SUBSIDY: FG pays N156billion debt to oil marketers

The Federal Government on Thursday said it had paid N156 billion debt to oil marketers in line with its commitment to prioritise payments in spite of revenue constraints.This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr Paul Nwabuikwu, on Thursday in Abuja.The statement stated that the payment had two components comprising `I owe you’ (IOU), given in March and interest on payment.“The first consists of the cash backing of the N100 billion IOU which the marketers were given in March. The second is N56 billion in interest payments for the marketers according to the PPPRA template.“This leaves a balance of N98 billion certified by PPPRA as the amount owed the

President Zuma calls GEJ over xenophobic attacks

President Zuma of South Africa has reportedly put a call across to President Jonathan to express his sadness over the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. He appealed to President Jonathan not to allow the incident affect the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

 Reports of the phone call is contained in a statement released by the office of the South African president today April 30th. The statement in part below

 “The two Presidents reaffirmed the warm and cordial relations between South Africa and Nigeria and pledged that the two countries will continue to work together for the good of their peoples and the continent as a whole. President Jonathan expressed his support for the efforts of South Africa to arrest the attacks on foreign nationals and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, including foreign nationals and those from the African continent in particular, who bore the brunt of the attacks earlier this month (April)

We made no mistake in re-appointing Keshi as Super Eagles’ Head Coach – NFF

The President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick has maintained that the Federation made no mistake in re-appointing Stephen Keshi as Super Eagles’ Head Coach.Speaking on the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme, Pinnick was categorical that Stephen Keshi with enhanced capacity, working together with a Technical Study Group headed by former Nigeria captain Jay –Jay Okocha and with the benefit of the world –renowned ProZone match preparation software would, in aggregate, be better than any foreign coach.

Boko Haram’s top commanders killed as troops rescue more women, children from Sambisa Forest

Nigerian troops have killed several top commanders of the Boko Haram terror sect and destroyed more of their training camps in the Sambisa Forest.The acting Director Public Relations of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Sani K. Usman made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday.It reads: I wish to inform you that today (Wednesday) evening, troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army also cleared several terrorists strong points and training camps within Sambisa forest, Borno State, Nigeria.“The troops have also rescued

Jonathan sacks MD of Nigerian Ports Authority, appoints Sanusi Lamido as replacement

The Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka has sacked the Director of finance of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Tochukwu Bede Uchendu, over allegations of irregularities associated with his appointment into office as well as granting unapproved waivers worth N1 billion.

 Mr Uchendu's sack was effected following a petition by the Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) dated March 23rd and addressed to the office of the Head of Service.

Jonathan warns Buhari against running parallel govt, says I’m still in charge

The Federal Government on Wednesday warned the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, against actions capable of portraying him as running a parallel government at a time President Goodluck Jonathan is still fully in charge.The Minister of National Planning, Abubakar Sulaiman, issued the warning at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.Sulaiman told State House correspondents that FEC considered the state of the transition programme and took exception to some utterances and terms of reference of the committee set up by Buhari.Buhari inaugurated a 19-member committee with a charge to members not to engage in a witch-hunt.Sulaiman, who is the chairman of the Technical Subcommittee of

Buhari to inaugurate transition committee, address senators, Reps-elect today

The President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will address senators and House of Representatives-elect on Wednesday (today).The Director of Media and Publicity of the AP
C Presidential Campaign, Mallam Garba Shehu, disclosed this.He also said that Buhari will formally inaugurate his transition committee to interface with the team of the outgoing President Goodluck.

He said, “Yes, the President-elect will inaugurate his transition committee tomorrow (today). He is scheduled to meet with the elected members of the party in the House of Representatives and will also receive visiting dignitaries as usual.”

