Nigerian Eye

Pro Biafra protests are evil - Rev Fr. Mbaka

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A Catholic Priest in Enugu, Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka has condemned the recent agitation and protests for Biafra nation describing the action as `evil.'
Mbaka made the condemnation in Enugu on Saturday in a sermon at his weekly Adoration Ministry.
The cleric urged youths in the South East and South-South to go back to their business as the protest could lead to their death. 
"Locking up your shops and disrupting economic activities will not add any naira to your pocket, whatever grievance you have could be resolved through dialogue,'' the cleric said.
He lambasted those leaders that were behind the agitation and protests, saying that they should use their children for the struggle.
Mbaka commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing ministers from the zone and assigning them with good portfolios.
"President Buhari's action has proven that the South East has not been marginalized. I would have reacted if no minister emerged from the zone,'' he said.
He said that the five states in the zone had minister each as prescribed by the Nigerian constitution as well as other key security and protocol officers that serves under president and his wife.
The reverend father attributed the recent free health screening initiative by the Wife of the president, Mrs Aisha Buhari, in Enugu to her love for the people of the region. 
He blamed the Igbo leaders for not living up to the expectation of the people in the area, adding that past governors, National Assembly members failed woefully in discharging their mandates.
"President Buhari is not the cause of poor roads, unemployment and other decay infrastructures in the south east, we should blame our leaders.
"Most of the roads had been awarded but our leaders squandered the fund, even the university teaching hospital in Enugu is a no-go-area and our leaders are not concerned about it," he said.
Mbaka called on the new Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, to use his office to employ youths in the zone, adding that it would stop what he called another Boko Haram in the south east if not curtailed.
He praised Buhari's war against corruption, saying it had enthroned due process and sanity in governance.
The cleric, however, urged Nigerians to be patient with the president as he had good plans for the country. (NAN)

Latest-News Pro Biafra protests are evil - Rev Fr. Mbaka

A Catholic Priest in Enugu, Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka has condemned the recent agitation and protests for Biafra nation describing the action as...

We have now captured 3 of the 100 wanted Boko Haram members - Nigerian military

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The Nigerian Army on Saturday announced the arrest of another wanted Boko Haram kingpin, bringing the number of those so far caught to three. 
 
The latest arrest, according to the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Sani Usman, was made by the State Security Service (also known as Department of State Services, SSS). 
 
Mr. Sani, a colonel, said in a statement Saturday, “Following the release of the poster containing photographs of 100 suspected Boko Haram terrorists, security agencies and the public have intensified search for them. 
 
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“The renewed zeal has been yielding the desired result as the Borno State Command of Department of State Services (DSS) has this morning arrested another suspected high profile Boko Haram terrorist, Danladi Abdullahi at Moduganari area of Maiduguri metropolis. 
 
“Although he is still being investigated, it has been positively established that he is suspect number 26 on the list of the declared suspected Boko Haram terrorists issued by the Nigerian Army last month. 
 
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, personally wishes to commend the DSS, especially Borno State Command, for this singular act, resilience and continued support and cooperation in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. The DSS has over times proven to be dependable and partners in the quest for a secured Nigeria.” 
 
The arrest of Mr. Abdullahi brought to three the arrest of suspects in the Army’s wanted list. 
On November 9, the Army announced that one of the wanted suspects, Chindo Bello, was nabbed at the airport in Abuja as he attempted to flee in an Aero Contractors flight to Lagos. 
 
Mr. Usman said the suspect was immediately handed over to the military intelligence for interrogation and prosecution. 
 
A day later, the military released a statement announcing the capture of one Ishaku Wardifen, who it described as another suspected terrorists on its wanted list. 
 
The Army said the wanted terrorist, suspected to be a Cameroonian, was arrested at a checkpoint in Adamawa State by vigilant troops of 23 Brigade Special Battalion at a checkpoint in Maiha, Adamawa State. 
 
The Nigerian Army had on October 28 declared 100 top suspected Boko Haram terrorists wanted, and then released their photographs, made into giant posters, the following day. 
 
Mr. Usman said at the time that the release of the photographs was to enable the public assist with information on them. 
 
“We would also like to reiterate that the fight against this security menace is a collective responsibility, therefore, we shall continue to solicit for public’s support, cooperation and understanding as we finally quench the remaining dying embers of the Boko Haram terrorists in our country,” the Army said in its Saturday statement. 
 
“We should all be more vigilant and security conscious to enable us all enjoy a better and more secure Nigeria.”

Latest-News We have now captured 3 of the 100 wanted Boko Haram members - Nigerian military

The Nigerian Army on Saturday announced the arrest of another wanted Boko Haram kingpin, bringing the number of those so far caught to th...

Picture of the day: The new minister of communication strikes a pose

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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From R-L Chief Lekan Are, Governor Ajimobi of Oyo state, the new Minister of Communication,Barr Bayo Shittu and his wife, Alhaja Shittu </td>
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What are your thoughts on the picture, kindly share with us below.... 
 
 
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Photo Credits: @oyostategovt/Twitter

Latest-News Picture of the day: The new minister of communication strikes a pose

From R-L Chief Lekan Are, Governor Ajimobi of Oyo state, the new Minister of Communication,Barr Bayo Shittu and his wife, Alhaja Shit...

Be patient with APC over campaign promises - Dogara

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Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government over its campaign promises. 
 
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by Dogara’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan. 
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Dogara made the appeal at a thanksgiving Church service of Rep. Austine Chukwukere, (APC) member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo. 
 
The speaker was quoted in the statement as saying that in recent times some Nigerians were becoming worried about the pace at which the present administration is moving. 
 
According to him, there is the need for Nigerians to be more patient with the government. 
 
“The APC government is laying a solid foundation that will last for generations, which requires time, diligence and patience on the part of the people. 
 
“I have interacted with leaders on the platform of the APC at all levels and I have no doubt in my mind as to their commitment to delivering the promised change and transform this country to greatness. 
 
“I will urge Nigerians not to despair, but to be patient with us. 
 
“Be patient with the APC as we are committed to the change agenda we promised the people. 
 
“From the president down to leaders at all levels, everybody is talking about the people and not our personal interest. 
 
“You can see the sincerity and the commitment of our leaders,’’ Dogara said. 
 
Dogara commended Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo for investing in education to move the state forward. 
 
“If not for education, we can’t be here as leaders today. 
 
“Some of the investments are not tangible so people will not see them now, but wealth of nations has moved from those beneath the soil to those you have in your head,’’ he said. 
 
While responding, Okorocha was quoted as saying that the time for politics is over as governance must take the centre stage. 
 
He commended the Speaker for uniting the House of Representatives, pointing out that Nigerians were always worried when they hear of disagreements and bickering among lawmakers

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Diezani-Alison Madueke opens up on her relationship with Jonathan

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 Former minister of petroleum, Diezani-Alison Madueke, has open up on her relationship with the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan. She disclosed this in an interview with The Boss newspaper. 
 
