₦airaland Forum

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state says he will never contest for Presidential position based on the experiences of his predecessors.


He spoke Saturday night while closing the 3-day retreat for Kano state APC' officials and Stakeholders in Sokoto .

"People are telling me to go for Presidency after finishing my tenure but I am telling them no, I am contented being a Governor of my state and I don't want to pass here to avoid the mistake of my predecessors," he stated.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/ill-never-contest-for-presidential.html

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In what appears to be a recipe for a major electoral crisis, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has no Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, in 29 out of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.


This is despite the fact that aside the chairman of the commission, INEC currently has six out of 12 national commissioners stipulated by the 1999 Constitution, in place.

According to a Staff Nominal Roll obtained by Sunday Vanguard, the sordid state of affairs cuts across the six geo-political zones with the North West being the worst-hit. The zone which has seven states has no RECS.

According to their states of origin, those whose tenures have expired are Ahmad Makama (Bauchi), Haliru Tambuwal (Sokoto), Abdullahi Umar Danyaya (Niger), Abubakar Wara (Kebbi), Mike Igini (Delta), Prof. Salina Omagha Oko (Ebonyi) and Hussaini Ahmed Mahuta (Katsina).

Others are Dr A.L Ogunmola (Oyo), Ibrahim Zarewa (Kano), Prof. Tukur Za’ad (Adamawa), Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo (Kogi), Kassim Gana Gaidam (Yobe), Timothy Ibitoye (Osun), Dr Rufus Akeju (Lagos), Prof. C.E Onukaogu, Ibrahim Bagobiri Marafa (Zamfara), Sadiq Abubakar Musa (Kaduna), Engr. Edwin Nwatarali (Enugu) and Hussaini Halilu Pai (FCT).

The list also includes Dr Kwanga Godwin (Benue), Akinyemi Orebiyi (Ogun), Istifanus Ishaku (Plateau), late Minkaila Abdullahi (Jigawa), Samuel Madaki (Taraba), Dr Lawrence Azubuike (Imo), Dr Ogbudu Gabriel (Cross River), Sylvester Okey Ezeani (Anambra), Sam Olumekun (Ondo) and Gesila Khan (Bayelsa).

Those who have RECs and whose tenures would expire by February 2017 are:

1. Prof. Jacob Jatau (Nasarawa)

2. Segun Agbaje (Ekiti)

3. Barr. Austine Okojie (Edo)

4. Baba Abba Yusuf (Borno)

5. Nasir Ayilara (Kwara).

Those who will exit July next year are:

6. Baritor Lenusikpugi (Rivers)

7. Habu Zarma Hinna (Gombe)

8. Ikoiwak Abasi (Akwa Ibom).


President Muhammadu Buhari is saddled with the responsibility of appointing the RECs.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/electoral-crisis-looms-as-only-8-states.html

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Globacom announced Timaya as one of their brand ambassadors today.


The Singer was reportedly signed last week. The company disclosed that Timaya was made a Glo ambassador because of his success in the music industry and for being an inspiration to millions of Nigerian youths, especially in the South-South part of the country where he is popularly known as the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa.

He joins the brand endorsement portfolio of the company which has some of the best artistes in the country. They include Patience Ozokwor, popularly called Mama G; Omawumi, Ego, Yvonne Nelson, Nadia Buhari, Sessime, MI., Basketmouth, Bovi Ugboma, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello and Hadizah Blell (Di'ja). Other accomplished personalities who are ambassadors of the company include Funke Akindele, Ime Bishop, Odunlade Adekola, Bimbo Oloyede, Ego Ogbaro and Flavour, amongst others.


http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/timaya-becomes-glo-ambassador.html

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A modern primary school in Benishiekh has been named wife of the President, after Aisha Muhammadu Buhari. It was announced Thursday October 27, at the one day official visit of Mrs. Buhari to kick-off the distribution of nutritional foods at Benishiekh, Kaga Local Government Area, Borno State.

The newly constructed primary school by Governor Kashim Shettima was named after Mrs Buhari in recognition of her immense contribution of the well being of the people.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-modern-primary-school-in-borno.html

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25 Human Skulls Used For Ritual Found In Bakassi Strike Force Militants Shrine In Cross River

JTF troops met a gory and grim sight yesterday at 4 militant shrines uncovered inside the creeks in Cross River State.

According to the officials of Operation Delta Safe, the skulls of 25 humans believed to have been murdered for ritual were discovered inside the creeks of Akpabuyo and Bakassi LGA of Cross River state yesterday.

