IN PICTURES: President Buhari at UN Climate Change Conference COP 21, Paris

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0m3tmaINj18/VlzMBaLonDI/AAAAAAACMfg/CklNo2A3tMQ/s640/PP1.jpg" width="640" /></span></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">          President Buhari addressing the UN Climate Change Conference COP 21, in Paris, France</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXqbAd-3AUc/VlzMOOE21TI/AAAAAAACMfo/fIzwy8Yq1Ko/s400/PP2.jpg" width="400" /></span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhRLvsTzcGg/VlzMPx8bGwI/AAAAAAACMfw/cVbpvviIBbM/s400/PP3.jpg" width="400" /></span></div> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORCGsE89TnM/VlzMSK49PyI/AAAAAAACMf4/dXfgD1XXYws/s400/PP4.jpg" width="400" /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">President Buhari with Minister of Environment Mrs Amina Ibrahim Mohammed </span></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-ILU7bMLEU/VlzMULJpa3I/AAAAAAACMgA/QE6MA_txNKA/s400/PP5.jpg" width="400" /></span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXzIqZRTK2c/VlzMVqsXYCI/AAAAAAACMgI/ZOm99eaX-Lw/s400/PP6.jpg" width="400" /></span></div> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ0d8tLUacg/VlzMXX4oRnI/AAAAAAACMgQ/fbM0ztQ-6PE/s640/PP7.png" width="640" /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Special Adviser on Media Mr Femi Adesina, National Security Adviser Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno Rtd, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Geoffrey Onyema and Minister of Environment Mrs Amina Ibrahim Mohammed at the occassion</span></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br />

IN PICTURES: President Buhari at UN Climate Change Conference COP 21, Paris

          President Buhari addressing the UN Climate Change Conference COP 21, in Paris, France President Buhari with Minister ...

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Kenya's Enemy Within - Al Jazeera documentary

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n5bQC2eolw/VlyqhC52EHI/AAAAAAACMfA/aglItHf0xXI/s1600/Kenya%2527s-Enemy-Within.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n5bQC2eolw/VlyqhC52EHI/AAAAAAACMfA/aglItHf0xXI/s640/Kenya%2527s-Enemy-Within.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8UTmZimdixE" width="640"></iframe><br /> <br /> <br /> Last night, Al Jazeera English screened Kenya’s Enemy Within, a collaboration between Kenyan investigative journalists John-Allan Namu and Pete Murimi, former winners of the CNN African Journalists of the Year Awards. Murimi co–directed the documentary with double-Emmy-winner Jamie Doran.<br /> <br /> Kenya’s Enemy Within investigates Kenya’s plan to build a 700km-long wall along its porous border with Somalia, in an attempt to shield itself from the armed group al-Shabab.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The ambitious project, which consists of brick walls, fences and observation posts, will stretch from the town of Mandera in the north to Kiunga in the south. The goal is to lock out al-Shabab-aligned fighters who have repeatedly crossed into Kenya to wage attacks.<br /> <br /> Kenya, an al-Shabab target due to its military involvement in Somalia, has seen an upsurge in large scale attacks recently.<br /> <br /> Earlier this year, 148 people, including 142 students, were killed after gunmen stormed the Garissa University College, some 200km from the Somalia border. The massacre piled new pressure on Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to deal with al-Shabab, which has killed more than 400 people in the country over the past two years.<br /> <br /> In Kenya's Enemy Within, Namu speaks to people with direct access to the construction project, who say the plan is unfeasible and won't enhance the country's security. They claim that corruption among immigration officials, poor coordination with intelligence agencies and slow responses from the security forces have left Kenya unable to stem the attacks.<br /> <br /> al-Shabab fighters inside Kenya tell Namu the wall represents a futile effort to shut out the group, as the biggest threat the country is facing is from within. “Let them build a wall. We’re already inside Kenya. There will be more attacks,” Namu is told. He is also informed that sleeper cells inside Kenya are plotting attacks at the highest level: “We have snipers. Their job is to assassinate the president."<br /> <br /> Namu also speaks to the Muslim community, who say that constant harassment and intimidation at the hands of security forces, and scare-mongering by the government, are helping drive al-Shabab's recruitment and creating the perfect breeding ground for the group.

Kenya's Enemy Within - Al Jazeera documentary

Last night, Al Jazeera English screened Kenya’s Enemy Within, a collaboration between Kenyan investigative journalists John-Allan Namu...

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Watch out for explosive laden hampers, police warn Nigerians

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgwxXlJUgq4/VlyorA0bO3I/AAAAAAACMe0/HiDbEJnREVU/s1600/box-400x300%2Bbomb%2Bscare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgwxXlJUgq4/VlyorA0bO3I/AAAAAAACMe0/HiDbEJnREVU/s400/box-400x300%2Bbomb%2Bscare.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Police High Command Monday joined other security agencies in calling on Nigerians to be security conscious and vigilant during the Yuletide season and warned all citizens to be extra alert while receiving gifts from unknown persons that may pose as friends during the season, to avoid explosive-laden hampers as gifts.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase who gave the warning in a statement, also cautioned against the use of fireworks such as knockout, “bangers” and other explosives in the celebrations as they could cause distraction that may further heighten fear of insecurity.<br /> <br /> The statement signed by Force Public Relations officer, Acting ACP Olabisi Kolawole said, “He (IGP) also enjoined citizens to shun all forms of violence and unlawful acts, eschew bitterness, hatred and rancour and go about their legitimate duties without fear of intimidation from any quarter during and after the season.<br /> <br /> “Meanwhile, to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Yuletide, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police, to take necessary measures in ensuring the provision of adequate security for worshippers, travelers, picnickers and all citizens across the country before, during, and after the celebration” She said.<br /> <br /> “Command Commissioners of Police are to personally ensure that all key and vulnerable points within their jurisdictions, including places of worship, recreation centre’s, motor parks, shopping malls, highways, financial institutions and all places of public resorts are adequately and effectively protected.”

Watch out for explosive laden hampers, police warn Nigerians

The Police High Command Monday joined other security agencies in calling on Nigerians to be security conscious and vigilant during the Yu...

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30,000 Nigerians currently in Germany – Envoy

<br /> The new Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, Mr Ingo Herbert, on Monday said that no fewer than 30,000 Nigerians were currently living in different parts of Germany. Herbert told newsmen in Lagos that these include: those working, doing businesses, studying, as well as those married to Germans.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPQ7ULjjbfw/VlyoMGEq1vI/AAAAAAACMes/krn9NeiPgZY/s1600/buhari%2Bger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPQ7ULjjbfw/VlyoMGEq1vI/AAAAAAACMes/krn9NeiPgZY/s400/buhari%2Bger.jpg" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buhari's visit to Germany</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> “Currently, the number of Nigerians across Germany is about 30,000. The number is increasing gradually. “These Nigerians are working, studying, engaged in different businesses, as well as married to Germans. “Nigerians are not really a big community in Germany when compared to countries like Turkey that has about 4 million nationals there,’’ he said.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The envoy, who said that more Nigerians would be welcome to his country, added that there was currently no form of racial discrimination against Nigerians in any part of Germany. Herbert said that Germany’s functioning rule of law, police and judicial system would continue to protect the rights of Nigerians.<br /> <br /> “I can assure Nigerians that they are still welcome to Germany, and are fully protected by the country’s functioning rule of law, policing and dependable judicial system,’’ he said. The Consul-General, however, said that it was imperative for Nigerians wanting to live, study and do business in Germany to first learn the German language.<br /> <br /> Herbert said, although, some universities in Germany were now offering courses in English Language, it would be helpful for Nigerians to understand German to enable them interact freely with their host country’s citizens.

30,000 Nigerians currently in Germany – Envoy

The new Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, Mr Ingo Herbert, on Monday said that no fewer than 30,000 Nigerians wer...

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Boko Haram kills four, torches 50 homes in Niger

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Km2dD1J2QPE/Vlynq1v1jOI/AAAAAAACMek/hGcvVbXfPqg/s1600/BOKO%2BHARAM%2BBAD%2BGUYS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Km2dD1J2QPE/Vlynq1v1jOI/AAAAAAACMek/hGcvVbXfPqg/s400/BOKO%2BHARAM%2BBAD%2BGUYS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Boko Haram activists raided a border village in Niger, killing four people and torching some 50 homes, a local official said on Monday. Two other people were wounded in the assault on Saturday evening, said Fougou Boukar, an official from the restive Diffa region, adding that the attackers then fled to Nigeria.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “There has been enormous damage with about 50 houses burnt,” he told state television, putting the number of assailants at about 10. “The Boko Haram members were armed with Kalashnikovs and came across the Komadougou Yobe” river that divides Niger and Nigeria, Boukar said.<br /> <br /> State television showed hundreds of distressed villagers, praying in memory of the victims. Some of them showed scores of empty cartridges they had gathered after the attack. Boko Haram, the radical Sunni jihadists who want to create a hardline Islamic state in northeast Nigeria, have spread their attacks to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon.<br /> <br /> Their six-year insurgency has left at least 17,000 people dead and made more than 2.6 million homeless. In Niger’s Diffa region alone, hundreds of people have died in Boko Haram raids and suicide bombings since February.<br /> <br /> Last week, Boko Haram killed 18 people and injured 11 others during a raid in the village of Wogom located near the southeastern town of Bosso. Three of the victims, including the local imam, had their throats slit. The United Nations has registered around 50 attacks and clashes between Islamist fighters and Niger troops since February.

