PRESIDENT JONATHAN URGES MUSLIMS TO REDEDICATE THEMSELVES

AS RAMADAN BEGINS, PRESIDENT JONATHAN URGES MUSLIMS TO REDEDICATE THEMSELVES TO THE VIRTUES OF PIETY, TOLERANCE AND FAIRNESS TO ALL

President Goodluck  Ebele Jonathan salutes all Muslims in Nigeria as they begin this year's Ramadan fast.

As they join fellow adherents of the faith in other parts of the world in undergoing the strictures and spiritual purification of the annual Ramadan fast against the background of security challenges in the country, President Jonathan urges all Nigerian Muslims to offer special prayers during the period for greater peace and security in the nation.

The President seizes the opportunity of the commencement of the Ramadan fast to reassure the entire nation that the Federal Government continues to work tirelessly to curb insurgency, terrorism and other criminal acts which have caused insecurity in parts of the country.

He urges Nigerians not to succumb to despair, but to remain steadfast in the firm conviction that with courage, determination, focus, decisiveness and collective support for the Armed Forces  and security agencies, the country will ultimately overcome the evil agents of sectionalism, sectarianism and international terrorism who seek to disunite the nation.

As they observe the Ramadan, President Jonathan also calls on Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves in fuller measure to the virtues of piety, self-discipline, tolerance, equity, honesty, fairness and sympathy for the less privileged which the Holy month promotes.

The President joins all people of faith in praying that God Almighty will grant Nigeria greater peace, security, unity and national harmony.

He wishes the Muslim community a rewarding and spiritually gratifying Ramadan fast. 
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 28, 2014

Nigerian President assures players

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has assured the country's senior players at the World Cup that the squad will be paid their bonus money.
The president's guarantee comes a day after after the Super Eagles players boycotted training on Thursday.
BBC Sport understands Nigeria's players fear they will not be paid after the tournament - a situation that occurred after last year's Confederations Cup.
Nigeria play France in the last 16 of the tournament on Monday.
While the players have demanded they receive their money now, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is not in a position to make that payment until it receives its prize money from Fifa.
It is that impasse that has led President Jonathan to intervene.

Abuja blast victims recount ordeal

As he(bomber) bent his head towards his Sienna, I told my friend that we should get away from there. Within a few seconds, there was an explosion …. I saw many corpses on the ground. Heads, hands and legs littered   everywhere–Ademola

 On that fateful day, I just crossed over to buy corn …. Within seconds after I left that point, I heard a big bang and found myself on the ground.   My right leg   was affected.   Presently, I can’t stand with it

– Tyokasi
 I thought   my head had been blown off by the blast. I touched my head while on the ground and realised that it was there. I stood up and was looking for help, but help didn’t come immediately
–Olatunji
 Some of the hospitalised victims of the Emab Plaza explosion in Abuja on Thursday recounted their experience and   thanked God for sparing their lives. The explosion had happened on Wednesday.

Abacha loot: TI reacts to withdrawal of case

Sani Abacha

An anti-corruption group, Transparency International, has faulted the decision of the Federal Government to drop corruption charges against Mohammed Abacha, son of the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

TI expressed this dissatisfaction in a statement by its Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Chantal Uwimana, on Thursday.

The Federal Government had charged Mohammed Abacha for helping his father to steal and launder about N446.3bn allegedly stolen from the government’s coffers between 1995 and 1998.

But Adoke, acting on behalf of the Federal Government last Wednesday, asked Justice Mamman Kolo of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to strike out the charges on the grounds of “fresh facts” that just emerged concerning the case.

Luis Suarez bite: Reaction to Fifa's four-month ban from world football

Fifa's decision to give Uruguay striker Luis Suarez a four-month ban from world football for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has made headlines around the globe.

Uruguay's Luis Suarez grabs his teeth after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini

He will now miss nine international matches and the first nine games of the Premier League season for Liverpool, as well as three Champions League matches.The World Cup ban is the third he has been handed for biting someone during his career.
Here BBC Sport rounds up reaction to Thursday's ruling and the possible repercussions for club and country.

