Buratai Decorates 2,903 Soldiers Fighting Boko Haram With Medals

PIC. 9. THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF, LT.-GEN. TUKUR BURUTAI (R), DECORATING WITH A MEDAL, BRIG.-GEN. VICTOR EZUGWU, THE COMMANDER, OF THE 28 TASK FORCE BRIGADE FIGHTING INSURGENTS, DURING THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF’’S VISIT TO MUBI IN ADAMAWA ON WEDNESDAY
The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has decorated 2,903 soldiers currently fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in Mubi, Adamawa.
Mr. Buratai told the soldiers at the 28 Task Force Brigade Headquarters, Mubi, on Tuesday that the decoration was part of the military’s tradition to motivate its personnel at the warfront.


He said the essence of his visit to Mubi was to inspect, assess the performance of personnel and motivate them in order to ensure the realisation of December deadline.
“I am in Mubi together with some key military personnel to see and get firsthand operational requirements of the Brigade and its affiliated units as well as to identify challenges facing them.
“I have been briefed and I am happy, the Brigade and its units are doing very well, I highly commended their efforts”, Mr. Burutai said.
He said their sacrifices for protecting the country’s sovereignty from enemies like Boko Haram terrorists and other evils atrocities would never be in vain.​​
Earlier, at the Emir’s Palace, Mr. Burutai thanked the traditional ruler for the support given to the Brigade.
He commended the cooperation between hunters, vigilan​te ​groups and the Brigade, saying “the development is highly useful and should be maintained”.
“We will not relent, we still need continued cooperation because we are working toward limit time of December deadline.
“We, therefore, solicit for your support, particularly timely information and report of any suspicious character”, Burutai said.
Responding, the Emir of Mubi, Isa Ahmadu, assured Mr. Buratai of his people continued support to the military to achieve its goals.
“The people of Mubi are very happy with your visit, and I am assuring you, we will double our maximum support, especially in the areas of passing information to your officers”, Mr. Ahmadu said.
(NAN)

Ajimobi to Ladoja: your appeal’ll fail again

                                                                           Ajimobi
Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said no intrigue, blackmail and manipulation by former Governor Rashidi Ladoja can unseat him.

He was addressing artisans, traders and religious bodies, who thronged the Governor’s Office to congratulate him on his victory at the election petitions tribunal on Tuesday.

The group comprised over 25 professional associations, including the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO), National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria, Igede Development Association and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

In apparent reference to Ladoja’s decision to appeal the verdict, Ajimobi said his mandate was of God, adding that no amount of blackmail could change God’s will .

He said: “When I heard that my egbon, Ladoja, said he was not satisfied with the judgment and that he vowed to head for the Court of Appeal, I said he should go wherever he wants to go.



“But I want to assure you all that thousands of Accord Party and its candidate cannot unseat me. This mandate is of God and popularly given to me by the people.

“We must all work together to develop Oyo State. We must never allow enemies to thrive again. We give glory to God that he has taken care of all the trouble makers of our state. So what should be our concern now is how to ensure that this state is taken to greater heights.’’

Senator Monsurat Sunmonu,representing Oyo Central, yesterday congratulated Ajimobi, saying: “I have always believed that whoever works hard can never be brought down.

“While I was speaker during the governor’s first term, we worked tirelessly for the people and this earned us their trust for a second term. One then wonders why some politicians refused to accept defeat in good faith and move on. We thank God for this victory and I rejoice with my governor.

“The best we can do right now is for the state to give full and wholehearted support to the Ajimobi administration and his continuity programme, so that Oyo can be a benchmark for good governance in this country.”

Minister-designate Bayo Shittu said the judgment was a confirmation of the people’s choice.

He added that the victory would strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) and democracy in the state.

“I want to personally congratulate the governor and also wish him success as he thrives to improve on the people’s socio-economic well-being,”Shittu said.

Former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun said the governor had left his footprints on the sands of time.

He said the next four years would afford him the opportunity to widen the footprints through quality projects.

Our Economy Has Taken A Nosedive – Ezekwesili

A former minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has compared Nigeria’s current economic situation to that of 1982 during the regime of ex-president, Shehu Shagari.


Speaking in Lagos, the former minister stressed that the situation surrounding the economic, social and political sectors is precarious, admitting, however, that managing such situations would be really difficult for the government.
“We have found ourselves in a situation where every sector is in a precarious situation,” Ezekwesili was quoted by Vanguard to have said.
“We are operating on uncertainty and it is very difficult. Our economy has taken a nosedive, and I ask how it is possible for Nigeria to find itself in this embarrassing situation.
“Nigerians must study history because people who do not study history risk repeating all the mistakes made in the past.”
Former Central Bank Governor and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, had also said that the country was heading for recession with the way the country’s economy is going.

Reps to probe Jonathan’s airport projects

Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck considered suspending his country's World Cup team because of its poor play in the soccer tournament.
THE House of Representatives has decried the state and  status of the nation’s airports.

The lawmakers regretted that there was little to show for the huge investment made into the aviation sector by the Federal Government.

The House consequently directed its Committee on Aviation to investigate the N400 billion appropriated for the expansion, modernisation and management of 17 domestic and five international airports by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

The mandate of the committee is to ascertain the factors responsible for the “damning and embarrassing” status of Nigerian airports and report back in two weeks.

The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion by Garba Datti  (APC, Kaduna), who noted that with the whopping sums injected into the aviation sector for the upgrade of airports, rather than turn out to be symbols of national pride, they have become objects of condemnation.



