Donald Trump Wins the 2015 ‘Lie Of The Year,’

Politifact reports that 76 percent of Trump's statements are 'mostly false, false or pants on fire.
GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump can now add another bullet point to his lofty resume, which currently includes “boisterous rich dude,” “that guy on ’The Apprentice'” and “forgettable character in ’Home Alone 2′”: His campaign has won Politifact’s 2015 Lie of the Year.

“PolitiFact has been documenting Trump’s statements on our Truth-O-Meter, where we’ve rated 76 percent of them Mostly False, False or Pants o

n Fire, out of 77 statements checked,” the site reported. “No other politician has as many statements rated so far down on the dial.”

This year, Trump has spewed so much egregious bullsh-t that Politifact couldn’t just pick one lie as the winner — “we have rolled them into one big trophy,” the outlet noted.

Some of his worst lies this year included:

– His claim that he saw “thousands of people” cheering in New Jersey on 9/11. MTV News debunked the f—————k out of this, BTW.
– His suggestion that the Mexican government is sending criminals to the United States.
– His completely inaccurate Tweet about race and crime.

I have to say — Donald Trump, this one’s an award well-deserved. Crédit MTV

What Nollywood Actress Said About Crashed Marriage

Actress Motilola adekunle marriage was said to have hit the rocks because the actress does not have a cordial relationship with her mother-in-law and that caused the separation between her husband and herself.
According to Kemi Filani, the movie thespian claimed that her marriage breakup is just a rumor saying: “it is not true, my relationship with my mother-in-law is intact. So you mean you heard the story that far? Nawa o. I wonder how you got to know about this.”

Following her claim took to her Blackberry private message saying: “you meet someone and you think that’s your final bus stop….. Then they start behaving like a conductor.”


It was also reported that her Air Force husband has been making several efforts to resolve but the Nollywood actress is bent on ending her marriage and not ready to return to her matrimonial home.

It could be recalled that the fiasco between Motilola and her husband started when he was transferred to the north a couple of years ago and as a man who loves his family, never desist from playing his role by sending money for the upkeep of his wife and child when due. Their child is said to be attending one of the most expensive boarding schools in South West, Nigeria.

Check Out What Flavour Did To Anna Banner’s Daughter

Former most beautiful girl in Nigeria Anna Banner was rumoured to be pregnant for popular hip highlife singer Flavour N’abania.



Though neither Banner nor Flavour said anything about the paternity of the pregnancy, Banner had a beautiful daughter in USA in August.

Months after she delivered, she came back to the country and holds a baby dedication in November still Flavour was absent.




Flavour who has been quiet about the paternity of Anna Banner’s daughter shared her picture for the first time on Tuesday, December 22 on his Instagram. He captioned it: “Gollibe.” Gollibe is Flavour’s music video in which he features.

Anner Banner is the second beauty queen to have a daughter for Flavour. Sandra Okagbue who was also a beauty queen and model in September, 2014.

Barcelona Will Be World Leaders By 2021 - President

Josep Maria Bartomeu, the president of Barcelona, states that the club’s goal is to be the leaders in world football in the next six years.

Barcelona win end 2015 on a very high note after the club clinched its fifth trophy of the year by defeating Argentine club River Plate in a one-sided final.

The Catalan side have won five of six available trophies in 2015.

The Barcelona president reflected on the year that was and reiterated their goals in the near future.

At the club’s annual lunch for the media Bartomeu said: “It has been a historic year. We have won five of six possible titles. This is a loved Barca, admired globally.We are the club in the world with the most international titles.  2014 was a difficult year and we hoped 2015 would be better. In January we started with a few problems. We don’t want it to stop here. We don’t want to stop winning, we want to strive and compete.”

“The objective is that in 2021 Barca is the club that leads the world,” he stressed.

Woman Beats Daughter's Friend After Finding Them In Bed

A mother has been arrested for brutally beating her daughter’s teen boyfriend after she caught the pair in bed together in Tucson, Texas, USA.

Jeanette Salas Woods, 35, came home to find a 16-year-old boy sleeping with her daughter in one bed. The woman flew into rage and repeatedly punched the unsuspecting boy in the face.


Jeanette Salas Woods is now facing criminal charges

When the teenager woke up Mrs Woods  jumped on him, hitting, kicking and swearing at him. At one point, the boy got so terrified he lost control of his bladder and peed on himself.
And even when he managed to free himself and ran out of the house wearing only a pair of jeans, a furious woman continued pursuing him and threatening with reprisal. Then she turned back home and smashed his car with a baseball bat.

The boy called the police reporting the assault and Woods was arrested afteradmitting  to hit the boy. She is now facing charges of assault and causing  $5,300 damage to a vehicle.

Sea Pirates Killed 12 Persons In Rivers

The pirates who were said to be operating along the waterways in Kula community in Akuku-Toru local government area of Rivers state when they attacked four boats carrying the deceased.

It was learnt that the bandits ordered the 12 persons who were occupying the four boats to jump into the seas.


According to The Punch report, the four boats left Kula jetty and was said to be moving towards Abonema in Asari-Toru local government area before they were attacked and robbed by the pirates. The attackers asked the occupants to jump into the sea at gunpoint what taking their personal belongings.

It incident occurred at about 6.30am on Monday, December 21, and the attackers escaped with the stolen four boats.

“The pirates stopped the passenger boats in the middle of the high sea and the occupants were forced to jump into the sea after being threatened with the gun. The pirates left with the four passenger boats,” a source within Kula said.

It was further learnt that divers in the area were able to rescue some of the passengers while some remained missing as the time of filing this report.

The incident has caused serious penic within the area as fishermen and women became scared  of travelling by sea.

Confirming the incident, the chairman of community development committee of Kula, Lolo Awara, said that the number of missing could not be immediately identified.

Awara expressed worries over the spate sea pirates had continued to cause mayhem in Kula with no effort by security operatives to address the situation.

Meanwhile, notorious pirates who had made traveling to and from Bonny Island in Rivers state a hellish experience met their waterloo on Monday at the hands of a joint team comprising the Nigerian police, army and young men from the island.

Biafra: Pro-Biafrans Unite To Form New Government

The merging pro-Biafra groups said they would function as an interim customary and legitimate organization, affirming that they would not break any Nigerian laws.

Breaking Times reports that the Indigenous Peo­ples of Biafra (IPOB), the Move­ment for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MAS­SOB) as well as all other pro-Bi­afra movements merged under one umbrella body named the Customary Government of the Indigenous People of Biafra (CGIPB), a development which brought so much jubilation to the agitators.

Operations for the CGIPB was flagged off  at a government secretar­iat in Enugu state.

