Nigerian Eye

MMM Nigeria freezes accounts again, vows to restart

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The MMM Ponzi scheme in Nigeria has gain frozen all Mavros with a promise to restart. 
 
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The notice of the decision which was contained in a statement released by the MMM Administration and titled ‘restart’ blamed the federal government and mass media for its decision. 
 
The organisation said it has not been able to overcome the consequences of the crisis triggered by the authorities and mass media at the beginning of this year. 
 
“Despite all our efforts, the problems have been accumulating and, as a result, we have to announce a restart,” MMM stated. 
 
Stating that they hope that the subscribers will understand, the organisation explained that all old Mavros acquired before the announcement was posted are frozen adding that they will be bought back gradually as the system develops. 
 
“All transactions with new Mavros (acquired after this announcement is posted) will be carried out on the usual terms with no restrictions,” it stated. 
 
Apart from this, the statement also noted that some amendments have been made to the rules, one of which requires Mavros to now start growing at the moment the request is confirmed and not at the moment it is created, as it was previously. 
 
“Consequently, bonuses will start growing at the moment when the main contribution is confirmed (upon which bonuses have been rewarded on). Mavro-50% for the first contribution will not be available. We launch three-month contributions of two types: 40% and 50% (see more details in WHAT IS MMM),” it added. 
 
Pacifying the Mavros, the statement added that as a matter of fact, a restart is not the end of the world, it’s just a restart of the system and nothing more. 
 
“Continue to provide help and you’ll get it all back (even if you’ve lost something now). It all starts from the beginning. It’s the most opportune time for participating. We would also like to remind you (just for form’s sake) that everyone had been fully aware of all the risks and had read the WARNING which they had also confirmed by checking the relevant box in the process of registration.”

Latest-News MMM Nigeria freezes accounts again, vows to restart

The MMM Ponzi scheme in Nigeria has gain frozen all Mavros with a promise to restart. The notice of the decision which was contained in a statement released by the MMM Administration and titled ‘restart’ blamed the federal government and mass media …

Nigerian senate supported pension thieves – Maina

21:47 Unknown 0

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Embattled former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, has written to Senate President Bukola Saraki a letter in which he claimed that pension funds amounting to more than N3 trillion were trapped in 97 pension offices before he fled the country. 
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Maina, in the letter dated June 19, 2015, which he wrote shortly after he returned to the country from self-exile, had sought a review of his case and a probe of the various actions taken against him by some people he claimed were bent on intimidating him. 
 
He also accused the 7th Senate of aiding and abetting pension thieves across the country. 
 
The letter addressed to Senator Saraki was titled ‘Pension Reform Task Team: Appeal for Review of Investigation Probe by Senate Joint Committee on Establishment and Public Service and States and Local Government Administration 2011-2013.’ 
 
Maina, who recently returned to self-exile following a public uproar against his alleged reinstatement as a director in the Ministry of Interior while he was still wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged embezzlement of N2 billion pension funds, claimed in the letter leaked to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday that his task team, which began operation in January 2011, saved about N1.6 trillion from pension thieves. 
 
“We used financial intelligence skills to achieve ground-breaking achievements in our assignment. We recovered and saved cash and properties worth over N1.6trillion,” he said. 
 
According to him, the team’s efforts led to the arrest of 46 persons and firms involved in looting pension funds, who were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and whose trials were still ongoing. 
 
The more than N3 trillion Maina said was waiting to be recovered from 97 government agencies was as at 2015. 
 
The leaked letter indicated that the pension boss resurfaced in the country shortly after the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2015. 
 
The letter reads: “We, members of Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), wish to use this medium to apologise for our little late response to reaching back to you. 
 
 
 
“We had to put the issues together and source for appurtenant materials. We appreciate your understanding sir. 
 
“As a refresher, the PRTT was inaugurated on 10th June, 2010 by the immediate past administration of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, with a clear mandate to restructure the Head of Service Pension Office, Police Pension Office, among others. 
 
“We did our utmost with precision and national interests as our guiding principles 
 
“The PRTT took off effectively by January 2011. 
 
“We used financial intelligence skills to achieve ground-breaking achievements in our assignment. 
 
“We recovered and saved cash and properties worth over N1.6 trillion. 
 
“Our efforts led to the arrest and prosecution of 46 persons/firms involved in looting of pension funds which we handed to the EFCC. The trials are still ongoing. 
 
“As it is, there is a leakage of N256 billion monthly from the current IPPIS, which needs to be blocked urgently. 
 
“We are also aware of some government hidden accounts which needs to be mopped up. 
 
“We can be used to engage any department of government in sanitising the financial workflow to avoid loose ends that remain susceptible to leakages. 
 
“Based on the revelations of massive/monumental fraud and outright stealing of pension funds, which was brought to public attention by the PRTT, the 7th National Assembly by resolution dated 2nd November, 2011 mandated its Committee on Establishment and Public Service, State and Local Government Administration, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the management and administration of pension funds in Nigeria. 
 
“There was general expectation that the various dimensions of irregularities associated with the management of pension funds in Nigeria would come to an end as a consequence of the investigations being conducted by the Senate Joint Committee.” 
 
Maina maintained that the Senate Joint Committee ended up creating more problems than solutions to the endemic corruption and fraud prevailing in the system because while the Senate haunted them, it favoured the “pension thieves”. 
 
“We became objects of corruption fighting us back. From our first appearance before the Senate committee, it was obvious that the entire exercise conducted by the Committee was geared towards discrediting the PRTT,” the letter stated. 
 
Arguing that before leaving Nigeria, following threats to his life, the PRTT had worked so hard that pension payments stabilised, Maina noted that the biometric system adopted by the team exposed 73,000 ghost pensioners in the office of the Head of Service alone. 
 
“Some pensioners got backlog of about 30 years paid into their accounts. All payments were ordered under the signature of the Head of Service monthly,” he said. 
 
He added: “However, the PRTT regrets to observe that rather than achieving the objectives of the spirit and its mandate, which in our view includes but not limited to identifying those responsible for the culture of fraud that characterised the system and bringing them to book, the Senate Joint Committee ended up creating more problems than solutions to the endemic corruption and fraud prevailing in the system. 
 
“In this context, the PRTT, wishes to state without any fear of contradiction that the Senate Joint Committee’s Report submitted, which was subsequently adopted by the 7th Senate but now quashed by the Federal High Court judgement of the 13th March 2013 in favour of the PRTT’s Chairman, not only failed to address the issues at stake but succeeded in misleading the Senate and the generality of Nigerians about the true picture, nature and scope of problems militating against the efficient management and administration of Pension Funds in Nigeria. Copy of said judgement attached and marked “ANNEXURE1”.” 
 
Maina also alleged that shortly after he was forced out, the office of the Head of Service was enmeshed in a N35bn fraud. He added that the ICPC conducted investigation into the matter but regretted that “till date, they are yet to commence the prosecution.” 
 
“Today, it (pension) is worse with the Police pension office where daily so much millions are taken out of pension funds in that office. We have evidence to substantiate this,” he added. 
 
On his dismissal, Maina said the process was concluded under 36 hours without giving him the opportunity to be heard. 
 
The letter said: “As we write to you, Abdulrasheed A. Maina has been dismissed from Civil Service for being absent for three days while his life was under threat following gunshot attack on his person in front of Head of Civil Service Office where his office was located in February, 2013. Attached are copies of letters from Nigeria Police Force. “ANNEXURE 3 (a) and (b)”. 
 
“The Task Team and its leadership were not only denied the opportunity for a fair hearing before being pronounced guilty of all manner of allegations, but even where the Task Team appeared before the Committee, salient facts related to the issues at stake were deliberately ignored.” 
 
He added that an appeal to the 7th Senate for fair hearing was ignored. As a result, the PRTT approached the Federal High Court Abuja in suit number: FH/ABJ/CS/65/2013. He said the court ruled in his favour on 13th March, 2013 noting that till date, the Senate had yet to appeal the judgment of the court. 
 
Maina, in the said letter, said: “We are by this letter appealing to the Federal Government in the spirit of CHANGE which the country is witnessing, and the stand of government on corruption, that opportunity be given to us to present the truth about pension management in Nigeria.” 
 
Reacting to Maina’s letter, the Special Adviser (Media) to the Senate President, Yusuf Olaniyonu, said the present Senate leadership ignored it because the last Senate had taken a decision on the pension matter and there was no reasonable ground to review it.

Latest-News Nigerian senate supported pension thieves – Maina

Embattled former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, has written to Senate President Bukola Saraki a letter in which he claimed that pension funds amounting to more than N3 trillion were trapped in 97 pension offices before…

Liverpool Trash West Ham

21:47 Unknown 0

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Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool won comfortably at West Ham to increase the pressure on Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. 
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Salah put his side ahead in the first half, firing beyond keeper Joe Hart after the Hammers were caught out by a quick counter-attack. 
 
The Reds doubled their lead soon after when Joel Matip slotted home from a corner. 
 
Manuel Lanzini’s deft finish briefly gave the hosts hope but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first Premier League goal for Liverpool restored their two-goal advantage before Salah’s powerful finish sealed the win. 
 
Liverpool’s fifth Premier League win of the season keeps Jurgen Klopp’s side sixth in the table, while West Ham are 17th and just one point above the relegation zone. 
 
West Ham’s points total of nine after 11 games matches their total over the same period in 2010-11 when they were relegated from the top flight.

Latest-News Liverpool Trash West Ham

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool won comfortably at West Ham to increase the pressure on Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. Salah put his side ahead in the first half, firing beyond keeper Joe Hart after the Hammers were caught out by a quick counter…

Presidency releases fresh list of 159 appointees - (FULL LIST)

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The Presidency has updated the list of President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointments to further fault the alleged claim that “81 of Buhari’s 100 appointees are Northerners.” 
 
