PRESIDENT JONATHAN DROPS POLITICAL ADVISER

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT JONATHAN DROPS POLITICAL ADVISER
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has terminated the appointment of his Special Adviser (Political), Alhaji Ahmed Gulak with immediate effect.
President Jonathan thanks Alhaji Gulak for his services to the present Administration and wishes him success in his future endeavours.
A replacement for Alhaji Gulak will be announced in due course.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 29, 2014

......prosecutes 156 companies for forgery

The Federal Government is currently prosecuting 156 companies for tendering forged procurement documents, while bidding for contracts. The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a forum with contractors, consultants and service providers to Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government. The forum, organised by the BPP, was held in order to provide an update on the implementation of the reform in the public procurement system, explain the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 as they affect contractors as well as enhance the implementation of the 2014 federal budget.

Policeman abducts, brutalises eight-year-old girl

Residents of Olufowobi Street, Ketu, Lagos, were thrown into confusion after an eight-year-old girl, Amarachi Abakwam, was found tied up and brutalised under the bed of a policeman attached to Police Mobile Force 22. PUNCH Metro learnt that the policeman, Augustine Gbuchenge, with Force number 400823, lived in the same compound with Amarachi’s family. The father of the victim, Patrick, told PUNCH Metro that on the fateful day he had been looking everywhere for his daughter until they discovered her under Gbuchenge’s bed.

Namadi Sambo loses brother in car accident

Vice President of Nigeria, Namadi Sambo has lost his brother in a car accident in Abuja.
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Vice President Namadi Sambo, Malam Umar Sani, on Sunday announced the death of Capt. Yusuf Sabo Sambo, the immediate younger brother to the Vice President.



Sani, who made the announcement in a statement issued in Abuja, said the deceased died as a result of a fatal motor accident on Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja.
The statement said that until his death, the deceased was a pilot, who worked with the former Nigerian Airways and the Presidential Air Fleet, before retiring to private practice.

Army arrests Boko Haram Terrorist in Taraba

The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday said that a group of terrorists, operating under the guise of herdsmen at a camp in the outskirts of Wukari in Taraba, had been arrested.
It said other members of the group were killed during an encounter with the military at a check point at Gindin Dorowa, a suburb of Wukari.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued by Major-General Chris Olukolade, the Director of Defence Information, in Abuja.
Olukolade said that one of the arrested armed men confessed to being a combatant for the terrorist group in Borno and was recently brought to Wukari area in furtherance of their mission.

Panic in Ogun, Lagos over rumoured B’Haram invasion

There was anxiety in Ogun and Lagos states on Wednesday after news filtered in that suspected Boko Haram members had taken over the Sagamu area of Ogun State and were heading for Lagos.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the news was spread through social media and text messages.

A copy of the message received by our correspondent read, “Breaking news, if you are on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway going towards Ibadan, please turn back. Eighteen suspected Boko Haram members with AK47 rifles are on the highway now displaying their skills.

Nigeria has over 1,400 Illegal Border Routes - Immigration Boss

The Comptroller General of NIS, David Parradang, made the disclosure while addressing the National Conference Committee on Immigration. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), on Wednesday 23 April in Abuja, disclosed that Nigeria has over 1,400 illegal border routes. NIS warned that this poses grave security implications for the country. He said that even though the country had only 84 approved land border control posts designated in the 1980s after the Maitatsine riots, ‘there are more than 1,400 illegal borders in the country’.

'Across the over 4,000 square kilometres coverage, we have well over 1,400 illegal routes which are not manned. The number of illegal routes is 100 times more than the number of approved routes.
“In Adamawa State for instance, we have about five control posts but we have 80 illegal routes in the state through which people come into the country.”

