22 Nigerian Army Officers Facing Military Court In Lagos

A batch of 22 army officers is set to be court-martialed in Lagos in connection with recent military failures in the northeast of Nigeria.
The court, set up by the Major General Tibi, the General Officer Commanding the 81 Division of the Nigerian army, will take place at the Officer’s mess of the Military Cantonment in Ikeja.  The five-man panel will be headed by Brigadier-General CO Ayara.
In the dock will be mainly those officers recently alleged to have abandoned the frontline of the military operations in Adamawa State as Boko Haram militants invaded Mubi and overran Vimtim, the hometown of the Chief of Defense Staff, Alex Badeh.   It is alleged that the officers did not lift a finger against the insurgents.

2015: Jonathan and Buhari will have to “Sign MoU on violence-free elections”- Akinyemi writes

A former Foreign Minister and Deputy Chairman, 2014 National Conference, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has warned of dangers ahead of the February 2015 general elections.
Akinyemi, who accused some Nigerians of readiness to drag the country down the path of disintegration, urged prominent Nigerians to call the two leading presidential candidates to order before the 2015 polls.
It emerged at the weekend that Akinyemi sent a letter dated December 16, 2014, to the President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; and General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He, therein, recalled the conditions precedent before the post election violence of 2011 appear to be child’s play when compared with the already over-charged political atmosphere of the present times.
Akinyemi, however, suggested a way out of the looming doom, which he noted should be considered to the loss of lives in the aftermath of the 2011 elections.
Akinyemi’s letter reads:

Okupe Replies APC on President Jonathan’s N27billion Campaign Donation

Dr Doyin Okupe, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, has replied the All Progressives Congress’, APC’s condemnation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s N27billion campaign fund.A statement issued by Okupe on behalf of the Presidency read, “Even though we have always known them to be a party with no clear directions, we never thought they could descend so low in exhibiting clear mischief and folly on a critical national issue.

“We wish to reiterate that this government and the PDP will not engage in a dubious practice of collecting money from private individuals and corporate organisations for a purpose only to divert such money to other purposes.

Why the Pope Honoured Obi - Cleric

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor said that the Universal Church through Mr. Peter Obi’s local Diocese of Awka decided to honour the former Governor and his Commissioner for Works, Arc. Callistus Ilozumba with the Papal Knighthood of St Sylvester as a gesture of appreciation for the work they did in Anambra State within the eight years he was the Governor. The Bishop said this during Obi’s investiture at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka yesterday.
The Bishop preaching from the theme of yesterday’s reading said that God was always willing to use us as His instrument provided we cooperate with Him as Virgin Mary cooperated with him. Citing Obi as one person in the position of power that allowed himself to be used by God for the good of the society, the Prelate said that before him it was as if Anambra State was abandoned to the hands of barbarians, and that with the coming of Obi, things changed for the better and Anambra State had not remained the same thereafter.

Mountain of Fire And Miracles Ministries: Another African Church Prosecuting Witch hunt in Contemporary America By Leo Igwe

To most Americans, witch hunting ended in Salem centuries ago. They assume this dark age practice has no place in contemporary America. But is that really the case? I do not think so. Witchcraft accusation is going on at least in some migrant communities across the country. There are clear indications that many African churches are prosecuting a 'silent war' against 'witches' in the name of practicing Christianity. These churches are recharging witchcraft narratives in African migrant communities. African Pentecostal pastors are spreading witchcraft-based fears, panic and hysteria, fueling witchcraft suspicions and insinuations, and inciting hatred and violence against vulnerable members of the population.

"I Had To Sleep On The Same Bed With Another Man In Order To Form Transparency International"-Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Comrade Seyi Gambo, a former National PRO of PENGASSAN is the Convener of the Good Governance Group (3G), a newly formed group which seeks to create a healthy environment for socio-political debates. Seyi's team met with former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta yesterday. Seyi and his crew had an "interview" with the former president and below is the raw transcript of what Obasanjo told Seyi and his crew:

Comrade 'Seyi Gambo, Chief Obasanjo, Ireti Ojekhoa, Dele Akinsuli, Dipo Akinrinlade, Kelechi Deca, and Adegboyega Otunuga

Govs, Businessmen, Others Donate N21.27bn To Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection bid received a major boost on Saturday, as businessmen, multinational organisations, interest groups and individuals donated the sum of N21.27bn to support his campaign for the 2015 presidential election.

