Temper Not With CBN Autonomy. Sanusi Tells Politicians

The CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has issued a message to the National Assembly warning the lawmakers not to temper with CBN autonomy.

The Governor who was represented by  Alhaji Suleiman Barau, the CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau. spoke at a public lecture insisting that if politicians are allowed to play with runnings of the apex bank, it would ultimately fail in carrying our it's regulatory functions.

“Politicians and even the executive think short term. The CBN thinks long term. If you allow politicians to control the CBN, we will not achieve anything. Politicians will never allow us to manage inflation, interest rate simply because they want to win election.”

Senator Nkech reacted to the issue of CBN autonomy: “I don’t think the Senate has ever said the independence of the CBN should be curtailed. We never said so. The intervention of the CBN in distressed banks and the like is within its purview,

The lecture was titled “Nigeria in the Year 2012: The Vision of a Cashless Economy,” and was presented by Frank Nweke (Jr).

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Saudi Arabia shuns Nigeria Government, Deports 612 Pilgrims

Despite the 24-hour ultimatum given by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the Saudi Arabian government to readdress the dehumanization of Nigerian pilgrims, 612 intending pilgrims were again deported yesterday in two batches.

Image Credit: TimKola

Yesterday, 102 female intending pilgrmis were deported via Max Airline to Nigeria. Destination; Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto,

Few hours later, precisely  8.30.p.m, 510 intending pilgrims from Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, and Zamfara states arrived Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

Following yesterday's development, the total number of deported Nigerians falls a little above 1000 since the the transportation of pilgrims to this year’s Hajj began on September 19.

The deported Nigerians were denied entry into the Holy Land because they traveled without a ``Mahram’’ (male companion) as prescribed by the Shari’ah.

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When Will Saudi Arabia Stop Humiliating Nigerians?

How many times do we have to see Nigerians being treated like rags? This was the question that  ran through my mind immediately I got the news that over 750 Nigerian female pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
were detained in Jeddah and Madinah.

Image Credit: TimKola

Vice President Sambo subsequently  summoned the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Khaled Abdrabuh, to his office where he gave the government of Saudi Arbia  24-hours to expedite action in resolving the crises.

Unfortunately, the response from the Ambassador wasn't all that great. Abdrabuh said that Nigeria was not being treated in isolation, and that all the countries participating in the Hajj were affected.

He said that the issue of Muharram for female pilgrims was not a new policy, but that the Saudi government decided to be flexible in the past.

Alot of critics have registered their displeasure at this treatment. The last time it was Nigeria men who were dehumanized and now, the Saudi Government have turned their boots to our innocent women. I do not know if this is a fact, but it seems that Nigerians have been their target and why this is so remains a misery.

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Tribunal Dismises Airhiavbere's Petition Against Oshiomhole

The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in benin has dismissed the petition filed by Major General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd)  challenging the educational qualifications of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Image Credit: InformationNigeria

In his ruling, the Tribunal Chairman, Suleiman Ambursa said the petition is a pre-election matter since it had to do with the educational qualification of the governor.

“Any person who has any reasonable ground to contest the educational qualification of the first respondent, should seek a declaration in the high court,” Suleiman explained.

After examining the affidavits, counter affidavits and submissions of the counsels for the respondents and petitioner, the  Suleiman said, the tribunal concluded it had no jurisdiction over what took place in 2007.
Mr. Ambursa averred that in line with the provisions of the constitution, candidates are expected to submit copies of their documents to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) before the election and that the same constitution mandates the electoral body to publish the said documents in order that any other candidate that is not satisfied with the information therein contained might approach the Federal High Court for appropriate interpretation.

The tribunal chairman, Suleiman took a jab at Airhiavbere, descring his petition as a “wild goose chase” for failing to follow the constitutional provisions, the tribuna therafter struck out the petition.

The ruling was received with mixed rections, as supporters of the ACN jubilated round the streets of the Tribunal venue. The Governor was however absent as he was away inspecting landmark projects being executed by his administration accoss the state capital. The deputy Governor, Dr. Odubu who was present at the venue was all smiles with the supporters and described the ruling as a victory for democracy and assured the people of Edo State of continued government presence.

The Tribuna is expected to deliver its ruling today on the motion by the petitioner that the governorship election itself was marred by irregularities. 

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President Jonathan has Declared his Assets - Code of Conduct Bureau

"The issue of asset declaration is based on principle, if people are criticizing me because I have not declared my assets, I don't give a damn" These were the words of President Goodluck Jonathan during a media chat on National TV regarding his failure to publicly declare his asset, despite his strong stance against corruption.

Image Credit: ITV Abuja

Dr Sam Saba, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), doesn't see anything wrong with the president's decision, provided the CCB has received asset declaration from Mr. President.

“As far as we are concerned, Mr President has declared his assets, though not publicly. There is no law that says that you should declare your assets publicly; it simply states that you should declare your assets."

“What is important is that he has declared his assets and when we go through his form and we discover any area that is questionable, then we will take him to court,” Dr. Sam explained.

