Saturday, January 31, 2015

Photo: Guess who the newest dad in town is... Rapper Olamide!

Rapper Olamide is now a dad!! or we think he is now a dad.

So here is the gist...

Rapper Olamide today posted the above photo of a new  born baby boy on his Instagram page and promised never to let go of him.

"Mercy said no, never gonna let you go. Never gonna let you walk away. You don't have to be afraid, mercy said no 😇 . Got you boy✌️ New signee #YBNL. Batifeori Maximilliano Adedeji" the rapper captioned the photo.

Adedeji is Olamide's surname.

Meanwhile his fans have since started to congratulate him on the arrival of the bundle of joy.

Photos: Mercy Johnson and her daughter swimming together

Who else sees the resemblance between Mercy Johnson and her daughter, Purity? or Is it just me?? See more photos below...

Nigerian army relocates over 200 female soldiers from Maiduguri in anticipation of massive Boko Haram attack

Nigerian military authorities,according to a report by Sahara Reporters, are moving female soldiers based in various army formations in Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State to Abuja as the army anticipates a massive attack on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, by Boko Haram terrorists.

According to SaharaReporters a "highly reliable security sources" said there was heightened apprehension about an impending attack, hence the decision to reassign female soldiers to Nigeria's capital.

The military action also stemmed from the death of five female soldiers and the abduction of another four by Boko Haram militants when they attacked a military base in Baga a few weeks ago.

Following recent intelligence indicating that Boko Haram militants were strategizing on a fierce offensive to capture Maiduguri before the February 14 elections, the army moved more than 70 female soldiers last week.

One of our sources revealed that 146 more female soldiers had been moved to Maiduguri airport, where they are awaiting airlift to Abuja. The source said that all the female soldiers were supposed to have left by 10 a.m. on Thursday, but added that the military did not have a large enough aircraft to take their entire luggage.

The security sources also told SaharaReporters that Maimalari Barracks, home to the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, is the only military base left standing in Borno State. Maimalari was described as the only military formation capable of withstanding a major attack from Boko Haram militants.

One source said that Nigerian military intelligence had received information that Islamist militants were regrouping in areas around Maiduguri in preparation for a major offensive against the city.

The Islamist fighters' attempt to take over the state capital last week was foiled, with Nigerian troops and civilian vigilante members collaborating to kill more than 100 terrorists. However, the militants successfully overran Monguno Barrack, killing and injuring many soldiers. One military source revealed that military authorities have so far been able to account for approximately 1,000 soldiers out of the 1,400 soldiers who were stationed in the Monguno Barracks. Most of the soldiers had reported to Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri, but were locked out for several days by military authorities.

Source: Sahara Reporters

Photo: See what Osun state governor Aregbesola did on his way to APC campaign yesterday

Osun state governor Rauf Aregbesola, sat on top of a moving bus yesterday afternoon and threw cash and recharge cards to his supporters while on his way to the APC campaign rally in the state.

Nigerian politicians are just something else.

Hoodlums snatch over 14,000 Permanent Voter Cards in Rivers state

More than 14,000 Permanent Voter Cards have been snatched from officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Rivers state by hoodlums while they were being distributed during the collection exercise in the state, ahead of the 2015 general elections in the state.

Disclosing the development to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital on Friday, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Gesila Khan, said some of the items were snatched at local government collection centres.

Khan who stated that the PVCs were deposited at the local government collection centres to enable original owners to take delivery of them, expressed shock over the hoodlums' action, describing it as one of the highest cases of stolen PVCs in the country.

She, however, added that the stolen cards were useless and meaningless as a result of the introduction of card readers in the forthcoming general elections.

Khan said, "I am appealing to Rivers people because we have lost a lot of cards. We have lost more than 14,000 PVCs and the loss is one of the highest figures in the federation. All the cards that were snatched are useless and meaningless because we are going to use a new system called card readers.

"Your cards are just like ATM cards. You take it there and they slot it into the card reader to confirm if it is yours before you are allowed to vote. So, it is meaningless if you go there with someone else's voter's card.

"I'm advising those of you with other peoples' cards to return them to the local government offices so that the rightful owners can collect so they can participate in the general elections.

"On the presentation of the PVC by a voter, polling officer will slot it into the card reader to confirm if it belongs to the voter. The next stage is the confirmation of your fingerprints by the card reader before you are allowed to vote.

"If you go to the polling booth with someone else's voter card, you would not be able to vote because each card is unique and can only be authenticated by the real owner. The PVCs are meaningless to those who have stolen them."

She promised that over 50,000 PVCs would be distributed to their owners within two weeks before the general elections, maintaining that over 80 per cent of registered voters in the state had collected their PVCs.

