Nigeria should forget about Chibok girls, why bringing them back is dangerous – Victim

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzf8Xq-xS4pQsiD3JC5kGe6OxzanIlOKTWwDCQZfzNtFXV6YdOpfRSjCP6cTCz5dEeDcqeQfox_GBCdzweYuQQAOSuvKTUgJ1SIEJzAuS4khGUDYZPygLilP8SVq-zxHW_hn1qbmsSWDB0/s1600/chibok+girls+nigerianeye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzf8Xq-xS4pQsiD3JC5kGe6OxzanIlOKTWwDCQZfzNtFXV6YdOpfRSjCP6cTCz5dEeDcqeQfox_GBCdzweYuQQAOSuvKTUgJ1SIEJzAuS4khGUDYZPygLilP8SVq-zxHW_hn1qbmsSWDB0/s640/chibok+girls+nigerianeye.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> A victim of Boko haram insurgents currently taking refuge in Jos, the Plateau state capital has warned the federal government against the idea of bringing back Chibok girls into the country.<br /> <br /> She said doing so might spell doom for the country’ anti-terrorism stance.<br /> <br /> Hajiya Aishatu who gave the warning in an interview in Jos said, “Bringing back chibok girls would amount to importing Vampires into the Country, the campaign for Chibok girls is not in the interest of this country.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Hajiya Aishatu Bala, who hails from Bama Village in Maiduguri but was lucky to escaped to Jos during the heat of insurgency war in the north east said, “Chibok girls are not existing anywhere in the world, most of them had been used as suicide bombers by those who abducted them.<br /> <br /> She said, “Young girls involved in suicide attacks in the last two years till date were the Chibok girls, it will be a waste of time for anyone to be talking of rescuing Chibok girls.”<br /> <br /> The victim who saw the killing of her husband and two children before her narrow escape advised the federal government to watch the activities of those involved in the Brink Back our Girls Campaigner base in Abuja because those involved are acting on sheer ignorance or they are not sincere to the nation.<br /> <br /> “If at all Chibok girls exist anywhere, bringing them back to Nigeria will even spell doom for this country because they have been trained to see the country as the land of evil men,” she said.<br /> <br /> She appealed to National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to devise a means of identify those Victims who are not staying in the camps currently due to the kindness of their relations who provided them shelter by including them in the rehabilitation program of the federal government.

Latest-News Nigeria should forget about Chibok girls, why bringing them back is dangerous – Victim

A victim of Boko haram insurgents currently taking refuge in Jos, the Plateau state capital has warned the federal government against the idea of bringing back Chibok girls into the country. She said doing so might spell doom for the country’ anti-t…

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Niger Deltans condemn US govt over murder of Nigerian

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmELdnpvbMHMP1DsGo3gfIgN-keW1iU_vAIjPFjZqbJ-KKWp6HW-QbwYXidWdmmrEllolM-AcTR5ELg8tVc49sKgrZt10cgOT8ULn51m6o1cpBUQdP2TMJvZZ9Nlms6taNiN23mD_T31L/s1600/murder+with+knife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmELdnpvbMHMP1DsGo3gfIgN-keW1iU_vAIjPFjZqbJ-KKWp6HW-QbwYXidWdmmrEllolM-AcTR5ELg8tVc49sKgrZt10cgOT8ULn51m6o1cpBUQdP2TMJvZZ9Nlms6taNiN23mD_T31L/s640/murder+with+knife.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The people of the Niger Delta have condemned the non-trial of an American citizen who allegedly murdered his Nigerian wife, Mrs. Doris Anasesia Lambert (nee Oaikhena), in Houston, Texas.<br /> <br /> A statement by Comrade Joseph Evah of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, demanded the trial of the suspect. “We are worried that the American embassy in Nigeria ignored the father and mother of the dead who suffered depression now resulting to hypertension because of the gruesome killing of their daughter in the US”, the statement said.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “We are aware that Americans are ready to defend the rights of their citizens anywhere in the world with all their strength, the same way Niger Deltans are prepared to defend the rights of their citizens. Therefore, the attitude of the US towards our Uromi, Edo State-born daughter is unacceptable to our people.<br /> <br /> The gruesome manner Doris was killed with her body found inside the kitchen freezer in their home after two weeks is inhuman and we demand justice for the crime”.

Latest-News Niger Deltans condemn US govt over murder of Nigerian

The people of the Niger Delta have condemned the non-trial of an American citizen who allegedly murdered his Nigerian wife, Mrs. Doris Anasesia Lambert (nee Oaikhena), in Houston, Texas. A statement by Comrade Joseph Evah of the Ijaw Monitoring Grou…

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Boko Haram raids two Borno communities, kills four

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRx-UN5y0VR8KaaDUnwof5BdZst774kMtpRjvhVnCMQ8WzEgp0OvaX_TRYroGDdwOQQNeextKoyGzbxu9HMFQ3rD4wE55z5EUQxYi1ymXTVcty4xqScvNrG9O6QLuq0HRohZLN07ZB847/s1600/Boko-haram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRx-UN5y0VR8KaaDUnwof5BdZst774kMtpRjvhVnCMQ8WzEgp0OvaX_TRYroGDdwOQQNeextKoyGzbxu9HMFQ3rD4wE55z5EUQxYi1ymXTVcty4xqScvNrG9O6QLuq0HRohZLN07ZB847/s640/Boko-haram.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Friday raided two villages, Mairi and Malari in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno, killing four persons and razing houses in the communities.<br /> <br /> The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the attacks came barely one week after the Dalori incident in which some 100 persons were killed.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Some residents in Mairi told newsmen that the attackers arrived the village on bicycles at about 8.30pm.<br /> <br /> “The attackers came on bicycles and started shooting continuously.<br /> <br /> “The community was taken unaware as many people were relaxing after the late night Muslim prayers, Malam Baana Bukar, a resident said.<br /> <br /> Bukar said that the attackers set ablaze buildings as they ransacked the community.<br /> <br /> He said, “we took to our heels to escape the attack.<br /> <br /> “When we returned in the morning we discovered that four persons (three women and one man) had died.<br /> <br /> “The women were roasted after their houses were set ablaze by the attackers but the man was shot dead with a gun during the attack.”<br /> <br /> Malam Ahmed Tijjani, the Vice Chairman of the local vigilante-civilian JTF in charge of the Konduga local government confirmed the report.<br /> <br /> He said that the attackers also raided an adjourning village, Malari.<br /> <br /> “They attacked Malari village after leaving Mairi but the people had escaped before their arrival when they heard gun shots,” he said.<br /> <br /> Tijjani said that the terrorists set ablaze all private and public buildings in the village.<br /> <br /> Alhaji Babakaka Garbai, the Senator representing Borno Central at the National Assembly, who also confirmed the incident, expressed shock at the development.<br /> <br /> “Yes, they killed four persons here and burnt all the houses,” Garbai said when he paid a sympathy visit to the communities.<br /> <br /> He said that the surrounding villages had been deserted as the villagers had fled en mass for fear of attacks by the insurgents.

Latest-News Boko Haram raids two Borno communities, kills four

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Friday raided two villages, Mairi and Malari in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno, killing four persons and razing houses in the communities. The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the attacks came barely one…

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2016 Budget: FG to sanction officials over controversial provisions

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5j5R1SQ37yhmzgPsujNhgX9DUvxUhlXvEbmI-6ZpQs693cosmiM_rD_0s7b1y0zAAwT_tvGaM-7WmuNuQ5DWjNosLwOqYir_9y0_8IfZHoozd9XVFCTOaXk5_EkJEh2fib_zM5rnClSI/s1600/2016-Budget-Presentation-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5j5R1SQ37yhmzgPsujNhgX9DUvxUhlXvEbmI-6ZpQs693cosmiM_rD_0s7b1y0zAAwT_tvGaM-7WmuNuQ5DWjNosLwOqYir_9y0_8IfZHoozd9XVFCTOaXk5_EkJEh2fib_zM5rnClSI/s400/2016-Budget-Presentation-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Federal Government is almost concluding arrangements to sanction some top officials for their alleged attempt to sabotage efforts aimed at making the 2016 Budget truly people-oriented.<br /> <br /> A Presidency source who pleaded anonymity told journalists in Abuja on Saturday that the officials who he described as “the budget mafia” were responsible for some controversial provisions noticed in the budget proposal currently before the National Assembly.<br /> <br /> He claimed that the officials’ aim was to frustrate all the innovations introduced into budget preparation by the present administration for their own selfish interests.<br /> <br /> Giving specific examples, the source said after learning that the Presidency was considering a huge budget of possibly N8trn in order to significantly increase capital expenditure, bureaucrats brought a proposal of N9.7trn for overhead and capital spending without personnel spending.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said of the proposed N9.7trn, the bureaucrats planned to spend N3trn on overhead alone.<br /> <br /> He added that not comfortable with the arrangement, the Presidency eventually slashed the proposed N3trn to N163bn. The figure is by eight percent lower than the N177bn in the 2015 budget.<br /> <br /> “Bureaucrats also proposed to spend N2.1trn on personnel for the 2016 estimates compared to about N1.8trn in the 2015 budget. But the Presidency also cut this down to N1.7trnn in the final estimates sent to the legislature.<br /> <br /> “The situation and its fallout were so bad that it provoked the annoyance of the President who nonetheless kept his cool buying time so as to meet the target date for the presentation of the budget in line with extant laws and regulations governing the budget process,” he said.<br /> <br /> He added that the officials also attempted to sabotage the zero-based budgeting introducing by the present administration because it would not serve their selfish interests.<br /> <br /> The source said top civil servants involved in the resistance would soon be shown the way out.<br /> <br /> He explained further, “Zero-Based Budgeting proceeds on the basis of justifying need and costs rather than the annually incremental approach that transfers expenses from previous budgets with added upward reviews.<br /> <br /> “The old approach having been mastered by bureaucrats and past public officials including former ministers often leads to several acts of corruption both by civil servants and political appointees.<br /> <br /> “Although the Presidency had been planning on the adoption of the Zero-Based Budget with top officials from the then Budget Office and then National Planning Commission few months after taking over mid-year 2015, yet when both agencies were merged into the new Ministry of Budget and National Planning and a minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma was assigned to the ministry.<br /> <br /> “The civil servants simply refused to brief the minister on the Zero-Based Budget and efforts already made.<br /> <br /> “For weeks after the minister was sworn in, the bureaucrats kept planning on the old budget model, stalling the decision to use the Zero-Based Budget until the new Minister found out from the Presidency.<br /> <br /> “This stalling led to the waste of valuable time and sources. The bureaucrats had calculated that once time becomes of essence, the Presidency would be forced to abandon the Zero-Based Budget.<br /> <br /> “However, the Presidency regrouped the budget planning efforts around the concept of Zero-Based Budget by early December when the Budget Minister now aware of the Zero-Based Budget took control and leadership of the process.”<br /> <br /> He added that even after that, some of the bureaucrats did not cooperate, therefore taking longer than required time to come back with revisions to their estimates that were recommended and ratified by the Presidency.<br /> <br /> In the process, according to him, many of the provisions already marked down for revision simply got snuck in, pushing the Presidency in the defensive in the backlash in the public arena.<br /> <br /> He said the officials would have been sacked at that point but the government exercised restraint in order not to truncate the process that has been put in place.<br /> <br /> The official explained further that the inclusion of many of the provisions that have drawn the ire of the public managed to sail through the budget with more than 6000 items in all because supervision was made more difficult with the uncooperative attitude of the bureaucrats and their subordinates.<br /> <br /> He said even the process of costing some of the expenditures was also made difficult when the Bureau of Public Procurement was not ready with an updated list, insisting instead on a list prepared in 2013.