The CCB chairman was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Manzo, the Federal Commissioner representing North West in the Bureau, at a Compliance Training Workshop for Public officers on Wednesday in Abuja.

With the revelation of Dr. Sam, it appears Nigerians were just chasing a white horse, when they demanded that the president declares his asset, just the same way President Yar adua of blessed memory did.

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Boko Haram: Nigeria No Longer Has Control of Security - UK Guardian Reports

Following the recent attacks on a Catholic church in Bauchi Sate by the radical terror group Boko Haram, a report attributed to the UK Guardian suggests that Nigeria has lost total control of it's security.

Image Credit: Guardian

Some top government officials spoke in anonymity to the UK Guardian and declared their lost of faith in the fight against the radical terror group. They fear that the current small scale attacks happening all over the norther regions of Nigeria would one day degenerate into large scale attacks with high causalities.

"We have a serious problem in Nigeria and there is no sense that the government has a real grip," one of the top government officials explained to the UK Guardian. "The situation is not remotely under control. It is just a matter of time before we see more large-scale attacks that pose a significant threat to national security, and now Nigeria's economic growth is also at risk." He continued.

The radical group which started it's operations in Nigeria in 2003 is believed to have improved upon their mode of operation and technicality and has over the years attracted funding and support from other terrorist groups such as al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and al-Shabaab.

Since the killing of Boko Haram leader Muhammad Yusuf in 2009, the group has lunched a deadly campaign of church bombing that has left hundreds dead and many displaced. 

"These acts are a reaction against decades of neglect," another source close to the government said. "There are similar factors to what we saw driving revolution in the Arab spring. 

The problem of insinceartiy exists amongs the Nigeria security forces, "Some members of the security forces have been working as double agents," said Adunola Abiola, founder of Think Security Africa, a thinktank specialising in security issues in Africa.  

Weather or not, neglect is responsible for the continued growth of Boko Haram, Government must play a critical role in ensuring that lives and properties of her citizens are protected. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Nigeria.

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ICPC Introduces “Ethics” As Core Subject Into School's Curriculum

It seems the war on corruption in Nigeria is gradually becoming an issue that needs to be given top most priority. You would recall that President Jonathan had vowed some couple of days ago to fight corruption tooth and nail. Now, the ICPC has perfected plans to work in the president's direction and ensure his vision for Nigeria is actualized.

Image Credit: Wikepedia

The ICPC wants to introduce "ethics" into the school curriculum as a direct measure to combat corruption from the tender age of Nigerians. Barrister Ekpo Nta, Chairman of ICPC made this known in Nassaraw State while giving his address at Public Sensitisation Lecture organised by the Commission’s National Anti-Corruption Volunteers Vanguard Corps (NAVC) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Nasarawa State.

In his lecture titled “Corruption: The Genesis of Nigeria’s Socio-Economic and Security Challenges; The Way Forward”, Mr.Olajide Itiafa Ayodele, a Public Speaker, said Nigeria has no business being poor and so corruption has to be fought in all ramification.

This is a step in the right direction, Corruption has really eated deep into the fabrics of the nation. It is hoped and I believe that this initiative can go a long way in reducing the trend in Nigeria.

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IBB, Otedola, Elumelu Win Bids For Nigeria’s Power Plants

The  privatization programme by the Federal Government has had a major boost.  Three of Nigeria's most influential people have won bids to Nigeria's Power Plants, reports can confirm.

Image Credit: Dreamstime

Amperion Power Distribution Limited was the sole bidder for the power plant in Kogi State. $132 million was the monetary figure place by the company which billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola is the major stakeholder.

Amperion also submitted a bid for Ughelli Power Station but was unsuccessful because Tony Elumelu's Transnational Company of Nigeria, Transcorp had an offer of $300 million for the plant and was declared the winner of the bid.

$201 million bid on the Sapele Power Plant was won by Chinese Nigeria Power Consortium.

lso North-South Power submitted and won a bid on the Shiroro Power Plant. It has the figure at $111.7 million as fixed annual fees and another $236.8 million as commencement fees. lso North-South Power is believed to be backed by former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

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May D Forms Own Record Label - ‘Confam Entertainment’

Few weeks after the Nigeria's music sensation was dumped by Square Records, owned by the formidable twins, P square, his future has been marred by controversies and rumors spreading like wild-fires.

Image Credit: Nigeria Entertainment Today

It was in the news that May D would one hundred  percent sign for Davido’s HKN label, as if that wasn't enough, it was also rumored that the star singer has perfected plans to be unveiled as the new comer in the ever popular Chocoltae City. Today, all these series of mouth-watering news have been swept into the gutter as the music sensation announced the formation of his own record label; Confam Entertainment.

May D made the bombshell while speaking with HipHopWorld Magazine, he also hinted about signing a UK based singer – but he’s ‘still watching’.

May D's new video which was shot in Atlanta  ‘Gat me high’ is expected to hit the airways very soon.

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“We Will Paralyze Shell Operations If You Don’t Respond In 14 Days”- Bayelsa community

Tension in Yenagoa as indigenes of I, II, and III villages in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa sends earth-thundering warning to Shell Petroleum Development Company to hastily compensate  families of the five kids who apparently lost their lives in the consequences of the May 27, 2012 oil spill from its Beneside resource within 14 days or be prepared to halt operations in the company.

