Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called for the examination of President Muhammadu Buhari’s mental health status over the allegation by his wife, Aisha, that a cabal was controlling Aso Villa.
The coalition made the call in a statement yesterday signed by the first national vice spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere. The president’s consistent action of not fielding questions extempore from journalists intensified the group’s suspicion that two or three people had actually hijacked the presidency.

“A country of about 200 million people cannot be thriving under the situation of being in doubt of the mental stability of the man who holds their mandate to lead and who is seeking an extension of that mandate. The international community is also expressing similar doubt, hence the reactions in the economy through the withdrawal of their businesses from the country.

At no other particular time in the history of Nigeria has it witnessed the closure of the number of businesses as it happened in the almost four years of the Buhari presidency,” it said.CUPP demanded that a team of experts should handle the president’s health issue.

“It is on this premise that we demand an independent team of experts in mental health issues to examine President Muhammadu Buhari and indeed all other presidential candidates, to ascertain their mental stability before polling day, so that any person who does not pass the examination would not be allowed to participate in the election.

“We have also secured the assurance of the opposition coalition consensus candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to subject himself to any such medical exercise for the general interest of Nigeria.

“CUPP also calls on President Buhari to face the Nigerian media and stop holding them in disdain, as they are renowned professionals the world over for their expertise.

“How could a president not speak to any Nigerian media or journalist for over three years? How could a president hold his entire country’s media and citizens in such disdain that he speaks to them only through a crowd of spokespersons, many of who have questionable characters and mostly dish out fake news to citizens? Is it not to hide the mental status of the president that the yet-to-be-identified two or three people who have hijacked the presidency, according to the wife of the president, that the president has been directed not to speak outside written speeches?”

guardian

Badeh, Alkali’s murder meant to hide corruption in the military–Report

A Washington-based group, International Strategic Studies Association, has stated that the death of a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, and that of a former Chief of Administration of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Idris Alkali, was not a mere coincidence.

Alkali was allegedly killed by a gang of protesting youths along Jos-Bauchi Road on September 3, while Badeh was gunned down along the Abuja-Keffi Road by suspected assassins on December 18.

ISSA, a non-governmental organisation with a worldwide membership of professionals involved in national and international security and strategic policy, stated in a special report on Friday that the two men were killed to hide what it described as the pattern of corruption in the current military leadership in the country.

Specifically, the report obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, alleged that Badeh was murdered to prevent him from divulging in court details of corruption which it said had grown even more rampant in the current defence leadership.

The report noted that the President was unwilling to publicise the findings of the arms panel which was presented to him over a year ago.

It added, “The commission investigating defence procurement from 2007 onwards made significant strides which were initially accepted by the Buhari government, until the scope of the inquiry went beyond the period relating to the former government of President Goodluck Jonathan and began to show corruption patterns extending into officers still serving under President Buhari.”

It said the pending 2019 elections of a new government may prove the undoing of a significant number of generals, admirals, and air marshals “who lost the war because they concentrated solely on using the conflict as a way to boost defence budgets, which they then, to an overwhelming extent, stole.”

The report stated, “The level of panic among the senior leadership has now reached the point where senior government, military, and national security  staff have been attempting to suppress — through assassination and intimidation — the  members of the official commission of enquiry established by President Buhari when he first  took office, to investigate defence procurement corruption.

“Given the upsurge in momentum by ‘the highest levels of government’ to stop the findings becoming public from the Corruption Commission on Defence Procurement, it is plausible that the attribution of a criminal ‘kidnapping-attempt-gone-wrong’ against the Air Chief Marshal was a convenient excuse to ensure that the victim — Badeh — could not divulge in court the pattern and details of corruption which has grown even more rampant in the current generation of defence leadership.”

It blamed the massive corruption among top military chiefs appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the reason Nigeria was losing the war against Boko Haram.

The group submitted that the Federal Government had completely and comprehensively lost control of the engagement with Boko Haram and could show no instance when the government had tactical, theatre, strategic, or information dominance of any aspect of the conflict.

According to the report, the insurgent groups were growing stronger and the government forces growing weaker and more beset by morale collapse.

It said, “It is fair to say that the Nigerian intelligence community itself is no longer sure what groups even comprise ‘Boko Haram’, nor has it addressed the international logistical, ideological, and support aspects contributing to the ongoing viability of the groups.”

The report further stated that the leadership of the military, rather than concentrating on how to defeat the insurgents, were preoccupied with how to stop the leakage of information about the massive corruption that had taken place on the pretext of fighting Boko Haram.

It added, “The conflict will almost certainly prove the undoing of the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari at the February 16, 2019, presidential election.

“Despite this, the only significant engagement which the Nigerian military leadership – up to and including the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen.(retd.) Mohammed Babagana Monguno – seems to prioritise is the fight to stop the leakage of information about massive corruption, running into the equivalent of several billions of dollars, in the purchase by senior military officers of major military capital goods and military consumables, including the troops’ own food.”

“The conduct of the war in the North is tied to the corruption in the military, and Buhari — ring-fenced by his own team — is unable to tackle the issue.

“His poor health does not help, but he had always, even as a military president, been indecisive and vindictive.”

- PUNCH.

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has warned Nigerian youths to shun money rituals.

Oba Ewuare gave the warning on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin to round off the 2018 annual Igue Festival Celebrations.

He said youths, who cling to the illusion that they could become wealthy by killing people or stealing female underwear for ritual purposes, would no doubt face the consequence.

He added that the behaviour was abominable and alien to Benin customs and tradition.

The monarch interceded for Nigeria and her leaders and urged politicians and youths to shun acts that could undermine free, fair and credible elections in 2019.

The Oba also warned politicians to desist from violence and other acts inimical to the electoral process.

He cautioned youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs to cause mayhem during elections.

He announced a N2 million cash donation as welfare fund to assist children of indigent worshipers of Holy Aruosa Cathedral and the development of the church which was built in 15th Century.

The traditional ruler also announced a N50, 000 cash gift for the church choir in addition to the sum of N100, 000 donation to other departments of the church.

In his message, the Chief Priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Harrison Okao, congratulated the Oba, who was clad in a white royal apparel with a beaded cap and a pair of glasses.

He implored the congregation not to adulterate Benin culture and traditions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Oba was accompanied by his wives to the church service which was conducted in Edo language.

dailypost

Teenager, Two Others Sell Siblings For N800,000 To Raise WASSCE Fee
Monday, December 31, 2018  NEW
                        
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a 15-year-old Senior Secondary School pupil, Precious Ehiedo, and two others, Juliet Ogben and Favour Okoh, for allegedly stealing and selling two siblings between the ages of two and seven for N800,000.

The state Commissioner of Police, Dasuki Galadanchi, who handed over one of the recovered children to their parents at the command’s headquarters in Owerri, said that two-year-old Chiemerem and seven-year-old Mmesoma Nwoke were stolen on November 13, 2018, by Precious at Umuezeala Ama in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State on the instruction of her parents.

The CP said the teenager had requested money from her parents for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination registration, but the parents allegedly told her to steal the children in order to raise the money.

The police boss said, “On November 13 at around 9am, one Precious Ehiedo, 15, daughter of Mr and Mrs Romeo and Uchechi Ehiedo, resident at Ogbuaku in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State but natives of Abraka in Delta State, requested from her parents money for the SSCE registration.

“Her parents told her to go and steal children for them to sell in order to raise money for her examination. Being familiar with the two children at her maternal home, Umuezeala Ama, in Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State, she stole the children.

“The girl and her father left for Mbano, but the father stopped at the Amaraku Market square, waiting for his daughter to hand over the children, who he had instructed her to steal.

“The 15-year-old met the children playing, stole them and joined her father at the Amaraku Market and both left with the children to Ogbaku.

“The children were sold to one Mama Joy at the rate of N800,000. Mama Joy, with one Favour Okoh, resold one of the children to one Juliet Ogbor for N750,000.”

The CP added that acting on credible intelligence, the operatives of the Surveillance Squad of the command recovered one of the children, Chiemerem, on December 15 at Agbor in Delta State.

He said that the command had spread its tentacles in order to recover the other child.



Galadanchi, who described as barbaric the act of trading in human beings, especially children, said the command would prosecute the suspects in line with the laws of the land.

He attributed the breakthrough to the community policing approach through which the command and community leaders and stakeholders in the state share mutual information and intelligence.

Woman Hacks Her Husband To Death With An Axe Over Christmas Gift
Monday, December 31, 2018  NEW

                                   
A woman is currently at large after hacking her husband to death with an axe during dispute over Christmas gift, IgbereTv News reports.

Homicide detectives in Mutare are looking for the woman from Chikanga in Mutare, Zimbabwe, who disappeared soon after axing her husband to death following a domestic dispute on December 24.

Anesu Mafokosho is alleged to have axed Vitalis Mudhumo, 26, at around 3pm soon after the couple returned home from the city centre where they had gone shopping. The dispute which ended in the death of the husband was sparked by gifts which the couple had bought for their child for Christmas.
According to reports gathered by IgbereTv News, the couple's union was experiencing some problems and the unresolved marital dispute was threatening their marriage.
On December 24 the Vitalis met his wife Anesu at the Stop Sign in Chikanga 2. The two drove to Edgars Mutare where they bought their three-year-old daughter’s clothes. After shopping, the deceased and his wife went back home. On getting home, Anesu's younger sister, who was in the dinning room, heard the couple arguing outside the yard for about 45 minutes.
Moments later they got into the house and entered into their bedroom. In the bedroom, Vitalis started packing his clothes saying he was moving out. His wife begged him to change his mind to no avail.
The situation degenerated into chaos resulting in the wife axing the deceased three time on the neck.
Soon after committing the offence, Mafokosho fled home and sent a text message to her sister telling her to go see what she had done in the bedroom.
On getting into the room, the younger sister found Vitalis bleeding and convulsing on the bed.
Manicaland police spokesman Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa said Mudhumo’s body was taken to Mutare Provincial Hospital for post mortem.
The accused is still at large and investigations are in progress.

Nigeria Needs $12bn to Replace NNPC’s Dilapidated Pipelines says Report
Monday, December 31, 2018  NEW
                          
A study carried out on the operational status of the over 5,000 kilometres of pipeline network belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) across the country, has revealed that the pipeline network would need $12 billion to be replaced or $1.1 billion to be fixed.

Sponsored by the United Kingdom-funded Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform in Nigeria (FOSTER), for the NNPC, the study was aimed at outlining an intervention plan to transform government-owned downstream oil pipelines into a proper business with incentives to attract private sector participation.


The report, which was obtained by Akelicious, stated that product losses from vandalism on pipelines owned by the NNPC, as well as costs incurred by the corporation to repair them have been enormous, and suggested that they be segmented for either privatisation or commercialisation.

The study equally did a comparative study of pipeline commercialisation models for possible adoption, along with policy recommendations developed for commercialisation with guidelines for implementation.

However, the report did not cover the extensive upstream crude oil pipelines owned by oil producing companies and downstream gas pipelines in its study.

“The exact mechanical condition of the network is unknown, and it would cost more than $12 billion to replace the entire network today, and more than $1.1 billion to repair and inspect it comprehensively,” said the study.

It added: “The pipeline network is a worthy investment that is currently vastly under-utilised due to a myriad of problems. For efficient management and to encourage competition, the products pipelines can be divided into three sections: the Western, Eastern, and Northern sub-networks. Additionally, the upstream segment for supply of crude oil to the Kaduna refinery can be managed as a dedicated crude oil sub-network.”

According to the report, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) – a subsidiary of the NNPC, which manages the lines have been unable to make the most of the pipeline network, which traverses the country, and consists of 4,315 kilometres of multi-product pipelines and 701 kilometres of crude oil pipelines.

“The pipelines are operated by Products and Pipelines Marketing Company (PPMC), and are utilised to transport crude oil from Warri to the Kaduna refinery, and to transport refined products (that is, premium motor spirit (PMS), automotive gas oil (AGO), dual purpose kerosene (DPK), and aviation turbine kerosene (ATK)) nationwide.

“The key challenges identified with PPMC operations of the pipelines under exclusive government ownership comprise, refinery operations: low availability of the refineries results in sub-optimal utilisation of the pipelines; security, pipelines vandalism, and theft of products: this is well entrenched in Nigeria; product pricing and downstream market regulations: these stifle private sector participation in the value chain, and related losses have been estimated at up to $15 billion per annum; poverty and chronic underdevelopment: this is partly responsible for the chronic incidences of vandalism and theft of products,” it explained.

It stated that while Nigeria faces challenges in its pipelines, pipeline transportation business has however been thriving in many countries, particularly the United States.

Nigeria, the report noted, still relies on expensive road tankers to take products across her length and breadth.

The study recommended that deregulating the downstream sector, and privatising or commercialising all its value chain, such as the refineries; pipelines network; pumping stations; and product storage depots, will ensure that the sector operates in a sustainable manner, such that market realities will keep its long-term viability.

According to the report, “Subsequent to their privatisation/commercialisation, fix/repair the four inland refineries and ensure they operate at optimum availabilities. If this is not achieved, it is unlikely that private investors will show a keen interest in acquiring/managing the pipeline network.

“Split the pipelines network into the indicated four segment sub-networks, i.e. Western, Eastern, Northern and Crude Oil, and privatise/commercialise each as distinct companies.

“Avoid the pitfalls associated with the privatisation of PHCN (Power Holding Company of Nigeria) assets in the electricity supply sector. Generate employment for the general public and the host communities via the pipelines privatisation/commercialisation process.”

On the issue of pipeline vandalism, the study stated that its severity was higher in the south than in the north, adding also that there is a ‘market’ for both crude and refinery products tapped from the pipelines.

It equally questioned the capacity of the PPMC to secure the lines, saying, “The responsibility for pipelines rests with PPMC. However, it appears that PPMC do not have a unit capable of managing the entire spectrum of pipeline operations, particularly those related to technical maintenance.

“Even basic security surveillance of the pipeline RoW is severely compromised. The opportunities that these technical and security-related operations offer to engage the communities on the pipeline RoW – and thereby improve government presence therein – are not maximised. Instead, only a token effort is made.”

Oil prices close higher on last day of 2018
Monday, December 31, 2018  BUSINESS
                        
Oil prices climbed on the last trading day of the year on Monday, mirroring gains in stock markets, but were on track for the first yearly decline in three years amid lingering concerns of a persistent supply glut.

Hints of progress on a possible U.S.-China trade deal helped bolster sentiment, which has been battered by concerns over a weaker global economic outlook.

Brent crude futures – the international benchmark for oil prices – rose 56 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $53.77 a barrel by 0420 GMT. Brent declined nearly 20 percent in 2018 following two years of growth.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 were at $45.77 a barrel, up 44 cents, or 1 percent, from their last close. WTI is down about 24 percent this year.

Crude prices have been closely tracking equity markets during volatile trading for both asset classes last week.

“Investors are looking for bargains in an illiquid market (today)… If Trump gets over trade issues with China expect economic demand to surge,” said Jonathan Barratt, chief investment officer at Probis Securities in Sydney.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he had a “very good call” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that a possible trade deal between the United States and China was progressing well.