Buhari inaugurates transition committee, says his government will not witch-hunt anyon

President Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday inaugurated a 19-member transition committee with a charge to members not to engage in a witch hunt.Buhari said this while inaugurating the Ahmed Joda-led transition committee in Abuja.He also announced that his administration would not witch-hunt anybody because he was aware that government is a continuum.Speaking to the committee members, he said, “this assignment though onerous, it is well within your ability to accomplish, you are required to assess the information provided to you and advise me on its quality and accuracy.“It is a simple matter but

Power generation rose from 2,800 megawatts in 2011 to 4,517 megawatts in 4 years – Ministry

Power generation rose from 2,800 megawatts in 2011 to about 4,517 megawatts, increasing hours of availability in some cities across the country, the Ministry of Power said.This was contained in a statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday in Abuja.It stated that the increased generation particularly resulted in more hours of electricity supply in major cities, including Kano, Abuja, Benin, Ibadan, Awka and Lagos.It said that gas to power increased from 380mmscf/d in 2010 to 1000mmscf/d in 2014, adding that more than 450 km of gas pipelines were completed and connected to permanent gas infrastructure.It also said that about 10 abandoned Nigeria Integrated Power Project (NIPP) plants were completed which

We will continue to produce quality graduates – UNILAG VC

The authorities of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, have pledged steady production of quality graduates that would be able to compete favourably with their counterparts in any part of the world.Prof. Rahamon Bello, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, made the promise on Tuesday as the institution’s 2014 convocation in began in Lagos.He said, “48 of the 3,104 graduating students from different faculties of the university finished with First Class Honours.”Bello said the Faculty of Arts produced four First Class graduates out of the overall 518 figure, while the Faculty of Education had one First Class, out of the 892 graduates.According to the don, the Faculty of Environmental Sciences has six First Class students, out the overall 301 graduates.The vice-chancellor said that the Faculty of Science produced 22 First Class

Pipeline vandals arrested in Ogun State

Two suspected vandals have been arrested at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipeline installation in Mosinmi, Sagamu, Ogun State.The vandals, according to the spokesman of one of the security outfits – New Age Security Limited, Mr. Lateef Lawal, were arrested at one of the many points where the company is carrying out surveillance activities.He said suspects have already loaded seven 50 litres plastic kegs, containing scooped fuel, into a Nissan cab with registration number KNN368XA, before they

BOKO HARAM: Nigerian Military rescues 200 girls, 93 women from Sambisa Forest

Nigeria’s army has rescued 200 girls and 93 women during a military operation to wrest back the Sambisa Forest from the Boko Haram Islamist militant group, it said on its Twitter feed on Tuesday.

“Troops this afternoon rescued 200 girls and 93 women from Sambisa Forest. We cannot confirm if the Chibok girls are in this group,” it said, adding that Nigerian troops had also destroyed three camps run by the militants.Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls near the northern village of Chibok in April 2014, sparking international outcry.

~Reuters

16-year-old boy kidnaps, rapes 2-year-old girl in Lagos

A 16-year-old teenage boy, identified as Azeez Ganiyu has been arrested and arraigned before a Magistrate court in Apapa Lagos for raping a two-year-old girl.According to reports, Ganiyu abducted the girl from her parents residence on Giwa Street, Ijora Badia, when she came out to play with other children and took her to an uncompleted building in the area.It was learnt that the mother and other neighbors, after minutes of searching for her heard her crying. They traced her voice to an uncompleted building where they found Ganiyu committing the crime.After it was medically confirmed that Ganiyu had raped the two

Buhari’s directive barring AIT from covering his activities portends danger for Nigeria’s democracy – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as unacceptable the Monday’s directive by the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to bar a television house, the AIT, from covering his activities, saying the suppression of the media under any guise portends danger for the nation’s democracy.PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement on Tuesday said that after carefully studying the defence posited by General Buhari’s campaign spokesperson as well as the smokescreen statement by the APC to cover and mitigate his anti-media posture, the PDP and indeed all lovers of democracy are

Hundreds of decomposed bodies found in Damasak in the wake of attacks by Boko Haram

Hundreds of decomposed bodies including those of women and children were discovered by a government committee in Damasak, northern Borno State this past weekend. The committee was set up by Governor Kashim Shettima to assess the level of destruction in towns

 According to Daily Trust, the victims were suspected to have been killed by Boko Haram insurgents as they fled the town following an onslaught by Chadian forces to recapture the town.


