THIS IS MY STORY – Mallam Sanusi Finally Opens Up

Did you know that President Goodluck Jonathan who is accusing Sanusi Lamido of acts of financial reckless is in actually fact angry because Sanusi refused to spend $2billion for gadgets for him in Aso Rock? Well, that is one of the "sins" of the CBN governor. Because he gave money, from what he has able to make through his diligent work, to some universities and bomb blast victims, the Presidency got angry.

During the tenure of Charles Soludo, the highest money CBN ever gave the federal government was N8bn but today Sanusi has given the same government over N600billion. Why didn't they ask him how he was able to make so much money in the CBN when others could not? That is the sad reality in Nigeria today.

Read Sanusi's story below as stated by him...

My story, by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

As at the time I came into office, several things had collapsed. From banks to stock exchange, they had crashed. Inflation was at 15.6percent three months before I became Central Bank Governor; there was already instability in every sector of the economy. When I look back, I thank God for the people who supported us and criticized us as well because criticism has made us stronger. Also, when I look back, I can point to several things that have changed after our arrival and till date.

Keeping inflation down

For the first time in a long while, we have been able to keep inflation at about 7percent since January 2013 and it is still like that up till this moment. As far as instability and exchange rate is concerned, we have worked tirelessly to ensure things work out well for the economy.

We also introduced cash reduction in the system. Although most people didn’t like it because they felt it will add more problem to the exchange rate because people want to buy dollars but against all odds, the cashless policy has worked and it’s still working today.

On the face-off between CBN and NNPC

I must say that we are not EFCC. What I have been talking about is the areas that affect my job which have been a dwindling in the money that comes into the Federation Account. Let me make it clear, the disputed $20billion may be gone. And what some people want is the continuity of this; that stealing of public funds should continue.

On his suspension

I must say that there was no time when the CBN received any letter from the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. At no point were we given any letter to respond to over any financial allegations. Also, nothing in the letter declared that I did anything wrong. I can tell you that CBN does not operate the way it’s been presented because all facts and statements of account are there for everybody to see. They said we spent N1.2billion on the police – even if that is true, is that corruption? Did I set up my security outfit and pay myself? I want to repeat that I have had my last day in office. I have achieved everything I set out to achieve. Looking at the suspension letter, I was not given the benefit of doubt to respond or explain myself.

Court order

However, I have a court order now enforcing my fundamental human right because once they seize your passport, you don’t know the next step they will take. I took an exparte motion to court to ensure I am not harassed.

On the allegation that he is partisan

When I was in King’s College, I was in Form 2 when Bukola Saraki came into Form 1. He has been my friend since we were 11years old. Also, El-Rufai has been my friend. I never knew I will be CBN Governor because I had wanted to study law, also Bukola Saraki never knew he would become a politician because he read medicine. These people remain my friends and, with all sincerity, every one of us has friends across political divides. These are things some Nigerians categorize and accuse me of being a politician. Also, I had known Governor Fashola and Bola Tinubu since I was in First Bank. I am a Lagos boy as well and my children were all given birth to and groomed in Lagos. When Nasir El- Rufai heard what happened, he decided to come to the Lagos airport so that if I am going to be arrested, it will be in the company of some of my friends. He never came to the airport as an APC member but as a friend. I am not a politician.

What next on NNPC

It is not my responsibility anymore but I can comment as a Nigerian. I can talk if I feel like. I believe nobody will challenge me that I did not speak out when I was supposed to as CBN Governor. If the next CBN Governor wants to pursue the missing funds matter or the National Assembly wants to go ahead, they are free of do so. Can you imagine a sitting Minister on national television saying they spent money without appropriation. In any other country, such minister has sacked herself. To me, that is not financial recklessness.

Let me simply ask, if the Nigerian Constitution says don’t spend money without appropriation or says don’t pay subsidy and the Minister went ahead to pay, is it not a problem? Technical problem is what we deal with at CBN, we deal with CRR and other issues.

In this kind of situation of investigation going on, you are supposed to either keep quiet as a wise man or walk away. But as you can see, I am not a wise man.

Donation of 100million

It is called principle of donation. During the Ikeja bomb blast explosion, the CBN Governor then, Joseph Sanusi, gave N10million. So I was not the first person to do that. This is contained under Corporate Social Responsibility. The blast in Kano did not affect Kano citizens alone, SSS offices, police stations were attacked and these are federal offices which have several people from the South working there. I can tell you that 80percent of the victims of that bomb attack are not Kano citizens, there were several Christians from the South involved and I gave N100million to their families. What is bad in that? Why are people not complaining about the N500million I compelled the Bankers Committee to give to flood victims in Benue State and other places? What is wrong in it? With CSR, you cannot do everything in all the 36states of the federation; you will do the little you can.

Mint printing!

This is one area that we have been able to cut down on spending. In 2012, CBN spent N38billion on mint printing down from the N49billion spent in 2011. In 2013, we spent N35billion and, in my 2014 budget, my plan was to spend N30billion. So we have been bringing down the cost of printing.

Under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of the CBN, we contribute 80 percent into the Federation Account. In 2008 before I became Governor, CBN contributed N8billion into the Federation Account. In my last year, CBN gave N159billion. In 2012, we gave N80billion, in 2011, we gave N60billion. In the first four years of my term as CBN Governor, we gave government about N279billion. The National Assembly called to commend me. 

