Wednesday 15 January 2014

FG, States, LGs Share N581.498 Billion

Nigeria map 
The three tiers of government in the country have shared N581.498 billion as allocation for the month of December, 2013.
A communiqué issued by the Technical Sub-Committee of the Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC shows that the distributable revenue for the month was N538,332 billion against N702,541 budgeted for the month and N675,650 billion distributed last month.
This comprised N473,607 billion and N64,725 billion from statutory and Value Added Tax, VAT respectively. The communiqué indicated that there was no augmentation for the month.
Also distributed for the month was N7,617 billion refunded by NNPC and the sum of N35,549 billion from SURE-P from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P.

NDLEA Discovers Abandoned 9.270kg Of Heroin, Arrests Man With 10.005kg At Lagos Airport

NDLEA-Logo1 
A suspected drug syndicate has abandoned 9.270kg of heroin originating from Pakistan at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.
Sources said that operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, discovered the drug inside an abandoned luggage on the conveyor belt during inward screening of passengers on an Emirate flight.
This came as a 38-year-old auto parts dealer, Ohagwu Ernest Ifeanyi, who attempted to board a Qatar airline flight to China with 735 grammes of heroin which he swallowed was also arrested. The heroin weighing 10.005kg is valued at over N80 million.
NDLEA Commander at the airport, Mr. Hamza Umar who confirmed the story said, “This is a good start for us considering the value of the drug. The heroin seizures comprising 9.270kg imported from Pakistan and 735 grammes ingested by one Ohagwu Ernest Ifeanyi weighed 10.005kg.
“The suspect was arrested following a positive test for drug ingestion.”
Ifeanyi who hails from Enugu State said that he smuggled drugs to recover from a financial loss of N2 million.
He said: “I sell auto parts at Onitsha where I live with my wife and two children. My involvement in drugs was to enable me recover from the N2 million loss I incurred in my business. My friend in China was the one that introduced me into drug trafficking. They were to pay me $2,500. They gave me the heroin to swallow in a hotel room in Lagos but I was arrested at the airport.”
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said that the drug seizure showed there was a rise in the nation’s counter-narcotics campaign. “Drug cartels only abandon their highly valued drugs when it becomes impossible to beat security checks. Besides taking the seized drug out of illicit circulation, we have also prevented the suspect from facing possible death penalty in China for drug trafficking.
Giade stated that; “The Agency will leave no stone unturned in the fight against drug barons.” [Vanguard]

No Region Will Be Marginalized Under My Administration, Says Jonathan

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R), CONGRATULATING THE CHAIRMAN, ALHAJI ABDULRAHEEM OBA, DURING THE  INAUGURATION OF THE BOARD IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY (15/01/14)
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R), CONGRATULATING THE CHAIRMAN, ALHAJI ABDULRAHEEM OBA, DURING THE INAUGURATION OF THE BOARD IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY (15/01/14)
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday assured that under his watch, no section of the country will feel marginalized in the scheme of things. He also promised that his administration would continue to work hard to ensure that pensioners get their retirement benefits as and when due.
The president gave the assurance inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, shortly before the commencement of the first Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of the year, while inaugurating chairmen and members of the boards of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and the Federal Character Commission (FCC).
The President also said his administration would work hard to ensure even distribution in appointments and employment among all sections of the country in line with the federal character principle.
He said, “I assure all Nigerians that under my watch, the Federal Government will give no section of the country any cause to feel excluded.
“That is why I hereby restate my administration’s commitment to continue to support the Federal Character Commission in successfully meeting its vital constitutional responsibilities.
“While ensuring even spread in appointments and employment in the country, government is also mindful of the fate of retirees who have served this great nation. It is therefore of paramount importance to this administration that pensioners receive their retirement benefits as and when due. Negative reports associated with the old system is a cause for concern”, he said.
Professor Shuaibu Oba Abdul-raheem, alongside 24 commissioners, was inaugurated as chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC); while former governor of Bauchi State Adamu Mu’azu, was inaugurated as chairman of the PENCOM.
Other members of the PENCOM are Chinelo O. Anohu-Amazu (South East), Omotowa Reuben Gilbert (North Central), Mohammed Ka’oje Abubakar (North West) and Adesojo O. Olaoba-Efuntayo (South West).
In their separate remarks, Abdul-raheem and Mu’azu, on behalf of their members, expressed appreciation to the president for the appointments and pledged not to disappoint Nigerians in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Sultan Accuses Northern Govs Of Ignoring Advice On Security