 Credible sources said decomposed bodies littered the streets while many others were discovered inside houses, shallow graves and rivers that have dried up on the onset of the dry season.

I want to become the President of NFF – Okocha

Nigerian football legend, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, has declared that he wants to run football in the country possibly in the capacity of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.Okocha, who is a former Super Eagles captain disclosed this in France while fielding questions from FIFA.com after taking part in the 12th Match Against Poverty last week.

DHQ alerts Nigerians about activities of Boko Haram sympathizers, says troops are still in Sambisa Forest

The Defence Headquarters has denied media reports that troops have retreated from the Sambisa forest, which has served as the main operational base for Boko Haram insurgents.A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, on Monday, said the operation was progressing and gaining increasing momentum towards clearing all terrorist hideouts in the forest.The statement reads: The reports by some media outfits claiming that terrorists are now in control of Mafa in Borno State are false. The truth is that an attempt by a group of fleeing terrorists who strayed towards the town and engaged in their typical suicide attack was duly repelled by troops. Similarly, the claim by some media organisations that

Buhari reveals Boko Haram’s true identity

The President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has said the claim by the Boko Haram sect that it is a religious group is a fraud.Buhari said this while receiving a delegation from Nasarawa State which was led by the state Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, at the Defence House, on Monday.Buhari’s position was contained in a statement issued by the Director of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mallam Garba Shehu.It reads: “The fraud called Boko Haram can be defeated by denying it a recruitment base,” General Buhari told visiting leaders of Nassarawa State who came to congratulate him on his emergence as President-elect. No religion allows for the killing of children in school dormitory, in markets and places of worship.

Ondo State Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi impeached

The Ondo State House of Assembly has impeached the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi.The Monday plenary session was attended by 24 out of the 26 members of the House, including the Speaker, all in support of the impeachment.The impeachment motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Henry Akinsoyinu, who revealed that the seven impeachable offences of gross misconduct and abuse of office levelled against the Deputy Governor have been proved.The motion was seconded by the Deputy Majority Leader, Oyebo Aladetan.


The Seven man panel of investigation set up by by the State Chief‎ Judge, Olasehinde Kumuyi, chaired by Olatunji Adeniyan had earlier in the morning submitted its report to the House.The Speaker of the House, Jumoke Akindele, adopted the motion and declared the Deputy Governor impeached and removed from office.She gave a directive that all the government property in possession of the Deputy Governor be handed over to the Permanent Secretary in the office of the Deputy Governor.Meanwhile, two members of the House belonging to the opposition party, APC, Gbenga Edema and Fola Olasehinde, were absent at the sitting.


– Channels TV

Lagos Govt to provide Wi-Fi services for residents (in parks only)

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos state Ministry of Information Communication Technology, ICT, Mrs Nike Animashaun, has revealed plans by the state government to provide Wi-Fi services to residents of the state. Speaking at the state ministerial briefing in Alausa recently, Mrs Animashaun said the first phase of the Wi-Fi connectivity would be installed in parks within the state. She listed the first parks to benefit from the WiFi installment as Oshodi, Alausa and Ajegunle parks.

7 surprising effects of lack of sleep

You know lack of sleep can make you grumpy and foggy. You may not know what it can do to your sex life, memory, health, looks, and even ability to lose weight. Here are 10 surprising — and serious — effects of sleep loss.