A press statement made it claer that the governing council of the IPOB remains functional, with leaders as follows: HRM, the Honourable Justice Eze Ozo­bu, OFR (Chairman); Dr Dozie Ikedife, OON, JP (Deputy Chair­man); Brig Gen Joe Achuz­ia, (Secretary-General); HRM, Eze Iheanyi Nwokenna, OFG, JP (Public Relations Officer), with other members of the council still on duty.

The statement reads: ‘‘We are happy to announce that the Customary Government of Indigenous People of Biafra has commenced operations at the Government Secretariat located at Enugu, in the interim”

“All the ministries are located within the complex but liaison of­fices shall be opened in all parts of Biafra land, for easy coordination”.
‘‘The Supreme Council of El­ders of Indigenous People of Bi­afra has approved a 24-mem­ber National Executive Council (NEC) that will run the govern­ment. The NEC will consist of the representatives from all pro-Bia­fra groups and all the provinces in Biafra land so that none will be excluded.”
’The junior staff officers of the CGIPB have commenced work at the Secretariat but the Director of Administration and Principal Of­ficers of the Customary Govern­ment shall be announced to the public soon.
‘’The Biafran Government has taken off under Customary Law within the Nigerian Legal System. It is similar to the Sharia Government in the North. We shall not break any Nigerian law. It is a transitional government.
‘’Everything we do is legal. All the Indigenous People of Bia­fra are therefore advised to submit themselves to the authority of the Government of Indigenous People of Biafra headed by the supreme council of elders,’’ the statement concluded.
It will be recalled that recently, that the process of formation the cabinet of Biafra is ongoing and will soon be announced.

The report by Biara Times also announced that there would be a secret and close meeting with a UN committee on the arranging of newly emerging Africa states

Eyebrows have been raised over the inability of the National Assembly leadership to fix one of the broken seats inside its chambers.

Photos had emerged earlier today of President Muhammadu Buhari bowing in the direction of the broken seat during his presentation of the 2016 budget to the lawmakers.


President Muhammadu Buhari bowing in the direction of the broken seat during his budget presentation earlier today.

The argument is that the National Assembly spends about N120billion annually and could not fix a seat to which the president of Africa’s most populous country had to bow.


Circled is the broken seat at the National Assembly to which President Muhammadu Buhari had to bow after his budget presentation earlier today.

Meanwhile, Senator Stella Oduah has disagreed with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over comments made about Buhari’s newly-presented budget.

She argued that the budget was favourable to all Nigerians, especially because it focuses on key areas disturbing

2016 Budget: Buhari's Change, Fact Or Fiction?

The 2016 budget termed the “Budget of Change” has been presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on December 22. It holds promises of stimulating the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth; and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians.


President Buhari presents the 2016 national budget on Tuesday, December 22.

However, beyond the paperwork and promises embedded in the budget, there are certain issues that must be brought to the fore, issues that the government must pay keen attention to.

Major promises

There are five major highlights of the 2016 budget as presented on December 22:

1. Free tertiary education for science, technology and education students and home-grown public primary school feeding.

2. Tax reduction for small businesses, which entails that Nigeria’s job creation moves, will be private sector driven.

3. Large-scale infrastructural development, which is geared at supporting reforms in the agriculture, solid minerals and other core job creating sectors of the Nigerian economy.

4. 500,000 teaching jobs, to address the “chronic shortage” of teachers in public schools across the country.

5. Improvised service delivery and security, which will ensure that teachers, men of the armed forces, medical personnel doctors, police officers, fire fighters and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and as at when due.

Matters arising

1. Borrowing increases as oil price falls

The president in his budget has said that he would spend $31 billion (N6.1 trillion) in 2016 on infrastructure and the economy. This raises spending by 20% next year by borrowing heavily amid falling oil prices.

Though the president is seeking alternate means to generate revenue, still statistics by the OPEC shows that petroleum exports make up 90% of total overseas revenue generated.

According to BBC’s estimates, the country’s budget deficit is expected to double to N2.2 trillion ($11 billion) next year.

Buhari has said the government would seek funding of N900 billion overseas, as well as N984 billion domestically.

It is sad to note that out of the N3.9 trillion revenue forecast for 2016, only N820 billion will come from crude and this is no thanks to the fact that oil prices have fallen from about $55 a barrel since the beginning of the year to around $36-$37.

All the statistics only hints that there has to be great investment and new sources for fund generation, else the nation might yet again be plunged into great debts.

2. Five thousand naira and the unemployed dilemma

Official figures show that the rate of unemployment in the country is growing, up from 8.2% in the second quarter to 9.9% between July and September. Inflation is also rising, hitting 9.4% in September, on fuel shortages and higher food prices. The question then becomes, how viable is the N5,000 option?

Between arguments of how meager the pay is, is the question of how can we ensure that all the unemployed get the money allocated? Who are the unemployed and how is it possible to verify that one is unemployed? How are we sure that the program is sustainable?

All these questions continue to plague the minds of the teeming millions of Nigerians who are unemployed.

3. Subsidy and fuel scarcity nightmare

While presenting the 2016 budget, President Buhari noted that the prolonged hardship and misery caused by fuel scarcity is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders.

He noted that the government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.

One very significant statement is the “resistance to change by certain stakeholders”, one is quickly drawn to the Jonathan-led era when he said there was a cabal controlling the oil sector. Then the question becomes, with persistent pressure on this said stakeholders, will this government prevail as to return normalcy to the petroleum resources ministry?

There is also the case of having directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components, with the believe that this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per litre for now.

It all sounds very enticing, but the question is, if eventually the subsidy is removed, will the N87 per litre still hold is own? Some chieftains of the APC are of the opinion that fuel subsidy removal is inevitable.

Premium Times reports that the APC national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, has stated that fuel subsidy will be removed eventually. If this be the case, then petrol will retail at about N97 per litre. This estimate is made with current landing price being between N77 – N79 per litre.

4. Defence vs Education

According to the words of the president, a significant portion of the recurrent expenditure is given to institutions that provide critical government services. Having noted that, there are rifts over why N369.6 billion is allotted to education; while N294.5 billion goes to defence.

Some will argue that insurgency and insecurity is about the most important or pressing need of the nation as of the moment, especially in the wake of the turbulence in the northeast.

It is important to note, however, that according to Unicef, Boko Haram keeps over one million children out of school. In that light, the government will argue that a lack of education will fuel further the burning flame of terrorism.

If the budget is executed properly then it will see to it that students in disciplines of science, technology and education are trained for free in tertiary institutions, while the pupils in primary schools get a free meal daily.

A great initiative indeed by the current administration, but, again, how feasible would the implementation be?

Like in many other instances, proper documentation is feared will be the death of some of these initiatives, as one cannot for sure say how many students are in our tertiary institutions, neither can one certainly say that there is a finite number to pupils all over Nigeria.

