More newspapers deny receiving NSA Sambo Dasuki money from Obaigbena

The publishers of two newspapers, Tribune and New Telegraph, have respectively denied receiving any money from the publisher of ThisDay newspapers, Nduka Obaigbena, as compensation for the disruption of their operations and attack on their personnel by soldiers in June 2014.

Mr. Obaigbena had told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigating disbursement of funds from the office of the National Security Adviser that payments made to him were for 12 newspapers, and for his company’s losses during a Boko Haram attack in 2012.

He said Sambo Dasuki, the former NSA, paid him N670 million as compensation for the Boko Haram bomb attack on ThisDay office, and an additional N120 million on behalf 12 newspapers under the aegis of Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, as compensation for the attacks on newspapers.

Peoples Daily, one the papers listed, had earlier denied receiving the money.

In separate statements Friday, Tribune and New Telegraph also said they did not receive any amount as compensation from the Federal Government through Mr. Obaigbena, who is the NPAN President.

Both media houses admitted filing claims, but said no payments were made to them.

“Although, like other NPAN members, we filed claims as requested for by NPAN, the fact of the matter is that up till this moment, 11th December, 2015, our company is yet to receive a kobo as compensation through NPAN for the 2014 disruptive activities of the military to our operations,” a statement signed by the managing director/Editor-in-Chief of Tribune titles, Edward Dickson, said.

Similarly, the management of New Telegraph, in a statement signed by the Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief, Funke Egbemode, said “It is on record that following the decision of NPAN to seek compensation from the Federal Government in the aftermath of the seizure of editions of newspapers by the military, New Telegraph computed its losses, which were passed to the association.

“However, since then, the company has heard nothing from the association on the matter.

“Following a report that NPAN had begun paying N9 million (not N10 million as contained in the report that has gone viral on the internet), the management of Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited, publishers of New Telegraph, Saturday Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, has written three letters to NPAN for its share of the compensation; but regrettably, as at this moment, not even a kobo has been received.”

The statement added that, “The first letter was written on May 22, 2015 followed by another on July 16, 2015 with a reminder written on November 19, 2015.

“Therefore, it is nothing but sheer falsehood for the NPAN president, who claimed he received the money on behalf of the association, to have included New Telegraph Newspapers as one of the beneficiaries of the funds, which as it has now emerged, was disbursed by the former NSA.

Onwa December:Two Corpses Mysteriously Disappear From Morgue On Day Of Burial

The Edo state central hospital mortuary was recently thrown into pandemonium when two corpses disappeared from the morgue on the day they were meant to be buried.

According to Leadership, the two corpses’ disappearance on a burial day while in the custody of mortuary attendance led family members of the deceased to storm the 100-year-old hospital, where they issued threats to set the mortuary ablaze if the corpses were not produced.

But for the timely intervention of police officers drafted to the hospital, the issue would have escalated into a serious debacle between the mortuary officials and family members of the deceased.

Michael Idemudia, the eldest son of one of the deceased narrated that his 54-year-old late dad being rushed to the hospital before he gave up the ghost and the had been there since his body had been deposited at the morgue but are now confused as to why his body was missing.

“My name is Idemudia Michael; I live at 23, Omomo Street off St Saviour road. He is my father, and we are from Ovia North East Local Government Area. We brought the corpse on the 18th of November, 2015 to this hospital.

“We were rushing him to the hospital when he gave up and we brought him here. When he died, we were looking for money to bury him.

“We came to check on the 21st when they called me to come pick up his cloths so about two days ago, we came to clear the bills and we had no chance to check him again because we were in a hurry. That is where we made the mistake of not checking him. When we came on Thursday to carry the corpse, it was nowhere to be found and the burial is Thursday and Friday.

“The hospital management said we should take it easy that they are going to investigate the matter,” one of the deceased’s sons explained.

While the Edo indigenes are unhappy about the disappearance of their dead, six mutilated female corpses were recently discovered in Ikorodu area of Lagos state.

Residents of Anibaba area of the division informed that the corpses arrived in ‘batches’ and although they did not know who could perpetrate such dastardly acts, they were sure the perpetrators were not residents of Ikorodu.

$2bn Arms Deal Saga:How vice president Sambo was paid 20million naira monthly, Others Indicted

Many prominent Nigerians and leaders are being indicted for collecting huge sums of money from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Ibrahim Idris Wambai, the former accounts officer II has revealed that office of ex-vice president, Namadi Sambo was on a monthly stipend of N20million from the ONSA, led by former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, Today.ng reports.