He said: “Nigerians should be worried about a recent report put together by Cable News Network (CNN), World Airports Survey that rated three of our airports namely; Port Harcourt, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Murtala Mohammad International airports among the 10 worst in the world with Port Harcourt leading the pack.

“I wonder why the Federal Ministry of Aviation, after it obtained a $1 billion Chinese loan to improve facilities such as toilet, conveyor belts, avio bridges buses, software infrastructure and security in general would not live up to it responsibilities.

“It should also be of concern that in the last five years, the National Assembly has appropriated over N400 billion for the expansion, modernisation and management of 17 domestic and five international airports; none of these is yet to be felt.”

The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote by the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Yussuff Lasun.

Boko Haram: Britain To Train 150 Nigerian Army Personnel

The British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT) has organised a five-day capacity training seminar for 150 Warrant Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Army, as part of the collaborations between Nigeria and Britain in tackling Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, as well as similar security challenges across the country.


The commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Major General Sani Muazu, made the disclosure on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, at the seminar held at the Armed Forces and Staff College, Jaji in Kaduna State on Tuesday.
According to him, BMATT has been assisting Nigeria in the capacity building of its military forces in the areas of tactics for over 35 years.
He explained that the seminar would focus on the operation development of the officers, with the aim of making the Nigerian Army a professional force.
Buratai added that the Army had in the last one year embarked on intensive individual and group training of personnel within and outside the country. He affirmed that such initiative was already yielding positive result with the recent onslaught against the Boko Haram insurgents.
He, therefore, urged the participants to make use of the opportunity of the training to increase their capacities and knowledge in dealing with all forms of security threats such as the Boko Haram insurgency, militancy, oil bunkering and kidnapping among other related crimes.

FIFA PRESIDENCY: “NFF didn’t sabotage Odegbami”

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has absolved any Nigerian of the blame of working against the nomination of former Green Eagles Captain Segun Odegbami for the position of FIFA Presidency, instead the Federation has blamed the former international of starting the process very late.

According to the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, the Federation did everything  possible to ensure that the aspirations of the former international scaled through, but the processes started very late.

“Segun Odegbami told us that all he needs is the endorsement of the federation that he would get the other five endorsements from other African countries. It was only few days to the closing of nominations that we got to know that he did not get the endorsements before then.

“I took the form to Cairo and was going from table to table to get it endorsed, but most of the countries were giving excuses that they have committed themselves to other candidates. If he had started early enough, we would have gotten the endorsement before the closing date. We learn daily, and would get it right next time,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the former Chairman of NFF Technical Committee, Christopher Green also absolved the NFF of any wrong doing, saying that Odegbami did not start his process early enough “Don’t blame the federation because first and foremost we did not put our house together in the sense that we had two candidates vying for the same position. But in other climes no country presented two candidates, only one. I do realise that it was three to four days to the closure of the nomination that Segun Odegbami was given the endorsement by the federation.



Realistically speaking, unless he did his home-work before the endorsement, there is no way he can shuttle five countries in Africa to get the endorsement within four days “Whatever happened to his candidacy I don’t know. I don’t know whether the NFF submitted his form.

“But I really doubt  if he complied with all the conditions set out by FIFA. And that is why the NFF brought out her  own conditions and when you meet up, the federation will take up the rest.

One of the conditions is that you must be popular in the game as an administrator. But if you are not, the federation will find it difficult to market.

“It is the responsibility of the NFF to forward the nomination form to FIFA but it is not the responsibility of NFF to get the required endorsement for the candidate. It depends when he gets the endorsement from other Africa countries to forward to the federation to submit.

“It is not the NFF that is contesting the election, it is an individual thing. When Sepp Blatter contested it was not Swiss but Blatter.

On why the Federation did not call the two aspirants to harmonise things, the NFF Executive Committee member said: “The truth of the matter is that they made things difficult for the NFF. This is the first time we have two candidates contesting for position in CAF, FIFA, WAFU. Usually it is the NFF that brings out a candidate to contest because they are the managers of the game in the country.

“When Amos Adamu was   there it was  only him that the federation endorsed, the same with  Galadima and Aminu Maigari. But a situation where you have two candidates going for the same position, it becomes difficult. The way forward is for us to put our house and ourselves together for future elections with a plan to get one candidate nominated, have the candidate fulfill all the conditions as so specified in the FIFA electoral guidelines and help the candidate get endorsement for other countries. It is a project that you need a minimum of four  years to prepare.

“You can’t wake up in three months and say you want to meet another country for endorsement with the federation and you know that a country can only endorse one candidate,” he said.

Falana Threatens To Sue Buhari Over Killings, Destruction Of Farmlands By Fulani Herdsmen

Lagos lawyer and former President of the West African Bar Association (WABA), Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, on Sunday expressed concern over the danger posed to farmers by herdsmen in the country, threatening to sue the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration if nothing is done to address the problem.
He also threatened to sue the Federal Government and state governments with large livestock populations in order to compel them to establish grazing reserves and ranches.


The Senior Advocate of Nigeria issued this threat against the backdrop of the recent kidnapping of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former presidential candidate, Chief Olu Falae, by Fulani herdsmen in his farm in a suburb of Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Falana in a statement on Sunday said: “Once again, I call on President Buhari to address the bloody clashes which occur regularly between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the various parts of the country.
“Through the negligence of the states, the country has continued to witness the reckless killing of innocent farmers and the destruction of farmlands.
“Farmers, like other citizens, are entitled to the protection of the right to life and property. To halt such wanton killings, the primitive movement of thousands of herds of cattle from the north to the south should be stopped without any further delay.
“In the interim, states which have large livestock populations should take advantage of the Land Use Act to acquire land for the establishment of grazing reserves.
“In view of the increasing incident of cattle rustling, security measure should be put in place to police the grazing reserves.
“The said grazing reserves will be phased out gradually and replaced with ranches and abattoirs.
“However, since the Federal Government is obligated to protect the life and property of every citizen, urgent steps should be taken to avert further killings and destruction of farmlands by herdsmen.
“If the Buhari Administration does not discharge its constitutional duty by stopping the unwarranted civil disturbances we shall not hesitate to pray the federal high court to compel it to act responsibly in the circumstance by ensuring the protection of the fundamental rights of every farmer to life and property”.

