Federal Government Finally Reacts To Biafra Agitations

Nigerian government has described the agitations by some Nigerians, largely in the South-East, as “completely legitimate.”

There have been mass protests by Igbos in South-East Nigeria for an independent country of Biafra. The protests have sometimes gone violent with reported deaths of about nine people, allegedly at the hands of security officials.

The protests got worse following the arrest and prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, the promoter of Radio Biafra, a pirate radio the Nigerian government accuses of spreading hate and violence.

The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, who spoke on the agitations, however said the basic cause of it was “economic” which would have gotten worse but for the efforts of the current administration.

Speaking at a News Agency of Nigeria Forum in Abuja at the weekend, Mr. Mohammed appealed to leaders in the country not to exploit the economic situation to further destabilize Nigerians.

He also urged Nigerian leaders to be courageous enough to come out and defend the unity of the country even though “in the short term it might be politically fashionable for them to be on the side of some agitators.”

The minister, who noted that current agitations by citizens were “completely legitimate,” assured of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the economy.

“There are many political frontline in Nigeria, religious, ethnic and the like but these things do not come to the fore until when there are serious economic problems like we are having today.

“I have listened to the complaints of many of these agitators and right down it is economic.

“They must understand too that but for this furtiveness of this administration, this country would have been by far much worse.

“There is need for Nigerians to understand also that these are not ordinary times and that the government is not just making excuses.

“I appeal to our leaders not to exploit this situation to further destabilize Nigerians; our leaders should be courageous enough to come out and defend our unity.

“In the short term, it might be politically fashionable for them to be on the side of some agitators but in the long term, it is in the overall interest of Nigeria that we all understand our differences, respect them forge a united Nigeria.

“There will be no alternative to one united Nigeria.”

The minister emphasized the need for government to have accurate and timely information on complaints presented by citizens.

“The most important thing is that the government must do a lot of self-assessment itself.

“The government has the responsibility to listen to all; it also has the responsibility to analyze issues to see which complaints are genuine and those that are not and look into them.”

He also stressed the need for the government to take advantage of different media platforms to make accurate information on its policies and plans available to citizens at all times.

Petroleum Minister, Kachikwu has been removed as OPEC president as two days in the seat

The minister of state for petroleum, Ibe Kachihwu has been removed as the conference president of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Kachikwu became OPEC president on Wednesday, replacing Diezani Alison-Madueke.

At a fresh election held on Friday at the 168th ordinary meeting of the organisation in Vienna, Austria, Kachikwu’s first meeting as the president, Mohammed Al Sada was named as his successor.

A statement by the organisation said, “The conference elected HE Dr Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada, minister of energy and industry of Qatar, as president of the conference for one year, with effect from 1st January 2016, and HE Ali I. Naimi, minister of petroleum and mineral resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as alternate president, for the same period.” The Conference also fixed Thursday, June 2, 2016 and Vienna, Austria as the date and venue of its next ordinary meeting.

New Ooni of Ife to receive staff of office today

The new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, will be presented with the staff of office by the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola today.

The ceremony which will hold at the Enuwa Square in front of the Ile Oodua (Ooni’s palace) is expected to have many dignitaries in attendance, including a rep for Queen Elizabeth; President Muhammadu Buhari; some governors; ministers and other important dignitaries.

Former Kano Pillars midfielder Abdul Haruna slumps & dies during match.

Ex-Kano Pillars player, Abdul Haruna (Chacha), died this evening after slumping during a football match in Kano. The 27-year-old forward was playing for Kano Professionals against a selected amateur team in a friendly when he slumped and died. He’ll be buried tomorrow morning in Kano according to Islam burial rights. 

Pillars media manager Idris Malikwa said.

“Abdul Haruna died Sunday while playing in a friendly match between Kano Professionals and a selected amateur team in Kano. He was moving the ball when he slump and die on the pitch,” Malikawa said.

“This is a huge shock to the entire football family in Kano, we never expected this.

“He will be buried on Monday.”

