Federal Government Declares Thursday May 1st As Public Holiday To Commemorate 2014 Workers Day Celebration

The Federal-Government has declared Thursday as public Holiday to commemorate the twenty fourteen Workers Day Celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Abba Moro who announced this through a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Fatima Bamidele congratulated Nigerian workers on their resilience and commitment in the face of obvious challenges of daily.

He enjoined them to support the government in its efforts to improve the work environment and their living conditions.

EFCC Arrests Six Suspects for N5.5m Bank Fraud

One Of The Suspects, Biodun Adebanjo In Court Today

Five persons have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegation of fraudulent transfer of a total of N5, 550,000.00(Five Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) from an account in Skye Bank.

The suspects, Ademola Okunlola, 36; Tajudeen Oluwanisola, 41; Kolawole Adams, 52; Temitope Pedro, 27; Bayo Olowoyo, 39 and Otunba Biodun Adebanjo, 56, were picked up in different locations in Lagos by operatives of the anti- graft agency for allegedly effecting the fraudulent transfer of N5, 550,000.00 from the account of one Ajani Kareem Musibau domiciled in Skye Bank Plc.

The fraudulent transfers took place on March 3, 2014. One of the suspected fraudsters, Ademola Okunlola, a staff of Skye Bank, Ikeja Branch, Lagos, set the stage for the scam when he covertly used his camera phone to capture the photograph and signature specimen of Musibau.

He accessed his account and sent the details to another staff of the bank: Bayo Olowoyo at the Toyin Street, Ikeja branch. 

The duo reportedly sent Musibau's photograph and signature specimen to a member of their syndicate who effected the money transfer into two accounts: N4.1Million( Four Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira) was moved into Adebajo Biodun Olusola's account with Wema Bank, Shagamu branch, Ogun State while N1,450,000.00( One Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) was moved into another account operated by Temitope Pedro with Guaranty Trust Bank, Ikeja branch. 

The suspects were arrested following a petition by the bank.

They will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is concluded. 

Amaka Igwe Was A Jewel Of Nollywood - Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice-President; Atiku Abubakar has described the late filmmaker, Amaka Igwe as a jewel of the Nollywood industry.

The former Vice-President in his condolence message signed by his media office expressed shock at the demise of the writer, producer and director of distinction.

He expressed his condolence to the Igwe and each families as well as friends of the deceased particularly the Nollywood family.

House Of Reps Summons Service Chiefs Over Chibok Abduction

The House of Representatives has summoned service chiefs to brief members on efforts at rescuing the school girls abducted in Chibok, Borno State by suspected Boko Haram members.

At the resumed sitting of the lawmakers in Abuja after a three-week Easter break, the house condemned the abduction of the girls and berated the armed forces for allegedly being slow in efforts to rescue the schoolgirls.

Those expected to appear by the House included the Chief of Defence State; Chief of Army Staff; Chief of Naval Staff; and the Chief of Air Staff.

President Jonathan Sacks His Special Adviser On Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak.

President Goodluck Jonathan has terminated the appointment of his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak with immediate effect.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati said a replacement for Gulak would be announced in due course.

President Goodluck thanked the former adviser for his services to the present administration and wished him success in his future endeavors.

Federal High Courts Denies Issuing An Injunction To Stop Diezani's House Of Reps Probe

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Ahmed Muhammed has denied claims by the House of Representatives that it issued an order stopping the investigation of Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke over her alleged spending of ten billion naira to charter a private jet.

The visible angry judge expressed shock at media reports that he issued such injunction and subsequently order the House of Representatives to appear before the court on May five to set the records straight.

Counsels to the National Assembly and the Minister as well as the NNPC told the court that they were not behind the false information.

You may recall that the spokesman of the House, Zakari Muhammed in a press statement made available to newsmen alleged that the legislatures had received a court order stopping if from probing the Minister.

Legendary Film Maker Amaka Igwe Is Dead

Nigeria’s popular film producer, writer and director, Amaka Igwe has died at the age of sixty.

