FG rolls-out 10,000 low cost houses

The Federal Government on Thursday officially began the roll-out of the first phase of its 10,000 housing units under the affordable home ownership scheme.

The project, to be spearheaded by the newly established Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company will enable Nigerians to own their houses at affordable rate.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala while speaking at the event in Abuja said with the flag-off, low income earners would begin to have the opportunity to own their houses under a flexible payment package.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN DEPLORES TERRORIST ATTACKS AT KANO COLLEGE AND POTISKUM

PRESIDENT JONATHAN DEPLORES TERRORIST ATTACKS AT KANO COLLEGE AND POTISKUM

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan deplores the continuing terrorist assault on Kano and the heinous bombing of the Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies today.

He similarly deplores the attacks on two mosques in Potiskum, Yobe State yesterday.

President Jonathan condemns the repeated targeting of worshippers, and innocent students who are the nation's future by depraved terrorists.

He believes that the callous attacks on soft targets fully affirm that the terrorists are nothing but bloodthirsty adherents of a warped and retrogressive ideology.

No amount of intimidation and violence would stampede the government into abandoning its goal of giving education a new lease of life and opening up access to all young Nigerians who wish to improve themselves.

President Jonathan has therefore directed the Armed Forces, Police and other national security agencies to further enhance security around educational facilities in states prone to terrorist attacks.
 
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 30, 2014

FG COMMITTED TO HELPING VICTIMS OF TERRORISM REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND COMMUNITIES – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
FG COMMITTED TO HELPING VICTIMS OF TERRORISM REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND COMMUNITIES – PRESIDENT JONATHAN
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Wednesday in Abuja that he expected members of Nigerian's vibrant private sector and friends of the country in the international community to donate very generously to the Victims' Support which will be formally launched tomorrow to provide more relief and succour for all those who have been adversely affected by terrorism and insurgency in the country.
Speaking at separate audiences with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, and the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, President Jonathan said that he hoped that over a 12-month period, about $500 Million would have been raised through the fund to further alleviate the sufferings and deprivations imposed on Nigerians living in states worst affected by terrorist attacks.

Jonathan launches new e-passport

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday launched Nigeria’s new 64-page e-passport with a call on Nigerians to protect the image of the country by shunning uncomplimentary statements and actions.

Jonathan launched the traveling document shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He and Vice President Namadi Sambo later took turns to be captured in order to be issued with the new traveling document.

The President said the pages of the traveling document had to be increased from 32 to 64 to cater for frequent travelers who change their passport almost every other month because of limited pages for visa.

He tasked officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service to protect the integrity of the passport by ensuring that it cannot be easily faked.

He also asked officials who man the nation’s airports to ensure that they conduct themselves in a manner that will portray the country well before visitors.

The new passport which takes effect from August 1 attracts a fee of N20,000.

Source: The Punch

Cameroon sacks 2 army chiefs after Boko Haram raids

Cameroon's President Paul Biya on Tuesday dismissed two senior army officers in the country's far north following Boko Haram attacks in which at least seven people were killed and the wife of vice prime minister, Amadou Ali was kidnapped.

Militants of the Nigerian Islamist group seized the wife of Amadou Ali and killed at least three persons on Sunday in an attack in the northern town of Kolofata involving more than 200 assailants. At least four soldiers were killed in two separate raids late last week.

Nigerian gold medallist fails drugs test

Nigerian gold medallist fails drugs test

The African sixteen-year-old fails the test after winning the women's 53kg competition at the Commonwealth Games.

Nigeria teenager Chika Amalaha, at 16 the youngest female weightlifter to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal, has failed a doping test, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said.

She failed an in-competition test after winning the women's 53kg competition on Friday, testing positive for banned diuretics and masking agents.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN COMMISERATES WITH MALLAM EL-RUFAI ON THE LOSS OF HIS SON

PRESIDENT JONATHAN COMMISERATES WITH MALLAM EL-RUFAI ON THE LOSS OF HIS SON

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with a deep sense of grief and shock, news of the sudden and untimely death of Hamza El-Rufai, son of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

On behalf of himself, his family and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends his heartfelt commiserations to Mallam el-Rufai and all members of the el-Rufai family.

The President says although no amount of words can fill the deep gap created by the loss of Hamza, he hopes that the outpouring of support at this moment by friends and associates will comfort Mallam El-Rufai.

President Jonathan prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed and also for God's blessing, comfort and protection for Mallam El-Rufai and the rest of his family.

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

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS TERROR ATTACKS IN KANO, ADAMAWA AND CAMEROON

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS TERROR ATTACKS IN KANO, ADAMAWA AND CAMEROON

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan wholeheartedly condemns the recent terrorist attacks in Kano and Adamawa States as well as the kidnap of the Lamido of Kolofata in Northern Cameroon, Lamido Seini Lamine and the wife of the Vice Prime Minister of Cameroon.