May his soul rest in peace. Amen

Olusegun Obasanjo is "an idiot" and a "stupid buffoon"- Ghanian President declares Ghanaian president, John Mahama and former Nigerian president,

Olusegun Obasanjo have allegedly fought dirty over Goodluck Jonathan, the immediate past president of Nigeria. From report gathered from our source, all did not go as planned at the African Investment Forum in Westminister, London as there was a battle of words between the Ghanaian president and Obasanjo, the former Nigerian president at the Forum in Westminister, London which was held the December 1 and 2. The exchange of words degenerated to insults and name calling as John Mahama openly called Olusegun Obasanjo "an idiot" and a "stupid buffoon". This was after Obasanjo had openly accused the Ghanaian President and his government of financially contributing $12m to Goodluck Jonathan's campaign. He also accused President Mahama of blackmailing and collecting bribes from Nigerian businessmen in Ghana, buying numerous properties in Nigeria and South Africa. It however took the prompt intervention of Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni to calm down their tempers and usher President Mahama to a nearby room to prevent the insult degenerating to a boxing war. The forum was attended by African heads of states including likes Malawian president, Matata Ponyo Mapon, the prime minister Democratic Republic of Congo, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, H.E. Thomas Boni Yayi of the Republic of Benin, H. E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Republic of Uganda and H.E. Charles Gaëtan Xavier-Luc Duval, deputy Prime-Minister Republic of Mauritius among others. Ministers, private equity firms and investors were also at the forum to discuss opportunities for investment and development in African economy. Just recently, the president of Nigeria, Buhari was in Ghana. He was received by President John Mahama of Ghana at the presidential lounge of the Kotoka International Airport.

ANUS MAN RONALD: Cristiano Ronaldo is in a gay relationship with kickboxer Badr Hari and has had cosmetic surgery, French journalist alleges

French journalist and TV host Estelle Denis has made some eye popping allegations against Real Madrid footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. Denis says Cristiano Ronaldo's frequent trips in his private jet to Morocco is because he is in a gay relationship with kickboxer boxer Badr Hari and also claimed the superstar footballer has had cosmetic surgery on his nose.

Denis’ comments followed a report that Ronaldo’s recent behaviour was “causing concern” at Real Madrid.

The report hinted that officials at the football club frowned up the player’s frequent visits to Morocco and damaging his performances on the pitch.

“Ronaldo takes three or four jets a week to see a friend in Morocco to cuddle,” he said, leading to shocked gasps from the audience.

His comments come after the Ronaldo and his new BFF shared pics of their BROmance .

During one of such trips, kick boxer Hari posted a photo on Facebook of him holding up Ronaldo.

“Just married,” the caption said. “Always there to pick you up, bro.”

Other snaps of the trip shared a candle-lit image of a traditional Moroccan meal, as well as a picture of the two sportsmen post “wedding”.

Ronaldo has in the past denied being gay, saying he is content with his sexuality.

Back in 2010, Lionel Messi's arch rival supported Portugal’s decision to allow gay marriage.

“As I am Portuguese, I try to keep myself informed about what is happening in my country,” he said at the time.

“We must respect the choices of each other, because, after all, all citizens should have the same rights and responsibilities.”

See Fallen bridge :Youths in Ikem ,Enugu state extorts money from motorist due to government negligence

Sorry state of Ebonyi river bridge in Ikem,isiuzo local government area of Enugu state.The bridge is part of the road construction contract embarked by (ARAB CONSTRUCTION) the previous government of Surlivan Iheacho.This road links all other communities of the local government with the rest of the world.

The community youths decided to do a palliative bridge which they charge any vehicle that passes there a toll fee of 200 naira.one of the youths told us that they prefer it this way as they are gaining from the government neglect.

What is the government doing to save the people of this area and people that will use the road during the Xmas time.

Has dangote abandoned his truck on the bridge?

Photo: Kogi INEC office razed ahead of tommorrow's supplementary election

Some thugs in Kogi state have burnt down the INEC office in Dekina local government area of the state. The thugs arrived the INEC office this morning at about 5am, shooting sporadically and then setting the office ablaze. This action comes barely 24 hours after the supplementary governorship election in the state is to take place. It's happening tomorrow December 5th.

