Boko Haram terrorists have started using drones and foreign fighters - Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army says it has discovered that Boko Haram terrorists have started using drones and foreign fighters. The Army in a statement by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman on Wednesday said

    ‘we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks.

    These potent threats require us to continually review our operations. The Army also expressed gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Buhari (GCFR) for visiting the troops including some of the wounded officers and soldiers in the hospitals saying ‘we thank His Excellency the Executive Governor and good people of Borno State who have taken the brunt of the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Our gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, who have all shown concern and visited the troops. The Nigerian Army also thanks all patriotic and concerned Nigerians who have sent in messages of goodwill and support for the Nigerian Army.’



Read full statement below



    1. Gentlemen of the press, in continuation with our resolve to keep Nigerians well informed of the activities of the Nigerian Army, I will be briefing you on the recent happenings in the North East of Nigeria. In the recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists. Specifically, the Nigerian Army troops deployed at KUKAWA, NGOSHE, KARETO and GAJIRAM came under attack at different times within a 2 week period from 2 – 17th November 2018.

    Each of these incidents were successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists were killed. However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers were wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.

    2. As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in N’djamena, in the Republic of Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions (157 TF Bn), deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their Base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on 18th November 2018. During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel were wounded in action and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State. The Nigerian Army commiserates with the MNJTF at this difficult time and wishes to state that all necessary support will be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse this resurgence of the Boko Haram Terrorists.

    3. The Nigerian Army wishes to further commiserate with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending their fatherland. The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain. We also wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery and assure them of our continued support and care.

    4. The incident of 18th November 2018, happened at a time when the Nigerian Army was planning to hold the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference for 2018 in Benin City, Edo State. On account of this incident, the Conference had to be moved from Benin City to Maiduguri to enable the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the troops on the ground and to better appraise our activities, assess our performance and identify our shortcomings as an Army.

    5. We are also sensitive to the fact that the nation is approaching an election year and thus we must be prepared to assist in providing security for the peaceful conduct of elections. Accordingly, the theme for this year’s annual conference is aptly titled, “Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria”. Let me at this juncture assure all Nigerians and indeed the international community that the NA will work optimally, in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in Nigeria.

    6. Since 2015, the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved. However, in the last 2 – 3 months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations.

    7. At this point permit me to implore all of us to spare a thought for the brave men and women of the Nigerian Army who paid the supreme price for the security of Nigeria. The Nigerian Army will continue to support the families of these brave officers and soldiers and pray that their souls rest in perfect peace. Let us also not forget the men, women and children who have been killed or affected by the atrocities of the terrorists. It is for their sake that this war against terror must be won.

    8. The Nigerian Army wishes to express its gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) who has visited the troops including some of the wounded officers and soldiers in the hospitals. We also thank His Excellency the Executive Governor and good people of Borno State who have taken the brunt of the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorists. Our gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, who have all shown concern and visited the troops. The Nigerian Army also thanks all patriotic and concerned Nigerians who have sent in messages of goodwill and support for the Nigerian Army.

    9. Finally, the Nigerian Army, wishes to reiterate and pledge its total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles.

    SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN Brigadier General for Chief of Army Staff 28th November 2018

President Buhari Visits Injured Soldiers in Borno -Photos

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday visited injured soldiers in Maiduguri, Borno state.




On November 18, the Al Barnawi faction of Boko Haram attacked the 157 Task Force Battalion based at Metele in the northern part of Borno State, killing scores of the Nigerian troops while others were injured.


Buhari who was in the state for the COAS Annual Conference used the opportunity to address Nigerian soldiers at the battlefields to further boost their morale.

He later visited the hospital where injured soldiers were being treated. He commended them for their bravery while commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes.

Federal Govt Reduces Jamb,NECO Examination Fees

Nigerian government on Wednesday reduced the examination registration fees for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Senior Secondary and Basic Education Certificate.


 Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu disclosed this at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting.

JAMB fee for the UTME is now N3,500 instead of 5,000, the Senior Secondary School(SSS)fee will now be N9,850 instead of N11,350 and the Basic Education certificate by NECO will now be N4,000 instead of N5,500.... .

The new charges will take effect from January, 2019.

Bus Conveying Schoolchildren Catches Fire

There was panic after a school bus conveying pupils went up in flames in the middle of the road in Rivers state.

According to reports, the bus caught fire at St John’s school along Ognogoro road in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state capital.

It was gathered that the timely intervention of people around the vicinity ensured that all the children were rescued alive and unhurt. The fire was later put out by members of the public

Meet Miss Nigeria 2018; Chidinma Leilani Aaron

Enugu representative, Chidinma Leilani Aaron has been crowned Miss Nigeria 2018, in the star studded event which was held yesterday at the Eko Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

The event kick started with eighteen contestants, but they were pruned to 12 finalists which include, Ntan Nton, Egede Lagele, Thomas Mseve, Ameh Munirah, Otunba Ifunaya, and Shitta Remilekun, Tizhe Usa Miriam, Okudili Odinaka Doris, Agida Stephanie, Ugwu Ijeoma, Aaron Chidinma Leilani, and Dunu Chisom Olivia.

However the 12 finalists were further cut down to 5; Dunu Chisom, Ntan Sharon Nton, Ameh Munirah, Agida Stephanie and Chidinma Aaron.



