Nigerian Eye

VIDEO: Dancing Competition - Battle of the Nigerian senators

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Latest-News VIDEO: Dancing Competition - Battle of the Nigerian senators

Who won this dancing competition? Senator Adeleke or Senator Dino? …

Libya is a failed state – Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday described Libya as a failed state. 
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He stated this at the maiden edition of the Youth Migration Summit in Abeokuta, Ogun State. 
 
The summit is aimed at curbing youth migration in the country. 
 
He said: “Libya is a rogue and failed state. 
 
“On one of my travels, two Libyans came to me and asked me to come help them. Libya is the only country that has two governments, two central banks and two National Assemblies.” 
 
He urged participants at the conference to not go easy on illegal migration, saying it was up to the international community to address the problem in the North African country. 
 
He expressed fears that Libya would soon become abode for Islamic State militants. 
 
“My fear is when ISIS is driven out from Syria, they will have no place other than Libya. All countries north of the Congo River will be unsafe,” the ex-President added.

Latest-News Libya is a failed state – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday described Libya as a failed state. He stated this at the maiden edition of the Youth Migration Summit in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The summit is aimed at curbing youth migration in the country. He said: “Li…

PHOTOS: Senator Melaye accuses his state's governor of mixing foreign and local rice

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Latest-News PHOTOS: Senator Melaye accuses his state's governor of mixing foreign and local rice

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NYSC member arrested for raping and impregnating 11-year-old JS 2 student in Warri (photo)

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Latest-News NYSC member arrested for raping and impregnating 11-year-old JS 2 student in Warri (photo)

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Why I picked Dora Akunyili to head NAFDAC - Obasanjo

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Latest-News Why I picked Dora Akunyili to head NAFDAC - Obasanjo

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PDP backs Wike on Neighbourhood Watch Bill signing

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The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has thrown its support behind the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, for assenting to the Neighbourhood Watch Corps bill, adding that the step would strengthen security in the state. 
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PDP also flayed the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state for claiming that the Neighborhood bill signed by Wike was aimed at witchhunting their members during the 2019 Elections. 
 
The party, however, noted that the Bill was initiated by an APC Lawmaker in the state House of Assembly, stressing that the corps would promote peace and development in the state. 
 
Recalled that Hon Fredrick Anabraba, an APC member and Minority Leader of the State House of Assembly, representing Akuku-Toru constituency I, had moved motion for establishment of the Neighborhood Watch Safety Corps, noting that the passage of the bill would strenghten the fight against crime in the state. 
 
The Publicity Security of PDP in the state, Nwanosike Samuel, who spoke while receiving APC defectors to PDP through the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) at Andoni Local Government Area of the state, noted that many states in the country have similar security outfits. 
 
Nwanosike said: “We run a democratic government. And in democracy, the minority will have their say but the majority will have their way. The Rivers State House of Assembly members are our representatives. That law, Neigbourhood Watch was proposed by an APC Lawmaker, the Minority leader of the House, and other APC Lawmakers supported the Bill. 
 
“Today, the Rivers State House of Assembly has passed that Bill into Law and the Governor has assented. The Governor has gone ahead to appoint an active Director in the person of Dr. Uche Mike Chukwuma, a retired ACP of Police to head the corps. We are in support of the passage of the bill. 
 
“Don’t worry yourselves. In Lagos they have the same neighbourhood watch, they have same in Edo, Imo and Anambra states. Just today I read in the newspaper that Katsina, the state of President Muhammadu Buhari has also joined to propose a security law. Why would Rivers State be different. That law has come to stay, it will provide security for our people, provide job for our people and make us happy.”</div>

Latest-News PDP backs Wike on Neighbourhood Watch Bill signing

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has thrown its support behind the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, for assenting to the Neighbourhood Watch Corps bill, adding that the step would strengthen security in the state. PDP also flayed the …

PHOTOS: Prophet Samuel Abiara remarries at 75, says it’s God’s directive

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Latest-News PHOTOS: Prophet Samuel Abiara remarries at 75, says it’s God’s directive

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Dapchi: Shake-up in army as new provost marshal, DMI appointed

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Latest-News Dapchi: Shake-up in army as new provost marshal, DMI appointed

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Tinubu is a sitting duck, he’s in a very difficult situation -Junaid Mohammed

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Latest-News Tinubu is a sitting duck, he’s in a very difficult situation -Junaid Mohammed

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I’m incorruptible… Buhari is my mentor -Shittu

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Latest-News I’m incorruptible… Buhari is my mentor -Shittu

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JAMB silent over candidates’ inability to access results

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In spite of plaudits for JAMB over the conduct of the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), investigations show that all was not well with the test. 
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Newsmen have found while JAMB is congratulating itself for job well done, many candidates for the examination are hurting because of frustrations from the board. 
 
Such candidates are those who cannot access their results  days after JAMB claimed that it had released the results of over 1.5 million of the 1.6 million candidates who sat for UTME from March 9 to March 17. 
 
The candidates said  they had  followed instructions by JAMB that they checked their results using their credentials on the JAMB website: www.jamb.org.ng. but are  getting discouraging  messages. 
 
They said the messages from JAMB were that they did not register for the examination or that they did not have any result yet. 
 
A teacher, Mr Joseph Adebola, said five of his students who sat for the test had not got their results and wondered what the problem could be. 
 
Adebola said that he had been worried, especially as some of the mates of the students had got their results and were concentrating on preparations for the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE). 
 
“I have been trying to comfort them so that they can concentrate on the WASSCE coming up in April but it has not been easy. 
 
“JAMB should reduce the tension on the students by releasing their result,’’ he said. 
 
Mr Ben Ugochukwu, also a teacher, said that by not letting the children know their fate in the UTME, the board was destroying their confidence. 
 
“The children are going through psychological stress and need to be relieved. 
 
“ By withholding information from a student who sat for a test you are destroying him or her, especially when the child is convinced he did not violate any rule,’’ Ugochukwu said. 
 
A parent, Mr Stephen Ahmed, said that he personally drove his son to the examination centre and ensured that he followed instructions. 
 
“I am surprised that I cannot access the result of my child, all I continue to see is: `You do not have any result yet. 
 
“I have tried from many locations and devices, believing it was a network challenge but the answer has been the same. 
 
“My worry is that this boy is to write the Certificate Examination in April; if he can’t get the result of the test earlier, what assurance does he have that the one for a future exam will be released?’’ Ahmed asked. 
 
Inquiries by NAN about the fate of candidates in this situation have not yielded results. 
 
The Head of Information of JAMB, Dr Fabian Benjamin, has refused to address the concerns of the candidates  by not answering telephone calls made to him. 
 
Signs that JAMB was not going to deliver on its promise emerged when it decided to release the results of the candidates who wrote the test on Friday, March 9. 
 
The board released the results of the Friday test  on Monday, March 11, against its pledge to verify all results before releasing them. 
 
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, had said at a pre-test news conference that the board would take few days to verify results before releasing the. 
 
However,  JAMB hastily released the first set of results but could not sustain the tempo. 
 
On Wednesday, Banjamin announced the release of all results, except those of 110,000, whom he claimed might have been involved in cheating. 
 
He alleged that some students entered the halls with foreign materials and that some centres colluded with candidates to cheat. 
 
The board had claimed prior to the examination that it had acquired the technology to monitor all its over 600 Computer Based Test centres from its control room. 
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Latest-News JAMB silent over candidates’ inability to access results

In spite of plaudits for JAMB over the conduct of the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), investigations show that all was not well with the test. Newsmen have found while JAMB is congratulating itself for job well done, many can…

South Africa let me down - Mugabe

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Former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe says South Africa should have sent troops instead of a team of negotiators to prevent his ouster by the military last year. 
 
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Mugabe said his regional neighbours betrayed him “in a sense”, in an interview with the privately-owned Zimbabwe Independent newspaper and other regional and international media. 
 
“When you look at their conditions, except for South Africa, they haven’t got the capacity to intervene,” the 94-year-old was quoted as saying. 
 
“But South Africa could have done much more. It did not send an army, but just to engage.” 
 
Mugabe who ruled Zimbabwe since independence from British colonial rule in 1980 was forced to quit when the military stepped in and ruling ZANU-PF lawmakers launched impeachment proceedings against their once beloved leader. 
 
He was replaced by Emmerson Mnangagwa, a favourite of the military, whom Mugabe had fired weeks earlier as his deputy in a move seen as paving way for his wife Grace to take over. 
 
The former first lady had cultivated a factional support base within ZANU-PF known as “G-40” that was seen as hostile to the security establishment. 
 
South Africa’s then president Jacob Zuma had sent defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and the then state security minister Bongani Bongo to intervene in the impasse between Mugabe and the military. 
 
Mugabe, who once quipped that he would rule until he turned 100, described his departure from office as a “coup d’etat.” 
 
“Those who created it have the responsibility to reverse it,” he said in the interview. “If they don’t want to reverse it, it means they want the situation to continue which I think is the case. 
 
“They would want us perhaps to get to the national election when the environment is still very congested with fear, some people still hiding, displaced.” 
 