Boko Haram kills four, torches 50 homes in Niger

Boko Haram activists raided a border village in Niger, killing four people and torching some 50 homes, a local official said on Monday. T...

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Climate change threatening food security in Nigeria – Buhari

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZoBOlBVkgo/VlynZrI59zI/AAAAAAACMec/0EkLZDf0kSY/s1600/buhari%2Bsad%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZoBOlBVkgo/VlynZrI59zI/AAAAAAACMec/0EkLZDf0kSY/s640/buhari%2Bsad%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> President Mohammadu Buhari in Paris, France on Monday stated that Nigeria is currently suffering from the effects of the climate change which he said have drastically affected food security.<br /> <br /> Buhari spoke while presenting Nigeria’s position at the ongoing Conference of Parties 21 (COP21).<br /> <br /> According to him, the challenges were also threatening human lives, adding that they have resulted in the destruction of many economic and social structures.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Also speaking on the devastating effects of insurgency in the country, the president also remarked the drying up of the Lake Chad Basin was consequent upon the effect of climate change.<br /> <br /> He said: “Like many countries, Nigeria continues to witness the adverse effects of climate change in all its ramifications. Presently, we are reeling under the challenges of climate change as the frequency and intensity of extreme events like floods and drought are on the increase.<br /> <br /> “These challenges have resulted in the destruction of many economic and social structures and more worryingly, threatening our national food production and security.<br /> <br /> “The magnitude of insurgency Nigeria is facing cannot be completely explained away without taking cognizance of the threat of climate change. Without a doubt,<br /> <br /> “Climate change is threatening not only the sustainable development of our social and economic activities but also the totality of human existence in our country as in other parts of the world.

Climate change threatening food security in Nigeria – Buhari

President Mohammadu Buhari in Paris, France on Monday stated that Nigeria is currently suffering from the effects of the climate change w...

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Pro-Biafra protests warns traders to shut markets in Aba

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k07Mje70aoQ/VlynLGtoKFI/AAAAAAACMeU/ZWeETV38jfA/s1600/Kanu-in-court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k07Mje70aoQ/VlynLGtoKFI/AAAAAAACMeU/ZWeETV38jfA/s640/Kanu-in-court.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> In continuation of the protest calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB and Director, Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu; members of the group has warned traders across markets in Aba, Abia state not to open for business tomorrow(Tuesday)<br /> <br /> It was gathered that IPOB members visited Ariaria International, Ngwa road, Cemetery and Ekeoha markets with public address system announcing to the traders to shut their shops.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A cross section of traders who spoke to newsmen condemned the order and appealed to the IPOB members to allow the market open. According to them,” they should allow the markets open. Any trader who wants to join the protest is free but a total closure of market will hurt us severely. Besides, you know, they have always forced us to close markets for the protests.”<br /> <br /> A trader, Mrs. Nwamaka Nnadi who also faulted the ‘order’, said the announcement warning traders to steer clear of the markets started on Sunday, as some pro Biafra agitators were observed in some areas, ‘spreading the message.’<br /> <br /> Efforts to contact IPOB officials in the city proved abortive as none were ready to speak to journalists. However, a member of the group revealed that IPOB will continue the protest until their leader; Nnamdi Kanu is released as well as the realization of an independent state of Biafra.<br /> <br /> When contacted, the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign States of Biafra, MASSOB, condemned the order directing traders to shut markets in the city. MASSOB’s Assistant National Director of Information, Sunny Okereafor, said, “MASSOB condemns the order closing down markets. MASSOB is not aware of such order, we totally condemn it. The markets should be open and people be allowed to go about their businesses. There is hardship in the land and you are talking about closing markets; is this not a way of causing more suffering to the same people we want to liberate?<br /> <br /> As at the time of filing this report, Chairman of the Abia State Market Development Committee, ASMDC, Chief Solomon Nwaigwe and the Police Public Relations Officer, Abia state Command, DSP Ezekiel Onyeke, said they were at separate meeting.

Pro-Biafra protests warns traders to shut markets in Aba

In continuation of the protest calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB and Director, Radi...

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Fire guts Govt Girls College Kano, 7 killed, 21 injured

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdIiUuCqwMA/Vlymw1HOqCI/AAAAAAACMeI/zOQun8-XI6o/s1600/Fire%2Bburnssssss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdIiUuCqwMA/Vlymw1HOqCI/AAAAAAACMeI/zOQun8-XI6o/s640/Fire%2Bburnssssss.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> It was a harrowing experience for students of Kano Goverment Girls College, Jogana Monday morning when a mysterious fire that swept through their dormitory claimed 7 life, while 21 others were injured, officials said.<br /> <br /> An insider who do not want his name in print revealed that the fire outbreak was noticed during the wee hours by one of the senior student when other students were fast asleep.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to her, the spirited effort of the student averted what she described ‘tragic incident of maximum proportion’.<br /> <br /> Briefing newsmen over the tragic incident in Kano, the Director General, Kano Senior Secondary School Board, Alhaji Hussaini Umar Ganduje said that most of the injured students have been taken to the hospital for attention.<br /> <br /> Similarly, in a press release by the Director of press to the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Bello said that Fire-service men had successfully put out the fire.<br /> <br /> The statement further stated that ‘students were evacuated to their classes and those affected were rushed to Gezawa and Sir Sanusi Hospital.’<br /> <br /> Alhaji Bello disclosed that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Dr. Bakari Ado Hussaini and Management of Kano State Senior. Secondary School all mobilized to the School and were coordinating with the State Deputy Governor and commissioner of Education Prof Hafiz Abubakar.<br /> <br /> Bello further revealed that the commissioner of Health also joined the advanced party alongside health personnel to attend to the victims of the incidence.<br /> <br /> He said that Government has successfully brought the situation under control, as he enjoined parents and Guardian to demonstrate understanding in the light of the tragic development.

Fire guts Govt Girls College Kano, 7 killed, 21 injured

It was a harrowing experience for students of Kano Goverment Girls College, Jogana Monday morning when a mysterious fire that swept throu...

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Naira depreciates further at parallel market

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSe5odFNXWs/VlymZX_ZlbI/AAAAAAACMeE/FBfpoYDk6sQ/s1600/naira%2Bdollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSe5odFNXWs/VlymZX_ZlbI/AAAAAAACMeE/FBfpoYDk6sQ/s400/naira%2Bdollar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The naira depreciated further at the parallel market on Monday as it lost N0.5 to exchange at N242.5 to the dollar.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It was previously exchanged at N242 to the dollar.<br /> <br /> The naira, however, closed at N197 to the dollar at the inter-bank segment.<br /> <br /> The naira has continued to slide in spite of the measures adopted by the apex bank to defend the exchange rate.<br /> <br /> Traders at the market said that there was upsurge in demand for foreign exchange and this was impacting on the exchange rate of the naira.

Naira depreciates further at parallel market

The naira depreciated further at the parallel market on Monday as it lost N0.5 to exchange at N242.5 to the dollar. It was previously...

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Secession not the answer to grievances of Ndigbo – Nwabueze