Latest-News 2016 Budget: FG to sanction officials over controversial provisions

The Federal Government is almost concluding arrangements to sanction some top officials for their alleged attempt to sabotage efforts aimed at making the 2016 Budget truly people-oriented. A Presidency source who pleaded anonymity told journalists i…

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Ex-Senate President, Ken Nnamani, dumps PDP

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2crngFwz3WbN3ILbuZcSrKyY5E1htAQ-HIPejIG0Q7Hb3_RfwMhdCkcLKRX9wAdCI6KYrb1b_11fW2nyu0rbaD4gs1JfzBrPpTcgkb-H5SSWkz8em2k9lAMLciUh1dhH9jQbItLzd0cz2/s1600/ken-nnamani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2crngFwz3WbN3ILbuZcSrKyY5E1htAQ-HIPejIG0Q7Hb3_RfwMhdCkcLKRX9wAdCI6KYrb1b_11fW2nyu0rbaD4gs1JfzBrPpTcgkb-H5SSWkz8em2k9lAMLciUh1dhH9jQbItLzd0cz2/s400/ken-nnamani.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> A former President of the Nigerian Senate, Ken Nnamani, has announced his departure from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, a political platform to which be belonged since 1999, and which, in 2005, made him the third most powerful man in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> In a statement on Saturday, Mr. Nnamani said he was quitting the party because the platform had abandoned “the path of its noble vision and values”.<br /> <br /> Mr. Nnamani was elected to the Senate President in 2003, and was senate president between 2005 and 2007.<br /> <br /> In his statement Saturday, entitled, “PDP, the Burden and My Conscience,” the politician said he was fed up with the current status and direction of the PDP, and was therefore quitting “without any iota of bitterness” in his heart.<br /> <br /> “I do not believe I should continue to be a member of the PDP as it is defined today,” Mr. Nnamani said, “This is certainly not the party I joined years ago to help change my country. I do not also believe that the PDP as it is managed today will provide an opportunity for me to continue to play the politics of principles and values which I set for myself as a young man on leaving graduate school and working for a large multinational in the United States in the 70s and 80s.<br /> <br /> “Therefore, today I resign my membership of the PDP. In stepping out of partisan politics for the meantime, I will continue to be politically engaged. I will also continue to support the government and all the elected officers in Nigeria to repositioning the nation.<br /> “I will also constructively criticize them when by commission or omission they take actions that could damage the prospects of transforming Nigeria into a productive, merit-based and honestly governed country.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Mr. Nnamani later revealed that he was leaving because it had become crystal clear to him that nothing would change in the party in the foreseeable future.<br /> <br /> He recalled that on November 10, 2015, he led a delegation of concerned party leaders to the Wadata Plaza national secretariat of the party to push for change.<br /> <br /> “We were simply dismissed,” Mr. Nnamani said. “They simply said they would get back to us. We haven’t heard from them since then.”<br /> <br /> He said even after the party was defeated in the 2015 general election, and other like-minded party members believed that that defeat could be transformed to victory.<br /> “We were hopeful and continued to push for reform,” Mr. Nnamani said. “But as you can see, that hasn’t work. Those who led us to defeat have continued to hold the party down.<br /> <br /> “In the circumstance, I have to move on and get on with my life.”<br /> <br /> Read Mr. Nnamani’s full statement below.'<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <b><br /></b><b>PDP, the Burden and My Conscience</b><br /> <br /> Without any iota of bitterness in my heart, I have decided to disengage from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and consequently step aside from partisan politics in the interim. I wish to express my profound gratitude to the party that gave me the platform with which I attained the height I did in the politics of our country.<br /> <br /> How I wish the efforts I mounted with some of my colleagues (many of whom have left the party) to keep the PDP on the path of its noble vision and values had been supported by those who were privileged to be at the helm of affairs of the party, it would have been a different day for the PDP. It would have been a day of victory and pride not of defeat and shame.<br /> <br /> <br /> I recall that the virus of corruption of values and mission was what those my colleagues and I set out to cure through the formation of the PDP Reform Forum in 2010/11. We worked hard to draw up a new direction for the Party.<br /> This was to help steer the party away from illegality and impropriety so that PDP can fulfill its promise of being a vanguard of Nigeria’s political and economic development. A direction defined by strict adherence to basic rules and morality in the management of party affairs. Chief of these values is respect for choice of party members in electing party candidates for elections.<br /> With more than half a decade of championing such a fundamental but simple idea, I regret that the PDP leadership continues to rebuff internal democracy. The party allowed itself to be blinded by hubris to believe that it will remain in power and influence for 60 years in spite of several gross missteps and grievous misnomer. We foresaw this ditch and prescribed how to avert falling into it. But we were dismissed as idealistic. Today the idealists have become realists.<br /> Recently, even after our avoidable abysmal electoral defeat, I continued to believe that we can still chart a new course and retrieve victory from the jaw of defeat. I continued to urge the leadership of the party to believe that the time of defeat could be the time of renewal, and that renewal requires strategic thinking and bold actions.<br /> <br /> <br /> I urged that this is a time to reembrace internal democracy and principled leadership to reposition the party for new politics. We are living in different times and we need new tools, ethos and codes of conduct. We need to become a party of technocrats and professionals and not a party of mercenaries and rent seekers.<br /> <br /> We need to become the party of young men and women with new ideas and not a party of political dinosaurs. It is clear now that these pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Every day the crisis of confidence and the contradictions in our party deepen. We continue to lose members and morale. The rebuilding some of us had urged on the leadership is not happening. Those who led us to defeat are determined to continue to lead the party as undertakers.<br /> <br /> I do not believe I should continue to be a member of the PDP as it is defined today. This is certainly not the party I joined years ago to help change my country. I do not also believe that the PDP as it is managed today will provide an opportunity for me to continue to play the politics of principles and values which I set for myself as a young man on leaving graduate school and working for a large multinational in the United States in the 70s and 80s.<br /> <br /> Therefore, today I resign my membership of the PDP. In stepping out of partisan politics for the meantime, I will continue to be politically engaged. I will also continue to support the government and all the elected officers in Nigeria to repositioning the nation. I will also constructively criticize them when by commission or omission they take actions that could damage the prospects of transforming Nigeria into a productive, merit-based and honestly governed country.<br /> As I leave PDP, I wish the leaders a new awakening and ethical revival. I cherish all the friends I made while in PDP and hope the friendship will continue to flourish.<br /> <br /> God bless Nigeria.<br /> Senator Ken Nnamani, GCON

Latest-News Ex-Senate President, Ken Nnamani, dumps PDP

A former President of the Nigerian Senate, Ken Nnamani, has announced his departure from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, a political platform to which be belonged since 1999, and which, in 2005, made him the third most powerful man in Niger…

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Manchester City 1-3 Leicester City: Foxes have 13 games left to win the title

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl3ONeOxLtGI4oQXJNQUJdO-yWE_Sm5tRdX_dMPYlt1oAQb3A_fMO4f5a0suvKRpzg0OYdBEfeUh36COfF3lvGeEv1puGPM7hVEqvssIMHQIAbLzvbHjJ2aanyKNq1eZmIzm-ck6I8eXc/s1600/vardy+leicester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl3ONeOxLtGI4oQXJNQUJdO-yWE_Sm5tRdX_dMPYlt1oAQb3A_fMO4f5a0suvKRpzg0OYdBEfeUh36COfF3lvGeEv1puGPM7hVEqvssIMHQIAbLzvbHjJ2aanyKNq1eZmIzm-ck6I8eXc/s400/vardy+leicester.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>Leicester City strengthened their status as Premier League challengers as the league-leaders stormed to a shock 3-1 victory against Manchester City on Saturday.</b><br /> <br /> The Foxes made a bright start to the game after defender Robert Huth handed his side an early lead inside three minutes, scrambling in a Riyad Mahrez free-kick from close-range.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Jamie Vardy came close to making it 2-0 just minutes later after latching onto a clipped pass from Marc Albrighton, only to be denied one-on-one by City keeper Joe Hart.<br /> <br /> City had half-hearted appeals for a penalty turned down before the interval as Manuel Pellegrini's side left the field to boos, returning to concede an early goal against Mahrez on 48 minutes.<br /> <br /> A double substitution saw Fabian Delph and Yaya Toure replaced just six minutes into the second half as City, who had just one shot on target in the first, introduced Fernando and Kelechi Iheanacho.<br /> <br /> Yet it didn't prevent Huth adding a second goal - and Leicester's third - on the hour mark, towering home a header from a corner to put Ranieri's side into an unassailable lead.<br /> <br /> Sergio Aguero pulled a goal back three minutes from time to reduce the damage, yet Leicester held off any late comeback to extend their lead at the top of the table to six points.

Latest-News Manchester City 1-3 Leicester City: Foxes have 13 games left to win the title

Leicester City strengthened their status as Premier League challengers as the league-leaders stormed to a shock 3-1 victory against Manchester City on Saturday. The Foxes made a bright start to the game after defender Robert Huth handed his side an …

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Watch Video: Mahrez’s stunning goal against Man City

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LwO0vD4EwTbjx7BQhAqteSkGshmjw8ohlFX3o50hupCbLD6zpe9jjaw_M0JAHn9j8YNjsDvplZA6KJp-7DfdLO-v_3WAr8k3f-DqwIrbBoCZZ8sz1MYxv7L0AcGhR36DTU2bxozJAy-E/s1600/mahrez+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LwO0vD4EwTbjx7BQhAqteSkGshmjw8ohlFX3o50hupCbLD6zpe9jjaw_M0JAHn9j8YNjsDvplZA6KJp-7DfdLO-v_3WAr8k3f-DqwIrbBoCZZ8sz1MYxv7L0AcGhR36DTU2bxozJAy-E/s640/mahrez+a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Watch Mahrez’s stunning goal against Man City below...<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x3qthak" width="480"></iframe><br /> <br /> Video: Daily Motion

Latest-News Watch Video: Mahrez’s stunning goal against Man City

Watch Mahrez’s stunning goal against Man City below... Video: Daily Motion …

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Anyone saying Chibok girls will return is telling lies - Obasanjo

<br /> <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/AVvXsEgTmDTi0dh4MnZnbrGUm7VTgQLYnOaNVh11val-YxCCTkulLk4LLwwCh8M3LX3Z343CmNeZfg5IJvQpFuKLRxLoi7CSUG7QfE8e5nh_xlUL4eBYjJ20bsIzm69kKYaynKKdgg0XpWof_Dfq/s1600/obj+obasanjo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmDTi0dh4MnZnbrGUm7VTgQLYnOaNVh11val-YxCCTkulLk4LLwwCh8M3LX3Z343CmNeZfg5IJvQpFuKLRxLoi7CSUG7QfE8e5nh_xlUL4eBYjJ20bsIzm69kKYaynKKdgg0XpWof_Dfq/s400/obj+obasanjo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Despite efforts and assurances by the Federal Government that it would rescue the abducted Chobok girls alive, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised doubts on their possible return.<br /> <br /> Mr Obasanjo, who spoke at an event organized by the Staff Club of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Friday, said anyone saying the girls would return was simply telling lies.<br /> The programme which was held at the open arena of the staff club, was themed, “An Evening with Obasanjo.”<br /> <br /> Mr. Obasanjo blamed former President Goodluck Jonathan for trivializing the distress call to rescue the girls on the day they were captured.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The former president heard about the kidnap 8am in the morning of the abduction but failed to act until 72 hours later and by then it was too late,” Mr. Obasanjo stated.<br /> <br /> “Anyone saying they(Chibok girls) will return is telling lies, maybe some of them will return to tell their story.”<br /> According to him, the failure of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last presidential election is a blessing to Nigeria.<br /> <br /> <br /> “We tried, but with Jonathan, it was best that PDP should fail to save Nigeria,” Mr. Obasanjo said.<br /> He pointed out that one of the low points of the Jonathan administration was his treatment of issues of importance as politics, particularly that of Boko Haram.<br /> On power generation, Mr Obasajo said there had been no meaningful improvements since he left office.<br /> <br /> “Power is still the same way I left it in 2007, railway is same way and other sectors, it was best that PDP stopped ruling us,” he said.<br /> “It was a thing of joy to me that the earlier declaration of 50 years governance for PDP did not come to pass.”<br /> Mr Obasanjo, who was in company with the Vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Fadipe and other notable personalities, also took out time to take a swipe at Professor Wole Soyinka whom he described as “an amateur politician.”<br /> <br /> “Wole Soyinka is a patriotic Nigerian, he is a great man but his opinion regarding politics, he always misses it, I have nothing against him,” he said.<br /> <br /> Mr. Obasanjo also justified some of the decisions he took on education, saying he would take the same decisions if he had another chance.<br /> <br /> “I have no regrets regarding the decisions I took in terms of education including removing free food in our institutions. We had 53 institutions when I came in 1999 but as at the time I left we had 150 institutions,” Mr Obasanjo explained.<br /> <br /> “I prefer to have all persons in schools than to have some few persons simply enjoying free food.”<br /> He also stated that he never had a godfather when he contested for president, admonishing young politicians to shun godfatherism and be ready to face hard times in politics.

