OBLONG MEDIA GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE is where independent minds meet to dissect politics, society, power, and global affairs without fear or filters. This is not mainstream media.
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Second Republic politician and Anambra State Chairman of the defunct Nigeria Peoples Party, NPP, Chief Guy Ikokwu, has urged the Federal Government to release without delay the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu because his continued incarceration is not in the best interest of the country. Ikokwu, a lawyer of over 50 years and a chieftain of the defunct National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, attributed the raging clamour for Republic of Biafra to the refusal of Nigeria’s leaders to restructure the country, which he argued is hindering the nation’s socio-economic growth. Nigeria, Igbo must not…
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EVERY election sends a message. What were the messages behind the partially conclusive parliamentary rerun polls in Rivers State which took place last weekend? It is important to answer this question to know the juncture of Nigerian politics and democracy from that corner of the Nigerian commonwealth. One bold, identifiable trait is that certain old myths are disappearing. Before now, political pundits held that because Nigerian Minority groups usually feel “unsafe” in the opposition, they gravitate to whichever party is in power at the Centre. The fact that states in the North dominated by indigenous Minority groups (such as Plateau,…
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“A big lie (German: große Lüge) is a propaganda technique. The expression was coined by Adolf Hitler, when he dictated his 1925 book Mein Kampf, about the use of a lie so “colossal” that no one would believe that someone “could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously.” He said, “…in the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more…
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PROTOCOLS: We are members of the legacy party, plus APGA and DPP. We realized since 2005 that to remove the PDP from power, we must sink our differences, come together and form a party. God willing, that eventually happened and that is why we are where we are today, coming together inspite of our differences, both personal and ideological. We must not forget that. Having identified that as members of the legacy party, we again identified three fundamental things facing us. First, security, second, economy and unemployment and thirdly, corruption. We campaigned throughout the country on these three fundamental issues…
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus at the Senate has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release the outstanding results in Saturday’s legislative re-run elections in Rivers. The Minority Leader of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio, made the call on behalf of the caucus at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday. Akpabio said that the call was part of the resolutions reached at the caucus’ meeting on Wednesday. He said that the meeting resolved that INEC should release the elections results, particularly those collated from all polling units, wards and local government areas, in its…
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A committee set up to probe contracts awarded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from 2011 to 2015 has indicted more than 300 companies and prominent citizens including serving and retired officers of the armed forces. Over N7 Billion has been recovered so far from the indicted companies and individuals.Another N41 Billion is to be refunded by the indicted companies while further investigation by the EFCC has been ordered to determine whether another N75 Billion should be recovered from some of the companies for unexecuted or partially executed contracts. The committee further established that one of…
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Every hundredth refugee a terrorist, every third terrorist an ISIS suicide bomber, ready to die at Turkish command Damascus VT/ Kurdish Popular Forces serving in Syria today captured a senior Turkish intelligence official who has, under “enhanced interrogation” implicated President Erdogan. VT was given access to recorded confessions which detailed the role of the MIT in the Brussels explosions along with plans for more attacks across Europe. The “suspect” has confessed his role in planning the Brussels attack in coordination with ISIS at Raqqah. Intelligence that led to the capture was supplied by a Russian signal intercept. We are…
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan is a role model who should be respected across Africa and beyond, retired military officer and social critic, Abubakar Umar, has said. Mr. Umar, a retired colonel, said Mr. Jonathan deserved praises for his timely concession call to his major challenger in the 2015 presidential election. He said that “personal sacrifice” and display of sportsmanship during the contentious poll has made him a “beacon of hope for the growth of democracy in Africa.” He said that was a clear departure from the norm across Africa, where leaders in times past refused to willingly relinquish…
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Barely one year after his allegation that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, allegedly gave out N7 billion to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship off Nigeria (PFN), to facilitate and support his reelection, controversial Pastor and Executive Director of the Voice of Northern Christian Movement (VNCM), Kallamu Musa Dikwa, has eaten his words by apologising to the people his maligned. Specifically, he apologised to the President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; General Overseer of Living Faith Worldwide aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo and Secretary, National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), Pastor Bosun Emmanuel. Bosun…
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Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, says the Federal Government will hunt down the killers of the NYSC member, Samuel Okonta, who was killed during the rerun election in Rivers state last Saturday. Dalung said this while paying a condolence visit to the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi yesterday March 23rd. He berated politicians for always engaging in politics with bitterness. “Politicians aspire to hold public office because they want to develop Nigeria. In doing this, they are talking of protecting the lives of Nigerians. So it is very bad that we…
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My dear people of Rivers State I wish to, with profound humility and appreciation thank you all for your peaceful conduct and effective participation in electing your representatives during the re-run legislative elections of March 19 2016 despite the provocations from some overzealous security personnel and their political collaborators. 2. I wish to also express my profound gratitude and loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Mohammadu Buhari for his uncompromising commitment towards entrenching a permanent culture of free, fair and credible elections in the country. 3. I am fully convinced that…
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In what could be described as one of the grand heists in President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Babatunde Fowler, has been fingered in a N7billion tax refund scam. http://bdv.bidvertiser.com/BidVertiser.dbm?pid=715479&bid=1777511 Also, aggrieved management staff of the FIRS are accusing him of unilateral employment of 250 new staff without following civil service rule for such employment, while he has embarked on a witch hunt against those perceived to be in opposition to him. Documents obtained showed that Fowler, a known ally of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader,…
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Lincoln will reveal a concept version of its next-generation Navigator at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday — and the big new SUV is the boldest concept Ford’s luxury brand has rolled out since its comeback began several years ago. The Navigator was first introduced in 1997. With the Cadillac Escalade, it defines the large-and-in-charge SUV market. These are SUVs executed on an epic scale. Sales were relatively strong until the early 2000s, when gas prices began to creep up and the tide of consumer sentiment turned against big, gas-guzzling trucks. The financial crisis put Lincoln into a…