Chidinma Aaron was eventually crowned Miss Nigeria 2018, while Ameh emerged the second runner-up and Dunu was named the first runner-up.

The beauty pageant had no registration fee in a bid to be all-inclusive and “to prevent financial restraints on the part of young ladies who are truly deserving of the ultimate title”, however the winner took home N3 million, a luxury apartment and a car.

Chidinma Aaron now takes over the crown from Mildred Ehiguese who won the 2017 edition.

ASUU Strike: Lecturers vow to continue until demands met

As the industrial action embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) enters its fourth week, the union has vowed not to return to class until its demands are met.
This was disclosed in a statement by the ASUU National President, Biodun Ogunyemi, on Sunday.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the lecturers commenced an indefinite strike on November 5 for reasons including government’s failure to adhere to previous agreements and poor funding of universities.
Ten days after the declaration of the strike, the first meeting between the Nigerian government and the lecturers ended without resolution of the dispute.
After the meeting, Mr Ogunyemi said the government appears insincere in relating with the lecturers.
In his statement on Sunday, Mr Ogunyemi said the union’s “struggle is still alive,” and the strike would continue.
“We met with the Honourable Minister of Education in line with our tradition to honour all invitations with openness to meaningful discussion of issues contained in our demand, so far, nothing concrete has come out of the meetings; rather it is still a projection of their ‘keep-them talking’ culture.
“Our members are enjoined to disregard any information from any source other than the official union source which is the branch chairperson,” he said.
The professor also warned university authorities against undermining the “strike by organising or attending meetings, examinations, lectures, convocations, conferences or other activities during the strike.”
He said any examination taken during this period will be challenged by ASUU after the strike.
“Our commitment and integrity are the basis of our pride as Academics. We must avoid actions that undermine our struggle,” he said.
The strike has forced hundreds of thousands of Nigerian university students to be out of school with many of them complaining about the situation.
Students Lament

Various students who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES expressed their displeasure over the incessant strike in the educational sector and failure of government to meet the demands of their teachers.
Ade Quadri, a 200-level student of PHE at the Lagos State University told our correspondent that the failure of government to adhere to the demands of lecturers will further worsen the reputation of Nigerian universities.
“This present situation is the reason why it will be difficult for us to see our schools rated top in the world. The strike action should not have occurred if government do the needful,” he said.
Adeosun Jeleel of the University of Ibadan said: “Education is the most important sector but our leaders will never take that serious. You can imagine what we are made to pass through. Four years should be four years but the case is not the case here,” he said.
Peace Udofia of the University of Benin said: “I’m a final year student counting days left for me in school but I can’t really say if I will use additional years with this. No project supervisor; on strike. All on strike.”
Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to get the reaction of the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, to the ongoing strike was unsuccessful as at press time as he refused to answer calls and text messages sent to him.

News source : premiumtimesng

Photos from the dedication of the largest church in the world.

Yesterday 24 November 2018 the latest church in the world was dedicated.
The church building which is owned by Dunamis International Gospel Center, is a 100,000 seater capacity building. It beats the Winners Chapel building in Ota which is 50, 000 seater.
Guests at the dedication include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Epresident Goodluck Jonathan, Dino Melaye, Akwa Ibom state governor Emmanuel Udom, Benue state governor Samuel Ortom, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor E.A Adeboye and may others. See more photos below

Banky W to auction car for charity after being trolled

Wellington, a.k.a Banky W says his nine-year old Range Rover Sports will be auctioned for charity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the car had been a subject of ridiculed when two ladies released a video `dragging and stalking’ Banky on social media for driving an old car in spite of his class and status.

The music star and actor disclosed this in a video posted on his Instagram page, stating that the car had served him for nine years and it was time to let it go for charity course.

He said that the money would be donated to “Vocational School for the Blind” in Oshodi, Lagos and the “Pink Oak Cancer Trust Fund”.

“This Range Rover has been so good to my Madam and I, but this Saturday, Nov 24 we are auctioning it to raise money for The School for the Blind, and for @pinkoaktrust…

“If you’re looking for a used Car, buy this piece of Nigerian Pop Culture history instead. It has been in more videos and movies than any other option out there lol.



“It was also the subject of a stalker video some months ago. Point being, it’s famous, and these charities need our help.

“So come through on Saturday and bid on this and many more cars… Hit up @cars45ng @carsbazr with any questions #Carsbazrliveauctuon #Cars45BankyWCharityChallenge #BuyBankysRange #hope19,” he captioned the video.
“Also, it is a 2008 Range Rover Sport, not a 1999. Amen and Lol. Oh, and additionally, it’s currently for sale to the highest bidder.

“I had decided last month that I’d sell it, and whatever I got for it, I’d hand over to the “Vocational School for the Blind” in Oshodi and the “Pink Oak Cancer Trust Fund.’’

Banky W further explained that the car would be auctioned online with autograph of his celebrity friends to enable him raise funds to support his aunt, who works as a volunteer in the school.

“You see, I’ve never found it necessary to own more than one car. Mostly because I can only ever DRIVE one car at a time; and when I bought the car in 2011, I promised myself that I would never buy another car until I owned the home I live in.

