Charly Boy, others protest secrecy of National Assembly’s budget

Charles Oputa (aka Charly Boy) led hundreds of protesters to the National Assembly yesterday to demand public disclosure of the budget of the Federal lawmakers.
The protesters also demanded that immunity from criminal procedure against the President, Vice President, governors and deputy governors be removed from the constitutional.
Besides, the protesters, under the aegis of Office of the Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, backed the anti-corruption crusade of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
It insisted that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Legislature and the Judiciary, be subjected to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to curb wastages and corruption in government.
To reduce the burden of governance, the protesters said the Senate be scrapped with the controversial constituency intervention projects.
Charly Boy, who said corruption had robbed Nigerian youths of their future, noted that death penalty should be introduced to check corrupt public office holders.
The entertainer assured that his group would not relent in protesting what he called the gross injustice against Nigerian youths until positive commitments were obtained from the lawmakers.
He said: “I was happy that some youths are doing what young people should do. I am just here to encourage them to take their rightful place in the society.
“I have also advised them on the need to go back to the drawing board and come out massively because this is a cause for the few men and women of integrity left in Nigeria to come and speak out against this oppression.
“I see that most of the youths these days are just handicapped by the great poverty, unemployment and uncertainty of tomorrow. This is because we have a government that does not work; we have a government that cannot arrest corruption.
“I am here to encourage them because when next we come here, the whole place will be filled up. This is a movement. I am telling young Nigerians that if they do not do something about their future, their future has been stolen.
“So, if you don’t fight to retrieve it, you will die for nothing in this country. There will be nothing for you, if you don’t agitate.
“I am here to encourage that culture of agitation, the culture of standing up for your bloody rights because nothing will change until you do so.”

Boko Haram kills another army officer in ambush

Boko Haram

Another army officer has been killed in the battle against Boko Haram insurgents.
Lt. Col B U Umar, the commanding officer of 114 TF battalion, was killed barely two weeks after Lt. Col. Muhammed. Abu-Ali died in an ambush.
A senior Officer said Umar was ambushed alongside his troops on Monday on the way to Bita, in Borno state.
According to him, the late officer and his troops were returning from Mubi, Adamawa state, a town reclaimed from? Boko Haram, when his vehicle stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
The military source said details of the incident would be released as soon as the military concluded the necessary arrangement.
He however denied that there was heavy casualty saying only Col. Umar was fatally wounded in the incident.
The late Col. Umar was a member of the 48 Regular Course in the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA).
In response to fresh attacks from the sect, the Air Force has launched a new offensive aimed at further degrading the ranks of the insurgents.
Planes carried out attacks on the insurgents’ location at Malkonori in northern Borno State.
Director, Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, said the attack was a follow-up to the close air support operation that repelled the insurgents who attacked Air Force ground soldiers at Kangarwa.
Famuyiwa said survivors among the insurgents fled to Dogochuku where they were also attacked by NAF fighter aircraft and forced to relocate to Malkonori.
Ground forces confirmed a number of the insurgents were killed and their vehicle destroyed from the latest air strike at Malkonori

Senate rejects Buhari’s would-be envoys list

•President Buhari

The Senate yesterday rejected the President’s list of 46 non-career ambassadors-designate. The list was dumped over President Muhammadu Buhari’s new understanding with governors, lawmakers and All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, it was learnt.
The rejection will enable the Presidency to review the list in line with the new consultative deal.
Sources said names of most of the nominees were smuggled into the list by some members of the President’s Kitchen Cabinet  who were asked to “harmonise” the names.
The choice of the nominees topped the agenda of the session between the President and APC governors last week.
The issue was also raised at Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s Monday meeting with APC governors and National Assembly leaders
A source said: “By the time the President realised that the list of non-career ambassadors was compiled by a few, he felt disappointed. But he did not want to recall the list in order not to hurt anyone.
“Some states were not happy because the list affected power sharing formula and it could lead to inter-tribal crisis.
“The President took time to explain to stakeholders that he knew only a few of the nominees. I think about three or five. But he said he gave the responsibility to some key aides who did a shoddy job.
“It was embarrassing to the President when some of the nominees rejected their appointments because they were not consulted.
“As a way out, the President left the fate of the nominees to the Senate to decide. The President has now floated a new consultative platform between the Presidency and other stakeholders, including governors, National Assembly leaders and party leaders.”
The source added: “A window that was immediately agreed upon was for the Senate to reject the list to pave the way for the Presidency to take a second look at the non-career ambassadors.
“So, the list was rejected in line with the new deal between the President and other stakeholders. All groups in the party will now have input into the compilation of the fresh list which will be sent to the Senate.
“In the next few days, wider consultations will be done in a manner that will make all the stakeholders to be happy. The President has chosen to leave everything open.”
During plenary yesterday, the Senate rejected the list of 46 non-career ambassadors but approved, after hesitation, another list of 47 career ambassadors earlier forwarded to it by the President and nominees screened.
Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume said in view of numerous petitions submitted to the Senate against the non-career nominees, the Senator Monsurat Sunmonu-led Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs recommended that the list be returned to the President to rework and resubmit for consideration and approval.
Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio seconded the motion. More than 250 petitions were submitted to the Senate against the nominees.
A governor wrote to disown the two nominees from his state.
The inability of five of them to recite the National Anthem during their screening almost robbed the affected nominees of confirmation.
The intervention of Senator James Manager, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, saved the day. He blamed the inability of the affected nominees to recite the National Anthem on nervousness.
He recalled that “in 2004, a ministerial nominee collapsed when Senator Uche Chukwumerije fired four questions at him at a go”.
He insisted that it was not easy to appear before the Senate.
Senator Gbenga Ashafa also argued in the same line and asked that the nominees be confirmed.
Those whose nomination was confirmed are: Obinna Chukwuemeka (Abia); Salisu Umaru (Adamawa); Inyan Udo-Iyang(Akwa Ibom), Okeke Vivian Nwanaku(Anambra), Liman Munir(Bauchi), Ndem Jane Ada(Benue), Mohammed Hassan Hassan(Borno), ; Martin Young Cobham(Cross River) ; Janet Omoleegho Olisah(Delta) and Itegboje Sunday(Edo).
Others are: Olatunde Adesesan(Ekiti) Lilian Ijeukwu Onoh(Enugu) ; Manaja Tulah Isa(Gombe) ; Ngozi Ukaeje(Imo) ; Bello Kazaure Husseini(Jigawa), Enoch Pear Duchi(Kaduna), Garba Baba(Kano), Usman Bakori Aliyu(Katsina) Umar Zainab Salisu(Kebbi); Momoh Sheidu Omeiza(Kogi) and Kadiri Audu(Kwara).
Others who also made the list are: Balogun Hakeem (Lagos) ; Inusa Ahmed (Nasarawa) Ibrahim Isah (Niger) Bankole Adegboyega Adeoye (Ogun) Ibidapo-Obe Oluwasegun (Osun) Ogundero Sakirat (Oyo) Eric A. Bell-Gam (Rivers) Attahiru Halliru (Sokoto) Rahmatu Dunama (Taraba) ; Musa Mamman (Yobe) and Kabiru Bala (Zamfara).
Others on the list include Adamu Shuaibu (FCT)  , D.A Agev (Benue) , T.K Gongulong (Borno) , Ibrahim Hamza (Katsina) , K.C Nwachukwu (Imo) , Q.I Worlu (Edo) , E.K Oguntuase (Ekiti) , A. I. Paragalda (Adamawa) L.A Gasharga (Borno), Olufemi Abikoye (Kwara) , Habu Abubakar Ibrahim(Gombe) Rabiu Akawu (Kano) , Nonye Udo (Anambra) Odeka Janet Bisong (Cross River)  and Sonaike Adekunbi Abibat (Ogun).