“China is still the best bet for global economic growth. Anything that severely pinches China will inevitably hurt global growth and, as a consequence, oil consumption,” said Sukrit Vijayakar, director of energy consultancy Trifecta.

The current downward pressure on oil prices should likely taper off from January, when OPEC-led supply cuts commence, analysts said.

Earlier this month, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies including Russia, agreed to curb output by 1.2 million barrels per day starting in January to clear a supply overhang and prop up prices.

The group of producers “may hold out on supplies longer than reasonable in order to see if they can effect a rally similar to September-October this year,” Vijayakar said.

Brent hit a four-year high of $86.29 a barrel on Oct. 3 and has fallen about 38 percent since then.

While a gentle recovery is expected for prices in the first quarter 2019, the market might still remain under pressure from swelling production in the United States, which has emerged as the world’s biggest crude producer this year.

Italy opposition protests outside parliament against government budget
U.S. shale production levels would be one of the primary drivers of crude markets going forward, said Benjamin Lu Jiaxuan, commodities analyst at Singapore-based brokerage firm Phillip Futures.

The market direction might get dictated if U.S. shale producers disregard bearish signals in oil prices and push for higher output next year, Jiaxuan said.

Energy companies in the United States added two oil drilling rigs in the week to Dec. 28, bringing the total count to 885. That was up from 747 a year ago. RIG-OL-USA-BHI

Notore records N26.8b revenue, plans more expansion
Monday, December 31, 2018  BUSINESS

                             
Notore Chemical Industries Plc has posted a depressed earnings of N26.823 billion for the year ended September 30, 2018, compared with N35.894 billion in 2017. 

But the revenue, according to the company, is expected to improve in 2019 after the completion of its plant Turn-Around-Maintenance (TAM) programme.By the audited results, Notore recorded a reduction in cost of sales, which fell from N25.461 billion in 2017 to N17.217 billion in 2018, as administrative expenses went up from N4.421 billion to N6.21 billion, while sales and distribution expenses rose from N320 million to N530 million in 2018.

Operating profit, however, improved to N7.218 billion, up from N6.942 billion in 2017, but financing cost rose from N9.091 billion to N10.848 billion, making the company to end the year with a loss after tax of N2.013 billion, compared with a profit of N8.652 billion in 2017.


Notore is a leading producer of fertilizer products traded locally and exported to West Africa, Southern Africa and Europe.Given the efforts of the Federal Government to diversify the economy, with much focus on agriculture, Notore, which operates in the agro-allied space, has huge headroom for growth, hence its decision to list on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last August.

The Group Managing Director of Notore, Onajite Okoloko, had said the listing would increase access to capital to fund the company’s future growth initiatives and grant Nigerians the opportunity to participate in its growth history.The company has been championing the introduction of Urea Super Granules (USG) into the Nigerian market for application by rice producers in flooded farmlands.

USG is simply Urea compacted into big granules (2.7g per granule) so that it can be applied via deep placement in flooded rice fields and the company has taken the lead in promoting its widespread adoption across the country.

In recognition of the potential benefits of the USG and its advantages over the conventional urea fertilizer for rice farmers, the company has attracted the interest and partnership of the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF).Also, in its commitment to improving product/service quality, processes and customer satisfaction, Notore has transited from its ISO 2001: 2008 Quality Management System (QMS) to the new ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) international standard.



Notore is embarking on Plant Turn-Around-Maintenance (TAM) programme, which involves the acquisition and installation of a back-up power plant and for the stocking-up of critical equipment spares inventory.According to the management of the company, upon successful completion of the TAM programme in 2019, its Urea production volume will increase to its nameplate capacity of 1,500mtpd, translating to significant increases in future revenues and cash flows of the company and the group.

Oil prices set for first annual decline since 2015
Monday, December 31, 2018  BUSINESS

                          
Oil prices climbed on the last trading day of the year on Monday, taking a cue from firmer stock markets, but were on track for the first yearly decline in three years amid concerns of a persistent supply glut.

Hints of progress on a possible U.S.-China trade deal helped bolster sentiment, which has been battered by concerns over a weaker global economic outlook.

Brent crude futures LCOc1 - the international benchmark for oil prices - rose 42 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $53.63 a barrel by 0250 GMT. Brent declined nearly 20 percent in 2018 following two years of growth.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 were at $45.65 a barrel, up 32 cents, or 0.7 percent, from their last close. WTI is down about 24 percent this year.


Crude prices have been closely tracking equity markets during volatile trading for both asset classes last week.

“Investors are looking for bargains in an illiquid market (today)... If Trump gets over trade issues with China expect economic demand to surge,” said Jonathan Barratt, chief investment officer at Probis Securities in Sydney.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he had a “long and very good call” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that a possible trade deal between the United States and China was progressing well.

“China is still the best bet for global economic growth. Anything that severely pinches China will inevitably hurt global growth and, as a consequence, oil consumption,” said Sukrit Vijayakar, director of energy consultancy Trifecta.


The current downward pressure on oil prices should likely taper off from January, when OPEC-led supply cuts commence, analysts said.

Earlier this month, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies including Russia, agreed to curb output by 1.2 million barrels per day starting in January to clear a supply overhang and prop up prices.

The group of producers “may hold out on supplies longer than reasonable in order to see if they can effect a rally similar to September-October this year,” Vijayakar said.

Meanwhile, imports of Iranian crude oil by major buyers in Asia hit their lowest in more than five years in November as U.S. sanctions on Iran’s oil exports took effect last month.

Asia’s imports from Iran are set to rise again in December after the U.S. granted temporary waivers to some countries, but is not known how much Iran will be able to export once the waivers expire around the start of May.

“We postulate for a gentle recovery for oil prices into the first quarter of 2019 though marked volatility can snap oil prices south in lieu of market uncertainties and key events such as Brexit, U.S.-China trade truce deal, U.S. monetary policy, U.S.-Iran sanctions,” said Benjamin Lu Jiaxuan, commodities analyst at Singapore-based brokerage firm Phillip Futures.

Energy companies in the United States, currently the world’s biggest oil producer, added two oil drilling rigs in the week to Dec. 28, General Electric Co’s Baker Hughes unit said on Friday. That was up from 747 a year ago. The rig count is used as an indicator for future output. RIG-OL-USA-BHI

Quote:By Felix Nwaneri, Anule Emmanuel and Regina Otokpa


It was drama yesterday in Sokoto as President Muhammadu Buhari wrote only his name and date in the condolence register in honour of former President Shehu Shagari, who passed on Friday and was buried on Saturday. Shagari, who died at 93, was President of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983. He was overthrown in a coup d’état that brought in Buhari to power as military head of state, three months after he (Shagari) was sworn in for a second term. Although the President had, on Saturday, paid tribute to the late former president through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, he wrote only his name – M. Buhari – and date – 30/12/ 2018 in the condolence register, when he visited the Sama road, Sokoto residence of Shagari to condole with members of his family. Buhari, who was accompanied on the visit by Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Senator Aliyu Wamakko and Sokoto State deputy governor, Alhaji Mannir Dan-Iya, among others, however, presented a letter of condolence to the family, which was read by Tambuwal, who rode in the same car with him. But, former President Goodluck Jonathan, wrote in the condolence register: “I called with King A. J. Turner, Hon Tobias James, former governor of Anambra State and now the PDP vice presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to condole with the family and state on the death of our former president. “H. E. Alhaji Shagari was a man with pure heart. He was a good leader who meant well for our country. He served in various capacities and made significant contribution to the growth and development of Nigeria.

He did his best as a president from 1979-1983. May his soul rest in peace.” Buhari’s visit was cheered by a crowd chanting: “Nigeria Sai Maigaskiya” meaning Nigeria is for a truthful person. The President joined sympathisers and family members to offer special prayers led by the Chief Imam/Administrator of the National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Galadanchi, for the repose of Shagari’s soul. Promising to immortalize Shagari, Buhari said through the condolence letter read by Tambuwal that the Federal Government will, in due course, institute a suitable memorial to immortalize the late president.

The letter further read: “I received the very sad news of the passing away of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “This, indeed, is a grievous loss, which will be felt throughout Nigeria, irrespective of any difference. The late Alhaji Shagari was a landmark figure, being virtually our last link to the post-independence government of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the first elected Executive President of Nigeria. “Please convey to his immediate family, the government and the people of Sokoto State my heartfelt condolences on the passing away of this great statesman.

“The Federal Government will, in due course, institute a suitable memorial to the late former president.” A source close to the Shagaris told New Telegraph that some members of the former president’s family were not happy that Buhari, who took away their late patriarch’s mandate in 1983, did not deem it fit to say something about him in the condolence register. “We had expected President Buhari to write something in his honour. Shagari didn’t offend him, rather he was the one that took away his mandate,” the source said. However, the eldest son of the late president, Bala, expressed appreciation to President Buhari over condolence visit to the family in Sokoto. Bala, who is the District Head of Shagari town in Sokoto, told newsmen that the family was happy with the visit and Buhari’s pledge to immortalize their father. He, however, said he would not comment on the President’s pledge until it was fulfilled. He added that his father had no grudge against Buhari or anyone because he told them he had pardoned everyone. He explained that the late president’s absence at state functions was due to his ill health, saying that was why he stayed in Sokoto and Shagari town before he died. He also said that the late President did not leave any will beside the directive that he should be buried at his home, Shagari. According to Bala, the directive was strictly observed and implemented as his remains were buried at Shagari town on Saturday.

He acknowledged that the Sultan had offered that the late president should be buried at Hubbare, where Shehu Usman Danfofio was laid to rest. “We acknowledged it, but late Shagari had told us that he should be buried in Shagari town and even indicated a specific location, so we have to comply with his will,” he added. Meanwhile, Jonathan, who spoke with journalists after condoling with members of Shagari’s family, described the late president as an amiable leader, who meant well for Nigeria. He also said the late former president played a key role in the development of Nigeria and the democratic system.

His words: “A unique habit of the late former president, which only those who interacted with him will tell is, he was a very simple and humble man in spite of the various positions he held. “He possessed a very clean and good heart which he showed clearly in his life time through various engagements and activities. We are mourning today, however, we are still happy because it is not easy to reach the age of 93. I believe he has done all the works Allah has asked him to do on earth.” Obi, who represented the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, urged Nigerians to emulate the lifestyle of the late former president for the betterment of the country.Also paying tribute to Shagari, yesterday, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said the late former President would be remembered as a true patriot, servant leader, fine gentleman, and epitome of humility. In a statement in Abuja, Oshiomhole also said Shagari would be remembered as a poet, technocrat and an elder statesman, who genuinely loved Nigeria. “The late Shagari was a stabilising personality, who was ever ready to lend his voice and influence when the country needed it.

The country has indeed lost a rare-breed leader,” Oshiomhole said. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on its part, noted that Shagari holds a special place in the hearts of Nigerian workers for signing the 1981 National Minimum Wage Act, which saw to an increase in workers’ salaries. NLC, in a statement signed by its president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, added that Shagari was committed to an improved welfare for Nigerian workers and in making the country an industrial hub. “We similarly hold the view that given his urbane and simple and straight forward life style, Shagari would have built an enduring culture of democratic succession in spite of some of the disputed elections in his time,” the labour body stated.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria have threatened to down tools by January 2, if the demand for promotion of their members in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is not met.

The unions, on Sunday, said the NCAA had been taking them for granted over the welfare of their members.

The Chairman, Joint Action Committee, NCAA and Chairman of NUATE, NCAA branch, Lucky Izebhokun, said the system in the agency had discouraged workers who would come out to protest on the said date.

According to him, the management has relegated the staff of NCAA so much so that they will be employing and transferring people from other organisations to head some senior staff in the agency.

He said, “We have had issues with people being transferred from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency especially, because there is no promotion in NCAA, and you will see them bossing the people in NCAA, we have told the management that we can no longer accept that.

“We wrote and told the management and gave them three weeks; there will be serious issues. We are talking about promotion from level 14 to 15 and 16 that is the senior management cadre.”

Izebhokun stated that if the union failed to curtail the excesses of the agency, it would spread.

The Chairman of ATSSSAN, NCAA branch, Ayodele Sofolayan, stated that the issue of promotion in the agency had already generated a lot of anxiety among its workers.

He added, “We have been on this issue for the past year and we have not seen any good result. We have given the management of the NCAA an ultimatum to either get this promotion done or we declare a state of emergency.

“We have discussed with a lot of people about what we are going to do; we have to force the management to conduct promotion examination without the organogram. The organogram is long overdue, so we cannot continue to wait.”

The General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Sam Adurugboye, said the agency and the union would reach a compromise, adding that the NCAA had been known for industrial harmony.

https://all-gists.blogspot.com/2018/12/Aviation-workers-to-shut-down-airport-begin-strike-january-2.html

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY, 31ST DECEMBER.

USE YOUR TONGUE CORRECTLY.

Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here’s what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful (1 Peter 3:10 MSG).

The New Year is only hours away and I’m sure you’ve had so much to celebrate and be grateful to the Lord for in the outgoing year. Of course, while some are celebrating and testifying about the year, some others may be feeling dejected, wondering why their lives were full of pain and suffering in the outgoing year, and then hoping that in the New Year, things will be different.

Now, whether or not you had a fantastic, supernatural 2018, there’s hope for the future. You have to decide that you’re going to have an extraordinary 2019. God’s Word shows you how. If where you are right now isn’t where you want to be, it’s your responsibility to change things; and the tool for this is in your mouth!

Our opening verse says if you want to have your days filled up with goodness and good things, use your tongue correctly. How do you want your life to be in the coming year? It’s up to you! Speak in line with God’s Word; in line with the experiences you want to have. It’s that simple.

Your life goes where your words go; you journey in the direction of your words. Therefore, let your communication be wholesome. Don’t voice fear, uncertainties, and unbelief; affirm the Word. Practise this, and you’ll experience the blessings of the Word; your experiences will be in sync with the Word and the realities of the Kingdom life. Jesus said you shall have what you say (Mark 11:23).

As you go into the New Year, one of the critical decisions you must make is to yield your tongue to the Word! Practise talking right, and watch your life consistently go forward and upward!

CONFESSION

My tongue is anointed to speak forth truths; truths relating to the Kingdom; truths of my heritage in Christ! I bless the Lord for a glorious New Year ahead, where I prosper exceedingly and triumph gloriously by the Word, through the Holy Ghost, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

James 3:4-5 Behold also the ships, which though [they be] so great, and [are] driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Psalm 34:12-13 What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may see good? 13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Revelation 22 & Malachi 3-4

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Revelation 22:11-21 & Malachi 3-4



#TALKINGSESSION

31ST DECEMBER.

KINDLY SAY THIS WORDS OUT LOUD.

Dear Father, thank you for loading me daily with all the benefits of life such that I am thoroughly furnished with all I need to live joyfully today. I thank you for your glory and grace that you’ve bestowed on me to reign in life today and forever. My life is completely for your glory! I thank you because I know that this is my set time to

experience the unprecedented favour and manifold blessings in every area of my life. I declare that all things are working together for my good because I love the Lord, and I’ve been called according to His purpose. Everything I require for life and godliness has been delivered unto me, and I am enjoying life to the full, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


God bless you

A Lagos State House of Assembly aspirant, Moses Nnaekpe shared photos and video of a woman who brutally beaten by her husband.