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the updated list was released by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday. 
 
The updated list, containing 159 appointees read: 
 
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Name Portfolio Region Notes Confirmed Appointment by the current Administration: 
 
1 Tukur Buratai Chief of Army Staff North East Y Y 
 
2 Babagana Monguno National Security Adviser North East Y Y 
 
3 Abubakar Lawal Aide de Camp North West Y Y 
 
4 Femi Adesina Special Adviser Media and Publicity South West Y Y 
 
5 Garba Shehu SSA. Media and Publicity North West Wrongly identified as SA Y Y 
 
6 Sunday Dare EC, NCC South West Not included with board members Y Y 
 
 
 
7 Lawal Kazaure State Chief of Protocol North West Y Y 
 
8 Ahmed Idris Accountant General North West Y Y 
 
9 Antony Ayine Auditor General South South Y Y 
 
10 Abayomi Olonishakin Chief of Defence Staff South West Y Y 
 
11 Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Chief of Naval Staff South South Y Y 
 
12 Sadique Abubakar Chief of Air Staff North East Y Y 
 
13 Monday Morgan Chief Defence Intel North Central Y Y 
 
14 Lawal Daura DG, State Security Services North West Y Y 
 
15 Mahmood Yakubu INEC Chairman North East Y Y 
 
16 Hadiza Bala Usman MD, NPA North West Y Y 
 
17 Paul Boroh SA, Niger Delta Amnesty South South Y Y 
 
18 Dakuku Peterside DG, NIMASA South South Y Y 
 
19 Sen Olabiyi Durojaiye Chairman NCC South West Y Y 
 
20 Umaru Dambatta Chief Executive, NCC North West Y Y 
 
21 Babatunde Fowler Chairman, FIRS South West Y Y 
 
22 Maikanti Baru GMD, NNPC North East Y Y 
 
23 Boss Mustapha SGF North East Y Y 
 
24 Abba Kyari Chief of Staff North East Y Y 
 
25 Ade Ipaye Deputy Chief of Staff South West Not included with board members Y Y 
 
26 Hameed Ali CG, Nigerian Customs North West Y Y 
 
27 Mohammed Babandede CG, Nigerian Immigration North Central Y Y 
 
28 Ita Enang SSA, National Assembly South South Y Y 
 
29 Suleiman Kawu SSA, National Assembly North West Y Y 
 
30 Babafemi Ojodu SA Political South West Not included with team members Y Y 
 
31 Adeyemi Dipeolu SA Economy South West Not included with board members Y Y 
 
32 Ahmed Lawan Kuru MD, AMCON North East Y Y 
 
33 Mohammed Kari Insurance Commission North East Y Y 
 
34 Ibrahim Magu Acting Chairman EFCC North East Y Y 
 
35 Abike Dabiri SSA, Diaspora South West Y Y 
 
36 Abdullahi Muhammadu CG. NSCDS North Central Y Y 
 
37 Winifred Oyo-Ita Head of Service South South Y Y 
 
38 Aishah Ahmad Deputy Gov. CBN North Central Y Y 
 
39 Mary Ekpere DG, NCWD South South Y Y 
 
40 Funso Doherty DG, PENCOM South West Y Y 
 
41 Dikko AbdulRahman Chairman, BOI North East Y Y 
 
42 Olukayode Pitan MD, BOI South West Not included with board members Y Y 
 
43 Mr Adebayo Somefun MD, NSITF South West Y Y 
 
44 Kemi Nelson ED, NSITF South West Y Y 
 
45 Lady Azinge, Azuka Obiageli Ag. Registrar General, CAC South East Y Y 
 
46 Ahmed Dangiwa MD, Federal M.Bank North West Y Y 
 
47 Melville Ebo ED, Federal M.Bank South East Y Y 
 
48 Dankane Abdullahi ED, Federal M.Bank North West Y Y 
 
49 Alex Okoh DG, BPE South South Y Y 
 
50 Ibrahim Goni CG, National Park North Central Y N Sep-14 
 
51 Nasiru Ladan DG, NDE North Central Y Y 
 
52 Saliu Alabi DG, MINILS North Central Y Y 
 
53 Jeffery Barminas DG, RICT North East Y Y 
 
54 Folarin Gbadebo Smith DG, NISER South West Wrongly Identified as Haruna Yerima Y Y 
 
55 Mohammed Tukur Secretary FCC North East Y Y 
 
56 Shettima Abba Chairman FCC North East Y Y 
 
57 Tunde Irukera ES, CPC North Central Wrongly identified as CPP Y Y 
 
58 Umar Gambo Jibrin ES, FCDA North East Y Y 
 
59 Roli Bode George CEO, NDLEA North East Wrongly identified as Muhammad Abdullah Y N 
 
60 Garba Abari DG, NOA North East Y Y 
 
61 Sule Kazaure DG, NYSC North West Y Y 
 
62 Jelani Aliyu` DG, NADDC North West Y Y 
 
63 Bayo Onanuga MD, NAN South West Y Y 
 
64 Ibrahim Idris IG North Central Y Y 
 
65 Ghaji Bello DG, NPC North East Y N Jan-14 
 
66 Saleh Dunoma MD FAAN North East Y N Mar-14 
 
67 USA Sadiq Dir Security, FAAN North West Y Y 
 
68 Rabiu Yadudu Dir Operations, FAAN North West Y Y 
 
69 Salisu Daura Dir Maintenance, FAAN North West Y Y 
 
70 Nike Aboderin Dir Finance & Accounts FAAN South West Not included with board members Y Y 
 
71 Norris Anozie Dir HR FAAN South East Not included with board members Y Y 
 
72 Clifford Omozeghian Company Secretary, Legal Adviser FAAN South South Not included with board members Y Y 
 
73 Rahimatu Aminu Aliyu ED, Federal Mortgage Bank North West Y Y 
 
74 Melville Ebo ED, Federal Mortgage Bank South East Not included with board members Y Y 
 
75 Julie Okah – Donli DG, NAPTIP South South Y Y 
 
76 Bello Rabiu COO NNPC North West Not included with board members Y Y 
 
77 Henry Ikem Obih COO NNPC South East Y Y 
 
78 Bello Gusau ES PTDF North Central Y Y 
 
79 Isiaka Abdulrazak CFO NNPNorth Central Y Y 
 
80 Isa Inuwa COO NNPC North West Y Y 
 
81 Saidu Muhammad COO NNPC North West Y Y 
 
82 Babatunde Adeniran COO NNPC South West Y Y 
 
83 Anibor Kragha COO NNPC South South Not included with board members Y Y 
 
84 Chidi Momah Secretary NNPC South East Y Y 
 
85 Modecai Baba Ladan Dir DPR North Central duplicated Y Y 
 
86 Eberechukwu Uneze ED, AMCON South East Y Y 
 
87 Aminu Ismail ED, AMCON North West Y Y 
 
88 Kola Ayeye ED, AMCON South West Not included with board member Y Y 
 
89 Ishaq Oloyode Registrar, JAMB South West Y Y 
 
90 Chidi Izuwah DG, ICRC South East Y Y 
 
91 Bolaji Owasanoye ICPC South West Y Y 
 
92 Lenrie Aina National Librarian South West Y Y 
 
93 Charles Uwakwe NECO South East Y Y 
 
94 Umaru Maza Maza Chair, REA North West Y Y 
 
95 Damilola Ogunbiyi MD REA South West Y Y 
 
96 Sanusi Ohiare ED, REA North Central Y Y 
 
97 Yewande Odia ED, REA South West Not included with board members Y Y 
 
98 Fola Akinkuotu MD, NAMA South West Y Y 
 
99 Sani Abubakar Mashi DG, NiMet North West Y Y 
 
100 Abdusalam Mohammed Rector, NCAT North Central Y Y 
 
101 Akinola Olateru Commissioner, AIB South West Y Y 
 
102 Abubakar Rasheed ES, NUC North West Y Y 
 
103 Abdulkadir Umar ES, PPPRA North West Y Y 
 
104 Elias Nwalem RMAFC South East Y Y 
 
105 Marilyn Amobi NBET South East Y Y 
 
106 Faisal Shuaib ES, NPHCDA North Central Y Y 
 
107 Umaru Ibrahim NDIC North West Reconfirmed by Buhari Admin Y N Dec-10 
 
108 Uja Tor Uja NCPC North Central Y Y 
 
109 Isa Pantami DG, NITDA North East Y Y 
 
110 Patience Oniha DG, DMO South South Y Y 
 
111 Nnenna Akajemeli CEO, SERVICOM South East Y Y 
 
112 Folasade Joseph MD, NAIC North Central Y Y 
 
113 Cecilia Gaya DG, ASCON North East Y Y 
 
114 Luci Ajayi ES, LITFMB South South Y Y 
 
115 Lanre Gbajabiamila NLRC South West N Y 
 
116 Usman Abubakar NRC North West Y Y 
 
117 Chiedu Ugbo MD, NDPHC South South Not included Y Y 
 
119 Osita Okechukwu DG, VON South East Not included Y Y 
 
120 Eze Duru Ihioma Chair, NPC South East Y N Jan-14 
 
121 Bisi Adegbuyi Postmaster General, NIPOST South West Not included Y Y 
 
122 Yewande Sadiku DG, NIPC South West Not included Y Y 
 
123 Princess Gloria Akobundu CEO, NEPAD South South Not included Y Y 
 
124 Olagunsoye Oyinlola Chairman, NIMC South West Not included Y Y 
 
125 Umana Okon Umana Oil & Gas Free Zone South South Not included Y Y 
 
126 Sharon Ikeazor DG, PTAD South East Not included Y Y 
 
127 Ben Akabueze DG, Budget Office South East Wrongly identified as Aliyu Gusau Y Y 
 
128 Yemi Kale DG,NBS South West Reconfirmed by Buhari Admin Y N Aug-11 
 
129 Folorunsho Coker DG,NTDC South West Not included Y Y 
 
130 Waziri Adio ES, NEITI South West Not included Y Y 
 
131 Alh Adebayo Thomas DG Film and Censor’s Board South West Not included Y Y 
 
132 Maryam Uwais SA Social Investment North Central Not included with board members Y Y 
 
133 Jumoke Oduwole SSA Trade and Investment South West Not included with board member Y Y 
 
134 Emeka Nwapa CHAIRMAN, CPC South East Not included with board members Y Y 
 
135 Ife Oyedele ED, NDPHC South West Not included Y Y 
 
136 Alhaji Ali Usman Chairman, PENCOM North West Not included Y Y 
 
137 Manase Benga EC, PENCOM North Central Not included Y Y 
 
138 Zaki Magawata EC, PENCOM North East Not included Y Y 
 
139 Ben Oviosun EC, PENCOM South South Not included Y Y 
 
140 Nyerere Ayim EC, PENCOM South East Not included Y Y 
 
141 Sanusi Garba NERC COMMISSIONER North West Not included Y Y 
 
142 Dafe C. Akpeneye NERC COMMISSIONER South South Not included Y Y 
 
143 Nathan Rogers Shatti NERC COMMISSIONER North East Not included Y Y 
 
144 Dr Moses Arigu NERC COMMISSIONER North Central Not included Y Y 
 
145 Musiliu Olalekan Oseni, NERC COMMISSIONER South West Not included Y Y 
 
146 Professor Frank N. Okafor NERC COMMISSIONER South East Not included Y Y 
 
147 Ituah Ighodalo National Council of Privatisation South South Not included Y Y 
 
148 O. Olaoye National Council of Privatisation South West Not included Y Y 
 
149 Yinka Amosun FRCN (Lagos) South West Not included Y Y 
 
150 Femi Odumosu Ogun Osun RBDA South West Not included 
 
152 Jide Zeitlin Chair, NSIA South West Not included 
 
153 Uche Orji CEO/MD, NSIA South East Not included 
 
154 Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli ED, NSIA South East Not included 
 
155 Urum Kalu Eke NSIA South East Not included 
 
156 Lois Laraba Machunga-Disu NSIA North Central Not included 
 
157 Asue Ighodalo NSIA South South Not included 
 
158 Halima Buba NSIA North East Not included 
 
159 Bello Machido NSIA North West Not included 
 
Adesina had earlir condemned the article in a statement issued in Abuja today, saying it was meant to portray the Buhari administration in bad light. 
 