Dino Melaye Asks Buhari to Grant Presidential Pardon/Amnesty to Treasury Looters

Dino Melaye

 

 

 

 

Senator Dino Melaye had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to give presidential pardon and amnesty for treasury looters according to the Vanguard.

Melaye in statement said, “Though an unrepentant advocate for integrity and forthrightness especially from public office holders, I however sincerely want to recommend that Mr. President grant Presidential Amnesty/Pardon to all those who looted our treasury provided they return all proceeds of their loot to the government within six (6) months of the declaration of the Amnesty.

“This, I believe will encourage the voluntary return of the the looted funds, empower the government financially to immediately commence the implementation of projects and programmes that will stimulate the economy and raise the peoples’ standard of living, and save the judiciary and other law enforcement agencies the agony of fruitlessly pursuing the looters in and out of the courtrooms.

"In the long run, this would be a win-win situation for both the government and people of Nigeria,” he said.

“At the expiration of the six months’ ‘Moratorium’, all those who failed to comply would then be made to face the reality of aggressive and expeditious prosecution and eventual jail terms for convicts in accordance with the laws of the land”, he said.

‘His Excellency and Distinguished’ from the names of President, Vice president, Governors and Senators respectively.

"In this regard, I recommend that henceforth no President, Vice President, Governor, or Deputy Governor should answer the name ‘His Excellency’ until the material condition of ordinary Nigerians has also become ‘Excellent’.

No Senator should continue to answer ‘Distinguished’ until the the masses of the people begin to experience a distinguished existence and no Federal or state Legislator should wear the badge of ‘Honourable Member’ until the ordinary citizen is himself living a life that can be classified Honourable in every material particular.

Wicked World! See How a Mother Dumped Her Newborn Baby in the Bush Path in Delta (Photo)

The baby

 

A newborn baby has been made to go through a most dehumanizing experience after its mother did a terrible thing to it. 

A newborn baby has been killed after it was abandoned by someone thought to be the mother.

 

The lifeless body of the day old baby was at the weekend discovered in Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

 

According to report, residents woke to the sorry sight on Saturday, in a bush path in the community along the Odoro Road area.

 

When the state Police Command’s spokesperson, Celestina Kalu, was contacted, her number was not available for comments as at press time, but it was gathered that the baby, with a placenta attached to it, was heard crying at night and was later found dead by passers-by who raised alarm.

 

Indications are that the baby was abandoned by the mother in the late hours of the previous day, as it was discovered that the body fell out of a polythene bag placed atop a heap of building blocks.

Top Nigerian Actress Expelled from the Movie Industry...Read What She Did

Rahama Sadau

 

 An Hausa female actor has been expelled from the Hausa movie industry after acting against the code of conduct and ethics of the entertainment body.

The Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria has expelled Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau, from the Industry.
Sadau was expelled for featuring in a romantic musical video by Jos born singer, ClassiQ. Sadau’s offence was that she featured in a 4 minute 19 seconds romantic musical video by ClassiQ.

 

ClassiQ and Rahama Sadau in the video

Reactions poured in immediately the video went viral on social media, with some fans of the popular actress criticising her role in it.

“Rahama has crossed the boundary line this time around. The video is all revealing and this is not proper for a Muslim girl to go this extreme in an open video,” a fan, Maryam Umar, told a correspondent.

The announcement of the actress’ expulsion was contained in a statement by the association and was made available to Premium Times on Sunday.

The statement was signed by Salisu Mohammed, the Secretary of the association.

The association also warned other actors and actresses to henceforth follow the rules binding their participation in the Kannywood film industry.

 

A communique issued by Motion pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria MOPPAN and signed by it secretary, Salisu Mohammed, stated reasons for Sadau’s expulsion from acting and participating in any Kannywood activities.

 

It should be noted that MOPPAN is a coalition of associations that set rules and regulations governing the conduct of actors and actresses, as well as production of movies in northern Nigeria.

 

The circular reads:

“Sequel to the recent meeting in which a resolution reached by all guilds and associations under the unified body of Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPA). That Rahama Sadau has been expelled from the Hausa indigenous film industry popularly known as Kannnywood.

‎“This is as a result of her recent immoral appearance in a certain video song where she appeared in series of visuals (video and pictorial) hugging and cuddling the music artist ClassiQ in his newly released video.

“The leadership of the industry has taken this decision for her violation of its codes of ethics known to all it practitioners.

“By this resolution, the leadership of the industry will no longer tolerate behaviours that are against conduct and ethics laid by the constitution governing the unified leadership of the industry.

“More so, the leadership hopes that this will serve as a deterrent to the actors and actresses to check their public behaviour as they are expected to be good ambassadors to the society they represent.

“Furthermore, a committee has been set to receive and deal with reactions and feed backs to this resolution in respect to the affected actress especially those producers that currently engage her in their projects.

 

 

Sadau is currently on vacation in India and is yet to react to her expulsion from the conservative Hausa movie industry as at the time of this report.

Heartbreaking! Veteran Nollywood Actor Tunde Alabi Terribly Sick, Leg Set to be Amputated (Photo)

Tunde Alabi

 

 Reports reaching us from social media reveals a veteran Nollywood actor is currently sick with his leg set to be amputated due to health complications.

One of the foremost Nigerian actors, Tunde Alabi needs the help of Nigerians as he battles with ill health. An appeal has been made to well-meaning Nigerians to donate funds for his proper healthcare.

 

One Paul Julius has been trending an appeal message on social media to intimate Nigerians about Alabi's condition.

 

 

Read his message below:

"If there's a better word to use in the place of veteran, then that should come for this old war horse in the world of make believe.

"Uncle Tunde Alabi has been on the acting scene since the glorious days of television drama in Nigeria and he's today one of the last remnants of that octopus called The Village Headmaster, a television drama that was the in - thing in its days on National Television. His role in the now rested soap opera 'PALACE' produced by Ralph Nwadike was one that viewers will not forget in haste.