“Is it true that a sister of yours has a kid or kids for President Jonathan?” I asked. “That is totally untrue as I don’t have any such sister or relative!” she said. She wondered how people could fabricate such blatant lies. 
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“What people don’t know is that we’ve been family friends for long. My mum, Mrs Beatrice Agama, has always played the role of a godmother in the Niger Delta and all the militants love and respect her. I come from a royal privileged background and lacked nothing.” She said she was not unaware of certain insinuations about an intimate relationship with the former President but she never bothered her head about them because some people had made up their minds to spread those ugly tales about her. “If you are in the corridor of power, you must expect anything, including mud and even bricks being thrown at you.” 
 
On her relationship with Chris Aire, Kola Aluko, Jide Omokore, Tonye Cole, Dapo Abiodun, Wale Tinubu, Igho Sanomi and others?. 
 
Madame Diezani’s response was calm and unruffled: “I vehemently deny any intimacy or liaison with any of these gentlemen.” She noted that she is happily married like most of them are happily married and asserted that she is not the Scarlet Lady that people paint her to be. She sees those rumours as insults on accomplished women who cannot be seen in sensitive positions without running riotous with some men. She said it was important to put in context how she met most of them:

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Pope Francis ‘shaken’ by ‘inhuman’ Paris attacks

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Pope Francis said on Saturday he was “shaken” by what he described as the “inhuman” attacks on a string of Paris venues which left at least 128 people dead. 
 
“I am shaken, I don’t understand these things, done by human beings… There cannot be justification, religious or human. It’s inhuman,” an emotional pontiff said during a telephone interview with TG2000 television. 
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Grappling to find the right words, the Pope added: “I am with all those with suffer, and with France, which I love so much.” 
 
Earlier, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi addressed concerns about safety for pilgrims heading to Rome for the “Holy Year of Mercy,” designated by the Pope, which is due to start on November 8. 
 
Millions of Christians are expected to travel to the Holy See. 
 
“These murderers, possessed by a crazed hatred, are justly called terrorists because they want to spread terror,” Lombadi said. 
“If we let ourselves be scared, they will have attained their main objective,” he said, calling on followers to show “courage and resist the temptation of fear.”

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Paris attacks: the possible consequences

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 The Paris attacks were unprecedented in their scale in France and shocking in their method. The repercussions are likely to be wide and long-lasting. 
 
Here are five areas to watch: 
 
Syrian peace talks 
 
Peace talks to end the Syrian civil war had drifted along for years before a snowballing refugee crisis in Europe this summer and Russia’s dramatic entry into the conflict in September gave them new urgency. 
 
Given growing evidence of a Syrian link, the attacks in Paris will hike pressure on world leaders to overcome their deep divisions and solve a problem that is a key source of Islamic extremism. 
 
“If they’ve done anything they’ve encouraged us today to do even harder work to make progress and to help resolve the crises that we face,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said Saturday at a second round of peace talks in Vienna. 
 
Western military involvement in Syria 
 
Some of the Paris attackers were overheard telling hostages the attacks were in retaliation for France’s bombing of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Paris’s air strikes were also referenced by the group in a statement claiming responsibility. 
 
In step with increased diplomatic activity, the attacks appear likely to stiffen Western resolve to continue battlefield pressure against Islamic State — with the risk of being sucked further into the conflict. 
 
IS had been on the defensive this week, facing losses to US-backed Kurdish fighters around the town of Sinjar in Iraqi Kurdistan, increased bombing from Russia and the reported death of one of its most infamous executioners, Jihadi John. 
 
French President Francois Hollande sounded defiant in his reaction on Saturday, saying he considered the carnage “an act of war” and promising a response that would be “pitiless”. 
 European refugee crisis 
 
Europe is facing its biggest refugee crisis since the Second World War as hundreds of thousands flee conflicts or oppression in Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan to seek safety overseas. 
 
Already facing anti-immigration sentiment, the attacks could further complicate efforts by European governments to persuade their populations to accept this burden. 
 
Fears have been regularly stoked by reports that IS operatives could be hiding among the 800,000 migrants who have arrived this year, mostly on the shores of Greece and Italy. 
 
Many on the far-right were quick to link the attacks — so far without foundation — to the refugee crisis which has distilled fears about the so-called “Islamisation of Europe.” 
 
Poland’s incoming right-wing government said Saturday it would no longer accept refugees under an EU plan to relocate migrants from Greece and Italy to other countries. 
 
“After the tragic events of Paris we do not see the political possibility of respecting” the EU quota, announced incoming European affairs minister Konrad Szymanski. 
 Security measures in Europe 
 
Already accustomed to seeing heavily armed security forces guarding schools and synagogues since the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January, residents of the French capital will now face an even more muscular presence. 
 
An extra 1,500 soldiers were mobilised to reinforce police in Paris on Saturday, while European governments held emergency talks to review their security arrangements. 
 
“Last night’s attacks suggest a new degree of planning and coordination and a greater ambition for mass casualty attacks,” said British Prime Minister David Cameron on Saturday. 
 
More armed police and visible security checks appear inevitable. 
 
‘Borderless’ Europe 
 
Removing national barriers is a key part of the EU project, with Europeans allowed to travel without passports or visas in the 22-nation Schengen zone. 
 
The refugee crisis had already strained this system to breaking point, with a host of countries including Germany and Sweden re-imposing border controls while Austria, Hungary and others are building border fences. 
 
EU President Tusk said this week that “saving Schengen is a race against time” but Friday’s attacks have already complicated efforts. 
 
France, Belgium and Germany stepped up border controls, while any indication that the attackers or their weapons had travelled undetected across European borders would add to calls for more scrutiny over people and goods. 
 
(AFP/Reuters)

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DSS arrest another wanted Boko Haram Kingpin

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The Department of State Security (DSS) in Borno state at the weekend arrested one of the suspected Boko Haram kingpins whose photograph is among the 100 recently published by the Army authorities. 
 
Confirming the arrest in a statement, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman said the Boko Haram suspect is number 26 of the published wanted list and gave his name as Danladi Abdullahi. 
 
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The Statement reads, “Following the release of the poster containing photographs of 100 suspected Boko Haram terrorists, security agencies and the public have intensified search for them. 
 
“The renewed zeal has been yielding the desired result as the Borno State Command of Department of State Services (DSS) has this morning arrested another suspected high profile Boko Haram terrorist, Danladi Abdullahi at Moduganari area of Maiduguri metropolis. 
 
“Although he is still being investigated, it has been positively established that he is suspect number 26 on the list of the declared suspected Boko Haram terrorists issued by the Nigerian Army last month. 
 
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, personally wishes to commend the DSS especially Borno State Command, for this singular act, resilience and continued support and cooperation in the fight against terrorism and insurgency”. 
 
Continuing he said, “The DSS has over times proven to be dependable and partners in the quest for a secured Nigeria. 
 
“We would also like to reiterate that the fight against this security menace is a collective responsibility; therefore, we shall continue to solicit for public’s support, cooperation and understanding as we finally quench the remaining dying embers of the Boko Haram terrorists in our country. 
 
“We should all be more vigilant and security conscious to enable us all enjoy a better and more secure Nigeria.”