Latest-News Anyone saying Chibok girls will return is telling lies - Obasanjo

Despite efforts and assurances by the Federal Government that it would rescue the abducted Chobok girls alive, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised doubts on their possible return. Mr Obasanjo, who spoke at an event organized by the Staff C…

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Sexagenarian completes Lagos marathon

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo3ERqegzE1hjbskkHGi4oEHcNJiiLUELvNSuDRZL8Ie1DCm7OqFD0Cftn06B5rHenZlEAlfBUuzAr_vhX_YC21P2ZEEqL9gZLJmAfzfKft4Uaf6bgcZnkWxbfKvWfz-ytN4blvhJqarf/s1600/Kenya%25E2%2580%2599s+Abraham+Kiptum+wins+Lagos+Marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo3ERqegzE1hjbskkHGi4oEHcNJiiLUELvNSuDRZL8Ie1DCm7OqFD0Cftn06B5rHenZlEAlfBUuzAr_vhX_YC21P2ZEEqL9gZLJmAfzfKft4Uaf6bgcZnkWxbfKvWfz-ytN4blvhJqarf/s320/Kenya%25E2%2580%2599s+Abraham+Kiptum+wins+Lagos+Marathon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> A 68-year-old woman, Abiola Oshodi-Adeniyibada, who took part and completed the 42km Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, has commended the sponsors and organisers of the event.<br /> <br /> Oshodi-Adeniyibada told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Teslim Balogun Stadium starting point of the race that her aim was to reach the finishing point.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The woman said it was not her first time of participating in sporting activities, adding that she had taken part in marathons outside the country in the past.<br /> <br /> The retired civil servant said, “I am very happy to be part of this historic marathon which is the first of its kind in Lagos and the organisers deserve commendation.<br /> <br /> “I did track and field when I was in high school and my love for sports brought me out to be part of this.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> “If I get tired on the road, I will rest or probably enter one of the official buses. But I will definitely get to the finish point.<br /> <br /> “I’m not here for the money, but to exercise my body and also catch fun while participating,” she told NAN.

Latest-News Sexagenarian completes Lagos marathon

A 68-year-old woman, Abiola Oshodi-Adeniyibada, who took part and completed the 42km Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, has commended the sponsors and organisers of the event. Oshodi-Adeniyibada told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Teslim Balo…

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Man Utd hold talks with Jose Mourinho

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf4Tp80BdgLrInBsLBDcGRNqdEhemx0KCk891F3tfNsw3K_FkFApO1ZQXwSFF9EquYat5grYFkXd6FdgoOQ2nKcbV3JJcv68uI582h_G9vEAcMPWOC_WweFRsvTwFAfSzszeN0iJVR0gm/s1600/mourinho+man+united.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf4Tp80BdgLrInBsLBDcGRNqdEhemx0KCk891F3tfNsw3K_FkFApO1ZQXwSFF9EquYat5grYFkXd6FdgoOQ2nKcbV3JJcv68uI582h_G9vEAcMPWOC_WweFRsvTwFAfSzszeN0iJVR0gm/s400/mourinho+man+united.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Manchester United have held talks with representatives of ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho,BBC reports.<br /> <br /> The 53-year-old Portuguese, who was sacked by the Blues in December, is increasingly hopeful of succeeding Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.<br /> <br /> No agreement has been reached, and the club have made no comment, but negotiations have begun.<br /> <br /> Dutchman Van Gaal, 64, is expected to leave United at the end of the season - one year earlier than scheduled.<br /> <br /> That would leave the way clear for Mourinho, who is known to be excited by the prospect of taking over at Old Trafford.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Sections of the United support have called for Jose Mourinho to become their new manager.<br /> <br /> The United hierarchy are thought to be keen to respond after Manchester City secured the services of coveted former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola earlier this week.<br /> <br /> Mourinho's arrival would mean a resumption of a rivalry that began in Spain when he was coach of Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.<br /> <br /> Twice in recent weeks, Van Gaal's tenure has seemed perilous.<br /> <br /> However, defeats by Stoke on Boxing Day and Southampton on 23 January have been followed by an improvement in both form and performance.

Latest-News Man Utd hold talks with Jose Mourinho

Manchester United have held talks with representatives of ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho,BBC reports. The 53-year-old Portuguese, who was sacked by the Blues in December, is increasingly hopeful of succeeding Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford. No agr…

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REVEALED: Lagos State Road Traffic Law - Violations + Penalties, Jail terms

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4WdH0IWzNtMi9y0-8jDSkakEgaSBcIyoO55xlLwzRWJHY1oBph8Zm8xDjz4SOqnBMxfILeMhcbahiq8UfwVo-vrDAuOKXBIywirC5JpmkmJMUJuS-tIFrCMFPtjbDv7PgvyWjd9tY54F/s640/traffic+in+Lagos.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> The Lagos State Government on Friday inaugurated the Special Offences (Mobile) Court to summarily deal with growing cases of traffic and environmental abuses in the state with the view to bring sanity and civility in the conduct of residents.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Mobile Court, which will be manned by highly-qualified Magistrates of the State Judiciary, will summarily try cases involving traffic and environmental offenders.<br /> <br /> Find below a link to the Lagos State Road Traffic Law which lists violations and penalties for offenders, including jail terms.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.lagosstate.gov.ng/images/pageimages/downloadfiles/docs/Gazette_Year_2012_Road.pdf">http://www.lagosstate.gov.ng/images/pageimages/downloadfiles/docs/Gazette_Year_2012_Road.pdf</a></b></span>

Latest-News REVEALED: Lagos State Road Traffic Law - Violations + Penalties, Jail terms

The Lagos State Government on Friday inaugurated the Special Offences (Mobile) Court to summarily deal with growing cases of traffic and environmental abuses in the state with the view to bring sanity and civility in the conduct of residents. The Mo…

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Kenya’s Abraham Kiptum wins Lagos Marathon 2016

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnamjux_0Rqhl8dqHPIkfnafITpWTpJvdI-TlOaj_Wxyx5gTq354VPJVvnhD0o7k093ALb5oys85hPwDMl04ncp8fIJEtLbgb0KlmDICWBdN3KgV7ePZyADT5Ghv43NeXk8GBkJwr4cf7E/s1600/Kenya%25E2%2580%2599s+Abraham+Kiptum+wins+Lagos+Marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnamjux_0Rqhl8dqHPIkfnafITpWTpJvdI-TlOaj_Wxyx5gTq354VPJVvnhD0o7k093ALb5oys85hPwDMl04ncp8fIJEtLbgb0KlmDICWBdN3KgV7ePZyADT5Ghv43NeXk8GBkJwr4cf7E/s400/Kenya%25E2%2580%2599s+Abraham+Kiptum+wins+Lagos+Marathon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Abraham Kiptum of Kenya beat other top marathoners across the world to win the first Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Saturday at a time of two hours, 16 minutes and 21 seconds (2:16:21).<br /> <br /> Halima Huseen Kayo of Ethiopia emerged winner in the female category of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon while Emmanuel Gyan was the first Nigerian to cross the finish line, but finished 7th position overall.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Kenyan with bib number 341, will pocket the sum of $50,000 for winning the tournament, while the Nigerian, Gyan from Plateau State will be given the sum of N1 million for his effort.<br /> <br /> Dignitaries at the finishing line include the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, a Cameroon national, current President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA).<br /> <br /> He has been at the helm since 2003, when he replaced Lamine Diack who became President of the International Athletics Federation (IAAF), who led the delegation together with Solomon Ogba President of Athletic federation of Nigeria and Fatma A. Awake, the Vice President of the Athletic federation of Kenya.

Latest-News Kenya’s Abraham Kiptum wins Lagos Marathon 2016

Abraham Kiptum of Kenya beat other top marathoners across the world to win the first Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Saturday at a time of two hours, 16 minutes and 21 seconds (2:16:21). Halima Huseen Kayo of Ethiopia emerged winner in the female ca…

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Lassa Fever kill over 100 in Nigeria

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuseH45HVCtBChRNFkXoqJnI50SA3VqkC6g6kpWi_5Y7fqsTMiNLeWvYqR9OJZ9jxBi2dTQ5ePup_K_jcJxyCmc9xYduq2-uWCijXwzC0ktSGrknxEcRnY_WCBv7bwCJtZ5FH6UnlT7Df/s400/lassa-fever.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> A growing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has killed 101 people, as West Africa battles to contain a flare up of the virus, according to data from the nation’s health authorities released Saturday.<br /> <br /> Nigeria Centre for Disease (NCDC) statistics show that reported cases of the haemorrhagic disease — both confirmed and suspected — stood at 175 with a total of 101 deaths since August.<br /> <br /> “As at today, 19 (including Abuja) states are currently following up contacts, or have suspected cases with laboratory results pending or laboratory confirmed cases,” the NCDC said in a statement.<br /> Deaths from the virus were recorded in the nation’s political capital, Abuja, Lagos, and 14 other states, the NCDC said.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> While health authorities assure Africa’s most populous country of more than 170 million they have the virus under control, there are fears the actual scale of the outbreak is under-reported.<br /> <br /> The outbreak of Lassa fever was only announced in January — months after the first case of the disease happened in August — with subsequent deaths reported in 10 states, including Abuja.<br /> <br /> Last year, 12 people died in Nigeria out of 375 infected, while in 2012 there were 1,723 cases and 112 deaths, according to the NCDC.<br /> <br /> In neighbouring Benin at least nine people have died in a Lassa outbreak, with a total of 20 suspected cases, health authorities said Tuesday.<br /> <br /> Benin was last hit by a Lassa fever outbreak in October 2014, when nine people suspected of having the virus died.<br /> <br /> The number of Lassa fever infections in West Africa every year is between 100,000 to 300,000, with about 5,000 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<br /> Lassa fever belongs to the same family as Marburg and Ebola, two deadly viruses that lead to infections<br /> with fever, vomiting and, in worse case scenarios, haemorrhagic bleeding.<br /> <br /> Its name is from the town of Lassa in northern Nigeria where it was first identified in 1969.<br /> Endemic to the region, Lassa fever is asymptomatic in 80 percent of cases but for others it can cause internal bleeding, especially when diagnosed late.<br /> <br /> The virus is spread through contact with food or household items contaminated with rats’ urine or faeces or after coming in direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.