The President describes as shocking, callous and reprehensible the multiple bomb blasts that occurred in Kano within 24 hours, and the unrelenting attacks by the Boko Haram at a time the Muslim faithful are observing the holy festival of Eid el Fitri.  

He commiserates with the families of all those who lost their loved ones in the Kano and Adamawa attacks and wishes the injured speedy recovery.

President Jonathan further notes that the deployment of young women as suicide bombers represents a new low in the inhuman campaign by these terrorists and an expression of utter disregard for the dignity of the female gender as well as a wicked exploitation of the girl-child.

The President states that the abduction of the Lamido of Kolofata and the wife of the Vice premier of Cameroon clearly underscores the regional security threat that Boko Haram has become.

He welcomes the recent resolve by the Defence Ministers of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Benin and Niger to further strengthen existing partnerships in order to forestall the desperate attempt by misguided elements to turn the sub-region into a battleground for terrorism and radical extremism.

President Jonathan urges the security forces to remain resolute, and not be discouraged by the desperation of the agents of evil.  He believes that with the continued cooperation between Nigeria's security forces and their counterparts in neighbouring countries, the war against terror will surely be won.

REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 28, 2014.

REMAIN STRONG AND RESOLUTE IN DEFENCE OF NATIONAL UNITY, PRESIDENT JONATHAN TELLS NIGERIANS AT EID-EL-FITRI

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN'S MESSAGE TO THE NATION ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2014 EID-EL-FITRI CELEBRATIONS

Dear compatriots,

I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters on the auspicious occasion of this year's Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.

I congratulate all of our countrymen and women who have successfully undertaken the purifying Ramadan fast.

 As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, it is my hope and prayer that Ramadan's spiritual lessons and the Holy Prophet's  teachings of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty  will remain with us all for the benefit and greater glory of our dear nation.

Algeria airliner missing on Sahara route from Burkina Faso

The BBC's Alex Duval-Smith in Mali says there was "very bad weather" in the area, as well as "armed groups"
Algeria's national airline, Air Algerie, says it has lost contact with one of its planes flying from Burkina Faso to Algiers across the Sahara.
Contact was lost about 50 minutes after take-off from Ouagadougou, the airline said.
The passenger airliner was last seen at 0155 GMT, it added. It should have landed at 0510.
Flight AH 5017 had 110 passengers and six crew on board, Spanish airline Swiftair, which owns the plane, said.
"In keeping with procedures, Air Algerie has launched its emergency plan," Air Algerie officials, quoted by APS news agency (in French), said.

Buhari in narrow escape as Kaduna blasts kill 70

Two explosions ripped through parts of Kaduna in Kaduna State on Wednesday, killing at least 70 people.

The first explosion targeted a popular Islamic cleric, Dahiru Bauchi, while the second targeted a former Head of State, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Pix 1: Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s jeep after it was hit by a
lone bomber in Kaduna...on Wednesday.
(Pix 2) Another partially damaged vehicle in Buhari’s convoy.
(Pix 3) Another scene of the blasts.

Both men escaped unhurt in the blasts that forced the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew on the city.

Scores of people were injured and over 50 cars damaged in the incidents. The state police command put the death toll at 40 while the Federal Government, through the National Information Centre, said 14 people were injured.

Two of Buhari’s bodyguards and an aide were among the wounded. His Toyota Prado jeep was also hit by a suspected bomber near the 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army in the Kawo area of Kaduna.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS BOMBINGS IN KADUNA

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS BOMBINGS IN KADUNA

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan condemns the bombings in Kaduna today which appeared to have targeted former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari and prominent Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.

President Jonathan denounces the dastardly targeting of the prominent political and religious leaders by terrorists and enemies of the nation in an odious attempt to inflame passions and exacerbate disquiet, fear, insecurity and sectional divisions in the country.   

While thanking God Almighty for sparing the lives of General Buhari and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the President extends sincere condolences to the families of those who were sadly killed by the bomb blasts.

President Jonathan also commiserates with all those who were injured in the twin bombings in this Holy Month of Ramadan which defy the tenets of Islam, and provide further proof that the terrorists are nothing but blood-thirsty extremists bent on undermining the unity and progress of the nation.

The President assures residents of Kaduna and all other Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue and further intensify its ongoing efforts to effectively curb the menace of terrorism in the country.

He has specifically directed the Police and other national security agencies to take all necessary actions to apprehend the perpetrators of today's attacks on Kaduna and urges all residents of the city to give them the fullest possible cooperation and support as they work to bring the terrorists to justice.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 23, 2014

Chidoka named aviation minister, Oyeyemi becomes FRSC boss

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday named the former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. Osita Chidoka, as the new Minister of Aviation.