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YS84hjAV_g/Vlyl_KCGRnI/AAAAAAACMd8/pMBzdnq2bnQ/s1600/Prof.-Ben-Nwabueze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YS84hjAV_g/Vlyl_KCGRnI/AAAAAAACMd8/pMBzdnq2bnQ/s400/Prof.-Ben-Nwabueze.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Constitutional lawyer and Chairman of The Patriots, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), has admonished pro-Biafra groups under the umbrellas of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), to have a rethink over their renewed calls for the State of Biafra.<br /> <br /> Speaking on Monday, in Lagos, at a press conference to announce the 4th Goddy Jidenma Foundation (GJF) bi-annual Public Lecture, entitled: “Leadership, Responsibility & Good Governance,” holding on Wednesday, December 3, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, Professor Nwabueze, who blamed the nation’s leadership problem, for the renewed agitations for the State of Biafra, however, stated that the answer to their genuine grievances does not lie in secession.<br /> <br /> According to Nwabueze, who was flanked by the Principal Solicitor, Zik Chuka Obi & Co and Dr. Ije Jidenma, Executive Secretary, GJF and wife of the late Goddy Jidenma, clamping down on pro-Biafra protesters or sending them to prisons, is not the solution to the problem.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Nwabueze, who is the Chairman, Board of Trustee, GJF, however, opined that the renewed agitation for Biafra, showed the injustices meted against the South-East region under the leadership President Muhammadu Buhari.<br /> <br /> Nwabueze said: “How can Nigeria with the kind of experience we had under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, elect another military commander and former head of the Federal Military Government as President. It doesn’t make sense. Have we ever sat down to reflect on this. It’s amnesia. Nigerians suffer from amnesia, loss of memory. We don’t have memory of the past. It’s possible the amnesia will repeat itself again after eight years, because President Muhammadu Buhari will go on for another eight years, and another military man will emerge and Nigerians will elect him.<br /> <br /> “What we are experiencing now under the current administration shows you that our problem has been leadership. What Nigeria needs is a leader who will guide this country as one, and not one Northern Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “Nigeria needs a leader who will regard all the ethnic groups as his constituency. We have 389 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. How do you coalesce them into one. That’s what is called the national question, which is more challenging than corruption. Who can do it? It’s not impossible. I believe that it can be done. But not under the present process, where somebody with the kind of Buhari’s background and credentials could be elected and get imposed on Nigerians through this so-called electoral process.”<br /> <br /> According to the octogenarian: “Biafra is certainly not the answer. We have tried it before and it led to a three years civil war. Where has it taken us to? The Igbos are scattered all over the country. You will find them everywhere. South-East youths are again asking for secession. But the question is, what is going to happen to all the Igbos scattered all over the country. This only exposes them to another mass killing.<br /> <br /> “Between 1967 to 1970, when the war ended, millions of Igbos were killed. Is that what we want again. What did we achieve by that war? did we achieve Biafra? We didn’t. Is there any basis to think that it can be realised this time? Are we more prepared for it now than we were in 1967. Certainly not, we aren’t prepared for it.”<br /> <br /> Speaking further, he said, “However, we must not condemn the people that are agitating. The present administration must look at the root cause of their protests. These people protesting are all young people. Some of them have not been employed for over 10 years after graduating from the university. In my own time, graduate unemployment was unknown. There was nothing like that. The unrest we are witnessing today is caused by this anomaly. Graduate unemployment is part of the basic root of this protest.<br /> <br /> “Tied to this, the recent actions of President Buhari contributes to this unrest. Buhari made 24 key appointments, not a single one came from the South-East. What do you expect the youths from that area to feel. They will feel that they have been deprived of that sense of belonging. They will feel that they don’t belong to Nigeria. If by the President’s actions, he’s saying they don’t belong to Nigeria, then, they will start agitation for Biafra, where they can belong.<br /> <br /> “People may describe this feeling as an illusion, but I must say that the feeling is already there. You can’t say to a man who is aggrieved that he has no right to be aggrieved. Address the source of the grievances. Correct your own approach to leadership. Make them feel that they belong. That’s the answer. The answer is not clamping them to prisons.”<br /> <br /> The former Nigerian Secretary of Education, however, advised the leadership of MASSOB and IPOB to change their names, noting that the names they currently bare act as a clog in the wheel of their causes.<br /> <br /> His words: “I have said it in the past that there is something wrong with the name that pro-Biafra groups are using for their cause. As the pioneer Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a position I held for 25 years, I had meetings with the leader of MASSOB, Ralph Uwazurike, where I told him the honest truth, that look, you may have something up, but the name MASSOB, defeats your cause. Therefore, you must change the name.<br /> <br /> “How can you be talking about actualisation of a sovereign state within a sovereign state. That’s treasonable. The name alone is treasonable. Take for instance if members of MASSOB and the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), burn down a police station, while the OPC member will be charged for arson, the MASSOB member will be charged for treason because of the name.<br /> <br /> “Although, burning down a police station is not a treasonable offence, but burning down a police station under the name Movement for Actualisation for Sovereign State of Biafra is treasonable. The authorities will charge them for treason with the argument that they are burning down police stations because they want to actualise Biafra.<br /> <br /> “You can see that the authorities are charging the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu and others for treason. Although, I have called for his immediate release and have asked that he comes to see me when he’s released. I want to see him. The name should be changed. MASSOB is there, IPOB is also there. So, which is which? The name should be changed,” he insisted.<br /> <br /> Nwabueze added that “My advice to these youngsters is that they should not plunge Ndigbo into something that we are not prepared for. We are not prepared for another civil war. Ninety percent of the Igbo are not prepared for the civil war yet. I read recently in the papers that there are talks to declare a state of emergency in the South-East, I hope it’s not true.<br /> <br /> “Ndigbo must not play into the hands of our enemies. It’s foolish to play into the hands of your enemies, people who are looking for excuses to solve the so-called Igbo problem. We must not forget that there is still the ill feelings of this Igbo problem. So, these youngsters must be advised that the answer to their genuine grievances does not lie in secession.”

Secession not the answer to grievances of Ndigbo – Nwabueze

Constitutional lawyer and Chairman of The Patriots, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), has admonished pro-Biafra groups under the umbrellas of ...

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Police arrest fraudsters impersonating Lagos CP, Tinubu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8zicWMKE7Q/VlylpZMak2I/AAAAAAACMd0/8dC_eR-HrDg/s1600/police-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8zicWMKE7Q/VlylpZMak2I/AAAAAAACMd0/8dC_eR-HrDg/s640/police-logo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The police in Lagos have arrested two men who defraud members of the public with the name of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni.<br /> <br /> He said the men also used the name of the former Lagos State governor, Sen. Bola Tinubu.<br /> <br /> Owoseni made the disclosure on Monday while parading the suspects before newsmen.<br /> <br /> He said the suspects allegedly opened a Facebook account in his name with his photograph to solicit for fund into a bank account of what the suspects called “CP Owoseni Foundation’’.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The command wishes to inform members of the public that fraudsters have continued to device different methods of duping unsuspecting residents.<br /> <br /> “The latest trick being used by these dupes is to open a Facebook page using the photographs and information of highly placed individuals.<br /> <br /> “The commissioner of police, Lagos State and former governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu, were impersonated by these cheats.<br /> <br /> “The suspects have been arrested and are to be prosecuted,’’ Owoseni said.<br /> <br /> The commissioner said that he had never operated a Facebook page before and urged the public to beware of fraudsters using the names of highly placed persons.<br /> <br /> Owoseni said the suspects were soliciting for N20,000 donation to the fake Owoseni Foundation before they were arrested.<br /> <br /> Similarly, a retired traffic police officer was also arrested for parading himself as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) under the Lagos State Command.<br /> <br /> The commissioner said the suspect claimed he was only escorting trucks with goods to the Eastern part of Nigeria after his retirement.<br /> <br />

Police arrest fraudsters impersonating Lagos CP, Tinubu

The police in Lagos have arrested two men who defraud members of the public with the name of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr F...

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OANDO COOKING GAS STROMS NORTHERN FORESHORE & OTHER LEKKI ESTATES

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNZUdkexWyA/VlyklIDC53I/AAAAAAACMdk/3fqOSK8f1b0/s1600/paa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNZUdkexWyA/VlyklIDC53I/AAAAAAACMdk/3fqOSK8f1b0/s640/paa1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <span id="goog_663642019"></span><span id="goog_663642020"></span><br /> (Sponsored Post)<br /> <br /> Getting cooking gas is now hassle-free with the Oando O-Gas home delivery. With our free home delivery, you can make your orders and refill with a phone call or a text, and you are guaranteed delivery in just a few minutes.<br /> <br /> At Oando Marketing, it’s a point of duty to always satisfy our customers. With this in mind, we make it our prerogative to make our services readily available to our customers. Services are available from 8 am to 5pm Monday – Saturdays.<br /> <br /> With Oando O-Gas you are guaranteed;<br /> <br /> <b>• Quality assurance.</b><br /> <b>• Instant exchange experience.</b><br /> <b>• Free & prompt home delivery.</b><br /> <b>• Easy & convenient payment options.</b><br /> <b>• Excellent Customer service.</b><br /> <b>• Free consultation/ Safety checks.</b><br /> <b>• Trusted & loyal representatives.</b><br /> <br /> These services are now available at the following estates in Lekki:<br /> <br /> <b>• Northern Foreshore</b><br /> <b>• Friends Colony</b><br /> <b>• Milverton Court</b><br /> <b>• Bourdillon Court</b><br /> <b>• Egerton Court</b><br /> <b>• Napier Gardens</b><br /> <br /> <br /> Make your orders today and call<br /> <br /> <ul> <li> Demola: 09082064465</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Ikechukwu: 09082064471</li> </ul> <br /> <b>Facebook: Oando Marketing</b><br /> <b>Twitter: oando_marketing</b><br /> <b>Instagram: Oando Marketing</b>

OANDO COOKING GAS STROMS NORTHERN FORESHORE & OTHER LEKKI ESTATES

(Sponsored Post) Getting cooking gas is now hassle-free with the Oando O-Gas home delivery. With our free home delivery, you can make yo...

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BREAKING NEWS: APC unveils Yahaya Bello as replacement for late Audu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQkYDEBtk0U/VlydNTVlT4I/AAAAAAACMc4/JLJ_du8HuKs/s1600/yahaya%2Baudu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQkYDEBtk0U/VlydNTVlT4I/AAAAAAACMc4/JLJ_du8HuKs/s640/yahaya%2Baudu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has unveiled Alh. Yahaya Bello, popularly known as Fair Plus as the replacement for the late Prince Abubakar Audu. It would be recalled that Alh. Yahaya Bello was runner-up in the APC governorship primaries.Alhaji-Yahaya-Bello<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Unveiling Bello at the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja, Monday after about 3 hours of meeting, the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun urged party leaders and stakeholders to accept the decision of the party leadership and ensure the party become victorious in Saturday’s supplementary poll.<br /> <br /> The party also announced that Hon James Abiodun Faleke will be Bello’s running mate but the former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area rejected the offer.<br /> <br /> Oyegun explained that the decision to nominate Bello was borne out of the need to conform to the electoral laws of the nation and to ensure cohesion and fairness.<br /> <br /> He eulogized the late Prince Abubakar Audu as the face of the party in the state, saying the party will miss his leadership qualities greatly.<br /> <br /> While accepting the party’s nomination, Alh. Yahaya Bello pledged to ensure immediate reconciliation of all aggrieved parties in the party, saying he was more than prepared to lead the party to a resounding victory on December 5. He called on all the party leaders to work with him to take the party to higher heights.<br /> <br /> Yahaya Bello pledged to immortalize the late Prince Abubakar Audu, describing him as a great leader who contributed immensely to the development of Kogi State while he was governor. He urged the youths of the state to team up with him to foster a united Kogi State.<br /> <br />

BREAKING NEWS: APC unveils Yahaya Bello as replacement for late Audu

The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has unveiled Alh. Yahaya Bello, popularly known as Fair Plus as the replac...