sultan-of-sokoto.jpgThe Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday accused political leaders in the North of slowing down the quest for a peaceful and developed region. He particularly accused northern governors of failing to implement various recommendations by traditional rulers on the way forward for the region, which has been bedeviled by activities of insurgents in recent times.
Speaking at a joint meeting of the Northern Traditional
Rulers Council and Northern Elders Forum (NEF) in Kaduna, the Sultan said the northern governors were yet to act or respond to the position paper presented to them last year by the Council.
According to the Sultan, the traditional institution had been in existence long before the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, noting that the traditional institution has a strong leadership and vision to see their communities live in peace, remain more developed and more prosperous, therefore, they were in a better position to advise the political leaders.
He said, “In our quest to develop the north because we are northern leaders, first we always try to reach out to our political leaders. I want to put it on record here that, even last year, we presented a position paper to the northern governors forum on the way forward to reduce the suffering of our people by lack of education, by insecurity and all sort of things.
“The paper has been given to them and I want to draw the attention of the northern governors forum that we are yet to hear anything on that paper we gave them. They should reach out to us to brief us so that we can continue to contribute on how really to sustain the peace and develop the north.
“We are here to continue our deliberations in our quest to have a peaceful, stable and developed north, as most of you know, in the days of Ahmadu Bello of blessed memory, things were much better than they are now.
“In our quest to have a stable and developed north, we keep up looking to all and sundry, most importantly, look up to our political leaders because they have the leading mandate to administer the north.
“Now, before the present democratic dispensation, traditional institutions have been there. Long before Nigeria was amalgamated, traditional leaders have been ruling and leading people. Today, we have our governors and other political office holders and elders here.
“I want to assure all and sundry that the northern traditional institutions do not have a political party but we are the administrators of our people. Not having a political party does not mean we will not tell our political leaders the truth when they go off the road. We will tell them where they are going wrong when we see it and tell them what to do to bring development to our people. When we give such advice, we will be very happy because we have done our responsibilities.
“If we give them the advice, it is left to them to either accept our advice or not. While we are giving advice, we can always contribute rightly to the development and peaceful coexistence of people in our various places. I want to assure you once again that we don’t have political party. Our political party is the welfare of our people wherever they are and that is our concern and nothing more.
“I read some of the Shehu Danfodio’s literature where he said since the welfare of your people is more important than the use of force, You cannot use force to develop or move people forward. If you take care of their welfare, you will find out that they are always ready to do their best to move the society forward.
“I believe this meeting is very important coming at the time when we have so much challenges in form of insecurity in the north in particular. We all see what happened yesterday in Borno and Bama. When you go to Bama, you will virtually see that there is nobody in the street.
“I think it is important for us to always look ahead to plan into the future. After our meeting and hearing from our northern elders, we will issue a communique that will still be sent to the governors forum because they are our political leaders.
“We are administrators and we will continue doing our best, Insha Allah in our quest for the political leaders to achieve designed goals of our people which is good leadership as they always ask where are the Sardaunas of today. We should also know that we are going to account to Allah our actions as leaders on the D-day. Our political leaders must fear Allah in their dealings with the people”.
Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum and governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, said Nigeria was passing through one of the most turbulent times in its history as a nation.
Aliyu, who was represented by his deputy, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, said political and electoral tension, social and economic insecurity, communal conflicts and civil unrest had reached unprecedented levels in the country, requiring the collective dedication of all Nigerians to address.
Also speaking at the event, Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State, said: “It is obvious that the present arrangement which places huge expectations on traditional rulers, without any Constitutional or legal provision, has to be changed. The responsibilities, powers and obligations of traditional institutions must be clearly defined by law and some of us are willing to support such move, anytime the issue is up for debate.
“Consequently, I believe it is time to consider an official role for our traditional institutions. Invariably, I am of the notion that the ongoing Constitution Amendment process and the proposed National Conference, has availed us viable platforms for exhaustive debate on ways to legally engage traditional leaders in the process of building a peaceful and prosperous nation”.

Rivers Crisis: Jonathan, IG Will Be Held Accountable If Democracy Fails – Tsav

A former police commissioner in Lagos State, Abubakar Tsav, yesterday said President Goodluck Jonathan and the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar will be held accountable if the current democracy fails.
GEJ-IGPTsav, who berated Jonathan and the IGP over their attitude towards the alleged shooting of Senator Magus Abe in Rivers State, recalled that a similar incident happened in the Second Republic.
He said during that period, Mohammed Goni, Abubakar Rimi and Jim Nwobodo, governors of Borno, Kano and Anambra States respectively, “faced the kind of problem [Rotimi] Amaechi is facing with the police commissioner in his state.
“We had the same situation in Borno between then Governor Goni and Commissioner of Police Atahiru Jidda; in Kano, between Abubakar Rimi and CP Sani Wali; and in Anambra, between Governor Nwobodo and CP Eiyetene. The consequences of these are well known to us. That democracy did not survive. The president and the IGP must realize that they will be held responsible if this democracy fails. The president and the IGP have continually maintained sealed lips over the constant use of armed policemen to frustrate lawful gatherings in Rivers State”, he said.
The former police boss, therefore, called on good spirited Nigerians to stand up against what he called “evil”, and to lawfully demand explanations from the president and the IGP, for their “worrying silence in the face of obvious violation and r*pe of the country’s constitution, with impunity”.