Tension as police, hoodlums clash

There was tension at the Ajao Estate, Ejigbo area of Lagos, yesterday, following a clash between policemen and some hoodlums.

The hoodlums burnt a stationed armoured tank and a patrol vehicle belonging to the Lagos State Task Force on the Environment.

The clash started at about 7.15pm following the arrest of some motorcyclists around the Canoe axis. It was learnt that the task force officials stormed the area in the early hours of the evening to arrest some motorcyclists and impound their motorcycles.

The motorcyclists reportedly mobilised their colleagues and thugs in the area against the policemen in a shootout.

The Nation gathered that there were sporadic gun shots from Afolabi Bus-stop in the estate across the Canoe Bridge linking Ejigbo. It prompted other motorists to scamper for safety.



At the time of filing this report, it could not be ascertained if there were casualties but some persons were believed to have been injured.

Police spokesman could not be reach as at press time.

Rivers APC Applauds Supreme Court For Throwing Out Wike’s Appeal

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Rivers State chapter has applauded the decision of the Supreme Court to throw out the bid by Governor Nyesom Wike to declare the sitting of the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja as being against the law.
The apex court ruled that the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, acted in line with the ‎law in transferring the sitting of the tribunal from Rivers to Abuja, for security reasons.


The court also affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had earlier upheld the decision of the Tribunal to assume jurisdiction.
“As a party, the APC is grateful that all seven eminent jurists of the Supreme Court unanimously agreed that there was sufficient violence before; during and after the elections to justify the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja and that the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja was to safeguard the lives of the tribunal chairman, members and witnesses.
“The apex court likened the violence in Rivers to that of a theatre of war such as is prevailing in the North-East”, the party said in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The party noted with delight that Justice Okoro from Akwa Ibom State not only concurred but went further to say that Rivers State was a theatre of war and as such protection of life and limbs of members of the panel and interested parties was paramount and thus relocation of the election petitions tribunal imperative.
The APC also commended the eminent Supreme Court Justices for once again re-affirming that they always dispense justice without fear or favour despite the frequent boasts by Nyesom Wike that he has all the Justices of the Supreme Court in his pocket, whatever that means.
“The significance of all seven eminent Justices of the Supreme Court speaking in one voice in today’s judgment according to the APC, is that the faith, hope and confidence of the ordinary Nigerian to get justice is assured in the Nigerian judicial system”, Finebone said.

FG Orders Probe Of Lamorde Over Alleged Diversion Of N1trn Recovered Loot

The Federal Government has ordered a probe into an allegation that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, illegally diverted about N1 trillion, being proceeds of corruption that was recovered by the agency.


‎FG, through the Federal Ministry of Justice, directed the commission to open investigation into ‎a petition dated September 18, 2015, which was forwarded to the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mr. Abdullahi Yola, by ‎the Chief Executive Officer of Panic Alert Security Systems, Mr. George Uboh.
The commission was ordered to forward the outcome of its investigation to the Federal Ministry of Justice for consideration and possible follow-up action.
The FG had also in a letter with reference number, DPPA/PET/EFCC/006/2008,‎ signed by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. M.S. Diri, notified the petitioner that it has sanctioned investigation into the allegation against Lamorde.
“I refer to your letter dated the 28th September, 2015, in respect of the above mentioned subject matter,” the letter read in part.
“I am directed to inform you that your petition has been sent to the EFCC for their response to the allegation contained therein. The commission has been directed by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary to forward the result of its investigation as soon as it is completed.
“Accept please, the assurances of the highest regards of the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary.”
In his petition, Uboh had requested that Lamorde be investigated and that the Justice Ministry divest the EFCC under Lamorde of the Fiat to prosecute criminal suspects.
He also sought an immediate issuance of “fiat for the prosecution of EFCC’s past and present leadership and their known and unknown co-conspirators via the 22-page preliminary criminal charges the undersigned has prepared.”

Graphic pics: ISIS executes man by running him over with armoured tank

My goodness! Everyday these terrorists look for more barbaric ways to kill people. But why not run, why stand there and wait for an armoured tank to crush you? The worst they will do is shoot you dead if you keep running…and is that not better than this? The photos are horrific. Continue…

How I survived road accident, by Obasanjo

Ex-president relives anxious moment

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday spoke on his accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Saturday, saying he had a lucky escape.

Reliving how it all happened, Chief Obasanjo said the accident was caused by a burst tyre.

He said he was on his way to attend the 80th birthday celebrations of billionaire businessman Chief Kessington Adebutu in Lagos.

A statement by his media aide, Vitalis Ortese, reads: “The Office of … Obasanjo wishes to clarify that he is hale, hearty and away in Abidjan, Cote Ivoire, where he is observing the Presidential Elections holding in that country.



“The office also wishes to confirm, that on Saturday, October 24, 2015, Obasanjo was indeed involved in an accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, after Sagamu roundabout, while he was on his way to join in the celebrations of the 80th birthday anniversary of Chief Adebutu in Tinubu Methodist Church, Lagos.