Some Governors planning to reduce minimum wage/downsize their state civil service.

Some governors have indicated plans to reduce the N18,000 minimum wage or downsize the civil service in their state. This plan was made known to newsmen by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari after a meeting with President Buhari at the State house Abuja yesterday December 3rd.

Yari said the declining oil price which has affected the revenue generation of the country has in turn reduced the Federal allocations state governors get to address issues such as Salaries in their state.

The NGF Chairman said some state governors that have come out to say they will not be reducing the minimum wages in their state can do so because of the high revenue they generate internally. He said the poor state of infrastructure such as power has affected most states like Zamfara to increase their Internally Generated Revenues.

"Let me make it very clear to Nigerians, Governors’ Forum is not an enemy of labour in any way. Rather, we have been working together. I know that not only Gov. Wike but also my friend in the comradeship, Adams Oshiomhole, kicked against the decision. Although in the decision, we never said we are going to stop the payment of N18,000 minimum wage, but we are looking at the situation in the country and in the global economy. What we said was that when the National Assembly enacted the law of paying N18,000 minimum wage, then oil price was about $118 per barrel and today oil price is $41 per barrel. So, if it continues like that, definitely, we will find it difficult to continue. We have to sit down with the labour and see how we can review, either continue or downsizing or what we are going to do. We want to find a solution because we have to be realistic that we have so many things to touch. There is infrastructure deficit; there is a need for security; there are other things like social lives of our people and nation as a state. On the receipt from federation account, some states received N400m, N500m. Some others received N55m; two digits. And there are other issues, not even the salary, pension is over a billion. So, how can we continue borrowing and servicing the service aspect of our expenditure or overhead? How can we do that?. We are telling the public that we are planning to sit down with the President and his team and the state governors as a team and the experts to come out with the way forward and how we are going to handle the poor state of the economy in the country. But what we have on the ground now will not be realistic if it continues the way it is without having other sources from the economy and still relying on oil that was sold for $118 dollar per barrel and now down to $41, and think that we can continue behaving or misbehaving the way we are doing, if there is anything like that. Therefore, we are saying that we should tighten our belts. Something definitely, we should sit down and come out of it to find a way we are going to do it realistically or otherwise. If you don’t have infrastructure in place; you don’t have the energy to fire our industries, you have the issue of textiles, the issue of milling and so on and so forth. Therefore, how can we get revenue? Can we go door to door and start knocking for people to pay their own due when they are looking for their own and they hardly get at least two square meals daily? Can you knock on his door and ask him to pay government for development? So we know that it is trouble for us! We need to close ranks, both the federal and the state governments to see if we can sit down and settle this problem of the economy.”

Benefits of coconut water

Wow! Do You Know What Will Happen If You Drink Coconut Water For 7 Days?…Find Out!

I got this somewhere, its interesting!…You probably did not know that coconut water has a practical compatible structure with the blood plasma in human bloodstream. Moreover, coconut water was used in armed conflicts in the past as a replacement for blood and numerous lives were saved in long and exhausting battles.

Nowadays, coconut water is used all around the globe. You can find it in numerous markets which offer you the chance to use the beneficial advantages of this unbelievable fruit. Coconut water does not taste very pleasantly, but this should not be the reason to avoid one of the best detoxification waters in the world.

What happens when you drink this water?

When you consume coconut water you strengthen your immune system and you eliminate the bacteria which cause urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, gum diseases and viruses which cause cold, infection diseases and typhus.

It will not only increase your energy, but it will also increase the production of thyroid gland hormones. This water is also very good for people who suffer from kidney diseases since it reacts as a natural diuretic. It will cleanse the urinary tract and the bladder canals. It will remove the toxins from the body and ‘’crash’’ the kidney stones. Coconut water is good for digestion due to the high level of fibber which it contains. If you drink it regularly it will eliminate the gastric acid. You can drink it in big amounts, since it has low levels of fat. You will lose weight, thanks to water’s ability for keeping you sated and meanwhile it lowers the appetite.