Court Orders Teenager To Be Subjected To 12 Strokes Of Cane For Theft

lawcourtAn Abuja Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday ordered that a 19-year-old boy, Isaiah Sunday, be flogged 12 strokes of the cane for theft.
The Senior Magistrate, Shafa Aliyu, ordered that the convict be flogged after he pleaded guilty on a one-count charge of stealing.
Aliyu said that the punishment would serve as deterrent to others, “besides, he is a young boy and the complainant has forgiven him,’’ Aliyu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the police executed the public flogging of the teenager after the judgment.
Earlier, Prosecutor Udeh David told the court that Ntibuka Linda of No. 22 Majekodumi Street, Utako, Abuja, reported the case at Wuse Police Station.
David said that the complainant came back from a journey on Jan. 5 to discover that the convict had entered her apartment.
He said the convict stole N18, 000, one curve 4 blackberry phone, one touch light Nokia phone and one carton of Indomie noodles.
The prosecutor said during the investigation the Nokia and Blackberry phones were recovered from the convict and the complainant forgave the accused.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 289 of the Penal Code.
Sunday pleaded guilty to the charge and pleaded for forgiveness.
`My lord, forgive me. She called me on phone to warm her generator and then I saw the key to her room.
“I opened the room and took only N4, 000 not N18, 000. I used the money to buy one Polo shirt and spent the balance. (NAN)

NHRC Constitutes Panel Of Inquiry To Probe Alleged Training Of Snipers

NHRC 
A five-man panel of inquiry was, yesterday constituted by the Governing Council of National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, to probe the allegation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that President Goodluck Jonathan was training snipers and had placed 1,000 political opponents on his watch list.
In a communique at the end of its extraordinary meeting in Abuja, the council said that in line with the provision of Section 6(3) of the National Human Rights Commission Act (as amended), its investigation into the allegation against President Jonathan would not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person.
Describing the content of the 18 paged letter of Obasanjo vis-à-vis the allegations contained therein as “weighty and grave,” the Council, said it concluded that the letter raised issues of serious and systematic violations of the rights to life, access to fair hearing and justice, personal liberty, safety and security, equality before the law and the prohibition against discrimination.
Consequently, the Chairman of the Council, Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu is to head the probe panel while the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Professor Bem Angwe, Mrs. Eugenia Abu, D.O.C Ezeigwe, and Alhaji Ibrahim Nikau would serve as members of the panel.
Similarly, the NHRC, constituted another three-man panel to undertake a verification mission into Rivers State with a mandate to identify and verify facts and actors involved in the ongoing crisis in the state and any violation of human rights connected therewith.
The panel which has Mr. Kayode Komolafe as its Chairman, Mrs. Rita Ifeyinwa Njokanmma and Mr. Eric Bell-Gam as members, was further empowered by the Council to recommend any interim measures to ameliorate or prevent further escalation of the situation in Rivers State into serious or massive violations of human rights, as well as, undertake any other or further tasks related to or necessarily incidental to the foregoing.
“Council considered the referral transmitted to the Commission by the Honorable Attorney-General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice on December 23, 2013 in relation to allegations contained in recent correspondence between former President Obasanjo and President Jonathan.
“In taking cognizance of the HAGF’s referral, Council made it clear that Rule 79(2)(e) of the Standing Orders and Rules of Procedure the Commission provide for the HAGF or Attorneys-General of States to refer appropriate cases to the Commission.
“Council is at all times guided also by the provision of Section 6(3) of the National Human Rights Commission Act (as amended) that “in exercising its functions and powers under this Act, the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person.
“Council considered the allegations contained in the transmission from the HAGF to be quite weighty and grave and concluded that they raise issues of serious and systematic violations of the rights to life, access to fair hearing and justice, personal liberty, safety and security, equality before the law and the prohibition against discrimination.
“Following comprehensive deliberations, Council decided, in exercise of its powers under Sections 5 and 6 of the NHRC Act (as amended) and in accordance with Rule 79(2)(a), (c) and (e) of the Standing Orders and Rules of Procedure of the Commission to constitute a panel to inquire into the following:
“Whether or not there is or has been state-sponsored killings or assassinations in Nigeria at any time since November 1995 to date; if so, what organisations, institutions, agencies or persons were or are involved in or affected by such killings; whether there is or has been at any time since November 1995, a list of persons to be targeted for watching or for such killings; if, in any of such cases, the perpetrators, known or unknown, were brought to justice or assisted, facilitated or helped by any persons or institutions to evade justice; whether the victims of any such killings were or have been afforded access to truth or to effective remedies; and undertake any other or further tasks related to or necessarily incidental to the foregoing.
“Council authorized the Executive Secretariat of the Commission to immediately issue an invitation or call for memoranda on the above-indicated terms of reference.
“Council decided that this inquiry shall be public. A calendar and schedule for the public sittings of the inquiry shall be announced once the Commission determines.
“Council also considered the deepening crisis in Rivers State and concluded that the situation calls for urgent action to verify the facts and stem any further deterioration.
“Accordingly, Council constituted a panel to undertake a verification mission into Rivers State as follows: Mr. Komolafe, Chair, Mrs. Njokanmma, Mr. Bell-Gam.
“The Verification Mission to Rivers State shall: identify and verify the facts and actors involved in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State and any violations of human rights connected therewith; identify and interact with all parties or actors connected with or affected by the crisis; recommend any interim measures to ameliorate or prevent further escalation of the situation in Rivers State into serious or massive violations of human rights; and undertake any other or further tasks related to or necessarily incidental to the foregoing.
“Council authorised the verification mission to work on an expedited time scale and report back to the next regular meeting of Council before the end of February 2014,” the communiqué said.

