 billion (3.6 billion euros) following an appeal by MTN. “If MTN fails to meet the deadline today (Thursday), the regulatory body will enforce the fine,” Nigerian communications ministry spokesman Victor Oluwadamilare told AFP.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Oluwadamilare said the pending legal proceedings had nothing to do with the payment deadline, saying “the court case is not tantamount to extending the deadline.” Johannesburg-based MTN declined to offer a detailed response on Thursday, but said earlier this month it would launch a legal challenge in the Federal High Court in Lagos against the fine, and expected all parties “to restrain from taking further action” until the case was concluded.<br /> <br /> MTN disconnected the millions of unregistered subscribers in Nigeria at the end of August, it reported in its quarterly performance update in October, adding that 3.4 million of those subscribers had since been reconnected. Nigeria’s four major phone companies have routinely been fined in the past for regulatory infractions but none has received as big a punishment as MTN.<br /> <br /> The initial fine of $5.2 billion was more than MTN’s total sales in Nigeria in 2014 and the equivalent of about 37 percent of the group’s total revenue, according to Bloomberg News. “The fine is really unusual, it’s far and away bigger than anything we’ve seen globally and anything we’ve seen in Nigeria,” Amy Cameron, telecoms analyst at BMI Research, a market research firm, told AFP.<br /> <br /> “Normally when it goes to arbitration like this, it would make sense that the NCC can’t impose the fine until there’s a decision from the court,” Cameron said, speaking from London. “I would expect that it’s highly unlikely that MTN would pay anything.”<br /> <br /> Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country of 170 million people, is MTN group’s largest market with 62.8 million subscribers. It operates in 22 countries in Africa and the Middle East. “MTN is committed to Nigeria and it’s going to stay there. Nigeria is its most profitable market and it has no intention of leaving,” said Cameron.

Latest-News NCC set to force MTN to pay fine as deadline expires

Nigeria said it was expecting telecoms giant MTN to meet a deadline for paying a record $3.9 billion fine which expires Thursday, despite ...

Read more »

Buhari assents to 2015 supplementary appropriation act

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnylzLtRU4wmVfNJeEi1Y4ZybKq-h0QrQO8swPVCV7I0FFy74T1CHMSbVnUdoc_Qw1DLgrEmL1ml-9vibE9lThB3YNHGrWUDLq5XQbqUFaV_4ZKGISHV1ELE50cw-JJ3SdthQxjOg3mjcH/s1600/Buhari-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnylzLtRU4wmVfNJeEi1Y4ZybKq-h0QrQO8swPVCV7I0FFy74T1CHMSbVnUdoc_Qw1DLgrEmL1ml-9vibE9lThB3YNHGrWUDLq5XQbqUFaV_4ZKGISHV1ELE50cw-JJ3SdthQxjOg3mjcH/s400/Buhari-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the 2015 Supplementary Appropriation Act, just as he extended the 2015 financial year to March 31, next year. The implication of the extension is that the 2015 budget would be effective till March 31, 2016, after which the implementation of the 2016 budget can begin.<br /> <br /> The supplementary appropriation bill of N465.64 billion, which the president submitted to the National Assembly, on November 8 for consideration, was passed by the latter on Tuesday,December 22, before it embarked on the on-going break.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matter (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, who disclosed this in a terse press statement,Friday, in Abuja, however, did not state the day the president acted on the supplementary appropriation act document. Enang said he decided to issue the statement in view of several enquiries and calls by legislators,institutions and other relevant bodies.<br /> <br /> The statement, tagged: “2015 Appropriation Amendment Act assented to”, read: “Further to several enquiries and calls by legislators, institutions,et al on the subject, we deem it appropriate to issue this release. “His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari,GCFR, President, C-in C- has assented to the 2015 Appropriation Amendment Act passed by the National Assembly.”<br /> <br /> It will be recalled that Buhari had submitted the appropriation bill along with a request to borrow N2.103 trillion for the financial year, 2015. He expected that a deficit arising from the above would be financed by additional borrowing of N1.601trillion through the debt management office.<br /> <br /> In a letter to Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, President Muhammadu Buhari had said the supplementary budget would be predicated on oil production of 2.2003 million barrels per day, with benchmark price of $48 per barrel and an exchange rate of N190 to $1.<br /> <br /> The breakdown of the supplementary budget shows that N413.36 billion would be for fuel subsidy payment while N10.62 billion was earmarked for the payment of outstanding severance gratuity and allowances of outgone and incoming legislators and legislative aides.<br /> <br /> Also, the fight against Boko Haram in the North-East code named “Operation Zaman Lafiya” has been billed for N29.96 billion for the third and fourth quarters of 2015. President Buhari, in the letter, recalled that the 2015 budget was predicated on oil production of 2.2782million barrels per day, benchmark oil price of $53 per barrel and an exchange rate of 190 to $1.<br /> <br /> Based on these key assumptions, the following fiscal budget was projected: FGN budget revenue N3.452 trillion, made up of share of oil and minerals revenue- N1.645trillion; share of non oil revenue, N1.215 trillion; FGN Independent revenue, N489.3 billion.<br /> <br /> Federal Government’s aggregate expenditure was estimated at N4.485 trillion, comprising statutory transfers,N354.34 billion; debt service, N953.6 billion; recurrent non-debt (personnel costs), N1.828 trillion; recurrent non debt overhead, N791.2 billion; capital expenditure, N536.6 billion.<br /> <br /> In the letter, President Buhari noted that “the implementation of the FGN2015 budget has been fraught with significant revenue shortfalls due to continuous decline in oil price, oil production shortfall and non full non oil revenue.<br /> <br /> “You may wish to further note that owing to the need to sustain the current progress in addressing the security challenges and other important obligations of government, emergency expenditure items required urgent funding is projected at N465.64 billion<br /> <br /> “Given this new level of expenditure and revenue constraint, the 2015 budget, which has a projected fiscal deficit of N1.041 trillion or 1.09 per cent in GDP, with the deficit largely financed by the domestic borrowing of N502.1 billion and foreign borrowing of N380 billion, making a total borrowing amounting to N882.12 billion.”<br /> <br /> According to President Buhari, the expected deficit arising from the above is projected at N2.103 trillion or 2.19 per cent of GDP would be financed by additional borrowing of N1.601 trillion through the Debt Management Office.

Latest-News Buhari assents to 2015 supplementary appropriation act

President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the 2015 Supplementary Appropriation Act, just as he extended the 2015 financial year to March ...