Image: Mutiu-Sunmonu, Shell MD, Photo Credit: Naijabiz

Mr. Preye Warri Comrade Emmanuel Ebis and Emmanuel Jebbi, the youth chairmen of  I, II, and III villages in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa respectively, in a joint message informed Shell of looming dangers if the matter was settled as soon as possible.

The statement reads : “As people we will not tolerate this kind of attitude from Shell, the best option for them, is to come and indemnify the deceased kids’ families and affected persons of the spill in our communities for peace to reign between the communities and shell. In addition, this option is only open for 14 days, but if they refuse to do what is good for them. Possibly we will resort to violence as we will not fold our hands while seeing our kids dying like animals”.

“We will automatically stop their boats from plying our waterways and we demand their workers withdraw from the area with an immediate effect as we will not guarantee the safety of Shell oil workers in our territory.”

A statement from the community: “We view the visit of SPDC officials to our communities as worthless, full of insensitivity and embarrassment to the entire communities and families of the deceased kids as they were left to die. We consider it valueless and animistic, as host communities”.
“The incident happened over five months ago. What were they waiting for? They waited until the flooding from the recent rains has ravaged our communities and washed the oil in the water surface and cover the weeds, grasses and the entire land level.”

The inhabitants who served a 14-day notice to the board of Shell are angry over the supposed inconsideration of the company numerous months following; several kids died from water the company polluted.

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"I Will Continue to Fight Corruption To The End" - Jonathan

As part of the transformation agenda by President Goodluck Jonathan, the president made an assurance to all Nigerians that his administration would no relent in the good fight against corruption, until it is completed eliminated from the country.

Image Credit: ITV Abuja

The president gave this assurance in Abuja at the opening of the Annual National Management Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Management, tagged: “Moving Nigeria forward through strategic transformation.”

President Jonathan made this declaration known during the opening ceremony of the Annual National Management Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Management, tagged: “Moving Nigeria forward through strategic transformation.”

Jonathan said: “My administration will, therefore, continue to fight corruption and associated social vices until they are exterminated from our body polity,”On achieving collective greatness as a nation, the president said: "To set this country on the path of greatness and prosperity, (the) complete elimination of all forms of corrupt practices must be in the front burner and our collective consciousness always. You will agree with me that a great nation is the reward of great leadership. This is our motivation and value proposition."

President continued by saying: “The Nigerian project is faced with several challenges from every facet. We must find solutions to these challenges if our resolve to be counted among the first 20 most modern economies by the year 2020 is to materialize. I urge all Nigerians to see this project as their own so that together we can realize our dream and leave a legacy that is worthy of emulation by our future generations.”
The President was represented by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Sali Bello Sali.

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7-Up Bottling Company HR Manager Dies While Having Foreplay With Female Staff

Mr. Sola Mosiko collapsed and died a hotel room in the capital city of Edo State. Until his death, Sola Mosiko was the Human Resources Manager of 7-up Bottling Company plant in the Edo State.

Mosisko aged 53, went to an hotel room with a lady whose name was given as Amen; a fellow security guard of the 7-Up company.

It was reported that the lady ran out of the hotel to seek help, when his lover slumped and was gasphing for breath. All effort to resuscitate the late manager proved abortive.

The state police command confirmed the arrest of Amen as investigation into the cause of death takes center stage.

Amen was later released three days after her arrest.

“His death was not linked with the woman. He was only reported to have died of Sudden and Unnatural Death (SUD),’” the DPO said.

Meanwhile, according to reports, Mosiko’s wife and children left Lagos for Benin City to spend their vacation with him and on the night of the incident, his wife made several calls to his phone without any response. But the following morning, the police used her husband’s phone to call and invite her to the hospital where Mosiko was taken to.

A source said: “When Mrs. Mosiko’s phone rang in the morning, she felt something was amiss since she could not sleep throughout the night while awaiting the arrival of her husband at home. She became more worried when the caller, a policeman invited her to a hospital.

“Initially, she thought it was an accident. But she was shocked when she searched her dead husband’s body and saw no wound. She was later informed that her husband died in a hotel.”

The corpse of the former manager was deposited at the mortuary.

This is a big shame and my heart goes out to the family of Sola Mosiko, may the good Lord grant them the family to bear this malignant lost.  

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Happy Birthday Majid Michel

Gollywood star actor and movie magnet Majid Michel celebrates his birthday today, Sept., 23.

Image Credit :  Trends Photos

Majid Michel has a mixed blood of Lebanon and Ghana, he was given birth to by his Lebanese father and Ghanaian mum in Accra, Ghana. He had is primary school education at St. Theresa’s Primary School and latter attended Mfantsipim School for his secondary school education.

The first movie in which he appeared was Divine Love, alongside Jackie  Appiah, and Van Vicker. Some of his other movies are Agony of the Christ, Chelsea, Bursting Out, Somewhere In Africa. He won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 2012 African Movie Academy Awards.