1. Sleepiness Causes Accidents Sleep deprivation was a factor in some of the biggest disasters in recent history: the 1979 nuclear accident at Three Mile Island, the massive Exxon Valdez oil spill, the 1986 nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl, and others.But sleep loss is also a big public safety hazard every day on the road. Drowsiness can slow reaction time as much as driving drunk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that fatigue is a cause in 100,000 auto crashes and 1,550 crash-related deaths a

Rivers PDP alleges massive looting of govt property ahead of Amaechi’s handover on May 29

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State has alleged that the aides of Governor Rotimi Amaechi have begun massive looting of government property ahead of the May 29 handover date.This allegation was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the state Chairman of the party, Felix Obuah, by his media aide, Jerry Needam.The PDP also alleged that government property were being sold to close friends, political allies and family members of Amaechi.“PDP describes as frightening illegal employment in Rivers State Polytechnic Bori, where about 500 people have been secretly employed without due

APC alleges GEJ's administration engaging in last minute dubious activities

The Leadership of the APC has alleged that members of Pres. Jonathan's administration are engaging in last minute dubious activities ahead of the May 29th handover. In a statement released by the publicity secretary of the party, Lai Mohammed, the party alleged that reports from the media as well as information gathered from reliable sources suggest the current administration is engaging in rushed contract awarding and staff recruitment.
 "For example, the National Council on Privatisation, which is headed by the Vice-President, has just approved the financial bid opening for transaction advisers for the privatisation of the three development

Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala shortlisted for BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year

Super Falcons and Liverpool FC forward, Asisat Oshoala, has been shortlisted for the first edition of the British Broadcasting Corporation Women’s Footballer of the Year.The BBC is widely noted for their African Footballer of the Year award which comes up before the Confederation of African Football edition.The new event was announced during one of their monthly programmes ahead of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.The African Footballer of the Year was nominated along with four others: Spain’s Verónica Boquete, German Nadine Kessler, Kim Little of Scotland and Marta of Brazil.

Tinubu will end up destroying himself, he’s not the leader of the Yoruba – Ebenezer Babatope

In this interview with Tunde Odesola, a member, Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, comments on the recently concluded general elections, APC national leader Bola Tinubu, and other national issues.Excerpts.What’s your view of the 2015 general elections?All I can say is to wish Nigerians well. But I am not an enthusiast of the elections because I believe that they were mismanaged, especially the presidential election. It was computed by some diabolical forces to reenact a Hausa/Fulani oligarchy in Nigeria. I am not going to talk much about this now. I am going to talk about it in about one or two months’ time because I don’t want to be seen as disrupting what has been done so far in terms of ensuring peace and smooth transfer of power from the Peoples Democratic Party to

Late Chukwumerije was a pillar of taekwondo in Nigeria – Minister

The Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Tammy Danagogo, has described late Sen. Uche Chukwumerije as a pillar of taekwondo in Nigeria as well as “an epitome of statesmanship and sportsmanship.”Danagogo said this at the residence of the Chukwumerijes in Abuja where he had gone to pay them a condolence visit on the death of the taekwondo black belt holder.The NSC Chairman said the Commission saw the late Sen. Chukwumerije as part of the sports family.“We are particularly touched because, apart from being an expert in taekwondo, he imparted the skills of the sport on his

INEC declares PDP’s Darius Ishaku winner of Taraba guber election

INEC has declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Darius Dickson Ishaku winner of the governorship election in Taraba state.Ishaku won 10 local government areas with accumulated votes of 369,318 at the end of the supplementary election on Saturday, while his closest rival of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Aisha Jummai Alhassan got 275,984 votes.
 INEC’s Returning Officer for Taraba State Prof. Ahmed Kyari declared Ishaku as governor-elect at the commission’s office in Jalingo on Sunday.

ECOSOCC calls for the creation of United States of Africa

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union has said that African Countries should come together and create the United States of Africa.ECOSOCC stated this in reaction to the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.The Presiding Officer of ECOSOCC, Joseph Chilengi, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the creation of the United States of Africa would ensure that Africans lived together in peace and that the political and economic dreams of the founding fathers of the African Union would be actualized.Chilengi said ECOSOCC was sad about the current xenophobic attack in South Africa, a country where Africans had colectively sacrificed much to ensure their independence and black majority rule.

APC leaders fail to reach agreement on zoning of political offices

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have failed to reach a decision on the zoning of key political offices.The leaders of the party met at the Rivers State Governors’ Lodge at Asokoro, Abuja all through Wednesday night and the early hours of Thursday.According to information gathered, the leaders adjourned the meeting after considering the party’s performance in the last general elections as well as the way forward for this week’s re-run elections in Abia, Imo and Taraba states.On the issue of zoning, the party felt it needs to hold more consultations before a final decision would be taken.A highly placed source in the party who was present at the meeting, explained that the APC leadership was only being careful.The source said,

WAR ON TERROR: Nigerian troops kill top Boko Haram commander in Borno

The Defence Headquarters said a notorious top terrorists’ Commander, Abu Mujahid, was among the terrorists that died during an encounter with troops on the outskirts of Alagarno, Borno, on April 20.This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade , the Director of Defence Information.It reads: A notorious top terrorists commander, Abu Mojahid was among the terrorists that died in their encounter with troops in the outskirt of Alagarno, Tuesday morning. The terrorists had staged a daring attack on troops who were on patrol of the area.

Unknown gunmen kill Police ASP in Benue

Unknown gunmen have shot to death an Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr Baba Ibrahim and injured others severely in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State on Wednesday evening.The state Police PRO, Austine Ezeani who confirmed the death yesterday, said the deceased ASP and the injured policemen were deployed from Abuja to Benue State on special assignment to investigate the prevalence of cattle rustling in the state.

PDP chief reveals how Bode George worked with Tinubu to ensure APC’s victory in Lagos

A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Babatunde Gbadamosi, has accused the leader of the party, Chief Bode George, of working with the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, to ensure PDP’s defeat in Lagos.Based on this allegation, Gbadamosi, urged George to resign immediately.Gbadamosi, who came fourth at the PDP governorship primary last year, added that the party would have performed better at the poll if the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Musiliu Obanikoro, was given the ticket.Gbadamosi made these known in a series of Facebook posts.He also accused George and other PDP leaders of using the money meant for the party to buy new homes in FESTAC, Ikoyi, Magodo and Maryland.He said, “Losers can only lead to failure.

Police rescue 62-year-old businesswoman from kidnappers den in Lagos

The Police in Lagos State has rescued a 62-year-old business woman, Mrs Kudirat Adeboye.Adeboye was rescued by agents of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in a bush around Epe.She was kidnapped last Wednesday at Elemoro in Ibeju-lekki area of Lagos State around 7pm while she had gone to inspect her site where the construction of a filling station was ongoing.The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N50m and threatened to kill her if their demand was not met.When the Police was notified of the abduction,the State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, reportedly directed the Commander, SARS,

NSE All-Share Index records marginal growth

The All-Share Index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday recorded marginal growth, appreciating by 0.06 per cent after two-day consecutive loss.According to NAN, the index which opened at 34,507.85 grew by 21.61 points or 0.06 per cent to close at 34,529.46.Also, the market capitalisation rose by N7 billion to close at N11.766 trillion against N11.759 trillion due to marginal gains posted by some blue chip equities.NAN reports that Nigerian Breweries topped the losers’ chart, dropping by N5.82 to close at N151.20 per share.Glaxosmithkline trailed with a loss of N2.81 to close at N53.45, while Stanbic IBTC lost

Plaintiffs withdraw suits challenging Buhari’s eligibility

Plaintiffs in the two of the three pending suits challenging the eligibility of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to contest in the March 28, 2015, presidential election have been withdrawn.Justice Adeniyi Ademola who is presiding over the matters at the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out the suits after they were withdrawn by the plaintiffs through separate notices of discontinuance they filed before the high court.

The plaintiffs, Chukwunweike Okafor, and Mr. Max Ozoaka‎, through their respective lawyers, Chief Mike Ozehkome, SAN, and Dr. Chike Amobi, told the court that they decided to withdraw the matter in order to allow the President-elect, Buhari, to effectively focus on the governance of the nation without ‎distraction.

