About Ten Persons Feared Dead In A Ghastly Motor Accident In Bayelsa State

 The Democracy Day celebration in Bayelsa State was almost marred with the sad news of the death of about ten persons mostly students  of the Niger Delta University, in a ghastly motor accident along the Amassoma road in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state

The accident involving two eighteen seater bus occurred tuesday night at about eight.

An eyewitness told our correspondent Oyins Egrenbido that one of the bus was trying to overtake a truck when it collided with the other bus which was on a very high speed.

However few persons survived including a pregnant woman who is now receiving treatment in the hospital.

Also in the same sad note,a mother and four of her children met their untimely death as a result of a generator fume.

Report say the mother and her four kids including twins died from the fumes of the generator set while asleep at Azikoro town in Yenagoa.

The remains of the mother and her children has been deposited at the Federal Medical Center in Yenagoa.

The Democracy Day celebration in Bayelsa State was almost marred with the sad news of the death of about ten persons mostly students  of the Niger Delta University, in a ghastly motor accident along the Amassoma road in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state

The accident involving two eighteen seater bus occurred tuesday night at about eight.

An eyewitness told our correspondent Oyins Egrenbido that one of the bus was trying to overtake a truck when it collided with the other bus which was on a very high speed.

However few persons survived including a pregnant woman who is now receiving treatment in the hospital.

Also in the same sad note,a mother and four of her children met their untimely death as a result of a generator fume.

Report say the mother and her four kids including twins died from the fumes of the generator set while asleep at Azikoro town in Yenagoa.

The remains of the mother and her children has been deposited at the Federal Medical Center in Yenagoa.

Democracy Day In Retrospect

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday launched a 200 page midterm report on his administration urging critic to judge his performances using impartial parameters

Contrary to expectations, the analysis on performances of the Administration was left to the most influential members of the President's Cabinet while all he did was launch the document

For the first time since the Jonathan administration came on board it is rolling out an elaborate ceremony to mark democracy day reflecting its confidence in the fact that it has performed well  

The administration however sprung a surprise on Nigerian as Goodluck Jonathan did not speak extensively as was expected as that chore was left to the President's eloquent key men and their assessment.

Rubbishing speculations that he would soon execute a major cabinet change, the President rose in defence of his most maligned men, insisting that contrary to opinion they had made invaluable contributions to the success story of his administration in just 2 years.

And this is why he challenges critics to base their assessment on an impartial set of criteria rather than their personal feelings.

Curiously many of those who have graced this occasion agree that government has performed creditably in the last two years, they point out however that the problem is that not enough information has gone around about what government is doing.

A good scorecard but despite all the selling the curios thing is that security which government spent almost a trillion Naira on in the past year has been curiously left out of this mid term assessment report.

Gov. Fashola Commissions Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge

The new cable stayed, first of its type in West Africa, Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge commissioned by the State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN at Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Ikoyi on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

The new cable stayed, first of its type in West Africa, Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge commissioned by the State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN at Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Ikoyi on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

The new cable stayed, first of its type in West Africa, Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge commissioned by the State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN at Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Ikoyi on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

APC Will Take Over Nigeria-Ajimobi

Governor of Oyo State today boasted that the new formed All Progressive Congress would take over Nigeria through a democratic process.

He also called on stakeholders and other progressive-minded people to join hands with ruling APC to move the country forward.

The governor told a mammoth crowd of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party from the Oke Ogun area of the state who defected into the party.

The defectors, who were from all the 10 local government areas that constitute Oke Ogun axis of the state, hinged their decision to join ACN on the good governance being delivered by the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration and its sincerity and commitment to the transformation of the state.

While receiving the decampees at the Basketball pitch of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba amidst singing and dancing, Governor Ajimobi commended them for their courage and determination to join the ACN, saying it was a demonstration of their appreciation of the party’s achievements in the state.

He assured the new entrants that they would be given equal treatment like the old members, urging them not to exercise any fear of being treated by anybody as strangers in ACN.

Governor Ajimobi, who said that the ACN-led administration in the state would not engage in politics of bitterness, bickering and character assassination, stated that the party would continue to receive new members into the party to make it stronger and more formidable for future elections.

 In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle said that the defectors were motivated by the performance of Governor Ajimobi, assuring them of equal and fair treatment.

