SHOCKING VIDEO: PDP Secretary Reveals How Jonathan And Obanikoro Spent $37M To Rig Fayose Into Office As Ekiti Governor

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xSewMVeoHo/Vq6TEKOFc7I/AAAAAAACTf0/H9fwLYwt8aw/s1600/Ayo-Fayose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xSewMVeoHo/Vq6TEKOFc7I/AAAAAAACTf0/H9fwLYwt8aw/s640/Ayo-Fayose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Speaking on 'Politics Today' a programme on Channels Televison on Sunday, Mr Tope Aluko, an embattled secretary of the Ekiti state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party gave a breakdown of how the 2014 Ekiti governorship election was rigged in favour of the PDP governorship candidate, now Governor, Ayodele Fayose.</b><br /> <b><br /></b> Watch video below...<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l00DT5Zcihs" width="640"></iframe><br /> <br /> VIDEO 2<br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LAZ8LHTEMqM" width="640"></iframe><br /> <br /> VIDEO 3<br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3N_iR0r-VIc" width="640"></iframe><br /> <br /> Aluko, who, apologized to the people of Ekiti for being one of those who played major roles in bringing Fayose, his friend of over 40 years to power as governor, said what took place in the guise of election was a high level manipulation.<br /> <br /> Aluko, who was chairman, Security and Intelligence Committee of Fayose Campaign Organisation, is now full of regrets for being part of the Ekiti Project, which was the major campaign point of the PDP that had been jettisoned by Governor Fayose.<br /> <br /> Aluko opened a can of worms and gave an insider account of how the military was allegedly used to rig the election that Fayose won under PDP.<br /> <br /> Aluko, who was the Chief PDP agent and signed the results for the election, also disclosed how former President Goodluck Jonathan allegedly gave Fayose $37 million cash to prosecute the governorship election.<br /> <br /> Aluko had also testified in camera before the military panel that investigated the role of the military in the Ekiti election.<br /> <br /> Aluko, who said he was part of Fayose’s inner circle during the election, alleged that Jonathan initially gave the incumbent Ekiti governor a first tranche of $2 million in March 2014 for the primary election, noting that this cash was collected at the NNPC headquarters in Abuja and taken to Fayose’s private house in Abuja before it was moved to Ekiti.<br /> <b><br /></b> <b>How Fayose got money for polls</b><br /> <br /> <div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/297352762" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Untitled on Scribd">Untitled</a></div> <iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_52914" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/297352762/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&show_recommendations=true" width="100%" name="doc_52914"></iframe><br /> <div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/297352761" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Untitled on Scribd">Untitled</a></div> <iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_77421" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/297352761/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&show_recommendations=true" width="100%" name="doc_77421"></iframe><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <b><br /></b> “<b><i>Immediately after the primary election, we collected. another $35 million from Jonathan on June 17, 2014. The money was brought to us by the former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.</i></b><br /> <b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i>“We all assembled at the front office of Spotless Hotel, Ado Ekiti, owned by Fayose. Thereafter, the cash was taken to a Bureau De Change in Onitsha where it was converted to N4.7 billion,” Aluko added.</i></b><br /> <br /> Aluko further alleged that Fayose received about N3 billion cash from a serving senator from Ogun State to revive the PDP in Ekiti State.<br /> <br /> Giving account of how the military was used to win the election, he said: <i><b>“The former President agreed with Fayose and summoned a security meeting at the Presidential Villa for the purpose of the election. Those at the meeting were the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh; then Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Kenneth Minimmah; and former National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.</b></i><br /> <i><b><br /></b></i> <i><b>“Others included Fayose, Senator Iyiola Omisore, then Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan and Obanikoro. At that meeting, the former President made it clear to the ex-Chief of Defence Staff that Fayose would stand for him (as Commander-In-Chief) in terms of providing security for the election”.</b></i><br /> <br /> Aluko alleged that Fayose, relying on Jonathan’s directive, approached the former Commander of the Army Brigade in Akure, Brig. Gen. Dikko, to take charge of the election for the PDP, who refused to cooperate and was replaced after a petition was filed against him.<br /> <br /> <i><b>“But Gen. Dikko did not give us audience. He stated bluntly that he would not be available for such operation. So Fayose sponsored a petition against him which led to his replacement with Brig. Gen. Aliyu Momoh who was amenable to our plans”.</b></i><br /> <br /> Aluko alleged that 64 PDP stalwarts, who had knowledge of their local governors were picked to help with information on opposition members. <i><b>“They gave detailed information regarding names and locations of opposition members in all the local governments, the various routes, areas of strength and weaknesses of the PDP in the 16 local governments.</b></i><br /> <i><b><br /></b></i> <i><b>“Today, most of these 64 hatchet men are members of the Senate, House of Representatives, state House of Assembly, commissioners, local government chairmen, special advisers and the rest.”</b></i><br /> <br /> He continued: <i><b>“We went into the election with 1040 recognised soldiers and another batch of 400 unrecognised soldiers brought from Enugu by Senator Andy Uba.</b></i><br /> <i><b><br /></b></i> <i><b> In addition, we raised 44 special strike teams brought in Toyota Hilux vans from Abuja and Onitsha. We made special stickers for the vehicles that conveyed members of the strike team and black hand bands for each of them.</b></i><br /> <i><b><br /></b></i> <i><b>“Each strike team was made up of 10 members headed by a soldier and comprising soldiers, policemen, DSS operatives and Civil Defence corps. They were detailed to attack and arrest prominent APC chieftains in all the local governments.</b></i><br /> <i><b><br /></b></i> <i><b> We set up anchorage, mainly residential houses, in every local government where the strike team members collected their welfare and other allowances. </b></i><br /> <i><b><br /></b></i> <i><b>To encourage the strike team members, we gave them orders to share money and other valuables they could lay their hands on in the houses of APC chieftains they raided.</b></i><br /> <i><b><br /></b></i> <i><b>“Then we set up detention camps, mainly in primary schools where most of the APC chieftains were detained. Others were detained in police stations where the DPOs were friendly with us. We let them off after the election was over.</b></i><br /> <br /> <b><i>“A day to the election, we used the military to block all routes in the local governments and prevented APC chieftains, including former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi from coming into Ekiti. So we ensured that no APC chieftain was in sight on election day. We provided polling agents for the APC in most of the polling units so we had no problem getting them to sign election results in the units.</i></b><br /> <b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i>“All the local and foreign observers that described the election as free and fair only witnessed the voting exercise on election day without knowing what transpired before the voting”.</i></b><br /> <br /> He added: <i><b>“If Koli hadn’t spoken out they would have taken this to Osun State and then Fayose betrayed Omisore again because they were now fighting for who will become the South west leader. This Mua’zu that Fayose was abusing gave us N20 million for Fayose’s primaries. That was why Mua’zu was saying he should stop talking or he will spill the bean. He started attacking Mua’zu after the party won because there was another N500 million he released for court cases which was supposed to be for the whole nation but Fayose thought it was for him alone so he went to meet Mua’zu for the N500 million. He actually reported to Jonathan twice until Mua’zu explained in the presence of Jonathan and that was the beginning of the Fayose and Mua’zu problems.”</b></i><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">On why he was coming up with the revelations, Aluko said: “Before the election, Fayose, Femi Bamishile and I jointly swore with the Holy Bible on a sharing formula after we must have won the election. We agreed that Fayose would be governor, Bamishile his deputy and I Chief of Staff. But the moment he got into office, Fayose reneged on the agreement and left me in the lurch. More worrisome is the fact that Fayose has derailed from the original Ekiti project we envisaged”.</span><br /> <br /> It would be recalled that early this month, the high powered board of Inquiry set up by the Nigerian Army to investigate petitions and allegations of unprofessional conducts by some officers and soldiers during the 2014 Ekiti and Osun States gubernatorial elections, submitted its report to the Chief of Army Staff General Yakubu Buratai.<br /> <br /> <b>Listen To The Alleged Ekiti Rigging Tape Released By NigerianEye Last Year Below...</b><br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JU2Ap8dOxVc" width="720"></iframe><br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jvqd1Qj_NuY" width="600"></iframe>

SHOCKING VIDEO: PDP Secretary Reveals How Jonathan And Obanikoro Spent $37M To Rig Fayose Into Office As Ekiti Governor

Speaking on 'Politics Today' a programme on Channels Televison on Sunday, Mr Tope Aluko, an embattled secretary of the Ekiti state...

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Alleged Ekiti Rigging: Nigerians react to Tope Aluko's shocking revelations

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOTnxjanIa8/Vq6aJLK95KI/AAAAAAACThM/4oz8saM8-1E/s1600/Tope-Aluko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOTnxjanIa8/Vq6aJLK95KI/AAAAAAACThM/4oz8saM8-1E/s400/Tope-Aluko.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the strong allegations by PDP Secretary in Ekiti state, Tope Aluko that former President Goodluck Jonathan, Musiliu Obanikoro and top security officials helped rig the 2014 Ekiti governorship election.<br /> <br /> Read Tweets below...<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb-gWc_6eTs/Vq6Zaufy7ZI/AAAAAAACTgE/hIPgP_T_VME/s1600/a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb-gWc_6eTs/Vq6Zaufy7ZI/AAAAAAACTgE/hIPgP_T_VME/s640/a1.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btAtFzHIkIQ/Vq6ZcRSom6I/AAAAAAACTgM/cCsdN_FeS7M/s1600/a2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btAtFzHIkIQ/Vq6ZcRSom6I/AAAAAAACTgM/cCsdN_FeS7M/s640/a2.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ph4dqOEsFJE/Vq6ZetyEW8I/AAAAAAACTgU/QKAitzETcJE/s1600/a3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ph4dqOEsFJE/Vq6ZetyEW8I/AAAAAAACTgU/QKAitzETcJE/s640/a3.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKNEvPz1iyk/Vq6Zhb1uU8I/AAAAAAACTgc/vBWJ_66px3w/s1600/a4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKNEvPz1iyk/Vq6Zhb1uU8I/AAAAAAACTgc/vBWJ_66px3w/s640/a4.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjyu9oCPjuY/Vq6Ziyt9-bI/AAAAAAACTgk/bF6elS5F3D8/s1600/a5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjyu9oCPjuY/Vq6Ziyt9-bI/AAAAAAACTgk/bF6elS5F3D8/s640/a5.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYEAD7S5Y10/Vq6ZkfaKTOI/AAAAAAACTgs/mSiqFfwZRkc/s1600/a6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYEAD7S5Y10/Vq6ZkfaKTOI/AAAAAAACTgs/mSiqFfwZRkc/s640/a6.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAIMKwHvqGw/Vq6Zl8XTKKI/AAAAAAACTg0/Ipp1hlpL5Y4/s1600/a7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAIMKwHvqGw/Vq6Zl8XTKKI/AAAAAAACTg0/Ipp1hlpL5Y4/s640/a7.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWj-WTYof5E/Vq6ZouPdwsI/AAAAAAACTg8/swseddm3cU0/s1600/a8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWj-WTYof5E/Vq6ZouPdwsI/AAAAAAACTg8/swseddm3cU0/s640/a8.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34GsUzl7Un0/Vq6Zq-DewuI/AAAAAAACThE/PUJrm7hMkxg/s1600/a9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34GsUzl7Un0/Vq6Zq-DewuI/AAAAAAACThE/PUJrm7hMkxg/s640/a9.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br />

Alleged Ekiti Rigging: Nigerians react to Tope Aluko's shocking revelations

Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the strong allegations by PDP Secretary in Ekiti state, Tope Aluko that former President...