Since his dramatic reversal of fortune, Mugabe has largely stayed out of public life.</div>

Latest-News South Africa let me down - Mugabe

Former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe says South Africa should have sent troops instead of a team of negotiators to prevent his ouster by the military last year. Mugabe said his regional neighbours betrayed him “in a sense”, in an interview with…

PDP’s desperation in 2015 compromised national security - APC

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The All Progressives Congress said the revelation about operations of the data analysis firm, Cambridge Analytica, especially the role it played in the lead up to Nigeria’s 2015 elections, confirmed what it had suspected about the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party. 
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The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said this in a telephone interview with newsmen in Abuja on Friday. 
 
The Guardian of London had reported that Israelis hacked President Muhammadu Buhari’s email in 2015 and gave the materials to Cambridge Analytica. 
 
According to the report, it was part of plans of the PDP to influence the 2015 elections. 
 
Abdullahi, in his response, said the APC had suspected all along that the then-ruling party was so desperate but that it didn’t know the PDP could descend to the level of compromising national security in a bid to achieve its aim. 
 
The APC spokesman explained that the revelation had now exposed those who were really behind the ethno-religious divisions introduced into Nigeria’s political space during the “historic” elections. 
 
According to him, had this information not been made public, the PDP would continue to blame others for a problem it created. 
 
Abdullahi said, “For us, what it demonstrates is what we had said and the PDP has continued to deny all along that it introduced a dimension to Nigerian politics in 2015 that we have never seen before. 
 
“The level of desperation that made it possible for them to undermine the security of individuals and the country by bringing in mercenaries to hack into people’s private e-mails and use this information as a weapon to divide Nigeria. 
 
“It is now clear that when they said the country is now more divided more than ever before, it clearly shows where it started from and who to be held responsible for weaponising disinformation along ethnic and religious lines and actually tried to use it to win elections. 
 
“If this Cambridge Analytica report hadn’t come out, the PDP would continue to bury its head in the sand and continue to blame other people for what they were responsible for. 
 
“Now, it is beyond doubt that it was the PDP that orchestrated the division of this country along ethnic and religious lines because they used disinformation as a weapon of war to try to win the 2015 elections.” 
 
Speaking in a similar vein, the National Chairman of the National Conscience Party, Alhaji Yunusa Tanko, said the desperation exhibited during the 2015 elections was a sad commentary on Nigeria. 
 
Speaking specifically about revelations on the Cambridge Analytica, he said, “This whole thing is not healthy for our democracy. 
 
“We have the Freedom of Information Act, which gives every citizen the right to demand information which is in the public interest; for anybody to resort to desperate methods of obtaining information, especially of a personal nature, it has gone to the level of criminality which should not be tolerated. 
 
“I find it reprehensible when people start to hack into the personal e-mails of individuals and organisations to get information in order to damage an opponent; that is not politics. 
 
“I remember when (ex-US President) Barack Obama came out clearly to forbid his campaign team from going after the family of his opponent before and during his campaign. 
 
“The way the 2015 campaigns were carried out, with all the campaigns of calumny, was in bad taste; campaigns should be focused on what candidates have to offer the people. I pray we never degenerate to that level ever again.”</div>

Latest-News PDP’s desperation in 2015 compromised national security - APC

The All Progressives Congress said the revelation about operations of the data analysis firm, Cambridge Analytica, especially the role it played in the lead up to Nigeria’s 2015 elections, confirmed what it had suspected about the then-ruling People…

Boko Haram: Aid operations resume in Rann – UN

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 The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) has announced the resumption of humanitarian operations in Rann town, in Borno. 
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The UN relief wing said the resumption of aid operations in the community followed several security assessments by the UN and non-governmental organisations. 
 
The UN had on March 2, suspended aid operations and withdrew its workers from Rann after a March 1 attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, who killed eight persons, including three aid workers, and abducted a nurse. 
 
“However, UN aid workers have not yet been authorised to stay overnight in Rann, and daily operations are expected to continue until security conditions are met by the Nigerian authorities. 
 
“The UN and partners are providing life-saving emergency assistance in Rann including food, shelter and medicine to over 80,000 women, children and men, among them 55,000 internally displaced people. 
 
“The World Food Programme is planning to distribute food to at least 61,000 people this month. 
 
“Pre-positioning of food is also key ahead of the rainy season, which starts in June, cutting off road access to Rann,” the UN said on Friday. 
 
It said following the resumption of humanitarian activities in Rann, camp management and displacement tracking activities for impacted people have resumed, in addition to medical services. </div>

Latest-News Boko Haram: Aid operations resume in Rann – UN

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) has announced the resumption of humanitarian operations in Rann town, in Borno. The UN relief wing said the resumption of aid operations in the community followed several security…

My daughter, Iyabo does not take nonsense from anyone – Obasanjo

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Latest-News My daughter, Iyabo does not take nonsense from anyone – Obasanjo

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Boko Haram: US finally reacts to release of Dapchi girls

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Latest-News Boko Haram: US finally reacts to release of Dapchi girls

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Supreme Court ruling: Akeredolu calls for calm, Abraham’s group demands governor’s resignation

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Latest-News Supreme Court ruling: Akeredolu calls for calm, Abraham’s group demands governor’s resignation

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Communications Minister, Shittu appoints new media aide

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 The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has approved the appointment of Mr Bolaji Kazeem, as his new Special Assistant on Media. 
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Mr Henshaw Ogubike, the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, announced the appointment in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja. 
According to the statement, Kazeem attended the University of Ibadan, International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) and Nasarawa State University for his higher and professional education including Master of Public Administration. 
 
”Mr Kazeem was a Press Secretary at the Special Duties Office (SDO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. 
 
”He was part of the media team of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment from 2007-2015 before he was posted to Special Duties Office from the Federal Ministry of Information. 
 
”Bolaji has participated in local and International conferences and seminars such as Annual Seminar for Industry, Trade and Investment Correspondents and Editors, Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP). 
 
”He participated in Trade Facilitation (Establishment of Transnational Border Market Pilot Project in Okerete); Quarterly Luncheon with Business Leaders; 2010 Shanghai Expo; China and Nigeria Business Forum, Beijing”. 
 
The new media aide was also part of an interactive session on Investment Drive, New Delhi; America and Africa Business Forum, Washington; Kenya-Nigeria Business Forum Nairobi among others,” the statement added. 
 
He is a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalism (NUJ), Federal Ministry of Information Chapel. </div>

Latest-News Communications Minister, Shittu appoints new media aide

The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has approved the appointment of Mr Bolaji Kazeem, as his new Special Assistant on Media. Mr Henshaw Ogubike, the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, announced the appointment …

Nigerian Anti-Corruption Group wins UN Award

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A Nigerian anti-corruption youth group, the Creative Youth Initiative Against Corruption (CYIAC), has emerged the winner of the Innovative Category of the first UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Action Awards. 
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Ms Foluke Michael, the Project Director of CYIAC  in a statement said the Innovative Category top award was presented to the group in Bonn, Germany by Mr Markus Hipp, the Director, BMW Foundation 
 
She said the campaign that led to the awards demonstrated the extraordinary momentum towards achieving the SDGs in different parts of the world 
 
At the event, the Global Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign, Mitchell Toomey disclosed that the Awards ceremony was held in tandem with the second edition of the Global Festival of Action for Sustainable Development in Bonn 
 
Toomey added that the awards ceremony honored initiatives in the categories of communicator, connector, includer, innovator, mobiliser, storyteller, and visualizer. 
 
“These are ‘Action’ Awards because we need more than words: our winners dared to believe and act for change. 
 
“They are perfect examples of the wonderful work that’s happening around the world led by thousands, if not millions, of people,” Toomey said 
 
The SDG Director said winners of the Awards span over private and public sectors, as well as civil society and grassroots movements. 
 
He said the winning initiatives included fighting corruption in Nigeria and mobilising Belgians to implement the SDGs in their daily lives 
 
Others were empowering children through photography and digital skills in Bangladesh, promoting human rights education in Sri Lanka and much more. 
 
Toomey also disclosed that over 700 nominations from 125 countries in 7 continents were submitted. 
 
“An expert judging panel evaluated the submissions against the degree to which actions were deemed to be transformative, inclusive and impactful. 
 
“In addition, an open vote was held on the website of the UN SDG Action Campaign, where visitors could rate their favourite among the 38 finalists to win the People’s Choice Award,” he said. 
 
The SDG Director noted that “great solutions for the world’s challenges can come from anywhere. 
 
“We hope everyone is inspired by these stories and consider submitting their nominations for future Awards. 
 
“These are the first winners of a community that will continue to grow”.</div>

Latest-News Nigerian Anti-Corruption Group wins UN Award

A Nigerian anti-corruption youth group, the Creative Youth Initiative Against Corruption (CYIAC), has emerged the winner of the Innovative Category of the first UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Action Awards. Ms Foluke Michael, the Project Di…

Dapchi: CAN declares March 25th day of prayer for Leah Sharibu’s release

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 The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has lamented what it said were feeble attempts made by the federal government to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi school girl who insisted on not renouncing her faith and converting to Islam. 
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CAN said the development has affirmed fears in some quarters that Christians are endangered in the country. 
 