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According to Wambai, some presidential aides, like Doyin Okupe also benefitted from slush funds from the ONSA, saying records of all cash payments to such individuals and organizations are still intact

This was disclosed in a statement of witness/accused person which was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

The certified statement on oath is part of the proof of evidence for the trial of nine suspects next week.

Wambai said: “In December 2014, I took cash of N4million to Col. Madaki (rtd) in his residence in Wuse II Abuja. I had made many cash payments to Doyin Okupe, Ahmad Idris (PA to ex-NSA), ADC to former First Lady Patience Jonathan as payments for monthly operation allowances.

“The documents showing evidence of the payments are in the office of Yazidu Ibrahim in cash payment files. The exact amounts paid and date of payments I cannot remember but are available in the files.

“The venue for the collection of the money was my office and the money was given to me from the cash in the strong room.

“So many cash payments were made on a monthly basis to the following beneficiaries: office of the former vice president, Arc. Namadi Sambo (N20,000,000). The money was being collected by former deputy chief of staff; ADC to former president (amount not known but in cash payment files; chief personal physician to former president Goodluck Jonathan; former coordinator on anti-terrorism, Gen. Sarkin Yaki; former director PC4, Gen. Terba Waya (rtd); personal assistant, domestic affairs to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan.

“The amounts and frequency of payments to the beneficiaries as well as the list of other beneficiaries are in the cash payment files.

“I also witnessed several payments in cash to various people. Prominent was about payment of N300million to former Chairman on Security and Intelligence, Dr. Bello Matawalle from the cash in the strong room.”

He singled out five firms which were allegedly used as platforms by some people to receive funds from the office.

“The amounts of the five companies are ACACIA Holdings Limited(N600,000,000) via account no. 1017330319 with UBA and N650million via account no. 0122012650 with ECOBANK Nigeria Limited; Reliance Referral Hospital Limited(N750m) via account no.2022394057 with First Bank Nigeria Plc; Jabbama Global Nigeria Limited(N400m) via account no. 1013898095 with Zenith Bank; Continental Development etc,” he said.

The charge sheet filed by EFCC shows that suspects benefited from the said funds between April 14, 2014 and May 7, 2015.

Wambai stated that details of the cash payments from January 2011 to July 2015 are kept in Yazidu Ibrahim’s former office.

Recently, Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance in the ONSA revealed how$47million was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 11 suit cases and delivered to Sambo Dasuki.

So far, over 20 people have been arrested by law enforcement agents in relation to the arms purchase scandal.

Tompolo Hides Underground To Evade EFCC Arrest

Reports have it that former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, popularly referred to as Tompolo, has gone into hiding in the creeks of Bayelsa state to evade arrest after being summoned by the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC).

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According to a letter from the anti-graft agency, it is investigating the ex-militant for unclear dealings involving the sale of parcels of land worth about 13 billion naira to the federal government under the last administration and has asked to appear at the EFCC training room on Thursday, December 17.

But in a swift move to evade the arrest, Tompolo was said to have escaped into the creeks where he is presently hiding to evade being detained by the commission’s operatives.

Nigeria Standard was quoted to have said: “There, he is being attended to by his coterie of militant boys, shielding him away from any eventual attack, which may possibly lead to his arrest.”

A similar invitation was said to have been extended to Tompolo in November by the head of operations at the EFCC, Iliasu Kwabai, but he failed to appear and issued no reason for his refusal to honour the invite.

In one of its moves towards ‘nailing’ the ex-militant leader, the EFCC has reportedly frozen the accounts Global West Vessel Specialists Nigeria Limited (GWVSNL) believed to be owned by Tompolo.

Mercy Johnson gives birth last night

Mercy Johnson Okojie gave birth to a baby girl yesterday at the University of Maryland (St. Joseph Medical Centre) Baltimore. Mother and child are doing well. Congratulations to the couple!!! More photos after the cut...

HOW TO GET NATURAL WHITE TEETH

Do you want to have a whiter teeth without spending tons of money on expensive products or treatments? Luckily, there’s one common household product that does wonders for whitening teeth – baking soda!

Baking soda – also known as bicarbonate of soda – is a mild abrasive which effectively removes stains caused by tea, coffee, cigarettes, and other things from the teeth. Here are some steps on how to use it.

Mix the baking soda with water or lemon (they both work fine).
In a small cup, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of either water or lemon. Be sure it is a paste, this way it will be easier to apply. For applying the paste to your teeth, you can use a toothbrush or just your fingers. If it is a bad stain you want to remove, it’s recommend you apply the paste directly to the stain and let it set for about two minutes. Just like with doing the dishes, some stains need a little extra scrubbing. This can also be the case with the stain on your teeth, use a toothbrush or your fingernails to scratch away that last bit of dirt.