Britain Disappointed In Nigeria, Jonathan Over Same-S*X Marriage Law

Nigerian-gay-men 
The British government has expressed disappointment over President Goodluck Jonathan’s assent to the same s*x marriage Bill. 
Speaking on the recent development, British Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice, Jeremy Wright, said: “The UK is a close friend of Nigeria, but we are disappointed that President Jonathan has given his assent to a Bill which will further criminalise same s*x relationships in Nigeria. The UK opposes any discrimination on the basis of s*xual orientation.
“The Bill also directly infringes on fundamental rights of expression and association, which are guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and by Nigeria’s international treaty obligations.
“We are concerned by the prospect this raises of further action against an already marginalised section of society,” Wright said.

Man Catches Lover Having S*X With Rival, Machetes Him To Death.

matchete-350x116A 35-year-old man, Olusola Akiniwesi, has killed his rival, Oriola Akinduko, having caught him and his lover, Aina Afolabi in a ‘s*x game’. 
The incident occurred at Aina’s residence at Opa Street in Idanre area of Ondo State about 1.am on Monday.
The lady, Aina, who sustained serious injuries on her head and other parts of her body was rushed to the hospital.
Vanguard reports that Olusola and Oriola have been dating Aina for almost a year until the incident of yesterday.
It was gathered that the information got to Olusola that Oriola had retired to spend the night with his sweetheart, Aina.
He then waited till the middle of the night to confirm the authenticity of the gist.
Armed with a sharpened machete, broken-hearted Olusola jumped through a window into the room and pounced on the deceased.
Police Public Relations Officer, Wole Ogodo, disclosed that one Kola Akinduko reported the matter at the ldanre Divisional Police station.
Ogodo said: “Olusola Akiniwesi, 35 years, met his rival, Oriola Akinduko, having s*x with one Aina Afolabi inside her room and entered through the window to machete both of them.”
He confirmed that while Aina received injuries on her head, Oriola was confirmed dead in the hospital.
The spokesman added that the suspect is being detained at the police CID and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

Akume Urges Nigerians To Pray For Peaceful Political Activities In 2014

akumeThe Senate Minority Leader, Sen. George Akume, on Wednesday in Abuja urged Nigerians to pray for peaceful political activities this year. Akume made the call in his Maulud Nabiy message signed by Mr Emmanuel Yaweh, his media aide, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
He noted that with general elections scheduled for 2015, most of the campaigns into the various offices were expected to take place in 2014.
The message said it was unfortunate that the country was faced with the challenges of political intolerance, corruption, armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism, among others.
It urged the citizenry to re-dedicate themselves to the ideals of Prophet Mohammed whose birthday was being celebrated.
“Nigerians should use this occasion to pray for a return to sanity in our polity, a peaceful campaign period and a free and fair election in 2015.
“Nigeria today faces tough challenges as we enter this crucial pre-election year of 2014.
“We are faced with the multiple problems of political intolerance, corruption and worse still armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism.
“We must re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals of Prophet Mohammed whose birthday we are celebrating.
“There are many lessons to be learnt by our leaders from his selfless service to humanity throughout his exemplary life”, the statement said. (NAN)

WHO Declares Nigeria Guinea-Worm Free

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The World Health Organisation has declared Nigeria Guinea worm free.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who received the certificate from the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said the recognition by the world body would further boost his administration’s commitment to fight other endemic diseases as HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and polio.
The President also commended the Federal Ministry of Health and collaborative support of the Nigerian Guinea Worm Eradication Programme, the World Health Organisation, the Carter Centre, UNICEF and Yakubu Gowon Centre, for their efforts that resulted in the eradication of guinea worm disease in the country.
“We are pleased today to receive from the Director General, Dr. Margaret Chang, the certificate from the WHO indicating that Nigeria is now a guinea worm free country,” Jonathan said.