“To me, owning a nice car might help me LOOK like I was doing okay, but owning a nice home would help me KNOW. The way my mind is set up…what good is owning a Rolls Royce, if I’m still paying rent on the house I park it in?” he wrote.

He started singing at a young age in the church choir and started his record label E.M.E in 2002 while still studying.

After moving to Nigeria in 2009, he established the label in Lagos.

Banky W has signed artists like Niyola, Shaydee, Skales and Wizkid to the label at the time.

Mark Zuckerberg Refuses To Step Down As Facebook CEO

Mark Zuckerberg has rejected calls for him to step down as the chair of Facebook’s board.





In an interview with CNN, Mr Zuckerberg said ”that’s not the plan... I’m not currently thinking that that makes sense.”

His comments follow growing calls from investors for Facebook to appoint an independent board chair.

Jonas Kron, a senior vice president at Trillium Asset Management, a US investor which owns an £8.5m stake in Facebook, said Zuckerberg to relinquish his chairman role.

“Facebook is behaving like it's a special snowflake,” he said. “It's not. It is a company and companies need to have a separation of chair and CEO.”

Investors believe that Zuckerberg’s control of Facebook stops the business being able to properly address its problems.

As well as serving as chief executive and chairman, the Facebook founder also controls around 60pc of the company’s voting shares.

Zuckerberg’s control is “an exercise in hiding that there is a problem rather than admitting that there is a problem and setting a roadmap to fixing it,” said Facebook investor Natasha Lamb, a managing partner at Arjuna Capital.
Telegraph

Nigerian musician David Adeleke celebrates 26 birthday.

The Nigerian musician Davido took to twitter to celebrate himself as he turned 26.

He twitted

2019 Campaign Promises made by Atiku Abubakar

 As 2019 Election is approaching, here are campaign Promises made by PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar

To produce 5 million bpd of petroleum in 2025.

Increase downstream oil sector contribution to GDP from less than 0.5% to 2% by 2025.

Refine 2mbpd of oil in Nigeria and export 50% of it to ECOWAS member states.

Export 10-15% of manufacturing output by 2030 and 25% by 2035.

Lift 50 million people out of extreme poverty by 2025.

1 million youths to benefit annually from apprenticeship scheme.

Sign African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, agreement, and mitigate the potential risks.

Increase Export Stimulation Fund from N700 billion to N1.5 trillion to enhance access to credit by manufacturers.

Will stimulate the economy absorb 50 -60% of the 2 million new entrants into the labour market annually.

Reduce unemployment and under-employment rate to a single digit by 2025.

Creation 3 million self-and wage-paying employment opportunities in the private sector annually.

Re -launch the National Open Apprenticeship Programme (NOAP) which will recruit, annually, 100,000 Master Craft Persons (MCPs) who will train 1,000,000 apprentices in various trades.

Ensure speedy passage of the National Research and Innovation Fund Bill, in order to produce 100,000 entrepreneurs every year

Increase the absorptive capacity of the formal post-basic, TVET and Vocational Centres from the current total enrolment and completion of less than 200,000 students to 500,000 in 2025 and 1,000,000 by 2030.

Facilitate $250 million SME Venture Capital Fund by the private sector to provide for longer-term capital for targeted small firms.

Increase the MSMEs funding window currently from N200 billion to N500 billion.

Work with existing Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) in each local government area to administer a new N15.48 billion Community Micro Enterprise Fund (CMEF) to stimulate community enterprise development.

To double current infrastructure stock to approximately 70% of GDP by 2025 from current 35-40% of GDP.

To invest $35 billion annually in the next 5 years to finance core public infrastructure projects.

Rehabilitation and develop 5,000 Km of roads across the nation by 2025.

To deliver 1 million housing units every and reduce housing deficit from 15 million to less than 10 million by 2025

Reduce the share of recurrent revenue in the budget from 70% to 35% by 2025.

Increase primary school enrolment from 60% to 90% and graduation rate from 63% to 82% by 2027.

Increase secondary school enrolment from 47% to 80% and graduation rate from 56% to 75% by 2027.

Ensure that 65% of Nigerians have access to basic Primary Health Care (PHC) and services package by 2024, and 80% coverage by 2030. Current baseline PHC coverage levels range from 35% to 49%.

Reduce by 40% the number of Nigerians who are impoverished due to out-of-pocket health care expenses by 2024

Restructure Nigeria and devolve power to lower tiers of government.

Issues bordering on minerals and mines, internal security including Police, law and order, railways, communications, transport, environment, land matters, etc will be devolved to the concurrent list so that, states can partake in them. Local Governments shall remain as independent tier of government.

The Federal Government will match State’s IGR up to $250 million per state.

Launch National Anti-corruption strategy that is based on the rule of law, separation of powers, neutrality and non-partisanship to reposition and refocus Anti-corruption and Law Enforcement Agencies within the first 100 days in office.

Set up Major Corruption Case Monitoring & Review Committee for all major corruption cases under the Office of the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice that would include Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Media

Eliminate arbitrary or selective investigation and prosecution of major corruption cases by all anti-corruption agencies within the first 100 days in office.

Resolve Niger Delta militancy issue by implementing the Niger-Delta Master Plan; and move the Niger Delta Ministry to the region.

Address North East development issues via effective and efficient intervention funds; return IDPs to their homes and schools; rebuild damaged infrastructure.