If you have acne, oily or dry skin, all you need to do is to soak a cotton wool in the coconut water and apply it to the skin. It will clean and freshen up the skin, and most importantly, it will keep the pores open. If you mix the water with olive oil, you can cleanse your organism. This mixture can remove bowel parasites.

According to experts, you can solve several health problems during pregnancy with the help of coconut water. Drink one cup of coconut water every morning and you will balance the electrolytes whose misbalance can lead to hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.

If you drink alcohol during the night you will probably have headache in the morning. So, the next time when you exaggerate with alcohol, you will remember this ‘’savior’’ if you want to get rid of the headache. Additionally, it will also compensate for the lost fluids and you will overcome the nausea which is often related with hangover.

If you want your skin to be hydrated and radiant during the entire day, one cup of coconut water will be enough. Also, after several exhausting physical activities, you can drink coconut water and you will regain energy. It will refresh you and leave a positive influence on each body part.

Increase of energy, strong immune system, protection from bacteria and infections, weight loss… What more can you wish for?

I collected N2.1bn from Dasuki for GEJ's election campaign- Dokpesi

Chairman of Daar communications, owners of AIT and Raypower, Raymond Dokpesi says the N2.1 billion he collected from embattled former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki was for the media campaign of former President Goodluck Jonathan during the last election. Dokpesi said this in a statement he released through his company yesterday December 2nd. The statement which was released to the News Magazine reads in part

“Dokpesi explained to the EFCC officials that the N2.1 billion that he collected from the former NSA was payment for publicity and media political campaigns during the 2015 General Elections".

Dasuki lists ex-governors, PDP chiefs, in $2.1bn deals

According to a report by The Nation, former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki has started opening up about the controversial $2.1 billion arms deal. A source at EFCC who spoke with the newspaper stated that Dasuki decided to open up after a former Director of Finance in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Shaibu Salisu who was recently arrested in connection with the probe, made some statements implicating him, Dasuki, in the deal.

The EFCC source said: “When Dasuki was brought in, he initially refused to write any statement, alleging that he had been subjected to media trial. I think the ex-NSA decided not to open up based on the advice of his lawyers that he should leave everything for the open court.

The EFCC operatives, however, obliged Dasuki a copy of the statement by a former Director of Finance in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Shaibu Salisu in which the latter made some implicating statements. Dasuki, who was shocked by Salisu’s confessions, repeatedly asked: ‘You mean Salisu wrote all these! You mean he said these! Give me a pen and paper’. Thereafter, Dasuki decided to open a can of worms.

He gave a long list of PDP chieftains who collected money from the Office of the NSA. He mentioned the names of a former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, ex-governors and ex-ministers and many others. As I am talking to you, Dasuki is still writing his statement. The disclosures of the ex-Director of Finance in ONSA have assisted greatly in getting to the bottom of the armsgate. So, the investigation is still on. We will certainly arrest more suspects soon.”.

There were indications that the anti-graft commission may extend its probe to the seizure of $9million cash by South Africa and quiz all those involved in the botched deal. An Israeli suspect implicated in the deal is said to be on the run now after throwing a lavish party at his Abuja home recently.

Young lady killed today at Biafra protest in Onitsha (photos)

A young lady named  Nkiruka Anthonia Ikeanyionwu, 21, from Adazi Nnukwu Anambra state and schooling at Fedral College of Education Umunze, Anambra State was unfortunately killed today during the Biafra protest. About 4 Dangote trucks were burnt leading to unrest and unfortunately one person lost her life. Her grieving sister sent in her photos, asking for justice. They are claiming she was killed by security forces. Quite sad! See it after the cut..*viewer discretion advised*

Just In!! DSS Operatives Storm Former Director-General Of The Secret Police House

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have stormed the Ikoyi, Lagos, home of Kayode Are, retired colonel and former director-general of the secret police, and thrown out his belongings.

The operatives stormed the residence in two buses around 3pm on Wednesday, breaking down the doors and throwing out his property.

A member of the household said the operatives did not produce any legal document to back up their action. Are, who was DG of the DSS from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, had been asked to quit the house by the new head of the agency, Lawal Daura, but was given till December 31, 2015 to do so.