She said her office had received 2,990,056 PVCs and distributed about 1.8 million of them.

Comedian Ali Baba has some message for non productive Nigerian politicians

A word is enough for the wise...

Photo: Lagos State Governor Fashola pictured dancing Shoki

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola pictured dancing Shoki at APC rally in Lagos yesterday.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Soldiers "mistakenly" open fire on Borno State Governor Shettima’s convoy

Troops in Maiduguri, yesterday evening ''mistakenly'' opened fire on the convoy of the Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima as it approached a military garrison near the airport.

Shettima was said to be on his way to visit soldiers, who were wounded in the simultenous Boko Haram attacks on Maiduguri, Monguno and Kodunga when the incident occurred.

Security sources, according to SaharaReporters, said the governor's protocol unit was to blame for the incident as it failed to notify the military authorities about Shettima's intention to visit the military facility on Monday evening.

An aide to the governor was quoted by the online news portal as having said that the governor, who was unharmed in the encounter, returned to his office unruffled.

The report however did not say if anyone in the convoy was hurt. It also was silent on whether or not Shettima's security aides returned fired.

A Government House source however claimed that the governor's convoy heard sporadic gunshots about one kilometre from the 33 Battalion and therefore made a U-turn.

He added that Shettima stopped his convoy at the 707 Housing Estate to calm tensions and debunk the rumours that the gunshots were by Boko Haram insurgents that were attacking people at Njimtilo.

Meanwhile the state Commissioner for Infromation, Mohammed Bulama, described what happened was a "friendly gunshot."

He said, "It was not an attack on the governor. It was a friendly gunshot that was not directed at Gov. Shettima nor his convoy. The shots were fired into the air by soldiers who were hailing the governor for saluting their effort in repelling the insurgents."

100 days in office: Governor Fayose admits owing Ekiti state workers N7.5bn

Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose has lamented that the state government needed the sum of N7.5 billion to settle arrears of entitlements of public servants in the state.

The governor who said this in Ado Ekiti yesterday while inaugurating some projects to mark his 100 days in office admitted that he sometimes does not know where to start which gives him sleepless nights.

"We have about N7.8 billion obligation to workers in the state. The obligations were left behind by the former administration, which include over N2 billion as leave bonus to workers, over N1 billion as deductions from workers' salaries that the former administration did no remit.

"August and September 2014 salaries they did not pay some workers amounting to over N2 billion. Subventions to tertiary institutions which is over N2 billion as well.

"I don't know where to start sometimes I cannot sleep. We did not inherit anything tangible from the former administration.

"The six months' moratorium from banks that we got, will lapse in two months and when that happens, banks will be deducting N780 million monthly to service the over N31 billion loans the former administration left behind.

"Also, N800 million is deducted from our statutory allocation monthly to service the N25 billion bond that they took. We have approached four banks to borrow us money to pay at least one month out of the two months salaries owed some workers. But essential things must be done. I call for understanding from people and I am committed to making life
better for the people," the governor said.

The governor however noted that the challenges met in office would never be an excuse for him not to perform his duties and fulfil his electoral promises.

He further noted that paying workers' salaries promptly had become a cardinal point of his administration, given the poor state of the economy and finances of the state.

Among the projects lined up for inauguration were the rehabilitated Matthew Road, Ado-Ekiti, Bisi Market, Awedele Road, Ado-Ekiti, drainages along Ajilosun Road, Ado-Ekiti.

Others are 12 ambulances, 19 patrol vans for security agencies, 20 motorbikes, three tractors and 12 waste vehicles.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Nigerian troops root out Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri and Konduga, capture many insurgents' military hardware

Nigerian troops are now fully in control of Maiduguri and Konduga, Military authorities said yesterday, the two cities had been attacked in the early hours of Sunday by Boko Haram, noting that the fighting lasted into the early hours of yesterday.

Consequently, the curfew imposed on the capital, Maiduguri, has been lifted, while members of President Goodluck Jonathan's campaign train including journalists, medical personnel and body guards who were trapped as a result of the curfew, left for Abuja, yesterday.

A statement posted on the Defence Headquarters twitter handle, yesterday, said: "More casualties were inflicted on terrorists as troops battled fleeing ones and reinforcement at outskirts of Maiduguri and Konduga Sunday night.

"Substantial amounts of heavy weapons have been captured, as more terrorists died in the fight which lasted till early yesterday morning

"Our forces also recorded some casualties. Meanwhile, ground troops are in charge and airforce patrol still ongoing."