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Syria denies using chemical weapons in civil war

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPYIc1c24Uw/VlydiQE7LPI/AAAAAAACMc8/z1-wBVa2awY/s1600/Syrian-warplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPYIc1c24Uw/VlydiQE7LPI/AAAAAAACMc8/z1-wBVa2awY/s400/Syrian-warplane.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Syria on Monday denied ever using chemical weapons in its four-year-old civil war, telling a global watchdog it was cooperating fully with the destruction of its toxic stockpile.<br /> <br /> Damascus’s rebuttal comes amid growing accusations it is not being transparent with the world’s chemical watchdog and as United Nations efforts are stepped up to track down the perpetrators of deadly chlorine gas attacks in the war-torn country last year.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “We wish here to state categorically that we have never used chlorine or any other toxic chemicals during any incidents or any other operations in the Syrian Arab Republic since the beginning of the crisis and up to this very day,” Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Moqdad told the annual meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).<br /> <br /> Damascus rejected “the false accusations against Syria with respect to its supposed use of chlorine as a weapon in military operations,” he added, speaking in Arabic through an interpreter.<br /> <br /> The accusations “only serve political agendas, which also aim at diverting our successes in eliminating our chemical weapons,” Moqdad said.<br /> <br /> But Western countries including the United States and Canada, as well as the European Union, have lambasted Syria, raising doubts about whether President Bashar al-Assad’s regime is truly committed to ridding his country of all chemical arms.<br /> <br /> There are “many uncertainties regarding the dismantling of Syria’s chemical weapons programme, notably the gaps and contradictions contained in Syria’s declarations,” EU representative Jacek Bylica told the meeting in The Hague, attended by delegates from the OPCW’s 192 states.<br /> <br /> “These uncertainties lead to doubts as to compliance by Syria with its obligations under the Convention,” Bylica said at the opening of the five-day assembly.<br /> <br /> Last week the OPCW itself voiced “grave concern” at the continued use of toxic arms in Syria, despite the regime’s ratification of the UN Convention banning chemical weapons.<br /> <br /> The OPCW investigations did not directly blame any of the parties in the four-year civil war, aimed at ousting Assad and in which civil groups say more than 250,000 people have been killed.<br /> <br /> French ambassador Laurent Pic told delegates some reports indicated the presence of helicopters at the time of chemical attacks.<br /> <br /> “We all know what that means: the pursuit of relentless oppression by any means, including the most abominable, by a criminal regime against its own people.”<br /> <br /> Accusations have also mounted that extremists with the Islamic State group, which has captured a swathe of territory in both Syria and Iraq, have resorted to such tactics.<br /> <br /> The OPCW — which won the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize — confirmed earlier in November with “utmost confidence” that mustard gas was used in Syria in August during fighting between rebels and jihadists, and “likely” killed a child.<br /> <br /> OPCW experts also concluded that chlorine gas was likely used in an attack in Idlib province in March.<br /> <br /> OPCW director general Ahmet Uzumcu said a joint UN task team, approved by the Security Council in August to probe chlorine attacks in Syrian villages last year, was up and running in New York and in The Hague “with plans to set up in Damascus.”<br /> <br /> The panel, which comprises 24 experts, is expected to deliver its first report to the Security Council in February, Uzumcu said.<br /> <br /> The watchdog’s top official told Monday’s meeting “significant progress” had been made in destroying Syria’s declared chemical weapons stockpile.<br /> <br /> Under a deal hammered out in 2013 between Russia and the United States following a sarin gas attack on the outskirts of Damascus in which hundreds died, the regime joined the UN Convention against chemical weapons and pledged to hand over all such arms to the OPCW for destruction.<br /> <br /> Some 1,300 tonnes of chemical weapons were handed over by Syria, including mustard and sarin gas.<br /> <br /> The last of the stockpile will be destroyed in the United States by the end of the year, Uzumcu said.<br /> <br /> But Canadian ambassador Sabine Nolke said: “More than two years after acceding to this treaty, Syria has failed to demonstrate that it deserves treatment similar to that of any other ordinary member.”

Syria denies using chemical weapons in civil war

Syria on Monday denied ever using chemical weapons in its four-year-old civil war, telling a global watchdog it was cooperating fully with...

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Buhari’s Trips Are Not For Enjoyment, By Garba Shehu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdCrfXwKZ6s/VlycnYsVNuI/AAAAAAACMcw/7AmnNbEqj1U/s1600/buhari%2Bplane%2Bair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdCrfXwKZ6s/VlycnYsVNuI/AAAAAAACMcw/7AmnNbEqj1U/s640/buhari%2Bplane%2Bair.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been amused, reading a number of jokes concerning the frequency of the President, Muhammadu Buhari’s foreign trips. Questions have been raised about why so many visits, and what are the benefits Nigeria is getting?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will make it clear from the beginning that the critic is entitled to his and her opinion and nothing said here is intended to silence him or her.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Criticism goes with the territory and as it is often said in a wisecrack, if you don’t like the heat, get out of the kitchen. President Muhammadu Buhari came into office under the mantra of change. While Nigerians are yearning for change, you need someone who will set up the infrastructure, both at home and abroad for it. President Buhari is busy doing that.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The change is manifest in where he visits and what he does.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the delegations accompanying him abroad, President Buhari has slashed the numbers, bringing them down to a tolerable or the bearable minimum.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He went to the United Nations General Assembly in September with an unbelievable 32 officials in his delegation. These included his cook, his doctor and luggage officer.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His predecessor in office went to the same meeting with 150 officials and family members the year before.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wherever they are given government accommodation and feeding, members of President Buhari’s entourage receive reduced allowances, thereby saving the government some money.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Public diplomacy, experts say, is better conducted through face-to-face interaction than through third parties. This is even more so at the level of heads of state. To do it by proxy is to miss the effect of fostering strong interpersonal relations between leaders, from which nations benefit.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">President Buhari has so far visited Germany, South Africa, USA, Niger, Tchad, Cameroon, Benin, Ghana, South Africa, India, Iran and Malta, where we are presently for the Commonwealth Summit. Mostly, these were due to either the United Nations, European Union, African Union or energy and security-related summits. They were mostly undertaken to attend specific meetings, not State Visits. Looking at these assignments, the trips are unavoidable for the president. What would Nigerians say of their leader when they see the array of world leaders assemble, as they would shortly be doing, discussing climate change in Paris on Monday and their own president is missing from the table?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those of us who were around under Abacha read all the taunts about him being a sit-at-home leader. Abacha was despised for not representing his country abroad.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">President Buhari’s foreign visits have been marked by punishing schedules. They are always business-like and results-oriented. All trips have been marked by tight schedules. Meeting after meeting, happening back-to-back morning, afternoon and evening. The President has had to travel overnight for some of these meetings.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The visit by any president to another country is the highest act in international relations.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It sends out a message that that county is important to the visitor.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is not like your usual vacation abroad. Official discussions involving political leaders, the military, the diplomats and at times, business people are held on multi-track levels. In foreign policy you stand on a quick sand of events and you slip up if you take a rest or lose focus. Governments also know that their achievements at home will be meaningless if they cannot project these abroad. Who or where are the foreign investors, whose hand you are seeking if you can’t travel meet them? Will they come if they don’t know about the country? President Buhari demonstrated a keen understanding of these when in the first week of his taking the office, he brought together foreign policy and all three cardinal objectives of his administration – security, economy and war on corruption – by embarking on visits to neighbouring countries.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In our recent history, much of the West had ignored Nigeria under the corrupt PDP administration for many years, which warranted the country’s tilt towards some Asian countries.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a consequence, this country has suffered past isolation of various types, including the denial of access to the arms-purchase market.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a member of the then Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, I remember being in a delegation that visited the Aso Rock Villa, to beg the government at that time not the execute the writer and activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the meeting with the Number Two man in that government, Major-General Oladipo Diya, he announced to everyone’s shock and disbelief that Ken had been executed. “Honestly,” he muted, “I think he has been executed about two days ago.” What followed that pronouncement was a global outrage.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The then Foreign Affairs Minister, Arch. Tom Ikimi representing Nigeria at the Commonwealth meeting in New Zealand, shattered the feelings of the leaders of those countries when he announced to them that he had not been briefed about the executions and begged for time to talk to the leaders back in Nigeria.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nigeria faced an imminent expulsion from the group and would have been so sacked but for the intervention of the then president of South Africa, the late Nelson Mandela.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In place of this extreme form of sanction, a suspension and and a barrage of sanctions followed and remained in place until an appreciable remorse was shown and progress made towards the return to democracy by Nigeria.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout that period of time, it was difficult being a Nigerian in the international space.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As council members of the UN Human Rights Commission, Africans would operate in caucuses in Geneva without us Nigerians. Like lepers, we were shunned wherever we showed up.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I mentioned this short narrative to illustrate two things: one, for a country to do the right things all the time and two, you don’t know the joy being a part of international gatherings until you suffer the pain of exclusion from them.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Short of begging the world, there was nothing that the Abacha government didn’t do to be taken back into the Commonwealth. And it is against this background that I felt the need to pen this opinion in the hope of bringing better understanding to fellow countrymen and women on the current subject matter.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is no reason to be angry with anyone criticising President Buhari for traveling abroad. In politics, even if President Buhari were to bring with him a suitcase full of cash and a pot gold each time he returned from a trip, someone will criticise him, saying that the journey was wasteful.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The PDP will kick, knowing that they got 16 years and did nothing with it. Those who didn’t do much during their term of governance will find it instructive to fault whatever the President is doing.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If President Buhari is successful as a leader, the PDP will be history.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My own point here is that he is doing a great job and the fruits are here, and many more will soon come. He is working to strengthen diplomatic relations, trade and the security of our nation. He holds serious meetings with serious investors and has fetched us investments in the range of billions of US Dollars.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, countries such as France, UK, U.S are supporting Nigeria with intelligence, weapons and training for our military against Boko Haram and the economic saboteurs in the Delta region.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">President Buhari will definitely make Nigeria great, what the PDP fooled us on for 16 years.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All heads of countries around the world now take Nigeria seriously. His foreign trips are for business, security of the country and bilateral contacts – contacts that get actualised by follow-ups and the love and support a leader enjoys at home and abroad.<br style="zoom: 1;" /> Today the world is in a warm embrace of President Muhammadu Buhari.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nigerians should be proud of the attention, love and admiration, importance, respect and investment he is bringing to Nigeria. These trips are not for enjoyment.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly, to answer those who ask all the time, what is he bringing back home?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are not a country of beggars. It is good if something is in the bag as the leader comes home from a trip.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Culturally, we never return home from a trip without a souvenir for everyone left at home. Yes it is good he declares something upon his return.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But the most important task for the President at this time is to reset the image of Nigeria abroad, given the damage it sustained over many years in the past.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So far, in fairness, the President has projected a large image of Nigeria and of himself which should be a matter of pride for all our citizens. Marketing of Brand Nigeria can never be more important than it currently is.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The President is doing a great job for the nation. He needs to be supported.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><strong style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.</span></strong></div>