Latest-News Lassa Fever kill over 100 in Nigeria

A growing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has killed 101 people, as West Africa battles to contain a flare up of the virus, according to data from the nation’s health authorities released Saturday. Nigeria Centre for Disease (NCDC) statistics show t…

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Nigerian student killed in Malaysia crash

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFABF_-qJtn-poK0rJ3EYdAVr-Cq4jssG2Si7xQBm39Hi5Jv7pf9ammMDvxur68uy2_060frg9AXo0aVFjoycN8Qs9k_25fvGNh74DnEF2pYdIXwJVXfPeyGz7N_3Rn2EI0wPfK4kU_R4H/s1600/gavel+law.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFABF_-qJtn-poK0rJ3EYdAVr-Cq4jssG2Si7xQBm39Hi5Jv7pf9ammMDvxur68uy2_060frg9AXo0aVFjoycN8Qs9k_25fvGNh74DnEF2pYdIXwJVXfPeyGz7N_3Rn2EI0wPfK4kU_R4H/s640/gavel+law.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> A Nigerian and an Egyptian student were killed while another was injured in an accident at Jalan Mahameru, Malaysia yesterday.<br /> <br /> The trio was travelling by road when the driver was believed to have lost control of the vehicle at about 3:00 a.m. local time.<br /> <br /> City Traffic Investigation and Legal staff officer, Deputy Superintendent S. Markandan, said the vehicle had steered to the left and crashed into a divider.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The driver of the vehicle, Ahmadu Bello Danbatta from Nigeria, and a passenger identified as Islam Deeb from Egypt were pronounced dead at the scene.<br /> <br /> “Another passenger identified as Ahlam Shuib sustained injuries on his lips,” he said, adding that all three victims were students at a private college.<br /> <br /> The bodies were sent to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for post-mortem.<br /> <br /> The victim who was injured in the incident was also sent to the same hospital for treatment.

Latest-News Nigerian student killed in Malaysia crash

A Nigerian and an Egyptian student were killed while another was injured in an accident at Jalan Mahameru, Malaysia yesterday. The trio was travelling by road when the driver was believed to have lost control of the vehicle at about 3:00 a.m. local …

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Court sends judge to prison for alleged fraud

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis2YsYlxoHZ0V43uT_e6c5EaiKEDPLQIxTOE-O5oOQTnaOzuNOdbQ7QtGORg9YOTInYSDOnu0UjwrduAoq0GPxha5HueaIjNs96kqZ6rWw26Fi_XF8QLcwGniKqTi8DoyvZhXdovw0tBt/s1600/judge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis2YsYlxoHZ0V43uT_e6c5EaiKEDPLQIxTOE-O5oOQTnaOzuNOdbQ7QtGORg9YOTInYSDOnu0UjwrduAoq0GPxha5HueaIjNs96kqZ6rWw26Fi_XF8QLcwGniKqTi8DoyvZhXdovw0tBt/s400/judge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> A Federal High Court sitting in Gombe State yesterday remanded an area court judge, Umar Y. Gwani, for alleged fraud.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which filed the case, accused the judge of collecting money from the public through false pretence and conspiracy.<br /> <br /> The counsel to the EFCC, Zarami Mohammed, said the accused conspired with two others to sell plots of land belonging to Gombe State Government to the public through false pretence.<br /> <br /> He said the judge failed to contact the Ministry of Land and Survey and Local Government Area before selling the plots of land to the public.<br /> <br /> He also said the judge later had denied receiving payments for the eight or nine plots sold for N7 million.<br /> <br /> The accused judge appeared before the Federal High court on a four- count charge.<br /> <br /> Speaking to journalists after the hearing, his counsel, Mukaan Kingsley, said that he was surprised to see that the listed count charges were different from what transpired in court.

Latest-News Court sends judge to prison for alleged fraud

A Federal High Court sitting in Gombe State yesterday remanded an area court judge, Umar Y. Gwani, for alleged fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which filed the case, accused the judge of collecting money from the public th…

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Nigerians seeking asylum abroad are insincere, says Buhari

<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdGD1UfCxYnAVFGGu3H7dhhJrMdweXq3l5Z0h1Sv7g7BF07FXZuleJCvQuSTN4uHZqNuAgBJa1rSsz7H6390QXb0eNlCW6LVbGtemb73gHSo17L1tv2iToVjbpO-BmDbh9c3kVVU7fvIn/s1600/buhari+t.jpg" /></div> President Muhammadu Buhari believes that Nigerians seeking asylum in Europe are doing so mainly for economic reasons and not because they are in danger as they often claim.<br /> <br /> He therefore asked those keen on joining the migrant exodus to desist as some Nigerians have already damaged the country’s reputation through their criminal acts in their host countries.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Buhari spoke to The Telegraph of London during his visit to England as one of the world’s leaders to take part in the international conference on the Syrian crisis and the ongoing war on terror..<br /> <br /> “Some Nigerians claim is that life is too difficult back home, but they have also made it difficult for Europeans and Americans to accept them because of the number of Nigerians in prisons all over the world accused of drug trafficking or human trafficking,” he was quoted as saying.<br /> <br /> He added:”I don’t think Nigerians have anybody to blame. They can remain at home, where their services are required to rebuild the country.”<br /> <br /> The paper said that only around one in ten of the 13,000 asylum claims lodged by Nigerians in Britain in the last 15 years have been accepted.<br /> <br /> He was of the view that some Nigerians needed to improve their behaviour and said: “We have an image problem abroad and we are on our way to salvage that.”<br /> <br /> Buhari hoped Britain would not relent in assisting Nigeria to apprehend Nigerians being sought by government for stealing public funds.<br /> <br /> “The legal process in this country is slow, sometimes a little too slow for my liking,” he said of the process of nabbing those being sought for corruption and trying them . “But we still respect the system because we know it is thorough and fair.”

Latest-News Nigerians seeking asylum abroad are insincere, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari believes that Nigerians seeking asylum in Europe are doing so mainly for economic reasons and not because they are in danger as they often claim. He therefore asked those keen on joining the migrant exodus to desist as som…

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NDLEA’s report against me mischievous – Kashamu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2D-RRI09-ZJe1mQyG6yi5zV6APwYqbxiMpTV2dV_qZ5hZmJ0E275xziWNpS8SQzActDvaj4zs7tz1yWjuO-0_cJX79-DGz0hztYD7sOAi43ZIPUu8p1YVgKGv9qEE7oD1fesu0ZdnPtb5/s1600/Buruji-Kashamu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2D-RRI09-ZJe1mQyG6yi5zV6APwYqbxiMpTV2dV_qZ5hZmJ0E275xziWNpS8SQzActDvaj4zs7tz1yWjuO-0_cJX79-DGz0hztYD7sOAi43ZIPUu8p1YVgKGv9qEE7oD1fesu0ZdnPtb5/s640/Buruji-Kashamu1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Buruji Kashamu, on Friday described as mischievous and misleading a report by the Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, that he is still facing some extradition proceedings.<br /> <br /> He said the purported extradition proceedings filed against him had been dismissed by the court on July 1, 2015.<br /> <br /> Kashamu’s Media Adviser, Mr. Austin Oniyokor, said in a statement that Ofoyeju and his co-travellers should acquaint themselves with the basic facts and details of the case before making pronouncement that could further cast the agency as a lawless organisation before members of the public.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The statement read, “It is highly mischievous for anyone to claim that there is a pending appeal by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Justice to extradite Kashamu to the United States for him to face trial.<br /> <br /> “While we appreciate the implied decision of the NDLEA to allow the rule of law prevail, we hope that its ex-Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Giade, who is now the Special Assistant to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation on Narcotics, will not arm-twist the agency to resort to yet another extra-judicial move.<br /> <br /> “The appeals in question are in relation to other judgements and orders that restrained them from taking any steps against Senator Kashamu on the basis of the same allegations that he had been exonerated from.<br /> <br /> “As we have often said, based on the extradition treaty among Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States, two British courts heard extradition proceedings against Kashamu at the instance of the US authorities and found that it was a case of mistaken identity and released him.”

Latest-News NDLEA’s report against me mischievous – Kashamu

The senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Buruji Kashamu, on Friday described as mischievous and misleading a report by the Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, that he is …

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lara Oshiomhole did not ask for divorce - Edo state government

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaXGpo2UZ4dZ1NdDt-_p65GmfTewt5cJ4l_-El45veYUoLBy2SZ8lf2xBYiDWs1H8ypDytu6FgvWGVL49bOKVziHQyqG4Vc4KV0eapR0bYY_bgh8Y7BTMx2UMicKIV1oj2S9HSkRyqwsX/s1600/lara+oshiomole.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaXGpo2UZ4dZ1NdDt-_p65GmfTewt5cJ4l_-El45veYUoLBy2SZ8lf2xBYiDWs1H8ypDytu6FgvWGVL49bOKVziHQyqG4Vc4KV0eapR0bYY_bgh8Y7BTMx2UMicKIV1oj2S9HSkRyqwsX/s640/lara+oshiomole.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> EDO State Government yesterday, dismissed insinuations making the rounds in the Social Media that the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Iara Oshiomhole, had filed for divorce, describing the rumour as satanic, wicked and malicious. While condemning the authors of the rumour and urging them to desist from such demonic activities, the government warned that should they continue, they would definitely reap the benefits because the wicked would not go unpunished,<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Edo State Government in a statement by John Mayaki, Executive Director, Media and Public Affairs, Governor’s Office, said: “Ordinarily, we would have no need to join issues with the merchants of rumours whose stock-in-trade is to malign public figures but for the need to allay the fears of those who might have been misled by their devious garbage. We are compelled to clear the air before this careless, utterly reckless, unethical and irresponsible journalism (if it can be so described) becomes an epidemic.<br /> <br /> “Which Court of Law was the alleged divorce initiated and to whom was it served? Which country, state, municipal or county, if any, is the Court situated? And when was the action/suit filed? Of course the writers didn’t bother to inform their readers. The truth however is that the answers only exist in the warped imagination of the purveyors of the lies.”<br /> <br /> According to the statement: “The fact is – Mrs. Iara Oshiomhole is enjoying her marriage. She NEVER filed for divorce and there is clearly no basis for it. Mrs. Oshiomhole was in her office throughout the week holding meetings and brainstorming how to better the lots of the less-privileged Women and Children in the state through her pet project: “We Care Trust”.