Read more »

Presidential media chat exposed Buhari’s undemocratic character – PDP

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvljbo8WXDH80TRL-sd4WDLqXqy5iBdyJRvBMsjC0WgLUoEXszD78zDW8fdzYWX0djkGgU8DLQIOM0TB74XRMY6_ayZyklJNy_Oxyy06hD6Jd2XVumPlqr3EEWTAcpgI2a0nKqICyjCNy3/s1600/Buhari_media_chat-526x284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvljbo8WXDH80TRL-sd4WDLqXqy5iBdyJRvBMsjC0WgLUoEXszD78zDW8fdzYWX0djkGgU8DLQIOM0TB74XRMY6_ayZyklJNy_Oxyy06hD6Jd2XVumPlqr3EEWTAcpgI2a0nKqICyjCNy3/s640/Buhari_media_chat-526x284.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says President Muhammadu Buhari’s responses at the WednesdayPresidential Media Chat were not only embarrassing but also further exposed his undemocratic character as an unrepentant tyrant who has no regard for the rule of law and the self-worth of Nigerian citizens.<br /> <br /> The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, Thursday, also said the President confirmed his partisanship in the much-vaunted war against corruption by openly absolving his ministers and party members of corrupt practices.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Whilst we restate our respect for the person and office of the President, we note that President Buhari bared his true colours to the world as an unrepentant tyrant. Today, the world is no longer in doubt as to who is behind the prevailing recklessness, abuse of rights of citizens and outright flouting of judicial pronouncements by security agencies.<br /> <br /> “A situation where the President openly pronounced persons facing trial guilty and sanctioned their continued incarceration despite being granted bail by the courts, presents a dangerous fascist practice obtainable only in totalitarian societies like Mussolini’s Italy, Hitler’s Germany, Idi Amin’s Uganda and General Than Shwe’s Burma.<br /> <br /> “This extremely shocking dictatorial tendency being brazenly exhibited by the President in total disdain for our laws and judicial institutions portends great danger for our democracy and constitutionally-guaranteed rights of the people, and should be resisted by the citizens before it festers.<br /> <br /> “The scorn for the principle of separation of powers, especially the independence of the legislature, is further manifested in the declared craving to regulate the funding and running of the National Assembly, a matter constitutionally vested outside the jurisdiction of the executive. We are most uncomfortable about his attempt at trying to whip up public sentiments against an independent arm of government, especially the one vested with the constitutional power of appropriation.<br /> <br /> “Following from the foregoing, therefore, it may be necessary to suspend the application of our Constitution and allow the President to operate as maximum ruler for four years after which the nation can return to a democracy.<br /> <br /> “On the issue of the Chibok girls, President Buhari’s embarrassing declaration of seeking information on the whereabouts and state of the girls betrays an obvious insincerity which is in total conflict with his campaign promises in that regard. Thus by this declaration, our dear President has accepted failure on this issue and should therefore apologise to Nigerians for all the insults, abuse and aspersions cast on the past administration by himself and the leadership of his political party.<br /> <br /> “On the issue of devaluation of the naira, there is an obvious conflict between the budget speech wherein the president stated that the government is assessing the foreign exchange rate with a view to attracting foreign investments and his categorical pronouncement during the media chat that the naira would not be devalued. We invite Nigerians to note that the president obviously does not understand the currency that applies in the devaluation of the naira.<br /> <br /> “Furthermore, Nigerians were shocked by the President’s labeling Nigerians as ‘very difficult lot’ while responding to questions on the strategy to be adopted in implementing his promised N5,000 social welfare package.<br /> <br /> “This unhealthy portrayal of the citizens by the very father of the nation, who has remained unrelenting in de-marketing his country through unguarded statements, is indeed a great disservice to Nigeria and its international image. Consequently, we reject this negative labeling of our citizens and reiterate our confidence in them, especially the millions who remain honest, hardworking and credible.<br /> <br /> “Finally, Nigerians must take copious note of the fact that the President gave no inspiring answers to questions pertaining to his campaign promises, the fight against insurgency and rescue of the Chibok girls, the poor state of the naira, sudden plunging of the economy under his watch, and the gradual loss of democratic rights and freedom.”

Latest-News Presidential media chat exposed Buhari’s undemocratic character – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says President Muhammadu Buhari’s responses at the WednesdayPresidential Media Chat were not only embar...

Read more »

REVEALED: Nnamdi Kanu's handwritten statement/transcription apologizing to Buhari