2019: President Buhari's campaign Promises.

As 2019 general election is approaching, here are the campaign Promises made by APC Presidential candidate Mohammadu Buhari

How I will take Nigeria to the next level – Buhari.

To engage 1million N-Power graduates.

To train 10 million Nigerians in various skills.

Give 1 million farmers inputs and jobs via Anchor borrowers scheme.

Create 1.5 million jobs through livestock, beef, crop programmes.

Create 5 million jobs through mechanised agriculture.

Provide $500m innovation fund for Tech and creative sector to create 500,000 jobs.

Train 200,000 youths for outsourcing market in tech, services and entertainment.

Create 6 regional industrial parks and economic zones.

Increase children fed through the school feeding programme from 9.3 million to 15 million.

Feeding programme to provide 300, 000 extra jobs for vendors and farmers.

Complete coastal rail (Lagos-Calabar), 2nd Niger Bridge, East-West road, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria to Kano road among others.

Complete Ibadan-Kano rail, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail, etc.

Move broadband coverage to 120,000 km of fibre network across the country.

Increase power generation by 1000MW every year.

Raise power distribution to 7000MW; 9 universities, 300 markets and clusters to have interrupted power.

Implement $550m rural electrification programme.

Provide N1million soft loans to artisans.

TraderMoni beneficiaries to be increased from 2.3 million to 10 million.

Establish 109 One Stop Shops of all regulatory agencies (CAC,NAFDAC, SON, etc).

To retrain all teachers in public primary and secondary schools.

To remodel 10,000 schools every year.

Use co-payments to share cost of health insurance between individuals, the private sector and government. Poorest 40% of Nigerians to be exempted from co-payments.

Increase population covered by primary health care from 12.6% to 45 % in 2023.

Chaos in Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly as thugs invade the assembly complex

Pandemonium broke out in theThe Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA), in the morning, as thugs invaded the complex and were allegedly chanting the slogan “APC! Change” as they set fire and blocked the entrance to the Assembly complex.

 photos below

Missing 300L student of Delta State University found dead with breasts and tongue removed

A 300 Level Mass Communication student of the Delta State University, has been found dead four days after she was declared missing.

The body of Elozino Ogege, who was declared missing on November 15, 2018, was reportedly found with her tongue and breasts chopped off.

According to the report, her remains were found at about 2am, on Monday, by residents, along Ekrejeta road in Abraka. The deceased is said to be a first class student.

The Delta State Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the incident said the family of the girl is devastated

Jonathan An Inspiration To Every Young Nigerian, Says Buhari

The President said this on Monday in a statement issued by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on the occasion of the ex-president’s 61st birthday.

“President Muhammadu Buhari joins Nigerians in sending warm greetings to former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as he turns 61 on November 20th, 2018,” read the statement.

“President Buhari believes the life journey of the former President remains an inspiration to every young Nigerian of the possibilities that await anyone willing to learn, work hard and participate in making the country great.

“The President congratulates Dr. Jonathan on the publishing of his memoir, My Transition Hours, which will be launched as part of ceremonies marking his birthday, encouraging Nigerians to follow same example of sharing their experiences in writing.

“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will strengthen Dr. Jonathan, grant him longer life and bless his family.”

Trending news in Nigeria.

This are the stories trending across different News tabloid in Nigeria

Buhari Promises To Overhaul Education Sector, Remodel 10,000 Schools Every Year

Atiku promise to create three million jobs per year.

Eu, U.S warn police, Dss and others on 2019 Election.

Higher food prices push inflation to 11.28%

President Buhari congratulates Super Eagles

England beats Croatia to reach Nations league final.

ASUU STRIKE: The key demands

A

As the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, strike enters the third week, undergraduates in public universities are lamenting their fate. This happened just as the meeting between ASUU and the Federal Government held on Thursday ended in deadlock.


While another meeting is scheduled to hold this week, ASUU is insisting that until the Federal Government accedes to its demands as highlighted in the 2009 agreement, university teachers will not return to the classroom.

The union wants government to resume negotiation on the 2009 agreement regarding the decay in public universities.



While decrying the decay in infrastructure and equipment in public universities, ASUU is asking for N1.1 trillion to fund the university system.

Besides the 2009 agreement, ASUU is accusing government of disregard for the agreements it reached with the union in 2013 and 2017, as well as the failure to pay the arrears of the shortfall in salaries, even after the presidential initiative on continuous audit verification.

It explained that the Federal Government had failed to release the operational licence of the Nigeria University Pension Management Company to serve as a pension fund administrator for universities’ staff, as contained in the 2017 Memorandum of Action.

ASUU is equally asking government to address some issues in University of Ilorin, Lagos State University and Kwara State University, among others.

The issues, according to ASUU President, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, include the payment of fractions and non-payment of salaries, earned academic allowances, non-release of operational license of NUPEMCO, non-implementation of the provisions of the 2014 Pension Reform Act with respect to retired professors and their salaries, and exclusion of university   staff schools from funding by government.

Other demands are funding for the revitalisation of public universities that entails implementation of Needs Assessment Report and addressing poor funding of state universities and proliferation of universities by their Visitors.

Here are the five demands of ASUU in a nutshell:

1.Areas of agreement include funding for revitalization of public universities and the issue of Earned Academic Allowances.