We have been able to give N600billion from surplus alone and the money is made from prudent finance, cutting down currency expenses, every over headline has gone down. So I can say, with all sense of humility, that the last thing anybody can accuse me of his financial recklessness.

–By Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Why CHAN's Most Valuable Player Rejected Foreign Contract

FC Vaslui, currently placed 6th in the Romanian Liga 1 standings, made an offer of 600,000 euros to African Nations Championship best player, Ejike Uzoenyi.
The Romanian club offered 300,000 euros to Ejike Uzoenyi for a two – and – a – half year contract, with 100,000 euros signing fee plus accommodation, car and two air tickets per year.
Inserted in the contract were other performance related bonuses the player shall be entitled to if he commits his future to the Yellow – Greens.

To price Ejike Uzoenyi away from Enugu Rangers, FC Vaslui had made an offer of 200,000 euros to the Nigerian club.

Manager Mr.Michael Nicholas Uzoagba CEO, Ossy Royal Ventures Limited who facilitated the deal with the help of his partner in Romania confirmed the offer to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“Yes there was official offer from Romania to Ejike Uzoenyi and Enugu Rangers FC.

“I have the copies of the offers with me, but the player rejected the offer and said he does not want to move now,” says Uzoagba to allnigeriasoccer.com.

He added: “The player would have have had a better opportunity to go to Brazil 2014 World Cup as Europe based foreign player if he had accepted the offer.

“Romania transfer window is wide open at the moment and the player will gain a lot of development between now and June 2014 because Romania have good football development to compare with what we have here in Nigeria.

“The club like the player very much and guaranteed him first team football if he had signed.”
Source: Vanguard

Native Doctor’s Charm Kills Pastor, One Other Accused Of Witchcraft

An ECWA pastor and one other have lost their lives as a result of the charm a native doctor gave them in Zwall village of Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The family of Adamu Goni had consulted the native doctor for help after some members of the family were said to be involved in witchcraft  due the calamities befalling its members.

The native doctor therefore agreed to administer charms on four members of the family, including a pastor, over their alleged involvement in witchcraft.

The purpose of the charm was to  compel them to confess their involvement or not. However, things took a different turn, when the native doctor's charms he administered on two of the four members of the family including the pastor suspected to be involved in witchcraft activities led to their death.

There were claims that the two that died lost their lives because they refused to confess their involvement in witchcraft.

According to a security source in Bauchi the two members of the family lost their lives as a result of the charm given to them by the native doctor.

He said: “Two members of the family including a pastor of an ECWA Church who refused to admit to witchcraft involvement died after the native doctor administered the charm on them.

“Eight  suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are helping the police with valuable information.

“The native doctor was also arrested by a police detective who disguised as someone needing spiritual help.”

Source: Vanguard

Source: Naij.com news

I'm Still A Bonafide PDP Member - Obasanjo

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared that he is a card carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) even as he inaugurated projects of Rivers government.


Obasanjo made this known when he spoke with the media at the end of his two-day visit in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The media reports that the former president inaugurated 16 projects completed by Gov Chibuike Amaechi of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He commended the projects, saying that the monorail was a laudable one.

The former president said the criticism that trailed the project was normal.

According to him, anything good you are doing and there is no opposition, try to take a second look at it.

Obasanjo said that it was only Rivers that could run a monorail transport because of its power generation.

“With 700 megawatts, you can dedicate 10 megawatts to the monorail; so, the only state in the country that can do that for now is Rivers,” he said.

Obasanjo, who also inaugurated the Buguma Fish farm in Asari Toru Local Government Area, described the project as laudable.

He urged the state to maintain the project, adding that it should ensure preservative processing to avoid spoilage and wastage.

In his speech, Amaechi said that the reason for situating the farm in the area was to develop and create employment opportunities for the people.

The farm presently has 1 000 tonnes of fish which are expected to produce 60 million tonnes per annum
Source: News24

Pastor, Medical Doctor Arrested For Armed Robbery Reveal Why They Joined Gang

Operatives of the Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested four persons including a pastor and a medical practitioner for their alleged  membership of a deadly armed robbery gang who attacked the Ayobo branch of Access Bank, killing three policemen, last November.

The suspects who were paraded at the command’s headquarters, Ikeja, were identified as Jonathan Nsirim, Tajudeen Dosunmu, Isaiah Willie and Tairu Kareem.

AK-47 rifles, two K-2 rifles, one pump action and 17 AK-47 magazines, fully loaded, were recovered at one of the gang’s hideouts in Egbeda area of Lagos.

It was learnt that Sp Abba Kyari, officer in charge of SARS who coordinated the arrests and the subsequent recoveries of the arms acted on an intelligence report he got about a secret house that members of the gang were using which allegedly belongs to one of the robbers identified as Saviour Confidence, who was gunned down during an operation, at 49, Alimosho Road, Egbeda area.

Giving their confessions, the medical doctor, Dosunmu, 65 said he joined the gang because he needed money to renew his operating licence.

"I am the owner of Boluwatife Kola Hospital, located at Igando, behind the police station and in 2012, my operating licence got expired and I had no money to renew it and I closed it down."