<div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs28_YqFK_e8SXaUd9Dx2qdDek8NOFPf5UZRcljj4trN6jGeO_SVUG3xc_veqV24P5GiTjsWRn9iTPnD7-BHrMKw6DOQNtnPtpA-XdA0edqNhjnEscetAIfFZodaE8hmmakJHfnx96wm2/s1600/i1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs28_YqFK_e8SXaUd9Dx2qdDek8NOFPf5UZRcljj4trN6jGeO_SVUG3xc_veqV24P5GiTjsWRn9iTPnD7-BHrMKw6DOQNtnPtpA-XdA0edqNhjnEscetAIfFZodaE8hmmakJHfnx96wm2/s640/i1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b><br /></b><b>The leader of the Independent People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, wrote the letter in which he apologised for unsavory remarks he made about President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-president Goodluck Jonathan and Igbo leaders, contrary to claims by IPOB and his lawyer.</b><br /> <br /> Kanu, who said he intended to write a private letter to Buhari to express his apology to the President, also apologised to former President Goodluck Jonathan and Igbo elders for “some uncomplimentary things” he said about them.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> IPOB, his family, and lawyer, Vincent Obetta, however, denied that he apologised to anyone.<br /> <br /> Obetta claimed that the Federal Government was only trying undermine the 48-year-old and his cause.<br /> <br /> “The government is using every instrument to puncture what we are doing,” he said.<br /> <br /> Documents obtained from the court, however, showed that the apology was contained in a handwritten statement by the Biafran leader.<br /> <br /> Despite apologising for casting aspersions “on the person and the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Kanu was adamant that he would continue to fight for Biafra.<br /> <br /> He said IPOB’s secessionist agenda was informed by the “incessant hardship, lack of holistic development in the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria, lack of youth employment, corruption in high offices and economic regression.”<br /> <br /> He added that the agitation by IPOB, which, according to him, was founded in London in 2012 by a group of people from the South-South and South-East regions of the country, was in line with the United Nations Charter on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ratified by African countries, including Nigeria.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs28_YqFK_e8SXaUd9Dx2qdDek8NOFPf5UZRcljj4trN6jGeO_SVUG3xc_veqV24P5GiTjsWRn9iTPnD7-BHrMKw6DOQNtnPtpA-XdA0edqNhjnEscetAIfFZodaE8hmmakJHfnx96wm2/s1600/i1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs28_YqFK_e8SXaUd9Dx2qdDek8NOFPf5UZRcljj4trN6jGeO_SVUG3xc_veqV24P5GiTjsWRn9iTPnD7-BHrMKw6DOQNtnPtpA-XdA0edqNhjnEscetAIfFZodaE8hmmakJHfnx96wm2/s400/i1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The letter as obtained by Sahara Reporters</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiVnn8Oy8OuV3XAUkS-LfgwrkINAPkQvaOitxLK42ULSwM8LtnRuhvmwTnzI80V777sxg0xT36l5fP39FFNm3jEgF_QdYTw8hJxrsBjIPesZd56MV1c6l-2ZvQ_E0tY968f1J1jdnb0mL/s1600/i2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiVnn8Oy8OuV3XAUkS-LfgwrkINAPkQvaOitxLK42ULSwM8LtnRuhvmwTnzI80V777sxg0xT36l5fP39FFNm3jEgF_QdYTw8hJxrsBjIPesZd56MV1c6l-2ZvQ_E0tY968f1J1jdnb0mL/s400/i2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemH_eCDfDHRxdyeKUJ_PMolSGrNbvOjOVN1LQS3CbPEJMLBp9jjVrPsMcHuXcFTDjeNmBij9G6PpBFGb77jTNbRGtQAh1-aAqiHGiFPw_ocW2vI7LjquNB8hVg-PGF-NggiJ9waInEhnD/s1600/i3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemH_eCDfDHRxdyeKUJ_PMolSGrNbvOjOVN1LQS3CbPEJMLBp9jjVrPsMcHuXcFTDjeNmBij9G6PpBFGb77jTNbRGtQAh1-aAqiHGiFPw_ocW2vI7LjquNB8hVg-PGF-NggiJ9waInEhnD/s400/i3.jpg" width="298" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-YEzeWY96XYUd7qha-lSVeRi5GeJ0kRhEBpPney6EjfkrTIVMmn0P0TSLntQOvvPgHxKi1x3YJ33qQ44unjYS5GJ4JBLzXSKhrYAdOpi-XAaSAl_jOP94cnt1LBO1dUeqfHBry4x3YPj/s1600/i4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-YEzeWY96XYUd7qha-lSVeRi5GeJ0kRhEBpPney6EjfkrTIVMmn0P0TSLntQOvvPgHxKi1x3YJ33qQ44unjYS5GJ4JBLzXSKhrYAdOpi-XAaSAl_jOP94cnt1LBO1dUeqfHBry4x3YPj/s400/i4.jpg" width="298" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Jnhacrhj5pXSTj66lvztoJYjIooVkjegOFZu2AbkYQ0O9MkTPSxUeMa8vVWMe-fyee5QKQWRfxIvP2vjwheV0QAu57Dz5kqYztaU2w2tXY2aV_pCotIku7w_W5doRrAzfb1B1KenH_2Q/s1600/i5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Jnhacrhj5pXSTj66lvztoJYjIooVkjegOFZu2AbkYQ0O9MkTPSxUeMa8vVWMe-fyee5QKQWRfxIvP2vjwheV0QAu57Dz5kqYztaU2w2tXY2aV_pCotIku7w_W5doRrAzfb1B1KenH_2Q/s400/i5.jpg" width="298" /></a></div> <br /> <b><br /></b> <b>Nnamdi Kanu's handwritten statement / transcription</b><br /> <blockquote>Nnamdi Kanu, Male Igbo Christian, aged 48 (i.e. born 1967, the year Biafra was announced), of Afaraukwu-Ibeku (Umuahia-North LG, Abia State), of dual Nigerian-British nationality, living in Pilkington Road, SE London, UK</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote>I can confirm that I, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra worldwide is a legally registered and duly recognized body at the United Nations pursuing the rights of a specific indigenous people, in this case Biafra, to seek self-determination according to the said charter. The reason for the formation of the Indigenous People of Biafra is to avail those referring to themselves as Biafrans the opportunity made available as a result of the United Nations Declaration to seek the peaceful re-Birth of Biafra in line with international laws, lack of holistic development in the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria, lack of youth employment, corruption in high offices, and economic repression.</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote>Opportunities no longer existed for the majority of the people, and especially young graduates to find meaningful employment in the job market, general hardship, brutal repression of civil and human rights coupled with system that shuns inward investment contributed to the thinking behind the formation of IPOB.</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote>The People of Biafra all over the world have particular emphasis on those residing in the diaspora it is not advised that those in Nigeria contribute. No contribution is accepted from those in political office or from organizations only individuals belonging to those organizations may choose to contribute if they wish to the volunteer force. IPOB is a group of people who may wish to group themselves together for the purpose of Evangelism or going out to the streets to distribute leaflets and preach the message of lawful existence of Biafra as stipulated in the UN Charter.</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote>There is no armed conflict agitating and any reference to such is purely designed to stop the Nigerian Armed Forces ostensibly the police from coming out and killing innocent people.</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote>IPOB volunteers are modeled on exactly the same tenet as the world renowned Salvation Army Front. Its ambitions are army but it does not carry any weapons. The same thing applies to the volunteers of IPOB. There is no arms training involved. I am the Director of Radio Biafra and solely responsible for the output the (genre?) of Radio Biafra is strictly to capture attention and imagination and not designed to incite anyone to violence.</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote>For very many years the Nigerian state and Nigerians in general have continued to witness poor economic management, fraud, corruption, and mismanagement of every sector of the economy. Therefore, as Radio Biafra programs were designed to wake up the public from their slumber and address the issues of the time, which is youth unemployment, lack of infrastructural provisions, poor electricity, an absence of rural development, and conspicuous absence of respect for human rights.</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote>The area as envisaged as Biafra are predominantly South-East and South-South territories having cultural, linguistic, traditional, and commonality in value system. Reference to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a terrorist, evil, and Paedophile is regrettable and uncalled for and for that I unreservedly apologize and will be doing so in a private letter to the President. Before PMP there was the administration of Goodluck Jonathan I also said some uncomplimentary things about him and Igbo elders as well, which I now recognize should have happened because it is un-African to be rude or insolent to elders. All I was trying to do is draw attention to the problems afflicting society and what society is doing about it.</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote>The areas intended for the Biafran being espoused by Indigenous People of Biafra are Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Anambra, Bayelsa Delta, Edo (but only Igbamke), Kogi (only Igala), and Imo States. The mission statement of Radio Biafra is dedicated to the defences of the rights of the indigenous people of Biafra and ultimately the restoration of the REpublic of Biafra in line with United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous People</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote>Nnamdi Kanu<br /> 23/10/2015</blockquote>

Latest-News REVEALED: Nnamdi Kanu's handwritten statement/transcription apologizing to Buhari

The leader of the Independent People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, wrote the letter in which he apologised for unsavory remarks he made about Pr...

Read more »

Worried about January blues? Here are 4 tips to help you survive

<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Inline image 1" class="CToWUd a6T" height="291" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=a4a7fbf5df&view=fimg&th=151f72ad02080164&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=ii_151f7203375b9cbe&attbid=ANGjdJ9my5J-y19zaPixSDmTM4Xy2tCqAVoB_94a0GzQ2Fycqa2OYaAp83Apu3VaOyR725IBKDfshYhE7N4e08vDiNek8hjynm-OJ5md35X3TrEwcIcahAMPxlIrhkI&sz=w948-h582&ats=1451551232405&rm=151f72ad02080164&zw&atsh=1" style="cursor: pointer; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" width="474" /></span></div> <br /> By Adeniyi Ogunfowoke,<br /> <br /> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Santa has come and gone. You have visited at <span style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial;">the best vacation spots</span>, opened all the presents brought by friends and families and distributed all the gifts after a stressful shopping at the mall. Your formerly crowded home is now empty as nearly everyone has left for their various houses after the festivities.</span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Christmas is over and reality sets in as the toughest month of the year beckons. If you are saddled with worry over how to scale through this period, Jovago.com, Africa’s N</span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">o</span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 1 hotel booking portal outline tips to help you overcome January challenges.</span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Organize yourself</span></b></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">January is always financially tight because of the additional expenses during Christmas. Notwithstanding, do not sulk about your financial status. You can take time to review your finances before you start spending for the month. The success of organizing yourself, especially your finances will go a long way in determining whether the cookie will crumble during the month.</span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">New year, new budget</span></b></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A budget is a perfect way to plan what and how much you will spend for the month. If you are cash trapped, you have to fashion out a thin budget. In this quest to survive the January blues, you should be prepared to do away with some excesses. In addition, if you must buy anything, take advantage of online <span style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial;">discounts and coupons on hotels</span>, taxis, and other services.</span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="j bluesnojd (1)" class="CToWUd a6T" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgw-xfYz4rVS2EJTobuUbuRkAJSxVHqcN6cZ0eVPSl9FRJZEgf0pgk3-U71ng7Yd6aujP2VjUdD4LPN5MCTlAG10KzPxPduA3azD-3X_PZT4F0dZOGHL8FfSJFsj5EgFyR08rHbbsNcqwYp_BRNAe4MUiyGUs-5ASLx5uJb5K5K7fWCnQe75A=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" tabindex="0" width="509" /></span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Avoid quick-cash loans</span></b></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many times, when people are financially broke, their next resort is to request for quick cash loans. This is not the way to go because, you can be a mess when January rolls away. The first thing you should is to drastically cut down on your spending. If you are planning to go on vacation to Akwa Ibom Golf resort, you can postpone it.</span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t buy on credit</span></b></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A simple tip to avoid the January hangover that may come too late for some is to only spend what you have in the first place. It seems simple enough but with the expectations thrust upon us by tempting offers to buy things on credit many of us can fall into these dangerous debt traps. Living within your means, even at Christmas time, is the first step to banishing the January blues.</span></span></div>