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NEW VIDEO: HumbleSmith ft. Davido – Osinachi (Remix)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzTQB9lS-oE/Vq6bx0PeSwI/AAAAAAACThY/thVtUnWTEuo/s1600/OsinachRmx.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzTQB9lS-oE/Vq6bx0PeSwI/AAAAAAACThY/thVtUnWTEuo/s640/OsinachRmx.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Fresh out of baby mama controversy <b>Davido</b> features on <b>HumbleSmith</b>'s hit single 'Osinachi'<br /> Crisp visuals and direction by the award winning Clarence Peters and you can tell that he did an amazing job.<br /> <br /> Enjoy video below...<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SSw8EmVX-gM" width="560"></iframe>

NEW VIDEO: HumbleSmith ft. Davido – Osinachi (Remix)

Fresh out of baby mama controversy Davido features on HumbleSmith 's hit single 'Osinachi' Crisp visuals and direction by t...

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EFCC must probe disappearance of Jonathan’s 69 Prado SUVs — Ekujumi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYE0U82LObw/Vq6I0zko_MI/AAAAAAACTfk/BRGcVFGzP10/s1600/Jonathan%2Bs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYE0U82LObw/Vq6I0zko_MI/AAAAAAACTfk/BRGcVFGzP10/s320/Jonathan%2Bs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> A Nigerian rights activist and public affairs analyst, Nelson Ekujumi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately commence probe into the disappearance of over 69 brand new Toyota Prado SUVs allegedly given to the spokesman of a socio-cultural organisation by former President Goodluck Jonathan for support during the 2015 general elections.<br /> Ekujumi said he suspected that the SUVs were sold, by the spokesman, to a car dealer in Victoria Island area of Lagos.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “One is hereby seeking the investigation of the anti-corruption agencies to unravel what happened to over 69 brand new Toyota Prado Jeeps allegedly given to a spokesperson of a socio-cultural group for distribution to a certain group of individuals for their support for the political ambition of the former President Goodluck Jonathan before the conduct of the 2015 general elections by the presidency,” Ekujumi said among several posts on his Facebook wall on Sunday.<br /> <br /> “We suspect that the vehicles were diverted and sold to a car dealer in Victoria Island, Lagos State.”<br /> He urged the EFCC to investigate the actual number of the brand new Prado jeeps that were given to “this socio-cultural organisation spokesperson” by the presidency prior to the 2015 general election.<br /> He also asked the anti-graft agency to find out if the money for the purchase of the vehicles was appropriated for and where the money was sourced from if it was not appropriated for.<br /> <br /> Among others, he asked the EFCC to:<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq">•Determine the persons behind this assault and abuse of public trust;<br /> •How many of these brand new Prado jeeps were delivered to the beneficiaries by the socio-cultural organisation spokesperson as directed by the presidency;<br /> •How many of these Prado jeeps were allegedly diverted to a car dealer’s showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos.</blockquote> <br /> Ekujumi said he was doing this because the role of the citizen in complementing government programmes is very critical to societal stability and peace.<br /> <br /> “Hence, if we are to win this war against corruption, then all hands must be on deck.<br /> <br /> “It is expected that the anti-corruption agencies will move fast to investigate this clear case of corruption in order to engender public confidence in winning the war against this social malaise.<br /> “EFCC, over to you,” he said while commending President Buhari’s stand against corruption and the efforts of the various anti-graft bodies to win the battle in the country.

EFCC must probe disappearance of Jonathan’s 69 Prado SUVs — Ekujumi

A Nigerian rights activist and public affairs analyst, Nelson Ekujumi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, ...

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Boko Haram terrorists returning to embarrass my government - Buhari cries out

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cvXehDl_js/Vq573ZgvfJI/AAAAAAACTfU/MSeNMrs6bBs/s1600/Buhari-tired-e1448021742734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cvXehDl_js/Vq573ZgvfJI/AAAAAAACTfU/MSeNMrs6bBs/s400/Buhari-tired-e1448021742734.jpg" width="400" /></b></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday raised the alarm that having lost the war to the nation’s armed forces, insurgents are desperately seeking ways of returning to the society to wreak havoc.</b><br /> <br /> Buhari therefore called on all Nigerians, especially those that are resident in areas previously ravaged by terrorists, to be more vigilant and ready to work with security operatives in ending the war against insurgency.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President made the submission while reacting to the spate of suicide bombings in Chibok market, Dolari Internally Displaced Person’s camp in Borno State and the Gombi market in Adamawa State.<br /> <br /> He said the insurgents’ gradual return was meant to embarrass his government and that was why they chose isolated communities and markets as their targets.<br /> <br /> He said the insurgents had suffered immensely from the sustained bombardments of their camps and hide outs by the Nigerian military and had resorted to using desperate measures to gain cheap media attention.<br /> <br /> The President added that the terrorists had been rendered weak, confused and homeless after repeated bombings and ravaging of their camps and hide outs by the military, forcing them to find their way back into the society to wreak havoc, like the case of the Dolari IDP camp.<br /> <br /> He said, “I urge all citizens wherever they live to own the war against terror and to be part of the fight because it is the only way we can finish the remaining work that needs to be done to make our country safe again.<br /> <br /> “Having lost the war, they (the insurgents) are seeking ways and means to gradually find their way back into society.<br /> <br /> “They are not returning to contribute but to cause more havoc. They are so desperate to embarrass the government and the people that they have no qualms attacking isolated communities and markets.”<br /> Buhari noted that the materials for the Improvised Explosive Devices were locally sourced by the insurgents.<br /> <br /> He therefore urged Nigerians to be more circumspect and report suspicious purchases and movements of unusual components in any part of the country, especially the North East.<br /> <br /> The President extended his condolences to all the people of Chibok, Gombi and Dolari who lost loved ones in the recent attacks and prayed that the Almighty God will comfort them and grant the injured persons quick recovery.

Boko Haram terrorists returning to embarrass my government - Buhari cries out

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday raised the alarm that having lost the war to the nation’s armed forces, insurgents are desperately see...

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BREAKING: Emmanuel Emenike joins West Ham United

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aALLXd2uHq0/Vq56SHwglSI/AAAAAAACTfI/H32Uv4uf2Xc/s1600/emenike%2Bwest%2Bham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aALLXd2uHq0/Vq56SHwglSI/AAAAAAACTfI/H32Uv4uf2Xc/s640/emenike%2Bwest%2Bham.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b>English premier league side, West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike on loan from Fenerbahce until the end of the season. </b><br /> <br /> The 28-year-old has spent the majority of the current campaign on loan at Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates, scoring seven goals in just 11 appearances for the club. However, the Nigeria international will now spend the rest of the season with the Hammers, who have the option to make the move a permanent one at the end of the campaign.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> "I'm very, very happy and very, very excited that I'm here. I have always known West Ham as a great club. I've always been watching them. West Ham's a great club and I'm happy to be here," he told West Ham TV. "I've known [Slaven Bilic] for years. When he was at Lokomotiv Moscow, I was at Spartak Moscow, then he came to Besiktas and I was in Fenerbahce, so we've known each other for a long time.<br /> <br /> I'm happy to be here and happy to play for him. "We've followed each other's careers and thank God we are here today and we are here together." Emenike has made 37 appearances for Nigeria and was part of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad.

BREAKING: Emmanuel Emenike joins West Ham United

English premier league side, West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike on loan from Fenerbahce unt...

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BOKO HARAM: Dalori Attack Death Toll Rises To 85

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvgD_m_GUqk/Vq539gzc70I/AAAAAAACTe4/jGDLxTe7Xzk/s1600/boko%2Bharam%2Bvictims%2Bhospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvgD_m_GUqk/Vq539gzc70I/AAAAAAACTe4/jGDLxTe7Xzk/s640/boko%2Bharam%2Bvictims%2Bhospital.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>The death toll in the terrorist attack on Dalori village in Borno State, Nigeria’s North East region has risen to 85.</b><br /> <br /> Sixty-two other people sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Maiduguri the capital of the state.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Most of those affected were fleeing women and children who ran into suicide bombers in a nearby village, an official of the National Emergency Management Agency said.<br /> <br /> Earlier on Sunday, the State Emergency Management Ageny’s Zonal Coordinator, Mr Mohammed Kanar, told <i>Channels Television</i> that the death toll could rise, as other rescue organisations were involved in providing aid to the victims.<br /> <br /> He told <i>Channels Television</i> that the suicide bombers had told those running for safety to join them, claiming that where they were was safe.<br /> <br /> When they gathered, they detonated their devices, killing many of them, he said.<br /> <br /> No group has claimed responsibility of the attack that has thrown the village into mourning, but the Boko Haram terrorist group is highly suspected to have been involved.<br /> <br /> The sect, making attempts to establish an Islamic State and end Western education in the region, has claimed responsibility for similar attacks in the past.<br /> <br /> The deaths occurred after terrorists laid siege on Dalori village in Borno State.<br /> <br /> After the attack, the Theatre Commander of Operation of Lafiya Dole, Major General Hassan Umaru, condoled with the District Head, Lawal Bashir and the entire Dalori dwellers over the gun battle between soldiers and suspected Boko Haram terrorists.<br /> <br /> General Umaru assured the Dalori people of the Operation Lafiya Dole’s commitment to bringing insurgency to an end soon.<br /> <br /> He commended the villagers for their resilience and urged them to be strong and committed to the fight against insurgency.<br /> <br /> The Commander also commended the NEMA, SEMA, Red Cross and other Stakeholders for their tireless humanitarian efforts.<br /> <br /> Residents of Dalori, a village barely few kilometres to the Borno State capital, were thrown into panic over a gun battle between soldiers and suspected Boko Haram terrorists.<br /> <br /> Sounds of heavy gunfire filled the air late on Saturday evening, causing panic among residents of the university area and other residential areas closer to Dalori.<br /> <br /> An eye witness said that “the insurgents came in two Golf cars and motorcycles. They opened fire and burnt houses”.<br /> <br /> Similarly, while people were scampering for safety, with some running to Gomari Kerkeri village, three female suicide bombers attempted to make their way into the crowd, but were intercepted and subsequently got blown up.<br /> <br /> During the incident, lives were lost while some people sustained injuries.<br /> <br /> The insurgents also attempted to penetrate Dalori Internally Displaced Persons camp, but the attempt was resisted by the troop, which resulted into detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices by the suicide bombers.