The article was published by the newspaper on Oct. 29.(NAN)

Latest-News Presidency releases fresh list of 159 appointees - (FULL LIST)

The Presidency has updated the list of President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointments to further fault the alleged claim that “81 of Buhari’s 100 appointees are Northerners.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the updated list was released by …

The angel of death that stalks the corridors of power by Fani-Kayode

21:32 Unknown 0

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“O grave where is thy victory? O death where is thy sting?”- The Holy Bible. 
 
 
<a id="more" name="more"></a>In the early 1960′s Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of the Western Region, lost his first son and years later his second son and second daughter were cut short in the prime of their lives. Chief S.L. Akintola, his bitter political rival and the second Premier of the Western Region also lost his first daughter in the early 60′s and a few years later lost his third and youngest son. His second son was also cut short in his prime a number of years later. 
 
Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode, the Deputy Premier of the Western Region, who was a close ally and second in command to S.L. Akintola, lost his second son. Sir Adesoji Aderemi, who was the Ooni of Ife, a close ally of Awolowo and the first ceremonial Governor of the old Western Region, lost his first son. Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Premier of the old Eastern Region and Nigeria’s first and only ceremonial President, lost his first wife. President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s second democratically-elected President lost four wives and one son many years ago whilst Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the Northern Region, lost two sons and one daughter. 
 
Awolowo and Obasanjo went to jail for three years each whilst Ahmadu Bello went to jail for three months. S.L. Akintola was killed in the prime of his life just as were Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first democratically-elected leader and Prime Minister. As a matter of fact they were all killed on the same night- the night of January 15th 1966. President Shehu Shagari, Nigeria’s second democratically-elected leader and first executive President lost four children whilst he was in power and was locked up for over two years after he was toppled. Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12th 1993 Presidential election, lost two wives, was locked up for 4 years and was eventually killed. Chief Bola Ige, the first democratically-elected Governor of Oyo state and the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation lost his first son and he himself was later murdered. Chief Bisi Onabanjo, the first democratically-elected Governor of Ogun state lost his first son. Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first democratically elected Governor of Lagos state, lost his first daughter. 
 
Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, the second democratically-elected Governor of Oyo state lost his son. Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, the first Minister of Finance of Nigeria was killed. Chief Alfred Rewane, one of the founding members of the Action Group and a leading figure in NADECO, was killed. The list is endless and I could go on and on. Alhaji Musa Yar’adua was Minister of Lagos Affairs in the First Republic. He was blessed with a long and peaceful life. However two of his sons were not so lucky. 
 
His first son, General Shehu Musa Yar’adua, who was number two to General Obasanjo when he was military Head of State and who for many decades was one of the most powerful men in the country, was murdered whilst he was in prison. His second son, President Umaru Yar’adua, was cut short in his prime by a strange and inexplicable ailment after he had been President for only three years. He was succeeded by his number two, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan lost his brother and his mother-in-law one year after the other after he became President. After losing the presidential election in 2015 he lost his Special Advisor on Political Affairs and his Chief Security Officer within a matter of months. Worse still those that he had been deputy to throughout his political life, either as Deputy Governor or Vice President, always suffered one form of misfortune or the other, whether it be death, shame, incarceration or impeachment, and he would end up stepping into their shoes and taking their place. 
 
When it comes to our military rulers the story of consistent tragedy is no different- General Aguiyi-Ironsi, our first military Head of State was killed. General Yakubu Gowon, our second military Head of State, was toppled from power, exiled, lost his brother and his first son was jailed. General Murtala Mohammed, our third military Head of State, was killed and lost both his son and son-in-law. General Olusegun Obasanjo was our fourth military Head of State and we touched on his misfortunes earlier. I should, however add this. In the case of Obasanjo every single one of his official ADC’s since the civil war right up until the time that he left office as President in 2007 except for two was cut short and died a mysterious and inexplicable death. Sadly it did not stop there. Every single one of his spokesmen between 1999 and 2007 also died before their time except for one. General Muhammadu Buhari, our fifth military Head of State, was toppled from power, locked up for three years, lost his mother whilst he was in detention and was not allowed to attend her burial, lost his number two (General Tunde Idiagbon) in very strange and suspicious circumstances and later lost two daughters. 
 
General Ibrahim Babangida, our sixth military Head of State, was eased out of power and compelled to ”step aside” amidst massive controversy and turmoil and later lost his wife. His number two, Rear Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, lost his first son, Chief Ernest Shonekan, our first and only Interim Civilian Head of State, was badly humiliated and toppled from power. General Sani Abacha, our seventh military Head of State, lost his son, was removed from power and was killed. General Abdulsalami Abubakar, our eighth military Head of State, as far as I am aware is the only exception and appears to have escaped any misfortune. Yet the picture is very depressing. This is indeed a catalogue of tragic events. Sorrow and pain just appears to be following sorrow and pain. It is a vicious cycle of misfortune and calamity. Yet the most curious phenomenon and bizarre series of events of all is the fact that every single Head of State or President that has ruled our country from the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Abuja for three years or more has either ended up dying whilst there or has lost a spouse before leaving office. 
 
Babangida did not stay in the Villa in Abuja for up to three years so he and his wife escaped what has come to be known as the ”Villa curse”. It was the same for Chief Ernest Shonekan who, wisely, never stayed at the Villa at all but who chose to preside over the affairs of the nation from Aguda house next door and who remained in power for barely six months. General Abdulsalami Abubakar stayed at the Villa but he remained there for less than a year. However Abacha, Obasanjo and Yar’adua were not so lucky- each of them stayed at the Villa for three years or more and before the end of their tenure they either lost their own life or the life of their spouse whilst there. The story is that once the three year mark is passed the curse sets in and the clock begins to tick. At the end of the day only one of the two spouses comes out alive. 
 
The case of President Goodluck Jonathan and First Lady Patience Jonathan was an interesting one in this respect. In my view it was by the grace of God, the prayers of the Church and the intercessors and the fact that Jonathan conceded victory to President Buhari in 2015 that the curse did not affect them. I say this because it is a matter of public record that during the one year and six months preceding the 2015 election Dame Patience Jonathan was compelled to undergo no less than 12 operations abroad as a consequence of a strange life-threatening abdominal affliction. This affliction persisted throughout the 2015 presidential campaign and it is a testimony to her immense courage and loyalty that in spite of it she was able to campaign for her husband in between the numerous procedures. The strange thing is that the minute the election was over and President Jonathan conceded victory to President Buhari the affliction and all its symptoms completely disappeared without any trace and without any logical or medical explanation. 
 
Consequently both Jonathan and his wife left the Villa in good health later that year. Many believe that had it not been for the intense prayers and the concession of victory things may well have been different. The Bible says “God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform”. President Muhammadu Buhari has been in office for almost 2 years and six months. It is a fact that he has spent more time on sick leave undergoing treatment in foreign hospitals outside our shores than he has at his desk running the affairs of our country. On his last medical trip he spent no less than 105 days abroad in a single stretch virtually incommunicado taking care of his health even though the Nigerian people were never told the nature of the affliction or what the prognosis was. 
 