The shrines reportedly belong to a deadly militant group, the Bakassi Strike Force.

The troops who invaded the area following tip off from vigilant residents also found other human body parts that littered the entire area including a complete human skeleton.

Confirming the development, the Deputy Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Lt. Com. Thomas Otuji, said the operation was conducted by ODS’ Sector 4.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-25-human-skulls-used-for-ritual.html

Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing; Former Lagos State Governor, Tunde Fashola (SAN ) completed an inspection tour to Kashimbila Dam, Taraba State thursay 27th October, 2015.

The Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam was designed principally to avert flood from the structurally weak volcanic lake Nyoys located near cameroon.

The hydropower component was designed and upgraded from 6MW to 40MW of electric power. Other benefits of the project includes: Flood control.


http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-fashola-inspects-40mw-kashimbila.html

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The Governor Of Lagos State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was at the closing the closing ceremony of the 2016 National Women’s Conference organized by Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO2016).

The 3 days conference was well attended by distinguished leaders and seasoned facilitators.In The words of the Governor, he said: We're confident that lessons learnt at the National Women’s Conference will be put to use by our women for the positive development of our state. To build a strong nation, adequate and proper attention must be given to the family. Our government remains committed towards the capacity development of our women.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-gov-ambode-at-closing-ceremony.html

Special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, wants you to put on your dancing shoes as he beats the Yoruba talking drum, called Gangan.

He shared the pictures below with the caption: “Yoruba Obas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) visited me at the State House on Tuesday, October 25, 2016. They brought along a precious gift, the Yoruba talking drum, called Gangan.”

“Those adept at beating the talking drum are called Ayan. And who says a new Ayan is not here. Please, put on your dancing shoes.”

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-femi-adesina-turns-ayan-beats.html

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Oyo State government, on Tuesday, unveiled agenda to organise a three-day food festival tagged“Amala fiesta” also known as “Ajodun Oka”, which will hold from December 15 to 17 at the Trans Amusement Park, Bodija, Ibadan.



This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun, while addressing newsmen at the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan

Arulogun disclosed that the ministry is collaborating with Tourist Care Hospitality Association of Nigeria (TCHAN), Ministry of Local Government, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Oyo State Chapter and Canteen Owners Association of Nigeria.

He also unveiled the fiesta logo which he described as a “summation of our food heritage and culture” and Gboyega Olatunji as Amala Ambassador.



http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photo-oyo-set-to-host-amala-fiesta.html

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Governor Nasir El rufai today received a Courtesy Visit from IGP Ibrahim Idris and other Senior Police Officers, at the Government House.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-igp-ibrahim-idris-visits.html

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President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to investigate any Nigerian, no matter how highly-placed.

Mr. Ibrahim Magu, Chairman of the EFCC has also set up the commission's game by inviting and interrogating alleged corrupt officials though no single person has been brought to book on any matter but pending corruption cases lies fallow at the Court room.

Here are four prominent Nigerians currently in the net of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission:

1. Reuben Abati: EFCC invited the former Presidential Spokesman to Goodluck Jonathan for receiving N50m from ex National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

2. Bala Mohammed: The immediate past minister of the federal capital territory (FCT): was arrested for alleged land racketeering. EFCC sources said the agency was acting on petitions from the public about how he allegedly sold government lands to some individuals and collected payment in cash.

He was also asked to justify his wealth.

It was learned that Mohammed’s trouble with the EFCC has to do with the controversial N1 trillion “Land Swap Programme” under which his administration traded large parcels of public land with some ‘selected’ private individuals and companies to develop housing projects in the FCT.

3. Musiliu Obanikoro: Former minister of state for defence turned himself in weeks ago over allegations of corruption relating to bribery of army officers, electoral fraud and money laundering involving some N4.7billion that was taken from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Rtd. Col. Sambo Dasuki.

EFCC revealed that Mr. Obanikoro has confessed to officials involved in negotiating his return to taking money from the NSA to win the 2014 Ekiti State gubernatorial election at all cost for Ayodele Fayose, but conceded that only N800million made it into his private pockets. He also revealed that out of the money allegedly from the NSA, N1.7million was given to former Senator Iyiola Omisore, while now-Governor Fayose stole the rest.