Yoruba Actress, Yetunde Akilapa Caught Stealing, Beaten Mercilessly

actressI’m beginning to think that this beautiful actress, Yetunde Akilapa, has some serious spiritual problem:
She was caught earlier in 2013 with about 100 master keys trying to steal valuables in her compound in Lagos in a very controversial matter, but she was later released. Just this week, the same actress has been again in the act in the Magodo area of Lagos.
On the morning of Sunday January 12, 2014, there was a loud noise around No 15 Ibitayo street, in Magodo Phase 2, Lagos, as people were shouting ”thief thief”! and running after a lady in black dress…
The lady, without shoes, tried running inside a walled estate. Unfortunately for her, before she could get to the gate, the security on duty mobilised and caught her.
She was escorted back to number 15 Ibitayo street where she had earlier been caught inside one of the master bedroom with a bunch of master keys hidden in her brassiere.
Actress Yetunde Akilapa was beaten mercilessly before she was later handed over to the police. So sad!

Omotola Reveals The Origin Of Her Nickname, ‘Omosexy’

Omotola_jpg69cbaa467ee57b86e368270c199fbd2aMany fans call powerful Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde ,’Omosexy’, but most of them don’t know the origin of her nickname. 
Gorgeous Omotola has been widely known with the name for a number of years now.
The actress, who was listed as 1 of the 100 powerful persons in the world by The TIME magazine, revealed in her latest interview to CNN that it was her husband, Capt Mathew Ekeinde, not her fans, who gave her that popular nickname.
“Funnily, it was my husband that gave me the name. That name is the pet name he calls me at home,” she said.
Omotola is one of the sexiest stars in Nollywood. She has four grown up children. Many budding stars see her as their role model.

Dozens Arrrested In Northern Nigeria As Anti-Gay Law Comes Into Force

gayDozens of gay men are reported to have been arrested across northern Nigeria as police begin to enforce punitive new laws that criminalize same-s*x marriages and membership of gay rights organisations. The legislation, condemned by the US secretary of state, John Kerry, and human rights groups in Europe, has come into force shortly after the Ugandan parliament passed an Anti-Homosexuality Act.
Last week Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, signed the Same s*x Marriage Prohibition Act, which provides penalties of up to 14 years in jail for a gay marriage and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for membership or encouragement of gay clubs, societies and organisations.
His spokesman, Reuben Abati, said: “This is a law that is in line with the people’s cultural and religious inclination. So it is a law that is a reflection of the beliefs and orientation of Nigerian people … Nigerians are pleased with it.”
Dorothy Aken’Ova, executive director of the country’s International Centre for Reproductive Health and s*xual Rights, said that the legislation, hailed the “Jail the Gays” law, had led to mass arrests. Police in Bauchi state, she claimed, had a list of 168 purportedly gay men, of whom 38 had been arrested.
The laws, she cautioned, will endanger medical programmes combating HIV-Aids in the gay community. Nigeria has the second-largest HIV epidemic globally with an estimated 3.4 million people living with HIV.
Responding to the spread of anti-gay legislation,Kerry said: “The United States is deeply concerned by Nigeria’s enactment of the Same s*x Marriage Prohibition Act. Beyond even prohibiting same-s*x marriage, this law dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association and expression for all Nigerians.
“[The law] is inconsistent with Nigeria’s international legal obligations and undermines the democratic reforms and human rights protections enshrined in its 1999 constitution,” he added.
“People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love.”
The London-based Human Dignity Trust, which supports legal actions around the world aimed at overturning anti-gay legislation, criticised both the Nigerian and Ugandan acts.
Jonathan Cooper, the trust’s chief executive, has described the Ugandan legislation as “a bleak day for human rights. The bill undermines Uganda’s human rights protection, breaches its international treaty obligations and violates Uganda’s own constitution”.
One of the men whose legal challenges the trust supported, Roger Jean-Claude Mbede, 34, died this week after being removed from hospital by his family. He had been jailed in Cameroon for sending a text message to another man saying: “I’m very much in love with you”.