Alternatively, you can dip a wet toothbrush directly into some baking soda, and the powder will attach itself to the bristles.
However, the taste of the baking soda will be very strong if you use this method.

Rinse. Spit out the baking soda and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Give your toothbrush a thorough rinse as well.

Repeat every other day. You should repeat the process of brushing your teeth with baking soda every other day for one or two weeks. You will notice a slight difference in the whiteness of your teeth after just a few days, and a substantial difference after a couple of weeks.

After a couple of weeks of brushing with baking soda every second day, you should cut back to doing it just once or twice a week. This is because the abrasive properties of the baking soda may damage the enamel on your teeth if used too frequently.

Be aware that brushing your teeth with baking soda should not replace brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste.
Regular brushing will help to fight cavities, plaque build-up, gum disease, and keep your breath fresh

Apologise for illegally transferring $322m Abachas loot to Dasuki – SERAP tells Okonjo-Iweala

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP has called on former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to tender unreserved “apology to Nigerians for claiming recently that recovered Abacha loot was transparently spent while she knew that $322m (about N63billion) recovered Abacha funds were inappropriately released to finance the fight against Boko Haram.”

SERAP was reacting to Okonjo-Iweala’s admission that she released about $322m to the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki for military operations.

In a statement signed by SERAP Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation said that, “The truth about the spending of Abacha loot is now coming out, and it is clear that Mrs Okonjo-Iweala was wrong to accuse SERAP of bias while she knew that we are simply seeking truth, justice and accountability on the spending of recovered Abacha loot.”

“Mrs Okonjo-Iweala’s approach of ‘no answers, no apology’ on how Abacha loot was spent is doing her reputation more harm than good. We hope that she will take cue from the World Bank (her former employer) when it defined ‘accountability and probity’ as knowing what task has been set, accepting to do it, and going about it with a sense of probity. Probity implying the willingness to self-disclose such information to which a specific stakeholder group has a right as well as tolerance of the scrutiny of such a stakeholder group on information to which they have a right,” the organisation said.

“We, therefore, urge her to now come out for the sake of not only millions of Nigerians living in extreme poverty but also of generations yet unborn and tell Nigerians the whole story about what exactly happened to recovered Abacha loot, as well as publicly apologise for claiming that Abacha loot was transparently spent. She should be willing to be held to account,” the organisation added.

BREAKING: Appeal Court upholds Akpabio’s election

A Court of Appeal has upheld the election of Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

A three-man panel of judges, Friday struck out the appeal of Mathew Okorie, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the judgment of the election petition tribunal, upholding Akpabio’s election.

A visibly elated Akpabio took to his Twitter handle to announce the cheering news to his followers on Friday.

In reaction to the judgement, Akpabio said” My election has just been upheld by the Court of Appeal. Thank you Nigerians”

More to follow…

Rivers election: Appeal Court nullifies Senator Sekibo’s election, others

Judgments are beginning to pour in from the Appeal court for the National Assembly Elections in Rivers State.

An Appeal court Tribunal sitting in Abuja has sacked the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District in Rivers state, Senator, George Sekibo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Senator Sekibo’s victory suffered a major setback following a petition by Chief Andrew Uchendu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The Appeal court also nullified the election of six members of the Federal House of Representatives.

Those affected are Blessing Nsiegbe of the PDP representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2, Boniface Emerengwa also of the PDP representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal constituency and Kingsley Chinda of the PDP representing Obio-Akpor Federal Constituency.

The elections of Bright Gogo of the PDP representing Okrika/Ogu-Bolo Federal Constituency, Boma Godhead of Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru constituency, and that of Jerome Eke representing Etche/Omuma Federal constituency were also nullified.

Meanwhile, the petitions of APC’s Andrew Uchendu, Chidi Wehioka, Ogbonna Nwuke, Collyns Owhonda, Dawari George, Maureen Tamuno, and former Amaechi’s Chief of Staff, Tony Okocha were upheld.

Appeal Court sacks Godswill Akpabio, orders rerun election

Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has been sacked from the National Assembly.

The chieftain of the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was two-term governor of Akwa Ibom State.

SaharaReporters say the Court of Appeal on Thursday announced that violations to the Electoral Act during the senatorial election between Akpabio and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Inibehe Okori informed their ruling.

The Court reportedly ordered a rerun election in 90 days.

Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker Impeached

The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Momoh Jimoh was this afternoon impeached by his colleagues. His impeachment was endorsed by 17 of the 25-member House. He was accused of financial recklessness and misconduct.

The House then elected Hon. Godwin Osiyi, representing Ogori/Magongo State constituency, to take the place of the deposed Speaker. The Kogi State House of Assembly comprises of 14 PDP members and 11 APC members.