4. Feni-Fani-Kayode: Former minister of Aviation and and ex-Director of Media and Publicity in the campaign organisation of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan was rearrested for new evidence that he collected huge cash directly from the embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, in the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

The amount allegedly collected by Fani-Kayode, according to the source is different from the N4.9 billion, which he and the former Finance Minister, Esther Nenadi Usman, Danjuma Yusuf and a company, Joint Trust Dimension Nig. Ltd., reportedly collected from the ONSA ahead of the presidential election.

The EFCC has already slammed a 17-count charge against them for taking the money from the public treasury and retaining same without rendering any verifiable service to the nation.


http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/4-prominent-nigerians-currently-in-efcc.html

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Prince Afam Chiazor, President of Nigeria Guild of Cinematographers has been reported dead.

He died on Friday night, just few hours to his birthday. Several of his colleagues who took to his Facebook wall to wish the Cinematographer a happy birthday were shocked to hear of his sudden and shocking demise. The cause of his death is yet to be disclosed.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/president-of-nigeria-guild-of.html

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Kemi Olunloyo in an interview with IBTimes revealed that she is a victim of Female Genital Mutilation.

She also spoke on how FGM has affected her sex life. Olunloyo said she was made to undergo the process when she was just 5-years old. According to her, a family member took her and her sister to meet a man who placed them on his lap and “then cut part of our vagina and clitoral area off.”

“There was no anaesthetic and a sharp razor blade was used. I remember my sister and I screaming afterwards. We went home bleeding in diapers and, for a week, it was like we were little girls with menstrual periods,” Olunloyo continues, adding,

“My mom was bathing us and diapering us. Deep down, mom was not happy for some reason.” Olunloyo says she resented her mother for many years because of that experience, but in 2012, her mum “burst into tears telling me that our late paternal grandmother ordered my dad to have us do it.”

“This tradition is over 70-years-old. Our grandmother was a traditional Muslim woman who dictated many rules to her young son, my dad,” she continues.

“Calling it an operation is nothing. It was a cultural barbaric act used to decrease the female libido. It caused me post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for life.”

“I don’t experience orgasm during sex and when I tried to promote the use of intimacy gadgets among Nigerian women, men started attacking me saying I was discouraging African women ‘from the real thing‘”

“Sex is not important. I have no libido or urge to have sex and I’ve been celibate for 10 years. Millions of women in Nigeria go through this, but they cannot talk or be outspoken like me. It is shameful and a disgrace to them,” she adds.


http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/kemi-olunloyo-talks-about-undergoing.html

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Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE this morning intercepted and neutralized a male suicide bomber at Madagali, Adamawa State.

The suicide bomber was spotted by a vigilant duty sentry attempting to infiltrate troops forward defensive line along Madagali-Limankara road.

He was gunned down by the vigilant sentry as he failed to stop when halted. The accurate shot also detonated the Improvised Explosive Device vest and was blown into pieces.


See photos:

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-nigerian-troops-blow-up-male.html

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Honourable minister of power, works and housing Babatunde Fashola inspected the 400-unit affordable private sector housing development in Luvu-Madaki, Nasarawa State.



http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-fashola-inspects-400-unit.html

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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday begun the process of ridding the State’s waterways of debris and hyacinth, with the view to boost water transportation and positively scale up activities relating to the waterways.

Speaking at the commissioning of two Water Hyacinth and Debris Removal Machines held at Ebute Ero Jetty, the Governor said for a long time, hyacinth which is otherwise known as aquatic weed, had been a major source of concern with attendant challenges to the waterways sector.

Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Engr. Abisola Kamson; Representative of Lagos State Governor & Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, Chairman/C.E.O, Lagos Ferry Services, Hon. Paul Kalejaiye and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Engr. Adeyemi Abidemi at the demonstration of the Weed Harvester Equipments during the commissioning of Water Hyacinth Removal Machines at the Ebute Ero Jetty, Lagos Island, on Thursday, October 13, 2016.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said the machines were purchased by his administration to frontally address the challenges posed by water hyacinth, adding that same was in line with the strategic implementation of Lagos master plan for the waterways.

He said, “We have bought the machines to take away debris and hyacinth from the Lagoon. The machines will encourage water transportation and this initiative is necessary now that we are working towards clean-up of the waterways.

“It will also encourage fishery so that the water economy will be improved upon,” the Governor said.

Newly commissioned Water Hyacinth Removal Machines at the Ebute Ero Jetty, Lagos Island by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, October 13, 2016.

