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Friday 30 January 2015

Obanikoro Gets Ministerial Nomination Again!


President Goodluck Jonathan has forwarded the names of seven new ministers to the Senate for confirmation.

The nominees include former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, a former National Treasurer of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, who recently defected to the PDP, Kenneth Kobani and a former Senator, Patrick Akwashiki.

Robert Mugabe Is AU's New Chairman


African leaders meeting in Addis Ababa have chosen the continent’s oldest head of state, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, as AU chairman for the coming year.

The ninety-year-old, Robert Mugabe, drew applause when he denounced colonialism.

He also spoke of the scourge of terrorism from Boko Haram and said there needed to be lasting solutions to the issue in Nigeria and Cameroon.

Mugabe is subject to travel bans imposed by the U.S and the E.U because of political violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe.

Lagos State Government Cancels Environmental Sanitation



The first Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise for this year will not hold expected in Lagos tomorrow.

Restriction of human and vehicular movement will not be be observed.


AU Backs Plan For West African Task Force To Tackle Boko Haram


The African Union has backed plans for a West African task force of seven thousand, five hundred troops to fight Boko Haram militants.

Chairperson of AU Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said the threat posed by the terrorist group required a collective, effective and decisive response.

Speaking after AU talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Dlamini-Zuma said the Multinational Joint Task Force would have an initial mandate of one year.

Benin Republic, Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic have agreed to contribute troops to the task force.

Wednesday 28 January 2015

Muna Obiekwe To Be Buried On 3RD February


Nollywood actor, Muna Obiekwe who died from kidney failure is to be buried in his home town of Umudioka in Anambra state on the third of February.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria released programme of activities to honour the actor in a statement issued in Lagos.


The programme is expected to commence with a candlelight procession to be held in Lagos on first of February.

We Have Distributed 42.7 Million PVCs - INEC



INEC says it has so far distributed forty two point seven million Permanent Voter Cards ahead of next month’s elections.

This represents sixty two percent of the PVCs.

The total number of registered voters is sixty eight point eight million.

INEC said it has also distributed one hundred and forty five thousand card readers.

PDP & Presidency Behind Call For Election Postponement - APC


The APC has accused the PDP and the Presidency of instigating the ongoing campaign for the postponement of next month elections, despite their serials denials.

The party said an advert today in a newspaper with the logo of the PDP and the President’s picture clearly confirms that they are behind the self-seeking calls.

The APC’s spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed in a statement urged Nigerians to reject them and their which is hinged on the non-collection of Permanent Voter Cards.

He said his party was ready for the elections and called on the Chief Justice of the Federation to ensure that the courts are not used to sabotage the elections and the nation’s democracy.

Afenifere's Faction Endorses President Goodluck For Second Term


A faction of Afenifere has endorsed the second term bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The group announced the endorsement when the President visited the home of the leader in Akure, Chief Rebuen Fasoranti.

Spokesman of the group, Yinka Odumakin said the decision was based on President Jonathan’s commitment to implement the recommendations of the National Conference.

Soludo Is A Fraud - Okonjo Iweala


The Federal Government says the five year tenure of Professor Charles Soludo as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria was a failure and a disaster to the banking sector.

The Minister of Finance, Doctor Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who gave the description in a statement said professor Soludo committed what she called intellectual fraud in his article which he criticised the economic policies of the current administration.

She said the language used by the former CBN governor in the article showed that he is an embittered loser in the Nigerian political space.

She accused professor Soludo of deliberately misquoting facts and turning statistics on their head to justify what the minister referred to as a hatchet job.

Wednesday 21 January 2015

Katsina College Releases Buhari’s ​WASC results

CREDIT:
Premium Times

NCC Is Becoming Partisan -APC



The All Progressives Congress has accused the Nigeria Communications Commission of preventing the party from using new platforms of SMS, ringtones and scratch card to raise funds for its electioneering campaign.

National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Lai Mohammed told news men in Lagos that the NCC warning to service providers to avoid advertisement was aimed at frustrating the party’s campaign.

He said the party frowned at the content of the NCC letter to service providers and the timing of the directive.

Hand Yourself Over To The Police- PDP Tells Buhari


The Peoples Democratic Party Campaign Council, has called on the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Muhammadu Buhari to hand himself over to the nearest Police Station in the Country for interrogation and prosecution over his certificate controversy.