2.The issue of University Staff Schools.

3    The implementation of the judgment of the National Industrial Court, National Universities Pension Management Company and guidelines for pension matters for professors.

4.The exemption offered by the government regarding the issue of TSA, which included the issue of grants, endowment funds as well as salary shortfall, which is already being implemented by the government.

5.The union also promised to submit a position paper to the Federal Government on their observation with a view for government to advise state governments.

"Postpone your deaths till our strike is over" - Mortuary Staff Union tells Ghanaians

Richard Kofi Jordan insisted that the planned strike action will take place unless the government heeds to their concerns.

He said:

    Those who intend to die during that period should wait when mortuary men are back to work they die. Simple.
    

Mortuary men in public health facilities are protesting over their poor working conditions and are therefore demanding improved services and an increase in salary. According to the aggrieved morticians, they are exposed to several diseases while working with the dead bodies and chemicals, but each time they raise concerns, the government appears to be dragging its feet.

Richard Jordan lamented:

    The chemicals we use give us five different kinds of cancers, the government is aware of this situation. We are also at risk of blindness but nobody is addressing our challenges.

ichard Kofi Jordan, the General Secretary of mortuary workers Union, has asked people 'not to die' until they call off their strike action and resume work on November 20, 2018.

ASUU And Federal Government To Meet Today.

Reports indicate that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour and Employment and leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities are expected to meet in Abuja on Thursday over the strike in public universities since November 5.

Court Orders Abaribe, Others To Produce Kanu Or Pay N100m

The Federal High Court on Wednesday in Abuja varied the bail conditions upon which the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu was admitted.

Justice Binta Nyako made the variation in a ruling on the conditions of the bail she had granted Kanu in April 2017.

Nyako therefore held that the three sureties, including Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe, were compelled to within two months, pay N100 million each for their inability to produce the missing IPOB leader.

The three sureties had been made to sign a bail bond of N100m each which was backed by their landed assets whose documents were deposited in court.

The judge said with this amendment, the sureties were now required to deposit cash of N100 million into the court’s bank account.

“The order directing the sureties to pay the money is an order of interim forfeiture’’, she said.

The sureties had argued that Kanu’s disappearance was not unconnected with the invasion of his home by the military and not orchestrated by them.

The military had in a special operation clashed with IPOB members in Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, in Abia State, on Sept. 14, 2017 leading to Kanu’s escape from the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Kanu and three others are been tried on charges of treasonable felony.

A lady Olorogun Mabel Peters narrated her ugly encounter with SAR

She wrote:
@opetodolapo Today is definitely one of my worst days.. I woke up a bit feverish with slight headache so I cancelled my activities for the day, at about 6:30pm I decided to go get drugs,because my condition seemed to be getting serious and also get pizza for my mum just 7mins drive away from my estate..
On getting back to my estate, a blue Prado jeep stopped right in front of me and some armed men on uniform came out asking me to park for a search, I obliged, they went through all the vehicle papers and drivers license etc very much complete..
The next question I was asked was they needed to see my company Id ,I tried to explain to them I didn't have it on me because I just drove out to get pizza from the next bus stop and they said I was under arrest for stealing a vehicle and I couldn't give them an ID of where I work, I obliged and we drove to their station and the whole story changed..
One of the officers made a phone call and he said I was among the criminals they received a call about.. I tried to beg, I even showed proof of the medications I got, they gave me a paper to make a statement,in the process they took my phones from me and started going through my phone, from my chats call logs down to my bank mails etc....
After spending 2hrs with them they demanded for a sum of 2million naira as my bail,for a crime I do not know.. This is pure wickedness and evil... I never stole, robbed, violated any rules etc... We finally came to an agreement after keeping me hostage from 6pm till 12am that I should pay them 100,000naira..
One of the officers even approached me trying to sexually harass me!! This same men didn't even mind the time they comfortably drove me to an ATM machine so I could make a withdrawal for them... These men are criminals!!
I was granted bail by 1:30am after spending 7good hours... Someone's hard earn money This Is totally unacceptable, Are you guys not meant to be protecting lives ? Why will you extort someone of their hard earn sweat!! I thought SARS had ended... (officers names are : officer Matt, Emma, security, Friday)

“Corruption in Nigeria is so lucrative that threat of jail term is not sufficient to deter perpetrators” – President Buhari

President Buhari on Sunday, in Paris, France, called for stringent actions against perpetrators of illicit financial flows, including crackdown on safe heavens, warning that continuous impunity will encourage more pilfering of countries’ resources to the detriment of poor and vulnerable populace.


Speaking at the first edition of the Paris Peace Forum held on the sidelines of the Centenary of Armistice Day, President Buhari said Nigeria has strengthened its laws and institutions to fight corruption, fast-track recovery of stolen assets and punish offenders, urging more commitment from governments and international institutions.

The President delivered his statement on “Illicit Financial Flows (Iffs) and Corruption: The Challenge of Global Governance” during the event, attended by about 70 world leaders and governments.

    “We must crack down on safe havens for corrupt assets. I also advocate sanctions by professional bodies against transactional middlemen (lawyers, bankers, brokers, public officials, etc.) who facilitate Illicit Financial Flows.