21 Political Parties Fuse Into PDP In Kaduna

pdpdey (1)The Peoples Democratic Party’s drive for more members received a massive boost yesterday as 21 political parties under the umbrella of ‘Twenty One Political Parties Alliance’ fused into the ruling political party in Kaduna State.
Henceforth, the parties, according to the Chairman of the Alliance, Alhaji Inuwa Ahmed, who is also the State Chairman of the now defunct United Nigeria Peoples Party, UNPP, are members of the PDP in the state.
Ahmed said the decision of the 21 political parties to merge with the PDP was to ensure peaceful co-existence as well as to work for the progress of the State.
“We are 21 political parties and we have decided to join PDP today officially, to work for peace and progress of Kaduna State.  We are here to extend our cooperation and hands of friendship to the PDP, we have enjoyed a lot of privileges and cooperation from PDP and PDP has benefited in no small ways in working with us. On several occasions we had been able to deliver to PDP since 1999”, he said.
State PDP Chairman, represented by Alhaji Ishaku Aliyu, while receiving the various chairmen of the parties, stated that the doors of the PDP were open to the new members.

PDP NEC Meeting: Governors Didn’t Discuss Tukur With Jonathan, Says Suswam

GovsBenue State Governor Gabriel Suswam said yesterday that Tukur’s resignation was not discussed with the President. According to him, issues concerning the states and how to resolve the party’s crises and bring back governors who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) were discussed with the president.
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State said yesterday that Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s resignation was not discussed with President Goodluck Jonathan at NEC meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
Suswam, who made this known while speaking with State House correspondents, said that the governors’ meeting with the president last night centered on issues concerning the dwindling fortunes of the ruling PDP, particularly the onerous task of winning back five members of the party that defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Suswam said, “First, we met with the president as PDP governors to discuss issues of the party and the way forward. And that meeting is continuing; we just touched based with the president to discuss issues that affect the party.
“The issue discussed with the president was basically on how to re-strategise and re-position our party and how to move forward as a party. The second meeting is the national caucus and I am not in a position to comment on that; after the BoT meeting, the vice president will brief on the outcome”.
Asked if the issue of the chairman’s resignation was discussed,  Suswam said the vice president will comment on that after the BoT meeting, even as he insisted that, in the PDP governors’ meeting with the president, “issues like that was not discussed”.
“I think it’s the responsibility of the national caucus and the BoT, and the vice president will adequately brief you on the outcome”, the governor added.
Noting that the governors did not table any demand before President Jonathan, Suswam said, “It is not an issue of demand; we are just touching base with the president. The president is the PDP party man and so, from time to time, all PDP governors meet with him”.
On concerns raised at the meeting, he said: “The concern is that the fortunes of our party are dwindling and so we need to address that. How do we re-position our party to win the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun? How do we win back our colleagues that have stepped aside? We don’t believe that they have left the party; they only stepped aside. These are the issues that were raised”.
Niger State governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who chipped in some few words while the interview with Suswam was going on, stated that the five governors aggrieved governors who left the party would definitely return.
According to Aliyu, the G5 governors were just on the side-lines and that as soon as the party is restructured following ongoing effort, they would return.

40 Nigerians Arrested Over Italian Visa Racketeering

fake doc 
The Special Fraud Unit, SFU, of the police in Lagos, yesterday, said it had arrested 40 Nigerians who allegedly attempted to secure Italian visa using fake documents, ranging from forged statement of accounts, fake travelling documents and many others.
According to the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, the arrest of the suspects was made possible by a written request received from the Consulate General of Italy in Lagos to carry out investigations on the 40 suspects who submitted fake and forged documents to Italian Embassy in a bid to travel out of the country.
According to him, “it has now become rampant for unscrupulous Nigerians to desire travelling out of the country through dubious means.
“In the course of their attempt to manipulate records and information, many reputable organisations, financial institutions and government parastatals’ records are falsified and tampered with.”
Ogunsakin also said the network of crooks that specialised in travel document racketeering had been shattered and will soon face the courts. [Vanguard]

ANTI-GAY LAW: ‘Shame On You’ – Femi Fani-Kayode Blasts President Jonathan

Outspoken Former Nigeria‘s Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani Kayode has shared his opinions on the anti-gay law signed by President Jonathan.femi-kayode
President Goodluck Jonathan had signed into law the Bill which outlaws same s*x marriage that says the gays, lesbians in Nigeria will risk a 14-year jail term if they do not retrace their steps and renounce such marriage.
Hear what FFK said about Jonathan and his anti-gay law today on Facebook:
“Boko Haram suicide bombers have struck again in Maiduguri today killing dozens of people. Instead of fighting the war against terror GEJ is busy locking up gays. Shame on him.”
When a fan accused him of supporting homosexuality, FFK said:
“I am not gay and I do not approve of homosexual behaviour. However I think it is wrong to send people to jail based on their s*xual preferences and se*uality. It is known as persecution of minority rights and its is reprehensible.”