She reportedly died of an asthma attack in last night.

Amaka Igwe produced breathtaking sitcoms like Checkmate and Fuji House of Commotion.

She is one of the foremost movie directors in Nigeria today and one of the few contemporary film makers who have had their films on celluloid.

Amaka’s celluloid film is A Barber’s Wisdom – a film which was part of M-Net’s new direction on film project with Nigerian producers.

Her films have drawn international recognition to the home video industry. She is producer of the award winning movie Forever and founder of Amaka Igwe Studios and Top FM Radio.

Amaka hails from Obinagu, Enugu, Nigeria is survived by her husband and children. 

Paul Scholes Returns Man U

Paul Scholes has returned to help Manchester United’s coaching team following the sacking of David Moyes.

Scholes opted against taking up a full-time position under Moyes because he wanted to spend time with his family.

But he has agreed to help out with long-time friend Ryan Giggs now in charge and former team-mates Nicky Butt and Phill Neville assisting.

Federal Government To Borrow One Hundred And Fifty Million Dollars From ADB

The Federal Executive Council has approved a loan of one hundred and fifty two million dollars from the African Development Bank to develop Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

The Minister of Agriculture, Doctor Akinwunmi Adesina told newsmen at the end of the weekly meeting of the council in Abuja said the loan which attracts one point five percent interest rate is repayable in twenty two years.

He said the loan would be used to develop infrastructure such as water, roads and power in rural areas as well as the development of Staple Crop Processing Zones across the country.

Nyako's Comment On Boko Haram Reckless - Labaran Maku

The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku has described as reckless the claim by Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako that the Federal Government was carrying out genocide against the northern region under the guise of fighting Boko Haram.

He told newsmen after the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja that it was unfortunate that such statement could come from a state governor and a former Chief of Naval Staff.

The Minister said it was irresponsible for the governor to incite the people against the security agencies.

He described the abduction of school girls in Borno states as a national tragedy.

Meeting Between President Jonathan, Service Chiefs And State Governors To Hold Tomorrow

A meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan, the Service Chiefs and the thirty six state governors earlier scheduled to hold today has been shifted to tomorrow.

A statement by the Presidency explained that the meeting was postponed because it coincided with the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.

However, some analyst wondered whether those who fixed the meeting for today didn’t know about the weekly FEC meeting.

It might interest you to know that the All Progressives Congress postponed its state congresses to enable it governors attend the meeting to discuss the current challenges facing the country.

FIFA Suspends Transfer Ban On Barccelona

FIFA has suspended the transfer ban on Barcelona, meaning that the Spanish giants can buy and sell players this summer.

The ban would remain suspended pending appeal.

Barcelona was given a fourteen-month after being found to have breached rules on signing international players under the age of eighteen.

Gabonese Club Goal Keeper Dies During A League Match

The goalkeeper of AC Bongoville Sylvain Azougoui has died after being kicked in the head during a league match in Gabon.

He died on the way to hospital after the incident during a match against Centre Mberi Sportif.

The thirty-year-old from Togo had just stopped a shot, but the attacker lost his balance on the wet grass and stepped on the goalkeeper’s head.

I Have No Intention To Impose Anyone As Governor Of Lagos - Tinubu

A former Governor of Lagos State and APC National Leader, Ahmed Tinubu has denied planning to impose a former Accountant-General of the state, Aknwunmi Akinbode as the next governor of the state.

His Media Adviser, Sunday Dare said such allegations were common in an election year.

He said Bola Tinubu believes that governing Lagos state is not about religion but merit, ability and competence.

234 Was Girls Kidnapped Not 130 As Reported - Principal GGSS Chibok

The Principal of the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, Asabe Kwambura, says two hundred and thirty four students were abducted last Monday and not one hundred and thirty as earlier reported.

She told BBC that the parents of the girls reported them missing but forty three of them had managed to escape.