Buhari’s Trips Are Not For Enjoyment, By Garba Shehu

I have been amused, reading a number of jokes concerning the frequency of the President, Muhammadu Buhari’s foreign trips. Questions have ...

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FIFA Ballon d’or: Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar in final shortlist

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRUzQyqr3RE/VlycIr7cZOI/AAAAAAACMck/Lu6fHKknG5I/s1600/Messi-And-Neymar-And-Ronaldo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRUzQyqr3RE/VlycIr7cZOI/AAAAAAACMck/Lu6fHKknG5I/s640/Messi-And-Neymar-And-Ronaldo-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0.5rem; margin-right: 0.5rem; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The final shortlist of three players for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’or for 2015 has been released with the trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Brazilian Neymar all making the cut.</b></span></div> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0.5rem 0.3em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While Ronaldo will be hoping for a third successive win of the coveted award, the Barcelona duo of Neymar and Messi also looks good to dethrone the Portuguese star.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0.5rem 0.3em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Messi has already won the Ballon d’or for a record four times while Neymar who many see as the outsider in this shortlist is eyeing his first win.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0.5rem 0.3em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a related development, the contenders for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 2015 Award have also been announced.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0.5rem 0.3em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Carli Lloyd (USA/Houston Dash), Aya Miyama (Japan/Okayama Yunogo Belle), and Célia Šašić (Germany/1. FFC Frankfurt) are the trio in the running for the women’s award.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0.5rem 0.3em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, the candidates for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football and FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football awards have also been announced. In alphabetical order, the contenders are:</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0.5rem 0.3em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pep Guardiola (Spain/FC Bayern Munich), Luis Enrique Martínez (Spain/FC Barcelona), Jorge Sampaoli (Argentina/Chilean national team) for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football award; and Jill Ellis (USA/USA national team), Mark Sampson (Wales/English national team) and Norio Sasaki (Japan/Japanese national team) for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football award.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0.5rem 0.3em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to FIFA, all of the nominees were confirmed after a voting process, which was open to the captains and head coaches of the men’s and women’s national teams of the 207 member associations as well as international media representatives selected by FIFA and France Football.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0.5rem 0.3em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All of the awards will be presented at the FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on 11 January 2016 during a televised show to be streamed live on FIFA.com and FIFA on YouTube.</span></div> <br />

FIFA Ballon d’or: Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar in final shortlist

The final shortlist of three players for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’or for 2015 has been released with the trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, L...

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David Mark an ‘asset’ to Nigeria – PDP

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nL2goMNmiFg/Vlya4bdCSFI/AAAAAAACMcc/0nY0SE5Xo1g/s1600/david%2Bmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nL2goMNmiFg/Vlya4bdCSFI/AAAAAAACMcc/0nY0SE5Xo1g/s640/david%2Bmark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Peoples Democratic Party says the party and the people of Benue South are solidly behind the former Senate President, David Mark, to repeat his electoral victory in the rerun election ordered by the Court of Appeal.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mr. Mark’s election as Senator for Benue South constituency was last week annulled by the Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi, Benue state capital.<br /> <br /> The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct a fresh election within 90 days.<br /> <br /> Mr. Mark, in his reaction to the ruling on Saturday,said he was confident of winning re-election “even if it is held 100 times”.<br /> <br /> His party, the PDP, described Mr. Mark as an asset to the nation.<br /> <br /> The party said it was assured that the people of Benue South Senatorial zone, as ardent members and supporters of the PDP since 1999, would remain steadfast in giving him another resounding victory at the rerun election.<br /> <br /> The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Monday said the confidence of the party of retaining the senatorial seat was even stronger now that the “deceit” of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has become obvious to all Nigerians.<br /> <br /> The PDP said the inexplicable ruling of the Appeal Court, even when all evidence pointed to Mr. Mark’s victory as upheld by the lower tribunal, was yet another evidence of the APC’s dangerous interference in the judiciary.<br /> <br /> The party also hailed Mr. Mark’s “significant contributions” in growing and stabilizing the nation’s democracy through his mature, responsible and patriotic leadership of the Senate.<br /> <br /> The PDP therefore urged its members in Benue South to resist “any attempt to intimidate them, especially in their determination to ensure effective and result-oriented representation in the Senate as typified in Senator Mark”.

David Mark an ‘asset’ to Nigeria – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party says the party and the people of Benue South are solidly behind the former Senate President, David Mark, to r...

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Nigeria to understudy Australia’s mining sector — Fayemi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4sbu5Nxqos/VlyaQoxID9I/AAAAAAACMcU/GD3heM6J4QY/s1600/gov%2Bekiti%2Bfayemi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4sbu5Nxqos/VlyaQoxID9I/AAAAAAACMcU/GD3heM6J4QY/s640/gov%2Bekiti%2Bfayemi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Federal Government would understudy the Australian mining sector in the bid to reposition the country’s solid mineral sector, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi, has said.<br /> <br /> The government will also be learning how the Australian government has been able to achieve synergy between communities, states and the government in resolving the recurrent conflicts between communities and miners and settling the royalties due to states.<br /> <br /> Mr. Fayemi said Nigeria needs to learn how Australia has been able to drive its country’s mining sector, which accounts for 8.5 per cent of the country’s GDP and employs about two per cent of the work force as the present administration is set to improve the nation’s economy through the sector.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonathan Richardson, to his office on Friday, Mr. Fayemi said the increasing interest of the government is geared towards understanding the Australian mining sector and coming up with an approach that will be profitable to Nigeria.<br /> <br /> He said: “We need to learn how you have been able to particularly drive the Australian mining industry. The president is really very focused in this sector; not that we have choices anyway with the prices for petrol dollar dwindling, so we have to look at alternatives for raising revenue for the country and clearly for the president, agriculture and solid minerals appear to be the most realistic or fastest way to begin to raise additional revenue for the economy.<br /> <br /> “The increasing interest of our government has made me get in touch and connect with what you are doing in your mining sector. Everything I have heard in the last 10 days of being in this position points in the direction of Australia. Everybody is saying it to me factually, technically, commercially, I keep hearing, you get Australia, you fix the mining sector.<br /> <br /> “Another area that we really can learn from Australia is you are a federal entity like us, we do have significant tension between what the constitution says about mineral resources belonging exclusively to the federal authority and the management of land belonging to the state government. So, we need to find a sharing formula mechanism, what royalties comes to those who own the land, the community, state government and then the federal in other to achieve synergy and corporation because increasingly, I am hearing stories of those trying to explore minerals from local communities and facing a number of challenges there. We will be interested to know what Australia has done about it.”<br /> <br /> Earlier, the Australian High Commissioner, said that his country would like to cooperate with Nigeria in the areas of technical training and support as well as other areas the government might require. He added that over 100 Nigerians had taken advantage of short professional courses in specialized areas in Australia since 2010.<br /> <br /> Mr. Richardson, who stressed that Nigeria is well endowed with mineral resources, stated that security, rule of law, law enforcement, policy consistency as well as cheaper and reliable power supply would play significant roles in building and sustaining investors confidence in the Nigerian mining sector.