Latest-News Worried about January blues? Here are 4 tips to help you survive

By Adeniyi Ogunfowoke, Santa has come and gone. You have visited at  the best vacation spots , opened all the presents brought by frien...

Read more »

Smallest surviving baby born 14 weeks premature heads home

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtKWJzYqAWtSmQBX_ZpqD0T2y9hO9igdFCFIrTI7GvqfcrwrC5zJQ6cSp-jwdfDcQuZjt0eHUOjKZ44ymYWs_2UQlmCkCKYO709qbVerL9imNsAPRDsPxmZVlN1motiwpLtTke7pyJeNO/s1600/sasa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtKWJzYqAWtSmQBX_ZpqD0T2y9hO9igdFCFIrTI7GvqfcrwrC5zJQ6cSp-jwdfDcQuZjt0eHUOjKZ44ymYWs_2UQlmCkCKYO709qbVerL9imNsAPRDsPxmZVlN1motiwpLtTke7pyJeNO/s640/sasa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> One of the smallest surviving babies in the world, born 14 weeks early will soon be heading home from the hospital, her parents who are exceedingly happy announced this week.<br /> <br /> E’Layah Faith Pegues was born on Septemtember 23 and weighed just 10 ounces. On December 29, her original due date, her parents held a news conference at the Carolinas Medical Center’s Levine Children’s Hospital, where the now 3-month-old holds the record for the smallest surviving baby born at the hospital.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “E’Layah is our miracle baby girl,” the preemie’s mother, Megan Smith, told the Charlotte Observer.<br /> <br /> Now weighing in at 3 pounds 10.7 ounces, E’Layah is doing so well that Smith and her fiancé, Eric Pegues, expect their very little girl will be able to leave the neonatal intensive care unit, where she has been living, and go home in the next week or two.<br /> <br /> It’s a truly remarkable New Year’s gift for the Charlotte, who have been concerned about their daughter’s health since before she was born.<br /> <br /> Smith suffered two strokes, high blood pressure, and rough morning sickness while pregnant with E’Layah. And when Smith’s obstetrician observed in August that the baby wasn’t growing, the doctor put the mother-to-be on bed rest.<br /> <br /> (Yahoo News)

Latest-News Smallest surviving baby born 14 weeks premature heads home

One of the smallest surviving babies in the world, born 14 weeks early will soon be heading home from the hospital, her parents who are e...

Read more »

BIAFRA: Eight people to testify against Nnamdi Kanu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5EXMC9U-uDhb7V0XPB1dw_kmwF0mN-_7NzVLDUiGXxrKWHN1XbfJwvd-E1jvnvpJRpr3oFs_bjjaJZ7R2fETgdZ3dt2852CQ2uIbQRD6zVvvTlQsltmCEDxZGHaTwURaZTGTh9T3E3eh/s1600/Biafra-5+kanu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5EXMC9U-uDhb7V0XPB1dw_kmwF0mN-_7NzVLDUiGXxrKWHN1XbfJwvd-E1jvnvpJRpr3oFs_bjjaJZ7R2fETgdZ3dt2852CQ2uIbQRD6zVvvTlQsltmCEDxZGHaTwURaZTGTh9T3E3eh/s640/Biafra-5+kanu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Federal Government has enlisted a Dutch, Mr. Ronald Stilting, Manager, Golden Tulip Airport Hotel, Lagos, among the eight prosecution witnesses that are to testify against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and two others when their trial for alleged treason and other ancillary offences begins next year.<br /> <br /> Operatives of the Department of State Services on October 14, 2015, arrested Kanu at the Golden Tulip Airport Hotel, where he allegedly checked into, using a fictitious name.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> On December 23, the accused persons were scheduled for arraignment before a Federal High Court in Abuja, but Kanu refused to take his plea to the six counts of treason and other charges instituted against him and his two co-defendants due to what he called his lack of confidence in the presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed.<br /> <br /> The judge promptly returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for reassignment to another judge and the three accused persons were returned to the custody of the DSS.<br /> <br /> The Federal Government, through the Federal Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Mohammed Diri, alleged in the summary of its case in the newly filed six counts that the IPOB leader checked into the hotel, using the name, Ezebuiro Nwannekaenyi, in order to conceal his identity.<br /> <br /> Diri stated this in a document listing the proposed prosecution witnesses lined up to testify against Kanu and the two others.<br /> <br /> The DPP stated, “Stilting is the Manager of Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos.<br /> <br /> “He will give evidence as to how the 1st defendant checked into Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Lagos.”<br /> <br /> The DPP stated that Kanu, a citizen of both Nigeria and Britain, had as his name on the Nigerian passport, Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu Okwukanu, while his British passport bore Nnamdi Kenny Okwukanu.<br /> <br /> Diri stated, “Nnamdi Kanu is a Nigerian/British citizen, with both Nigerian and British passports.<br /> <br /> “The Nigerian passport bears the name Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu Okwukanu, while the British passport bears the name Nnamdi Kenny Okwukanu.<br /> <br /> “Kanu is the self-acclaimed founder and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, the pedestal on which he is propagating a secessionist agenda, aimed at carving a Republic of Biafra out of the Federal Republic of Nigeria before he was arrested on 14th October, 2015 at Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos, where he checked in, using a fictitious name of Ezebuiro Nwannekaenyi, apparently to conceal his identity.”<br /> <br /> Stilting, in a hand-written statement which he made to the DSS on October 15, confirmed that Kanu was checked into the hotel on the previous day in another name.<br /> <br /> He stated, “On the evening of 14th October around 10pm, I was called in my room to assist in solving a problem going on in the lobby at the Golden Tulip Airport Hotel.<br /> <br /> “I met the director of SSS (DSS) and a number of agents there who were searching for a Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who was supposed to be lodging in our hotel.<br /> <br /> “Nobody was registered under that name in our systems.<br /> <br /> “I assisted the agents to check all occupied rooms. Eventually, we found a suspicious person in Room 303, who turned out to be Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who had registered under another name.<br /> <br /> “I had never seen the man before and I am not aware of Mr. Nnamdi’s activities.”<br /> <br /> Apart from Kanu, one of the two other defendants in the six counts filed by the Federal Government is a Field Maintenance Engineer, David Nwawuisi, who was given the responsibility of maintaining MTN masts in Enugu State.<br /> <br /> The other defendant, Benjamin Madubugwu, was said to be living in Ubilisiuzo, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he allegedly received custody of a container housing radio transmitters meant for Radio Biafra from Kanu.<br /> <br /> In the six counts preferred against the three defendants, Kanu is accused of treasonable felony through his alleged agitation in his broadcasts on Radio Biafra for the secession of Biafra Republic from Nigeria.<br /> <br /> The offence is punishable under section 41(c) of the Criminal Code Act.<br /> <br /> Kanu is also accused of managing an unlawful society (IPOB) and smuggling into the country a TRAM 50L radio transmitters.<br /> <br /> Both offences are said to be punishable under Section 63 of the Criminal Code Act and section 47(2)(a) of the Customs and Excise Management Act.<br /> <br /> Madubugwu was also separately accused in count five of unlawful possession of firearms, comprising one Emerald Magnum Pump Action gun, one Delta Pump Action gun and 41 cartridges/ammunition without lawful authority or licence.<br /> <br /> The offence is said to be punishable under section 27(b)(1) of the Firearms Act.<br /> <br /> Madugwu and Nwawuisi are also accused of assisting in the management of the allegedly unlawful IPOB, an offence punishable under Section 63 of the Criminal Code Act.<br /> <br /> Others enlisted as witnesses that will testify against Kanu and his co-defendants when the trial begins are four operatives of the DSS, who are to give evidence on, among others, the circumstances of Kanu’s arrest and the search conducted at Ubulusiuzor, Anambra State home of Madubugwu.<br /> <br /> Another proposed witness is an unnamed “security lady attached to the MTN mast at Ngwo Enugu” who is to give evidence on how the defendants negotiated for the mounting of the Radio Biafra transmitter at the site of the mast.<br /> <br /> The rest of the two proposed witnesses are members of staff of the National Broadcasting Corporation, who are to testify on recorded broadcasts of Radio Biafra, inspection of the TRAM 50L transmitter.<br /> <br /> The fresh charges were filed against the three men barely 24 hours after Justice Adeniyi Ademola in a ruling on Kanu’s bail application on December 17, ordered his unconditional release from DSS custody having been detained for about two months without any valid charges filed against him.<br /> <br /> No new date has been fixed for the arraignment of the accused persons.