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, who visited Chibok yesterday said eight more girls managed to escape over the weekend.

It is believed that Boko Haram members abducted the teenage girls and took them to their camp.

Burnley Promoted To English Premier League

Burnley has been promoted to the English Premier League after a two-nil victory against play-off hopeful, Wigan.

Burnley will join Leicester in the top flight next season.

Release The School Girls In The Spirit Of Easter - APC Begs Boko Haram

 The All Progressives Congress, APC, has called on the abductors of school girls in Borno state to release them immediately without conditions in the spirit of Easter.

The party’s spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made the call at the dedication of the Catholic Church in his hometown of Oro in Kwara state.

He said whatever the grievances the abductors may have, had nothing to do with the innocent school girls.

APC urged all aggrieved groups to embrace dialogue as violence never resolves any issue.

Easter Message: Dont Loose Faith On Nigeria - Oshiomhole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has urged Nigerians not to despair and lose faith in the nation despite her challenges, saying with prayers, the country will overcome her trials and achieve her greatness.

In his Easter message, Governor Oshiomhole charged Nigerians to seek the face of God and pray for the return of peace to every part of the country.

According to him, “Easter signifies a renewal, reinvigoration and a rebirth.

He Nigerians must see beyond the trials of the moment and continue to pray and seek the face of God for an end to the challenges of the moment.”

Easter Message: Team Work Critical For National Peace And Stability - David Mark And Ike Ekeremadu

Senate President, David Mark; his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu have canvassed team work to tackle insecurity in order to achieve peace and love in the country.

In a statement by the chief Press Secretary to the senate president Paul Mumeh, Senator David Mark specifically cautioned autions against politicising the current insecurity in the northeastern part of Nigeria.

On his part, the deputy Senate President in a statement by his Special Adviser on media, and Publicity, Uche Anichukwu, called on Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of forgiveness and love inherent in Easter.

He said forgiveness, self-sacrifice, love, and patriotism were indispensable instruments in nation building and urged Nigerians to eschew hate, selfishness, and malice.

Dont Pacify Boko Haram - Asari Dokubo Tells Federal Government

Leader of the Niger-Delta Volunteer Force Asari Dokubo has warned the Federal Government not to embark on any effort to pacify Boko Haram.

Asari Dokubo at a forum on South South Elders and Youth Leaders in Port-Harcourt said Boko Haram is a political agenda to take over power by all means.

He advised the Federal Government not to pamper those who seem to have some sympathy for Boko Haram.

Asari Dokubo also charged Niger Delta youths and leaders to rise up and defend themselves against the agenda of Boko Haram.

Easter Message: Insurgents Cant Stop Me From Implementing My Transformation Agenda - President Goodluck

President Goodluck Jonathan says the evil plots of insurgents and their allied are not capable of distracting him from successfully implementing his administration’s transformation agenda.

President Jonathan said this in his Easter message to Nigerians made available to newsmen by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Doctor Reuben Abati.

He said he would continue to count on the support and prayers of Nigerians in his government’s bid to achieve peace, harmony progress and prosperity in the country.

He urged Nigerians to reflect on the significance of Easter, its lessons of piety, obedience to higher authorities, self sacrifice for the good of others as well as redemption, salvation, deliverance, renewal and the ultimate triumph of good

over evil.

Nigeria Gets First Female President For Court Of Appeal

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Mukhtar has sworn-in Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as President of the Court of Appeal making her Nigeria’s first female President of the Appellate court.

Justice Bulkachuwa has however held the position in acting capacity since November twenty thirteen.

The CJN charged the new President of the Court of Appeal to reposition the Court in line with the ongoing reforms in the judiciary.

Justice Bulkachuwa on her part assured of her commitment to the CJN’s fight against corruption in the judiciary.

Buhari Threatens To Sue PDP For Linking Him With The Nyanya Suicide Bomb Atack

Former military head of state, retired Major-General Muhammadu Buhari has issued a seven-day ultimatium to the Peoples’ Democratic Party to retract its accusation linking him with the Boko Haram terrorist acts or be dragged to court.