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPLAUDS GENERAL BUHARI’S PATRIOTIC CALL FOR NATIONAL UNITY AGAINST TERRORISM

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPLAUDS GENERAL BUHARI'S PATRIOTIC CALL FOR NATIONAL UNITY AGAINST TERRORISM

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan commends General Muhammadu Buhari for his very statesman-like views on  terrorism and insecurity  in Nigeria as expressed in his article which was published by the media over the past two days.
President Jonathan believes that the position taken by General Buhari is that of a true patriot, respected former Head of State, revered elder statesman and nationalist.
The President welcomes General Buhari's call on all Nigerians to remain steadfast and work in unity to overcome terrorists and other merchants of death who currently threaten national security.
President Jonathan fully shares General Buhari's view that a minority must never be allowed to "bring the nation to its knees through terror".
He has noted General Buhari's recommendation that the nation's counter-terrorism strategies be further fine-tuned and welcomes his kind offer of support and co-operation in dealing with the challenge of terrorism.
The President assures General Buhari of his Administration's sincere commitment and dedication to the successful prosecution of the fight against terrorism and all other threats to national security.
He further assures the General of his preparedness to work with him and all other patriotic Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to strengthen national security and end the scourge of terrorism.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 23, 2014

Ritualist arrested with human parts, N4m

A suspected ritual killer who specialises in selling human parts has been arrested by security operatives in Benin City, the Edo State capital, southern Nigeria. The man, whose identity is yet to be revealed, was allegedly arrested at the Upper Sokponba road area of Benin with cut to size gun, different human parts and N4 million cash.It was reliably gathered that the man had lived in a make-shift apartment for close to two years, pretending to be a madman. According to one of the landlords in the area simply identified as Pa. Onaiwu, who spoke to journalists, the suspected ritual killer was in the habit of behaving funny especially when it is getting dark. “This man sometimes behaves funny. In the afternoon, you will see him bathing naked, behaving like a real madman.

Security Agencies Seek Road Users’ Understanding Over Abuja Traffic Gridlock

The Ministry of Defence in Nigeria says the traffic gridlock on Nyanya-Abuja highway experienced by road users is in the overall best interest of the public and necessitated by the emerging security threats.
After a bomb attack last week Monday at Nyanya Motor Park, about 16 kilometres to Abuja, the Federal Capital territory was put on red alert, resulting in the check of vehicles coming into the city from that direction.

Abacha sacked me because of Obasanjo –Jimeta

A former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, said he was fired by a former military Head of State, late Gen. Sani Abacha as IGP because of his suggestion that political detainees including Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and others should be released unconditionally.

He also shocked members of the National Security Committee, which he chairs, that he just learnt through the media that the job of the National Conference was to write a new Constitution for Nigeria.

National Assembly Sends 2014 Budget To Presidency

Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday sent the 2014 Appropriation Bill to President Goodluck Jonathan for assent.
The lawmakers had, before going on break for the Easter holiday, passed a budget of 4.695 trillion Naira as against 4.642 trillion Naira proposed by the executive.
They also adopted a benchmark price of $77.50 per barrel of crude oil an increase from $74 per barrel proposed by the executive.
The 2014 budget was presented to the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Onkonjo-Iweala on behalf of President Jonathan on December 19.

David Moyes: Manchester United manager sacked by club

Manchester United manager David Moyes has been sacked, only 10 months after succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson. He was dismissed at a meeting with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward at the club's Carrington training ground shortly after 0800 BST. Moyes, 50, was chosen by Ferguson as the man to succeed him when he retired after 26 years in charge last summer.
Man Utd let in dreadful goals - Moyes Player-coach Ryan Giggs is expected to take charge of United's next game at home against Norwich on Saturday. The BBC understands coaches Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden have also left their posts.

WE'LL OVERCOME ALL RETROGRESSIVE AND DIVISIVE FORCES, PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES NIGERIANS AT EASTER

EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, PRESIDENT, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
SUNDAY, APRIL 2O, 20I4
Dear Compatriots,
I greet you all, especially our Christian brothers and sisters who are celebrating Easter and commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ today.
As we join Christians in other countries of the world in celebrating Easter this year, I urge all Nigerians to reflect on the significance of its lessons of piety, obedience to higher authorities, self sacrifice for the good of others, redemption, salvation, deliverance, renewal and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
These lessons of Easter and other injunctions on brotherly love, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty, humility, justice, equity and fairness to all without discrimination contained in the Gospels are of particular importance to us as a nation as we continue to contend with the challenges of nation-building and development.