“The vehicle, he was travelling in suffered a burst left tyre at the rear and swerved several times but did not hit any curb or any car in front or behind until it did a 180-degree turn and faced where it was coming from, and he had to change vehicles.

“Obasanjo wishes to convey his deep appreciation to all those, who by way of calls, personal messages and prayers, and indeed members of the general public, who have shown overwhelming concern about his welfare.”

The deteriorating road has been a source of worry to the public.

It takes longer time to travel on it because of huge craters.

Trailers, trucks and other heavy duty vehicles fall on it at will, causing heavy taffic.

During its eight-year tenure  – 1999 – 2007 – the Obasanjo administration did not do anything to rehabilitate the road.

The late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who succeeded him, awarded contract for the road’s rehabilitation to Bi-Courtney, but its execution was stalled by disagreement between the government and the concessionaire.

But former President Goodluck Jonathan cancelled the concession and awarded the job to Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) and Julius Berger.

Yesterday, Mr. Hakeem Olopade, a director of Motorways Asset Limited, which is working with the Federal Ministry of Works on the “delivery of a fully-enhanced Lagos-Ibadan express road”, said the tempo of work would soon increase with the re-dedication of all stakeholders to its completion on schedule.

Speaking with reporters in Lagos, Olopade said the need for due process, enhancements to earlier design and nature had been responsible for the slow pace of work on “the novel PPP-structured road.”

Olopade, who is also the Executive Director (Projects) at The Infrastructure Bank (TIB), the government’s fund arrangers for the N167 billion project, said the road remained the most crucial highway in the transport sector, and cannot be abandoned.

TIB, he said, had successfully raised the “Tranche I” of the financing of the project in line with the expectations of the government and other stakeholders; the “Tranche II” is currently being arranged.

He said the stakeholders would maximise efficiency gains in the construction phases of the project to ensure its completion to time and budget.

Olopade said financial obligations and commitments were being kept in order to keep the contractors on site while the stakeholders finalise the new designs and geometric drawings, adding: “The necessary development studies are also being finalised in good time ahead of full construction work resumption soon”.

Arrangement of funds for the project, he said, was “slightly slowed down by legal conundrum” caused by the 2012 termination of the former concessionaire agreements on the road.

Olopade said: “The rains have also recently affected full blown construction activities as some asphalt works have to be suspended till the dry season.”

The lost construction grounds, he said, would be covered by  Julius Berger Plc and RCC after the rains.

Julius Berger Plc handles the six-lane Sagamu Interchange and Lagos end of the road; RCC is handling the 84-kilometre  Sagamu – Ibadan (Ojoo interchange).

Wike remains governor – Rivers PDP

                                                                       Wike

•Allays fears of residents

The Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday sought to calm its disillusioned supporters after the tribunal’s judgement that annulled the April election of Mr. Nyesom Wike as governor.

It said that Mr. Wike remains governor for now.

Reacting to what he called a travesty of justice and rape on democracy, the State PDP Chairman, Mr. Felix Obuah, said: “no matter the degree of conspiracy by the All Progressives Congress, APC-led federal government, the falsehood and gang-up against Rivers people will amount to a nullity in the end.”

He urged the people of the state “not to panic over the pre-empted judgment which had been decided long before the written addresses by the parties were adopted Thursday, October 22, 2015.”



He cited section 143, subsection 1 of the Electoral Act 2010 which guarantees an elected governor to stay in office and continue to execute his duties as the State Chief Executive as long as a notice of appeal is given against the judgment within 21 days from the date of the judgment notwithstanding the decision of the election tribunal.

He said:  “this is one tribunal judgment that will never stand,” stressing that the PDP will go to any length to “fight the injustice.”

“There is no other reason why the tribunal hurriedly delivered the contraption it called judgment in less than 24 hours after adopting the written addresses on a matter that lasted over four months than to pre-empt the judgment of the Supreme Court against the tribunal by the PDP which comes up next week Tuesday.”

“Notwithstanding all this, in the end we shall have the last laugh.”

Wike, PDP attack judges as tribunal annuls Rivers poll

•Party dismisses judgement as biased

•Sacked gov vows to fight all the way

•Attempt to blackmail judiciary will fail, says APC

A furious Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State yesterday launched tirades on the judiciary moments after the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sacked Wike  as Rivers State governor.

The tribunal had said the election that brought the governor to power was characterised by malpractices and not held in substantial compliance with the electoral laws.

PDP immediately declared that   the judgment cannot stand while Wike branded it a gang-up against the people of Rivers State.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP , Chief Olisa Metuh, slammed  the verdict as “completely bizarre and unacceptable,” and said it was part of the script by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the will of the people.



His party, he claimed, had been hinted  several months ago about  “this spurious judgment,”  and that it accordingly  alerted the nation and the international community to the plot by the APC government to use the judiciary and various security agencies to reverse the victory of the PDP in Rivers, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Taraba and Abia states.

“We invite Nigerians and the international community to recall various reprehensible steps taken by the APC government that culminated in this ruling as well as the ridiculous Wednesday’s verdict of the Akwa-Ibom state governorship election tribunal, also sitting in Abuja”, the PDP said.

The party listed what it described as the curious and controversial relocation of the election tribunals from their states to Abuja without any justification; the constant juggling of judicial officers and members of governorship election tribunals in PDP controlled states, especially, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom.

It also alleged constant harassment of judicial and electoral officers involved in the governorship election cases in these state, using agencies of government, particularly, the Directorate of State Services (DSS) under the direct command of a known APC member, Alhaji Lawal Daura.