This led to a lot of concern and speculation as to whether he would make it back to Nigeria alive. Yet in what can only be described as a remarkable and miraculous recovery Buhari returned to Nigeria but curiously, he has refused to work from his official office in the Presidential Villa or even set his foot there claiming that “rats” had taken over the whole place. Instead, he has chosen to work and run the affairs of our nation from a tiny cramped office in the residential wing of the Villa which can barely take up to four people comfortably and which has a tiny desk. 
 
 No explanation has been offered for this bizarre setting and state of affairs other than the one of rats. Yet the wise, the discerning and the spiritually sensitive know what is going on. Whichever way May 2018 will be the three year mark of Buhari in the Presidential Villa and I hope and pray that he and his wife will be as lucky as President Jonathan and First Lady Patience Jonathan were. It is incumbent on us all to pray for them. Permit me to conclude with the following observations which I believe are curious and relevant. 
 
During the course of the three years before the 2015 presidential election President Muhammadu Buhari lost another daughter whilst Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna state, who is being groomed as his heir and successor, lost one daughter, one son and one nephew. Finally, one year and six months before the 2019 presidential election, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the former Governor of Lagos state, the National Leader of the APC, Buhari’s closest and most powerful ally in southern Nigeria and a man who, it is rumoured, himself has presidential ambitions lost his first son. The Angel of Death that stalks the corridors of power in Nigeria is frightful and real. 
 
May God deliver us from it and may the souls of all those that were cut short before their time rest in peace. 
 
By Femi Fani-Kayode

Latest-News The angel of death that stalks the corridors of power by Fani-Kayode

“O grave where is thy victory? O death where is thy sting?”- The Holy Bible. In the early 1960′s Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of the Western Region, lost his first son and years later his second son and second daughter were cut short in …

Nigeria can not afford secession – Buhari

21:32 Unknown 0

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The Federal Government has asked universities as research institutions to come up with solutions to issues challenging the country. President Muhammadu Buhari, said this in Uyo on Saturday during the 22nd and 23rd convocationof the University of Uyo. 
 
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He was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Onwuka. He noted that historically, universities have always been known to be research centres for the advancement of civilisation. Buhari said the government has been supporting research in all the institutions of higher learning in the country. He said that the inability of some nations and their institutions to play a significant and leading role in the global competition for technological and scientific research was the major cause of their underdevelopment. 
 
The president said that Nigeria cold not afford to lose any part of the country through secession, dismemberment or any other process, adding that the elite and political class also have a role to play in healing and reconciling the nation. “I am tasking our universities to conduct research and come up with empirical solutions for this national problem which is plaguing and even threatening our continued existence as a country today. “Historically, it is the tertiary educational institutions, notably the universities and similar institutions, that have generated, through research, the greatest amount of knowledge for the advancement of the present world civilisation. 
 
“At present, all the scientific and technological developments the world has witnessed today are research-generated, research-supported and research-sustained. “This explains why the Federal Government has supported research in all ramifications in our universities. Through TETFund, the FG has made more than N3bn available for scholarly and high impact researches,” Buhari said. 
 
Earlier, Gov. Udom Emmanuel, of Akwa Ibom, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, charged universities to key into science and technology to advance the course of mankind. He said that was why the Akwa Ibom Government allocated enormous resources to sustain its free education policy to ensure conducive learning environment for our children. “As the new graduands receive their academic laurels today, I challenge Nigerian universities, especially University of Uyo to be guided by the reality of the 21st century, which is technologically driven. 
 
“Inasmuch as liberal science remains defining block of understanding of our social relationship, we should begin to tailor our curriculum around the area of science and technology as the world today is being served by ideas and ideas create wealth.” The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Enefiok Essien, said despite the difficulty the university was passing through, it has been able to produce graduates that have won laurels at national and international levels. He said that given the commitment of the present government to prudent management of the nation’s resources, it was hoped more money would be found to fund education. 
 
“It is my expectation that some of the funds saved through prudence in the running of government would be channelled into the revitalisation of education in the country to bring our level of funding to UNESCO’s minimum of 26 per cent of annual budget. “It is my earnest desire and wish that Nigeria’s university education should be revived to a point where nationals of other countries will be coming here for learning as it was in the early 1960s, 1970s, and even up to early 1980s.” 
 
The combined convocation witnessed the distribution of certificates to 8,012 graduates with 22 students bagging first class honours. 
 
Three prominent Nigerians, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, the executive chairman, Oriental Energy Resources, Mrs Ime Essien Udom and Mr Kevin Onuchukwu were awarded honorary degrees. (NAN)

Latest-News Nigeria can not afford secession – Buhari

The Federal Government has asked universities as research institutions to come up with solutions to issues challenging the country. President Muhammadu Buhari, said this in Uyo on Saturday during the 22nd and 23rd convocationof the University of Uyo…

REVEALED: How dismissed soldiers robbed kidnappers of CBN gov’s wife, steal ransom

21:17 Unknown 0

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A 29-year-old native of Gombe State, Musa Maidabara, had spent just six years in the Nigerian Army. But he saw his chance of becoming rich one afternoon. 
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That day, in company with two friends, a fellow soldier, Edwin George and Ernest Anthony, they stole two large sacks filled with cash from an acquaintance. 
 
Unknown to them, the bags contained the ransom paid for the release of Margaret, the wife of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who was kidnapped in September 2016. 
 
At the time, the police announced few hours after the release of the woman from captivity that two soldiers had been arrested by the Inspector-General of Police Response Team in connection with the case. 
 
Maidabara, a graduate of Quantity Survey from the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies, Benue State, enlisted in the Army in 2010 and prior to his dismissal in January 2017, he was posted to 3 Division, Jos, Plateau State. 
 
Maidabara claimed that his friend, Anthony, a taxi driver, invited him to celebrate the 2016 Independence Day with him in Benin, Edo State. 
 
He said, “I called one of my friends, George, who also attended the same Nigeria Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies serving in Maiduguri, Borno State, to follow me to Benin so we could celebrate Independence together. 
 
“When we got to Benin, Ernest said that one of his friends gave him a large amount of money to escort him out of a bush. He even showed me the money. 
 
“George and I put on our uniforms and asked him to take us to the man. When we got there, the man (identified only as Mohammed) was looking very dirty, he was carrying a bag. His companion also came out of the bush with another bag. They asked us to help them and I told them that I could not carry both of them. 
 
“So, Mohammed’s friend offered us money to help him to carry his bag and he asked Mohammed to keep the bag for him. We then took Mohammed and the two bags out of the bush, while on our way, I asked Mohammed why he was looking so dirty and he said we shouldn’t worry that he would explain everything to us.” 
 
Mohammed was described as a cattle dealer based in Benin. 
 
Maidabara claimed that Mohammed begged them to take him to a shop where he could get some new clothes. 
 
But while Mohammed left them in the car to buy clothes in a store, Maidabara and his three friends conspired and zoomed off with the two bags of cash in the car. According to him, it was Anthony’s suggestion. 
 
He said, “Ernest (Anthony) said it was our opportunity to get rich because he suspected that the money was stolen. We drove down to Delta State and shared the money. I took my share to my brother’s house in Onitsha and hid it there. 
 
Maidabara and Ernest said their parents live in Gombe State. They were planning to travel there when they were arrested. 
 
The police tracked them down through one of Ernest’s girlfriends, Saturday PUNCH learnt. 
 
She was said to have called that she wanted to see him, unknown to him, operatives of the IRT had laid in ambush for him. 
 
Anthony, a Delta State indigene and father of three, said he picked Mohammed as a passenger while plying Benin as a taxi driver. 
 
According to him, during the course of the journey, Mohammed discovered he could speak Hausa well by virtue of the fact that he grew up in Gombe State. 
 
He claimed that Mohammed warmed up to him and even told him about his booming cattle trade. 
 
Ernest said, “He requested my phone number and said he would like to use me as his taxi driver whenever he was in Benin City. 
 
“He called me on October 1, 2016 around 6.20am to come and pick him somewhere around Bypass in Benin City. At that time, I was already expecting Maidababara, my friend serving in Benue. 
 
“I met him and he asked me to take him to his house in Upper Sakpomba area of Benin. I told him I could not because I was expecting my friend from Makurdi. Before I knew what, he handed me a huge amount of money which I didn’t count, but I suspected that the money was close to N2m. 
 
“I was scared when he gave me the money because I saw another bag containing a large amount of money. I zoomed off in fear. When I got home, I met Maidababara and one of his friends, George, and I explained everything to them.” 
 
Ernest claimed that while he was at home, Mohammed called again and pleaded with him to come and pick him. 
 
At this point, Maidababara reportedly asked to speak with Mohammed over the phone and identified himself as a soldier. 
 
Ernest stated, “We decided to go and meet Mohammed. When we got to his location, Maidababara asked me to remain in the vehicle and he went out to meet Mohammed and other members of his gang. 
 
“Maidababara only allowed Mohammed to enter the vehicle and we drove to Agbor where he said he wanted to buy a new cloth. 
 
“After we fled with the two bags of money, we shared the money and got N6.5m each. The next day, I went to buy a Honda car for N1.5m in Onitsha and bought household appliances for N200,000. 
 
“But I was with one of my girlfriends when I was arrested in Benin. I swear I did not know the money was from the kidnap of the wife of the CBN governor. But it was when I was arrested that I knew about it. I thought Mohammed stole it.” 
 
George on the other hand said he thought they were stealing the proceeds of Mohammed’s cattle business. 
 
He said he also bought a car for N1.5m from his share. 
 
“My conscience troubled me. It was when I was arrested that I knew that the money was from kidnapping,” he said. 
 
The police have said the suspects would be charged to court soon.