Quote:“I was coming home this evening and I stumbled on this woman that was beaten by her husband. I took her to the husband to find out what happened, he told me it's none of my business that he has the right to beat her. I quickly sent her for treatment and got the idiot arrested.

Every home has its challenge, but we must not result to this. If this guy isn't tamed now, he may kill this woman one day. #ReportDomesticViolence
#HonMosesKashimawo.”

The lawmaker representing Bayelsa East in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Ben Murray Bruce, has cried out that men of the Nigeria force were making frantic efforts to kill his colleague, Senator Dino Melaye

Melaye had also raised the alarm that the IGP was attempting to arrest and inject him to death.

Ben Bruce tweeted, “#HappeningRightNow! The @PoliceNG are currently at @dino_melaye’s residence and are threatening to fire tire gas into the building.

“And this is intentional. They know he is asthmatic and if these gases go into his house, they’d kill him. Enough is Enough!”

https://all-gists.blogspot.com/2018/12/policemen-attempting-to-kill-dino-melaye-in-his-house-ben-bruce-raises-alarm.html

A man has landed in the hospital after he was left seriously injured by fireworks/'knockout', according to a report. 

According to Uwechue Chineye Abigail who hails from Ogwashi Uku, Delta state, it was gathered that the married man with children, had the fingers on his left hand blown off while throwing 'knockout' during this festive period.

The injured man was rushed to the hospital where he hand was attended to and sewn by doctors. 

Following the incident, Nigerians have been warned to be careful in dealing with fireworks during the Yuletide season. 

See more; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/12/mans-fingers-blown-off-while-throwing-knockout-during-festivity.html

Their was commotion at the Central Assemblies of God Church after a senior pastor was stabbed to death during church service.

The shocking incident happened on Sunday (today) at Tema Community 4 in Ghana. 

According to media reports, the deceased pastor identified as Rev. Dr. David Nabegmado was attacked while preparing to leave his inner office to the main church auditorium to preach as Service was ongoing.

He was allegedly attacked by his nephew in his office and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment and died hours later.

It was gathered that his nephew, Francis M.Nabegmado who lived with him for some time, has been identified as a key suspect in the gruesome murder and has been arrested by the police.

A second suspect has also been arrested and being interrogated by the police.

The deceased was accosted by the suspect while moving from the church office into the main auditorium for the day's service at about 9am.

See more; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/12/david-nabegmado-ghanaian-assemblies-of-god-pastor-stabbed-to-death.html

Quote:The Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke has dedicated the 10,000 seating capacity church built by charismatic Priest, Rev, Fr Emmanuel Obimma aka EbubeMounso at Umudioka, Anambra State.

The dedication of the parish church of Blessed Iwene Tansi Parish, Umudioka Dunkofia council area of Anambra state attracted various personalities like the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, Senators Victor Umeh, Uche Ekwunife, Stella Oduah , more than hundred priests including the Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Martin Uzoukwu and Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Dennis Isizor.
In a homily during the dedication service, Archbishop Valerian Okeke noted that it is a great privilege to build for God recalling the story of David in the Bible who wanted to build a mighty temple for God but was rejected while his son , Solomon was chosen to instead.

He said that Church dedication is a serious business reserved only for Bishops who represents Christ the owner of the Church. He disclosed that the Bishop can delegate other priests for numerous assignments like Confirmation, burials and other highly spiritual functions but cannot delegate anybody for church dedication.

The Archbishop prayed that all who may step into the church to pray for any need may receive positive answers from God while the afflicted in any form may also find comfort in the church.

Fr Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Muonso) who is the Parish Priest, Blessed Iwene Tansi Parish in a remark lauded Archbishop Okeke for his fatherly role in the Archdiocese of Onitsha. Obimma who is also the Spiritual Director of the crowd pulling, Holy Ghost Adoration Ministries , Uke, Anambra State recalled the wonderful grace of God which saw him and the entire parishioners through to complete the church building in record time.

Mr Peter Obi, whom the cleric disclosed during the dedication as the one who provided the entire chairs inside the church and marble decorations, in a remark noted that to realize such a gigantic project under a recessed economy involved a lot of hard work and dedication. He said the greatest legacy of the impressive church building is in the common purpose and spirit of generosity among the faith community under Obimma’s guidance.

He appreciated several support received from well meaning individuals towards the project and promised their fervent prayers for their benefactors.
Obimma as well said Senator Andy Uba representing Anambra South senatorial zone provided fund for the interlocking of the entire compound while Senator Victor Umeh provided finds for the vestments worn by Reverend fathers for the event.

Quote:A quiet protest by Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against his inclusion on the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidential Campaign Council was what pushed the presidency to quickly remove him, The Guardian learnt yesterday.

Also, Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been accused of seeking to drag Dangote’s name in the mud, and coercing him onto the presidential campaign committee.

The APC on Friday made public the names of members of its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 elections through a press statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adeshina.


On the Special Advisory Committee To the President, which the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo chairs, Dangote was initially listed as a member, alongside Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Leader of the House Femi Gbajabiamila; APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole and Mr. Femi Otedola.

But in a remarkable volte-face, the presidency, in a scantily worded two-paragraph statement endorsed by Adeshina titled “Dangote Not Member of APC Campaign Council,” said, “It has become imperative to further clarify the status of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, named under the sub-head advisory members in (sic) the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council announced on Friday, December 28, 2018.

“Africa’s richest man, not being a card-carrying member of APC, cannot, and is not member of the PCC. He is also a member of the Peace Committee, and thus cannot be in (sic) a partisan campaign council.”

The rebuttal rather than explain the circumstances that led to Dangote’s inclusion, further heightened the confusion that it generated, especially since it failed to explain the root of such a development.

Some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who spoke off record on Dangote’s inclusion on the campaign council were of the view that the APC merely attempted to play politics with the billionaire’s name. They also warned that such actions could have dire implications for business and foreign direct investment.

A PDP source said: “There is no other reason the APC has for including the name of Dangote on its campaign committee other than seeking to gain undeserved popularity. But in doing so, the APC and the Presidency have been so wicked and mischievous.
We are aware that the businessman has protested against his inclusion but won’t want to make a media issue out of it.”

Another source hinted that Dangote’s quiet protest was what prompted the reversal by President Buhari late Friday.

“Also, information at our disposal is that Dangote threatened to open up against the Presidency and the APC if they failed to publicly remove his name and offer a public apology to him.

“This is the kind of thing that happens when a ruling party loses credibility and acceptance. In their desperation, they have begun to do all kinds of things to be relevant even though all efforts continue to fail because the party is built around fraud,” he added.

Shortly after the announcement that Dangote was one of the members of the APC Presidential campaign council, President Buhari issued a statement clarifying that the business mogul was not.

Opinions have continued to be divergent on the inclusion of business moguls on the campaign council.

While some argue that it has the capacity to close the gap between the public and private sectors in the country in terms of complementarity of plans and policies, another school of thought is opposed to it, saying the development in the long run may lead to the abrogation of national interest for the pursuit of personal interest to the disadvantage of the citizens, as the government would be so compromised to enforce fiscal and other policies that can better the lives of the citizens.

A development economist and Lead Consultant to ECOWAS, NEPAD, and other multilateral institutions Prof. Ken Ife said bringing tycoons, who operate in diverse sectors of the economy close to government at the highest level, deepens private-public sector dialogue, consultation, engagement and public-private partnership.

He continued: “I know your concerns about ‘policy capture’ and ‘political economy factors’ that are potentially ‘anti-competition,’ but I can assure you that people like Dangote of today are different. He has taken a long-term view of Nigeria and Africa economic opportunities and huge unparalled financial risks in strengthening and diversifying our economies, tackling structural rigidities, infrastructure deficiences and access to micro-credit, to mention but a few,” he argued further.

But for civil society/anti corruption activist, Mallam Auwal Musa, who is the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) the invitation and inclusion of key actors in the private sector is capable of compromising government, thereby making it ineffectual, especially in enforcing rules where they concern the activities of the actors because they would have become major stakeholders in the affairs of policies, which they can even influence.

Musa, who is also Head of Transparency International Nigeria added: “There is a huge implication for directly involving these two businessmen in the presidential campaign of Mr. President and the ruling party both for national economic interest, and their personal investment interests.

He stressed that the inclusion of businessmen would give birth to a situation, where “they will influence government policies for the advancement of their investments and the nation will suffer economically, therefore creating opportunities for grand corruption in Nigeria and personalisation of governance for the highest bidder.

“On the negative side, it will be a big loss for them if the 2019 is won by an opposition party because they will remove all the favours that this current government is giving them and even introduce other stipulations. I think this idea marks the end of moral superiority that this government is preaching and is a total departure from what Nigerians expect from them.”

Musa added that the ruling party’s desperation to retain power may have contributed to their welcoming people with huge integrity deficit into its fold, some of whom are facing corruption charges. “The president and his ruling party are happy to associate with them encouraging more looting in governance because once you move to support the president, you are not a threat and you are free to enjoy looted public funds. This is disappointing to anti-corruption activists and I believe even the agencies fighting corruption, as well as, our reputation in the international community is being mortgaged for selfish political power,” he said.

Although the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and other members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) had urged the participation of their members in the electoral processes maintaining that wealth distribution decisions cannot be left to a few, some operators are, however, kicking against partisanship for the sake of business sustainability.

Noting that people with capacity for influence are often side-lined in decision making processes when they chose not to participate in politics, the LCCI at an earlier forum with the INEC had advocated the involvement of the private sector operatives in the democratic and electoral processes to ensure the growth and development of the nation.

In an interview with The Guardian, the Director-General of LCCI, Muda Yusuf, stated that on the basis that the political environment has an impact on the business environment, businesses should show interest in politics.


According to him, there is a thin line between politics and business as it is politicians that formulate policies, manage most government institutions and their activities affect business institutions.

But according to him, while business people are interested in a good business environment, as well as, politics, they cannot be partisan.

“It is not good to be partisan. The kind of policies and institutions that people will like to see should be made open before electioneering through engagements with the political class.

“In other climes, corporate organisations sponsor people to parliaments or contribute to support parties that further their interests and their investments. In this part of the world, whatever support any business entity is giving shouldn’t be partisan in nature and has to be subtle and not dramatised because politicians could be very vindictive.

“If the party you have come out openly to support does not win, such an action could haunt such a business person. We have to contextualise all these things to know how to interact with various stakeholders. The private sector should be interested in government, politics and policies because of the relationship and impact such politics have on the economy and business environment,” he said.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Buhari arrives in Sokoto to commiserate with the family of former President Shehu Shagari. 

In his reaction to Mr Shagari’s death, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan described him as a “nation builder who cemented a good relationship between the North and South.”

In a statement by Ikechukwu Eze, the former president’s spokesman, Mr Jonathan described Mr Shagari as a nice man with a clean heart who was sincere and selfless in service.

“Late President Shagari was a very nice man with a clean heart. As a President, he was humble, sincere and selfless in service. He was indeed a true democrat who left no one in doubt about his loyalty to his country, love for peace, desire for unity and vision for a greater Nigeria.

“Shagari was an exceptional leader and exemplary statesman whose modesty, commitment to common good and deep sense of patriotism will continue to inspire many generations of Nigerians. He will be remembered as a teacher, parliamentarian and President whose model of service was anchored on diligence, broad-mindedness and humility,” Mr Jonathan said.

https://all-gists.blogspot.com/2018/12/goodluck-jonathan-arrives-sokoto-for-late-shehu-shagari-condolence.html

Quote:


The governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress APC, Senator John Owan-Enoh on Saturday stormed the streets of Calabar with an unprecedented length of motorcade made up of supporters, parading the flag and party insignias, singing songs and chanting party slogan.

Owan-Enoh who was handed the party flag the previous day by the National leadership of the party as the authentic candidate of the party over Pastor Usani Usani, the Minister for Niger Delta who has been contending the governorship ticket of the party, was accompanied in the motorcade rally round and into the hinterland of the Calabar South local government area by his running mate, Ntufam Ekpo Okon.

They both received cheers and expression of acceptance from many residents who came out of their homes to catch a glimpse of the APC candidate who had supporters sharing information leaflets and flyers carrying some of his programmes and agenda when elected into office.

Some of the streets taken were, Main-Avenue, Inyang street, Afokang street, Imman street, Edibe-edibe street, Calabar road through the Watt Market into the Murtala Muhammad highway; then branched into Old Odukpani road to Ikot Efa road into old parliamentary road and Marian road extension before returning to the Campaign secretariat along Barracks road in Calabar.

Speaking with some newsmen after the motorcade rally, Owan gave reasons why Cross River State, currently under the Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP administration, will rather vote APC in 2019.

On why the people in Cross River State should vote APC and vote President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, he responded thus; “For our country as it is today, we cannot make a mistake to change the leadership at the national level.”

“Our country; if it was let to continue to go on that trajectory of the kind of massive corruption that attended the country, it could get to a point that the country cannot work anymore.”

“And that the credentials of President Muhammadu Buhari even in terms of integrity alone and the fight against corruption, even in terms of how much its protected our territory, even in terms of works going on across the state, I think that there is great need for us to join the rest of the country to be part of the national agenda of the APC administration”.

More so, “because in 2019, this government (of President Buhari) is going to be re-elected; what do we want as a state? Do we want to go back to PDP and the national government is APC? No!”

“I think that, on and on, after every four years of the former PDP administration, the leadership of our state then, kept saying that we cannot afford to get out of the national picture, now is the time to say that to all Cross Riverians, that in 2019 Cross River cannot afford to vote another party when the APC is still going to win at the national level”.

He also gave reasons for embarking on the motorcade rally and his experience on the streets as he went along.

His words, “I feel the fact that the people of the state actually want change, and I can imagine how much of their time we have been taking.

“I am glad about the event which held in Uyo where I was given the party’s flag; I did not think it mattered as much, but increasingly, every moment I appreciated how much it has mattered to the people and they thought we should celebrate these.”

“That is why we stepped out and I am glad about the reaction that I found in the field as we drove around. I will get back home now, even more, challenged by the fact that the people need a change and we have to provide them that change in the state.”

Back in 2011, a young man in China was dying for an Apple iPhone 4, which was the company's hot new phone at the time. 17-year old Xiao Wang made a deal that gave him enough cash to purchase the device, but at a very high cost. Wang sold one of his kidneys for the equivalent of $3,200 USD, which was more than enough for him to purchase the iPhone 4. The handset had become a status symbol at Wang's school, which is why he wanted one so badly.
According to Phonearena, the operation was performed at an underground hospital; Wang was told afterward that after a week of recovery, he'd be able to "live a normal life" with just the one kidney. But the operating room was not sanitized properly, and Wang soon developed an infection in the remaining kidney that made him deathly ill. And that is when Xiao's parents discovered what their son had done. While the Wang family didn't have the financial resources to buy the iPhone 4 that Xiao so coveted, things got worse when the family had to cover the cost of dialysis treatment.