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Why it took 7 years to squeal on Igbinedion — Oshiomhole

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Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said it took seven years for him to squeal on the illegalities perpetrated by the Lucky Igbinedion administration because he knew that the past PDP-led Federal Government lacked the moral and political will to fight corruption as the PDP Government at the federal level was also committing serious infractions. 
 
Speaking at a colloquim organised by the state government to interact with the people of Edo State on the topic: “The Edo Project: Defining the Issues and addressing the Challenges-Post 2016” as part of activities to mark his 7th anniversary in office, Oshiomhole said “there were things I could not do under PDP. 
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“People asked me, why didn’t you speak all these years. If I say it, reporting thieves to thief, what difference does it make? Now I can talk because I know that the man there, if I can provide evidence, he will act. 
 
There was no point reporting a thief to an armed robber.” 
According to the Governor, the PDP Federal Government acted with a lot of impunity at that time, saying “a Commissioner of Police came to my office a few years ago and brought an instruction from Abuja signed by the IG on the instructions of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Anyim Pius Anyim that I should be stopped from intruding into the Ovoranwnem Square, that I am vandalizing Federal Government property and violating federal territories. 
 
“I told the CP top put me in handcuffs and take me away because it is not difficult to arrest me courtesy of my size. We have been fighting all kinds of forces and I said, the water fountain you call an act of vandalism was what our people celebrate. 
 
But in the eyes of the PDP, I was vandalizing it and even as we speak, the matter is in court. 
“Given the new balance of forces in Abuja, I have directed that they resume rebuilding the water fountain and to re-grass it and I also said that that place should not be turned to a car park. Until we got rid of the PDP, anybody I sent to carry out such task did so at great risk to their freedom.” 
 
Speaking on the Land Use Charge law, the governor said “I am not going to waste my precious time dealing with mercenaries. We are ready to engage with the real civil societies. 
 
They have a signature House in Abuja and they know what they pay there. They have a house in Bishop Avenue in London occupying 1300 square meters, whether the one owned by the father or the son, they have properties in South Africa and they pay land use charge for those properties whether they live there or not. 
 
“Do you think when they are fighting us in Edo, it is about enlightenment? It is not about enlightenment. Is it not of interest to you that it is student and Civil Societies who are fighting or purporting to fight against property tax. In other developed countries, it is this group that will be pushing government to increase property tax to the rich. How can a student be fighting for a rich man not to pay tax?” 
 
Earlier, the moderator of the Colloquim, Mr. Femi Falana SAN praised Comrade Oshiomhole for a job well done in the past seven years as Governor. 
 
According to him, “the Governor having been in the terrain of popular struggle and systemic exploitation and corruption, Nigerians were wondering what this social critic was going to do in Edo State. It wasn’t easy because by the time he assumed leadership of the State, the economy was already grounded. 
 
“For 8 years before he got there, the governments, particularly of this state, were all smiling to the bank. By the time the Governor took over, the purse had not only been looted, but it had dried up. The comrade accepted the challenge and looked for water even in the rock and at the end of the day, he has been able to demonstrate even to his greatest critic that there are governors and that there are governors. 
 
“For our comrade, the road has not been easy, the battle has been tough but at the end of the day, all of us who are friends and allies, whenever we are discussing the Governors who have performed in this country, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole will certainly rank as one of the best. 
 
“Comrade, you still have a year and unlike other governors who hardly perform during their second term, I understand in Edo State you are waxing stronger and I wish you success as you enter the last lap of your glorious tenure in this state. 
 
“It is not common to see a building of this nature and when I got here I could not believe that I was in the premises of a secondary school, you can only find a hall of this nature either in Abuja or Lagos. Today is not just a day of intellectual discourse, it is day of stock taking. 
 
“I want to congratulate each and every one of his team and the entire Edo people for their contributions to the success of the Comrade Governor. Our people say when your masquerade dances well, you are very proud, Comrade, you are a good masquerade and you are dancing very well”. 
 
Speakers at the Colloquim include Dr Pius Odubu, Deputy Governor; Mr Osarodion Ogie, Commissioner for Works; Prince Clem Agba, Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities; Mr Godwin Obaseki, Chiarman, Edo State Economic Team; Mr Frank Evbuomwan, Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development; Dr Aihanuwa Eregie, Commissioner for Health; Dr Osagie Obayuwana,former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State and Mr Austin Osakwe, human rights activist. It was moderated by Mr Femi Falana, SAN.

Latest-News Why it took 7 years to squeal on Igbinedion — Oshiomhole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said it took seven years for him to squeal on the illegalities perpetrated by the Lucky Igbinedion...

French seek friends, shelter on social media after Paris attacks

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French people took to social media to find friends and relatives, search for shelter and tell the world they were safe on Saturday, after a wave of attacks across Paris left 120 people dead. 
 
Internet users posted poignant appeals on Twitter to find their loved ones who had been at the scenes of the bloodshed, including at the Stade de France stadium and a rock gig at the Bataclan theatre. 
 
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“If anyone has news of Lola, aged 17, at #Bataclan this evening, contact us,” read one post, while another expressed concern for a friend Thibault, who was also at the concert. “He’s not getting back to me: help me”, it read. 
 
Other Twitter feeds remained ominously silent after announcing the start of the concert at the Bataclan concert hall, where at least 82 people were later killed by gunmen wielding AK47s. 
 
Eight attackers struck numerous locations around the capital, leaving at least 120 people dead on Friday night, the bloodiest such incident in Europe for more than a decade. 
 
Thousands of Parisians used the hashtag #PorteOuverte (open door) to organise places to stay for people who had been left stranded — particularly in areas that had been attacked. 
 
The hashtag was re-posted 480,000 times as the hours passed with the city on lock down, making it the second-most used keyword on Twitter in France after #fusillade (shooting) which was used 700,000 times. 
 
“If people are stranded, I can accommodate two of three people on Rue des Martyrs,” offered one user, while WroteGabDeLioncourt said: “Our sofa is always available for two/three people in Maraichers”. 
 
Others set up an emergency website “porteouverte.eu” to help people find temporary shelter. 
 
Meanwhile, Facebook launched a “Paris Terror Attacks” check-in feature to let people signal whether they were out of harm’s way, then notify their connections on the social networking site. 
 
“Quickly find and connect with friends in the area,” a message from the Facebook Safety Check service read. “Mark them safe if you know they’re OK.” 
 
The feature also allowed people to check which friends listed as being in Paris had not yet checked in as safe. 
 
“We are shocked and saddened by the events unfolding in Paris,” a Facebook spokesman told AFP. 
 
“Communication is critical in these moments both for people there and for their friends and families anxious for news.”

Latest-News French seek friends, shelter on social media after Paris attacks

French people took to social media to find friends and relatives, search for shelter and tell the world they were safe on Saturday, after...

Davido Robbed In South Africa

12:39 Unknown 0

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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Award winning singer, Davido along with his manager were today robbed in South Africa shortly after they landed in the country.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It was gathered that Davido and his manager Kamal were attached by two armed men just after they landed in the country and were heading to their hotel. Their belongings including a Rolex watch and a passport were stolen while Davido and his manager were left unhurt.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Davido, took to Twitter to show his joy in escaping unhurt.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Davido tweet" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-430103" height="161" src="http://www.360nobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Davido-tweet.png" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 5px auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="561" /></div>

Latest-News Davido Robbed In South Africa

Award winning singer, Davido along with his manager were today robbed in South Africa shortly after they landed in the country. It was ga...