BOKO HARAM: Dalori Attack Death Toll Rises To 85

The death toll in the terrorist attack on Dalori village in Borno State, Nigeria’s North East region has risen to 85. Sixty-two other peo...

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I’m leaving Chelsea — John Terry

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kujMiIUvfM4/Vq51H9uRVrI/AAAAAAACTes/jpOGN9kQ_jM/s1600/JohnTerryChelsea_3069928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kujMiIUvfM4/Vq51H9uRVrI/AAAAAAACTes/jpOGN9kQ_jM/s640/JohnTerryChelsea_3069928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Chelsea captain John Terry will leave the club at the end of the 2015-16 season, with the Blues having opted against extending his contract.<br /> <br /> Terry, who made his debut with the Stamford Bridge club in 1998, will not be given a new deal by the club and will leave when his current terms expire at the end of the campaign.<br /> <br /> In a statement released by the defender following the Blues' FA Cup win over MK Dons, Terry said: "To be honest, I was in last week before the Arsenal game and it's [the contract] not going to be extended.<br /> <br /> "It's my last run in the FA Cup so I want to make it a good one. It's a big season for me and I want to push on - not just in this competition but in the Premier League as well. I knew before the Arsenal game so mentally I've kind of accepted it. We just have to move on.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> "They said that when the new manager comes in, things might change. It's a no at the minute. I needed to know now like I have done every January and sometimes it takes a couple of months to get done. Unfortunately it was a no. It’s not going to be a fairytale ending, I'm not going to retire at Chelsea.<br /> <br /> "It’s going to be elsewhere which took me a couple of days to get over. But like I say, I knew before the Arsenal game and my performance isn't going to change - the way I train, what I give for the club. I want to give everything and finish on a high, on 100 per cent good terms with the club."<br /> <br /> The 35-year-old, who also captained England, has a long list of honours with Chelsea, winning four Premier League titles, the most recent of which came last season, as well as four FA Cup winner's medals and the Champions League, in 2012.<br /> <br /> But the current campaign has been an unhappy one for the Stamford Bridge club, with Jose Mourinho sacked as manager in December following a collapse in form, leaving the Blues in the bottom half of the Premier League.<br /> <br /> <br /> Interim manager Guus Hiddink has managed to steady the ship, illustrated by Sunday's 5-1 FA Cup win over MK Dons, but the Blues will now have to deal with the loss of their longstanding captain, who will continue his career elsewhere.

I’m leaving Chelsea — John Terry

Chelsea captain John Terry will leave the club at the end of the 2015-16 season, with the Blues having opted against extending his contra...

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EXPOSED: 'How Jonathan gave Fayose $37 million to defeat Fayemi in the 2014 Ekiti governorship election'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ngBfxD_qngo/Vq5NB5gpNjI/AAAAAAACTdg/aQT1PYHuObY/s1600/fayose%2Bjonathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ngBfxD_qngo/Vq5NB5gpNjI/AAAAAAACTdg/aQT1PYHuObY/s640/fayose%2Bjonathan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Embattled Secretary of the Ekiti state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party Dr. Temitope Aluko, has alleged that former President Goodluck Jonathan gave Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, $37m cash to prosecute the June 21, 2014, governorship election in the state.</b><br /> <br /> Aluko said the money was effectively used to defeat the then Governor of the State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress.<br /> <br /> He spoke with reporters in Abuja on Sunday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> Aluko, who said he was part of the team that prosecuted the election and also added that he was the chairman of the Intelligence, security committee for the campaign.<br /> <br /> Beside, he said he handled the waiver Fayose got from the PDP at the national level to enable him qualify to take part in the governorship primary.<br /> <br /> To further buttress important roles he played in the emergence of Fayose, Aluko also said he delivered the congresses that produced Fayose and was also the governor’s principal witness at the Election Petition Tribunal.<br /> <br /> He said Jonathan initially gave Fayose $2m in March 2014 for the primary election and that this money was collected at the NNPC Towers, Abuja.<br /> <br /> Aluko said, “It was about $35m dollars which is about N4.7bn he gave us for the real election and for the primaries, he released 2 million dollars to Fayose.<br /> <br /> “I have details for all I am saying and I was present when they brought the money and it was Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro that brought the money, the 35 million dollars which he delivered to Fayose at Spotless Hotel.<br /> <br /> “I can name eight people that were there. We were all there because he said he will want us to take delivery so that there will be transparency and accountability.

EXPOSED: 'How Jonathan gave Fayose $37 million to defeat Fayemi in the 2014 Ekiti governorship election'

Embattled Secretary of the Ekiti state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party Dr. Temitope Aluko, has alleged that former President Goodl...

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I’m going to suffer in my new parish - Fr. Mbaka

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rie7dWA0POg/Vq5OyJDV38I/AAAAAAACTd4/KgPJ0k7UbEo/s1600/father%2Bmbaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rie7dWA0POg/Vq5OyJDV38I/AAAAAAACTd4/KgPJ0k7UbEo/s640/father%2Bmbaka.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>Enugu Catholic priest, and founder, Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has said he is going to suffer in his new parish.</b><br /> <br /> Mbaka made the statement after he was moved from the Christ the King Parish, G.R.A, in Enugu metropolis, where he served as parish priest for over 20 years, to Our Lady Parish, in Emene, a suburb of the Coal City.<br /> <br /> While handing over to his successor on Saturday, Mbaka said, “I know we are going to suffer, between now and few months to come, I am going to suffer.<br /> <br /> “I am going to suffer because I have no place to lay my head; I am going to suffer because I have no place to keep the (Adoration) Ministry’s assets.<br /> <br /> “The Adoration Ministry is passing through suffering right now.<br /> <br /> “Even though I have accepted it as the will of God – it is the will of God through suffering – it is a mega suffering.<br /> <br /> “But however, the grace of God will carry us all – even though some of you may pray that God should remove this thorn from us, the scripture says ‘His grace is sufficient for us, for it it even in your weakness that the power of God is demonstrated.”<br /> <br /> It was gathered that Mbaka would move from a duplex, which served as his residence in the old parish, to just a room in the new posting.<br /> <br /> The said room is only equipped with a small toilet and a bathroom, as well as a small table and a bed, it was learnt.<br /> <br /> Mbaka, who was the parish priest-in-charge at the CKC Parish, G.R.A, will serve as an assistant parish priest in the new parish.<br /> <br /> It was also learnt that Mbaka’s transfer was part of a general redeployment of priests by Enugu Catholic Diocese, headed by His Lordship, Bishop Calistus Onaga.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrHw878qx2I/Vq5PKKQhtVI/AAAAAAACTeA/4g0ai1IZoP4/s1600/mbaka%2Bbuhari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrHw878qx2I/Vq5PKKQhtVI/AAAAAAACTeA/4g0ai1IZoP4/s320/mbaka%2Bbuhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buhari and Mbaka</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> It was equally gathered that the diocese routinely redeploys priests every six years.<br /> <br /> But Mbaka, and his massive followers, have linked the development to the anger reportedly expressed by the hierarchy of the Catholic Church over his role in the build-up to the 2015 presidential election, when he condemned former President Goodluck Jonathan in a message entitled ‘From Good Luck to Bad Luck’.<br /> <br /> In the message, Mbaka prophesied that Muhammadu Buhari would win the election, and urged his followers and other Nigerians to vote for him.<br /> <br /> Buhari eventually won the poll.<br /> <br /> Following the election, Mbaka has been accused of engaging in partisan politics after he visited Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and went ahead to allege, in a New Year message, that the President’s opponents were plotting to kill him.<br /> <br /> It is widely believed that the leadership of the Catholic Church in Enugu was not comfortable with Mbaka’s activities.<br /> <br />

I’m going to suffer in my new parish - Fr. Mbaka

Enugu Catholic priest, and founder, Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has said he is going to suffer in his new parish. Mbaka mad...

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FA Cup fifth round draw - Chelsea to face Manchester City, Arsenal - Hull City

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwjbp5Ls5jE/Vq5SWMSytQI/AAAAAAACTec/IP8DaB3x_u8/s1600/fa%2Bcup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwjbp5Ls5jE/Vq5SWMSytQI/AAAAAAACTec/IP8DaB3x_u8/s640/fa%2Bcup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b><br /> <br /> <br /> All 16 fifth-round ties will be played between Friday February 19 and Monday February 22.<br /> <table class="table-stats" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 40px; outline-style: none; text-align: center; width: 624px;"> <tbody style="outline-style: none; width: 624px;"> <tr class="preview" id="match-row-EFBO846279" style="outline-style: none;"> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> <thead style="outline-style: none; width: 624px;"> <tr style="outline-style: none;"> <th class="competition-title" colspan="3" scope="rowgroup" style="margin: 0px; outline-style: none; padding: 2px; text-align: left; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">                                  </span></span><br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">                                    THE EMIRATES FA CUP - FIFTH ROUND</span></span><br /> <div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div style="font-weight: normal;"></div> <table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; color: #081f2c; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-transform: none; width: 620px;"> <tbody style="text-align: center;"> <tr bgcolor="lightgrey" style="text-align: left;"> <td style="text-align: center;">Chelsea</td> <td style="text-align: center;">vs</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Manchester City</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Reading</td> <td>vs</td> <td>West Brom/Peterborough</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="lightgrey" style="text-align: left;"> <td style="text-align: center;">Watford</td> <td style="text-align: center;">vs</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Leeds</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Shrewsbury Town</td> <td>vs</td> <td>Manchester United</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="lightgrey" style="text-align: left;"> <td style="text-align: center;">Blackburn Rovers</td> <td style="text-align: center;">vs</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Liverpool/West Ham</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Tottenham</td> <td>vs</td> <td>Crystal Palace</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="lightgrey" style="text-align: left;"> <td style="text-align: center;">Arsenal</td> <td style="text-align: center;">vs</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Hull City</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Bournemouth</td> <td>vs</td> <td>Everton</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </th> </tr> </thead> </table>

FA Cup fifth round draw - Chelsea to face Manchester City, Arsenal - Hull City

All 16 fifth-round ties will be played between Friday February 19 and Monday February 22.                                    ...