Nigeria to understudy Australia’s mining sector — Fayemi

The Federal Government would understudy the Australian mining sector in the bid to reposition the country’s solid mineral sector, the Mini...

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EFCC arrests former minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, others over alleged $2billion arms deal

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQTX5Tw0JFE/VlyaBPKG90I/AAAAAAACMcM/7lXwxPc3kCo/s1600/EFCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQTX5Tw0JFE/VlyaBPKG90I/AAAAAAACMcM/7lXwxPc3kCo/s640/EFCC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, and a number of top officials from the office of the National Security Adviser over the controversial arms procurement scandal surrounding former NSA, Sambo Dasuki.<br /> <br /> Multiple sources at the EFCC revealed thst Mr. Yuguda was arrested Monday afternoon and was currently being quizzed by detectives.<br /> <br /> Our sources said a huge amount of money; “running into billions” was allegedly traced to the former minister from funds meant for arms procurement.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The funds were directly transferred to him from the NSA office and he has been unable to explain the rationale for the transfer,” a source said.<br /> <br /> “The transfers were made to his account between December 2014 and May 2015.”<br /> <br /> Also arrested over the same matter, according to our sources, are some senior officials at the NSA office, including the director of finance.<br /> <br /> “The suspects are being grilled by crack detectives and may not be allowed to go home soon,” one source said.<br /> <br /> The spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said he was yet to be briefed on the arrests.<br /> “I’m aware that our detectives are looking into the case but I’m not sure who and who has been taken in,” Mr. Uwujaren said on telephone.<br /> <br /> He promised to revert as soon details become available.<br /> A presidential investigations committee into arms procurement under the Goodluck Jonathan administration had said in its interim report that it found extra-budgetary spending by the Jonathan administration to the tune of N643.8 billion and an additional $2.2 billion in the foreign currency component.<br /> <br /> But Mr. Dasuki has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, saying all contracts and accruing payments on arms procurement were made based on the approval of Mr. Jonathan, adding that due process and military procurement regulations were followed in all the transactions.<br /> <br /> “Nigerians should note that all the services generated the types of equipment needed, sourced suppliers most times and after consideration by the Office of the NSA, the President will approve application for payment,” Mr. Dasuki in a recent statement.<br /> <br /> Mr. Jonathan however said in Washington last week that his government never awarded any contract in the range of $2 billion dollars.<br /> <br /> “I did not award any $2 billion contract for procurement of weapons,” Mr. Jonathan said, querying, “Where did the money come from?” and repeating emphatically that “I did not award a contract of $2billion for procurement of weapons”.

EFCC arrests former minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, others over alleged $2billion arms deal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, and a number of top offi...

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Boko Haram militants strike in Adamawa, burns down military artillery

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R98LOlVOJ-U/VlyZTxKjfqI/AAAAAAACMcE/_a1e-J1f0sA/s1600/BOKO%2BHARAM%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R98LOlVOJ-U/VlyZTxKjfqI/AAAAAAACMcE/_a1e-J1f0sA/s640/BOKO%2BHARAM%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Rampaging Boko Haram militants on Sunday night engaged Nigerian troops in a fierce battle in their new bid to take over Gulak, the administrative headquarters of Madagali in northern part of Adamawa State.<br /> <br /> Security and local sources say the insurgents, who came in three vehicles brandishing guns, burnt down a military base as they also burnt down three artilleries and carted away guns.<br /> <br /> “They came around 7 p.m. and started firing on the soldiers during which all the soldiers ran away.<br /> “There was pandemonium, people scampered for their lives, many slept in bushes, they killed one soldier during the fierce battle.<br /> <br /> “Our local vigilantes had tried by staying back, until another troops were deployed from Madagali town and Shuwa, they engaged them, if not they would have recaptured the town for the second time,” said James Ularamu, former chairman of Madagali.<br /> <br /> The former Council chairman, and a local vigilante who did not want to be named, said there were heavy gun battles.<br /> <br /> The local vigilante, who couldn’t say whether there were casualties from the Boko Haram side, said “after we chased them away they fled to the nearby Sambisa area.”<br /> <br /> Efforts to get the army spokesperson were futile, but a member representing the area at the house of Representatives, Adamu Kamale, confirmed the attack.<br /> <br /> He, however said he did not have “much details for now”.<br /> The state commissioner of information, Ahmed Sajo, said additional troops had been deployed to the area.

Boko Haram militants strike in Adamawa, burns down military artillery

Rampaging Boko Haram militants on Sunday night engaged Nigerian troops in a fierce battle in their new bid to take over Gulak, the admini...

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T.B Joshua absent as trial over collapse building commences

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UET4qBcuwjM/VlyYrYut6kI/AAAAAAACMb8/Omlw3FAKNgM/s1600/TB-Joshua-SCOAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UET4qBcuwjM/VlyYrYut6kI/AAAAAAACMb8/Omlw3FAKNgM/s640/TB-Joshua-SCOAN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Temitope Joshua, was absent in court on Monday at the start of the trial over the collapse of a refurbished six-storey building inside his church premises in 2014.<br /> <br /> The building collapse killed 116 people, mostly South Africans.<br /> <br /> In July, Oyetade Komolafe, a coroner, indicted the church and the engineers in charge of the building of “criminal negligence” leading to loss of lives, and recommended that the church and its engineers be prosecuted for manslaughter.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The case kicked off a year and 18 days after the incident, and after several injunctions by some of the defendants failed to stop it from going ahead.<br /> <br /> Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a fundamental human rights enforcement suits filed by the engineers (who are listed as defendants), who constructed the collapsed six-storey building.<br /> <br /> Though Mr. Joshua was not directly named as a defendant in the trial at a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, as a member of the church’s board of trustees, he was expected to be in court.<br /> <br /> The board of trustees merely sent a representative.<br /> <br /> When asked why Mr Joshua was not in court, Oluseun Abimbola, the church’s counsel said the board of trustees is a legal entity which could be represented by anybody and not necessarily the church founder.<br /> <br /> Lagos State government originally stated that while the engineers would be charged for manslaughter, the church would be charged for a lesser offence of failure to obtain requisite permit before refurbishing the building that was originally a two-storey structure into six storeys.<br /> However, in an email on Sunday, the government said the church’s board of trustees would be the charged alongside the engineers.<br /> <br /> Charges where not read to the defendants because the trial could not take off as planned over the failure of the prosecutor, Lagos State government, to serve some of the building engineers.<br /> <br /> Therefore, the trial judge Lawal Akapo, adjourned the case to December 11, to allow the state government serve the engineers, Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun, notice of the trial.<br /> The Attorney General of Lagos State, Adeniyi Kazeem, who led the state’s legal team, said the two defendants couldn’t be served as their addresses were invalid.<br /> <br /> Mr. Abimbola stated that the defendants were served notices in a related case at a magistrate court that the government should have sent the notice to the same addresses.<br /> <br /> Mr. Kazeem said they were served through their lawyers in the previous case, but because this is criminal case, they wanted to serve them directly.<br /> <br /> Mr. Akapo, who was initially furious that only one of the five defendants wad in court, ruled that it was necessary that the defendants be properly served before trial could commence.<br /> “Service in any proceeding with civil or criminal is very fundamental and anything done in the absence of service is said to be a nullity,” he ruled.<br /> <br /> He there gave Mr. Abimbola, who had indicated he could get the correct address of the two defendants, 72 hours to make it available to the government so they can be properly served.<br /> While adjourning the case, Mr. Akapo stated that due to the sensitive nature of the case, he would dispense with it as quickly as possible.<br /> <br /> “Cases of this nature should be given accelerated attention and if possible on a day to day bases.”

T.B Joshua absent as trial over collapse building commences

The founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Temitope Joshua, was absent in court on Monday at the start of the trial over the ...

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U.S denies stopping funding of HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-2g7rpEEtY/VlyYM0ygjbI/AAAAAAACMb0/Zytz_8r3gfs/s1600/HIV-AIDS-logo-360x270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-2g7rpEEtY/VlyYM0ygjbI/AAAAAAACMb0/Zytz_8r3gfs/s640/HIV-AIDS-logo-360x270.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> United States on Monday denied it has stopped the funding of AIDS treatment in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> The U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle in Abuja said American government will continue to focus its attention to areas with the greatest HIV burden and will support most effective interventions.<br /> <br /> Entwistle, who disclosed this during the 35th World AIDS Day, however tasked Nigerian government to increase its contribution to the partnership.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said: “Contrary to some recent media reports, the United States is not stopping the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding to Nigeria. We do anticipate some reduction in the overall budget. We will continue to focus our services in areas with the greatest HIV burden and will support the most effective interventions.<br /> <br /> “Our continued commitment to support the Nigerian government and its people remains strong. Indeed, as we are discussing with the new Nigerian administration, we think it important that the contribution of your government to our joint health partnership increase.”<br /> <br /> While insisting that the time to act is now, Entwistle said “Achieving our goals to end HIV/AIDS will not be easy. To reach them, we all must share responsibility and strengthen our efforts. Working in partnership, we have come a very long way since the worst days of the epidemic, but the work is far from done.”<br /> <br /> PEPFAR is the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease. Through PEPFAR, the U.S. government has committed nearly $65 billion to support the HIV/AIDS response globally.