President Goodluck Jonathan and other national officials at the PDP fundraiser
State House Photo
The naira rain was at the Peoples Democratic Party Fund Raising Dinner held at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, set the ball rolling, when he announced a donation of N2bn.

He said the sum consisted of N1bn donated by him and his partner, and another N1bn contributed by their unnamed friends.

PHOTOS: Bishop Ezeokafor Thanks Obiano for Continuity says "Willie Is Indeed Working"

 One is greatly moved by the Homily of His Lordship, Most Rev Paulinus C. Ezeokafor on the occasion of the Investiture as Papal Knights of St Sylvester, of Chief Peter Obi and Hon Callistus Ilozumba happening today at St Patrick’s Catheral, Awka, which suggests that continuity is working in Anambra State.

Part of the homily reads:

“We know no one has really succeeded till he or she gets a worthy successor… Following the prayers of our people for a worthy successor to Chief Peter Obi, Anambra has been blessed with Chief Willie Obiano who since assuming office has left no one in doubt about his commitment to the welfare of Anambrarians.

Latest Results from Obiano Xmas Soccer Fiesta

As the battle to determine the lead local government continues, here are some results from the ongoing Obiano Xmas Soccer Fiesta.

If you have not watched any of the matches live then you are missing the opportunity to see real grassroots mobilization. It is interesting to perceive the players’ commitment and observe how Ndi Anambra troop out to cheer their respective teams to victory.

Recall that this is the first time such a huge football tournament, involving male and female, is being held as part of the Christmas Celebration.

Obiano Charges Candidates to go for Victory as APGA Flags off 2015 Campaign

Candidates flying the flag of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the coming general elections were handed a “battle cry” at the formal presentation of flags at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra State capital Saturday where the new BoT Chairman and National Leader of the party, Chief Willie Obiano charged them to “go and win” all the positions that are up for grabs in the coming elections.

Obiano Xmass Soccer Fiesta

So much fun in this yuletide season. Thanks to the focused and people-oriented action governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano

The Obiano Xmas Soccer Fiesta is getting more interesting as the competition nears its final stage.

Ministry of Youth and Sports is hosting the Football Competition for all the 21 LGA teams (both Male and Female) as part of the Christmas celebrations.

There are 7 venues for the preliminary stage while the finals will hold at Rojenny Complex, Oba on the 29^th December 2014 by 2pm.

Show Gratitude to God, Bishop Ezeokafor Urges Christians in His Christmas Message

BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA

As Christians the world over set to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ on 25 December, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor has urged Christians to use the period of Christmas celebration to show profound gratitude and thanksgiving to God for sparing their lives.

Bishop Ezeokafor who stated this in his Christmas message said one of the abiding lessons of Christmas was the depth and power of God's love noting that out of love for humanity, God emptied Himself to take human form adding that the power of God's Love for His Children unsettled King Herod and he felt threatened.

His words, 'King Herod feared that the baby born at the Manger had come to take his kingdom from him and he decided to eliminate Him the Prince of Peace. When the three wise men did not return to inform him of the birth place of Jesus Christ.

Robbers Kill US Based Couple Along Benin-Onitsha Highway Asaba

It was meant to be a grieving and pleasure trip; one to honour family members with their presence. It was also an opportunity to share love with kinsmen at Christmas time. Tragically, the lives of Houston Texas based couple; Mr. and Mrs. Don and Nkem Okoro alongside their 2 year old niece; Zizi where cut short by an encounter with armed robbers along the Benin – Onitsha highway while on their way to participate and officiate  at the burial of  Don’s only younger brother, Emmanuel who died very recently.

FAYOSE DISTRIBUTES CHRISTMAS LARGESSE TO EKITI PEOPLE

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has distributed not less than 80,000 chickens and 100,000 bags of rice to the Ekiti people between Thursday and Friday.
His Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti said the Christmas largesse including cash gift were distributed under the stomach infrastructure programme.
According to him, people of the State who continued to besiege the Governor’s office in their large numbers as well as those who had theirs delivered to them at their domain were amazed at the milk of kindness of the Governor, saying it has been long such has occurred in the State.
“Some of the elderly who could not hide their joy at the rear opportunity of having to celebrate the season with the package poured torrents of prayers on the man they referred to as supporter of a common man.