Latest-News lara Oshiomhole did not ask for divorce - Edo state government

EDO State Government yesterday, dismissed insinuations making the rounds in the Social Media that the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Iara Oshiomhole, had filed for divorce, describing the rumour as satanic, wicked and malicious. While condemning the aut…

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82-year-old ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo prostrates for new Ooni of Ife

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IAzatjK8n6JYj-wIekh8JclaBJQjWkX3xYncQP9JzU2IWenXn6ZgNCfgP4vq6ToYQIvpRCrx0kP9ZCE4nw_gM-inbgefnRDNMpM2e3Ue3x0tjwFgh1bn9dON6SgYI91jiUIpGI35_vhx/s1600/obj+ooni+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IAzatjK8n6JYj-wIekh8JclaBJQjWkX3xYncQP9JzU2IWenXn6ZgNCfgP4vq6ToYQIvpRCrx0kP9ZCE4nw_gM-inbgefnRDNMpM2e3Ue3x0tjwFgh1bn9dON6SgYI91jiUIpGI35_vhx/s640/obj+ooni+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIsVLqGposESXcyLBjTQTQ2s4R_ZrVyE-yUd-eDj4vKiJKhkystZ09XqFkIhfkGkNeUIakFw8Ckry43pXSH9UdpP8-4xDLhP49qfBm1anh2KDmocAT24j42acbwODTWr0uGtqYezwadhs/s1600/obj+ooni+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIsVLqGposESXcyLBjTQTQ2s4R_ZrVyE-yUd-eDj4vKiJKhkystZ09XqFkIhfkGkNeUIakFw8Ckry43pXSH9UdpP8-4xDLhP49qfBm1anh2KDmocAT24j42acbwODTWr0uGtqYezwadhs/s400/obj+ooni+2.png" width="265" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx4qpJhk6ZGbGYl9a0lat8pGKwOay9oB9dXOqaTmgFVk85x4X5V3hqeK9PlCfSAxDtFicEHlVR7luBLMgPxvzGAOxj_4TFjk8OHkudyeocjNUAUWDHOBounlOc9ekq6xdz39SV3B4lhls/s1600/obj+ooni+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx4qpJhk6ZGbGYl9a0lat8pGKwOay9oB9dXOqaTmgFVk85x4X5V3hqeK9PlCfSAxDtFicEHlVR7luBLMgPxvzGAOxj_4TFjk8OHkudyeocjNUAUWDHOBounlOc9ekq6xdz39SV3B4lhls/s400/obj+ooni+3.png" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>82-year-old former president Olusegun Obasanjo  yesterday prostrated for the 41-year-old Ooni of Ife as a sign of respect during a visit.</b><br /> <br /> Obasanjo also thrown his weight behind the move by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to unify the yoruba race during his reign.<br /> <br /> It would be recalled that Ooni Ogunwusi had been visiting Yoruba monarchs as a way of ensuring unity.<br /> <br /> Among those visited were the Aalafin of Oyo and Awujale of Ijebuland among others.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Obasanjo spoke yesterday during a visitation to the Ooni’s palace where he was received by prominent traditional rulers in Ile-Ife. In a dramatic move, Obasanjo who was accompanied by other prominent personalities dressed in his Yoruba regalia, prostrated for the Ooni as a sign of respect. While some of those present during the visit expressed surprise at chief Obasanjo’s posturing, others applauded and hailed the former president.<br /> <br /> The former president explained that the unity move by the Ooni was important for the progress of Yorubaland. He urged the Ooni not to relent in his move to ensure unity, adding that Ife remained the source of Yorubaland. He said, “I commend the role of Ooni in ensuring peace in Yorubaland. Continue what you are doing, especially your unity course. I am happy with the move taken so far.<br /> <br /> “It is only a sign of honour for the Ooni to visit anyone. That does not stop Ile-Ife from its position in the history of Yorubaland.” Obasanjo subsequently prayed for the progress of Ife and Yorubaland. He also apologised for not being present at the Ooni’s coronation.<br /> <br /> On his part, the Ooni expressed appreciation for the former president’s visit. Among those present during the visitation were Dr. Femi Okunnu; Femi Majekodunmi; Chief Oyewole Fasaweye, Ayo Balogun and a host of others.

Latest-News 82-year-old ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo prostrates for new Ooni of Ife

82-year-old former president Olusegun Obasanjo  yesterday prostrated for the 41-year-old Ooni of Ife as a sign of respect during a visit. Obasanjo also thrown his weight behind the move by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to unify the yoruba ra…

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Thanks to TSA, we have saved N2.2 trillion in 3 months - Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WQjcj1XgYEOmmxm7wQgAIzLoGcWnGt5aOGecU3BvxgmShwl3_pocECEiN28yV09kinsTXfh_8U6ZGNqnvhJ37qaD9a11afeGXCJq22-CbL-gJAjbBDZtsc5Q6Ow1L2u6mAhxWWdoqkv6/s1600/buhari+reads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WQjcj1XgYEOmmxm7wQgAIzLoGcWnGt5aOGecU3BvxgmShwl3_pocECEiN28yV09kinsTXfh_8U6ZGNqnvhJ37qaD9a11afeGXCJq22-CbL-gJAjbBDZtsc5Q6Ow1L2u6mAhxWWdoqkv6/s400/buhari+reads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <b>President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that his administration has within three months saved N2.2 trillion for the nation through the enforcement of the Treasury Single Account, TSA. </b><br /> <br /> The president made the revelation in London during a meeting with Nigerians resident in the city on Thursday night. President Buhari who was in the United Kingdom for the Supporting Syria and the Region Conference in London, British capital was speaking of the problems bedevilling the oil and gas sector of the economy which he said were part of the challenges he inherited upon an assumption of office.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to him, the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation, NNPC had over 45 accounts scattered in different banks. The same situation, the president said, was also pervasive across the branches of the military. He said: “We are really in trouble. What we discovered was that we tried to enforce what we called treasury single account, TSA. And the reason was simple. This government did not initiate it. It was the previous government. But it was so unpopular to the bureaucracy and the previous government for its own reasons couldn’t enforce it. But when we came and found that we were broke, we said this is the way to do it. And I will just tell you two examples to convince you.<br /> <br /> “First, NNPC, the cow that was giving the milk had more than 45 accounts, ministry of defense, that is the military Army, Navy and air force had over 70 accounts. Tell me which account we can trace in these several accounts. So we enforce TSA. We said there must be TSA. “By the end of December, coming to January this year, that is last month, we mopped up more than N2.2trn which we have used through the bureaucracy system to raise vouchers and sign cheques so that they don’t go into the next budget.”<br /> <br /> Speaking further on the state of the economy, the president revealed that some Nigerians were behind the crisis. The president stated that most directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN owned and operated some of the Bureau De Change outfits through which they raked in the foreign exchanges. He said he was determined to stop the ill development and make every Nigerian accountable.<br /> <br /> “We found out, when I say we, I mean present federal government, that some of the directors in the central bank own the bureau de change businesses. So when the foreign exchange comes, they take it and give government the change. So we stopped the Federal Government giving bureau de change foreign exchange. “Fellow country men and women, I am giving you a tip of the iceberg of the problem we inherited and we are getting so hard because we have no other way of running the country unless we make everybody accountable”, he said.<br /> <br /> While underscoring the importance of education, president Buhari asked the audience to support his administration by educating their children for a better future. On giving diaspora Nigerians a chance to participate in elections, president Buhari said his government was studying the scenario, stressing that what was utmost was to make the process more credible. “We are critically looking at the system itself. We must make sure that the election process itself is credible”, he said.

Latest-News Thanks to TSA, we have saved N2.2 trillion in 3 months - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that his administration has within three months saved N2.2 trillion for the nation through the enforcement of the Treasury Single Account, TSA.  The president made the revelation in London during a meeting wit…

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2015 Election Cases: Why we ignored card reader reports – Supreme Court

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv0lmTjsZxXdeY1L0LIlxWn6RJ7HuWFIMhxPnWRhD73Bxoelo6uLesV5cSnYf7WlHgQkHmyDoo6ZiMReRUF6nMxszdfefKy6boh-ye9Q-5NEuRix14w4T1IVEwYsmtA0rvdN0bbqRjyMq/s1600/law+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv0lmTjsZxXdeY1L0LIlxWn6RJ7HuWFIMhxPnWRhD73Bxoelo6uLesV5cSnYf7WlHgQkHmyDoo6ZiMReRUF6nMxszdfefKy6boh-ye9Q-5NEuRix14w4T1IVEwYsmtA0rvdN0bbqRjyMq/s640/law+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Supreme Court, yesterday, explained why it has not accorded any probative value on reports from Card Reader Machines that were deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, during the 2015 general elections. The apex court, yesterday, maintained that though the use of the Electronic Card Reader Machine for accreditation of voters was provided for in the Approved Guidelines and Regulations for the conduct of the 2015 general elections, it said the device was never “intended to supplant, displace or supersede” the Voters’ Register.<br /> <br /> It observed that the issue had resulted to various Divisions of the Court of Appeal, giving divergent interpretations on election disputes that were brought before them by appellants. “True, indeed, the Card Reader Machine traces its paternity to the above Guidelines and Regulations. Regrettably, its probative pedestal in the vocabulary of electoral jurisprudence has generated conflicting interpretations from Their Lordships of the different Divisions of the Court of Appeal”, the Supreme Court noted.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A seven-man panel of Justices of the apex court, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, made the position of the court on the matter known, while adducing reasons why the election of Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State was upheld. According to Justice Chima Centus Nweze who delivered the lead judgment, “With the intervention of this court, in its recent decision in Shinkafi v Yari (supra), it is hoped that practitioners and all other courts will begin to appreciate the position of the said Card Reader Machine, and the Reports generated therefrom, in election litigation.<br /> <br /> “Prior to the authorisation of its use by the Guidelines and Manual (supra), the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), in sections 49 (1) and (2), had ordained an analogue procedure for the accreditation process. As a corollary to the procedure outline above, section 53(2) of the said Act (that is, the Electoral Act) enshrined the consequences for the breach, negation or violation of the sanctity of the actual poll sequel to the consummation of the accreditation procedure in section 49 (supra).<br /> <br /> “With the advantage of hindsight, INEC, pursuant to its powers under the said Electoral Act, authorised the deployment of the said Card Readers. “Even with the introduction of the said device, that is the Card Reader Machine, the National Assembly, in its wisdom, did not deem it necessary to bowdlerise the said analogue procedure in section 49 from the Act so that the Card Reader procedure would be the sole determinant of a valid accreditation process.<br /> <br /> “Contrariwise, from the Corrigendum No 2, made on March 28, 2015, amending paragraph 13(b) of the Approved Guidelines, it stands to reason that the Card Reader was meant to supplement the Voter’ Register and was never designed or intended to supplant, displace or supersede it.<br /> <br /> “Indeed, since the Guidelines and Manual, which authorised the use and deployment of the electronic Card Reader Machine, were made in exercise of the powers conferred by the Electoral Act, the said Card Reader cannot, logically, depose or dethrone the Voters’ Register whose judicial roots are, firmly, embedded or entrenched in the selfsame Electoral Act from which it )the Voters’ Register). Directly, derives its sustenance and currency.<br /> <br /> “Thus, any attempt to invest it (the Card Reader Machine procedure) with such overreaching pre-eminence or superiority over the Voters’ Register is like converting an auxiliary procedure- into the dominant procedure- of proof, that is, proof of accreditation.<br /> <br /> “This is a logical impossibility. Indeed, only recently, this court in Shinkafi vs Yari, confirmed the position that the Card Reader Machine has not supplanted the statement of results in appropriate forms; hence, the appellant still had the obligation to prove petition relating to accreditation of voters and over-voting as enunciated in several decisions of this court”, Justice Nweze added.<br /> <br /> More so, using the Ebonyi state gubernatorial dispute as an instance, the apex court panel noted that the Head of Unit, ICT Data Management at INEC headquarters, who testified as the PW-8 before the tribunal, explained that the Card Reader performed two roles, namely, the verification of the Permanent Voters Card, PVC, and the authentication of fingerprint. It observed that the witness, who generated a Card Reader Machines Report for Ebonyi State Governorship Election, had admitted that it was not a complete report covering all the details of Polling Units in the state as some Polling Units were not uploaded and thus not included in the report.<br /> <br /> The witness said the report she tendered before the tribunal represented data that were successfully uploaded before the chairman of INEC gave an instruction for the server to be shut down. According to the Supreme Court, “Her trenchant responses, clearly, demonstrate that the Card Reader Machine Reports were neither inviolable nor sacrosanct as a host of intervening mischievous human variables could impinge on their reliability.<br /> <br /> “Against the background of the testimonies of PW8, it is, actually, surprising, that learned counsel to the appellant chose not to utilise the Voter’ Register, to show the entire gamut of the voters, but rather built his case on what, in the unanswerable words of the lower court was an exhibit that was not accurate, sufficient and comprehensive enough to be relied upon in proof of the allegation of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended.<br /> <br /> “That is to say that the appellant (as Petitioner) failed to weave his case on the Voters ‘Registers and a fortiori did not produce such registers because if he had produced them, their contents would have been unfavourable to the allegations he made in the petition and hence his decision to withhold them.<br /> <br /> “Thus, the appellant laboured in vain in the spirited attempt he made before this court to have the findings of the lower court vacated. He was, indeed, attempting the impossible given the anaemic evidence he adduced. In my view, the lower court, rightly, affirmed the findings of the trial tribunal in this regard”. Besides, the apex court held that the appellant, Edward Nkwegu Okereke, who was the candidate of the Labour Party during the April 11, 2015, governorship election in Ebonyi state, could not lay credible evidence to support his case against governor Umahi of the Peoples Democratic Party.<br /> <br /> The court said the case of the petitioner failed owing to “irreparable damage of the testimony of witnesses” that testified for him at the lower tribunal, who it said were “thoroughly discredited in cross-examination”. It will be recalled that though the Supreme Court dismissed Okereke’s appeal on January 27, it however reserved its reasons for doing so till yesterday.<br /> <br /> Aside the CJN, other members of the apex court panel that also agreed with the lead judgment were Justices Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, John Inyang Okoro and Amiru Sanusi.