The representatives of the decampees led by Hon. Tajudeen Badmus lauded the governor for his laudable achievements, adding that he had achieved within two years what others failed to achieve throughout their tenure.

They also pledged their support for Governor Ajimobi in his resolve to transform the state and make life worth living for the people.

Sagay Urges Governor Fashola To Contest 2015 Presidential Election

A Constitutional lawyer Professor  has asked Governor Babatunde Fashola to join the race for the 2015 presidential election.

Professor Sagay made the call today at the public presentation of a book titled Fashola: The Historic Reconstruction of Lagos written by a lawyer Emeka Odikpo.

He said with the level of commitment and modest achievements recorded by his administration in Lagos so far what is next for Governor Fashola is to offer himself to serve the people at the national level.

He said it was unfortunate that people currently holding political power at the centre had only succeeded in bringing the country to shame before the comity of nation.

                            

For his part, a social commentator Professor Pat Utomi blamed the cancellation of Metro Line project during the administration of Governor Lateef Jakande by the military for the traffic congestion witnessed in the state today.

Governor Fashola represented by the state commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Ben Akabueze renewed his commitment to the electoral mandates by ensuring the completion of all ongoing projects across the metropolis.

Reps Stops President Jonathan Over Funds Belonging To Adamawa, Borno And Yobe

The House of Representatives has stripped President Goodluck Jonathan of powers to administer funds belonging to Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states for the  execution of the current Emergency Rule in the affected states.

This is a reversal of last week's approval given to the president on the Emergency rule by both chambers of the National Assembly.

Both chambers of the legislature had, last week, approved the details of the Proclamation Order for the current Emergency Rule in the three states.

The order gave President Goodluck Jonathan wide ranging powers including the utilisation of funds.

But in a dramatic turn today, the House argued this power was in conflict with the constitution

Governors of the affected states have also threaten to seek judicial interpretation over the contentious aspect of the Proclamation Act.

Lagos State Is Committed To The Overall Development Of Children In The State - Fashola

The Lagos state government says. It is committed to the overall development of children in the state.

Governor Babatunde Fashola who stated this at the children day rally held at the Police College in Ikeja said his administration will continue to invest in the education, health, security and well being of the children in Lagos. 

Fashola noted  that previous investments have started to yield  positive results.

He said results from last year’s West African Examination Council, shows a remarkable improvement from 19 percent pass recorded in 2011 to 35 percent last year.

Some of the students called on government to continue to provide basic amenities for their overall well being.  

Improper Dressing:Ajimobi Summons 15 School Principals

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, today, summoned heads of 15 out of the schools that participated in the match past to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebrations to his office for improper dressing of their pupils.

The governor, while speaking shortly after taking salute at the match past that witnessed the presence of several schools, both primary and secondary, at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, indicted the headship of the schools for the appearances of the pupils which he said was below standard.

Governor Ajimobi said that he took particular notice of the affected schools, which comprised 11 nursery/primary schools and four secondary schools, while they were matching past him, saying that the dressing of the pupils was unacceptable.

He observed that while some of the children put on torn clothes, others appeared dirty and unkempt, with their shoes not matching their uniforms.

While ordering the head-teachers and principals of the affected schools to report to his office immediately, the governor also directed officials of the state Ministry of Education to visit the schools to ascertain their environmental condition.

He said that any of the schools that failed to meet the required environmental condition would be shut down.

Ajimobi said that the dirty appearances of the pupils were a reflection of the low quality of supervision of the head-teachers and the principals of their schools which he would not tolerate.

Edwin Clark Celebrates 86th Birthday, Hailed As Nationalist And Patriot

Families and friends of elder Statesmen and Nationalist Edwin Clark honored him over the weekend as he celebrated his 86th birthday

It was an evening of accolades for the fiery Nationalist during which the dignitaries present gave different insights into the person of Chief Clark 

Save PDP From Collapse, Atiku Urges Ruling Party's Founding Fathers.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on concerned founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to speak up and come together to save the party from imminent troubles capable of leading to avoidable implosion and mortal crisis.

In a statement by his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku said he was particularly disturbed by the worsening polarization of the party and internal divisions which might weaken the party structures at the state and deepen the crisis between Governors and the President.