Obanikoro has no electoral value — Ex-minister, Ogunlewe

A former Minister of Works and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, in this interview with Ashiwaju.org  speaks on the crisis rocking the PDP in Lagos over the governorship primary that produced Jimi Agbaje as the candidate for the 2015 governorship election in the state

Is it true that the Peoples Democratic Party is making efforts to reconcile with a former Minister of State for Defence, Amb. Musiliu Obanikoro, and others who are aggrieved with the party’s hierarchy in Lagos over the outcome of the recently held governorship primary in the state?

As Peter Obi Receives Papal's Knighthood Award Today, Obienyem writes from Abuja

The concept of granting dignities and honouring people who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields has always been part of man in all epochs and cultures. Its inception might remain unknown to anyone. It probably belongs to the mysteries of origin about which all might guess and propound theories, but none might ever know conclusively.
In the years gone by, there were a lot of values that were applauded in Igbo land and beyond. Then, excellence was the norm; Igbos cherished and applauded it. Titles and dignities were conferred on, and granted to people based on merit and nothing else. As far back as a pry into Igbo history can reveal, it was not in vain that Igbos conferred names and titles such as Diji, Diochi, Dike, Dimgba, di this or di that on people. The bearers of such titles were experts in cultivation of yam, palm wine-tapping, wrestling, or would have performed some heroic acts in other endeavours. These people achieved excellence in their fields and were consequently honoured.

Jonathan vs Buhari: The running mate politics

The choice of the running mate for the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, and the All Progressives Congress’s candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), may influence voting in the 2015 presidential election,
The two biggest political parties in Nigeria — the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition, All Progressives Congress — have presented their candidates for the 2015 presidential election. They are President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP and a former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) of the APC. The battle for the number one office in the country is between these two.

While a presidential aspirant emerges the candidate of a political party by winning a primary election, the vice-presidential candidate is selected or appointed as a running mate by either the candidate, the party or by a consensus reached by both.

According to political analysts, the choice of a running mate in an election should be strategic. The personality, background, affiliations and political clout of the aspirants are considered before the candidate is chosen. The analysts believe that in a political clime like Nigeria, parties will consider the tribe or ethnic nationality, education and career, religion and political antecedents of the running mate. These, they say, are factors that will get more votes for the presidential or governorship candidate.

Osinbajo: South-South snub by APC irrelevant, says Briggs

A Niger Delta activist and spokesperson for the Ijaw Republican Assembly, Ms. Annkio Briggs, has downplayed the decision of the All Progressives Congress not to pick a South-South running mate for its presidential candidate, Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Buhari (retd.).
The APC, on Wednesday, named a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as its vice-presidential candidate.
Top contenders for the slot from the South-South were Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo.
Briggs, in an interview with curreld from Channels TV interview, described the absence of a South-South vice-presidential candidate in the APC as irrelevant, as President Goodluck Jonathan is from the region.

Gunmen kidnap ASUU chair’s wife, demand N50m ransom

Gunmen on Friday kidnapped wife of the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Osun State University chapter, Mrs. Funmilayo Abiona.
Abiona was abducted in Osogbo around 7:30pm.
Ashiwaju.org gathered on Saturday that Mrs. Abiona closed from her shop around Oke Bale area of Osogbo and was heading home to meet her husband, Dr. Oluseye Abiona, when the hoodlums, who had been on her trail, caught up with her and forcefully took her away after a hot argument.
The hoodlums, according to some residents of the area, were dressed in red shirts.

Pray for 2015, Adeboye urges Nigerians

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on Nigerians to be persistent in their prayers for Nigeria.
Adeboye made the call at the annual Christmas Carol and thanksgiving service organised by the Oyo State Government in Ibadan on Saturday.
Also present at the event were Governor Abiola Ajimobi; his wife, Florence; his deputy, Moses Alake; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Oyo State, Johnson Olabisi; Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Oyo State, Taiwo Adelakun; leader, Living Spring International, Femi Emmanuel; traditional rulers and several others.
Adeboye stressed the need for the country not to doubt the work of God as miracles could happen any time.

Osinbajo: APC, PDP change zoning formula

The country’s two major political parties the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Party have kick-started a realignment of forces in order to upstage each other in the forthcoming 2015 presidential election.
The realignment is said to be one of the fallouts of the emergence of Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the vice- presidential candidate of the APC on Wednesday.
Both parties, Ashiwaju.org  learnt, might have changed their zoning formula to ensure that the selection of Osinbajo would not hurt their chances at the polls.
Osinbajo, a former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, is a native of Ikenne, Ogun State in the South-West. His wife, Dolapo, is a granddaughter of the first Premier of the Western Region and foremost Yoruba politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Truck Loaded With INEC Ballot Boxes Arrested In Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command, following intelligence report, arrested and detained a vehicle loaded with ballot boxes belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Saturday, 20 December, 2014.