Who benefits from the scheme, those in the urban cities or those in the hinterland? How can we account for those in the creeks and other very remote places?

President Buhari has said that an efficiency unit has been set up by his administration and that together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS, the government will drive a reduction of overheads by at least 7%, personnel costs by 8% and other service wide votes by 19%.

He ensured Nigerians that the budget will be executed to provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by the current government counts.

“I know my people will say I have heard this before. Indeed, trust in government, due to the abuse and negligence of the past, is at an all-time low. This means we must go back to basics. Our actions will speak for us. My team of dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerians is well aware of the task ahead and I can assure you that we are taking on the challenge,” the president said.

The speaker of the House of Reps, Yakubu Dogara, has warned that Nigerians will hold President Buhari to every word and provision in the 2016 budget.

“In the spirit of change that has come to the legislature, we promise Nigerians to hold Mr President to every word and provisions of the budget when passed and assented to,” Dogara stressed.

President Buhari has assured that the APC-led government will not betray the trust reposed in them, he has said the administration will welcome and be responsive to your feedback and criticisms.

Nigerians cannot wait to have the 2016 budget approved and are even more eager to know if, of a truth, this budget is the key to their expected change, or if it is just another fraud, as some now claim

Fasehun Asks Buhari To Pay Him For Job Done For Jonathan

Dr Fredrick Fasehun, the founder of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), wants the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to pay him and his organisation for protecting oil pipelines.

The Punch reports that the national chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria made this disclosure at a quarterly interactive media roundtable in Lagos on Tuesday, December 22, informed that six companies were given the contract by the Goodluck Jonathan administration to guard pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

OPC founder, Frederick Fasehun wants President Muhammadu Buhari to pay his organisation for the work they did for Goodluck Jonathan.


According to him, not less than 18,000 personnel were sent to the field out of which 4,000 were members of the OPC and they did not get anything before the contract.

“We were given the contract on March 15, 2015 and we deployed youths into the jungle. They faced insects, snakes and other wild animals and some of them even died. The government did not pay us a kobo before or during the time of the contract which ended on June 15.

“We have asked our lawyers to study the terms of the contract. An official in the NNPC told me that we had been paid but I told him that we had not received a penny. We call the attention of the powers that be to look into this. The holy books say that a worker deserves his wage,” Faseun stated.

The OPC founder recalled that the former national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had few weeks to the presidential election, questioned the rationale behind the contract which was awarded prior to the election.

He therefore urged the information minister to apologise for his statement, stating: “Someone who is now a minister once told Nigerians that I collected N2.8bn. Lai Mohammed, who I call a liar, is now the government’s mouthpiece and he must correct that impression.”

On Buhari’s six-month administration, Faseun noted that, “Nigerians are angry today. They wanted a change and cheered when the APC came into power but the cheer has now become a jeer. Let the government know that this is not the change Nigerians voted for.”

The group, through its national president, Otunba Gani Adams, has also urged the federal government to dialogue with members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This Could Be War?: Cameroon Invades Nigerian Village, Kills 70

Rumours of war have been stirred, following reports that Cameroon troops invaded a Kirawa-Jimni village in Gwoza local government area of Borno state and killed 70 people.


Cameroon troops have allegedly killed 70 people in a Nigerian village.

According to residents, over 70 people have been buried after soldiers of the Cameroonian army allegedly chased Boko Haram insurgents into their community.

Many of the villagers have reportedly fled the community, following the incident which took place on Sunday, December 20.

Leadership reports that the soldiers invaded their community, demanding for the whereabouts of some Boko Haram fighters whom they had been chasing.

Muhammed Abba, a resident of Jimnana and deputy commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Gwoza, said: “We didn’t know what was going on but the Cameroonian troops suddenly appeared and began to ask us for Boko Haram terrorists”, said

“Before we could say a word, they started firing: that scared most of us, and we began to run; but the soldiers opened fire and many people died. Those that went back on Monday found over 70 corpses littering the ground,” Abba added.

Abbas Gava, spokesman for the vigilante group in Borno state, also confirmed the incident. He said “from the reports we have received from fleeing residents of the villager who called from Ashigashiya, near Cameroon, they said the soldiers were in hot pursuit of the Boko Haram terrorists who ran into Kirawa-Jimni. The soldiers did not waste time upon arrival as they immediately opened fire on the villagers”.

This is not the first time such a situation has been reported in Borno state. It would be recalled that on Monday, November 30, Cameroon troops were said to have crossed the border into the Nigeria, shooting and killing about 150 villagers.

The irate troops even went on to burn the homes of the villagers, causing them to flee, seeking safe harbor.

Kirawa-Jimni is a community in Borno state which shares boundaries with Cameroon.

The village is located close to areas in Gwoza, that were once under the stronghold of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

Following constant besieging, many residents of Gwoza who had fled to IDP camps in Maiduguri and Yola.

The post This Could Be War?: Cameroon Invades Nigerian Village, Kills 70 appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic Rake In 2015 Awards

Following their dominance on the court, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, have been named as the men’s and women’s players of the year by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on Tuesday, December 22.

According to a statement released by the federation, both were named ITF World Champions, after they both won three of the four Grand Slams in 2015 and are well clear in the world rankings.

While Serena Williams won the award for a sixth time, Djokovic won the award for a fifth time.

Williams finished 2015 with five titles in her kitty and a 53-3-win-loss record. On the other hand, Djokovic finished the year as men’s number one.

He got even closer to the Grand Slam than Williams, who was beaten in the US Open semi-finals, as he only missed out on a first Roland Garros crown in the final against Stan Wawrinka.

Speaking after been awarded, Djokovic said: “My season was the best of my career with many highlights. It inspires me even more to keep on going, and I hope to continue to play at this level in 2016.

On her part, Serena Williams said: “It means a lot to me to be named the ITF World Champion for the sixth time. I am proud to have achieved my second Serena Slam, in what has been an amazing year for me.”

The ITF’s selection of its senior World Champions is based on an objective system that considers all results during the year, but gives special weight to the Grand Slam tournaments, and two ITF international team competitions, Davis Cup by BNP Paribas and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas

Woman With Head Hanging Uspide Down Becomes Painter

A 20-year-olf woman, who was born with her head hanging at a 180-degree angle, is struggling to become a painter in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Thuvan Sameera is suffering from arthrogryposis, a rare congenital disease causing severe joint contractures in two or more areas of the body.


She was born with arthogryposis multiplex congenital

Besides, the girl has a weak backbone and muscles, that means she can’t stand, walk or eat on her own. Nevertheless, Sameera’s parents, her father Thuvan Mahura, 54, and mother Nona Jesmin, 48, hope that one day their daughter will become a professional artist.