In her welcome remarks, Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Engr. Abisola Kamson, said the commissioning was a dream come true as the machines would go a long way in eradicating the menace of water hyacinth on marine ecosystems of the State particularly the Ikorodu, Ajah, Badagry, Lagos Island, Oworonshoki, Mile 2 and Epe axis.
She said aside negatively affecting the socio-economic activities of fishermen and inhabitants of the riverine communities, water hyacinth, which is a seasonal threat, had brought about damages to propulsion system of boats thus affecting water transportation.

Giving technical insight as to the workings of the machine, Kamson said it acts like an underwater lawn mower and cuts the vegetation, as well as collects and store weeds and debris, while it is fitted with a pick up conveyor at the forward end which can be lowered up to six feet deep into the water for effective cleaning of the waterways.

She said: “This symbolic gesture by the Lagos State Government is jump-starting the clean-up of our waterways and preparing ground for other revolutionary activities of LASWA’s development plan to transform the Lagos Waterways to world class standards.
Newly commissioned Water Hyacinth Removal Machines at the Ebute Ero Jetty, Lagos Island by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, October 13, 2016
Newly commissioned Water Hyacinth Removal Machines at the Ebute Ero Jetty, Lagos Island by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, October 13, 2016
“To us at LASWA and indeed the entire waterways family, we will remain ever grateful to Governor Ambode and the entire State cabinet for arming us with teeth to bite the water hyacinth menace that continuously traumatize our waterways.”

She also pledged that the machines would not be under-utilized, assuring that they would be deployed immediately for clean-up of the waterways.

Besides, Kamson said arrangement had been concluded with the Ministry of Environment to increase monitoring activities with the view to ensuring that those who disrespect the waterways through dumping of waste, pollution, defecation and other illegal activities are made to face the full wrath of the law.

On his part, Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of Association of Tourism Boat Water Operators, Chief Wellington Ilori-Akingbulu commended Governor Ambode and his team for the initiative, saying the machines would go a long way to remove the incessant accidents and engine problems caused by water hyacinth and debris.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-lagos-state-government-begins.html

The Minister Of Women Affairs, Jummai Alhassan Confirms Release Of 21 Chibok Girls and they are due to meet with the vice President, Yemi Osinbajo later in the day.


Official Spokesperson to Garba Sheu also expressed his views:

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/minister-of-women-affairs-jummai.html

Today's Naira Rate Against The Dollar, Pounds And Euro

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/todays-naira-rate-against-dollar-pounds_13.html

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PHOTOS: Protesting Youths Block Lagos Ibadan Expressway after customs officials killed 4 civillians

The kola end of the Lagos Abeokuta expressway has been blocked by protesting youths with traffic extending from Kola to salolo.

Reports reaching www.newshelm.com has it that The Nigerian customs just killed four pedestrians including an Okada rider while chasing smugglers on Yusuf Road Kollignton Alagbado. The customs men ran away immediately after the unfortunate incident and the in dirt policemen had their vehicles hijacked by hoodlums.

In further findings, we found out that three school children, one Okada rider where killed.


http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-protesting-youths-block-lagos.html

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Here are photos of Nigeria's Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and other members of Buhari's cabinet at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

What are they discussing? How best can you caption this?


http://www.newshelm.com/2016/10/photos-amaechi-mesmerizes-buharis.html

Are you a tourist in Lagos or in for business? Welcome to the commercial nerve of Nigeria! A city with a growing population of over 21 million people is the second fastest growing city in Africa. Lagos, also called by ''Eko'', is a home of businesses and many tribes. The city is regarded as no man's land because of how it accommodates people from different culture – who all make a living in Lagos. As you make your tour all around Lagos, there are some things you should ensure you don't do, and take caution from.

7 Mistakes You Should Avoid In Lagos

1. Don't pay your transport fare: Lagos public transport, popularly called the 'Danfo or Molue' is the major means of transportation in Lagos. There is also the BRT - that requires payments for tickets. But the ones mostly used is the ''Molue'' It is important you have enough cash to settle the transport fare before hoping on the bus. While it might be tempting to skip your bus fare, either because you think the conductor will not notice or you believe you can come up with a story touching enough to make them waive the fare, don’t do it. The public embarrassment and possible physical harm will not be worth it.

Those that have tried to do so have found themselves spending quality time at the hospital, treating wounds inflicted on them for trying to play 'smart'. And in fact, bus conductor will start collecting fares right from when you're sitted and the bus has taken off.

2. Put your purse or wallet in back pocket : While most Lagosians are very helpful and accommodating, there are always some people looking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. Never put your wallet in your back pocket, as you are bound to lose it – sometimes without your knowledge. Be smart, use common sense and keep an eye on your wallet is, particularly when you’re in crowded places.