To this end, the umbrella Christian body declared March 25th as a day of nationwide prayers for the freedom of Leah Sharibu from the captivity of the Boko Haram terrorists. 
 
CAN President, Rev Samson Olasupo Ayokunle in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Pastor Bayo Oladeji, noted that if Leah Sharibu means nothing to the government and the security agency that negotiated the release of other Dapchi school girls, the life of the young girl means a lot to her parents and to so many Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliations. 
 
“The CAN President, Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, has directed all churches in the country to pray for the freedom of Liya Sharibu from the captivity of the Boko Haram terrorists on Sunday, 25 March, 2018,” the statement said.</div>

Latest-News Dapchi: CAN declares March 25th day of prayer for Leah Sharibu’s release

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has lamented what it said were feeble attempts made by the federal government to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi school girl who insisted on not renouncing her faith and converting to Islam.…

Dapchi: DSS reveals condition Boko Haram gave before release of Schoolgirls.

10:59 Unknown 0

Latest-News Dapchi: DSS reveals condition Boko Haram gave before release of Schoolgirls.

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Junaid reveals award for Buhari after Tinubu gave Jonathan gold medal for corruption

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Latest-News Junaid reveals award for Buhari after Tinubu gave Jonathan gold medal for corruption

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Hollywood Welcomes 93 DAYS, Film On Nigeria’s Ebola Experience

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Latest-News Hollywood Welcomes 93 DAYS, Film On Nigeria’s Ebola Experience

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Crisis looms in Kano as APC govt ‘blocks’ PDP from rally

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Latest-News Crisis looms in Kano as APC govt ‘blocks’ PDP from rally

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2018 budget: Reps explain delay in passage, lament flaws by executive

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Latest-News 2018 budget: Reps explain delay in passage, lament flaws by executive

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Jonathan returns to Sierra Leone to monitor presidential election

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Latest-News Jonathan returns to Sierra Leone to monitor presidential election

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Atiku reacts to Super Eagles’ 1-0 away win against Poles

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Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, has reacted to the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Poland in an international friendly match played on Friday. 
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Nigeria defeated Poland 1-0 in the friendly played at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw on Friday night. 
 
The Waziri of Adamawa congratulated the home base Super Eagles for emerging victorious. 
 
He said their victory was a confidence booster ahead of the World Cup in Russia. 
 
Atiku on Twitter wrote : ”Excited about @NGSuperEagles victory over Poland in Wroclaw. A confidence booster on our road to Russia. #POLNGA.” 
 
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, has reacted to the 1-0 win over Poland in the international friendly match on Friday. 
 
The Waziri of Adamawa congratulated the home base Super Eagles for emerging victorious against all odds. 
 
He said their victory is a confidence booster on the road to Russia. 
 
Atiku on Twitter wrote : ”Excited about @NGSuperEagles victory over Poland in Wroclaw. A confidence booster on our road to Russia. #POLNGA.”</div>

Latest-News Atiku reacts to Super Eagles’ 1-0 away win against Poles

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, has reacted to the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Poland in an international friendly match played on Friday. Nigeria defeated Poland 1-0 in the friendly played at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw on Friday night. …

Disquiet in Ondo APC over Supreme Court verdict

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Latest-News Disquiet in Ondo APC over Supreme Court verdict

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Ambode’s govt loses as court stops enforcement of hotel tax law

10:04 Unknown 0

Latest-News Ambode’s govt loses as court stops enforcement of hotel tax law

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Dino Melaye writes police IG, lists condition to submit self

09:59 Unknown 0

Latest-News Dino Melaye writes police IG, lists condition to submit self

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Dapchi: Jonathan’s ex-aide, Omokri blasts Osinbajo over Leah Sharibu

09:59 Unknown 0

Latest-News Dapchi: Jonathan’s ex-aide, Omokri blasts Osinbajo over Leah Sharibu

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Buhari’s government should explain its relationship with insurgents – BBOG

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Latest-News Buhari’s government should explain its relationship with insurgents – BBOG

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Tinubu, Saraki’s humiliation will make Buhari’s re-election difficult – Shehu Sani

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Latest-News Tinubu, Saraki’s humiliation will make Buhari’s re-election difficult – Shehu Sani

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I’m not on the run! Jonah Jang tells ICPC

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A former Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, said he would appear before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission if properly invited for questioning because he was not on the run. 
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He also said contrary to reports published by some media organisations, he had not been invited by the commission and was “not declared wanted” as he had nothing to hide. 
 
Jang, who is representing Plateau North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, in a statement by his media consultant, Clinton Garuba, said he had instructed his lawyers to proceed to court to protest against what he described as a media trial. 
 
According to him, a man who recently honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission extended to him by word of mouth could not be said to be avoiding an invitation by ICPC. 
 
The statement said, “The attention of the senator representing Plateau North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Jonah Jang, has been drawn to publications in some national dailies indicating that the ICPC has declared him wanted for allegedly refusing to honour its invitations. 
 
“The development came to the senator as a rude shock, considering the fact that there has never been a time the commission invited him. All those who know the distinguished senator would attest to his willingness at all times to give an account of his time in office as the Governor of Plateau State between 2007 and 2015.”</div>

Latest-News I’m not on the run! Jonah Jang tells ICPC

A former Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, said he would appear before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission if properly invited for questioning because he was not on the run. He also said contrary to reports p…

‘I’m entitled to estacode’, says Shittu as he refers ‘satanic’ ex-aide to Proverbs 26 vs 5

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Latest-News ‘I’m entitled to estacode’, says Shittu as he refers ‘satanic’ ex-aide to Proverbs 26 vs 5

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I never left Psquare… I waited two months before moving on, says Paul Okoye

09:44 Unknown 0

Latest-News I never left Psquare… I waited two months before moving on, says Paul Okoye

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‘We prioritise human capital development’ — FG reacts to Bill Gates’ comments

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Latest-News ‘We prioritise human capital development’ — FG reacts to Bill Gates’ comments

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PDP threatens legal action against Kano Government

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The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano state has threatened to take legal action against the state government for allegedly using the police to stop its planned rally in Gaya on Saturday, March 24. 
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The state party chairman, Alhaji Mas’ud El-Jibril Doguwa made the stand of the party known while addressing newsmen in Kano on Friday. 
 
He said during the rally, the party planned to receive the gubernatorial candidate of Democratic People Movement (PDM), Engr Bashir Ishaq and his supporters into the PDP. 
 
He said as a matter of official courtesy and to ensure adequate security coverage, the party wrote to inform all relevant security agencies including the Nigeria Police and the DSS weeks ago. 
 
He explained that all the security agencies assured the party of their cooperation which gave them the courage to go ahead with their preparations. 
 
“The police only yesterday (Thursday) communicated to us another decision advising that we shelve our planned rally over what they maliciously called “security challenges”. 
 
He alleged that it was the state government that planned and decided to give the party what he described as ‘Kwankwassiyya treatment’. 
 
He said the 1999 constitution as amended in sections 40 and 41 (1) and (2) A has guaranteed every Nigerian freedom of assembly and association with other persons including belonging to any political party. 
 
He said the constitution did not require the party to ask for permission pointing out that the party had done the needful. 
 
“It is only fair if a registered political party is allowed to exercise its constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights to assemble in Gaya tomorrow, “he said. </div>

Latest-News PDP threatens legal action against Kano Government

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano state has threatened to take legal action against the state government for allegedly using the police to stop its planned rally in Gaya on Saturday, March 24. The state party chairman, Alhaji Mas’ud El-Jib…

Jonathan, South-South governors, others to grace Yenagoa restructuring rally

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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), under the dynamic leadership of Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark will on Saturday, March 24, hold what it calls a mega rally in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State to demand the restructuring of the Nigerian federation. 
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The rally which is billed to kick off by 9:00 am, will hold at the Grand Pavilion & Boat Club,Ox-bow Lake, Swali, Yenagoa. 
 
Themed “Restructuring The Nigerian Federation,” PANDEF insists that  the 2019 general election is a referendum on Restructuring Nigeria and calls on the Federal Government to restructure the federation before the 2019 polls. 
 
A press statement signed by  Chief TKO Okorotie, Chairman of Media/Publicity of the mega rally, named  the former DG NSO, Chief A.K. Horsfall as Chairman of the occasion, while the 
 
Royal Father of the Day is His Eminence, King Edmund Daukoru, the Amayanabo of Nembe.   Chief Okorotie also said the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Good luck Ebele Jonathan, the six South South Governors and all former Governors of the South-South, serving and former ministers, chairmen, CEOs and members of boards and parastatals are special guests of honour. 
 
Other special guests of honour are all the current and former National Assembly members, all current and former Speakers and members of Houses of Assembly of the South-South. 
 
The statement  also enjoins Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Arewa Consultative Assembly, Middle Belt Forum, the clergy, traditional rulers,  leaders and elders from across the nation, youth, women groups and the general public to attend the South-South Mega Rally.  He said that the governors of South South extraction, former president Jonathan, PANDEF leader, Chief Edwin Clark, some eminent Nigerians and leaders of ethnic nationalities, civil society groups are expected to deliver speeches at the rally. 
 
