FIFA president Gianni Infantino arrives Nigeria

President of football’s world governing body, FIFA, Mr Gianni Infantino and the Secretary General, Ms Fatma Samba Samoura, have arrived in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja on a two–day working visit.

The FIFA officials were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, members of the NFF Board and some football club owners in the country.

The objective of the visit is to renew FIFA’s commitment towards developing football in Africa and promote corporate support for the sport in Nigeria.

MIND BUNGLING REVELATIONS: MY ALLEGATIONS ARE AGAINST DOGARA, LASUN AND 2 OTHERS NOT HOUSE OF REPS - JIBRIN

Below is an unedited email of latest revelation sent out by Hon Adbdulmumin Jibrin a while ago !

MY ALLEGATIONS ARE AGAINST THE QUARTET OF SPEAKER YAKUBU DOGARA, DEPUTY SPEAKER YUSUF LASUN, HOUSE WHIP ALHASSAN DOGUWA AND MINORITY LEADER LEO OGOR NOT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AS AN INSTITUTION AS MR SPEAKER DESPERATELY WANTS HONOURABLE MEMBERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO BELIEVE.

I am compelled again for the purpose of emphasis to state categorically clear that my allegations are against the quartet of Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, House Whip Alhassan Doguwa and Minority Leader Leo Ogor not the Honourable House as an institution nor other members of the body of principal officers. The other members of the body of principal officers were to the best of my knowledge completely excluded from decisions on the 2016 budget and the budget inputs inserted on their names were exclusively carried out by these QUARTET.

I have to state this very clearly because these QUARTET have resorted to desperate moves to drag the entire House of Representatives into the case of gross abuse of office I have levelled against them as individual Presiding and Principal officers of the House. This is clearly a mischievous move to set me on collision with the entire house. They have also recruited four from the VERY FEW members of their cabal to use some elements of the Nigeria police to kidnap, harass, blackmail and intimidate me into silence.

Until yesterday, the police were laying siege by my house blocking the entrance and exit shouting that they want budget documents. They embarrassed my entire family with a nursing mother and a seven-month old baby that cried all night. The game plan was to arrest me and dump me in police net while a heavy media propaganda will be carried out to mislead the world that I have been sacked and police have picked me up as a culprit in 2016 budget. Whenever I am released, an irreparable damage would have been done to my person and that will stick for life. 

PRESS RELEASE: AG.IGP IBRAHIM K. IDRIS COMMENDS POLICE OFFICERS IN KOGI AND IMO RE-RUN ELECTIONS

 Develops strategy for violence free elections

The Inspector General of Police, Ag.IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni has expressed his satisfaction with the impressive performance of Police Officers in the re-run elections in Kogi and Imo States on 23rd July, 2016 and commended the officers for their unalloyed service to the nation.

As a lead security agency in democratic policing, the IGP commended the Police Officers for their personal and collective demonstration of patriotism, professionalism and commitment in ensuring that the re-run elections were conducted in an atmosphere of peace devoid of any breach of public security.

The ability of the Police Officers to dominate their areas of jurisdiction and supervision before, during and after the elections is a clear testimony of the police new resolve to adhere to international best practices in the conduct of elections.

WELCOME TO DAURA REPUBLIC WHERE NEPOTISM REIGNS

"First, the most influential person in the Presidency today is one Mamman Daura whom as you know, is a nephew of the President. His father was Buhari’s elder brother. In addition, Mamman Daura was the one who single handedly brought up Abba Kyari, the current Chief of Staff to the President. In fact, Abba Kyari knows Mamman Daura more than he knows his own father.

Next, the Personal Assistant to Buhari himself is the son of Mamman Daura, next is what they call SCOP, State Chief of Protocol, and is also a son-in-law to Mamman Daura because he is married to Mamman Daura’s daughter.

Next, the Minister they unilaterally chose, against the interest of the party and against the wishes of Sokoto people, happens to be the daughter of the younger sister of Mamman Daura’s wife. Both of them are daughters of Sultan Dasuki, who was sacked by General Abacha. We have the Aide De Camp to Buhari himself, Colonel Abubakar. He is married to the granddaughter of one of Buhari’s elder sisters.

Donald Trump, Brexit and Other Lessons From Conservative Parties’ Politics

Conservative parties, be they called the Tory Party, or Republican Party, or Likud Party, have for the most part of the early 20th century to present advocated policies that seemed unreasonable but the world continued to vote them into office. These policies are often presented to the public lased with patriotic cinnamon sugars. And the public has consumed them with passion.

