Nigerian Eye

The best thing I can ever do in my life is to serve President Buhari – DG NIA

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The newly-appointed Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, has said the best he could have done in his life is to serve President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria. 
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According to a statement on Saturday by the Deputy Director (Information), State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Abubakar spoke on Friday at a send-off organised for him by presidential aides and members of staff of State House at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 
 
He was until his appointment the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs/International Relations, in the office of the Chief of Staff to the President. 
 
‘‘I am emotion-laden for so many reasons and I thank you for what you have said about me. The best I could have done in my life is to serve the President and the nation,” he said. 
 
The Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, set the tone for the evening at the event held in his conference room when he described the erstwhile aide as ”a patriot, intelligent and consummate gentleman.” 
 
”I met him for the first time in this office after my appointment as Chief of Staff. 
 
”I do not think his elevation will deny us the opportunity of still working together. During his stay here, he distinguished himself as a patriot and he brought his wealth of experience in working with international organisations to bear on his work. 
 
”At any given time, even at late hours, Abubakar was always ready to give his best. He was committed,’’ the Chief of Staff added. 
 
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said it was regrettable that the new DG of NIA had been maligned by a section of the media following his appointment. 
 
He said, “Ahmed Rufai Abubakar is a perfect fit who is most qualified for the job. He has occupied various top public offices in the agency in the course of which he received several awards. He left voluntarily to go to the United Nations as a Director. 
 
”When he retired, he was appointed as a senior adviser in the Multinational Joint Task Force regional coalition of countries for the fight against Boko Haram and other trans-border security threats in the region. There is no doubt at all as to Mr. Abubakar’s qualifications for the job and that is what is most important.”

Latest-News The best thing I can ever do in my life is to serve President Buhari – DG NIA

The newly-appointed Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, has said the best he could have done ...

Again, South Africans attack Nigerians, burn several houses

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The Nigerian Community in South Africa said on Saturday that a mob destroyed four shops and several houses belonging to their members at Krugersdorp, near Johannesburg. 
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Mr Cyril James, the Ward Chairman of the Nigerian Union in the area, told the News Agency of Nigeria on the telephone from Johannesburg, South Africa that the attacks began on Jan. 18. 
 
James said that the mob alleged that a Nigerian abducted a South African girl and raped her. 
 
“The South Africans attacked our homes and shops, destroyed all we have. Many Nigerians suffered severe injuries during the attack. We have left our homes for safety because they (South Africans) are regrouping to attack us again,” he said. 
 
James urged the Nigerian mission to urgently intervene before the mob kills a Nigerian. 
 
According to him, the safety of Nigerians in Krugersdorp is no more guaranteed because there is no help. 
 
Mr Adetola Olubajo, President of the union, said that the situation in the area was bad. 
 
“I can confirm that Nigerians in the area have been attacked. I am amazed and emotionally down as calls from panicked Nigerians flooded my phone from various Provinces. 
 
“The South African government needs to be engaged at the highest level to avoid further loss of lives and property of our citizens,” he said. 
 
Olubajo said that two Nigerians had been killed in South Africa in Rustenburg and Durban since the attacks began. 
 
“Two Nigerians have been killed, many displaced and injured in fresh Xenophobic attacks and extra-judicial killing,” he said. 
 
Two weeks ago, more than five Nigerian owned shops and houses were burnt at Rustenburg, North West Province by Taxi Drivers. 
 
The drivers alleged that Nigerians sold drugs to a gang that attacked their members and that a Nigerian abducted and raped a 16-year old South African girl. 
 
The union denied the allegations. “After our investigation, no Nigerian has been arrested for the rape or drug offence. The allegations are false and spurious, “ the union said. 
 
(NAN)

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APC governors told Buhari to run for second term – Okorocha

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The Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Governors’ Forum, Rochas Okorocha, has said that the governors elected on the platform of the party, have unanimously agreed that President Muhammadu Buhari deserves a second term in office and have therefore asked him to declare to run in the next election. 
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Okorocha gave the hint while fielding questions from journalists at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, on his arrival from Abuja on Friday. 
 
He stated that the President had justified his first term mandate and should have his mandate renewed. 
 
He also revealed that the APC governors had unanimously endorsed the reappointment of the former Governor of Rivers State, who is currently the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation. 
 
He said that Amaechi did well as the Director-General of the campaign outfit in 2015 and therefore should be allowed to repeat such a good work. 
 
Okorocha said, “We were in Abuja for three days, holding meetings of the Progressive Governors with the APC leadership. We deliberated on so many issues. First among the very important issues that we discussed, was the issue of Mr. President’s second term bid and it has the endorsement of all the governors of the APC. 
 
“There is the need for him to complete his second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and he should go ahead to declare (to run for reelection).” 
 
“We also deliberated and a unanimous decision was reached that we liaise with the campaign team, to be headed by the Minister of Transportation, Amaechi, as the Director-General. 
 
“The governors also endorsed his (Amaechi’s) reappointment as the Director-General of the campaign team due to his track record ahead of the last election. 
 
“Four years are not enough to show what the President can offer. We believe that another four years will bring out the best in him. The first four years are a very difficult period, and we believe that as things are stabilising, he will take Nigeria to the next level. 
 
“The governors have serious responsibilities. All the governors were asked to put up a team as the campaign council.” 
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Eden Hazard stars as Chelsea cruise past Brighton

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Eden Hazard moved past the 100 career league goals milestone with two strikes as he orchestrated Chelsea's 4-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX stadium. 
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Hazard and teammate Willian had the reigning Premier League champions two goals ahead within six minutes before the Belgium playmaker added another and Victor Moses netted near the end to take them above third-place Liverpool in the table. 
 
Seagulls boss Chris Hughton, yet to see his side take a point from any of the top six, reverted to a back five against the Blues -- but it was soon apparent they would not be breaking their duck just yet. 
 
Only three minutes had elapsed when Moses reached the byline and his cut-back found its way to Hazard, who sidestepped Lewis Dunk before firing home. 
 
And three minutes later Hazard and Michy Batshuayi combined in a blur of backheels before Willian provided the finish from just inside the area. 
 
It was a stunning goal and ruthless stuff from a Chelsea side who had scored only once in their previous four matches. 
 
They were hit by injuries to four players as well as bans for Alvaro Morata and Pedro following Wednesday night's chaotic FA Cup tie against Norwich. 
 
But for a spell the Blues looked as though they would score every time they went forward with Hazard leading the charge, teeing up first Willian and then Batshuayi whose efforts were saved by Mathew Ryan. 
 
To their credit, Brighton had their moments in the first half, too. They had two decent penalty shouts for trips on Ezequiel Schelotto, first by Blues keeper Willy Caballero -- in for the injured Thibaut Courtois -- and then Tiemoue Bakayoko. 
 
With the video assistant referee (VAR) system Chelsea felt so hard done by in midweek not in place, referee Jonathan Moss waved away both appeals and booked the Brighton full-back for his protests after the second one. 
 
Shortly after the interval Brighton were inches from halving the deficit when Davy Propper's header beat Caballero but came back off the post. 
 
Chelsea lost defender Andreas Christensen to a head injury after he tried to play on despite looking very dazed following a clash in the penalty area. 
 
Moments later it was Brighton who were grateful to the woodwork, and Ryan, who did well to palm Willian's goal-bound free-kick against the upright. 
 
But Hazard put the game to bed 13 minutes from time when he ran unchallenged into the Brighton area before sweeping the ball past Ryan. 
 
And with full-time approaching substitute Charly Musonda's fine ball sent Moses clean through to slide in number four and seal an emphatic return to winning ways.</div>

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2019: We will sack Okowa, install APC gov in Delta — Oshiomhole

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Immediate past governor of Edo state and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday at a mega rally of the party in Benin City, declared that President Muhammadu Buhari achievement will give the party victory over the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), adding that the party would extend its coast in the South-South by installing an APC governor in Delta State. 
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This comes as governor Godwin Obaseki of the state declared that the 2019 general elections will be the end of the PDP in Edo and Nigeria as whole, just as he disclosed that the state is set to build the first modular refinery and the biggest industrial park in Nigeria. 
 
The duo spoke at the APC mega rally at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City, where PDP House of Representatives member, Mr EJ Agbonayinma, former governorship aspirant of the PDP, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and over ten thousand of their supporters dumped the PDP for the APC. 
 