Husband arrested for watching and recording his dying wife without offering help

29-year-old businessman, Oluchi Ajimowu, has been arrested by the State Department for Criminal Investigation, Yaba, Lagos, for his alleged involvement in the death of his wife, 23 year old Priscillia Ajimowu. The couple lived with their children in Festac, Lagos before the wife's demise.

The police think that Ajimowu either slammed his wife’s head on the floor, or the mother of two poisoned herself due to frustrations in her marriage.

 

Ajimowu claims that he had locked his wife in her room on November 29, seized her phone and went out with their two children, after they arrived from their outing, he reportedly met his wife foaming in the mouth.

His wife who was a nurse had asked to be taken to the hospital, but he allegedly refused, instead he gave her palm oil and recorded her with his phone for about 40 minutes until she died.

It was gathered that prior to her death, Ajimowu had battered and subjected the deceased to inhuman treatment throughout the four years they spent in South Africa.

 

They decided to relocate to Nigeria. Ajimowu arrived four months ago while the wife arrived on November 27, two days before her death.

 

It was gathered that Ajimowu had put their house for sale shortly after the wife’s death.

The couple’s oldest child, seven-year-old Ella, said that there was a pesticide and a drink in the room where her mother was on the fateful day, adding that her father was “not nice to my mother” while they were in South Africa.

She said:

“Dad used to shout at mummy and beat her and she would be crying. That day we left her alone in the house. Daddy took the keys and mummy’s phone and locked mummy inside.

“When we came back home, daddy parked outside, locked us inside the car and went inside. After that, he called us to ‘come, come and see your mummy on the floor’. Mummy was saying, ‘Take me to hospital, I’m tired’. He started videoing her. He gave her red oil, but she spat it out. Her body was cold.”

The deceased’s mother, Mrs. Stella Ayobo, said her daughter had planned to visit her on the fateful day, but had cancelled the visit.

 

She added that Priscillia had not been happy throughout her 7 year marriage to Ajimowu . She added that Oluchi had shortly after his wife’s death reported at the Aguda Police Division, saying a friend took poison and died in his house.

She said:

“Four years ago, they went to South Africa. She always called me to report how Oluchi maltreated her.

“She came back to Nigeria on November 27. She visited me on November 28 and promised to visit me again the following day, being a Sunday. But that day, around 8am, she called me that she would not be able to come again and promised to come with her children on Friday.

“Around 8pm that Sunday, her husband called me that she had been vomiting since morning and I told him to take her to the nearest hospital. He later called me and said it was a poison she took. I told him to bring her. By the time he brought her, she was dead. We took her to a hospital and the doctor said she had died.

“He went to the Aguda Police Station to report that a girl visited him from South Africa, took poison and died in his house.”

The mother urged the police to investigate the matter in order to give justice to the family.

 

Priscillia’s older sister, Mrs. Emenike Dorcas, said Ajimowu had convinced her sister to come to Nigeria under the pretext that he would open a chemist’s shop for her.

She added:

“I reported the incident to the police at Satellite Town and Aguda divisions. Policemen at Aguda were surprised when they eventually knew the truth of the matter,”.

Priscilla’s uncle, Francis Ayobo, said the suspect was not remorseful after his wife’s death.

He said:

“It is so surprising that the wife was dying and the husband started videoing her. The videos were more than 40 minutes. He sent it to Priscillia’s sister in South Africa. By that time he would have rushed her to a hospital for treatment.

“I noticed that about three other guys were in the background of one of the video because somebody was giving her water and she was foaming in the mouth. Those things should be questioned. He was handed over to SDCI on Wednesday.”

The Lagos State Police spokesperson, DSP Joe Offor, said the Aguda Police Station arrested the husband and have handed him over to the Satellite Town Police Division.

 

BREAKING!!! Wild Jubilation in Aba, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Umuahia Others Over Kalu’s Apeal Court Victory

Our correspondents in various cities and towns in Abia state are reporting series of wild jubilation in the streets as news breaks of Orji Uzor Kalu’s victory over Mao Ohuabunwa at the Court of Appeal Owerri. ALSO READ: BREAKING NEWS!!! Abia North: Orji Uzor Kalu Wins at Appeal as Court Sacks Mao Ohuabunwa From Arochukwu to Umunneochi, from Ohafia to Bende, Umuahia to Aba the story is the same: people streaming to the streets to celebrate what they call “Justice for the people and a restoration of the people’s mandate” Those who could not join in the streets gather in small groups to discuss the good news of the day and it’s implication to the Otti vs Ikpeazu case also at the Tribunal. Stay with us, we shall keep an eye on the development and bring you more updates and photos as they become available.