Nigerian military retracts claim on releases

Kano, Nigeria (CNN) - The Nigerian Defense Ministry retracted Thursday a report that nearly all the 129 girls kidnapped this week from a school by suspected Boko Haram militants had been released.
Amid the "ongoing frantic efforts" of security forces, vigilante groups and hunters to find and free the students, "a report was filed in from the field indicating that a major breakthrough had been recorded in the search," said Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, director of defense information.
"There was no reason to doubt this official channel, hence the information was released to the public immediately. Surprisingly however, the school principal, one of the sources quoted in the report, has denied all that was attributed to her for whatever reasons. This is an unfortunate development indeed."

Kerry confirms report that Jews in Ukrainian city told to register

Secretary of State John Kerry confirmed Thursday a report that Jews in one restive Ukrainian city were sent notices telling them to register, a development he called "grotesque." 

Kerry's comments follow a report in Israel's Ynet News that a leaflet was circulating in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, demanding that Jews register -- as well as provide a list of property they own -- or else face deportation and revocation of citizenship. Pro-Russian activists have asserted partial control over some government buildings in that city.

Funsho Williams was strangled to death – Pathologist

Lagos State Chief Forensic Pathologist, Prof. John Obafunwa, on Wednesday told a Lagos High Court in Igbosere that the slain former governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Funsho Williams, was strangled to death. Six men – Bulama Kolo, Musa Maina, David Cassidy, Tunani Sonani, Mustapha Kayode and Okponwasa Imariabie – are standing trial before the court for the murder of Williams. Williams, who was to contest the 2007  governorship election in Lagos, was murdered on July 27, 2006, at his residence, 34A, Corporation Drive, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.Obafunwa, who was testifying as a prosecution witness before Justice Adeniyi Adebajo, said the post moterm conducted on the deceased person’s body showed that this death resulted from asphyxia (lack of oxygen intake) due to “manual strangulation.”

SECURITY CHALLENGES: PRESIDENT JONATHAN SUMMONS GOVERNORS AND MEMBERS OF NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

SECURITY CHALLENGES: PRESIDENT JONATHAN SUMMONS GOVERNORS AND MEMBERS OF NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has summoned members of the National Security Council to a meeting tomorrow at the Presidential Villa against the background of recent events and developments in the country.
The meeting which will be presided over by President Jonathan is scheduled for 1100 hours.
Those expected at the meeting include Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen Aliyu Gusau, the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Services and the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency.
The meeting of the National Security Council will be followed at 1300 Hours by an enlarged meeting on security developments in the country to which President Jonathan has invited State Governors.

NSCDC arraigns eight, impounds two trucks in A’Ibom

THE Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps have arraigned eight persons suspected to be involved in vandalising electricity cables, transformers, as well as transporting adulterated products.It was learnt that the two trucks that carried the adulterated products were parked at Etisalat base station on Abak Road, Uyo.The adulterated products were allegedly meant for the generators.The state Commandant, Mr. Pedro Ideba, said the driver and the conductor of the second truck escaped arrest.He stated that the corps operatives, however, arrested the driver and the conductor of the first truck.

10-month-old baby reunites with ‘missing’ mother in hospital

A 10-month-old baby simply identified as Goodness, who was rescued from the scene of the Monday bomb blast in Nyanya near Abuja,  has been reunited with her mother in hospital.

Goodness was separated from her mother, Gloria Adams, who was presumed dead in the explosion.

Before she was taken from the Asokoro Hospital to the Wuse General Hospital where her mother is receiving treatment in  the Intensive Care Unit, Goodness spent Tuesday morning sleeping.