"This thorough breed professional of the old order who is equally at home with the youngsters of today, impacting knowledge and valuable experience into them whenever he has the opportunity is currently down with ailment which has put his right foot in danger to the point of amputation if urgent help is not given.

"He's lying helplessly at the General Hospital, Lagos waiting to lose his right leg or even worse. He has done his part by putting smiles on the faces and happiness to the lives of millions home and abroad, it's our turn to help him. Nothing is too small...HE will appreciate your candid help. Thanks and God bless"

Ladies Be Warned! These are 5 Surprising Signs Your Man's Sperm Count is Low

 

 

 

Low sperm count in men can be a really frustrating thing especially for men trying for a baby. These are certain things to watch out for to tell your man's state. Women are naturally drawn to men with deep voices because a macho tone reminds them of all things manly. And while talking like Barry White packs its fair share of benefits, it could also mean bad news for your sperm.

 

A new study from the University of Western Australia found that guys with a low-pitched voice had reduced concentrations of sperm in ejaculations. The possible connection: “Testosterone, which deepens a man’s voice, also suppresses sperm production when it’s at high levels,” says lead researcher Leigh Simmons, Ph.D., an evolutionary biology professor at Western Australia.

 

Meanwhile, the pitch of your voice isn’t the only health clue your body is sending you. Here are five other surprising body quirks that may be early signs of health problems.

 

1. Finger Length

 

As Men’s Health previously reported, size matters—when it comes to your fingers. A study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that men whose index fingers were longer than their ring fingers were 33 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer. As it turns out, people who have longer index fingers were exposed to less testosterone when they were a baby in their mother’s womb, researchers say. This may help protect against prostate cancer later on.

 

2. Nail Color

 

Healthy nails are usually smooth and spotless, but “redness under your fingernails can be a sign of a collagen vascular disease like lupus,” says Neil Sadick, M.D., a clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. “It gives you inflammation of the blood vessels, and that can present as redness or blood vessels under the nail itself.” Research has also found that white nails are linked with liver issues, and unusual curvatures can even be a sign of lung cancer.

 

3. Earlobe Wrinkles

 

Diagonal creases on your earlobes may be a sign of potential cardiovascular problems, according to a study from the University of Chicago. Researchers found participants with a crease (and no prior coronary artery disease) were nearly eight times more likely to experience cardiac events as those without. Earlobes may give a reflective health warning because of the similarities between the blood vessels that supply the earlobes and the heart, researchers speculate. Or creases may just be a result of aging.

 

4. Sense of Smell

 

The inability to identify certain orders may be a warning sign of Parkinson’s Disease. A study led by the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders and the University of Pennsylvania found that when given a small test, patients with Parkinson’s could only correctly identify half of the smells presented. An additional study in the Annals of Neurology found that this impaired sense of smell can predate Parkinson’s by about 4 years.

 

5. Hair

 

Although going bald is natural, it could also be a clue to more serious conditions. “Hair loss can be a sign of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer,” Sadick says. “If you have an overactive thyroid, or a thyroid that’s not functioning well, you can get hair loss as a presenting sign of it.” Hypothyroidism may also manifest itself in unusual thinning of the eyebrows. Plus, “sometimes men can have very fine hairs along their temples early in life, and that can be a sign of impending genetic hair loss,” says Sadick.

Drama as Mentally Challenged Couple Falls in Love and Publicly Hug and Kiss in Bayelsa State (Photos)

The amorous mentally challenged couple kissing in public

 

 Two mentally disturbed couple have left many people in serious shock after they publicly kissed and hugged in Bayelsa State.

It was real drama in Amassoma Kingdom situated in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State as two mentally challenged couple engaged in public show of affection by kissing, holding hands and hugging in public.

 

 

The incident gathered a huge crowd as people struggled just to get a glimpse of the couple. The mentally challenged couple could be seen kissing and holding hands as people cheered them up.

 

 

The story was first shared on Facebook by Oparaji Bestman who witnessed the drama. From the photos, the woman could be seen with a bulging stomach which obviously indicates that she might be pregnant for her mentally challenged partner.

 

Tinubu & Oyegun Finally Make Peace? APC Leaders Pictured Shaking Hands at Buhari's Book Launch

Bola Tinubu & John Oyegun shaking hands at the events

 

 Former governor of Lagos state, and the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have reportedly set aside their differences and finally shook hands.

The rift between John Oyegun, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the party, was obviously far from over, after it was gathered that the party chieftains clearly avoided each other at an event in Abuja today.

 

According to a report, the two leaders, later set aside their differences and shook hands during the launch of a book written in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries at the event

 

As the event, which held at the International Conference Center (ICC), Abuja, progressed, dignitaries, including Oyegun and Tinubu were invited to the podium for the presentation of the book, both men tactically avoided each other.

 

With Oyegun on the far left, at least five persons separated him from Tinubu.

 

John Oyegun sitting alone at the event

 

At the end of the presentation, the chairman walked past Tinubu before exchanging handshakes with other guests, including Yakubu Gowon, former head of state.

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie The Prenup is Clear Splitting Properties No Biggie ... But Kids Will Be

  
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are not going to have big financial issues, because they were only married for 2 years and they might have been expecting a divorce since day 1 ... 'cause they have a prenup spelling out exactly who gets what ....
Sources close to the couple said their prenuptial agreement is ironclad and details the specifics of their combined fortune ... a reported $400 mil.
Brangelina have 12 total properties together ... all of which they snatched up either before they were married or before they were even dating. 7 of those belong to Brad, 2 to Angie and 3 which they bought together prior to tying the knot in 2014.
It's unclear who exactly shelled out what for those 3 properties, which include a vineyard in France, a mansion in New Orleans and an apartment in NY ... but we're told the prenup makes divvying all that up simple.
Rather than properties being an issue in the divorce, we're told CUSTODY of their kids will be where the war really plays out.
As we reported ... Brad plans to fight for joint physical custody of their 6 children.

Golfing great Arnold Palmer dead at 87

Arnold Palmer, known as "the King" for his transformative legacy in golf, has died at the age of 87.

He died Sunday evening at a Pittsburgh hospital while awaiting cardiac surgery, according to a statement from his company.

With his dominance in golf and distinctive style, Palmer helped turn the sport from a country club pursuit to one that became accessible to the masses.

He won more than 90 golf tournaments, including the Masters four times, the U.S. Open in 1960, and the British Open in 1961 and 1962.

Palmer became the first person to make $1 million playing golf.

"I would like to be remembered for bringing golf to a worldwide audience," he told CNN in 2012. "Players today have no boundaries."

He and his two great rivals in the "Big Three" -- Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus -- helped take the sport around the globe in the 1960s, capitalizing on the ever-growing reach of television. Golf grew into made-for-television events and with it came massive sponsorship and prize money. 