Now 24, Xiao Wang is permanently disabled and will never live a normal life, and while he received a settlement from the hospital, he will need to continue with dialysis for the rest of his life, which will be shortened due to his illness. The moral of this story? It is better to purchase the things you want by paying with the fruits of your own hard earned labor instead of using a shortcut. 



Source: https://www.phonearena.com/news/Trading-his-kidney-for-an-iPhone-4-permanently-disables-a-Chinese-man_id112314

Nollywood Actor, Wale Adebayo, popularly known as Sango, has opened up on reason why he left Nigeria for the United States of America and it was simply because he wasn't getting enough out of acting.

In a chat with Sunday Scoop, the actor stated that he didn’t wish to relocate to the United States of America at the time he did, but his living condition and that of his family was already deteriorating and so he didn't have any option but to seek a greener pasture.

He said:

“For me, relocating to America wasn’t by choice; the situation of Nigeria played a huge factor in it. At some point, I told myself that I had a family to feed and the industry wasn’t as favourable as it should be. I stopped thinking about myself alone and the need to save my acting career. I wanted to do something for my kids.”

Adebayo added that after relocating to America, he ventured into something new. He stated,

“It wasn’t easy for me to leave what I enjoyed doing for another life in America. But the most important thing is that I am not where I was four or seven years ago. I am in a better place now and my family is more comfortable.”

The Yoruba actor also lamented that it was quite disheartening that despite the effort he put into his acting career, he didn’t get the best from it.

He said:

“I did everything to make a living out of acting but it just didn’t work for me. That is why I respect the likes of Richard Mofe Damijo, Ramsey Nouah, Kate Henshaw and Sola Sobowale. Even when they disappeared from the scene for some years, it seemed they never left once they returned. I call it grace. I have also learnt that an actor should never relax even though he has made a huge impact.”

https://lailasnews.com/i-relocated-to-us-because-acting-didnt-work-for-me-wale-adebayo/
7

Boko Haram Releases Pictures Showing Off Weapons & Equipment Seized From Military Base In #Baga. 



Source: https://twitter.com/Terror_Monitor/status/1079216848355368963










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In this season of thanksgiving, Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche is out with a new music video entitled "Thank you Lord", which is an appreciation of God for the newly dedicated Glory Dome. 

The new video from his best-seller album, Antidepressant, captures how the 100,000 capacity edifice was erected and what transpired during the dedication of the building, which attracted big wigs in the society. 

Dr. Enenche and his wife in the danceable song are thankful to God for what he has done are how thus far He had brought them and the ministry, Dunami Int’l Gospel Centre. 

Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche is a trained Medical Doctor, a Christian author, preacher, Minister, Televangelist, Recording Artist, Performing Artist, Composer, Song Writer, Musician and Educationist.

He is the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre World-wide, with headquarters in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. A ministry having hundreds of thousands of worshippers across the World with millions of viewership connecting through our Global Revival Platform – Dunamis TV, 24/7 online platform, Facebook, YouTube and Lifestream. He is married to Dr Becky Enenche. 

Let all the praise be unto the Lord for he has done all things as we sing this song.

Download, Listen and Share


Lyrics - Thank You Lord

Intro Verse
Oh Lord- Thank you (Repeat Twice)

Verse 1 (Repeat Twice)
We praise your name Oh Lord ( for Lead Singer)
We give your all the praise (for Lead Singer)
You are worthy Lord of our praise (All)

Chorus (Call and Respond)
Oh Lord - Thank you (4x)

Intro Verse
Oh Lord- Thank you(Repeat Twice)

Verse 2 (Repeat Twice)
We worship you Oh Lord (for Lead Singer)
We magnify your Lord (for Lead Singer)
For the great things Lord- You have done (All)

Chorus (Call and Respond)
Oh Lord - Thank you (4x)

Intro Verse
Oh Lord- Thank you(Repeat Twice)

Verse 3
For the Mercies that you gave(for Lead Singer)
For Standing by our side (for Lead Singer)
You are worthy of all praise (All)

For the Victory that you gave(for Lead Singer)
For Standing by our side (for Lead Singer)
You are worthy of all praise (All)

Chorus (Call and Respond)
Oh Lord - Thank you (4x)

Intro Verse
Oh Lord- Thank you(Repeat Twice)

Trumpet.......

Chorus (Call and Respond)
Oh Lord - Thank you (4x)

Trumpet ......

WATCH BELOW. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njeNYH3JP7w

Quote:Former Governor of Ekiti State Mr. Ayodele Fayose has said that he hope that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will patronise ‘barbing saloons in Ajegunle Lagos, Baga in Borno or those armed bandits controlled towns in Zamfara.’ 

Fayose reacting to Osinbajo’s visit to Luxor Salon and Spar, Wuse 2, where he had a haircut and one on one interaction with barbers, customers and residents of the area who trooped out to welcome him to their neighbourhood said: ‘It is only election fever that will drive a VP to that high class barbing saloon in Abuja, something he never did in the last three & half years.

‘I hope to see the VP patronising barbing saloons in Ajegunle Lagos, Baga in Borno or those armed bandits controlled towns in Zamfara.’ 

Professor Osinbajo on Thursday visited New Kushingoro Village, a suburb of FCT, in continuation of his family chats ahead of the 2019 general elections. Osinbajo, who spoke partly in Pidgin English, explained to the residents of the community that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was doing a lot to impact on the life of the common man.

He said that TraderMoni was on the schemes deployed by the government to help petty traders. 

Osinbajo said that since majority of the residents were farmers, a similar programme would be deployed to empower them. 

“TraderMoni wey we dey give, na for people wey dey sell for market. Everybody dey farm; we go see how we go help for farm because President Buhari wants to see how he will help common man. 

“Anybody wey dey work; wey dey try to look for work; he go see how him go help them make find work; make them find money do the work; “If na farm you dey farm, how we go help you with your farm.’’ Jubilant women of the village sang and danced in appreciation of the vice president’s visit.

Earlier at the Abuja Games Village, Osinbajo visited the family of Dr Olatunji-David Sanwo where he had a warm chat with the family and restated the government’s commitment to addressing challenges confronting the country. 

Speaking with newsmen, Hajia Aisha Musa, Environmental Secretary, Games Village Association, said she was excited that the vice president visited the estate. She pledged to moblise 7,000 residents of the estate to the president 100 per cent of their votes in the forthcoming election. 

Another resident, Mr James Green, said that the visit was a welcome development as it was not common for a vice president to visit a neighbourhood to find how the residents fared. 

Osinbajo also took out time to visit a Suya spot (skewered slices of meat) in the estate where he patronised the seller. 

Afterwards, Osinbajo headed to Luxor Salon and Spar, Wuse 2, where he had a haircut and one on one interaction with barbers, customers and residents of the area who trooped out to welcome him to their neighbourhood. 

He advised them to vote wisely as the Buhari-led administration was determined to empower the youths and root out poverty. (NAN)

Since August when he dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto state, has rarely been seen beside President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tambuwal not only joined PDP but he attempted running against Buhari in 2019. The governor lost the PDP presidential ticket to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Tambuwal and Buhari put politics aside on Sunday when they paid condolence visit to the family of ex-President, Shehu Shagari who died in Abuja on Friday.

https://all-gists.blogspot.com/2018/12/photos-late-shagari-reunites-buhari-and-tambuwal.html

Davido Narrates How ”They” Tried To Stop His Music Concert From Holding…
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[url=https://www.tracknews.ng/2018/12/davido-narrates-how-they-tried-to-stop-his-music-concert-from-holding.html#]

- Nigerian Musician Davido Adeleke has narrated the ordeals he passed through before his just concluded Music concert on 27th December in Lagos.


He wrote;
We only had 12 days to sell tickets and put this Show together ! They tried to block me from all avenues !! Left, right and center !! People wanted to see David Fail ! When I came in this industry about 8 years ago at just 17 all I wanted was my video to be played on TV even if it’s only once ! From the first time my first video ‘Back When’ ever played on television till now I haven’t failed ! Don’t get me wrong we’ve cut it close so many times but God always finds a way to save me!.
What haven’t they said about David ?? Ehn ?? 6 days before the show they made us switch the venue from Ocean view Grounds to Eko Atlantic after plenty preparation and flyers, billboards TV and radio ads, everything! 4 days before this show I was sued by someone (won’t say who) trying to stop my show just because I wouldn’t work with them anymore and wanted to try and do the show by myself. After spending millions ! They said the name ‘City of Davido’ is their idea and because of that I shouldn’t do any show with my own name on the 27th of December. I said fuck a distraction. How much will it cost to change the name on everything?! Do I have that? Yes! We MOVE! I changed the name from ‘City of Davido’ to ‘DAVIDO live in concert’. Printed thousands of new tickets! Hundreds of new billboard banners ! LED boards ALL!
They STILL went to court 2 days to showday to try and stop the show!! But my God is bigger than them! We beat that shit! My joy is never to just see myself win but to see other people win. Put people on, put smiles on the faces.. that’s my own joy! Every time I WIN they act like they are blind ! If it’s the other way round Dem go open their Okponu eye like fowl! WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS which I have always done !!! Thank you to all the artists and performers that came through for me and everyone that helped me put this show together!
Thank you to my lawyer, my manager my ever supportive Father and God! In just days we sold the fuck out ! Over sold sef !! AND TO ALL YOU JEALOUS, SELFISH HATING ASS TWATS THAT IVE USED MY OWN MONEY GRACE AND GOODWILL TO HELP WHEN U NEEDED ME, ON THE 27TH OF JANUARY I WILL BE SELLING OUT THE 02 ARENA ON YALL FUCK NIGGAS!! BADDEST!!!!

[img=0x0]https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ERqWcXW2H8/XCfbhjseQrI/AAAAAAAG7iM/nxjAuqdyehsoqErMYdqE82PCLSOPgVjiQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot_20181229-152126.png[/img]
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Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Lalung steps out in nothing but his briefs as he attends a cultural carnival in Plateau









Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Lalung, was in touch with his culture yesterday December 29th as he attended the  2018 Tarok cultural carnival which held in Langtang South local government area in Plateau state. See more photos below..

 




by Linda Ikeji at 30/12/2018 9:37 AM
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Dino Melaye says he will make himself available to the police next week as police cuts off electricity supply to his Abuja house






Embattled Senator Dino Melaye says he would make himself available to the police sometime next week.
Recall that last Friday December 27th, men of the Nigeria Police Force stormed Dino's home with the hope of arresting him. They laid seige outside his home and have since been unable to effect his arrest as Dino is nowhere to be found.
According to the police, Dino has refused to honor an invitation to the Kogi state police command to answer questions regarding an attempted murder of a police officer by himself and his thugs which happened in July this year.
In an interview with Channels TV on Saturday December 29th, Melaye says he is not in Abuja at the moment and would make himself available once he returns

Quote:''I was informed that my house has been invaded. Over 40 policemen inside the compound and over 50 outside the gate. My staff were molested, beaten and handcuffed and taken away.
“Presently I’m outside Abuja. I’m a Senator of the Federal Republic of Abuja, I cannot run away. I will make myself available as soon as I’m back to town next week. I am not a criminal, I have not done anything wrong,” he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that Nigerian flags at government buildings should fly at half-mast in honour of the late President Shehu Shagari, who died on Friday.

In a statement on Saturday, Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, said the directive which would last for three days, will take effect from Sunday.

“The late President represented almost the last link with the government of our founding fathers under Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was also the first elected President of Nigeria,” the statement read.

“The late Alhaji Shagari was a man of many parts: teacher, local authority administrator, politician, minister, and finally President. He served his country with dedication and moderation.

“Over the years, through interaction at the Council of State, he and I came to understand and appreciate each other, whatever the differences we may have had in the past.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, myself and family, I send my condolences to the people of Nigeria, particularly to the late President’s family and the Government and people of Sokoto State. May his soul rest in peace.”

The remains of the ex-president were laid to rest at his hometown in Shagari local government area of Sokoto.

Shagari died on Friday at the National Hospital in Abuja. He was 93.

His remains were flown to Sokoto on Saturday and was received Aminu Tambuwal, governor of the state, at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport around 1 pm.

The former president was later buried according to Islamic rites at about 3:25 pm. The funeral prayer was led by Shehu Galadanchi, a professor.

Dignitaries at the funeral were Sambo Junaidu, wazirin Sokoto; Atiku Bagudu, governor of Kebbi; and Abdulaziz Yari, governor of Zamfara; and Aliyu Wamakko, former Sokoto governor.

Boss Mustspha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF); Audu Ogbeh, minister of agriculture; Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of federation (AGF); and Aisha Abubakar, minister of trade and investment.

The SGF described the former president as a humble leader who contributed immensely to democracy in Nigeria and urged Nigerians to emulate his good qualities.
SOURCE: http://www.nigerianeye.com/2018/12/buhari-directs-flags-to-fly-at-half.html

Eight perish as two vehicles plunge into river in Warri (photo)









Eight persons have been confirmed dead after two vehicles, - a  Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a commercial bus, rammed into each other and plunged into a river along the ever busy NPA Expressway in Warri, Delta state today December 29th.

The source explained that the two vehicles were on the same lane of the dual carriageway around the Ekpan community axis of the expressway when the unfortunate incident happened. Eyewitnesses say the commercial bus was parked on the side of the road to pick a passenger when the SUV rammed into it and both plunged into the river with the eight persons on board.

Quote:“The bus was picking a passenger around that spot when the Jeep (SUV) on high speed ran into it and pushed the bus and itself into the river. Eight bodies were recovered from the wreckage inside the water. It took the intervention of sympathisers as well as men of the Nigeria Police Force, Ekpan Divisional Headquarters to recover the corpses and evacuate the vehicles from the scene of incident,” an eyewitness said.

by Linda Ikeji at 29/12/2018 

Photo: Mother of six recounts how suspected herdsmen killed her hubby on Christmas eve in Benue









A 32-year-old mother of six, Mngohol Iorwuese, has recounted how her husband and breadwinner of her family, Myaga Iorwuese, was ambushed and brutally killed by suspected herdsmen on his way to the farm on Monday December 24th.

Weeping profusely as she naratted her story to The Nation, Mrs Iorwuese said her deceased husband left their home in Anawah village in Gaambetiev Logo Local Government Area for his farm on that fateful day with a promise to return home and provide money to buy things to celebrate Christmas. She recalled that the entire village had come under heavy attacks from January 1st until August when the attacks abated and everyone returned to their farms.

Quote:“Since August, the killings slowed down and we went into serious farming. So on the Christmas eve, my husband went to the farm with confidence that he would harvest and return on time to prepare for Christmas,” Mrs. Iorwuese said.

Quote:“All I want is justice. Let those who killed my husband be brought to justice so that his soul can rest in peace,” she said.

by Linda Ikeji a

Egyptian woman sentenced to jail for "sexually harassing" a monkey at a pet shop









An Egyptian woman has been sentenced to three years in jail for “sexually harassing” a monkey.

Basma Ahmed was arrested after a video showing an adult tickling a monkey’s private parts at a pet shop went viral.

Local media reported that Basma Ahmed “confessed… to the incident but said she did not mean to commit an indecent act and that she had been tickling the monkey”.

 



 

She was first arrested in October after thousands of people viewed the 90-second video on social media, sparking a backlash in the conservative country.