3. Flaunt cash around:Whether it’s when paying for things on the street, counting your money or taking out a wad of cash and then asking the waiter how to figure out the bill, flashing cash is never a good move in Lagos. It obviously communicates you're the 'big boy' in town! It is safe you do some calculations in your head other than bringing out a huge sum to count. And if at all you must do this, make sure it's somewhere very safe. This will prevent you from unwanted visitors.

4. Skip the queue: Lagos is huge, and with so many people doing many things at the same time. Whether it is to use the ATM, or to make payment for stock purchase in the mall, there will be a time you have to wait along on the queue with everyone else. It is a civilised orderly manner. Don't try to skip the queue or want to play smart. Not in Lagos. If you try to, you will receive the wrath of the impatient Lagosians. And, oh, you'd not want to remain there afterwards.

5. Have a taste of food with no intention to buy: In some Nigerian cities, tasting food before payment is allowed. In fact, it is the mostly offered by the seller – for the buyer to have a feel of what he wants to buy, even if he ends up not buying. On a funny note, some people actually eat to their satisfaction by tasting street food from numerous vendors. However, in Lagos, if you are going to taste it, you better be prepared to pay for a portion, even if it is as small as NGN50 worth. Most street vendors will reign insults and curses on you, while some other will take a step further and cause an embarrassing scene if you refuse to make a purchase.

6. Pay a trader before collecting the purchase: The Lagos state government has recently banned the activities of street traders, especially on the highway. Despite this, these people still lurk around to meet the needs of their potential customers. If you intend to buy an item from a hawker especially in traffic, make sure you have the item at hand before you pay. And if you would a balance of payment (change), tell them to return with the balance before you make the purchase. If not, there is a possibility of them whisking away with your cash. Stories abound of such case.

7. Lagos is another world on its own. Shun the comparison: Life is good. Life is crazy. Traffic makes you go sick. Things are expensive. The city is congested. Lagos is dramatic. This is Lagos. Especially tourists, don't waste your energy comparing things in Lagos to any other places. Any other places could be better than Lagos, of course, but Lagosians love their city. And they are proud to make a living there.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/09/7-mistakes-you-should-avoid-in-lagos.html

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A Twitter user @@Roland_speaks has shared a photo of alleged Niger Delta militants rescuing a drowning soldier with [url]NEWSHELM.COM[/url]

He captioned the photo ''A soldier being rescued from drowning by same people he was asked to come and kill in the Niger delta region.''

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/09/photos-militants-rescue-drowning.html

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The EFCC has declared the immediate past governor of Katsina state, Ibrahim Shema, wanted for a N76bn fraud.

“The public is hereby notified that Ibrahim Shema, a former Governor of Kastina State, is wanted by the EFCC in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy, inflation of contracts, abuse of office, diversion of funds and embezzlement, running into billions of naira," the agency said in a gazette signed by spokesman WilsonUwujaren.

“The former governor ignored several invitations by the commission since December 1, 2015, when he was first summoned by the agency. All efforts to locate him at his known addresses in Katsina and Abuja were futile.

“The 59-year-old ex-governor hails from the Dutsena-ma Local Government Area of Katsina State. He is tall, light in complexion and speaks Hausa and English fluently. Anybody, having useful information as to his whereabouts, should contact the commission.”

According to reports, current Katsina governor Aminu Masari, had severally accused the ex governor of looting the state's treasury.

There are some mistakes that can be forgiven, “but N70bn is a huge amount of money that we cannot overlook," he'd said.

Shema had written a letter then, denying all the claims by his successor.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/09/ex-katsina-governor-ibrahim-shema.html

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Ever Contoversial and serving senator of the fedreal republic, Senator Dino Melaye showed his fashion sense as he was pictred in this casual wear!!!



You like?

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/09/photo-senator-dino-melaye-rocks-crazy.html

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Executive Governor of Kano State arriving Mina from Mecca on the 1st day of Hajj.



http://www.newshelm.com/2016/09/photos-gov-umar-ganduje-arriving-mina.html

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Local police in Akwa Ibom state on Thursday, apprehended a married man who has five children for stealing plantain.

The man identified as Mr Victor Ekpo Okon of Afaha Atai village in Akwa Ibom state was caught red handed after stealing the bunch of plantain.

The photos, since its emergence, has had people wondering why he carried out such an act… some blamed it on the current economic recession.

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/09/photos-man-caught-stealing-plantain.html

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