President Buhari condemns terrorist attacks in Paris

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 President Muhammadu on Saturday expressed shock over the news of the attack on innocent civilians in Paris by suspected terrorists. 
 
The President was reacting to the incident in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina. 
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“On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Buhari conveys his heartfelt sympathy to President Francois Hollande and the people of France,’’ said Adesina in the statement. 
 
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French bomb attack</td>
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The President also extended sincere condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the unfortunate victims of the callous attacks. 
 
President Buhari condemned the barbaric attacks which he said constituted an unacceptable affront to all human values and civilized norms. 
 
According to him, as a country which has borne the terrible human cost of terrorist attacks, Nigeria stands in full solidarity with the government and people of France as they mourn those who have lost their lives in the attacks on Paris. 
 
President Buhari called on all peace-loving nations of the world, to intensify ongoing multilateral cooperation and collaborative actions aimed at tackling the problem of international terrorism. 
 
The Paris terrorist attacks, which claimed about 127 lives, with at least 180 people 
injured, had been described by President Hollande as an act of war against France. 
 
The series of attacks launched by gunmen at Bataclan concert hall, restaurants and bars as well as a bomb blast at Stade de France, all in Paris city, had continued to attract condemnation across the world.

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ISIS 'claims responsibility' for Paris attacks after hundreds killed across French city

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 Almost 150 people are said to have been slaughtered in the French capital in a series of co-ordinated attacks last night. 
 
A gunman reportedly shouted "it's for Syria" and "Allahu Akbar" – the Arabic for "God is great" – before slaughtering around 100 music fans at a concert hall. 
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The attacks came just hours after British ISIS butcher Jihadi John was said to have been killed by a US drone strike in Syria. 
 
And several ISIS supporters celebrated the horror attacks attacks using the sick hashtag 'ParisIsBurning'. 
 
One said: "God is great and thank God for these lone wolf attacks. At least 100 hostages and countless wounded." 
 
His tweet was sent from the Kuwait port of Mina Abdulla, according to Twitter's location settings. 
 
Another added: "Oh God, burn Paris as you burned the Muslims in Mali, Africa, Iraq, Syria, and Palestine." 
 
Some fans even boasted London, Rome and Washington DC would hit by the next horror attacks. 
 
But some social media users used the hashtag to share their sympathy with those hurt and killed in the attacks. 
 
In January, ISIS praised two gunmen who killed 12 people at the Paris offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. 
 
The terror group called them "heroic jihadists", according to the Site Intelligence Group. 
 
In June, a suspected Islamist decapitated a man in a gas factory in the south-eastern city of Lyon. 
 
Two months later three tourists overpowered a heavily armed gunman linked to ISIS on a Paris-bound train.

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#Prayers4Paris: The world unites in the wake of horrific terror attack in France

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Thousands of people all over the world have taken to Twitter to offer their support in the wake of the horrific Paris terror attacks. 
 
#Prayers4Paris features in thousands of posts as it emerged after hundreds lost their lives after a series of shootings and explosions in the French capital. 
 
Tweets below... 
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Nigerians react to Diezani's newly released 'Cancer' picture

10:54 Unknown 0

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 Several Nigerians have taken to social media to react of a new photograph 'confirming' that Nigeria’s immediate past Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke is indeed battling cancer is currently trending on social media and eliciting sympathies from even her critics. 
 
The controversial Alison-Madueke has not returned to Nigeria after she jetted out in the same aircraft with President Muhammadu Buhari just weeks after the latter won the 2015 presidential election. 
 
She is said to be currently battling cancer. 
 
The former Minister is also finding it hard convincing Nigerians that she is actually innocent of the allegation that she stole about $20 billion dollars as minister in the Ministry of Petroleum, where some of the highest levels of corruption allegedly took place in the last government. 
 
The photograph, first published by owner of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, shows former stunning Mrs. Alison-Madueke, looking old with wrinkled skin and hair loss, supposedly from undergoing chemotherapy. 
 
Since the photographs emerged, Nigerians have reacted, especially on Twitter where some believe it is a lesson that life is vanity. 
 
@ChatWithWilson, one of those who reacted on Twitter, said: “seeing the recent pics of Diezani Alison-Madueke is humanly quite saddening. But there are lessons to learn from it all.” 
 
Emy Mabs, who tweets at @EmmyMabs, was spiritual in his sympathy. “She needs our prayer…See Diezani Alison-Madueke’s current look,” he said just as @DamilareAgoro said: ” (I) can’t believe this’s Diezani! I still feel for her even if truly she stole Nigeria’s money.” 
 
Another respondent, @Tbabz, said: “Diezani has cancer indeed. She wasn’t lying at all while OlisaOsega expressed disbelief saying: “God! I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Is this Diezani?” 
Reacting, a respondent with the handle: @blessberrie, said she was in tears looking at the photograph while @queen_nickki said: “Diezani is actually dying. OMG!” 
 
Tweeting through @Harieson, a respondent said: “asides the paris attacks, I got freaked out by that picture of Diezani Madueke. I’m all curled up right now, struggling to believe she’s the one.” 
Adeola Fayehun prayed: “may God grant her quick recovery!” 
 
SirJeffry expressed shock. “Nnaa mehn, this cancer na devil oo. See as it has transformed the once pretty Diezani to a grandma. God abeg oo, heal and restore her to normalcy.” 
 
In a reaction, @InnaRooney said: “I don’t think I will celebrate Diezani’s sickness because I know not how I will end up. If you can’t wish her well don’t pray for her worse.” 
 
In his reaction, @forakin said: “for all her misdeeds, in the face of personal struggles, this is no time to gawp over pictures of the stricken, we are all vulnerable. 
 
But @linusNoni sees the recent photograph as propaganda. He said: “propaganda setting in. Diezani’s pictures to soon be on net; she looks weak. Wish her speedy recovery but that not should stop any investigation.” 
 
@tosinadeda said: “unfortunately stolen funds can’t save anybody!” 
 
Reacting to the photographs, Uncle Mide, with Twitter handle: @babydot4u, said: “seriously, Diezani Alison-Madueke??!!!! Is this how you want to play the game??? Nigerians are watching…I don’t trust politicians.” 
 
One of the responders also said: “in all we do friends, don’t forget; life isn’t about how much we amassed, but how much lives we touched. She didn’t help anyone, even church members at a point all cut her off in their minds!” 
 
For one of the responders who simply calls himself Elslim, Nigerians must not be fooled. He believes the photograph is the result of make-over. 
 What are your thoughts, do you believe she truly has cancer? or it is just another plot to deceive Nigerians? kindly tell us..

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Paris terror attacks death toll rises to 128, 180 injured

10:39 Unknown 0

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At least 128 people were killed in the Paris attacks on Friday night, with 180 people injured, 80 of them seriously, police sources told AFP. 
 