U.S denies stopping funding of HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria

United States on Monday denied it has stopped the funding of AIDS treatment in Nigeria. The U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistl...

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FG to implement Niger Delta Master Plan – Osinbajo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1naz-JoA_z8/VlyX1_kzBwI/AAAAAAACMbs/0K8JlHQ1xiA/s1600/230615F-Yemi-Osinbajo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1naz-JoA_z8/VlyX1_kzBwI/AAAAAAACMbs/0K8JlHQ1xiA/s400/230615F-Yemi-Osinbajo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Government is focused on implementation of Niger Delta Master Plan to drive development of the region.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Osinbajo stated this at the inaugural meeting of Partners for Sustainable Development Forum organised by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in Port Harcourt on Monday.<br /> <br /> He said President Muhammadu Buhari had also expressed concern with current degradation of the environment with a view to addressing challenges faced by the region.<br /> <br /> “Niger Delta remains a priority of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government with a view to attending to current devastation and environmental degradation in the region.<br /> <br /> “The federal government will give NDDC all necessary assistance and support to achieve its mandate of ensuring rapid and sustainable development of the region.<br /> <br /> “For meaningful and sustainable development to take place in the region, citizens and stakeholders must be peaceful while curbing militancy and eliminating terrorism,” he said.<br /> <br /> Represented by Mr Adeola Ipaye, the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Presidency, Osinbajo added that Niger Delta, being the world’s third largest wetland, had immense potential to become an agriculture hub.<br /> <br /> He said the nation’s over-dependence on crude oil was partly responsible for “redundant human resource base and high level of corruption.”<br /> <br /> According to him, there has to be a major shift from dependence on oil to agricultural production which will assist job creation and encourage development of the manufacturing sector.<br /> <br /> The Vice President assured that ongoing clean up of several years of un-addressed oil pollution in Ogoni area of Rivers and other communities in the region would be completed.<br /> <br /> Managing Director of NDDC, Mr. Bassey Dan-Abia said poor funding was a major challenge facing the commission.<br /> <br /> He explained that the commission was an intervention agency, not an alternate government, as widely held by some people.<br /> <br /> “Youths should reduce the level of restiveness because NDDC does not have the capacity to solve all their problems.<br /> <br /> “Restiveness and tension caused by some youths in the region clearly have direct negative impact on the development of the region”, he said.<br /> <br /> Dan-Abia called on the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) to commence payment of its own contribution to funding of the commission.<br /> <br /> According to him, this is based on the fact that NLNG falls within the oil and gas producing companies within the Niger Delta.

FG to implement Niger Delta Master Plan – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Government is focused on implementation of Niger Delta Master Plan to drive development of ...

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PDP chieftain carpets Metuh over comments

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-cd_8kImTk/VlyXgvjLW1I/AAAAAAACMbk/LyOYotiu32Q/s1600/metuh%2Bpdp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-cd_8kImTk/VlyXgvjLW1I/AAAAAAACMbk/LyOYotiu32Q/s640/metuh%2Bpdp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The administrative secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State under the leadership of Ejike Oguebego, Hon. Prince Ajulu has taken the National publicity secretary of the party, Chief Olisah Metuh, to the cleaners for his comments against the All Progressive Congress (APC).<br /> <br /> The PDP chieftain, who is a lawyer, accused Metuh of being afraid of his own shadow.<br /> <br /> Metuh, had on November 18, 2015 in a press conference at Abuja, claimed among other things that Nigerians are witnesses to the increasing muzzling of opposition by APC, using security force, judicial persecution.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Also, he claimed that the party was using other devious means aimed at decimating PDP to pave way for the imposition of one party state all, according to him was in desperate bid to retain power in 2019.<br /> <br /> According to Ajulu; “I’m surprised that this same Olisah Metuh who is the brain behind the manipulation of judicial process in suit No: HIH/6/15, Ken Emeakayi vs PDP, illegally imposed him on Anambra.”<br /> <br /> He alleged that Metuh did such in also desperate bid to retain self in the National Working Committee (NWC) in 2016 as what he described as life member, adding that it surprised him that Metuh was talking about muzzling opposition.<br /> <br /> These were contained in a message sent to The Nation Monday and equally copied to the members of the national executive council (NEC) of the party.<br /> <br /> It was also copied to National Acting Chairman of the party Uche Secondus, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) and members of the (NWC) of (PDP).

PDP chieftain carpets Metuh over comments

The administrative secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State under the leadership of Ejike Oguebego, Hon. Prince A...

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BIAFRA LEADERSHIP: MASSOB sacks Ralph Uwazuruike, picks new leadership

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oik5ZLH5hvw/VlyXTJcMV7I/AAAAAAACMbc/MTId-q2Mhko/s1600/Uwazurike%2Bbiafra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oik5ZLH5hvw/VlyXTJcMV7I/AAAAAAACMbc/MTId-q2Mhko/s400/Uwazurike%2Bbiafra.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) on Monday inaugurated a new leadership for the Movement, after the national officers including the zonal and regional administrators of the group formerly announced the expulsion of Chief Ralph Uwazuruike as MASSOB national leader.<br /> <br /> The new leadership was headed by the group’s former National Director of Information, Uchenna Madu, while Ugwuoke Ibem Ugwuoke, emerged as National Secretary.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> MASSOB at the well attended ceremony, warned Uwazuruike “to stop parading himself as MASSOB leader or using Ojukwu’s name to dupe Ndigbo or garner personal fame to pursue his political ambition.”<br /> <br /> Reading a resolution and communiqué signed by the national officers and administrators at Okwe, MASSOB’s Headquarters, the New National Secretary, stated that “the development is to redeem and revive the lost spirit and confidence of the Biafra revolution in our people and Biafra friends and sympathizers.”<br /> <br /> “A vote of no confidence and total rejection has been passed on Ralph Uwazuruike. His inability to sustain and maintain Ojukwu’s dream of Biafra actualization, his deviation into the mainstream of Nigerian politics and using the Biafra struggle to enhance his selfish political ambition in Nigeria are the reasons for our rejection of his association with Biafra struggle,” the communiqué added.

BIAFRA LEADERSHIP: MASSOB sacks Ralph Uwazuruike, picks new leadership

The Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) on Monday inaugurated a new leadership for the Movement, after t...

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Lagos to sanction landlords with poor septic tanks

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmWrVoPKcK4/VlyW77-jq5I/AAAAAAACMbU/xeCz2dVwScU/s1600/ambode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmWrVoPKcK4/VlyW77-jq5I/AAAAAAACMbU/xeCz2dVwScU/s640/ambode.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Lagos State government has vowed to clamp down on owners of buildings with poor or substandard septic tanks, declaring the practice as unhealthy and could lead to outbreak of epidemic.<br /> <br /> The government also warned landlords with multi-room tenement, who have just one toilet for over 60 residents to make amend without further delay, saying it would no longer tolerate such attitude. According to it, such buildings constitute environmental nuisance.<br /> <br /> Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Babatunde Adejare, gave this warning Monday while speaking at the stakeholder’s forum for Sensitization and Public Awareness on Environmental and Health Implications, which took place at the Agege Mini Stadium.<br /> <br /> The Commissioner reiterated that the state government would no longer permit idea of having any landlord making available just a toilet for use of about 60 tenants, saying such idea would no longer be tolerated.<br /> <br /> According to him, the management of 2.1billion litres of waste water generated by over 20 million Lagosians daily, with the attendant health and environmental implication is a task that necessitates the ongoing efforts.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The law prescribes punishment for them. Now, KAI, environmental officers will be doing part of it. This is part of what they will be doing. We will come to enforce the law. A lot of things are abnormal in our environment; we won’t allow people to dispose refuse in the drainage.<br /> <br /> “Imagine a landlord of 25 rooms having a single toilet. He makes money from the building but cannot get toilet for the tenants. How much do people build a toilet? Since government doesn’t collect any money from landlords, they should use it to build toilets for their tenants.<br /> <br /> “The idea of tenants queuing before they can use the toilet will no longer be tolerated. Just imagine a 25 room apartment and over 10 people live in each of the rooms. How can they cope with one toilet?” he queried.<br /> <br /> Adejare, who described the theme of the stakeholders forum entitled: “Waste water Management-Perfecting the Natural Practice” as apt, added that people should desist from digging their bore hole and well water close to the septic tank, saying such practice always lead to epidemics.<br /> <br /> “Your environment determines the kind of the person you are. That’s why the development of a country is measured by how hygienic your environment is,” the commissioner said.<br /> <br /> Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Adeshina Onisarutu, who also spoke at the event, warned against discharging of waste effluents into the drains by some landlords.<br /> <br /> “Many people erroneously think that once their waste is disposed into the drains that is all. It is not so at all, we must take care of our environment at all times. Whatever we disposed wrongly will always come back to us.<br /> <br /> “We have turned our environment, drainage channels to dump sites. Government spends huge resources to treat water that we drink. The lagoon and the sea are filled with dirt disposed by residents. This is not good for us as people,” Onisarutu said.