The former head of state said in a statement that he couldn’t sit back and allow his image, and that of his political party to be smeared by falsehood in the name of politics.

He said the widely publicised and very serious allegations made against him by the PDP and its spokesman, Olisa Metuh, to the effect that his utterances were responsible for the current state of insecurity and terrorism bedeviling Nigeria, were absolutely baseless.

He accused the PDP spokesman of engaging in twisted logic and outright distortion in an attempt to authenticate his claims.

NNPC Injects Over Two Hundred Million Litres Of Petrol Into Market For Easter

In a bid to ensure a hitch free Easter celebration across the Nation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and its downstream subsidiary the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, has injected almost three hundred million litres of premium motor spirit otherwise called petrol into filling stations across the country.

Also, major and Independent Marketers are scheduled to in additional supply over one hundred and forty two million litres into the system.

The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Ohi Alegbe, said that the NNPC, Major Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Nigeria Independent Petroleum Company, NIPCO, and all other importers of petroleum products are all trucking out petrol from their various marine and inland depots to stabilize the situation.

According to him, there is approximately seventeen days PMS national sufficiency at forty million litres per day consumption saying efforts is on to build up the stock to guarantee energy sufficiency for the country.

He assured that the NNPC is collaborating with other stakeholders to restore normalcy to the fuel supply situation in the country.

Police Advises Citizens To Be Security Conscious During Easter Celebrations

The Police High Command has advised Christians and Muslims in the country to take adequate measures to ensure that fewer vehicles were allowed into churches and mosques during worship.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba, in Abuja said that the advice was necessary following recent security challenges in the country and preparation for the Easter celebration.

He said that reducing vehicles in places of worship would make the task of surveillance in those areas easier.

The spokesman also advised that disused vehicles should not be parked within or close to those premises, adding that vehicles parked overnight should be vetted and identified.

He also advised operators of motor parks, shopping malls and recreational centres to work closely with security agencies as they strive to strengthen general security in their respective facilities.

National Conference Names Heads Of Committees

The National Conference has released the much anticipated names of the leadership of twenty standing committees.

Some of those who made the list as chairmen of committees include Ibrahim Coomasie, Florence Ita-Giwa, Bola Shagaya, Olu Falae and Rasheed Ladoja.

According a document made public by the conference secretariat, five committees are headed by co-chairmen, while each of the remaining fifteen has a chairman and a deputy.

The Committee on Devolution of Power has a former Akwa Ibom governor, Obong Victor Attah, and a former Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Coomasie, is co-Chairmen.

The committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government has Mohammed Kumalia and retired General Ike Nwachukwu as co-chairmen.

APC Governors Shun President Jonathan's Security Meeting

State Governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress yesterday failed to attend a meeting called by President Goodluck Jonathan to find ways of tackling the security challenges facing the country.

In attendance were fifteen People’s Democratic Party governors, the governors of Anambra and Ondo states, two PDP deputy governors and an acting governor.

The meeting presided over by President Jonathan also had Vice President Namadi Sambo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim; and the National Security Adviser, retired colonel Sambo Dasuki amongst others in attendance.

Although the outcome of the meeting was not disclosed, Akwa Ibom state Governor Godswill Akpabio told newsmen that the meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday next week. 

Family Members Of Nyanya's Suicide Attack Troops To National Hospital To Claim Corpses Of Their Loved Ones

Family members of persons who died in Monday’s bomb blast in Nyanya have trooped to the National Hospital Abuja to claim the corpses of their loved ones.

Many of them were yesterday seen filling application forms that would enable them to claim the corpses.

One of them, Hajiya Zainab said as a Muslim, it was important for the remains of her late sister to be buried without further delay. 