Spokesman for the group, Femi Fani Kayode, at a media parley in Abuja, accused the retired general of lying on oath when he claimed his credentials were in the custody of the Nigerian Army.

The implication of the action, the PDP said, was nothing but perjury and a grave criminal offence under the constitution.  


The party also urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to consider the possibility of stripping General Buhari of his rank and privileges given the fact that he was never qualified to join the Nigerian Army as a commissioned officer in the first place.

Buhari & APC Responsible For Attack On President Jonathan's Convoy


The ruling party has blamed the opposition All Progressives Congress APC, and its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, for the attack, which took place during the President’s campaign rally in Katsina.

The PDP also condemned Tuesday’s attack on President Goodluck Jonathan’s convoy by suspected thugs in Katsina.


The party’s National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh in a statement said the attack was a clear indication that the APC was not ready to repent on its desire to attain power through violence despite signing a peace pact a week ago in Abuja.

ICC Prosecutor Vows To Prosecute Politicians Responsible For Crimes Against Humanity In Nigeria.


The prosecutor of The International Criminal Court Fatou Bensouda has condemned the escalation of violence in the North-East of Nigeria.

She vowed to prosecute members of any party responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Bensouda in a statement from the court’s headquarters in The Hague said her office was continuing a preliminary examination into allegations that Boko Haram terrorist were killing large numbers of civilians, using girls and boys to participate in the conflict and forcing massive numbers of people from their homes.

Press Statement By General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, On The School Certificate Issue


Good Morning, Gentlemen of the Press.

I only consented to address you this morning because of the genuine concern expressed by many supporters and other well-meaning Nigerians that the issue be addressed. Otherwise, I would have dismissed it for what it is - sheer mischief and would not have considered it an issue worth the nation’s while.

I had assumed all along that all my records were in the custody of the Military Secretary of the Nigerian Army. Much to my surprise, we are now told that although a record of the result is available, there are no copies of the certificates in my personal file. This is why I formally requested my old school the Provincial Secondary School, Katsina [which is now known as Government College, Katsina] to make available the school’s copy of the result of the Cambridge/West African School Certificate. This will be made available to the press the moment this is available.


However, before we obtain that, let me say for the record that I attended Provincial Secondary School, Katsina. I graduated in 1961 with many prominent Nigerians, including General Shehu Yar’Adua, former chief of staff at the Supreme Headquarters, and Justice Umaru Abdullahi, a former President of the Court of Appeal. We sat for the University of Cambridge/WASC Examination together in 1961, the year we graduated. My examination number was 8280002, and I passed the examination in the Second Division.

And although the ruling party may want to wish this away, the issue in this campaign cannot be my certificate which I obtained 53 years ago. The issues are the scandalous level of unemployment of millions of our young people, the state of insecurity, the pervasive official corruption which has impoverished our people and the lack of concern of the government for anything other than the retention of power at all costs.

Thank you very much.

General Muhammadu Buhari


Monday 19 January 2015

TUC & Fred Agbaje Reacts To Fuel Price Reduction


The Trade Union Congress has commended the Federal Government for reducing the price of petrol to eighty seven naira per litre.

TUC however noted that the reduction was not commensurate with the fall in the price of crude oil at the international market.


According to the Labour Centre, the ten naira reduction cannot lead to a fall in the cost of goods and services.

Meanwhile, a  constitutional lawyer, Fred Agbaje says the Federal Government should have reduced the price of petrol to at least sixty naira per litre to reflect the more than fifty percent fall in the price of crude oil.

Fred Agbaje said some Nigerians have made up their minds to vote for change even if the Federal Government decides to give them petrol free of charge.

IBB Declares Support For Buhari


Former military President General Ibrahim Babangida has declared support for the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.

He said retired generals are in full support of the aspiration of the former Head of State.

General Babangida spoke when leaders visited him in Minna.

Breaking News: Niger Deputy Gov Defects to APC

The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto has defected to the APC.

More than two hundred other political office holders in the state defected along with the Deputy Governor to the opposition APC.

Alhaji Ibeto said they were leaving the PDP in protest against the manipulation of the party governorship primary.

He urged his supporters to be law abiding.

Suspected Fraudster Arrested For $100,000 Love Scam


A suspected internet fraudster, Emeofa Michael Ikechukwu has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly obtaining the sum of One hundred thousand United States Dollars from a Dane,  Hengameh Misepasi in a romance scam.