Sorrow, tears as Abuja blast kills 89

A bomb attack by suspected Boko Haram members on a crowded motor park in Nyanya on Monday threw the Federal Capital Territory    into confusion.

Although security agencies put the number of the dead and the injured at 71 and 124 respectively, independent findings by our correspondents showed that at least 89 people, including three bombers died.

Two hundred and fifty seven others sustained various degrees of injury.

It was gathered that five luxury buses in the park were fully loaded when the blast occurred.

B’Haram crisis temporary, says Jonathan

Jonathan was initially billed to attend the centenary birthday service of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade. President Goodluck Jonathan,  who cancelled his planned trip to Ibadan, Oyo State, visited the scene of the explosion amidst tight security. He  arrived the scene at 12.20am with the President of the Senate, David Mark, and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu. Security chiefs, led by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), who arrived ahead, briefed the President  and showed him the spot, where the bomb was detonated.

Diezani, NNPC’s antics won’t stop jet probe –Tambuwal

The Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, has  said that the House will not be distracted in its resolve to probe  the alleged N10bn chartered jets scandal levelled against the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

It also noted that the investigation into the chartered jets was not a “personal quarrel” between Diezani and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Group Managing Director, Mr. Andew Yakubu, as the alleged reaction of the corporation portrayed.

Boko Haram kills scores in Abuja motor park bombing

Scores of people were killed and maimed as an early morning bomb explosion rocked a motor park in Nyanya area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Monday.

Nyanya is a satellite town bordering the FCT and Nasarawa State.

The explosion reportedly occurred in a section of the park allocated to luxury buses popularly called “El-Rufa’i buses.”

Worst hit was the area where vehicles plying Abuja-Ilorin-Kabba were parked.

Workers on their way to their workplaces were most affected.

An eyewitness, who survived with a deep cut in his right leg, told our correspondent that the explosion occurred while he was calling passengers into his car.

He claimed that human flesh littered his car and others around it.

A combined team of security agencies and fire fighters are currently retrieving bodies and putting out fire at the scene.

The incident had led to disruption of movement into Abuja from that area with many workers, who were on their ways to work, stranded.

The loud sound and thick smoke that characterised the explosion attracted people to the scene from neighbouring areas such as Karu, Mararaba and Masaka among others.

Source: Punchng

Arsenal reached the FA Cup final

Arsenal reached the FA Cup final by beating holders Wigan on penalties to keep alive their hopes of ending a nine-year trophy drought.

Jordi Gomez opened the scoring for the Championship side from the penalty spot at Wembley after Per Mertesacker clumsily brought down Callum McManaman.

Mertesacker levelled with a close-range header to force extra time.
Gary Caldwell and Jack Collison had penalties saved before the decisive kick was scored by Santi Cazorla.

The man who 'disappeared' in Nigeria - #FreeCiaxon

The Twitter profile picture of @ciaxon - his family have not been able to contact him for more than 10 days
A man who live-tweeted from the scene of an attempted jailbreak in the Nigerian capital Abuja 12 days ago, has disappeared. Activists believe he may have been arrested, and have launched a Twitter campaign for his release.
The hashtag #FreeCiaxon and the Twitter handle @ciaxon have been trending in Nigeria since late on Wednesday. There's also a lot of discussion about it on Facebook. On 30 March, the man who runs the @ciaxon account found himself at the scene of a dramatic fight between Nigerian security forces and detainees trying to escape from the State Security Service (SSS) headquarters.

FCT Administration Completes Lower Usuma Dam Water Project

Bala Mohammed

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed,  has announced the completion of the multi-billion naira Phases III and IV Water Treatment Plants at the Lower Usuma Dam, Bwari, Abuja, which was awarded by the FCT Administration on November, 2011.