Latest-News REVEALED: How dismissed soldiers robbed kidnappers of CBN gov’s wife, steal ransom

A 29-year-old native of Gombe State, Musa Maidabara, had spent just six years in the Nigerian Army. But he saw his chance of becoming rich one afternoon. That day, in company with two friends, a fellow soldier, Edwin George and Ernest Anthony, they …

North Korea rules out negotiations as Trump heads to Asia

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North Korea ruled out talks and threatened to increase its nuclear arsenal in a fresh warning to Donald Trump’s administration Saturday as the US President set off on a tour of Asia. 
 
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Trump departed for his first presidential trip to Asia Friday, with tensions over North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats looming large. He is due to arrive in South Korea Tuesday, after first visiting Japan. 
 
The North’s state-run KCNA news agency said in a commentary that the US should be disabused of the “absurd idea” that Pyongyang would succumb to international sanctions and give up its nuclear weapons, adding that it is in “the final stage for completing nuclear deterrence”. 
 
“It had better stop daydreaming of denuclearisation talks with us”, said the commentary titled “Stop dreaming a daydream”. 
 
“Our self-defensive nuclear treasure sword will be sharpened evermore unless the US hostile policy toward the DPRK is abolished once and for all”, it said, using an acronym for the official name of North Korea. 
 
The White House said Trump will deliver a speech at South Korea’s National Assembly and urge “common resolve in the face of shared threat”. 
 
But there is widespread concern in South Korea that the US president’s visit might worsen the situation if Trump fails to rein in his fierce rhetoric. 
 
Trump and the North’s leader Kim Jong-Un have traded insults and threats of war in recent months. 
 
“Because of his tendency to veer off the script, many Koreans are worried that he may let loose”, Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies told AFP. 
 
Some 500 protesters took to the streets in Seoul Saturday, chanting slogans and waving banners as they accused Trump of bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war. 
 
“No Trump, No War”, read one of the banners, while others portrayed the US President wearing a Nazi uniform. 
 
Nearby, a rival group of some 100 Trump supporters, including many military veterans, chanted: “Welcome to Korea, We believe in Trump”. 
 
Trump, who dismissed direct talks with Pyongyang as “waste of time”, will meet with President Moon Jae-In, who came to power early this year advocating for engagement with Pyongyang, a stance denounced as “appeasement” by Trump. 
 
Professor Koh Yu-Hwan at Dongguk University, a leading policy advisor to the government, said Seoul expected Trump to avoid putting Moon in a quandary by renewing pugnacious threats against the North, particularly with South Korea hosting the Winter Olympics in February next year. 
 
Moon has had to dial back his policy of engagement with the North in the face of Pyongyang’s persistent nuclear and missile tests. 
 
AFP.

Latest-News North Korea rules out negotiations as Trump heads to Asia

North Korea ruled out talks and threatened to increase its nuclear arsenal in a fresh warning to Donald Trump’s administration Saturday as the US President set off on a tour of Asia. Trump departed for his first presidential trip to Asia Friday, wit…

Reasons why i can't have a boyfriend - Miss Nigeria

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The current Miss Nigeria, Chioma Obiadi has stated that she will not be allowed to be in a relationship. 
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When our source asked the young beauty queen how she has been able to cope with that, she said it was just a protective measure put in place for her to stay away from scandals and other “unnecessary things.” 
 
She said, “One needs to be protected against scandals. Some of these scandals come from people who you are close to and trust. It is just a protective clause to help me to be better.” 
 
According to her, it will be hard to keep a relationship as she has been overwhelmed with both her school’s activities and her role as Miss Nigeria. But then, the pretty girl said the clause has not hindered guys from stalking her. 
 
She added, “I have stalkers. Every girl has a stalker, but I feel God has given us a way to handle it without hurting anyone. I was not even in a relationship before becoming Miss Nigeria. I have been jostling between school and Miss Nigeria, so I barely have time. 
 
“The way I handle men now is pretty much the same way I handled men before I won the pageant. I have been a girl all through my life and I feel all girls get pressure from men. Like I said earlier, the organisation is very protective. So, they have in a way protected me from unnecessary exposure. If they feel an exposure is not good for me, they don’t let me experience it.” 
 
She, however, admitted that winning Miss Nigeria was her turning point, as her life became better and her ideas became bigger than they used to be. 
 
“The lowest point is learning how to be patient, especially with the environmental battle I’ve embarked on. It is very tough. We had a beach cleanup two weeks ago and before we finished cleaning up half of it, the other part which was already cleaned up had been messed up again. That was very frustrating, so it takes patience and passion for one to actually keep doing that.” 
 
The beauty queen said she intends to complete her education once she is through with her reign. 
 
“I don’t believe in starting up something when you are not ready for it. I believe you have to lay your bed properly before you lie on it. I have a couple of business ideas, but I have yet to make up my mind. I don’t feel bad that the spotlight will be off from me soon. I wish I could still hold on to it because once you’ve eaten sugar, you don’t want to stop. But don’t forget that if you keep eating sugar, you will get diabetes. I think I have had my own share and I have gathered things I can tap from to become whoever I want to be. The wise thing for me is to grow and become a greater person. I am just looking forward to handing over to the next Miss Nigeria.”

Latest-News Reasons why i can't have a boyfriend - Miss Nigeria

The current Miss Nigeria, Chioma Obiadi has stated that she will not be allowed to be in a relationship. When our source asked the young beauty queen how she has been able to cope with that, she said it was just a protective measure put in place for…

Jonathan’s nephew arrested for shooting

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A nephew of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Oguanisi Akpusu, has been arrested in Bayelsa State over the alleged shooting of two persons during a masquerade in Emeyal 1 community in Ogbia Local Government Area. 
 
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He has since been released as the police said the shooting was “accidental. 
 
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State, Mr. Asuquo Amba, made this disclosure while parading suspects before journalists in Yenagoa. 
 
The CP made no comment about how Akpusu came to be in possession of a gun. 
 
Amba said the victims of the accident sustained gunshot injuries in their legs and thighs. 
 
He explained that Akpusu was part of the ongoing masquerade in Ogbia kingdom, during which he shot two persons at Emeyal 1 and was arrested by policemen attached to the Kolo Police Division. 
 
He said the case had been moved to the Serious Crimes Unit of the state police command in Yenagoa. 
 
“Preliminary investigations showed that it was a case of accidental discharge at a masquerade in Otuoke and Emeyal area of Ogbia LGA. The victims are being taken care of by the suspect and the Ogbia people. It may have been a mistake,” Asuquo said. 
 
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old Bayelsa State resident, Preye Idan, and his pregnant wife, Divine, 18, have been arrested for armed robbery. 
 
They told journalists while being paraded before journalists in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital that they ventured into crime because they had no other way of surviving. 
 
Preye, a father of one, who claimed to be a timber merchant, and his wife, were among 96 suspects paraded by the Bayelsa State Police Command on Wednesday for various criminal activities across the state. 
 
Preye did not betray any emotion as he recounted how he procured a pistol with live .9mm ammunition from a gunrunner. 
 
With the gun, he robbed a boutique at Biogbolo-Epie in Yenagoa metropolis forcing the owner, Juliet Uchenna, to hand over cash she had on her at gunpoint. 
 
He claimed that that day, September 21, 2017, his “spirit”led him to one Iro Royereyigha (30), his kinsman, whom he thought could help him out of his absolute poverty. 
 
Preye said he went in company with his wife, to meet Royereyigha to assist them to get a gun that they could use to carry out a robbery. 
 
He said, “We were so poor that we could not afford the basic things of life. There was nobody to help. That was why we thought we could break out of poverty by going into robbery for survival. That was our first time of carrying out a robbery. 
 
“I gave Royereyigha N1,000, when he handed the gun to me. He told us that after we carried out the robbery, we must give him N100,000 for the gun. 
 
Corroborating Preye’s account, his wife, Divine, agreed that both of them went for the robbery operation at the boutique. 
 
She said, “Both of us went to Royereyigha’s house. We actually asked for toy guns but he said he could not arrange toy guns but real ones. 
 
“The plan was that I should pretend as if I wanted to buy clothes and other items at the shop. In the process, my husband was supposed to come and threaten them with the gun. The plan worked as we conceived. 
 
“That day, we met two ladies at the boutique – the owner and one of her assistants. After my purchases, my husband came in with the gun and asked them to lie down on the ground. As they were lying down, he asked me to go and fetch a tricycle to enable us to escape. 
 
“As I left the place, one of the ladies escaped and raised the alarm. Her screaming attracted passers-by, who apprehended us and handed us over to the police.” 
 
The police would later arrest Royereyigha, who confessed that he indeed sold the gun to the couple. 
 
The father of 11 claimed to have been influenced by the devil. 
 
When asked why he involved his wife in the business, the 38-year-old suspect replied that “it was the devil’s temptation”. 
 
But his 24-year-old, wife, Abazi, a frozen foods dealer, lamented that if she knew that the bag her husband gave to her contained a gun, she would have raised the alarm. 
 
Amba, expressed concern over rising cases of illegal possession of firearms, cult activities, robberies, kidnapping and sundry crimes in some parts of the state. 
 
Asuquo said that police operatives arrested no fewer than 16 suspected armed robbers, five kidnappers, 66 miscreants and cult members in different parts of the state. 
 
Recovered from various suspects were four locally-made revolver pistols, two pump-action guns, one 7.62mm live ammunition, 20 .9mm live ammunition and 30 rounds of AAA cartridges.

Latest-News Jonathan’s nephew arrested for shooting

A nephew of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Oguanisi Akpusu, has been arrested in Bayelsa State over the alleged shooting of two persons during a masquerade in Emeyal 1 community in Ogbia Local Government Area. He has since been released as …

Taribo gets NFF appointment

20:32 Unknown 0

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Former Nigeria international Taribo West has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the Technical Study Group of the Nigeria Football Federation. 
 