Ikechukwu who also go by the alias, Michael Briggs , was picked up in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by the Commission’s operatives following a petition from the Nigerian Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.

The suspect allegedly met the victim online in February 2013 and falsely represented himself as  an American business executive on business visit to Nigeria.

 In the course of the internet affair, Ikechukwu promised his victim marriage and later began to make monetary demands on her, using various excuses. 

Once, he told her that he had problems with government officials and requested for a loan. He later cajoled her into partnering with him on a phantom timber business.

The last request he made before he was arrested was a demand for $10,000 to enable him travel to Denmark to meet her. 

It was while he was attempting to draw the $100 sent by the victim( instead of the $10,000 requested)  through Western Union that he was arrested.

The suspect would be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed.

FG Reduces Fuel Pump Prize Few Weeks To The General Elections


The Federal Government has reduced the price of petrol from ninety-seven naira per litre to eighty-seven naira per litre.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke who announced the reduction in Abuja said it was as a result of the recent fall in the global price of crude oil.

She directed the Petroleum Product Price Regulatory Agency to immediately implement the new price.

Muna Obiekwe Is Dead !


Popular Nollywood actor, Muna Obiekwe is dead.

He died yesterday evening after a long drawn battle with a kidney-related illness.

President of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberesima confirmed the sad news after speaking with the actor’s wife.

Muna Obiekwe was known for his major roles in Nollywood movies, including the hit movie “Not Man Enough”

Wealth Amassed By 1% Of World Richest Will Surpass That Of The Rest Of The World


A study by charity group Oxfam has revealed that wealth amassed by the richest one percent will overtake the amount owned by the rest of the people in the world.

The richest one will see their share of global wealth increase to more than fifty percent in twenty sixteen at the current of growth.

Oxfam’s report warns that the explosion in inequality is holding back the fight against global poverty.

Thursday 15 January 2015

IG Orders Commissioners To Beef-Up Security Around Police Armouries


The Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba has ordered the state Commissioners and Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police to secure arms and ammunition in the force Armouries across the country

 A Statement issued by the Force Headquarters said the security alert became imperative to ward off possible attempt by men of the underworld to attack Police stations and other installations.

 The Statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer Emmanuel Ojukwu also directed all Commissioners of Police to beef up security in and around banks within their jurisdictions and collaborate with bank authorities to secure their premises.

 You may wish to know that the IGP had earlier directed an audit of Police Armouries nationwide with a view to securing the Police arms and ammunition.

Nigeria Marks 2015 Armed Forces Remebrance Day


President Goodluck Jonathan today led leaders of the Legislature, Judiciary and military and para-military organisations to honour the country’s fallen heroes. 

This year Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Arcade, in Abuja witnessed laying of wreath by the President and his Vice and federal government top office holders.

Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the departed heroes, peace, unity and security of the nation.

The Chief of Defence Staff Chief Marshal Alex Badeh and the Senate President David Mark told new men thereafter that the security challenges facing the nations will soon be a thing of the past.

At Last! President Jonathan Pays Surprise Visit To Maiduguri


President Goodluck Jonathan and his military chiefs today undertook an unexpected visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The president and the military high command left for Borno State, the hot bed of Boko Haram insurgency, trip shortly after laying wreaths as part of activities marking the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja.

We hear the visitors will meet with troops and some community leaders before returning to Abuja.

Tuesday 13 January 2015

I Can Create 10 Million Jobs - President Jonathan Replies Tinubu


President Goodluck Jonathan has cleared the air on how he would create ten millions jobs if he is re-elected for a second term.

President Jonathan in his speech at the PDP’s presidential campaign in Ekiti said youth empowerment is key to a progressive Nigeria.

He said his administration would encourage modern agricultural production by encouraging young Nigerians to go into commercial agriculture.

You Can't Create 10 Million Jobs- Tinubu Jabs President Jonathan


The former Lagos state Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of being economical with the truth over his promise to create ten million jobs if elected President for a second term.

Bola Tinubu said this today at the party’s presidential campaign in Abeokuta.

He said President Jonathan’s administration has failed to create the much needed employment opportunities for Nigerians six years after being at the helms of affairs.

I Will Rebuild Burnt Balogun Market - Governor Fashola Assures Traders


Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola has promised to rebuild the burnt part of Balogun market on the Lagos Island.