The vehicle was searched by a team of security agents and over three hundred ballot boxes were found. The driver of the vehicle presented a way bill indicating that he was authorised by INEC to convey the ballot boxes to INEC’s North East Zonal office in Gombe.

Details Of How Buhari Walked Out On Tinubu Over Choice Of Vice Presidential Candidate

Call it the many nights of long knives, it still may not sufficiently capture the intrigues, betrayals, sellouts and drama that typified the various meetings which ultimately culminated in the choice of a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Professor Yemi Osibajo, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy to the presidential standard-bearer of the party, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari.

With barely 24 hours to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for the submission of names of candidates by political parties, the name Osibajo, which had been making the rounds as the alternative choice, finally got the official stamp of approval of the general to run with him on the party’s ticket.

Practically all but the last meeting convened for the choice of a running mate for Buhari had failed for one reason: the reported interest of a former governor of Lagos State and one of the national leaders of the party, Bola Tinubu, who made a poor show of concealing his desire for the job.

I am too young to get married- Timaya

Timaya may be 37-year-old with a babymama and a daughter, yet, he believes he is still too young to get married .He told Saturday Beats: “I am not yet ready to get married and anyone who is looking for that is only being deceived because I am too young to get married. Marriage is not all about MONEY and nobody knows what I have in the bank because they are not my accountant. Musicians lie a lot, so don’t believe most of what they tell you. They are only trying to ‘package’ themselves.

I am not prepared for marriage because I am not yet ready to sacrifice for any woman, I am sorry. My daughter is my life and I love her so much but marriage is not on my mind. I don’t want a situation whereby I will tell a woman I want to travel somewhere and she would be complaining.”Talking about his sudden love for vulgar lyrics, Timaya said:

Oma Nnadi back from US with love

Star actress, Oma Nnadi, who has been shuttling between the United States and Nigeria in recent times, has finally returned home with love. The actress flew into the country last week, looking hot, daring   and irresitible.

She jetted out of the country two weeks ago after she returned from America where she observed her vacation. Oma said she “loves travelling a lot,” adding that “America is like a second home to me.”

Could it be that the Nkwere, Imo State-born actress, has found love in America, or that she’s hoping to do so ?

Boko Haram Attacks Damagum, Casualty Level Unknown

Boko Haram militants have in the past hour launched an attack on Damagum, Yobe State, Ashiwaju.org learnt, leaving several people dead.
Our source, a military officer of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State, but who is currently on operations in Yobe State, confirmed to Ashiwaju.org that the militants attacked the town about one hour ago.
He said the level of casualties was unclear, but the military is working to obtain further information.

Obasanjo’s Group thrown into Dilemma following the INEC’s Recognition of Kashamu’s Faction

The crisis rocking the PDP in Ogun State has entered a crucial stage as the Independent National Electoral Commission recognized a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by the South West leader of the party, Mr. Buruji Kashamu, thereby worsening the crisis over parallel primaries in the state.
This action has therefore thrown the faction allegedly being financed by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo into dilemma.
The INEC Secretary, Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu, in a letter to the national chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, and obtained by journalists on Friday in Abuja, said the action was based on two previous orders in a Federal High Court in Lagos.
They are suit Nos. FHC/L/CS/1266/2012-Chief (Engr.) Adebayo Dayo & ANORS Vs. INEC & ORS; and FHC/L/CS/347/2012-Chief (Engr.) Adebayo Dayo & ANORS Vs. PDP & ANORS in Re-Application for committal of PDP and 4 ORS.

Why I refuse to have a management team —Femi Kuti

Leading entertainment outfit, Chocolate City, has officially sealed a management deal with Femi Kuti, the first son of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, during the week in Lagos.
Femi, who was phyiscally present at the event, expressed satisfaction with the terms of the contract. He said, “I am looking forward to a great future with the company. We are both happy about the deal. So, we are hoping and projecting that we shall have a great future together.”