Majid has dominated Gollywood and his influence in our own Nollywood is fantastic, he has grew his career and automatically earned a place in heart of many movies critics and fans alike.

Much love to you  Majid Michel! 

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New book by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala: “Reforming the unreformable – lessons from Nigeria”

The Finance Minister of Nigeria and former World Bank Managing Director,  Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala recently wrote a book "Reforming the Unreformable – lessons from Nigeria." The book contains 202 pages and is published by MIT Press and retails at about $24.95.

Image Credit: MIT

Here is a descripton of the book.

By Gwendolyn Mikell, Professor of Anthropology and Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

Reforming the Unreformable: Lessons from Nigeria by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2012, 202 pp., $24.95 (cloth).

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s story of Nigeria’s claw-back from economic volatility, infrastructural and institutional disrepair, and rampant poverty to greater stability is exceptional. It could only have been written by a Nigerian in the trenches during the process of economic restructuring and governance reform.

This story is told in satisfying detail. It provides key economic insights in readable language and frank descriptions of the challenges faced by the economic team she headed as minister of finance from 2003 to 2006. She assesses the positive as well as ambiguous results of macroeconomic reforms implemented during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s two terms. She tells the story dispassionately, credits Obasanjo with foresight, identifies her own strengths and errors during the process, and is gracious as she describes how some tried to engineer her failure or throw roadblocks into the process.

The popular critique held that Nigeria could not come out of its economic slump because of the “curse” of oil wealth, militarism, state involvement in the economy, and corruption at state and local levels. But Okonjo-Iweala demonstrates this to be untrue. By 2007, Nigeria was able to stabilize the macroeconomy, reduce inflation, double economic growth to 6–7 percent, and start rebuilding the education and health systems. She shows that bold national leadership, paired with concern for citizen wellbeing, can be a powerful force in changing an economy.

Among the lessons from the Nigerian experience Okonjo-Iweala outlines for reformers are the need for a playbook that an economic team can follow, for effective communication, and for a results-oriented focus that enlists civil society and the public. The political will of the domestic leadership was important, she says. But Nigeria’s turnabout was Janus-faced: it also required strategic assistance and partnerships with the international community.

Brazilian businessman Amaury Bier, for example, told her to assemble “an Economic Team of like-minded people who can stick together and to fight tough battles,” while U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair and World Bank President James Wolfensohn advised her that a macroeconomic reform strategy could open the door to successful discussions on debt relief down the road.

Okonjo-Iweala stresses the relevance of African history in designing strategies for economic reform. Nigeria’s oil-induced economic nightmare and recovery were affected by the history of ancient ethnic and cultural/religious communities, divide-and-conquer colonialism, and the 1967–70 Nigeria-Biafra war followed by 25 years of military rule and agricultural and social decimation. But she believes governance always makes the difference.

Top successes included reducing leakages in the budget process, implementing an oil price–based fiscal rule that enabled more transparent budgets, reaching macroeconomic stability by 2006, increasing foreign reserves, reducing inflation and lending rates, and achieving 7 percent growth. In 2003, the Obasanjo government began privatization, deregulation, and liberalization.

The greatest challenges were reforming the civil service to improve service delivery and rationalize pensions and eliminating the corruption surrounding trade, tariffs, and customs. Poorly educated civil servants bolstered their meager salaries by permitting the elite to divert revenues of government agencies and use those revenues to bolster their status as regional benefactors. Word is that Okonjo-Iweala’s sudden transfer in 2006 from minister of finance to minister of foreign affairs was due to her unwillingness to condone abuses by politicians in rice importation who used those revenues to cultivate party loyalties.

The story takes Nigeria watchers backstage and shows us the complexity of initiating macroeconomic reforms in an African society whose diverse political classes have benefited from resource mismanagement, financial liquidity, agricultural collapse, educational decimation, and citizen impoverishment. Okonjo-Iweala shows how daunting it was to break the hold of politicians over oil revenues and push Nigeria toward stable, diversified, market-driven, and socially responsible economic governance.

Okonjo-Iweala, who after four years at the World Bank returned in 2011 as finance minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, ends by looking forward, recognizing that Nigeria’s success can help transform Africa. She asks whether the reforms will be sustained and lead to Nigeria’s continued growth and, if they are, whether they can be a role model for the rest of Africa. She returns to the importance of support and monitoring by the global community, as well as Nigeria’s continued commitment to fighting corruption, strengthening the macroeconomic framework, and advancing financial sector reform.

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Breaking News: Church Bombed In Bauchi , 4 Dead

 Sources have informed us that a powerful bomb has exploded at St.John's Catholic Cathedral in Bauchi close to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) killing several Christian worshipers early this morning.

Img credit: Wikipedia

The explosion reportedly occurred a few minutes after 9:00 Am Nigerian time during Sunday service on Murtala Mohammed way across from the Bauchi Township stadium in the Bayan Gari area of the township.

Details about the explosion remains sketchy as at the time of publishing this report. At least 4-people have been reported dead.

The Bauchi state Police Command’s spokesman, Mohammed Hassan, confirmed the incidence

Update: 25th September, 2012

Death toll: 4 as against the 50 that was reported. Unconfirmed reports highly regretted.

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N5000 Note: Jonathan Has No Brains - El rufai

Ex Minister of FCT and CPC chieftain, Malam El rufai has criticized the government of president Goodluck Jonaathan for being too indecisive and lacking direction. His remarks comes barely few days after the president ordered the suspension of the proposed implementation of the N5000 notes by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

El Rufai made a shock statement when he callously tweeted that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is the only person with a brain in the government of President Jonathan. Thus implying  that everyone within the president had lost touch of governance. When asked about the highly rated fiance  minister, Ngozi Okonjo Iwealla, Mallam El rufai replied that Mrs Iwealla “is equally intelligent maybe beclouded now,” but “nowhere near Sanusi Lamido Sanusi...I know both”.

Reeling from a barrage of public anger and disagreement, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) today buckled under pressure and suspended the planned introduction of the N5000 note following a directive from the presidency.

This amazing U-turn came after the presidency through the Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, yesterday declared that President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered that the planned introduction of N5,000 be put on hold.

But Mallam el rufai who is said to be related to Mallam Lamido Sanusi by marriage was not impressed. He tweeted:

"finally the emperor halted SLS's N5000 note, where do you now stand?"..his indecisive fickleness doesn't affect me!" and added:

"Oga El Rufai was supporting Sanusi before now."...& will ALWAYS will, SLS is the only brain in GEJ crew...."

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Kano Joins Arab Nations as Protest Over Mohammed Film and Cartoon Continues

Hundreds of Muslims in the city of Kano took to the streets today to protesting against the anti-Islam film produced by an Egyptian American and Cartoon that denigrated the Muslim prophet.

Image Credit: HFN

This provocative film and Cartoon from a French Magazine were greeted by protest across the world among Muslim communities and strong condemnation from non-Muslims.

The protest is however peaceful and orderly, members of the Nigeria Police were sighted on ground to prevent any breach of law and order.

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Officials Test Completed Abuja Metro Rail System

The president once again demonstrated his desire to transform Nigeria as part of his electoral promises to Nigerians.  

"God help me, I will promise little during this election and deliver more to the people". GEJ to Electorates in 2011.

Photo Credit, ITV Abuja

The completed section of the FCT Abuja rail track, was tested by officials in Abuja, yesterday.

This is the transformation and the president is delivering. Once the rails systems is completed in Nigeria, congestion on the high ways should be reduced and disasters resulting from such congestion can be eliminated.

 

 

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Happy Birthday Mike Ezuruonye

Happy birthday to Nollywood's movie magnet Mike Ezuruony. Mike Ezuruony is a graduate of  Accountancy from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awk. He  He attended Federal Government College, Wukari and Archbishop Aggrey Memorial Secondary School, Lagos for his secondary school education

Image Credit: Nollywood

 Mike Ezuruony got into the spotlight and won the hearts of fans in early 2000 when he had his first movie appearance in  Broken Marriage. He however became a superstar and had his breakthrough with the 2005 movie, Critical Decision. Some of his other movies are Native Son, Prince of the Niger, Father’s Blood, Strength to Strength, and Crisis in Paradise.

Happy Birthday Mike.. :D

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Why Federal Government Suspended the Introduction of N5,000 Note

Mr.  Reuben Abati on Thursday gave an insight on why the super N5000 note being proposed by the CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi Lamido was suspended by the Federal Government.

Proposed Coin Atm. Image Credit. Vanguard

“The introduction of the new note is being suspended for now to enable the CBN do more enlightenment on the issue. Yes, President Jonathan has directed that the implementation of the new N5,000 note be suspended for now. “This is to enable the apex bank to do more in terms of enabling Nigerians understand why it proposed it in the first place. So, for now, the full implementation is on hold.”

You would recall that a few days ago, President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the CBN to suspend the implementation of the N5000 notes after due consultation with the president of the Senate, David Mark, and speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwwal, on Tuesday.

The CBN spokesman, Ugo Okoroafor, yesterday released a statement saying:  

“The CBN hereby informs the general public that the president, on Thursday, September 20, 2012, directed that further action on the approved restructuring exercise be stopped.

“It is important to stress that till date, no contract whatsoever has been awarded by the CBN in connection with the printing and minting of the new currency notes and coins. Consequently, no currency note or coin has been printed or minted under the proposed exercise.”

The general public and top economic analyst had constantly opposed the move since it was first announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria. With this development, it is goodbye to N5000 note, at least for now until when the issue is critically analyzed.

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Hausa Man Caught Selling Vulture as Fried Chicken

Nemesis caught up with this young man as luck ran off his way when he was apprehended by residents of the Garden city, while trapping vultures with snuff in Onne, Port Harcourt.

The man from the North East region of Nigeria later confessed that wanted to use them as roasted chicken for his Suya business.

Image Credit: Bright

He also claimed that he has been in this roasted vulture and suya business in Port Harcourt for a long time.

This is the height of man's irresponsibility, it is however advised to be careful with the kind of meat you send into your stomach as it might just be a vulture.