Catholic Bishop criticizes the Obama administration as regards to ISIS

The Chaldean Bishop Frank Kalabat of Detroit in a congressional committee expressed his disappointments at the US government under the President Obama’s administration for their inability to pronounce the act of killings of the Islamist extremists for what it is, “Genocide”.

“The US government should not turn a blind eye to the genocidal atrocities, Proclaim it for what it is.” Bishop Frank Kalabat said on December 9, according to a Detroit News report.

“The Obama administration again refuses to recognize their plight, I say, shame on you.” he added.

A representative Chris Smith in-line with Bishop kalabat disagrees with the US government for omitting ISIS action against Christians and only acknowledging ISIS actions against the Yezidis as “Genocide”. “This is absurd.” Chris sai
d

21 death traps between Orba junction to Obollo Afor federal road Udenu local government area of Enugu state.

The express road linking Orba and obollo afor has been literlliy been washed away and need urgent repair.there exist about 21 deep potholes that will waste lives these festive season if something drastic and urgent is not done to cover some of them.
FERMA or The state government should do something as our brothers and sisters will soon be coming home thru these death traps.NO BODY KNOWS WHO WILL BE THE CASUALTY.
Communities youths ,(Imillike,Igugu Orba and Obollo)should as well do a parliative work here plsss.

Mark Zuckerberg supports Muslims

I want to add my voice in support of Muslims in our community and around the world.

After the Paris attacks and hate this week, I can only imagine the fear Muslims feel that they will be persecuted for the actions of others.

As a Jew, my parents taught me that we must stand up against attacks on all communities. Even if an attack isn't against you today, in time attacks on freedom for anyone will hurt everyone.

If you're a Muslim in this community, as the leader of Facebook I want you to know that you are always welcome here and that we will fight to protect your rights and create a peaceful and safe environment for you.

Having a child has given us so much hope, but the hate of some can make it easy to succumb to cynicism. We must not lose hope. As long as we stand together and see the good in each other, we can build a better world for all people.

Peace returns to Uda community of igboeze North of Enugu state

To some people, it was like a dream just as it was foretold in the Bible when the Lord will turn back the captivity of Zion. But this time, it is for real and many shed tears of joy seeing warring brothers and sisters sit down together again to drink, make merry and hug one another. Uda community, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State is a town that has produced many prominent sons and daughters. Some of them include Innocent Agbo, former Secretary to the Enugu State government, and the current member representing Igbo-Eze Udenu Federal Constituency, Hon Dennis Agbo. There are also others doing well in various fields of endeavour – legal practice, engineering, among others. But like the fabled Things Fall Apart poem by W.B Keats in The Second Coming, eight years ago, the very cord that held the community together got broken and things fell apart, forcing the centre to no longer hold. It became every man to himself as enmity took over peace while anger reigned in the land. The two traditional rulers from the community became lone voices as nobody recognized their voices anymore. Fines, penalties and ostracism became the order of the day while peace frantically took flight. Several interventions were made in the past to broker peace but nothing positive came out of them until the incumbent chairman of the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area who incidentally hails from the community, Chief Celestine Ezeugwu, decided to take the bull by the horns. Ezeugwu popularly known as Mayor rallied the indigenous and resident clergymen in the community who set the machinery in motion towards resolving the age-long dispute. Taking a step further, a peace and constitution drafting committee was set up and the team toiled day and night even as logistics were provided to ensure that all leakage and loopholes were blocked. Eventually, the peace move materialized into reconciliation and all parties agreed to come together under one umbrella. To mark the formal return of peace and the signing of the new constitution guiding members of the community into law, the community rolled out the drums for celebration on November 28. At the venue for the celebration at the Uda community primary school it was like a carnival bigger than Christmas celebration. It was an Afor market day and the bulk of the people that normally troop to Obollo Afor market on such days for several business transactions had to forfeit their trip to be part of the historic celebration. In a sermon during the interdenominational church service, an Anglican clergy, Ven. Ekpunobi described the gathering as the birth of a new dawn in the life of the people. He exhorted them to look unto Christ who is the author and finisher of their faith and also charged them to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness. He reminded them that Christ gave the apostles charge to forgive 70 times seven which means that forgiveness has no limit. He said that forgiveness was the only thing that would guarantee lasting peace and progress in the community. The man whom God used to broker peace in the community, Hon. Ezeugwu in a remark noted that his heart was filled with joy for what they were witnessing on that day. While thanking Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for supporting the council, his visionary and purpose driven governance in Enugu State in the last six months, he recalled that when he was sworn in as Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Council on January 15, 2015 following the impeachment of Bonaventure Onuh, he was disturbed in spirit over the lingering crisis and thereafter made it as a point of priority to foster peace in his community because they say that charity begins at home. Ezeugwu said that the peace process started in earnest four months ago when he called a stakeholders meeting in his residence and they succeeded in signing an undertaking for peace to thrive. But that was the beginning of the struggle as some people stood on the way of the peace initiative, but in the long run, sanity prevailed. The council chairman said that the crisis that erupted in the community has made everybody to realize the importance of peace and to foster human rights observance, as well as throw away intimidation, dictatorship and high-handedness. “Today is a good day for all of us and by God’s grace, we shall sustain it. Devil is a hater of any good thing and that was why we were torn apart despite the fact that Uda used to be a very peaceful community. A new Uda has berthed now and the task to preserve the peace has started. Among the 15 clans that make up the community, I advise you all to go home and maintain peace. Everybody must be carried along for the interest of peace while I also advise that only people of good character should be brought forth for any community assignment henceforth” he said. Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Udah and Director, Justice and Peace Commission in Nsukka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Simeon Ugwueze in a remark charged the people to shun idle gossiping and rumour mongering. The traditional ruler of Ezeodo community, Igwe Hyacinth Odo prayed that such crisis would not erupt again in the community. Another traditional ruler, Igwe Nathaniel Eze of Agbonomudaga autonomous community also spoke in the same light and invoked God’s blessings on the council chairman for initiating and succeeding in the peace move. The monarch prayed that greater positions of political leadership will be bestowed on Ezeugwu since he has proved competence in the one assigned to him. Signing of the new byelaws/constitution, hoisting of the new Uda peace flag, cultural dances and masquerade display were highlights of the event.