Luis Suarez's controversies
July 2010: Handles the ball on the line to deny Ghana a winner in the last minute of extra time in the World Cup quarter-finals. Asamoah Gyan misses the resulting penalty and Uruguay win the shootout to reach the semi-finals.
November 2010: Given seven-match ban for biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal on the shoulder while playing for Ajax.
December 2011: Given eight-match suspension and fined £40,000 for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.
February 2012: Refuses to shake hands with Evra at Old Trafford and is described as a "disgrace" by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
April 2013 : Suarez apologises for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Gets 10-game ban.
June 2014: Given nine-match international ban and four-month suspension from all football-related activity for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

FIFA bans Suarez for four months

Uruguay striker also fined $112,000 and banned for nine international games after biting Italy defender in Brazil.

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was banned for nine matches by FIFA after being found guilty of biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Suarez was also suspended from any football-related activity for four months and fined 100,000 Swiss francs ($112,000).

"Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch, and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field," Claudio Sulser, chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, said in a statement.

Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng kicked off Ghana team

Ghana threw Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng out of its World Cup squad for disciplinary reasons on Thursday, plunging the African team into further chaos ahead of its decisive group-stage match against Portugal.

Just a day after seeming to resolve a possible player mutiny over World Cup bonus payments, the Ghana Football Association released two separate statements saying two of the country's stars had been "suspended ... indefinitely from the Black Stars with immediate effect."

Ghana threw Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng out of its World Cup squad for disciplinary reasons on Thursday, plunging the African team into further chaos ahead of its decisive group-stage match against Portugal. (Associated Press)

Muntari was suspended "in the wake of his unprovoked physical attack on an executive committee member of the GFA and a management member of the Black Stars, Mr. Moses Armah" on Tuesday, one statement read.

World Cup 2014: Lionel Messi 'is from Jupiter', says Nigeria coach

World Cup 2014: Lionel Messi 'is from Jupiter', says Nigeria coach

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi said Lionel Messi "is from Jupiter" after the Argentina forward scored twice in their 3-2 win over the African nation.

The 27-year-old scored a half-volley and a free-kick as Argentina recorded a third win to finish top of Group F.
"Messi is one of heck of a player. He's blessed. You can't take it away from him," said Keshi, whose Nigeria side still qualified despite the defeat.
"There are good calibre players in the team but Messi is from Jupiter."

Argentina goal-scorers Lionel Messi (left) and Marcos Rojo (right) celebrate with Angel Di Maria
World Cup 2014: Nigeria 2-3 Argentina highlights
Keshi, whose team advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup after Iran lost to Bosnia-Hercegovina, added: "I feel honoured and happy it's going our way, I want to thank the players and the fans and some of the media."
Messi is now joint top scorer at the 2014 tournament with four goals, alongside Brazil's Neymar. Prior to Brazil 2014, he had scored just once in eight World Cup matches.
The Barcelona star paid tribute to Nigeria, who equalised twice through Ahmed Musa before Marcos Roja scored a second-half winner for the two-time champions.
"We played against a team that wanted to play," Messi said. "I think we saw a good Argentina. We need to continue on this path."
Messi had previously only scored one World Cup goal in 571 minutes, but former England striker Gary Lineker believes he is now comparable to Argentine compatriot Diego Maradona.
Maradona inspired Argentina to their 1986 World Cup triumph, scoring twice to eliminate Lineker and his England team-mates in the quarter-finals.
"I don't think since Maradona we've seen anyone quite like Messi on the field," said the Match of the Day presenter.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN CELEBRATING THE SUPER EAGLES' VICTORY

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) CELEBRATING THE SUPER EAGLES' VICTORY OVER BOSNIA AT THE ONGOING 2014 BRAZIL FIFA WORLD CUP. WITH HIM ARE SOME PRESIDENTIAL AIDES AND THE CORPS MARSHALL FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION, OSITA CHIDOKA AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA SHORTLY AFTER THE MATCH (22/6/14) NIGERIA WON 1-0

CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PATRON'S THE BOY'S BRIGADE (BB) NIGERIA, SEN BARNABAS GEMADI; CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ON HIS  INVESTITURE AS THE GRAND PATRON OF THE BOYS' BRIGADE (BB) OF NIGERIA AT THE ASO VILLA CHAPEL ABUJA ON SUNDAY (22/6/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN; FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN AND MEMBERS OF THE BOYS BRIGADE NIGERIA AFTER THE INVESTITURE OF PRESIDENT JONATHAN AS THE GRAND PATRON OF THE BOYS' BRIGADE NIGERIA AT THE ASO VILLA CHAPEL, ABUJA ON SUNDAY (22/6/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN RECEIVING HOLY BIBLE FROM THE PRESIDENT, THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF NIGERIA, MR ARON NUHU AND THE ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY, MR VICTOR DAMILARE AT THE ASO VILLA CHAPEL, ABUA ON SUNDAY (22/6/14)

CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PATRON'S THE BOY'S BRIGADE (BB) NIGERIA, SEN BARNABAS GEMADI; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN; LIFE PATRON, BB, JUSTICE CLARA OGUNBIYI; AND THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT, BOYS BRIGADE NIGERIA, PRINCE YANDEV AMAA-BAI AT THE INVESTITURE CEREMONY OF PRSIDENT JONATHAN AS THE GRAND PATRON OF THE BOYS' BRIGADE (BB) NIGERIA AT THE ASO VILLA CHAPEL ABUJA ON SUNDAY (22/6/14)

FROM LEFT: VICE-PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND PDP NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, ALHAJI ADAMU MU'AZU CELEBRATING THE VICTORY OF PDP AT THE EKITI GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION ON SUNDAY IN ABUJA 

FROM LEFT: VICE-PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO & PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN CELEBRATING THE VICTORY OF PDP AT THE EKITI GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION ON SUNDAY IN ABUJA 

FROM LEFT: PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND PDP NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, ALHAJI ADAMU MU'AZU CELEBRATING THE VICTORY OF PDP AT THE EKITI GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION ON SUNDAY IN ABUJA 

Nigeria beats Bosnia-Hercegovina

Nigeria's Peter Odemwingie scores against Bosnia-Hercegovina

Peter Odemwingie scored the only goal to give Nigeria a victory that means World Cup debutants Bosnia-Hercegovina will not progress from Group F.
The Stoke forward struck in the first half to give Nigeria their first win at a World Cup finals since 1998.
The goal came just seven minutes after Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside.
Nigeria's Peter Odemwingie scores against Bosnia-Hercegovina
Nigeria will reach the knockout stages if they get a point against Argentina, or if Iran fail to beat Bosnia.

Fayemi, APC concede defeat

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

In a rare show of sportsmanship, the Ekiti State Governor and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Sunday congratulated Mr. Ayo Fayose   of the Peoples Democratic Party for winning Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Another governorship candidate, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, of the Labour Party, President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP also felicitated with Fayose for emerging victorious.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES FAYOSE

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES FAYOSE
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan heartily congratulates the Governor-Elect of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on his overwhelming victory in Saturday's governorship election in the state.

President Jonathan also commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Security Services and the good people of Ekiti State for the successful and peaceful conduct of the elections in keeping with the present administration's avowed commitment to ensuring that elections in all parts of Nigeria are progressively freer, fairer and more credible.

THE LAST OPERATION OF TERROR GANG LEADER HUSAINI - DEFENCE HQ REPORTS

THE LAST OPERATION OF TERROR GANG LEADER HUSAINI - DEFENCE HQ REPORTS

Story via Defence Official Blog

A notorious terrorist who has led serial attacks on security personnel, Mallam Husaini has died in an encounter between his group and a military convoy along Jos – Bauchi highway.

Husaini who leads a cell of the terrorists billed to operate in the Plateau is known to have led an attack on Headquarters, Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Abuja in November 2012. He also led the attack on military convoy moving from Lokoja to Kaduna where 2 soldiers were killed in January 2013.

The terrorists gang had attacked a military convoy while on an operational patrol between Jos and Bauchi. At the end of the encounter, the Ford bus used by the terrorists was captured, 8 primed Improvised Explosive Devices, rifles, pistols and about 70 rounds of ammunition.

Also at Malamfatori in Borno State, security personnel in pursuit of a band of terrorists who attacked a police station, recovered the vehicles stolen by the gang as it was abandoned while they fled into Niger Republic. Other items which included uniforms of security organisations as well as protective gears, boots and other goods which they had stolen from various locations towards Nigeria – Niger border were also recovered by troops.

In another development, two men, Sani Sule and Idris Rume who were found loitering around the Aba Prisons have been arrested by officers of the Nigerian Prisons and handed over to troops in the state for further investigations.