"He took the game from one level to a higher level, virtually by himself," wrote Nicklaus in a statement.

"Arnold always had my back, and I had his. We were always there for each other. That never changed. He was the king of our sport and always will be."

After learning to play golf at age 4, Palmer never stopped. 

 

 

 

Russia 2018 World Cup: Eagles’ll prepare well for Zambia –NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has assured that the Super Eagles would prepare well for the October 9 battle of Ndola against Zambia.

The encounter is one which both Zambia and Nigeria would do everything to win, in a bid to make a good start in a group that also has Algeria and Cameroon.
Zambia last week called up 33 players to camp ahead of the tie, while Super Eagles German coach, Gernot Rohr invited 23 players who are to start camping in Abuja from October 2.
NFF’s image maker, Demola Olajire who spoke in Lagos on the World Cup qualifier said the soccer federation is not bothered by how Zambia is preparing, but is rather focusing attention on the Eagles and how to leave Ndola unscathed.
“The NFF is committed to Nigeria qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The board is not bothered about Zambia’s preparations. Everyone understands that they will be ready for Nigeria. What the NFF is doing is to concentrate on the Super Eagles, to ensure the team prepares well and hit Ndola battle ready.”
Meanwhile, Mainz’s defender Leon Balogun could miss the Zambia, Nigeria clash after suffering an injury  against Bayern Leverkusen on Saturday.
Balogun who was named in the Bundesliga team of the week last week, was replaced in the ninth minute of the encounter after a suspected hamstring injury.
He is expected to undergo a scan in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury and how long he stays on the sidelines.
Coach Gernot Rohr could be forced to name a replacement for the defender.
Olajire who represented the NFF at the final of the 10th edition of the Aspire Football Dreams Top 50 Camp in Lagos over the weekend gave kudos to the organizers of the grassroots project.
He said that the soccer federation is happy to partner with the programme noting that it has helped a lot of kids since inception.
“The NFF is proud to partner with the Aspire Football Dreams project and happy with the opportunities it has provided Nigerian kids. Col. Sam Ahmedu and his AFD staff have done well to keep the programme running. Nigeria has benefitted from players they have produced. Their efforts are commendable,” Olajire said.

Biafra: Buhari under fire over referendum

Jeff Amechi, Agbodo, Onitsha, Petrus Obi, Enugu, Okey Sampson, Aba and Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka

Frontline Igbo leaders and groups have taken President Muhammadu Buhari to task over his decision not to allow referendum on Biafra.
Buhari, during a media event in New York City at the end of his visit to the United States as the leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the 71st United Nations’ General Assembly (UNGA) had foreclosed any chance for a referendum as a path to bring healing and closure to the vexing issue of Biafra.
The president stated that the choice left for Biafran activists was to form a political party that would advance their interest within the Nigerian democratic space.
The president’s advice to Biafran’s activists came a day after commercial activities in some key cities in the South-East and South-South were grounded following a stay-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB ).
A few weeks ago, while speaking to youth corp members who visited him at his country home in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari impressed on them to ask their friends to forget Biafra.
But in separate reactions yesterday, former president-general of the Igbo apex group, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Dozie Ikedife and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), IPOB and others descended on the president.
Dr. Ikedife and MASSOB said said President Buhari cannot stop referendum on Biafra.
Ikedife described Biafra as unforgettable, questioning what President Buhari would allow if he was averse to referendum.
“Since he will not allow referendum, then the logical thing to ask him is, is this democracy or dictatorship? Is it his will or the will of the people that will prevail? These are the natural things that follow. Is it his discretional will or the will of the people that will prevail?
“If he won’t allow referendum, what will he allow? Does he remember that any group of indigenous people has right for self-determination? And when we are talking about referendum is not for him to vote, it does not concern him.
So, whether he allows it or not, when the time comes referendum will take place and people will be allowed to express their opinion and their wish. And I am sure that the reaction of the civilised world to such a statement will be a measure of shock and surprise, so let him think again.”
Leader of MASSOB, Comrade Uchenna Madu said Buhari was only bluffing as the Biafra referendum would commence first quarter of next year.
“President Buhari’s latest comment on Biafra further proved his is jittery, confused and unable to quench the fire of determination and consciousness of Biafra.
“The just concluded United Nations General Assembly which Buhari attended have dawn it on him that Biafra actualisation and restoration to independent and full statehood can no longer be ignored. The world leaders have shown their sympathies for the oppressive and subjective economic policies of Buhari-led Nigeria government against the industrious and creative people of Biafra.
“The Oriental, Asian and Western world are seriously in support of Biafra because 60 per cent of their economic growths are been propelled by the industrious people of Biafra. It has dawn on President Buhari that the universal clamour for Biafra referendum to determine the choice of the people of Biafra between his Nigeria and Biafra have reached greater height of momentum which he can’t deny.”
According to him: “The Biafra referendum which Buhari cannot stop will commence on first quarter of 2017. The United Nation has already announced that Nigeria is deeply divided on ethnic and religious lines. Nigeria is an artificial creation of the British colonial masters through Lord Luggard.
“With President Buhari’s latest comment on our precious Biafra, MASSOB, IPOB, Biafra People National Council (BPNC) and Niger Delta Biafra groups will redouble all our efforts, synergies, political cohesion and build more understandable platforms for speedy actualization and restoration of Biafra.”
While MASSOB plans to begin the Biafra referendum in 2017, IPOB said referendum or not, Biafra has come to stay.
In fact, it argued that the issue of referendum was settled on September 23 with the full compliance of the sit-at-home order by the people of South East and South South and those in the Diaspora. It, therefore, said anybody talking about referendum for Biafra, was living in the past.
The younger brother of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Prince Emmanuel Kanu said the movement was not in any way perturbed by what Buhari said since the referendum had already been conducted on Biafra.
“We are not in any way perturbed by what the president said, perhaps he never knew we had already conducted referendum for Biafra and the result was very successful and encouraging.”
Kanu said what the president had refused to acknowledge was that Biafra was ahead of him and the Federal Government, stressing that it was laughable that Buhari was talking of not allowing a plebiscite that was held three days ago.
“IPOB is ahead of Buhari and his Federal Government; it is laughable that the Nigerian president is still thinking of not allowing a referendum on Biafra that was held three day ago, that shows he is living in the past. The sit-at-home order of September 23 which the people, even those in the Diaspora complied with was the referendum we needed on Biafra and no other. The people have spoken, we are almost there and we are grateful.”
He urged all Biafrans not to lose  sleep over the president’s comment, stressing that in no distant time they would get to the Promised Land where they would no more be oppressed.
Also, the Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Mr. Emma Powerful, said its (Biafra) fathers and grandfathers in 1967 never expected a referendum before the declaration of Biafra.
“It’s unfortunate that Mr. president is still confused about the struggle for Biafra, the statement credited to him far away USA proves that he is undergoing serious pressure about Biafra.
“The people of former Eastern region declared Biafra Republic in 1967 and fought a war for the new republic through their leaders, the late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and Philip Effiong. They never expected a referendum before the declaration of Biafra but our fathers from the East then fought the war without looking backward.
“Also, the statement proved that the president is jittery over the popularity of Biafra internationally and he cannot stop it because Biafra is the will of the people in the whole South-South and South-East of Nigeria.
“In or around the world, the presidents who are clueless on such matters like this always make such statement because he doesn’t want the citizens to blame him. It happened during the colonial rule in Nigeria, but they later succumb to the pressures.
“It was the same President Buhari at the UN, that  supported the creation of Palestine from Israel but cannot allow the peaceful people of Biafra who are agitating for freedom,” IPOB lamented.
“Is President Buhari trying to imply that if the UN passes a resolution that Biafra should have a Referendum that he will go against it?” he queried.
But, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said  it was still studying the President’s position.
“We just read about it today; he thought about it before he said it, we shall also think about it too before issuing a statement on it. For now we are not ready with a statement yet,” Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu said.
On his part, Evangelist Elliot Uko, president, Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) said  restructuring of Nigeria was inevitable.
“Anybody who doesn’t know that is deceiving himself. Restructuring Nigeria into six regions is inevitable; it’s the only way to save Nigeria. Anybody who doesn’t realise that is living in another world. Nigeria must be restructured.”
Meanwhile, MASSOB  has again taken her case to the world body.
In a release titled: “United Nations, this is the appointed time for you to liberate Biafra” and signed by the Director General, Organisation of Biafra Music and Film Authority (OBMFA), David Chinedu Eboson, MASSOB said the United Nations should listen to the yearnings of the Biafra people.
The release stated that the international convention on civil and political rights recognises self-determination by a people and that by virtue of that right, “a people can freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.”