Latest-News 2015 Election Cases: Why we ignored card reader reports – Supreme Court

The Supreme Court, yesterday, explained why it has not accorded any probative value on reports from Card Reader Machines that were deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, during the 2015 general elections. The apex court, ye…

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Pipeline vandals ambush, kill five JTF operatives in Arepo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhWKdgR0l9xQoDEZRTmh0AYXis2HrWc-PBGbpapgZTG-n240cHqwf3wvgaldXrepykKGtYHZOSlnkDhnxbZhseffmKZzEE2SrtaGCBdtmh2cIFsNGkRi9FeXrkalj9dPgOVjrcRRjsCwy/s1600/nigeria-oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhWKdgR0l9xQoDEZRTmh0AYXis2HrWc-PBGbpapgZTG-n240cHqwf3wvgaldXrepykKGtYHZOSlnkDhnxbZhseffmKZzEE2SrtaGCBdtmh2cIFsNGkRi9FeXrkalj9dPgOVjrcRRjsCwy/s640/nigeria-oil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Pipeline vandals Thursday night , laid ambush on the Anti Pipeline Vandalism Joint Task Force, JTF in Arepo area of Ogun state, killing five operatives. The operatives were suspected to be naval personnel.<br /> <br /> As at yesterday , it was gathered that only three bodies of the slain personnel had been recovered . The incident described as a reprisal attack, occurred barely 24 hours after the Joint Task Force, comprising the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, had launched series of attacks at the pipeline vandalism syndicate in the area, which led to series of arrest and startling discoveries.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> While vandals were siphoning petroleum product from a burst Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation pipeline . They were said to have opened fire on the personnel but later bowed to their superior fire power, abandoning their trucks and containers filled with the siphoned petroleum product. During its routine patrol of the area Thursday night , the JTF reportedly heard an explosion in the creeks. In their bid to ascertain where the explosion was from, they were reportedly attacked by vandals said to have used the explosion as a bait. Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command , Rear Admiral Ralph Osondu said investigations were ongoing.<br /> <br /> He said “All I can tell you is that investigation is ongoing. I do not have the details and cannot tell you hearsay. I suggest you contact the DHQ because the operation is under them.<br /> <br /> “All participating officers are personnel of the DHQ, they were drawn from other services and so, I cannot tell you whether it was navy, army, Airforce or police. Only the DHQ can authoritatively comment on this.” It would be recalled that similar incident occurred last year, where six operatives were reportedly killed by vandals with their bodies yet to be recovered. This is coming on the heels of the continued disappearance of security operatives assigned to patrol the area.

Latest-News Pipeline vandals ambush, kill five JTF operatives in Arepo

Pipeline vandals Thursday night , laid ambush on the Anti Pipeline Vandalism Joint Task Force, JTF in Arepo area of Ogun state, killing five operatives. The operatives were suspected to be naval personnel. As at yesterday , it was gathered that only…

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FG plans nationwide campaign for Made-in-Nigeria products

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZYymKizB8ktmTQqHL-oJoPNExRw9m3vIbZzTl2DBQQTo3T5nggstrUbm6awS5pT61lUo8eym5-53wtv3ZcOmJ067dQOXJHPXXxtglj_AKMHj1_pvWrXQN6pukFQCWwxctMMvRUMMbKpk/s1600/buhari+q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZYymKizB8ktmTQqHL-oJoPNExRw9m3vIbZzTl2DBQQTo3T5nggstrUbm6awS5pT61lUo8eym5-53wtv3ZcOmJ067dQOXJHPXXxtglj_AKMHj1_pvWrXQN6pukFQCWwxctMMvRUMMbKpk/s400/buhari+q.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, on Friday in Abuja said that the ministry would soon launch a nationwide campaign to encourage Nigerians to patronise made-in Nigieria products.<br /> <br /> Abubakar stated this at the signing of a footwear production agreement between Global Smartfit Nigeria Ltd and Labora Shoes Ltd of South Africa in her office.<br /> <br /> The campaign is tagged, ” Patronise Naija Products’’.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Aminu Bisala, the minister lauded the partnership deal aimed at boosting local manufacturing of leathers and other footwear products.<br /> <br /> “This venture is very commendable and there is no reason why it cannot be supported.<br /> <br /> ”Already, the ministry is furthering the campaign for made-in-Nigeria products, for us in Nigeria to consume what we produce and produce what we consume, and even go beyond that to export.<br /> <br /> “We have the people, we have the brain, we have the resources, and so there is nothing stopping us. As a nation we are proud of our commodities, we are proud of our products.<br /> <br /> “It is for the producers to ensure quality. An average Nigerian wants value for money and that is why possibly in the past you find them patronising even substandard foreign goods with the thinking that they are getting quality.<br /> <br /> “So, this is a laudable venture, and along with the Patronise Naija Products campaign, which we are going to launch very soon; we are going to support all similar initiatives not only in shoe production, but in all areas of SMEs (small and medium enterprises).<br /> <br /> “And I assure you that the government is doing all it can to further that cause. That is the spirit of this government, we are going to ensure the patronage of made in Nigeria products with all the patriotism of Nigerians that it deserves.<br /> <br /> “So, I commend you, and the foreign partner, it is a very welcome development. So, we hope in no distant future, we will not only be supplying the domestic market but also the West African market and even to South Africa.’’<br /> <br /> Mr Ogonna Okonkwo, the Managing Director of Global Smartfit, an indigenous footwear manufacturing company, said that the partnership would result in the establishment of shoe factories in different parts of the country.<br /> <br /> Okonkwo listed the economic benefits for the country to include job opportunities for Nigerians and local manpower development in mechanised shoe production.<br /> <br /> He expressed his readiness to partner with interested state governments in establishing shoe factories in their domains and training their indigenes in the art for economic development.<br /> <br /> Chief Executive Officer of Labora, Mr Desmond Chunderlal, said that Nigerians were deprived of affordable locally made quality footwear due to the absence of a structured footwear industry in the country.<br /> <br /> Chunderlal, however, said that with the partnership, the situation would soon be reversed for the overall development of the nation’s economy.

Latest-News FG plans nationwide campaign for Made-in-Nigeria products

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, on Friday in Abuja said that the ministry would soon launch a nationwide campaign to encourage Nigerians to patronise made-in Nigieria products. Abubakar stated this at …

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SSANU suspends strike

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7BXoPmS_DXm3pzevPOQunBU2WszoEA_p9cMatRUNKALn5znlHxkOJFbR8LhHrebZDLtHibNkNPRuzKnypoCaNTfI0k9TKbH7H4EkYZHpmoMBIttm9jMGPzYZL4n1TIX0aTbqHAl0DTrY/s1600/SSANU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7BXoPmS_DXm3pzevPOQunBU2WszoEA_p9cMatRUNKALn5znlHxkOJFbR8LhHrebZDLtHibNkNPRuzKnypoCaNTfI0k9TKbH7H4EkYZHpmoMBIttm9jMGPzYZL4n1TIX0aTbqHAl0DTrY/s400/SSANU.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has suspended its one month old industrial action and directed its members to return to work on Monday.<br /> <br /> The National President of the association, Mr. Samson Ugwoke, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos of the developments on telephone on Friday.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a>Ugwoke told NAN that the resolution to suspend the strike was taken after the association met with officials of the Ministry of Labour and other concerned stakeholders on February.<br /> <br /> “We had a meeting on Tuesday, February 2 with the Ministry of Labour and other concerned stakeholders. At that meeting, it was resolved that we suspend the action and call our members back to work.<br /> <br /> “We want to give room for Labour and other people involved to sit over the matter. We shall be going back to work on Monday, based on the outcome of the meeting.<br /> <br /> “That is why I am calling on our members to remain calm, go back to work as directed, while we leave the issue with the leadership of the association to handle the matter.<br /> <br /> “As we speak, members are having congresses in their respective institutions to take stock of the strike while it lasted. They are also deliberating on the new development,” he said.<br /> <br /> Ugwoke said that the association was equally expecting the National Universities Commission to ask the Vice-Chancellors to stop further issuance of sack letters to workers of their staff schools and retrieve the ones already issued.<br /> <br /> “I sincerely want to salute members for complying with the stay-at-home order. It created the necessary impact and made our position known and so far, I want to express deep satisfaction with the turnout of events,” he said.<br /> <br /> NAN recalls that the association had, on Dec. 24, 2015, begun a total and indefinite strike over plans by government to retrench more than 2000 teachers of staff schools of public universities nationwide.<br /> <br /> The association had described the planned retrenchment as an attempt to desecrate the sanctity of an agreement which the Federal Government signed with it in 2009.<br /> <br /> It said the action by government, if carried out, would bring untold hardship to members of the association.

Latest-News SSANU suspends strike

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has suspended its one month old industrial action and directed its members to return to work on Monday. The National President of the association, Mr. Samson Ugwoke, told the News Agency of Niger…

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Zika virus: US calls for condom use, abstinence

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPoUyabdTLRkk-rkq7Srs4s4RhK67N1zzcatgn6bfkHyY95AsqJ13vJPvbZ9VA29Gb3SnHCmpE0LD9q1MBpQ3hhxnzPxZDPtbtnqEui7tdqYALE7H-sxyWf0xYImZARTv1O-HiY4qin80/s1600/condoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPoUyabdTLRkk-rkq7Srs4s4RhK67N1zzcatgn6bfkHyY95AsqJ13vJPvbZ9VA29Gb3SnHCmpE0LD9q1MBpQ3hhxnzPxZDPtbtnqEui7tdqYALE7H-sxyWf0xYImZARTv1O-HiY4qin80/s400/condoms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> US health authorities on Friday urged people to use condoms or refrain from sex if they live in or have traveled to areas where the Zika virus is circulating.<br /> <br /> The new interim guidelines from the US Centers from Disease Control are aimed at pregnant women and their partners, and those of childbearing age who are concerned about Zika, a primarily mosquito-borne virus which has been linked to birth defects.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Earlier this week, US health officials confirmed the first case of sexually-transmitted Zika, involving a person who had traveled to Venezuela and infected a sexual partner in Texas upon return.<br /> <br /> “Men with a pregnant sex partner who reside in or have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission and their pregnant sex partners should consistently and correctly use condoms during sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) or abstain from sexual activity for the duration of the pregnancy,” said the CDC.<br /> “Consistent and correct use of latex condoms reduces the risk of sexual transmission of many infections, including those caused by other viruses.”<br /> <br /> The CDC urged couples in which a partner is not pregnant to “consider using condoms consistently and correctly during sex or abstaining from sexual activity.”<br /> <br /> “The science is not clear on how long the risk should be avoided,” added the CDC statement.<br /> <br /> “Research is now underway to answer this question as soon as possible. If you are trying to get pregnant, you may consider testing in discussion with your health care provider.”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile in Brazil, the nation’s top research institute said that Zika has been detected in urine and saliva, but added that there was no proof the virus could be transmitted through those fluids.<br /> <br /> Thousands of children in Brazil have been born with shrunken heads in the past year — a birth defect that some research suggests could result from Zika infection.<br /> <br /> AFP