The former Vice President explained that as one of the founding fathers of the party, he had a duty to call on other founding members to rise to the occasion and caution the forces that are bent on tearing the party apart and providing the ammo for self destruction.

He lamented the failure of the National Executive Council (NEC) to meet in line with the provisions of the party's constitution and the inability of the Board of Trustees to rise to the occasion of arresting this ugly development.

According to him, the bitter internal divisions within the PDP, has led to crisis in the party leadership in some states, division in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and   the suspension of a sitting Governor over disagreements on principle could have been avoided if the founders of the party had added their voices of caution and moderation.

With the challenges of providing good governance and the bid for re-election in 2015, Atiku noted that the PDP could not afford the current acrimony as it is undermining democratic structures at all levels.

 He warned that if the crisis was left to get out of hand or not properly managed, the PDP might find itself weaker and politically vulnerable.

 According to Atiku, a house divided against itself could not stand, adding that silence by concerned PDP stakeholders was a dangerous option at this point when the party faces the challenges of retaining its leadership in 2015.

Amaechi Describes His Suspension From PDP As Political Witch-Hunt

The Rivers State government has described the suspension of Governor Rotimi Amaechi by the PDP as a political witch-hunt.

A statement issued by the Rivers State Commissioner of Information and Communication Ibim Semenitari said the reasons given for the suspension was purely a legislative matter.

Ibim Semenitari said the suspension of the Obio/Akpor council chairman and the seventeen councilors was done in accordance to the law of local government councils in Rivers State.

Police Recovers Cache Of Buried Arms And Ammunitions In Bayelsa State

The  Bayelsa State Police Command says it has discovered a huge cache of arms and ammunitions in the Koluama Community of Southern Ijaw Local Government  Area of Bayelsa State.

Spokesman of the State Police Command Alex Akhigbe disclosed this to journalists in Yenagoa.

Akhigbe said the arms and ammunitions were discovered during a search operation in the community by the Special Anti-Crime unit known as Operation Door Akpor at the weekend.

The Police Spokesman said the items recovered  include,Eight Pump Action guns, five Ak 47 rifles,  one thousand seven hundred and eighty live ammunitions and  nineteen empty cartridges buried in a room in Koluama Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Meanwhile unknown gunmen have kidnapped a 60 years old woman confirmed to be the Wife of a Retired Permanent Secretary Mrs. Anne Ziwariote in Yenagoa,the Bayelsa State capital.

Mrs. Anne Ziwariote was abducted and whisked away on her own vehicle along the Otiotio area of the State at the weekend.

Family source told our correspondent in Yenagoa that the kidnappers have demanded five million naira for the release of the 60 year old woman.

NUJ Pickets Champion Newspaper

Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists have commenced a three-day picketing of the Champion Newspaper over non-payment of over twelve months salary arrears.

The placard carrying members led by the Lagos State Council Chairman of the union, DEJI ELUMOYE blocked the entrance of the newspaper house at Ilasa along Oshodi-Apapa expressway. 

ELUMOYE accused the management of the organisation of not being sincere with the staff, adding that what the union particular about is the payment of the outstanding arrears of salaries and other entitlements.

For their parts, the Zonal Secretary of the union, Gbenga Lawal and the chairman of the champion branch, Ikechi Elenwoke said the workers have suffered serious economic hardship over the last one year, adding that many others have died within the period.  

Breaking News: PDP Suspends Rotimi Amaechi

The Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, has suspended Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, from the party.

A statement by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Oliseh Metuh, stated that the action by the Party's National Working Committee followed a petition by the PDP Executive Committee in Rivers state.

Amaechi is accused of voilating 58  of the PDP Constitution.

The PDP says  it has referred the matter to the appropriate disciplinary committee of the Party.

State Of Emergency In North. Eastern States May Not Last 6 Months - President Goodluck

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured the Secretary General of the United Nations,  Ban Ki Moon that the state of Emergency declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states,  may not last up to six months as prescribed by the constitution. 

President Jonathan who met with the UN Secretary General on the sideline of the Africa Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia explained that this was due to the success so far recorded by troops deployed to the North Eastern states 

Dr Jonathan was quick assure Mr Moon that the military had strictly adhered to the rules of engagement, adding that government would do everything possible to ensure that  the civilian population was not put through hardship, 

He explained that the successes recorded by the military was exemplified by the lack of collateral civilian casualties, noting that the operation had helped in creating a better relationship between the civilian population and members of the armed forces.