I can’t wait to get married —Awele Odita

Awele Odita, a Higher National Diploma (HND) mass communication graduate of Moshood Abiola Polythenic, Ojere Abeokuta, is an upcoming actress. Though, a native of Delta state, Awele speaks Yoruba like her mother tongue and has featured in many Yoruba films. She talks about her acting career and fashion preferences. Excerpts:
Your soon-to-be-released movie, Ibudo, what is it about?
Ibudo is a story that educates the public against discrimination. It is a movie meant for both the old and young. I thank God for the success of its making.
Who are the cast?

Judith Audu ecstatic over AMVO nomination

Fast rising actress, Judith Audu, is currently in a happy mood. Her movie,Not Right, was one of the films nominated in the Best Short Film category for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2015.
amvThe actress took to her facebook page during the week to celebrate the nomination. “I have been in a state of shock!!!, laughed, screamed, cried, shouted like a mad person!!! Am overwhelmed with so much joy that can’t be put in words!!! Oh my God!!! Oh my God!!! Against all odds you keep blessing me! You keep giving me a reason to want to dance!
To celebrate no matter what! You always put a new song in my mouth! My God, I just want to lift my voice and sing praises unto you till my voice cracks. Thank you! Thank you to everybody that has in one way or the other encouraged, motivated and given me a platform to do what I love to do and to do even more.

Graphic video: Boko Haram cuts off hands of two men accused of stealing

This graphic video shows Boko Haram men amputating the hands of two people accused of stealing. According to what was reported, one was accused of stealing of N600k and returned only N20k but when his house was searched, they found an extra N500k. They militants said the amputation was their punishment from Allah. Please don't watch if you don't have the heart..watch HERE

Madonna releases six new songs

Madonna on Saturday suddenly released six new songs months ahead of schedule, upset that early versions had leaked online.
The pop icon’s new songs, available immediately for sale and streaming online, will be part of her first album in three years, “Rebel Heart,” which comes out in March.
Madonna

What my big bum has put me through – Didi Ekanem

Didi Ekanem is one of the fast rising actresses in Nollywood. Her bum marks her out, but Didi wants to be recognised for her talent on screen rather than for her bum. In this exclusive interview, she talks about her career, life and more:
How has it been so far?
It’s been awesome, interesting and crazy at the same time. Let’s just say I am having fun all the way.
What do you mean crazy?
Crazy in the sense of challenges you have to face
What challenges are you facing?
Challenges in the true sense of the word, like not really having producers believing in you and of course, you know yourself, you know you have the talent but the producer doesn’t see it your way. As an actress I have had to go the extra mile, not in the negative sense, to make people see beyond the looks and see deep into the beautiful talent within. I thank God I have gone beyond that now.

Lagos gives 15% salary bonus to workers

The Lagos State Government will pay its workers 15 per cent bonus in the December salary as an end of the year gift, the State Head of Service, Mrs Oluseyi Williams, said on Friday.

Williams spoke at the end of the year get together and appreciation party for principals and directors in the Ministry of Education.

She said that the bonus would be paid along with the December salary any moment from now.

According to her, the bonus is to show that the government is committed to the welfare of workers.

Williams said, “Some states are owing their workers up to four months salary but that is not the case in Lagos.

“I was discussing with some HOS and they told me they are looking for money to pay their workers salaries.

“Our workers will receive their December salary any moment from now and I am happy to say it that it will come with 15 per cent bonus.

Heavy security as Aregbesola, Osinbajo appear before tribunal

Security was beefed up around the Osun State High Court premises on Friday as Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the All Progressives Congress vice-presidential candidate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, appeared before the election petitions tribunal hearing matters arising from the August 9 governorship election in the state.

There were more armed security agents at the court and around the court premises on Friday than at the previous sittings. The police as usual closed the road in front of the court to commercial vehicles and motorcycles while private cars with verifiable missions around the area were allowed to move on the road.

Operatives of the Department of State for Security and Explosives Ordinance Department were present to ensure that there was no security breach.

Fayose only gave us N200,000 each for fuel, we never took bribe from him –Omirin

In this interview with the embattled Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin, talks about his face-off with the governor, Ayodele Fayose

The factional speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dele Olugbemi, said your impeachment was constitutional because the House had the number of people required to impeach you, which was 10. What do you say to that?

I’m disappointed in him because it shows he is not a legislator. He doesn’t know what the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says. The constitution says the speaker of the assembly could only be impeached by two-thirds of the members of the entire house. In a house of 26, it will take 18 members of the assembly to impeach the speaker. So it was an illegal impeachment in the first instance because they did not form a quorum. You need at least nine members to form a quorum in a house of 26 and they were just seven. So the sitting was illegal let alone the actions that were carried out.