The death toll does not include at least eight militants killed during the attacks. 
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All of the known attackers were wearing explosives belts. 
 
They wrought unprecedented violence on the streets of the French capital in a series of coordinated shootings and bombings that were the bloodiest attacks in Europe since the Madrid train bombings in 2004.

Latest-News Paris terror attacks death toll rises to 128, 180 injured

At least 128 people were killed in the Paris attacks on Friday night, with 180 people injured, 80 of them seriously, police sources told ...

I never stole Nigeria’s money – Alison-Madueke cries out from sick bed

08:54 Unknown 0

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 A former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has said she did not use her position to steal Nigeria’s money. 
 
Alison-Maduekwe, who looked ill and frail told the Publisher of Ovation Magazine and TheBoss Newspaper, Dele Momodu, said she performed her duties to the best of her knowledge and abilities. 
 
Alison-Madueke was recently arrested by officials of the National Crime Agency, United Kingdom over suspected money laundering activities. 
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The former minister had been alleged to have used her position as minister to steal billions of naira from the country’s coffers. 
 
In June 2008, Alison-Madueke was subject to a Senate probe after it emerged that as Transport Minister she had paid N30.9bn ($263m) to contractors between December 26 and 31, 2007. She is said to be worth over N1bn. 
 
However, she has never been officially charged or tried for these allegations and has strongly denied any wrongdoing. She was alleged to have spent billions of dollars inappropriately on private jets and responsible for some missing $20bn. 
 
She is also widely accused of reckless spending of government funds. 
 
In October 2009, the Senate indicted her and recommended prosecution for the alleged transfer of N1.2bn into the private account of a toll company without due process and in breach of concession agreement. 
 
However, the allegations have never been taken to law, and the former minister had maintained innocence.

Latest-News I never stole Nigeria’s money – Alison-Madueke cries out from sick bed

A former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has said she did not use her position to steal Nigeria’s money. A...

Obama leads world leaders condemnation of Paris attacks

08:24 Unknown 0

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<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">US President Barack Obama led a chorus of global condemnation of a wave of attacks in Paris on Friday that left more than 120 people dead, as nations pledged solidarity with France.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">The coordinated killings reverberated around the world after shootings by gunmen shouting “Allahu akbar”, explosions and a hostage-taking at a popular concert venue in the French capital.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Countries such as the United States, Britain, Spain and India, which have experienced their own mass-casualty attacks, were among the first to voice their condemnation.</div>
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<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">“It’s an attack not just on the people of France. But this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share,” Obama said in an address at the White House.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">“We’re going to do whatever it takes to work with the French people and with nations around the world to bring these terrorists to justice and to go after any terrorist networks that go after our people.”</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">In London, where 52 people were killed and hundreds wounded in a series of coordinated suicide bombings in 2005, British Prime Minister David Cameron said: “We will do whatever we can to help.”</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, the foreign minister of Spain, where 191 people were killed in train bombings in 2004, raised the specter of a jihadist attack.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">“All of this confirms that we are facing an unprecedented challenge, a hugely cruel challenge,” he told public television TVE.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country was hit by two major attacks in 2006 and 2008 that saw a total of 355 people killed, said on Twitter the “news from Paris is anguishing & dreadful”.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Multiple gunshots were heard around the Petit Cambodge restaurant" class="size-large wp-image-261995" height="282" src="http://cdn.pmnewsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Stade-de-France-504x284.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px auto 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multiple gunshots were heard around the Petit Cambodge restaurant</td>
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<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">– ‘Black Friday for France’ –</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">France’s Jewish community was among the targets of the last attacks Paris in January and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added his voice to the condemnation.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Israel stands shoulder to shoulder with French President Francois Hollande and with the people of France in our common battle against terrorism,” he said.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Netanyahu told France’s Jewish community — the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world — after the January attacks on Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish supermarket that they would be welcomed with open arms by Israel.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, where twin bombings on a peace rally in Ankara last month killed 102 people, offered his condolences.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">“As a country that knows very well the manner and consequences of terrorism, we understand perfectly the suffering that France is experiencing now,” he said.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey" class="size-large wp-image-241199" height="282" src="http://cdn.pmnewsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/President-Tayyip-Erdogan-504x284.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px auto 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey</td>
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<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Iranian President Hassan Rouhani branded the attacks “crimes against humanity” as Tehran announced he would postpone a scheduled trip to Paris.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini tweeted that she was “in the process of following with pain and dread the events in Paris”.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Europe is with France and the French people,” she said.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Angela Merkel, the chancellor of neighboring Germany, said she was “profoundly shocked by the news and images from Paris”, while Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders tweeted: “Shocked and appalled by new attacks in #Paris. Words are not enough.”</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">And in Australia, where a lone gunman reportedly shouting Islamist slogans killed a man outside police headquarters in Sydney last month, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said “this is indeed a black Friday for France and for the world”.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised the French people for their response, describing France as “the home of freedom”.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">“It is a global struggle for freedom against those who seek to suppress it and seek to assert some form of religious tyranny; a threat in the name of God but is truthfully the work of the devil,” he said.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Football fans rushed onto the Stade de France pitch after terror attack in Paris" class="size-large wp-image-262002" height="277" src="http://cdn.pmnewsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Stade-504x279.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px auto 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Football fans rushed onto the Stade de France pitch after terror attack in Paris</td>
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<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">– ‘Appalled and outraged’ –</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Elsewhere in Asia, where people woke up to the news from Paris, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan of Singapore, which raised its alert level, said “this is a terrible assault on a beautiful city with warm, cheerful, hospitable people”.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">“We must not let the terrorists divide us or destroy our spirit. I know the French spirit will prevail,” said Balakrishnan, adding that he would be in Paris for global climate change talks starting at the end of this month.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Philippine President Benigno Aquino’s government, which is preparing to host the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on November 18-19, said the Paris attacks demanded “heightened security from all of us”.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke of “these tragic times for the French people” as he condemned “in the strongest ways this barbarous act.”</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei added that Beijing was “profoundly shocked”, saying “terrorism is a common challenge, which the whole (of) humanity is facing”.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Afghan chief executive Abdullah Abdullah tweeted that “these brutal, barbaric & coward attacks show that terrorists have no religion… Global efforts must eliminate terrorism.”</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan, for his part, condemned “this act of terror… this brutal carnage” while Japan’s foreign minister Fumio Kishida said he was “shocked and angry”.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">In New York, One World Trade Center, the skyscraper built on the site of the September 11 attacks of 2001, was illuminated in blue, white and red in tribute to the French flag.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">“We are reminded in this time of tragedy that the bonds of liberte, egalite, fraternite are not just the values French people share, but we share,” Obama said in Washington, referencing the French national motto.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Those go far beyond any act of terrorism or the hateful vision of those who perpetrated the crimes this evening.”</div>

Latest-News Obama leads world leaders condemnation of Paris attacks

US President Barack Obama led a chorus of global condemnation of a wave of attacks in Paris on Friday that left more than 120 people dead,...