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The NFF had on Monday dissolved its committees but on Friday, the federation in a statement released only the names of the new chairmen and vice chairmen of the committees. 
 
Former AC Milan and Inter Milan defender Taribo was named as vice to Abba Yola in the TSG. 
 
In the Finance Committee, Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande and Ibrahim Gusau were named as chairman and vice chairman respectively while the Internal Audit Committee has Sunday Dele-Ajayi and Mohammed Alkali and Organising Committee has Seyi Akinwunmi as chairman and Shehu Dikko as vice chairman. 
 
The Technical and Development Committee is chaired by Yusuf Ahmed Fresh and he is assisted by Chidi Ofo-Okenwa while the Referees Committee is headed by Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, who is assisted by Fresh. 
 
The Legal Committee has Akinwunmi and Chris Green as the chairman and vice chairman. The Women’s Football Committee consists of Ayo Omidiran and Aisha Falode while the Youth Football Committee has Akinwunmi and Emmanuel Iba as the heads. 
 
The Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee is headed by Felix Anyansi-Agwu, who is assisted by Samson Adamu, the Sports Medicine Committee has Dr. Muazu Abdulkadir and Dr. James Omietimi while the Players Status Committee has Green as chairman and Owoicho Adejo-Ogiri as his vice. The Ethics and Fair Play Committee has former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission chairman Nuhu Ribadu as its head while Felix Awogu will assist him. 
 
The Media and Publicity Committee is chaired by Yahaya-Kwande while Falode is his vice, the Football Committee has Akinwunmi and Dikko and the Strategic Studies Committee is chaired by Dikko while Fresh is the vice chairman. 
 
Protocol and Ceremonial Committee is headed by Musa Duhu and Inuwa, Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee has Dikko and Emeka Inyama while Security Committee is headed by Gusau and Oswald Atuake. The Match Commissioners’ Appointment committee has Babagana Kalli and Dele-Ajayi as chairman and vice chairman.

Latest-News Taribo gets NFF appointment

Former Nigeria international Taribo West has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the Technical Study Group of the Nigeria Football Federation. The NFF had on Monday dissolved its committees but on Friday, the federation in a statement released on…

Wole Soyinka travels to Trump’s America

20:32 Unknown 0

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Professor Wole Soyinka is going back to Donald Trump’s America, less than a year after he tore his Green Card following the election of Donald Trump as president. 
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He will be delivering from 14-16 November the Richard D. Cohen Lectures at Harvard University Centre for African Studies. 
 
“I’ll go in as an alien, an alien from outer space. I love that designation,” Soyinka said in an interview with Financial Times of London published on Friday. 
 
The lectures will be in three parts, under the theme: ‘Beyond Aesthetics: Use, Abuse and Dissonance in African Art Traditions.’ 
 
The first part, “The Acquisitive Eye: Oga, I swear it’s Original Fake” will be delivered on 14 November. 
 
On 15 November, Soyinka will speak on: “Heirs to the Procreative Deities – the Yoruba at Large.” 
 
He ends the talks on Thursday 16 November with the third lecture: “From Aso Ebi to N****ywood.” 
 
The venue for the three lectures is Thompson Room, Barker Centre, 12 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA. Richard Cohen Lectures. 
 
Before the emergence of Trump, Soyinka had spent much time in the US, where he taught at a number of universities and lived in California with his wife, Folake. 
 
“My life has been involved with the Diaspora on a very personal and visceral level,” he said of his interaction with prominent African-Americans. 
 
Donald Trump’s election marked an end to his US sojourn. In what has become known among Nigerians as “Wolexit,” he cut up his Green Card. 
 
“To have some redneck ride into power on the steed of racism was, for me, too much,” he told the Financial Times. 
 
In a statement in 2016, he detailed why he chose to drop the Green Card: “I was in New York during the run-up to elections. I watched this face, its body language, listened to his uncouth, racist language, his imbecillic harangues, the insults to other peoples, other races, especially the Hispanics, Africans and Afro-Americans, even citing once – I was told – Nigeria as an instance of the burdensome occupation of global space. 
 
“I watched and listened, disbelievingly, since this was America, supposedly now freed to a large extent – as we like to believe and have a right to expect – from its lamentable history of racism.” (NAN)

Latest-News Wole Soyinka travels to Trump’s America

Professor Wole Soyinka is going back to Donald Trump’s America, less than a year after he tore his Green Card following the election of Donald Trump as president. He will be delivering from 14-16 November the Richard D. Cohen Lectures at Harvard Uni…

Bundesliga: Bayern down Dortmund to open four-point lead

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Bayern Munich stamped their authority on the Bundesliga on Saturday by opening a four-point lead as Robert Lewandowski netted an audacious goal in their commanding 3-1 win at Borussia Dortmund. 
 
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Defending champions Bayern stay on course to win the German League for a sixth straight season after dominating the high-tempo showdown at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park. 
 
A superb curling strike from Dutch playmaker Arjen Robben on 17 minutes put Bayern head before a cheeky backheel from Lewandowski deflected off a defender on its way to the back of Dortmund’s net on 37 minutes. 
 
Having missed Bayern’s 2-1 win at Celtic on Tuesday in the Champions League with a thigh injury, Lewandowski claimed his 11th league goal in as many games this season and is currently the Bundesliga’s top-scorer. 
 
Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the top scorer last season in Germany just ahead of Lewandowski, has now failed to score in each of his last five games, but still has 10 goals in 11 league matches. 
 
Left-back David Alaba was credited with Bayern’s third goal which flew into Dortmund’s net just ahead of Lewandowski’s outstretched foot on 67 minutes. 
 
Defender Marc Barta, who was injured in April’s bomb attack on the Dortmund team bus, scored the hosts’ consolation goal two minutes from time. 
 
The win leaves Bayern unbeaten in their seven games since Jupp Heynckes took charge at the end of September. 
 
Third-placed Dortmund have now won just one of their last seven games in all competitions which has seen them surrender a five-point lead over Bayern in the league. 
 
They now trail Bayern by six points and are two behind RB Leipzig, who went second earlier with a 2-1 comeback win at home to Hanover 96. 
 
Germany striker Timo Werner, 21, who has just recovered from a neck injury, proved his form ahead of the world champions’ high-profile friendly matches against England and France in the next 10 days. 
 
Werner set up Yussuf Poulsen’s equaliser and then netted an 85th-minute winner after the Brazilian Jonathas had given visitors Hanover the lead at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena. 
 
The result got Leipzig back to winning ways after last week’s back-to-back cup and league losses to Bayern and a 3-1 defeat at Porto in the Champions League. 
 
Elsewhere Schalke, who are now undefeated in their last six games in all competitions, climbed to fourth — level on 20 points with neighbours Dortmund — with a 1-0 win at Freiburg. 
 
Winger Daniel Caligiuri scored the only goal against his old club. 
 
Hamburg moved out of the bottom three with a 3-1 win at home to Stuttgart, who had midfielder Dzenis Burnic sent off after just 13 minutes for two yellow cards. 
 
Aaron Hunt put Hamburg ahead from a free-kick after a goalkeeping blunder by Ron-Robert Zieler, but Stuttgart levelled just after half-time when Daniel Ginczek converted a penalty. 
 
However, Filip Kostic put Hamburg back in front and Germany Under-17 international Jann-Fiete Arp, with his second in two games, sealed the win. 
 
Borussia Moenchengladbach dropped to seventh after their 1-1 draw at home to Mainz. 
 
Mainz took the lead on 19 minutes through French defender Abdou Diallo, but Gladbach equalised when towering Danish centre-back Jannik Vestergaard headed home midway through the second half. 
 
Mid-table Augsburg and Bayer Leverkusen shared the points in a 1-1 draw as Kevin Volland’s strike just after the break was quickly cancelled out by Austrian defender Kevin Danso. 
 
AFP

Latest-News Bundesliga: Bayern down Dortmund to open four-point lead

Bayern Munich stamped their authority on the Bundesliga on Saturday by opening a four-point lead as Robert Lewandowski netted an audacious goal in their commanding 3-1 win at Borussia Dortmund. Defending champions Bayern stay on course to win the Ge…

ADP chairman assassinated

20:32 Unknown 0

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The chairman of Action Democratic Party in Jos East Local Government Area, Josiah Waziri Fursom, has been killed by unknown assassins. 
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The party’s Director of Media, Kayode Jacobs, said Fursom was murdered by assassins on Thursday night. 
 
He said the victim’s “body was riddled with 16 bullets.” 
 
“We urge security officials to do the needful, as we suspect political motive,” Jacobs said. 
 
“Josiah Waziri Fursom was, until his death, a leading light in Plateau Politics,” he added. 
 
But the Plateau state chairman of ADP, Chief Andrew Nanyah Daman, told journalists at the party’s secretariat on Saturday that Fursom was murdered in his village at about 9:00pm. 
 
He said, “We received the sad news of the gruesome murder and assassination of the Jos East ADP chairman, Waziri Fursom on Thursday, November 2, 2017 around 9:00pm in his village. 
 
“The late Jos East ADP chairman was assassinated by wicked dare devils that pumped 16 bullets into his body.” 
 
The ADP party chairman called on security operatives to unravel those behind the killing. 
 
“We will not accept anything short of arresting those behind the killing of our quiet and unassuming LGA chairman. We demand fortified security for all ADP leaders in the country. 
 
“The ADP in Plateau State totally condemn this heinous crime against humanity and call on the Plateau State Government and Special Military Task Force, Operation Safe Heaven, to swing into action by apprehending the culprits as soon as possible,” Daman stressed. 
 
He said the ADP has officially reported the incident to law enforcement agencies, adding, “We have reported the matter to the Police in Jos East and the sector command of OPSH, a special task force on Jos crisis.”