The statement reads in parts: “Fellow Nigerians; let’s restructure now, tomorrow may be too late. A Restructured Nigeria will guarantee a free, fair, egalitarian, united, peaceful and prosperous nation where everybody, irrespective of region, religion, creed and status will be happy to call his/her country! 
 
“We intend to use the rally to rally support for restructuring of Nigeria. The 2019 general election is a referendum on Restructuring.  We the people of Niger Delta/ South South want the Nigerian federation to be restructured to enthrone true federalism before the 2019 general election and it is doable, all that is required is a political will on the part of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria…”</div>

Latest-News Jonathan, South-South governors, others to grace Yenagoa restructuring rally

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), under the dynamic leadership of Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark will on Saturday, March 24, hold what it calls a mega rally in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State to demand the restructuring of the Nigerian fed…

Dino Melaye’s recall to begin 27 March

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The timetable for the recall of Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West constituency, was released yesterday by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. 
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The secretary of the commission, Augusta Ogakwu, who disclosed the information to newsmen, said that the process will begin on the 27th of March 2018. 
 
Recall that Dino had told his supporters not to worry that he will take the case to the apex court.</div>

Latest-News Dino Melaye’s recall to begin 27 March

The timetable for the recall of Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West constituency, was released yesterday by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The secretary of the commission, Augusta Ogakwu, who disclosed the information to ne…

2019: I want to give back to Nigeria — Lamido

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A former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido has said that his presidential ambition is not a product of desperation, noting that he wants to give back to a nation that gave him many opportunities in life. Lamido, who is one of the presidential aspirants in Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said the current bloodshed, pains, and anger in the country should be seen as reasons to be decisive on who is elected President in 2019. 
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In a chat yesterday in Lagos, he said the country is reaping the fruits of the evil it created, adding that the current state of the nation cannot guarantee progress. 
 
His words: “Nigeria has been there for me. I have been a governor, minister, and party leader among others. This country made it possible. I also fought for the enthronement of democracy and got imprisoned with Abubakar Rimi by the regime of late General Sani Abacha in 1998. My aspiration is not desperation. I want to give back to Nigeria. 
 
“There is hatred, bloodshed, corruption in government and private sectors. I am very concerned because we can’t continue like this. For how long shall we continue like this? We are in this situation because we have lost our values as a people. “As the father of the nation, a President is supposed to correct his children and not to curse them. But Buhari called Nigerians thieves. By so doing, he cursed his children. 
 
There are so many thieves in government, public and private sectors.  Nigerians should be concerned about the state of the nation by voting for the right person in 2019. We can only reduce our current pains through collective efforts. I feel terribly pained about the things happening in the country. After reviewing everything happening in the country, I concluded that we are reaping the result of the evil we created.”</div>

Latest-News 2019: I want to give back to Nigeria — Lamido

A former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido has said that his presidential ambition is not a product of desperation, noting that he wants to give back to a nation that gave him many opportunities in life. Lamido, who is one of the presiden…

Fulani herdsmen kill three in fresh attack in Plateau

09:39 Unknown 0

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At least three persons, including two brothers of the same parents, have been confirmed dead following a fresh attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Dong District in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. 
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Sources in the community gave the identities of the victims as including Bere Dor (25) and Gaire Dor (35) of the same parents and from Miango District in Bassa Local Government Area. The third victim was simply identified as Jephter from Dong District. 
 
The attack was said to have taken place around 8:00 pm on Thursday night, some metres from the checkpoint of the Special Military Taskforce codenamed, ‘Operation Safe Haven’, during an ambush laid by the assailants for the vigilantes guiding the community. 
 
The burial of the corpses on Friday were however delayed for some hours because of a heavy rain. 
 
The killing came less than one week after a reconciliation committee, set up by the Chairperson of Jos North Local Government Area, Sarah Bali, between indigenes and Fulani people was held. 
 
Joseph Ari Izang, The Personal Assistant to Chief Kaze Inyam, Ada Gwom (District Head) of Dong District, gave the details of the incident in a chat with newsmen. 
 
He said, “The Fulani people came around 8:00 pm on Thursday night and we heard their gunshots. Our youths were on the mountains, waiting for them. But unfortunately, they were attacked by the Fulani boys, who had laid an ambush for them. 
 
“It seemed like they climbed some rocky areas from where they launched the attack. The two brothers killed were from Miango (Irigwe), while the third person was from Mangu in Dong District.” 
 
The Spokesperson for Miango Youths Development Association, Lawrence Zongo, told our correspondent that the two brothers were his kinsmen. 
 
He said, “Bere Dor and Gaire Dor are of the same mother and father. (We have had) enough of the ethnic cleansing by the Fulani herdsmen who are busy terrorising our people. Yet security operatives cannot go after them. The Fulani terrorists that killed my people are living in Rafi Bauna and using the place as their hideout.” 
 
When contacted, the Spokesperson for Plateau State Police Command, Matthias Tyopev, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, confirmed that three persons were killed. 
 
He said, “Yes, three persons were killed in Dong District and have been buried. That is the update for now. Any other development will be communicated to you.”</div>

Latest-News Fulani herdsmen kill three in fresh attack in Plateau

At least three persons, including two brothers of the same parents, have been confirmed dead following a fresh attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Dong District in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. Sources in the community gave th…

President Buhari offers repentant Boko Haram members amnesty

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Boko Haram members willing to surrender their arms will be granted amnesty, President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday. 
 
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The President made the offer while receiving 105 Dapchi secondary schoolgirls and two Dapchi Primary School pupils earlier abducted by the insurgent group at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 
 
The insurgents had invaded Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe State on February 19 and abducted 111 girls. 
 
Receiving the girls in Abuja two days after they were returned by the militant sect, Buhari said the Federal Government was ready to rehabilitate penitent members of the sect and reintegrate them into the society. 
 
 
 
He said: “While further efforts are being made to secure the release of every abducted citizen in Nigeria, Government is ever ready to accept the unconditional laying down of arms by any member of the Boko Haram group who shows strong commitment in that regard. 
 
“We are ready to rehabilitate and integrate such repentant members into the larger society. 
 
“This country has suffered enough of hostility. Government is, therefore, appealing to all to embrace peace for the overall development of our people and the country.” 
 
Making a formal announcement of the return of the abducted girls, the President said: “I am delighted to formally announce to Nigerians and our International friends and partners this morning that 107 Dapchi students previously abducted have been unconditionally released by their abductors. 
 
“This cheering and hearty development signifies our commitment to the security and wellbeing of all Nigerians. 
 
“We are never in doubt about our focus and direction since the assumption of this Administration. Security, anti-corruption and revamping of our economy are the main focus of our government. 
 
 
 
“You will recall that on the 14th of this month, I paid a visit to Yobe State during which I sympathised with the parents, families, government and people of the state for the tragic abduction of the students in Dapchi. 
 
“I made a solemn pledge on my word of honour that this administration would do everything possible to ensure the unconditional release of the girls. 
 
“I further tasked all the appropriate security agencies to safely bring back the girls. 
 
“We also reached out to our contacts at home and abroad. We embarked on backchannel shuttles with a clear view to bring this tragedy to an end. 
 
“We entered into negotiations solely to make sure that no single girl was hurt. This strategy paid off as the girls have been released without any incidents.” 
 
Turning his attention to the rescued girls, the President assured them of their security and freedom to pursue their dreams as Nigerian citizens. 
 
He said: “To the rescued students, we want to reassure you as our daughters that you will freely live and pursue your dreams in Nigeria of peace and order without fear of violence or molestation. 
 
“While parents of the Dapchi girls rejoice because of their reunion with their children, I want to appeal to the Chibok community never to lose hope or to despair. 
 
“We are determined as never before, to bring back our remaining Chibok daughters. This we must accomplish, and that will be soon by God’s grace.” 
 
The President also warned politicians who play politics with security issues to desist from it, saying that government would no longer tolerate it. 
 
He said: “May I also warn against those elements who have chosen to make political fortune of our citizens’ misfortune. 
 
“Government would not tolerate any attempt by any person or group to trivialise or politicise security issues for politically motivated ends. 
 
“Accordingly, security agencies would not hesitate to decisively deal with such unscrupulous characters.” 
 
The President also warned security agencies against any laxity that could result in any form of abduction, saying that those involved in such laxity will be viewed seriously. 
 
The President said: “Let me re-emphasise our administration’s commitment to the fight against terrorism and insurgency, and also call on all Nigerians to join in this task. 
 
“The security services have since been directed to put in place further measures around all schools vulnerable to attacks to ensure the safety of our pupils/students and teachers and school workers. 
 
“I have tasked all the security agencies to work to ensure that we do not witness any reoccurrence of these incidents. Security Chiefs have been warned in clear terms that any lapse on their parts will be viewed seriously.” he said 
 
He thanked all Nigerians, who prayed and showed solidarity with families of the abducted students during the period of the abduction in spite of their political differences. 
 
“This, undoubtedly, is the Nigerian spirit. We can and should sustain it beyond moments of sorrow. 
 