According to Stepfeed, Ahmed was initially detained for four days but the period was increased to 15 days for further investigation and she was yesterday sentenced for “inciting immorality”.

Basma Ahmed claimed she did not know how the incident had ended up on social media after a friend filmed the episode in Mansoura, Dakahlia, on her mobile phone.

Officials said that Ahmed is not a first-time offender and has previously been charged with two other “public moral” cases.

 


by Linda Ikeji at 29/12/2018 5:13 PM
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A woman has lost her father and two kids in one day after a fire razed their home.
The grieving mother blamed the fire service for the death of her loved ones, revealing that they did not respond to all the calls they made for help.
Asides their home, 20 other flats were destroyed in the fire incident in Karu LGA, Nasarawa state.
Watch the videos below.

Quote: 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Quote: 

A suspected female thief was set ablaze by a mob in Obudu, Cross Rivers state yesterday December 29th. Facebook user, Anya Vincent, who shared the story online, said residents of the area alleged that the lady assists robbers who terrorise the area. Read what he wrote below

Quote:''This happened yesterday in obudu , Cross River State. She was burnt alive for allegedly aiding a group of robbers over time in terrorising residents and also killing innocent lives. That's their version of the story. I'm not trying to justify her actions if the story is true. I'm saying that JUNGLE JUSTICE is wrong. No one should take the law into their hands. She should have been arrested and handed over to to the police. She deserved a fair trial.
Before you burn that person alive remember that if he or she were to be your loved one, you would plead for the law to take it's course.
Most times these persons are even innocent.....Jungle justice is wrong.
I'm saying NO TO JUNGLE JUSTICE.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has sent an urgent appeal to two UN special rapporteurs urging them to “prevail upon the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reach an agreement to end the ongoing strike action by ASUU, which continues to have real and dire consequences on the right to higher education, specifically university education, as guaranteed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party.”

In the urgent appeal dated 28 December 2018 and signed by SERAP senior legal adviser Bamisope Adeyanju, the organization said: “By failing to prevent and end the ongoing strike action by ASUU, the Nigerian government has defied and breached the explicit requirements of the right to equal access to higher education by Nigerian children and young people, under article 13(2)© of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.”

The urgent appeal sent to Ms. Koumbou Boly Barry, Special Rapporteur on the right to education and Professor Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights argues that: “The failure by the Nigerian government to reach an agreement with ASUU has also implicitly made access to higher education a privilege of the rich and well-to-do rather than a right of every Nigerian child and young person, as students in private schools continue to attend classes while those in public universities stay at home.

According to SERAP, “The failure to end the ongoing strike action by ASUU is also a fundamental breach of the right to higher education without discrimination or exclusion, as strike actions continue to penalise economically disadvantaged parents who have no means or lack the capacity to pay to send their children to private schools.

The urgent appeal read in part: “The obligations of the Nigerian government to create the conditions necessary for the enjoyment of the right to education include to take preventive measures to address the root causes of strike action by ASUU and to take steps to end any strike action in a timely manner when it occurs.”

“It is the responsibility of the government to preserve and strengthen education as a public good and a matter of public interest. Without the urgent intervention of the Special Rapporteurs, the ongoing strike action by ASUU would continue and this would continue to impede access to university education for the poor and marginalized.”

“SERAP is concerned that Nigerian students in public universities have suffered many years of academic disruption as a result of the failure of successive Nigerian governments to address the root causes of strike action by ASUU and to timely reach agreement to end strike action and its devastating consequences on the right to equal and quality higher education.”

“Persistent strike actions in the education sector have continued to cause disruption of classes and undermine both the quality and duration of students’ education.”

“We note that the right to strike is one of the fundamental means available to workers to promote their interests. However, we are seriously concerned that the failure by both the Nigerian government and ASUU to make substantial progress in negotiations and reach amicable settlement to end the unduly prolonged strike action has undermined the right of Nigerian children and young people to higher education.”

“The ongoing strike action by ASUU in Nigeria if not urgently addressed would continue to have grave consequences for the youth of our country as well as the country’s development and progress as a whole.”

“Universal access is an essential prerequisite for the exercise of the right to education. But the failure by the Nigerian government to end the strike action by ASUU has contributed to denying students from disadvantaged backgrounds equal access to university education, as these students are unable or lack the capacity to pay to access private schools.”

“This situation has aggravated existing disparities in access to university education in the country, further marginalizing economically disadvantaged parents and students.”

“SERAP believes that providing Nigerian children and young people equal access to higher education should be the core public service functions of the Nigerian government. Providing public schools ranks at the very apex of the function of a State.”

“SERAP believes that equal access of Nigerian children and young people to quality and uninterrupted education including at the university level would contribute to producing citizens who are fundamentally equal and people who actively participate in society. It would enable people to enjoy the rights as well as fulfil obligations that are associated with citizenship.”

“According to our information, members of ASUU suspended their academic responsibilities in the first week of November 2018, and weeks of negotiations with the Nigerian government since then have yielded no amicable settlement or agreement. ASUU is alleging failure by the Nigerian authorities to implement 2009 agreement and the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding.”

“SERAP notes that article 13(2)© of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights explicitly guarantees the right to higher education, which includes university education. According to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, states parties are required to make higher education including university education available on equal basis, and to ensure the progressive introduction of free education at all levels of education.”

“States parties including Nigeria have obligations to ensure that the liberty of providing education set out in article 13(4) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights does not lead to extreme disparities of educational opportunity for some groups in society.”

“The rights and values enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) all point to the right to the provision of equal access to quality education including at the university level. These rights include human rights, such as the right to equality and the right to human dignity as well as numerous other civil and political rights, such as access to information, which cannot be properly understood or exercised if one is inadequately trained and uneducated.”

SERAP therefore urged the Special Rapporteurs to put pressure on the Nigerian government to:



Take immediate action to end the deadlock in negotiations with ASUU and reach amicable settlement that would ensure that the universities are reopened without further delay and that students return to school;

Increase funding and improve investments in infrastructure and innovation for public universities;

Invest the most in those whose access to education is the most hampered;

Declare education as an essential service in Nigeria to minimise the negative impact of strike action on the right to higher education, including university education


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/serap-drags-fg-to-un-over-failure-to-end-ASUU-strike/amp/

Quote:Tony Okafor, Awka



A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday asked the Igbo to be wary of promises from the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Obasanjo who spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting at Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State said the APC had no plans to hand over the presidency of the country to the Igbo.

He urged the Igbo to take their destiny in their hands by getting united in the 2019 general elections and make a mark.

He said, “I urged you the Igbo not to allow anybody to relegate you to the background because you occupy a place of preeminence in this country.

“The Igbo must bury their differences and work together for the actualisation of the Atiku/Obi project in their best interest.

“It’s dangerous to take the APC government seriously,” Obasanjo stated.

Describing Peter Obi as a beacon of hope, Obasanjo asked him to reach out to major stakeholders in the south East to drum support for the 2019 PDP presidential project.

“You and your presidential candidate have become the beacon of hope to all Nigerians who have had it so rough in the last four years.

“You need to think out of the box to take this country out of the woods caused by incumbent clueless administrators.

“With your pedigree as a governor, I’m hopeful that things will work again in Nigeria under your leadership as vice president.

In his welcome address, first republic aviation minister, Chief Mbazuluke Amechi, described Mr Peter Obi as a good man, adding that the Atiku/Obi ticket was needed at a time like this.

The meeting was attended by Mr Peter Obi, former minister of power, Chief Barth Nnaji, former minister of health, Prof ABC Nwosu, former Imo State governor, Ikedi Ohakim, among others.

A day to the end of 2018, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is yet to present the 2019 Appropriation Bill of the fifth largest economy in Africa to the State House of Assembly. The 2019 budget, the last to be presented by Ambode, is the most delayed by any Lagos State governor in over a decade.

Ambode presented the 2018 budget on December 11, 2017, about 20 days to the end of the year. The 2018 budget, the biggest the state had ever presented, was the second largest state budget in Nigeria. The 2018 budget came far late to the 2017 budget, which he presented November 29, 2016, about 32 days to the end of the year, while 2016 budget was presented December 17, 2015 about 14 days to the end of the year 2015.

His predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola prepared and presented eight budgets. He started with the 2008 budget estimate of N403bn, which he presented on December 17, 2007, while the 2009 budget of N405bn was presented on November 10, 2008 while 2010 budget estimate of N430bn was presented on November 17, 2009.


On December 13, 2010, Fashola presented the 2011 budget estimate of N445.2bn while the 2012 N485bn budget was presented on November 14, 2011. This was followed by the 2013 N497bn budget presented on October 31, 2012 while the 2014 N489.6bn budget was presented on October 30, 2013. The last budget Fashola presented was the N489.75bn 2015 budget, which he presented November 24, 2014.

With the 2018 budget hitting the N1tr mark, it is also expected that the 2019 budget would not go below the 2018 Appropriation Act. This means, it will require more scrutiny and verification in the State Assembly, yet the budget is not yet presented, a day to the end of the year.

It took just about 35 days for the Lagos State Assembly to put its authority behind the N812b 2017 budget, which to some analysts must have been done in a rush, with no due diligence and about 51 days to put its authority on the N1.046t 2018 budget.

With the budget expected to be, at least, at par with the 2018 budget or bigger, it is expected that the Assembly should take not less than 35 days to consider the budget including public holidays, which means that the budget could only be made ready in February, 2019 at most. It might even take a longer time compared to the 35 days it took to pass last year’s budget. This is because almost all the lawmakers would be campaigning to return to the Assembly, which might limit the time to look into the budget.

A few states have presented their 2019 budgets and have even signed them into law, but stakeholders feel Lagos should have been among the first to do so, being the biggest state economy in Nigeria. The state should be ahead of other states in planning for its robust civil service.

Ranked as the fifth largest economy in Africa, there are fears that a delayed budget may also slow down the execution of the projects carried out by the government, as funds may not be released early. This, it is argued, might rub off negatively on the economy of the state though largely driven by the private sector.

The Guardian, however, learnt politics is part of the reason the budget has not been ready, as the executive and the legislature are said not to be on the same page.

The source said the overbearing influence of the legislature on state activities has made the executive to buy time in presenting the budget, as presenting the budget after the APC primaries could further heat up the state policy, which was seen in some of the pronouncements made by the Assembly after the primaries.


According to the source, the Assembly seems to be enjoying some support from the party leaders in the state, who are using it to check the power and influence of the governor.

The source buttressed his claim with the letter written by the immediate past Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Wale Oluwo, who resigned from the party recently.

In his letter, he alluded to the use of an arm of government by a powerful block in the party to intimidate institutions of government.

Attempts to get the state government to explain the delay were not fruitful. The Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, said it was only the governor that could give reasons the budget had not been presented. After not being able to communicate with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan on phone thrice, a text message was sent to him and he acknowledged receiving the text, promising to respond. Since Tuesday that he promised to respond, he had not.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/ambode-fails-10-year-budget.html

BREAKING!! Over 50 Corpses Burnt To Ashes(Graphic Photos) 

By Wisdom Nwedene 

Report reaching Igbere TV news room has it that the mortuary section of Enugwu-Ukwu general hospital has been gutted by fire and all the corpses burnt beyond recognition.

Igbere TV gathered that the fire started at about three o’clock this afternoon and before they could get the fire service, the three -room-morgue had been raised down.

The mortician on duty couldn’t stop the fire as he was the only person on duty and they couldn’t ascertain the cause of the fire though according to the eye witneses, the fire may have come from bush burning as the surrounding is over grown with dry grasses.

More details soon. Stay with Igbere TV 

Source : http://igberetvnews.com/503872/breaking-50-corpses-burnt-ashesgraphic-photos/

Quote:



A middle-aged man has gone mad after embarking on 14 days dry fasting and praying.

The man whose identity could not be ascertained as at press time was said to have been married with five children.

He was said to be returning from the church where he carried out the fasting and praying when starting behaving abnormally.

Witnesses said he demanded for a plate of fufu and meat but started making incoherent statements saying he wants to kill himself.

Several efforts by sympathizers to make the man go home were resisted as he rushed to lie down on the busy Upper Sokponba road.

The pastor of the church where he carried out the fasting came to the scene but refused to give his name.

He simply advised the people to allow the man rest and eat.

A former member of the church who pleaded anonymity said she left the church because of the manners members were subjected to hunger in the name of fasting.

GEJ Projects: You Are A LIAR & A Disgrace To Your Race" - Reno Blast Kenneth Okonkwo 

It appears Kenneth Okonkwo (Andy Okereke ) of living in bondage loves making headlines for all the wrong reasons

In this Video see link below Andy was seen ascribing all GEJs rail projects to Buhari a situation that drew a swift rebuke from Reno Omok‪ri who described the former Nollywood actor as a LIAR and a disgrace to the Igbo race
See full text of Reno's response below 

"Kenneth Okonkwo, you are possibly the greatest LIAR on earth. The railway projects you listed were ALL done by former President Jonathan and the PDP. And please take a picture on the 2nd Niger Bridge you claim President Buhari built. You are a LIAR and a disgrace to your race"

Source:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10217278950903100&id=1152008079

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY, 30TH DECEMBER

MAKE POWER AVAILABLE.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).

Sometimes, people wonder why they pray and nothing happens. They desire changes that don’t take place, and the reason is they’re not making power available for the change they desire. God shows us how to make power available for change in our opening verse.

The Amplified Classic translation explains it more; it says, “Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” The prayer that changes things has the peculiar quality of being earnest, heartfelt and continued. That means it’s not done casually; you don’t pray for only two minutes and go away, no; you press in your prayer, and take a hold of your desire with your spirit.

This kind of prayer is done with much passion and emotion; therefore, you may have to separate yourself from everybody and from everything else. Do this as you prepare for the New Year. Pray in tongues passionately and fervently until you receive the prophetic word in your heart.

When that power is made available through prayer, go ahead and give the Word; it’ll come to pass. Make tremendous power available for the things you want to do and experience—your goals and desires—the changes you want to see in your ministry, family, finances, job, academics, or other areas of your life in the coming year. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Dear Father, I declare that I’m making progress, because you’ve granted me the ability to cause changes in my world and in circumstances through prayer. I’m fully synchronised with the Spirit, to know and walk in your perfect will always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

James 5:17-18 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Revelation 21 & Malachi 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Revelation 22:1-10 & Malachi 1-2


#TALKINGSESSION

30TH DECEMBER.

KINDLY SAY THIS WORDS OUT LOUD.

Dear Father, I am so grateful for the privilege of being a partaker of your great wisdom; I thank you for the unquantifiable love you bestowed on me, that I should be called a child of God. My life is continuously and constantly improved because of this consciousness of my divine nature, root, and inheritance.

I thank you for the privilege of being seated with you in the realms of power and glory, far above all principality, power, might and every domain of darkness! I reign with you today over the circumstances of life and over every negative force of nature, declaring that your perfect and eternal will for 2019, is fulfilled in my life – in my job, family, finances, in the lives of those around me, and in the region beyond, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


God bless you

Quote:Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s President, intends to use a military operation code named ‘Operation Python Dance 3’ to rig the 2019 presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said.