    “I would like to reiterate that the Government of Nigeria remains open and is ever willing to continue to identify and share experiences and strategies to give life to the ideas that will lead to winning the fight against corruption,” the President said.

He noted that illicit financial flows pose a risk to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as many countries grapple with the challenge of gathering resources to improve their Human Development Index, while a few privileged individuals continue to explore the weaknesses in financial systems.

    “Our experience in Nigeria is that financial crimes, such as corruption and fraudulent activities, generate enormous unlawful profits which often prove so lucrative that the threat of a jail term is not sufficient to deter perpetrators.

    “A more powerful deterrent is to ensure that profits and assets generated from illicit financial flows and corruption are recovered and returned to countries of origin.

    “This is not to under-estimate the value of strong institutions. It only indicates that asset recovery represents significant deterrence compared to the traditional focus on obtaining conviction by the law enforcement agencies of the countries of origin,’’ President Buhari said.

The President urged world leaders and global institutions to remain resolute on the Global Declaration Against Corruption made in London in 2016, which encapsulates the collective commitment to the principles of Open Government Partnership, especially the National Action Plans to actualize beneficial ownership transparency and enhance the capacity of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs).

He said the Independent Reporting Mechanisms and support for the activities of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes should be reinforced.

    “As we take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of domestic, regional and international mechanisms against Illicit Financial Flows, I seize this opportunity to recall the Global Declaration Against Corruption made in London in 2016 and our commitment thereto,” he added.

President Buhari said tremendous progress had been achieved through the enactment of global instruments, noting that some fundamental technical issues remain unresolved.

    “These revolve around the formulation of policy and regulatory frameworks that cut across different jurisdictions. We must not lose sight of the role played by secret companies, banks and law firms, all too often based in developed economies and their related offshore centres.

    “Recent studies reveal that flaws in the global financial system enable corrupt individuals to hide details of their financial dealings under the noses of governments and law enforcement agencies. This underscores the need to urgently address the issue of Mutual Legal Assistance, as well as continental legal frameworks, in the context of safe havens for illicit transfers,’ he said.

He disclosed that the Whistle-Blowing policy had facilitated recovery of billions of naira from corrupt persons, which had been redirected to the development of critical infrastructure and programmes that will benefit all Nigerians and realisation of the SDGs.

At the continental level, the President said the African Union had bestowed on him the honour to champion the fight against corruption, which would be focused on strengthening international cooperation on asset tracing, recovery and repatriation, and enhancing cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations’ anti-corruption monitoring mechanisms.

DSS 'Detains' Bauchi State Chairman Of ASUU

Dr. Adamu Babayo, Chairman of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS), the ASUU chapters of the ATBU and Bauchi State University, Gadau, have said.

Vice Chairman of the association, Dr Ibrahim Maina, decried Babayo's detention when he addressed a press conference in Bauchi on Sunday.

According to NAN, Maina alleged that Babayo was detained by the DSS operatives on Sunday, when he was invited to the department’s headquarters in Bauchi.

“The ASUU Chairman, Adamu Babayo was invited through a Short Message Service (SMS) which is not a formal way of invitation.

“On Friday, he received a text message requesting him to report to the DSS office in Bauchi on Sunday. He went to the office together with some of the executives of the association. The DSS operatives requested other members of his entourage to leave and detained him in their office," he said.

Stating that the chairman's detention was a violation of his rights, he said: "Let them explain to us why he was detained. That will give us the idea of what needs to be done.

“If the detention is in connection with the ongoing strike, it is a nationwide strike embarked on by the universities in the country and not a peculiar or personal problem. What wrong have we done by pressing for our rights through the strike?"

However, a DSS official, who preferred not to be named, insisted that Babayo was not detained but only invited to answer some questions.

65-year-old man died while making love to his 34-year-old lover.

Tragedy struck at a hotel in Awka, the Anambra state capital yesterday Sunday November 11th after a 65-year-old man, Obi Nwoda, died while having sex with his 34-year-old lover.



According to reports, the man arrived the hotel on Friday November 10th and stayed there in the last two days, satisfying his sexual urge with different girls

    “The man had been here for two days with different girls visiting him before the unfortunate incident took place. We suspect that he was a businessman.” a resident in the said

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the state police command, Haruna Mohammed, said

    “There was a report by the management of the hotel in Agu, Awka at the ‘B’ Division that on the same date at about 5pm, one Ifeoma Ayinka, 34 years old of Agu Ukwu in Anaocha LGA, who came to lodge in the hotel with one Obi Nwoda ‘M’ aged 65 years of the same address, was leaving the hotel premises without the said man and when confronted and taken back to the hotel room,  they discovered that the man was lying on the bed unconscious.

    “Upon receipt of the complaint, the scene was visited by police patrol team attached to ‘B’ Division led by the DPO, Odion Ekeinde, and the victim was rushed to the Apex Hospital, Awka, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. The woman alleged that the victim collapsed while making love to her. She was subsequently arrested and the case is under investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident

The remains of the deceased had been deposited in a morgue for autopsy.

Nicki Minaj beats Cardi B to win 'Female Artist of the Year' and 'Album of the Year' at 2018 People's Choice Awards

Last night, Nicki Minaj beat her strong rival Cardi B as she picked two awards in the categories they were both nominated in for the 2018 People's Choice Awards.