Oshiomhole who addressed the mammoth crowd, asserted that ¨I want to assure you, we are building a party that is founded on the principle of social democracy. The whole idea is to transfer power to the people and remember in 2006 we started with the slogan let the people lead. And once the people began to lead, the godfathers began to collapse. 
 
¨I know that the PDP will not sleep today. APC represents the forces of life. The Bible said he or she who die in sin will never resurrect, I said it PDP  died in sin and they cannot resurrect. That is why when I listened to some sponsored write ups, I said even in our confusion, our imperfection, even in our moment of deep reflection, there can be no argument that our moment of trouble that the solution includes bringing back the armed robbers of yesteryears. 
 
¨PDP cannot come back in 2019. Nigerians are not fools, they will not be swayed by hired writers. If not for our president today, they would have been no Nigeria. Money meant for police, they stole and put in their pocket. Money meant to fight Boko Haram they put in their pocket. Money meant for security they used to secure their pockets. All of a sudden if you produce two litre of crude one litre is missing. 
 
¨ How can the elephant leg be missing in a pot of soup they did not take into the kitchen. When the time comes, we will reopen yesteryears to be able to appreciate today so that we can see where we are going to tomorrow. I want to assure you with what the governor is doing in Edo state, sustaining the tradition of infrastructural development, to attract investors to the state, we are on the right path. 
 
¨I heard in Delta they have even auctioned their mass transit and they are fighting over who bought what. In Edo they are reinforcing. We must extend the frontiers of development to Delta state in the spirit of the old mid-west 
 
Speaking also, Governor Obaseki who boasted that 2019 will be the last burial of the PDP both in Edo and the entire nation, welcome the defectors saying ¨there is no discrimination, everybody is one in our party.  The Comrade governor laid the foundation we are building upon now. You have not seen anything yet by the time we are finished you will know. 
 
¨I just came back from China to sign an MoU. We are building the biggest industrial park in Nigeria in Ikpoba Okha. My promise to create 200,000 jobs will be a reality. We are going to build the first modular refinery in this country, we are going to conclude the arrangement in three months time and that refinery will be established in Ikpoba Okha.  Development is coming everywhere that I promise you. APC is going to win in 2019 and that will be the end of PDP¨ he stated.</div>

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Obanikoro tasks NASS on speedy passage of 2018 budget

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A former Minister of State for Defence, Mr Musiliu Obanikoro has urged the National Assembly to ensure speedy passage of the 2018 before the end of February for appreciable implementation. 
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Obanikoro, who recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made the call in an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Lagos. 
 
He said that delaying the budget beyond February could create challenges for its implementation. 
 
“I sincerely hope that the National Assembly will pass the 2018 appropriation in good time to allow for effective implementation. 
 
“If the budget is not passed before the end of February, it will be a bit difficult to achieve much in terms of implementation before the year ends because of 2019 elections. 
 
“Presently, there is the need to sustain and consolidate on massive investments in infrastructure and to continuously grow the post-recession economy, and the appropriation bill is crucial to achieving all these,’’ he said. 
 
On the clashes between farmers and herdsmen, Obanikoro urged the Federal Government to take practical steps to end incessant conflicts between farmers and herdsmen across the country. 
 
“The insecurity situation in Nigeria, especially as it concerns incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen, has become really worrisome and I will urge government not to rest until the situation is normalised. 
 
“I believe that we should be concerned about fast-tracking Nigeria’s development to catch up with the rest of the world and not having such insecurity at this time,’’ he said. 
He commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos for his developmental strides in the state. 
 
“I must confess that I am really impressed with what governor Ambode is doing in Lagos. 
 
“The massive investments in infrastructure upgrade all over the state, and the little, common sense solutions to traffic management and refuse disposal are really impressive. 
 
“The infrastructure transformation of Epe is also very commendable. At this rate, Epe will soon become a tourist destination of choice in Nigeria. 
 
“That is how to grow an economy and distribute wealth.’’</div>

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My best in life is to serve Buhari, Nigeria – DG NIA

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The newly-appointed Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, has said the best he could have done in his life is to serve President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria. 
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According to a statement on Saturday by the Deputy Director (Information), State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Abubakar spoke on Friday at a send-off organised for him by presidential aides and members of staff of State House at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 
 
He was until his appointment the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs/International Relations, in the office of the Chief of Staff to the President. 
 
‘‘I am emotion-laden for so many reasons and I thank you for what you have said about me. The best I could have done in my life is to serve the President and the nation,” he said. 
 
The Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, set the tone for the evening at the event held in his conference room when he described the erstwhile aide as ”a patriot, intelligent and consummate gentleman.” 
 
”I met him for the first time in this office after my appointment as Chief of Staff. 
 
”I do not think his elevation will deny us the opportunity of still working together. During his stay here, he distinguished himself as a patriot and he brought his wealth of experience in working with international organisations to bear on his work. 
 
”At any given time, even at late hours, Abubakar was always ready to give his best. He was committed,’’ the Chief of Staff added. 
 
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,  Garba Shehu, said it was regrettable that the new DG of NIA had been maligned by a section of the media following his appointment. 
 
He said, “Ahmed Rufai Abubakar is a perfect fit who is most qualified for the job. He has occupied various top public offices in the agency in the course of which he received several awards. He left voluntarily to go to the United Nations as a Director. 
 
”When he retired, he was appointed as a senior adviser in the Multinational Joint Task Force regional coalition of countries for the fight against Boko Haram and other trans-border security threats in the region. There is no doubt at all as to Mr. Abubakar’s qualifications for the job and that is what is most important.”</div>

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Alexis waves goodbye to Arsenal team-mates, leaves team hotel

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Alexis Sanchez has said goodbye to his Arsenal team-mates, after a dramatic late development in his transfer saga. 
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Sanchez was included in the Gunners’ squad to play Crystal Palace on Saturday, although the players believed Arsene Wenegr might start him from the bench. 
 
Wenger’s decision may have prompted Manchester United to blink first and get the deal done, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan set to move to Arsenal after saying his goodbyes too. 
 
Mirror Sport reports that Sanchez got a call just before 11pm on Friday and left the team hotel. 
 
It indicates the deal will finally go through this weekend, after the clubs have been locked in negotiations for over a week. 
 
Arsenal will then turn their focus to landing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund, with the Bundesliga club wanting Olivier Giroud as part of the deal.</div>

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BREAKING: Four expatriates kidnapped in Kaduna regain freedom

11:55 Unknown 0

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Four Americans and Canadians kidnapped at gunpoint in Kaduna State have regained their freedom. 
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A senior police officer said the victims were rescued around 7.30am on Saturday in fairly good conditions and had been handed over to American Embassy in Abuja for medical attention. 
 
Two suspected kidnappers were also reportedly arrested by a combined team of Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team, Counter Terrorism Unit and Kaduna State Police Command. 
 
The rescued expatriates were identified as Nate Vangeest, Canadian; John Kirlin, American; a woman, Rachael Kelley, Canadian and Dean Slocum, American. 
 
“Two suspects have been arrested and efforts are being made to arrest other members of the gang,” he added. 
 
The victims were said to have been kidnapped on Kwoi-Jere Road in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Tuesday. 
 
They had visited Kafanchan, in the Jema’a LGA area of the state to inspect some projects, and were returning to their base in Abuja when they were ambushed by the assailants who opened fire on a police escort. 
 
The gunmen killed two policemen and whisked away the expatriates.</div>

Latest-News BREAKING: Four expatriates kidnapped in Kaduna regain freedom

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Seized $44m: Court orders permanent forfeiture of Ikoyi flat to Nigerian govt

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APC leaders forcing Buhari to declare state of emergency in Rivers State – Wike

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Tinubu speaks on absence from Buhari’s dinner

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Benue Killings: APC Govs visit no longer condolence but mockery – PDP

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Following the death of over 72 persons in Benue state suspected to have been slaughtered by Fulani herdsmen and the condemnation of such heinous act by concerned citizens of Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Saturday alleged that the above state’s visitation by All Progressives Congress, APC Governors were no longer condolence but an act of mockery. 
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This was made known to newsmen via the official tweeter handle of Peoples Democratic Party. 
 
PDP equally alleged that they have been begging All Progressives Congress, APC, administration to send delegations to the affected state for many days but APC did not respond till their recent visit which they PDP termed ‘ a visit to dance and spit on the graves of those slaughtered by  bandits’. 
 
