Court restrains Emir of Kano from tampering with palace structures

A Kano High Court Friday restrained the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II from either demolition or tempering with any structure in the Kano Emir’s palace pending the hearing of motion on notice. A court order made available to Reporters in Kano, the Presiding Judge, Justice A.T. Badamasi also restrained the Emir and the Emirate Council from giving quit niotice or evicting any person residing inside palace known as Gidan Rumfa until the determination of the substantive application. The order restrained ‘the first and Second Dependents/Respondents from giving quit notice or evicting any person resident in the Emir’s palace by virtue of being or Bayin Sarki pending the determination of the substantive application’’. Justice Badamasi further directed the parties involved to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit. However, briefing newsmen on the development, Counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Sanusi Sadiq alleged the emir and the Emirate council were seeking to destroy the grave yard which housed the tomb of 13 former Kano Emirs. Sadiq said the plan to demolish the structures in the palace was capable of killing the ancient tradition Kano Emirate council was known for In the meantime, the matter was adjourned to November 12, for hearing of the motion on notice.

MTN gets November deadline to pay N1.4trn fine

   As the controversy over the N1.4 trillion fine on MTN lingers, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given MTN Nigeria a deadline of 16 November to pay the fine imposed on it for failing to register the personal details of 5.1 million subscribers. This deadline is coming after the South Africa’s stock exchange, JSE Ltd, launched an investigation into the timing of the operator’s announcement of its penalty. According to a report, the spokesman for the Nigerian Communications Commission, the country’s telecoms watchdog, was quoted as saying that the outcome of the discussion may affect the date. A statement by MTN said its CEO is still in talks with the Nigerian authorities and its senior management and advisers also talking to JSE, after the announcement of the fine knocked around 20 percent off the company’s stock price. ‘‘That’s why they are having the discussion so that they can reach a solution,” the spokesperson said. The report also said Nigeria’s presidency and internal security agency are involved in the talks. As for the JSE probe, the head of the regulatory division, Andre Visser, said “the investigation will follow due process to establish whether there have been any breaches of the listings requirements and can be a lengthy process.” Under South African capital markets rules, companies are required to immediately warn shareholders of price-sensitive information. Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings has revised MTN Group’s outlook to negative, owing “to the risk of a significant cash outflow due to a substantial fine imposed on MTN’s Nigerian operations, which could increase leverage and pressure MTN’s credit metrics.s

Orubebe set for trial on Nov 9

The Federal Government has instituted a four-count criminal charge against the erstwhile Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Peter Orubebe, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja. Already, the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal has fixed November 9 to take the plea of the former Minister who is facing charges bordering on false declaration of assets and his alleged acceptance of bribe to the tune of about N70million. Orubebe was okayed for trial by the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
  The charge against him which is dated October 8, was signed by a senior legal officer at the CCB, Mr. Peter Danladi. Specifically, Orubebe was in the charge pending against him before the CCT, accused of failing to declare his ownership of two choice properties in Abuja. FG alleged that he pocketed bribe of N70m that was given to him by one Pastor (Dr.) Jonathan Alota, the owner of a company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited, that benefited from contracts that were awarded by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, whilst Orubebe held sway as the Minister. Whereas he was accused of falsely declaring his assets in 2011, offence under section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15, FG, received bribe of N50m in 2012 and another N20m in 2013, an offence contrary to section 10 of the CCB & Tribunal Act, 2004, and punishable under Section 23 (2) of the same law. Orubebe Orubebe A copy of the charge, as well as a summon from the tribunal for him to appear for trial on November 9, was said to have been served on the former Minister since October 29.
   The charge which was obtained by Saturday Vanguard yesterday, reads:
           “That you, Godsday Peter Orubebe, while being a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29th 2011 did make a false declaration in your asset declaration form by failing to declare plot 2722 Kyamu District Abuja on assumption of office on 26th September 2007 and on leaving office (at the end of your tenure), on June 29, 2011 and you thereby committed an offence under section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of Part 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution and punishable under section 23(2) of the CCB & T Act. “That you Godsday Peter Orubebe, while being a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29, 2011 did make a false declaration in your asset declaration form by failing to declare plot 2059 Asokoro district, Abuja on assumption of office on September 26, 2007 and on June 29, 2011 and you thereby committed an offence under section 15 of the CCB & T Act, and punishable under section 23 (2) of the CCB & T Act. “That you Godsday Peter Orubebe while being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs on or about September 19, 2012 asked for and accepted the sum of fifty million naira from one Pastor (Dr) Jonathan Alota, as bribe for the contract awarded in favour of his company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 10 of the CCB & T Act, and punishable under Section 23 (2) of CCB & T Act. “That you Godsday Orubebe, while being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about 2013 asked for and accepted the sum of twenty million naira from one Pastor (Dr.) Jonathan Alota as additional bribe for the contract awarded in favour of his company Chemtronics Nigeria Limited for the construction of skill acquisition Centre at Edo State for the sum of one billion seven hundred and ninety nine million, nine hundred and fourteen thousand two hundred and fifty naira eighty eight kobo only (₦ 1,799,914,251.88K) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 10 of CCB & T Act”.

We can't afford to pay 42 ministers.

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his government cannot afford to pay forty-two ministers and that not all ministerial nominees screened by the Senate will have portfolios. The President also said that Nigeria has been ‘material and morally vandalized’ and that he will reduce the numbers of ministries. President Muhammadu Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari in an interview with Channels TV and Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, in New Delhi in India said that he is working with people introduced to him by others that he trust and must work with them. Buhari while reacting to a question on the divide in the National Assembly over Rotimi Amaechi’s confirmation as minister said he did not work into the presidency alone hence he can not work alone and that some of those having problems at the National Assembly he had never met them. ‘This is team work, I said I know some people but there are others, I accepted from other people that I trust without even knowing them.’ ‘May be those that are having problems in the National Assembly I doubt if I have met them in my life but then, I am working with others.’ ‘I did not work into the presidency alone. I have to defend all the three tiers of government from all parts of the country.’ Backing his 36 Minister nominees Buhari said that he cannot work out outside the constitution and that ministers must be appointed in conformity with the constitution of the Federal Government that stipulates that ministerial appointment must reflect the 36 states of the country. And that these minister nominees though representing their states some will not have portfolios but will be part of his cabinet. ‘We can not work outside the constitution there must be a cabinet representative from each state.’ ‘There use to be forty two ministers but I think we can barely keep half of that now because we cannot afford it. ‘Others may not be substantive ministers but they will sit in the cabinet because that is what the constitution said and we can’t operate outside the constitution’ ‘We are reducing the number of ministries we can’t afford to pay.’ ‘Where is the money? Do you know the Federal Government has to help twenty seven states out of thirty six to pay salaries?.’ ‘Nigeria can not pay salaries Nigeria had to summon the Governor of the Central Bank to see how it could pay salaries not to talk of projects, agreement signed with foreign countries, counter funding and so on.