“I remain thankful to the International Community and our friends who offered varying degrees of assistance during the backchannel communications. 
 
“May I on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria extend our appreciation to the security agencies for their loyal and tireless efforts in making this day a reality.” 
 
One of the pupils, Fatima Bashir, who spoke on behalf of the students, thanked God for saving their lives. 
 
The 14-year-old JSS 3 pupil concluded her speech by saying “God bless you sir.”

Latest-News President Buhari offers repentant Boko Haram members amnesty

Boko Haram members willing to surrender their arms will be granted amnesty, President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday. The President made the offer while receiving 105 Dapchi secondary schoolgirls and two Dapchi Primary School pupils earlier abducte…

Pastor Adeboye prays for Christian schoolgirl who refused to swap faith for Islam, still held captive by Boko Haram

00:25 Unknown 0

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The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has prayed that God might ensure the safe return of the lone Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, remaining in the captivity of Boko Haram. 
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The terror sect refused to release Leah, a Christian, with other abductees on Wednesday because she would not renounce Jesus Christ and her religion. 
 
Adeboye, in a tweet on his official handle, prayed that the Lord should ”visit the camp of the captors and “in a way that You alone can, see to the safe release and return of the missing girl, Leah Sharibu, in Jesus name.” 
 
In another tweet, he said: “Isaiah 49:25: But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” 
 
On his part, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo, Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to facilitate Leah’s release. 
 
”The biggest litmus test for President Buhari and the APC government in this Dapchi girls saga is the case of Leah Sharibu, the only kidnapped Dapchi girl yet to be released by Boko Haram,” Badejo told reporters. 
 
”Leah, on the evidence of her colleagues, was not freed because she refused to renounce her Christian faith. 
 
“Anyone who thinks this is just a Christian problem will be making a big mistake,” he said. 
 
“No amount of accolades will suffice to congratulate the girl and her parents who nurtured her to be that strong in her faith as to demonstrate such courage.”

Latest-News Pastor Adeboye prays for Christian schoolgirl who refused to swap faith for Islam, still held captive by Boko Haram

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has prayed that God might ensure the safe return of the lone Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, remaining in the captivity of Boko Haram. The terror sect refuse…

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Budget Delay: National Assembly not “rubber stamp’’ - Lawmaker

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The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business, Rep. Emmanuel Orker-Jev, says contrary to insinuations, National Assembly is not a “rubber stamp’’ or extension of the Executive. 
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He said that the legislature “does not take instructions or guidance from the Executive on any issue, including consideration of annual budget’’. 
 
Orker-Jev told  Newsmen in Abuja on Friday that the delay in the passage of the 2018 Appropriation Bill was because the national assembly insisted on proper scrutiny of the proposal. 
 
He said that Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) had refused to go before relevant committees of both chambers of the assembly to defend what they put in the budget. 
 
According to him, the national assembly is ready to ply its role but the fate of the 2018 Budget is in the hands of the MDAs. 
 
The lawmaker said that some MDAs had defended their proposals while others had not, adding that the executive was aware that it had not played its role to facilitate approval of the budget. 
 
“Only last week, it was reported that the President directed the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) to direct all the MDAs which had failed to defend their budgets to come and do so. 
 
“A budget that has not been defended by some agencies cannot be passed like that; we are not rubber stamps,” he said. 
 
The lawmaker also said that the executive arm of government took its time to ensure that the budget was prepared before sending it the national assembly. 
 
“Don’t forget, the executive arm of government takes all the time they have to prepare the budget and bring it to the national assembly, and then the pressure comes on the assembly. 
 
“If people get to understand the work of the national assembly, they will be more appreciative. 
 
“A lot of effort is put into scrutinizing everything that is put forward. You see some items keep coming up in the budget every year,’’ he said. 
 
Orker-Jev added that if the budget was not defended, “the responsibility that the national assembly is allocated in section 4 of the 1999 Constitution will not be discharged. 
 
“The parliament passed the National Assembly Budget Research Office (NABRO) Bill. 
 
“The idea behind that law was that among other things, the legislators will interface with the executive so that by the time the budget comes to the National Assembly, there will be understanding on both sides of the bargain. 
 
“Therefore, no much time will be taken at arriving at a conclusion. 
 
“The presidency for some reasons returned that NABRO bill so we are back to square one, where we will have to wait for the executive to take all the time to prepare the budget and present it. 
 
“I think when the structure of this whole budget thing is put in a better shape we will begin to talk of passing it in time.” 
 
He said that the national assembly was aware of Nigerian’s expectations and therefore, urged the people to be patient as the budget would be passed soon. 
 
According to him, the national assembly is aware of the expectations of the public. I think that in due course, the budget will be passed. 
 
“But, the nation is not helpless; the law states that if the budget is not passed you can go for six months to spend based on the estimates of the last budget. 
 
”So, it is not as if the nation will grind to a halt if the budget is not passed. 
 
“It is only when the six months elapses and the budget is not in place that the nation will be in trouble because by then everything would have come to a halt. But that is not the case right now. 
 
“Ultimately, I think we will get to a situation where a budget will start from January and end in December, but we have not had that since the inception of Democracy. 
 
“We always have it over lapping into the next year. 
 
“Nothing is lost anyway, apart from the ideal situation of the budget running from January to December. 
 
“For instance, if the budget is passed in June, its implementation will run till another budget is put in place; so nothing is lost.”</div>

Latest-News Budget Delay: National Assembly not “rubber stamp’’ - Lawmaker

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business, Rep. Emmanuel Orker-Jev, says contrary to insinuations, National Assembly is not a “rubber stamp’’ or extension of the Executive. He said that the legislature “does not take ins…

`Pursue your dreams’, Buhari urges Dapchi girls

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday interacted with the recently rescued Dapchi schoolgirls and advised them to pursue their dreams without fear. 
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The President assured them of their safety and that efforts are on to also rescue the remaining Chibok girls and other Nigerians in captivity of the terrorists. 
 
The girls were released on Wednesday, after members of the outlawed Boko Haram group abducted them from the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, in Yobe State on February 19. 
 
President Buhari receives released Dapchi School Girls in State House 
“To the rescued students, we want to reassure you as our daughters that you will freely live and pursue your dreams in Nigeria of peace and order, without fear of violence or molestation. 
 
“While parents of the Dapchi girls rejoice because of the reunion with their children, I want to appeal to the Chibok Community never to lose hope or to despair. 
 
“We are determined as never before, to bring back our remaining Chibok daughters and this, we must accomplish and that will be soon, by God’s grace,” he added. 
 
The delighted President formally announced that 105 Dapchi schoolgirls and two others previously abducted by the insurgents were unconditionally released by their abductors. 
 
He noted that the development which he described as “cheering and hearty” signifies the commitment of his administration to the security and well-being of all Nigerians. 
 
President Buhari further recalled his visit to Yobe State last week during which he sympathised with the parents, families, and people of the state on the tragic abduction of the students in Dapchi. 
 
He added that he had made a solemn pledge “on my word of honour” that the Federal Government would do everything possible to ensure the unconditional release of the girls. 
 
“We are never in doubt about our focus and direction since the assumption of this administration – security, anti-corruption and revamping of our economy are the main focus of our government. 
 
“We reached out to our contacts at home and abroad, we embarked on backchannel shuttles with a clear view to bringing to an end this tragedy. 
 
“We entered into negotiations solely to make sure that no single girl was hurt. This strategy paid off as the girls have been released without any incidents,” the President added.</div>

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday interacted with the recently rescued Dapchi schoolgirls and advised them to pursue their dreams without fear. The President assured them of their safety and that efforts are on to also rescue the remaining Chibok…

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Dapchi abduction: Pray for Leah Sharibu safe release, Speaker urges Nigerians

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The Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, on Friday urged Nigerians to pray for the safe release of Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram. 
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Balarabe-Abdullahi (APC- Umaisha/Ugya) gave the advice in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Jibrin Gwamna in Keffi. 
 
Leah is the only abducted Dapchi schoolgirl yet to be set free by Boko Haram. 
 
The lawmaker commended President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring the release of some of the abducted Dapchi school girls. 
 
The speaker said that he received with joy the news of the release of the girls, but urged Nigerians to pray for the safe release of Leah and others still in Boko Haram captivity. 
 
He said that the release of the abducted Dapchi girls by Boko Haram testified to the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling security challenges in the country including the activities of Boko Haram. 
 
“The news of the release of the Dapchi girls brought a huge relief to many Nigerians; not only excitement, but hope that the remaining girl and other Nigerians will be released in due course. 
 
“I commend the Federal Government, the security operatives and all those who helped in one way or the other for a job well done. 
 
“It has demonstrated that the administration is committed to securing lives and property of its citizens,” the statement said. 
 
Balarabe-Abdullahi further urged Nigerians to support the present administration in its desire to deliver the “dividends of democracy” to the electorate. 
 