At the formative stages of the European Union, the conservatives urged Britons not join as Labor and other progressive parties pushed for joining European Union. General Charles De Gaulle’s opposition to Britain’s membership did not help but it was mostly internal British debate that stopped Britain from joining until after ten years (1975), when a twotoone flavor was negotiated and referendum held. Even after joining, the Conservative Party was still lukewarm in the association. It was this attitude that led some conservatives to propose that a referendum be held to exit. The leadership of the Brexit was mostly Conservative Party membership although the conservative PM campaigned against the exit. And when he lost he resigned and the new PM has proclaimed, loud and clear, that Brexit means Brexit and no attempt would be made to renter through a back door.

31-year-old secret revealed - Why Babangida removed me from power – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said he was removed from office 31 years ago because he was planning to purge the military hierarchy of corruption.

Buhari, who has not spared the military even in his ongoing anti-corruption war, said senior military leaders, led by former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Aliyu Gusau, removed him in August 1985, to save themselves from his wrath.

In an exclusive interview published in the current edition of The Interview magazine, Buhari challenged Babangida and Gusau to tell the truth on why they carried out the coup against him.

“I learnt,” he said, “that Aliyu Gusau, who was in charge of intelligence, took import licence from the ministry of commerce which was in charge of supplies and gave it to Alhaji Mai Deribe.

TROOPS AMBUSH BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS IN MUSAFANARI - ARMY

Today, at the early hours of the morning, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE ambushed Boko Haram terrorists crossing into Sambisa forest from Komala and Musafanari axis with logistics items. 

The ambush party killed 2 Boko Haram terrorists, while 2 soldiers sustained gunshot wounds. The wounded have since been airlifted and are receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

The troops also recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with registration numbers 565214175 and 5-65399 respectively, 4 AK-47 rifle magazines fully loaded, 25 litres of petrol, as well as assorted food items. 

I Annulled June 12, Not IBB - Dahiru Saleh

Justice Dahiru Saleh

Justice Dahiru Saleh is the Judge who made the judicial pronouncement annulling the June 12, 1993 presidential election, an action that plunged the country into a major political crisis. In this encounter with The Interview he attempts to explain the circumstances surrounding the infamous ruling he gave from the Bench…

What made you choose law as a profession?

When I was in secondary in the 1960s, I wanted to study engineering. But later on, after I left school, I saw an advertisement for a legal course and I applied for it. It was a time when there were virtually no lawyers in the North. I was in the third batch of northern lawyers to be trained. That was how I came to be interested in and studied the law. When I attended the course in Zaria, it was in August 1961 and it went through 1962. We had to go to London for the second part of the course. I finished my studies there. I then returned to attend the Nigerian Law School, where I eventually qualified to practice in Nigeria. I qualified as a lawyer in England on January 4, 1963 and later on, I attended the Nigerian Law School. I finished in 1965, I think. I am not quite sure of the date. Every year at that time, they used to take about 12 candidates from the northern states to qualify as lawyers. In the year I was selected, I was the only one from Bauchi. There were three candidates from Sokoto. There was someone from Argungu, who later became a justice of the Supreme Court; there was Justice Kalgo from Kalgo and Usman Mohammed from Sokoto. And then there were other candidates from other northern states. There was another one from Borno, and another from Plateau. There were 12 of us in my set; I can’t remember all the names.

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF INTERRUPTION OF WILD POLIOVIRUS TRANSMISSION IN NIGERIA

1. Today, July 24, 2016 marks two years since the last case of wild poliovirus was reported in Nigeria. I congratulate all stakeholders that have made this historic achievement possible and those who have worked tirelessly to maintain the effort and permanently halt new polio cases in the country.

2. The next major milestone for us as a country is the certification of polio-free status in 2017 by the World Health Organisation. This administration remains firm in its commitment towards making this a reality by continuing to support in every way possible, routine immunization and the revitalization of primary health care system.

3. As a nation, we are cooperating with international, public and private partners to ensure that in our lifetime our children do not suffer from this crippling disease again. We recognize the power of global partnership to achieve a polio-free world and Nigeria will continue to honour its commitment to ensure that this disease is wiped off the face of the earth for good.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT PRESS RELEASE: FG, STATES INTENSIFY FOCUS ON AGRICULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION

*STATES TO IDENTIFY SPECIFIC AREAS OF FOCUS, & SET TARGET

*NEC ALSO RECEIVES PROPOSALS ON NEW JVC FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS THAT ELIMINATES CASH CALLS 

*CBN GOVERNOR TELLS COUNCIL CUSTOMERS CAN DEPOSIT DOLLAR CASH INTO THEIR DOM ACCOUNTS

TODAY'S National Economic Council meeting with governors from the states and the Central Bank discussed specific steps and actions to be taken as both the FG and state governments intensify focus on diversifying the Nigerian economy especially through agriculture.

The meeting which was presided over the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, welcomed the newly adopted "Green Alternative," just endorsed yesterday by the Federal Executive Council. The Green Alternative is the name of the Agricultural Diversification plan of the FG.

OONI IN GHANA, SUES FOR AFRICAN UNITY, DESCRIBED AS KING OF PEACE & UNITY

Accompanied by his amiable queen Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi(Yeyelua), The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi(Ojaja II) on Friday 21st July 2016 admonished President John Mahama of Ghana and his government to prioritise the unity of Africans by relaxing policies that encourage the physical and mental boundary set between African countries by the colonial masters with the emphasis that Africa must unite for prosperity as his mission is to promote peace, unity and progress of the black race.

Ooni Ogunwusi who is now on a four day visit to the West African country made this statement at the Flagstaff House Office of the President of Ghana during a courtesy call on President John Mahama in Accra.
“it’s my vision as Ooni Ife to promote unity, peace among African countries.”
Africa must unite to prosper
Emphasizing on the importance of African unity, Ooni of Ife who's a descendent of Oduduwa believed to have been the root of all Yoruba race stressed that unity among African countries and blacks around the world is the key to Africa's prosperity and peace.
He added: "As traditional leaders we are the custodians of culture and tradition, that's why I have taken it upon myself to preach this gospel of peace, and unity. There's strength in unity, and it's time for Africa to go beyond lip service and unite”.

RIVALRY: Fratricidal War In House Of Reps - Femi Ogunsanwo

"Emi Ni Moju E Lo,Iwo Lo Ju Mi Lo
Lo Nda Wahala Sile Ni Ile Aye
Opa Kole Pa Agogo,(2ce)
Abinu Eni,Kole Pa Kadara Da
Opa Kole Pa Agogo"-Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey

Juju maestro Commander Ebenezer Obey at his best, depicting human relations and unbridle rivalry among siblings, friends, acquaintances and colleagues

Let me go to the crux of the matter, politically there exist rivalry and fierce competition among political players

It reminds me of the jostle for Senate Presidency seat last year and I pray the rapprochement in the Upper Chamber will be enduring and peace will be fully restored in the Red Chamber

MORE MISSING IN ACTION SOLDIERS FOUND - ARMY

Please recall that some of our troops were missing in action after an ambush at Guro Gongon on 20th July 2016.

Consequently, concerted efforts were initiated to search for and rescue them. The measures include the use of air assets, Special Forces and patrols.

We wish to inform you that the search party has this morning found 5 more officers and soldiers that were declared missing in action, including the unit's Commanding Officer.

Although they are in a stable condition, have been moved to our Medical facilities for medical care.

DETAILS; WHAT EFCC DID WITH RECOVERED LOOT

A lot of questions have been asked by Nigerians in the past in respect of recovered loot by the Commission; these questions were given some prominence under the administration of a former chairman, through a certain George Uboh who has a dubious history of being a serial convict, first in the United States and recently in Nigeria for fraud. The Commission, however, uses the petition addressed by Uboh to the National Assembly to put the records straight on what EFCC did with the recovered loot. Find below, point-by-point response to the allegations.

1. TAFA BALOGUN FORFEITED ASSETS

Suswam: CJ Overrules Judge, Asks Him to Continue with N3.1bn Fraud Trial

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, has returned the corruption case file of a former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, to Justice A.R. Mohammed and ordered him to continue presiding over the case.

Suswam is being prosecuted by the EFCC, along with his Commissioner of Finance, Okolobia Okpanachi, on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of state funds to the tune of N3.1 billion.

Erdogan appears in Istanbul to denounce army coup attempt, says as 200 reported killed

Senior #Turkey official says bomb attacks on parliament are still continuing

— Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) July 16, 2016

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has flown in to Istanbul, after an army

group said it took over the country. Government forces crushed a coup attempt, Erdogan 1said Saturday as he vowed retribution after a chaotic night of clashes between loyalists and rebels that left at least 200 people dead and may not be entirely over.

He was seen surrounded by cheering supporters, saying in a live TV speech that the coup attempt was an "act of treason" and the army must be cleansed.

Sixty people died during overnight clashes, many of them civilians, and 754 soldiers were arrested, officials said.

Dino Melaiye denies using "insolent, abusive, degrading language against Oluremi Tinubu

The Kogi West Senator Dino Melaiye addresses Senate Correspondents on alleged abusive words used against Senator Oluremi Tinubu!

Senator D Melaiye denies using "insolent, abusive, degrading & unmannerless language against any Senator"

SP Saraki Tasks ECOWAS Parliament On Regional Integration, Security

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament to work towards deeper integration and effective security for persons in the sub-region.

Saraki who made the call when the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Mustapha Cisselo, led other management staff of the parliament on a courtesy call on him in Abuja
also commended the leadership qualities exhibited by Cisselo since his election and urged him to do more in promoting the aims and objectives of the ECOWAS Parliament.

Saraki said: "As I said in my speech at your inauguration, we must continue to ensure the economic integration of the West African sub-region. We must ensure that we do our best to enhance the powers of the ECOWAS parliament so that it becomes effective and not just a place for talk-shop. We must also play our role in seeing that terrorism which is one of the greatest threat to our people gets the necessary collective approach to solve the problem and danger in our region.

$200bn Scam: EFCC Seals Off First Group Company, a Dubai firm's office in Abuja

As part of the ongoing probe of the laundering of over $200billion loot in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by former political office holders, operatives of the EFCC yesterday, July 13th 2016, stormed the office of a Dubai property firm, The First Group Company, in Abuja. 

The EFCC team raided the company’s seventh-floor office at the Bank of Industry building in the Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory after obtaining a search warrant. 

The company is also being investigated for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians by luring them to invest in real estate in Dubai. 

Presidency Seeks Confirmation of Magu as EFCC Boss

PRESIDENCY SENDS LETTER SEEKING MAGU'S CONFIRMATION AS EFCC BOSS. 

News from the National Assembly has it that the presidency has sent a letter to the Senate seeking screening of Ibrahim Magu as Chairman of EFCC. 

The letter requesting Magu's confirmation was read by Senate President, Bukola Saraki at plenary today, July 14, 2016.‪#‎Ibrahimmagu‬. ‪#‎EFCC‬

PRESIDENT BUHARI's SPEECH ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIAN ARMY DAY CELEBRATION 2016 IN GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIAN ARMY DAY CELEBRATION 2016 IN GUSAU ZAMFARA STATE

Protocol:

I am delighted to be in your midst today in Gusau, Zamfara State to witness the Grand Finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2016. I am particularly glad with the choice of Gusau for the conduct of this exercise and for the wisdom of incorporating a live Field Training Exercise into the celebration to clear remnants of cattle rustlers and armed bandits terrifying innocent citizens in this general area.

2. The remarkable success recorded during the conduct of the exercise has no doubt served the purpose and aptly drive the realization of the theme of the celebration which is, Optimizing the Capability of the Nigerian Army to meet Contemporary Security Challenges.
3. I sympathize with the people of this area for the enormous losses they suffered as a result of the incessant activities of the insurgents and cattle rustlers whose actions have made farming, livestock management and other economic activities more difficult even in the face of the general economic challenges.

Their next 'biafra' will NOT be like South Sudan

Brig-General BENJAMIN ADEKUNLE

Please allow me to tell the EXACTLY as it will be, should they start any bullshit 'biafra' again.


IT WILL BE VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE WAY WE ARE WITNESSING SOUTH SUDAN TODAY.


I remember, there was a 'biafra' war that wiped out every member of my family at age 6, I tried to move on, but they remind me of it in these forums everyday.

EVERY NATION OR RACE HAS PRODUCED LIMITED NUMBER OF WORLD CLASS LEADERS - Ozodi Osuji’s Daily Journal

From Ozodi Osuji’s Daily Journal

Leadership does not come cheap; it is not every day that a world class leader emerges in a nation. Black Americans, for example, have been in the Americas (including the West Indies and Latin America) for five hundred years but you can count the number of real leaders they produced in your hands: Nat Turner, Frederick Douglas, Sourjouner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B Dubios, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael. (Barack Obama is not a leader so we shall not include him.)

In Africa we have the following leaders: Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik is mediocre), Jomo Kenyatta, Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko.

Senate Passes Motion on the Non-Payment of Teacher’s Salaries, Prioritised it as public security spending

According to the Nigerian Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, in many States of the Federation, for upwards of 5 months, teachers have not been paid. This is why today, the Senate passed a Motion on the Non-Payment of Teacher’s Salaries Across the Country.

"The Senate expressed its disturbance about the fact that due to the severe economic downturn across the nation, the welfare of many of our teachers have been neglected. This situation, if not addressed, can lead to the mass exodus of our teachers from the educational sector - which would in turn create a situation whereby there will be fewer teachers in our classrooms to attend to our children."

WHY IS NORTH SO PRODUCTIVE AND YET SO POOR ?

Each time I travel across Northern states, all I see along the road is wealth, wealth, and more wealth.

From Kano to Katsnia to Zamfara and beyond. The sight of endless farmlands on both sides of the road is just amazing.
Despite this level of agricultural productivity, there still seem to be a high level of poverty in the North. This is what confuses me. The world can live without crude oil but cannot live without food. The people in food business are suppose to be more comfortable and self-sustaining than the oil-business people. Yet in Nigeria, it is the reverse.

According to CBN statistics, Nigeria spends N1Billion daily importing rice alone. That is N365Billion annually for rice only. The North is now positioned to have a majority share in this business. If you add all the agricultural produce of the North and check the statistics and the cash flow, you will see that the North has no relationship with poverty. Another statistic shows that Nigeria spends N24Trillion annually on food consumption. If the North dominates the agriculture sector, then they have no relationship with poverty.

Forgery Trial Of Senate Leaders: Buhari Threatened With Impeachment; Dino Melaye Threatens To Beat Up Senator Tinubu

Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber broke into an uproar today with some members threatening President Muhammad Buhari with impeachment, and Dino Melaye threatening to ‘impregnate’ Remi Tinubu, the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader.

The Senators who met behind closed doors were incensed by the proposed trial of the leadership of the Senate for forgery.

Shortly after commencement of a plenary session, some Senators called on their colleagues, led by Senators Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi (APC Kaduna North) and Kabir Marafa (APC Zamfara Central) to sheathe their sword and withdraw the petition that had led to the criminal prosecution of Senate President Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

The Executive Session, which was chaired by Saraki, also reminded the Senate that a committee led by former Senate President David Mark had been set up to “reconcile” members. Curiously, Mr. Mark stood and said he was not informed that he chairs such a committee and that he didn’t know any members. He was simply told to do his “work”.

Press Release: CODE OF CONDUCT TRIBUNAL ADJOURNS ITS SITTINGS TILL AFTER 2016 ANNUAL RECESS

Hon Danladi Yakubu Umar

The Chairman Hon Danladi Yakubu Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal on Tuesday adjourned all sittings scheduled for this week and those to come within July and August till after the resumption from recess to be embarked by the Tribunal’s Judges soon.

The decision was taken due to the ongoing Roundtable Discussion involving CCT and other critical stakeholders within and outside the country, to develop the Code of Ethics and Practice Directions for the Code of Conduct Tribunal to ensure fair and speedy trials, sponsored by European Union (EU) and implemented by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (UNODC).

MILITARY PENSION: THE FRAUD, THE VILLAINS AND THE VICTIMS (2) BY SEGUN MELCHIZEDEK EDWARD III

Men and women who have laid down their lives to protect their fellow compatriots and the nation from all forms of aggression within and without deserve to be treated with respect and accorded honour and not to be treated shamefully, embarrassed and denied their just dues.

The management of military pension in Nigeria like everything else is fraud-laden, error-prone, bedevilled by meaningless bureaucratic bottlenecks and characterised by reckless and senseless indolence on the part of serving military officers in handling the affairs of their retired seniors and in cahoot with some civilians.

As you will see later in this material, several scams are perpetrated in the management of military pension and the legitimate earnings of retired soldiers are sabotaged, denying them of their legal rights to survival entrenched in our laws. In fact, on way too many occassions, the provisions of the law in this regard have often been abused, flouted and disregarded by those in charge of the welfare of veterans. The scam is perpetrated by an arrogant inter-ministerial syndicate consisting of civilians and serving military personnel and some banks who do the biddings of compromised agents.

PHOTOSNEWS: Buhari receives Outgoing Ambassador of United States of America and High Commissioner of Canada

President Buhari receives Outgoing Ambassador of United States of America and High Commissioner of Canada at the Statehouse on 12th July 2016.

Add caption

Canada : President Buhari receives Outgoing High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria H.E. Perry J. Calderwood in Statehouse on 12th July 2016

PRESS RELEASE: MISSING CHIBOK GIRLS - DON'T GIVE UP ON THE GOVERNMENT, PRESIDENCY URGES BBOG

The BringBackOurGirls group claims in a recent statement that President Muhammadu Buhari has “broken all promises” made to the group about rescuing the missing Chibok girls and that the government had been “lackadaisical” in the rescue mission.

The Presidency will like to appeal to the officials and members of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaign group, not to waver in their support for the government in the war against terrorism and in the ongoing effort to free all Nigerian citizens taken captive by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The past year of this administration has seen the Nigerian military step up bombardment of the Sambisa Forest, a stronghold of the Boko Haram terrorist group, leading to the capture of hundreds of insurgents.

Why Nigeria MUST NOT let the Igbos leave this union - Tony

I have tried to measure the contribution of the Igbos to the development of the Nigerian project and the conclusion I have reached is that Nigeria must do everything possible to get the Igbos to remain in the Nigerian union. They (Igbos) have contributed unprecedentedly to the development of Nigeria in EVERY sector. The Igbos are an exceptional Nigerian race; they are born entrepreneurs, geniuses, capitalists, industrialists, academics, adventurists and you name it. A Nigeria without these set of people and their drive for economic success might be boring and uninteresting.

PRESS RELEASE: NIGERIA WILL FULFIL ITS FINANCIAL OBLIGATION TO AU — PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari said Monday in Abuja Nigeria will fulfil its financial obligation to the African Union (AU), particularly on programmes and operations aimed at ensuring durable peace, stability and security on the continent.

Receiving the AU Envoy on the Peace Fund, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, President Buhari said supporting peace operations, under the auspices of the AU, in several countries affected by conflict remains a foreign policy priority for his administration.

Despite competing priorities on security and the economic downturn in the country, the President assured the AU envoy that Nigeria will also play a central role in seeking the EU and the UN to strengthen their support for crisis-prone African countries.

THE HYPOCRISY OF APC LEADERS ON TRUE FEDERALISM

The issue of True Federalism was once the major objective of the opposition party. And its proponents were from various parts of the country. Fiscal Federalism was therefore not even a regional ideology. It was a national concept championed by opposition men such as El Rufai, Tinubu, Atiku and even Muhammadu Buhari. In March 2011, the then presidential aspirant of the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC), General Muhamadu Buhari (rtd) stormed Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, promising to practice true federalism if elected into office.

It is indeed confusing to see all these men who once believed in the power of true federalism become mute upon gaining control of the central government. One would believe that true federalism would become the impressum of their government. Alas; they have all gone mute. President Buhari who once preached about fiscal federalism in soliciting for South-West vote did not even have the courage to mention the word ‘fiscal-federalism’ in his inauguration speech. And the rest of leaders agreed with him. Is this not the height of national hypocrisy and deceit?

No hiding place for money launders anymore - Magu

Acting Chairman, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has reiterated that there is no hiding place for money launders as he promised that the law will surely catch up with them. 

He made this position known today at a one day workshop organized by the Nigeria Bar Association in collaboration with the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption titled: “Anti-Corruption, Ethics of The Legal Profession and Justice Sector”, at the Rockview Hotel, Abuja. 

PASTOR, 1 OTHER BAG 14 YEARS JAIL TERM

Pastor Emmanuel Markus

The EFCC on 11th July 2016, secured the conviction of Pastor Emmanuel Markus Anga and Atin Victor Generous before Justice Abubakar Jauro of Gombe State High Court on two count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretense.

Justice Jauro convicted and sentence the convicts to seven years imprisonment on count one (conspiracy), the sentence are to run-concurrently, and also convicted and sentence Generous to another seven years in count two (obtaining by false pretense), the sentence are to commence on11th July, 2016.

THE HIGHEST HYPOCRISY - Shobayo

You don't know Allah but you love the food sacrificed to him.... You're thief and hypocrites. You're not a Christian but a follower of manmade denominations.

You are not bow down to their god through their prayers because they are serving Allah, the god of the moon, the Queen of the heaven, living in second heaven, in between moon.... But you are eating their festivals food, and you said, it doesn't mean..? You have been deceived.

You love the food they used in marking their fasting to their god and you said, it doesn't mean anything...... You're hypocrite.

You're not serving their god in physical but you are serving their god spiritually through their festivals food.

FEDERAL APPOINTMENTS: COMPARE & CONTRAST - Ogunsanwo

Political appointments in 1999 was evenly distributed among all the 6 geopolitical zones in the country to engender unity, equity, fairness and justice

I will briefly outline how the appointment into six major positions were shared in the past and what obtains today and what can be done to ameliorate rising restiveness in some parts of the country

1999 - 2007 ( Obasanjo Presidency )

COAS BURATAI VISITS TROOPS IN KANGARWA (photos)

On Thursday 7th July 2016, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai as part of his operational visits to formations and units in the North East, which is in continuation of the activities marking this year's Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2016, visited troops of 119 Task Force Battalion of 7 Brigade located at Kangarwa.

N1.4bn Fraud: Ex-Kogi lawmaker Loses Post- Conviction Bail Bid

Convicted former Caretaker Chairman of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi state, Gabriel Daudu, today, July 4, 2016, lost his post conviction bail bid as a Federal High Court sitting Lokoja, refused his bail application. Daudau was convicted by Justice Inyang Ekwo on April 25, 2016, after he found him guilty of 77 counts of fraud and sentenced him to 154-year imprisonment. In his ruling, the trial judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced Mr. Daudu to two years on each of the 77 counts. Since the sentences are running concurrently, Mr. Daudu is expected to spend two years in jail. But the convict approached the Federal High Court with an application for bail on the grounds that without the bail he would have served his jail term before his appeal is determined at the appellate court.But ruling on the application today, Justice I. M. Sani held that the grounds of the applicant’s application were speculative and consequently refused the request. ‪#‎GabrielDaudu‬. ‪#‎Fraud‬. ‪#‎EFCC‬.

PRESS RELEASE: BOTH PRESIDENT BUHARI, CHINESE PRESIDENT HAVE BUILT FOUNDATION FOR STRONG, LASTING NIGERIA-CHINA RELATIONSHIP, SAYS VP OSINBAJO

"I think it’s fair to say the foundation for a very strong and lasting relationship between Nigeria and China has been built by both our President, President Muhammadu Buhari and President Xi Jinping of China," Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking at a courtesy call by a Chinese delegation led by the Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr. Qiam Keming, Prof. Osinbajo lauded the existing excellent relations between Nigeria and the Peoples Republic of China.

“President Muhammadu Buhari considers our relationship with China a priority and I am sure in your discussions with the Minister of Budget & National Planning, he would have told you the importance the President attaches to our relationship," the Vice President stated while receiving the delegation that consisted Chinese members of the restored Nigeria-China Economic and Technical Joint Commission. (The commission which met last in 2009 has just resumed its meeting for the first time since then.)

PRESS RELEASE: NIGERIA WILL WELCOME INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT TO DIVERSIFY ECONOMY — PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja said his administration will continue to welcome support and investments from the international community in the agricultural and solid minerals sectors as Nigeria moves to reduce dependence on crude oil.

In a farewell audience with the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Sweden to Nigeria, Mr. Svante Kilander, in the State House, President Buhari said the Federal Government would create the enabling environment for local and foreign investments in farming, animal husbandry, fishery and the exploration of solid minerals.

The President said a planned visit by some Swedish trade and investment delegations to the country later in the year would further encourage the ongoing process of diversifying the Nigerian economy.

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR NNPC

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the composition of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as provided for under Section 1(2) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Act of 1997, as amended.


The new board is composed of the following:

A. Chairman-Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum;

B. Group Managing Director- Dr Maikanti Kacalla Baru;

C. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance; and

D. The following six persons:

Boko Haram: Suicide Attack Averted in Monguno

Monday at about 6.15am, 3 female Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers attempted to attack innocent Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fetching water at a borehole located about 3 kilometres, outskirt of Monguno town along Marte road.

Our vigilant troops detected and gunned them down, killing both instantly.

RE-ALLEGED PRESENTATION OF FALSE TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE BY DR OKEZIE VICTOR IKPEAZU TO INEC: THE SACRED FACTS/TRUE POSITION BY ABIA STATE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

The attention of the Abia State Internal Revenue Service has been drawn to a court judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja on the tax clearance certificate issued to Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu by the Service, and hereby makes the following clarifications:

1. That the tax clearance certificate referred to in that Judgment was duly issued to Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu by the Service, and was therefore not fake.

2. That the taxes for the years 2011,2012 and 2013 were PAYE taxes deducted at source from his personal emoluments by his employers (Abia State Passengers’ Integrated Manifest Scheme and Abia State Environmental Sanitation Authority respectively) and remitted to the service in the relevant tax years

MOURINHO ARRIVES TO START WORK AT UNITED

Jose Mourinho has posted a video of his arrival at Manchester Piccadilly train station, ready to start work at the Aon Training Complex ahead of the much-anticipated 2016/17 season.

Using his personal Instagram account, the new Manchester United manager uploaded a short clip of him stepping off his train – coincidentally from coach J – in the small hours of Monday morning and he captioned it with the words: “I am here/UNITED we can.”

Thousands of Reds supporters commented on the Instagram post, with one writing “Good luck to the best manager in the world” and another saying “I still can’t believe you are with us”. One even lamented a missed meeting by claiming “I just left the platform a minutes before he arrived”.

Human remains recovered at EgyptAir crash site

Human remains have been recovered from the EgyptAir Flight 804 crash site in the Mediterranean, according to Egypt's Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee.

An Egyptian-contracted search vessel carrying the recovered remains is headed to the Egyptian port of Alexandria to hand over the remains to investigation officials and prosecutors, the committee said.
The number of victims that can be identified by the retrieved body parts is still unclear. Upon arrival, the remains will be transferred to the Department of Forensic Medicine in Cairo to begin DNA analysis immediately, a statement from the investigation committee said.

STIGMATISING PRESIDENT BUHARI By Sola Adeyeye

This rehash of the prominent positions held by Muslims in Nigeria is mischievous and quite unfortunate. It is the typical Nigerian game of chasing needless shadows rather than focusing on the arduous task of nation building.
Until recently, so-called Christians held commanding heights of the economic governance of our Republic. The Presidency, Headship of National Assembly, Secretary of Govt of the Federation, Head of Service, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, the NNPC, the Stock Exchange etc were headed by so-called Christians. Tragically, they reprobately superintended the profligate looting of our common patrimony. The lone voice of courageous warning belonged to a certified Muslim, Sanusi Lamido, who succeeded Soludo and was hounded for his courage to expose the cult of looters comprising so-called Christians.

PHOTONEWS: Aregbesola’s Wife Distributes Ramadan Outreach/Well-Wishes On Behalf Of President Buhari’s Wife

Saudi Arabia: A Bomber killed, two police wounded in blast outside U.S. consulate in Jeddah on July 4th!

The 4th of July, U.S. Independence Day, celebrations in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah were marred by violence as a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a mosque opposite the U.S. consulate.
The attacker was killed and two police officers were injured in the blast. A Suicide bomber has detonated an explosive device near the US consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Initial reports indicate the bomber died in the explosion and two people were injured.

ICC Launches #JusticeMatters Social Media Campaign To Mark Day Of International Criminal Justice - ICC Spokesperson

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is launching a new #JusticeMatters social media campaign (http://apo.af/pxq4uT) from 1 to 17 July, the Day of International Criminal Justice, including a Facebook photo contest (http://apo.af/pxq4uT). Participants are invited to submit photos, to ask their networks to like and share them, and to challenge their friends to add a little justice to their world view.

Photos of the scales of justice (http://apo.af/40bzNC) will be submitted on the ICC 17 July Facebook page (http://apo.af/pxq4uT) transforming a monument, city skyline or a natural landscape into a symbol of justice. The three photos to receive the most “likes” and “shares” will win a Justice Matters photo book. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the ICC, its goals, and the importance of international criminal justice on a global scale.

Ahmed Musa Completes Leicester Move, Set To Depart CSKA Tuesday

Super Eagles vice-captain, Ahmed Musa has completed his dream move to Premier League champions, Leicester City, as he departs Russian club CSKA Moscow for England on Tuesday.

CSKA Moscow coach Leonid Slutsky confirmed Musa is leaving the club to move to England.

Leicester has reportedly agreed terms with both Musa and the Russian club, and the English champions has listed him among players to feature in the colours of The Foxes in the Premier League for the upcoming season.

Leicester were linked with a move for the speedy Nigeria winger in January but he has since also been rumoured to be on his way to West Ham and Southampton.

President Buhari Departs Daura to Abuja After 2 Days Visit

After a two days private visit to his home town Daura, President Muhammadu Buhari departs Umaru Musa Yar'adua Airport for Abuja.

Twitter Suspends the Niger Delta Avengers Account

The twitter handle of Niger Delta Avengers has been suspended.

https://mobile.twitter.com/Niger Delta Avengers

What's your opinion? Irrational or Logical?

CBN plans dissolution of Board and Management of Skye Bank plc, CBN to partially take over bank, officers tendered resignations

FLASH: @cenbank plans dissolution of Board and Management of @SkyeBankNigeria, CBN to partially take over bank

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 4, 2016

FLASH: MD of @SkyeBankNigeria and some top management executives resign in anticipation of @cenbank dissolution of mgt and board of the bank

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 4, 2016

GROUND TRAINING CENTRE GRADUATES 591 RECRUITS

A total of 591 recruits have passed out over the weekend from the Ground Training Centre, Kaduna having successfully completed their initial 6-month military training. The new entrants into the Nigerian Air Force constitute the Basic Military Training Course 35/2016.

The Course started early January 2016 with 596 intakes but 5 of them were dropped for various reasons and were unable to complete the training. The training objective is to inculcate basic military skills in trainees and provide them with general military orientation required for them to function in the NAF. 

The passing out recruits have all been assigned specialist trades and posted to NAF formations across the country pending the time they would be programmed for specialist training. The next batch of intakes, comprising 1250 recruits are expected to commence training on 25 July 2016 in line with the NAF recruitment projection for 2016.

Niger Delta Avengers group claims five attacks in Delta state, Ijaw Youth Council Condemned renew attacks

“At 9:15p.m on Friday, the @NDAvengers blew up Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) crude oil trunk line to Warri Refinery.
“At 11:26 p.m on Saturday, @NDAvengers blew up two NPDC major crude trunk lines close to Batan flow station in Delta State.
“At 1:15 a.m on Sunday, @NDAvengers blew up two major Chevron oil wells – Well 7 and Well 8, close to Abiteye flow station in Delta State.
“All five operations were carried out by @ndavengers strike team. Well done, soldiers.”

YENAGOA - The Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group that has been carrying out attacks on Nigerian oil facilities in the past few months, claimed responsibility on Sunday for five new attacks in the southern energy hub since Friday.

The group had previously not laid claim to any attacks in the Niger Delta - the source of most of the OPEC member's oil - since June 16.

Petroleum Ministry sources said in late June that a month-long truce had been agreed with militants. But the Avengers said they did not "remember" agreeing to a ceasefire.