Latest-News BIAFRA: Eight people to testify against Nnamdi Kanu

The Federal Government has enlisted a Dutch, Mr. Ronald Stilting, Manager, Golden Tulip Airport Hotel, Lagos, among the eight prosecution...

Read more »

Davido child abduction scandal: What really happened – Dele Momodu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDm-hpCJdA1DDHwcSYmcFUZ7mvaexs-O3Sn2mmFD7ubxtsUg7a_2SjA7zb-ig5R5T8j7oYjk8pGgmlJD9ndtylqdoiGuWHRbIlOsH8D15WpfeU256K02pMW5_o4oFL2LT8r5HX2JBf1Vv/s1600/momodu+imade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDm-hpCJdA1DDHwcSYmcFUZ7mvaexs-O3Sn2mmFD7ubxtsUg7a_2SjA7zb-ig5R5T8j7oYjk8pGgmlJD9ndtylqdoiGuWHRbIlOsH8D15WpfeU256K02pMW5_o4oFL2LT8r5HX2JBf1Vv/s400/momodu+imade.jpg" width="310" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> In September 2015, I got a call from Dr Adedeji Adeleke, a long time family friend, telling me his son had fathered a baby girl with my cousin, Sophia Momodu. I rejoiced with him as any reasonable soul would do. He apologised that he had not called all along because he wasn’t sure if Sophie’s baby was going to turn out a fake one like that of two others who had turned up at his doorstep. But mercifully, according to Dr Adeleke, Sophie’s baby passed the DNA Test by over 98 percent and he was elated. I congratulated him again as a proud grandfather. He said he would like to meet me with Sophie since Sophie’s dad, Uncle Jibola Momodu, passed on years ago and Sophie mentioned me as her cousin.<br /> <br /> I had known about Sophie’s baby through her first cousin Ruth Abraham and had called to congratulate her. I was happy when she sent me pictures of the baby and other romantic pictures with David Adeleke, aka Davido.<br /> <br /> But I never contacted David’s dad deliberately so as not to create the impression of begging for marriage. Where we come from, it is the man who approaches the lady’s family to plead to be allowed to marry into the family.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi-ikgmDZ2dNhczDnJt0PsFxAqimATMGWnMIYjobrDy6gwZLLRJK6OcEWj7oZbwON9_2dtlYINFYuHMIe4rImr1f-LNzvyLTJeZq3EGBEncuRRVPjTd1QyKSuXytNp_aY__h1u2FYBpDF/s1600/Davido-and-Sophie-Momodu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi-ikgmDZ2dNhczDnJt0PsFxAqimATMGWnMIYjobrDy6gwZLLRJK6OcEWj7oZbwON9_2dtlYINFYuHMIe4rImr1f-LNzvyLTJeZq3EGBEncuRRVPjTd1QyKSuXytNp_aY__h1u2FYBpDF/s640/Davido-and-Sophie-Momodu.jpg" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Davido and babymama Sophie Momodu</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> <br /> Prior to this phone call from Dr Adeleke, Sophie had narrated to me how on the 11th July, 2015, she was tricked to Davido’s sister, Coco Adeleke’s house with her baby, Imade Aurora Adeleke. After getting to the house on Baderinwa Alabi Street, Lekki Phase I, Lagos, her baby was forcefully taken from her and she was thrown out of the premises with the threat that she would be decisively dealt with if she ever bothered to return there. There were armed policemen in the premises and to avoid what could have been a messy encounter, instinct prevailed on her to make her leave her breast suckling baby behind, with so much pain in her heart.<br /> <br /> By daybreak on the next day, Sophie was again at Coco Adeleke’s house to take her baby, but she was prevented by armed policemen from gaining access into the house. She was again threatened and warned never to return for the child.<br /> <br /> Despite the pain and trauma my cousin was made to undergo, I restrained myself from getting directly involved in the matter and appealed to her to stay calm and take it easy with the Adelekes.<br /> <br /> But after the phone call from Dr Adeleke, precisely on September 10, 2015, I picked up Sophie and her mum and drove to Dr Adeleke’s home in Lekki, Lagos. All through this time, I had waited patiently to meet Dr Adeleke with questions probing for answers.<br /> <br /> Dr Adeleke invited two of his close friends to the meeting namely His Majesty OBA ADEDOKUN ABOLARIN and Mr Wale Adeeyo. We went into lengthy discussions. His daughter Coco had brought in the little baby and both attended the meeting.<br /> <br /> Dr Adeleke explained why it took some time to call me and I said I understood.<br /> <br /> Dr Adeleke said the baby was discovered to have traces of marijuana in her during medical test and said he believed Sophie and David were smokers and he needed to protect the child from two irresponsible parents, as he described them. He told the gathering that the baby would be under temporary custody and observation. He directed that Sophie would come to his house every Sunday to see her baby. Our family agreed. He promised to pay Sophie a monthly upkeep. We thanked him for his kindness. He promised to buy her a car. We were grateful for his generosity. We had dinner with him and left. David was not present.<br /> <br /> Sophie said she got the monthly upkeep but never got the car and that she prefers to have her baby back and the Adelekes can keep their money.<br /> <br /> I called Dr Adeleke and he said I should allay her fears. I pleaded again for patience. I was shocked when Sophie called me desperately and said her daughter was being taken to Dubai by Coco. I immediately called Coco and she said she was taking the baby for intensive medicals and I wondered how she would pass through the airport without the consent of Sophie but she actually did and even sent me pictures from Dubai. I played it cool and encouraged Sophie to calm down.<br /> <br /> Sophie became withdrawn and extremely saddened. The situation went from bad to worse. She and David became aggressive enemies. At a point, David sent messages to Sophie and using the ‘f’ word against me. His father was shocked and called him to apologise which he did and I accepted and even told him how much I love him.<br /> <br /> The worst came when my wife came from London and went with Sophie to check on the baby at Coco’s house and they were literally walked out and told they were not welcome in her house. My wife called and I called Dr Adeleke who said they should go to his house and wait for him.<br /> <br /> Their meeting did not go well because my wife asked when the baby would be returned to her mum and Dr Adeleke went into the same old story of marijuana abuse and Sophie said she was ready for a test which Dr Adeleke wasn’t interested in. Dr Adeleke explained why the car had not been bought and my wife told him the baby was the issue and not the car. Dr Adeleke didn’t like the sound of this but it was reaching a point that some truth needed to be told that a baby cannot be bought with money.<br /> <br /> I flew to Nigeria on December 28, 2015 after Sophie told me the Adelekes were travelling to Dubai with her baby without her consent again. As soon as I landed I called Uncle Wale Adeeyo, a close confidant of Dr Adeleke and expressed our displeasure at the way Sophie was being treated and he promised to speak to Dr Adeleke. When he came back to me he didn’t sound too positive. We spoke several times and nothing tangible came out of his supposed intervention.<br /> <br /> I called Oba Dokun Abolarin but he was busy at a wedding in Ibadan. I then called Uncle Wale again and told him Sophie has plans to stop the trip on the knowledge that David has collected an American passport for the baby and the rumour that the baby was being abducted to America. I pleaded that we should avoid a confrontation.<br /> <br /> I headed to the airport to alert the authorities including Immigration and Emirates. As predicted, the Adelekes arrived the airport with the baby where Immigration had laid in wait for them. Coco came forward and was asked who the mother of the baby was and she claimed ownership and her passport and that of the baby were taken away by Immigration. Her dad was alerted and he came to the office of the Comptroller with others to try and rescue the passports but the Immigration stood their grounds. I saw him making frantic calls but he gave up after the flight departed. He repeated the same boast that no one could ever take the baby from him and I told him to stop talking like God.<br /> <br /> No one likes a fight but we have been treated shabbily and had to stop the charade. We could not be intimidated and everyone at the airport expressed shock and horror at such a brazen attempt to export a human being only seven months old without the mother. We thanked the officers who rescued us from a powerful family. We are always for peace, justice and equity. No one threatened the Adelekes with any expose unless they were using reverse psychology. Personally, I’m not a junk writer and would never descend so low to abuse those permanently connected to us through an innocent baby. We love the baby like they do and such an innocent child deserves to be protected by both families.