President Jonathan said government's decision to release women and children members of the Boko Haram was in the spirit of the rules of engagement of the operation.

Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary General of the United Nations sympathized with the government and people of Nigeria over he activities of Boko Haram, saying that Terrorism was a global phenomenon that must be confronted by the international community.

He reiterated his call on the Nigerian military engaged in operations in the affected states where state of emergency had been declared to be prudent and cautious in protecting the civilian population in the areas of operation.

And thanking President Jonathan for Nigeria's contributions to peace keeping operations of the United Nations, Mr. Moon further solicited the support of the Nigeria in bringing an end to the political crises in Guinea Bissau.

President Jonathan also met with the presidents of Egypt, Jamaica as well as the King of Swaziland.

We Will Crush Boko Haram - President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the nation’s armed forces are gradually reversing the negative trend of insurgency in the states currently under emergency rule.

President Jonathan stated this in Abuja at the 2013 Democracy Day Interdenominational Church service.

President Jonathan who was represented at the occasion by the Senate President, Senator David Mark also said that inspite of the insurgency and challenges’ facing the country, Nigeria economy is growing faster than any country in Africa.

UEFA Champion League Final Update

Courtesy uefa.com

Watch The UEFA Champion League Final On Saturday 25 May 2013 19:45 (7:45 PM Nigerian Time) On Select Sport (233) Between Bayern-Munich And Borussia Dortmund.

Live Launch! Big Brother: The Chase On Sunday 26th May

Sunday 26 May 2013 18:00 | AfricaMagic Entertainment (151) 

It's finally here! A new season of Big Brother Africa kicks off . Big Brother: The Chase will bring with it more entertainment, romance, drama, twists and surprises - something the biggest reality show in Africa is well known for!

State House Press Release:President Jonathan Condemns Terror Attack in Britain

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed shock at the terrorist attack and killing of a British soldier, Drummer Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in the Woolwich area of London, United Kingdom; and strongly condemns this unfortunate incident.

 He conveys his sincere condolences to the British Prime Minister David Cameron and the British people over this senseless and barbaric act, and shares their grief at this moment.

President Jonathan notes that a terrorist attack anywhere is an attack on the way of life of all free nations and must be collectively condemned by all persons irrespective of race, ethnicity or religion.

It is in this spirit that the Nigerian government is partnering with the British Government, as well as all other stakeholder sovereigns to stand up to and fight terrorism and extremism in whatever guise or pretense it chooses to present itself.

President Jonathan recognizes that each environment presents its own unique challenges and peculiarities and actions taken by affected nations may differ, yet the resolve to confront and defeat this threat should never be in doubt.

President Jonathan says Nigerians are collectively resolute about the need to protect the freedoms that define our existence and inter-relationships at home and overseas. Our recent past tells us that when we pull together, this common enemy and threat will eventually be defeated.

Reuben Abati Loses Mum

Reuben Abati

With a heavy heart and gratitude to God Almighty, the Abati family of Kemta-Okebode, Abeokuta announces the passing away of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Madam Maria Taiwo Abati who passed into glory today, aged 81.

Mama Abati, a devout Christian, a very kind and loving person was born on 7th August 1931. She was born into the family of late Pa Samuel Jobo Arowotadina and Late Madam Elizabeth Efundunke Arowotadina of Ijemo, Abeokuta. She was a trader at Kuto Market for many years. She was popularly known and addressed as Mama Adunni or Mama Sunday.

She is survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren including Dr. Reuben Abati, Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Robert Abati, a Geologist with Dangote Cement, Mr Ralph Abati, a banker with Fidelity Bank Plc and Mr Lanre Abati, an Economist & Chartered Accountant. She is also survived by her twin sister, Madam Victoria Kehinde Olude.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Achebe Laid To Rest A Midst Encomium In Ikenga Ogidi.

President Goodluck Jonathan has described Professor Chinua Achebe as a philosopher of our time and promised to reform the political landscape of the country in the area of electoral process.