Mohammed who stated this  Tuesday as one of the highpoint of the Bi-Monthly FCT Operations Briefing Session at the Banquet Hall, FCT Minister’s Residence, Abuja, noted that its is line with the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government and the promise made to the residents of the Nation's Capital.
The Minister disclosed that the FCTA has already linked these Water Treatment Plants to the existing Phases 1 & 2 Water Treatment Plants being used by the entire 250 Square kilometers of the Federal Capital City, Abuja as well as some of its suburbs.
Source: This Day

Abuja jailbreak: SSS detains engineer for posting pictures

A Thirty-two-year-old engineer, Isiaka Yusuf, is reportedly being held by the State Security Service for posting pictures of the March 30 jailbreak by some detainees suspected to be members of the Boko Haram on Twitter.
Investigations by iPUNCH on Thursday showed that Isiaka — an employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company attached to the Aso Villa substation — was picked up from his office by SSS operatives on March 30, a few hours after the incident.
The Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was allegedly busy at work while the security breach lasted.

PHOTOS: INAUGURATION OF LOWER USUMA DAM WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN ABUJA

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN CUTTING THE TAPE TO INAUGURATE THE PHASE 3 AND 4 (20 MILLION LITRES/HR) LOWER USUMA DAM WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (10/4/14). WITH HIM ARE: FROM LEFT: CHAIRMAN, SENATE COMMITTEE ON POWER, SEN PHILIP ADUDA; FCT MINISTER, SEN BALA MOHAMMED AND FCT MINISTER OF STATE, OLOYE OLAJUMOKE AKINJIDE

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN CUTTING THE TAPE TO INAUGURATE THE PHASE 3 AND 4 (20 MILLION LITRES/HR) LOWER USUMA DAM WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (10/4/14). WITH HIM ARE: FROM LEFT: CHAIRMAN, SENATE COMMITTEE ON POWER, SEN PHILIP ADUDA; FCT MINISTER, SEN BALA MOHAMMED AND FCT MINISTER OF STATE, OLOYE OLAJUMOKE AKINJIDE

Nigerian Deputy Inspector Olufunmilola Obe appointed New York police commander

NIGERIAN-born Deputy Inspector Olufunmilola Obe has been named as the new commander of the 28th Precinct of the New York Police Department (NYPD) making her one of the highest ranked diasporan police officer in the US.
Ms Obe replaces Deputy Inspector Kevin Williams who has been given a new assignment at the Counterterrorism Bureau. Deputy Inspector Obe was appointed to the New York City Police Department in February 1994 and began her career on patrol in the 17th Precinct.    
She was promoted to sergeant in December 2000, lieutenant in July 2005, captain in September 2008 and deputy inspector in June 2012.  Deputy Inspector Obe has served in the Midtown South Precinct; the 32, 25, 19 and 34 precincts and the Patrol Borough Manhattan North and Police Service Area 3.

Stolen Public Funds: Ibori May Not Pay a Penny Back

A former Wickes cashier who became a Nigerian state governor and defrauded £157 million of public funds to live a lavish lifestyle may not have to pay a single penny back.

James Ibori, 51, is said to have personally pocketed £50 million of cash stolen from the west African nation’s oil-rich Delta State during his eight-year tenure.
The former £5,000-a-year Wickes cashier blew millions on luxury homes, a £12.6 million private jet, fees at some of the UK’s most expensive boarding schools for his children, first-class travel and exclusive hotels.
He owned a £600,000 fleet of armoured Range Rovers, a £120,000 Bentley and a £340,000 Mercedes Maybach that was shipped direct to his £3.2million mansion in Johannesburg.

Demba Ba's scrambled late goal sent Chelsea into the Champions League semi-finals

Demba Ba's scrambled late goal sent Chelsea into the Champions League semi-finals at Paris St-Germain's expense - and sparked a familiar touchline celebration from delighted Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea needed to claw back PSG's 3-1 advantage from the first leg and Andre Schurrle - on as an early substitute for the injured Eden Hazard - gave them hope with a first-half goal.
And with only three minutes left Ba, another substitute, bundled the ball home from six yards to make the decisive contribution and spark wild celebrations as the Premier League side went through on away goals.