It’s time to make more sacrifices, deliver on promises made to Nigerians – Buhari tells politicians

The President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the time had come to make more sacrifices and deliver on the promises made to the electorate.Buhari said this when a delegation of All Progressives Congress, APC, politicians from Kogi and Kwara states paid him a courtesy visit at the party presidential campaign headquarters in Abuja.He said it was time to restore security and confidence in the people who placed their trust in the party by voting its candidates at various levels.He said, “I want to appeal to you to work with your colleagues across the country to ensure that we maintain and sustain this

Group hails IGP sack, says "he collaborated with APC to subvert

Press statement from Ekiti state. Read below...

 A pressure group in Ekiti State, the Ekiti Democratic Coalition (EDC) has hailed the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, accusing the sacked IGP of collaborating with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to subvert the mandate of Ekiti people freely given to Governor Ayodele Fayose.
 Reacting to the sack of Suleiman Abba, EDC, in a statement signed by its Convener, Comrade Boladale Adeniyi, alleged that the sacked IGP and the immediate past Commissioner of Police in the State, Taiwo Lakanu aided the APC lawmakers in their evil plot to remove Governor Fayose

Jonathan sacks IGP Suleiman Abba, appoints Solomon Arase as acting IGP

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday relieved the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, of his appointment and duties with immediate effect.A statement issued in Abuja by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said President Jonathan also appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, as Acting Inspector-General of Police.The statement reads: President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has relieved the Inspector-General of Police,

COURT ORDER: Abuja residents threaten to boycott DSTV/GoTV services

Some Abuja residents on Tuesday threatened to boycott subscription to Multichoice Nigeria services following the company’s disregard of a court order restraining it from increasing its tariff.Multichoice is providing satellite television and broadcast services to Nigerians and some other African countries through DSTV and GoTV channels.NAN recalls that the restraining order was issued by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.The order followed a class action suit filed by two Lagos-based lawyers, Messrs Osasuyi Adebayo and Oluyinka Oyeniji, against the company, challenging the increase in cost of subscription.Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos had on April 2, restrained the company from implementing its new subscription tariff from April 1, pending the determination of the suit.NAN recalls that

XENOPHOBIA: If we’re forced out of Nigeria, over 6,000 Nigerians will lose their jobs – MTN

MTN Nigeria on Monday said that attacks on its facilities might force it to close shop which would lead to 99 per cent of its over 6,000 workforce in the country, who are Nigerians, to lose their jobs.The company also said that calls for the boycott of its services were unjustified, adding that such an action would affect its support chain, which would in turn could cause another 500,000 Nigerians to lose their means of livelihood.The company stated this in Lagos few hours after two groups protested in its Abuja and Benin offices against the killing of foreigners in its home country, South Africa.The Corporate Service Executive of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Wale Goodluck, said there are only 12 expatriates working for the company in

Egypt’s former president Mohamed Morsi sentenced to 20 years in prison

An Egyptian court sentenced former president Mohammed Morsi to 20 years in prison on Tuesday in connection with the deaths of protesters during demonstrations against his rule in 2012. Morsi also faces charges in two other trials, AFP reports.Morsi supporters attacked opposition protesters outside the presidential palace in December 2012, sparking clashes that killed at least 10 people.Judge Ahmed Youssef dropped the murder charges against Morsi and said the sentence was instead linked to the “show of force” against protesters and unlawful detentions.The Cairo Criminal Court issued the verdict as Morsi and other defendants in the case – mostly other Muslim Brotherhood leaders – stood in a soundproof glass cage in

PHOTOS: A Joyful Reunion! Tunde Bakare Visits Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna

Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly visited president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna today.

Reports state that Bakare paid Buhari the visit to congratulate him on his victory in the recently concluded presidential elections.

Here are photos

XENOPHOBIA: South Africa arrests 307 over attacks on foreigners

South Africa’s government has vowed to crack down on xenophobic violence, after arresting more than 300 people for a range of crimes against migrants, Al-Jazeera reports.Authorities said on Sunday in Johannesburg that 307 suspects had been arrested for a range of xenophobic-related crimes.Security agencies have also increased the police presence on the ground after at least eight deaths in anti-immigrant violence in the past week.“They have actually pushed other people to leave their own comfort zones, their homes,” David Mahlobo, the Minister of State Security, said.