The speaker also advised the people of the state in particular and Nigerians in general, to continue to live in peace with one another irrespective of their ethnic, religious, and political differences. </div>

Latest-News Dapchi abduction: Pray for Leah Sharibu safe release, Speaker urges Nigerians

The Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, on Friday urged Nigerians to pray for the safe release of Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram. Balarabe-Abdullahi (APC- Umaisha/Ugya) gave the advice in a statement issued by h…

EU applauds Buhari on release of abducted Dapchi school girls

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The European Union on Friday commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the release of the abducted Dapchi school girls. 
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President Buhari receives released Dapchi School Girls in State House 
 
The EU in a statement by its Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ray, expressed relief over the release. 
 
The union therefore called for the liberation of other girls in the custody of the Boko Haram 
 
“”With great relief that we learnt about the release of the majority of the abducted Dapchi girls in Nigeria. 
 
“They can now return to their families and have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Yet not we cannot forget that not all were so fortunate. 
 
“We express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the girls that lost their lives. 
 
“’We renew our solidarity with all the girls still held captive and call for their liberation,” it stated. 
 
The EU called on the Federal Government to ensure that urgent measures are taken to avoid repeated abductions and violence. 
 
”All young people have a right to safe education and the EU will work with Nigeria in supporting efforts to secure this objective,” it stated. 
 
NAN reports that federal government said friendly countries and international organisations negotiated the release of the schoolgirls. 
 
The 105 girls were released on Wednesday, a month after they were abducted by Boko Haram in Dapchi, Yobe State.</div>

Latest-News EU applauds Buhari on release of abducted Dapchi school girls

The European Union on Friday commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the release of the abducted Dapchi school girls. President Buhari receives released Dapchi School Girls in State House The EU in a statement by its Spokesperson for Foreign Affair…

Dapchi Girls: NUT urges FG to provide adequate security in schools

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The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on the Federal Government to provide adequate security to boarding-schools, especially those in the North-East or run them as day schools. 
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Dr Mike Ike-Ene, Secretary-General of the union, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, while reacting to the recent release of some abducted Dapchi girls. 
 
According to him, it is necessary for the government to put the right security measures in place and not to wait until something happens; the life of any Nigerian child is not worth losing carelessly. 
 
He said that the incidence was a lesson to everyone, urging the government to strengthen the security apparatus of the country to prevent future occurrence. 
 
“I am saying that government should look at our security apparatus; if they cannot ensure 24 hours service of security in our schools in the North-east let them stop boarding schools. 
 
“Children can come to school from their homes and the moment the students are in the school premises security should be provided until the school closes. 
 
“The security agencies should also be placed in all the entrance by which people can use to enter the host communities or escape. 
 
“There must be a proper structure provided for a particular security agency at the security posts. 
 
“Also, having a particular security agency to be in charge of a particular security post in various schools will help to detect when things are going wrong. 
 
“The effort will help to reduce the number of victims if there is emergency situation,’’ he said. 
 
Ike-Ene noted that in the North-east there was always gap for the girl-child education, saying that this incidence of abduction in schools could put more fear and terror in their lives. 
 
His said: “even the parents too may now be unwilling to allow their children, especially the female to go to school due to the fear of the unknown.’’ 
 
Ike-Ene, however, commended the Federal Government for being proactive in securing the release of the abducted girls from Government Girls Science Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State. 
 
He also appealed to the government to use same approach to ensure the release of the remaining girls as well as the other chibok girls. 
 
“We are still anxious to see the remaining girls, because they are our students; we still want them back. We want to praise this government and we are asking them to do more.’’ 
 
On February 19, some school girls were abducted by insurgent groups in Government Girls Science Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State.</div>

Latest-News Dapchi Girls: NUT urges FG to provide adequate security in schools

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on the Federal Government to provide adequate security to boarding-schools, especially those in the North-East or run them as day schools. Dr Mike Ike-Ene, Secretary-General of the union, made the call …

Buhari mourns Stella Obasanjo’s dad

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday extended condolences to the Abebe family as well as the government and people of Edo State on the death of Dr. Christopher Abebe, who died at 99. 
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The deceased was the father of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s late wife, Stella. 
 
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President also commiserated with the in-laws, friends, the organised private sector and the Iruekpen community in Edo State over the passage of the man he described as “astute and dedicated community leader and business mogul.” 
 
The statement reads, “The President believes that as the Odionwere (community leader) of Iruekpen, the first indigenous Chairman and Managing Director of United Africa Company,Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of three Nigerian Universities (Benin, Nsukka and Calabar), Dr. Abebe was a shining light and worthy example of hardwork, positive influence and patriotism to his local community, the private sector and the nation. 
 
“The President urges family members, business associates and the Catholic Church in Nigeria where he served committedly as Papal Knight of St Gregory and Supreme Knight of St. Mulumba to honour Dr Abebe’s memory by upholding his lifelong dedication and passion to human development. 
 
“The President prays that Almighty God will grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.”</div>

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Dapchi: Buhari tells girls what he will do to security chiefs (Full text)

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BREAKING: Court makes final pronouncement on Justice Ngwuta’s corruption case

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Amaechi urges states to key into FG’s transport development policies

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The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has called on states to key into the programmes and policies of the Federal Government in developing the nation’s transportation sector. 
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Amaechi made the call at the ongoing meeting of Nigerian Transportation Commissioners Forum on Friday in Abuja. 
 
Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, 
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari, said that the Forum would offer the transport sector the much required inter-governmental partnership for formulating and executing pro-people policies, programmes and projects. 
 
He added that the ministry had developed and would continue to develop several projects and programmes that would require collaboration with the States in order to ensure effective implementation. 
 
Amaechi listed some of the programmes to include development of Road Transport Operators Manual, Road Crime Control System (RCCS), Introduction of Truck Transit Parks (TTPs) and Development of Urban Mass Transit Transportation. 
 
“There is also the introduction of Green Transportation and Amphibious vehicles. 
 
“I am hopeful that this will remain a platform for interaction, for generation, integration and harmonization of policies, programmes, and initiatives geared towards moving transportation forward. 
 
“I want to state that your goals can only be achieved if you sustain the forum as a team. 
 
“As you well know, the continuity of this platform would largely depend on the level of cooperation and sacrifice you are willing to make for its success,” he said. 
 
The minister said that the provision of a seamless transportation system for Nigerians was long overdue, adding that the forum would help to achieve consensus in key areas towards the development of the road transport subsector. 
 
He said that the road sector was a constitutional responsibility of states, adding that the forum was a veritable institution for peer-review as well as platform for sharing aspirations for the transport sector. 
 
“For us in the Ministry, it offers a good avenue for exchanging the mandate mission, vision, and focus of the Federal Government in the ongoing reforms in the rail, maritime, Aviation, Mass Transit and Road operations Administration sub-sector of Transportation,” he said. 
 
The Chairman Senate Committee on Land Transport, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, commended the State Commissioners for Transport for their initiative to form a formidable team to transform the nation’s transport sector. 
 
Ashafa, who was represented by Sen. Victor Umeh, Anambra Central, disclosed that the senate had recently passed the National Transport Commission Bill in line with the senate’s resolve to transform the sector. 
 
He assured that the senate would always be available to offer parliamentary support to the forum in terms of bills and proposals. 
 
Mr Orman Esin, Chairman of the forum and Commissioner for Transport and Petroleum Resources, Akwa Ibom State, said the forum was set up in response to the recommendations of the National Council on Transportation in 2017. 
 
Esim said the maiden meeting was meant to brainstorm on issues affecting the transport sector and formally set the forum on strong footing. 
 
He said the forum was also to ensure that there was uniformity in service delivery by state governments on the roads such as the issue of multiple charges and taxes even within a state.</div>

Latest-News Amaechi urges states to key into FG’s transport development policies

The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has called on states to key into the programmes and policies of the Federal Government in developing the nation’s transportation sector. Amaechi made the call at the ongoing meeting of Nigerian Tran…

'Why we entered into negotiations with Boko Haram for the release of the Dapchi school girls' - President Buhari

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Latest-News 'Why we entered into negotiations with Boko Haram for the release of the Dapchi school girls' - President Buhari

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VIDEO: Watch Moment Freed Dapchi Schoolgirls Arrive Presidential Vnilla

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Latest-News VIDEO: Watch Moment Freed Dapchi Schoolgirls Arrive Presidential Vnilla

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Dapchi girls: If you politicize abductions, you will face serious action, Buhari warns politicians

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President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja warned politicians against politicizing abduction of Dapchi school girls in the country, saying security agencies will deal severely with people making political capital out of it. 
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President Buhari who gave the warning while receiving 105 school girls and two primary school pupils from Dapchi, Yobe State, at the presidential villa, also threatened that any security chief that allowed lapses in his job would be dealt with. 
 
Besides, he promised to give unconditional amnesty to any Boko Haram insurgents that lays down arms and embrace peace. 
 
the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajia Khadijat Abba Ibrahim in a warm embrace with one of the lucky girls during a Presidential reception for the Dapchi girls at the State House, Press Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 
 
The president affirmed that Boko Haram insurgents released the Dapchi school girls last Wednesday unconditionally after painstaking back channel negotiations. 
He said government opted for negotiations because it did not want any of the captives to be hurt 
 
Speaking at the occasion, the Director General of State Security Services, DSS, Lawan Daura, told President Buhari that four of the released Dapchi girls sustained broken limbs. 
 