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POLICE RECRUITMENT PORTAL http://www.npf.gov.ng http://www.psc.gov.ng Commences 01/04/2016 Forms are free Available for Constables, Cadet Inspectors and ASPs
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Saudi Arabia needs more cash. According to The Wall Street Journal, the world’s second-largest oil producer is looking for an $8 billion loan from international banks. As The Journal reported, the country ran a record $100 billion deficit in 2015, largely because of the sharp decline in oil prices. Over the past few months, Saudi Arabia has adjusted to low oil prices by following a strategy that seems primarily aimed at avoiding production cuts. Riyadh has implemented new taxes, cut funding for social programs, and prepared to sell off parts of Saudi Aramco, the country’s multi-trillion-dollar state oil…
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Targeting the elite’s private air fleets might be a good place to start making spending cuts. As Nigeria’s fiscal situation continues to deteriorate and the gulf between the official and black market currency rates yawns ever wider, the finance ministry is trying to cut costs wherever it can. There is good reason for this focus. According to figures released by the ministry, travel was the single biggest government line item from 2012 to 2014, at N248bn ($1.25bn) for the three years combined (the ministry did not provide annual figures). This is equivalent to an extraordinary 18 per cent of…
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Labour unions in Kaduna State, on Wednesday gave governor Nasir El-Rufai seven days ultimatum to stop further verification exercise of workers in the state as well as other anti labour exercises. The national bodies of the labour union also asked governor El-Rufai to pay all backlogs of salaries owed workers in the state or face the wrath of organized labour unions and civil society organizations in the state. Addressing a crowd of workers at Kaduna NLC Headquarters, Wednesday, NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Waba and TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama in their separate speeches said they were prepared to fight…
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100 years ago, on March 20, 1916, #OtaBenga took a gun and fired a bullet into his own heart, ending the short and tragic life of the “missing link” from Africa. His treatment at the hands of so-called gentlemen from New York’s Bronx Zoo and the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri came in the height of the eugenics movement, forty years after the end of (legal) slavery in America. Today, Benga is remembered for his sacrifice in documentaries and on social media networks like Twitter, a martyr for the cause to end racism. The 32-year old Mbuti…
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expresses great concern at the turn of events at the last Saturday’s Rivers State National and State Assembly rerun elections. Whilst we join well-meaning Nigerians to condemn the cases of violence which reportedly characterized the process in some areas, we enjoin the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to immediately constitute a panel to carry out a dispassionate investigation of the circumstances with a view to unraveling the truth and bringing the culprits to book. The PDP also condemns the reported roles played by some officers and…
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At least 37 people have been killed and several seriously injured in the coordinated terror attacks at Brussels international airport and a city metro station, which took place today. The state-owned Belga news agency reports that shots were fired and shouts in Arabic were heard before the two explosions. The attacks come four days after Salah Abdeslam, the main fugitive in the Paris attacks, was seized in Belgium. French President Francois Hollande said, “The terrorists have struck Belgium, but it is Europe that was targeted.” Belgium’s Interior Minister Jan Jambon had said on Monday that the country was…
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The Prime Minister of Benin Republic, Lionel Zinsou, who contested the 2016 Benin Republic presidential election has on Monday, March 21, conceded defeat to his opponent a business mogul, Patrice Talon. President Boni Yayi, had earlier appointed Zinsou after the new 28-member government, including 17 new ministers were sworn in. Zinsou, served as an adviser to Yayi and was a managing partner at French bank, Rothschild and Cie after which he later joined Paris-based private equity firm, PAI partners in 2008. http://bdv.bidvertiser.com/BidVertiser.dbm?pid=715479&bid=1777511 Talon who is a business mogul was reported to have won the second round of Benin’s presidential…
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*Says No INEC official is empowered to cancel already declared results Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the state government has compiled videos of the atrocities committed by the military across the state during the rerun elections, saying that the videos will be released to the public at the appropriate time. http://bdv.bidvertiser.com/BidVertiser.dbm?pid=715479&bid=1777511 The governor also stated that with the declaration of results by returning officers in the respective constituencies, no INEC official is empowered by law to cancel or nullify such results. He said that the military orchestrated violence in the state could be part of…
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Minister of Transportation and Rivers APC leader, Rotimi Amaechi has blasted APC candidates who lost the re-run elections yesterday saying “hunger will kill you (people)”. This was in reply to the stinker given to him and credited to his former Chief of Staff and aspirant to the Obio/Akpor Constitency seat for the Federal House of Reps, Tony Okocha. Speaking at the Port Harcourt International Airport on his way back to Abuja, Amaechi said “its unfortunate that people who are contesting election are waiting for me to give them money before they can campaign. How can people be so wicked…
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Some constituencies in Imo State, may remain without representatives in the State and National Assemblies, since the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, failed or neglected to implement the re-run polls ordered by the court within 90 days. Hope for re-run elections in Owerri West and Oru East state constituencies, as well as the Okigwe senatorial seat remained very dim, as no dates had been fixed for the exercise, as at press time yesterday. Reacting to this development, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Owerri West state constituency, Sir Chidi J. Ihemedu, a lawyer, lamented that since INEC failed to…
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The national leadership of the PDP said the INEC and security agencies should be held responsible, if there is a break down of law and order in Rivers State as a result of the failure of the commission to declare the results of last Saturday’s election. http://bdv.bidvertiser.com/BidVertiser.dbm?pid=715479&bid=1777511 In a statement, yesterday, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the conduct of polls fell short of the standard expected in view of the preparations put into it. The position of the party came on the heels of a warning by the National Vice Chairman, South of the party,…
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Two explosions ripped through Brussels airport Tuesday during the morning rush hour as hundreds of passengers were trying to check in. Airport authorities said the explosions caused several injuries. Airport spokeswoman Anke Fransen said: “There were two blasts in the departure hall. First aid team are in place for help.” Passengers were led onto the tarmac and the crisis center urged people not to come to the airport. The explosions happened only days after the prime suspect in the Paris attacks Salah Abdeslam was arrested in Brussels.