Disregard speculations about ministerial appointments, zoning of offices – APC tells Nigerians

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Nigerians to disregard the wild speculations making the rounds concerning the appointment of ministers and the zoning of offices under the incoming Buhari Administration.In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said there is no truth to anything that has been dished out by the hyperactive rumour mill concerning the issues of appointment, especially the zoning of the National Assembly’s

Gov. Wamakko reveals Buhari’s plans for Nigeria

Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has assured Nigerians that the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari will not fail the nation.“The APC-led Federal Government under Buhari will strive to meet the expectations and yearnings of Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic or cultural differences,” he said.NAN reports that Wamakko spoke on Monday in Sokoto when the members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state paid him a courtesy visit.“Buhari will ensure social justice, adherence to the rule of law, youths and women empowerment, improvement

Lagos State Govt. pays N32.2bn to 6,145 retirees

The Lagos State Government at the weekend said it remitted N32.2 billion into the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) of its staff members, who retired from the state public service between 2010 and 2015.The state government added that 6,145 workers had benefited from the retirement benefits, noting that it had issued retirement bond certificates worth of N8 billion within the same period under review.The State Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Florence Oguntuase who disclosed this at a ministerial press conference said the move was to ensure that retirees get their entitlement as and when due.She explained that the monthly deduction of 7.5 per cent from employee salary

Jonathan denies spending N2trillion on election

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said there was no truth in a report by a national daily that he and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, spent N2tn for campaigns ahead of the just-concluded general elections.Jonathan’s denial was contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Reuben Abati.It reads: “The front-page story of the Sunday Punch of April 19 alleging that the Presidency spent a whopping N2 trillion on the 2015 General elections, and that a Committee of Five has been set up by President Jonathan to conduct an audit of how the funds were disbursed by party members and state officials is mischievous, false and embarrassing.“The President has not set up any committee as alleged in that story.

IMPEACHMENT THREAT: Why I decided to ask for forgiveness – Fayose

Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said his asking for forgiveness should not be taken for cowardice by his opponents.Fayose said he took the step to seek genuine reconciliation with the 19 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers in the state House of Assembly who are plotting his impeachment.The governor who spoke on Sunday at the thanksgiving service organised for him at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Anglican Communion, Ado Ekiti, to celebrate his electoral victory at the Supreme Court, said, “I asked for forgiveness for reconciliation and to pursue genuine peace. Waiving the olive branch does not mean cowardice, it is for peace.“Conspiracy is against God’s will.

Fire razes Katsina-Ala INEC area office

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Area Office in Katsina-Ala, Benue was gutted by fire in the early hours of Sunday, April 19.NAN reports that the office serves as the commission’s collation centre for the Benue North-East Senatorial District.Mr Louis Ochai, INEC Public Relations Officer in Benue, who confirmed the incident on Sunday in Makurdi, said the commission was yet to ascertain the cause of the incident.

He explained that no sensitive materials were destroyed, as all sensitive materials as well as card readers were removed immediately after the elections.NAN reports that the April 19 incident brings to three, INEC office gutted by fire in the senatorial zone in the past three weeks.

We’re not dribbling Keshi, he’ll certainly get the Super Eagles coaching job – NFF

The NFF president has dismissed intimations that coach Stephen Keshi is being dribbled by the country’s football house and that he would never get the national team job, Goal reports.Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has said coach Stephen Keshi will certainly be named Super Eagles job while dismissing claims from some quarters that a new contract with the ‘big boss’ would never be signed. The much anticipated unveiling of the coach of the senior national team gaffer by the NFF on Friday was not done leaving many to question the future of the Nigeria job.Keshi was expected to sign a new contract to handle the team that he led to Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2013 at the Glass House after months of