The pastor, Isaiah Willie said it was Confidence who introduced him to the gang and his job was to drive the instruments to the bank and wait by the car. He said he is a Pastor at Happy People Bible Church.

Another member of the gang, Tairu Kareem, a panel beater said, "I joined the gang because I lost my job. I am married with three children and I reside at Wilmer Crescent, Olodi-Apapa."

Source: Vanguard

We Should Produce The Next President - Jonah Jang

Middle Belt states Should produce the next president, Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang believes.

Mr Jang was attending a one day consultative forum with likely delegates from the North Central that would represent the region at the proposed National Conference.

Mr. Jang lamented that the middle belt had suffered neglect by past administrations due to lack of unity among citizens of the zone. “If we unite God will anoint, the next president after Jonathan from the middle belt, so (we) must prepare to produce the next president after Jonathan,” he said.

Mr. Jang blamed the current challenges facing the zone as well as the entire country on an older living generation that held leadership positions both in the states and at national level.

“We of the older generation might not have done well, but for the fact that we are on our way out with one leg in the grave and another still on earth, we must not destroy the country for the younger generation,” he said.

The chairman, Middle Belt forum, Jerry Gana, stressed the need for issues of insecurity to be intensively discussed and addressed during the national dialogue. He revealed that the middle belt would insist on matters of fiscal federalism during the conference and urged other zones to support the region.

“Matters of fiscal federalism should be discussed. We must get our priority right, security and welfare of the people should be the primary purpose of our agenda. We want to ensure stability in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr. Gana challenged the expected delegates to be critical in their deliberations. “Our people are depending on you. We expect that nobody should complain of marginalisation after the national conference, therefore you must debate, deliberate and harmonise all the points to present at the conference,” he said.

A former presidential candidate, Olu Falae, in his address, urged expected delegates to deliberate on the return of regional governments. This, he said, would bring the government come closer to the grassroots. He also advocated state police for effective policing in Nigeria.

He urged for proper founding of non oil producing states to enable such states invest in an alternative source of revenue as, according to him, revenue from oil might dry up in the future. He blamed the current security and economic downturn on poor leadership and poor governance.

Most of those who spoke urged Nigerians to disabuse their minds of talks of the imminent disintegration of the country.

Jonathan Is A Learner And Needs To Be Assisted - Bafarawa

Two-time governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, is one of the most experienced politicians in Nigeria. He was elected governor in 1999 and re-elected in 2003 on the banner of the APP. He ran for the presidency in 2007 on the plank of the Democratic People’s Party  (DPP) he helped to found.

In an interview with select journalists in his Sokoto residence, shortly after being welcomed into the PDP by President Goodluck Jonathan and other leaders of the party, he shared his thoughts on politics, PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan. 

Read excerpts below:

What prompted your defection to the PDP?

Joining PDP was not my decision it was the decision of my people.

In joining PDP, we are looking for a change for the better. I was in the opposition to protest against injustices being done to my people and ensure that justice is done. I was not in the opposition just for the sake of being in the opposition. All I was trying to do was to make sure that things were done the right way because in the constitution of any party, there must be internal democracy.

On whether he has regrets for not joining the ruling party earlier.

Not at all! I have no regrets because I am fighting injustice.  I’m not in politics for the sake of my personal interest. I am in politics to advance the cause of my people positively. When my people saw that there is injustice in the APC, they made up their mind that we should leave and join PDP. It was their decision and I cannot say no to their decision. That is why we found ourselves in the PDP. Therefore, I’m not regretting anything. But now, I have joined PDP and they have seen justice done to me. That’s all I’m looking for — equal treatment. So, I don’t have anything to quarrel about, I am comfortable and I want to work for the party.

His take on the re-election ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan.

If he wants to re-contest and the PDP gives him the ticket as the presidential candidate of the party, I will definitely work for him. In fact, whoever emerges as the flag bearer of our party, I will work for the person.

His assessment of President Jonathan’s performance in the last four years.

My assessment of President Jonathan’s performance in office will be different from anybody’s assessment because I was once in office as governor.  Sometimes it is not the leader that is weak but those who are giving him support. If someone had people who are not qualified to help him in the running of affairs, he will not succeed even if he has a great vision. The leadership of our great country is not a one-man show; it is a collective responsibility. So, for anybody in government to succeed, you must have people who are capable and knowledgeable to help you do the job.

So, I don’t assess Jonathan as a failure because he needs to be assisted. Nigeria’s problems are not for one person to tackle; it’s a collective responsibility. That’s why we are now in PDP.

If I could not see him when I was in another party, now as a member of the PDP, I have the right to advise him because his failure is my failure while his success is my success.

Jonathan is still in the process of learning; he had experience as deputy governor, governor and vice president. Being a governor of Bayelsa is different from being the president of the country. Within the last four years, he has gained a lot of experience. If he goes for a second term, I believe he will do better than he did in the last four years.

On how President Jonathan can succeed.

If Mr. President wants to aspire for a second term, I believe he has a vision. His first coming was not as president but as vice president. Therefore, the vision of his government is the vision of his boss. Secondly, as I mentioned earlier, if the party leadership is doing its job as it ought to, everybody will succeed because the manifesto of any political party is the working material that is supposed guide Mr. President or the governors. And who is going to supervise them? It is the party leadership. So, if the president or any governor fails, it is not the person that has failed but the leadership of the party. 

Obasanjo's Comment: SEE What Jonathan's Camp Is Planning Against Him

Recent comment from President Olusegun Obasanjo’s about President Goodluck Jonathan's promise to spend only one term in office has ignited a fresh panic in the President’s camp.

Obasanjo in an interview in London on Tuesday once again revealed that President Jonathan had promised to to serve only one term and this caused anxiety in the camp of the President, leading to a review meeting in Abuja on Wednesday night.

It was learnt that those at the meeting claimed that Obasanjo has sympathy for the opposition and he might be out for a spoiler’s game in 2015, with a target of pitching Nigerians against the President.

Therefore a consensus was reached on how to checkmate Obasanjo's plans to frustrate Jonathan’s second term bid and they are as follows:

•ignore his tirades unless they threaten national security;

•address only issues and not personality

•sustain the ongoing reconciliation in PDP and consolidate gains made by the party;

•Jonathan should continue to pursue his right to second term in office – in line with the laws of the land and the guidelines released by INEC; and

•leave the electorate to determine the fate of Jonathan in 2015.

A presidency source said: “We have agreed not to dignify Obasanjo with a response because he is not saying anything new. What should be the concern of all is the position of the 1999 Constitution on second term in office, which the President is entitled to." 

''President Happy With What Minister Oduah Has Done For Nigeria'' - Maku

Yesterday at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, President Goodluck Jonathan announced that four ministers have been relieved of their duties. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Information Minister Labarn Maku explained the reasons for this move.

Aviation Minister Stella Oduah, who was absent at the meeting, had been reportedly informed of the development by the President. It is not clear if the three other ministers - Police Affairs Minister Caleb Olubolade, Minister of Niger Delta Godsday Orubebe and Minister of State for Finance Yerima Ngama - had been warned in advance.

Olubolade and Orubebe left before the end of the meeting and did not talk to the press. Exiting the Presidential Villa, Ngama spoke briefly to reporters in the Hausa language.

Yesterday's development follows the exit of Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Oghiadomhe, on Monday.

Explanation

At the end of the FEC meeting, Information Minister Labaran Maku explained that the ministers were "allowed to go" to pursue personal and political goals.

"The President ... said a number of ministers have been asked to step out of the Federal Executive Council to pursue or further their own interests, some in politics, others private-focused. But mainly what the President did today was to allow ministers who have indicated interest in pursuing further goals in the polity and in the economy and in the life of the country to be allowed to go.

"In announcing the acceptance of their decision to participate further in the polity, the President thanked them very sincerely for the great job they have done in helping the government realise a number of the goals that have been achieved under the transformation agenda," Minister Maku said.

He then added that the President thanked the ministers for their work for Nigeria and was "generally happy" with what they had done to help the administration to realize its goals.

"The President explained that, contrary to this insinuation which came from the social media and were also replicated in some regular media, [Chief of Staff] Oghiadomhe left to pursue further interest in politics," Maku said further.

"The President made it very clear that the resignation of the former chief of staff has nothing to do with the alleged misdemeanors in NNPC, but rather it was purely a decision of the former chief of staff to withdraw his services to participate in pursuing further interest in politics."

On why Stella Oduah was asked to go, Maku had this to say:

"I have just reported exactly what the President said. Also, don't forget allegations don't necessarily mean guilt, and I think the press should always take sometimes to be patient. But the truth of the matter is that they left because they indicated interest in playing deeper roles in the politics of the country and the President has decided to let them go." 

Why FG Has Kept Mum Over Sanusi/NNPC Controversy

The Federal government yesterday said it has not commented on the controversy between the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation over alleged non-remittance of some money into the federation account because it believes the disagreements would be solved at institutional level.

Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had accused the NNPC of failing to remit $20 Million from oil sales into the federation account, an allegation the NNPC vehemently denied.

CBN Gov, Sanusi and Minister of Petroleum Resources, Alison-Madueke

But asked why the government has kept  mute about the allegation from the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku called for restraint in esponding to the allegation.

“I will caution that we be patient for the institution of government to respond. You will recall that the CBN governor claimed $49 billion or there about was missing and inquiry shows that that was not so. Now he has been making further claims and NNPC has been responding and I believe that I do not have the facts now to answer your questions. I believe the Minister of Finance, the NNPC will be in a better position to provide answers.

“You know when you deal with figures, we cannot be responding flippantly. NNPC has been explaining it’s position and I think you should listen to its explanation. What I have heard the NNPC say is that there appears to be lack of understanding by the CBN governor for the actual work they do and how monies are remitted. And they have continued to make that point repeatedly in response to the CBN. Because last time it was $49 billion but overnight $29 billion was no longer missing.

“So when you look at this kind of allegations and the outcome, I am not a financial expert but I think there is some level of misunderstanding that needs to be carefully looked into.

“These institutions in my opinion can resolve those problems rather than making it an issue of newspaper statement which continues to give the impression that they are not working together, when they should be working together. They should in my opinion coordinate their activities in such a way that they have full understanding operations of the matter” he said. 

SEE How Yobo Tears Nigerians Apart

The decision of Coach Stephen Keshi to recall captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo, into the team is currently causing ripples among football lovers in the country.

The on loan Norwich of England defender, who is closing in on a century of caps last played for Nigeria in 2013 when the Eagles won the Africa Cup of Nations after a 19-year wait, was yesterday named among the 23 players for the 5 March friendly against fellow World Cup finalists Mexico in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Nigerians are divided over the decision to extend an olive branch to the former Everton FC of England player.

While a few of them believe that the 33 years old deserves a recall based on his wealth of experience, others argued that he is a spent force and has no business in the team again.

Ex-international Moses Kpakor is of the view that Yobo still has something to offer the team, adding that the technical crew of the Eagles should take advantage of Yobo’s defensive prowess when the chips are down.

A member of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, who craved anonymity, said the decision to hand Yobo a recall was arrived at by the technical committee of the NFF, adding that it was the committee members that compelled Keshi to invite Yobo.

“They advised Keshi to invite a number of players to see if they can fit into his World Cup plans. That was the reason he recalled Yobo, Ike Uche and a number of new players,’’ he said.

A FIFA licenced football agent Friday Nwoye argued vehemently that Yobo’s recall could bring disunity into the team. “Why should Yobo be recalled at this crucial time? I just hope and pray that what befell Nigeria at the France ’98 World Cup would not happen again,” Nwoye said.

Celestine Ezim, a grassroots football coach based in Lagos corroborated Nwoye’s stand. Ezim, Chief Coach of Prime Warriors, FESTAC Town said inviting Yobo back into the Eagles’ fold may disrupt the cohesion that has been in existence between Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona.

“Both players paired well in the Eagles’ centre defence at the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup and the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

“People may not know that Omeruo and Oboabona were teammates at Sunshine Stars back then and that what was helped Nigeria in South Africa. I think inviting Yobo is like inviting distraction into the team.’’ Ezim said.

FOR REAL? Basketmouth Shuns Kim Kardashian (PHOTO)

Top Nigerian Comedian, Basketmouth who is known for his hilarious jokes and videos shared the photo below of him snubbing Kim Kardashian during Darey's concert 'Love like a movie' held last year in Lagos.



He shared the photo with caption "Kim K...please chill...I am busy".


While some of his fans believe him. Many of his fans reacted saying the picture was photoshopped but Basketmouth still insists its not.



Last year February, Darey Art Alade paid the controversial American TV reality star, Kim Kardashian a large sum of money to co-host his “Love Like a Movie” Valentine concert in Lagos.

This year February, Darey Art is bringing Destiny's Child Kelly Rowland to Lagos on the 15th of February 2014 for the second edition of Darey Art Alade’s music concert, Love Like a Movie (LLAM) holding at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Ocean view Grounds in Lagos.


What do you think? Is it photoshop or real?

Source: Naij.com news

Source: Lailas Blog

SEE The Beautiful Gift MBGN Queen Anna Ebiere Got For Valentine (PHOTO)

Young and beautiful Anna Banner Ebiere, winner of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant MBGN 2013 just got this beautiful ring for valentine.

As the winner of MBGN, she represented Nigeria at the 2013 edition of the Miss World competition held in Indonesia.

Source: Lailas Blog

Source: Naij.com news

Do we hear wedding bells? Paul ‘Psquare’ Okoye to wed his fiancee next month

The unmarried half of the Psquare twins, Paul Okoye, has finally picked a date to formally marry his fiancee and mother of his son, Anita Isama.

According to a press release by his publicist, Bayo Adetu, the singer has chosen March 22, 2014 as the date for the traditional marriage ceremony.

The event will hold at Aztech Acrum Events Center in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Congratulations in advance!

Here's Why Jonathan Could Not Cover His Chief of Staff, He Had To Fire Him Immediately

Corruption is a way of life for most political office holders in Nigeria, especially those working closely with the President because they see themselves as untouchable, since no one can challenge any financial requests from them as it would seem that such fraudulent requests are for the good of Mr President.

Sometimes the President is involved, agreed, but most of the times these people just use the name of the Oga at the Top to loot billions and become multi-billionaires and powerful men, overnight.

That is what is still going on in Nigeria today. A huge dossier prepared on the activities of the "sacked" Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed an extensive corruption profile... 

But the former Deputy Governor of Edo State is unlikely to be asked to answer for the many "deals" because Jonathan does not want to open a Pandora’s Box involving persons at the highest levels of his administration, analysts have told Sahara Reporters. 

Mr. Oghiadomhe’s bag of tricks includes Kerosene subsidy fraud at the NNPC to the magnitude of millions of dollars with a controversial businessman, Jide Omokore, owner of oil companies Atlantic Energy Limited and Seven Energy.

Both companies are at the center of $6billion fraud cited by the Governor of the Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, in his recent revelation to the Nigeria Senate that the NNPC has not been able to account for as much as $20billion of the $67billion worth of oil it lifted between 2012 and 2013.

Jonathan reportedly asked Oghiadomhe to resign after security agencies revealed his deep involvement, first, in a Rice waiver scam used to fund Jonathan’s Presidential Election in 2011; the security reports traced billions of naira to the duo, showing that they did not declare or remit a greater portion of the “profit” from the Rice waiver to the Jonathan campaign.

The campaign treasurer then was Ms. Stella Oduah, the current minister of Aviation, enmeshed in various kind of financial and certificate scandals in her ministry.

In recent days, it also emerged that Mr. Oghiadome and Omokore benefited immensely from the alleged huge Kerosene subsidy fraud amounting to about  N1billion a day.

Last week Tuesday, Omokore sent his wife, Angela, to meet with President Jonathan in order to explain that her husband did not partake in the fraud, but Jonathan appeared unconvinced as the CBN governor buffeted the nation with further revelation of massive fraud in the petroleum sector. 

You may wish to know that Angela Omokore is Oghiadome’s goddaughter.

Also, Nigeria’s Petroleum minister Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke reportedly washed her hands off the fraud case claiming that Oghiadome and Omokore short-changed Nigerians in the deals.

When the former Chief of Staff showed up for work at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday morning he was told to submit his resignation letter. After complying, he returned to his residence.

He was not subjected to any questioning or surveillance, leaving him free to do as he pleases with his time and resources. He is now claiming he resigned to pursue his political ambition.

In order to fend off inquiries, presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati told reporters that Mr Oghiadomhe had “voluntarily resigned” to go and participate in politics.

The spin is aimed at deflecting public outrage that could force Jonathan’s hands in taking action against others involved in the NNPC fraud, particularly the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Alison-Madueke. She is currently reported to be “sick,” and is maintaining a low profile in far away London. 

The challenge facing Jonathan is that, particularly in an election year, it would be impossible for him to claim that Oghiadomhe carried out his full briefcase of alleged corruption activities at the NNPC all the way from Aso Rock without the knowledge of the Minister, and that he has done all of it since 2010 without the knowledge of the presidency and the security agencies.

Whenever there is obvious corruption in Jonathan's government, nobody is prosecuted.

Five Policemen Slump On Parade Ground

Five officers of the Nigeria Police Force slumped on Friday at the Police College, Ikeja, during a parade to mark the pulling out (retirement) of senior police officers.

The event, which lasted for about two hours, was held in honour of  seven  retiring officers, made up of two AIGs and five commissioners.

 Midway into the ceremony, a policeman slumped and was quickly attended to by the paramedics, who later carried the man away in an NPF ambulance. Almost immediately after the incident, three others, including a woman, also slumped. Paramedics, who attended to them, gave them sachet water, which they drank and also poured  on their heads.

The fifth man that slumped  was taken out of the parade ground by the medical team.

The ceremony, which attracted  top officers of the Police Force, was witnessed by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar;  the Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mike Okiro (retd), and among other dignitaries.

Abubakar commended the retiring officers for their selfless service to the force and the nation.

The event, which was also  used to reward some officers and men of the force, was held amid tight security.

The highlight of the occasion was the symbolic pulling out of the retiring officers.

Source: Punch Nigeria

SEE What Osita Iheme 'Pawpaw' Has To Say About His Upcoming Wedding

It was recently reported that popular nollywood actor, Osita Iheme a.k.a Pawpaw was getting ready to walk down the aisle with his Ghanaian sweetheart.

Well, Osita has debunked the news saying its a lie.

Speaking with a popular daily, he said, 'Na lie! There’s no such thing, they are just rumours.'

So, Osita isn't leaving the league of bachelors anytime soon, he is still available.




Source: kemifilani.com
Source: Naij.com news

JUST IN! ASUU May Embark On Another Strike

Another strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is imminent as there is fear over the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding reached with the federal government.

Indications emerged as the national treasurer of ASUU, Dr Tunde Aremu, while speaking at a luncheon held in honour of media for their roles in the last strike in Ibadan yesterday, disclosed that government was yet to release the N220 billion for 2014-2018 programmes.

He warned that the gates of the universities might again be shut should government refuse to implement the MoU reached at the tail-end of the last strike.

Aremu explained that the money was to be released on quarterly basis and deposited at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). However, he expressed fears that the MoU reached with the government before the last strike was called off might end up not being implemented as agreed.

Wondering why the government let the last strike continue for 5 months, he said that they don't want another strike to be launched.

While commending the media, Aremu said that the emancipation of Nigeria depends on the media and urged them not to rest in their oars.

He said the struggle for the implementation of the 2009 agreement had been partially won and called on the media to beam their searchlights on the universities on how the money would be spent.

Meanwhile the chairman University of Ibadan chapter of ASUU, Dr Olusegun Ajiboye, said the union had no option than to proceed on the inevitable strike since all avenues to let government realize the need to implement the agreement had failed.

Ajiboye lamented that the government didn't manage to use the resources at its disposal to effectively fund the educational system of the country.

Source: Leadership

Source: Naij.com news

Governor Chime Flown Abroad Over Deteriorating Cancer Condition

Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime has been flown abroad over his failing health.


According to the information gathered, the governor, who is suffering from cancer of the nose, may be away for weeks so he can undergo a chemotherapy section over deteriorating cancer.

Chime reportedly travelled on February 4, 2014. Earlier on February 2, he hosted meeting of the South-East Governors’ Forum at the Governor’s Lodge, Enugu.

But there are concerns that Chime may not have transferred power to his Deputy, Sunday Onyebuchi, before the trip, an occurrence that is becoming a norm in Nigeria’s governance.

Section 190 Sub-section 1 of the 1999 Constitution as amended provides: “Whenever the governor is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the Speaker of the House of Assembly to that effect, and until he transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly a written declaration to the contrary, the Deputy Governor shall perform the functions of the Governor as Acting Governor.”

Yesterday, his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, explained that the governor traveled overseas

“as part of his routine medical checkup”.

He however dispelled speculations that his boss would be out of the country for three months.

Chime, upon his return from a four-month medical trip in February last year, told Nigerians that he would be traveling periodically to the United Kingdom (UK) for checkup as directed by his doctors.

Sources say he had traveled to London at least thrice within the past 11 months.
Source: Daily Post

11 Defecting Senators Are In For A Shocker

The 11 senators who recently defected from the Peoples, Democratic Party (PDP) to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) may be in for a shocker this week.

It emerged over the weekend that the senate leadership is planning to declare their seat vacant should they insist on moving to the APC., a threat which the senators are not taking lightly.

A top PDP senator who pleaded anonymity said that there are two cases in court, one from the PDP asking that should its members leave the party before their term expires in 2015,their seats should be deemed vacant while the other is from the defecting senators, asking that the status quo ante be maintained and that nothing should happen to their seats.

He said nothing can be done until both cases are dealt with.

The APC senators have resolved to make the chamber uncomfortable for the PDP-controlled Senate while a meeting has been scheduled for this evening in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Senate may go into an executive session on resumption tomorrow. The chamber will be expecting to hear the outcome of the assignment given to Mark on the “legal advice” which cannot be relayed in an open session.

Thereafter, the chamber is expected to host the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, who will brief senators on the protracted crisis in Rivers State and the role played by his men.

Source: Daily Sun Newspaper

Source: Naij.com news

Mbu's Farewell Gift To RIVERS STATE: Patience Jonathan's Thugs Of Her Political Allies Released

Rivers State - Six militia men arrested by the Joint Task Force in Rivers State on January 3, 2014, have been released on the orders of Nigeria's First Lady, Patience Jonathan, according to SaharaReporters.

It will be recalled that the six men in an white Land Rover jeep were stopped on Ekporo Road while heading to Ogu Bolo Local Government Area for "suspicious movement". Among those arrested were Daniel Ibito-Anga, Sunday Elisha, Uche Jenikachi, Ibinabo Lawson, and Okechukwu Okoro. They possessed AK47 rifles, 146 rounds of 7.62mm Special live ammunition and 10 magazines.

Ibito-Anga is known in Ogu Bolo as Security Adviser/PA to Senator George Sekibo (Rivers East Senatorial District) and Evans Bipi, who, in their turn, are close associates of Patience Jonathan. Bipi is the legislator who was recently stopped by a court from parading himself as the Speaker of the Assembly.

Their release was first ordered by Mrs. Patience on January 6, but at that time Rivers State Police Commissioner, Joseph Mbu (redeployed on Thursday to Abuja) could not comply, as the order became public knowledge.

Despite holding the men, Commissioner Mbu did not charge them to court. Other security agencies say Mr. Mbu kept telling them that investigations were still going on - only to find out that the susects were released on Wednesday.

Rivers State Police command are yet to comment on the matter.

The car the six gunmen were arrested in

Source: Sahara Reporters

Source: Naij.com news

''My Wife Is Not My Type'' - Famous Actor Reveals

Hollywood actor Michael Ealy, 40, married Khatira Rafiqzada, 32 after dating her for four years, but now he says she's not his type.

He made this comment while interviewed by Rolling Out magazine and asked to advise other men looking to settle down.

This is what he replied:

"While, I don’t consider myself a person that should write a book, or give advice on relationships, what I will share is my personal perspective. What helped me along the way was I had two personal friends of mine whose fiancés died. And I went through a personal struggle where my father got really sick, and I spent a week with him and it just dawned on me that we don’t have as much time as we think. And when you’re done playing games, and you find someone who has qualities that are much more practical as opposed to romanticized ideals, then you've got to hold on to them. People think that you’re supposed to marry your type … well, I didn’t marry my type. It’s much more practical, and based in a day-to-day existence. So when you have that, and you’re happy, and you love her, don’t waste time. Because time — and I’ve learned that at this point in my life — time is my most precious commodity. Nothing is more precious than time. Because when it runs out … that’s it."

It would be interesting to know how his wife reacted to this statements... Anyway, do you agree with the actor?

Pastor On The Run After Scamming Church Members, Friends R45 Million

A South African pastor is reported to have fled back home after failing to turn up at court in the UK following his conviction for a massive R45 million fraud.

South Africans Bruce Scott, 50, and his wife Belinda, 43, who are originally from Joburg, were convicted in November on 11 counts of defrauding individuals and companies in the UK.
The fraud was carried out on friends, business associates and people connected to his self-styled church, the Covenant Church of the Cross, which he held at a Methodist chapel in the small village of Farnham Common in Buckinghamshire.
Bruce was convicted of 10 counts of fraud and deception, while Belinda was convicted of one count of fraud by false representation.
Both were released on bail at Reading Crown Court to return for sentencing on January 10, when Bruce was warned he would face prison.
Belinda attended and was handed a one-year conditional discharge. However, Bruce failed to turn up with his wife, who said the last time she saw him was that morning when he left for work.
He was last seen six days later driving his car on a main road towards the Buckinghamshire town of Beaconsfield.
Detective Superintendent David Poole, at Thames Valley Police, said: “Thames Valley Police Economic Crime Unit has conducted a thorough investigation leading to convictions of Mr and Mrs Scott after a trial. A significant breach of trust has led to large sums being stolen from members of our community, which is unacceptable.
“Mr Scott has now absconded before his sentencing, and I appeal for any information which could lead to his location so that he can be arrested and brought to justice.”
Although the couple’s passports were confiscated, it is unclear whether they had British and South African ones, and whether both sets were taken by court officials.
Police declined to speculate about Bruce’s whereabouts, but sources said there was a good chance he had “returned to his homeland”.
A police spokeswoman would not say whether officers had alerted the South African police or if they would contact Interpol.
Belinda has remained at the couple’s house in High Wycombe.
In total, nine people handed over a total of R4.5m between 1998 and 2012, with Bruce failing to repay the cash despite various pledges. One unnamed woman in South Africa handed over R742 000 and lost her home as a result.
November’s trial, in which keen chef Bruce was described as a “forceful” husband, was told the pastor also failed to pay a R815 000 rent bill; R1.1m to a church friend as part of a restaurant venture; another R742 000 to a friend; R851 000 to three other people; and R101 000 to a pensioner.
Among other debts was R181 000 in private school fees for their four children, then aged 7 to 19. The couple had 15 bank accounts between them.
The couple set up their Church of the Cross as a limited company in 2006, then later changed it to the Covenant Church of the Cross and dropped the limited element. It was dissolved in 2012.
Over the past decade, they had been involved in a number of start-up companies.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/58709.html

Tonto Dikeh Warns Wizkid About Impending Army Arrest

Yesterday, Starboy Wizkid posted a picture of himself wearing a camouflage on his Instagram page and instantly controversial actress/singer reminded him about the army's threat to celebs.

It will be recalled that, the army allegedly wrote an open letter to celebrities asking them to stop wearing their uniforms or anything close to it. Here is what Tonto wrote.

So many hours later, Wizkid is yet to take it down, and some of his followers instead of urging him to take it down resulted in calling Tonto Dikeh different names including a Hoe!
RELATED ARTICLE: Wizkid Challenges Nigerian Army: "Oya Come and Arrest Me" (PHOTO)

Source: Ladun Liadi's Blog

Source: Naij.com news

Dana Plane Crash: Landlord Wants N540m For Damages

An aggrieved victim of Dana Airline plane crash that occurred on Sunday, 3 June, 2012, Pastor Omawunmi Daniel and his business venture, Thursmay Educational Service Limited, has filed a N540m suit against the airline.

Other defendants in the suit are the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA and Prestige Assurance Plc.

In a statement of claims filed before a Federal High Court in Lagos by a Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Dele Adeshina, SAN, on behalf of the plaintiff, Pastor Omawunmi averred that he is the owner of the four plots of land situated at 8/10, Popoola Olaniyi Street, Iju Ishaga, Lagos.

He also said that that on 3 June, 2012 at exactly 3.45 p.m., Dana Airline Model MD Douglas MJ83 aircraft crashed into his property and destroyed all his buildings and structures including personal belonging of his entire family, fish ponds, warehouses, furniture venture workshops and warehouse belonging to his company and Mrs. Nike Odunpitan.

He averred that his house is neither close to an airport, and such the plane’s crash onto his property was sudden, shocking and devastating and same could not have been imagined or contemplated. Therefore, he demanded the sum of N172,530,960 from the defendant. But Dana Airline offered him N74,417,429. Therefore, the two figures were harmonized and reviewed down to N97,300,777 million.

Daniel, however, said he was paid $30,000 as cost of resettlement for himself and family, apart from the fact that he lost some finishing goods, books, doors.

Therefore, the plaintiff averred that regrettably, the conduct of the airline and Prestige Assurance, in the course of the settlement negotiations has been oppressive, inhuman and nonchalant, in total disregard for their suffering.

The plaintiff also alleged  that he wrote to NCAA to prevail on Dana Airline to speedily consider and settle the claim. Similar letters were written to Nigeria President, Senate president, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minister of Aviation, Attorney- General of the Federation, Inspector General of Police, National Human Rights Commission, Lagos State governor and Attorney-General of Lagos State but Dana Airline and Prestige Assurance have declined to grant the plaintiff claims.

Consequently, the plaintiff is claiming the following against the defendants: N207,507,608 against Dana Airline and Prestige Assurance for the loss of their properties and income, N50 million damages suffered by Pastor Omawunmi, N234,097,500 being the cost of the property destroyed by the aircraft; N28 million being loan obtained by his company, payment of N2 million every month being interest of the loan and N50 million as general damages.

Dana Airline is yet to file any defence. NCAA in its defence before the court by Barrister Bekun Sowole averred that as at the time of the crash, the airworthiness clearance issued to Dana Airline was valid.