However, TheCable understands that he got a court order to restrain the DSS from forcefully ejecting him. This, it is believed, might have led to the DSS action

Politics mixed with corruption will take us nowhere- Shehu Sani tells Buhari

Senator Shehu Sani (APC) representing Kaduna Central in the senate has told the Buhari led government to remove politics from its anti-corruption war. Sani said this while speaking at the 8th Forum of the laureates of Nigerian National Order of Merit in Abuja yesterday December 1st

“Corruption has consequences as seen in the arrest of those in charge of security in the last administration. Insurgency is for some industry, business enterprise and means of making money. 
Even Governors would say they allocate hundreds of millions to security but when you go there you won’t find anything. They say because of allocation to security they can build schools. So it is for all of us to see why we have not won the war against insurgency and why people are killed because of corruption. Politics mixed with corruption will take us nowhere. It is only in Nigeria that one says because somebody has contributed to the success of the ruling party, corruption charges should be withdrawn against him. But if he falls out of favour tomorrow, then, EFCC will bring up the remaining charges. If Saraki is tried for falsely declaring his assets since 2003, CCB should do same to all others who served in that era. Many issues that have to do with laws are stained by politics and they lose their credibility"he said

Ibe Kachiukwu becomes new OPEC President

The Minister of State for Petroleum resources, Ibe Kachiukwu is the new president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC. He takes over from Diezani Alison-Madueke who emerged the first female president of the association in November last year. Congrats to him.

Call reckless Gov. Oshiomole to order - Okonjo-Iweala tells Buhari

Former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called on the Buhari-led government to caution Edo state governor Adams Oshiomole over his remarks about her person. Okonjo-Iweala said this while reacting to Oshiomole's interview with Leadership newspapers published today where he said the former Minister ought to be prosecuted in connection with the $2.1 billion arms deal probe. Okonjo-Iweala's reaction which is contained in a statement signed by her media aide, Paul Nwabuiwku after the cut..

Former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has requested the Federal Government to call Edo State Governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole to order over the Governor’s recent efforts to link her name to the alleged $2.1 billion arms issue.

The Minister stressed that she has absolutely nothing to do with the issue.

She stated that it is an abuse of public office, the judicial process and her human rights for Governor Oshiomhole whom she stopped from taking a highly suspicious N15 billion loan to make false allegations against her while hiding behind the constitutional immunity granted state governors.

As recently confirmed by the Debt Management Office, professional analysis showed that Oshiomhole’s loan request which was based on using low interest World Bank loan to offset high interest commercial loans would have left Edo state with a heavy debt burden and the the state would have found it very difficult to pay back.

She said that it is unconscionable for the Governor to embark on a campaign of lies against her because she thwarted his dubious loan request.

She described the Governor’s unsubstantiated allegations as a cynical personalization of the anti-corruption campaign to achieve ignoble objectives.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala therefore put Oshiomhole and his ilk on notice that she has briefed her lawyers and that she is ready to explore all legal means, local and international, to defend her name against corrupt and compromised persons.

It has become a pattern of behavior that each time Dr. Ngozi OKonjo-Iweala is internationally recognized, Governor Oshiomole and his cohorts embark on a cynical and devious ploy of trying to pull her down locally. Just last night, December 1st, Dr Okonjo-Iweala was honored at a high profile event attended by Vice President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton. Dr Okonjo Iweala was honored alongside Michael Bloomberg, Bill and Melinda Gates and Mo Ibrahim for their contributions to global development and humanity.

Gov Oshiomole and his cohorts should realize that their ill-motivated attempts to taint Dr Okonjo Iweala's reputation will never succeed!
Paul Nwabuikwu
Media Adviser to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

My rape story true life story

A female LIB reader sent this in. Please read below...

When I was barely 17 years old, I got admission to the University. I was young and all alone, and I met this friend, who later became my roommate. She was on the wild side, and sooner or later, I started wanting to be like her.