Latest-News Zika virus: US calls for condom use, abstinence

US health authorities on Friday urged people to use condoms or refrain from sex if they live in or have traveled to areas where the Zika virus is circulating. The new interim guidelines from the US Centers from Disease Control are aimed at pregnant …

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Nigeria’s 2015 GDP, lowest in 15 years − Adeosun

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFH6cFDYZFpwk2MCYZ1fu69rtufhJw8i5HCENczkdJKeYU_bZYPbK4mS4jXJAaNT48rmN7ZRjoLH4wShbhWoj7CIvBVg7m8taLXzVuoWGcF0E21VPAz8IN0fucGIk4Yk0uRiwCcD5_rqr-/s1600/Kemi-ADEOSUN-680x365_c+finance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFH6cFDYZFpwk2MCYZ1fu69rtufhJw8i5HCENczkdJKeYU_bZYPbK4mS4jXJAaNT48rmN7ZRjoLH4wShbhWoj7CIvBVg7m8taLXzVuoWGcF0E21VPAz8IN0fucGIk4Yk0uRiwCcD5_rqr-/s400/Kemi-ADEOSUN-680x365_c+finance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun on Friday said the growth recorded by the country in the 2015 fiscal period was the lowest in the last 15 years.<br /> <br /> Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 2.84 per cent year on year in real terms in the third quarter of last year.<br /> <br /> The growth of 2.84 per cent represents an increase of 0.49 percentage points when compared to the 2.35 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2015.<br /> <br /> Adeosun said in a statement issued by her Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Festus Akanbi that to stimulate growth and avoid recession, there is need for a spending stimulus by the government.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to the minister, this was what informed the decision to send a budget of N6.07tn with a capital expenditure of N1.8tn to stimulate economic development.<br /> <br /> The minister said the planned N1.8tn capital investment in 2016 by the Federal Government was key to driving economic growth.<br /> <br /> The assured that the economic outlook in the medium term was strong and that if the planned investments in capital were undertaken then based on the GDP growth projections, Nigeria would become a leading global economy.<br /> <br /> The statement reads in part, “She said that government would work to ensure that consumption from our huge population would drive internal growth across a number of key sectors.<br /> <br /> “She assured that if the disciplined implementation of the plans could be attained then Nigeria would finally be able to diversify and the situation where the entire nation is focused on the oil price would end.<br /> <br /> “She explained that that public investment would attract further investment from the private sector and that investments in power and transport would increase the competitive position of Nigerian businesses.”<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> On the planned borrowing, the minister explained that government was seeking the lowest cost of funds and was therefore consulting with the multilateral agencies, which offered concessional rates of interest as low as 1.5 per cent before looking at the commercial Eurobond Market.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> “She said that the financing strategy was to restructure much of the existing debts, which has short maturity and align it with the investment plans of the government in line with its Medium Term Expenditure Framework.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> “She assured that government was ensuring that projects to be undertaken would create direct and indirect revenues, which would be used to repay the obligations,” the statement added.

Latest-News Nigeria’s 2015 GDP, lowest in 15 years − Adeosun

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun on Friday said the growth recorded by the country in the 2015 fiscal period was the lowest in the last 15 years. Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 2.84 per cent year on year in real terms in the third…

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Troops arrest suspected pipeline bombers in Niger Delta

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEzHSvK8WgDf1fDMx5pv7-B-0CMhc-6zso7S0R4os4xg3jdzB82bSQY99Mo0nECkTn9GTAS7o3OZ0jD0xnPhyphenhyphenBtxyZQPXCTRxOXzeLRD50EOp96SVMtj0dwSMg5zMSUEhk2KOAwohis6h/s400/Niger-Delta-militants.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> Troops of Operation Pulo Shield (OPS), formerly known as Joint Task Force (JTF) have arrested some suspects for the recent attacks of oil pipelines and installations in the Niger Delta region.<br /> <br /> The Commander, OPS, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, in a statement signed by the Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, Col. Ado Isa, said the suspects were undergoing investigations.<br /> <br /> Okunlola said the investigations would determine the culpability of suspects before transferring them to relevant prosecuting agencies.<br /> <br /> He said the troops were on manhunt for other hoodlums who were on the run.<br /> <br /> But the commander failed to indicate the number of persons arrested by the operatives.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said: “The success of the arrest was due to highly intensified patrols and cordon-and-search operations on the waterways, creeks and communities by the outfit.”<br /> <br /> Suspected militants recently vandalised some oil and gas pipelines across the Niger Delta including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation gas pipeline in Egwa 1, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State and Agip pipelines in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State.<br /> <br /> Okunlola further said that the troops had intensified patrols and cordon-and-search within their Area of Responsibility (AoR).<br /> <br /> The commander also assured the people of Niger Delta of the OPS’ determination to tackle all acts of illegalities in the region.<br /> <br /> He appealed to them to give useful information that would aid the Joint Force in its operations in line with its mandate in the Niger Delta.<br /> <br /> He further warned the perpetrators of the crimes to desist from further destruction of oil facilities or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.<br /> <br /> Also, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) called on the host communities to protect oil and gas pipelines in their domains against vandalism to save the environment from widespread pollution.<br /> <br /> The National Coordinator, CEPEJ, Mr. Sheriff Mulade, urged oil-rich communities to see the installations in their domain as theirs and ensure vandals steer clear of them.<br /> <br /> Mulade bemoaned incessant destruction of pipelines by vandals insisting that the quest for ill-gotten wealth was destroying the environment.<br /> <br /> He said the damage done to the environment by pipeline vandals would take many years to reclaim and warned against self-destruction arising from illegal bunkering by the locals.<br /> <br /> He said: “People should know that they are polluting their environment through vandalism and this illicit trade. The effect of pollution on the environment is massive especially the health hazards, erosion of livelihoods and all that.<br /> <br /> “Therefore, we should know that when we destroy the environment, we are intentionally destroying ourselves because the environment is our only heritage.”<br /> <br /> Mulade said adequate measures should be put in place to check the unwholesome activities of oil thieves and vandals and advised security agencies to adopt intelligence gathering mechanism to track the perpetrators.<br /> <br /> He also advised the Federal Government to investigate security agents stationed at the facilities following allegations that they were conniving with vandals for their selfish interest.

Latest-News Troops arrest suspected pipeline bombers in Niger Delta

Troops of Operation Pulo Shield (OPS), formerly known as Joint Task Force (JTF) have arrested some suspects for the recent attacks of oil pipelines and installations in the Niger Delta region. The Commander, OPS, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, in a state…

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Why we need to amend procurement law – Saraki

<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Ey1ve1aleRkq3DDFzVORrkeSiB9wmTa06HNQQFeNVB3sxwh01xa8n3qZP_uCFnytz8LxAIFPcyQYjhfmqXcv7fdJXH7Nd2p0GRjBVXCuR-tmWn0XIv_1SbHya6pRG4HfXDl1IXqnL0/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253Fc2FyYWtpLmpwZw%253D%253D%253F%253D-771168"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6247862604865003074" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6247862604865003074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Ey1ve1aleRkq3DDFzVORrkeSiB9wmTa06HNQQFeNVB3sxwh01xa8n3qZP_uCFnytz8LxAIFPcyQYjhfmqXcv7fdJXH7Nd2p0GRjBVXCuR-tmWn0XIv_1SbHya6pRG4HfXDl1IXqnL0/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253Fc2FyYWtpLmpwZw%253D%253D%253F%253D-771168" /></a></p> Poised to realising the objectives of the 2016 Budget, Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that the Senate will immediately commence the amendment of the Procurement Act, after the completion of the ongoing process of passage of the Appropriation Bill, <p>Saraki while addressing the organisers of the Made in Aba Trade Fair, who visited him in his office said certain sections of the Act need to be reviewed to ensure that the scarce resources which are available from the budget are well utilized.</p> <p>He said the Act will be amended to ensure that Made in Nigeria goods are patronized and that government agencies only resort to imported goods when there are no local alternatives.</p> <p>He also said areas of the law dealing with advance payment for government procurement should be scrutinized.</p> <p>The Senate President said the 8th Senate under his leadership is in support of the protection of local industries through appropriate legislations, patronage and direct intervention.</p> <p>He said: "This is the only way we can create jobs, solve the problem of unemployment and stop the growing army of aggrieved youths who pose danger to society. We can do it. We have the population which translates to a huge ready market. This is how we van genuinely help our people.</p> <p>"The chairmen of our relevant committees are being put on notice to ensure that they focus their oversight on these areas. We must make sure that government agencies like the Armed Forces can patronize the shoe making industries in Aba and other places."</p> <p>Saraki, however, urged local industries to increase the quality of their products and make their prices competitive.</p> <p>He also thanked Senator Enyinanya Abaribe who led the delegation to his office for his consistency in promoting goods made in Aba over the years.</p> <p>"Senator Abaribe has done so much in promoting Made in Aba goods. In fact, it is his constituency project and he has invested so much time and money on it, even before the decline in oil price. This is import substitution and I assure you of the support of the Senate in this endeavour", he said.</p> <p>Abaribe in his speech said the promoters of Made in Aba goods will want Section 34 sub sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Procurement Act amended so that government agencies will be required to buy local goods and can only resort to imported goods after getting certification from the Bureau of Public Procurement stating that there is no local alternative.</p> <p>He urged the Senate President to help Aba based manufacturers get the much needed government recognition and encouragement.</p> <p>The group also invited Saraki to attend the trade fair holding in Abuja from Tuesday, February 9.</p>

Latest-News Why we need to amend procurement law – Saraki

Poised to realising the objectives of the 2016 Budget, Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that the Senate will immediately commence the amendment of the Procurement Act, after the completion of the ongoing process of passage of the Appropriatio…

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Police arrest doctor, nurse over plot to sell baby

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-3KKZF7X5x0BsP0Hw7y68W_zrZBpyKbdMii-EFwPZldTWK_JccH6cWP7DrehjZHxGLEvjLlwKE6TfBzPS_V_PXEi9RX-8MbDiPRJLJkxalsbPqLHvgKllhjvuZyJZkkoNMT4Fd3n9IGV/s1600/police+logo+d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-3KKZF7X5x0BsP0Hw7y68W_zrZBpyKbdMii-EFwPZldTWK_JccH6cWP7DrehjZHxGLEvjLlwKE6TfBzPS_V_PXEi9RX-8MbDiPRJLJkxalsbPqLHvgKllhjvuZyJZkkoNMT4Fd3n9IGV/s1600/police+logo+d.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The police have arrested a doctor and a nurse at Survival Hospital, Igbogene, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, over an alleged plot to sell a newborn baby to a willing buyer at N200, 000.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that one Florence who gave birth to the baby at the hospital arranged with the doctor and the nurse to sell the newborn.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The arrangement to sell the baby to an unnamed woman was reportedly made prior to delivery.<br /> <br /> The woman who intended to buy the baby was said to be on the run.<br /> <br /> But upon delivery, Florence was said to have changed her mind refusing to sell the baby as agreed.<br /> <br /> She was said to have reported the matter to the police to stop parties in the agreement from executing the illegal deal.<br /> <br /> The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.<br /> <br /> Butswat said one Nnena Florence, residing in Igbogene community, outskirts of Yenagoa metropolis, reported the doctor and the nurse to the police in Igbogene division.<br /> <br /> Butswat said: “On the February 4, 2016, at about 1000 hours, one Nnena Florence, female, of Igbogene community, reported to the police that she was delivered of a baby on the February 3 at Survival Hospital in Igbogene.<br /> <br /> “She said that prior to the delivery, she had arranged with the doctor and the nurse of the hospital to sell the baby to one woman now at large, at the sum of N200, 000 only.<br /> <br /> “But upon delivery of the baby, she changed her mind and refused to sell the baby as agreed.”<br /> <br /> Butswat said the doctor and the nurse had been arrested and that they were undergoing interrogation at Igbogene Police Station.<br /> <br /> He said investigation was ongoing to ascertain the motive behind the criminal act and to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

