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Sunday 29 May 2016

Buhari passes list of looters to Lai Mohammed

President Muhammadu Buhari in his commemorative first anniversary broadcast did not reveal the list of Nigeria’s treasury looters as promised weeks before.

Instead, he spoke about ‘significant amount of assets being recovered”, and also hinted about the difficulties being encountered in recovering loot from the looters.

“The processes of recovery can be tedious and time consuming”, he said of the efforts by government agencies.

As Nigerians face economic challenges as a result of dwindling revenue, mismanagement of resources - Dogara

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara
The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representative, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara today congratulates Nigerians as the nation marks one year in office of President Muhmmadu Buhari led APC government in in the country.

Accoding to the speaker Dogara, "today marks 17 years of uninterrupted democracy; this milestone calls for sober reflection on achievements we have since recorded, and on those things which we have been unable to."

VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO TO REPRESENT NIGERIA AT 8th SUMMIT OF AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN & PACIFIC GROUP OF STATES IN PAPUA, NEW GUINEA

President Muhammadu Buhari will be represented by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at the 8th Summit of Heads of States of African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States holding in Papua New Guinea from May 30-June 1.

According to Mr. Laolu Akande who is the Senior Special Assistant--(Media and Publicity) in the Office of the Vice President,  Prof. Osinbajo will join leaders from 78 other countries to address the summit in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea which will discuss the future of the ACP Group as a "revitalised cohesive force advocating the interests of its member states in the international arena."

TRIUMPH, CONSOLIDATION, PAINS AND ACHIEVEMENTS - PRESIDENT BUHARI'S DEMOCRACY DAY SPEECH

PRESIDENT BUHARI'S DEMOCRACY DAY SPEECH MAY 29,2016.

My compatriots,

It is one year today since our administration came into office. It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements. By age, instinct and experience, my preference is to look forward, to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead and rededicate the administration to the task of fixing Nigeria. But I believe we can also learn from the obstacles we have overcome and the progress we made thus far, to help strengthen the plans that we have in place to put Nigeria back on the path of progress.

We affirm our belief in democracy as the form of government that best assures the active participation and actual benefit of the people. Despite the many years of hardship and disappointment the people of this nation have proved inherently good, industrious tolerant, patient and generous.

Saraki Says Democracy Remains Best Solution to our National Problems

The Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has commended Nigerians for working to sustain democracy in the past 17 years despite the various challenges the country has encountered within the period.
In a statement to mark this year's Democracy Day, signed on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described democracy as not only the most globally accepted system of government but also the best solution to the problems confronting a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society like Nigeria.

He said in the last 17 years, the electorate have become more discerning and sophisticated as the nation has got to the point that people elected to the various offices are now conscious of the fact that they are under constant watch and when they fail to meet the expectation of the voters, they will be given the red card.

FROM CHANGE TO CHAIN: THE ONGOING METAMORPHOSIS OF A POPULIST REGIME. BY JAYE GASKIA

[This piece was written originally for publication by Pan African Visions – US based online Magazine with a Pan African Focus]

This is the month of the first anniversary of the inauguration of the PMB populist regime and of the formal ascension to power of the self-proclaimed ‘New Governing Party’ – the APC. And I am not trying to be cheeky here, just coming from a bruising encounter with the populist regime as it tries to consolidate its hold on power.

How many of us still remember the heady days of exuberant triumphalism occasioned by the declaration of the then APC Presidential candidate as the president elect? How many of us remember the atmosphere of incredulous anticipation and of mass hysteria on the streets in general, and around the APC National Headquarters in particular?

It was while enveloped in the surreal ambience of a longed for and hard fought victory that the then main opposition party addressed the world press promising as an evidence of the change that was promised that it was going to be ‘a governing’, and not ‘a ruling party’! So as you can see, I am not being cheeky at all.

IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE EXPLOSION IN BIU - ARMY

At about 8.15am today a tricycle, known as “Keke NAPEP” unknowingly stepped on an Improvise Explosive Device (IED) planted by the side of Biu -Damboa road close to a military checkpoint at the outskirts of Biu town, Borno State. This was confirmed in a statement issued today by the Acting Director Army Public Reltaions, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman

Unfortunately, the IED exploded instantly killing 4 persons comprising of a woman with her baby and 2 other male adults. Three other persons were injured including a soldier and they were immediately evacuated to Biu General Hospital. We regret to state that the injured soldier also died at the hospital.

TROOPS AVERT ATTACKS ON OIL PIPELINES AT GULOBOKRI AND EWELESO, BAYELSA STATE

Today, 29th May 2016 in the early hours of morning, troops of 343 Artillery Regiment of 2 Brigade, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, carried out patrol within the general area of Gulobokri and Eweleso, around Brass area in Bayelsa State.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman who is the Acting Director Army Public Reltaions confirms that during the exercise, the patrol team had an encounter with some armed militants in 2 Speed boats with intents to blow up Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) pipeline at Gulobokri.

Saturday 28 May 2016

Evening Questions with VP Osinbajo: Highlight of a few questions and some of VP's responses

As President Muhammadu Buhari's administration clocks one yera in office, Yesterday evening, there was an interactive session between Vice President of Nigeria prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the select individuals at Aguda House, some of whom were from Tech Cabal, YNaija, ProShare, Premium Times,Naij.com, ScoopNG, Bella Naija, Leadership NG.

Some of their questions ranging from the style of governance, perceived economic recession, the Fulani herdsmen, Health, the Niger Delta, Poor communication, if the heavy rates attached to the use of drones would impede growth in technology and other questions.

Democracy Day 2016: - There will be no formal State event, march past, ceremonial parade of any sort - Ogun state

The Ogun state government has ruled out any special or formal State event, march past, ceremonial parade of any sort in this year's Democracy Day.

According to the statement released today by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Taiwo Adeoluwa said Governor of the stste, Senator Ibikule Amosu will be the GUEST of the Civil Society Organizations, Human Right Groups and Democracy Activists in a program tagged : " OGUN CIVIL SOCIETY CONVERSATION WITH THE GOVERNOR".

The statement Reads:

Champions League final: Suspicious package halts Milan metro

Two Italian police officers patrol a subway station in Milan
A metro station in Milan has been evacuated over a suspicious package ahead of a UEFA Champions League match, local media reported. Police also closed two lines until the situation is clear.

Police raised the alarm at Cadorna metro station, which serves Line 1 and Line 2 of the Milan metro system.

A suspicious woman was seen leaving a few packages on the stairs of the station, La Gazetta Dello Sport reported.

Enjoy yourself with this Head Ball


Dear President Mohamadu Buhari, We want results not reasons!

I learnt you will be addressing the nation tomorrow (which is very rare) to mark your one year anniversary in office, I would have love to listen to you live but it’s unlikely there will be no light and I need to ration the little fuel inside the generator, so I will rather chose to read your message in prints.

But before you talk to us sir, I wish to let you know some things (which is not personal to me alone) and I hope it gets to you (which is a VERY tall dream).

1 YEAR IN OFFICE: President Buhari set to disclose recovered loot tomorrow

President Muhammadu Buhari will tomorrow fulfill the promise he made during his recent trip to Britain that he would disclose the names of those that looted the public treasury and the amount so far recovered from them on May 29, the Democracy Day.

However, speaking on the issue yesterday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said he could not remember his boss promising that he would disclose names of those who have returned stolen funds on Democracy Day, stressing that the closest his boss said was that he would update Nigerians on how far his government has taken the anti-graft war and how much has been cumulatively returned by the looters.

Nigerian Eagles cage Mali in France

Hours after former captain Joseph Yobo called on the new generation of Super Eagles to “rise to the occasion and lift the Super Eagles to new levels,” a relatively young Nigerian team gifted with a sense of urgency, purpose and craftsmanship pipped Les Aigles of Mali 1-0 in an exciting international friendly in Rouen on Friday.