Latest-News Davido child abduction scandal: What really happened – Dele Momodu

In September 2015, I got a call from Dr Adedeji Adeleke, a long time family friend, telling me his son had fathered a baby girl with my c...

Read more »

DSS re-arrests Dasuki at Kuje prison gate

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MZ4wseRX7MeBJyMQh_xdJg9g29pMtc1DIozouo4pEO_oaJBEw2Ys0j2xKGZb0ObwdEqhjVCVQbaBkDpNtTqoWPArzlt2z_i4y-cx1ArgXBYDElHuxN8Wb347ejoM2NAs5ETGoiAwuhjW/s1600/dasuki+efcc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MZ4wseRX7MeBJyMQh_xdJg9g29pMtc1DIozouo4pEO_oaJBEw2Ys0j2xKGZb0ObwdEqhjVCVQbaBkDpNtTqoWPArzlt2z_i4y-cx1ArgXBYDElHuxN8Wb347ejoM2NAs5ETGoiAwuhjW/s400/dasuki+efcc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Operatives of the Department of the State Security Service have re-arrested a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).<br /> <br /> He was re-arrested at the gate of the Kuje Prison, Abuja, while he was about leaving the prison after meeting the bail conditions set for him by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The DSS took custody of Dasuki shortly after perfecting the third bail granted him by Justice Peter Affem after two other courts had done same.<br /> <br /> Counsel for Dasuki , Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN), told one of our corespondents on the telephone that the former NSA had met all the bail conditions given by Justice Affem but regretted that the court order was not obeyed by the operatives of the DSS.<br /> <br /> He said, “That’s correct, he was re-arrested by the operatives of the DSS and whisked away to an unknown destination.<br /> <br /> “He met the bail conditions set for him by the judge, but as he was stepping outside the prison, he was arrested.”<br /> <br /> Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court also in Abuja had granted the ex-NSA bail on November 3 in the charges of unlawful possession of firearms, but the bail was on November 4 scuttled by the DSS who laid siege to his Asokoro Residence and placed him under house arrest.<br /> <br /> The claim of the security agents was that Dasuki was being investigated on another matter.<br /> <br /> He was later arraigned before justice Yusuf Baba of the Abuja High court on breach of trust an was granted bail but which was also refused to be obeyed by the security operatives.<br /> <br /> Dasuki was also moved to another high court of Justice Affem who also admitted him on bail on the grounds that the offence was a bailable one.<br /> <br /> Raji who perfected the bail condition of his client disclosed that the actions of the security agents was an affront to the rule of law under democracy.<br /> <br /> The lawyer appealed to the authorities of the security agents and the federal government to respect court order and allow Dasuki to enjoy the bail granted him by the court.<br /> <br /> Dasuki is facing two sets of criminal charges involving alleged diversion of about N45bn meant for arms procurement along with others before two judges of the FCT High Court, Abuja.

Latest-News DSS re-arrests Dasuki at Kuje prison gate

Operatives of the Department of the State Security Service have re-arrested a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd)....

Read more »