Latest-News ADP chairman assassinated

The chairman of Action Democratic Party in Jos East Local Government Area, Josiah Waziri Fursom, has been killed by unknown assassins. The party’s Director of Media, Kayode Jacobs, said Fursom was murdered by assassins on Thursday night. He said the…

Dino Melaye pelted with stones at Kabba Day celebration

20:17 Unknown 0

Latest-News Dino Melaye pelted with stones at Kabba Day celebration

What would have resulted in horrendous personal injury was averted on Saturday as the senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, escaped from a mob that had pelted him with stones and other dangerous objects at the Kabba Day celebration. Governor …

Air Force Jets Bomb Boko Haram In Sambisa forest

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The Nigerian Air Force Saturday announced that more Boko Haram Terrorists are being attacked with air strikes in Sambisa as parts of efforts to deny the insurgents opportunity to recapture any of the nation’s territory. 
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According to the Air Force, Battle Damage Assessment showed that the building housing the terrorists and the terrorists were neutrilized after the bombardment of the area by the fighter jets. 
 
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya noted that in the closing stages of the Operation Ruwan Wuta II, the NAF air interdiction were focussed on the hideouts of the terrorists in Sambisa. 
 
The statement supported with a video clip reads: “In the closing stages of Operation RUWAN WUTA II, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) continued to rain significant fire on Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) hideouts, with intensive day and night aerial bombardments. 
 
” On 30 October 2017, the NAF conducted an air interdiction mission on a blue-roofed structure in TALALA, a BHT infested location in Sambisa. 
 
“Intelligence reports from NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms as well as Human Intelligence had revealed that a sizeable number of BHTs were holding a meeting in the blue-roofed building. 
 
” Consequently, a NAF fighter aircraft was scrambled to attack the building. Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the building and its occupants were neutralized as a result of the air strike. 
 
” It would be recalled that the NAF initiated Operation RUWAN WUTA II, on 23 October 2017, to further decimate the ability of the BHTs to freely operate with a view to giving advantage to our surface forces and thereby frustrate the efforts of the BHTs to recapture any Nigerian territory.”

Latest-News Air Force Jets Bomb Boko Haram In Sambisa forest

The Nigerian Air Force Saturday announced that more Boko Haram Terrorists are being attacked with air strikes in Sambisa as parts of efforts to deny the insurgents opportunity to recapture any of the nation’s territory. According to the Air Force, B…

BREAKING: Senator Dino Melaye escapes alleged fresh assassination attempt

15:07 Unknown 0

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What would have been a disaster was averted Saturday as the Senator representing Kogi West escaped another assassination attempt at the Kaba day celebration just as the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello made a u-turn from the venue. 
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The senator was pelted with stones and other missiles at the township stadium venue of the celebration. 
 
Dino Melaye who arrived the venue at about 11 ‘o’clock was welcome by a mammoth crowd as he was snapping pictures with supporters. 
 
The senator was then invited to make comments and announce his donation before the arrival of the governor who was already in Kaba for the occasion. 
 
Shortly after he announced a donation of N3mmlillion cash, he headed for his car while some suspected thugs started throwing stones and other missiles at him as he made way for his G wagon car. 
 
The security men had to use tear gas to bring the situation under control. 
 
Meanwhile, all the security apparatus of the state governor led by his ADC and the Chief Details were at the venue ahead of the governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was expected to grace the occasion. 
 
According to the source, there was strong indication that some people might also cause crisis if the governor had come for the programme. 
 
Our correspondent gathered that When the news of Dino’s attack got to the governor, he decided to drop the idea of attending the event and instead sent his donation of N20 million on behalf of the state government. 
 
The swift intervention of security personnel on ground saved the day as one of the thugs was arrested and whisked away in prison van with registration number PS 300 A/0.</div>

Latest-News BREAKING: Senator Dino Melaye escapes alleged fresh assassination attempt

What would have been a disaster was averted Saturday as the Senator representing Kogi West escaped another assassination attempt at the Kaba day celebration just as the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello made a u-turn from the venue. The senator wa…

VIDEO: Fr. Ebube Muonso reveals next governor of Anambra state

14:42 Unknown 0

Latest-News VIDEO: Fr. Ebube Muonso reveals next governor of Anambra state

…

N-Power speaks on delay to pay beneficiaries

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Latest-News N-Power speaks on delay to pay beneficiaries

…

Fani-Kayode speaks on Buhari becoming Nigeria’s life president

14:32 Unknown 0

Latest-News Fani-Kayode speaks on Buhari becoming Nigeria’s life president

…

What I feel about death of Tinubu’s son, Jide – IBB

14:07 Unknown 0

Latest-News What I feel about death of Tinubu’s son, Jide – IBB

…

Group berates Buhari for approving oversea treatment for Ekwueme

14:02 Unknown 0

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One of the main civil society organizations (CSO), the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has criticized the approval by President Muhammadu Buhari that Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former vice president of Nigeria, be transferred abroad to receive medical assistance. treatment. 
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The approval, which covers the immediate status of an air ambulance for the Ekwueme emergency movement and the cost of treatment, followed a brief president Buhari received on Friday about the medical condition of the former vice president. 
 
However, CDHR, in a statement signed by its National Secretary of Publicity, Barr. Henry Peter Ekine, condemned the president's action; emphasizing that the federal government had once again demonstrated its preference for foreign medical travel by the political class, while neglecting the health institutions and infrastructure of the nation. 
 
The group also requested the resignation of the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, for his alleged inability to address the poor state of the health infrastructure in the country. 
 
He added that the negligence of the federal government in the nation's health sector amounted to the grave violation of the constitutional right to life of Nigerians, especially the middle and lower classes, children and other vulnerable citizens. 
 
The statement says in part: "The CDHR condemns the action of the President and the Federal Government in neglecting the health institutions and infrastructure of the nation in preference to foreign medical travel by the political class. 
 
"The many trips of the political class, including the president, and now Dr. Ekwueme (former vice president) to receive medical treatment abroad are a clear demonstration that the president and the federal government have no interest in the development of the health sector. 
 
"We charged President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government for the grave violation of the constitutional right to life of Nigerians due to the poor state of the health infrastructure in the country, which is responsible for the avoidable death of millions of citizens , especially the lower and middle class, children and other vulnerable Nigerians. 
 
"Therefore, we ask for the resignation of the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole."</div>

Latest-News Group berates Buhari for approving oversea treatment for Ekwueme

One of the main civil society organizations (CSO), the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has criticized the approval by President Muhammadu Buhari that Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former vice president of Nigeria, be transferred abroad to recei…

Ifeanyi Ubah Formally Dumps PDP, Joins APGA

13:57 Unknown 0

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The Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah has formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. 
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Dr. Ubah has also thrown his support on the Governor of Anambra state and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in the November 18th Governorship Election, Chief Willie Obiano. 
 
The oil mogul who made the declaration in a statement he issued to newsmen on Saturday also said that: “I wish to state unequivocally that I have taken a position to fight for the sustenance and continued relevance of my state and the Igbo tribe. I am a very strong and proud Igbo man who is passionate about the protection of the Igbo name and the pride attached to it. I have dedicated myself to ensure that “Afa Igbo ama efu”. 
 
The Capital Oil and Gas boss gave his reasons for calling it a day with PDP to include what he described as the “unfair and callous treatment meted out on me,” adding that the party hierarchy did not hearken to his several pleas despite his having spent most of his political life working assiduously for the party. 
 
He said “the political backstabbing has left a sour taste in my mouth and I have come to the conclusion that my service to the PDP is the price I have to pay if I am to succeed in my quest to serve my people. At this juncture, I have left the battle for the Lord.” Dr. Ubah who said he is very pleased to be back to APGA, the very party he began his political journey some years back also said that “based on this and my conscience, in truth, before God and man, I have made up my mind and resolved to join and support the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).” “My political journey which started from APGA has taken me to two other political parties, Labour Party and then PDP. 
 
I am extremely glad to be back to where I belong. Nke a bu nke anyi! I want to assure party faithfuls that I have returned to add immense value to the party and grow the party with the experience I have gathered over the years in politics.” Dr. Ubah who assured APGA of his unflinching support also declared that he would be organising a rally tagged AFA IGBO EFUNA to underscore his second coming into the party. 
 
The statement reads thus: 
 
"To my steadfast supporters and umu nnem, 
 
Today marks a turning point in my political life as I take a giant leap into that which will spur the advancement of my dream for an ideal and prosperous Anambra State. It has been a bumpy ride considering where I started from, the rough roads I have been through and challenges I have faced in search for the light at the end of the tunnel. 
 
Having done so much politically over the years by virtue of my avid belief in adding value to the people of Anambra State and in appreciation to God for his mercies on my life bearing in mind my modest background being the Son of a Teacher, it has become imperative to take stock of my contributions, assess my strengths/weaknesses and take advantage of the opportunities available to me which would be in tandem with my drive to further the course of the Ndi Igbo. 
 
As part of my vision and passion to advance the cause of my people, I have spent the last 5 years of my life making concerted efforts through human capital development and the rechanneling of my investments in oil and gas, media, sports, construction amongst others to my home state in a bid to empower the youths and contribute my quota to building a robust state economy. During this period, I have had laughs and good times with my people while also suffering betrayals and deceit from friends and allies alike. Be that as it may, there is a limit to what I can achieve in my private capacity as it is my staunch belief that the number of lives one can touch while occupying the seat of power far outweighs the number that can be touched in one’s private capacity. I have been immensely blessed by God and as such, I do not consider politics as beneficial except that it provides me with the channel to which I can achieve my ultimate aim of sincere service to Ndi Anambra. 
 