Jonathan sets up c’ttee over Abacha loot

ABUJA—President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, set up a committee to fashion out the best way to invest part of the recovered loot of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
This followed the planned release of $227 million, about N36.32 billion, from the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein, which is part of the looted funds recovered from the Abacha family.
To ensure the proper utilisation of the funds, President Goodluck Jonathan decided to constitute an inter-ministerial committee to identify the best projects and programmes in which to invest the funds.
According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the coordinating minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Nwabuikwu, the President had also directed that part of the funds be saved in the Future Generations Fund, which is one of the funds managed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA to help secure the economic future of both Nigerian youths and unborn Nigerians.

FG releases N200bn for Q2 capital projects

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The Federal Government on Thursday released the sum of N200bn to its Ministries, Departments and Agencies for the implementation of the second quarter capital projects contained in the 2014 budget.

The development was confirmed by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, through a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Communications, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu.

The two-paragraph statement said the fresh amount released had brought the total capital releases for the first and second quarters of this year to N400bn.

The statement read, “The Federal Ministry of Finance has released the sum of N200bn for capital projects for the second quarter of the year.

Adamawa accounts frozen by EFCC –Nyako

The plot to impeach the Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, took a dramatic twist on Thursday, as he has cried out that forces behind the plot have frozen the state government’s accounts.

He said this in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja, on Thursday.

Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, also said he had yet to receive a copy of the impeachment notice.

He said, “They have frozen all our accounts today; no reason has been given for the action. We were not served any notice and nobody has told us why our accounts were frozen.

NDLEA arrests suspect with N75m worth of cocaine

The Cross River State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a suspect, Kelechi Amaka, with 6.3kg of cocaine valued at N75m.

Amaka, an Imo State indegene based in Cameroon, was arrested at the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority Jetty in Calabar on her way from Cameroon.

Parading the suspect at the office of the NDLEA in Calabar, the state Commander of the agency, Mr. Kayode Adeniyi, said the drugs were concealed in six factory sealed ladies hand bags and kept in a leather box.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NDLEA

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NDLEA

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has appointed Mrs. Roli Bode-George as the Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Mrs Bode-George takes over from Mr Olufemi Ajayi, who is now the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

The appointment is with immediate effect.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
June 19, 2014

Govt. drops N446b theft charge against Abacha's son

REPRIEVE came the way of Mohammed, son of the late Head of State Gen. Sanni Abacha as the Federal Government yesterday dropped a nine-count charge against him over alleged complicity in the theft of N446.3 billion during his father’s administration.

   In the nine-count charge preferred against Mohammed in February 2014, the government accused Abacha of unlawfully receiving about N446.3 billion allegedly stolen from government’s coffers between 1995 and 1998.

   In count one, Mohammed was alleged to have, between August and December 1995 in Abuja, dishonestly received $36,480,000.00 made up of cash and travellers’ cheques, property of the Federal Government, believed to have been stolen.

Arisekola Alao dies at 69

Are Musulumi of Yoruba land and billionaire businessman, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, is dead. Family sources told our correspondent that the religious leader died in his London home on Wednesday where he had been since last week Thursday. He died on the day he was expected back in Nigeria. He was aged 69.

The family source said that the Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria did not show any sign of ill health, although he was said to have embarked on the journey on medical grounds.

Tinubu has turned APC to private property – Ikimi

The estranged pioneer member of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Tom Ikimi, on Wednesday attributed his grouse with the party to the tyrannical approach to leadership by some of the leaders of the APC, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He said before Tinubu singlehandedly chose the former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, he had threatened “fire and brimstone” if he did not emerge as the party’s national chairman at last Saturday’s national convention of the APC.

Ikimi said Tinubu operated caucuses whose membership varied from time to time subject to his whims and caprice.

Adamawa Assembly moves to impeach Nyako, Deputy

Murtala Nyako

• ‘Speaker wants to be governor’

• Associates allege plot to oust Amaechi

AN investigation into the activities of Adamawa top government officials over an alleged massive fraud by them Wednesday reached its climax as the Assembly members directed the Clark of the House to serve an impeachment notice on Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy Mr. Bala Ngillari.

   Citing several constitutional breaches by the embattled governor, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Laori Kwamoti, moved a motion for the impeachment of the governor, arguing that Nyako had grossly violated his oath of office.