Her mum said: “Sameera was born in Saudi Arabia. After her birth, the doctor told us that there wasn’t much that they could do about this condition. Since then, it has been a struggle to grow up like this. We decided to let her be after a point.

So from a very young age she would paint and draw. She cannot do anything by herself but she had interest in painting since she was small. She would keep looking at them so I brought her brushes and colours. We also encouraged her.”

Sameera is already selling her cards in shops

But Jesmin and Mahura did not lose hope, they believe that progress in medical sciences will allow Sameera to live a normal life in the nearest future.

How Adaure Achumba Married White Hubby

Award winning Silverbird TV presenter Adaure Achumba on Saturday, December 19, had her traditional wedding and introduction with her white lover, Wes Ballance, in Lagos.

The happy bride who could not hide her happiness took to her Instagram page posting a picture of her and her white beau with the caption: “in compliance with the demands of the ancestors’ #Omenala #igbanku #AdaureAndWes #BallancingAct #igbowedding #nigerianweddings thanks for the entire well wishes…”

Adaure Achumba who got engaged to Wes on March 14, while she was away in the United States for her birthday disclosed that she and her sweetheart met in college in 1999, but were just friends and only reconnected last year.
Describing her love story Adaure Achumba narrated that her husband proposed on the same spot they met many years back. She said:

“He proposed on the spot we first met in fall 1999 by the volleyball court at Criage Hall dorm UNC Chapel Hill. I started randomly and typically started smack talking with his then random college kid who said to me “Girl I’m Gonna Marry You” and in dismissed him in a very Nigerian manner just thinking he was just joking around and flattering me…really who says that on first meeting”

Adaure Achumba added that: “We became friends and hung out in the same crew. We went bar hopping on Franklin Street and a few games. I failed my first semester cos i was always hanging out with him and the rugby boys at the pit in front of Lenoir Cafeteria. I had a crush on him and enjoyed his company and he had a crush on me but i was just too green in the romance department to read the signs. The biggest irony was that I dated another guy with the same name but we moved on, graduated but still remained friends. Fast forward to Fall 2014 when we met again. I even got punked for the proposal.”

Emenalo Reveals Why Chelsea Sacked Mourinho

Chelsea technical director, Michael Emenalo has disclosed the truth about the dismissal of team coach, Jose Mourinho.

The Nigerian ex-international lamented that the club are in a difficult situation and the decision had to be reached in the interest of the London club.

He said: “It was a decision taken to protect the interest of the club. He has done a lot for the club, the fact of the matter remains that Chelsea is in trouble, the results are not good. There obviously seems to be a palpable discord between the players and the manager. We feel it was time to act.”

“The owner is forced to make a very tough decision for the good of the club, we make no mistakes about it, Chelsea one of the best and biggest team in the world is a point above relegation in the EPL and that is not good enough.

“Anybody, fan, even those that have any affiliation with the club, can understand that the club is in trouble and something needed to be done.”

However, former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti believes lack of motivation among Chelsea players led to the team’s poor form before the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

The goal.com correspondent suggested Chelsea players relaxed too much in the league which led to their poor form and subsequent sacking of Mourinho.

SA To Rivers PDP Chairman Escapes Assassination, 3 Dead

Jerry Needam, the special adviser, media and publicity to the Rivers state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), escaped a kidnap and assassination attempt in the early hours of Tuesday, December 22.

The incident which is the third highly organized politically motivated plot on his life, occurred at his residence in Port Harcourt, during which scores of armed men engaged the police in a fierce gun battle, leaving the compound, rooms and vehicles riddled with bullets.


Reports said the daredevil men stormed his residence in the wee hours of Tuesday morning and shot sporadically to gain entrance into the compound.

During the incident which lasted for over 2 hours, Needam was said to have put a distress call to the police who promptly arrived his residence and engaged the gun men in a fierce gun battle.

At the end of the bloodletting battle, three of the gallant police officers, including an assistant superintendent of police lost their lives while two other police officers and Needam’s security guard, who suffered serious gun shots are now receiving treatment at a private hospital in Port Harcourt.

Needam speaking shortly after the failed kidnap and assassination attempt on his life and family, said he believes that the mastermind of the kidnap and assassination attempt are his political opponents who desperately want him silenced following his strong political views and his penchant for speaking the truth.

Meanwhile, Needam, who few hours ago had interactions with the Rivers state commissioner of police, Musa Kimo, on the incident expressed confidence in the ability of the command to investigate the matter and fish out those behind the assassination attempt on his life and entire household.

While commending the prompt response of the police to the distress call and their demonstration of professionalism in the encounter with the heavily armed assassins, the PDP media aide sympathized with the police and the families of the deceased policemen, praying that God would give them the fortitude to bear the loss of their beloved bread winners.

He also expressed gratitude to God who saved his life and his family in the incident and to all friends and well-wishers who on hearing the news of the condemnable incident, called to show concern and to wish him God’s protection.

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2016 Budget: 5 Moments Of Frenzy At The National Assembly

The 2016 budget was presented today, December 22, by President Muhammadu Buhari. He made the presentation at he National Assembly, however, beyond the presentation, there were certain things which happened at the Assembly and they call for attention.
1. Fuel To Sell For N87

President Buhari in his speech at the National Assembly (NASS) earlier toady, told Nigerians that he understands vividly their plights. He pleaded with them regarding the current fuel scarcity ravaging the nation, assuring Nigerians that the current scarcity will be a thing of the past as he had mandated the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to explore ways to quickly bring the scarcity to an end.

It was in the moment of assuring Nigerians of handling the scarcity palaver, that the Nigerian head-of-state mentioned that he had given orders to the PPRA to sell petrol at N87 per litre for now, and a rancorous cheer and thunderous applause followed the pronouncement.

For many, it is great news, however one must draw attention to the clause “for now”, not forgeting that there are hints of subsidy removal and if the plot to eradicate the scheme pulls through then, Nigerians must be prepared to buy fuel as from N97 and above.

2. The Coughing Break

During the time of his very inspiring speech at the parliament, President Buhari had to pause speaking due some cough. The coughing lingered a moment but the president was fine in a while. There was yet another round of cacophonous laughter within the period. Perhaps the people were glad to know Mr President despite his age remains ever strong and will not let anything stop him from delivering to Nigerians his promise of change.



3. God Bless Nigeria

President Buhari is a man known for a few weighty words that linger on for long, even after he has finished speaking. His words at the three arms zone of the NASS today, rejuvenated and rekindled the fire of true nationalism in many. One of the moments of so much frenzy at the budget presentation was the moment just after the president said “God bless Nigeria”. The parliamentarians and other guests present could not help but give the president a standing ovation. One could tell that beyond the standing being just what courtesy demands in such formal setting, the people stood out of love respect and believe in the words of their leader.