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Spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum and former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Ango Abdullahi has expressed the displeasure of the Northern forum with the way President Muhammadu Buhari is steering the ship of the country. Ango Abdullahi who was at the forefront of the campaign for the power to come to the north in 2015 says that the president is surrounded by sycophants who are detrimental to his agenda. He also sounded a word of caution to the President over his treatment of those he described as “permanent friends and enemies.” “Buhari should be careful about…
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President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has helped the company greatly. According to him, the group will not be where it is without help from the President. He made this known after the successful signing of the $3.30 billion loan agreement to finance Dangote Group’s petroleum refinery. He maintained that the group will “replicate the successes recorded in the cement industry through backward integration in petroleum refining” “Your policies have helped us greatly. Without them, we will not be where we are today. We have taken the challenge and we will…
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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that no official of the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) has powers to cancel results already declared by the returning officers in the respective constituencies. The governor was speaking against the backdrop of the insistence by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Aniedi Ikoiwak, that the commission had not released any results other than the nine state constituency and one federal constituency results announced on Sunday. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has also called on INEC to cancel results of the re-run elections on grounds of irregularities in…
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The Chairman, Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bro. Felix Obuah calls for an immediate arrest and prosecution of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Mr Magnus Abe and Dakuku Peterside, Jukaye Flag Amachree and other APC chieftains for masterminding the spate of violence, killings and various cases of electoral malpractices during the Saturday re-run elections in some parts of the State. In a Press Statement made available to elombah.com, dated 21 March 2016 and signed by Jerry Needam, Special Adviser On Media And Publicity to The PDP State Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah, the PDP chairman also…
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As the saying goes, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. This implies applying the same standard to all men and women who are in similar and same circumstances. No double standard. No discrimination. William Shakespeare in his epic drama, ‘Macbeth’ said that fair is foul and foul is fair, meaning that the same standard should be applied at all times in similar situations. It then means that whatever that is applied to one should be applied to another and in Nigeria’s parlance, there is no need changing the goal post in the middle of…
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Not every man can take the disappointing and humiliation from NIgerian wives imported to America. Wife killers are on rampage in the US. An Epidemic: Nigerian Men Killing Their Nurse Wives In America over alleged insurbodination and usurpation. 1. “Yes, I have killed the woman that messed up my life; the woman that has destroyed me. I am at Shalom West. My name is David and I am all yours.” Those were David Ochola’s words during his 911 (U.S. Emergency Number) call to authorities after shooting dead, his 28 years old wife, Priscilla Ochola, in Hennepin, Minnesota. …
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When Aliko Dangote, Nigeria’s billionaire industrialist, revealed his plan to buy potash and phosphate from Congo Brazzaville and Morocco respectively, he was painting the grim reality in the Nigerian mining sector. Both minerals, which would serve as raw materials for his planned fertilizer plant, are available in commercial quantities in Nigeria, particularly in the northern part of the country but they are left unexploited. Geologists observe that potash, a key input in fertilizer production, is found in four northern states in Nigeria: Sokoto, Borno, Katsina and Jigawa. Phosphate is found in commercial deposits both in Sokoto and Ogun state;…
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There were indications weekend that President Muhammadu Buhari is under pressure from the foreign community to sack his Aviation minister and former Rivers state governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi following his indictment for corruption by the Justice George Omeregi-led Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, set up to investigate the sale of state assets and the consequent Whitepaper issued by the state government. On a related note, the federal administration was said to be uncomfortable with unpleasant reports about the disposition of the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Lawal Babachir and the President’s Chief of Staff,…
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• PDP wins eight state constituencies, one House seat, APC victorious in one constituency • Wike, Peterside’s security aides in shootout, one killed • Amaechi, governor clash over ‘abducted’ collation officer • Army explains arrest of SSG, police say four dead, 24 apprehended The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the results of nine state constituencies and one federal constituency in which rerun elections were held in Nigeria’s oil hub, Rivers State, on Saturday, but the commission was forced to suspend the electoral process in all other constituencies in the state where results were not announced due…
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Spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has surrounded himself with incompetent sycophants. The former special adviser to ex-president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, made this known, in Zaria, Kaduna State. According to him, the NEF were not happy with the way the president was steering the ship of the country. He advised President Buhari to urgently address the shortcomings of his administration. The former Vice Chancellor criticised the president, for terminating the appointment of 13 VCs. He said the president’s action was against the law. On the recent sack of the VCs, Abdulahi said,…