Operation Python Dance is a military ‘show of strength‘ exercise the Nigerian Army used in silencing the growing influence of Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East region of the country.

The first and second versions of the operation took place in the region between 2017 and 2018.

Announcing its planned third version on Friday, the military said the exercise would now be conducted nationwide and would commence from January 1, 2019 and last till February 28.

The presidential election is billed to take place on February 16.

The army said the military operation was needed to tackle already “observed upsurge” insecurity challenges anticipated before, during and after the 2019 general election.

But kicking against the timing of the exercise, the PDP alleged that Mr Buhari was plotting to use the planned nationwide military exercise to legitimise his administration’s alleged ploy of using the military to intimidate voters and rig next year’s presidential election.

“Our investigation shows that part of the plot is to use the military operation as a subterfuge to unleash heavy security presence to intimidate, harass and instil fear in voters in PDP strongholds across the country and pave the way for the allocation of fictitious votes to President Buhari and the APC,” the spokesman of the opposition party, Kola Ologbondiyan, said in a statement on Saturday.

“Further investigation revealed that agents of the Buhari Presidency are working in cohort with some compromised top officials of the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led Independent National Electoral Commission to use soldiers to provide cover for diversion of electoral materials, as well as aid APC agents in their plan to unleash violence and disrupt the electoral process in areas where the PDP is winning.

“In spanning the military operation to February 28, 2019, the Buhari Presidency betrayed its anticipation of public rejection or violence, which can only come when a result that does not reflect the actual wish of the people is announced,” he said.

Ologbondiyan, who is also the Director, Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, said Nigerians are eager for a new president, having lost confidence in Buhari, due to his alleged failures in governance.

“The PDP PCO, therefore, rejects this deliberate attempt by the Buhari Presidency to set our military on a collision course with Nigerians, bearing in mind the collateral damage that usually occurs whenever the civilian population clashes with military.

“Our nation is a democratic state and we are not in a state of emergency that requires the militarization of our electoral process.

“Our military, which is cherished by Nigerians, should, therefore, foreclose any attempt by the Buhari Presidency to use it to set our country on fire.”

December 29, 2018

Press Statement

PDP Mourns Shehu Shagari, Urges FG To Name A National Institution After Him

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expresses very deep sadness over the passing of foremost nationalist and former President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Othman Shagari, describing it as a national tragedy.

The party describes the late Shehu Shagari as a man of peace, an exceptionally honest Nigerian, outstanding leader, quintessential administrator and a symbol of national unity, who made immeasurable sacrifices for the development, unity and stability of our nation.

Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s excellent performance as political party administrator, member of the House of Representatives, Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, variously as minister of Commerce and Industries; Economic Development, Pensions, Works and then Finance; in addition to his service as a governor of the World Bank and member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) committee of 20, all stood him out for the Presidency in 1979.

Despite the challenges that faced the Second Republic, President Shagari remained dedicated in putting our nation on the path of national unity, economic growth and political stability, which was however, scuttled by the military coup staged by then Maj.Gen Muhammadu Buhari.

That coup was a great disservice to our dear nation, as it reversed all the gains of the Shagari’s democratic rule and plunged us into serious national challenges, from which our nation has been struggling to recover.

The PDP is therefore, deeply sorrowful that President Shehu Shagari took his bow at the time our nation needs his wealth of experience the most, particularly in the quest to restore good governance, national cohesion and economic prosperity that have eluded us in almost four years.

In all, President Shehu Shagari remains a political colossus and the PDP urges the National Assembly to further immortalize him, by mandating the Federal Government to name a foremost national institution after this great patriot.

The PDP commiserates with the Shagari family, the government and people of Sokoto state, the Council of State and the entire nation for this irreparable loss and prays the Almighty Allah to grant him eternal rest.


Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
Director, Media & Publicity
PDP Presidential Campaign Organization

Nice

Quote:It was an honor to have the Senate President at the concert last night! Thanks for coming sir! 
@bukolasaraki

Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has received the remains of the former president, Shehu Shagari in Sokoto, the state capital.

The remains of former president, Shehu Shagari has left the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja for Sokoto.

Shagari is expected to be buried at 2pm.

He died on Friday at the age of 93.

https://all-gists.blogspot.com/2018/12/body-of-ex-president-shagari-leaves-abuja-for-sokoto-photos.html

In the month of October, 2018, a young man with dreadlocks who claimed to be abroad raised an alarm about internet fraudsters doing rituals with the panties of ladies to spiritually empower them to enjoy easy windfalls from scams.'

According to him, the panties were sold at the black market from the price range of N200,000 to N350,000 depending on how much residues/body fluids they contained. Only a few people took him serious. Netizens laughed about it in the comment section of the Instagram page. A few days later, the man's revelation started gaining traction in the media. Reports of people stealing panties from washing lines started emerging with confessions made by culprits mostly in the face of jungle justice.

In December, the panties of a popular American video vixen and model, Symba and that of her friend were reportedly stolen at the Villa Thirty Three Hotel in Lekki, Lagos State by one of the hotel cleaners. She raised the alarm on social media and immediately, the ladies got the message that the desperate hunt for their panties was real.

The internet fraudsters who are majorly young men were fingered in the diabolic act of wicked ritualism. According to reports, the implication of this is that the victim whose panties were used for rituals might fall sick, die mysteriously, run mad or be bewitched with ill-luck till her last day on earth.
The situation seems worse in Delta State with gunmen allegedly robbing women of their underwear.

But how true are these stories? Hope they are not one of these periodic social media hoaxes that are click baits set by bloggers and online journalists hungry for traffic?


Nigeria’s social media space and its penchant for fake news

Nigerians have an unimpressive record of wilfully spreading fake and odd news. A section of the country once spread rumours that there was a sinister plan by the ruling All Progressives Congress to islamize Nigeria and turn it into a country like Turkey. You can also remember how rumours emanated from the South-East geo-political zone in 2017 that the Nigerian Army was using a medical exercise to inject poison/monkeypox virus into the people to depopulate the South-East against the 2019 general election. 

We have also heard unfounded claims of people picking monies on the ground and turning into yam tubers or other objects which are easily stashed away but the culprits who planted it. What about the issue of 'killer phone number or phone call'? A strange number calls your line and immediately you respond to the call, you start to vomit blood and die. Another close one that was popular in Ibadan where this reporter grew up is 'manhood theft'. A stranger will accost you in public space to ask for direction and the next minute after your response, your manhood shrinks.

Just of late, people believe there are piggy banks (kolo) that are laced with juju. The money saved in them will gradually disappear without your knowledge. All these and many more are spread from mouth to mouth and on social media with people taking it hook line and sinker without any empirical evidence. But the moment you try to verify the report, the proponents feel uneasy due to lack of substance and begin to retrace their steps.

As the story of a lady who vomited naira notes at the Effurun market area of Uvwie local government area of Warri, Delta State after her pant was allegedly stolen at her residence few weeks ago pervaded the internet space, fear gripped female folks especially the ones who discreetly sell their bodies on the internet. Wearing panties to the house of a man you don’t trust has become a high risk. People became vigilant about the young men with unsubstantiated sources of wealth in their neighbourhoods also called the ‘Benz or Nothing Boys’ on social media due to their affinity with exotic Mercedes Benz automobiles. 


Using the panties of ladies isn’t part of our line of trade – Yahoo Boys

As this reporter enjoyed the ambience of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on his way back to his home-city for the Yuletide, he thought about the panties rituals and was determined to get to the root of the issue due to the fact that most of the journalists who have worked on the stories lack optimism in their reportage.

Yahoo Boys are not ghosts, they live around us. We grew up with some of them. They share their scam escapades and proceeds at beer parlours, club houses and social gatherings in the midst of like-minds. They are very approachable as long as you are not a security operative and the principle of confidentiality is assured. I got a couple of phone numbers and started to set up interviews with them on the craze of panties being used for black magic. It was a very herculean task but funny enough the Yahoo Boys I spoke with were willing to talk. I even got referrals to other fraudsters for necessary information.

To my greatest shock, the several seemingly established ‘hustlers’ as they call themselves claimed to have heard the rumours on social media. Most of them admitted that internet fraud had taken a spiritual dimension a long time ago but the issue of panties being used at the detriment of the owner was out of place.

“Your questions are very funny; I haven’t heard such news of the pant ritual on the street (among friends). just like you, I read it online. I know boys do juju so that their magas (victims) could pay big cash on time but the reported fate of the victims is synonymous to pure blood money” a suspected scammer of South-east descent who spoke under the condition of anonymity told this reporter.

Not satisfied, the reporter was able to set up a meeting with another young man in his early thirties who is in the illicit business. He paraded one of the latest iPhones, Apple laptop, jewelleries. He spoke to this reporter with a wrap of weed on one hand, a mixture of unknown alcoholic substance on the other with mostly ladies constantly interrupting the brief interview with phone calls. After being assured of his safety a second time, he slowly started singing like a bird.

“I can boldly tell you that most of the guys out there are pure ritualists and not Yahoo Boys. They know nothing about this work. My old friend who has no email address bought a Maserati car worth N60 million. I don’t know if you know the car....he is based in South Africa. I have asked him to give me tips for work but his brain is empty. People close to him have told me that he only uses his laptop for Facebook. I suspect pure blood money as he isn’t doing drugs. He comes to Nigeria periodically maybe to renew his jazz (hoodoo). People will think such a guy is doing Yahoo but I doubt bro. That’s the problem we are dealing with” he said.

When probed further about the infusion of black magic with internet scam, he admitted that voodoo plays a huge role in the criminal industry.

“I nor fit lie you, juju dey and people dey use am wella. Most of these herbalists have a book of spells and they can make such charms to jinx white people. The problem is that most of them are fake. I have done some in the past but they never worked for me. I still believe in pure hard work and I know very successful guys in Lagos who own properties here and there doing fraud without juju” he added.

He further explained that some herbalists use human skulls recovered from burial grounds, tongues of human beings, breasts and other parts to make potions. According to his account, these materials are grinded into power to make soaps, drinks or food for the scammer and a procedure is followed to bring good luck. He accused the “Benz Boy” of indulging in that level of fraud to cater for their flamboyant lifestyles.

This reporter also spoke with another very wealthy young man, an Osun State native in his mid thirties who shuttles between Nigeria and Malaysia. He is happily married with two kids. He owns several cars, landed properties and businesses used as fronts for fraud. He abruptly denied having any knowledge of the panties ritual.

“Internet scam has been around in Nigeria for almost two decades now and the issue of panties of women being used for money never came up until recently. What is so special about the panties of ladies? I’m in touch with guys and I have never met or heard of one using the panties of ladies to attract goodwill. That’s pure blood money and my mind tells me the politicians might be involved. This is an election season and desperate politicians need spiritual powers to play dirty politics” he alleged.

This reporter came close to making a breakthrough in meeting two victims of the panties wizardry when he spoke with one partly uncooperative hustler around the Ologuneru area of Ibadan who initially insulted the reporter. On being quizzed on the issue, he mocked the journalist during the telephone interview.

“Guy you dey mad oh!, which kain question be this one na? Who tell you say I dey press?” he asked amid laughter.

When the journalist explained the objective of the investigation to him and how he had spoken with his colleagues with much progress made, he toned down his utterances.

“I have never seen any guy using the pants of ladies. Apart from what we read on Instablog (Nigeria’s popular microblog on Instagram), no one has ever informed me that it’s the new method of making cash or that someone he knows is involved. The reports are very strange to us. Most of the guys doing such are into blood money and not Yahoo Yahoo. I can assure you. Thats all I know” he said.

He later called this reporter to tell him about two ladies whose panties were reportedly used for rituals. According to the rumours he heard, the young ladies slept with the big boys for money and ended up in the hands of the ritualists. He was told the ladies started falling sick later on with their bodies shrinking and oozing a foul smell. All efforts to speak with the purported victims failed as people contacted had uneasily feelings about the reportage.


Youths now follow Ifa (West African religion and system of divination) for financial benefits

The reporter also met a 25-year old alumnus of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. The school is famed for housing some of the most notorious fraudsters in the South-western part of the country. Segun Quadri (not real name) drives a Lexus 350 jeep; he has built his own house and has invested in fish farming. He has a start-up that sells fish feed on a large-scale. He looks so innocent and no one would ever suspect he is into to internet fraud. He also claimed ignorance about the panties voodoo.

“I don’t believe any Yahoo Boy is using the panties of any woman. It’s all fake news. Most of the stories are hard to prove. The major problem is that most people are now into money-making rituals. That is not internet fraud. There are some rituals that you will do to prosper whatever you lay your hands on. On the conclusion of the spiritual exercise, the native doctor asks you to go start any business. Even if it means selling ordinary slippers, you will become rich and famous from that cheap venture” Segun narrated as he swung his car keys in the air as if he was coordinating a group of choristers in a church.

“People in Lagos are now ‘doing Ifa’, the process is very deep and hard to explain. It’s like joining a secret cult. When you do, worshiping Ifa becomes your second religion. It doesn’t disturb the first one. It’s like joining the illuminati. You just have to admit that you now have a second god in your life” he added.

His narration reminded the reporter of one popular and super rich suspected internet fraudster named Femi at the Jericho area of Ibadan of Ibadan who was purportedly caught performing a ritual in the middle of the night at a three-way junction. According to reports, he was dressed in all-white clothes. The suspect later admitted openly that he is an Ifa worshipper who has refused to align with Christianity or Islam.

The reporter asked him if these Ifa faithful he described are engaged in rituals in the class of what Femi did and he affirmatively said no.

“You don’t have to perform such rituals except you need certain powers. These Ifa faithful are given some fetish structures they simply worship in their houses. Mostly, they are given a calabash containing other spiritual materials. You will pray on it and pour a quantity of palm oil inside of it as part of the rites involved. The palm oil is expected to dry up before the day ends. This in turn brings good luck to the worshiper” he said.

When asked about clues to identifying members of the Ifa confraternity, he spoke further;

“Some of these Ifa members only wear white dresses. Their cars are white, houses have the same colour and most of their belongings. They will tell you they have some sort of obsession with that colour but it’s not true. Most of them have forbidden food materials like fish, snail, pig, cow meat and others. Eating these has become a taboo for them. Their wealth could cease if they break the rules” he emphatically stated.

After enjoying Segun’s utmost cooperation, the reporter felt indebted and couldn’t summon courage to ask him about his personal involvement in black magic. Rumours have it that his early success might have come directly from the devil’s altar.


People are truly using the panties of women for juju – native doctor

A native doctor who also spoke on the issue under the condition of anonymity due to its sensitive nature claims the panties of female folks are actually being utilized by unscrupulous elements for rituals. According to him, it’s a very potent source of the Midas touch in life.

“The panties of women are actually being used by Yahoo Boys. The panties work for different things depending on the wish of the person in question. It’s capable of unlocking the destiny of the ritualist. He stands a good chance of being prosperous in whatever he lays his hands on be it business or internet scam. I will not lie to you, people are indeed using the underwear of women for rituals” he said.