2015: Jonathan must get to destination —Tukur

Bamanga Tukur

ABUJA — Erstwhile National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, declared yesterday  that those opposed to President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election for second term in 2015 will fail, saying the President must get to his destination.

Tukur, while receiving  Niger Delta PDP Youth Movement who paid him a visit in his residence in Abuja, said, Nigerians needed Jonathan beyond 2015 for continuity and stability.

“You can’t change a captain of ship at the middle of sea and, therefore, Jonathan must get to the destination,” he said.

He said:  “We must support Jonathan.  It is not Jonathan that killed Umaru, late President Umaru Yar’Adua.   No, no, no, no. It is God. In our constitution, when there is no president, the vice president takes over.

Former Aviation Minister, Fani Kayode Meets With President Jonathan After APC Diatribe - PM News, Lagos

There were speculations that Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation and lately, a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC may have decided to return to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party following his close door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday.

Fani Kayode who had in the past few months written a series of critical articles against the Jonathan administration, met with the President behind closed-doors at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
At the end of the meeting, the former Aviation minister refused to give details of his discussion with the President in an interview with State House correspondents after the visit.

Lamido Adamawa’s condition for 100% resource control: We ‘ll take ownership of Abuja lands and you ‘ll pay rent

LESS than two weeks after his comment that he would lead his people to join the Republic of Cameroon if Nigeria disintegrates generated furore in the polity, the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha, again, told southern resource control agitators to be ready to forfeit their land in all parts of the North, especially Abuja, if their aspiration sailed through.

Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha

This is even as he warned against granting autonomy to ethnic nationalities in the country.
Speaking yesterday on the inaugural speech of President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Conference, Dr Mustapha, who is at the conference on the platform of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, also said monarchs should be allowed to function the way they are now and should not be given new roles in the new constitution. This is contrary to the views of his colleagues on the matter.

PHOTOS: PRESENTATION OF REPORT OF THE NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS FORUM ON ELECTORAL REFORM TO PRESIDENT JONATHAN IN ABUJA

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (4TH R), CHAIRMAN,
KEN-NNAMANI CENTRE FOR LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT,
SEN. KEN NNAMANI (4TH L) AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE
DELEGATION DURING THE PRESENTATION OF REPORT OF THE
NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS FORUM ON ELECTORAL REFORM TO
PRESIDENT JONATHAN AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ABUJA
ON MONDAY (7/4/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (4TH R), CHAIRMAN,
KEN-NNAMANI CENTRE FOR LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT,
SEN. KEN NNAMANI (4TH L) AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE
DELEGATION DURING THE PRESENTATION OF REPORT OF THE
NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS FORUM ON ELECTORAL REFORM TO
PRESIDENT JONATHAN AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ABUJA
ON MONDAY (7/4/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (4TH R), CHAIRMAN,
KEN-NNAMANI CENTRE FOR LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT,
SEN. KEN NNAMANI (4TH L) AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE
DELEGATION DURING THE PRESENTATION OF REPORT OF THE
NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS FORUM ON ELECTORAL REFORM TO
PRESIDENT JONATHAN AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ABUJA
ON MONDAY (7/4/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R), RECEIVING THE
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS FORUM ON ELECTORAL
REFORM FROM SEN. KEN NNAMANI, CHAIRMAN, KEN-NNAMANI
CENTRE FOR LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE
PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ABUJA ON MONDAY (7/4/14)

STATE HOUSE PHOTO

PHOTOS: VISIT OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (4TH L) PRESIDENT, INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA, MR KABIR MOHAMMED (4TH R) ICAN MR CHIDI ONYEUKWU (3RD L) MINISTER OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT, DR OLUSEGUN AGANGA (L) AND OTHERS DURING THE VISIT OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN IN ABUJA ON MONDAY (8/4/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (4TH L) PRESIDENT, INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA, MR KABIR MOHAMMED (4TH R) ICAN MR CHIDI ONYEUKWU (3RD L) MINISTER OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT, DR OLUSEGUN AGANGA (L) AND OTHERS DURING THE VISIT OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN IN ABUJA ON MONDAY (8/4/14)