Oliseh Still Sick, Set To Miss Super Eagles Training Session

Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh will not be joining up with the team when they resume training camp for next year’s CHAN 2016 event.

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Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh

 According to africanfootball.com, the Super Eagles coach is suffering from a virus infection.

Oliseh has invited 26 players for CHAN tournament in Rwanda and the players will resume training in training in Abuja on Monday, December 14.

A source said: “Oliseh will not come to Nigeria as he is still recovering from illness in Belgium. He will now join the Eagles in South Africa when they begin training camp there.” 

Oliseh’s ailment has forced him to receive treatment outside the country and has clearly affected his weight.

Assistant coach Salisu Yusuf is expected to lead the team in the absence of Oliseh as he did in Ouagadougou.

Girl Pours Hot Water On Her Sister

A medical student simply identified as Yemisi has been accused of pouring hot water on her step sister, Oluwafunke Arogbonlo because the latter allegedly had a fight with the suspect’s mother.

The Punch reports that the incident happened at the family residence on Road 1, federal housing estate, Mile 4 in Port Harcourt. It started on Tuesday, September 2 when Oluwafunke who was staying with her father after her mother left got into an altercation with her step mother simply identified as Victoria. The step mother fell and hit her head against the wall in the ensuing struggle.

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It was reported that Victoria reported the incident to her children and when Yemisi returned from school on Friday, December 4, she pretended as if she wasn’t bothered. In the middle of the night however, she took a bucket of hot water and doused her step sister with it when she was asleep. The victim was rushed to a hospital as she sustained severe burns on her neck, breasts, buttocks, chest and back.

Oluwafunke said when her sister returned from school, they “greeted and I tried to explain to her that I did not touch her mother that it was a misunderstanding and she wanted to hit me when I dodged and she fell. She told me not to bother about it, that it was gone and we should move on as sisters.

“I was asleep at night when she boiled water. She came into my room with a bucket of hot water and emptied it on me.

“I knew she was the one because immediately she did it, I opened my eyes and saw her. I was in pain.”

The victim’s mother said she flew to Port Harcourt from Lagos when she heard what happened to her daughter.

“I flew in on Monday night and immediately the plane touched down, I came right to the hospital. She has been in pain ever since the incident and although I learnt the matter had been reported at the police station, the police did not act until I got here and Funke’s friends went to make the report again.

“The police had to come to the hospital to take down her statement.”

In a related development, some area boys driving in a public Volkswagen bus poured acid on one Mr Akude Silas of the Lagos State Environmental and Special

XMAS FEVER:Abuja Pastor Collecrs Member's Manhood

Police has declared an a pastor based in Kubwa area of Abuja wanted, for allegedly causing the genital organ of a businessman to malfunction.

The merchant reportedly came to the fake pastor’s church for prayers in Byazhin, Kubwa, a satellite town in the federal capital territory (FCT).

Spokesman for the Kubwa police division, Nurrudeen Sabo, confirmed the case, saying that a member of the church who intervened on behalf of the pastor has been arrested and would be charged to court.

He, however, said efforts were on to arrest the pastor who is said to have run away after the victim came back to him with a complaint that he was having issues with his manhood.

According to City News, a resident of the area, had gone to the pastor to pray for him for prosperity in his business at the instance of a friend who convinced him that he (the pastor) had been instrumental to the success of others in their establishments.

The source said the pastor gave the trader a bottle of water to bath with after praying for him.

He allegedly complied with the instruction, only to notice that his genital organ could no longer function after two days.

The source added that: “The man came back to complain to the pastor, but he told him that he had no problem, and simply dismissed his case psychological.”

One of the members of the church, who believed the case would dent the image of the church, tried to play a fast one on the issue.

He took the victim to a hospital, where series of tests, which he alleged were negative, were run, but the victim, who did not fall for the tricks of the pastor and his members reported to the police as the ailment persisted.

The police invited member of the church for interrogation and the one who took the businessman for varied tests, was remanded.

In another development, a fake pastor and two disciples who allegedly faked miracles and healing to deceive church members and the public, have been arrested by officers of the 2nd-Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

I DIdn't Contribute To Jonathan's Campaign - ITF Boss

Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, the director general of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has fired back at critics who alleged that she used the agency’s N700 million to fund the re-election bid of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

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Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko

The ITF boss explained that there no iota of true in the said allegation made by some members of the staff of the organization.

Chukkas-Onaeko cleared the air over this allegation in Abuja on Thursday, December 10, during a media briefing. She described the allegation as ‘ridiculous and painful’.

The ITF boss noted that those spreading the ‘falsehood’ should understand that it was impossible for her to sign off such whopping amount of money without appropriation.

“I am sure that when they wrote that thing they expected me to go and commit suicide or for the President to just shoot my head.

“If I were going to steal money to fund somebody’s campaign, where did they expect me to get it from? N700 million is not what you just sign off like that. “The former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganda, under whom I served, is a professional, not a politician.

“I don’t know of other chief executive officers under him, but nobody ever told me to bring money for campaign; PDP never asked me for any money,’’  Chukkas-Onaeko explained.

The ITF DG also dismissed the allegation that she transferred N2.1 to the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) without due process.

She stressed that the said fund was already captured in the 2014 budget to fund ITF-NECE Technical Skills Development Programme launched in 2009.

“By the time I came on board in 2014, they had already disbursed about 70 per cent of the money. That budget wasn’t drawn up by me.

“What I saw in the trend was that on a yearly basis, the money allocated for the programme was increased by between 10 and 20 per cent to reflect current economic realities. “But, in the 2015 budget, which is the only one I have presided over, I refused to approve the increase. “Instead, we increased the number of participating companies from below 10 at inception to the current 14 which is against the initial arrangement. I expected to be commended for that,’’ she said

Chukkas-Onaeko noted that her problems started when she blocked avenues of leakage  of fund in the agency.

Raymond Dokpesi, the chairman of Daar communications had been charged to court by the federal government on Tuesday, December 8, over alleged receipt of N2.1 billion from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki from funds meant for the purchase of arms.

8 Signs Your Union Might Not Last

Planning a wedding is an exciting time for any couple. But it is also a stressful time for most. Most people feel a bit of doubt or dread during the wedding planning process.

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While some wedding jitters is okay, you should look out for things that signify that your marriage might not last.

1. You do not see eye to eye: Yes, couples could have arguments regarding a few things during the wedding planning.  But if you find that you do not see eye-to-eye on anything at all, it calls to question how compatible you are.

2. Your families cannot compromise: Marriage is not just a blending of two people, it is also a blending of two families, and the wedding process is an opportunity to see how they will get along. Like with couples, some argument is fine, but you should be concerned when it is over every single thing.

3. You feel disconnected: You and your partner are planning a lifetime commitment, you should be feeling excited and bonded at this point. You should both be looking forward to what life should be like after the wedding.

4. You are too focused on the wedding: If you find that 100 percent of your energy is going into the wedding and you are not seeing beyond it, then you should be worried. A wedding is only a day, a marriage is for life. You should be focusing more effort on what your life will be like after the wedding than what the day is about.

5. You are not involved in the planning:  While you should be planning for your marriage, your wedding is also something that should interest you. You should want to make sure it reflects you as a couple. But if you would rather not bother, and you leave all the planning, ideas, and opinion to someone else, it might be because you are trying to emotionally detach yourself from the event, and this is the first step to detaching yourself from the marriage.

6. You cannot find the reason for the marriage: When you think about it, you cannot find one real reason for getting married and whatever reason you do have sounds silly or not enough. This might be a sign that you should think again.

7. Your gut feeling is telling you: Most times, our heart tells us what we need to know. A lot of people can feel in their guts that something is wrong in a particular situation. If you gut is telling you that this is a mistake, it probably is.

8. You do not feel joy: No, we are not talking about unexplained smiling or laughter, but being married is a thing of joy. You should feel grateful and joyful for this life change you are about to undergo.

Soyinka Takes A Swipe At Fayose, Advises Buhari

The Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has described Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state as a tout.

Speaking on Wednesday, December 9, at the 10th anniversary of the annual Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, he said Fayose attacked judges publicly without any consequences.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to stop impunity especially by the security operatives in the country, Today.ng reports.

The Nobel Laureate also urged the government to ensure the laws of the country are respected, including the orders of the courts.

He noted that the Nigerian military was in the habit of assaulting ‎and harassing members of the public, which according to him does not portray the country as a democratic country.

Soyinka said: “There must be an end to unlawful detention. If the court has granted someone a bail, it must be honoured, I don’t care what the offence is.

“Anybody or institution that does this can only be compared to that tout in Ekiti. That Fayose, he is a tout. He descended on the judges and attacked them openly without any consequence.”

He therefore challenged security operatives in the country not to take laws into their own hands.

Soyinka also insisted that the report of the inquiry into the recent attack by soldiers on the BRT buses in Lagos must be made public.

He said the claim by the authorities that the matter had been dealt with by the military was not tenable.

The colourful ceremony was held last night at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and professor of political science, Attahiru Jega, who played an outstanding role in the success of the 2015 elections, and the veteran broadcaster Bimbo Oloyede, were honoured with the Anti-Corruption Defender Award and the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence, respectively.

The award was first held in October 2005 to encourage the development of investigative journalism in the Nigerian media through rigorous scrutiny of human rights violations, regulatory failures and corruption in the public and corporate sectors of the nation.

Udenu local government chairman Amaechi Nwodo arrested over 40miilion naira loan deal and bounced cheque

 The current chairman of udenu local government area of enugu state Mr Ameachi Nwodo  was today arrested around 8am in his house over 40 million naira loan he took from one Mr damkwa and which he has refused to pay.there are also many cases of fraudulent cheque issuance he gave to many people he is indebted to.

Uwazuruike Renames MASSOB – See The New Name

The leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, suprisngly, renamed the group, Biafra Independent Movement, BIM.

Chief Uwazuruike, while making the announcement on Sunday at a press conference in Owerri, said, “The change in name became absolutely necessary because of the sad introduction of violence by the disgruntled dissidents and this is at variance with the non-violence stance of MASSOB over the years.”

Recalling how he recruited Nnamdi Kanu in 1989, to head Radio Biafra, Chief Uwazuruike said, “I recruited Nnamdi Kanu in 1989, when I established Radio Biafra and appointed him the director of the establishment. He started preaching hatred and brainwashing the youths. MASSOB sacked him.”

Why I was not made a minister by Buhari- Falana

Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana says he was not appointed as Minister in the Buhari-led govt because of some "ideological reason" He said this in an interview with The Interviewer magazine

“I was actually contacted. I was actually invited to come on board. It took me appreciable time to make up my mind. Along the way, I was made to understand there were people who were opposed to my appointment for ideological reasons. For me, it would have been a call to service, not to make money. 
Those who believed that I should mobilize people to put in a word for me, or wanted me to speak to somebody I fought on principle several years ago were, of course, disappointed. This guy actually headed one of the universities at a time students were killed. I had to support the students’ cause at that time. You don’t then expect me to go to him and swallow my vomit. This is what I mean by the ideological price."he said

Biafra:Tension in onitsha as hausas Go Into Hiding

With the recent mayhem unleashed during the pro-Biafra protest in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Wednesday, in which nine people died and several properties destroyed, members of the Hausa community in the commercial city who fled the town are still in hiding.

The baristas, shoe menders, green grocers, barbecue sellers and allied workers, who are of northern origin, Punch reports, had yet to open shops in the city.

Most of the victims were still in the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police barracks in the area, apparently for fear of attacks.

During the Biafra fracas, the Onitsha central mosque, a nomadic school and many other properties belonging to the Hausa community were destroyed.

A resident of the city said after the crisis, most of the Hausa men only came out in the night to do brisk businesses and disappear again.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ali Okechechukwu, when contacted, said the Police were in control of the situation, urging the people of the state to go on with their businesses without any fear of molestation.

Breaking news: ochancha market in onitsha on fire

Update to come