Lagos to sanction landlords with poor septic tanks

Lagos State government has vowed to clamp down on owners of buildings with poor or substandard septic tanks, declaring the practice as un...

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RMAFC recovers over N704.2bn into Federation Account

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkgftzEB-Fo/VlyWoyGkCfI/AAAAAAACMbM/LRxsbAPFNDI/s1600/buhari-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkgftzEB-Fo/VlyWoyGkCfI/AAAAAAACMbM/LRxsbAPFNDI/s400/buhari-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) says it has recovered over N704.2 billion in its attempt to expand the revenue accruals into the federation account in the last five years.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Addressing journalists at the valedictory press briefing to signal the end of his tenure along with that of some members of the Commission in Abuja Monday, the Chairman of the RMAFC, Engr. Elias Mbam said the RMAFC under his leadership achieved reasonable results in actualizing the objectives of the Commission.<br /> <br /> The RMAFC he said has so far “expanded the sources of revenue to the Federation Account, with recoveries of over N704.2billion been made, revenue leakages were addressed, Verification exercise is being carried out on the Collecting Banks and other Collecting Agencies. Generally, the Commission has addressed vigorously all its Constitutional Mandate.”<br /> <br /> Mbam said he did not have the exact figure recovered. “I don’t have the exact figure of which and which but it is basically in all the generating agencies. A greater proportion is from NNPC. There are some from Central bank, there are some from FIRS. I don’t have the exact figure.<br /> <br /> The Commission, Mbam said, “periodically carried out monitoring and checks on the Revenue Collecting Agencies including Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development among others. It also conducted monthly post disbursement monitoring through post-mortem Sub-Committee of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). The Commission recovered over N704.2 billion Naira in the course of monitoring and checks within the period under review.”<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> In order to minimize leakages, the Commission Mbam disclosed, embarked on monitoring and reconciliation of collections and remittances by the Collecting Banks engaged by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). The exercise is expected to be a continuous one and over N12.6billion has been established as liability while over N1.8billion has been recovered and remitted to the Federation Account in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).<br /> <br /> In the same vein, “the Commission is also collaborating with FIRS for the reconciliation and recovery of large amount of Tax Liabilities by Federal MDAs, States, and Local Government Councils. Over N15 billion Naira has been recovered in the exercise from the reconciliation of tax liabilities of States and Local Government Councils across the Country,” Mbam said.<br /> <br /> To enhance revenue accruals to the Federation Account (FA), the Commission, Mbam said “collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to ensure that Solid Mineral Sector contributed to the FA. The Solid Mineral Sector is now contributing to the FA for the first time. Over N11.3 billion has been remitted to the Federation Account from this Sector as at July 2015.”<br /> <br /> Mbam also disclosed that the Commission has identified other Government Agencies that are supposed to remit their generated revenue to the Federation Account but are yet to comply.<br /> <br /> He identified the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), among others as government agencies that defaulted in making remittances to the FA.<br /> <br /> Specifically, Mbam frowned at the NPA, NIMASA and NCC – agencies which he said “are supposed to generate money for the federation, because of the process they generate money, they use federation assets. Take for instance, the NPA, they are using the body of water. Body of water is not for the federal government. It’s a national asset. So the money they generate should be for the nation, for the three tiers of government, the same thing with NCC. They give licenses for using the air. Does any state own the air? It is for the nation. So those agencies that generate money using our national assets should be owned by the federation.”<br /> <br /> The Commission Chairman expressed concern that revenue from Stamp Duties in respect of electronic transfer running into billions of Naira “is not being remitted to the Federation Account. As a result, billions of Naira are being lost on a daily basis. I am happy to report that the process of correcting these anomalies has reached an advanced stage. Revenue from stamp duty is not generated and paid to the federation account. You know we have a clearing system where all transactions, electronic transactions go”

RMAFC recovers over N704.2bn into Federation Account

The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) says it has recovered over N704.2 billion in its attempt to expand the ...

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KOGI: Bello, Faleke supporters clash

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KRwtqGO3fU8/VlyWRyrfz2I/AAAAAAACMbE/ZmM21uH3vXU/s1600/FA11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KRwtqGO3fU8/VlyWRyrfz2I/AAAAAAACMbE/ZmM21uH3vXU/s640/FA11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Supporters of Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was chosen to replace the Kate Prince Abubakar Audu in this weekend’s supplementary election in Kogi state and those of James Abiodun Falake clashed at the APC national Secretariat just as the party was about to begin a meeting with stakeholders in the state to announce their choice.<br /> <br /> The supporters carrying sticks and stones tore at each other freely with the policemen on ground looking helpless and unable to curtail them.<br /> <br /> Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai who arrived the secretariat about the time the supporters were beginning to go violent had to abandon his car at the gate and enter the secretariat on foot.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A few seconds later, James Faleke arrived the scene, sparking off the fight between the supporters who started throwing stones at each other, while others carrying sticks started chasing after each other.<br /> <br /> An elderly man wearing blue brocade with cap to match was seen calling some of the rioters who were running away from the scene to return while some of the police men had to take cover to avoid being hit with the stones.<br /> <br /> One of the vehicles on the convoy of Faleke was hit on the bonnet by the flying stone thrown by one of the rioters.<br /> <br /> A detachment of heavily armed Mobile policemen had to be drafted to the APC secretariat to bring the situation under control.<br /> <br /> Bello had arrived the APC secretariat with his supporters at about 2.45pm and immediately went into the office of the National Secretary, while his supporters practically blocked the gate of the secretariat chanting Sai Yahaya Bello and carrying placard.<br /> <br /> As early as 9.00, security had been beefed up at the secretariat with sources saying that the leadership had information that hired crowd were clearing to the secretariat from Kogi to come and protest at the secretariat.<br /> <br /> Visitors to the APC secretariat were however restricted while Journalists covering the party were subjected to heavy security checks before being allowed into the secretariat.<br /> <br /> The meeting of the party leadership with stakeholder of the party in Kogi state which was earlier scheduled to begin at about 10.00am however did not start until about 4.00pm.<br /> <br /> The meeting had in attendance Alhaji Yahaya Bello, James Abiodun Faleke, Nasir el-Rufai who was chairman of the panel that conducted the Kogi governorship primary of the party, Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Mohammed Okhiare among other APC leaders from Kogi state.

KOGI: Bello, Faleke supporters clash

Supporters of Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was chosen to replace the Kate Prince Abubakar Audu in this weekend’s supplementary election in Kog...

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KOGI ELECTION: APC selects Bello as Audu’s replacement

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd1p-pFNpG8/VlyVz-cC67I/AAAAAAACMa8/Vo-4t1hYviU/s1600/Yahaya-Bello%2Bkogi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd1p-pFNpG8/VlyVz-cC67I/AAAAAAACMa8/Vo-4t1hYviU/s400/Yahaya-Bello%2Bkogi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving a request by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to replace the late Abubakar Audu’s name with that of Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the supplementary governorship election in Kogi State.<br /> <br /> The confirmation by INEC showed that the APC has settled for Bello as late Audu’s replacement in Saturday’s supplementary election in Kogi.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The receipt of the request was confirmed by INEC’s Deputy Director in charge of Publicity, Mr. Nick Dazang.<br /> <br /> He said, “They have sent the name of their replacement candidate, the second runner-up in their primaries, that is Yahaya Bello, to the commission.”<br /> <br /> He, however, failed to disclose when the request was made.<br /> <br /> Dazang assured the people of Kogi that the commission was fully prepared to conduct the Kogi supplementary and Bayelsa governorship elections on Saturday.<br /> <br /> He added, “The commission is committed to conduct the two elections, that is why in respect of kogi, despite what happened, we came out with public notice inviting the APC to submit its replacement candidate for the election.”

KOGI ELECTION: APC selects Bello as Audu’s replacement

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving a request by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to replace t...

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Jonathan was not attacked in Bayelsa – Police

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9PuXcMhuQc/VlyVXEIU7cI/AAAAAAACMa0/A8TyXEyawyI/s1600/jonathan%2Blooku.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9PuXcMhuQc/VlyVXEIU7cI/AAAAAAACMa0/A8TyXEyawyI/s400/jonathan%2Blooku.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Bayelsa State Police Command on Monday debunked reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan was attacked in the state.<br /> <br /> The state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Butswat Asinim, who spoke to The Nation, said persons peddling the rumour were mischievous.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Asinim said a group of hungry youths mistook a convoy of the former President for one of the governorship candidates in the state.<br /> <br /> The PPRO, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said the youths traditionally followed the convoy, perhaps, for alms, only to discover it belonged to Jonathan.<br /> <br /> He said on realising it was Jonathan’s convoy, the youths who had followed him up to his house in Yenagoa, pulled back and took to their heels, adding that security operatives pursued and arrested some of them.<br /> <br /> He said: “There was no attack on the former President. The youths mistook his convoy for a governorship candidate engaging in campaigns.<br /> <br /> “But when they discovered on getting to the entrance of his house in Yenagoa that it was that of the President, they ran away. Some of them were arrested. They did not haul stones at the President’s convoy. They did not attack the convoy and no weapon was found on them.”

Jonathan was not attacked in Bayelsa – Police

The Bayelsa State Police Command on Monday debunked reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan was attacked in the state. The state...

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