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That Rotimi Amaechi is an irresponsible Federal Minister is the least of our worries. Our main worry is that he is still on the job – uncautioned, unquestioned, unsanctioned by his employer. Why irresponsibility? Come with me. I am three months into administrative apprenticeship as head of academic unit in a University. I’ve never been in Admin so it’s a learning process and I am enjoying every bit of it. You can therefore pardon my naivete when the time came to leave my seat and be absent for a week. Nigeria happened to me in terms of what I…
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The year 2016 is coming and with it many prophecies from respected men of God. The founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has unveiled his prophecies for coming year in an interview with the Sun News. Nigeria is currently facing many challenges. The deadly Boko Haram insurgency that Buhari’s government is said to have crushed, the upsurge in pro-Biafra agitation, corruption and many other political battles. Read below the top 10 prophecies from the prominent cleric: 1. Nigerians should not expect President Muhammadu Buhari to achieve much in the anti-corruption war as the whole effort…
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The infamously dubious online news medium, Sahara Reporters in its characteristic nature has issued an absurd report of pure falsehood riddled with undiluted malice and mischief to malign the character, name and reputation of Engr. Emeka Woke, the Chief of Staff Government House, Port Harcourt, purporting that he carried out an assassination attempt on the life of Dakuku Peterside, the defeated Rivers State APC Governorship candidate. Nothing can be more bespeaking of the grandeur of the absurd. The narrative concocted by Sahara Reporters is intended to excuse the evil plots of the cultic characters that parade themselves as leaders…
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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the rerun elections in the state have shown clearly who is on ground and who is accepted by the people. He said the rerun elections have proved that the control of INEC, Federal might, military, police and other security agencies cannot not translate to electoral victories as the people will always resist agents of rigging. Governor Wike also accused the defeated the Rivers State APC Governorship Candidate, Dakuku Peterside and his defeated running mate Asita Asita of hijacking results from Isiokpo in Ikwere LGA on Sunday. The governor also stated…
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Following deaths recorded in last Saturday’s rerun elections in Rivers State, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said President Muhammadu Buhari must be held accountable for the violence and loss of lives in the highly violent elections. Fayose said: “Members of Buhari’s party, All Progressives Congress (APC), are emboldened to unleash violence on the people of Rivers State and other States in Nigeria because they know that the president would not lift a finger provided his party members are the ones perpetrating evil. “Those who called the Ekiti State governorship election in which soldiers and other security agents…
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Buhari was not just an integral part of Abacha’s 5 years as the Chair of PTF, he was arguably the government within a Government, in whom enormous powers were placed! Those 5 years will go down as the worst years of our corporate existence as a Nation, and Buhari was virtually the Boss behind the scenes… The present chair of NDLEA was Abacha’s ADC, the present DG of Customs was also in Abacha’s office! Fact! Now, the pathetic Nigerian mentality talks of 16 years of PDP as rot, forgetting we were just coming out of the worst ever Abacha…
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Confusion As Amaechi Attempts To Release INEC Collation Officer Arrested For Result Falsification (Video) Mrs Ekwi whisked away by the Amaechi team Confusion ensued at the Mile one police station this morning 20th March , 2016 in Port Harcourt the Rivers state capital when the minister of transport, Rotimi Amaechi invaded the station with armed military men in an attempt to release one Mrs Ekwi Adebisa , an INEC collation officer that was arrested by the police for manipulating election results in favour of the APC at ward 10, PHALGA. Mrs Ekwi was arrested at Novotel Hotels, Port Harcourt where…
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Hon. Betty Apiafi of PDP declared winner of Abua/Odual and Ahoada East Federal Constituency seat. ABUA/ODUAL PDP 19188 APC 6468 AHOADA EAST 9917 APC 3760 Hon Edison Ehie of PDP has been declared the winner of Ahoada East Constituency II Hon Michael Chinda of PDP declared winner of Obio/ Akpor Constituency II NO OF REGISTERED VOTERS= 28,994, NO OF ACCREDITED VOTERS = 2,025, PARTY VOTES APC =535, I D = 03, L P = 04 PDP =1285 Total Valid Votes = 1,827, Rejected votes = 79, Total votes cast = 1,906 . Hon Martin Mannah of PDP declared winner…
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The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), has faulted what it described the unilateral decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to include Nigeria into the membership of the Saudi Arabia Military Coalition of “Muslim/Arab” nations, warning that he should pull out before it would be too late. The organisation said such misleading action would send a wrong signal before the global community that the foreign policy thrust of the present administration is to make Nigeria a satellite state of Saudi Arabia. The Chairman of NCEF, Mr. Solomon Asemota (SAN), gave the warning at press briefing on Friday in Abuja, entitled: “CONFLICT…
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What Wike has succeded in doing is proving to the whole world that his assertion ” I made Amaechi Governor using my political manouvers and grassroots connections” is indeed true. He has proven that Amaechi may be a money bag, but to deliver you need to know how to network on the grassroots level. The federal Government has used everything within their powers to subdue the will of the people. With all the intimidating security network, riging strategies, Wike has come up on top and afloat. What a way to win!!.
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Two of Ojukaye Flag Amachree’s fake SARS men were arrested yesterday in Buguma by the Nigerian Army. The matter was registered at the Buguma Police station before they were taken to the Army Base at Obuama town. One of the thugs was identified as T. K. George. There is serious pressure on the army officials to release them.