Hunderds Dead, French Borders Closed After Series of Terrorist Attacks Hit Paris

08:09 Unknown 0

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 Terrorists on a murderous rampage killed Hunderds of people in multiple attacks in the French capital Friday night, including at least 100 held hostage at a concert hall before police swept in. 
 
Explosions and gunfire erupted as the heavily armed security forces poured into the theater where a California rock group was playing. One police official described "carnage" inside the building, saying the attackers tossed explosives at the hostages, then blew themselves up with suicide belts as police closed in, the Associated Press reported. It was unclear how many hostages were rescued. 
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Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre, a spokeswoman for the Paris prosecutor's office said early Saturday that eight terrorists died in the attacks, seven of them in suicide bombings, according to AP. 
 
 The eighth was killed by security forces in the attempt to rescue the hostages at the concert hall. Overall, at least 120 people were killed in the attacks at six sites across the city, Thibault-Lecuivre said. 
 
She also said it is possible that terrorists tied to the attacks remain at large. 
 
In addition to the scores of people killed at the concert venue, at least 11 died in a Paris restaurant in the 10th arrondissement and at least three died when bombs went off outside a stadium, police said. 
 
It was the deadliest violence Paris has seen since World War II. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks. SITE Intelligence Group, a U.S. organization that monitors extremist websites, said jihadists were celebrating the attacks on social media. 
 
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French President Hollande declared a state of emergency and took the unprecedented step of closing all borders late Friday after gunmen opened fire at multiple locations. Explosives were set off at the Stade de France, the national stadium, where Germany and France were holding a friendly soccer match with Hollande in attendance before he was whisked away. At least one of the explosions at the stadium was believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber. 
 
"Terrorist attacks of unprecedented scale are underway," Hollande said in a national TV address. "There have been dozens of deaths, there are many injured, it's a horror." 
 
The attacks come just 11 months after 16 were killed in twin attacks at the Paris offices of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo and a kosher grocery store outside the city. 
 
"Once again we are under attack," Hollande said, adding the French military was being deployed across the city. A curfew was in place in Paris for the first time since WWII. 
 
"The terrorists want to scare us and instill fear," he said. "There are reasons to be afraid, but the nation knows how to defend itself and mobilize its forces and how to defeat the terrorists." 
 
Parisians launched the hashtag #PorteOuverte, which translates to #OpenDoor, on Twitter to offer shelter and safety to those stranded in the city. French media reported that taxi drivers were turning off their meters and driving people home — or to safety — for free. 
 
Facebook encouraged Paris-based users to "check in" with its Safety Check feature, which lets their Facebook friends know if they are in the area and safe. 
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In Washington, President Obama called the assaults an "attack on all humanity and the universal values we all share." He added it was a "heartbreaking situation" and said he did not want to speculate about who may be responsible for the tragedy. 
 
Police in major cities across the USA stepped up security Friday ahead of a weekend packed with sports events. Officials in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia said they had received no intelligence indicating any threats, but were stepping up patrols and taking other security precautions. 
 
U.S. passengers bound for Paris were in limbo as airlines canceled flights in light of France closing its borders. "It's truly chaos," said Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group, a travel industry research company. "The airlines are waiting for clarification from the government." 
 
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the U.S. embassy in Paris was "making every effort to account for the welfare of American citizens in the city." 
 
Witnesses said the attacker at the Bataclan concert hall, where the California rock group Eagles of Death Metal was playing at the time, shouted "Allahu akbar" (God is great) and fired into the crowd. 
 
"At first I didn't understand what was going on — there were so many gunshots and debris flying at my head," said Pierre Marie Bertin, 36, who was at the theater when the shooting began. "You get down. You find yourself between dead bodies." 
 
He said there were as many as four gunmen. At one point, he said, some male hostages "went onto the balcony and tried to negotiate for the life of their wives with one of the guys. It was sickening." 
 
The initial shootings occurred outside the restaurant Le Petit Cambodia and the bar Le Carillon. 
 
Philippe Caupain, a California resident who owns a business in Rancho Mirage, Calif., waited anxiously last night for news on the fate of his niece, who was shot twice. 
 
His 31-year-old niece Amandeen Andretto, who works in Paris, had gone to the Bataclan theatre to attend the concert. Soon after they arrived, terrorists began shooting and throwing explosives, taking more than 100 people hostage in the theater. 
 
"When this happened, her parents tried to call her, but there was no answer," Caupain said. 
 
Four hours after news of the attacks reached the U.S., Caupain said he received a call from his family to tell him that Andretto had been shot twice — once in the arm and once in the leg. But she was going to be OK. 
 
Andretto is in the hospital right now, Caupain said, and while the news of her being shot horrifies him, he's grateful that she survived the attack. 
 
"On one end, we were very concerned, but when we found out that on the other hand she's alive, that was good news," he said. "It's a bad situation." 
 
Caupain said there's no news on Andretto's boyfriend at this point, and no way of finding out. 
 
"We hope to learn more in the morning," he said. "It's a chaotic situation over there." 
 
At the stadium, an announcer told fans over the loudspeaker to avoid certain exits "due to events outside," without elaborating. The announcement at first prompted some panic, but then the crowds just walked dazed, hugging each other and looking at their phones for the latest news of the violence. 
 
Many appeared hesitant to leave amid the uncertainty after France's deadliest attacks in decades. 
 
(AP/USA Today)

Latest-News Hunderds Dead, French Borders Closed After Series of Terrorist Attacks Hit Paris

Terrorists on a murderous rampage killed Hunderds of people in multiple attacks in the French capital Friday night, including at least 10...

Pro-Biafra protest rocks Imo

05:39 Unknown 0

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Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a faction of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), as well as other pro-Brafra groups, yesterday took over the streets of Owerri, the Imo State capital, crippling economic activities and vehicular movements, as they protested the continued detention of the Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu. 
 
It will be recalled that Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, in the wake of the protests, absolved the Southeast governors and Igbo leaders of any complicity, adding that the separatists do not enjoy the support of majority of the Igbo. 
 
The governor also stepped up security to prevent the pro-Biafra groups from holding the protest in the state. 
 
However, as early as 6am yesterday, IPOB members, who reportedly trekked from Aba in neighbouring Abia State and Port Harcourt, apparently to beat security checks, converged at strategic positions in the state capital, from where they linked up with their members on ground to begin the protest. 
 
Although there was heavy security presence, including battle-ready soldiers and heavily armed mobile policemen, who drove behind the protesters in their vehicles, there was anxiety among the residents, as shop owners hurriedly locked up their shops, while motorists scampered out of major roads to make way for the long procession. 
 
 
 
Meanwhile, the protesters, numbering over 10 thousand, marched through major streets in the state capital, displaying the Biafra flag and placards with various inscriptions, such as, ‘FG free Nnamdi Kanu now’, ‘Kanu is Biafra and we are Kanu’, ‘we need Biafra now’ , among others and chanting war songs. 
 
One of the protesters, Emmanuel Onyema, said that the protests will spread to other parts of the country and sustained until Kanu is unconditionally released by the Federal Government. 
 
The factional MASSOB Director of Information, Uchenna Madu, said that they were in solidarity with IPOB because Kanu is a true Biafran. 
 