Latest-News Police arrest doctor, nurse over plot to sell baby

The police have arrested a doctor and a nurse at Survival Hospital, Igbogene, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, over an alleged plot to sell a newborn baby to a willing buyer at N200, 000. It was gathered that one Florence who gave bir…

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AMCON takes over Aero Contractors

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8-Pv31R7NU918Rw8vyOheHRwJPiyX8gzF2dIh3SU6im7dgpgRaxfGiuhBaDD3bpmjBwpjSphyupPwAlIPz13k2HK9G1GK55YRqleiZssU8uqXW0l51EpkF_uzqkUbK0NUWpUwlBO1Vfa/s1600/Aero-Contractors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8-Pv31R7NU918Rw8vyOheHRwJPiyX8gzF2dIh3SU6im7dgpgRaxfGiuhBaDD3bpmjBwpjSphyupPwAlIPz13k2HK9G1GK55YRqleiZssU8uqXW0l51EpkF_uzqkUbK0NUWpUwlBO1Vfa/s400/Aero-Contractors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has dissolved the board of Aero Contractors and appointed a manager to oversee the affairs of the airline.<br /> <br /> This is just as AMCON has engaged a reputable accounting firm to undertake a forensic audit of the airline’s accounts over the last five years.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Investigations reveal that the airline got N14 billion intervention fund in 2010 with additional investment by AMCON which has raised the debt profile of the airline to N20 billion.<br /> <br /> A source hinted that in the last five years things went bad in the airline due to alleged mismanagement.<br /> <br /> Shareholders of the airline it was learnt have not been happy with the state of affairs of the airline warranting its takeover by AMCON.<br /> <br /> Sources further hinted that the takeover by AMCON is connected to the need to ensure the business is sustained, in order to ensure continuity and credit recovery.<br /> <br /> The source said:” The intervention by AMCON is based on public interest, to ensure there is a viable transport system, ensure continuity without compromising safety standards, brand heritage and other factors. To select a management team for the airline as soon as possible and ensure that Aero flies in secured environment to protect shareholders values.”<br /> <br /> A statement issued by the public relations firm handling the airline: SY&T explained that the takeover of the airline by AMCON is in furtherance of the statutory responsibility of acquiring Eligible Bank Assets and putting them to economic use in a profitable manner.<br /> <br /> Currently, the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) owns 60 percent of the company with the remaining 40 per cent held by the Ibru family.<br /> <br /> Aero Contractors Nigeria’s oldest airline commenced business in 1959, initially providing services to oil and gas sector, before venturing into fix wing operations in the year 2000.<br /> <br /> The statement reads: “AMCON has also engaged a reputable accounting firm to undertake a forensic audit of the airline’s accounts over the last five years.<br /> <br /> “AMCON is both the majority shareholder and creditor of Aero.<br /> <br /> “An Industry based management team will be put in place to provide the highest level of professional competence which would ensure a quick repositioning of the company.<br /> <br /> “The management of AMCON decided to make changes in the management of the airline to protect the brand heritage of the airline.<br /> <br /> “AMCON also maintains that its intervention is in the public interest to sustain and improve the robust and premium quality service which Aero is known for in the country.<br /> <br /> “AMCON would like to assure the regulatory authorities, the traveling public and key stakeholders that the airline will continue to operate on the solid foundation of safety and security with excellent customer service.”

Latest-News AMCON takes over Aero Contractors

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has dissolved the board of Aero Contractors and appointed a manager to oversee the affairs of the airline. This is just as AMCON has engaged a reputable accounting firm to undertake a forensic audi…

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UN asks Zika-hit nations to allow women have abortions

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5We4b3iQZU9V7X5KdHhKcVyclLwn-rrDoQzGOxpNnjS2JwaYGMJp7OZONvjfoxzVRKOoeNuRXfG9PsdF8jA2onL_Xz4x-aDOu4qZYIIHQJVkj2QOb_l8N9qQz7Mu3aqYzTxPxOfneduY/s1600/zika1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5We4b3iQZU9V7X5KdHhKcVyclLwn-rrDoQzGOxpNnjS2JwaYGMJp7OZONvjfoxzVRKOoeNuRXfG9PsdF8jA2onL_Xz4x-aDOu4qZYIIHQJVkj2QOb_l8N9qQz7Mu3aqYzTxPxOfneduY/s320/zika1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The United Nations on Friday urged countries hit by the dangerous Zika virus to let women have access to contraception and abortion.<br /> <br /> The UN human rights office said the South American countries now urging women to hold off getting pregnant over Zika fears had to offer them the possibility of controlling their fertility.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> How can they ask these women not to become pregnant, but not offer… the possibility to stop their pregnancies?” spokeswoman Cecile Pouilly told reporters.<br /> <br /> Many of these countries are conservative Catholic and have very restrictive abortion and contraceptive laws.<br /> <br /> An exploding number of cases of Zika virus – believed to cause a condition called microcephaly in which babies are born with abnormally small heads – have prompted several countries and territories in Latin America to warn women to avoid getting pregnant.<br /> <br /> But UN human rights chief UN rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein said this warning meant little in countries that ban or heavily restrict access to reproductive health services like contraception and abortion.<br /> <br /> “The advice of some governments to women to delay getting pregnant ignores the reality that many women and girls simply cannot exercise control over whether or when or under what circumstances they become pregnant, especially in an environment where sexual violence is so common,” Zeid said in a statement.<br /> <br /> “In situations where sexual violence is rampant, and sexual and reproductive health services are criminalised or simply unavailable, efforts to halt this crisis will not be enhanced by placing the focus on advising women and girls not to become pregnant,” he said.<br /> <br /> Instead, he insisted that governments must “ensure women, men and adolescents have access to comprehensive and affordable quality sexual and reproductive health services and information, without discrimination.”<br /> <br /> This, his office pointed out, includes contraception – including emergency contraception – maternal healthcare and safe abortion services.<br /> <br /> “Laws and policies that restrict (women’s) access to these services must be urgently reviewed in line with human rights obligations in order to ensure the right to health for all in practice,” Zeid said.<br /> <br /> AFP

Latest-News UN asks Zika-hit nations to allow women have abortions

The United Nations on Friday urged countries hit by the dangerous Zika virus to let women have access to contraception and abortion. The UN human rights office said the South American countries now urging women to hold off getting pregnant over Zika…

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BREAKING: Buhari begins 5-day vacation, hands over to Osinbajo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjImhckAbHCBmgaws-IDGZ-W8B0SRzJPyuOCHzPD5GmEmuSFawd78u0dg7XI_08X2XrQE5eCazzd1S4f2FVjs0v6GCScVPXy12RHCPZZwrEMaW1HhCaOAGhVlo1ChphTbmwMi1lJGSefO/s1600/Buhari-11+osinbajo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjImhckAbHCBmgaws-IDGZ-W8B0SRzJPyuOCHzPD5GmEmuSFawd78u0dg7XI_08X2XrQE5eCazzd1S4f2FVjs0v6GCScVPXy12RHCPZZwrEMaW1HhCaOAGhVlo1ChphTbmwMi1lJGSefO/s640/Buhari-11+osinbajo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday began a five day vacation, the presidency has said.<br /> <br /> This is contained in a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to the statement, President Buhari, who is expected to be away from Friday, February 5th to Wednesday, February 10th, 2016 has handed over to Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.<br /> <br /> The statement noted that Prof. Osinbajo will begin to carry out the duties of the president while Buhari’s vacation lasts.<br /> <br /> It reads in part: “In compliance with section 145 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, President Buhari has dispatched a formal notice of his vacation to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.”<br /> <br />

Latest-News BREAKING: Buhari begins 5-day vacation, hands over to Osinbajo

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday began a five day vacation, the presidency has said. This is contained in a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity. According to the statement, President Buhari, …

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40 injured in train derailment in Southern India

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic74PyDnlHTyFJ8mfhJLDiGe_RSC-YyeP0wUa6llx3L7XBU4tDwnCsNropGLyQTlKAAOSgLYMvmdQXjrDgYvTTAXDhrxWjDXABvmNrQRweugzsfHSI3I1IunBm5K52P8tOpzqW-KGI55W6/s1600/Derailed-train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic74PyDnlHTyFJ8mfhJLDiGe_RSC-YyeP0wUa6llx3L7XBU4tDwnCsNropGLyQTlKAAOSgLYMvmdQXjrDgYvTTAXDhrxWjDXABvmNrQRweugzsfHSI3I1IunBm5K52P8tOpzqW-KGI55W6/s640/Derailed-train.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Indian officials said more than 40 people were injured when a passenger train derailed early Friday in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.<br /> <br /> The Southern Railway of India official said in Tamil Nadu (India) that the passengers of the Bangalore-bound Kanyakumari-Bangalore City Express were injured after its four coaches derailed in Vellore district, around 170 km from the state capital Chennai.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It said in a statement that the coaches derailed at 4:15am local time.<br /> <br /> It said those injured in the accident had been taken to hospital, while medical emergency services were also sent to the location.<br /> <br /> It announced that as a result of chaos caused by the accident, 11 trains in the region had been cancelled.<br /> <br /> TV footages showed that some of the coaches of the train lay turtle or up-side-down off the track.<br /> <br /> The cause of the incident is not known yet.<br /> <br /> NAN

Latest-News 40 injured in train derailment in Southern India

Indian officials said more than 40 people were injured when a passenger train derailed early Friday in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Southern Railway of India official said in Tamil Nadu (India) that the passengers of the Bangalore-bo…

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I’m disappointed in Supreme Court judgment - Saraki

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQZpSvs-q9XSTEXBlwjCoLOKOZrq2XsQ8TbuYACaz2LN5D9TZUe-ZzJETVlMTA3GJLorfZVeJZzWOQaGkEB87wGl6RJQS73YlpDeb0M3mqQIdq3dIHLEYQzfaCTXZyW5tFPYOuzZ4OzBC/s400/Senator-Bukola-Saraki-copy.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <b>The seven-member judges of the apex court had in a unanimous judgement, ruled that Saraki should go and face his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.</b><br /> <br /> But Saraki, in his reaction contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, said he was disappointed with the verdict.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The senate president, however, expressed confidence that he would be vindicated during the proper trial at the court.<br /> <br /> The statement reads, “After listening to the ruling of the Supreme Court in the appeal he filed to challenge the process of arraigning him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki hereby states as follows :<br /> <br /> “He expresses disappointment over the Judgment of the apex court in the country on the six grounds of his appeal<br /> <br /> “He however will like to put it on record that the facts of the substantial matter are not before the Supreme Court since the apex court was only invited to rule on some preliminary issues in the process of commencing the trial.<br /> <br /> “The Senate President believes he will have his day in the court to prove his innocence of the charges preferred against him during the trial proper.<br /> <br /> “Dr. Saraki will like to thank everyone who has expressed support for him from the beginning of the case.<br /> <br /> “He assures everyone that at the end of the day truth will prevail and justice will be served.”

Latest-News I’m disappointed in Supreme Court judgment - Saraki

The seven-member judges of the apex court had in a unanimous judgement, ruled that Saraki should go and face his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. But Saraki, in his reaction contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and P…

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