FEC Approves The Installation Of Special Security Apparatus At Motor Parks In Abuja

The Federal Executive Council has approved the installation of special security apparatus at all motor parks, congregational areas and schools to check terror attacks in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The council also approved the immediate importation of one hundred new high capacity buses to ease transportation problem of commuters following the destruction of some buses by Monday’s explosion at Nyanya Park.

The Minister of FCT, Bala Mohammed told newsmen after the weekly council’s meeting that the government would continue to ensure the safety of lives and property in the FCT.

Boko Haram Kills 18 Traders In Borno State

Suspected gunmen believed to be Boko Haram’s members have ambushed and killed eighteen traders returning from a local market in Borno State.

Reports said the suspected terrorists attacked two buses on the Bama-Gwoza road and shot dead the traders, who were returning from a market at Pulka on Tuesday.

Pulka is a Nigerian border town with Cameroon and south of Maiduguri, the state capital.

An eyewitness said the traders were ordered to disembark from the two buses conveying them and subsequently asked to identify themselves by the insurgents. 

Nigeria’s Troops Rescues 121 Female Students Abducted By Terrorists

One hundred and twenty-one students of the Government Girls' Secondary School, Chibok have been rescued by the Nigeria’s troops in the ongoing Search and Rescue operations.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade said in a statement that, the Principal of the school has confirmed that only eight of the students are still missing.

The statement said one of the terrorists who carried out the attack on the school has also been captured.

It said the military search and rescue operation to ensure the safety of the remaining students is ongoing in the suspected areas.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, had earlier yesterday in Maiduguri, pledged a fifty-million naira ransom for information that could lead to the release of the abducted school girls.

Shut Nigeria's Border With Cameroon, Niger & Chad To Curtail Influx Of Terrorist - Conference Delegates Tells FG

Delegates to the national conference have advised the Federal Government to shut Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Niger and Chad to curtail the influx of insurgents.

Delegates were reacting to the bomb blast at Nyanya bus Terminus in the Federal Capital Territory.

Most of the women delegates dressed in black attire while most men were in black stripes and caps.

The Convener of Save Nigeria Group Pastor Tunde Bakare, lamented that security agencies had not been able to curtail the activities of the terrorists in the North-East.

He suggested a stand down of the conference to send a strong message to the government on the need to show more purposeful will to overcome the threat.

An elder statesman, Doctor Kunle Olajide, said the country was being invaded and politicians must not play politics with the situation.

PHOTO: Suspected Nyanya Suicide Bomber

Suspected Nyanya Suicide Bomber 

India Supreme Court Recognizes Transgender People As Third Gender

India's Supreme Court has recognised transgender people as a third gender, in a landmark ruling.

While granting rights to those who identify themselves as neither male nor female, the court held that it is the right of every human being to choose their gender.

It ordered the government to provide transgender people with quotas in jobs and education in line with other minorities, as well as key amenities.

According to one estimate, India has about two million transgender people.

Nyanya Bomb Blast - An Attack On Nigerians - Tambuwal

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal has visited victims of yesterday’s bomb blast at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The speaker was conducted round the emergency ward to see the victims by the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu.

He condemned the attack saying that the issue was not about any political party, but an attack against the Nigerian people.

Aminu Tambuwal said that he had indicated interest to go the National Blood Transfusion Centre to donate blood to the victims.

Two Of Kogi State House Of Assembly Speaker’s Children Kidnapped

Suspected kidnappers have abducted two of the children of the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Momoh-Jimoh Lawal.

Reports say the abductors invaded the Speaker’s residence at about four a.m., scaled the fence and broke into the house at Okengwe in Okene Local Government Area.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Austin Akubo, told newsmen that three of the abductors entered the house.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state Emeka Emeh, confirmed the incident.

Bomb Scare At National Assembly Complex As Lawmakers Workers Run For Dear Lives

There was pandemonium at the National Assembly today as rumours of a bomb scare forced lawmakers, National Assembly workers and staff of banks within the premises to hurriedly close their offices and ran for dear lives.