SENSATION! TB Joshua Speaks Out On Same-S*X Marriage Ban

A highly-discussed bill against same-s*x marriages, which has recently been made law by President Goodluck Jonathan, caused reaction from Prophet T.B. Joshua.t-b-joshuapreaching
Speaking on the issue through a new initiative on his ministries official Facebook page, in which the cleric responds to people’s questions in an interactive session, he said:
“Judge not, so that you will not be judged,” Joshua began, citing Matthew 7:1 for Scriptural backing. “We should talk to people to be saved and not to die. I mean, we should talk salvation, not condemnation. The Bible is my standard,” he continued in the post to almost 900,000 fans.
The cleric proceeded:
“If my parents were one, I would not have been given birth to,” he proceeded poignantly. “Those that are asking this question – if your parents were one, you would not have been given birth to. You that are reading me – if your parents were one, you would not be reading this today. God bless the reader and the hearer.”

Mikel Obi Talks Marriage Status With His Russian Girlfriend?!?

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So remember when I shared photos of Mikel Obi and his Russian girlfriend? I told you all that the photo would stare controversy among Nigerians, especially the ladies………where here it goes!
Mikel Obi broke a lot of hearts when he shared intimate pictures of himself & Russian girlfriend, Olga Diyachenko.
Fans bombarded him with questions and this particular fan @mimi6uk said: Mikel abi u no c ur black sisters out der to date, u come here to show world ur white b****? black stars n complex, always feeling white woman is better…dats y deese white people dont hve respect for u black guys in abroad cos dey know they’ve made u to dislike ur own, gross!
Mikel (@officialmikelcfc) responded ”Sister take it easy, it only a photo no marriage yet, trust me”. 
See exchange below -
M2

Didier Drogba Buys Massive $74M Stake In Ivorian Gold Mine

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Ivorian superstar soccer player and Galatasaray FC striker – Didier Drogba has reportedly bought a 5 per cent stake in his country’s largest mining company.
According to reports from African Review, the former Chelsea forward paid $74 Million to acquire part of the state’s shares in the company
Drogba had expressed interest in purchasing the stakes at the state owned mine last March but encountered difficulties sealing the deal.
It took the intervention of the country’s president Alassane Ouattara before the deal was concluded last Friday.

Radio Personality Tosin Bucknor Vents Out Frustration Over Nigerian Law Against Gay Rights

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While one famous OAP is jubilation over the government passsed bill against Gay rights, another is angry.
I earlier reported how famous OAP — Toolz was happy with the government’s bill against Gay rights, another popular Top Radio personality, Tosin Bucknor took to her Facebook page to voice out her anger over Nigerian Government signing into law of the Gay Bill that seeks to sentence any gay person to 14 years in prison by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Whose side are you taking???
Share your views……………

5 Steps To Looking 10 Years Younger

Did you know that once you hit 40 years of age, whether you're a man or a women, your body starts aging FASTER than normal? Studies have shown that without the proper nutrients and exercise, your body will age about 6 months EXTRA for every year that passes. Think about that! If you are 40, that means by the time you hit 44 you will LOOK and FEEL 46. And by the time you reach 60, you will LOOK and FEEL 70 YEARS OLD! We see this every day... just look around you.
Did you know that 90% of people over the age of 35 lose enough muscle every year to burn off an additional 4 pounds of body fat? That means you not only lose the only thing on your body that creates shape, tone, and strength—you also gain more fat every year, even if your calories stay the same.
Did you know that all of this is reversible at any age? That there are specific ways to move, eat, and think that tell your brain to STOP this rapid aging process... and even SLOW IT DOWN to the point where you're aging less than a year for every year? That means you can look younger at 40 than you do at 35... or if you're like Becky and me, younger at 50+ than we did at 40!
This is not fantasy talk. This does not require a boatload of anti-aging drugs, supplements, or gimmicks. And, this works for anyone, male or female, and works at any age. 35, 45, 55, 65, 75... you name it. The biology is exactly the same.
My years as editor-in-chief at Iron Man Magazine have allowed me to peer into the secret routines of the anti-aging experts. Over the years, both Becky and I have picked up SO many tips, tricks, and strategies that have allowed us to literally reverse the aging process, at least from a cellular level. That means our bodies look, feel, and MOVE younger than our chronological age.
We've taught this System to countless men and women over the years, and it always begins with these 5 key principles you must apply in order to STOP the rapid onset of aging that's going on right now, reverse it, and begin "aging backwards" by restoring your body's natural youth hormones.
That said, we have to warn you: What you are about to hear may go against all the conventional diet and exercise advice you've been hearing. That's because the world has, to be utterly frank, gone soft! "Core training", hot yoga, cycling classes, tai chí—all of these are just fine, but they won't slow your aging, and they certainly will never shape your muscles or burn off stubborn body fat. No way!