State House Photo

Apo killings: NHRC indicts Army, DSS

The  building where the suspected Boko Haram members were killed

ABUJA — The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, yesterday, said its investigations revealed that eight persons that were killed by a joint team of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, at an uncompleted building situated at the Apo District of the Federal Capital Territory on September 20, 2013, were not members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect as was alleged by security agencies.
In a report it released yesterday, the commission, which had earlier conducted a public hearing on the matter, said there was no shred of evidence to show that the deceased victims belonged to the dreaded Jama’atu ahlus sunnah lid da’awati wal jihad, also known as Boko Haram.
*SSS Raid Boko Haram in Abuja: Uncompleted building where Boko Haram members reside  behind Apo Legislative Quarter in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan .
The  building where the suspected Boko Haram members were killed.

Aircraft with 57 passengers makes air return

A passenger aircraft belonging to Overland Airways, which left Ibadan for Abuja on Monday, had to abandon the journey around Minna, Niger State and make a detour to Lagos for emergency landing, after its windshield was broken.The plane, which left Ibadan around 8am, had on board a former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Lanre Ogundipe, an officer in the Accountant-General of the Federation’s office, Mr. Demola Akinlabi, and 55 others.

Delta police parade kidnappers’ of Clark’s son

kidnappers-of-clark's-son

ASABA—DELTA State Commissioner of Police Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, yesterday, paraded the suspected kidnappers of Chief E. K. Clark’s son, Mr. Ebikeme Clark at the state police headquarters, Asaba.
He said the command was seriously worried over the whereabouts of some members of the kidnap gang that carried out the operation, which he described as “extremely dangerous.”
According to him, “other gang members still at large include Timi, Abel, Ndamaw, and Jacob.

Ibadan Horror: Forensic experts exhume bodies, collect victims’ property

IBADAN—FORENSIC pathologists, yesterday, began exhuming bodies of some victims of the Soka kidnappers’ den in Ibadan for forensic analysis.

Soka-ForensicThe experts were drawn from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and Nigeria Police from Abuja. This came just as the police dismissed rumours that some victims were still trapped underground.
According to Superintendent of Police Olabisi Ilobanafor, the Public Relations Officer of Oyo State Command, “how can a human being survive underground for more than three weeks without food or drink? Where will they get power to charge the phone people have been saying someone was calling with?

Tottenham produced a superb performance

Tottenham produced a superb performance to increase the pressure on Sunderland.
The league's bottom side began well when Lee Cattermole punished a defensive error, but Spurs levelled soon after when Emmanuel Adebayor converted Christian Eriksen's cross.
Eriksen then supplied the ball for Harry Kane's tap-in before he got on the scoresheet with a low strike.
Adebayor poked in his second after Vito Mannone had saved Kane's shot before Gylfi Sigurdsson smashed in a fifth.
Although Spurs were not undeserving of the 5-1 scoreline, they owed their crushing win to poor Sunderland defending as much as a great attacking display.

Oronsaye Report: FG To Scrap NAPEP, Merge NAMA, NCAA, NIMET

The Federal Government has released the white paper on the report of the presidential committee on restructuring and rationalization of Federal Government parastatals, commissions and agencies, rejecting most of the recommendations in the Steve Oronsaye report.

In the document released by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Government rejected the recommendation to merge NTA, FRCN and VON.

It also rejected the recommendation to abolish the Federal Character Commission; privatization of FAAN; scrapping of the Ministry of Police Affairs, and re-introduction of tuition fees in federal universities, among others.