The development started around two pm when some legislative aides and civil servants were seen discussing in groups following an alleged strange movement of some group of people whose mission to the National Assembly was said to be suspicious.

Reports say security agents, comprising the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, were immediately drafted to the major entrances to the sprawling complex frisking both visitors and workers.

Sultan Of Sokoto & NLC Condemns Nyanya Bombing

The Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has condemned the bombing of Nyanya area of Abuja by suspected Boko Haram members.

Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, who was speaking at a ceremony in Kaduna, prayed that God would expose the perpetrators of the heinous act that claimed several lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira.

He expressed concern over the continued killings of innocent Nigerians, noting that Muslims were at the receiving end of the ugly trend.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has described yesterday’s bombing in Abuja as barbaric and a sore reminder that the battle against terror is far from over.

The congress in a statement signed by its President, Abdulwaheed  Omar condoled with the families of those that lost their lives and the injured and urged Nigerians to stand together as one family united by grief and threat to nation’s collective well-being.

The NLC said government needs to do more to reassure Nigerians about their safety as it takes more than regular effort to confront an enemy.

The statement called on for the full and immediate implementation of the reports of the two committees set up by the Federal Government on Boko Haram Insurgency.

President Jonathan Is Promoting Lawlessness - APC

The All Progressives Congress APC has accused President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP of lawlessness by what it called their serial violation of the country's electoral law, under the guise of liberation, family or unity rallies across the country.

In a statement issued in London by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party said the President has exhibited a gross abuse of executive power by leading his party to prematurely kick-start the campaign for the twenty fifteen elections, in violation of the law.

It said if the action is anything to go by, the twenty fifteen general elections would be everything but free, fair and credible, and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to assert its independence, by sanctioning the lawbreakers since no one is above the law.

Boko Haram Have Crippled Socio-Economic Activities In My Domain - Emir Of Gwoza

The Emir of Gwoza in Borno, Alhaji Idrissa Timta, has decried the renewed insurgency in the area, saying it had crippled the socio-economic activities in his domain.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Emir in Maiduguri.

The emir said it was unfortunate that the people have witnessed increased attacks with mass killings by the insurgents in the last four months.

He appealed to security agents to intensify patrol on major roads to prevent the attacks.

Police Arrest 2 Ladies & 3 Men For Possessing Human Head And Fresh Human Flesh In Ogun State

Police in Ogun state have arrested two ladies and three men for possessing human heads and some pieces of human flesh in Ado Odo-Ota Local Government Area of the state.

The five suspects were arrested in Joju area of Otta yesterday by combine team of officers from Otta Divisional Police Headquarters and Special Anti Robbery Squad from the Lagos Command.

The Spokesman of the Ogun state Olumuyiwa Adejobi said exhibits recovered from them include one complete human head and pieces of human flesh in a contained stained with liquid substance suspected to be human blood.

He said the case had been handed over to SARS in Lagos for further investigation.

Man 70 Arrested For Raping 13 Year Old Girl In Plateau

A 70 year old man who allegedly raped a thirteen-year-old girl in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday has been arrested by the police.

The State Commissioner of Police, Chris Olakpe during a media chat in Jos said that the suspect, who is HIV positive, was arrested, following a tip off by neighbours.

The police boss said the command is working on measures to bring cases of paedophile to its barest minimum in Plateau.

Violence Mars APC Lagos Ward Congress

The Local Government Congress of the All Progressive Congress has been marred by violence in parts of Lagos State.

Reports said the elective congress witnessed a large turnout of APC members at all the council areas including Alimosho, Mushin, Bariga and Coker-Aguda.

Unconfirmed reports said at least two people were killed in Sanya Grammar School, the venue of the congress for Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area.

Several others were also seriously injured in the violence that ensued between supporters of APC leaders at the venue.

Use Of Caretaker Administrator For Local Government Is Illegal - JEGA

The Independent National Electoral Commission has described the continued use of caretaker committees to administer the local government by eleven states in the country contrary to the provisions of the constitution.