Monday, January 26, 2015

Buhari promises Igbo youths one million jobs, electricity for entire South-East

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has promised to create one million jobs for Igbo youths by revamping huge coal deposits in Enugu State for generation of electricity and export.

Buhari said this at the Enugu West APC zonal rally on Saturday, where he was represented by the spokesman of the party in the South-East, Osita Okechukwu.

Speaking through Okechukwu, the presidential candidate explained that the coal industry would be revamped with the objective of generating electricity to serve the entire South-East.

He assured the people that he would award the contract immediately he comes into office to avoid the mistakes made by the Peoples Democratic Party, which he said squandered over N2bn voted for a coal project between 2012 and 2014.

"We are banking on huge coal deposits located at Amasiodo, Inyi and Leje axis of Enugu Coal belt. We are going to award contract for mining and construction of coal-fired power plant, unlike the PDP that since 1999 promised to revamp the coal fields and 16 years after, nothing has been done.

"We believe that coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in Enugu State and Enugu Coal is one of the most qualitative coal brands in the world, which means that while some are used to generate electricity, some will be exported," he said.

The former Head of State said his objective was to create one million jobs directly and indirectly from the coal sector, as ancillary projects would follow.

"My idea is to emulate the Taichung Coal-Fired Power Plant in Taiwan, the largest coal power station in the world.

"Coal supplies 46 per cent electricity in the United States and over 60 per cent electricity in China – it is callous to abandon such a golden treasury.

"For 16 years, every election Igbo voted for the PDP and yet, the coal belt remains untapped; hence there is no commensurate reward.

"In 2014 budget, for instance, over N600bn capital projects were executed in the South-South, while less than N200bn was executed in the South-East. Is that equity or justice?"

Source: Punch

Sunday, January 25, 2015

What Buhari's wife plans to do if he wins February 14 presidential election

"When my husband is elected as the president of this country, he will rule the country within the rule of law based on the constitution of the country. If the office of the first lady is constitutionally recognized, he will not tamper with it, but if it is not that's okay. For me, I will perform my duties and role as the wife of the President of Nigeria traditionally. Wives of presidents have some traditional roles, like receiving guests, visiting orphanages, helping the less privileged people. They also lead in the fight for the right of women and malnourished children, infant mortality rate, kidnapping and girl-child trafficking" Aisha Buhari, wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential flag-bearer, Muhammadu Buhari disclosed at an inaugural meeting of the APC women presidential campaign initiative which held in Abuja yesterday.

Finally, Amber Rose opens up on her relationship with Nick Cannon

Finally, Amber Rose has cleared the air on her relationship with Nick Cannon.

Since her marriage to Wiz Khalifa broke up there's been rumours that she is dating Nick, who happens to be her manager also.

The rumour was however intensified last night when she posted the picture above of herself and Nick on Instagram, saying that they bought a his and hers matching Ferrari.

When people started calling her out for dating Nick, her manager, she decided to set the record straight. Read what she wrote below...

Photo: Comedian Bovi endorses President Jonathan re-election

Ace comedian Bovi has endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for 2nd term in office.

President Jonathan had yesterday evening met with Nigerian entertainers including Bovi, Patience Ozokwor, Omawumi, Omobaba, Mike Ezuronye, Emem Isong and others in Lagos.

Bovi took to Instagram to share the above photo of him with President Jonathan and captioned it "2019".

APC promises free daily meal for primary school students if voted in

What a way to cajole Nigerians for vote! Politicians and their promises...

Forget change if PDP wins February 14 election - Buhari tells Nigerians

The presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, warned that if the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) should win the February 14 election, the country will "never again witness change".

Buhari who spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during his campaign rally, urged Nigerians to boot out the ruling party because it has nothing to offer.

"This is the time for change. The APC government will give employment, deal with corruption and invest the money to develop education, build, equip schools and train teachers'', the presidential candidate said.

"We will also look into the problems of the armed forces, trail and equip them''. he added.

Buhari therefore appealed to APC supporters to go and collect their PVCs in order for them to be able to vote out the PDP in the February 14 election.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Gunmen attack APC rally venue in Patience Jonathan’s home town

Political thugs, in the early hours of today, invaded the venue of the All Progressives Congress governorship rally in Okrika Local Government Area in Rivers State.

Wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience, hails from Okrika.

According to the APC Chairman in Okrika, Mr. Christian Asifamaka, the armed youths invaded the venue at about 3.45am.

Asifamaka said in a statement that the hoodlums shot sporadically, threw dynamites into the National School Field venue of the rally in Okrika and destroyed the podium already set up for the programme and other facilities in the arena.