Incidentally and regrettably, despite several efforts to expand the horizon of lives one can touch using the seat of power, I have not been lucky enough to achieve my goal. Bearing in mind the number of politicians that have ended up worse off having encountered not even up to half of what I have suffered in politics, I will continue to thank God immensely for affording me the wherewithal to continually put food on my table as well as that of others. I strongly believe that the route I have journeyed through up until now was ordained by God to avail me the requisite experience which as we all know, is the best teacher. My next steps are hinged on His divine direction and I am happy and contented to follow as he leads. I will continue to champion people-oriented programmes and the cause of Ndi Igbo with the fullest assurance that God will answer our prayers soon. 
 
For those who believe I should quit politics in my best interest owing to all that I have suffered in the hands of politicians, I must say thank you for your care and kind advice. I have taken note of your sincere counsel. However, I believe that the end will justify the means as I am bold, strong, courageous and determined to take Anambra State to the next level. 
 
Unfortunately, having spent most of my political life working assiduously for the PDP and in consideration of the unfair and callous treatment meted out on me despite my several pleas to the party hierarchy, I have decided to call it a day with the PDP. The political backstabbing has left a sour taste in my mouth and I have come to the conclusion that my service to the PDP is the price I have to pay if I am to succeed in my quest to serve my people. At this juncture, I have left the battle for the Lord. 
 
In view of the above, I wish to state unequivocally that I have taken a position to fight for the sustenance and continued relevance of my state and the Igbo tribe. I am a very strong and proud Igbo man who is passionate about the protection of the Igbo name and the pride attached to it. I have dedicated myself to ensure that “Afa Igbo ama efu”. 
 
Being an indigene of Nnewi, home to notable Nigerians like General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi), HRH Prince Nwafor Orizu, Dr. Chuchu Okongwu, Chief Cletus Ibeto, Dr. Ikem Okeke, HRH Igwe Kenneth Orizu amongst a host of others and one of the biggest industrial cities in Nigeria, I have taken a position to champion the cause of the Igbo race by striving to ensure the growth and sustenance of the only party bequeathed to us by the Great Ikemba Nnewi, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). I have decided to join the struggle to ensure that our legacy lives on as we must uphold the identity of the Igbos as handed down to us by Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu. 
 
While APGA might be seen as a regional party, there is no doubt in my mind that we can make it a force to reckon with nationally in the mould of Alliance for Democracy (AD) that metamorphosed into Action Congress (AC), then later transformed to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now the All Progressives Congress (APC) which currently leads at the centre. 
 
Based on this and my conscience, in truth, before God and man, I have made up my mind and resolved to join and support the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). My political journey which started from APGA has taken me to two other political parties, Labour Party and then PDP. I am extremely glad to be back to where I belong. Nke a bu nke anyi! I want to assure party faithfuls that I have returned to add immense value to the party and grow the party with the experience I have gathered over the years in politics. 
 
To mark my new political sojourn, I will be committing myself to APGA during this election and subsequent elections by organising a rally tagged *AFA IGBO EFUNA* which would underscore my entrance into the party. This rally is scheduled to take place on the 13th of November 2017 at the Ifeanyi Ubah Games Village, Ozubulu/Nnewi. Furthermore, I will commence the sensitization of my friends, foes, allies and all Anambrarians from Sunday, 5th of November, 2017 by 8PM through Authority 91.9FM radio and live stream youtube channel (to watch, click here: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UC4Nm7tJwcO1cwz2OPf971FQ/live) on the factors that informed my resolution and the need for Ndi Anambra, especially those from Anambra South to key into the vision and support APGA. This process will last throughout the campaign period as allowed by INEC. 
 
I wish to thank all my supporters who have stood by me patiently and persistently throughout my political travails. Your prayers and perseverance are the reasons we are where we are today. To those who feel aggrieved and disappointed as a result of my choice, I wish to tender an unreserved apology to you all as I reassure you that my decision is a product of a well-thought-out assessment of the political landscape as well as fervent prayers. 
 
May I also use this medium to specifically express my sincere gratitude to my precious wife and lovely children for their ceaseless prayers, support and encouragement so far irrespective of the trials and tribulations. You all have been an endless source of strength and inspiration. I love you all. 
 
To my spiritual fathers, elders and true friends who have also been praying for me while rendering their informed advice, I am very thankful for everything you have done for me. May God reward you all in his infinite mercies. 
 
For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state that while I would gladly render my sincere advice to the party on the line it should tow nationally, I will be lending my full support to whichever party they deem fit nationally in a bid to achieve equity in the event that my party declines to produce a candidate for national elections. 
 
This election is not a do or die affair and as such, I wish to call on the Federal Government, State Government, INEC, relevant security agencies, political parties and my fellow Anambrarians to join hands in ensuring that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, devoid of violence and rancour. 
 
APGA bu nke anyi. Afa Igbo ama efu na-aka anyi!” 
 
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Latest-News Ifeanyi Ubah Formally Dumps PDP, Joins APGA

The Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah has formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. Dr. Ubah has also thrown his support on the Governor of Anambra stat…

Explosion rocks Enugu local council polls

13:47 Unknown 0

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An explosion, suspected to have been caused by an improvised explosive device, rocked Enugu as voters were coming out to cast their votes in local council elections on Saturday. 
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The incident occurred in the Coal Camp area of Enugu, by the entrance of a road that led to a polling station located at Broderick Primary School, Ogbete West Ward 6, Enugu North Local Government Area. 
 
It was learnt that the explosion occurred around 8am. 
 
No life was lost in the incident but it was gathered that several persons sustained varying degrees of injury. 
 
It was learnt that some of the victims were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. 
Our correspondent, who visited the scene of the explosion, observed damages in a shop, and some vehicles, around the area. 
 
Eyewitnesses, who gave an account of the incident, said the explosion was triggered by materials suspected to be components of an improvised explosive device. 
 
One of the eyewitnesses, who gave his name as Uche Anigbo, said a “two-inch pipe that was connected to a battery” was seen at the scene of the explosion, which he said was accompanied by smoke. 
 
Anigbo explained that a team from the police anti-bomb unit, which arrived after the explosion, took away the materials. 
 
It was gathered that the operatives of the Department of State Services also visited the scene. 
Residents of the area, who gathered around the scene of the explosion when our correspondent visited, were observed discussing the development. 
 
Although they said they were not sure whether the explosion had anything to do with the election, our correspondent observed that voters were not willing to go to the polling station. 
However, the Enugu State Police Command said it was investigating the explosion. 
Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, told our correspondent that there was no “cause for alarm”. 
 
“The police has commenced investigations to find out what actually happened. 
“It was a minor explosion at a workshop near the entrance of a polling station at Coal Camp axis. 
“The cause of the explosion is being investigated by operatives of the Explosive Ordinance Department. 
 
“There is no cause for alarm,” Amaraizu said, adding that the incident was not connected to the local council elections in Enugu.</div>

Latest-News Explosion rocks Enugu local council polls

An explosion, suspected to have been caused by an improvised explosive device, rocked Enugu as voters were coming out to cast their votes in local council elections on Saturday. The incident occurred in the Coal Camp area of Enugu, by the entrance o…

Don’t allow us die of hunger, sickness, Imo contractors beg Okorocha

13:42 Unknown 0

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Scores of contractors who undertook the construction of city gates in Owerri, the Imo State capital and businessmen who supplied materials and beverages during the 2012 birthday anniversary celebration of Governor Rochas Okorocha have beckoned on the state government to pay them for their services 
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Speaking to newsmen on Friday in Owerri on the platform of Concorde Hotel Suppliers and City Gate Contractors, the group said that banks had clamped down on them because of their inability to repay the loans they took to carry out the jobs and supply five years ago. 
 
The spokespersons for the group, Declan Chukwu, and Pastor David Chukwukere, said that all entreaties they had made to make the government pay them, including having audience with the governor and Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu, had yielded no fruitful result. 
 
Chukwu, who said that the suppliers were being owed over N27 million for supplying drugs, diesel, foodstuff and beverages to Concorde Hotel owned by the state government, lamented that many of them had closed shops because of the way the government treated them. 
 
Chukwu said, “We are appealing to the state government to consider our plight. These are the supplies we made to Concorde Hotel, which is owned by the state government during the birthday celebration of the governor in 2012. 
 
No dime has been paid to us. Many of us are out of business. Some have gone to the villages. The banks are clamping down on us. We can’t even service the loan we took to make the Supplies. It is five years now and we have not got the money.” 
 
For Chukwukere, the conditions of the contractors, who undertook the building of the city gates, were appalling, even as he urged the governor to urgently come to their rescue. 
 
“We are talking about over N100m and for five years, we are yet to get it. We were not paid a dime for the contract, not even mobilization fee. We were asked to work to a certain level before payment could be made, but no money was given to us till now. 
 
“We have had an audience with the governor and the governor instructed the Head of Works, Government House, to check our documents and make appropriate recommendations to him. All that have been done, but we are yet to get any money. 
 
“We took loans from banks for the contract and it is unfortunate that we can’t payback. Some of us are being harassed by their landlords while others can’t even afford to pay their children school fees.” Chukwukere lamented. 
 
Reacting, the Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT and Social Media, Abasiodu Idiong, urged the contractors to sustain their communication with the Head of Works, Government House, whom the governor had instructed to look into their matter. 
 
Idiong said, “Since there is a communication, I want to urge the contractors to sustain it with the HOD in charge of Works, Government House. Sustaining it also entails being patient. It won’t be nice if they start protesting.”</div>

Latest-News Don’t allow us die of hunger, sickness, Imo contractors beg Okorocha

Scores of contractors who undertook the construction of city gates in Owerri, the Imo State capital and businessmen who supplied materials and beverages during the 2012 birthday anniversary celebration of Governor Rochas Okorocha have beckoned on th…