These 5 steps reveal the things you absolutely MUST AVOID if you want to slow the aging process, reclaim your health, and achieve your ideal body.

What you need is a splash of cold water, a touch of Old School, and the honest truth. Sound good? Let's dive in!

Step 1: Forget Low-Fat Diets

Forget Low Fat!Low fat everything has been the craze now for decades and look around. What has that wonderful bit of advice done for the bodies you see? We're fatter, sicker, and more addicted to sugar and carbs than any other time in history. And, we're passing these habits to our kids.
Fats are not to be feared – they're to be embraced. They do not make you fat; rather, they help your body regenerate your power hormones. Testosterone, the 'strength' hormone, for example, is the direct result ofcholesterol and dietary fat intake. That's right: "Cholesterol" isn't a dirty word! Your body needs dietary fat and cholesterol in order to produce ANY AND ALL vital hormones.
People on low fat diets look drawn, gaunt, and weak. They are often sick, sometimes to the point of literally breaking down. And, they can never just enjoy eating out. Every meal and every gram must be accounted for. Do you really think this will make you younger? Of course not... it will worry you to death if it doesn't kill you first!
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Step 2: Stop Running in Circles

Stop Spinning Your Wheels!Gym classes can be fun, if you like sitting in one place and torturing yourself. But have you noticed how little people change their bodies in these classes? Sure, it's good "cardio", but cardiovascular conditioning can be gained with far less time and effort.
Treadmills, and any form of endurance training (especially running) does very little to help the age reversal process. Many times, these long-duration exercise bouts accelerate the aging process by increasing free radicals. These free radicals are scavengers that prey on your body's essential nutrients and tissues.
There's a smart way to exercise... we'll cover that in a minute. And, what's wonderful is that it takes you about ¼ the time of traditional workouts. We'll cover more details on the next page. =========

Step 3: Stop Blaming Everything On How Old You Are

Stop Spinning Your Wheels!The guys to the left are not fat because they are old—they're fat becausethey eat, think, and move like a fat, old, dying person! Becky and I are both in our 50s—older than the guys in this photo—and I still sport a nice six-pack, and Becky transformed her body from the typical "middle age mom" to a slim, toned, and super-sexy woman who looks 10 years younger. (See the next page for photos!)
Listen: Your body doesn't own a clock. Studies have shown that men and women in their 90s were able to gain muscle tone in just a matter of weeks of simple weight training. I've personally seen men and women transform their physiques at literally all ages—25 to 95!
If you're around those naysayers who are constantly talking about growing old, all their aches and pains, and how life is just down hill after 40—LEAVE! Surround yourself with positive thinkers who absolutely crave a challenge. A challenge is what keeps you YOUNG, and the best challenge there is happens to be taking control of your health and body.
We'll show you HOW we do that on the next page.
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Step 4: Avoid Chronic Dehydration

Drink Your Water!Water isn't just "good for you" — water burns fat. Water suppresses hunger. Water renews your skin. Just drinking 12 ounces of pure water every day can take a few years off your face in a matter of weeks. You'll also drop fat, have more energy, and save your kidneys and liver from chronic overwork.
When your kidneys are taxed from too little water, your liver has to take over. Now, get this: Your liver is your number one fat-burning organ. Do you REALLY want it processing liquids and toxins rather than BURNING FAT? No way, right? Well, grab a glass of water, and watch the mirror. Within a few weeks, the change to your face and body will be noticeable.
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Step 5: Work Out LESS (Yes, Less)

Work Out LESSIf you don't work out at all, you're going to lose muscle tissue every year. That means you'll get fatter and flabbier each and every year with less shape and more sag. Is this what you desire? No way, right?
Well, the answer is old school resistance training. Here's the secret: hardly anyone is doing it right!
Becky and I have seen literally thousand of pro fitness athletes train over the years. The ones who looked the best — and that means looked the youngest, most toned, and had the least amount of unwanted fat — were the ones who left the gym while others were still warming up!
Over the past decade, Becky and I have developed a men and women's workout system that we call F4X Training System. This is a revolutionary way of combining four specific exercises done in literally a matter of minutes. That's ALL YOU NEED... And don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
That's right: We do not do endless cardio sessions (the F4X Training System is a great cardiovascular workout) and we do not spend an hour a day in the gym. We have a life, thank you. We have kids, and we value being both fit and real people at the same time. The F4X Training System was our personal breakthrough to achieving our ideal bodies, staying in tip-top shape with minimal time, and having a life outside a gym.