According to him, “the protest will continue as a platform to send the massage across that we need Biafra, we are not secured in Nigeria, we are feeling that our future is not secured in Nigeria. Our demonstrations shall remain non violent. Today we are in Owerri and by the time we finish in the Southeast and Kanu is not released, we will match to Abuja so that we can all be detained because we are ready to die for what believe in. 
 
“We are tired of being slaves in Nigeria, what is happening now shows that Biafra is ready to go so let them give us Biafra and release our leader immediately.” 
 
At the Government House, there was heavy security presence apparently as part of the security measures to prevent the protesters from gaining entry.

Latest-News Pro-Biafra protest rocks Imo

Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a faction of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSO...

'You ‘ll be back home soon' - Buhari assures IDPs

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President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday took a fresh message of hope to Nigerians displaced from their homes by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast. 
 
He told Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yola, Adamawa State that government is working hard to ensure that they resume normal life at the earliest. 
 
The president also decorated three soldiers who sustained serious injuries in the ongoing operations against Boko Haram with the Purple Heart medal for their gallantry. 
 
Four other soldiers were presented Operation Lafiya Dole medals. 
 
President Buhari said that the honour to the three wounded soldiers was in appreciation of their heroic contribution to the ongoing effort by the Armed Forces to end the Boko Haram insurgency. 
 
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He said: “These very deserved medals are in recognition of your sacrifices. I hope it will inspire you to give more to the nation and I urge you to maintain your determination to bring peace to our fatherland. 
 
“With what I have seen today, I believe that the Boko Haram are very close to defeat and I urge you to quickly clear the remnants of these criminals from wherever they may still be hiding. 
 
“I also urge you to remain vigilant, alert and focused to prevent Boko Haram from sneaking into our communities to attack soft targets.’’ 
 
Those decorated with the Purple Heart medal are Lance Corporal Kenneth Kulugh who was wounded in a battle with Boko Haram at Magar Bridge, near Madagali; Private Anthony Sunday who was wounded in a battle with Boko Haram at Gubla in Adamawa State; and Private Danga Umar who sustained multiple gunshot injuries to both thighs at Magar Bridge, near Madagali. 
 
He later went to the Malkohi Camp where he told IDPs that “by the grace of God, it’s our wish that you will be at your farm next cropping season.” 
 
The president, who spoke in Hausa, said the government is determined more than ever before to end the Boko Haram menace. “My government is doing everything possible to rebuild your homes, schools hospitals and roads to enable you go back to your homes.” 
 
“Boko Haram will soon be a thing of the past. 
 
“I know that most of you are farmers and your farm land have been destroyed, but let me assure you that you will soon go back and continue in your farming. 
 
“We remain committed to ending Boko Haram, ensuring your safety and welfare, particularly your children and their education. 
 
Buhari assured the IDPs that government would not only recover their areas but help in rebuilding destroyed structures, particular schools and hospitals. 
 
He lauded the Adamawa State Government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other organisations for their effective handling of the IDPs and assured them of sustained support from government. 
 
Welcoming the President, Governor Umaru Jibrilla said the state is burdened by the number of displaced persons, saying: “As I speak now, about 10,000 IDPs from Central Africa Republic are expected in Adamawa in three days’ time.” 
 
The Director General of NEMA, Sani Cidi, while welcoming the president said: “In Adamawa we have so far received 15,754 internally displaced and we are expecting about 10,000 more.” 
 
President Buhari had earlier decorated the wounded soldiers after inspecting a guard of honour by the 23rd Armoured Brigade of the Nigeria Army. 
 
He was met on arrival at the Yola airport by Governor Jibrilla, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara and other dignitaries including a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. 
 
President Buhari also paid a courtesy visit to the Lamido Adamawa, Dr Muhamadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, attended the wedding Fatiha of three daughters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and joined in the Jumat Prayer at the Airforce Mosque in Jibson Jalo Army Barracks, Jimeta, Yola. 
 
He was accompanied on the trip by the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Ahmed Lawan and Senator Kabir Garba Marafa.

Latest-News 'You ‘ll be back home soon' - Buhari assures IDPs

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday took a fresh message of hope to Nigerians displaced from their homes by the Boko Haram insurgency in ...

Foreign affairs minister pledges to increase FDI, promote Nigerian products abroad

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Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffery Onyema plans to focus on attracting more foreign direct investments (FDI) into the country. 
 
Onyema who formally took over at the ministry yesterday alongside Minister of State Khadija Ibrahim is also keen on promoting Nigerian products abroad by facilitating access to world market. 
 
The minister said operations of the ministry would be structured on the three pillars of security, economic development, and fight against corruption, adding that economic development was “absolutely crucial”. 
 
He said: “We as a ministry should play an enormous role in promoting economic development in our country and it has to be more than just attending meetings. 
 
“We have to engage with all the ministries and plan with them, identifying goals, concrete deliverables, timelines for delivering on those goals and the expected results from those goals with each ministry. 
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“And then we have to go out to the outside world and see and engage directly with all our development partners, making new development partners and identifying two key things. 
 
“How to attract foreign direct investment into the country and market access, how we can promote Nigerian goods, access other markets. 
 
“Mr President has made it very clear, we cannot just depend on oil; we have to diversify.” 
 
Onyema urged staff of the ministry to be proactive and dynamic by engaging other ministries to access foreign markets. 
 
“It cannot be just about expecting foreign countries to make us rich by investing in our country,” he said. 
 
The minister added that efforts would be made to efficiently engage Nigerian foreign missions and turning them into economic hubs for the nation’s economic development programme. 
 
“We have missions and embassies in so many countries around the world and we have to turn them into hubs for our economic development programme. 
 
“They have to play an important and major role in promoting access to markets in countries where they are situated and also in helping to promote foreign direct investment into Nigeria.” 
 
On security, Onyema said that Nigeria had to “quickly and efficiently” engage with foreign partners to address the security challenges in the country. 
 
“We will never be at peace if there is no security. 
 
“So, the ministry will have to leverage our contacts, our permanent engagement with the outside world to work coherently and together in tackling this scourge.” 
 
He said that the ministry also had an important role to play in fighting corruption in Nigeria. 
 
“It is about discipline, integrity and respecting the law. 
 
“First of all, we have to start within our ministry here, imbibe a completely new culture and set of values that conform to the vision of Mr President. 
 
“We have to block leakages within the ministry and also all of our diplomatic missions abroad. 
 
“We also have to have a new mind set, not always about entitlements but also about making a sacrifice for the greater good of our country. 
 
“We really have to put in place the rule of law and imbibe a culture of good governance, discipline and integrity and our country will be the better for it.” 
 
In her remarks, Ibrahim urged the staff of the ministry to contribute their quota to the success of the ministry and that of the nation as a whole. “We are all here to see that our country progresses. There a lot of things that need to be changed. 
 
“We have, for too long, been exposed to a lot of negative things which we have to make positive in order to achieve the change that Mr President so desperately wants us to. 
 
“We are all contributing our quota to see that this change is achieved.”

Latest-News Foreign affairs minister pledges to increase FDI, promote Nigerian products abroad

Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffery Onyema plans to focus on attracting more foreign direct investments (FDI) into the country. Onyema who...