4. Take A Bow

The NASS was again thrown into frenzy as the president made his way to present the entire documentation of the 2016 budget. The present who many have called a humble man, did not fail in showing that he is truly a humble and faithful servant of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



With his face aglow with smiles, the president tendered the documents taking his bow in honour of the 8th Senate. True to his statement of being for everybody and nobody; the president humbly bowed to the delight of all seated in the Parliament. It must have delighted them to know that President Buhari is a gentleman in all sense of the word and that he will rule with all humility for the glory of the nation.



5. “Dogara! Dogara! Dogara!”

If there was one man who almost stole the entire budget presentation exercise, then it was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Yakubu Dogara. Dogara who had been quite silent all through the session, became a centre of attention when he was to give the vote of thanks.

In his speech, Hon Dogara assured the leader of the nation that the national assembly would pass the budget in good time. He however, noted that the NASS will hold President Buhari to every word and provision in the 2016 budget. According to the Speaker, the assembly would work towards suggesting a 12-month financial year to enhance the full implementation of the budget.

At the end of the speech, the entire Assembly was on their feet and like a wrestler who had just one a bout, the House began to cheer, chanting “Dogara! Dogara! Dogara!”. One can try so had to deduce why the gesture was made, however every theory is likely to fall short. Perhaps that was a sign to emphatically state that the leader of the lower chamber is well loved and has his own loyalists.

It will be recalled that getting Hon Dogara to be the Speaker of the House of Reps stirred a fierce political battle within the ruling All Progressives Congress, with the APC initially refusing the election that brought him into leadership.

FG Declares Public Holiday

The federal government has declared December 24, 25 and 28 as public holidays.



This is to mark Maulud Nabiy, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively.

Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, the minister of interior, in a statement signed by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Bassey Akpanyung, made the declaration on Tuesday, December 22, in Abuja.

The statement read: “The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 24th December, 2015 as public holiday to mark Eid-El-Maulud celebration.

Friday, 25th and Monday 28th December, 2015 have also been declared as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration.”



Eid-Maulud is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed in Islam, while Christmas is celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

Arsenal 2 - 1 Manchester City

Arsenal welcome Manchester City to the Emirates stadium in their match day 17 clash of the 2015/2016 Premier League season as the two team could do without their two star forwards.

Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez are in a fitness battle to feature in a match that would decide who will move three points clear of who on the table.

Arsenal are second with 33 points with City third with 32 points.

Arsenal will be missing the likes of Santi Carzola, Francis Coquelin, Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere while City are missing captain Vincent Kompany, Paulo Zabaleta and the suspended Fernando.

The last meeting between this two sides at the Emirates ended 2 – 2 with Sanchez and Wilshere scoring for Arsenal while Aguero and Demichelis came to the resuce for Man City.

I was one of the most hated persons on the planet – Karen Igho

Former Big Brother winner and mother of one, Karen Igho, who recently disclosed that she would be featured on BBC few weeks ago, has finally had her encounter with the TV station.

During her interview with the Station, Karen disclosed how she was severally criticized and disliked by her co – house mate and viewers during her stay in the Big Brother house.

According to her, “I was constantly being judged for the way I look, the clothes I wear. I was one of the most hated persons on the planet when I first went into Big Brother. Because I have this very blunt personality.


“So at that time, they haven’t seen somebody like me. They were like who is this girl? Why is she like this? She’s from Nigeria? Omg she is so ugly! She’s this, she’s that. Look at her boobs. Look at the way she is dressed. She’s such an embarrassment to Nigeria. When I came out that was when I saw everything and I watched it. I was like oh my god; people actually were saying this about me?

“As time goes by, they started realizing that I’m not about what they see. That I have something in my heart. That I am actually genuine and I’m real. And they fell in love with me and I won. Why? Because they realize I have a good heart,” she expressed.

20 suspected cultists rape DELSU student, others

No fewer than 20 suspected cultists were reported to have raped four undergraduate students of the Delta State University, Abraka.

One of the victims, identified as Cecilia of the Sociology Department, was among the four girls who allegedly surrendered themselves to be molested by the suspected cultists.

Some reports have it that the girls were ambushed and raped on Saturday evening while returning home from a church service.


While the other girls were said to have escaped after the first round of the rape, Cecilia who was the last, could not as the rapists were said to have threatened her with gun before forcing themselves on her.

Meanwhile, another version of the story claim that the rape victims belong to a cult group called Ake Confraternity and did not know that rape was part of their initiation rite.

The victims, were said to have known when they got to the initiation ground and were threatened that anyone who refuses would be killed.

Confirming the development, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu said policemen, on getting a tip-off, stormed an uncompleted building where a victim was being raped by a member of the gang.


Kalu said four other girls were waiting for their turns which was part of an initiation rite into a cult group.

The police spokesperson however noted that four of the suspected rapists were apprehended while the girls were rescued and a severely injured victim taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

Massive killings resurface in Rivers state

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed reports of killings in Egi Kingdom in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local government area of the state.

Egi kingdom has witnessed series of killings in the last couple of days as a result of cult clashes.

The police command in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Ahmad Kidaya Mohammad said the police were doing everything within their limits to restore sanity in the area.


Mohammad also cautioned the media to stop exaggerating the incident.

“The attention of Rivers State Command has been drawn to the news publications in some national dailies alleging the killing of about fifty persons in cult related activities in Egi land of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government.

“It is pertinent to point out that the reports are not true and did not reflect the actual position of things in the area. To say the least, the reports were spurious and over amplification of the security situation in the area.

“It is also instructive to state that on 09/12/2015 the Command recorded simultaneous incidents of cult clashes between two rival cult groups in Ogbugu and Obite communities which resulted in the death of five persons who are suspected to be members of either of the cult groups.


“Consequently, the Command swiftly and massively deployed tactical teams that expeditiously brought the situation under control and normalcy has since been restored.

“The Command furthermore craves for the continued partnership with the media and the police in verification of news stories before making them public,” the statement read.

However, the member representing Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni constituency one in the Rivers state House of Assembly, Christian Ahiakwo has decried the level of mayhem in Obite and Ogbogu communities.

Ahiakawo, who briefed the media on efforts he has made to stop the killings, kidnappings and other crimes in the area said he had petitioned the Inspector General of Police over the issue.

He said more than thirty five people had been murdered in cold blood in Egi kingdom, with over thirteen thousand locals displaced.

The lawmaker appealed to the Rivers State police command to deploy police officers to Egi kingdom to forestall a possible extinction of the people.

It could be recalled that the Chairman of the Council, Austin Ahiamadu had in a bid to curb the violence, banned the use motorcycles in the area.