The country was material vandalized and morally so.’ On his ambition to see that the dreaded Boko Haram group is crushed by December the president said that his is optimistic on the capability of the military and other government agencies in crushing the terrorists and as he feels sorry for those who think otherwise or have given up on winning the war against terrorist. ‘I am an optimistic person. I am sorry for those who have already given up. I remain confident that our military and other law enforcement agencies are more than equal to the task.’ ‘Don’t forget that I made an earlier statement to the effect that the Nigerian military and police earned accolades all over the world: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan.’ “They earned international respect and then here you are, the Nigerian military and other law enforcement agencies could not secure 14 local governments out of 774 until the government was changed.’ Further more on how he feels when critics say he is being selective in the fight against corruption Buhari said that anyone who is not corrupt should not be afraid rather they should encourage him to go headlong with the fight. ‘…if they are not involve in corruption they won’t mind they would encourage us to get whoever compromised his position in the trust being given on to him. I see it in the papers, watch it on screen but I have never lost a sleep on it because those that are not corrupt should even encourage us to do more. But those that are interested in the safety of those that have abused trust in the country office will go to any length including bribing people to give false information and so on.’

He went on to say that he is not being selective in his fight against corruption and that any bdy caught will be prosecuted for Nigerians to see. ‘Whoever is caught the document use in incriminating him or her will be use to prosecute him for Nigerians to know who has abused thrust’ On how he want to remembered the president said that ‘if we survived it I want Nigerian to have found out that I was genuine,a real patriot not that I only fought the Civil war but fought corruption to a stand still’.

Permanent Secretary suspended indefinitely over alleged suspension of morning devotions in schools

The Cross River State government has indefinitely suspended the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education Anne Odey, who last week released a statement suspending all forms of morning devotion in schools across the country. The State Security Adviser (SSA) to Governor Ben Ayade, Jude Ngaji who made this known to newsmen yesterday in Calabar, explained that indeed the state police commissioner, Henry Fadairo, had contacted the state ministry of Education about a possible attack by Boko haram members during early morning and afternoon devotions in various schools.
 

Ngaji said the permanent secretary unilaterally took the decision of suspending the age long practice of morning devotions in the state, without consulting the state governor. "The governor has directed that the permanent secretary be suspended indefinitely while the ban on suspension of devotion has been lifted immediately. It is true that police got intelligence information that Boko Haram is planning to bomb schools during morning devotions and therefore directed authorities in the Ministry of Education to act fast. But the permanent secretary did not bother to refer to the governor or call for stakeholders’ meeting to that effect. So, the governor feels pained that the permanent secretary got such sensitive information without seeking for his advice and went ahead to issue directive suspending morning devotions in schools," he said. He added that the governor is a strong believer in God and will not do anything that will prevent people from worshiping God.

Oil thieves get 84 years jail term

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday convicted seven men to 84 years imprisonment for illegal and unlawful dealing in 1,459 metric tonnes of petrol. The court sentenced each of the convicts to a jail term of 12 years each starting Friday after they were all found guilty of the five count charge preferred against them. The convicts are; Adedamola Ogungbayi; Olaniran Olabode; Suraju Gasali; Moses Emmanuel; Wilson Bonsi; Okaraodi Uche and Onyeogo Happy. Apart from the jail term, Justice Abang also ordered the forfeiture of the vessel, ‘MT Good Success’, used by the convicts in stealing the said petroleum product, as well as the recovered petroleum product to the Federal Government.
  The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the sums of N66.6m and $975,000 which belonged to the convicts’ company, Hepa Global Energy Limited, domiciled with the First City Monument Bank to the Federal Government. The convicts, were arraigned alongside their vessel and company on August 28, 2014 on five counts alongside one Padoun Jacob, who was discharged and acquitted by the court. The judge, in setting Jacob free on all the five counts, described him as a desperate job seeker, who became a victim of circumstances.

check out Pics from white house Halloween party

President Obama and his wife Michelle threw a Halloween Costume party at the White House yesterday and invited little kids to have fun with them. The most adorable was the little boy in a Pope costume in his Pope mobile. He made the president laugh.

Russia plane crash

A Kogalymavia passenger plane carrying 224 people has crashed in Egypt's Sinai penunsula. The airliner took off from the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik this morning, and was heading for Russia, according to aviation sources, when it disappeared from radar. It's believed the plane was mainly carrying Russian tourists. The plane was carrying 212 passengers and 7 crew members. 17 of the passengers are children. Airbus A321 left Sharm-El-Sheikh for St. Petersburg with flight number 7K9268. It belongs to airline Metrojet and was 18.5 years old and was descending with about 6000 feet per minute just before signal was lost. The captain told ATC after departure of a technical fault and requested a route change. Local media says a recovery team is now at the site of the crash.

Photos from ubi Franklin and hubby's trad wedding

Their church wedding is scheduled to hold on Sunday, November 1. Congrats to them 

Orubebe to be arraigned before CCT over alleged false declaration of assets

Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe will be arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) November 9, over alleged false declaration of assets and acceptance of about N70million bribe. The four-count charge against him was filed on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) by Peter Danladi of the CCB and summons was served on the ex- minister yesterday, Oct. 29.