The statement further condemned the visitation of Benue Traditional Rulers to Aso Rock, saying that “It is also outrageous and disheartening for Buhari to summon the bereaved to Aso Rock instead of visiting them.  This is an insult on our collective sensibility as a people. The bereaved are always visited not summoned”, part of the statement read. 
 
Read bellow PDP’s statement: 
 
“The visits by the @APCNigeria governors to Makurdi, Benue State was no longer about condolence but to dance and spit on the graves of those slaughtered by  bandits. 
 
It took 18 days of begging by the @OfficialPDPNig for the governors to consider visiting the state. 
 
It is also outrageous and disheartening for @Mbuhari to summon the bereaved to Aso Rock instead of visiting them. 
 
This is an insult on our collective sensibility as a people. The bereaved are always visited not summoned</div>

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Following the death of over 72 persons in Benue state suspected to have been slaughtered by Fulani herdsmen and the condemnation of such h...

Super Eagles will have access to girlfriends in Russia – Rohr

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Super Eagles gaffer Gernot Rohr says players of the national team will have access to their wives and girlfriends on designated days at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 
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Previously, there had been controversies surrounding roles of wives and girlfriends of the players at major competitions, when the team performed poorly. 
 
Asked if he would allow the players to see their wives and girlfriends, Rohr said he won’t deny them access to their ‘families.” 
 
“Normally, every team give a day for the players to see their families. It can be their wives or children. When you stay together for six weeks, it’s possible to permit them to see their wives on certain days,” the German stated in Lagos, shortly after sealing a new two-year deal as Eagles coach. 
 
He expressed confidence that the Eagles stood a chance of advancing from Group D of the World Cup, which also has two-time champions Argentina and European sides Croatia and Iceland. 
 
“I think we have a good chance to come out of the group. We can beat Iceland, Croatia and even Argentina, though it’s not an advantage that we beat them in a friendly match (in November 2017) because they won’t underrate us now,” he said. 
 
On the fitness of the players ahead of the Mundial, the former Burkina Faso coach said, “We are depending on the work they do at their clubs because the time is too short (for us) to make them fit for the World Cup. So, they have to play at their clubs. 
 
“We have a relationship with the coaches of their clubs. I spoke to Arsene Wenger on Alex Iwobi’s problem. I was happy at the way Wenger managed the issue by using him in the next game and he played very well. 
 
“Our first list of 35 players must be done one month before the World Cup. We have five scouting teams working on the players; they also work on our opponents.”</div>

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I went into a coma when Jonathan called me after election - Buhari

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Why I stand with Buhari – Adesina

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These are very difficult times in our country. Sad, mournful and dolorous times, as the New Year opened with killings in Rivers, Kaduna, Taraba, and Benue states, among others. Of course, there had been gruesome carnage on the Mambilla plateau mid last year, and bloodletting in Numan, Adamawa State, as well as in other places. Hell suddenly seemed to have enlarged itself against Nigeria. Sincere condolences to those who are grieving and mourning the loss of loved ones. 
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But instead of finding solutions, and joining to chart the way forward, some people are making political capital out of the killings. They are trying to use the orgy of bloodshed to advance their political interests, wanting to make it appear that it is a failure of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. 
 
Faults are thick where love is thin. There is prejudice in Nigeria. Plenty. There is insularity, in prodigious quantity. There is animus, antipathy against anyone that is not of your ethnic or religious stock, or that belongs to a different political orientation or persuasion. If you meet him, kill him, if you can’t catch him, poison his footsteps, seems to be the singsong among some people. And as the build up to general elections next year gathers momentum, matters are made worse. Everything must be politicized, including wanton killings. There must be spurious handshakes across the Niger, and across the Benue, all for political gains. 
 
But I stand with Buhari, and will always do. Why won’t you? Your snout is in the honeypot, licking the nectars of office, some cynics would say. Really? My bank balances do not indicate so. It is not just about money. It is about conviction. It is about believing in a man who can bring enduring change to our country, if we allow God to have His way through him. 
 
Standing with Buhari through thick and thin is not about money, or the spoils of office, which are not even available in these lean times. In or out of my present position, I stand with Buhari. Sir Walter Scott wrote: “Other people’s resolutions may fluctuate on the wild and changeful billows of human opinion. Ours, now and forever, are anchored on the Rock of Ages.” In or out of government, I stand with Buhari. Why? You will get to know shortly. 
 
There is strident attempt to defame, demean and de-market the Buhari government today. Who are those behind it? The crooks, thieves, freeloaders, who want business as usual. They hate probity. Their souls abhor accountability. They prefer the plunder of the past years, and can’t wait to see that epoch return. They engage in all sorts of misinformation and disinformation. Hate speeches. Fake news. Under us, you had leeks, onions and garlic to eat. 
 
You were fed manna till you wanted no more. When you were tired of the fluffy stuff, we gave you meat, you gorged yourself so much, till meat began to come out of your noses. They wouldn’t tell you about what William Shakespeare calls “the goodly apple, but rotten at the cheek.” They won’t tell you about humongous amounts of money made from oil, which stood at over $100 dollars per barrel for about six years, and which they looted to the last cent. Foreign reserves; depleted. Excess Crude Account; looted. 
 
Federation Account; plundered. They turned the country to a wasteland, leaving an economy primed for recession. But deftly and sure-footed, the Buhari administration is building a new foundation for the economy, erecting an edifice that will stand the test of time, not a bubble that collapses with just a pinprick, not a will-o-the-wisp that vanishes in the midday sun. 
 
That is why I stand with Buhari, and have stood with him since he was a military leader in the 1980s. I can trust this President. I can go to bed, knowing that my leader is not striking deals to fleece the country in the dead of night. I can trust that every money that comes into the coffers of Nigeria, will be used for the good of Nigerians. Am I saying it is a perfect administration? Such has not been forged from the smithy of the divine powers. Every human enterprise will have its shortcomings, but on Buhari I still stand. I stand with him, and by him, any day. 
 
Some people ask themselves: can we afford to be outside government for another four years from 2019? We would be dead! No access to the public treasury, which we know how well to abuse and plunder? To ravage and savage. They have spat into the sky, and collected the spittle with their faces. Rather than let Buhari be, we would employ all the tricks in the books. Defame, demean, de-market him. Is he not Fulani? He is supporting herdsmen causing murder and mayhem round the country. Trumpet it from the rooftops, even without a scintilla of evidence. He is sectional, and bent on Islamizing the country. He is fighting a one sided anti-corruption war. His war against insurgency is a fluke, not winnable. 
 
They refuse to see massive investments in infrastructure, which would burst into full bloom in another year or two. Roads, rail, power. They refuse to see the rebounding economy, strides in agriculture and mining, all with good auguries for the future. They refuse to acknowledge the stock market, which recently recorded N15.78 trillion, the highest in the history of the country. What of N1.3 trillion spent on capital projects in 2016? And almost the same amount for 2017? No, they rather imagine how much of that amount they would have pocketed if they were in power, living in obscene luxury, while the rest of the country went to hell, if it wanted. They refuse to see the good things happening to the country. And none is as blind as those who deliberately refuse to see. All these and more are the reasons I stand with Buhari, and will always do. So that Nigeria can have a future and a hope. Our own Canaan, flowing with milk and honey. 
 
After primitive fury was unleashed in Benue, and about 73 people were left dead, a sitting President eyeing reelection could also play politics with it, visiting and muttering the right words to impress the people. Nothing wrong. But for President Buhari, action speaks louder than words. Action stations, he told the security agencies. 
 
The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations was first despatched, then the Minister of Interior, the Inspector General of Police himself, and then the Nigerian Army. Consultations were held with the governor of the state, with Benue elders, and now, a committee headed by the Vice President, made up of nine governors, has been set up to proffer solutions to farmers/herdsmen clashes. Action truly speaks louder than words. 
 
President Buhari has not thrown his hat officially into the ring for a second term in office. But they are in mortal fear of him running. Therefore, they do all they can to dissuade him. Malign him, paint him black, devalue him before the electorate. But they don’t know that there are many devices in the hearts of men, but only the counsel of God shall stand. If God has ordained President Buhari to be in power beyond 2019, human effort to stop it can only end in futility. 
 
I stand with Buhari, because it is solid ground for Nigeria. All other ground I see, at least for now, is sinking sand. For us, for our children, for generations yet unborn, Buhari is engendering a new country, whose builder and maker is God. Let the wailers wail; endlessly. Let the heathens rage; till they render themselves hoarse. Let them throw even the kitchen sink at him, they did worse in the build up to 2015. I stand with Buhari. I know his heart for Nigeria, and for Nigerians. Let people shed their prejudices. Let them eschew hate, and purge themselves of all malice. The future can only then be written in gold. 
 
Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and publicity.</div>

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Cancer: Scientists make breakthrough in early detection, cure

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Scientists have revealed that cancer can now be detected earlier by a new and revolutionary blood test that could spot eight different types of the disease. 
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The blood test could detect the eight types of cancer at a point where they are more curable, the researchers claimed in a report by The Associated Press. 
 
The test, known as CancerSEEK, was developed by a team at the Johns Hopkins University, United States, which trialled a method that detected eight common forms of the disease identified as ovarian, liver, stomach, pancreatic, oesophageal, colorectal, lung and breast cancers. 
 
The test looks for mutations in 16 genes that regularly arise in cancer and eight proteins that are often released. 
 
It was trialled on 1,005 patients with cancers in the ovary, liver, stomach, pancreas, oesophagus, colon, lung or breast that had not yet spread to other tissues. 
 
The report said that even though 70 per cent success was recorded with the new test, it was nowhere near ready for use yet as it needed to be validated in a larger study, which was already underway in a general population, rather than cancer patients, to see if it truly works and helps save lives. 
 
The Johns Hopkins team leader, Nickolas Papadopoulos, said, “We’re very, very excited and see this as a first step. But we don’t want people calling up and asking for the test now because it’s not available.” 
 
Dr. Cristian Tomasetti, also from Johns Hopkins, told the British Broadcasting Corporation, “This field of early detection is critical. I think this can have an enormous impact on cancer mortality. The earlier a cancer is found, the greater the chance of being able to treat it.” 
 
Following the latest discovery, medical experts across the world have said the test offered a great hope for a cancer cure. 
 
Some described the test as novel because it hunts for both the mutated DNA and the proteins. 
 
For instance, Dr. Gert Attard, the team leader at the Centre for Evolution and Cancer at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom, who is also a consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, told the BBC, “This is of massive potential. I’m enormously excited. This is the Holy Grail — a blood test to diagnose cancer without all the other procedures like scans or colonoscopy.” 
 
A researcher at the Cancer Research UK, Prof. Richard Marais, also commented on CancerSEEK, “Detecting cancer early, before the disease has spread, is one of the most powerful ways to improve cancer survival and this interesting research is a step towards being able to do this earlier than is currently possible.” 
 
Meanwhile, the cost of CancerSEEK is less than $500 (N180,000) per patient, which is around the same price as a colonoscopy [a procedure that enables a gastroenterologist to evaluate the inside of the colon as part of screening programmes for colon cancer].</div>

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Nigerians blast Buhari, ‘Stop justifying Fulani herdsmen, act quickly’

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FG to borrow N385bn via local bonds

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The Federal Government is planning to borrow between N315bn and N385bn ($1bn-$1.26bn) in the first quarter of the year through sales of naira-denominated bonds, the Debt Management Office has said. 
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The DMO stated on Friday that it would auction bonds maturing in 2021 and 2027 and introduce a new seven-year bond, Reuters reported. 
 
It said the 2021 and the 2027 were benchmark bonds that were being currently traded. 
 
The debt office said its issuance programme had been structured to ensure that funds required by the government to finance its budget deficit were provided during the year. 
 
The Federal Government issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit. 
 
The government is planning to borrow N850bn offshore to help part-finance the 2018 budget. 
 
It also expects $700m to come from international sources, the portion of 2017’s funding that it has yet to raise. 
 
The DMO raised $2.8bn from the international market last year, selling $2.5bn in Eurobonds in November and another $300m via Diaspora bonds earlier. 
 
Meanwhile, the Federal Government is planning to raise N110bn by selling sovereign bonds with maturities of five and 10 years on January 24, according to the DMO. 
 
The debt office had said on Wednesday that it would raise N50bn with the five-year bond and N60bn with the 10-year paper, using the Dutch auction system, according to Reuters. 
 
The bonds are re-openings of previous issues and the result of the auction is expected to be published on January 26, according to the DMO. 
 
The $3bn Eurobond bond launched in December was oversubscribed by nearly four-fold, the government said. 
 
The bonds yields were offered around 6.75 per cent for the 10-year instrument while the 30-year paper was at 7.875 per cent, according to the information from the country’s debt office. 
 
The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had described investor confidence in the country as stemming from the positive direction of most of the economic indicators, and also supported by the decisions of both the monetary and fiscal authorities. 
 
“There is confidence by the investor community about what the government is doing and it delights us that the level of confidence has improved, and hence you have seen that the activities of the monetary and fiscal authorities have led to the country exiting recession,” he had said. 
 
Meanwhile, the naira closed flat at 364 per United States dollar at the parallel market on Friday, despite the injection of over $460m into the interbank foreign exchange market by the CBN during the week. 
 
This latest injection came barely two trading days after the CBN injected $262.5m into the inter-bank foreign exchange market. 
 
The CBN had injected $210m and $262.5m into the forex market separately on Monday and Wednesday, respectively. 
 
The local currency had closed at 363/dollar at the parallel market in the past two weeks. 
 
Traders said volumes were low but foreign investors have resumed selling, which will help boost dollar liquidity on the currency market. 
 
On the official market, it was quoted at 305.80, supported by the CBN’s regular intervention. 
 
The naira closed at 363/dollar at the parallel market last Friday. 
 
The CBN on Monday offered $100m to authorised dealers in the wholesale segment of the market, while the Small and Medium Enterprises segment received the sum of $55m. 
 </div>

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Osinbajo inaugurates committee to trace sources of terrorists’ fund

09:30 Unknown 0

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Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday inaugurated the National Sanctions Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 
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The committee is saddled with the responsibility of tracing and freezing sources of funds for terrorists. 
 
At the brief ceremony, Osinbajo restated the present administration’s commitment to eliminating terrorism in the country. 
 
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), is the chairman of the committee. 
 
Other members of the committee are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema; National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Mongunu; Director-General, Department of State Services, Lawal Daura; and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. 
 
Others are the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar and Director-General Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit. 
 
Malami, in his remarks, assured the government that the committee would deliver on its mandate.</div>

Latest-News Osinbajo inaugurates committee to trace sources of terrorists’ fund

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday inaugurated the National Sanctions Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The committee is ...

MASSOB, IPOB dare herdsmen, deploy 10,000 men

09:30 Unknown 0

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Miffed by the continued menace of armed Fulani herdsmen in parts of the country, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra and the Indigenous People of Biafra have warned herdsmen to steer clear from the South-East and South-South states. 
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MASSOB and IPOB cautioned that they would be forced to resist the herdsmen should they (herdsmen) fail to adhere to their warning. 
 
In separate statements in reaction to the recent Benue killings on Thursday, both MASSOB and IPOB declared their resolve to ensure the protection of lives and properties of the people of the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones of the country. 
 
Speaking with newsmen in Owerri, MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, noted that the movement would go to any length in protecting the lives and properties of the people since the federal and state governments had shown their inability to protect the citizens of earlier herdsmen attacks. 
 
Uwazuruike, who spoke through one of his deputies, Mr. Emmanuel Omenka, said the group had finalised arrangements to deploy over 10,000 Biafran security operatives to secure the South- East against the ceaseless attacks by the Fulani herdsmen. 
 
He said, “MASSOB is ready and would not fold its hands to see the Fulani herdsmen invade, attack and destroy lives and properties of the people in the South-East and other areas of Biafra.” 
 
He, however, warned the Fulani herdsmen not to launch any attack, pointing out that the movement would not allow what happened in Enugu State in 2017 and what is happening in Benue State to repeat itself in the South- East and South-South. 
 
In its own reaction, IPOB, through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, warned the Fulani herdsmen to stay away the South-East and avoid venturing into attacking industrious people of the region. 
 
 “Any attack on the South- East or Biafraland would be met with retaliations from IPOB. I therefore state that the reprisal would be better imagined than expressed,” he said.</div>

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APC speaks on Amaechi’s ‘appointment’ as Buhari’s campaign DG

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Benue killings: Buhari should be impeached over ‘not in a hurry’ statement – Omokri

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Latest-News Benue killings: Buhari should be impeached over ‘not in a hurry’ statement – Omokri

Federal Govt Begins Cattle Colonies Next Week

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Latest-News Federal Govt Begins Cattle Colonies Next Week

US govt shutdown after Senate fail to agree on immigration

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The United States government on Saturday shut down, after members of the country Senate failed to reach an agreement on government spending and immigration. 
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According to Associated Press, last-minute negotiations crumbled as Senate Democrats blocked a four-week stopgap extension in a late-night vote, causing the fourth government shutdown in a quarter century. Trump’s office issued a statement blaming opposition Democrats for the crisis. AFP reported that spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the Democrats’ insistence that the interim measure include protection for undocumented immigrants who arrived as children killed the deal. 
 
“Senate Democrats own the Schumer Shutdown,” she declared, referring to the minority leader, New York Senator Chuck Schumer, who met with Trump earlier Friday. “Tonight, they put politics above our national security, military families, vulnerable children, and our country’s ability to serve all Americans. “We will not negotiate the status of unlawful immigrants while Democrats hold our lawful citizens hostage over their reckless demands,” she warned. US federal services and military operations deemed essential will continue, but thousands of government workers will be sent home without pay until the crisis is resolved. 
 
The slide toward closure lacked for high drama: The Senate vote was all but predetermined, and since the shutdown began at the start of a weekend, many of the immediate effects will be muted for most Americans. Still, it comes with no shortage of embarrassment for Trump and political risk for both parties, as they wager that voters will punish the other at the ballot box in November. Social Security and most other safety net programs are unaffected by the lapse in federal spending authority. Critical government functions will continue, with uniformed service members, health inspectors and law enforcement officers set to work without pay. But if no deal is brokered before Monday, hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed. After hours of closed-door meetings and phone calls, the Senate scheduled its late-night vote on a House-passed plan. 
 
It gained 50 votes to proceed to 48 against, but 60 were needed to break a Democratic filibuster. A handful of red-state Democrats crossed the aisle to support the measure, rather than take the politically-risky vote. Four Republicans voted in opposition. Even before the vote, Trump was pessimistic, tweeting, “Not looking good” and blaming the Democrats who he said actually wanted the shutdown “to help diminish the success” of the tax bill he and fellow Republicans pushed through last month. Democrats balked on the measure in an effort to pressure on the White House to cut a deal to protect “dreamer” immigrants — who were brought to the country as children and are now here illegally — before their legal protection runs out in March. Trump watched the results from his White House residence, dialling up allies and affirming his belief that Democrats would take the blame for the shutdown, said a person familiar with his conversations but not authorised to discuss them publicly. 
 
Predictably, both parties moved swiftly to blame one another. Democrats laid fault with Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House and have struggled with building internal consensus. Republicans declared Democrats responsible, after they declined to provide the votes needed to overcome a filibuster in the Senate over their desire to force the passage of legislation to protect some 700,000 younger immigrants from deportation. 
 
Republicans branded the confrontation a “Schumer shutdown” and argued that Democrats were harming fellow Americans to protect “illegal immigrants.” Trump had brought Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer to the White House Friday afternoon in hopes of cutting a deal. But the two New Yorkers, who pride themselves on their negotiating abilities, emerged without an agreement, and Republicans and Democrats in Congress continued to pass off responsibility.

Latest-News US govt shutdown after Senate fail to agree on immigration

The United States government on Saturday shut down, after members of the country Senate failed to reach an agreement on government spendin...

Aisha Buhari shares videos of senators criticising president’s performance

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Latest-News Aisha Buhari shares videos of senators criticising president’s performance

“I am not in a hurry to do anything” – President Buhari

17:16 Unknown 0

Latest-News “I am not in a hurry to do anything” – President Buhari

Guardiola congratulates Mourinho on signing Alexis Sanchez

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Pep Guardiola has congratulated Jose Mourinho on signing Alexis Sanchez. 
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Pep Guardiola expects Alexis Sanchez to join Manchester United and says there are no hard feelings. 
 
Sanchez played under Guardiola at Barcelona but City pulled out of the race to sign the Chile international as they were reportedly unhappy with the escalating costs of doing the deal. 
 
When asked why they were unable to match United's offer, the Manchester City boss replied: "I am not the guy with the mathematics, the numbers. 
 
"What I know right now is Alexis is still an Arsenal player. I think he is going to go to United so congratulations to both of them. 
 
"In the end, the players and managers decide where they want to play. Good luck." 
 
Guardiola denied feeling let down by his former player potentially joining City's rivals. 
 
"My opinion of Alexis remains the same," he said. "It was a pleasure to be with him at Barcelona and he is going to decide to move onto another club. 
 
"I wish him all the best." 
 </div>

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Fulani herdsmen: What Ortom told Lalong, El-Rufai, others during Benue visit

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Latest-News Fulani herdsmen: What Ortom told Lalong, El-Rufai, others during Benue visit

The government is parading Nigerians as a bunch of jokers – Falana

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Lagos-based lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana has said that the Federal Government needs to take Nigerians seriously over the crisis of herdsmen and farmers clashes which has led to the killings of many in the country. 
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Falana said “The government is parading Nigerians as a bunch of jokers. It is not rocket science to solve this problem. And I am bothered when leaders come out to make statements that give the impression that we are either out to cover up serious criminality 
 
“We don’t want a committee for heaven’s sake! A committee to do what? To go and find out how many people have been killed? Or to establish the fact that we have been in this problem for five years running and nobody is addressing the problem… the committee is just to deceive Nigerians.” 
 
“In 2014, we lost about 1,300 people. Between 2013 and 2016, 1,800 people were killed in Benue state alone. And this government knew this problem before it came on board; it was part of its campaign,” he said. 
 
“And this government, upon its inauguration, has repeatedly maintained, and quite correctly, that the only solution to the incessant violent clashes between herdsmen and farmers is to establish ranches in the country.” 
 
“According to him (Ogbeh), the colonies will mean a group of ranches. Why are you using such word as if you are giving the impression in a tensed atmosphere that you want to colonise certain parts so the country. It is so nonsensical. Government has to take Nigerians seriously.”</div>

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N2.1 billion fraud: Dokpesi’s personal assistant exposes him in court

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Fatai Owoseni appointed as new police commissioner for Benue State

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Nigeria’s unity threatened without continuous negotiations – Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Friday, warned that Nigeria risks division without renegotiating how it wants to move ahead as one united entity. 
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The ex-president insisted that the country must continue to renegotiate its unity and give listening ear to the complaints of all ethnic groups in the country. 
 
Doing this, according to Obasanjo, will give the country’s various ethnic nationalities a sense of belonging thus enhancing their effective participation in its socio-economic discussions and national development. 
 
The former Nigerian leader, who spoke at the 7th convocation lecture of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, in Abuja, said he believed that such periodic discussions will provide opportunity for all stakeholders to ventilate their views, grievances and possibly provide superior arguments, solutions or ideas that could positively challenge the existing practices. 
 
Also speaking at the event, the guest lecturer and Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Prof. Eghosa Osaghe,whose lecture theme was on: “Restructuring and True Federalism: Nigeria in Perspective”, said the country had come of age to reshape itself in line with modern day reality, insisting that it can no longer shy away from addressing the growing call for restructuring in some quarters. 
 
According to him, the existing federal system of government practiced in Nigeria needed additional deliberate arrangements that require intricate deals, trade-offs and reciprocities to build and sustain. 
 
Hear him:”Secondly, the federal systems are delicate and difficult to manage. This was because their success cannot be guaranteed or taken for granted. Research confirmed that the number of failed federal systems outnumbered the successful ones. 
 
“Restructuring represents a continuous correction, adjustment, and reconfiguration process by which federal system works and reworks its instrumentalities; to guarantee success and efficiencies of federalism.” 
 
He insisted that the federal instrumentalities of governance are expected to respond to changing dynamics, demands and stimuli, which change in consonance with changing imperatives. 
 
Meanwhile, NOUN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu, congratulated the erstwhile President and other graduands for the successful completion of their academic programmes and urged them to serve as good ambassadors of the school. 
 
The VC was particularly impressed that Obasanjo, after serving as military and civilian head of state, enrolled and diligently completed doctorate degree programme in spite of his busy schedules. 
 
“It was an indication that no one is too old to pursue education and knowledge. It is also an encouragement for others to disregard and trash the idea of age, challenges and diligently pursue education for self-improvement. 
 
NOUN Registrar, Felix Edoka, however announced that Obasanjo, and 14, 771 other graduands including two prison inmates from Enugu prison, have been found worthy in character and learning to be awarded first and doctorate degrees at the 7th NOUN convocation ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday.</div>

Latest-News Nigeria’s unity threatened without continuous negotiations – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Friday, warned that Nigeria risks division without renegotiating how it wants to move ahead as one uni...