Army to deploy 1,900 personnel, 6 drones, 6 gunboats

A total of 1,900 military personnel would participate in the governorship election rescheduled for Wednesday, September 28.

In addition, two drones are to be deployed  in each of the three senatorial districts and six gunboats for the riverine areas.
The Commander, 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General
Benbela Raji disclosed this yesterday evening while briefing journalists shortly after a combined security meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and other sister agencies in Benin.
He explained that the military personnel would not be found at either the voting or collation centres but would cordon off adjoining routes to the polling units to ensure that untoward elements, criminals or people who want to cause confusion are not allowed into those areas primarily.
“‎The Nigerian Army is there to play a supportive role to the security agencies. Should there be issues or security challenges beyond the control of the security agencies, the military will, of course, be activated to take care of such situations‎”‎, he said.
Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris announced that the enforcement of the restriction of movement in and out of the state would ‎commence at 1am on Wednesday.
Idris, who spoke through the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of oprations, Joshak Habila said the restriction would include a lock down of all highways within the state and inroads, adding that the police would also conduct “semi-temporary checks” on vehicles and persons plying such roads.
“I want members of the public to know that at 1am on September 28, the highways, the in-ways and the out roads, roads that are leading into Edo and those ones going out, will be locked down.
“There will be semi-temporary checks on vehicles and personalities using the roads”‎, the IGP explained, disclosing that the crime-mapping of flash points had been done to ensure adequate policing and arrest of electoral offenders.
He ‎also explained that in addition to the provision of 25,000 personnel and patrol vehicles for the poll, the air wing of the police had also deployed helicopters to provide aerial surveillance in the three senatorial districts, just as he announced that‎ four gunboats would also be deployed in the riverine areas.
“ As I as speak to you, we have a large number of men from the special anti-robbery squad, ‎men from the police mobile force, tactical operations squad and men from the force intelligence bureau, who are here.
“They have their vehicles. From now, they will go into the three senatorial districts and carry out aggressive patrol and look out for would-be troublemakers, some of whom we have captured their behaviour when we did what we call crime analysis.
“We have shared information with other security agencies and we are ready to make sure that we do not allow anybody to truncate the system, “the police boss said.
Reacting to allegations by the PDP of connivance of the police with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to interfere with the credibility of the election, the DIG said: “I have never heard and it can never happen. ‎I do not think that anybody has any plan. Of course, we are not the people conducting the election.
“We are responsible for the security and safety of materials and everybody that is concerned. It is the INEC that conducts the election. So, we do not have any opportunity to tamper with the process.‎”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has exempted banks and corporate organisations from the public holiday declared for Tuesday, September 27.
The State Government had declared a public holiday for Tuesday, September 27 and Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
The public holiday was declared to enable voters in the state travel to their various locations and exercise their voting rights on Wednesday, September 28.
But in a statement last night, the state government explained that banks and corporate organisations have now been exempted from the public holiday on Tuesday, September 27 in order not to slow down the economy of the state.
“The general public should, however, note that the public holiday on Wednesday, September 28 affects everyone in the state as there is a restriction of movement on the election day in accordance with the Electoral Act,” the statement said.

1 dead, 6 wounded in shootings near Illinois university campus

Preliminary investigations suggest that two separate shooting incidents near the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, which cost one man his life and wounded six others, were related, according to a statement posted by the city of Champaign.

Police are looking for the suspect or suspects in both incidents, which occurred early Sunday morning.

In the first shooting, Champaign police said an argument during a party inside an apartment spilled out into the street. There a fight broke out and shots were fired.

Four people who were not involved in the fight were injured, police said.

They were taken to to area hospitals, where one person later died from his injuries.

Police identified the victim as George Korchev. Police say Korchev was just walking by by the area when he was killed.

A fifth person running from the gunfire was struck by a vehicle and suffered minor injuries, Champaign police said.

Police are also seeking the driver involved in the vehicle accident.

Thirty minutes later, just after 1:00 am, police say a second shooting occurred nearby and a victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wounds was transported to the hospital.

One of the surviving gunshot victims is a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student, according to university spokeswoman Robin Kaler. Kaler said the second shooting occurred in an area where there are a lot of shops and restaurants.

Jordanian writer who shared cartoon mocking ISIS killed outside courthouse

A prominent Jordanian writer facing charges for sharing a "blasphemous" anti-ISIS cartoon that outraged Muslim groups was fatally shot in Amman on Sunday.

Nahed Hattar, a member of the country's Christian minority, was shot three times outside a courthouse in the capital where charges against him were being heard.

Public Security Department personnel, who were near the scene of the attack, rushed Hattar to a nearby hospital, but he died from his injuries.

The security forces arrested the attacker and an investigation is underway

Fuel tanker falls on car, kills one in Lagos

A petrol tanker (Reg. No. AGL 664 XG) on Sunday morning fell on a moving car in Lagos and killed the lone occupant.

A witness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the incident happened at about 4.08a.m at Ikorodu roundabout.

He said that the tanker, laden with 33,000 litres of petrol, fell while trying to turn at the roundabout.