She was nominated for Female Artist of 2018 alongside Taylor Swift, Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande and Cardi B, which she won as well as Album of 2018. In the category, Nicki (Queen) faced off against Camila Cabello (Camila), Shawn Mendes (Shawn Mendes), Cardi B (Invasion of Privacy) and Ariana Grande (Sweetener).

Oshiomhole In Trouble Because He Allegedly Refused Govr's $500,000 Bribe During Primaries

Fresh details yesterday indicated that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole became a target after refusing $500,000 bribe cash from a governor.








The governor wanted the APC chairman to adopt his anointed governorship candidate. But Oshiomhole insisted on applying the guidelines of the party for primaries.

Also, there were indications that the APC leadership tried its best to strike a fair deal with Governor Rochas Okorocha on a 55-45 per cent basis. The Imo governor however opted for 100 per cent concession which was unacceptable to APC.

Findings revealed that contrary to allegations, the refusal of Oshiomhole to collect bribes from godfathers and candidates accounted for the plot against him.

It was gathered that many godfathers and governorship candidates were desperate for tickets but Oshiomhole stood his ground that he will not compromise party guidelines.

From the nation

Banky W to run for House Of Reps

Nigerian entertainer, Olubankole Wellington, popularly called Banky W, has declared his intention to run for a seat in the House of Representatives.

The singer cum actor seeks to represent Eti-Osa Local Government Area in Lagos.

Banky W, 37, said he would run under the Modern Democratic Party, a political party founded in 2017 by some youth associations

The party is led by Bukunyi Olateru-Olagbegi, a 27-year-old youth activist and entrepreneur.

Banky W made the declaration on Saturday, during the debut convention of the party in Lagos, according to a statement the singer made available to PREMIUM TIMES.

“There is a need for renewed hope and results, just like the rest of Nigeria,” he noted at the convention.

“Our generation needs a realistic rallying point. We need to begin in community, earn our way into the system and up the ladder. We need someone to stick their neck out and pave the way.

“The problem is that we’ve always looked only to our leaders for change… instead of looking in the mirror and at the neighbors around us. Isn’t it ironic that we are the ones we’ve been waiting for all along?

“I have shared this vision with quite a few people. Some have been incredibly supportive, but some have advised against it. I am under no illusions that this run will be easy. Considering who we are going up against, this is almost impossible. They said we don’t have the money to run… we say our strength lies in our numbers. They said we don’t have the structure, we say we will attempt to build it. They said “what if you lose”? I say, what if we win? ‘’

The declaration event was attended by professionals, celebrities, fans and citizens.

It featured speeches by Jumoke Adenowo, founder of AD Consulting; Poju Oyemade, Senior Pastor of Covenant Christian Centre and MI Abaga, CEO of Chocolate City.

Others included Maryam Laushi, National Publicity Secretary of Modern Democratic Party (MDP) and Bukunyi Olateru-Olagbegi, founder and chairman of the party.

Federal High Court approves the arrest and trial of Fani-Kayode, Abaribe, others over Nnamdi Kanu’s escape

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday approved for the commencement of a suit seeking an order of mandamus to compel the police and the Department of State Services to prosecute certain individuals for allegedly aiding the escape of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, from Nigeria and putting pressure on the military to produce him.   



Justice John Tsoho, in a ruling on an ex parte application, granted leave to the plaintiff, Isiah Ayugu, to commence the suit, which he filed on October 31, 2018



Ayugu had described himself as a tax-paying, responsible Nigerian and lawyer. The judge, who fixed November 22 for the hearing of the suit, ordered the suit to be served on the defendants the DSS, its director-general, the police and the Inspector-General of Police. 



The suit is seeking the arrest and prosecution of a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode and those who stood sureties for the bail granted Kanu by the court in April 2017. They are Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Tochukwu Uchendu and Emmanuel Shallom Ben. 



Also listed for the proposed prosecution are Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and the IPOB leader’s relatives, Emmanuel Kanu and Uchechi Kanu. The rest, according to the plaintiff, are “all those who worked together to propagate and spread the inciting lies and falsehood that Nnamdi Kanu was abducted, arrested, kidnapped, detained, killed and assassinated by the Nigerian Army when indeed they were well aware of Kanu’s whereabouts because they played roles in helping him to escape from Nigeria.” 



Meanwhile, Ayugu, in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1254/18, said that due to Kanu’s escape from Nigeria, the IPOB leader’s trial on charges of treasonable felony had remained stalled before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. He said as a Nigerian, his image had been damaged “by the character assassination, lies, falsehood and evil propaganda made against the Nigerian Army that the Nigerian Army has abducted, arrested, kidnapped, assassinated and killed Nnamdi Kanu.”  For the suit seeking an order of mandamus to be validly commenced, the applicant is required to first seek the court’s leave. 



Justice Tsoho, however, granted leave for the commencement of Ayugu’s suit shortly after the applicant’s lawyer, Mr. Oghenovo Otemu, moved his client’s ex parte application on Friday. Ruling on the application, Justice Tsoho said, “I am satisfied that the applicant has sufficient interest in the subject to which matter relates. Accordingly, the ex parte motion filed by the applicant on October 31, is granted as prayed.” 