She introduced me to a lot of guys and I must admit that at a point, I wanted to have sex and lose my virginity, but when it really came down to it, I just could not go through with it. That is until I met Stanley . . . . I was 17 (almost 18) and he was 35.

Initially I was scared because I have never really been that close to a man of that age who showed interest in me, but he soon convinced me to relax and trust him. Sooner or later, we started dating (even though he was engaged to be married as at then, but I didn't know . . .  but that's a story for another day). Anyway, on one of those nights, he came to visit me in my room, (I was still scared of going to his room alone) while my roommate was away, and even though I didn't want to, he forcefully had sex with me. It took him a loong time to penetrate because it was my first time, but he persisted, even though it was excruciatingly painful and I was crying profusely. He held my mouth tight and forced himself deep into me all the while panting like a he-goat. When he was finished, he said 'why did you say you were a virgin, where is the blood . . . ??' I cried even harder cos not only have I just lost my virginity to a rapist, I knew a part of me was lost forever. 

After he left, I went to clean myself up and discovered I was bleeding profusely. Till date, I don't know what caused the bleeding (I think he must have ruptured something). The bleeding continued all through the night and by morning I was losing my breath and feeling faint. When my room-mate came home, I told her what happened and she took me to a chemist who prescribed some medication for me; after which I felt better. He asked me if I was over 18 and I lied and said yes. This happened over 15 years ago and this is the first time I am talking about it.

Even after ruthlessly abusing me and callously taking away my virginity, Stanley just wouldn't let me be. I guess he thought he had landed a gold-mine. Someone to use as a sex toy whenever he likes. He would stalk me, wait outside for me, hang around my department and hope to catch me alone. But my dear roommate was always around to keep me safe from him. I would tremble whenever I saw him and not be able to utter a word; my roommate would scream at him to leave me alone and stay away from us. I never went anywhere without her for a long time,  for fear of running into him. Eventually, he got tired and left me alone. I shudder to think of what would have been my fate if my roommate wasn't around to protect me.

Even though you have refused to comment on, or post anything about Sugarbelly's story, RAPE is real. A lot of young girls are passing through hell in the hands of their so-called boyfriends, all because they don't know any better. I don't know what really happened between Mustapha and Sugarbelly, but we need to kick against, not just raped, but grown men having sex with minors. 

Thankfully I am married today to a wonderful man, and have beautiful daughters and I have vowed to protect them with my blood, at least until they are able to protect themselves. Mothers should be more careful in raising their girl-child. Teach them self dignity, preservation and confidence.

It's time we stand up and say a big NO to RAPE and STATUTORY RAPE!!!

NFF LOOKING FOR A COACH THAT WILL HELP OLISEH

Nigeria eyes ‘heavyweight’ coach

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has revealed the country is shopping for a “heavyweight” coach to help solve the Super Eagles lack of goals under coach Sunday Oliseh.

Nigeria have managed only four goals in five competitive matches since Oliseh took charge of the three-time African champions

“Our coach (Sunday Oliseh) is a very sound coach, but we have to develop a way to score goals and that is why we are looking at some heavyweight coaches to help us in this regard,” NFF boss Pinnick said.

Oliseh remains unbeaten in competitive matches, but most Nigerians are still not convinced he is the man to lead the country out of the woods because their performances have been labored against the likes of Swaziland and Tanzania.

Next year will most certainly test the capability of Oliseh, a former Eagles skipper and television pundit, as Nigeria will battle Egypt for a place at the 2017 AFCON in Gabon as well as begin their qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia

UNN boils as VC forces student to pay N75k for laptop

UNN students cry out over N75,000 laptop fee

ENUGU—Students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, yesterday, urged the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu to quickly intervene over the compulsory laptop fee foisted on them by the university authority.

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu

New students of the university, who spoke to newsmen in separate interviews, described the N75,000 compulsory laptop levy as arbitrary.

It was gathered that the university administration had recently introduced a mandatory policy, wherein all the students are being forced to own a laptop.

One of the new students described the policy as inhuman, noting that, “it is so sad that they are making education so difficult for the poor.