The inferno affected four structures and destroyed goods worth millions of naira. 

The Governor who made the promise during an inspection of the area also assured that the state government would assist the affected traders. 

EFCC Warns Politicians Over Frivolous Petitions Against Political Opponents.


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned politicians in the country against sending frivolous petition to the commission.

Head of Media and Publicity of the Commission, Wilson Uwujaren in a statement said the commission would not allow itself to be used by politicians against their opponents.

The statement said the EFCC has received many petitions from politicians alleging financial crimes against their opponents.

Use Temporary Voter Cards For February Poll - Reps Directs INEC


The House of Representatives has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to allow voters use the Temporary Voter Card for the February polls.

The House, which resumed plenary today, argued that the distribution of the Permanent Voter Card was slow and would not get to all voters before February fourteen, when the general elections will start with the presidential poll.

In another resolution, the House ordered an investigation into the recent allegation by the State Security Service that the All Progressives Congress planned to hack into the database of INEC.


The motions on the two issues were moved by the Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Deputy House Majority Leader, Leo Ogor, respectively.

Saturday 10 January 2015

President Jonathan Is Hypocritical Over Railway Sector Reform - APC


The All Progressives Congress has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of being hypocritical over his persistent claim of reviving the railway sector.

The party argued that in actual fact he has bluntly refused to grant the necessary right-of-way approval to the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, LAMATA for the construction of its redline light rail project from Iddo to Ifo in Ogun state with a capacity to carry one million passengers per day.

The APC said this was inspite of the fact that investors were ready to invest over one billion dollars in the project.


Cunning Fox; OBJ Attends President Jonathan Daughter's Wedding Ceremony


Former President Olusegun Obasanjo made a surprise appearance at the church wedding of President Jonathan’s foster daughter, Inebharapu.

His arrival attracted a loud ovation from those who were already seated at the event, especially women.


Obasanjo and President Jonathan have not been seen together in public events lately, especially since the public presentation of his book, ‘My Watch.’

200 Boko Haram Insurgents Killed While Trying To Overrun Damaturu

At least two hundred Boko Haram members have been reportedly killed by troops at Askira Uba, a border town between Adamawa and Borno States.

Reports say the insurgents were trying to penetrate Damaturu, Adamawa State, through the town but were mowed down by the troops who were stationed in the area during a gun battle.

The terrorists had earlier attempted to storm Damaturu on Friday, but were repelled by the military, during an operation that lasted for several hours.

Saturday 3 January 2015

Governor Martin Elechi Begs Labour Party For Support After PDP Dumped Him



The Governor of Ebonyi State, Martin Elechi has sought assistance from the Labour Party to surmount the challenges his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party is facing in the state.

Governor Elechi’s supporters, including commissioners and local government chairmen, had defected to the Labour Party after losing the primaries to the Deputy Governor, Chief Dave Umahi.

However, the governor and some of his loyalists, however, remained in the PDP.

The governor made the appeal at his country home, Echialike-Ikwo Local Government Area, when he received the state leadership of the Labour Party.

He described the recent events in the state chapter of the PDP as unfortunate, adding that he and his supporters insisted that things should be done correctly.

Earlier, the state Chairman of the party, Sebastine Obia, pledged that the party would continue to identify with governor Elechi’s transformational ideals.

APC Is Desperate And Ambitious - Reuben Abati


The Presidency says the All Progressives Congress is grappling in a campaign of personal ambitions.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, stated this in an interview with State House correspondents in response to claims of lack of capacity to tackle corruption and insecurity levelled against the Jonathan’s administration by the APC.

Reuben Abati said it was unfortunate that the APC spokesman, Lai Mohammed was starting the year in a manner he termed, Lai habitual mounting of nonsense.


He said anybody who listened to the President and has followed the activities of government closely will see very clearly that his administration is committed to fighting insurgency and corruption.

Again! Boko Haram Abducts More Than 40 Boys In Borno State


Suspected Boko Haram gunmen have abducted at least forty boys and young men from Malari village in Borno State.

An eyewitness told newsmen in Maiduguri that the gunmen arrived at the village around eight in the night on Wednesday, heavily armed but did not fire shots or kill anyone.


He said the abducted youths were between the ages of fifteen and twenty three, adding that there is no youth in the village for now.