He also named a former lecturer at the University of Abuja, Dr. Suleman Abubakar, as the Minister of National Planning and Deputy Chairman of the National Planning Commission.

Jonathan made the announcement after the swearing in of the two new ministers shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.

The President also named Deputy Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi as Chidoka’s successor in the FRSC.

He urged the new government officials to ensure that they leave their footprints in the offices they were deployed in.

On Oyeyemi, Jonathan said he decided to appoint him from the commission in order to ensure stability.

This, he added, was a clear departure from what had been obtainable in the FRSC since its inception when its heads were appointed from outside the system.

Amosun rubbishing my legacy, says Daniel

A former governor of Ogun State, Mr. Gbenga Daniel, has berated Governor Ibikunle Amosun for rubbishing all the “good works” he did during his tenure between 2003 and 2011.

Daniel, who is being prosecuted for financial impropriety by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, told journalists at his Mende home in Lagos on Tuesday that the Amosun administration had failed and he was working hard to ensure that Amosun did not win a second term in 2015.

He boasted that during his tenure, he built roads and awarded contracts to only indigenes of the state but Amosun had not built a single road but was only expanding the existing ones. He said the Amosun administration had incurred debt to the tune of N300bn in less than four years.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN SADDENED BY DEMISE OF RILWANU LUKMAN

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT JONATHAN SADDENED BY DEMISE OF RILWANU LUKMAN
 
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received  with much sadness and a feeling of great national loss, news of the passing away of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Alhaji Rilwanu Lukman.  

President Jonathan commiserates with the former minister's family, the Government and people of his home state, Kaduna, as well as his friends, associates and all those he mentored over the years in the domestic and global oil industry.

The President shares their sorrow as they mourn the brilliant engineer, technocrat and administrator who spent almost all of his working life serving his country and the global community in various capacities including Minister, Special Adviser, Secretary-General and President of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC).

As Alhaji Lukman's soul returns to its Maker, President Jonathan joins all who knew him in giving thanks to God Almighty for bestowing him on the nation and for the great intelligence, integrity, competence and humility with which he distinguished himself in all his national and international assignments.

Nigeria, the President firmly believes, will always owe a huge debt of gratitude to the late Petroleum Minister for his very significant contributions to the development of the country's oil and gas industry, and for serving with acclaimed distinction as the nation's representative at the helm of OPEC affairs over many years.

President Jonathan prays that the Almighty God will receive Alhaji Lukman's gentle soul and grant him eternal rest in Paradise.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 21, 2014

DON’T BLAME ME FOR YOUR PARTY’S SELF-INFLICTED WOES – PRESIDENT JONATHAN TELLS BUHARI

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

DON'T BLAME ME FOR YOUR PARTY'S SELF-INFLICTED WOES – PRESIDENT JONATHAN TELLS BUHARI 

We have noted with much surprise and regret, the statement issued by General Muhammadu Buhari today in which he made some wild and totally unsustainable allegations against President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Although he tries very hard to deny it in the statement titled "Pull Nigeria Back From the Brink", there can be no doubt that General Buhari has sadly moved away from the patriotic and statesmanlike position he recently adopted on national security, which President Jonathan publicly commended, and has now reverted to unbridled political partisanship.

There can be no other explanation or justification for the completely unwarranted and very uncharitable assault on the conduct and integrity of President Jonathan which the statement he issued today represents.

General Buhari's main grouse which clearly motivated his ill-considered statement appears to be what he called "the gale of impeachments or the utilisation of desperate tactics to suffocate the opposition and turn Nigeria into a one-party state".

It is most unfortunate that instead of working to put their house in order and resolve the leadership crises and internal contradictions that have plunged their party into a downward spiral, General Buhari and his opposition allies have resorted to blaming a blameless President for their woes.

The processes for impeaching an elected Governor are clearly stipulated in the National Constitution which Nigeria has operated since 1999. The President of Nigeria is not assigned any role in that process and President Jonathan has certainly not played any role in the recent impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa or in the impeachment drama currently being played out in Nasarawa State.

For the record, President remains fully committed to upholding the letters, principles and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution as he has sworn, and defending the rule of law and integrity of the democratic process with all his might.

General Buhari talks about anarchy. He needs to be reminded that President Jonathan from his humble beginnings as a Deputy Governor in Bayelsa state to date, has never in his acts, or utterances, recommended or promoted violence as a tool of political negotiation.

Contrary to whatever General Buhari and his new friends may imagine, President Jonathan fully respects the rights, powers, authority and independence of elected representatives of the people, including the members of the state assemblies who have concluded or initiated impeachment proceedings against their state governors on grounds which they consider justifiable.