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Chief Ibibia Walter, commissioner of Water Resources of Rivers State who was abducted by unknown gunmen on Saturday, March 18, 2016 the day of the rerun elections in the state has been freed by his abductors. Chief Walter, who is also the scribe of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, spoke with our reporter on the phone, confirmed that he has been freed by his abductors. His vehicle was ambushed as he was on his way to Okrika to vote in the rerun elections. Some of his assailants were masked and “fierce-looking” and whisked him away to an…
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As situation deteriorates, people send more money home CEO says 2016 will be `very good’ year for Nigerian unit MoneyGram International Inc., the world’s second-largest money transfer provider, expects faster sales growth in Nigeria even as Africa’s biggest economy buckles under lower oil prices and foreign-exchange controls that have created a scarcity of dollars. If the situation in Nigeria were to deteriorate, people living abroad will send more money home to help support their families, Chief Executive Officer Alex Holmes said on Wednesday in Lagos. Transactions from the continent’s most populous nation increased in 2015 compared with the prior…
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The former minister of information, Labaran Maku on Friday, March 18, warned Nigerians using social media to desist from using him as a tool to run down the former President Goodluck Jonathan. Maku, who is currently the national secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in a statement said his attention has been drawn to some social media discussions quoting him as saying that Nigerians will stone the former president to death by the time President Muhammadu Buhari probes him. “This is the fourth time political enemies are using my name against President Jonathan in order to destroy…
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PDP 990, APC 12 Polling Unit 3, Ward 14, Akuku-Toru LGA RESULTS: House of Assembly Unit 3 Ward 14 kuku Oru LGA: PDP 331 APC 4 National House of Reps Unit 3 Ward 14 Akuku Oru LGA: PDP 329 APC 3 SENATE Result Unit 3 Ward 14 Akuku-Toru LGA: PDP 330 APC 5 Ward 10, Unit 008 Obio/Akpor LGA Senate PDP 100 APC 11, Reps PDP 98 APC 13 Assembly PDP 100 APC 13 RIVERS STATE RE-RUN ELECTION UPDATE RESULTS: House of Assembly Unit 3 Ward 14 kuku Oru LGA: PDP 331 APC 4 National House of Reps Unit…
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Ahoada East Ward4 unit10 Ahoada East. Assembly PDP 68. APC 23. Reps PDP 67. Apc 25. Senate PDP 71. Apc 25. unit 002, Omuibo, ward 11 Egbeda, Emolga result for the rerun Election as follows: Senate- PDP-63, APC-39 House of Representatives- PDP-59,* APC-38 House of Assembly- PDP-63, APC-41. Obio/Akpor ward 14 unit 8,result: senate: PDP 62; APC 52. Reps PDP 71; APC 55. Assembly PDP 72, APC 54. unit 10 ward 6 State House Apc 44 PDP 96 LP 2 Rep house Apc 45 PDP 94 Senate Apc 41 PDP 96 OGU/BOLO SENATE. WARD 3 UNIT…
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The government of President Muhammadu Buhari is currently enmeshed in what may be described as the worst recruitment scandal exposed in recent times. Investigation has revealed that so many agencies of government were granted official waivers to embark on secret recruitment seen as benefits for senior party men and high ranking government officials. The recruitment process is being shrouded with all kind of tags in order to cover up its scandalous nature. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) confirmed the secret recruitment of personnel to the Nigerian Times claiming it has done no wrong since those engaged are Nigerians. Reports from…
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There are strong indications that there is a cold war that may generate to a major showdown between the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari over some of the recent policies of the Federal Government. It was reliably gathered on Friday that the lawmakers were not happy with some of the actions of the executive, including the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar and the enlistment of Nigeria in the Islamic Coalition Against Terrorism. It was also learnt that the grouse of most members of the National Assembly was that the President did not consult them before…
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There may be a new twist to the on-going prosecution of Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) as the Federal Government is considering dropping or amending two of the 13 charges preferred against him. The planned move, according to a source, is predicated on the discovery that count 11 and 12 of the charge sheet cannot be proved. They charges alleged he operated a foreign account while in office as governor. Charge 11 states: “That you, Dr. Olubukola Abubakar Saraki on or about August 25, 2008 within the jurisdiction of this tribunal,…
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For the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) LLC, these are trying times. These times are sour and very discomforting. The times are painful and full of regrets. The “greatest political strategist of our generation” as his employees and ardent supporters would like to refer to him is reeling from debilitating political injuries. There is gnashing of teeth and mopping of lips in the ABAT LLC. Even, for those who are not fans of the mercantilist made for profit political outfit called ABAT LLC, the garish groans oozing out of Bourdillon has been…
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An agent of the Peoples Democratic Party, one Mr Tambari Ntoti, has been reportedly shot dead in the course of the ongoing rerun election in rivers state. The deceased agent, Ntoti until his death was representing Nonwa In Tai Local Government Area, Ward 3. Reacting to his death, the PDP said the killing of Ntoti was perpetrated by supporters of the All Progressives Congress. Ntoti Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was not prepared for the Federal and State Houses of Assembly re-run elections in the state. Wike made this…
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Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State has orderd the immediate closure of two churches, a seminary and a church-owned hospitals and secondary school all in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He said the closure was to avoid the eruption of violence among factions of the congregations whose leaderships’ positions he described as, “principally to preserve their personal interests with little concern for the common good, and the peace and security of Kaduna State”. A statement on behalf of the governor sign by his spokesman, Samuel Aruwan Wednesday in Kaduna named the affected bodies as: Theological…
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The wife of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday hailed the harem of the Ottoman sultans as “a school for preparing women for life”. Emine Erdogan’s comments come a day after the president triggered protests by saying he believed that “a woman is above all a mother” in a speech marking International Women’s Day. Critics have accused Erdogan’s government of trying to impose strict Islamic values on Turkey and curtailing women’s civil liberties. “The harem was a school for members of the Ottoman dynasty and an educational establishment for preparing women for life,” Emine Erdogan said at an…
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Reports reaching our newsroom say that there has been an armed invasion of Ikwere Local Government Area by Nigerian soldiers acting on the orders of the immediate past governor of the state Mr Rotimi Amaechi. The armed soldier reportedly gave the INEC officials marching orders, an order which was resisted by the police. The band of armed soldiers was led by one Captain Amakuru of the Nigerian Army and being held hostage is Honourable Samuel Nwanosike, the caretaker Chairman of Ikwere Local Government Area. The yielding policemen defiantly reminded the armed soldiers that they will not be cowed…