Without skipper John Mikel Obi and his assistant, Ahmed Musa who were released to be part of Yobo’s testimonial match in Port Harcourt, the Eagles were expected to struggle at the Stade Robert Diochon. But the young team fought well and in a pragmatic manner and could have won by a wider margin.

PMB's GOVERNMENT: EMPOWERING OPPOSITION - OGUNSANWO

"The remnants of an enemy can become active like those of a disease or fire.Hence these should be exterminated completely. One should never ignore an enemy,knowing him to be weak. He becomes dangerous in due course,like a spark of fire in a haystack"-Kautilya Indian Philosopher (Third Century BC)

I have a raging question in my mind, what is the rationale in retaining PDP elements as Heads of Patastatals in PMB's government

I read somewhere where Garba Shehu SSA Media was laboriously explaining the faux pas, but the whole mumbo jumbo by him holds no water

Nigerian Army Invades Oporoza, Niger-Delta In Warships Searching For Militants

WARRI- SOLDIERS, who laid siege to Oporoza community, traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, at 1.52 am, started shooting indiscriminately at about 8.44 am, causing more confusion in the riverine town. 

Villagers, who ran into the forest on sighting them with gunboats were yet to return, as soldiers, who came in search of ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and members of the Niger Delta Avengers, have taken over the community.

Court Orders Worldwide Freeze Of $1.8 Billion Assets of Kola Aluko, Jide Omikore (+PHOTOS)

Court Orders Worldwide Freeze Of $1.8 Billion In Assets Stolen By Kola Aluko, Jide Omikore And Atlantic Energy.

A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the Federal Government injunctions freezing assets and funds in and outside the country traced to two Nigerian businessmen, Kola Aluko and Jide Omokore, as well as their companies – Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited (AEDC), Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited (AEBD).

Omokore and Aluko are accused of benefiting from some shady transactions with the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

They are also said to be indebted to the government to the tune of $1.8 billion.

Justice O. O. Oguntoyinbo, in an ex-parte ruling, granted mareva injunctions restraining the duo from dealing with the funds in some local and foreign banks and assets in Nigeria and abroad, pending the determination of a substantive suit filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

More havoc as Niger Delta Militants blow up Agip and Shell Trunk Line

At About 2:15am on Saturday the Niger Delta avengers blew up Nembe 1, 2 and 3 Brass to Bonny Trunk Line belonging to Agip and Shell.

This was revealed via their twitter handle @NDAvengers

Still not satisfied with the damage, the Niger Delta Avengers have issued fresh threats.

UCL finals: Zidane's Press Conference - Nobody can take away what we've achieved so far

“Nobody can take away what we've achieved so far. Failure can only be in our attitude. You never know what's going to happen but we're very well prepared to play this final. we'll have to run, run and run. We know what it is to suffer and tomorrow I'm sure we'll have to show that, but in a final it's normal to have difficult moments during the match, and if you want to win you've got to go through that suffering”.

On Atletico: “They're a team. I can't pick out one particular player. They work as a team. I wouldn't take anyone out of the Atlético side. We know how they work. They're in the final for a reason: the good work they've all put in. They'll make it a complicated game, we know that and we're prepared for it”.

On wheter the match will be hard: “Not hard. Hard implies something ugly and it's not like that. It'll be difficult but we're ready and the players just want the match to start after 15 days of preparation. First off we'll have to defend well without the ball and then we've got our attacking weapons to do good things going forward”.
“It's been three months since the last derby and we're better in every sense, but that means nothing. I'm pleased because the work has been tremendous. Now it's time for this game and we'll give our all. We'll see what happens, but we're ready to play. It's 50-50. There are no favourites”.

On Cristiano: “He had some discomfort in Manchester but he's back at 100% and we're playing a final. He's fine. He's not got the same problems as in Manchester, it's different”.

N400m Fraud: If I miss surgery, I risk paralysis - Olisa Metuh




A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja today deferred ruling on the application of the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olisa Metuh to release his international passport to allow him travel abroad on health grounds.

Metuh through his counsel, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, had on May 16, 2016 filed a motion praying the court to allow him travel to the United Kingdom for proper medical attention.