The PDP similarly alleged constant threats, intimidation and coercing of witnesses against the party in the tribunals.

He added: “the recent mass transfer of security operatives, especially the DSS and police personnel that actually participated in the conduct of the elections in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom, ostensibly to frustrate the course of genuine evidences in the process. “The bias in the judgment against the PDP in Rivers as well as Akwa-Ibom is evidenced in the contradictions inherent in the trial process of the two cases and the verdicts therein, whereby the tribunals clearly disregarded standing legal norm that a petitioner must establish prove of claims.

“Also curious is the fact that after both the petitioner and respondent agreed before the tribunal that both card reader and manual accreditations were used for the election, the tribunal still went ahead to base its decision on issues of card reader.

“While it is convenient for them to use legal technicalities to deny PDP victory in Imo, Lagos, Ogun and Yobe states, the same rules are misapplied to wickedly favour APC petitioners in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states.

“It is therefore evinced that these contradictions are direct fall-out of compromises as well as boasts by the APC of being in direct and remote control of the tribunals.

“If not, how can one explain the fact that while governorship elections are being upturned in PDP states, in APC states, where similar claims and facts are in contention, elections are being upheld.

“Further proof of bias by the Rivers tribunal is the fact that less than 24 hours after various counsels submitted nine written addresses and documents, the tribunal rushed its notice of judgment, an action ostensibly aimed at ambushing the pending Supreme Court action on the issue of jurisdiction regarding the relocation of the tribunal outside River state, which was due to be delivered on Tuesday.

“This is not withstanding the fact that the tribunal has up to seven days after receipt of addresses, to deliver its judgment, but chose instead, to rush to deliver this spurious verdict even on a Saturday, a development eliciting suspicion that the judgment may have since been predetermined and written even before the commencement of the case.

“The PDP calls on all Nigerians and the international community to note this growing manipulation of the judiciary by the APC government, a factor which portends great danger to our democracy and the stability of our country.

“Nigerians would want to recall that under the PDP-led government with former President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment to the tenets of democracy as encapsulated in the safeguard of ‘one man one vote’ and the independence of the judiciary, the PDP conceded electoral defeat in Edo, Anambra, and Imo states without attempting to collect victory through executive manipulation of the judicial process.

“The PDP restates unequivocally that this judgments must not stand in view of the prevailing inherent contradictions, in addition to the huge threat they portend to our democracy and national stability.

“Finally, the PDP charges all lovers of democracy, particularly our members in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom state not to be daunted, as these judgments will not stand the test of the law and the will of the people.

“We therefore reassure that the PDP will do all within the ambit of the law to resist this criminal attempt by the APC to steal and thwart the will of the people”.

On his part, Wike told his supporters in Port Harcourt last night that the verdict was nothing short of a gang up against  Rivers people.

Wike said: “I am still the governor of Rivers State. Our lawyers are going on appeal. We are all going on appeal. There is also the Supreme Court.

“They can say anything, but Rivers people’s interest must be protected. Nobody will intimidate me to abandon this state. If they like, let them summon the justices as they have been doing. But one day, God’s own pronouncement will come.”

Wike’s pronouncement drew an immediate response from the APC in the state, with the party’s Chris Finebone accusing him of blackmail.

He was shocked that the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State “has come out to condemn and cast aspersions on the character of the panel of jurists.

“The APC believes that such irrational utterances on the part of the PDP are as a result of the shock, frustration and disappointment that the panel of judges of the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal made themselves unreachable to be compromised by the PDP and Governor Nyesom Wike and demonstrated that despite the malfeasance of a few, the Nigerian judiciary is still made up men of impeccable character who cherish their good name, character and hallowed profession.

“The APC is only worried that Nyesom Wike as at yesterday had made uniforms for his followers in preparation to celebrate the ruling of the Supreme Court over PDP matter on the jurisdiction of the election petition tribunal.

“As a result of this, many questions come to mind one of which is: “Does Nyesom Wike already know the decision of the Supreme Court on his appeal on locational jurisdiction?”

“For us in the APC we will continue to believe and trust in the transparency and forthrightness of the members of the Nigerian judiciary as has been exemplified on occasions without number including over the ruling on the Rivers State matter today.

“We believe that the antics and machinations of a few persons such as Nyesom Wike are not enough to tarnish the impeccable records of our distinguished men and women of the bench in Nigeria.

“To us in the APC, the innuendo, allusion and expressions on the judiciary by Nyesom Wike and the PDP are mere red herring meant to blackmail members at the very apex of the judiciary having woefully failed to monetarily compromise them.

“This evil motive by Nyesom Wike and the PDP to blackmail and impugn the hard-earned integrity of the justices of the Supreme Court will surely fail.”

Amazing pictures of a Made in Nigeria – Hand-woven car (photos)

 This hand-woven car was reportedly made by a Nigerian Artisan named Ojo Obaniyi. He’s 40 year old and from Ibadan. The car also uses fuel like every other car. See more photos

DHQ: No mercenaries for fight against Boko Haram

Nigeria does not need mercenaries in its fight against Boko Haram, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday.

The country has the capacity to handle the insurgents on its own, Acting Director of Defence Information (DDI) Col. Rabe Abubakar said.

Abubakar was reacting to some foreign news agencies’ claim that Nigeria is planning to hire South African mercenaries to prosecute the anti-insurgency campaign.

The former President Goodluck Jonathan administration was criticised for secretly engaging the services of some South African meceneries.

The foreign news agencies claimed that the Buhari administration is also planning to hire merceneries to help the military to crush Boko Harm  by December, the deadline given the armed forces to crush the sect.