“The tanker fell on one Hyunda saloon car with Reg. No. KJA 421 AH, trapping the only occupant in the car – a male – who died before help could come,’’ the source said.

Confirming the incident, the Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe, said that timely intervention of the service prevented fire outbreak from spilling petrol.

Fadipe said that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Federal Road Safety Corp, police and some other emegency managers also acted in time to prevent more havoc.

“The truck was carefully lifted upright, while the dead body was removed by LASEMA response team with the use of light duty equipment.

“The corpse was taken to the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary.

“The vehicles were cleared off the road and handed to the police,’’ he said.

Also commenting, Mr AdeshinaTiamiyu, General Manager of LASEMA, advised motorists to stop over speeding.

He urged them to adhere to all traffic rules and regulations to avoid accidents

Bakassi militants kill 5 soldiers

Gunmen under the aegis of Bakassi militants yesterday attacked soldiers deployed to man the axis, killing five in the process.

A couple of weeks ago, the Chief of Army Staff launched Operation Crocodile Smile in Calabar and deployed hundreds of soldiers from the 13 Amphibious Brigade to Bakassi and Akpabuyo to flush out militants from the local government areas of the state.
Sunday Sun gathered that the militants in the early hours of yesterday attacked the soldiers stationed at one of ‘’their’’ bases at Esighi axis in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The militants who were allegedly led by self-styled Gen Simply Benjamin (G1), who has been declared wanted by the security operatives, attacked the soldiers at about1:00am and killed five of them.
It was learnt that that militants took the soldiers by surprise as they struck when the military men were said to be asleep.
An eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Okon P, said, “the militants came in from the creeks around the bushy town of Esighi about 1:00am and engaged the soldiers in gun battle before retreating.
‘’For quite some time now, the soldiers had taken over the home of their leader and suddenly that night we heard heavy gun shots for more than three hours and at the end of it, I can authoritatively tell you that five  soldiers were killed.”
Continuing, Okon said, “The  home of their  leader,GI is in the bush that leads to the creeks of the Bakassi waterways. The militants have also been occupying most of the houses around the area for a while now but fled when security operatives arrested some of their leaders including G2 and G3. The leader, G1 whose house has been taken over by soldiers, is on the run.”
In a text message, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said only one soldier was killed by the hoodlums.
He said, “Today, in the early hours of the morning, suspected militants led by the  wanted criminal, Benjamin Simply (AKA G1) leader of the Bakassi Strike Force, in several speed boats attacked troops deployed at Efut Esighi waterfront in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State.
“During the attack, a soldier was killed in action, while 2 soldiers were missing in action. They also burnt a buffalo pickup vehicle. The troops also killed 2 of the attackers while the rest escaped with gunshot wounds.
“However, the reinforcement sent has found the missing soldiers. In addition, the troops’ location has been reinforced with more gunboats and air component. The clearance and pursuit operation is on-going.
“We would like to assure the public that this singular act would not deter us from the discharge of our duties, therefore, the perpetrators of this dastardly act would be found and brought to justice.”

Buhari Congratulates King Sunny Ade

“President Buhari joins friends, family and fans of the multi-talented instrumentalist, songwriter and dancer in celebrating his remarkable life.”
The President noted with delight that Sunny Ade had been graced with numerous awards for outstanding performances, including nominations for the Grammy.
Buhari added that the Septuagenarian had over the years brought pride to his country by mastering his art against all odds, taking the African musical genre to the global stage.
He, therefore, commended him for not only bringing joy to many hearts and homes through his music, but for serving as an inspiration and a mentor to upcoming artistes.
The President saluted “King Sunny Ade’s love for humanity, especially the less privileged, by setting up a foundation that caters for the needs of others.’’
He prayed that almighty God would grant “the versatile entertainer longer life, good health and more strength.”
Born on Sept. 22, 1946, Sunday Adeniyi, the King of Juju and popularly called the minister of enjoyment, had been actively in music since 1960s.
His father was a Church organist, while his mother was a trader.
Ade left grammar school in Ondo under the pretence of going to University of Lagos but there in Lagos, his mercurial musical career started.
Sunny Ade’s musical sound evolved from the early days. His career begun with Moses Olaiya‘s Federal Rhythm Dandies, a highlife band, but he left to form a new band, The Green Spots in 1967.

Over the years, Sunny Adé’s band changed its name several times, first to African Beats and then to Golden Mercury, for various reasons ranging from changes in his music to business concerns.
In the 1970s and 1980s Adé embarked on a tour of America and Europe. His stage act was characterised by dexterous dancing steps and mastery of the guitar, which he played beautifully well to the admiration of the Americans and Europeans.
His music albums earned him many awards, including his first Grammy Award nomination in the folk/ethnic music category.

Linda Ikeji And Wizkid At It Again

The seemingly ‘resolved’ rivalry between popular blogger, Linda Ikeji and Nigerian pop star, Wizkid has just been renewed.
For the first time ever, Wizkid and Linda have been nominated in the same award category at the forthcoming MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016 (MAMA).
The duo will go head to head in the Personality of the Year category alongside Pearl Thusi (South Africa), soccer player Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon), middle distance runner and Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya (South Africa), Linda Ikeji (Nigeria) and Wizkid (Nigeria).
Wizkid and Linda made headlines early in the year when they went hard at each other on social media before the Nigerian Police Force resolved the rift between them.
Let’s see if either of them will walk home with the award come October 22, 2016 in South Africa.

Blac Chyna Plans to Have $350K Plastic Surgery After Giving Birth

 Blac Chyna has already planned to undergo a plastic surgery after she gives birth to her second child, according to a new report. The "Rob & Chyna" star apparently wants to get back in top shape as quickly as possible.

"She's got it all mapped out, from which doctors to use, the parts she wants work on and how many procedures she'll undergo," an insider reveals, "She's planning loads of laser therapy for her stretch marks, lipo and coolsculpting anywhere it's needed."

Blac also wants to get "a tummy tuck and vaginal rejuvenation," the insider adds, "If she ends up having a C-section, there'll be even more operations on the schedule."

Rob Kardashian is reportedly in shock when being told about the money Blac needs for the surgery. "She's told Rob she needs at least $350,000 to do everything she wants," says the insider, "They've been told they should make some serious cash from their new reality show."

Blac Chyna Plans to Have $350K Plastic Surgery After Giving Birth

Blac Chyna has already planned to undergo a plastic surgery after she gives birth to her second child, according to a new report. The "Rob & Chyna" star apparently wants to get back in top shape as quickly as possible.

"She's got it all mapped out, from which doctors to use, the parts she wants work on and how many procedures she'll undergo," an insider tells Radar Online, "She's planning loads of laser therapy for her stretch marks, lipo and coolsculpting anywhere it's needed."