The accepted recommendations include: scrapping of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission; repealing of the national salaries, income and wages commission law; scrapping of the National Poverty Eradication Programme, NAPEP; merger of Nigeria Airways Management Authority (NAMA), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET); and partial commercialization of NIPOST.
Source: Channels tv

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF NEW NNPC COMPANY SECRETARY

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF NEW NNPC COMPANY SECRETARY
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Ikechukwu Oguine as the Coordinator, Legal Services and Company Secretary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Mr. Oguine who has over 29 years of legal experience, hails from Anambra State.

He was previously the General Counsel of Chevron Nigeria Limited  and has been a partner in Advisory Legal Consultants, a Law Firm specializing in oil, gas, power and mining.

Mr. Oguine replaces Mr. Anthony Chukwuma Madichie, also from Anambra State, who has served as the NNPC Legal Adviser and Secretary to the Corporation since February 2011.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 7, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN EXTOLS SENATE PRESIDENT’S PATRIOTIC DEDICATION TO NATIONAL UNITY, PEACE AND PROGRESS

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
 
PRESIDENT JONATHAN EXTOLS SENATE PRESIDENT'S PATRIOTIC DEDICATION TO NATIONAL UNITY, PEACE AND PROGRESS
 
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has extolled the patriotic dedication of the Senate President, Senator David Mark to national unity, peace and progress.
 
In a letter written to congratulate Senator Mark on the occasion of his 66th birthday, tomorrow, April 8, 2014, President Jonathan also expressed  his appreciation of the Senate President's unflinching support and contributions towards the successful implementation of the Federal Government's Agenda for National Transformation.
 
"As you mark your 66th birthday anniversary, I extend very warm felicitations to you on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
 
"It is my prayer that Almighty God continues to keep and prosper you, especially as you continue to patriotically give of yourself in support of our transformational efforts and in dedicated service to our fatherland," the President wrote.
 
He wished the Senate President a very happy birthday.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 7, 2014

Men face Trial for Exporting Sex Slaves

A Federal High Court  sitting in Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, has adjourned the trial of a retired policeman turned businessman, Ariwayo Oloyede Destiny, a.k.a Oyinbo, and a Burkina Faso based-businessman, Christian Segun Owanebi, alleged to have been trafficking Nigerian girls to West African countries for prostitution.
In a three-count criminal charge filed before the court by the legal officer of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), it was alleged that the suspects, Owanebi of Pagilaidi, Ouagadaugou, Burkina Faso, and Oyinbo  of Block 337, Flat2, Ilasan Estate, Lekki, Lagos, sometime in November, 2012, procured one Onyinyechi aged 19, for prostitution in Burkina Faso.

Housewife: How I escaped Boat Tragedy

A survivor of the Ikorodu boat mishap, Mrs. Abimbola Bunmi, has narrated to P.M.NEWS how she was saved by fishermen during the accident that claimed 9 lives recently.

P.M.NEWS spoke with her on Sunday where she went to give thanks at Christ Apostolic Church, Kingdom In Glory Parish at Elepe, on the outskirts of Lagos state, southwest Nigeria.

The 26-year old indigene of Osun State explained that the boat left Ebute-Ero around 5.34pm with 25 passengers on board instead of 20 passengers, adding that the boat was over speeding before the driver lost control as a result of the violent sea wave that occurred after they started the journey.
“Myself and two other men were rescued by fishermen who took us to another boat. I lost all my goods and the N350,000 my husband gave me to rent a shop in Ikorodu as well as the sales proceeds for that day,” she said.

She said the three of them who were rescued waved their handkerchiefs frantically as they were about to drown before the fishermen came to their rescue.
Bunmi, however, appealed to the Lagos state Government and individuals to come to her aid to enable her start a new life.

The pastor of the church, Pastor Friday Anderson, described Bunmi as a woman of faith, adding that it was her faith that saved her on that fateful day.
The boat was conveying passengers from Ebute-Ero to Majidu in Ikorodu area of Lagos state, southwest Nigeria, when it capsized, killing nine persons while 12 others were rescued.
PM News