Mr. Metuh threw up at the car park of the Federal High Court, venue of his ongoing trial, on Thursday, May 19, after receiving medication at the National Hospital the previous night

What Sir Alex Ferguson Said About New ManU Boss Jose Mourinho


JOSE MOURINHO has always seen Sir Alex Ferguson as a mentor and something of an idol.

Mourinho and Ferguson during
the Portuguese's first spell at Chelsea
The Portuguese, who was officially announced as the new Manchester United manager after months of speculation, has often called the Scottish great ‘boss’ as a sign of respect.

In his first interview as Manchester United manager, Mourinho said he was ready to take over a “giant club” and said he preferred to forget the past three years and instead look at the great years - a reference to Ferguson’s trophy-laden 27 years.

But the pair didn’t always see eye-to-eye.

In fact their relationship was downright frosty when Mourinho first arrived at Chelsea and proclaimed himself as the ‘Special One’.

Here, SunSport looks back to pick out the best - and worst - things Ferguson has had to say about the new Manchester United boss....

Jan 2005, after the Carling Cup semi-final first leg

Aso Rock lists President Buhari’s achievements in first year in office

On Friday, the Presidency released a long list of achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government.
This is coming a few days to the first year in office of the Buhari Administration.
Buhari came into power on May 29, 2015.
This was after defeating the then incumbent, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in the first of its kind unseating of a sitting president in Nigeria.


SECURITY:

•The relocation of the Nigerian Military Command Centre to Maiduguri, since May 2015, contributed to the success in the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.

PRESIDENT BUHARI: BEYOND THE IRON AND STEEL

They were called the unsmiling duo. In his first incarnation as Nigerian leader, the then Major General Muhammadu Buhari was paired with another top brass military officer, Babatunde Idiagbon, who was the number two man. Smile was alien to their lips, laughter a total stranger. They had a job to do, which was to rid the country of corruption, crime and indiscipline, and anybody who didn't fall in line was liable to being dealt with. And summarily too. Laughter was, therefore, a distraction.

Buhari was reticent, Idiagbon, taciturn. A fearful and fearsome combination. Do the crime, serve the time was their motto. Manifest indiscipline, even in something as pressing as answering the call of nature, urinate by the roadside, and you can't tell anybody it was the work and of the Devil. They would tell you the Devil does not pee. Vandalize public utilities? Twenty years in jail. Traffic in cocaine? Goodbye to the world. Nigeria was being whipped into line, and no mistake. But that nirvana lasted only 20 months, and forces of reaction struck. The regime was toppled.

Friday 27 May 2016

We Don’t Chase Innocent People, Anyone Invited By EFCC Cannot Come Out Clean, Says Magu

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, on Thursday said there is no one who would “come out clean” after honouring the invitation of the anti-graft agency.

Speaking on Question Time, a programme on Channels Television, Magu said the commission carries out thorough findings before inviting suspects.

He denied the allegation that the EFCC had turned into a tool for political witch-hunt, saying the commission is only after “thieves.”

Corruption: Return Nigeria’s loot or risk protest, CD warns Britain

The Campaign for Democracy on Friday called on the British Government to return Nigeria’s looted fund in its custody as a means of supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration on corruption.

The group in a statement by its President, Ifeanyi Odili, and Secretary, Abdulahi Jabi, said it agreed with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, who described Nigeria as a fantastically corrupt nation, but noted that the British government allegedly encouraged corruption in Nigeria.

HOW TROOPS AMBUSH BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS - ARMY

Following information of suspected Boko Haram elements crossing point across Maiduguri-Bulabulin-Damboa road, troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion, both of 25 Task Force Brigade, staged a deliberate ambush against the terrorists logistics elements on motorcycles and bicycles crossing from Sambisa forest to Alagarno general area around Nyaleri yesterday night.

During the operation, the troops killed 2 Boko Haram terrorists, wounded several others and recovered some arms, ammunitions and other items.

DOGARA'S REMARKS AT THE 1ST NIGERIAN ECONOMIC STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT (NESS)

REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RT. HON. DOGARA YAKUBU, AT THE 1ST NIGERIAN ECONOMIC STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT (NESS) AT SHERATON HOTELS AND TOWERS, ABUJA ON 26TH MAY, 2016.

Protocols:

It is with great pleasure that I join in welcoming all of us to this very timely summit, with the theme: ‘The Nigerian Economy: Navigating a sustainable Landscape’.

2. This summit is coming at a time Nigeria is in search of a stable economic direction following the devastating decline in oil prices, increased pressure on foreign exchange receipts of government and the fall in production of Oil and Gas as a result of increasing militancy in the Niger Delta region. Sustainable economic policies require careful appraisal and deep knowledge of economic fundamentals of the Nigerian economy. I therefore particularly commend the initiators of this summit and hope that it will be sustained in the long run and become a reservoir of Nigeria’s economic intelligence and resources.

Dogora's Address at Electoral Matters Committee Retreat

OPENING ADDRESS BY RT. HON YAKUBU DOGARA, SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE RETREAT OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON ELECTORAL AND POLITICAL PARTIES MATTERS, FRIDAY 27TH MAY 2016.
Protocols :

I am delighted at the invitation to be part of this event and to declare open, this retreat by the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral and Political Parties Matters. Let me warmly welcome all participants and appreciate you for making out time to participate.


2. On our inauguration as the 8th House of Representatives, we committed to carrying out further electoral reforms as a matter of priority, and we very clearly outlined this objective in the Legislative Agenda of the House that was adopted in July 2015.

Directives on the Economy: Buhari Orders Full Exploration of Solid Minerals in the Country,

At a time oil volatility seems to be hampering the ‎full implementation of the 2016 budget, President Muhammadu Buhari, has demanded for a full exploration of solid minerals in the country, in order to enhance revenue.

The President who made this known through the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, said the Federal Government is committed to tapping iron ore in the country.

Presently, Nigeria is the 12th largest iron ore resource country in the world, and second largest in Africa.

Nigeria has about 2 billion metric tonnes of iron ore reserves.

Fresh: Fear hits Senate as Marafa takes over Saraki’s camp

Emerging facts indicate that the Senators loyal to Senate President, Bukola Saraki, are in a state of shock as the South-West Youth Assembly of Nigeria on Thursday, May 26, in a solidarity visit, presented to Senator Kabiru Marafa of Zamfara Central, an award of excellence.
The senator who is an unrepentant critic of Saraki, has been insisting that the leadership of the 8th Senate forged it’s standing rules.

He had identified Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, and others, as major culprits in the alleged forgery.

#‎2016ChildrensDay‬: Saraki Celebrates Children, Canvasses Implementation Of Child's Rights Act

Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and some of his colleagues spent the whole of Friday celebrating children of various ages, as part of activities to mark the 2016 Children's Day.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Sanni Onogu; the school pupils and secondary school students who arrived the Senate at 9am and took a tour of the Senate Chambers. Saraki later received them in his office and thereafter read to them from a story book Titled: "Ngozi Comes To Town" written by Fatima Akilu and published by Cassava Republic.

The Senate President admonished the children to read and take their studies serious so as to grow to become great leaders. He also presented packs of gifts, consisting reading materials to the children.

How House of Representatives Passes 19 Critical Bills in One Sitting

In continuation of its resolve to improve on the quality of and reduce the time frame within which bills are passed, the Nigeria's House of Representatives on Thursday passed 19 bills.

The bills, which, however, require concurrence of the senate and presidential assent to be made laws, cover serious areas of concentration of the present administration including anti-corruption, national minimum wage, strengthening of small and medium businesses, manufacturing sector, among others.

It will be recalled that the House only recently passed 130 bills through first reading on the same day. Many of those bills, it will be noted, have scaled through further legislative processes.