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Buhari sends money laundering bills to Senate

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M05ZYrmW-DU/Vq5Q5psPFhI/AAAAAAACTeU/MV43gWxApRU/s1600/Buhari-and-Senate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M05ZYrmW-DU/Vq5Q5psPFhI/AAAAAAACTeU/MV43gWxApRU/s400/Buhari-and-Senate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, forwarded to the senate, two new bills meant to effectively tackle the menace of money laundering in the country.<br /> <br /> The first bill is titled, ” Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2016″ while the second one is “Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill 2016.”<br /> <br /> The president’s request was contained in the letter he addressed to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and read during plenary.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Buhari said that the proposed bill provides for the repeal of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, as amended in 2012.<br /> <br /> He added that the proposed money laundering bill also seeks to provide adequate penalty for money laundering activities as well as increasing the scope of anti-money laundering agencies.<br /> <br /> The letter read, “This (Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition) Bill seeks to make comprehensive provisions to prohibit the laundering of the criminal activities, expand the scope of money laundering offences.<br /> <br /> “It seeks to provide protection for employees of various institutions, bodies and professions who may discover money laundering, enhance customer due diligence.<br /> <br /> “It provides appropriate penalties and expand the scope of supervisory bodies. It also recognizes the role of certain self-regulatory organisations to address the challenges faced in implementation of comprehensive anti-money regime”.<br /> <br /> He also said that, the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill 2016 seeks to get relevant international assistance in cases of money laundering.<br /> <br /> According to Buhari, the Bill is expected to provide framework for other countries to assist in provision and obtaining of evidence, making of arrangements for persons to give evidence.<br /> <br /> The bill, he added, also seeks to get international assistance in criminal investigations, recovery, forfeiture or confiscation of property in respect of offences.<br /> <br /> He said the proposed law also sought assistance in “the restraining of dealings in property or the freezing of assets that may be recovered, forfeited or confiscated in respect of offences”<br /> <br /> Other issues that the proposed law will address according to Buhari are, the execution of request for search and seizure, the location and identification of witnesses and suspects, the service of documents and other matters connected herewith.<br /> <br /> Buhari recently visited the United Arab Emirate, where he signed an agreement with the government of the Emirate on repatriation of the nation’s stolen funds.<br /> <br /> The agreement, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters, is expected to also allow the UAE government return monies hidden or invested in banks and real estates in the country to Nigeria.

Buhari sends money laundering bills to Senate

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, forwarded to the senate, two new bills meant to effectively tackle the menace of money launde...

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Gunmen kidnap Dickson’s aide in Rivers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDz7RDaP4D0/Vq5OjCXXQOI/AAAAAAACTdw/sGMWzYcwhBE/s1600/Seriake-Dickson1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDz7RDaP4D0/Vq5OjCXXQOI/AAAAAAACTdw/sGMWzYcwhBE/s640/Seriake-Dickson1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Gunmen on Sunday kidnapped an aide to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Captain Henry Ungbuku (rtd).<br /> <br /> Ungbuku, who is the Special Adviser on Aviation to the Bayelsa State Governor, was abducted as he was about leaving the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Light House Parish, after service.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It was gathered that his abductors had laid siege to the church located in Iwofe, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State as early as 8.50am, waiting for their victim to come out at the end of the service before pouncing on him.<br /> <br /> <br /> An eyewitness revealed that an unsuspecting Ungbuku, who came out of the church some minutes after 10am, was stopped by the hoodlums as he drove out of the premises of the church.<br /> <br /> Ungbuku’s abductors were said to have asked him to open the door of his vehicle while one of them pointed a gun at him.<br /> <br /> The gunmen, according to the source, drove their victim away to an unknown destination after forcing him into a waiting vehicle.<br /> <br /> “They were about four, but we did not know whether there are others hanging around the premises of the church. They forced him out of the car at gun point and took him away.<br /> <br /> “There was confusion around the premises of the church when the incident happened. The kidnappers were all armed and many people who saw the scene were all scared,” the eyewitness said.<br /> <br /> When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmad Mohammad, confirmed the kidnap of Dickson’s aide in the state and added that efforts were in top gear to effect his rescue and apprehend those behind the dastardly act.

Gunmen kidnap Dickson’s aide in Rivers

Gunmen on Sunday kidnapped an aide to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Captain Henry Ungbuku (rtd). Ungbuku, who is the Speci...

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PDP to INEC - 'Don’t recognize Gulak as our national chairman'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPqcCSjKTYU/Vq5OEPxZR6I/AAAAAAACTdo/89xEsf7RL6E/s400/Ahmed-Gulak.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise Ahmed Gulak as the national chairman of the party.<br /> <br /> National Legal Adviser of the party, Mr. Victor Kwon, made the appeal in his letter to the commission.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Kwon was replying to an earlier letter sent to the electoral body by Gulak, in which he informed the commission about the court judgement that sacked the Acting National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus.<br /> <br /> Gulak also informed the commission that since the party refused to abide by the judgement which ordered the party to pick someone from the North-East within 14 days after the judgement to which he said the party was unable to abide by, he had assumed office as the substantive chairman of the party.<br /> <br /> The judgment, which ordered Secondus to revert to his position as the deputy national chairman was given by a Federal High Court on the 16th day of December, 2015.<br /> <br /> Deputy Director of the commission in charge of publicity, Mr. Nick Dazang, told,our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday, that the commission has received letters from both Gulak and Kwon.

PDP to INEC - 'Don’t recognize Gulak as our national chairman'

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise Ah...

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Fayose denies using soldiers to rig Ekiti election

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltmq4dWe07A/Vq5L5aRuTlI/AAAAAAACTdY/PpaRONGprdM/s1600/APC-slams-Fayose-over-delayed-salary-distribution-of-rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltmq4dWe07A/Vq5L5aRuTlI/AAAAAAACTdY/PpaRONGprdM/s640/APC-slams-Fayose-over-delayed-salary-distribution-of-rice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has described the expelled former State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Tope Aluko, as a new distraction from the All Progressive Congress in Ekiti State.<br /> <br /> The governor, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said Aluko was already beclouded by his desperation to seek revenge against him because of his refusal to make him his Chief of Staff, such that he (Aluko) was not mindful of committing the criminal offence of perjury.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said, “For Aluko to be taken seriously, he must first have to report himself to the police to be tried for perjury and committed to prison for three years, since what he is now saying is different from what he said under oath at the Election Tribunal being the only witness called by the PDP and Governor Fayose.<br /> <br /> “If after giving evidence under oath at the tribunal that the Election was free, fair and credible and that security agents, including soldiers performed their duties creditably well, saying something else more than one year after is an admittance by Aluko himself that he is not a stable character.<br /> <br /> “It is also a demonstration of the fact that giving the right offer tomorrow, the same Aluko can also address the press tomorrow to deny all what he said today. He can even deny his own existence since he can deny what he said under oath just because he was not made Chief of Staff.<br /> <br /> “Therefore, we won’t bother ourselves, responding to what a political parasite chooses to say because he wouldn’t have said what he is now saying today if he had been made Chief of Staff to Governor Fayose and it is sure that if he called today, and given the right offer, he will begin to sing another song.”<br /> <br /> Fayose, however, did not deny receiving $37m from former president Goodluck Jonathan for the 2014 governorship election in which he defeated former governor Kayode Fayemi.<br /> <br /> He added that it would take more than recruiting and paying Aluko to discredit an election adjudged by both local and international observers, including the United States government as free, fair and credible.

Fayose denies using soldiers to rig Ekiti election

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has described the expelled former State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Tope Aluko, a...

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Fight Against Corruption: Judiciary is my main headache – Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p76ifwi4jSo/Vq5J_rZs7AI/AAAAAAACTdM/7bYKdrUSc_k/s1600/Buhari-tired-e1448021742734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p76ifwi4jSo/Vq5J_rZs7AI/AAAAAAACTdM/7bYKdrUSc_k/s400/Buhari-tired-e1448021742734.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria could be effectively tackled with the strong support of the judiciary.</b><br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said that Buhari stated this while speaking at a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in Ethiopia.<br /> <br /> The president said that far-reaching reforms of the judiciary remained a key priority for his administration.<br /> <br /> “On the fight against corruption vis-à-vis the judiciary, Nigerians will be right to say that is my main headache for now.<br /> <br /> “If you reflect on what I went through for twelve years when I wanted to be the president, I attempted three times.<br /> <br /> ‘’At the fourth attempt, through God and the use of technology, it was possible for Nigerians to elect an APC candidate as president.<br /> <br /> “In my first attempt in 2003, I ended up at the Supreme Court and for 13 months I was in court.<br /> <br /> “The second attempt in 2007, I was in court close to 20 months, and in 2011, my third attempt, I was also in court for nine months.<br /> <br /> “All these cases went up to the Supreme Court until the fourth time in 2015, when God agreed that I will be President of Nigeria,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> Buhari assured members of the Nigerian community in Ethiopia that with the support of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, he would continue to do his best to improve the nation’s judicial administration system.<br /> <br /> On urban development and infrastructure, he announced that the Federal Government had ordered a review of several railway transport projects signed by the previous administration with the Chinese government.<br /> <br /> “The Chinese government was very generous to Nigeria on the projects signed with the previous government because they agreed to pay 85 per cent of the project.<br /> <br /> “But, the Nigerian government was unable to meet up with its counterpart funding of 15 per cent, so the Chinese government was unable to make any impact on the project,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> The president said he had directed the Ministers of Transportation, Finance, and Power, Works and Housing, to revisit the agreements and explore ways of re-approaching the Chinese government for assistance.<br /> <br /> He added that the Chinese government had indicated interest to assist Nigeria on project financing through its Export-Import Bank.<br /> <br /> On the proposed N6.07 trillion 2016 budget before the National Assembly, the president said that for the first time in Nigeria, the budget would be largely financed from non-oil revenue.<br /> <br /> He identified the collapse of the international oil market and oil theft in the Niger Delta as main reasons for projecting more revenues to fund the budget from the non-oil sector.<br /> <br /> He said that theft of oil by some Nigerians who felt that the oil belonged to them was irritating to ‘’those of us who participated in the civil war for 30 months in which at least two million Nigerians were killed.’’<br /> <br /> Buhari explained that the proposed budget would focus on increasing efficiency and transparency in government operations and the blocking of leakages from revenue generating agencies.<br /> <br /> He added that the recovered assets of the country would also be used to reduce the budget deficit.