Jonathan to be blamed for current fuel scarcity – Lai Mohammed

As the ongoing scarcity of petrol continues to bite across the nation, the Federal Government has blamed former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration for the ugly development.

The Buhari-government claimed that Jonathan was responsible for the problem because his government never made adequate provision for fuel subsidy in the 2015 budget.

Speaking to State House Correspondents, Monday, after the rescheduled emergency Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, alongside Minister of Budget and Planning, Udoma Udo – Udoma, insisted that the fuel scarcity being experienced now was as a result of inadequate provision for fuel subsidy in the ongoing year by the Jonathan-led government.


He said, “One of the reasons for the fuel scarcity was the inability of the last government to make adequate provision for fuel subsidy.

“We do face some other logistic problems but majorly, we are paying for the sins of the last administration.

“What I will be telling Nigerians is that what we met on ground is such that we are paying for the sins of the last administration. I am being very serious. You remember that about two weeks ago, we had to go to the National Assembly for a supplementary budget of N674 billion.

“Of that figure, N522billion was for arrears of fuel subsidy which was incurred as far back as August last year.

“The solution is what you have seen us doing. The first thing we have done now is to make sure that unlike before when the marketers used to import the major percentage of the fuel. NNPC has been involved in importation, because some of the marketers had stopped importing for a couple of months.

“If you see any fuel anywhere today, it is imported by the NNPC. We also inherited the vandalisation of the pipelines which has made it impossible for us to even transport the fuel. In tanks today, we have 14 days reserve and off tank we have 10 days reserve.

“The issue is not non-availability of the product it is the distribution, because of pipelines that have been vandalised and the gridlock in Lagos. It takes about five days for anybody to take fuel with tanker in Lagos.

“As at two days ago this matter has been resolved. The Mosinmi pipeline has been secured and it has led to the improvement in the distribution”, he said.

Dollar maintains N270 at parallel market

The Naira on Monday continued to exchange at N270 to the dollar amidst expectations that the apex bank would inject 90 million dollars to stimulate the parallel market.
 Naira had on Friday rebounded after weeks of record low at the market, exchanging for N270 to the dollar at the parallel market.

At the official interbank window, the Naira exchanged for N197 to the dollar.

Traders at the market were hopeful that the Naira would experience some stability after the Central Bank of Nigeria said it had stimulated the market with 90 million dollars. (NAN

UK pledges to assist Nigeria combat Boko Haram

United Kingdom Defence Secretary Michael Fallon on Monday announced his government's support to the Nigerian armed forces to help combat Boko Haram.

Fallon made this known while briefing newsmen at the British High Commission in Abuja.

According to him, the move is to broaden the deep relationship and re-energise the bilateral cooperation between both countries.

He said that the intention was to double the number of British personnel deployed on training tasks in Nigeria in the coming year, with up to 300 expected to provide support in 2016.

The defence secretary also said that a specialist team would be deployed to provide assistance and advice in countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and medical training.

Fallon said that a new Royal Air Force (RAF) training team would also be deployed to improve the knowledge and skills of the Nigerian Air Force in airfield defence and counter-insurgency.

According to him, Boko Haram is a brutal organisation that has murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians.

``We stand united with Nigeria in its efforts to defeat them.

``Stepping up our training efforts will help support the Armed Forces of Nigeria for crucial counter-insurgency operations.’’

He said that he had earlier paid a courtesy on President Muhammadu Buhari and Defence Minister Dan Ali, to discuss the country’s security challenges and the status of the bilateral UK-Nigeria Defence relationship.

Fallon explained that the deployment of the new teams and expanding the package of UK assistance builds on the programme of Short-Term Training Teams (STTT).

``Many of these teams were from the @nd Battalion the Royal Anglican Regiment, providing assistance to our Nigerian partners throughout 2015.

``Overall, around 130 UK military personnel have been deployed to Nigeria on a wide range of training tasks in 2015.

``These included training in infantry skills, civil-military affairs, media operations, command and leadership, IED-awareness, and support to Nigerian military training schools and establishments.

``Almost 1,000 Nigerian military personnel benefitted from training to prepare them for counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria,’’

Fallon said that the training uplift would support work already carried out by the UK resident British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT).

``BMATT has also grown in size since the government announced last year that the UK would increase its training and capacity building in Nigeria.

``Together with our continued support to a Nigerian intelligence and analysis cell focused on the North-East and based in Abuja, almost 30 UK military personnel are now deployed in Nigeria,’’ he said. (NAN)

Kwara won’t reduce minimum wage—Gov. Ahmed

Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara says his administration will continue to pay the N18,000 minimum wage inspite of the drop in revenue earnings.

Ahmed gave the assurance at the inauguration of an auditorium at the Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies, Ilorin.

“The state government is committed to the security and welfare of its workforce despite the current controversy about the proposed downward review of the minimum wage to workers in Nigeria.

“I am happy to announce that the state government is still committed to the continued payment of the minimum wage as it is notwithstanding the dwindling monthly allocations from the Federation Account,’’ Ahmed said.

The state government, he said, was also set to introduce the Contributory Pension Scheme in order to check post retirement pension challenges.

He said it was becoming increasingly impossible to sustain the present pension model where the state government was solely responsible for workers’ pension.

The governor described the Contributory Pension Scheme as result-oriented and affordable, saying it would be easy for beneficiaries to invest and get interest on their deposits.

“It is therefore necessary and in fact beneficial to adopt the more sustainable model of contributory pension in Kwara State,’’ he said.

The governor, who urged workers in the state to embrace the contributory pension model, said it would be beneficial to them and assist government in the judicious management of scarce resources.

The Director-General of the institute, Dr John Olarewaju, said the institution had been playing critical role in capacity development of the country’s labour force through various educational programmes. (NAN

Buhari Reportedly Seeks Deal With Dasuki

Following the ongoing investigation into $2bn arms scandal the presidency is reportedly seeking the settlement with former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.


New Telegraph reports that the talks with the government is at the example of high level politicians, including retired generals, with the pledge to get the beneficiaries return the looted funds to government’s reserves.

According to the source the peace initiative was as a result of shocking revelation that charged prominent Nigerians and officials of the Buhari government who were beneficiaries of the security fund.

The source said: “Discussions are going on between the parties. The revelation that has come out so far are just a tip of the iceberg.
 “If Dasuki is allowed to release documents about the beneficiaries of arms deal and security fund, the country will be in crisis.”

 “Dasuki has threatened to open up on the arms deal. “This is why he demanded for an open trial.”

 “With open trial, the whole world would know that so many people were involved in the arms deal.”

Dasuki reportedly has compiled the list of recipients of the fund with documentary proof comprising bank transactions, receipts, video and audio recordings of the transaction before the talks.

“The gravity of the evidence and those involved in the arms deal necessitated the peace moves. The discussion is to douse the tension because if Dasuki opens up, the Buhari presidency would be embarrassed by the revelations,” the source close to Dasuki said.

Those managing the deal met with President Buhari to see how the matter could be settled without mounting the tension already stirred with the arms purchase scandal.

One of the conditions of agreement, according to the source, is that former NSA should be given bail.

“The negotiation is what we expected ex-president Goodluck Jonathan to have done. We learnt that he is also reaching out to the president,” the source said.

However, the presidential spokesperson Mallam Garba Shehu, could not confirm the current peace talks.

“I don’t have the information now,” he said.

“Even, some famous leaders across the North-South divide benefitted from the fund,” the other source said. He added though money was transferred to the accounts of the beneficiaries, others who collected cash signed for what they got.

Ex-minister of state for finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, ex-governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa and others are facing trial together with Dasuki over the $2 billion arms scandal.

Yuguda has disclosed that he gave N100 million to some leaders of the PDP, including Chief Bode George, Yerima Abdullahi, ex-governors Peter Odili and Jim Nwobodo, for the 2015 elections.

The accused people were arraigned on a 22-count charge bothering on criminal breach of trust and diversion of public fund under the pretext of purchasing security arms.

However, former NSA will today know whether he will go back home or repeatedly be imprisoned in the custody of the EFCC.

VP Osinbajo Discloses When PMB Will Present 2016 Budget

Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo, has reportedly disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari will present the 2016 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly on Tuesday, December 22, NAN reports.

The vice president made the disclosure on Sunday, December 20, when receiving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital.

Osinbajo said: “I want assure those who are saying that they are tired of waiting to see the change. The change is coming soon as discussions are ongoing. The President will soon reveal the programmes of the APC when he presents the 2016 budget on Tuesday. You will see the mindset of the president who is ready to reposition the country.”

Speaking further to the defectors, the vice president said there was no justification for people in North-Eastern part of the country to remain in the PDP.

Osinbajo, who was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, further noted that it was never too late for anyone aspiring to joine the APC to come onboard.

“There is no justification for anyone in the north-east to remain in PDP. Therefore, I call on all my brothers and sisters in north-east to join our great party -APC. This is because we want all hands in building Nigeria, our great nation. You can never be too late in joining the APC,” Osinbajo said.

He therefore urged all in the north-east to join APC to build the nation together, adding that those clamoring for change should exercise patience as President Buhari would soon unveil the programmes he had for the nation.

The vice president pleaded with all Nigerians to pray for the president and the APC in order for them to triumph.

Meanwhile, the presidency before now had promised to present to Nigerians, a budget of change, when the presentation of the 2016 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly is being carried out on Tuesday, December 22.

Just few weeks ago, Osinbajo, on Wednesday, December 10, received the treasurer of the World Bank, Arunma Oteh, at his office during a courtesy visit at the Aso Villa.

Osinbajo, who is not much of the outing type was recently a guest at the coronation ceremony of the newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on December 7, in Ile-Ife. He was spotted among other prominent personalities including Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos state, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the national leader of All Progressive Congress (APC) Senator Bola Tinubu and others.

EFCC To Interrogate More Politicians Over Arms Scandals

As more revelations emerge on the shady deals of the arm procurement scandal, the focus in virtually all the national dailies today ( December 21), are politicians and government officials to be invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Top on the list is the former president Goodluck Jonathan. EFCC may write the former President Goodluck Jonathan in connection with the scandal, the Punch reports.

Goodluck Jonathan had consistently been a source of refrence in the interrogation of some suspects while Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) former national security adviser also claimed to have disbursed funds based on the instruction of the former president.

Two weeks ago, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the former minister of finance also claimed to have transferred money to the former NSA as a result of a decision reached at a meeting presided over by Jonathan.



”Although the commission will not invite the former President, we may write him to tell us his own side of the story because his name has been coming up in our investigations,”An EFCC source said.

The source said the commission would not need to seek clearance from President Muhammadu Buhari before sending the letter.

Those to be invited by EFCC for further questioning on the arms deal include government officials and some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party:, Tony Anenih, former Board of Trustees chairman of the party, Bode George, former deputy national chairman  who were alleged to have received part of the funds meant for arms procurement.

The EFCC explained that the invitation as an operational procedure of the commission to invite all those indicted in the process of the investigation.

As EFCC beams its searchlight on more culprits, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee is also probing suspicious transfer of N1.17bilion to another account  approved for a federal government agency.

The committee is seeking answers to why the immediate past minister of finance and coordinating minister for the economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, reversed a presidential directive which approved the money for the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBA), the Nation reports.

The committee wants adequate explanations to the following questions raised in the course of its investigation: Who applied for the withdrawal since payment was initiated through an application by the SRRBDA?, how a ministerial directive can override a presidential approval, where the money was returned to after it was withdrawn from the account of the Authority; and whether the withdrawal was politically motivated given the time of the withdrawal.

The committee plans to invite the ex-minister over her release of $330m Abacha loot to the office of the national security adviser without appropriation.

Investigation reveled that loan for arms procurement, later turned out to be part of the cash being distributed to politicians and friends of that government before the last general election.
”President Goodluck Jonathan, in a letter, approved the release of the money to the River Basin Authority. The approval was conveyed to the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) by the (then) minister of finance, according to the office of the AGF.

”The payment was made into the accounts of the SRRBDA on March 9 but withdrawn in two tranches within a week, two months later in May.

”The first withdrawal of N784m was made on 6th May, 2015. The second, N90m, was effected on 12th May 2015 but executed on 16th May 2015 by the CBN.

”Only N874.6million was withdrawn by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from the account of SRRBDA because the agency had started spending the money,”  The Nation’s report reads.

Another drama that trailed the arms’ shady deal is the indictment of the  Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

Goodluck Jonathan’s administration reportedly paid over N120 million as compensation to newspaper companies for the unlawful seizure of their newspapers and stoppage of circulation by armed soldiers in several cities across the country in June 2014.

In order to protect its corporate integrity, the management of The Sun Publishing Limited, in an advertorial published on its front page claimed it has returned the N9 million received from the presidency through the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

The statement released in this regard and signed by its managing director/editor-in- chief, Eric Osagie states;

”After the unlawful action of the military, to which The Sun lost millions of naira, we had signified the intention to commence litigation against the Federal Government along with other affected newspaper companies.”

”However, at the level of the NPAN, which The Sun is a member, a decision was col­lectively taken to accept the Presidency’s offer of peaceful settlement in place of litigation in the interest of peace and na­tional security.”