N1.4 trillion naira too heavy to pay... Mtn cries out

Three days after Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC slammed a N1.4 trillion penalty on MTN Nigeria for failure to disconnect customers with unregistered SIM cards, Parent company MTN group has cried out that the fine was too extreme, even as it continues to engage the regulator on how to resolve the issue.
  MTN Group noted with dismay that Nigerian Communications Commission refused to listen to its plea to reconsider its stand on the penalty slammed on its Nigerian arm last week. According to a report, MTN Nigeria spokeswoman, Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, had said in an e-mailed response, that “recommendations were put forward with respect to the non-commensurable nature of the fine but the Nigerian Communications Commission did not accept recommendations that the fine of 200,000 Naira ($1,005) per SIM was too heavy.” ‘‘MTN Nigeria contacted the regulator with concerns that a demand to disconnect SIM cards by a certain deadline would cause “severe disruption” for customers and recommended a staggered process to limit the possible impact,’’ said Oluwatoye. As a result of the fine, MTN shares plummeted about 20 percent this week in Johannesburg. The biggest four-day drop since 2008, valuing the company at about 284 billion rand ($21 billion).
    The penalty saw shares in Africa’s largest telecommunications company crash more than 12 percent to 167 rand on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the biggest fall the firm has suffered in a day since November 1998. Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator has fined South African mobile giant MTN $5.2 billion for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered SIM cards, the company announced on Monday. The penalty saw shares in Africa’s largest telecommunications company crash more than 12 percent to 167 rand on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the biggest fall the firm has suffered in a day since November 1998.

Cross River State has not banned devotion in schools

A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Tina Banku Agbor, on Friday said that a circular issued by the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Mrs Anne O. Odey, suspending assemblies in schools should be disregarded. “The circular issued by the Permanent Secretary was neither at the instance of the State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade nor with his knowledge. “The Permanent Secretary claims to have issued the circular based on the directive of the State Commissioner of Police who was purportedly acting at the instance of the Inspector-General of Police, over security concerns.‎ ‎”We wish to state categorically that it is not the policy of this administration to infringe on the freedom of worship of Cross Riverians and all who reside in the state,” the statement concluded.    
   Meanwhile, the Governor has directed the setting up of a 3-man panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the circular by the Permanent Secretary without recourse to higher authorities and recommend appropriate sanctions for this breach of protocol. The panel is to be chaired by the Deputy Governor with the Secretary to the State Government as the Secretary. The statement advised schools in Cross River State to disregard the circular from the Permanent Secretary, saying she acted beyond her brief.

German rapper who fought for ISIS killed in air strike

The former German rapper who joined ISIS in 2012 and had publicly threatened President Obama has been killed in an airstrike, the Pentagon confirmed on Friday, October 30. Denis Cuspert, who went by his hip-hop name “Deso Dogg,” died in an Oct. 16 attack near Raqqa, Syria, according to Department of Defense spokeswoman Elissa Smith. “Cuspert was a foreign terrorist fighter and operative for ISIL who used social media to take advantage of disaffected youth and potential Western recruits,” she said in a statement. “He publicly threatened the president of the United States and German citizens. He also encouraged Western Muslims to conduct attacks.” she added. 
 

The Berlin-born rapper was labeled a “specially designated global terrorist” in February, according to the State Department. Cuspert has appeared in several propaganda videos for the militant group, including one where he appeared to be holding a man’s severed head. He went by the name Abu Talha al-Almani after ditching his musical roots to join the terrorist group. “His death contributes to our efforts to stop foreign fighter recruitment,” Smith said.

Housewife dies while rescuing mate

Two women, married to the same man, died after both of them unknowingly touched a rope connected to an electric cable. The incident happened on Thursday in Tungan-Wakili, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, located few kilometres from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
    The first wife initially got electrocuted when she went to spread a cloth on the rope, . The husband to the deceased women, Umaru Sadau, a ward head in the area, told City News that the incident happened after his first wife, Hajara, went to spread a cloth she used in draining water in the house, after a rainfall.  The husband, who could not explain how electricity current reached the rope, added that his second wife, Salamatu, rushed to the scene to rescue Hajara, having watched her fell. Salamatu, whose neck, he said, touched the rope, died instantly while, Hajara, whom, he added, touched the rope with her two hands, died some minutes later, before she could be taken to hospital. Sadau said that his late wives left behind five children.

Mariah Carey suffers wardrobe malfunction

45 year old Mariah Carey suffered wardrobe malfunction during her performance on Thursday night at her debut Mariah: #1 to Infinity show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The singer who was dressed in a pink gown with a very high slit, flashed her tan panties to the whole audience when she dropped down to the floor in her heels and the dress slit revealed her underwear. She didn’t stop though, the star kept on singing

Kano boys college closed

 Following the uproar generated by alleged case of sodomy recorded at Hassan Ibrahim Gwarzo private boarding School, Kano, the state Government has closed down the college to defuse tension. Acting Governor of the state, Professor Hafiz Abubakar has directed the Private and secondary schools Board to sealed the college immediately to pave way for investigation.
   Professor Hafiz Abubakar further announced a 14 member committee under the leadership of Professor Abubakar Mustapha to investigate the allegations and turn in their report within two weeks. There was panic among Guardian and Parents of Hassan Ibrahim Gwarzo private Boarding school yesterday following a heart touching story aired by private radio station on alleged rampant cases of sodomy in the college in which a 9 years JSS student of the college claimed he was overpowered and sexually violated by unknown person. Similarly, the police in Kano has also launched a full blown criminal inquest to unravel the mystery sorrounding the sexual assault in male dominated boarding school. The Public Relations officer, Kano Police Command told Reporters in Kano Friday that one of the victim was receiving treatment at Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital.

Court throws out Saraki appeal..

The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal filed by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, challenging his arraignment and trial by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).  At the resumed hearing on Friday the court threw out all five issues raised by Senate President before it.
 The Abuja division of the Court of Appeal delivered the judgment in the appeal seeking to dismiss the 13-count criminal charge pending against the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, at the CCT. Senator Saraki had challenged the legal propriety of the 13-count charge that was preferred against him by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
 

 The appellate court had earlier adjourned its verdict on the matter indefinitely, a situation that forced the Justice Danladi Umar-led Tribunal to defer hearing on the case against Dr. Saraki Till November 5, to await the outcome of the appeal. The Tribunal took the decision to suspend full-blown hearing on the criminal case after the Justice Moore Adumein panel of the Appeal Court, on October 21, postponed its judgement without adducing any reason.

Fake soldiers arrested in Lagos

Four fake soldiers identified as John Izunwanne, 25, John Otu, 23, Richard Acha, 22, and Simon Anthony, 39, who were arrested at various times along Mile 2 road, Idi-Araba and Agege area in Lagos state, were paraded by the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni at the force headquarters in Ikeja yesterday October 29th. When interrogated, one of the suspects, 39 year old Simon Anthony, said he decided to wear the military uniform to secure free transportation from his base in Adamawa to Lagos state “I was dismissed in January 2014 for falling out from duty. I am from Adamawa state. I wanted to use the uniform to travel to Lagos because I had no transport money. But unfortunately, I was arrested by soldiers,” he told the Nation.
  Also one of the arrested fake soldiers, John Izunwanne said he wore the uniform because he wanted to secure free transportation. “I wanted to go and sign my army recruitment form at Ojo Barracks when I bought the uniform at the Mammy Market. However, on October 7, my friend had a court case and I was to appear in court as a witness. The court was in Agege and I did not have the transport fare to go, so, I decided to wear my uniform to save me the cost of transportation.” One of the arrested fake soldiers Otu who is a member of the Citizen for Peace and First Aid Missions in Nigeria, said he heard his friends were arrested and went to the police to secure their bail, only to be arrested for wearing

the uniform.

Ushbebe celebrates wife on Instagram

 Nigerian comedian Ushbebe has shared a picture of him kissing his wife on Instagram today (October 30). The high-profile comedian is celebrating his wife’s birthday today, and he has written a few loving words. “Happiest Birthday to the Most Amazing and Beautiful

Love of My Life..A 1 in a Billion Wife that completes me,make marriage interesting and enjoyable.I Bless God for making you a part of my world and I Pray that for every year he adds to your life,every second he will increase and bless you extensively, Lines will forever fall in pleasant places for u and we shall forever celebrate and rejoice togeda.HBD LLNP...My Osayi,Best wife in the World @annettenuagbe” he wrote.

Ice Prince clocks a year older today

Choc City rapper and label VP, Iceprince Zamani is 29 years old today. Born Panshak Zamani on October 30, 1986 in the North central town of Minna, Niger state, Iceprince hails from Jos in Plateau state. He came into limelight when he dropped the hit single, ‘Oleku’ which features former label mate, Brymo. After winning the Hennessy Artistry competition in 2009, Iceprince dropped his debut album two year later. Titled ‘Everybody Loves Iceprince’ (ELI), the album is regarded as one of the most successful rap albums in Nigeria. His 2013 sophomore, ‘Fire of Zamani’ also recorded monumental success. Iceprince also has a 3 year old son named Jamal.

See d cracker that survived d sinking of the Titanic

A cracker that survived the titanic has been sold for $23968. The Spillers and Bakers 'Pilot' biscuit survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 in which over 1,500 people died after the 'unsinkable' ship hit an iceberg. According to auctioneers, the sweet was part of a survival kit that was stored within one of the ill-fated ocean liner's lifeboats. James Fenwick, a passenger onboard the SS Carpathia, which went to the aid of survivors from the ship kept it as a 'souvenir' of the disaster.
  Another item auctioned was a 'loving cup' which was presented to the captain of the Carpathia, which came to the Titanic's aid. It was given to Captain Arthur Rostron by survivor Molly Brown and was paid for by donations from wealthy passengers after the disaster. It sold for an incredible £129,000 ($197,531) - making it the third most expensive Titanic item ever. The cup, which stands 16 inches tall, was given to Rostron for his great courage to speed the RMS Carpathia through an ice field at night to reach the Titanic and rescue 712 survivors. The auction also featured a photo of the iceberg that is believed to have sunk the cruise liner. It sold for £21,000 ($32,156). The picture of the iceberg was taken by the

chief steward of the passing Prinz Adalbert vessel. 

Woman sells daughter because of property...

CALABAR—MARIA Ekanem, a 20-year-old school drop out from Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, said yesterday in Calabar that poverty and lack of where to stay after she gave birth made her sell her two weeks old baby girl for N20,000. Maria, who was arrested by the police along five other accomplices, said her boyfriend who got her pregnant, asked her to abort the baby but said a doctor helped her with free antenatal care and food until she gave birth. This, she added, prompted her to agree to sell the baby when arrangements were made to sell. Paraded along with Maria were a 55-year-old medical doctor, Okokon Offiong Okoho, the proprietor of Evangel Clinic,of 2, Atu Street; a 70-year-old matron of Sadatoe Maternity located at Umoh Street and a nurse at the maternity who allegedly made the plans to sell the girl to an Abuja-based lady who is now on the run.
However, plans to sell the two weeks old girl was leaked to the police by a Senior Secondary Two girl of NYSC Demonstration Secondary School, Calabar , Maria Elemi, whose parents Maria was living with after she delivered the baby. “When I came back from school on Monday, Maria told me she wanted to take the baby to the parents of the boy who impregnated her since she can no longer cope with taking care of the baby,” she said. Maria said when they got to Fuller by Inyang Street in Calabar South, they met Mrs Elemi and her daughter in an SUV car, adding that Maria gave the girl to the matron who handed her over to the buyer. She said: “The woman gave Maria N20,000 and asked her to pay the nurse at the Evangel Clinic and use the rest for herself.” The girl said she became suspicious when the driver of the SUV told the woman with the baby that her husband said she should take her to the airport to catch a flight to Abuja . “I started wondering why they should take the girl to the airport when the boyfriend to Maria and her parents live here in Calabar,” Maria stated. Cross River Police Public Relations Officer, ASP John Eluu, who paraded Maria along with the doctor and Matron, said when information got to the police at the Federal Housing Police Station, detectives swung into action and arrested the suspects. Eluu said investigations were continuing to apprehend the buyer of the girl who is now on the run.

Morning devotion cancellation

CALABAR—RELIGIOUS tension is brewing in Cross River State, after the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, rejected the directive by the state government to stop morning devotion in secondary and primary schools across the state, saying such a directive is totally unacceptable to the association.  Gov. Ben Ayade In a statement, CAN state chairman, Archbishop Joseph Edra Ukpo, yesterday, called on the state government to immediately withdraw the directive as it negated freedom of worship in the state.
    The statement said: “Sequel to the letter from the Ministry of Education with reference No MOE/S132/VOL 1, by the Permanent Sectary of the Ministry of Education dated October 21, directing public and private primary/secondary schools across the state to suspend all assemblies (morning and afternoon) till further notice, the Christian Association of Nigeria , Cross River State chapter, hereby, says that such directive is totally unacceptable. This directive will negatively affect the moral upbringing of our children who are future leaders of this country.” Mrs Anne Odey, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education in the state, had last week, written a letter to all schools across the state, both primary and secondary, ordering the suspension of morning and afternoon devotions.
  When contacted, Mrs Odey said the directive came from the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Henry Fadairo, in view of prevailing security concerns in the country, adding that it was not the state government that was trying to stop the age long practice established by missionaries who established most of the schools in the state. Next Story »Furore over committee chairmansh

Borno first lady donates cancer kits

MAIDUGURI—Wife of Borno State governor and Founder, Support for Women, Orphans and Tsangaya, SWOT, Foundation, Hajiya Nana Shettima, yesterday, distributed kits for prevention and detection of cancer at early stages to wives of the 27 local government caretaker chairmen for onward delivery to targeted beneficiaries across the state.  Hajia-Nana-Shettima Presenting the kits at a one-day cancer awareness and enlightenment campaign for stakeholders in Maiduguri, Hajiya Shettima said cancer, which had become deadly, especially among the women folk in the state, was worrisome, hence the need for government at all levels to contribute their quota towards its prevention and eradication from the society. Guest speaker at the event, Dr. Babagana Usman, of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, said some women were more vulnerable to cancer in the state because of deprivation of their rights by their husbands, who were misled by certain norms and values of their religion, culture and tradition.

Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, moved to Ilofi, where he would remain for 21 days for series of rituals, rites and initiations

The people of Ile-Ife are still in a festive mood as the Ooni, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, moved to Ilofi, where he would remain for 21 days for series of rituals, rites and initiations as demanded by tradition. The family house in Giesi Royal compound at Wanikin and his father’s house on NTA Road, Mukoro, were beehives of activities as people kept calling to congratulate relatives. Commercial activities, which were suspended to welcome the Ooni into town on Wednesday, resumed in full swing. Shops and markets as well as banks were opened to customers. Ogunwusi is expected to be installed the 51st Ooni after the conclusion of the rituals and rites at the Ilofi.  The Ooni, according to tradition, will be at the Ilofi in the Ile Oduduwa, few meters away from the Ooni’s Palace at Enuwa. It was gathered that the Ooni left his private house for Ilofi at 2.30 pm yesterday amid very tight police security. He was said to have been led by the Isoros, kingmakers, traditional chiefs and security personnel in a convoy. A source said: “The Ooni has just left his house for Ilofi for the performance of certain traditional rites before he can be crowned. He is expected to be there for 21 days. “He won’t come out again and nobody will see him after today until after 21 days. Before the Ooni left for Ilofi, he has received a team of Isoros, kingmakers and traditional chiefs in his house and they had a discussion with them, which no one can say.” It was gathered that only the Isoros are permitted by tradition to stay with the new king at Ilofi throughout the 21-day period. Before Ogunwusi’s entrance yesterday, the Isoro cult members had embarked on certain pre- traditional rights that must be done. Though security operatives are not allowed to enter Ilofi, they must stay within the environment to provide security for the Ooni. The source, who preferred not to be named because of the sensitive nature of the information, also revealed that Prince Ogunwusi was in high spirits and obviously excited.

Saraki knows fate at appeal court today

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja will today deliver judgment in Senate President Bukola Saraki’s matter. Saraki, who is standing trial on a 13-count charge of false assets declaration before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has appealed the tribunal’s decision to try him.
  It was learnt yesterday that notices have been sent to the parties informing them about today’s date.  The delay by the Court of Appeal to deliver its judgment stalled proceedings before the CCT, which at its last sitting, elected to await the appellate court’s decision before taking any further steps in Saraki’s trial.    
     Respondents in the appeal are the CCT, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Federal Ministry of Justice and a lawyer in the ministry, Muslim Hassan. Arguing the appeal on October 16, Saraki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the appellate court to set aside the entire proceedings before the CCT, including the charge before it. In a counter-argument, respondents’ lawyer Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) urged the court to dismiss the suit because it is based on “misconception and wrong interpretation of the law”.

Lamar Odom making some impressive improvements

According to UsWeekly, Lamar Odom is making some impressive improvements this week after almost dying from a drug overdose at a Nevada brothel in mid this month. Lamar is 'walking with help now,' according to a report in UsWeekly. 'Lamar is getting better every day,' a source told the magazine. 'He is more coherent and can talk more.' He has been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit. 'He is doing very well and continues to be a fighter. He hasn't given up once, and this will really help him in the future,' said a friend 'He is getting stronger every day. And has a great team of therapists and specialists working with him. 'He's 6' 11' and weighs a lot, so getting him to walk a little has been really hard.' However, the former LA Lakers star is far from out of the woods yet; he is still in 'definite' need of a new kidney, and remains on dialysis after suffering organ failure over the weekend. According to the source, doctors at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center are also still 'trying to get his kidneys to function on their own." 

Made in Aba shoes gets international recognition

UMUAHIA—SUCCOUR may be coming the war of the local artisans manufacturing shoes, bags, belts and other leather products as their product could soon be transformed and compared to international products. This is because some Brazilian investors have shown interest in their products and are planning to make available to them modern equipments that will improve the quality of their products. The investors were amazed at the quality of the shoes, bags and other products, the Aba leathers were able to produce with their hands and raw equipments and reasoned that with modern equipment, the sky could be their limit. South East Voice leant that the investors really marveled at one of the shoe makers who produces over 200 shoes daily just with his raw hand and sensed that if such an artisan is provided with equipment, he will do much more. The investors who were conducted round the Leather Cluster of the Ariria International Market, Aba by some aides of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and officials of the Leather Workers Union, including Lawrence Odoemelem, SSA, Investment Promotions and Elder Emma Ezeala, SSA, Investment Facilitation and Chinedu Nwagu, SSA, Investment Planning and Strategy, showed genuine interest in partnering with the artisans involved in leather works in Aba

Boko Haram releases photos of her weapons making factory..

While the Nigerian troops are trying hard to win the battle against Boko Haram insurgency, the deadly sect which is now affiliated with world terror group Islamic State (ISIS) -has released photos showing its rocket factory in a bid to undermine the recent efforts of the armed forces

check out these After a protracted period of what seemed like a Cold War between Don Jazzy and Wande Coal, it seems all is now well between them. Wande unceremoniously left Mavin Records some years ago. Shortly afterwards, the duo had a dirty Twitter fight after Jazzy publicly accused Wande of intellectual property theft. Some hours ago, the Don started following Wande.Throw back photos of juilet Ibrahim

now check out  the current photos 

Don jazzy finally follows wande cowl on instagram

After a protracted period of what seemed like a Cold War between Don Jazzy and Wande Coal, it seems all is now well between them. Wande unceremoniously left Mavin Records some years ago. Shortly afterwards, the duo had a dirty Twitter fight after Jazzy publicly accused Wande of intellectual property theft. Some hours ago, the Don started following Wande.

violence in Ibadan as teacher flogs student to death.

Students of IMG Secondary School, Oke Ado, Ibadan, yesterday went on rampage following the death of one of their colleagues allegedly flogged to death by a teacher. The student reportedly slumped and gave up the ghost as a result of the severe punishment from a teacher for arriving late to school. Valuable properties of the school were destroyed by the students who took to protest before the members of Nigerian police force came to rescue the situation, the National Tribune reported. The identity of the deceased could not be ascertained as at press time while policemen had cordoned off the area. An eye witnesses who claimed anonymity said “trouble started when the student arrived school after classes had commenced for the day, he reportedly told the teacher he came late due to illness.” “At that point,” the eye witness added, “the principal, who was passing by asked the teacher the cause of the discussion.” The principal allegedly ordered the teacher to flog the student for coming late and in the process of the flogging, the student slumped. “All our efforts to save the student proved abortive,’’ the eyewitness added. No fewer than 10 fully armed policemen were seen on surveillance at the premises of the school with three of their vehicles parked near the school gates. Most of the school furniture-chairs and tables, cabinets were destroyed by the protesting students and files, registers scattered around. Windows and doors of the staff room were also vandalized. Teachers and administrative workers of the school were no where to be found as they took to their heels immediately the students started the protest. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oyo State Police Command, Adekunle Ajisebutu said the Police is investigating the matter and promised to get back.

Just in... Senate finally confirms Rotimi Amaechi's nomination

The Senate after much deliberation today, Thursday, approved the nomination of former governor of Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi..
Source :Vanguard

PDP senators stake a walk out on Amaechi's confirmation

PDP senators in the senate this afternoon staged a walk out over Rotimi Amaechi's ministerial confirmation. The PDP senators are against his nomination and believe he should not be confirmed as there's a corruption case against him.

Quattara re elected

The electoral commission in Ivory Coast has declared President Alassane Ouattara the winner of last weekend’s presidential election in the country. According to the commission, Ouattara won a second five-year term with nearly 84% of the votes. The election was attended by some controversy as several opposition candidates pulled out of the campaign, complaining that it was not free and fair. According to the BBC, Ouattara required more than 50% of the vote to avoid a run-off in last weekend’s poll. His closest opposition rival, Pascal Affi N’Guessan, however got just 9% of the total valid votes. Ouattara’s campaign this year centred around his economic programme even though critics have accused him of failing to foster reconciliation or reduce poverty. Ouattara’s first emergence as president after the elections in 2010 was also bitterly contested and resulted in a civil war in which 3,000 people lost their lives. In 2010, Ouattara had defeated the incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, whose subsequent refusal to step down triggered months of violence in which thousands of people were killed

Senate confirms new INEC Chairman

The senate has screened INEC Chairman nominee, Mahmoud Yakubu, a first class degree holder in History from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is a former Executive Secretary of the Education Trust Fund. He advocated for early primaries before any election is to be conducted so that people can be familiar with the election candidate. He said he might be coming to the National Assembly for a reform on early election primaries. During his presentation, the nominee advocated for E-voting, saying it is desirable and inevitable. He however said we must thread cautiously as we attempt to use E-voting. He same the workability of the technology used for E-voting must be considered. On diaspora voting, Yakubu said it is worth trying but however there are election reforms to be done. Such reforms including the law demanding an electorate to vote only where they did their voters card registration. The INEC chairman nominee said starting early to prepare for elections is key to reducing logistics and other electoral problems in Nigeria. On card reader, he said his predecessor, Professor Jega had done well and he will be consolidating on his effort. He assured that elections will be conducted as at when due during his tenure. Professor Yakubu pledged to work for the even distribution of Permanent Voters Card in all parts of the country. The nominee pledged to ensure that INEC at the headquarters, state or Local government levels will not influence electoral process. He advocated for sanctions for anyone who errs during any elections.

Read obasanjo's advice to Ooni elect

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo paid a surprise visit to the new Ooni-elect, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in Ile – Ife on Wednesday urging him to foster a greater unity of the traditional rulers in yorubaland. Obasanjo who noted that the mood in the ancient town of Ile Ife and beyond, depicted the picture of an Oba – elect that is tremendously accepted by the people, tasked Prince Ogunwusi on the need to build on the legacies of the past Oonis, including Aderemi, Olubusi among others. The former President spoke with reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, on Wednesday night shortly after returning from Ile – Ife. He said the visit is predicated on the need to see the Ooni – elect before his (Obasanjo) very tight schedule takes him outside Nigeria, and also before the 40 years old Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi goes into the traditional (Ipebi) rites. “My coming today is coming on the heels of my tight programme. By 6.00am tomorrow (today), I will be in Morocco and by that time, the new Ooni would have gone into Ipebi.  “Since he has been accepted by the Obalufe and the Sooko, I thought it is important to pay homage before going to Ipebi and that is exactly what I have done today.” “It is obvious from the jubilation in Ife that he is a popular choice. My advice for him is to build on the edifice of the past Ooni, including Aderemi and Olubusi. “I saw him as a young man, who has been very enthusiastic about contributing to growth of his people, so I am equally expecting him to show greater enthusiasm for the development of his domain. “He should ensure that he brings unity among the traditional rulers in Yorubaland and I want to wish him successes in this journey,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo welcomes Ooni of Ife to be

BON unveils nominees for 2015 awards

Nominees for the Best of Nollywood Awards 2015, were yesterday, announced at an unveiling ceremony which took place in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The award ceremony comes up on the 12th of December, at the International Conference Centre, Akure. Governor Olusegun Mimiko who was visibly excited to host the event in his state, seized the opportunity offered by the unveiling ceremony to stress the need for the federal government to find a lasting solution to the problem of piracy in the country. He noted that piracy is a major problem in the creative industry, and in moving forward, there is need for the federal government to step up its fight against piracy. According to him, government can use technology to fight piracy in the country. “I am confidence that Nigerians have come to appreciate the importance of this industry,especially the economic value of the industry. Nollywood has proved itself to be a major export commodity in our country. When our economy was rebased as our GDP moved from under $400 billion to $510 billion and we became the biggest economy in Africa, Nollywood contributed about 1.2 percent which is about $7.2 billion to Nigerian GDP,” he said. Continuing, Mimiko said, ” I also learnt that apart from Agriculture, Nollywood is the biggest employer of labour in Nigeria. This is a big industry . We are happy to make our own little contribution to the progress of this industry. We are ware of the challenges facing the industry, especially that of piracy. I am also told that not up to 20 percent of the total quantum of money generated from that industry go to the genuine practitioners. That a major problem in that industry and in moving forward, the government must find a permanent solution to that problem. Piracy eats into one’s creative energies.” As a creative nation, Mimiko called on the federal government to find a lasting solution to the menace of piracy.
  On why he accepted to host the award ceremony in his state this year, Mimiko said, it tallies with his administration’s vision to make the state the number one event destination in Nigeria. The even was attended by all the government functionaries.

Osimhen gradually inching his way into d record books.

Golden Eaglets striker, Victor Osimhen is gradually inching his way into the tournament’s history books.  Victor Osimhen According to statistics, the striker’s four goals and one assist make him the highest scoring player in the group stages. If he does go on to collect the adidas Golden Boot, he will become the third Nigerian to be named top goalscorer at a FIFA U-17 World Cup after Macauley Chrisantus in 2007 and Wilson Oruma back in 1993 if he does, bringing the Golden Eaglets level with Spain’s tally of three previous Golden Boot winners in this competition (Borja in 2009, Cesc Fabregas in 2003 and David in 1997).

Nigeria cuts through Australia to set up a tie wit Brazil

 Reigning FIFA U-17 World Cup champions Nigeria advanced to a quarter-final meeting against Brazil on the back of a hat-trick from the impressive Victor Osimhen, ending Australia’s run with a one-sided 6-0 victory in Vina Del Mar. The tale of the first half was compacted into a three-minute period as Nigeria scored twice sandwiched either side of a gilt-edged opening for Australia. It was 2-0 at the interval, and the game was still a contest until the final 17 minutes before Nigeria ran riot against an Australian side looking flat after surviving the ‘group of death’. The Aussies started in pro-active fashion, but it was Funsho Ibrahim Bamgboye who hit the post with a rasping shot from the edge of the penalty area as Nigeria’s first effort narrowly failed to break the deadlock. That moment came on 22 minutes as Osimhen showed just why he is the tournament’s leading goalscorer by bursting forward with pace and power on the left, before turning his defender and sliding the ball impressively inside the far post. Australia could have drawn level immediately with Cameron Joice seeing his shot saved, while Lucas Derrick pushed the follow-up wide as a golden opportunity was spurned. Almost immediately Nigeria were two in front as Funsho Bambgboye went to ground in the penalty area, and Kelechi Nwakali coolly slotted home the resultant penalty. The two goals seemed to inspire the Nigerians who took a greater hold as the half wore on creating several half-openings around the Aussie goal. Nigeria continued their powerful performance after the break, and although Australia dominated possession for periods, it was the Africans who ended the contest with a third. Osimhen scored twice in the space of six minutes, the second with another laser-perfect drive into the top corner. The deflated Aussies conceded to more goals in the dying minutes as firstly substitute Edidiong Michael Essien, and then Samuel Chukwueze, inflicted further pain as Nigeria stormed into the last-eight in confident fashion.

MBGN winner poised to fight endometriosis

In line with the demands of her crown, the newly-crowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2015, Miss Unoaku Anyadike, has said that she will devote her reign to creating awareness of the dangers of endometriosis in females. Anyadike came out tops, beating 36 other contestants to the crown at the event organised by the Siverbird Group at the International Conference Centre, Calabar on Saturday night. While Miss Ebonyi, Debbie Collins, was the first runner-up and the Miss Charismatic, Miss Abuja, Chizoba Ejike, was the second runner-up. Miss Bauchi, Chikaodili Nna-Udosen, also emerged third runner-up. With her victory, Anyadike will represent Nigeria at the Miss World beauty pageant, while Collins will go for the Miss Universe beauty pageant. The second runner-up, Ejike will contest the Miss Tourism Beauty Pageant while Nna-Udosen, the third runner-up, will carry Nigeria’s flag at the Miss ECOWAS beauty pageant. Anyadike, a final year student of psychology at the University of Ibadan, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that she used to have painful menstrual periods and initially thought she had endometriosis.  The Ekwuluobia, Anambra-born beauty queen, said the ailment was diagnosed as the lining of the uterus attaching itself to other parts of the body and causing a girl’s monthly flow to be very painful. “This platform has given me the opportunity to help create awareness about endometriosis in Nigeria. It’s a disease that so many people don’t know about which affects the female child, so, I intend to go round, starting with secondary schools, to create awareness about endometriosis. I want young girls to know about this disease and try their best to get checked early enough. It is a disease that is fast spreading in Nigeria and it has to be checked; we can easily control it when everybody, especially young girls knows about it,” she said. Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue that normally grows inside the uterus grows outside it. The main symptoms are pelvic pain and infertility. Among dignitaries present at the event were Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, his predecessor, Mr Liyel Imoke, Florence Ita-Giwa as well as Senator Ben Murray-Bruce.

A release date set for " Road to yesterday"

After weeks of planning, The Entertainment Network (TEN), producers of one of Nigeria’s most anticipated flick, Road to Yesterday have announced that the movie will be released in all Nigerian cinemas on Friday, November 27. Directed by Ishaya Bako, Road to Yesterday stars the Award-winning actress, Genevieve Nnaji and introduces Nigerian-British actor, Oris Erhuerho. Majid Michel, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah and veteran Ebele Okaro lead the supporting cast. Set in Lagos Nigeria, the movie is has been described as an epic love story. It tells the story of a couple desperate to mend its marriage on a road trip to a relative’s funeral. However when memories and secrets from the past are revealed, a lot more is at stake than their relationship. Star actress and producer of the flick, Genevieve Nnaji plays the role of Victoria Izu, the conflicted wife and mother. She talks about her role in the movie. “It was very challenging. I played the role of Victoria, a lady who is in an estranged relationship and she had to fight. As a woman, it is her responsibility to fight to keep her marriage together. All of this happened on a road trip because they embarked on a journey to the village. Just being in that little space with her husband, they are both confronted with answers and questions that they had to face. This forces them to go back in time to unearth where the problem started and the genesis of where they were and why they were where they were as a couple, considering they were only five years old in the marriage. Victoria had to undergo series of emotions,” Genevieve said.  The Nigerian premiere of the flick is set for Wednesday, November 18 in Lagos, Nigeria.

NFF didn't sabotage odegbami..

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has absolved any Nigerian of the blame of working against the nomination of former Green Eagles Captain Segun Odegbami for the position of FIFA Presidency, instead the Federation has blamed the former international of starting the process very late.
 According to the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, the Federation did everything possible to ensure that the aspirations of the former international scaled through, but the processes started very late. “Segun Odegbami told us that all he needs is the endorsement of the federation that he would get the other five endorsements from other African countries. It was only few days to the closing of nominations that we got to know that he did not get the endorsements before then. “I took the form to Cairo and was going from table to table to get it endorsed, but most of the countries were giving excuses that they have committed themselves to other candidates. If he had started early enough, we would have gotten the endorsement before the closing date. We learn daily, and would get it right next time,” he said. Speaking in the same vein, the former Chairman of NFF Technical Committee, Christopher Green also absolved the NFF of any wrong doing, saying that Odegbami did not start his process early enough “Don’t blame the federation because first and foremost we did not put our house together in the sense that we had two candidates vying for the same position. But in other climes no country presented two candidates, only one. I do realise that it was three to four days to the closure of the nomination that Segun Odegbami was given the endorsement by the federation.  Realistically speaking, unless he did his home-work before the endorsement, there is no way he can shuttle five countries in Africa to get the endorsement within four days “Whatever happened to his candidacy I don’t know. I don’t know whether the NFF submitted his form. “But I really doubt if he complied with all the conditions set out by FIFA. And that is why the NFF brought out her own conditions and when you meet up, the federation will take up the rest. One of the conditions is that you must be popular in the game as an administrator. But if you are not, the federation will find it difficult to market. “It is the responsibility of the NFF to forward the nomination form to FIFA but it is not the responsibility of NFF to get the required endorsement for the candidate. It depends when he gets the endorsement from other Africa countries to forward to the federation to submit. “It is not the NFF that is contesting the election, it is an individual thing. When Sepp Blatter contested it was not Swiss but Blatter. 

    On why the Federation did not call the two aspirants to harmonise things, the NFF Executive Committee member said: “The truth of the matter is that they made things difficult for the NFF. This is the first time we have two candidates contesting for position in CAF, FIFA, WAFU. Usually it is the NFF that brings out a candidate to contest because they are the managers of the game in the country. “When Amos Adamu was there it was only him that the federation endorsed, the same with Galadima and Aminu Maigari. But a situation where you have two candidates going for the same position, it becomes difficult. The way forward is for us to put our house and ourselves together for future elections with a plan to get one candidate nominated, have the candidate fulfill all the conditions as so specified in the FIFA electoral guidelines and help the candidate get endorsement for other countries. It is a project that you need a minimum of four years to prepare. “You can’t wake up in three months and say you want to meet another country for endorsement with the federation and you know that a country

can only endorse one candidate,” he said.

Ghana's ruling party endorses mahama

Ghana’s ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) yesterday gave an overwhelming endorsement to President John Dramani Mahama as its presidential candidate in the December presidential election. At a special delegates’ conference held at the Baba Yara Sports stadium, 2,871 delegates (99.5 per cent) cast a “yes” vote for President Mahama.

Okorocha calls for a 50 percent slash in d salaries of political office holders

Imo

State Governor Rochas Okorocha has called for a 50 percent slash in the salaries and allowances of the President, Governors, legislators, and other political appointees. Okorocha said a reduction in the emoluments attached to political offices will make it less attractive, thus reducing the desperation to get into the offices. The governor spoke yesterday when he hosted members of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC), led by its Chairman, Elias Mbam, to a breakfast meeting at the Government House.
 He argued that reducing the take-home pay of political office holders would reduce poverty, crime and the attendant do-or-die scramble for such positions. “By making the salaries and allowances of political office holders less attractive, only those keen on rendering genuine services to the people would vie for such offices.  “If one knows that at the end of the month, your total pay as governor or legislator would be less than N500,000, most people would stay away and only those with ideas and the genuine spirit of service would aspire for such offices. “The huge amount spent on recurrent expenses should be directed to infrastructure, while the paraphernalia of offices should be drastically reduced. Only the genuine, who are ready to sacrifice for their people should be encouraged to leadership positions while those coming for the gains of the offices should be discouraged.” Mbam hailed Okorocha for his development strides, especially for the government’s free education and his personal initiative through the Rochas Foundation. He assured him that the committee would work on its findings and make necessary recommendations..

Emir appoints new ciroman Kano.

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has confirmed the appointment of Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero as the new Ciroman Kano and District Head of Gwale. This followed the removal of Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero, the eldest son of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, from the position. Sanusi Ado Bayero was said to have had a running battle with the current emir.
 A statement yesterday in Kano by the Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, said Sanusi Ado Bayero was stripped of the title because of his alleged refusal to pay homage to the emir, as stipulated by Sharia. Ciroman Kano is the title of a prominent member of the Kano Emirate Council, who is traditionally close to the emir.  The statement reads:

“It was the provision of the Sharia law and custom that had compelled every member of the Kano Emirate Council to be loyal to the new king, following the demise of the former monarch… God, in His infinite wisdom, gives power to whom He wishes and takes it away from anyone He so wishes.”

 The statement noted that paying homage to a king was an obligation that every traditional title holder had complied with for centuries. It said the tradition was mandatory for any disloyal traditional title holder to either abdicate his title or allow the emir to appoint a loyal person of his choice. The statement said: “As you are all aware, since the demise of the late emir and the appointment of his successor on June 8, 2014, all traditional title holders, including District Heads and others, had cringed to pay their respects and homage to Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as the new emir, with the exception of the sacked Ciroman Kano. “It is in view of this development that His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, took the decision to confirm the appointment of Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero as the new Ciroman Kano.”

Tension as police and hoodlums clash

There was tension at the Ajao Estate, Ejigbo area of Lagos, yesterday, following a clash between policemen and some hoodlums. The hoodlums burnt a stationed armoured tank and a patrol vehicle belonging to the Lagos State Task Force on the Environment. The clash started at about 7.15pm following the arrest of some motorcyclists around the Canoe axis. It was learnt that the task force officials stormed the area in the early hours of the evening to arrest some motorcyclists and impound their motorcycles. The motorcyclists reportedly mobilised their colleagues and thugs in the area against the policemen in a shootout. The Nation gathered that there were sporadic gun shots from Afolabi Bus-stop in the estate across the Canoe Bridge linking Ejigbo. It prompted other motorists to scamper for safety.