While formally handing over the girls to the President, the DSS boss said all the released pupils have skin infections that were being treated. 
 
He also alleged that the utterances of some government agents who are not officially permitted to speak for government almost marred have negotiation process.</div>

Latest-News Dapchi girls: If you politicize abductions, you will face serious action, Buhari warns politicians

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja warned politicians against politicizing abduction of Dapchi school girls in the country, saying security agencies will deal severely with people making political capital out of it. President Buhari who gave…

FIFA women’s rankings: Nigeria drops to 38th position, U.S retains top spot

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Germany dropped out of the top two in the FIFA women’s rankings for the first time since 2009 after a poor run of results while the United State retained top spot. 
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The United States’ team were unbeaten as they won this month’s sheBelieves Cup on home soil, while Germany failed to register a single victory at the annual invitational tournament. 
 
England’s second place in the tournament under new manager Phil Neville secured them at the second spot in the rankings for the first time. 
 
France rose to fifth after finishing third in sheBelieves Cup. 
 
The Netherlands remain at Number seven while Sweden rose to ninth after being named joint winners of the Algarve Cup. 
 
Canada, who finished fifth at the event, climbed to fourth in the rankings. 
 
Japan, who won the World Cup in 2011 and finished runners-up in 2015, has dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since 2007. 
 
They lost two of their four matches this year. 
 
Cyprus Cup champions Spain rose to 12th, their best yet. 
 
Nigeria dropped one step to 38 in the rankings, after amassing 1608 points, five less than 1613 it gathered a month earlier. 
 
But Nigeria is still Africa’s number one on the CAF rankings, with Ghana and Cameroon maintain their second and third places respectively. 
 
Top 10 FIFA women’s rankings (previous positions in brackets): 
 
U.S. (1) 
England (3) 
Germany (2) 
Canada (5) 
France (6) 
Australia (4) 
Netherlands (7) 
Brazil (8) 
Sweden (10) 
Korea DPR (11)(</div>

Latest-News FIFA women’s rankings: Nigeria drops to 38th position, U.S retains top spot

Germany dropped out of the top two in the FIFA women’s rankings for the first time since 2009 after a poor run of results while the United State retained top spot. The United States’ team were unbeaten as they won this month’s sheBelieves Cup on hom…

Dapchi/Chibok: What I’ll do to security chiefs if abduction happens again – Buhari

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Latest-News Dapchi/Chibok: What I’ll do to security chiefs if abduction happens again – Buhari

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Dapchi : Daddy freeze attacks Nigerian pastors over christian schoolgirl still held by Boko Haram

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Latest-News Dapchi : Daddy freeze attacks Nigerian pastors over christian schoolgirl still held by Boko Haram

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Defence spokesman: We can’t protect all schools in north-east

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We don’t need your ‘dirty’ lectures on opposition politics – PDP tells Lai Mohammed

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Latest-News We don’t need your ‘dirty’ lectures on opposition politics – PDP tells Lai Mohammed

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Herdsmen attacks: Ortom cries out over looming food crises in Benue

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Latest-News Herdsmen attacks: Ortom cries out over looming food crises in Benue

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Boko Haram steps up use of girls as bombers

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The United Nations (UN) has noted that Boko Haram fighters have stepped up the use of women and girls for suicide bombings. 
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Noting a progress in the war against the jihadist by the four countries of Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon, the UN said while children were deployed in 135 such attacks in 2017 – a five-fold increase over the previous year. 
 
Therefore, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed, said it was critical to shore up areas of Lake Chad Basin that have been freed from the grip of Boko Haram terrorists. 
 
Mohammed, in a video address to the Security Council, also called for efforts to rebuild the lives of women and girls that had suffered at the hands of the terrorist group. 
 
She said recent joint efforts of Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger had resulted in “considerable progress” in the fight against the extremists. 
 
Mohammed, speaking via videoconference from Liberia where she participated in celebrations to mark the end of the UN peacekeeping mission noted the liberation of hostages as well as territorial gains. 
 
“It is now key to stabilise the areas that have been reclaimed, and that we seize the opportunity to really promote sustainable development,” she said. 
 
Mohamed was joined by Mohammed Bila, a representative of the Lake Chad Basin Commission based in N’Djamena, and Senior Conflict Adviser at Adelphi, Chitra Nagarajan. 
 
They painted a picture of the factors behind people’s suffering in the Lake Chad Basin and driving some to terrorism one year after the Council adopted its first resolution on the activities of Boko Haram in the region. 
 
Boko Haram, an Islamist militant organisation based in north-east Nigeria, has carried out raids, suicide bombings and kidnappings across the Lake Chad region over the past decade. 
 
Their operations have led to displacement, insecurity, destruction of infrastructure and what Mohammed described as a “complex and dire” humanitarian situation, with nearly 11 million people requiring assistance. 
 
The group gained international notoriety in 2014 after abducting more than 270 girls from a Government school in Chibok, Nigeria. 
 
It is believed to be behind the kidnapping last month of 110 schoolgirls from the Nigerian town of Dapchi, most of whom were safely returned this week. 
 
Overall, Boko Haram has abducted more than 4,000 women and girls, according to the UN deputy chief, who added that those who return to their communities are often stigmatised. 
 
As the violation of human rights continues to fuel insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin region, Mohammed said investing in community justice mechanisms would be essential for reconciliation, as well as for ensuring accountability and promoting peace. 
 
She stressed the need to incorporate human rights and gender dimensions into activities aimed at countering terrorism or preventing violent extremism. 
 
She said the increase in Boko Haram’s use of women and girls as suicide bombers could be due to a lack of women security officers who could search other women at checkpoints. 
 
The UN deputy scribe also called for more international action to support children affected by the upheaval in the region. 
 
Also briefing, Nagarajan, who is based in northeast Nigeria, also used her briefing to touch on the gender-related aspects of the crisis and its impact on persons with disabilities. 
 
She spoke of how women and girls were pushed into early marriage with combatants, for example, or they fall victim to sexual abuse and exploitation, including at the hands of people who were supposed to protect them. 
 
“Men and older boys are often the first to flee insecure areas,” she said, speaking via videoconference from Maiduguri adding, women and girls were deliberately targeted, killed and forcibly recruited by armed groups. 
 
“They’re viewed with suspicion, arrested, and detained by security agencies, and they are involved in fighting, leaving women of all ages, as well as girls, younger boys and older men struggling to cope.” 
 
Mohammed Bila, a Remote Sensing Expert with the Lake Chad Basin Commission, spoke of how climate change had had an impact on water governance. 
 
Bila said the shrinking of Lake Chad had affected communities which depended on its shoreline to grow crops, leading to increased competition for water, accusations of river diversion, loss of livelihoods and social tensions. 
 
He told the Council that the environmental monitoring network there was “inadequate, sparse, poorly funded and operated,” with only one water level measurement station for the entire lake. 
 
“The environmental challenges facing the Lake Chad basin are interconnected to the challenges of climate change faced by the region of the Sahel of Africa. 
 
“The Sahel is increasingly facing extreme variability of climate resulting in frequent droughts, short-duration high-intensity rainfall, desertification, water scarcity, land degradation, and ultimately food insecurity. 
 
“Consequently, addressing the climatic root causes of local challenges through risk assessment and management will require a similar solution at the Sahel regional level,” he said.</div>

Latest-News Boko Haram steps up use of girls as bombers

The United Nations (UN) has noted that Boko Haram fighters have stepped up the use of women and girls for suicide bombings. Noting a progress in the war against the jihadist by the four countries of Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon, the UN said whi…

Release report of Presidential panel on Dapchi school girls, CAN tells FG

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 The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the federal government to, as a matter of national importance, release the report of the Presidential panel set up to investigate the abduction and release of over 100 school girls in Dapchi, Yobe state. 
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It also demanded release of the names of the five girls that reportedly died in captivity, adding that “compensation be paid to the bereaved parents.” 
 
CAN, in a statement on Friday by Pastor Bayo Oladeji, the Media Adviser to the CAN President, also condemned the political statements and intrigues that have trailed the return of the school girls. 
 
The statement reads in part: “CAN rejoices with the families of 104 Dapchi schoolgirls who regained their freedom from the captivity of the Boko Haram terrorists after the intervention of the Federal Government. 
 
“The Association, is however, deeply worried, surprised and disappointed that not all the girls were rescue and indeed, that one of them was left behind simply because of her Christian faith . 
 
“CAN condemns in strong terms the politicization of the abduction and release of the innocent Dapchi schoolgirls, appealing to politicians to live up to the expectation in the discharge of their official assignments. 
 
“The Federal Government should set up a high power judicial panel to investigate the abduction of the school girls with a view to unmasking those behind the abduction and make them face the full wrath of the law; 
 
“The report of the panel purportedly set up by the Presidency to investigate the abduction should be released immediately to the public; 
 
“The National Assembly should conduct a Public Hearing on the Dapchi abduction saga to expose any cover up. 
 
“The Federal Government should name the five students said to have died while in captivity with compensation paid to the bereaved parents. 
 
“We also demand the immediate release of the remaining Chibok girls the Boko Haram captivity and reunion with their families. 
 