APC to PDP - 'Atone for your mistakes, return looted funds'

04:39 Unknown 0

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday asked the People Democratic Party (PDP) to atone for its mistakes of the last 16 years by returning public funds allegedly looted by its members . 
 
The APC said this is the is the only way Nigerians will believe that the party is serious about rebranding. 
 
Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Timi Frank said in a statement last night that anything short of PDP atoning for its mistakes and returning the looted funds will amount to playing the ostrich. 
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Frank described the PDP as a sinking party that cannot be redeemed and which will soon disappear from the nation’s political space. 
 
He said that the opposition party’s remarks on the composition of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet was a clear sign of the frustrations of a political party headed for extinction. 
 
The PDP had criticised the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari as not being inspirational, adding that Nigerians should not expect any changes, but the APC said while the PDP may chose to see nothing good in the new cabinet, a close look at the cabinet would show a deviation of the past where political frivolities took precedence over national interest as was the case during the ‘devastating’ years of PDP’s reign. 
 
Frank said : “a careful look at PMB’s cabinet will reveal a well-marshalled and highly articulated reorganisation of ministries that have competent hands put in place to ensure delivery of set goals and objective of the APC -led government in line with the change mantra of the government. 
 
“What we have in place is a deviation from the past where the PDP -led government constituted a government of convenience, not minding the devastating effects and if the Nigerian people were better off. 
 
“The change in cabinet style will reflect in the execution of government policies for which in few months to come Nigerians will begin to feel the impacts and appreciate the change promised them by our Party and President. 
 
“For a party which only placed the resources of our nation for the past 16 years in the hands of select individuals, who entrenched poverty and reduced the quality and standards of our lives, begging Nigerians must not be enough. The must have the courage to return all our looted funds. Only then can Nigerians take them serious. 
 
“The President has manifested through his cabinet that he is serious at revamping the Nigerian economy and ensuring that the wasted years of the PDP must never be allowed to continue. What he needs is the nation’s collective and full support and not the distractions of rebirth- seeking party”.

Latest-News APC to PDP - 'Atone for your mistakes, return looted funds'

The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday asked the People Democratic Party (PDP) to atone for its mistakes of the last 16 years by ...

Tears flow as Ex-PDP governorship candidate Pwajok is buried

04:39 Unknown 0

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Plateau State stood still yesterday as one of its priced sons, the late Senator Gyang Nyam Shum Pwajok, was committed to mother earth. Pwajok passed on in India about three weeks ago. The former senator meant a lot to the people who had had cause to associate with him, hence his burial was full of testimonies from people whose lives he impacted on in one way or the other. 
 
The remains of the late senator was moved from the mortuary of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) as early as 8am to the Church of Christ In Nation (COCIN) Du, Jos South LGA for the burial mass. His body drew a long convoy of vehicles rarely experienced in the state. It was like the funeral of a king. 
 
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At the funeral service at COCIN yesterday, Senate President Bukola Saraki described him as an embodiment of humility, adding that during his period as Senator, he contributed immensely to the current peace in Plateau State. 
 
Saraki, who was represented by Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, said Plateau State and Nigeria had lost a brave and vibrant leader who lived and worked for the peace and unity of the nation. 
 
The senator representing Plateau North, Dr. Jonah David Jang, regarded as the political father of the late Pwajok, described him as a sharp intellect, a vibrant character and a resilient spirit. 
 
 
 
Jang, who was visibly shaken by Pwajok’s death, wondered: “How could this rare star be dimmed so prematurely? We weep in anguish and wander why fate is so cruel to us. 
 
“But God is never cruel to us. Yes, His ways are sometimes strange, unfathomable to us, but we must not despair. We must still thank Him even for what He has done. 
 
“In our eyes, Gyang’s life was sadly too short. But we cannot measure the worth of a man’s life by the days he sojourns here. Rather, we should assess it by how much he impacts society. 
 
“Gyang was indeed a great man, a great inspiration and profound blessing to his time. He will continue to excite fond memories in generations to come, especially the youth whom he loved so much.” 
 
Plateau State governor, Simon Bako Lalong, while eulogising the life and times of the late senator, said: “I regret the death of GNS Pwajok, I questioned why he died so early in age. But I cannot question God Almighty who created GNS Pwajok. 
 
“The man has a vision for Plateau State and I will not allow that vision to die with him. I will work with the family to get his development blue print for me to implement it for the benefit of Plateau citizens whom GNS Pwajok loved so much. 
 
“As a governor, I had sincere intention to tap into the vision of GNS Pwajok in developing the state. It is therefore a great loss to my administration that he has to die now. I have no one to consult for ideas any more. 
 
“I know GNS has a rich store of ideas for the growth of the state. Only God knows why the man died without fulfilling his mission for the people of the state. It is so painful.” 
 
The running mate to the late Senator Pwajok during the governorship election, Yilji Gomwalk, described his deceased boss as a man with a large and gentle heart who accepted all indiscriminately. He always thought of others before himself.” 
 
Plateau youths described him as their hero and role model. Politicians described him as their hope. Women called him their saviour. The indigent group called him their Messiah. 
 
Senator Pwajok was the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the April 11 governorship election in Plateau State. He fell sick before May 29 and was flown out of the country for medical attention. But the youngest Senator in the 7th Assembly between 2012 and 2015 was confirmed dead on the 28th of October 2015. 
 
The late Pwajok was suspected to have died of illness known in medical parlance as Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a combination of kidney and liver complications. 
 
The entire state mourns his death because he died at the early age of 48, having been born on the 15th of March 1966. 
 
The PDP standard bearer died while pursuing his governorship case before the election petition tribunal. 
 
The youths in the state vowed to continue with the legacies of the late senator as enshrined in his political slogan, Greater Together, during the governorship campaign, based on his belief that Plateau State will be greater when the citizens are united. 
 
Senator Pwajok died fighting for the unity of the people of Plateau state. As a leader of the “greater together” crusade, he was detribalised. He embraced all and never showed ethnic or religious sentiments in his character. 
 
GNS Pwajok was a lecturer at Plateau State Polythecnic, University of Jos before going into politics. He was a Director General of Research and Documentation and late Chief of Staff in the former Jonah Jang administration between 2007 and 2012. 
 
He later contested the Senate seat of Plateau North Senatorial zone and won in 2012. He won the governorship primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after defeating 15 other governorship aspirant. 
 
In a tribute by his wife, Mrs Bridget Gyang Pwajok, she said: “By this death, myself and my husband has only separated physically, we are still together in spirit. 
 
“I will forever love the world we shared. I will always remember your smile. I shall miss your love and care, no doubt, but I’m consoled with the confidence that you’ve gone to be with our Lord God. 
 
“I will be with you there someday. Rest in peace, my dear.” 
 
The only daughter of the late senator, Miss Matilda Simi Pwajok, said: “I never imagined I would pay a tribute to daddy so early. It is just too difficult to accept he is dead. I still don’t believe it. I wish Iam dreaming” 
 
Senator Pwajok was later laid to rest at his Rayfield residence after the burial mass.