Boko Haram kills five in Adamawa village

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Boko Haram jihadists have killed five people in an attack on a village in Adamawa state, a community leader and a local resident said on Friday. 
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A group of 10 militants stormed Kaya village at about 9:00 pm in the Madagali area late on Thursday and broke into two homes, killing four people. 
 
Another resident was shot dead when he tried to come to the rescue of the victims, Maina Ularama, a former Madagali local government chairman, told AFP. 
 
“Five people were shot dead last night by Boko Haram in Kaya village, three of them brothers living in the same house,” he said. 
 
“They killed another person in a house close by. The fifth victim was killed when he rushed towards the area to rescue the victims after hearing their cries for help.” 
 
Samson Lawan, who lives in Kaya, gave a similar account. He said the gunmen looted medical supplies at the village clinic before fleeing into the bush. 
 
“They were overheard saying telling one of them who wanted to set fire to homes that they were not in the village for arson,” Lawan said. 
 
Kaya village has been attacked before in the insurgency, which since 2009 has killed at least 20,000 in northeast Nigeria and displaced more than 2.6 million. 
 
In June 2016 Boko Haram jihadists killed 18 mourners in an attack on the village. 
 
Adamawa was said to have been cleared of Boko Haram in late 2015, after they rampaged across the northeast, seizing towns and territory. 
 
But attacks have continued in the north of the state, particularly around Madagali, which borders Borno state and the militants’ Sambisa Forest stronghold. 
 
On Monday militants killed three people in a raid on nearby Pallam village where they burnt buildings and looted food supplies, in the first attack in Adamawa this year. 
 
Elsewhere, nine others were killed in two separate attacks on people collecting firewood near the border town of Ngala, in Borno. 
 
Ten people were killed and dozens injured in a twin suicide bombing in the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, on Wednesday.</div>

Latest-News Boko Haram kills five in Adamawa village

Boko Haram jihadists have killed five people in an attack on a village in Adamawa state, a community leader and a local resident said on F...

85 million Nigerians may vote in 2019 – INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission says the number of registered voters may rise to 85 million ahead of the 2019 general election. 
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The revelation implies that INEC’s projection of 80 million has increased by five million. 
 
The commission had  said last year that it was expecting 80 million Nigerians to be registered by 2019. 
 
However, Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said at the 15th edition of the Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja on Friday that 74 million persons had  registered as of last week. 
 
Speaking at the event, “Nigeria and the challenges of 2019,” Yakubu, who was represented  by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Prince Solomon Soyebi, noted that there had been a lot of improvement in the electoral process since the current leadership of the commission came on board. 
 
He said the commission was not unmindful of the enormous responsibility of conducting elections in the largest presidential democracy in Africa, and second only to that of the United States in terms registered voters. 
 
The INEC Chairman disclosed that as of  last week, the commission had 74 million registered voters, hinting that by projection, the figure could hit between 80 and 85 million by 2019 due to the on-going nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. 
 
Responding to a concern raised by one of the speakers, Kate Henshaw, a Nollywood star and politician in her presentation about youth participation in the electoral process, the INEC Chairman said, “women, youth, People Living with Disabilities and Internally Displaced Persons had always been at the fulcrum of the commission’s plans.” 
 
He promised that INEC would continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure an all-inclusive process. 
 
Professor Yakubu used the opportunity to stress the commission’s resolve to adhere strictly to the timelines provided in the recently released timetable and schedule of activities for the 2019 General Elections.</div>

Latest-News 85 million Nigerians may vote in 2019 – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission says the number of registered voters may rise to 85 million ahead of the 2019 general electi...

Court nullifies installation of 21 kings by Gov Ajimobi

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An Oyo State High Court presided over by Justice Olajumoke Aiki on Friday declared the review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other Related Chieftaincies in Ibadan land by the Justice Akintunde Boade Review Commission, which was set up by the Oyo State Government, as unconstitutional, illegal, null, void and of no effect. 
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The commission had recommended, among others, the creation of several monarchs in Ibadan which led to the installation of 21 kings by the state Governor Abiola Ajimobi. 
 
But the Osi Olubadan of Ibadan land, Rashidi Ladoja, challenged the composition and recommendations of the commission in court, joining Ajimobi as co-defendant. 
 
While delivering judgment, Aiki held that wearing of beaded crowns is beyond the purview of sections 10, 12 and 25 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, stating that Section 25 of the Chiefs Law could not be treated in isolation to the provisions of Parts Two and Three of the Chiefs Laws. 
 
The court also said provisions of Parts Two and Three of the Chiefs Laws, particularly sections 10, 12 and 25, did not give power to the governor to review the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration, while also restraining the government from accepting and implementing the reports of the commission.</div>

Latest-News Court nullifies installation of 21 kings by Gov Ajimobi

An Oyo State High Court presided over by Justice Olajumoke Aiki on Friday declared the review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration...

Evans: Court adjourns continuation of trial to March 2

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The trial of Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, a.k.a Evans, and his alleged accomplices was on Friday adjourned until March 2. 
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The trial was adjourned due partly to the fact that Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, a co-defendant, had yet to secure legal representation. 
 
Mr Anselm Dunu, the brother of Mr Donatius Dunu, a victim, was scheduled to be cross-examined on Friday by the defence counsel. 
 
He was, however, not fully cross-examined by the defence because of the absence of Nwachukwu’s lawyer. 
 
Evans and Nwachukwu are standing trial alongside Uche Amadi, Ogechi Uchechukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba on a two-count of conspiracy and kidnapping. 
 
During Friday’s proceedings, Justice Hakeem Oshodi of Ikeja High Court inquired from Nwachukwu (the fourth defendant) why he did not have a legal representation. 
 
“My Lord, we are still making arrangements for a lawyer,” he said. 
 
Registering her displeasure, the State Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey, urged the court to proceed with the trial, noting that it was a ploy by the defence to delay proceedings. 
 
She said, “On the last adjourned date which was Nov. 17, 2017, this court inquired from the fourth defendant on how long it will take for him to engage a counsel to represent him in this matter and he requested for two weeks. 
 
“Here we are on Jan. 19, 2018, still no legal representation. 
 
“My learned friend, Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje, who appeared for the first and second defendants, had previously announced his appearance for the fourth defendant. 
 
“He thereafter withdrew his appearance on the grounds that the fourth defendant was yet to perfect his brief. 
 
“Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution provides that a defendant is entitled to counsel of his choice and he can also represent himself if he so wishes.” 
 
According to Shitta-Bey, there is a Supreme Court pronouncement on the matter of delays or where there is a deliberate attempt to delay proceedings in court. 
 
“The duty of the court is to assert its control over proceedings and not to permit either of the parties to impose a state of helplessness on the court. 
 
“Where a party has been given ample opportunity by the court to secure representation, the court cannot wait forever or delay proceedings forever. 
 
“The court can assign a counsel to take up the defence of the defendant,” she told the court. 
 
The DPP also submitted that a speedy trial is fundamental in the speedy dispensation of justice and noted that Ogungbeje could represent Nwachukwu and commence the cross-examination of Dunu. 
 
Ogungbeje, however, denied trying to delay the trial, saying the family of Nwachukwu met us and they promised that they will perfect our brief in a week or two. 
 
“In the circumstance, I will like to say that it is not the fourth defendant’s (Nwachukwu) fault that he did not have a counsel; his new counsel, Mr Olanrewaju Ajanaku, withdrew from the case.” 
 
Justice Hakeem Oshodi ordered that the defence counsel present in court should cross-examine Dunu. 
 
Dunu, while being cross-examined by Ogungbeje, told the court that he did not know the persons who were given the N100m ransom for his brother’s release. 
 
“I spoke to some unknown voices, I don’t know if the voices belong to the first and second defendants (Evans and Amadi). 
 
“I did not hand over the ransom, I did not know the persons the ransom was given to, but I know the person who gave the instructions of whom the money should be given to. 
 
“The strange voices told me what to do in order to release my brother, I only met the first and second defendants for the first time in the office of the Inspector-General of Police. 
 
“I made my statement to the police sometime in June but I did not mention the names of the first and second defendant because I did not know their names then. 
 
“In my statement, I said I did not suspect anyone in the kidnap of my brother. The voices I spoke to during the ransom negotiations were muffled,” he said. 
 