“We once again demand a total re-organisation of the security agencies aligned with professionalism that will make them respond rapidly to security challenges in any part of the country. We desire a proactive security system.”</div>

Latest-News Release report of Presidential panel on Dapchi school girls, CAN tells FG

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the federal government to, as a matter of national importance, release the report of the Presidential panel set up to investigate the abduction and release of over 100 school girls in Dapchi,…

Pastor Adeboye prays for Leah Sharibu

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The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye Friday took to the social media to respond to the news of a 15-year old heroine of faith, Leah Sharibu—-one of the Dapchi 110 who were taken captives on February 19, 2018 from their dormitories at the Girls Science Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State by Boko Haram—-who’s still in captivity because she refused to renounce her Christian faith. 
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Pastor Adeboye who has expressed Holy anger when the girls were abducted in February praying God to release them from their captors, prayed again yesterday for her peaceful rescue. “Lord, we ask that You visit the camp of the captors and in a way that You alone can, see to the safe release and return of the missing girl, Leah Sharibu in Jesus name. 
 
“Isaiah 49:25 says: ’But this saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children,’” he pleaded with God, promising to continue to lift her up in prayer until she’s released. 
 
On two occasions the highly revered man of God led a huge number of worshippers to declare war on all those who are shedding blood in Nigeria and especially those kidnapping young school girls for ransom. 
 
Pastor Adeboye and Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and thousands others across the globe interceded for the kidnapped 110 girls who were abducted from their Government Girls Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe state by Boko Haram militants. 
 
Pastor Adeboye decreed: “Every kidnapper in this country by whatever name they are called, please set them on fire right now in the name of Jesus.” 
 
The second round was led by his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye. Both times, the prayers were followed by loud cries from the crowd as people prayed that the girls would be found soon. 
 
These prayers were held at the Special Holy Ghost Service, themed: “Stronger than your enemies 3.”</div>

Latest-News Pastor Adeboye prays for Leah Sharibu

The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye Friday took to the social media to respond to the news of a 15-year old heroine of faith, Leah Sharibu—-one of the Dapchi 110 who were taken captives on…

DSS did not brief us on abducted port worker – Presidency

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The Presidency on Thursday said the Department of State Services had yet to brief it on a port worker, Moruf Ajao, who was allegedly abducted by operatives of the agency in the Aguda, Surulere area of Lagos State. 
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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, told newsmen that he could not comment on the incident because he did not know the victim’s whereabouts. 
 
However, a senior official in the DSS told our correspondent that the only chance of the family was to file for the enforcement of the victim’s fundamental human rights. 
 
He noted that things were not being properly done in the agency. 
 
It had been reported that 35-year-old Moruf was asleep with his wife and three children when the operatives scaled the fence into their house around 1.30am on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. 
 
The gunmen reportedly took him away without disclosing his offence to him or his family members. 
 
His wife, Mariam, said the family got to know that he was being held at the Lagos office of the DSS after the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, radioed security agencies in the state. 
 
She noted that the leader of the Lagos DSS, one Mr. Wale, claimed that her husband had been transferred to Abuja, adding that checks at the Abuja offices of the DSS revealed the man was not truthful. 
 
A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, had said the actions of the security agency were against all known laws of a democratic society. 
 
Our correspondent had reported the views of some Nigerians who condemned the action of the agency, saying it had taken the country back to the military era of disrespect for the rule of law and the constitution. 
 
The Presidency had promised to react to the incident on Thursday after being briefed by the DSS. 
 
But Sheu said he could not tell where Moruf was being held. 
 
He said, “I don’t know where they are keeping him till now. And if I speak now, it will be for the President. So, how can I speak on a matter that the President does not know anything about or discussed with me?” 
 
A senior security official asked the family to hire a lawyer that could sue the DSS. 
 
“Will you take my advice? Let family hire a lawyer and go to court to enforce his fundamental human rights,” he said. 
 
On March 8, 2017, our correspondent reported that a cleric, Pastor Ejimozor Williams, became blind and suffered a stroke after he was allegedly tortured by DSS operatives in Lagos. 
 
Williams was held incommunicado and allegedly tortured for three weeks. 
 
Although the allegation of being an accomplice in a fake-dollar case was thrown out by a Yaba Magistrate’s Court, the 47-year-old did not get compensated for his injuries. 
 
On August 17, 2017, it was reported the case of another cleric, Chisom Anaele, who was whisked away in a Jeep around 2am after his siblings were allegedly robbed of phones and money by the operatives in Abia State. 
 
He was allegedly arrested for a comment on Facebook. 
 
In all the cases, the DSS, which does not have a spokesperson, neither issued a statement nor apologised to the victims.</div>

Latest-News DSS did not brief us on abducted port worker – Presidency

The Presidency on Thursday said the Department of State Services had yet to brief it on a port worker, Moruf Ajao, who was allegedly abducted by operatives of the agency in the Aguda, Surulere area of Lagos State. The Senior Special Assistant to the…

Fire razes Ojota market, destroys over 50 stalls

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Fire gutted a section of Binukonu Ultra Modern Market, Ojota in Lagos in the early hours of Friday, destroying goods and property worth millions of Naira. 
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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this was the third fire incident at the market in three years. Previous incidents occurred in 2015 and November 2017. 
 
Friday’s fire, which was believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, started at 1.30am and razed over fifty stalls in the market. 
 
At 4.10am when the NAN correspondent arrived at the scene, firefighters who came with two trucks from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency were seen putting out the fire, which was still raging. 
 
Panicky traders tried to salvage their goods in their shops from the approaching fire. 
 
Alhaja Rehanat Salami, the female Head of the market (Iya-Oloja) said that the fire was caused by an electrical fault. 
 
She said, “I didn’t look at the time when I received a phone call that the market was burning when I hurriedly started coming here. 
 
“When the fire occurred on the two previous occasions, we did everything the government instructed us to do. 
 
“When the fire occurred the first time, the government helped us to reconstruct the affected stalls for free. 
 
“I heard that this fire was caused by an electrical spark, I had warned everyone to always turn off their electricity connections when there is a power outage. 
 
“We make sure we put off all the lights when we close for the day at the market.” 
 
The secretary of the market, Mr. Gbenga Fayemi revealed previous efforts the management of the market had made to prevent a reoccurrence of a fire outbreak. 
 
“This fire that occurred just now is the third time that it is occurring,the first was three years ago and the last one occurred last year. 
 
“The traders had not fully recovered from the previous incidents when this one occurred despite all our efforts to prevent a reoccurrence. 
 
“When the first incident occurred Honourable Rotimi Agunsoye of the House of Representatives gave us some firefighting equipment. 
 
“When the second incident occurred, we tried using the equipment but it didn’t quench the fire. 
 
“I also installed the equipment in all these shops that got burnt because I was told that the equipment will burst and stop the fire when a fire begins but I was surprised that it did not work today,” he said. 
 
Fayemi said the fire services did not arrive at the scene till about 2.30am which was an hour after the first call was made to alert them about the blaze. 
 
“When they came, their water was not enough I had to tell them to send more water tankers here because the fire was much more than we expected. 
 
“Two fire trucks are here from LASEMA, the firefighters had to go to Ogba to get more water, I wonder why the water channels created by Lagos State Government don’t work,” he said. 
 
Mrs. Olabisi Salami, a trader who sells frozen meat and fish in the market tearfully lamented to NAN about her financial losses. 
 
She said “I was called at 2 a.m. that the market was on fire, when I got here I realised everywhere has been totally burnt. 
 
“I have no insurance. When the first incident occurred, the local government rebuilt the affected stalls. 
 
“I had just used a loan to purchase a lot of fresh frozen produce on Tuesday in preparation for the Easter holiday and now this happened on Friday. 
 
“I have lost five deep freezers and goods worth N1.6million to this fire, Nigerians should help me, I don’t know what to do, this is the second time this is happening to me,”Salami lamented. 
 
Another trader, Mrs Toyin Shodara, also talked about her losses in the fire incident. 
 
“I sell drinks and snacks, I got to know about the fire incident about 3 am this morning. I have a month old baby, so I could not come immediately I heard the news. It was my husband that came. 
 
“The fire wasn’t a lot on my own side of the market, I was able to salvage a few things, though it affected my freezer, plastic drinks and my crates of minerals. 
 
“I have no insurance, I don’t know how I will recover from this. Everything is in the hands of God,” she said. 
 
Other traders who were badly affected by the fire declined interviews with NAN because they were too distraught to speak. 
 
Mr. Kehinde Adebayo, the Public Relations Officer of LASEMA, in a phone interview told NAN that he could not comment on the alleged one-hour lateness of the fire services and insufficient water in the fire trucks. 
 
“I cannot comment on that, only the Managing Director can comment on that. What I can do is to issue an official press statement. All I can say before the statement is issued is that there was sufficient water for the fire trucks,” he said.</div>

Latest-News Fire razes Ojota market, destroys over 50 stalls

Fire gutted a section of Binukonu Ultra Modern Market, Ojota in Lagos in the early hours of Friday, destroying goods and property worth millions of Naira. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this was the third fire incident at the market in thre…

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