We will ban Hijab if suicide attacks continue –Buhari

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCv99OmBm-j2CiuljGrrdMilUz4mb6aWeq-otaG68NBU9h4IrrVMf3wxYlNnUpLZwB9q5MaJxNZC5S3fF2ABhrcEiJnolmHytrnOa2e2Ma59GuN4I8g3gLXzDi6XFhHDfzZb32ktRb_jz5/s1600/buhari+bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCv99OmBm-j2CiuljGrrdMilUz4mb6aWeq-otaG68NBU9h4IrrVMf3wxYlNnUpLZwB9q5MaJxNZC5S3fF2ABhrcEiJnolmHytrnOa2e2Ma59GuN4I8g3gLXzDi6XFhHDfzZb32ktRb_jz5/s400/buhari+bone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday said the Federal Government will ban the use of Hijab in the North-East if Suicide attacks using women continued in the region.<br /> <br /> The President also said the government had no reliable information on where the Chibok girls are of if they are alive.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The President told a team of journalists during his maiden Presidential Media Chat that the “honest truth” was that the whereabouts of state of the girls were unknown.<br /> <br /> He, however, said the Federal Government was keeping all options in a bid to free the girls. One of the options, according to him, is negotiating with Boko Haram, which abducted the girls from their school more than a year ago.<br /> <br /> He said, “There is no firm intelligence where those girls physically are and what conditions they are in but what we learnt from our intelligence is that they (terrorists) kept on shifting them around so that they are not taken by surprise and they get freed.<br /> <br /> “And a whole lot of them are not in one place and we don’t know how many divisions they have and where they are. There is no intelligence to say that the girls are alive and in one place. That is the honest truth.”<br /> <br /> Commenting on the continued blasts in the North-East, President Buhari said, “We will have to ban the Hijab if this (the suicide attacks) continues.”<br /> <br /> The President said he remained committed to fighting the anti-corruption war and ensuring that the constitutional rights of Nigerians were protected.<br /> <br /> On the recent clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Buhari said he did not respond immediately because he was waiting for investigations to be concluded.<br /> <br /> He said, “I was in touch with the governor of Kaduna State. Interestingly, the President of Iran spoke to me about it and I told him that as a government, we have a system. This thing happened in one state of the country and the governor has visited the area.<br /> <br /> “We have a system of investigation as well as the military and as the head of the Federal Government; I must wait for the official report before I can come out and make a statement. So I am waiting for the Kaduna State Government and the army to come up with a report. It does not mean that the police and the DSS are not doing their role of finding out what actually happened.”<br /> <br /> The President also defended the foreign exchange controls put in place by the Central Bank, saying, “We need power, railways, roads… These are our priorities; not people looking for money to bring in rice (to the country).”<br /> <br /> He also said he needed to be “convinced” before accepting calls for the devaluation of the naira.<br /> <br /> Buhari also faulted the agitation for Biafra, insisting that all regions were represented in his administration.<br /> <br /> He said, “Help me define the extent of marginalisation. Who is marginalising them? Why? How? Do you know? … The constitution said there must be a minister from each state. Who is the Minister of Petroleum? Is he not Igbo? Who is the Governor of Central Bank? Is he not Igbo? Who is the Minister of Labour? Who is the Minister of Science and Technology? Who is the junior minister of education?”

Latest-News We will ban Hijab if suicide attacks continue –Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday said the Federal Government will ban the use of Hijab in the North-East if Suicide attacks using ...

Read more »

Nigeria declares tomorrow as public holiday

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtN825mq-DXNzeDQsjA5I-B7kX7360OTW3u7jqK8Mc0hPFdQc7eswjolXlY2q9tB-2TAbD65Ck3ZXQ5j7LTCUgeMaxkzAeizdvhXjmWZlWv7VdnujKrprcj8rZbgeOxjulZZLKkuoyWd1U/s1600/nigeria+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtN825mq-DXNzeDQsjA5I-B7kX7360OTW3u7jqK8Mc0hPFdQc7eswjolXlY2q9tB-2TAbD65Ck3ZXQ5j7LTCUgeMaxkzAeizdvhXjmWZlWv7VdnujKrprcj8rZbgeOxjulZZLKkuoyWd1U/s640/nigeria+flag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Federal Government has declared Friday, January 1, 2016 as public holiday to mark the New Year celebration.<br /> <br /> The declaration was made on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd).<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He called on Nigerians, irrespective of their religious inclinations, to inculcate the spirit of the season as exemplified by love, joy and peaceful co-existence.<br /> <br /> Dambazau also urged all Nigerians to continue to promote the unity of the country in its progress towards building a nation devoid of rancour and bitterness.

Latest-News Nigeria declares tomorrow as public holiday

The Federal Government has declared Friday, January 1, 2016 as public holiday to mark the New Year celebration. The declaration was mad...

Read more »

I turned down N400m car proposal for the presidency - Buhari

<b><br /></b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY2BRCvMfHSnhUpesfPNBV7HmjccfIGIygqQP79eDVGepKRL39yV8FK1bk_7xxwR7iXQSKscP6aXB8ugJA-siZoQf81sT_sF0RkXLjRijOjbgJHjDI_VeDOQZH6GdOhRLb7SySS7SBrEG/s1600/Muhammadu-Buhari-President-of-Nigeria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY2BRCvMfHSnhUpesfPNBV7HmjccfIGIygqQP79eDVGepKRL39yV8FK1bk_7xxwR7iXQSKscP6aXB8ugJA-siZoQf81sT_sF0RkXLjRijOjbgJHjDI_VeDOQZH6GdOhRLb7SySS7SBrEG/s400/Muhammadu-Buhari-President-of-Nigeria.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, December 30, disclosed that he turned down a car proposal of N400 million for the presidency in the 2016 budget.</b><br /> <br /> While answering questions from journalists during the maiden edition of the presidential media chat, the president said the cars he currently use are good enough for another 10 years.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Also speaking on the controversial N3.6 billion for BMW vehicles for the National Assembly in the budget, Buhari urged the lawmakers to reconsider the outrageous proposal.<br /> <br /> "I hope the vehicles have not been bought", he said.

Latest-News I turned down N400m car proposal for the presidency - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, December 30, disclosed that he turned down a car proposal of N400 million for the presidency in t...

Read more »

Gunmen abduct consultant neurologist with the Delta State Teaching Hospital, demand N15million ransom

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrepXCwiyJ-uLIb4mTyWGlw9Vb_d3AoNBLcDW9nyTroX95wtd7R_m9HWdkZ9FwEaNkIza5bDwpG2g9GOghZrFNvkIJDlYiMVNRj1U47uWmKTqo3Lk5W6wt3tDE8Eem9Y5wxedeYIKeuWGd/s1600/gunmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrepXCwiyJ-uLIb4mTyWGlw9Vb_d3AoNBLcDW9nyTroX95wtd7R_m9HWdkZ9FwEaNkIza5bDwpG2g9GOghZrFNvkIJDlYiMVNRj1U47uWmKTqo3Lk5W6wt3tDE8Eem9Y5wxedeYIKeuWGd/s400/gunmen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Unidentified gunmen who abducted a consultant neurologist with the Delta State Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH, Oghara, have demanded N15million ransom for his release.<br /> <br /> The consultant, Dr. Obiabo Yahaya, is the DELSUTH chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN and was said to have been abducted on Tuesday at about 8:30pm while trying to enter his compound at Amukpe, Sapele.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Confirming the abduction yesterday, President of the DELSUTH Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, Dr. Innocent Okocha told newsmen that his abductors have already made contact with his family demanding a ransom of N15 million.<br /> <br /> Dr. Okocha, while appealing for the release of the victim, stated that from information gathered, he was trailed home by his abductors who whisked him to an unknown destination.<br /> <br /> He said: “Though the matter has been reported to the security operatives in the area, including the police, it is indeed saddening that doctors who risk their lives to render humanitarian services to the public are gradually becoming endangered species especially within Oghara and its environs.”

Latest-News Gunmen abduct consultant neurologist with the Delta State Teaching Hospital, demand N15million ransom

Unidentified gunmen who abducted a consultant neurologist with the Delta State Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH, Oghara, have demanded N15millio...