The constitution does not give the President any power to intervene in such proceedings and President Jonathan has never  arrogated such powers to himself  or sought to exert any nefarious and unconstitutional influence on state assemblies in Adamawa, Nasarawa or anywhere else in other to secure undue political advantage for his party as General Buhari unjustifiably alleges.

President Jonathan remains true to his declaration that no political ambition of his is worth the life of a single Nigerian. The President has definitely not declared war on his own country or deployed federal institutions in the service of partisan interests as General Buhari falsely claims. Neither has he been using the common wealth to subvert the system and punish the opposition, as the former Head of State inexcusably asserts.

Also, President Jonathan has never at any time ordered that any Nigerian should be kidnapped or that anyone should be crated and forcefully transported in violation of decent norms of governance.

We therefore urge General Buhari to tarry a while, ponder over his own antecedents and do a reality check as to whether he has the moral right to be so carelessly sanctimonious. 

It may well be time to pull the brakes, as General Buhari says in his statement, but it is he and others who have resorted to idle scapegoating and blaming President Jonathan for their self-inflected political troubles who need to stop their inexcusable partisanship and show greater regard for the truth, democracy, constitutionalism, the rule of law, peace, security and the well-being of the nation.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 21, 2014

Felix Okafor, Nigerian, jailed 263 years in the US for drugs

The United States Penitentiary in Hazelton, West Virginia is a “high security Penitentiary with a secure female facility and an adjacent minimum security satellite camp, a division of the United States Department of Justice.”

This sprawling prison yard was built in 2004. It is located in Bruceton Mills. It has notorious and famous inmates such as Ali Abdi Mohammed, the Somalian pirate that hijacked civilian yacht Quest and hostages in 2010. He is serving a life sentence.

Inside this prison with a population of 2,283 inmates, is inmate number 56118056. He is Nigerian, Felix Okafor. He was sentenced on April 10, to 263 years in federal prison for drugs and weapons distribution, sales and money laundering.

Ebonyi Speaker impeached

ABAKALIKI-Members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Monday morning impeached the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Chukwuma Nwazunku.
18 out of the 24 members of the House allegedly carried out the impeachment of the speaker.
The members lifted the impeachment of the three members of the house on suspension before carrying out the impeachment.
The three members are Frank Onwe, Eni Uduma Chime and deputy speaker, Blaise Orji.
Vanguard gathered that Frank Onwe moved the motion for the Speaker’s impeachment which was seconded by the minority leader, Enyi C. Enyi.
Thereafter, Eni Uduma Chima representing Afikpo South West moved the motion for election of  Helen Nwaobasi representing Abakaliki South state constituency.
The motion was seconded by Jerry Obasi.
Details later.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/ebonyi-speaker-impeached/#sthash.SuPfK9Ka.dpuf

AWC: Falcons no longer strongest team –Mabo

Former Super Falcons coach, Ismaila Mabo, has warned the team against overconfidence when they face hosts Namibia, Ivory Coast and Zambia in Group A of the 2014 African Women’s Championship in Namibia from October 11 to 25.

Falcons

According to Saturday’s draw in Windhoek, South Africa will face Cameroon, Ghana and Algeria in Group B of the tournament.

The top three teams at the tournament will represent Africa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada next year.

However, eight-time African champions Falcons will begin camping for the championship in August and Mabo believes only the best players should make the final selection by coach Edwin Okon.

Lawmakers insist on Al-Makura’s exit, reject emirs’ intervention

Tanko Al-Makura

Members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly have said there is no going back on the effort to remove the state governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura.

The state legislators said they would not enter into any negotiation over the impeachment notice already served on the governor. They also said they would embark on a protest in Lafia, the state capital, on Monday (today) against interference by traditional rulers in the state.

Traditional rulers in Lafia, including the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Mustapa Agwai, had on Thursday promised to initiate a peace move between the governor and the lawmakers.

Nasarawa House lists 16 offences against Al-Makura

NASARAWA State lawmakers on Thursday proceeded with their moves to remove the state governor, Tanko Al-Makura, by levelling against him 16 charges bordering on alleged official gross misconduct.

The charges by the state House of Assembly include missing local government joint account funds between June 2011 and April 2012; and from January to July, 2013.

The impeachment notice said the alleged offences amounted to gross violation of section 162 (7 and 8) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

The impeachment notice was signed by 20 out of the 24 members of the assembly.

Lagos Pastor ‘implicated’ in ritual saga opens up

The news broke, just like a thunderbolt. Mrs. Rosemary Chukwu, a mother of four, residing at 33, Omolegede street, a suburb of Ikorodu area in Lagos State, abducted a seven-year-old primary School pupil, Emmanuel Emeka, and was about taking him to a den when it was foiled .
Shockingly, the suspect revealed to the bewildered crowd that gathered after she was caught that her pastor asked her to bring the boy. She mentioned the General Overseer of Holy Family Ministry a.k.a House of Mercy in the same Ikorodu, as her pastor.
The pastor, identified as Ernest Chukwuemeka Nwankwo, 49, was said to be on the run and was later apprehended and handed over to the police at the State Criminal Investigations Department, Panti, Yaba, Lagos for interrogation. Crime Guard was able to corner the embattled pastor as he was leaving the confines of police cell at Panti and he gave his own account of the ugly incident.
Excerpts:
INTRODUCTION
“My name is Prophet Ernest Chukwuemeka Nwankwo, from Nsugbe in Anambra East L.G.A, Anambra State. I have a Ministry formerly called Jesus Divine Healing and Deliverance Ministry now called Holy Family, Happy Family Ministry. I was out of Lagos for two weeks. I came back on Tuesday, June 14, and came to my Ministry on Wednesday morning.
My ministry is located at 319, Lagos road, Majudeen in Ikorodu. We carry out prayers and deliverance in the ministry.

Alice Coachman Davis, first black woman to win gold in the Olympics passes away at age 90

In 1948, Alice Coachman Davis won the gold medal in the high jump and was not only the lone American woman to take home a gold medal at the London games, but she was also the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. According to the AP and her daughter, Evelyn Jones, the trailblazer passed away on Monday at the age of 90 in South Georgia. According to the New York Times, Davis had been at a nursing home after having a stroke a few months ago and went into cardiac arrest on Monday after having a hard time breathing.
During those games in London, Davis set a record at the time for clearing 5.51 feet. Her accomplishments at the Games of the XIV Olympiad were so great that when she returned to her hometown of Albany, Georgia, she was honored with a ceremony. However, the audience welcoming her back home was, of course, segregated.

Subsidy must go – Finance Commissioners, NECA

Removal ‘ll impoverish Nigerians; it’s corruption that should go— NLC

Commissioners for Finance from the 36 states of the federation rose from their monthly Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, meeting in Abuja, yesterday, insisting that petroleum products subsidy must be removed.
While their position was consistent with that of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, it sharply contradicted the thinking of the Nigerian Senate, which held a few days ago that petroleum subsidy should remain.
The commissioners had, three months ago, decided that the current subsidy was not in the interest of the nation and wrote a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, demanding an end to it.
The Chairman, Forum of Commissioners of Finance, Mr. Timothy Odaah, told journalists shortly after the meeting that there was no going back on their position and that they had fully briefed their principals— state governors.

Nasarawa House to serve Al-Makura impeachment notice through media

LAFIA—There were  indications yesterday that the Nasarawa State House of Assembly would serve its impeachment notice on Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura through the media, following alleged inability of the Clerk of the House to serve the governor personally with the notice.
The motion for impeachment proceeding against Al-Makura for gross misconduct, was raised Monday during plenary through a motion brought under urgent matters of public importance by Mohammed Ibaku, PDP, representing Udege/Loko and seconded by Mohammed Okpede, PDP, representing Doma North Constituency.

Nyanya blast: Key suspect, Ogwuche, extradited to Nigeria

The alleged mastermind of the April 14 blast in Nyanya, Abuja, Aminu Ogwuche, has been extradited by Sudan to Nigeria on Tuesday.

Ogwuche, who was handed over to the Interpol Unit of the Nigeria Police Force by the Sudanese authorities was flown into the country in a special flight from Khartoum, Sudan, which touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 3pm on Tuesday.

On hand to receive him at the Presidential wing of the airport were the spokespersons of the Police, ACP Frank Mba, Department of State Services, Marilyn Ogar, Army, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade and the Coordinator, National Information Centre, Mike Omeri.

Adamawa Assembly sacks Governor Murtala Nyako

Embattled Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, has been impeached.
The governor was removed  Tuesday afternoon as the state House of Assembly deliberated on the report of an investigative panel that probed allegations of financial misconducts against him.
Seventeen of the 25 members of the Assembly adopted the report of the panel after Speaker Umaru Fintiri read the report on the floor of the House.
The report found the governor guilty of all the 16 allegations of gross misconduct leveled against him by the House.

Woman sells day-old daughter for N20,000

YENAGOA — A commercial sex worker in Bayelsa State, weekend, gave birth to a baby girl and sold the child for N20,000 at the Ovom suburb of Yenagoa.

According to a Police source, the child, a day old, was sold to a family in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
It was learnt that the commercial sex worker operates around the popular red light zone of Ovom along the D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha area, in the state capital.
Spokesman of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, when contacted, confirmed the incident, saying investigation into the incident traced the family involved in the unholy sale to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Akhigbe said: “Though the details of the investigation are sketchy, the special unit of the police is on its way to effect the recovery of the baby and arrest the family that bought the child.”

Photos: President Jonathan commissions Rice Farm in Nasarawa

From left Managing Director Olam Rice Nigeria  Mr Srivatsan Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura President Goodluck Jonathan and Agric Minister Dr Akinwumi Adesina  at the commissioning of Olam Rice Farm  Nigeria at Rukubi  Nasarawa State  on Monday  14^th July 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan  inspecting bags of harvested  rice  at the Olam Rice Nigeria at the commissioning of the Rice Company  at Rukubi  Nasarawa State  on Monday  14^th July 2014

From left Water Resources  Minister Serah Ochekpe, Agric Minister Dr Adesina Akinwumi, President Goodluck Jonathan, Nasarawa  State Governor Tanko Al-Makura  and the Managing Director of Olam Rice Farm  Mr.  Srivatsan cutting the Tape to Commission the Olam Rice Nigeria in Rukubi  Nasarawa State  on Monday  14^th July, 2014

From left Water Resources  Minister Serah Ochekpe Agric Minister Dr, Adesina Akinwumi President Goodluck Jonathan Nasarawa  State Governor Tanko Al-Makura  and the Managing Director of Olam RiceFarm  Mr.  Srivatsan Cutting the Tape to Commission the Olam Rice Nigeria in Rukubi  Nasarawa State  on Monday  14^th July 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan  inspecting  bags of harvested  rice  at the Olam Rice Nigeria at the commissioning of the Rice Company  at Rukubi  Nasarawa State  on Monday  14^th July, 2014

Agric Minister Dr. Akinwumi Adesina,  Nasarawa State Governor  Tamko Al-Makura and President Goodluck Jonathan inspecting bags of harvested  rice  at the Olam Rice Nigeria at the commissioning of the Rice Farm Nigeria Company  at Rukubi  Nasarawa State  on Monday  14^th July, 2014

Nasarawa State Governor  Tamko Al-Makura and President Goodluck Jonathan inspecting bags of harvested  rice  at the Olam Rice Nigeria at the commissioning of the Rice Farm Nigeria Company  at Rukubi  Nasarawa State  on Monday  14^th July, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan presses button to commission the Bagging  Section of Olam Rice Farm Nigeria  in  Rukubi  Nasarawa State  on Monday  14^th July, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan  2^nd left, Managing Director of Olam Rice Mr Srivatsan left, and Nasarawa State Governor  Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura right at the Commissioning  of the Bagging Section of the Olam Rice Farm Nigeria  in Rukubi  Nasarawa State  on Monday  14^th July, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan  2^nd left, Managing Director of Olam Rice Mr Srivatsan left, and Nasarawa State Governor  Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura right at the Commissioning  of the Bagging Section of the Olam Rice Farm Nigeria  in Rukubi  Nasarawa State  on Monday  14^th July, 2014

Courtesy State House Photo

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE SAFE RESCUE OF CHIBOK GIRLS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES MALALA

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE SAFE RESCUE OF CHIBOK GIRLS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES MALALA
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Monday in Abuja that the notion that the Federal Government has not been doing enough to find and rescue the abducted Chibok girls, is very wrong and misplaced.
Speaking at an audience with Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani Girl-Child Education Campaigner, President Jonathan said that the Federal Government was definitely doing everything possible to ensure that the girls were rescued alive and safely returned to their parents.
He however explained to Malala, who was accompanied by her father and other members of her Foundation, that the Federal Government's efforts were constrained by the overriding imperative of ensuring that the girls' lives are not endangered in any rescue attempt.

Malala in Abuja, five escaped Chibok girls join protest

L–R: Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade
girls education campaigner, Malala Yousafzai; spokesperson
of theState Security Service, Marilyn Ogar; and Coordinator,
National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, during Malala’s
visit to the National Information Centre, in Abuja... on Sunday

Five of the schoolgirls who escaped from Boko Haram captivity joined the members of the BringBackOurGirls Coalition rally in Abuja on Sunday to drum up support for their colleagues who are still being held captive by the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

Over 200 girls were abducted in their hostel at the Government Secondary School. Chibok, Borno State on April 15.

The girls were brought to the BBOG sit-out meeting at Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja on Sunday.

The young girls who sat quietly throughout the duration of the sit-out, looked subdued and withdrawn.

Nigeria Arise Centenary Special Award 2014, London

July 11th, 2014
Nigeria Arise Award 2014 PRESS INFO
NIGERIA ARISE AWARDS 2014 – PRESS RELEASE
The prestigious annual NIGERIA ARISE AWARDS will take place in London comes August 30th 2014 in London.
Nigeria Arise Initiative, in Association with BEN Television, (United Kingdom), is once again putting touches together to recognize and celebrate Nigerians in Diaspora and from Nigeria in this Centenary year of the country.
Nigeria Arise Awards was launched in London, England in 2008, and since then has become an institution that celebrate individual and corporate entities that have contributed towards the development of Nigeria; promoting Nigeria's enterprise, people and values socially, economically and politically through good governance and enterprising programmes/projects.
Mr. Alistair Soyode, who is the founding executive added, "This year's Nigeria Arise will be different in the sense that, Nigeria celebrates her centenary. We are uniquely positioned to showcase Nigeria to the outside World and celebrate our leaders doing better than normal  as well as captains in chosen business and careers".

ABATI: Nigeria’s offensive against Boko Haram

The concern that has been expressed over the abduction of more than 200 girls from a secondary school in Nigeria since April 14 is legitimate and understandable. What is not fair, and which stands out in many of the criticisms directed at the Nigerian government, is the attempt to ignore the issues and argue that President Goodluck Jonathan is the problem. This attempt to turn the matter of the abducted girls into a referendum on the Jonathan administration has resulted in a complete misreading of the situation and much deliberate mischief fueled by ignorance and sponsored propaganda.
Take for example, Karen Attiah’s morbid satire, “What Nigerian president should have written” (The Washington Post, July 3). The piece merely repeats worn misconceptions about the Chibok incident and the efforts of the Jonathan administration in Nigeria to find and rescue the abducted girls.

President Jonathan's Remark at World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’

Remarks by
His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
At the
Opening of the World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’
Monday 7th July, 2014

PROTOCOLS

1.            Let me warmly welcome you all to this historic first edition, of the World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’. I am particularly pleased to address this distinguished gathering, on an issue of overriding importance to people and families; governments and nations.

CHAIRMAN, WORLD PENSION SUMMIT FOR AFRICA, MRS GRACE USORO; CO-CHAIRMAN, WORLD PENSION SUMMIT, MR HARRY SMORENBERG; ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL OF PENCOM, Ms CHINELO ANOHU-AMAZU;PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN; MINISTER OF FINANCE, DR NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA; CO-CHAIRMAN, WORLD PENSION SUMMIT, MR ERIC EGGINK AND THE CHAIRMAN, SENATE COMMITTEE ON PENCOM, SEN ALOYSIUS ETUK AT THE WORLD PENSION SUMMIT/AFRICA SPECIAL IN ABUJA ON

MONDAY (7/7/14)

2.            Pension, it is globally recognized, occupies a strategic place in national socio-economic development. It is not only a vital component of social security; it is also a veritable vehicle for nation building.

Photos: Inauguration of Presidential Committee on Save School Initiative

2 President Goodluck Jonathan left  Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, Yobe State Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam  and Alh Aliko Dangote at the Inauguration of Presidential  Committee on  Save School Initiative by the President at the State House Abuja  on Wednesday 9th July 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan 5th right, left Director General NEMA Alh Mohammadu Sani Sidi,Education Minister of State Onyeso Wike, Women Affairs Minister  Hajia Zainab Maina Vice President  Namadi Sambo  flank by Yobe Governor Ibrahim Gaidam,Adamawa Governor  Murtala Nyako and Representative of National Coucil of Women Society at the Inauguration of Presidential  Committee on  Save School Initiative by the President at the State House Abuja  on Wednesday 9th July 2014

Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Yobe Governor Ibrahim Gaidam,Adamawa Governor  Murtala Nyako Vice President Namadi Sambo and President Goodluck Jonathan  at the Inauguration of Presidential  Committee on  Save School Initiative by the President at the State House Abuja  on Wednesday 9th July 2014

Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Yobe Governor Ibrahim Gaidam,Adamawa Governor  Murtala Nyako Vice President Namadi Sambo and President Goodluck Jonathan  at the Inauguration of Presidential  Committee on  Save School Initiative by the President at the State House Abuja  on Wednesday 9th July 2014

45TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT IN ACCRA GHANA

45TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT IN ACCRA GHANA

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) ARRIVING ACCRA, GHANA FOR THE 45TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT IN ACCRA ON WEDNESDAY (9/7/14) WITH HIM IS THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF GHANA MR KWESI AMISSAH-ARTHUR

NIGERIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO GHANA AMB ADEMOLA ONOFOWOKAN PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF GHANA MR KWESI AMISSAH-ARTHUR DURING THE DURING THE ARRIVAL OF PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO ACCRA FOR THE 45TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT IN ACCRA ON WEDNESDAY (9/7/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) AND THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF GHANA MR KWESI AMISSAH-ARTHUR DURING THE ARRIVAL OF PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO ACCRA FOR THE 45^TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT IN ACCRA ON WEDNESDAY (9/7/14)

DSS parades suspected kidnappers of Jonathan’s uncle, others

The Department of State Services has apprehended six kidnappers of Chief Nitabai Inengite, an uncle to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Inengite was abducted at Otuoke community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State in February, 2014.