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Rotimi Jacobs, a senior advocate of Nigeria and the Federal Government prosecuting counsel in the 13 count charge of false assets declaration trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki on Thursday said the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) was misled to discharge former Governor of Lagos State Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was arraigned before it in November, 2011. He was charged with operating foreign bank accounts, contrary to the constitution. The tribunal had then dismissed the case against former Lagos state governor based on arguments that the bureau did not establish a prima facie case and also engaged in…
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A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos Friday convicted 14 foreigners identified as citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Philippine and Japan. They were found to be illegally dealing in petroleum products in Nigeria without lawful authority. The court found them guilty of dealing in 1,738.087 metric tons of petroleum products in Nigeria without lawful authority or license as alleged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The presiding Judge Ibrahim Buba sentenced eleven out of the fourteen 14 convicted foreigners to two years imprisonment each on each count of five-count they were charged, with an option to a pay…
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The National Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Kema Chikwe, has expressed utter dismay at the rejection of the Nigerian Gender and Equal Opportunities bill by the Nigerian Senate, on Tuesday. In a statement issued on Friday, Dr Chikwe said the implication of throwing out the bill is that the incidences of rape, domestic violence, maternal mortality, poverty, e.t.c, which have been ravaging the country will continue unchallenged. “On behalf of the entire PDP women, I join members of the civil society to express profound disappointment and displeasure over the dismissal of the Nigerian Gender…
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Chief Jude Ejiogu’s sack according to our source came as a result of him coming clean on the reality of the arrival of Shoprite in Owerri. The Fmr, SSG took to social media to express his view and this did not go down well with Gov. Rochas Okorocha.
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Abia – N2.27bn Adamawa – N2.23bn Akwa Ibom – N8.55bn Anambra – N2.51bn Bauchi – N2.55bn Bayelsa – N2.98bn Benue – N2.10bn Borno – N2.87bn Cross River – N1.06bn Delta – N6.06bn Ebonyi – N2.16bn Edo – N2.09bn Ekiti – N1.37bn Enugu – N2.37bn Gombe – N1.59bn Imo – N2.29bn Jigawa – NN2.77bn Kaduna – N2.85bn Kano – N3.86bn Katsina – N2.99bn Kebbi – N2.45bn Kogi – N2.50bn Kwara – N1.81bn Lagos – N6.61bn Nassarawa – N2.16bn Niger – N2.34bn Ogun – N1.18bn Ondo – N2.34bn OSUN – # 6M Oyo – N2.56bn Plateau – N1.53bn Rivers – N6.42bn Sokoto…
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Below are seven of the Northerners who are potential presidential candidates come 2019: 1. Atiku Abubakar The former vice president of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, still has his eyes on the presidency seat. He started his journey since the early 1990s, but has been failing ever since then. Time will tell if he will bounce back in 2019. Atiku Abubakar 2. Abubakar Bukola Saraki The Senate president still has the intention of leading Nigeria. He tested the waters in 2011, but failed. He is currently facing charges of illegally acquiring properties, while he governed Kwara state. Bukola Saraki, Senate…
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I like corn and pear and when pear is out of season I manage with coconut. A few days ago, I went to buy my corn and coconut from under one of the bridges in Lagos. I noticed that the price has more than doubled from what I used to pay. The argument that ensued between Mama Sikira, my usual supplier (who was happy to me see after a long time) and I was quite interesting. Mama Sikira insisted that the price of corn had doubled because of the price of dollar. She lectured that the last time I…
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Shoprite,the ultra modern shopping centre along Egbu Road, Owerri was formally commissioned and unveiled for business by His Excellency, Owelle ( Dr ) Rochas Anayo Okorocha (OON), today Thursday, March 17th 2016. The ceremony heralded the presence of wife of Imo State Governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, Secretary to Imo State Government, Sir Jude Ejiogu, Chief of Staff Government House, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, and other top Imo State Government Officials. The Boards and managements of Shoprite Group, members of both Imo State and National Assembly were on hand for the commissioning. The shopping mall,…
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Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, said on Friday that the decision of the Supreme Court directing his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N2.4b fraud as governor is a welcome development, pointing out that there was nothing unusual about the order. Dr. Kalu, who made this known from London where he is delivering a convocation lecture, declared that he was ready and highly disposed to the trial. “This is another opportunity to prove my innocence. I have all the records and facts of the case. I am willing to submit myself…
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The reason for the recently declared 2 day public holiday in Rivers state has been uncovered by our team of investigative reporters. We perceived that it was unusual for a governor to declare a two day public holiday for an election swung into action. Our investigations reveal that the public holiday was declared to frustrate the efforts of Capital Index Limited to rake N1.5 billion from 2 commercial banks in Port Harcourt. Rivers State Government security units “intercepted” a message from the INEC REC, requesting that the money be delivered in cash, for the purpose of “internal settlements’. The…
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This massive, serpentine beast weighing over 17ft doesn’t only come from the family of the world’s largest snakes. It is the largest ever captured. The capture of the Anaconda is part of a BBC documentary; Tribes, Predators and Me presented by Gordon Buchanan who lived alongside an indigenous Ecuadorian tribe, the Waorani, in the Amazon. In the show, Buchanan joins a tribal family to hunt an Anaconda, the Amazon’s most dangerous predator, the animal is a proven man-eater but the locals believe its capture and release is not only a sign of bravery but see the feat…
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The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has reserved ruling till Thursday, March 24, 2016, on whether or not to quash the charge brought against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, by the Federal Government. Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr. Danladi Umar, fixed the date after defence counsel had canvassed their argument that the charge against Saraki be quashed. Saraki is being prosecuted by the Federal Government for alleged false declaration of assets as governor of Kwara state. However, when the matter came up for hearing last week, Saraki’s new counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, a one-time Attorney General of the Federation,…
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Officials in northern Nigeria say President Muhammadu Buhari has exaggerated the military’s success against Boko Haram after an American commander testified that the extremist group still holds territory FOX News reports. Appearing at a summit in Abu Dhabi in January, Buhari told U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that Boko Haram was “currently not holding any territory today as we speak” — a claim that was met with skepticism back home. Last week, Gen. David Rodriguez, commander of U.S. Africa Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington that Boko Haram “does own some significant territory in northern Nigeria.”…
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We have been reliable informed that fake Army and Police uniforms have been prepared and distributed to members of APC across the state. The distribution was done last week from an address on Forces Avenue in Old GRA, Port Harcourt. Before you let anyone arrest you, request for proof of authenticity. It does not mean you should insult or harass genuine security operatives. Be watchful and vigilant. They will flood our streets in the coming days. Stand your grounds and refuse to be intimidated. While we take this up with the various agencies, and while they investigate,we urge…
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Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai The Nigerian Army says it has commenced investigation into the recent killing of some pro-Biafra protesters in some parts of the south-east zone, especially Aba in Abia state, allegedly by its officers. It stated that anybody found culpable would be decisively dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the law. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, who made the disclosure while addressing newsmen during his maiden visit to the headquarters of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, said a situation where troops open fire for the sake of fun would…
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“For the first time”, Nigeria’s refineries “are now ready to work”, Ibe Kachikwu, group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), said on Tuesday. Kachikwu also said that the corporation, under his leadership, is saving Nigeria N1 trillion in subsidy “removal” and $1 billion in importation programme. He said the change at NNPC is only just starting, adding that NNPC will be delivering profit in two to three months. “All the changes that have happened so far, in case you do not know… but I’m sure you follow the numbers and the reports that we publish, but…
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Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Saudi Arabian Oil Co. are ending an 18-year refining partnership as the Anglo-Dutch titan prepares to sell billions of dollars of assets and the Middle East nation’s state oil company weighs an initial public offering. Shell will assume control of two Louisiana refineries operated by the Motiva Enterprises LLC joint venture, as well as nine fuel terminals and rights to Shell-branded markets in Florida, Louisiana and the U.S. Northeast, the companies said Wednesday in a statement. Aramco will retain the Motiva name and take ownership of the largest U.S. refinery in Port Arthur, Texas,…
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Federal security agents from Abuja have arrived Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, to arrest Felix Obuah, the state Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but Governor Nyesom Wike has said that the arrests of PDP stalwarts ahead of Saturday’s rerun election would be resisted. The Heat is too Real Wike said the arrests of some PDP Chieftains in state less than 48 hours to the election was a calculated attempt to give the All Progressives Congress, APC, undue advantage and that could create avoidable crisis in the state. Governor Wike, who was on a live radio station Thursday…
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The Secretary to the Ekiti State Government (SSG) and some commissioners and members of the executive council have gone into hiding following an alleged threat of arrest by officers of the Department of State Security (DSS) who were said to have continued laying siege to the state. The SSG, Dr. Modupe Alade, who disclosed the action of some EXCO members at a news conference addressed in Akure, Ondo State, capital, said a list of some EXCO members to be arrested was being paraded all over the state. Specifically, the SSG said she had been receiving some strange telephone…
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Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of two soldiers in Rivers. The killings come barely 48 hours to the National and State Assembly rerun elections scheduled to hold in the state on Saturday. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Capt. Elli Lazarus, confirmed the deaths to the News Agency of Nigeria reports in Port Harcourt. He said that a major and one soldier were killed after an exchange of gunfire with suspected sea pirates in Abonema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. He said, “At about 11…
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A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Wednesday restrained President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Defence Staff, the Brigade Commander of Amphibious Brigade and the Chief of Army Staff, from deploying military operatives for the re-run elections. In a ruling delivered by Justice George Omereji in a suit filed by the PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah and the PDP, the Court ordered: “That an order of interim order be made and is hereby made restraining , Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Brigade Commander, 2nd Amphibious Brigade, whether by themselves, their agents,…
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THE campaign rhetorics of the former governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, have gone acidic. The man is throwing jabs in the manner of a street fighter. He is shooting from pillar to post, leaving hate and bad blood in his trail. He is not restrained by anything. In fact, he appears set for a drag-out fight with his opponents. A few days ago, Amaechi was at a campaign rally somewhere in Rivers State. His message to his audience was delivered in clear terms. He told them to shun ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Patience, and Governor Nyesom Wike…
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Panic in Delta as youths blow up pipelines, seize 11 oil tankers Emerging reports suggests that protesting youths in Ndokwa communities of Delta state have allegedly blown up pipelines following a violent face-off between an oil company, Sterling Global, and the Okpai Community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state. This Day reports the angry youths also seized 11 oil tankers belonging to the oil company after they reportedly hijacked what was initially a peaceful protest organized by women in the community to draw attention to their plight due to the activities of the oil company. …
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No bad idea is regurgitated as constantly as the notion that the solution to chronic violence in Nigeria is for her to “break up.” The case for Nigeria’s disintegration surfaces routinely after tragic episodes of violence and has emerged following the recent increase in sectarian terrorism. Some perspective is necessary. Since the days before the Civil War, beating the drums of separatism has become a sort of pre-programmed response to national calamity. Rumours of our impending divorce attended the 1964 elections, the June 12 1993 crisis, the death of Moshood Abiola in 1998 and the Sharia controversy in 2001.…
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The Rivers State Government has called on security operatives to adhere strictly to President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives without bias. This means that even the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, should be arrested and prosecuted if he poses any security threat and violates the electoral laws, before, during and after the Rivers State re-run polls. The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Austin Tam-George who made this declaration in a press statement, said Amaechi’s hotel room and vehicles should be searched to ensure that he was not in possession of sensitive materials of the Independent National Electoral…
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The invasion of the home of Hon Chisom Promise Dike, Member RSHA at Okoloma-Ndoki, in Afam, by the Army is absurd, illegal n unconstitutional. The Honourable member is neither a gun runner nor working with the INEC. He is not and has never been into any militant struggle as to warrant such commando styled invasion. He won his elections generally. Both on the field and at the tribunals and is not contesting the scheduled court-ordered rerun elections in the State. As a young man, he is widely accepted and has been known to be a gentle and peace loving…
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President Muhammadu Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that in the next 18 to 24 months, no cattle will roam about in Nigeria. The President said that the Federal Government had mapped out grazing areas where herdsmen would be restricted to, adding that grass seeds would be imported and planted in the grazing reserves. The President, who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, made the promise in Abuja on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address during the 19th Regional Implementation Forum for International Fund for Agricultural Development-supported projects in West and…
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The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has upheld his pledge to patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. During the recent Made in Aba Trade Fair in Abuja, Saraki and a few of the distinguished Senators that attended the fair, promised to advocate for increased patronage of made in Nigeria goods as a show of patriotism, and to help encourage the country’s Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). Saraki also promised to champion a change in the Procurement Act of Nigeria, to give locally manufactured goods first option in the government procurement process. A motion to this effect has been raised and…
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“If we spend another four months tearing each other apart, we will damage our ability to win in November.” Florida Gov. Rick Scott endorsed Donald Trump Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential bid on Wednesday, one day after Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) bowed out of the race following a resounding loss to Trump in the Sunshine State. “With his victories yesterday, I believe it is now time for Republicans to accept and respect the will of the voters and coalesce behind Donald Trump,” Scott said in a statement posted to Facebook. “If we spend another…
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Nigerians across board have begun to wonder where the Nigerian economy is heading to as it has under-performed for the past few months. Economic pundits and analyst have longed advocated diverse measures and palliatives but it seems that the government of the day is hell bent at having its way. President Muhammadu Buhari’s led government has over the last few months brought untold hardship to many Nigerians as the nation is practically wallowing in poverty, inflation, fuel scarcity, high electricity tariff, outrageous taxes, and unemployment. Recall that during the 2015 presidential election, the All Progressives Congress, APC, was…
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The National Commission for Refugees, Migrant and Internally Displaced Persons Wednesday donated relief materials to victims of farmers/herders clashes in the affected local government areas in Benue State. The benefiting four local government areas included Agatu, Tarka, Buruku and Logo. Speaking while making the donation, the Commission’s Acting Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Margaret Essien, who presented the items to representatives of victims pulled from the affected local government areas, said the gesture was meant to alleviate their sufferings. Items donated included bags of rice, clothing, detergents, mats, pillows, mosquito nets, children’s wears, millet, toiletries, brushes and tooth paste, cooking stove,…
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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has taken over more than 20 of the vessels in the custody of Global West Vessel Services, Daily Trust investigations has revealed. Global West Vessel Service, which handles maritime security issues for NIMASA has Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, as one of its major shareholders. The company purchased the vessels soon after the exit from office of the agency immediate past Director General (DG), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi. Akpobolokemi is presently standing trial for allegedly diverting funds running into billions of naira belonging to NIMASA. It was gathered that NIMASA…
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The Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said that the Federal Government would unveil a new national aviation policy within the next two weeks. This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Sunday Iyogu, the Principal Information Officer in the minister’s office. According to the statement, Mr. Sirika made the disclosure when a delegation from the Department for International Development (DFID) Nigeria, led by its Deputy Head, Nick Hamer, paid him a courtesy visit. He said the ministry would engage relevant parties, the media and members of the public, to acquaint them on government’s…
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The Nigeria Senate on Tuesday blocked a bill seeking equal marital rights for women. The bill, titled “Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence against Women”, was presented by Abiodun Olujimi, representing Ekiti south, during the senate’s plenary session. According to Mrs. Olujimi, the bill would seek equal rights for women in marriage, education and job. She said if the bill was passed, a widow in Nigeria would automatically become the custodian of her children in the event of the death of her husband, and would also inherit his property. The deputy senate president, Ike Ekeremadu, supported the bill. He…
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THE supremacy battle between the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, retired Colonel Hameed Ali, is taking unexpected dimension as the Presidency takes side with the Customs boss against the minister. Sources in the Customs Service and the Presidency revealed to National Daily that the job of Adeosun, the finance minister, hangs in the balance because of the close affinity the Customs boss has with President Muhammadu Buhari. Accordingly, the Customs CG and Finance Minister supremacy row may lead to Adeosun lose her position as Chairman of the Nigeria Customs…
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Professor Ben Nwabueze, a renowed Lawyer and President of the Patriots, a revered group of Elder statesmen in Nigeria, says President Buhari lacks the intellectual capacity to rule a complex country like Nigeria. Nwabueze said this in an interview with The Sun newspaper. “I do not think that it is a question of not being prepared. Don’t forget that the 2015 election was his fourth time of contesting, of making an attempt at being President. He tried to be president for 12 years. So, he had more than enough time to prepare himself if he had the capacity.…
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