Abati - Tomato Scarcity As Metaphor

One of the major news items in circulation has been the scarcity of tomato. Incidentally, Nigeria is (was) the 14th largest producer of tomato in the world and the second largest producer in Africa, after Egypt, but our country hardly produces enough to meet the local demand of about 2.3 million tonnes, and lacks the capacity to ensure an effective storage or value chain processing of what is produced. Out of the 1.8 million tonnes that the country produces annually, 900, 000 tonnes are left to rot and waste. Meanwhile, tomato-processing companies in the country operate below capacity and many of them have had to shut down.

The CEO of Erisco Foods, Lagos, Eric Umeofia laments that tomato processing companies lack access to foreign exchange to enable them buy heat-resistant seedlings and other tools that would help ensure the country’s sufficiency in local production of tomato paste. Similarly, Dangote Tomato Factory recently suspended operations due to the scarcity of tomatoes and the assault on its tomato farms by a tomato leaves destroying moth, known as “tuta absoluta” – a South American native, also known as the Tomato Ebola, because of its Ebola-like characteristics.

Tell me if I should change ministers - President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that Nigerians should pass a verdict on the performance of his appointed officials during the administration’s first year in office so that he will know if he should change them. Asked if Nigerians should expect changes in his team during this anniversary period Buhari said, “I am waiting for the newspapers to tell me the performance of my ministers and whether I should make changes.”

President Buhari explained why his government took off rather slowly. He said former President Obasanjo, who had experience with hand over and take over, recalled that in 1999 outgoing Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar made each ministry to prepare handing over notes and then brief the president-elect, for him to choose what he wanted out of it.

President Obama mourns dead in Hiroshima where a U.S. atomic bomb killed thousands instantly 1945, calls for world without nuclear arms

US President Barack Obama on Friday became the first incumbent U.S. president to visit Hiroshima, site of the world's first atomic bombing, in a gesture Tokyo and Washington hope will showcase their alliance and reinvigorate efforts to rid the world of nuclear arms.

Even before it occurred, the visit stirred debate, with critics accusing both sides of having selective memories, and pointing to paradoxes in policies relying on nuclear deterrence while calling for an end to atomic arms.

The two governments hope Obama's visit to Hiroshima, where a U.S. atomic bomb killed thousands instantly on Aug. 6, 1945, and some 140,000 by the year's end, underscores a new level of reconciliation and tighter ties between the former enemies.

Speaker Dogara tasks Chinese firms on diligent execution of contracts

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has tasked Chinese firms to ensure diligent execution of projects according to contracts agreements and specifications.

Dogara made the call when the Vice President, Public Relations and Government Affairs of Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, Wakie Wu, called on him in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

“One thing that we have to take home from this brief interaction is that it is always important that whatever agreement we have, whatever contracts, whatever partnership that we are having, produces value–something that we can put on the table.

Niger Delta Avengers attacks NNPC facility, vows to “shock the whole world”

Niger Delta Avengers, the new militant group that has launched multiple attacks on oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta region, has struck yet again. The group announced its latest assault on Friday, saying it blew up a gas and crude trunk line belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in Warri, Delta State, late Thursday.

The Avengers announced the attack via its Twitter handle. The group said that the facility was “heavily guarded” by the Nigerian military, in an apparent attempt to mock the Nigerian armed forces’ capacity to check its activities.

“At 11:45pm on Thursday.@NDAvengers blew up other #NNPC Gas and Crude trunkline close to Warri. Pipeline that was heavily guarded by Military,” the group tweeted.

The spokesman for the joint military task force in the area, Isa Ado, could not be immediately reached for comments, but security sources and residents in the area confirmed the attack.

African Football Body CAF Bans Giwa, 4 Others For 5 Years

Confederation of African Football, CAF, has slammed a five-year ban on embattled Chris Giwa and four others of his disciples thereby confirming and extending the same five-year ban placed on them by the Amaju Pinnick- led Nigeria Football Federation.

The four others affected by the continental ban are Muazu Suleyman, Yahaya Adama, Sani Fema and Johnson Effiong.

In a letter signed by CAF’s Secretary -General, Hicham El Amrani and dated May 27th 2016 and copied to NFF’s President Amaju Pinnick, the letter stated that the ban forbids them from all football related activities for 5 years.