Some reports yesterday quoted an anonymous top military source as saying that Nigeria has engaged South Africa-based private contractor Specialised Tasks, Training, Equipment and Protection (STTEP).

Five persons were yesterday arraigned in an Abuja Federal High Court for the October 2 Nyanya and Kuje bomb explosions. Their arraignment followed their parade at the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) Abuja Headquarters.

Also in a statement in Abuja, Force spokesperson Olabisi Kolawole said Boko Haram members “use iPads and laptops to make bombs”.

According to the agency, STTEP is deploying 250 personnel and equipment, including fighter jets in Operation Fire Force, to help Nigeria crush Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.

Describing the report as part of a deliberately orchestrated covert action and propaganda aimed at setting Nigerians against their government and the military, Abubakar said they were part of the blackmail and disinformation from Nigeria’s enemies.

The issue is being given added significance because shortly before he came into office, President Muhammadu Buhari had declared the Jonathan administration’s hiring of South African mercenaries as a big shame.

“”It is a shame it can’t secure 14 out of 774 local government areas  in the country”, Buhari had told elders of the Arewa Consultative Forum in Kaduna in May.

Speaking on the telephone yesterday, Abubakar said: “The issue about mercenaries lacks substance;  I want you to note that for the past months, the military has been fighting this war more and more effectively and all Nigerians, irrespective of where they live, have come to understand that we are making tremendous progress.

“So, why should some people bring up this idea of bringing in mercenaries? Which mercenaries, from where and to do what?

“You see, all this is part of the usual antics of blackmail by the enemies of Nigeria – those who do not want the progress that the Nigerian military are making and those who are not happy with the successes we are recording.

“They are trying to derail by inciting Nigerians against the Nigerian armed forces.

“There is no nation in the world where such thing (hiring mercenaries while winning a battle) happens.

“We are doing our best and achieving effective results; we don’t need to say it because Nigerians see it and appreciate what we are doing. We will continue to use our soldiers, our officers and all our domestic resources.

“The Nigerian armed forces is doing its best to ensure that we surmount the Boko Haram issue and other allied criminalities; so,   such disinformation or blackmail will not deter us from doing what we are supposed to be doing.

“It is not just a lie; it is completely unfounded and baseless.

“We will continue to do our part and our armed forces are capable of dislodging Boko Haram.

“We have done it elsewhere and we will do it in our country”, he said.

Photos: Davido Meets His ‘Die-hard’ Fan!

 Nigerian music fans have started to adore and worship their idols like it’s done overseas.


A die hard Davido fan tattooed the artiste’s face across his torso.

Davido Shares Cute Photo Of His Daughter

She's adorable!

Ekiti APC condemns Fayose’s attack on judges

The Ekiti State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Governor Ayo Fayose for accusing the Nigerian judiciary of corruption without having any concrete evidence to substantiate his claim.

The party also expressed its support for the decision of the Nigerian Army to probe the involvement of its officers and men in the alleged rigging and intimidation that characterized the June 21, 2014 governorship poll in the state.

The APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement on Thursday described Fayose’s accusation of Nigerian judges as “a paradoxical assault by a man who holds the judiciary in contempt even though he is also the greatest beneficiary of the same purportedly corrupt judiciary in his political career.”

The governor had at a church service to mark the commencement of the New Legal Year on Tuesday accused Nigerian judges of corruption, saying some of them were begging to get appointment as election tribunals’ chairmen in order to extort money from politicians.

He said: “It is regrettable that Fayose is always having his jokes on the judiciary that decent Nigerian leaders built to serve as a sacred sanctuary of justice, but which Fayose has turned to a lap dog that he can whip at his pleasure.



“He invaded the court with his thugs to beat a judge black and blue, tore his coat and invaded the Chief Judge’s office, broke the door and tore court records there while the Chief Judge’s secretary was mercilessly beaten.

“He created various obstacles to slow down his prosecution in the N1.3b poultry project fraud and orchestrated closure of the courts for a long time to prevent hearing on his perjury case to pervert the course of justice.

“But we wish to remind Fayose that these various assaults on the judiciary are worse than corruption.”

Pics: Omotola Signs Multimillion Naira Endorsement With Scanfrost

Award winning actress and philanthropist Omotola has just been signed as Brand Ambassador to Scanfrost. The campaign materials for the home appliances were styled by Ezinne Chinkata, make up by Bimpe Onakoya, hair by Ferdinand and shot by Tunde Owolabi studios.


The actress who also celebrates 20 years of entertainment this year was said to have been paid some heavy figures for the endorsement. See some behind the scenes pics after the cut…

Buhari seeks more cooperation with Hungary

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said that he looks forward to increased bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Hungary, since both countries have a lot in common.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari made the remark while receiving Mr. Zsolt Semjen, the Vice Prime Minister of Hungary at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Buhari said that his administration will welcome the strengthening and expansion of cooperation between both countries in the areas of security and agricultural development.

He said: “Hungary faces some immigration challenges today, just like other parts of Europe. We also have our challenges in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

“Hungary is able to fully understand our problems, and we can work together.”



Vice Prime Minister Semjen congratulated Nigeria on its last general election, adding that Hungary looks forward to signing agreements with the country on more bilateral cooperation.

He said that terrorism was a global challenge and pledged that his country would support the Nigerian Armed Forces’ efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

“The extremism of Boko Haram is not Islamic. It runs contrary to all human philosophies,” the Vice Prime Minister said.

He also promised that Hungary would deploy its expertise in the area of agriculture to assist Nigeria.