Read more »

Wike vows to complete projects abandoned by previous govt

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaP9CNTE71z8spGE7Q63Q4sNB3VAPznv2aZNcgmlIDkuZZLoIvZabFoeCC3GQkc2Fs9Egn5UvUomSuvO_AvxspG16f90vOBGk6hrVHlMaI9tbX_7ITj7BFuSUr4s-4WSE5Zutg8pz41c7/s1600/wike1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaP9CNTE71z8spGE7Q63Q4sNB3VAPznv2aZNcgmlIDkuZZLoIvZabFoeCC3GQkc2Fs9Egn5UvUomSuvO_AvxspG16f90vOBGk6hrVHlMaI9tbX_7ITj7BFuSUr4s-4WSE5Zutg8pz41c7/s400/wike1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, yesterday assured that his administration will continue with every project of importance abandoned by the previous administration.<br /> <br /> The governor who spoke in Port Harcourt while commissioning the Aboloma-Woji Road bridge, promised to take development to every part of the state despite the drop in the financial strength of the state.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said his government will discourage waste of public funds by making sure that every project of value abandoned by the previous government was completed.<br /> <br /> Earlier, Commissioner for Works, Engr Kevin Wachukwu, said that Wike’s administration inherited the expansion component of the road at the earthwork stage from “the bridge abutment measuring 1.35km in a swampy and marshy area.”<br /> <br /> He said that the Aboloma-Woji Road bridge commissioned was a dual carriage way of 1.672 kilometres.<br /> <br /> On his part, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Austin Tam-George, said that the administration of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi had the highest record of abandoned projects since 1967 in the state.

Latest-News Wike vows to complete projects abandoned by previous govt

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, yesterday assured that his administration will continue with every project of importance abandoned b...

Read more »

How female suicide bombers deceive Nigerians, by Defence Chief

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCPH87MrOwMNqFIpbhIGkHzP2LC6_5lDHFPcbYnfYm8k4tPlkXMuteKh43T8PNFkpNEzUV6b0OAZg-AusOanLXf1lRY3qfChE9B67bZyZNG7CZfHClUKl5AfJVOWyUM81UEx2pgg8Y79A/s1600/hijab+black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCPH87MrOwMNqFIpbhIGkHzP2LC6_5lDHFPcbYnfYm8k4tPlkXMuteKh43T8PNFkpNEzUV6b0OAZg-AusOanLXf1lRY3qfChE9B67bZyZNG7CZfHClUKl5AfJVOWyUM81UEx2pgg8Y79A/s400/hijab+black.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonosakin has disclosed how female suicide bombers deceive unsuspecting members of the public requesting assistance to perform religious obligation to enable them gain access to soft target spots, thereby detonating improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs and killing innocent citizens.<br /> <br /> According to General Olonosakin the female suicide bombers approach their victims, asking for water to perform ablution and other favours in a bid to enter designated areas and detonate their bombs.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Consequently, he has warned the civil populace to be suspicious of such strange females asking for water for ablution or any other favours, maintaining that all those intrigues are calculated to gain access to designated areas to detonate their bombs.<br /> <br /> The Defence Chief advised the citizens of the country to be wary of the latest tactics of the terrorists to perpetuate their evils acts, especially in Mosques, Churches, market places, motor parks and other social gathering.<br /> <br /> General Olonisakin spoke at the occasion of end of year 2015 conference with Principal Staff Officers of the Defence Headquarters.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, General Olonisakin has effected a restructuring of the Defence Headquarters, with the establishment of the office of Campaign Planning, Coordinating Centre for Naval Component, Theatre Commander and Deputy Theatre Commander in Operation LAFIYA DOLE.<br /> <br /> Also, a new ‘Theatre Media Office’ has been established to coordinate the operational activities of the Armed Forces. The Theatre Media Office will interface with the media and general public in the North East.<br /> <br /> A statement signed by Brigadier General Rabe said: “The restructuring, according to the CDS, became expedient in order to inject new tactics, operations and robust initiatives to attain efficiency and professionalism in the major operations nationwide where rule of law and human rights are strictly adhered to.”<br /> <br /> The CDS affirmed his commitment to indivisible Nigeria, stating that the military will continue to fight for the unity of our dear country. He emphasized that Nigeria remains one nation, one destiny.<br /> <br /> He maintained that the Armed Forces is working round the clock in the fight against terrorism, illegal oil bunkering, cattle rustling and other forms of illegalities and crimes that are plaguing our nation.

Latest-News How female suicide bombers deceive Nigerians, by Defence Chief

Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonosakin has disclosed how female suicide bombers deceive unsuspecting members of the public re...

Read more »

Dickson’s failed visit to Buhari, sign of desperation — APC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr676mh-AQEpgBm8Fw4wlsJlGHaeeGbZF03Q4nTHwYYWv9qdEQFMeiib-PoPoT4kxl411kbfyZzG5S6OvF6obfgg3DjUWu-j-vd19DAhPuVKsVolq1DPrVw0XypnLUXbESolu0oPILcCC/s1600/Seriake-Dickson1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr676mh-AQEpgBm8Fw4wlsJlGHaeeGbZF03Q4nTHwYYWv9qdEQFMeiib-PoPoT4kxl411kbfyZzG5S6OvF6obfgg3DjUWu-j-vd19DAhPuVKsVolq1DPrVw0XypnLUXbESolu0oPILcCC/s640/Seriake-Dickson1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State, yesterday, described as a “sign of desperation” and “acceptance of defeat,” Tuesday’s surprise visit by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the state governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, to the Presidential Villa for audience with President Muhammadu Buhari.<br /> <br /> But the PDP in the state dismissed as misleading, the claim that Dickson’s visit to the Villa was to lobby the President for soft landing in respect of the outcome of the re-run election.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The APC, in a statement by the Director, Media and Publicity of the Sylva/Igiri Campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, expressed joy that the audience sought by Dickson was not granted by President Buhari.<br /> <br /> According to the APC, “Our investigations reveal that Dickson is quite unsettled ahead of the January 9 re-run election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, which is a stronghold of the APC and he is now reportedly looking for a soft landing after he actually loses the Bayelsa governorship seat.<br /> <br /> “President Buhari should be wary of the desperate Dickson, whose main plan is to win the election through the use of violence.<br /> <br /> “We are confident that the APC candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, will win convincingly in Southern Ijaw council and the other 101 polling units across the state, because Bayelsa people are yearning to be part of the national change movement.”<br /> <br /> But the PDP in the state, in a statement in Yenagoa by the Director of Media and Publicity for the Restoration Campaign Organisation, Jonathan Obuebite, said the claims by the APC were a set of lies and figments of their imagination.<br /> <br /> He said: “The claim of the APC is filled with lies. It is sad for APC in Bayelsa State to think that the governor would visit Aso Villa without any previous appointment.<br /> <br /> “It is almost like a no brainer for any discerning mind to know that nobody just wakes up in the morning, gets dressed and heads straight to the Presidential Villa without being invited or having a prior appointment.<br /> <br /> “For crying out loud, it is inconceivable for anyone to assume, much less believe, that the governor of an oil-rich state that contributes over 40 percent of the nation’s wealth would be denied access to see the President,” he stated.<br /> <br /> Obuebite dismissed the report, describing it as “not worthy of any response.”<br /> <br /> He said the governorship election had already been won and lost, and therefore, not surprising that the APC in Bayelsa State was still carrying on in their usual deception as if they still stand a chance.<br /> <br /> “The APC has lost and they know it. No amount of propaganda and blackmail will return them as winners. They have been roundly rejected by the people and we truly sympathise with them because the APC is finished in Bayelsa State,” Obuebite said.

Latest-News Dickson’s failed visit to Buhari, sign of desperation — APC

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State, yesterday, described as a “sign of desperation” and “acceptance of defeat,” Tuesday...

Read more »