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Exposed: How Tonto Dike Stopped Smoking

One of Nollywood's most controversial star actress Tonto Dike has quit smoking. It is a well known fact that the start actress has always given her critics the middle finger while insisting that no one can rule her life.

Image Credit: Nollywood central

If I die today, my father will bury me, I don't give a damn about what people think about me, it's my life - Tonto Dike Paraphrased in an Interview with CA

Today, we have concrete confirmation about what led to the start actress sudden change in her character, she claims that no one acted in her decision, rather it was more of a spiritual cleansing.

Tonto Dike said while she was in her sitting room, watching Prophet TB Joshua on  television, the man of God asked his viewers to place their hands on the screen. Immediately, she did as the Prophet TB Joshua directed, the star actress claims she fell asleep and when she awoke, she picked up her cigarette but was instantly irritated and disgusted by the act.

Tonto Dike has put up a good character and she has not been seen smoking in the  last 3-months. How long can she hold-on to her new God given character remains a misery.

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Harvard Schloar Suggests Jesus Had a Wife, According to New Ancient Script

A new twist to the divinity of Jesus has emerged following the discovering of  a scrap of papyrus suggesting that the Holy one might have as well had a wife, contrary to the beliefs of the Christian community and which can altogether shaken the fabrics of the Christian community.

A Harvard University professor on Tuesday unveiled a fourth-century fragment of papyrus she said is the only existing ancient text quoting Jesus explicitly referring to having a wife.

Image Credit, Karen L. King

Karen King, an expert in the history of Christianity, said the text contains a dialogue in which Jesus refers to "my wife," whom he identifies as Mary. King says the fragment of Coptic script is a copy of a gospel, probably written in Greek in the second century.
King helped translate and unveiled the tiny fragment at a conference of Coptic experts in Rome. She said it doesn't prove Jesus was married but speaks to issues of family and marriage that faced Christians.
Four words in the 1.5-by-3-inch fragment provide the first evidence that some early Christians believed Jesus had been married, King said. Those words, written in a language of ancient Egyptian Christians, translate to "Jesus said to them, my wife," King said in a statement.

King said that in the dialogue the disciples discuss whether Mary is worthy and Jesus says "she can be my disciple."

King presented the document at a six-day conference being held at Rome's La Sapienza University and at the Augustinianum institute of the Pontifical Lateran University. While the Vatican newspaper and Vatican Radio frequently cover such academic conferences, there was no mention of King's discovery in any Vatican media on Tuesday. That said, her paper was one of nearly 60 delivered Tuesday at the vast conference, which drew 300 academics from around the globe.

 King presented the document at a six-day conference being held at Rome's La Sapienza University and at the Augustinianum institute of the Pontifical Lateran University. While the Vatican newspaper and Vatican Radio frequently cover such academic conferences, there was no mention of King's discovery in any Vatican media on Tuesday. That said, her paper was one of nearly 60 delivered Tuesday at the vast conference, which drew 300 academics from around the globe.

Thanks NGC

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Ice Prince Disgraced At a Lagos Concert For Sagging His Pants Low

One of Nigeria's most responsible music sensation has come under the knife following his disgraceful appearance at a concert in Lagos. Ice Prince, whom many regard as a role model not only for his style of music but for his contribution to sanity in the Nigeria music industry has left everyone speechless with this latest picture made available to us.

Ice Prince was at the Close-up Loves Naija Concert last Sunday when he stunned everyone with this unbelievable dressing. His pair of trousers were almost touching his kneels with his briefs exposed in HD.

The issue of sagging has been widely regarded as "swag" in this part of the world. Unfortunately, the history dates back to over 25-years ago when prisoners in the United States who had "gay" or "bi" sexual orientation used it to becloud prison wardens while effectively passing a message to their other mates that they were ready for a ride. 

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Uche Jombo Wins Best Actress At NAFCA

 Nollywood movie sensation Uche Jombo has emerged as the winner of the just concluded  Nollywood & African Film Critics Award (NAFCA).

Image by Nollywod Playmaker

On the 16th day of September 2011, Uche Jumbo was crowed with the prestigious award in   Raleigh, California.  She won Best Actress in a Leading Role with the highly rated movie  Damage. Damage, which was also produced  by Uche Jombo.

Damage. Damage also emerged as the Best Film

Have fun Uche, we wish you all the best of your career.

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JTF Raid Kano'S Boko Haram HQ, Uncovers Bombs and Ammunition

JTF Operatives, Monday night in Kano raided the residence of suspected top media coordinator of radical Islamist group at Rimi Kebe and Rijayar’zaki general area of the municipality and recovered arms, ammunition. The coordinated military operation by the JTF resulted in the arrest and killing of a top media coordinator Monday

A statement by the Spokesman of Joint Military Taskforce in Kano, Lt Ikediche Iweha, titled “update on capture of Boko Haram terrorists on 17th September 2012, copy made available to newsmen said “this latest encounter with the terrorist group has foiled its planned attack to wreck havoc on the good people of Kano state.