"In the wee hours of the morning of Saturday 24, 2015 at about 3.45am, some armed youths started shooting at the venue of the APC governorship rally National School Field Okrika.

"Those setting up the sound system and the podium were forced to flee for their lives.

"At about 4am, they started shooting explosives into the arena and destroyed the podium, sound equipment and some canopies. The boys came in a white Hiace bus and allegedly came in from Igbiri, a community that shares borders with Mrs. Jonathan's Oba Ama community." a statement by Asifamaka on Saturday read.

Meanwhile, the Police in Rivers have confirmed the attack.

The Police Commissioner, Mr Dan Bature, told newsmen in Port Harcourt thatno life was lost, adding that ''the area is now under polic control while the bomb disposal unit has commenced investigation,''

Bature said the police had advised the All Progressives Congress to reschedule its rally billed for Okrika on Saturday, to another date.

''The Command is determined to enforce law and order, provide adequate security for all political parties and ensure that the full wrath of law is visited on any person or persons who dare and wish to test our capability,'' he added.

Photo: Westlife's Mark Feehily turns tea seller after Westlife break

Former Westlife singer, Mark Feehily now sells snacks and coffee from a catering van.

It would be recalled that Westlife announced their "amicable" split in October 2011 after 14 years together.

Well Mark, 34, has set up his own catering business. He now travels round festivals with his van and serves customers food and drinks himself from the back of his truck.

When asked about it, Mark said; "It's going really well, we've got loads of interest and we've booked it in with a lot of the music festivals and we're talking about doing some Irish ones as well. People were flabbergasted at the fact that I was in the van making crepes. People kind of have this thing 'Oh, he was in Westlife a few years ago and now he's making tea. It's my business and I love it, anything I get involved in I get involved 110%."

Mark says he hasn't given up on music yet and is planning to launch a solo career.

"The music that I would come out with as an individual is quite different to Westlife." he said.

If i didn't beef M.I he wouldn't be popular today - Kelly Hansome

One of the most controversial artistes in the Nigerian music scene, Kelly Hansome has said that if not for the issue he had with rapper M.I, the rap artiste would not have become popular today.

In an exclusive chat with Saturday Beats, Kelly said; "A lot of people take things too personal at times, especially M.I and Baba Keke. They took my music too personal. If I did not beef MI, he would not be where he is today. I am not the one that made him, he has Chocolate City and Audu Maikori to thank for that and they are my friends but at the end of the day, it was a marketing strategy for them. I put him at a point where people could listen and appreciate his music. I am looking forward to us working together.

"MI is at the top of his game; he has several endorsement deals. Because of the issues I had, the endorsement I was supposed to have with Globacom was cancelled and I don't blame the company.

"Most of these people are successful today because they were able to cover up their controversies but the record label I thought was my record label did not cover up my controversy. Instead, they were the ones pushing it outside. In their mind, I had already been sentenced to death; they did not want me to be on top of my game again so that people would think they made me. I don't know why they did that to me, I wish they could give me a reason. I wish we could be put on national television and speak our minds and clear the air. I have no hard feelings towards anybody. If they could not kill me then, they cannot kill me now,"

He told Saturday Beats that he has since apologised to the people who felt offended by his song especially Ogungbe and M.I.

"I see Baba Keke as my father; I don't know how he sees me. The truth is that he is old enough to give birth to me and when it comes to business, he taught me virtually everything I know. If your father should shout on you when he is angry, it is your duty to go and meet him later to apologise. I went to meet him and said that I knew he was angry and wanted the best for me so we should forget everything. I apologised as a son and he ought to forgive. I called MI and told him that we could not continue with the beef and that was it," he said.

Nigeria set to launch "once and for all" attack on Boko Haram

The Nigerian military has reportedly finalised plans to conduct a 'once and for all comprehensive operation' towards the elimination of Boko Haram terrorists in the parts of North East to the boarders of neighbouring countries.

The decision to launch the attack, it was learnt, followed concerns over increasing manoeuvres of the terrorists laying claim to Nigeria's territories which international media and satellite images suggest that areas presently under Boko Haram occupation could already be as large as present-day Belgium.

PRNigeria, an online news platform with consultancy links with the security forces, disclosed, on Friday, that "political authorities which now feel so disturbed by the activities of the terrorists, especially after viewing the latest video release from the terror group which claimed that it already had enough weapons to take on Nigeria and its neighbours, have endorsed the military plan and expressed full support for it."

It was gathered that many of the newly acquired weaponry included tanks, long range and more sophisticated rifles, night vision equipment both for artillery and tanks usage as well as aircraft will be employed in the attack on Boko Haram.