The president who later promised to rebuild the Central School Akpokaogwe, where Achebe started his formal education said that Achebe's books are a true reflection of Nigerian past, but called on the present generation of political class in Nigeria to ensure that they imbibe that honest and exemplary live of Achebe.

The Iroko as he was popularly called in the Ogidi community was later interred after a Church service at Saint Philips Anglican Church Ogidi.

At the church service, the officiating Priest, Arch Bishop Ikechi Nwosu said Achebe is a parable to the Nigeria nation.

President Goodluck Jonathan spoke extensively on the works of Achebe and the need for a political reorientation and reform.

The president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama in his speech said Achebe's literature has inspired generation after generation toward radical and cultural pride.

He insists that Africa indeed has lost a great son.

Other well meaning Nigerians which include the ministers, Governors, academies and social crusaders have various views on the live and time of Professor Achebe.

The remains of the literally icon was later laid to rest in his country home in Ikenga Ogidi, after a church service at Saint Philip's Anglican church Ogidi.

In Professor Achebe's words, “it is the storyteller, who makes us what we are, who creates history.

The storyteller creates the memory that the survivors must have ...otherwise their surviving would have no meaning'" end of quote.

Onuora Aninwobodo reporting from Ogidi where things have fallen apart.

CJN Swears In New Chief Judge for FCT

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukthar, has tasked Judicial officers in the country to join the current effort at achieving quick dispensation of justice.

The CJN, who threw the challenge while swearing in the new Acting Chief Judge of the FCT court, Justice Ibrahim Bukar, at the Supreme Court today, enjoined judges and other judicial officers to work towards making access to justice easier for Nigerians.

She also enjoined Justice Bukar to lead the FCT court by example.

President Goodluck Jonathan  appointed Justice Ibrahim BUkar as Acting Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja following the voluntary retirement from service of Justice Lawal Gummi.

Lagos To Float 35 Billion Naira Bond

The Lagos state government has announced plans to float a Bond Issuance Programme of thirty-five billion naira in the third quarter of this year. 

The Commissioner for Finance, Adetokunbo Abiru who made known in Alausa said the bond would be mainly for the execution of infrastructural projects.

Abiru said the state Consolidated Debt Service Account for the payment of interest and principal on the Bond Issuance Programme, currently has a credit balance of sixty-eight-point-two billion naira.

He explained that the Enforcement Strategy on land Use Charge had been very effective, and while charges collected are shared quarterly between the state and local governments on agreed proportions.

PDP Will Bounce back In Lagos-Senator Balogun Reconciliation Chairman

The Chairman PDP reconciliation Committee for Lagos state Senator Lekan Balogun  expressed optimism that the crisis rocking the party in the state will soon be a thing of the past. 

Senator Balogun in chat with newsmen in Ibadan after presenting the report of the commitee at the South West office of the party noted that the task of uniting the factions was challenging.

While noting that it was a worthwhile exercise, Balogun maintained that the line separating the party from victory in Lagos state was disunity.

He then expressed optimism that the report will appease all groups with a view to positioning the party for electoral victory.

The SW inaugurated reconciliation committee on April 16, 2013 set up by the Zonal working committee led by. Chief Sola Filani.

Asadu Killers Arrested And Arraigned In Court By Police.

Suspected killers of Kwara State Commissioner of Police Chinwike Asadu in Amorji-Nike within the Enugu metropolis have been arrested and arraigned in court.

The Inspector General of Police Muhammed Abubarka made this known while briefing news men after commissioning newly built and remodelled police Hospitals and clinic in the South East.

8 Days Power Blackout In Bayelsa State

The  total  electricity  blackout  in Bayelsa State has entered day eight with no sign of power to be restored in the next two weeks.

Residents now resort to their private generating sets  as alternative source of  power as the situation is affecting economic activities especially in Yenagoa .

Majority of residents in the growing city buy a litre of fuel at one hundred and ten naira at the filling stations ,while the Mega stations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation,NNPC still  sells the product at ninety seven naira per litre.

 The cause of the blackout  was as a result of a large tree that fell on  the 132KV Ahoada -Yenagoa line and collapsed tower after a heavy rainfall  in the area.

Meanwhile a team of Power Holding Company of Nigeria PHCN engineers have commenced assessment on the extent of  damage.

However no date has been given on when power will be restored back in the state.