Fresh trouble in Ekiti: 19 APC lawmakers set up new assembly

The 19 All Progressives Congress members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly on Friday formed a parallel assembly at a secret location and suspended factional Speaker Dele Olugbemi and the six lawmakers loyal to him.
The APC lawmakers accused the seven Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers of violating Section 96 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.
Those suspended apart from Olugbemi are Mrs. Abeni Olayinka , Adeyinka Adeloye, Alexander Adeojo, Mr. Olowo Ajiboye, Mr. Dele Ajibola and Mrs. Ayo Olajide-Fatunbi
Olugbemi and the six lawmakers had purportedly “impeached” the state House of Assembly Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, and his deputy, Taiwo Orisalade, on November 20, 2014.
At the plenary held at a secret location in Ado-Ekiti and presided over by Omirin, the APC lawmakers also nullified all legislative actions purportedly carried out by the Olugbemi-led Assembly.

Job losses loom as Naira sells 194 to dollar

The continuous fall in the price of crude oil in the international market and the recent devaluation of the nation’s currency, the naira, are putting serious pressure on the economy, with the currency experiencing a free fall.
The naira exchanged for between 192 and 194 to the United States dollar at the parallel or street market on Friday. Earlier in the week, it sold for N188 against the dollar at the same market.
Our correspondents similarly gathered that the pound and euro sold for between N294 and N296, and N236 to N238, respectively on the streets of Lagos on Friday.
The continued fall in crude oil price had forced the Central Bank of Nigeria to use a huge chunk of the nation’s external reserves to defend the naira.

We asked for better weapons, got death sentence – Condemned soldier

 

One of the 54 soldiers sentenced to death by a Nigerian Army court martial for mutiny and conspiracy to commit mutiny has taken to the social media to express his frustration.

The soldier, who bears the name Fahat Fahat, posted on his Facebook page on Friday that all the soldiers asked for were better weapons.

“Hello ladies and gentlemen. I am soldier and I am sentence to death by the Nigeria army (sic) (be)cause we did not go to fight Boko Haram without equipment. We ask for weapon instead dem gave death sentence (sic),” he posted in a chilling message that gives a firsthand insight into the likely state of mind of the soldiers.

Life of struggle: Tales of children who survive on firewood

For the about 200 children living in Igbon, a small community in Osun State, theirs is a life of difficulty due to extreme hunger. To survive, they trek long distances in the search of firewood to sell – seeking to help their parents put food on the table. In this report, 

As early as 5:30am when she rises from the shabby mat that lies on the bare floor in her parents’ rented one-room apartment, she hurriedly dashes to the well in front of the house to fetch some water for bathing and cooking, and then she heads to the bush – miles away from her home – where she fetches firewood, just before she goes to school. Oftentimes, she gets to the school very late, worn out and flaky.

Deborah Kehinde is only 12 years old, but she, like many other children in Igbon, a small community in Ejigbo Local Government Area, Osun State, has been made to understand early that “life is not a bed of roses.”

Another 419 On The Igbo Nation By Obinna Akukwe

The construction of 2nd Niger Bridge through a Public Private Partnership involving Julius Berger -NSIA Consortium and tolling the Igbo people for 25 years thereafter is another 419 on the Biafran Igbo citizens of South East Nigeria. According to the terms of this fraudulent business, the project is a Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer (DFBOT) model to cost N117 Billion naira with the Federal Government contributing a paltry N30 billion naira while the consortium will raise the rest of the funds and thereafter hold the Igbo people to ransom by collecting a 25 year toll tax for raising the rest of the funds offshore.

Full Album Of AGN president Ibinabo Fiberesima's traditional wedding

Actor Giuld Oh Nigeria President Ibinabo Fiberesima is now married to her longtime partner, Uche Egbuka.
The joyous bride had earlier shared some photos of herself earlier yesterday, December 18, 2014, hours before the traditional marriage ceremony took place in her hometown in Okrika, Rivers state.
As expected, families and friends of the couples were present to celebrate their own with them.
Ibinabo's children were also on hand to celebrate with their mother and their new dad.
Here, we have some official photos from the colourful event below.

I get contradictory advice on issues, says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday disclosed that for every issue he had to take a decision on, multiple suggestions that were most times contradictory were given to him.