Written exclusively for Tori News by Osayimwen Osahon George

Source: http://www.villagetowncrier.com/2018/12/the-truth-about-yahoo-boys-using.html

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Friday condemned in strong terms the invasion of the residence of its Presidential Campaign’s Director of Civil Societies, Senator Dino Melaye in Abuja.

The party rejected the Gestapo-like attack on Senator Melaye residence and demands that the invading security official vacate the premises immediately.

“Nigerians can recall that Senator Melaye had a few days ago alerted of a plot by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to forcefully arrest him and inject him with poisonous substances due to his outspokenness against the misrule, corruption and infractions of the Buhari administration.

“It is therefore devious of the Nigeria Police, which had distanced itself from the plot, to turn round to invade Senator Melaye’s residence held hostage and beat up his domestic aides.

“This invasion is part of the larger machination by the Buhari Presidency to use state apparatus of power, particularly the police under IGP Idris to harass, intimidate and clamp down on opposition members in a bid to create fear and subjugate the opposition ahead of the 2019 general elections,” said a statement by the Director, Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Kola Ologbondiyan.

The party recalled the series of attacks and harassment on PDP leaders, including the airport attack on its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, by security officials and noted that “such is a clear recipe for anarchy and a political crisis that is capable of destabilizing our nation.”

PDP therefore cautioned the Buhari Presidency to “desist from such provocative acts as such cannot bend the resolve by Nigerians to replace him with the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as their next President, come February 16, 2018.”

nepabox

A family was involved in a fatal accident in the early hours of today while travelling to the village.  It was gathered that the man who arrived Nigeria recently from abroad, was travelling with his wife, two sons and his siblings to the eastern part of the country before the unfortunate incident. 

According to GB Onitilo, the family members were stopped by the police on Otedola highway just before Berger at about 5.35 am on Saturday and they told the officers they were on their way to the village for the New Year.

While talking with the policemen at the checkpoint, a speeding vehicle rammed into their car from behind and wrecked havoc.

According to the eyewitness, the police officers allegedly fled the scene immediately after the accident.

The wife was killed in the crash as her body was brought out from under the vehicle while the husband's left leg got crushed completely. 

The children and others were unhurt as the wounded man was rushed to the hospital with the aid of emergency officials who arrived the scene on time. 

The man is said to be okay and will be moved to another specialist hospital to attend to his limbs.

See more; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/12/family-involved-in-fatal-accident-at-a-police-checkpoint-in-lagos.html

An outrage has been sparked online following the assault of a young man by students of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

In a trending video making the rounds online, the young cadets can be seen assaulting the man with some serious slaps after his clothes were removed. They also took delight in filming the assault and posting it online. 

The reason for the assault and public humiliation on the victim was not revealed as at the time of filing this report. . 

However, Nigerians who have been outraged by the callous footage - have called on the army authorities to bring the cadets who partook in the act to justice and also look for a way to prevent rascality among its students.

See different reactions below. 

See more; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/12/nigerian-cadets-assault-young-man-nigerians-react.html

Quote:Lagos State Advertising Agency (LASAA), has allegedly directed board owners to remove campaign adverts of the PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. LASAA has been going about, harassing board owners who accepted Atiku’s adverts ever since. The sources who of course want to be anonymous has stated that LASAA asked the owners of a Led Board at Lekki/Ikoyi Bridge, to remove the ad today without reason.


The board owner which has not been seen to violate any laws, has been directed by LASAA to remove the Atiku/Obi ad placed there. Another advert that was supposed to go up at Ikeja Mall, was refused by LASAA for same reason. A member of the Atiku campaign had opted for some boards and was denied by LASAA because they were too close to the Governor’s office. 
Recall that the APC Governorship aspirant had opened the Ozumba Toll Gate for people to pass, as part of his campaign. If a candidate has such powers, then why does it seem like another candidate does not have the right to have his adverts placed on legally standing boards. Also, early December saw the utter destruction of the PDP Lagos Governorship candidate’s campaign boards along Third Mainland Bridge.

In 2015 When Mr Buhari was contesting for President said ‘Boko Haram will be a Thing of the Past if You ELECT Me’.

In 2018 Buhari is now saying ‘Boko Haram will be a Thing of the Past if You RE-ELECT Me’.

Buhari fooled you in 2015, shame on him. But if he fools you in 2019, the shame will be on YOU! Reno tweeted .

The statement came on a day Boko Haram took the second largest city in Borno state and hoisted it's flag after sacking the MNJTF in Baga.

Buhari has kept the underperforming service chiefs in office beyond their retirement ages a situation that has greatly reduced the morale of troops and offcers according to media reports . 

Here is what Nigerians are saying about Buharis statement in Uyo Yesterday

Source : 
https://twitter.com/renoomokri/status/1078899302980698112?s=19

Events, 

Founder of The Boob Movement bares all in completely nude photos (+18 photos)









Chioma Abby Zeus constantly teases her fans with raunchy photos of her massive cleavage and lots of skin but she's gone all the way this time.

The busty activist stripped down to her birthday suit for a new photo which she shared on Instagram with the caption:

Quote:the female body is the best work of art i know. i thank the artist everyday of my life ?

Quote:more artistic nude shoots in 2019! can't wait... #TheBoobMovement

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by Linda Ikeji at 29/12/2018 10:58 AM
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Media personality, Nathaniel Adejoh, has died. Nathan who is from Kogi state, died on Monday December 24th after a long battle with an undisclosed ailment.

Nathan who got married to his pretty wife, Rachel, in April 2018, was 33 years old.

His friends and family had a candle light for him on Friday, December 28th. His remains will be buried on Saturday December 29th.

His friends have taken to social media to mourn him. See below.

Gist from Gistmore - https://gistmore.com/media-personality-nathaniel-adejoh-who-got-married-in-april-dies-at-33

A bride Fawziya Tataru has died a day before her wedding day in Bauchi.

Fawziya, a Quantity Survey graduate of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, has her wedding scheduled for 11:00am at Gwallaga mosque, today.

According to reports, Fawziya Tataru, died of an undisclosed ailment, shortly after her Wedding Walima to Abduljalil Salisu, yesterday afternoon.

Instead of her Wedding Fatiha today, which serious preparations had gone into, her funeral prayer will now hold at the same time and mosque ahead of her burial.

Her husband-to-be Abduljalil Salisu was inconsolable after hearing the sad news of his bride's demise yesterday.

https://lailasnews.com/bride-dies-a-day-before-her-wedding-in-bauchi

Promise Chukwudum, a student at the University of Regina, in Saskatchewan, Canada, has been found dead more than a month after he went missing. Police found his corpse in a creek area behind the Shell gas station on the corner of Sherwood Drive and McIntosh Street, at about 4:45 p.m. on December 21, 2018.

The 19-year-old Computer Science student and rugby player went missing in the early hours of November 17. The police said there was no indication Chukwudum’s death was a result of criminal act.

The Regina Police Service and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service are conducting a death investigation to fully understand the circumstances of his death. As of Dec. 10, police said they had to consider the possibility that he may have sought shelter somewhere from the cold, because the night he disappeared, the temperatures dipped below -20 C.

http://igberetvnews.com/502951/missing-nigerian-student-promise-chukwudum-found-dead-in-canada/

A woman has publicly shamed her husband by dragging him by his joystick after catching him cheating another woman.

The furious wife unleashed her wrath on the two after they failed to give answers to her inquiry, lodging an attack on the girlfriend Carol Matanga, before turning to her husband who was already trembling with fear.

Carol, tried to calm the storm by telling the woman that she was not cognizant that the man was married but got a bashing for ‘being stupid.”

“How can you see a grown up man like this and think he is single? You are lying as you can even see he is clean to show that someone is taking care of him. You are a Prostitute and I will teach you a lesson.” said the wife slapping Carol on the face.

Her husband’s efforts to restrain her were not fruitful and was also slapped before his wife pulled his man_hood.

“You have been lying claiming that you are now impotent, but you are busy with your girlfriend. You are even failing to support your five children because of this woman. Today I will teach you a lesson,” she said.

When the woman turned to her husband, Caro attempted to flee the scene.

The embarrassed man tried to follow suit after he saw people busy taking pictures and videos of the drama, he got inside Chronicle building, but unfortunately, the security guard chased them out.

The lovebirds were then saved by a man driving a South African registered vehicle who offered them transport and they drove away.

Gist from Gistmore - https://gistmore.com/wife-drags-husband-by-his-joystick-after-catching-him-cheating

2 Reverend Fathers attached to St. Theresa’s Parish, Umueze Anam in Anambra West local government area of Anambra State, who were kidnapped on the Christmas Eve on their way to an official function in Onitsha, regained their freedom yesterday after four days in the kidnappers’ den. 

The victims, Rev Fr Peter Nwachukwu, the parish priest of St Theresa’s Parish, Umueze-Anam and Rev Fr Cajetan Apeh, the assistant parish priest, had since reunited with their families, according to a statement by the Anambra State police command. Police Police patrol team attached to Otuocha Division had earlier recovered a light grey Toyota Corolla Car with registration number FST 689 FL belonging to one of the Reverend Fathers, which was abandoned by the kidnappers at Nneyi- Umueri road. For four days the whereabouts of the clergy men were unknown, resulting in an anxiety in many parts of the state, especially as the incidence of kidnapping had reduced in the state for some years. Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Mohammed Haruna said yesterday that Police special teams comprising the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad, FSARS, Police Mobile Force, PMF, and Counter Terrorism Special Anti Cult unit, in conjunction with other security agencies and the Anambra State Vigilante group, had mounted an intensive search, which led to their rescue. He said that following the joint operations since the incident took place and with the aid of a modern technology and aerial surveillance due to difficult terrain in the area, the abductors were forced to abandon their victims at about 6:45pm on 27/12/2018 Although he did not state where the victims were rescued, the PPRO said that efforts were being intensified to apprehend perpetrators of the heinous crime in order to bring them to justice. He said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Garba Umar had used the opportunity of the rescue of the Reverend Fathers to reassure Anambra people of their safety during the yuletide period and beyond. “The CP further warned all criminal elements that Anambra is not a place to operate as they will surely meet their waterloo and be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law,” the PPRO said. 

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/two-rev-frs-regain-freedom-after-4-days-in-kidnappers-den-in-anambra/

Some pastors who escaped tragedy following a road mishap while travelling to Imo state, are thankful to God for the miraculous survival.

According to Evangelist Sunday Okafor, he was travelling to a program in his Ford explorer SUV along with two other pastors on Friday, December 28th, before fire broke out from his seat.

The occupants escaped from the vehicle before trying to quench the fire all to no avail. 

The SUV was burnt beyond recognition as can be seen in the pictures. 

After the incident, Evangelist Sunday Okafor said; 

Please join me thank God for this deliverance from premature death. I was driving to a program today 28th.Dec.to Imo state with my ford Explorer jeep suddenly fire broke out my seat while driving with two of my pastors. 

Thank God no life was lost. Divinity is on our side! 


See more; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/12/3-pastors-escape-death-after-suv-went-up-in-flames-while-travelling-photos.html

2 men have been arrested for robbery in Bayelsa State during the Christmas celebrations in Yenagoa the state capital.

One of the suspects was said to have won a jackpot of N4m from a popular football lottery firm about three weeks earlier, before he was arrested over his involvement in armed robbery.

According to sources, the suspect was also a popular member of a cult in the area, Punch metro reports.

The sources, who said they were surprised by the development, noted that they were expecting the young man to use the money he had won to start a business or trade.

They added that they were surprised that his N4m was already gone.

The two robbers were arrested on Christmas Eve at Swali, a suburb of Yenagoa, near a popular new generation bank in the area.

The two robbers waited for customers to withdraw money from the bank before attacking them.

They were, however, unlucky as they were apprehended while they were committing the crime.

Spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, said the suspected robbers were in police custody.

He added that they were helping the police in their efforts to nab other members of the group, who were still at large.

Butswat said,

“On December 24, 2018, at about 7pm, two notorious armed robbers were arrested at Swali by UBA Bank, while waiting to rob unsuspecting members of the public of their money after withdrawals.

“The suspects are Henry Kingsley, 28, from Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa State and one Moses Roland, 25, from Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.

“They were arrested in possession of one locally made pistol with 9mm live ammunition and one locally made pistol with AA live ammunition. The suspects are in custody and are undergoing interrogation.”

The police spokesperson advised members of the public to report any suspicious movement of persons in their neighbourhood to the police.

https://lailasnews.com/man-arrested-for-robbery-in-bayelsa-3-weeks-after-winning-n4million-lottery/

Quote:An Ikeja magistrate’s court sitting in Ogba, Lagos State, has ordered the remand of a 35-year-old man, Peter Adida, in prison custody for allegedly defiling his daughter.

Adida was arraigned by the police on one count bordering on the alleged crime before a magistrate, Mrs O. Sule-Amzat.

It was learnt that Adida was arrested after his wife lodged a complaint at the Lamgbasa Police Station that he fondled their daughter’s private parts.

The family lived on Oyelayo Olajisoye Street, Badore, Ajah, where the incident happened.

The wife, Taiwo, had reportedly noticed some discharge from the private parts of the two-year-old on November 15, 2018 and raised the alarm.

She was said to have prodded the kid, who allegedly accused her father of touching her private parts.

The case was later transferred to the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja and the suspect was charged to court.

A police prosecutor, Inspector Benson Emerhi, who brought Adida before the court, said the offence was punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The charge read, “That you, Peter Dada, sometime in November 2018, on Oyelayo Olajisoye Street, Aja, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did unlawfully defile a two-year-old, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.”

In the remand warrant application filed before the court, the police gave the narrative of the victim’s mother as regards the incident.

“One Mrs Taiwo reported that her two-year-old daughter was defiled by her father, one Peter Adida, 35. The complainant stated that on November 15, 2018, she noticed that her daughter was having some discharge in her vaginal and that when she took her to a hospital, it was discovered that there was penetration in her vaginal.

“She alleged that on questioning her daughter, she told her that it was her father who touched her (private parts). The suspect, however, made a statement, denying the allegation.”

The presiding magistrate, Sule-Amzat, did not take the plea of the defendant.

She ordered that he be remanded in prison custody pending the outcome of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions on the matter.

Cossy Ojiakor reveals her battle with depression in 2018









As the year 2018 comes to an end, Nollywood actress, Cossy Orjiakor reflects on how much she achieved and her battle with depression.

 

According to her, 'this year 2018, I did not achieve all I marked out for myself. Then depression sets in. I'm depressed for minor things like not meeting up with the number of movies I set to produce each year.

 

'Come to think of it I look terrible in my own movies cause I look stressed when producing and relating with people. Then the music thing, I look stressed in my music video too. I look stressed each time I use my brain. So Next year 2019 God's willing'.


by Linda Ikeji at 28/12/2018 8:03 PM
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY, 29TH DECEMBER.

PRAY MORE IN TONGUES.

He who speaks in a [spiritual] tongue edifies and improves himself... (1 Corinthians 14:4).

The importance of praying in tongues can never be overemphasised. As a Christian, to significantly improve your spiritual growth and comprehension, praying in tongues is an extremely vital element. But sadly, there’re those who say, “Well, our church doesn’t believe in speaking in tongues.” Understand that speaking in tongues isn’t a denominational phenomenon.

Every Christian ought to speak in tongues! That’s where the secret of power is.
Our opening verse says, “He who speaks in a [spiritual] tongue edifies and improves himself….” The question is, do you want to improve yourself? Do you want to operate at a new level of spiritual maturity and efficiency this incoming year? Do you desire to make tremendous progress and take giant strides in all affairs of life? Speaking in tongues will help. The Bible says, “But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 1:20 AMPC).
Praying in tongues will help you make progress, and cause you to rise like an edifice, higher and higher. The more you pray in tongues, the more sensitive you are to the Spirit, to receive and follow His guidance in all you do.

For example, maybe you don’t yet know the precise steps to take to expand or advance your ministry, business, or career in the coming year; take some time to speak in tongues. You’ll have spiritual insight and foresight.

Another important advantage of speaking in tongues is that it charges you up, like a battery. And when a battery is fully charged, it works effectively and lasts longer. Satan may throw darts at you, to distract you, but praying in the Holy Ghost makes you formidable; you’ll be able to withstand anything, and resist every evil.

Any time you face challenges in your life, get into your closet, and speak in tongues; charge yourself. When you’re done, you’ll be filled with the wisdom to prevail and excel. Keep yourself perpetually “high” on God’s power by speaking in tongues always!

CONFESSION

I’m built up, thriving on my most holy faith, making progress by the supernatural, and rising like an edifice, ever higher and higher, as I pray in the Holy Ghost! I’m never disadvantaged! Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

1 Corinthians 14:2 & 18 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Revelation 20 & Zechariah 12-14

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Revelation 21:13-27 & Zechariah 13-14


#TALKINGSESSION

29TH DECEMBER.

KINDLY SAY THIS WORDS OUT LOUD.

Dear Father, I thank you for the power of your Word to produce for me today my anticipated miracle as I put my faith to work. I declare that your Word is growing mightily and prevailing in me, thus my progress and success is apparent to all. I take after

Jesus because I am born of His Word. As I study and meditate on His Word, I become like Him more and more. I do the same things He does and gets His kind of results every day. My life only goes in the direction of the Son of God. Therefore, I’ll never fail in life; I can only be a marvel and an outstanding success, just like Jesus. Hallelujah!

God bless you

Militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) group have hoisted their flag in a Nigerian town after seizing control of it, three residents have told the BBC.

Hundreds of people have fled the fishing town of Baga after the militants overran it on Wednesday night, the residents said.

The militants seized weapons from a military base, and torched a naval base on the shores of Lake Chad, they said.

The military denied Baga had fallen, saying the attack had been repelled.

But PRNigeria, an agency well-connected with the military, quoted an intelligence officer as saying that troops had made a "tactical withdrawal" from their base after coming under attack.

"The Nigerian Air Force in response to distress call quickly mobilised military aircraft and flew over 20 sorties [on] Wednesday night and throughout Thursday," it quoted the unnamed officer as saying.

A resident, who spoke to the BBC after he fled Baga, said a militant led the morning prayer on Thursday at his mosque in the town.

Other armed militants were present at the mosque, and prayed there too, the resident said.

The militants told the congregation that civilians would not be targeted and were free to leave the town, he added.

The fighters identified themselves as being members of the Islamic State's West Africa Province (Iswap), an IS affiliate which has distanced itself from Boko Haram, the main insurgent group in north-eastern Nigeria.

The militants had captured heavy armoured tanks, boats and a large cache of weapons during the raid on the military and naval bases, other residents said.


The military base was the local headquarters of the multinational task force, which includes troops from neighbouring states fighting the militants, the residents added.

Some troops fled with civilians, as the militants stormed the town, in north-eastern Borno state, on Wednesday night, the residents said.

In a statement on Thursday, Nigerian army spokesman Sani Usman confirmed the attack on the military base but said the militants had been pushed back after troops put up a "determined fight".

"Similarly, a search and rescue team has been constituted. The Nigerian Air Force component has also been mobilised and are engaging the fleeing terrorists. Unfortunately, a naval personnel was killed in action," he added.


January 2015, Boko Haram took control of the town after killing hundreds of residents and forcing thousands to flee.

Baga - and most other territory seized by the militants - was later retaken by the army.


Some analysts fear there will be an escalation of attacks by the militants in the run-up to elections next year.

President Muhammdu Buhari, who is seeking a second term, took office in 2015 with a promise to defeat the militants.

At the launch of his re-election campaign on Friday in the southern city of Uyo, he said the militants had lost much territory since he took office.

"We are going to eventually clear them out of the country," he said, without referring to the ongoing fighting in Baga.

I saw this on the BBC and thought you should see it:

Islamic State-linked terrorists 'seize Nigeria's Baga town' - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-46705837

Update: Dangote not a member of APC campaign council - Presidency

Nigeria's presidency has clarified the status of billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote who was named as member of APC campaign council

- The presidency said Dangote is not a card carrying member of the APC

- Recall that the ruling All Progressives Congress made appointments into its presidential campaign council

- Bola Tinubu was appointed as a co-chairman of the council and will also be a member of the special advisory committee to President Muhammadu Buhari

- Billionaire businessmen Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola are also members of the special advisory committee to the president

The inclusion of billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote in the list of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council for the 2019 general elections has been clarified.

The presidency in a statement signed by by Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president media and publicity said the businessman is not a member of the APC.

The statement read:

"It has become imperative to further clarify the status of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, named under the sub-head ADVISORY MEMBERS in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council announced on Friday, December 28, 2018.

"Africa's richest man, not being a card-carrying member of APC, cannot, and is not member of the PCC. He is also a member of the Peace Committee, and thus cannot be in a partisan campaign council."

Legit.ng earlier reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed the national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, and billionaire businessmen Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, into its presidential campaign council for the 2019 general elections.

The news outlet gathers that the full list of members of the presidential council was released on Friday, December 28, by the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina.

Tinubu, who will be co-chairing the council while the president chairs it, is part of the special advisory committee to President Buhari. Some other members of the committee include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Dangote, Otedola, Senator Ahmed Lawan among others.

See full list below:

Chairman

President Muhammadu Buhari

Co-chairman

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Deputy chairmen

1. Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

2. The APC national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole

Vice chairman, north

Senator George Akume

Vice chairman, south

Senator Ken Nnamani

Director general

His Excellency, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi

Deputy director general (operations)

Senator AO Mamora

Deputy director general (coordination)

Arch Waziri Bulama

Secretary

1. Adamu Adamu

2. Dele Alake

Zonal directors

a. Northwest: Senator Aliyu M. Wamakko

b. Northeast: Senator Muh’d Ali Ndume

c. North Central: Senator Abdullahi Adamu

d. Southwest: Sola Oke (SAN)

e. Southeast: Sharon Ikeazor

f. South South: Senator Godswill Akpabio

Directorates

a. Director, Buhari Support Groups - Dr Mahmoud Mohammed

b. Director, strategic communications - Festus Keyamo (SAN)

a. Deputy Director- Abike Dabiri- Erewa

c. Director, contact & mobilization - Hadiza Bala Usman

a. Deputy Director South -Victor Eboigre

b. Deputy Director North- Senator Bashir Nalado

d. Director, Election Planning & Monitoring - Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN

a. Deputy director I- Baba Kura Abba Jato

b. Deputy director II-Chief Emani Ayiri

e. Director, logistics – Dr. Pius Odubu

a. Deputy director- Senator Umanah Umanah

b. Deputy director II- Nasiru Danu

f. Director, policy research & strategy- Prof Abdulrahman Oba

a. Deputy director- Prof AK Usman

g. Director, Youth mobilization- Hon Tony Nwoye assisted by the APC youth leader Sadiq

a. Deputy Director North- Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed

b. Deputy director South - Jasper Azuatalam

h. Director, admin- Onari Brown

a. Deputy director I- Chris Hassan

b. Deputy director II- Abubakar Magaji Gasau

i. Director, women mobilization- Woman Leader Salamatu Baiwa

a. Deputy director, north – Binta Mu’azu

b. Deputy director, south - Adejoke Orelope Adefulire

j. Director, security – Gen A Dambazzau

a. Deputy Directors - Brigadier General Gambo and Mr. U. Ukoma

k. Director Legal – Emeka Ngige (SAN)

a. Deputy Director- Prof. Maman Lawan Yusufari

l. Director, field operations - Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

M. Director, finance - Wale Edun

Deputy Director ….Alhaji Adamu Fadan

Special advisory committee to Mr President

1. Vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

2. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

3. Senator Ahmed Lawan (Senate leader)

4. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila ( Leader of the House )

5. APC Party national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole

6. Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

7. Mr. Femi Otedola

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app

Council members

1. Chief Bisi Akande

2. Chief John Oyegun

3. Senator Ita Enang

4. All APC serving Senators

5. All APC serving and former governors

6. All APC members of the House of Representatives

7. All members of the national working committee of the APC

8. All zonal women leader

State coordinators

1. Governors are to serve as state coordinators in their respective states

2. Gubernatorial candidates in non- APC states will serve as state coordinators in their respective states.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the national coordinator of APC Broom Platform, Dr Tom Ohikere, predicted that the ruling party would have a strong showing in the states controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He identified the states as: Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi, and all in southeast and south-south region of the country.

Ohikere, who made the prediction in a statement he signed in Abuja on Tuesday, December 4, attributed his calculation to the personality of President Muhammadu Buhari, who he described as a blessing and an asset to the APC.

https://www.legit.ng/amp/1212189-update-dangote-a-member-apc-campaign-council-presidency.html

The Peoples Redemption Party member representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani, has challenged the management of the communications giant, Etisalat, and Keystone bank to publish the list of their shareholders without further delay.

The senator through his verified Twitter handle on Friday said such action by the management of the two organisations would put a stop to the controversies surrounding their ownership.


The Atiku Campaign Organisation had through one of their spokespersons, Buba Galadima, alleged on Wednesday that families, associates, and cronies of President Muhammadu Buhari, were the largest shareholders in the two firms.

But Sani said the immediate publication of the firms’ owners, would also save the President, whose integrity was already being called to question, from ridicule.

Sani tweeted, “In view of the moral dust raised by the questions on the shares of the two firms now on the scale of integrity, Etisalat & Keystone should publish the full names of their shareholders, to exhale the billows of smoke and clear the dark clouds hanging over the landscape of our nation.”


In another tweet, the senator urged any Nigerian with concrete evidence of corruption against the family of President Muhammadu Buhari to send such to the relevant anti-corruption agencies in the country for necessary investigations.

He also challenged those accusing the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 general elections, former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, to write a petition to the anti-graft agencies instead of making a noise about it in the media.

He said, “If you have any concrete case of corruption against the ex-VP, forward it to the relevant anti-corruption agency; If you have any concrete case of corruption against the family of Mr. President, forward it to the relevant anti-corruption agency. Else, it’s all about ghosts and shadows.”

https://punchng.com/publish-your-shareholders-shehu-sani-tells-etisalat-keystone-bank/amp/

An SUV transporting a family of five (5) children along with the father and mother who were traveling home today for the Holiday/Festive Season, caught fire at Ndele/Elele Area of River State. They were rescued by High Chief Ike Nkos Obuzor. No life was Lost.

News credit: Lugard Ify Leventis

Nairabet CEO, Akin Alabi pulled massive crowd for his House of Representative campaign Ibadan today. The APC candidate shared the pictures on social media with the following capture,

While we talk about the uncommon Akwa Ibom crowd, let’s remember that your humble friend, Akin Alabi also pulled a sizeable crowd for his House of Representatives campaign flag off in Ibadan earlier this month. Abi I no try? � Everyone wants to associate with the APC!!! �

See pictures below,

https://www.zenzireporters.com/2018/12/photos-nairabet-ceo-akin-alabi-pulled.html

December 28, 2018
A woman has got herself trending on Facebook and other social media platforms after her intimate pictures were leaked online.

According to some online users, the married woman was discovered to be having an extra-marital after some pictures showing her pleasuring herself – were sent to her lover.
It was gathered that the affair between the woman and her lover had been going on for some time without her husband’s knowledge till the pictures emerged and he got wind of it.

Two Months After Commissioning, $111m Port Harcourt Airport Yet To Become Operational


Two Months After Commissioning, $111m Port Harcourt Airport Yet To Become Operational
“It is bad that two months after the commissioning of Port Harcourt airport, we are yet to use the new terminal. We all knew from the beginning that the terminal was not ready, but the minister forced the contractor to commission it. Now, months after the forceful commissioning, no one is able to use the terminal. As at Monday, serious work was still ongoing at the terminal and it may not be ready by March next year. That is the challenge we have been facing in this sector," a source told SaharaReporters.

BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORKDEC 26, 2018


The commissioning of the Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Omegwa, Port Harcourt on October 25, 2018 was with fanfare, but two months after the inauguration, the airport is yet to be opened for use.

Investigation revealed that the airport, which was constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd. (CCECC) Nigeria, for $111.1million was yet to be completed by the contractor.

A source close to the Ministry of Transport, Aviation Unit, told our correspondent on Wednesday that the new terminal may not be ready for use until March 2019.

According to the source, Hadi Sirika, Nigeria's Minister of State for Aviation, had "hoodwinked President Muhammadu Buhari to commission the terminal after the crisis that trailed the failed attempt on a new national carrier for the country".

It was gathered that the contracting firm had told Sirika that the new terminal was not ready for use, but the minister had insisted on commissioning the terminal at the time in order to get commendation from the president.

Investigation by SaharaReporters revealed that intense work was still ongoing at the new terminal, as several equipment were still being fixed by the contractors.

Speaking on the state of affairs at the airport, the source said: “It is bad that two months after the commissioning of Port Harcourt airport, we are yet to use the new terminal. We all knew from the beginning that the terminal was not ready, but the minister forced the contractor to commission it.

“Now, months after the forceful commissioning, no one is able to use the terminal. As at Monday, serious work was still ongoing at the terminal and it may not be ready by March next year. That is the challenge we have been facing in this sector.”

At the commissioning in October, President Muhammadu Buhari had said that the new terminal would further open up the economic activities in the state as goods and cargo movement would increase in the state and other neighbouring states.

Buhari said the new terminal would accommodate at least seven million passengers annually, adding that it would further bring the nation's aviation industry up to international standards.

He emphasised that plans were underway to link the Port Harcourt Airport to the ongoing construction of the Warri railway line, noting that this would also make air travel affordable and convenient for passengers.

Speaking at the commissioning, Buhari had said: "The concession of four international airports in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Abuja will improve infrastructure in Nigeria. Our desire is to make air travel more affordable to all and this we are achieving with the commissioning of these new terminals. I want to commend the Chinese Exim Bank for their financial support towards the completion of this project".

Also, Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State, had stated that the South South region was happy with the project, stating that it would foster further investment in the state.

"I can tell you this today that the people of Rivers State and the Niger Delta are happy with you Mr. President. This terminal here will help the drive of the state to grow the economy and it will attract investment to the state. What has happened here shows that Rivers State is safe, Rivers State is secure and if it was not, CCECC will not have been here to construct this," Wike said.


http://saharareporters.com/2018/12/26/two-months-after-commissioning-111m-port-harcourt-airport-yet-become-operational