Nigerians should support anti-corruption campaign – Buhari

                                                                      Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday urged Nigerians to support government to stamp out corruption, economic sabotage, criminality, delinquency and all forms of indiscipline in the society.

He also tasked Nigerian leaders to adopt the right attitude in the task of transforming the country to a prosperous and respectable nation.

Buhari stated these in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the 31st convocation ceremony of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

Represented by Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir D. Lawal, the President charged councils of Nigerian universities to reposition their institutions for global competitiveness.

He tasked the universities on the need for enhanced corporate social responsibility in order to remain relevant in the communities where they exist.



He said: “The task of grooming youths for national development devolves on the universities, I therefore appeal to our teachers not to use our students as their laboratories for their doctrines or as cannon folder for their struggles in the society. The children under your care must not be used as agents for the destabilization of our society.

“Our universities must demonstrate high quality intellectual leadership that will engender political, economic and social progress so that together we might build a nation that will be the pride of all. Government will continue to create employment and other opportunities for our youths to thrive. Apart, from physical discipline, our universities should key into the evolving ethical revolution, because without discipline and law and order no society can make any meaningful impact.”

Linda Ikeji Acquires Banana Island Mansion Worth N450M

 Known round the continent as the most famous blogger in Africa, Linda Ikeji has set a template for future bloggers.


Known as the loudspeaker of Linda Ikeji, her younger sister, Laura Ikeji announced on her Instagram page that her sister (Linda Ikeji) has just acquired a new mansion.
Her caption said it all,
That moment you realize that Mike Adenuga is ur neighbor, Dantata is ur neighbor, you are surrounded by billionaires you used to hear about on TV as a child, Haaaa unimaginable feeling. Banana island isn’t ready for my noise ???? . Dear Banana Island, we here!!! A glimpse of @officiallindaikeji Banana Island Mansion!!!!!! I’m too excited
It’s been reported that the home is a six bedroom property worth N450 million naira and Linda had already moved in.
See photo after the jump: –

Photo: D’banj Receives Head From Female Fan On Stage

Behold, the Kokomaster at his fullest.


D’banj has continued to celebrate his 10th anniversary in different locations round the world.
He was in Kong Night club in South Africa just yesterday.
As expected, D’banj thrilled fans in South Africa by performing some of his classic tunes and his latest hit song, ‘Feeling The Nigga’; the Kokomaster went quite raunchy on stage.
Despite the fact that D’banj’s rumored South African boo, Bonang Matheba was present at the event, D’banj gave an impressive performance and got massaged in some sensitive places in return.
A photo of a female fan with her mouth in D’banj’s private area is currently causing a frenzy online.

Peter Okoye Poses With His Beautiful Kids

PSquare’s Peter Okoye is a show man and he finds a way to be with his kids in their play time and all. #Family

Ramsey Nouah: “My wife’s a triple woman. She’s not like an ordinary woman out there”

You have been married for a while, how have you been able to hold your home together?
I must give it to my wife. She’s a triple woman. She’s not like an ordinary woman out there. When some people asked my wife how she copes with an actor husband, I told her to tell them that is why she is a triple woman. The first thing I told her was that, if every woman that says I cannot live with your husband, will actors get married? Will actors ever marry or have a family? I told her it is because you are more than just a woman. Sometimes, she says Ramsey what kind of kissing is that? Na all my market you don go sell finish for camera. One woman came in from Benin to meet my wife that she was the once I married. This woman stayed in our house for three days until I get the police to come and drive her away. It was such a nasty experience that makes me laugh every time.


On his relationship with Genevieve Nnaji:
It is quite funny. I think everybody just tried to marry Genevieve and I before we actually got close. I didn’t shoot much movies with Genevieve like I did with other actresses. I think I shot five movies with her. I have never had such feeling for her. We were just colleagues who wanted you people to feel the way you are feeling now. It tells you that we played our roles very well.
Why were you dropped as a Glo ambassador?
I don’t know but I think they told us that they switched to musicians. I don’t have to bother myself about why or who dropped me.

Ini Edo Talks About Her Constant Battle With Weight Issues

Veteran Nollywood actress, Ini Edo has opened up about her battle with weight issues in a recent interview.


Ini Edo who recently experienced a bitter divorce has come out to say that it has been a constant battle for her to stay fit.
“I was born quite chubby and keeping fit has always been a constant battle” said the actress, “I would try cutting down on carbs and de week I Indulge, I find myself right where I was or even bigger..lol. As much as I loved my curves, didn’t like the fact that the screen would make me look even fuller” she said.
The movie star says last year she made a resolution to shed the weight and start living healthy.
“As I got older last year on my birthday, I resolved to making healthy living and looking good a way of life. I took inspiration from some of my colleagues and friends to hit the gym, eat very tiny portions of food and never at night, detox water most mornings and green tea and lemon when possible” she said.
Ini Edo launched a nightclub last month called Mimz Lounge.

Cynthia Morgan Compares Her Album Cover To Chris Brown’s

Cynthia Morgan compared the cover of her upcoming album, ‘Baby Mama’ to that of Chris Brown’s upcoming album which he named after his daughter ‘Royalty’.


She put the covers side by side and wrote “Nite Ya”all…go get the fire chune #Babymama…on all your favourite blogs..ah lit one #jah guide u all#Godguide dem kids!”
Source: LIB

Dalopo Oni Shares Photos From Her Honeymoon

 Dolapo and her husband are currently on their honeymoon in Santorini, Greece. More photos after the cut..