He said it was therefore important for Nigerians to continue to pray to God to give him wisdom to take right decisions that would not bring suffering to the people.

Jonathan spoke at the 2014 Christmas Carol organised by the Aso Villa Chapel, at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Euphoria as APGA Lays Foundation for Proposed Anambra Headquarters Building

It was jubilation all the way for the leadership and members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as the party laid the foundation for its proposed office in Awka, the capital of Anambra State after unveiling an artist impression of the proposed project. 

The proposed office building is a magnificent four-story complex that is designed to shore up the rising profile of the party as an ambitious political group that has been attracting prominent Nigerians to its fold since the appointment of Chief Willie Obiano, the Governor of Anambra State, as the new Board of Trustees Chairman and National Leader.

Election Tribunal Affirms Fayose’s Victory In Ekiti Gubernatorial Election

The Ekiti state governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Friday affirmed the return of Governor Ayodele Fayose as the winner of the governorship election conducted by the Independent National Election Commission, INEC, last June.

The panel held that the witnesses paraded by the petitioner were unable to adduce concrete evidence to support the claims of corrupt practices at the polling units and that their testimonies did not support such claims that the election did not comply substantially with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Victor Umeh – Owner of the Game

Straining against the leash of slavery and segregationist America, Fredrick Douglas, foremost African American abolitionist once thundered at his fellow blacks this way – “It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle wind, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.” A fiery speaker, Douglas stood out in his day as a charismatic speaker with a blade for a tongue. Nothing in recent political memory invokes the fullness of Fredrick Douglas ’plangent plea as the personality of Chief Victor Umeh, the National Chairman of APGA.

Onigbinde writes Keshi, asks him to quit Eagles

A former coach of Nigeria, Adegboye Onigbinde, has disclosed that he has personally written to out-of-contract Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, to quietly seek a job elsewhere.

Onigbinde spoke with a Nigerian online news portal SuperSport.com.

Of late the calls have been deafening mostly from former Nigerian managers for the erstwhile Mali and Togo coach to leave the Eagles job after he failed to qualify the country for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in a dismal fashion. The latest calls for Keshi to quite have come from Christian Chukwu, Shaibu Amodu, and Kashimawo Laloko, among others.

Nigerian Troops Kill 75 Boko Haram Militants At PHCN Facility In Borno

At  least 75 Boko Haram fighters were killed by Nigerian  troops on Wednesday during a clash with the insurgents in Borno, security sources, and Power Holding Company of Nigeria staff have said.
Troops patrolling Damboa after clearing the town of insurgents
PR Nigeria
SaharaReporters gathered that over hundred Boko Haram fighters stormed Bulaburin village to attack military men who escorted PHCN staff to repair power installations that were destroyed by insurgents six months ago in Damboa.
The militants came in a convoy of Hilux vehicles and motorcycles but  met heavy resistance, a military source said.
A PHCN staff on assignment in the area told SaharaReporters that the military killed up to 75 militants during the encounter.

SECRET DOCUMENTS: Shocking Revelations About Buhari

A Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President, Reuben Abati, published an abstract from secret documents in his Twitter, exposing the information from Wikileaks about Buhari’s 1983-84 governing years.

The information is provided by the Public Library of United States Diplomacy through Wikileaks. The exposed classified letter is dated September 20, 2002. It reads in part:Like President Obasanjo before the 1999 election, General Buhari’s political experience is limited to that of military Head of State. Buhari came to power as a result of a 1983 New Year’s Eve coup against the democratically elected Shehu Shagari. The eviction of Shagari came as a welcome relief as did Buhari’s promise to root out corruption. That relief, however, was short-lived as Nigerians watched despairingly as the Buhari regime’s promises to revive the economy and wipe out rampant corruption withered during 20 months of heavy-handed, largely ineffective rule.

Funke Akindele, Jimmy Jatt star in T.W.O’s brand new video for Omonsa

Nigerian music power couple, Tunde and Wunmi Obe (T.W.O) have released a video and a single from their forthcoming album T.W.O Plus.

The video titled ‘Omonsa’, meaning ‘Dance’ in the Ghanaian Twi dialect, was directed by popular music director, Clarence Peters and features the very versatile and talented actress  Funke Akindele, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Don T Anifite, and more.

In the video, the couple play the roles of secret agents on a mission to bust five former dance champions – now senior citizens – from the Old People’s Home, to enable them engage in a Dance-Off against a group of youngsters, the ‘Gang-X’.