EFCC Arrest Man for Running Illegal Polytechnic, Issuance of Fake Certificates.

The Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Finacial Crime Commission (EFCC) has arrested one Mr. Johnson Tola on allegation bordering on operation of illegal polytechnic and issuance of fake certificates.


Investigation revealed that he has allegedly been using the polytechnic as a decoy to extort money from prospective students.


Johnson allegedly refused to report at the EFCC office after he was granted an administrative bail earlier in the course of investigation.

Saraki - Happy Children's Day to the young people of Nigeria, who are the future of our nation

The Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Abubakar Saraki has congratulated the Nigerian Children on this occassion of Children's Day Celebration.

Senator Saraki who met with different catigories of the Nigerian children and youths at the National Assembly in Abuja congratulates them as the future leaders and hope of Nigeria's tomorrow.

"Happy Children's Day to the young people of Nigeria, who are the future of our nation."

"I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to read and interact with a cross-section of young children from private, government-run schools and orphanages across Abuja."

PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH SOUN OF OGBOMOSO AS HE TURNS 90

On behalf of his family, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari heartily congratulates the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, as he turns 90 years old on May 27, 2016.

President Buhari joins the Oyo State Government, Oyo State Council of Obas and chiefs, Ogbomoso kingdom and the family of the Soun of Ogbomoso in celebrating the long life and remarkable achievements of the revered royal father, who has spent 42 years on the throne of his fathers.

Looking into the pedigree of the nonagenarian from birth in 1926, his success in business and ascension to the throne, the President believes that the steps of the Kabiyesi were ordered from above to bring succour to his people and serve humanity in general through his passion for peaceful co-existence, education and entrepreneurship.

SPECIAL ONE: Jose Mourinho's first interview as Manchester United manager





PRESS RELEASE: YOUTHS COMMEND MILITARY EFFORTS AGAINST TERROR

The Nigerian youths have commended the armed forces for effectively containing the Boko Haram terrorist violence in the North East, describing the terrorist defeat as one that could only be possible through commitment and selfless service. The youths under the aegis of Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) may soon commence an annual youth sports tournament to be named after the Office of the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS).

The youths made the commendation on Thursday 26 May 2016 in Abuja when the YSFON national executive visited the CDS at the Defence Headquarters.

BREAKING: José Mourinho Appointed as Manchester United manager

• Portuguese coach has won 22 trophies since 2003





José Mourinho will take over as manager of Manchester United from the 2016/17 season, signing a three-year contract with an option to stay at the club until at least 2020.

José, 53, has managed at the top level of European football for over a decade and in that time has won league titles and cups in four countries (Portugal, England, Italy and Spain), as well as winning the UEFA Champions League twice – in 2004 with FC Porto and in 2010 with Inter Milan.

Announcing the appointment, Ed Woodward said: "José is quite simply the best manager in the game today. He has won trophies and inspired players in countries across Europe and, of course, he knows the Premier League very well, having won three titles here.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome him to Manchester United. His track record of success is ideal to take the club forward."

NINE KEY MILESTONES IN PRESIDENT BUHARI'S FIRST YEAR BY GARBA SHEHU

Twelve months ago, President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He came to power following the decisive victory of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC over the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The victory ended the 16-year reign of the PDP.

President Buhari campaigned on a promise to fight Boko Haram terrorism and secure the whole country, fight corruption and develop the economy to the point that it creates jobs for the teeming unemployed.

Thursday 26 May 2016

Repatriation: Why United Airlines cancels Houston-to-Nigeria route, its only flight to Africa

United Airlines says it’s shutting down the Houston-to-Nigeria route because of weakness in the energy sector and problems in collecting money from tickets sold in Nigeria.

The Airlines is cancelling the service and the last flight will depart from Lagos on the 30th of June 2016. Airlines will stop flying to Nigeria next month, ending the carrier’s only route to Africa because of weakness in the energy sector and difficulty in collecting money from tickets sold in that country.