”We were later informed of the payment of N120 million compensation out of which the sum of N9 million was paid to The Sun Management by the NPAN.”

”At the time the compensa­tion was paid, we had no inkling whatsoever under which expen­diture sub-head in the Presi­dency the fund was sourced and that it was allegedly part of the funds meant for the purchase of arms.’’

”In the light of the fore­going, we are forwarding the cheque of N9 million received from the NPAN for onward return to the source through which it came.”

The era where those accused or being prosecuted for money laundering often seek soft landing may be over as the federal government has hinted that it will longer accept frivolous plea bargain option being contemplated by some of the suspects now standing trial.

The federal government is rather more interested in recovering all funds stolen by the top politicians and their cronies under the guise of arms purchase.

Speaking with Vanguard, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, (SAN) said such plea bargain allows looters to go away with stolen public assets.

”Let me just make it clear to all that under the present administration, it is no longer business-as-usual. As at today, a lot of measures are being put in place to recover the loot which a few privileged Nigerians stole and stashed away.

”It is an article of obligation under the law of the Federal Government of Nigeria to convict the looters and recover the amount traced to each of them to show the disdain that this government has for corruption and to serve as a warning signal that nobody is authorised to steal the commonwealth of Nigerians under any guise,” he said.

According to him, the fifth schedule of the Nigerian Constitution has pushed the burden of proof from the government to those who looted the funds to prove their source of wealth and why they should not be jailed.

Why Hiddink Wants Drogba At Chelsea As Assistant Coach

Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba could become one of the coaching assistants at Stamford Bridge as interim manager as Guus Hiddink has disclosed he wants to include the Ivorian in his crew.

Hiddink who was on the stands where Chelsea thrashed Sunderland 3 – 1 was employed to stand-in for sacked manager, Jose Mourinho

The Dutchman was seen seated in a private box alongside Drogba and Chelsea owner, Roman Abraomvich.

According to Fox Sports, Hiddink posited that Drogba is still very much needed at the London club.

He said: “We would like to get him involved. But he still has a contract with Montreal in the MLS, even though it is the close season for them now.

“But we definitely intend to get him involved. We want to get important players involved with the club they care about. Drogba’s heart is with Chelsea.”

Arms Deal: EFCC Set To Question Goodluck Jonathan

The immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan is set to undergo questioning from operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the now popular arms deal scandal.



Reports suggest that the anti-graft agency may secretly write the ex-president whose name it claim has consistently come up in the investigation into the scandal.

Recall that the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), was reported to have said he disbursed funds from his office based on the instruction of the former President.

An EFCC source said the agency however has no plans to invite the former President but “we may write him to tell us his own side of the story because his name has been coming up in our investigations?” Punch is reporting.

The agency however claims it needs the clearance of the president to write the former number one citizen of Nigeria.

In a related development, EFCC may have concluded arrangements to invite some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Those expected for questioning are former board of trustees chairman of the party, Chief Tony Anenih; a former deputy national chairman, Chief Bode George, and others, who were alleged to have received part of the funds meant for arms procurement.

“You see, this is an investigation. In a situation like this, the commission has a thin chance of not inviting those whose names have been thrown up.

“They have to be invited to make clarifications; it does not necessarily mean that they have been indicted but it is only a standard procedure for them to appear to make clarifications where necessary.



“I think by now, Anenih, Bode George and all those who were mentioned during the investigation should have been invited but the commission has not been given the directive to pick them up.

“They know what they are doing. Anytime from now, possibly this week, they will be invited” Punch quotes an EFCC source.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian federal government has said there would be no need for the frivolous plea bargain for those involved in the arms deal scam.

The Health Benefits of Red Wine | How Life Works

The Health Benefits of Red Wine | How Life Works

Dogara appeals for more patience with APC government

Nigerians will begin to reap the dividends of promises made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) when the 2016 budget is passed into law, Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has promised.

This is contained in a statement issued by Turaki Hassan, Dogara’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

Dogara urged Nigerians to exercise more patience with the APC-led government to fulfill its campaign promises.

He said the last six months could not be used to judge the performance of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, saying the administration inherited empty treasury and a battered nation.

The Speaker stated that Buhari was facing enormous challenges but determined to surmount them.

``Nigeria is passing through difficult times and the citizens need to show more understanding and patience as damages done to the country will take time to fix.

``The 2016 budget will soon be presented by the president and the appropriation bill will contain promises for the masses,’’ he said.

Dogara said that Nigerians should criticise the government if after the passage of the 2016 budget it failed to deliver.

``We cannot afford to disappoint you and the mandate you gave us. Give us and the president maximum support and we shall not disappoint you.

``Change is a gradual process; with patience we will bring the desired change and development you clamour for,’’ Dogara said. (NAN)

DasukiGate: Sun Newspaper Returns 9 Million Naira To FG

Sun newspaper has returned the 9 million naira compensation it received from the National Security Adviser through the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) to the federal government.



The newspaper, in a statement signed by the managing director/editor-in- chief, Eric Osagie, the paper said it took the decision to return the money following the controversy the episode generated.

The NSA had paid N120 million as compensation to newspaper companies for the unlawful seizure of their newspapers and stoppage of circulation by armed soldiers in several cities across the country in June 2014 to NPAN.

Read the full statement below.

“After the unlawful action of the military, to which The Sun lost millions of naira, we had signified the intention to commence liti­gation against the Federal Government along with other affected newspaper companies. 2. However, at the level of the NPAN, which The Sun is a member, a de­cision was collectively taken to accept the Presi­dency’s offer of peace­ful settlement in place of litigation in the interest of peace and national se­curity.

“We were later in­formed of the payment of N120 million compensa­tion out of which the sum of N9 million was paid to The Sun Management by the NPAN.

“At the time the com­pensation was paid, we had no inkling whatso­ever under which expen­diture sub-head in the Presidency the fund was sourced and that it was al­legedly part of the funds meant for the purchase of arms.

“As a very responsible newspaper organization, which places premium on ethics, individual and cor­porate integrity, we are certainly embarrassed by the turn of events and the unfortunate insinuation of involvement in the illegal sharing of the nation’s commonwealth and the feasting on the blood of soldiers fighting the war against insurgency.

“We believe strongly in our corporate integrity and principles of fairness and social justice, which have driven our business considerations over the years.

“In the light of the foregoing, we have re­turned the cheque of N9 million to the NPAN for onward transmission to the source through which it came.

“We have seen that the good intention not to seek redress in court has seem­ingly backfired.

“We have also given notice to our lawyers to immediately commence the process in court to redress the huge loss suf­fered through the actions of the military.

“We assure our teem­ing readers of our com­mitment to serving them faithfully and conscien­tiously by upholding the time-tested principles of fair business ethics, eq­uity and social justice.