Ghana’s Boateng ready for ‘fight to death’ with brother, Germans

(AFP) – Ghana’s Berlin-born midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has turned up the heat for Saturday’s World Cup Group G match against Germany by comparing it to a gladiator-style ‘fight to the death’.
Boateng1“It’s like in ancient Rome. There will be people around the pitch who want to see how two teams fight,” the Schalke 04 star told German magazine Sport Bild.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW PTDF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW PTDF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has appointed Mr. Olufemi Ajayi as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

Mr. Ajayi is from Ekiti State and until this new appointment, he was the Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He replaces Dr. Oluwole Oluleye, also from Ekiti state, who has served as the Executive Secretary of the PTDF since 2013.

The appointment is with immediate effect.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
June 18, 2014

ARISEKOLA-ALAO WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A GREAT ENTREPRENEUR – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

ARISEKOLA-ALAO WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A GREAT ENTREPRENEUR  – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with great shock and sadness, news of the death of the renowned Nigerian businessman and religious leader, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao.
On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to the Arisekola-Alao family as well as the people of Ibadan and Oyo State on the passing away of the famed Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.

As they mourn the famous entrepreneur, community and religious leader, President Jonathan urges his family, relatives, friends, associates and dependants to be comforted by the fact that Alhaji Arisekola-Alao lived a very fulfilled life, and in passing on, leaves behind a legacy of significant and commendable achievements.

The President notes that Alhaji Arisekola-Alao will always be remembered and honoured, especially for the remarkable entrepreneurial skills with which he established many successful businesses and created jobs for numerous Nigerians, as well as for his religious leadership and philanthropic gestures.

He prays that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Arisekola-Alao's soul and grant him eternal rest.
 
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 18, 2014.

Gunmen free abducted sisters in Abuja

Two sisters, who were kidnapped by gunmen from their residence in Karmo, Abuja, last week, have been released.

The girls, Ejura and Unekwu Opaluwa, were said to have been abandoned by their captors at a location from where they found their way home on Tuesday.

It was not however clear if the family paid the N150m ransom that was demanded by their captors or not.

Security sources said they were released by their abductors following the pressure placed on them by security agencies.

Ekiti Election: Police deploy helicopters, armoured carriers

The Inspector-General of Police IGP Mohammed Abubakar has ordered immediate deployment of hi-tech security equipment, including surveillance helicopters, armoured personnel carriers, patrol vans and other law enforcement gadgets to Ekiti State for the State’s gubernatorial election scheduled for next Saturday.
Frank Mba, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police who revealed this in a statement said the deployment comes as a reinforcement of other security measures already put in place by the Police, especially the deployment to strategic locations of the personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), the Bomb Disposal Unit, Mounted Troops and the Police Air-wing designed to effectively boost the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring an atmosphere of peace, orderliness, safety and security of persons, votes and all sensitive election materials during the June 21, 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Iran hold Nigeria to dour draw

Iran and Nigeria played out the first draw of the 2014 World Cup as their Group F opener ended goalless.
Nigeria dominated possession but created few chances against a disciplined side managed by ex-Manchester United coach Carlos Queiroz.

The Super Eagles' best opportunities came in the first half, when Ogenyi Onazi fired a yard wide before Ahmed Musa went close with a free-kick.
Iran's Reza Ghoochannejad forced a great save from Vincent Enyeama.
The share of the points leaves both teams well placed in the group after Argentina defeated Bosnia-Hercegovina.

Group seeks Buhari’s intervention in APC crisis

Members of the All Progressives Congress under the aegis of the Kaduna Coalition for Change have urged Maj. Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (retd.), to rein in individuals who were exploiting their closeness to him to sabotage the party.

The group noted that the Kaduna State chapter of the APC was being sabotaged by the activities of individuals which it said had no electoral value other than an arrogant claim of closeness to Buhari.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Alhaji Aminu Gyellesu (Northern Senatorial Zone), Hajiya Hafsat Baba (Central Senatorial Zone), and Dr. Stanley Adamu Mamman (Southern Senatorial Zone), in Abuja on Monday.

According to the group, the party has suffered stunted growth in the state since the commencement of the APC congresses on April 5.

This, they explained, was so because the congresses had been marred by what it called the “old cancerous authoritarian practices of imposition of leaders, subversion of wishes of party members and flagrant use of money to buy votes.”