On Nov. 3, 2017, Dunu had in his examination-in- Chief told the court that the defendants had demanded one million Euros as the ransom for the release of his younger brother, Mr Donatius Dunu. 
 
Donatius was kidnapped on Feb. 14, 2017 along Obokun Road, Ilupeju, Lagos and his family reportedly paid N100m ransom to secure his release. 
 
After Dunu left the witness box, Mr Emmanuel Uchai, a defence counsel for Aduba, one of Evan’s co-defendants, applied orally for his bail. 
 
“I am seeking an order for the bail for the sixth defendant (Aduba). The bedrock of the criminal justice system is the assumption of innocence subject to the discretionary powers of the court. 
 
“There is nothing linking the sixth defendant to the kidnap of Donatius Dunu, he has no prior criminal record. 
 
“The prosecution argued that some members of the gang are still at large but there is nothing in the charge before the court that suggests it. 
 
“I wish to appeal that the sixth defendant be granted bail on liberal terms which can allow him attend trial and not punish him,” he said. 
 
Objecting to the application, Shitta-Bey told the court that she had a 15-page counter-affidavit and a written address to that effect. 
 
Citing the Supreme Court case of Asari Dokubo Vs the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the DPP said that Aduba should be denied bail in the interest of the public. 
 
“This is a serious offence and it is not going to guarantee the peace and tranquillity of the society and there is no material evidence before the court guaranteeing this. 
 
“I pray the court to refuse the defendant’s bail and dismiss this bail application,” she said. 
 
Justice Oshodi adjourned the case until March 2 for ruling on the bail application and the cross-examination of Dunu. 
 </div>

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PHOTOS: Northern Governors visit Benue State over Fulani herdsmen killings

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We are still living in fear, Ortom tells APC governors

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Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue, on Friday, said that people of the state live in fear and still under siege of Fulani herdsmen. 
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Ortom stated this while receiving northern and All Progressive Congress governors led by the chairman, governors forum, Shetima Kashim, at the new banquet hall, Makurdi. 
 
In attendance were five governors; Shetima Kashim, (Borno), Simon Lalong, (Plateau), Mallam El Rufai, (Kaduna), Yahaya Bello, (Kogi) and Mohamad Abubakar, (Jigawa) as well as deputy governor of Osun state, Chief Mrs Grace Titilayo Tomori. 
 
Ortom said that the fear of the people stemmed from continuous threat by the herdsmen who despite the killings still issued threat on daily basis to take over Benue land. 
 
According to him, ‘we thank God that peace is gradually returning to the state but there are still pockets of challenges here, we know the challenges will soon be over because our people are always alert to give useful information to security operatives around”. 
 
“Let me tell you that our people are still living in fear and under siege, living in fear because of the series of threat by Kautal Hore which started the threat since seven months ago, they are not mere threat. 
 
“We have evidence against them, what we are saying is that federal government should arrest the leadership of Kautal Hore”. 
 
Governor Ortom who appreciated the visit said that the state is committed to one Nigeria and assured president Buhari of the state’ s committed to his administration. 
 
The governor, however, expressed confidence that Nigeria will soon take its rightful position as the giant of Africa if leaders are sincere and stand by the truth. 
 
“This country is blessed with great potentials to be great in the world and that is if we leaders should stop pretending but stand by the truth.” 
 
though the state was getting over the senseless killings in the new year further said that ‘there are still pockets of challenges”. 
 
He said that the crisis had made the people of the state to always be on alert and give useful information to security operatives. 
 
Speaking earlier, governor Shetima Kashim who said that they had come to commensurate with the people of the state, however, expressed disgust that people were trying to make politics out of the crisis. 
 
Kashim who apparently reacting to the advice of the pan socio-cultural group from the south and middle belt forum that visited the state on Wednesday said, ‘ none of those people can say they know problem of this state than the governor.’ 
 
Kashim, who never condemned the activities of the herdsmen throughout his speech and during interaction with newsmen, said problems are created by men and men can find the solution to the problems. 
 
According to him, ‘sensationalism can not advance the cause of the issue, we should have generosity of spirit to embrace each other’. 
 
Whike saying, unlike the old generations of Chief Adebanjo that do not have anything to give to Nigeria again, Kasim said, ‘we are the new generation of Nigeria leaders not for some political dinosaur from Abuja or any part of the country to cause unnecessary issues.’ 
 
“All of us here are members of this generation, the future belongs to us not the likes of Adebanjo who was born 14 years after the amalgamation of Nigeria, Adebanjo will be 90 by April, he is living in the past, he is a political dinosaur”, he said.</div>

Latest-News We are still living in fear, Ortom tells APC governors

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"Sacked Kaduna teachers must reapply"

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Kaduna -The Kaduna State Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) says the 21,780 primary school teachers sacked by Gov. Nasir El-Rufa’i should reapply. 
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The state NUT Chairman, Audu Amba, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Friday that the affected teachers would “reapply, sit for another examination and if passed, they will be reinstated to their previous positions.’’ 
 
NAN reports that the teachers were sacked for allegedly failing a competency test held in June 2017. 
 
Amba said Gov. El-Rufa’i had directed the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to open a window for the sacked teachers in its continuous recruitment programme. 
 
According to him, it is a new window of opportunity for the affected teachers to be reinstated. 
 
“We therefore, consider this as an achievement to our struggle, and collectively agreed to call off the strike. 
 
“We are not against any examination to determine the quality and competency of teachers; our problem is the modalities and the processes that the test in question was conducted. 
 
“What is agreed is that when writing the examination, the affected teachers would be required to indicate their scores in the controversial competency test of June 2017. 
 
“Therefore, if our teachers would be given another opportunity to sit for another examination and be reinstated, I feel it’s something we could work on to ensure that larger percentage of the affected teachers got their jobs back.’’ 
 
He said that the affected teachers have been directed to await announcement by SUBEB on a date for another recruitment exercise for them to reapply. 
 
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ja’afaru Sani, said that 10, 000 of the affected sacked teachers had re-applied. 
 
He said that although the sack order remained, the government would consider those that reapplied if they pass the tests to be conducted for them later. 
 
On whether the teachers would be reinstated to their previous positions, the commissioner said the Head of Service would determine that based on civil service rules. 
 
“Notwithstanding, about 10,000 of them reapplied and if they pass, they would be reemployed. 
 
“The new window is particularly for the remaining 11,780 who did not reapply to do so and would be given priority.’’ 
 
The commissioner said that other issues raised by the NUT including welfare, promotion and salary arrears would be looked into. 
 
According to him, the state government will soon come out with a plan to address teachers’ professionalism and welfare. 
 
NAN reports that most public primary schools have no teachers since the sack of the 21, 780 teachers by the state government. 
 
Sani acknowledge the problem, adding that SUBEB has been directed to redeploy teachers to such schools pending when the new set of teachers would be recruited and posted. 
 
“In the next couple weeks, the first set of teachers, about 10,000 of them would be recruited and posted to the worst hit schools with few or no teachers following the sack exercise. 
 
“Also, retired teachers and other professional teachers with time to spare have indicated interest to voluntarily teach the pupils until teachers are recruited to fill the gap,’’ the commissioner said. 
 
Only 4,000 out of the more than 43,000 applicants who sat for the recently conducted aptitude test for new teachers scored 75 per cent and above.</div>

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MASSOB to FG: Stop witch-hunting Mrs. Jonathan! MASSOB warns FG

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The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has called on the Federal Government to stop witch-hunting the former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, describing what she was going through as sheer character assassination. 
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MASSOB leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, in a statement Friday said government’s aim was to demoralize her because of her rising profile, urging the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration to stop the impunity. 
The statement read: “MASSOB is aware that Mrs. Patience Jonathan is experiencing attacks by the Buhari- led federal government because they see her as primary engine block of former President Jonathan who should not have ruled Nigeria. 
 
“Federal government sees her as the superwoman that became the barrier in breaking the soul of her husband. Federal government believes that if eventually they cage Mrs. Patience Jonathan, her husband will politically collapse. 
 
“Because of religious and political hatred against Ndigbo by Buhari- led federal government, they are not happy with the administration of former President Jonathan who conceded a fair treatment to Ndigbo and that is why government is punishing her because she is an Igbo daughter. 
 
“Other Hausa- Fulani daughters who were first ladies before Mrs. Patience Jonathan are not being witch hunted by federal government. 
 
“Also, many public office holders in the Buhari- led federal government have committed overwhelming and outrageous financial misappropriation, money laundering and anti government offences without prosecution or retrieving government assets and money from them. 
 