“With this policy, we would now be paying close to N200,000 in a federal university per session. This is wickedness.

“As I speak to you, I’m helpless because my parents don’t have that kind of money. It is wrong for anyone to make computer ownership compulsory. It should be a matter of choice. The management should not use us to make money.”

Also speaking another student called on the education minister to call the vice chancellor to order.

“We are begging the minister to urgently intervene because they are turning this university to a market place.

“If the vice chancellor is interested in doing laptop business, he should find a market for it, not placing such burden on poor students.

“Some of our parents are leaving on N18,000 minimum wage; now they want them to pay N200,000 as school fees for one session. This is wickedness of the highest order. This computer ownership should be by choice,” he stated

Dokpesi arrested :APC Govt on opposition, media clamp-down

Read the press statement after the cut...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in its entirety, the arrest of media mogul, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi and other opposition elements by the APC-led Federal Government.

The party also alerted that it has been made aware that more notable PDP leaders have similarly been listed for arrest over unproven allegations pursuant to the plot by the APC to cow and silence opposition in the country.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement on Tuesday said the military style of pronouncement of guilt on Chief Dokpesi before any fair hearing, betrays the fact that he is a victim of political persecution and mob trial by the APC government because of his association with the PDP.

“While the PDP is not against the war against corruption, we insist that the crusade must be carried out within the limits of the law and not as a guise to persecute and torture opposition elements in the country.

“Our fear is that with the pronouncement of guilt even without being giving the opportunity within his rights as a citizen to state his own side of the story, the President Buhari-led government is sidestepping the laws to ensure that Chief Dokpesi does not get justice in the court, a plot which they want to extend to other PDP leaders.

“The PDP therefore demands an open and public trial of all those arrested so that all issues and charges against them as well as their defence therein would also be in the public domain. We demand a proper investigation and lawful prosecution instead of the reprehensible resort to outright political persecution, which can only have a place in a military regime.

“We also note that this development may not be unconnected with the planned onslaught against the media, following its commitment in holding this dictatorial regime accountable since it took office.

“Finally, we call on the international community and rights bodies worldwide to note the growing impunity and gross violation of human rights by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government tailored to decimate the opposition and cow the media in Nigeria.

Signed:

Chief Olisa Metuh
National Publicity Secretary

Faleke files suit against INEC, ask that they declared Kogi governor

The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the November 21st election in Kogi State, James Faleke, today filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, against INEC over their decision to declare the November 21st election inconclusive. In the suit which was filed by his counsel, Wole Olanikpekun, Faleke asked that they declare him winner of the election.

He frowned at the decision by his party, APC to field Yahaya Bello as Audu Abubakar's substitute for the December 5th supplementary election ..

“In law and logic, no new candidate can inherit or be a beneficiary of the votes already cast, counted and declared by INEC before that candidate was nominated and purportedly sponsored. Assuming without conceding that INEC is even right to order a supplementary election, the votes already cast, counted and declared on Saturday, 21st November 2015, were votes for the joint constitutional ticket of Prince Abubakar Audu and our client. Therefore, no new or ‘supplementary’ candidate can hijack, aggregate, appropriate or inherit the said votes.”Faleke lawyer wrote in the court paper

FG To Begin Registration Of Unemployed Youths

The All Progressive Congress (APC) led-federal government will soon begin the registration of unemployed youths ahead of the payment of the planned N5,000 as social security stipend.

According to the acting director general of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Olakunle Obayan, who stated this during the official handover by the former Director General, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed said the registration will begin in 2016.

Speaking on the current template to address the challenges of unemployment in the country, Obayan said: “Actually some of them (projects) are brand new and they are coming up in 2016. We are going to tenaciously pursue the employment generation activities of NDE, and we are going to expand their scope.

“This new schemes when they come on board, are schemes such that they are going to take care of the social security issues and something that will need majority of the people to get something doing.”

He stated that: Besides, we have programmes that are for the graduates of the tertiary institutions as well. We have so many programmes that have been designed such that it will improve our service delivery system.

“We are going to pursue that vigorously, we are going to start a national registration of the unemployed. That we are going to take on fully so that we will have a great idea of how many of them are around.”