The plaintiff had instituted the suit following a viral video clip which recently emerged on the Internet showing Kanu as praying in Jerusalem, Israel, and a live press conference which the IPOB leader addressed online. The Federal Government was prosecuting Kanu and others on charges of treasonable felony at the Federal High Court in Abuja before he went missing since September 14, 2017 following a military invasion of his home in Afara-Ukwu in Umuahia, Abia State. 



Meanwhile, Abaribe, who is the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, has written to the Federal Government, asking it to explain the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s disappearance in Nigeria and reappearance in Israel.



The letter, dated November 7, 2018, was addressed to the Nigerian High Commissioner to Israel, Enoch Duchi, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs.  It was written through his lawyer, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Chinese firm allegedly sacks workers over refusal to practise Buddhism

The management of a Chinese firm, Yiwu Baolian Import and Export Company Limited in Lagos have been accused of terminating the appointment of some of their staff who refused to practice their religion, Buddhism.

Some members of staff of the company who spoke to Punch, said the owner of the company, a Chinese woman named Fanni Lijuan, introduced Buddhism at the company’s office on Irede Road, Abule Osun, in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, and has allegedly compelled them to bow to worship her Buddha and that anyone who refuses to bow would be dismissed immediately.

One of the employees, who identified himself simply as Olaniyi said

    “The issue is that Fanni Lijuan brought Buddhism to the office; she puts us in front of a projector that showed us how to practise Buddhism and we were asked to bow to the teacher. They also read some books to us, but before reading, we were asked to bow three times. Employees who refused to bow have been sacked; in fact, last week Monday, they sacked two people and the company’s excuse was that it was restructuring and it did not need the affected workers’ services anymore. The workers were sacked because they refused to bow down; and after the company sacked them, the management threatened other employees that if we did not bow to the teacher, we would be similarly sacked.

    She (Lijuan) usually says bowing is a sign of respect and the practise is for us to be good persons. But does it mean that the people they employed don’t have respect before now? Is it that adults who have graduated from the university do not have respect? She’s trying to convert us to Buddhism; this is wrong and against our religions and traditions in Nigeria, where freedom of worship is guaranteed.  For instance, when we were in school, they would tell us to join social clubs and before you know it, you are into cultism; that’s exactly what she is doing and we are trying to avoid it. Even the manager, who is supposed to stand up for us, gave in because she threatened to sack him.”

One of the staff who was recently sacked, said their boss introduced the religious practice to them in 2017.

    “Our madam started this Buddhism practise in the office last year; she started by giving us lectures and asked us to be taking notes. We also listened to voices we didn’t know. Recently, she got to the stage of asking us to bow, but I refused. So, she gave me one month’s salary and sacked me and some others. When they laid me off, I was not bothered because I am not ready to bow to anything other than God. Even if she didn’t sack me, I would have quit. But the danger is that some workers have already compromised; they have bowed because they don’t want to be sacked; and now, they are working in fear. This is bad; we can’t be in our country and be treated like that. In Nigeria, nobody can force you to worship their gods. It is only in Nigeria that a foreigner will come to do something like that. The reason you still have some people in that company is because there are no jobs outside there; we are suffering.”

A former store keeper of the company, Raphael Ewiri, who was also sacked for refusing to practice Buddhism, said

    “Mrs Fanni Lijuan told everyone of us that there was a new way of showing humility according to the Chinese tradition and that we had to bow three times before and after lectures in appreciation of the Chinese sages that brought about the wisdom that had been in existence for 4,000 to 5,000 years. I felt like why should I bow three times before and after lectures? She feels not bowing is a sign of pride; she called me to her office one day and asked why we were not bowing. She was trying to cajole me that it was not religious, but a sign of humility. One day, Mrs Lijuan brought me out in front of everybody; the auditor said we should all bow to the ancient, saying she was expecting me to bow. I didn’t because I never promised her that i would bow. So, when she took the first bow, she was surprised that I didn’t bow; she was very annoyed.”

Lijuan however denied the allegation, accusing her workers of lying against her. Accoridng to her, she found out that most of them were disrespectful and wanted to teach them how to be respectful. She says bowing down while greeting indicates respect and that is what she is trying to teach them.

    “I never introduced Buddhism; they are just lying. What I observed is that some of the workers are very arrogant; even their body language shows that they are not respectful. So, we are learning some ways of living; humility and respect; and what I want them to do is a sign of humility – bow your body and stop being arrogant. I did not sack anyone because they did not bow; it is totally wrong. I never told anyone to leave Christianity or Islam to practise any other religion. We have Christians and Muslims in the company; I am a Buddhist and I want to create harmony among the different religions; that’s what I want to do in this company

Atiku Approves N33,000 Minimum Wage For All 100,000 Staff On His Payroll

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has approved N33,000 as minimum wage for all staff in his conglomerate.

Mohammed El-Yakub, Managing Director of Gotel Communications, Atiku's media outfit based in Yola, confirmed on Thursday, saying “the N33,000 new salary scale, which takes effect from November 2018, includes domestic servants and all categories of workers on the former VP's payroll.


El-Yakub said over 100,000 people are currently drawing salary on a monthly basis from the former Vice President.


Following the recommendation of N30,000 as minimum wage by the tripartite committee set up by the Federal Government, Atiku had urged President Muhammadu Buhari to endorse the figure.
From Sahara reporters