Blac also wants to get "a tummy tuck and vaginal rejuvenation," the insider adds, "If she ends up having a C-section, there'll be even more operations on the schedule."

Rob Kardashian is reportedly in shock when being told about the money Blac needs for the surgery. "She's told Rob she needs at least $350,000 to do everything she wants," says the insider, "They've been told they should make some serious cash from their new reality show."

The report comes amidst allegations that Rob is not the real father of Blac's baby. The couple is reportedly fighting "non-stop" following rumors that her real baby daddy is Pilot Jones.

Read more: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00100948.html#ixzz4L6brihx7
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Reps begin investigation into Jibrin’s allegations

The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges on Friday in Abuja, commenced public investigation into allegations of fraud made by Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin against the House.

This followed Wednesday’s resolution of the House which mandated the committee to investigate the allegations, bordering on breach of privileges of members.

It would be recalled that the former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, accused the leadership of the National Assembly of padding the 2016 budget.

In his allegation, Jibrin alluded that the corruption in the House of Representatives outweighed that of the Executive and Judiciary combined, and urged anti-graft agencies to investigate.

Testifying before Ethics and Privileges Committee, however, the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Rep. Emmanuel Orker-Jev, described Jibrin’s action as sundry act of misconduct against the House.

Orker-Jev, who tendered newspaper copies and video materials as evidence, prayed the committee to apply necessary sanctions against any member guilty of misconduct in accordance with the House rules.

He said that the allegations made by Jibrin were false, scandalous and had impinged on the image of the National Assembly.

According to him, the allegations have lowered the National Assembly in the estimation of the public as Nigerians now express disgust at the lawmakers.

“There are internal mechanisms of addressing such grievances.

“We need to redeem our image against allegations that oversight and public hearings conducted in the House of Representatives are riddled with corruption,’’ Orker-Jev said.

While adopting Orker-Jev’s evidences, the Committee on Ethics and Privileges expressed commitment to be fair and objective in the investigation.

It adjourned sitting on the matter to Sept. 26, 201 when Jibrin is scheduled to appear before the committee.

President reveals why Nigeria got into trouble

 

PresidentBuhari has revealed that Nigeria got into trouble because past leaders did not save for the rainy day.

He said this while speaking to a group of top notch professionals in the United States of America.

According to President Buhari, “We got into trouble as a country, because we did not save for the rainy day. For example, between 1999 and 2015, when we produced an average of 2.1 million barrels of oil per day, and oil prices stood at an average of $100 per barrel, we did not save, neither did we develop infrastructure. Suddenly, when we came in 2015, oil prices fell to about 30 dollars per barrel.

“I asked; where are the savings? There were none. Where are the railways? The roads? Power? None. I further asked; what did we do with billions of dollars that we made over the years? They said we bought food. Food with billions of dollars? I did not believe, and still do not believe.

“In most parts of Nigeria, we eat what we grow. People in the South eat tubers, those in the North eat grains, which they plant, and those constitute over 60 per cent of what we eat. So, where did the billions of dollars go? We did a lot of damage to ourselves by not developing infrastructure when we had the money.”

Nigeria new war ship departs China for Lagos

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The second Nigerian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) NNS UNITY which was under construction in China has been completed and has commenced her journey to join the Nigerian Navy fleet.
A statement from the Nigerian Navy Spokesman Commodore Chris Ezekobe said the vessel has been handed over to Nigeria and has commence her 9719 nautical miles back home.
At the Handing over and departure ceremony in China, the Chief of the Naval Staff represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani conveyed the appreciation of the Navy to the C-In-C, President Muhammadu Buhari for approving all steps taken towards the departure of NNS UNITY.
He stated that NNS UNITY upon joining the NN fleet would strengthen the efforts against all maritime crimes and illegalities in the nation’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea in general. He also added that areas hitherto that were unable to be covered by other NN ships will now be covered by NNS UNITY which will no doubt enhance the NN’s effectiveness and responsiveness to the maritime security challenges within Nigeria’s waters.
NNS UNITY enroute Nigeria will pay ‘port calls’ on some ports of friendly nations before arriving Nigeria. This will further boost the existing cordial relationship with sister navies around the world and the Gulf of Guinea in particular. He concluded by soliciting the maintenance and improved cooperation between Nigeria and the respective China Ship building corporations further beyond the departure of NNS UNITY.
The ceremony which was adjudged a success was attended by Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy Senator Isa Misau, Chairman, House of Representative Committee on the Navy Honourable Abdulsamad Dasuki, Representative of the Honourable Minister of Defense Hajia Rabi Tedman, the Consul General of Nigerian Mission in Shanghai and Senior Officers of the Nigerian Navy. NNS UNITY departed China today 21 Sep 16 and expected to arrive Nigeria in the first week of November 2016.

Niger Delta group vows to bomb NNPC Towers if Patience Jonathan is arrested

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The Niger Delta Peoples Professional Volunteer Force (NDPPVF) said it would bomb the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrests Patience Jonathan.
The group, which claimed its members are workers in the oil and gas industry, accused the anti-graft agency of witch-hunting the former first lady, and advised the EFCC to lift the ‘No debit order’ imposed on her Skye Bank accounts.
The accounts contained more than $15 million, but Jonathan’s wife has since explained that the money was meant for her medical bills.
Last week, the EFCC filed money laundering charges against Waripamowei Dudafa, Jonathan’s special adviser on domestic affairs, whom the former first lady directed to open the accounts, Amajuoyi Briggs, lawyer and Damola Bolodeoku, Skye Bank official.
On Tuesday, Ibrahim Magu, chairman of the EFCC, told reporters that Jonathan’s wife was under investigation.
But in a statement by its spokesman, Parkinson George-Amabo, NDPPVF warned that investigating Mrs. Jonathan could result into “bad blood, embarrassment and possible unrest in the Niger Delta.”
The group said it was not in support of corruption, but against the manner the agency was investigating the former first lady who has had an “impressive and fortuitous pedigree.
“As a matter of fact, the EFCC has launched a criminal investigation of Mrs. Jonathan and in the process, frozen her bank accounts domiciled with a Nigerian commercial bank without affording her opportunity to state her own side of the matter.
“Nobody is above the law. The NDPPVF does not support or condone corruption. If Mrs. Jonathan was found to be corrupt, we shall not hesitate to call for her prosecution.
“We, however, have a grouse with the modus operandi of Mrs. Jonathan’s investigation, given her status as the wife of a former deputy governor, former governor, former vice-president, former acting president and finally, former president. She is perhaps, the only Nigerian woman – dead or alive – with such an impressive and fortuitous pedigree; which accounts for why the EFCC needs to thread with caution.
“Recently, there have been calls on the Attorney-General of the Federation as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute the former first lady for alleged money laundering.
“We shall simultaneously bomb the four wings of the NNPC Towers the day it is announced that Mrs. Patience Jonathan has been arrested by the EFCC.”
The group added that before her husband emerged as vice-president in 2007, the EFCC investigated Mrs. Jonathan and cleared of any wrongdoing.