JTF stated that the raid has equally further “depleted the capacity of the terrorist group to operate”, as it expressed its resolve to continue to work assiduously towards the protection of lives and property in the state.

Giving an insight into the latest operation on the “heavily wired IED’s hideout” Lt Ikediche Iweha revealed that the heavy weaponry, bombs, and media related hard and soft ware were recovered.

According to the JTF spokesman, two AK 47 rifles, two Pump Action Rifles, one Berretta Rifle, one Smoke Discharger, 433 rounds of 7.62 Nato ammunition, 80 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, two AK 47 magazines, 36 Prepared IEDs, 13 Laptops, two motorcycles.

Other items recovered includes, four printers, one photocopier, one 33 slots Zenith disc writer, one TG 3900Ez generator set, religious books, large quantity of CD plates, two decoders, two satellite dish, one 21” television set, one DVD player, 2 bags of Urea fertilizer, one Elite dry cell 12v battery, one blue gate UPS, one stabilizer, 10 hand held Motorola radios and 5 battery chargers.

Iweha appealed to Kano dwellers to intensify their prayers on sustainable peace in the city and its environ, stressing that “the relative peace which Kano enjoys today can be attributed to the collective effort and prayers of the good people of Kano State”.

The Army spokesman assures that JTF will continue to count on the city dwellers for the provision of information and further assures of treating such sequence with utmost confidentiality.

Lt Ikediche Iweha therefore enjoin the residence to go about their normal lawful business activity without any fear as security agents are ready and will respond swiftly to any threat to life and property in any part of the state.

In another development, the Police Command in Anambra have arrested suspect of a notorious gang in the state and seized large cache of weapons.

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More Weapons Discovered in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command have revealed that a large concentration of weapons were discovered at Umuihefula, Umuaku village in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state and have equally arrested the suspected kingpin (names withheld), following information allegedly volunteered by the suspect’s parents.

Information made available to us suggests that the suspect is a member of Olisa Ifedike notorious gang.
Another suspected person whose identity remains classified but of an origin of Ezumeri, Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, is said to be on the run with the police on his trail.
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Items recovered by the police at Uli, included 27 AK-47 rifles, with numbers 56-2401697, 56-2520707; one type 06 rifle; one rocket grenade; three rocket propellers; 770 rounds of 7.62mm life ammunition and nine chains, allegedly used on kidnapped victims.

It was gathered that the suspect is being detained at SARS headquarters.

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Kano Town was Founded by an Igbo Trader

Do You know that the Town Kwankwaso in Kano State, the Home of the State Governor, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was founded by an Igbo Trader, Mr Okonkwo about 90years ago?

Img: Okuru

The Story.
An Igbo trader called Mr. Okonkwo found a convenient farm gate site along the railway track leading to Kano where he could buy, thresh and mill groundnut. He set up his thresher and mill and erected a signboard reading "OKONKWO & SONS ENTERPRISES". Soon he started getting patronage from neighboring villagers and farmers who found it convenient for trade because of proximity to the railway. With time, the spot became lively with business activities and people started erecting huts and market stalls.

By this time, OKONKWO AND SONS was being pronounced "Kwakwason" by the locals. Thus a famer or people from neighboring settlements would say "I am going over to kwankwason to thresh my groundnuts"

So it was that the town of KWANKWASO established. There is nobody born over 90years ago who would claim he was born in Kwankwaso. - Written by Danjuma Azemobo Musa [via Elombah perspectives]

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Reps Vow to Impeach Jonathan Over Non-Implementation of Budget

You would recall that members of the House of Representative had on the 2nd of July 2012 threatened to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan over failure to implement the 2012 budget. The lawmakers are still in pursuit of that course.

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, speaker of the House of Representative had last week directed chairmen of all the 89 standing committees to submit reports on level of implementation of the 2012 budget by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under their oversight. The action of the speaker suggests that the legislative arm of government is serious about the issue.

An anonymous source confirms the process;

“it is the resolve of the House that if the report of the committees on budget implementation indicates failure, the parliament will not collect the 2013 appropriation bill. The budget has to be implemented to a reasonable degree”. “We are not just issuing threats but its our resolve that anybody who refused to implement the 2012 Appropriations Act will be impeached because we won’t allow them to continue violating the law with impunity.

Despite the non-implementation of the 2012 budget, the upper arm of the National Assembly have hinted at quick passage of the 2013 budget. 

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Why I Dumped My Wife - Rev. Chris Okotie

Senior pastor and president of the Household of God ministry, Rev. Chris Okotie gave an insight on the controversy between himself and his wife to City People Magazine through one of his church ministers, Rev Grace Funmi Paul in an exclusive interview. LindaIkeji was there to help us summarize the whole story. leaving us with the core of the whole details. Here is what the minister and multiple time presidential aspirant had to say:

Rev Grace: A blind person knows that my pastor loved his wife, Stephanie, passionately. This year before the separation, he had taken her out of the country at least three times to different places like Dubai, US and so on. He loved her, so did the congregation but the bible says that two cannot walk together except they agree. In the establishment of the kingdom of God, the rules change because the rules are made by God and not by man. So, it didn’t have to do with what pastor wanted to do, because left to him, his love will keep him struggling and going at it but if God gives him instruction he has to follow it through.
City People: If I get you correctly, it was Jesus instructions for Pastor Chris to part ways with Stephanie?
Rev Grace: Let me give you a precedent. In the bible, there’s a queen called Queen Vershti of Persia. The king invited his wife and said – come woman, I want to show you off to my people and the woman had an attitude. She had pride issues. It was at that point she said to the king “Excuse me, I am making up, how can you be humiliating me by telling me to come and sit down so that people can be looking at me.” So she refused and the people of the kingdom rose up against her, and they said the king must let her go, and that was how Esther came in. That is the principle of The Kingdom. In the two cases of my pastor’s former wives, it was an abdication of roles. One was a physical abdication, and the other was a spiritual abdication. In the matters of the Kingdom of God, when you abdicate your position, your position will be taken over, because the calling my pastor has, he is not called to work alone
City People: In Stephanie’s case, was it a case of spiritual or physical abdication?
Rev Grace: Her case was spiritual abdication, but either ways it amounts to the same thing, because the scripture states clearly that if unbelieving departs, let him depart, you are not bound.
City People: Any efforts to patch things up?
Rev Grace: Spiritual things can not be patched up. When there are two people who are not the same kind, it is not a matter of patching up.
City People: So is the congregation happy that the pastor is single again and is there any plans to replace Stephanie?
Rev Grace: The congregation is not in the position to replace Stephanie. My pastor is a full grown man, and he knows what he’s doing. In the case of our pastor’s first wife, she insisted that where she wanted to do her church work was in the US. As for Stephanie, I cannot be intruding. As much as I am authorised to do what I am doing, I can’t disrespect my pastor and Stephanie. If I begin to give you some details, they would amount to disrespect. My pastor has insisted that they want to keep it private.
City People: Pastor Chris once said that the instruction to marry Stephanie was from God
Rev Grace: If you know my pastor, he is a passionate person. They had a long time relationship before they got married. My pastor is particularly careful about beautiful women because he knows that the devil desires them. So when a beautiful woman has issues in church, he ministers to them, and because he does that, people jump to the conclusion that he sleeps with them, which is not true. Just like Queen Ure, pastor has never had an affair with her, will never have an affair with her because they are not of the same kind (Linda says – What does ‘not of the same kind’ mean?). Ure was pastoring her own church, until she became bored.

That's it.. 

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Get Me Coin Automated Teller Machine's - CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has perfected plans to upgrade the existing ATM's to allow for dispensing coins as part of efforts to ensure that the proposed N5, N10, N20 coins doesn't go down the drains like the invisible N1 and N2 coins introduced into the economy some months ago.

Mr. Chidi Umeano, Head of Shared Services, CBN highlighted the plans while speaking News Agency of Nigeria, Business News confirms.

“To achieve this plan, what is needed is to facilitate the inclusion of a process called ‘add-on’ to the ATMs. Good enough, the existing ATMs have the add-on feature that will easily make them adapt to coins dispensing.”

He insists that new ATM deployed to the country would have the added feature.

“It is very possible to achieve Automated Teller Machines that will dispense coins. This add-on feature can be activated on the ATMs at any time by the CBN and this is not new because it is being practiced in advanced countries"
“This proposal is in consonance with our cash-less policy and also in line with the CBN’s effort to encourage Nigerians to appreciate coins.”

 This new development isn't unconnected with the proposed N5,000 notes to be released by the CBN and an attempt to savage the lower denomination from going extinct.The proposed N5,000 notes will cost Nigeria well over N40 billion to ensure full circulation in country.

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Boko Haram Kills Borno Commissioner Of Justice

In the dead hours of the night, eyewitness confirms the sporadic gunshots within the premises of the Borno State commissioner of Justice, Barrister Zannah Mallam Gana. Unidentified gunmen suspected to members of the terror group Boko Haram eliminated Barrister Zannah Mallam Gana in Bama, sources confirms.

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Fuel Scarcity Rocks Kwara, Lagos, Oyo

Several South-West states in Nigeria have been hit with fuel scarcity, this is largely attributed to the failure of the NNPC to repair the Arepo distribution pipeline, which erupted in flames following a vandalisation.

According  to OsunDefender , NNPC isn't wiling to send more men to effect repairs at the damaged site reason being that the last bath of men, the corporation had earlier sent to checkmate the crises were abducted and killed.

The General Manager, Media, NNPC, Dr. Farouk Ibrahim in a telephone chat had this to say;

“What is happening now is not fuel shortages but disruption of the distribution channels. With the damage of the Arepo pipeline it has become very difficult to evacuate petroleum products in Lagos and other neighbouring states.” He also noted that the damaged pipeline carries between 9 and 11 million litres of fuel daily, adding that efforts to evacuate products by trucking has not proved as effective and efficient as the pipelines, as “most of the private depots have not developed enough infrastructure for trucking.”

This recent development has caused a hike in petroleum prices across the affected states. In Lagos, there have been reports of redundant filling stations while others with the products sell at an outrageous price of between N100-N120/Liter

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