Obayan stated: “We have some but we are going to improve on the information we have in our data base and we are going to make sure that it is something we can access from our different locations, even if you are down in the hinterland, you should be able to do so.

“We have all these things planned in place, all these will drive as soon as I settle down which is this week and you will start seeing these activities around NDE.”

He explained that NDE has diversified into various areas in the training and mentoring of Nigerians not just for acquiring jobs but also for creating employment opportunities for other Nigerians.

SSS arrest former NSA, Dasuki Sambo again and 21 others

Operatives of the State Security Service, SSS, this morning took former National Security Adviser, Dasuki Sambo into custody at their "Yellow House” headquarters office near the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

His arrest comes after a Former Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda and 20 others who worked closely with the former NSA were yesterday arrested and interrogated on the procurement of arms to the tune of $2.1 billion during the last administration

Onitsha blocks again as Pro-Biafra protest see photos

Photos of the protest going on right now at the Onitsha bridgehead. Soldiers placed barricade on the road, disrupting the agitators from crossing the bridge. The River Niger bridge is totally blocked. Vehicles coming from Onitsha and Asaba axes are on stand still also. More photos after the cut...

Why we expelled Uwazuruike -MASSOB

MASSOB Leader, Uwazuruike Expelled For Allegedly Embezzling N100m!!!

The Movement for the Actualization Of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has expelled its leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike and replaced him with Uchenna Madu as its  new leader.

The movement leader was expelled for allegedly embezzling over N100m.
The group in a statement warned Uwazuruike “to stop parading himself as MASSOB leader or using Ojukwu’s name to dupe Ndigbo or garner personal fame to pursue his political ambition.”

Members also indicted the sacked MASSOB leader of defrauding them through “the introduction of the Biafra international passport, a gross and dubious means through which he generated about N100 million for himself.”

“The over N40 million realized from the dedication of the Biafran war veterans home in Okwe, built by MASSOB members, was diverted to Uwazuruike’s personal purse,” the group alleged.

In the meantime, MASSOB has also named Ugwuoke Ibem Ugwuoke its new National Secretary.

Violence in APC headquarters Abuja over Kogi election

Violence erupted outside the APC headquarters in Abuja this afternoon over the inconclusive election in Kogi state. Some thugs numbering over a thousand attempted to attack the party's choice in the December 5th supplementary election, Yahaya Bello as he arrived the secretariat this afternoon to attend a meeting with top party leaders. The thugs engaged the supporters of Yahaya in a free for all fight. Police and other security agents are working to restore law and order.

Photo: Faleke picks late Prince Abubaka Audu's son as his deputy

APC Deputy Governorship candidate in the Kogi state November 21st governorship election, James Abiodun Faleke says he's picked late Audu Abubakar's son, Mohammed to be his deputy governor once he is declared governor by INEC. Faleke said this while speaking to some of his supporters who had gathered at the home of Late Prince Audu in Kogi this morning. He is pictured above with Abubakar Audu's son, Mohammed.

Faleke is calling for the cancellation of the supplementary election which is being planned by INEC this Saturday December 5th. INEC had declared the November 21st inconclusive and ordered a supplementary election by December 5th. This has caused a division in APC as the party has refused to field Faleke as its candidate for the supplementary election.

Yahaya Bello who came second in the party's governorship primary that produced Audu Abubakar, has been asked to replace Audu in the supplementary election, a decision Faleke is against.

Men arrested after they trailed former President Jonathan's convoy to his home in Bayelsa (photos)

Former President Goodluck Jonathan this morning escaped death by whiskers after the men pictured above, intercepted and drove into a short motorcade conveying the former President from the Julius Berger bridge area of the state capital Yenagoa.

According to a report on Leadership and other media platforms, the militants trailed and chased GEJ's convoy to the entrance of his Yenagoa private residence in the Kpansia area of the town, before they were overpowered and arrested by a combined team of security operatives attached to the former President. Members of the arrested gang have been taken to the Bayelsa State Police Command for further investigation and interrogation. More details later...