6 die in cholera outbreak in Lagos

Six people have died of choera in Lagos while 45 cases have line-listed by the Epidemiology Unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

The ministry has also raised the alarm over upsurge of diarhoea diseases in some communities in Isolo Local Council Development Authority (LCDA).
Briefing the media, yesterday, Health Commissioner, Dr Jide Idris said ano-rectal swabs, which were collected from 15 cases and taken to the Central Public Health Laboratory, Yaba showed that, initially, there were no growths.
However, continuous culture yielded Vibro cholerae from seven, out of the 15 samples. The Vibrio cholera was later confirmed to be Ogawa strain, Idris said.
The commissioner said the suspected source of infection is the salad called Abacha, a staple food common with residents of Isolo LCDA and adjourning local councils and LCDAs.
The commissioner gave further information. “Twenty six cases were managed at Isolo General Hospital and Lagos Mainland Hospital. Twenty two have been discharged, one has died while three are still on admission at Lagos Mainland Hospital. All the three cases still on admission are in stable condition.
“Seventeen of the cases were managed at private health facilities and three, of the 17 cases, died. All the 14 cases on admission have been discharged.”
Also suspected were sources of water from some domestic wells within the communities. Samples of the local salad and well water were collected and sent to the Lagos State Drug Quality Control Laboratory for analysis.
The analysis report indicated the presence of Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella species and E.coli in Abacha and one of the two well water samples.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoea disease with or without vomiting caused by a bacteria referred to as Vibro cholerae and it is transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with infective faeces. Food or water contamination is usually due to poor sanitation and the source of contamination is usually other cholera cases when their infective watery stool gets into food or drinking water supplies.
Prevention of cholera can be achieved through basic water sanitation, such as boiling water of unclean sources.  Cholera can kill within hours, if left untreated.
About 75 per cent of people infected with V. cholera do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for seven to 14 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.
Cholera presents clinically as nausea, profuse diarrhoea, vomiting (in early stages of illness), fever and leg cramp. Later, presentation is dehydration, shock or coma.
The risk of contracting cholera is increased mainly by poor water and environmental sanitation, including open defecation.
Other prevention and control measures instituted by the state government, according to Idris include identifying the three vendors of contaminated Abacha; ban on sale and caution in eating the local delicacy when it is not personally prepared by you and distribution of factsheets on cholera to the management of LASUTH and the 26 general Hospitals in the state.

Chibok: Buhari invites UN as negotiator

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in New York, United States stated his administration’s readiness to swap the abducted schoolgirls, who Boko Haram abducted more than two years ago.

He has therefore, extended an invitation to the United Nations as negotiator to demonstrate its commitment to the release of the girls, who were seized from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.
The Jonathan administration had embarked on high-level negotiation with the terrorist sect, but realised at the last minute that it was a scam.
Buhari’s government has also tried thrice to secure the girls’ release, but failed, according to the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who said that one of the negotiations, the group reneged  and set new demands at the dying moment.
President Buhari extended the invitation Wednesday at the bilateral meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon at the sidelines of the 71st UN General Assembly in New York.
Buhari told Ki-moon that Nigeria would welcome intermediaries from the global body. The President assured that Nigeria was willing to bend over backwards, to get the Chibok girls released from captivity.
“The challenge is in getting credible and bonafide leadership of Boko Haram to discuss with. The split in the insurgents group is not helping matters. Government had reached out, ready to negotiate, but it became difficult to identify credible leaders. We will welcome intermediaries such as UN outfits to step in,” he said.
The President reiterated that the teachings of Boko Haram were far from being Islamic, as neither Islam, nor any other religion, advocates hurting the weak and innocent.
“The fact that they kill men, women, children, and other people wantonly, and shout Allahu Akbar (God is great) shows that they do not know that Allah at all. If they did, they would not shed innocent blood,” Buhari said.
He thanked Ki-moon for the moral and material support given to Nigeria, which has enabled the country surmount many of her challenges.
Responding, Ki-moon commended President Buhari on the anti-corruption war, saying: “You are highly respected by world leaders, including myself. Your persona has given your country a positive image.”
He said the UN recognised the achievements of the Buhari administration against Boko Haram, urging that human rights be observed always to prevent a repeat of the scenario being witnessed in Syria.
Ki-moon also thanked President Buhari for his commitment to issues on climate change.

Brad Pitt He's Fighting for Joint Custody of Kids

Sources who have been with Brad since his separation with Angelina Jolie last week tell us ... Brad has made it clear ... he will engage in legal war to stop his estranged wife from getting what she wants -- sole physical custody, giving him only visitation rights.
We're told when Brad answers Jolie's divorce petition, the stage will be set for the central conflict.
Fact is ... judges favor giving joint custody to parents unless there's a showing one of them poses some sort of risk to the kids. As we reported, Jolie maintains Pitt has an anger problem which is exacerbated by weed and alcohol. And, as we reported, Brad lunged at and struck 15-year-old Maddox on the plane ... she says it was intentional but he says it was not.
For now ... they agreed Jolie would have the kids, while the L.A. County Dept. of Children and Family Services investigate the airplane incident.

Luis Suarez: Women's team invites Barcelona star to watch match

 It's safe to say that women don't agree with Barcelona star Luis Suarez's comment that "football is for men."

The Uruguayan made the ill-advised remark in the aftermath of Barca's draw against Atletico Madrid Wednesday, words that have drawn widespread criticism.

His jibe was prompted by Atletico defender Filipe Luis publishing a photo of a gnarly injury caused by Suarez's studs, after he initially protested he didn't make contact with his opponent.

But in an attempt to show the 29-year-old that football isn't just for men, women's football club Santa Teresa has invited Suarez to one of its matches.

"We invite Luis Suarez to Saturday's game against Betis," the club tweeted via its official account.

Situated in the city of Badajoz near the Portuguese border, Santa Teresa's Nuevo Vivero stadium is a little over 630 miles from the Nou Camp -- or a nine-hour drive.

Although a flight to Badajoz airport would take just an hour and forty minutes.

However, with Barcelona set to play Sporting Gijon at the same time as Santa Teresa's mid-table first division match with Betis, Suarez looks as though he'll be otherwise engaged -- especially with talisman Lionel Messi sidelined through injury.

Barcelona wasn't immediately available for comment, after CNN asked whether Suarez planned to accept the invitation and attend a future match.

Suarez is no stranger to controversy and has become one of football's most divisive figures over the course of his career.

He has bitten three different players on separate occasions, the latest coming during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, resulting in a four-month suspension from any football activity and a nine-match international ban.

In 2011, he was found guilty of racially abusing then Manchester United player Patrice Evra and was suspended for eight matches and received a $63,000 fine.