The daily route from Houston to Lagos had underachieved for years but was kept alive because of its importance to Texas-based customers, United Continental Holdings Inc. said in a note to employees Wednesday. The last flight will be June 30, after which Delta Air Lines Inc. will be the only major U.S. carrier flying to Africa.

Vice President Osinbajo inaugurates National Prosecution Coordination Committee on Friday

Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON is expected to inaugurate the National Prosecution Coordination Committee (NPCC) which is primarily charged with the handling high profile cases having public interest elements in Nigeria.

The formation of the Committee which will be inaugurated on Friday, 27th May, 2016 at the Presidential Villa, going by its spokesman, Comrade Salihu Othman Isah is pursuant to the powers vested on the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN as the nation’s Chief Law Officer as contained in Section 174(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

Why FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello sacks AEPB Director, replaces all management staff


"FCT Administration will not tolerate any act of abuse of fundamental human rights of the residents in the discharge of their duties"

…SETS UP TASK FORCE TO RECOVER N9.2BN OWED THE BOARD


The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has approved the immediate removal of the Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Baba Shehu Lawan who has been replaced by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Omolola Olanipekun.

The Minister has also approved the immediate removal of all heads of Department as well as Heads of Unit under the Board and directed their deputies to immediately take charge.

The Minister made these changes on Wednesday after he and the FCT Permanent Secretary; Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye met with the former management team of the AEPB.

INEC CHAIRMAN REITERATES NEED FOR INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE SHARING AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has reiterated the need for international experience sharing and capacity building for electoral officials in Africa. He said such efforts will improve the integrity of elections in the continent.

The INEC Chairman expressed delight that the team from University of South Africa (UNISA), were around to interact with, and get relevant feedback from the programme’s Alumni (INEC staff) who had previously participated in the MDEA programme in order to recalibrate, to redesign and enhance their curriculum to meet present realities and challenges on election delivery. Said he: “The feedback from the alumni would assist the organizers to tailor their programme to the realities and challenges so that we can move the integrity of elections in our continent further”.

WHY WE MUST WORK TOWARDS SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN PRODUCTION OF MOST ITEMS ON OUR IMPORT LIST - PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Buhari and the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Saeed Koozechi
President Muhammadu Buhari reaffirmed Wednesday in Abuja said his administration is fully committed and determined to do all within its powers to achieve the rapid diversification of Nigeria's economy in the shortest possible time.

Speaking at a farewell audience with the outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Saeed Koozechi, President Buhari said he was convinced that with greater diligence, hard work and patriotic determination to achieve self-sufficiency, Nigeria can produce most of the items currently on its import list.

"We made a terrible mistake by becoming a mono-product economy hinged on oil and we are now in a volatile situation, due to the crash in oil prices.

CHILDREN'S DAY CELEBRATION: WE ARE COMMITTED TO FULFILLING OUR PROMISE OF BETTER NIGERIA - BUHARI'S MESSAGE TO THE NATION

I heartily greet and felicitate with all Nigerian children on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day celebration.

I seize the opportunity of this year's celebration which comes just two days before the first anniversary of the present Administration, to reassure our children and youth that we remain fully committed to fulfilling our promise of a better Nigeria for all of our people.

On this happy occasion for our children, I reaffirm my belief that it is the right of every Nigerian child to have access to quality and affordable education, as well as healthcare and other basic necessities for a good life, in a peaceful and secure environment.

PRESIDENT BUHARI REASSURES ECOWAS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA'S FULL SUPPORT

President Muhammadu Buhari and President of the
  ECOWAS Commission Mr Marcel Alain de Souza
President Muhammadu Buhari pledged on Thursday in Abuja that Nigeria will continue to meet all its obligations to the ECOWAS Commission.

Receiving the new President of the Commission, Mr Marcel Alain de Souza at the Presidential Villa, President Buhari assured him that Nigeria will go on playing its leadership role in ECOWAS.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari told Mr de Souza that the Federal Government will also strive to show a good example to others by meeting all its financial obligations to the sub-regional organisation.