Seven Killed As 3 Female Suicide Bombers Attack Maiduguri Friday Morning

Three female suicide bombers on Friday morning detonated their Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) at the Umarari Bayan Waya area of Mulai Village in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital killing at least seven people and injuring 17 others.
The blast was reported to have occurred around a few minutes past 5am when Muslim faithful were getting ready for the early Morning Prayer, Channels TV reports.


The explosion claimed the lives of the suicide bombers and four others while 17 others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital.
This is coming barely 24 hours after many worshipers were feared dead in a bomb explosion in a mosque around Mulai area of Maiduguri.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in the last 24 hours, five bombs have exploded in Maiduguri with a total of 49 persons injured and 39 dead.

Tension Heighten In Lagos As Pipeline Vandals Force 2,000 Trucks To Load From Apapa

The marketers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on condition of anonymity, expressed worry as over 2,000 trucks from various states in the South West now come to load at private depots in Apapa.
A NAN correspondent, who monitored the situation at Ejigbo Satellite Depot in Lagos and Mosinmi Depot in Ogun State, reported that loading was no longer going on at those places, although trucks were parked there.
An executive member of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at Ejigbo Satellite Depot, who preferred anonymity, told NAN that it had been a serious challenge to trucks coming from Kwara, Ilorin, Ekiti, and Kogi to load at Apapa.
The source said that the current situation could lead to fuel scarcity if urgent steps were not taken.
According to the source, marketers have not also been able to load petrol in all NNPC depots in the South West since September due to pipeline vandalism.
“There might be scarcity of products soon because marketers now face serious problems getting the products in Apapa.
“We have over 4,000 trucks within the Western Zone that struggled to load products at Apapa due to non-availability of products at depots in Ejigbo and Mosinmi , but we hope that it will be resolved soonest,” the source said.
At Mosinmi, a senior member of IPMAN urged Federal Government to expedite action to combat pipelines vandalism in the area to reduce loading challenges in the South West.
Another source at Mosinmi said that the depot had been shut since Sept. 10 due to shutdown of system 2B pipeline network.
“Marketers have resorted to lifting the product from Apapa depot which is very expensive and time consuming.
“The shutdown of the pipeline by PPMC over incessant vandalism in Arepo is causing serious hardship,” he said.
Mr Chinedu Okoronkwo, National President, IPMAN, condemned incessant vandalism of pipelines, saying that the menace was causing huge losses to the economy.
Okoronkwo said that IPMAN had constituted a surveillance team to curb activities of vandals along the petroleum pipelines across the country.
He, however, lauded government’s initiative to curb incessant vandalism on pipelines network.
According to him, Federal Government is doing much is that direction to address pipelines vandalism as it is easy to spoil, but difficult to repair.
“Very soon, such will be addressed, l urge my members to bear with government on the ongoing challenges facing loading at Apapa.
“It is our collective responsibility to check and bring those pipelines culprits to book,” he said
Mr Tokunbo Korodo, Chairman, NUPENG (South-West), said that there was the need for government to decentralise loading of products to make for effective loading at depots across the country.
Korodo said that concentration of few trucks at Apapa could not address the fuel scarcity challenges in the Western Zone.
He said that the absence of Navy officials at the private depots contributed to the challenges of loading of products.
“NUPENG is not on strike, we are fully ready to work with the present government in achieving its commitment to the general public.
“We are 100 per cent available to load at any time when the products are available. Government should also stand firm to fight corruptions in the country,’’ he said.
Korodo lauded the Group Managing Director of NNPC for his efforts to find lasting solution to the oil and gas industry challenges.
Mr Nasir Imodagbe, Manager, Public Affairs and Community Relations at PPMC, confirmed to NAN that the depots were shut down in Sept.18 and Sept. 22, respectively due to pipeline vandalism that occurred in Arepo.
Imodagbe said that incessant vandalism of the pipeline contributed to the shutdown of system 2B pipeline network, adding that government had also put machines in motion to ensure adequate distribution of products in the South West.
“There is no cause for panic buying because we have 23-days products sufficiency.
“The issue of queue should not arise, Nigerians should not engage in panic buying due to speculation.
“Government has put in place a robust system that would ensure sufficient and effective petrol distribution chain network in the South-West,” he said.
Source: NAN

Scores Killed As Suicide Bombers Attack Mosque In Maiduguri

Dozens of worshippers were killed on Thursday when two suicide bombers blew themselves up in a mosque in Maiduguri, witnesses said.


“All the people in the mosque died. Not a single one escaped,” said Muhtari Ahmadu, a trader near the scene.
“We counted 42 dead bodies outside the mosque,” Amadu Marte, a vigilante supporting the security forces in the fight against the Islamist Boko Haram group added.
Borno state police confirmed that the mosque was hit by twin bombings, saying about 14 died.
Following the explosions, the mosque collapsed and injured “many people praying”, the police said in a statement.
“Casualties have been evacuated to UMTH (University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital) and specialist hospitals in Maiduguri,” it added.
The bombers slipped into the mosque disguised as worshippers, witnesses said.
One of the attackers set off the first blast when he entered the mosque, they said. The second bomber detonated his explosives soon after, when many had rushed to the scene to help the first victims.
“When rescuers and sympathizers gathered in front of the place, the second one went off, killing many of them,” Marte said.
The blasts occurred around 6:30pm (1730 GMT) in Molai, in the western suburbs of Maiduguri, where worshippers had gathered for evening prayers, the witnesses said.

Photos: Obasanjo meets with Buhari in Aso Rock today...

 Former President Olusegun Obasanjo earlier today led a team of security operatives from Colombia to meet with President Buhari at the state house Abuja. Continue to see photos from the meeting..