The commission in a communiqué at the end of a two-day conference on Best Practices in Election Management in Abuja listed Abia, Bauchi, Delta, Ekiti, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Ondo, Osun and Oyo as states that had failed to conduct elections into the council areas.

It, therefore urged them to urgently do so without further delay.

400 Candidates Unable To Write Today's UTME In Borno Due To Security Challenges

At least 400 candidates were unable to write today’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Maiduguri, Borno state due to security challenges.

The Registrar of Joint Administration and Matriculation Board, Professor Dibu Ojerinde said arrangement has been made for the affected candidates to write the examination at a later date.

Professor Ojerinde who made this known while monitoring today’s examination in Abuja said rescheduling the examination for the candidates follows a report of an attack by suspected Boko Haram members on some people believed to be JAMB candidates.

The Supervising Minister of Education Nyesom Wike commended JAMB for what he described as an improved coordination and conduct of the examination.

Gunmen Kill Policemen In Jigawa, Attack Bank, Police Station And A Sharia Court

Bandits have killed some policemen in an attack on a police station, a bank and a Sharia court in Gwaram local government area of the state.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone One Tambari Muhammed said in Dutse that seven policemen and one civilian guard were killed in the attack.

According to him, about two hundred attackers entered the town with motorcycles and cars in the early hours of today.

Federal Executive Council Approves Draft National Tobacco Control Bill

The Federal Executive Council has approved the draft National Tobacco Control Bill that will be sent to the National Assembly for promulgation into law.

The Bill recommends a minimum of six months imprisonment of fifty thousand naira, or both for individuals who smoke outside public places designated as smoking areas.

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu told newsmen after the weekly council’s meeting in Abuja that the penalties for corporate offenders varied from one million naira to five million and one year to two years imprisonment for the chief executives of such firms.

He said all forms of advertisement of Tobacco is totally banned under the proposed law, adding that while the law forbids government from accepting gifts from tobacco companies, it also bans the firms from sponsoring any public event.

Senate Approves 2014 Budget

The Senate has approved the sum of four-point-six-nine trillion naira as the country’s budget for the year twenty fourteen.

The budget has two point four trillion naira as Recurrent Expenditure while the sum of one point one trillion naira is for Capital Development.

The President of the Senate, David Mark urged the executive to effectively implement the budget.

Dont Postpone 2015 General Election In Our States - North East Governors Warns Jega

Governors of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, facing the challenges of Boko Haram insurgency has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to postpone the twenty fifteen elections in the states.

The governors in a joint statement in Maiduguri urged INEC to disregard calls by some politicians for the postponement of the elections due to the security situation in the states.

The statement urged INEC to take a cue from war-ravaged Afghanistan where elections were recently held, in spite of threat of attacks by the Taliban terrorist group.

Microsoft Ends Support For Windows XP

Microsoft has end support for Windows XP, you know what means? If you are still using the Operating system, your computer is vulnerable to hackers.

Please read an article I got from BBC NEWS for further details.

Support for the venerable Windows XP operating system ended yesterday.

It means that there will be no more official security updates and bug fixes for the operating system from Microsoft.

Some governments have negotiated extended support contracts for the OS in a bid to keep users protected.

Security firms said anyone else using the 13-year-old software would be at increased risk of infection and compromise by cyber-thieves.

Statistics suggest 20-25% of all users have stuck with XP despite the fact that there have been three major releases of Windows since its debut in 2001.

Some of those existing XP users have struck deals to get security fixes from Microsoft while they complete their migration away from the ageing code.

The UK government has signed a £5.5m deal for extended support. Similarly the Dutch government has signed a "multi-million euro" deal to obtain help for the 40,000 PCs running XP used by the nation's civil servants.

Anyone currently running Windows XP already faced a disproportionate risk of falling victim to malware, said David Emm, a senior research analyst at security firm Kaspersky.

Source:

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-26884167