The aggrieved party members said, “Some of these actions are being perpetuated by vested interests whose desire is to control the party leadership in order to pave the way for their emergence as the party flag-bearers for elective offices in the 2015 general elections.”

Source: The Punch

Oduah, Soludo still under probe –EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said that it is still investigating a former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Soludo.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said during a press conference in Abuja on Monday that the commission was still investigating a case of bribery against Soludo.

Last year, President Goodluck Jonathan was forced to sack Oduah after a public outcry against her alleged involvement in the purchase of two BMW bulletproof cars for her use by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

Sudan didn’t frustrate Nyanya suspect’s extradition –Envoy

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche

The Arab Republic of Sudan has said that the process of extraditing one of the masterminds of the April 14,2014 Nyanya blast, Sadiq Ogwuche, is on course and cannot be frustrated.

Contrary to a report that the Sudanese government had blocked the repatriation of the terror suspect, Sudan stated that no such thing happened, stressing that Ogwuche would be extradited to Nigeria as soon as the necessary formalities were concluded.

It stated that the extradition process was being handled by the International Criminal Police, otherwise known as INTERPOL, noting that the suspect would be brought back to Nigeria to stand trial for his crimes.

Nasir El-Rufai Comes Under Fire For Sending His Daughter Abroad For Studies

Former FCT minister Nasir El-Rufai was blasted by Nigerians for sending his daughter to  a foreign university.


El-Rufai had posted a picture from his daughter’s graduation, with the caption “Another daughter graduates with a good honours degree……congratulations Kheria…..”

People however criticized him for sending his daughter to school abroad when they felt he could have done something about it when he was a stronghold in the Obasanjo regime.

Are these comments merited? Check some of them out below.

486 Boko Haram suspects arrested in Abia

A cross-section of the suspected Boko Haram insurgents
arrested in Abia State... on Monday

There was heightened fear in parts of the South-East on Monday as news spread that hundreds of persons suspected to be Boko Haram members were arrested in Abia State.

The suspects, including eight women, were said to have been arrested along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway by soldiers attached to the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Asa in the Ukwa West Local Government Area on Sunday.

Their arrest occurred some hours after security operatives detonated improvised explosive devices planted on the premises of a branch of the Living Faith World Bible Church (a.k.a. Winners Chapel) in Owerri, Imo State.

Unclaimed dividends have been significantly reduced – Olugbemi

The efforts of regulators and registrars have led to a reduction in unclaimed dividends to 5.05 per cent of total dividends declared in the last 10 years, the Institute of Capital Market Registrars, has said.

According to the institute, this is a major improvement over the situation in the past when the level of unclaimed dividend was as high as 24 per cent.

The President, Institute of Capital Market Registrars, Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, said this in Lagos ahead of the institute’s 5th annual conference, which is scheduled to take place in Lagos on June 21.

Michael Schumacher out of coma and leaves hospital - latest

16.00 We are going to close this live blog now. Thanks for joining us. Just to summarise what we know about Michael Schumacher's condition: he is out of his coma; the seven-time world champion is "communicating" with his wife and children; and he has been moved from Grenoble to University Hospital of Lausanne. Also, as his manager has said, "further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye". Good luck Schumi.
15.40 And, like Dr Bavikatte, Tipu Aziz, professor of neurosurgery at the University of Oxford, struck a similarly cautionary tone.
He said the fact the star was no longer in a coma suggests he is "better than he was" but added: "A full recovery is extremely unlikely.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO ATTEND DAKAR SUMMIT ON FINANCING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO ATTEND DAKAR SUMMIT ON FINANCING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will depart Abuja Saturday evening for Dakar at the head of Nigeria's delegation to the African Union's Summit on Financing Infrastructure Development scheduled to hold in the Senegalese capital tomorrow.

President Jonathan whose entourage will include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, will join other participating Heads of State and Government, representatives of the United Nations, the African Union, global financial institutions and leading investors in deliberations at the summit aimed at accelerating  the implementation of key priority  infrastructure projects within the framework of the African Union's  Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

The President and other participants at the Summit which has been convened under the auspices of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) will also brainstorm on the mobilisation of domestic financial resources for infrastructure development, the creation of conducive policy environments to enhance investments in infrastructure development and the leveraging of Public-Private Partnerships for continental infrastructure transformation.