“MASSOB therefore advises the people of Eastern region to build and grow the spirit of defending their own because Nigeria, which is a mere geographical expression, is no man’s land and inheritance. 
 
“Our people must eschew the spirit of cowardice, slumbering and less concern. The diverse ethnic nationalities of Eastern region must know that by virtue of traditional, cultural, religious and social heritage bestowed on our people by our ancestors, we are natively brothers and sisters. We must be bold and eloquent in defending our own.” 
 </div>

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Alleged N2.1bn fraud: Dokpesi’s trial adjourned until February 6

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The Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned until Feb. 6, the trial of erstwhile Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi, over alleged N2.1bn fraud. 
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Justice John Tsoho fixed the date after the 11th prosecution witness, Mr Gabriel Agorye, testified on Friday. 
 
Agorye, led in evidence by Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the prosecuting counsel, said that he withdrew N40m for Dokpesi from his First Bank account. 
 
Agorye also told the court that he was Dokpesi’s personal assistant and ran errands for him. 
 
The witness also said that some monies were paid into his personal account which he withdrew and gave to his boss. 
 
Under cross-examination by Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), the witness told the court that he did not know the source of the monies that he withdrew for Dokpesi’s from his account. 
 
He added that he did not know if the money was proceeds of an illegitimate transaction. 
 
“I cannot say that the source of the money was illegitimate, and I do not know the uses to which the monies were put to,” the witness said. 
 
Justice Tsoho discharged the witness and adjourned the matter until Feb. 6 and 7 for the continuation of trial. 
 
Dokpesi is being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions over alleged N2.1bn fraud.</div>

Latest-News Alleged N2.1bn fraud: Dokpesi’s trial adjourned until February 6

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N5.3bn fraud: Court reaffirms order for former Enugu gov, Nnamani’s arrest

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The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday refused the plea to vacate the bench warrant it issued for the arrest of a former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani. 
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Justice Chuka Obiozor turned down the plea made by Nnamani’s lawyer, Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN), and rather insisted that the ex-governor must be produced before him in respect of a N5.3bn fraud charge. 
 
The judge also struck out Nnamani’s application challenging the court’s jurisdiction and seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from arresting him. 
 
The application was struck out by the judge, after Tarfa had asked to withdraw same. 
 
The judge, thereafter, adjourned the case till February 20, 2018, at the instance of the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Kelvin Uzozie, who pleaded for time to consult with the anti-graft agency on how to proceed with the case. 
 
Refusing Tarfa’s prayer for the discharge of the bench warrant against Nnamani, Justice Obiozor held, “The request for an order to discharge the bench warrant against the first defendant before me, for now, is hereby refused. This is without prejudice to the renewal of the application at the next adjourned date.” 
 
Earlier after withdrawing the application challenging the court’s jurisdiction and seeking a perpetual injunction against the EFCC, Tarfa had contended that there was no valid charge against Nnamani before the court. 
 
He said a plea bargain had been entered in the case, leading to the conviction of the 3rd to 8th defendants. 
 
But Uzozie explained that though there was a plea bargain in respect of the 3rd to 8th defendants, the case of Nnamani and his ex-aide, Sunday Anyaogu, who were joined as first and second defendants, had yet to be concluded. 
 
“We are working on an amendment of the charge to reflect the proper situation. We will ask the court to indulge us by way of an adjournment to bring a clean copy of the charge sheet,” Uzozie said. 
 
As the defence counsel did not oppose the application for an adjournment, the judge granted same. 
 
Nnamani, Anyaogu and six companies had been first arraigned in 2007 for allegedly conspiring to divert about N5.3bn from the coffers of Enugu State. 
 
The case, which had been handled by no fewer than three judges, was last year December transferred to Justice Obiozor, who fixed December 4 for the re-arraignment of the defendants. 
 
But following the failure of Nnamani and Anyaogu to appear in court, the judge issued a bench warrant for their arrest. 
 
At the Friday’s proceedings, Anyaogu was in court but Nnamani was not. 
 
His lawyer had in December claimed that the ex-government was in the United States of America, bedridden in a hospital, where he underwent a heart surgery. 
 
A counsel from the chambers of Rickey Tarfa & Co., Abubakar Shamshudeen, had exhibited a photograph, showing Nnamani on the sickbed. 
But the EFCC lawyer, Uzozie claimed that the photo had been in circulation on the Internet since 2014.</div>

Latest-News N5.3bn fraud: Court reaffirms order for former Enugu gov, Nnamani’s arrest

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday refused the plea to vacate the bench warrant it issued for the arrest of a former governor of En...

We will not condone any electoral violence in 2019 – Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration will not condone electoral violence in 2019. 
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The President made this known when he delivered a keynote address at the 15th Daily Trust Dialogue tagged “Nigeria and the Challenges of 2019″. 
 
The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha said the election which usher in president Buhari administration was the collective will of all Nigerians. 
 
“The elections that ushered the ‘change’ government into power in 2015 reflected the will of the Nigerian people and was widely acclaimed as transparent and peaceful” he said. 
 
President Buhari thanked former president, Goodluck Jonathan for setting the tone for future political conduct in the country and promise to build on that. He urged politicians  to pledge their commitment to the peaceful democratic process by urging their supporters to respect the electoral process and restrain them from violence 
 
“From Umuahia to Damaturu, Jalingo to Osogbo, our people queued for long hours at their polling units and kept vigil as election officials tabulated their votes. And then the big one: the then outgoing president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan historically set the tone for future political conduct in the country by graciously accepting defeat in a keenly contested race”, 
 
“I also call on politicians and political parties to pledge their commitment to the peaceful democratic process by urging their supporters to respect the electoral process and restrain them from violence. All aggrieved parties should seek redress through constitutional means and respect for the rule of law. 
 
“On our part, I want to assure Nigerians that my administration will not condone any violence, support any individual or groups that undermine citizens’ confidence in the ability of the country’s political institutions to conduct peaceful and successful elections”,</div>

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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaRlV08apu9-RlNr6Ijx5YgF3trg2kMEfI4FB3-95dXLcj-pQlcIHy5PkRBIjH6PMwQcWPkGGxbEFAnYaXvDQBoEz35Xh4r6SAB-IQ0q-H4QSWEv5JJipxkw8XUi_JHu-gEjUbkohkvc/s400/shehu+sani.jpg" width="400" /></div>
 
The Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has berated Nigerian leaders of insensitivity to ending the wanton killings in some parts of the country, most especially Benue State. 
 
He said this on Thursday at a national conference organised in Abeokuta, Ogun State by the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria. 
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The lawmaker noted that instead of taking proactive and measures towards addressing the challenges facing the country, political office holders were busy strategising for re-election in 2019. 
 
The theme of the conference was: “Politics, Media and National Integration – Before 2019 Nigeria.” 
 
In his lecture, Sani, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign and Local Debts, also noted that Nigerian political parties lacked ideology. 
 
He explained that the country was experiencing tension ahead of 2019 because politicians were only desperate for spoils of office and not interested in the welfare of the masses. 
 
He said the All Progressives Congress might not have the luxury of ruling the country for 16 years like the Peoples Democratic Party, as a result of what he called gross contradictions within the party. 
 
In order to prick the conscience of political leaders, Sani advocated peaceful protests by Nigerians. 
 
He said, “All is not well with this country. This is the wrong time to shed blood in Nigeria. If you think that people in power will stop the problem in the country, you are in for a fool’s ride. 
 
“The attention of the people is how to win elections and not how they can end senseless killings and bloodshed. 
 
“It would require a mass, peaceful march in the streets from Nigerians to recharge the conscience of people in power. 
 
“Nigerians are dying in hundreds and in thousands and some people felt what is important is INEC timetable, when is elections and when is primaries. 
 
“It is difficult to hear any public office holder speak the truth because of political calculations. Anybody who says we are not in crisis now is deceiving himself.” 
 
He wondered why people continue to defect from one party to the other, arguing that there was no ideological difference between APC and PDP. 
 
In her lecture, the President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin, said the proposed cattle colonies would continue to aggravate crisis between herdsmen and farmers as well as indigenes and settlers. 
 
She insisted that establishment of ranches was the only way towards ending the persistent clashes in the country. 
 
The women’s rights activist expressed disappointment over the failure of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to tackle the challenges of insecurity and violent clashes head-on. 
 
She said public officers must be alive to their responsibilities.