The kidnappers, who were paraded at the DSS headquarters in Abuja on Thursday include a 400-level undergraduate of the University of Jos, Plateau State, Eldred Jonah,30; Raphael Inengesi, 32; Ibeabuchi Inya,29; Oreva Abridi 29; Tammy Agbai,29; and a native doctor, Felix Onuoh,48.

Human rights activist, Bamidele Aturu, dies at 49

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, is dead.

A source close to him said the vibrant legal mind died of high blood pressure on Wednesday. He was age 49.

Aturu, who was reportedly rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja in the early hours of Wednesday, was confirmed dead by medical personnel later in the day.

The late Aturu obtained a first degree in Law from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. Until his death, he was the Principal of Bamidele Aturu and Company in Lagos.

We’ve taken over Boko Haram base, says military

Troops have cleared and taken over Balmo Forest in a military operation that lasted throughout the weekend, the Defence Headquarters has said.

Prior to the operation, Balmo Forest, which stretches from Bauchi through Jigawa states with links to the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, was used by terrorists as bases and hideouts for launching attacks.

A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, in Abuja on Monday, said terrorists and armed gangs operating in the forests were completely rooted out while some were captured during the operation.

It however did not specify the number of those arrested during the operation, but said that two foreigners, suspected to be mercenaries, were among those captured.

Also recovered were several weapons and equipment including generating sets, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, foodstuffs and kitchen utensils.

In another development, the military said over 44 terrorists died in Kerenoa and adjoining communities, following an encounter with troops who repelled their attack on the communities.

The military said that members of the sect armed with Improvised Explosive Devices and other high calibre weapons, had carried out a predawn attack on the communities but were overpowered by the troops.

During the operation, several of them were captured as well as weapons and ammunition of various calibre, according to the Defence headquarters.

“Meanwhile, troops on routine patrol around Banki and Miyanti in Borno State during the weekend fought through an ambush laid by the terrorists resulting in casualties on both sides.

“Altogether, a total of six soldiers were lost in the various encounters with terrorists while those wounded are receiving treatment,” the statement added.

Source: The Punch

Nigerian Troops arrest 3 female undercover operatives of Boko Haram

The Nigerian army have released a statement stating that they have arrested 3 women who worked as undercover operatives for Boko Haram. Find the statement below...

In the aftermath of the failed suicide bombing attempt on a military facility by a female terrorist who blew herself up in Gombe recently, troops have arrested three suspected female terrorists who have been secretly recruiting ladies into the female wing of the terrorists group. The suspects, Hafsat Usman Bako, Zainab Idris and Aisha Abubakar were intercepted while travelling to Madagali from where they were to transit to the forest to reunite with their cohorts. Continue...
 Investigations revealed that the suspects, led by Hafsat Bako, have the mission to recruit members into the female wing as well as conduct espionage for the group. Hafsat’s link with the terrorists group had earlier been a subject of investigation in 2012, when security agents on a manhunt for one Usman Bako, her husband who was identified as a terrorist, stormed their residence in Jimeta.  This resulted in the discovery of an AK 47 rifle and 2 loaded magazines.   Though Usman Bako later died in an encounter with troops in Sokoto where he had relocated to continue his terrorist activities, Hafsat continued with the terror group specializing in surreptitious recruitment of members into their fold.
The arrested trio suspects were luring ladies especially widows and young girls by enticing them with male suitors who are mainly members of their terror group for marriage. Before their arrest, they were on a mission to take additional briefing from the leadership of the terror group.
The trio has been operating together as members of the intelligence team of the group.   Their arrest has yielded information still being verified by security agencies.
Colonel ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
for Director Defence Information

Soldiers on the rampage on Ikorodu Road, burn BRT buses

Updated: Pandemonium broke out in the Onipanu area of Ikorodu Road, Lagos, on Friday after a soldier was allegedly knocked down and killed by one of the buses in the fleet of LAGBUS on the BRT lane.

The soldier was said to have been knocked down after he allegedly rode on the BRT lane and subsequently died as there was no immediate medical attention.
  The driver of the bus, it was gathered, fled after the accident.
It was learnt that a few hours after the soldier, identified as Matthew Ishaya, a lance corporal, was knocked down, some military men from the Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Army at Yaba, stormed the Onipanu area of the highway, demanding to know the circumstances surrounding the death of the soldier.

Confab endorses creation of Ijebu, Aba, 17 other states …supports rotation of presidency among zones

THE National Conference on Thursday voted for the creation of 18 more states in the country.

The creation of new states was one of the decisions taken by the delegates at their plenary while considering the report of the Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government.

Apart from the 18 new states proposed, the conference said a separate state-yet-to-be named should be carved out of the South-East to bring the number of the states in the zone to six.