Fight Against Corruption: Judiciary is my main headache – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria could be effectively tackle...

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50 feared killed in Boko Haram attack in Borno

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxGyC2CBfTU/Vq5Jps3rCpI/AAAAAAACTdE/-pqV-vQyqSA/s1600/Boko-Haram%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxGyC2CBfTU/Vq5Jps3rCpI/AAAAAAACTdE/-pqV-vQyqSA/s640/Boko-Haram%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>Around 50 people were feared killed when Boko Haram fighters armed with guns and explosives attacked a village in northeastern Nigeria, the army and local residents said Sunday.</b><br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Suicide bombers also carried out deadly attacks on Sunday in the Lake Chad region, an area frequently targeted by Boko Haram, a local security official said.<br /> <br /> Nigeria’s army said Boko Haram fighters struck Dalori, some 12 kilometres (seven miles) from the northern city of Maiduguri late Saturday, burning down the village and sending residents fleeing into the bush.<br /> <br /> Dalori is located near camps set up for people displaced by the seven-year Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast of Africa’s most populous country.<br /> <br /> “During the incident lives were lost while some people sustained injuries,” army spokesman Colonel Mustapha Anka said in a statement.<br /> <br /> Residents and an aid worker said at least 50 people were killed in the assault which took place after evening prayers in the mostly Muslim region.<br /> <br /> Anka said the assailants also tried to penetrate the Dalori camp, but they were repelled by the troops.<br /> <br /> Boko Haram has kept up a wave of attacks despite President Muhammadu Buhari declaring late last year that Nigeria had “technically” won the war against the group.<br /> <br /> In the Lake Chad region, which borders Nigeria as well as Chad, Cameroon and Niger, suicide bombers struck two Chadian villages killing three people, a local security official said.<br /> <br /> In the first attack in Guie, a bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up, killing one person and injuring 32, while the second attack in the village of Miterine left two dead and 24 wounded, the official said.<br /> <br /> Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon have formed a coalition along with Benin to fight Boko Haram and have marshalled a force of 8,700 soldiers, police and civilians.<br /> <br /> In retaliation, Boko Haram has launched cross-border attacks from northern Nigeria on the neighbouring countries.<br /> <br /> – Entire village razed –<br /> <br /> In Nigeria, local residents told AFP they fled into the bush when the Boko Haram fighters descended on Dalori.<br /> <br /> “We were seated outside our home shortly after the Isha prayer when we heard gunshots and within a few minutes the invaders had arrived,” Malam Masa Dalori, a community leader, told AFP.<br /> <br /> “They came in Golf saloon cars and began to shoot sporadically. Many people ran to the bush including myself,” he said.<br /> <br /> “When we came back in the morning the entire community has been razed. At least 50 people were also killed, many others injured,” he said.<br /> <br /> Mallam Hassan, another villager, gave a similar account.<br /> <br /> “I lost an uncle in the attack. But I thank God I escaped with my children,” he said.<br /> <br /> An aid worker who did not want to be named, said the bodies of the victims had been evacuated to the hospital.<br /> <br /> “I think they should be more that 50, while several others were injured,” he said.<br /> <br /> Boko Haram fighters have made several attempts to retake Maiduguri — the birthplace of the jihadist movement — since they were pushed out three years ago.<br /> <br /> The group which seeks a hardline Islamic state in northern Nigeria has killed some 17,000 people and forced more than 2.6 million others to flee their homes since 2009.

50 feared killed in Boko Haram attack in Borno

Around 50 people were feared killed when Boko Haram fighters armed with guns and explosives attacked a village in northeastern Nigeria, the...

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Africa must silence guns now, stop preventable deaths – Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9rxdQx0dYw/Vq5JM-f29WI/AAAAAAACTc8/6S7_zmLZFvk/s1600/buhari%2Bcorr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9rxdQx0dYw/Vq5JM-f29WI/AAAAAAACTc8/6S7_zmLZFvk/s400/buhari%2Bcorr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the African Union’s (AU) vision to silence the guns and reduce preventable conflict-related deaths in the continent by 2020 must be achieved “now’’.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Buhari.<br /> <br /> The statement said that the president was speaking at the 26th AU summit in Addis Ababa on Sunday.<br /> <br /> President Buhari decried the use of scarce resources in Africa on armed conflicts rather than economic and social development of the continent.<br /> <br /> The President challenged fellow African leaders to engage decisively with the people and government of South Sudan and Burundi to bring the conflicts they faced to a speedy end.<br /> <br /> He added that African leaders must also forge a united front to rid the continent of the scourge of terrorism and face together with determination the noble goals of Agenda 2063, as espoused by the AU.<br /> <br /> “We have all shed blood for Africa to be free, but the irony is that, today, we are now killing each other.<br /> <br /> “Rather than facing the developmental challenges confronting us, we are spending our scarce resources killing our children and inflicting unspeakable horrors and unimaginable hardship on our brothers and sisters.<br /> <br /> “That is truly a tragedy and it must stop. Enough is enough!<br /> <br /> “Within the framework of the African Union, we have to, as a matter of urgency, reach a consensus on how to silence the guns. Not by 2020 but now.<br /> <br /> “Why must we wait? We must say “NO” to wars and conflicts on our continent,’’ the President maintained.<br /> <br /> He restated Nigeria’s determination to wholly defeat terrorism and bring the war against Boko Haram to an end.<br /> <br /> President Buhari said Nigeria would continue to partner with other member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, and Republic of Benin, through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to address the menace of Boko Haram insurgency.<br /> <br /> He reaffirmed that Nigeria would soon fully redeem its pledge of 100million dollars to enhance the operations of the Task Force, having released the sum of 21million dollars to the task force in June 2016.<br /> <br /> The President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the unity, peace and prosperity of the continent.<br /> <br /> “We in Nigeria have always been attached to the idea of African unity.<br /> <br /> “During the struggle to win freedom for our brothers and sisters in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, Nigeria was considered a front-line State, although we were not geographically on the frontline.<br /> <br /> “This was because we took to heart the words of President Ben Bella of Algeria that we all had to die a little for all our brothers and sisters on the continent,’’ he said.

Africa must silence guns now, stop preventable deaths – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the African Union’s (AU) vision to silence the guns and reduce preventable conflict-related deat...

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APC blast Enugu Catholic Diocese for transferring Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka to a new parish

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuM-bHnO_EQ/Vq4eL5HbrhI/AAAAAAACTco/0hFAt0Sq3wo/s1600/Ejike-Mbaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuM-bHnO_EQ/Vq4eL5HbrhI/AAAAAAACTco/0hFAt0Sq3wo/s640/Ejike-Mbaka.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The All Progressive Congress on Sunday condemned the transfer of the founder of the Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, to a new parish by the Enugu Catholic Diocese.<br /> <br /> Mbaka was moved from the Christ the King Parish, G.R.A, in Enugu metropolis, which he presided over as parish priest for over 20 years, to Our Lady Parish, in Emene, a suburb of the Coal City.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that Mbaka, who was the parish priest-in-charge at the CKC Parish, G.R.A, will serve as an assistant parish priest in the new parish.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu, the APC South-East Caucus spokesman, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, said “it was wrong to punish the fearless priest for his prophecies which has proved to be from God”.<br /> <br /> Okechukwu alleged that the transfer was influenced by outside forces.<br /> <br /> The South-East APC spokesman expressed concerns over Mbaka’s safety, adding that his followers may find it difficult to get to Emene for programmes of the Adoration Ministry.<br /> <br /> He said, “Whereas we accept that the transfer of priests is a routine exercise of the great Catholic Church, however we do not wholly accept a situation where the church allows external forces to influence transfer as the Mbaka’s case suggests.<br /> <br /> “Otherwise, future liberation clergy who speak truth to power will be hamstrung to the detriment of the society.<br /> <br /> “Our major concern is the security implications and the fate of his flocks who are mostly the downtrodden who may find it difficult to go to Emene for salvation and healing.<br /> <br /> “We frown at anything which will put Fr. Mbaka in harms way or deny his flocks healing.”<br /> <br /> The APC condemns all attacks on Mbaka, Okuchukwu said, noting that the party was in solidarity with the fiery priest.<br /> <br /> Okechukwu further noted that Mbaka had been under stringent attack from Buhari’s opponents since he prophesied that Buhari would win the presidential election.<br /> <br /> He accused the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of playing a role in Mbaka’s travails.<br /> <br /> “As a party we have watched with concern and trepidation the criticism, the attack, assault and unpleasant comments hurled against Fr. Mbaka since he providentially prophesied that President Buhari would win the 2015 elections.<br /> <br /> “Even the Church did not spare him – he was called unprintable names, yet his prophecy came true.<br /> <br /> “We are happy that Fr. Mbaka was vindicated.<br /> <br /> “It must be pointed out that accusing fingers were pointed at the direction of some anti-Buhari elements like Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a group that didn’t want to hear the name of Buhari – even though Ohanaeze denied the allegation, doubts still persists.<br /> <br /> “For we are still at a loss why a senior priest will be degraded to an assistant parish priest.<br /> <br /> “We repeat that we are in solidarity with Fr. Mbaka and our major concern is the security of Fr. Mbaka and the suffering of his flocks mostly the poor who need his healing powers.<br /> <br /> “We had thought that His Lordship Bishop Calistus Onaga could have retained him at the Adoration Ground, as the Bishop Emeritus Gbuji did because of security of his life and easy access by his flocks,” the APC chieftain added.<br /> <br /> It was learnt that thousands of Mbaka’s followers wept uncontrollably as they escorted him and about 30 lorry-loads of his belongings to the new parish.

APC blast Enugu Catholic Diocese for transferring Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka to a new parish

The All Progressive Congress on Sunday condemned the transfer of the founder of the Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, to ...

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REVEALED: How Boko Haram attacked Borno, killed scores – Nigerian Military

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYHo0qTRijk/Vq4PWVXpzVI/AAAAAAACTbs/fznsb17i5YI/s1600/Boko-Haram%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYHo0qTRijk/Vq4PWVXpzVI/AAAAAAACTbs/fznsb17i5YI/s640/Boko-Haram%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>The Boko Haram attack on Dalori Village, which killed scores of people, was carried out using multiple methods, the Nigerian military has said.</b><br /> <br /> In its first reaction since the attack that occurred on Saturday night, the military quoted witnesses as saying the “insurgents came in two Golf cars, motorcycles, started opening fire and burning houses.”<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Apart from the direct invasion, the insurgents also used three suicide bombers to attack residents as they tried to flee, the military said in its statement on Sunday afternoon.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the attack which lasted about four hours; with scores, residents say as many as 100 people, killed.<br /> <br /> Officials at the Maiduguri Specialists Hospital said 35 corpses were brought there after the attack, with about 100 others injured.<br /> <br /> Another 70 corpses are believed to have been taken to the Maiduguri General Hospital, survivors said.<br /> <br /> An operative of the vigilante group called Civilian-JTF, Alhaji Danbatta, who partook in the evacuation of victims told newsmen that many corpses are yet to be evacuated from the attacked village; and most of those killed in the suicide blasts have not been accounted for.<br /> <br /> “The casualty is beyond our imagination and most of those that were injured are in very critical conditions,” Mr. Danbatta said. “Many of them may not survive because of the degree of injuries”.<br /> The Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Durkwa, visited the victims at the Specialists Hospital. He ordered prompt treatment for all victims and said the state government would foot the necessary bills.<br /> In its statement, the military said Hassan Umaru, a Major General who leads operations in the area, visited the village and commended the villagers for their resilience and urged them to be strong and committed in the fight against insurgency.”<br /> <br /> <b>Read the military’s statement below:</b><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq">In their desperate efforts for reprisal attacks on strong, determined and committed members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and innocent citizen. yesterday 30 January 2016 BHT insurgent launched attack Dalori through Yale from ( rear of Dalori village).<br /> An eye witnessed said that the insurgent came in two Golf cars, motorcycles, started opening fire and burning houses. their motive was to cause rancour and penetrate crowd with suicide bombers.</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq">Similarly, while people were running for their dear lives to Gomari Kerkeri village three female suicide bombers attempted to make their way into the crowd but were intercepted and subsequently got blown up. During the incident lives were lost while some people sustained injuries. The insurgents also attempted to penetrate Dalori IDP camp, but the attempt was resisted by the troop which resulted into detonation of IED by the suicide bombers.</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq">​In his condolence visit to Dalori, the Theater commander Operation Lafiya Dole Major General Hassan Umaru condole the District Head Alh Lawal Bashir and entire dwellers for the unfortunate incident. He assured the people of Theatre’s commitment in bring insurgency to an end soon.</blockquote> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq">General Umaru commended the villagers for their resilience and urged them to be strong and committed in the fight against insurgency. He also commented NEMA, SEMA, Red Cross and other Stakeholders for their tireless humanitarian efforts.</blockquote>

REVEALED: How Boko Haram attacked Borno, killed scores – Nigerian Military

The Boko Haram attack on Dalori Village, which killed scores of people, was carried out using multiple methods, the Nigerian military has s...

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Photos/Video: Nigerian man without a degree builds mini Aircraft

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COj4xSHV9n4/Vq4R-MFOpmI/AAAAAAACTb4/fBkWDftnuSg/s1600/z1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COj4xSHV9n4/Vq4R-MFOpmI/AAAAAAACTb4/fBkWDftnuSg/s640/z1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Nigerian man Aghogho Ajiyen from Delta state, builds Aircraft with local materials. Even without a University degree, he assembles these machines and make them to fly. He assembled his first aircraft in 1999 but didn't succeed at it.<br /> <br /> He continued and got better with his next try. He said he does his research on how to assembly aircraft by himself and decided to put it to test.<br /> <br /> He even installs a camera on them which he uses to survey his environment and has developed his own special fuel for his aircraft.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9LFO8v8bkcA" width="630"></iframe><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQPzCFvCbQw/Vq4SGGW5z1I/AAAAAAACTcA/fgpvfdFhUDk/s1600/z2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQPzCFvCbQw/Vq4SGGW5z1I/AAAAAAACTcA/fgpvfdFhUDk/s640/z2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_F0OtXhGv0/Vq4SISScPkI/AAAAAAACTcI/jYQz_9FBwj8/s1600/z3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_F0OtXhGv0/Vq4SISScPkI/AAAAAAACTcI/jYQz_9FBwj8/s640/z3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8sjD5AwpTo/Vq4SKc_Lr7I/AAAAAAACTcQ/bXihd7unF-I/s1600/z4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8sjD5AwpTo/Vq4SKc_Lr7I/AAAAAAACTcQ/bXihd7unF-I/s640/z4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFbMp2UCOwc/Vq4SMbzo6_I/AAAAAAACTcY/eRz8TMLKkYU/s1600/z5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFbMp2UCOwc/Vq4SMbzo6_I/AAAAAAACTcY/eRz8TMLKkYU/s640/z5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br />

Photos/Video: Nigerian man without a degree builds mini Aircraft

Nigerian man Aghogho Ajiyen from Delta state, builds Aircraft with local materials. Even without a University degree, he assembles these m...

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Judgment on Nnamdi Kanu’s bail inappropriate, bias – IPOB

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtc6uUP7Nnk/Vq4NzZVdZpI/AAAAAAACTbk/OOEMZjKgN6k/s1600/Biafra1%2Bkanu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtc6uUP7Nnk/Vq4NzZVdZpI/AAAAAAACTbk/OOEMZjKgN6k/s640/Biafra1%2Bkanu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, United Kingdom branch has faulted the reasons given by Hon. Justice John Tsoho of the Abuja Federal High Court Abuja for not granting the bail application of leader of IPOB and Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.<br /> <br /> In a statement signed by the spokespersons for IPOB in United Kingdom Mr. Emma Nmezu, a lawyer, and Dr. Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya IPOB said the Honourable Justice Tsoho premised his judgment for not granting bail to Mr. Kanu on three reasons.<br /> <br /> “The reasons according to him are, that Mazi Kanu was a threat to national security, secondly, that if released might commit the same offence again and thirdly, that there was a probability that Nnamdi Kanu might jump bail because he possessed dual citizenship.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “While the first and the third reasons are very clear, but unsustainable statements, we are at loss with the second reason and do not know exactly what the Hon. Justice meant by “might commit the same offense again”<br /> <br /> “To the best of our knowledge, Mazi Kanu has not even been tried in the court not to talk of being convicted, therefore, we do not understand the offence he was found guilty of committing and for which he will likely commit again if released, according to Hon. Justice Tsoho.<br /> <br /> “Is it a possibility that the Hon. Justice Tsoho misspoke or that he never actually uttered this travesty of a statement. On the first reason adduced, we are yet to get detailed information on what the Judge meant by “threat to National Security” because we know that Mazi Kanu is not associated with Boko Haram or any terrorist organization. Again we are pushed to believe that Hon. Justice Tsoho misspoke,” said IPOB.<br /> <br /> “We are however shocked on the third reason, to hear that a denial of bail will be based on the accused person’s dual citizenship, even though the Honourable Judge did not mention the other country to which Nnamdi Kanu is a citizen, we know he was referring to Britain.<br /> <br /> “But we also know that there is extradition agreement between Nigeria and Britain and extraditing Mazi Kanu to Nigeria, should he flee to Britain will not be a problem for the Nigerian government,therefore, we conclude that the judgment of Hon. Justice Tsoho is inappropriate, biased, wrong, and must be overturned by an Appeal Court Judge.<br /> <br /> Similarly, the IPOB Media and Publicity Officer Mr. Emma Powerful has faulted the denial of bail to Mr. Kanu, describing it as a systematic denial of the entire South Eastern Nigeria of their right.<br /> <br /> He said that every day the present administration of All Progressives Congress, APC, and their leader President Muhammadu Buhari keeps exposing itself to the world that it has no respect for the rule of law and orders of competent court of law.<br /> <br /> He wondered why in a country like Nigeria, people will not be allowed to engage in peaceful demonstrations and protests, wondering whether it will be better for them to engage in violent demonstrations and protests and carrying guns and throwing bombs like the Boko Haram insurgents.<br /> <br /> “We are being pushed to the walls, our members who were engaged in peaceful protest in Aba, Abia state and Port Harcourt Rivers State were shot by the Army and taken to Militaryn barracks in Afikpo Ebonyi state and Bori camp in rivers State with bullet wounds.<br /> <br /> “The victims are undergoing torture and other inhuman treatments, as they bring them out every morning, torture and engage them in all manners of hard labours and ask them about their missing guns as if IPOB members carry guns.<br /> <br /> “We do not carry guns and do not intent to carry in the nearest future, we are therefore calling on Amnesty International, all human rights organizations and the international community to prevail on the Nigerian government respect the rule of law and the orders of the courts, as at the last count our members arrested in Aba are 25 while those in Port Harcourt are 18 in number, totaling 43 people detained in the two Army barracks in Ebonyi and rivers States respectively” he said.

Judgment on Nnamdi Kanu’s bail inappropriate, bias – IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, United Kingdom branch has faulted the reasons given by Hon. Justice John Tsoho of the Abuja Federal...

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We will continue to guarantee the economic rights of women – Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDLu_wrDTQM/Vq4MztbN_qI/AAAAAAACTbc/NAW-Y_KtE5k/s1600/buhari%2Bq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDLu_wrDTQM/Vq4MztbN_qI/AAAAAAACTbc/NAW-Y_KtE5k/s640/buhari%2Bq.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration will continue to guarantee the economic rights of women in the country.<br /> <br /> He made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.<br /> <br /> Adesina said Buhari made the remark at the 26th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on Saturday night in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.<br /> <br /> He added that the President had assured increased budgetary allocation to projects specifically targeted at improving the lives of women.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to him, the Federal Government under his watch has demonstrated its commitment to the rights of women by appointing women of proven integrity to key positions within the cabinet.<br /> <br /> “We have increased the budgetary allocation of ministries that have direct bearing on the lives of women, particularly health and education, with greater emphasis on girl-child education.<br /> <br /> “As you all know, the terrible activities of the Boko Haram sect led to destruction of thousands of lives and property in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, displacing millions from their respective homes, most of who are women and children and are now at various IDP camps across the country.<br /> <br /> “In order to fully restore and protect their rights, government is in the process of massive rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement of the affected victims in the North Eastern part of the country with the ultimate goal of restoring normalcy in full to that region, as well as improving the wellbeing of the affected persons.”<br /> <br /> President Buhari welcomed the AU decision to declare the year 2016 as “The Year of Human Rights in Africa with Special focus on the Rights of Women”.<br /> <br /> He said Nigeria had amply demonstrated its commitment to issues relating to rights of women by upholding several human rights treaties and conventions specifically targeted at women.<br /> <br /> “In guaranteeing the economic rights of women, the Federal Government of Nigeria is embarking on massive employment programmes that will promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), in order to provide succour to our teeming women and youth populations,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> The President also used the occasion of his address to the AU summit to congratulate President Idris Deby of Chad on his election and assumption of office as Chairperson of the Union for 2016.<br /> <br /> According to President Buhari, Deby’s appointment is a clear attestation of the confidence reposed in him to steer the ship of the continental organisation.

We will continue to guarantee the economic rights of women – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration will continue to guarantee the economic rights of women in the country. He m...

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Nigerians blast Economist for calling Jonathan ‘ineffectual buffoon’

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H93MdYjwVTs/Vq4KoLjs-xI/AAAAAAACTbQ/FBKz8807sow/s1600/jonathan-vex-Goodluck-600x276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H93MdYjwVTs/Vq4KoLjs-xI/AAAAAAACTbQ/FBKz8807sow/s640/jonathan-vex-Goodluck-600x276.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> Several Nigerians have expressed outrage at the Economist for labeling the country’s past president, Goodluck Jonathan, as an <b><a href="http://www.nigerianeye.com/2016/01/goodluck-jonathan-is-ineffectual.html">‘ineffectual buffoon.’</a></b><br /> <br /> In an article titled <b><a href="http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21689584-cheap-oil-causing-currency-crisis-nigeria-banning-imports-no?fsrc=scn/tw/te/pe/ed/crudetactics">“Crude Tactics: Cheap oil is causing a currency crisis in Nigeria. Banning imports is no solution”</a>,</b> published in The Economist last Thursday, the magazine, while analysing the economic policies of President Muhammadu Buhari, had written that “In the eight months since Mr. Buhari arrived at Aso Rock, the presidential digs, the homicidal jihadists of Boko Haram have been pushed back into the bush along Nigeria’s borders.<br /> <br /> “The government has cracked down on corruption, which had flourished under the previous president, Goodluck Jonathan, an ineffectual buffoon who let politicians and their cronies fill their pockets with impunity.”<br /> <br /> In angry reactions on social media, majority of Nigerians expressed their displeasure with the tag on a former president of Africa’s most populous nation.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> Writing on her Twitter handle, Nigerian author, Molara Wood stated, “Marvelled at the verbal buffoonery of @TheEconomist. It’s almost like it’s personal. I thought you people had style guides.#Inappropriate.”<br /> <br /> Also, writing on his Twitter handle, @Olumicome2, a Nigerian, Obamide, said, “I think it’s wrong that the economist described Jonathan as an ineffectual Buffon. It’s so wrong to call our ex-president that<br /> <br /> In another reaction, A Twitter user, Ogbiji Nyiam, said, “The Economist reference of Jonathan as “an ineffectual Buffon” is uncalled and saucy.”<br /> <br /> Similarly, writing on his Facebook page, one Ismail Aniemu said every Nigerian should be worried about any derogatory description of our leaders by the western media.<br /> <br /> “Describing Jonathan as an ‘Ineffectual Buffoon’ is not a good testimonial for us coming from an influential publication, The Economist. Nigerians should jointly seek ways of avoiding embarrassments of this sort in future. How did we get a GEJ to lead us in the first place?” he wrote.<br /> <br /> Another Nigerian, Adedayo Adesoji, also expressed his reservations on his Facebook page.<br /> <br /> He wrote, “Despite the fact that I have never for once fancied the kind of President Jonathan’s style of leadership, I take exception to the Economist’s position referring to the Nigerian immediate past President as an ineffectual buffoon! It is the height of disrespect to the personality of our former President! If truly the Economist condescended so low to spew out this insult, then the above globally respected news platform has lowered its professional standard and brought international journalism to a state of disrepute! I am awfully disappointed in the Economist if truly it authored such a publication!”<br /> <br /> Also, in his Facebook post, a Nigerian, Ugo Chikezie, said the label by The Economist was abusive.<br /> <br /> “For me, I completely agree that GEJ was ineffectual, but I don’t quite agree that he is a buffoon. We all know GEJ failed woefully as president, but I think calling him a buffoon is unnecessary. People should learn to criticize without being abusive,” He wrote on his Facebook page.

Nigerians blast Economist for calling Jonathan ‘ineffectual buffoon’

Several Nigerians have expressed outrage at the Economist for labeling the country’s past president, Goodluck Jonathan, as an ‘ineffectu...

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Arms Scandal: EFCC set to probe 16 military officers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWhCNR-UJqI/Vq4JCeivacI/AAAAAAACTa8/LrSd4QSPdvM/s1600/EFCC%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWhCNR-UJqI/Vq4JCeivacI/AAAAAAACTa8/LrSd4QSPdvM/s400/EFCC%2Blogo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will this week interrogate at least 16 military officers as part of its investigations into $2.1bn arms scandal.<br /> <br /> It was learnt on Saturday that among those to be quizzed were the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.) and a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal MD Umar (retd.).<br /> <br /> It was also gathered that a former Director of Production and the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal O. T. Oguntoyinbo would be quizzed too.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Another source said that invitations would be sent to those concerned early in the week and they would be required to appear before the commission on or before Friday.<br /> <br /> Findings showed that the officers were in the second batch of military officers that would be interrogated by the anti-graft agency.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the EFCC would investigate more military personnel recommended for probe by a presidential panel on arms probe.<br /> <br /> A source in the EFCC, revealed that “The commission will begin the second batch of interrogation of military officers this week. A former Chief of Defence staff, Badeh, and an-ex Chief of Air Staff, Umar, will appear before the commission this week.”<br /> <br /> The source, who did not give the names of the other officers, said the former Chief of Defence Staff and Umar were in the second batch.<br /> <br /> He said the commission commenced the first round of the probe with the questioning of the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (retd.), and another Air Commodore whose house was seized recently by the anti-graft agency in Kaduna last week.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that more high profile interrogations would take place in the coming week, even though the source did not give the details of those scheduled to report to the commission on Monday.<br /> <br /> Our correspondent could not get the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, as calls to his mobile telephone line could not connect.<br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari, on January 15, had ordered the EFCC to investigate 18 serving and retired military officers, including Amosu, Badeh and Umar.<br /> <br /> The EFCC is also investigating 11 serving officers, including Air Marshal A.M. Mamu (Chief of Administration, Nigeria Air Force); AVM Oguntoyinbo (former Director of Production, Defence Headquarters); AVM T. Omenyi (Managing Director, NAF Holdings); and AVM J.B. Adigun (former Chief of Accounts and Budget).<br /> <br /> Others are AVM R. A. Ojuawo (Air Force Tactical Air Command, Markudi); AVM J.A. Kayode-Beckley (Director, Armament Research in Air Force Research and Development Centre); Air Cdre. A.O. Ogunjobi; Air Cdre G.M.D. Gwani; Air Cdre A.Y. Lassa; Col. N. Ashinze (Special Assistant to the former NSA, Dasuki;) and Air Cdr. S.O.Makinde.<br /> <br /> Also ordered to be probed are 21 firms and their directors, including Messrs Societe D’ Equipments Internationaux; Himma Aboubakar; Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited; Messrs Syrius Technologies; Dr Theresa A. Ittu; Sky Experts Nig Ltd; Omenyi Ifeanyi Tony; Huzee Nig Ltd; GAT Techno Dynamics Ltd; and Gbujie Peter Obie.<br /> <br /> Other firms and individuals are Onuri Samuel Ugochukw; Spacewebs Interservices Ltd; Oguntoyinbo Tayo; Oguntoyinbo Funmi; Delfina Oil Geonel Intergrated Services Ltd, Sachi Felicia; Mudaki Polycarp and Wolfgang Reinl.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile there are indications the EFCC may, this week, invite two sons of a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, for interrogation in connection with the ongoing probe into the $2.1bn arms fund adiversion.<br /> <br /> It was gathered on Saturday that the commission would send invitation to Gbolahan and Babajide Obanikoro and that they would be required to appear before the EFCC before the end of the week.<br /> <br /> The commission has traced N4.75bn from the Central Bank of Nigeria Imprest Account of the National Security Adviser to Silva Mcnamara, a company linked to the Obanikoros, between June 6, 2014 and December, 12, 2015.<br /> <br /> The two sons of the former minister are said to be on the board of the company, while the third person, Mr. Ogunseye, was said to be sole signatory to the company’s account with Diamond Bank.<br /> <br /> EFCC sources said the commission is probing Macnamara because there was no evidence of contract award for the release of the money to the company’s account.<br /> <br /> The N4.75bn was transferred in several tranches from the CBN to the company’s account between June 6, 2014 and December, 12, 2015.<br /> <br /> The source said, “The investigation into the N4.75bn is ongoing. It is only logical that these guys are questioned because of their involvement in the issue.<br /> <br /> “They will be invited to appear before the commission to shed light on the company earned the money without contract award. Barring last minute changes, they may be summoned this week.”<br /> <br /> Obanikoro’s media aide, Mr. Jonathan Eze, had on Friday denied allegations that the former minister was involved in any fraud.<br /> <br /> According to him, the allegations are mere speculations and urged members of the public to treat them as such.<br /> <br /> He said, “As far as Senator Obanikoro is concerned, these are mere allegations that have not been proven and can never be proved. The former minister insists that his children were never directors at the company and were never signatories.<br /> <br /> “These allegations are the handiwork of Sahara Reporters and I have taken them to court. Very soon, the truth will be made known but I urge members of the public not to believe these allegations. Senator Obanikoro’s children are victims of cheap politics but the truth will be revealed.”<br /> <br /> Obanikoro is currently resident in the United States where he has registered as a student of History at Oglethorpe University in Georgia, USA. One of the two sons is said to be resident in Suwanee, Gwinnett County, in the State of Georgia, US.

Arms Scandal: EFCC set to probe 16 military officers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will this week interrogate at least 16 military officers as part of its investigations into ...

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Many killed as military battles Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri

<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkar-rR06P0/Vq4HA9DmTZI/AAAAAAACTaw/Fb2tMy0YlTw/s1600/maiduguri%2Bmap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkar-rR06P0/Vq4HA9DmTZI/AAAAAAACTaw/Fb2tMy0YlTw/s640/maiduguri%2Bmap.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Several people have been reportedly killed as the military engaged militants suspected to be members of Boko Haram sect in a fierce gun battle that reportedly lasted for hours on Saturday.</b><br /> <br /> The insurgents were said to have attacked Dalori and Walori villages, on outskirts of Maiduguri, at around some minutes past 7pm on Saturday night.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Dalori village is a few kilometres away from an Internally Displaced Persons camp, which is said to be the most populous IDP camp in the country.<br /> <br /> Sources said Boko Haram insurgents usually mounted surprise attacks at that hour of the day, as they had studied the movement of the military.<br /> <br /> Residents, including students of the University of Maiduguri, were said to have scampered for safety while the gunfire lasted and explosion rocked the area.<br /> <br /> Sources in Maiduguri told our correspondent that fighting was still on going at the time of this report at 10pm. “The fighting started at around 7.30pm but we don’t know how many people have been killed or injured,” the source said.<br /> <br /> Another source said, ‘No it is not Dalori camp, there is a village behind the camp called Dalori gari; that is the one which is being attacked by Boko Haram. They have killed many and razed the village.”<br /> <br /> The recent attack in Maiduguri comes a day after at least 15 persons were killed, and many others injured, in a twin bomb blast that rocked the Gombi Grain Market in Adamawa State last Friday.<br /> <br /> Also, last Wednesday, twin bomb blasts had rocked the Chibok community in Borno State, killing 11 persons and injuring 35 others.<br /> <br /> The bomb blasts reportedly went off at a military checkpoint and a market simultaneously, shattering the fragile security situation in the town where about 219 school girls were abducted by the Boko Haram sect in 2014. The girls have yet to be rescued.

Many killed as military battles Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri

Several people have been reportedly killed as the military engaged militants suspected to be members of Boko Haram sect in a fierce gun ...

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'You can’t withdraw our certificates of return' - Andy Uba, Oduah, others tell INEC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TE8-27RWTX8/Vq1nXhF7ojI/AAAAAAACTZs/D2A5s6v6m2o/s1600/Stella-Oduah-and-Andy-Uba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TE8-27RWTX8/Vq1nXhF7ojI/AAAAAAACTZs/D2A5s6v6m2o/s400/Stella-Oduah-and-Andy-Uba.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Senators Andy Uba and Stella Oduah as well as seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives members from Anambra State have written a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing reports that they were sacked by the Supreme Court on Friday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mr. Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN), counsel to Uba (Anambra South); Oduah (Anambra North) and Reps Lynda Ikpeazu, Anayo Nnebe, Tony Nwoye, Chris Azubogu, Chukwuka Onyema, Obinna Chidoka and Eucharia Azodo, in the letter, asked the Commission not to be misled by reports to withdraw their Certificates of Return.<br /> <br /> They said nowhere in its ruling did the apex court sack them and that the thrust of the verdict was that the national leadership, not the state executive of the PDP had authority over the submission of candidates’ names for National Assembly elections.<br /> <br /> Many news outlets had interpreted the Supreme Court’s recognition of the Ejike Oguebego-led executive council of the party in the state as the authentic one.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The primaries it conducted produced candidates other than those now representing the state in the National Assembly.<br /> <br /> The other faction, led by Augustine Akobundo and backed by the national leadership of the PDP, submitted its own list containing the names of the nine lawmakers and Uche Ekwunife to INEC.<br /> <br /> Ekwunife had earlier been sacked and has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).<br /> <br /> Okafor, in the January 29, 2015 letter to INEC and entitled The status of PDP Senators and Members of House of Representatives, said: “In two remarkable pronouncements, the Supreme Court of Nigeria eloquently held that no list other than that forwarded by the National Executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shall be countenanced by the Commission.<br /> <br /> “In EMEKA v. OKADIGBO (2012) 18 NWLR (Part 1331) 55 at 87 Paras H-C the Court held thus:-<br /> <br /> ‘A diligent reading of the above reveals that it is the National Executive Committee of the PDP that is responsible for the conduct of the party’s National Assembly primaries.<br /> <br /> “The Court of Appeal was correct. There can only be one valid primary and that is the primaries conducted by the National Executive Committee. A primary conducted by the State Chapter of the PDP is not a primary.<br /> <br /> “It is an illegal contraption that carries with it no rights. It is a complete nullity. The primaries conducted on the 8th of January, 2011 were conducted by the National Executive Committee of the PDP and it was the only authentic primaries conducted by the PDP to choose its candidate for the Anambra North Senatorial Seat.<br /> <br /> “On the other hand, the purported primaries conducted on the 10th or 12th of January, 2011 were conducted by the State Chapter of the PDP.<br /> <br /> “It is null and void for the purpose of choosing the PDP’s candidate for the Senatorial elections. It is clear that at no time were two parallel primaries conducted.’<br /> <br /> “ In EMENIKE v. PDP (2012) 12 NWLR (Part 1315) 556 at 594 Para H, the Supreme Court in interpreting a similar provision was emphatic that the PDP primaries conducted by the Abia State Executive Committee of PDP was illegal as it was not empowered to conduct primary election and that being the case, the “Respondent who emerged from the said primary was not properly elected. Further at page 602 para H, the Supreme Court settled the position thus:-<br /> <br /> “It must be elementary now, that the only valid primary is the one conducted by the National Executive Committee of the PDP. The primary which the Appellant participated in was illegal, it having been conducted by the State Executive of the PDP.’<br /> <br /> “Also the Apex Court in SC.4/2014, SC.7/2014 and SC.752/2013: YAR’ADUA & ORS v. YANDOMA & ORS delivered on 19th December, 2014 per Mary UkaegoPeter-Odili JSC at page 34 held thus:<br /> <br /> “At the root of these decisions cited above is the fact that must be ingrained well in mind of the court and litigants that who becomes the candidate of a political party is an issue to be solely determined by that political party and well in its domestic realm and not for the interference of any agency or the court.<br /> <br /> “In that wise, since all the political parties are National, it is its National Executive Committee or delegates there from who can validly conduct a primary election or conduct a process through which the particular political party is to bring forth its candidate and no other arm of that party including a state organ of that party.<br /> <br /> “That was the gravamen of the case GARBA YAKUBU LADO & ORS. V. CPC & ORS (2012) All FWLR (Part 607) 623 and which the Supreme Court declined jurisdiction and also decided that neither the Court of Appeal nor the trial High Court had jurisdiction.’<br /> <br /> “It was therefore odd for the Legal Department of the Commission to have ill advised the Commission to purport to accept the list forwarded by a self-styled State Executive while disregarding the list already domiciled with the Commission and forwarded by the National Executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).<br /> <br /> “By so doing, the Commission purported to have acted pursuant to what was said to be an Order of Court made by the Federal High Court Abuja Division in FHC/ABJ/CS/854/2014.<br /> <br /> “Your Honour, a perusal of the Order made in the said proceedings will not disclose any place where the Federal High Court Ordered the Commission to accept a list of Candidates forwarded by a State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).<br /> <br /> “That would have been a total impertinence if not rascality as every High Court is duty bound to obey the established principles of law as laid down by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “Thus, with or without an Order of Court, on no account would the legal department or any other authority advise the Commission to accept a list forwarded by a self-styled State Executive.<br /> <br /> “It is also on record that our Client appealed the decision of the Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal which set aside the decision. Upon an appeal to the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court on 29th January, 2016 allowed the appeal.<br /> <br /> “This appeal has now excited some attention and has been subjected to blatant and crude misinterpretations which have necessitated this correspondence.<br /> <br /> “This correspondence is aimed at setting the record straight so that your good self will not again be misled by your legal department into unjustifiably occasioning an unnecessary confusion in the process.”

'You can’t withdraw our certificates of return' - Andy Uba, Oduah, others tell INEC

Senators Andy Uba and Stella Oduah as well as seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives members from Anambra State hav...

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Nigeria declares French compulsory for all students

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-denUilMIwGY/Vq1nHZzxrwI/AAAAAAACTZk/fZS3niLcgJw/s1600/french-language-class.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-denUilMIwGY/Vq1nHZzxrwI/AAAAAAACTZk/fZS3niLcgJw/s640/french-language-class.png" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>Students from primary to tertiary institutions will henceforth learn French language compulsorily, the federal government said at the weekend.</b><br /> <br /> It said it will embark on intensive training of more French teachers in its bid to make it the nation’s second official language.<br /> <br /> The Minister of State for Education, Prof Anthony Anwukah, stated these in Abuja yesterday when the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Denys Gaver, paid him a courtesy call.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Anwukah said: “French language is a matter of necessity. We have to because we have Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Benin Republic, Togo Guinea, and Ivory Coast surrounding us and so there is need for us to get more Nigerians to become proficient in French language.<br /> <br /> “This is good for the continent; it is good for us as a nation. It is good for our brothers at the borders because it will enable us to communicate with them effectively.<br /> <br /> Speaking to the envoy on the need to have more French teachers, the minister said: “We plead that you consider it a lot more expedient in helping us train our teachers in French both for the primary school level, secondary level and tertiary level.<br /> <br /> “So far, we have demonstrated the enthusiasm to foster the teaching and learning of French in Nigerian schools which are the tertiary, basic and secondary levels and our main concern now is the training of sufficient number of French teachers within our school system.”<br /> <br /> The minister also flagged off the French Clinic Project in Federal Government Boys College Apo, Abuja.<br /> <br /> Speaking on the project, Anwukah said: “The ministry is geared towards establishing French clinics in 104 government colleges, unity schools.<br /> <br /> “We are keen and motivated by the need to actualise our dream of making French language our second language of business in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “The clinic is expected to improve the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of students.<br /> <br /> “It is expected that with these skills, our students will fare better in their examinations and in the world of worth.<br /> <br /> Gaver said in the absence of sufficient French teachers, the internet can be employed as a tool for training teachers.

Nigeria declares French compulsory for all students

Students from primary to tertiary institutions will henceforth learn French language compulsorily, the federal government said at the weeke...

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