About two battalions from the Chadian armed forces will launch their own attack from the Chadian side, it was gathered. And as the terrorists flee from the Nigerian onslaught, they are expected to meet their Waterloo in the hands of the Chadians.

Meanwhile, the Cameroon and Niger armed forces who have been put on the alert, will strike down the terrorists who may want to escape through Gamboru Ngala and such border towns.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Photo: Paul Okoye of PSquare gets a "new love"

Paul Okoye has gotten himself a "new love".

The half of PSquare music duo showed off his "new love" - a BMW power bike – on Instagram.

'My new love….. #BMW…. New kid on da block' - he captioned the picture.

By the way, Paul Okoye and Anita Okoye legalized their union yesterday at the Ikoyi Registry.

"Buhari’s academic certificate was forged"

The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation on Thursday alleged that the school certificate presented by the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), was forged.

The Director of Media and Publicity of the organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode who made the allegation at a press conference in Abuja said the organisation is yet to contact the school that issued the certificate to either confirm or deny its authenticity.

Meanwhile the school Principal, Mr. Isyaku Bello reportedly told a PUNCH correspondent on the telephone that the certificate he signed was genuine.

"If they are doubting the result, then they should come and see the authentic copy and not the photocopy sent to us by the Cambridge West Africa School.

"We are here waiting for anybody doubting what we have sent out. We are not running away. Let them come and found out."

Nevertheless, Fani-Kayode still insisted that the document, which were released by the Ministry of Education, Katsina State and the University of Cambridge, was fraudulently procured.

He said those who authored the result must be arrested by the police and be prosecuted.

Fani-Kayode also called on Buhari to submit himself to the police to answer charges of perjury, alleging that the former Head of State lied on oath about his academic qualification.

This, he said, was what a man who "claims to represent integrity and due process ought to do in this situation."

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Youths stone minister, others at President Jonathan’s campaign rally in Bauchi

There was pandemonium this morning at the Ibrahim Babangida Square, Venue of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential campaign rally in Bauchi as angry youths attacked dignitaries at the event including the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, with dangerous objects like hammer, stones, sachet water and slippers among other things.

According to reports, the youths arrived the venue of the rally singing their support for GEJ but immediately he and his entourage arrived, they started stoning and attacking members of the party.

Security operatives had a tough time dispersing the restless supporters, who had stormed the square in large in large number.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, was stoned with bottled and sachet water while he was making his speech and pleading with the people of the state to vote for and support Jonathan and the PDP during next month's general elections.

Other dignitaries, who were on the stand with the FCT minister while he was making his speech, were also stoned. Others bent down to avoid being hit by any of the missiles.

The Minister in the course of his speech pleaded with President Jonathan and other party members not to take the embarrassment seriously as it was part of politics, stating that attack by the youths was the works of the opposition.

All throughout the rally, which was very brief, youths chanted their support for the opposition APC presidential candidate, Maj. Gen Muhammad Buhari, saying "Nigeria, sai Buhari."

Asari Dokubo vows to retaliate attack on GEJ's convoy in Katsina | Says Jonathan will definitely win the election

Ex-militant Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo has vowed to retaliate the attack carried out by some hoodlums in the home state of the APC presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), Katsina State on President Jonathan's convoy during his campaign rally in the state on Jan. 20th.

Dokubo who said this at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, said for every action, there will be an opposite and equal reaction.

He therefore called on the Igbos in the north to come home, saying failure to do so and they'll have themselves to blame.

"There is an established pattern of pre and post-election violence in the north. In the 50s when late Awolowo was campaigning in the north, he went with helicopters and he was mocked. People said he was flying over the houses and peeping at their wives.

"That has continued and everywhere in the country, people say leave them alone. We don't want any trouble. But I think the game has changed. The rules of the game have changed.

"For every action, there will be an opposite and equal reaction. I knew that the signing of the accord was useless and that the president subjected himself to sign such an accord… for me, it was out of place for a president and commander in chief of the armed forces of a country. But the president is a humble person. He does things that even marvel some of us and make us sometimes to be very angry. To be frank, I was very angry on that day they were signing it.

"The president has sworn to protect the lives of every Nigerian. So, why would he after taking a constitutional oath subject himself to another oath? So what happened in Katsina is not a surprise. But don't be surprised. We are putting the world on notice that they have started first. When we reply, let no body talk because we are going to reply. We did not sign any accord with them. They did not sign. They are talking about election violence now because they know that other people will respond. Before, they had the monopoly of violence, so nobody cared who died. Our lives were not valuable and they had all the latitude to wreck havoc and did what they liked. But the game has changed. Be bold enough to tell them that game has changed.

"If they slice our throat, we are going to slice your throat. They stoned the president, you will hear from us. That's the answer. My concern is what happens after the election because we know they will do what they are known to do every time. But this time, they will cry. So all Igbo people who are there, if you don't come back home and you want to continue to be there and something happens to you, there is nobody to be blamed. If you have a child who is a youth corper and you allow him to be there, you will not hold anybody responsible." He said

He maintained his position that in next month's election President Jonathan will definitely win.

"There is no way Goodluck will not win the election. We will win them and we know they are preparing for violence in consonance with some foreign powers. When they do that, we will respond disproportionately. We will respond. That's what we are going to do. If you hit me with a stick, I am going to hit you with iron. I am not speaking in riddles. I am speaking in plain language. My English may not be very good. I am speaking in my own street language. We are going respond disproportionately and we are unapologetic. The people who are in Katsina who did not hold their children should also know that I will not hold my children. I assure you, nothing will happen anywhere if they do not initiate violence. Did we ask them to stone the president yesterday? Do you want us to fold our arms so that they will kill him? Let them stop the violence. When they do, we will stop. A situation where Shekau will stand and say Niger Delta we are coming for you. Goodluck I am coming for you. You are a man and I am a man. We are going to look at each other eyeball to eyeball. You can shoot and I can shot. You can kill and I can kill. You can destroy and I can destroy. The question is not for me. It is for Buhari, el-Rufai, Shekau. They are the people you have to direct this question to. Go and ask Buhari why he allowed his people to stone the president and commander-in-chief in Katsina. There must be balance of terror. One person does not have the prerogative to kill, maim and destroy." he said.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Thugs in Buhari's home state attack Jonathan’s convoy

Political thugs in the home state of the APC presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), Katsina State on Tuesday attacked the convoy of President Goodluck Jonathan during the continuation of his re-election campaign.

Trouble started when Jonathan, accompanied by Vice President Namadi Sambo; the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu; and Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State among others decided to pay a courtesy visit on the late President Umar Yar'Adua's mother, Hajiya Dada.

As the President and members of his entourage made their ways into the Yar'Adua Quarters, the brooms-wielding youths who were chanting "Sai Buhari" surged forward.

Security agents had a hectic time dispersing the crowd.

The youths regrouped and again moved to attack the President's convoy as he was ready to leave the Yar'Adua's residence.

Security agents had to fire tear gas canisters to disperse the youths to allow vehicles in the convoy of the President to speed off.

As the presidential delegation made their way towards the Katsina Airport, the youths hurled stones at the convoy.

No case of injury was however reported.

Source: Punch

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

We don't have any copy of Buhari’s academic credentials - Army

The Nigerian Army has said it is not in possession of the original or photocopies of the credentials of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Making the disclosures at a briefing in Abuja, outgoing Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Olajide Laleye noted that what the army has, which he displayed are Form 199A, that was filled at the point of entry and some letters of recommendation by Principal of Provincial Secondary School, Katsina.

"Records available indicate that Major General Muhammadu Buhari applied to join the military as a Form Six student of the Provincial Secondary School, Katsina on 18 October 1961. His application was duly endorsed by the Principal of the school, who also wrote a report on him and recommended him to be suitable for military commission", he said.

Speaking further, Laleye who said the briefing was necessitated by deluge of requests from civil society groups, the media, etc. over General Buhari's eligibility for any political office, said, "It is a practice in the Nigerian Army that before candidates are shortlisted for commissioning into the officers 'cadre of the service, the selection board verifies the original copies of credentials that are presented".

"However, there is no available record to show that this process was followed in the 1960s. Nevertheless, the entry made on the Nigerian Army form 199A at the point of documentation after commission as an officer indicated that the former head of state obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1961 with credits in relevant subjects: English Language, Geography, History, Health Science, Hausa and a pass in English Literature".

"Neither the Original Copy, Certified True Copy (CTC) nor Statement of result of Major General Muhammadu Buhari's WASC result is in his personal file. What I have said here is what is contained in his service records, personal file. We have not added anything nor subtracted anything".

IBB backs Buhari

Former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has indicated his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Babangida spoke yesterday in his hilltop residence at Minna while receiving the APC presidential candidate and former Head of State who was at Minna Polo Field as part of his campaign tour of the country.

Babangida stated that contrary to the notion created by the media that they were enemies, they were actually in good terms, adding that both of them fought to keep Nigeria united when they were mates in the Nigeria Army.

He said, "Media men have created this impression that we are fighting each other, but look at us here today; he (Buhari) knows what I mean and I know what he means. We both fought to keep Nigeria one when we were young majors."

He commended the APC for allowing Buhari to emerge as its presidential flag bearer, saying: "All of us will support you in this cause to salvage this country."

While commending Buhari for his perseverance and persistence to offer himself for the service at the highest level, he stated: "You have beaten some of us in proving Gen Douglas Mc Arthur's theory of old soldiers never die but fade away gradually."

According to him, genuine leadership can only emerge when the mandate is secured through free and fair electoral process. He, therefore, called on Nigerians to go out and vote as well as ensure that their votes count.

Buhari had earlier stated that he was in Minna to canvass for votes and that though the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said he would not leave PDP, he was aware of the support of IBB and Obasanjo for his presidential bid.

If not for President Jonathan's tactics, Boko Haram would have taken over half of Nigeria - PDP | Do you agree?

The Peoples Democratic Party on Monday boasted that if not for President Goodluck Jonathan's tactics, Boko Haram would have taken over about half of Nigeria.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Olisa Metuh, said this at a press briefing in Abuja.

"The problem that we have in the North-East to deal with is insurgency; it is not the making of this government. This government has tried as much as possible to contain it.

"I must proclaim, every now and then, Nigerians encourage us by saying that if not for the character, candour and the personality of the President, these insurgents would have overrun more than half of Nigeria.

"We would have been under occupation of terrorists if not for the determination, the style and the character and personality of the president."

Explaining how the President had been working to stop Boko Haram, he said the government had been able to secure a ceasefire, dialogue with members of the sect and the use of other methods.

"He has been able to offer a ceasefire, dialogue and other things to engage them. He has been trying all sorts of methods and engaging them in serious warfare and Nigerians have noted that if not for his character, Boko Haram would have overrun half of Nigeria," he added.

Monday, January 19, 2015

FG reduces pump price of fuel to N87 per liter

Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke

The Federal Government has reduced the pump price of fuel from N97 to N87 per liter.

The Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke made the announcement yesterday evening.

"As you may be aware, there has been a lot of volatility in the oil market in the past few months and due to this the importation prices of our petroleum products have been impacted.

"Therefore, with the approval and directive of Mr. President and by virtue of Section 6 clause 1 of the Nigerian Petroleum Act, it is my responsibility as Minister of
Petroleum Resources to hereby announce a reduction in the pump price of Petroleum Motor Spirit (Petrol) from the current Ninety Seven Naira (=N=97) per litre pump price down to Eighty Seven Naira (=N87=) per litre pump price, effective from twelve (12) midnight Sunday, 18th of January 2015.

"Accordingly, I have directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to ensure strict compliance of this price adjustment by all marketing companies.

"It is my hope that all Nigerians will benefit from this adjustment. I thank you and God Bless you all."

Sunday, January 18, 2015

How APC plans to provide steady electricity across Nigeria

Osinbajo

The Vice Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, says an APC-led Federal Government can provide steady power supply by installing Independent Power Projects in strategic parts of the country.

Osinbajo added that his party would ensure that the privatisation of the power sector is given a larger scope if it takes over.

Osinbajo, who is the running mate of Maj.Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), said this at a Ketu town hall meeting organised by Friends of Osinbajo in Lagos on Sunday.

He said already, IPPs were being used to provide steady electricity in courts and hospitals across Lagos State and this could be expanded.

He said, "What we must understand is that the Federal Government has privatised power distribution and generation, not transmission and we feel transmission should be privatised as well. We don't have power today because generating plants can't get gas supply and this is also largely because of the bad pipes.

"If we wait until we can set up proper gas infrastructure, it can take 10 to 15 years before we can get steady power supply.

"So, we have decided to decentralise power. For example, in Lagos we have IPPs in Marina which generates 10 megawatts and it powers hospitals and courts. We also have in Ikeja. They do not have problems of gas supply. The IPPs are directly connected to the place we want it to power.

"If we can mobilise our trade groups in certain areas, we can provide 24-hour power for them. Also, we can then provide for local governments. In Lagos for instance, the state government already knows the power needs of each local government so we can provide IPPs as well."

Osinbajo added that the price of gas must also be deregulated so that more private companies could invest in the sector and increase power supply.

Source: Punch

Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi becomes British citizen

Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel is now a British citizen.

Mikel became eligible for citizenship, having spent more than eight years in England following his transfer to Chelsea from Lyn Oslo of Norway in 2006.

''Mikel was issued a British passport last week, and he is very happy to be in the possession of the passport,'' a representative of the Super Eagles' star revealed.

''That's very good news because he will no longer be counted as a foreign player in the Chelsea squad.

''All the obstacles that would have prevented him playing in Europe have been eliminated, especially in Italy.

''Mikel is not leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window. He will only think about his future at the end of this season,'' the representative added.

Don't abandon President Jonathan - Ex Ogun State Governor begs Obasanjo

Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo

A former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has begged former President Olusegun Obasanjo not to abandon President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the February 14 presidential election.

Daniel, while addressing members of the Peoples Democratic Party at the inauguration of the Goodluck/Sambo Independent Support Team in Lagos on Saturday, said Obasanjo gave the people of the South-South region a sense of belonging by ensuring that Jonathan emerged as vice-president in 2007 and as President in 2011.

He, therefore, begged Obasanjo to finish what he started by ensuring that Jonathan completes his second term as President.

"Obasanjo should finish the job he started in 2011 because a job that is half-done is not done at all. It is the height of injustice for Jonathan and the South-South people not to be allowed to do a second-term. We, the Yoruba people are saying that for the reason of equity, Jonathan should be allowed for a second term and after that, power can shift to the North." Daniel said.

Meanwhile, the Presidency on Saturday said President Goodluck Jonathan was ready at all times to appease former President Olusegun
Obasanjo.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said this in an interview with SUNDAY PUNCH.

"This President is a liberal-minded President and he has a lot of respect for Obasanjo. He has never hidden that. He believes that Obasanjo is his political father, no matter whether they have disagreements or not.

"The President is ready at all times to make peace and appease the elderly gentleman," Okupe said.

Source: Punch

Amber Rose shares extremely hot pics | Guess what her ex-husband, Wiz Khalifa did

Amber Rose

Amber Rose

Amber Rose

Amber Rose took to her Instagram page yesterday to share these extremely hot pics ... and guess what? It got her ex-husband, Wiz Khalifa drooling!.

Wiz Khalifa who couldn't help but stare took to Twitter to gush about how beautiful his baby mama is.

I think these two need to get back together!

Saturday, January 17, 2015

If you cannot call Sarkodie a local rapper then don't call us local rappers - Reminisce

Nigerian rapper Reminisce has expressed his dissatisfaction about people referring to him and a number of other rappers as indigenous rappers for rapping with their dialect.

In an exclusive interview with HipHop World Magazine, when asked to talk on how the endorsement has been coming for him and his fellow indigenous rappers, Reminisce expressed his dissatisfaction about the local rapper tag.

He said, "Stop calling us indigenous rappers there is nothing like that, a rapper is a rapper, calling myself, Phyno, Olamide, Seriki, BaseOne, Lil Kesh and couple of others coming up local rapper is a way of suppressing or make us feel inferior, because Sarkodie is a rapper no one refers to him as indigenous rapper. If you cannot call him a local rapper then don't call any of us local or indigenous rapper. Over the years, we've been able to overturn the rap game, we've been able to change perception as regards if you cannot rap in English you cannot be a rap god or king and it's been a collective effort. Things has really change people can now know who the real hiphop guys are unlike before when if you can rap in English you won't get endorsement. And we feel very proud to be the rave of the moment".

Why i cannot cancel my February 14 show because of presidential election – Comedian Basketmouth

Ace comedian Basketmouth has explained why he won't cancel his February 14 show billed to hold in London the same day Nigeria's presidential elections will hold, despite people clamouring that the comedian must cancel the show and perform his civic duties by voting.

Basketmouth told SaturdayBeats that the event had been planned long before the election date was announced and if he cancelled the show, he would lose millions of naira.

"This has been an annual show in the last six years. It is a franchise and it holds every Valentine's Day in the UK regardless of the day it falls on. It has been happening for the past six years and the venue has been booked long ago. The tickets have been on sale long before it was announced that elections would hold on that day.

"Unfortunately there is nothing I can do about it because everything is ready and I have to go on with my show. The people talking about it apparently do not know that it is a franchise that has been on for about six years. I cannot cancel the show because of elections," he said.

Source: Punch

Politicians are liars, I don't trust them - Pastor E.A Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, yesterday described politicians as liars, saying he does not trust them.

Adeboye who spoke in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, during a two-day interdenominational prayer, said politicians in most cases hardly fulfil their promises.

"I don't trust politicians. Politicians are liars. They don't fulfil most of their promises. A politician can tell you that they will give all of you (students) chicken each, which we all know it is impossible." he said.

The cleric however, asked Nigerians to stop worrying themselves over who would emerge winner in the next
general elections as God has already decided who will be President.

"God has already planned who will be the President of Nigeria. God has already planned that before we were born. God is not like human beings who doubt what is to be done. He has a plan for everything" he said.

Source: Punch