The summit is expected to pay particular attention to the evolution of fresh strategies for the financing of high priority infrastructure projects such as regional road and rail networks, power supply and ports development.

President Jonathan who will also be accompanied by the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed and his Special Adviser on NEPAD, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze, will return to Abuja at the conclusion of the summit on Sunday.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
June 14, 2014

Manchester City sign Sagna

Bacary Sagna

The 31-year-old France international right-back completes his long-awaited free transfer to the Premier League champions after saying goodbye to Arsenal on Thursday.

Sagna joined the likes of Porto midfielder Fernando as City manager Manuel Pellegrini’s top targets in the close-season and he opened formal negotiations with his soon-to-be-new side on May 19.

Source: The Punch

Scolari salutes 'fantastic' Oscar

Neymar stole the show for Brazil in their opening World Cup triumph over Croatia, but coach Luiz Felipe Scolari hailed the impact of Chelsea midfielder Oscar.

Brazil won 3-1 with Neymar scoring twice - the 22-year-old's 32nd and 33rd goals for his country in only 50 caps - with Oscar getting the third after Croatia had taken an early lead through Marcelo's own goal.
There have been doubts expressed in the Brazilian media about 22-year-old Oscar's form, but Scolari insisted he had never lost faith.

PHOTOS: AMERICAN VISIT TO DR. ABATI

Special Adviser Media to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati; Mr. Paulo Rodriguez and Policy Coordination Officer, American Embassy, Ms. Hillary Renner at the State House, Abuja 12/06/2014

Special Adviser Media to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati; Mr. Paulo Rodriguez and Policy Coordination Officer, American Embassy, Ms. Hillary Renner at the State House, Abuja. 12/06/2014

National Confab votes for removal of Immunity Clause from Constitution

• Says privatisation exercise lacks transparency
• Fashola tasks N’Assembly on changes to electoral laws

THE ongoing National Conference yesterday voted overwhelmingly for the removal of immunity clause from the constitution.

  As Conference Committee, Vice Chairman Bolaji Akinyemi, read out the recommendation from the committee report, he was informed by some of the delegates that a similar recommendation had been made earlier. However, after searching for the said proposal supposedly made earlier, it was discovered that it was not considered.

World Cup 2014: Brazil v Croatia referee scandalous - Dejan Lovren

Brazil vs Croatia

The referee who awarded Brazil a controversial penalty should not be officiating at the World Cup, says Croatia defender Dejan Lovren.
The hosts won 3-1, but, with 20 minutes left and the score 1-1, Japan's Yuichi Nishimura ruled that Lovren had pulled down striker Fred.
Neymar scored from the spot before Oscar added a late third.
“If that's a penalty, we don't need to play football anymore... let's play basketball instead”
Croatia coach Niko Kovac.

CBN orders banks to refund excess CoT charges

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has ordered banks to refund Commission on Turnover, CoT, charges above the regulatory maximum to customers.
It also banned banks from imposing account maintenance fees on customers.
The order was given in a circular by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation department, Mr. Frankline Ahonkhai, to all deposit money banks.
The CBN said that based on the Revised Guide to Bank Charges issued last year, maximum CoT charge for 2014 is N2 per mile (N1,000) but some banks are charging customers above this rate.

Police Repel Boko Haram Attack In Kano

Brave police officers last night repelled suspected members of the Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram, who tried to attack a police station in Sumaila town in Sumaila local government area of Kano State.

A resident of the town told our reporter that suspected sect members besieged the police station and started firing, but the police officers on duty did not waste time in firing back, finally repelling the attackers.

The source added that the insurgents fled the area when it dawned on them that the police were quite prepared to counter their offensive.

The source added that many residents of the area had run out of the town to safety. "We hope that the police will be more vigilant from now because they (Boko Haram militants) often try to attack again with greater force whenever they are pushed back," the source told our correspondent.

Our reporter was not able to reach a senior police officer to officially confirm the development and to provide details about casualties and injuries.

Source: Sahara Reporters

LATE SENATOR KUTA WAS A COMMITTED AND FORTHRIGHT LAWMAKER – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

LATE SENATOR KUTA WAS A COMMITTED AND FORTHRIGHT LAWMAKER – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

On behalf of himself, his family, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan extends sincere condolences to Governor Babangida Aliyu and the people of Niger State on the death earlier today of Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta.