₦airaland Forum

Chidinma Ekile (born 2 May 1991), popularly known by her stage name Chidinma, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. In 2010, she rose to stardom after winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa.

Following the release of the music video for her “Emi Ni Baller” single, she became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart. In 2011, she released her first solo single “Jankoliko” featuring Sound Sultan. Chidinma, her self-titled debut studio album, was released through the music platform Spinlet. It was supported by the singles “Jankoliko”, “Carry You Go”, “Kedike” and “Run Dia Mouth”.

The album features guest appearances from Sound Sultan, Tha Suspect, Olamide and Muna. Chidinma Ekile won Best Female West African Act at the 2012 Kora Awards and performed “Kedike” at the ceremony. wikipedia

Chidinma Ekile celebrates her 27th birthday today

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http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/chidinma-ekile-celebrates-her-27th.html

The Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, has called for an upward review of the national minimum wage, in order to improve the living standard of Nigerians.

Ekweremadu made the call in his goodwill message to mark the 2018 International Workers’ Day.

In a Statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr Uche Anichukwu, the deputy senate president said Nigerians workers had made a lot of sacrifices.

He said: “I salute the Nigerian workers for their immense sacrifices, resilience and patriotism, which have kept Nigeria going.
“They have also not relented even in the face of untold challenges and hardship.

“However, we must take the necessary steps to lighten their burdens, especially in the face of excruciating economic realities and in line with the anti-corruption crusade.

“It is becoming more difficult for workers to survive on N18, 000 minimum wage. It is absolutely less than a living wage.

“The take-home pay has left most workers stranded on the road as it is becoming very difficult for an average worker to take care of essential
needs, especially in the absence of basic amenities.

“Therefore, I support workers’ demand for a new minimum wage and the ongoing negotiations initiated by government to that effect.

“Even if the workers cannot have exactly the N66, 500 new monthly national minimum wage, which they currently demand, they should have at least N50,000 as the new monthly minimum wage,” he said

Ekweremadu also reiterated that it would be difficult to wage a successful war against graft in the absence of a reasonable wage for the workers.

“A new, reasonable, and realistic minimum wage is central to the war against corruption, because we cannot in good conscience expect that the
citizens will wholeheartedly fight corruption on an empty stomach.

“That is why the basic responsibility of any government is the welfare and security of the citizens and their property, so that they are not tempted
to resort to self-help.

“The Nigerian workers deserve a better deal.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/may-day-ekweremadu-calls-for-upward.html

Most Nigerians kids of the late 90s’ and early 2000s would remember one or two lines from the song, Kerewa, which was performed by a group called Zule Zoo.

With that song, the group etched their name on the hearts of Nigerians but those hearts are broken with the report that one of the two members of the group, is mentally unstable.

During a recent interview, the other half of the group, Ibro, revealed that his partner is mentally unstable.

The singer stated that he suddenly noticed that his partner lost his mental stability and he does not know the cause.

He concluded the interview by stating that his partner is currently battling this mental problem in Makurdi.

Micheal Aboh and Al-Hassan Ibrahim (the Zule Zoo brothers) came into limelight with their song ‘Kerewa’ in the early 2000s.

They have long shelved their music aspirations

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/my-partner-is-battling-mental-illness.html

The Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has authorised the payment of 2014 gratuity to retired civil servants in the state.

Speaking while inspecting the Nigeria Labour Congress Secretariat building (Labour House) on Monday, Governor Ayade donated N50 million to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for the completion of the Labour House.

The governor who was accompanied by his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, members of the state executive council as well as officers and members of the state NLC and TUC said: “We have already finalised and I have just signed today an authorisation for them to commence the implementation of 2014 gratuity.”

While applauding the leadership of labour in the state for good management of resources in the erection of the building, the governor said, “At the time we discussed with the NLC/TUC on the need to support them build a labour house, the approval I gave was so insignificant for the accomplishment of what I am seeing here today.

“I thought I was the only magician who knows how to turn one naira to a million dollars. Today, I have seen some management experts that are equally very good.”
Ayade who assured that the labour house will be completed before his third year anniversary in office announced that, “against that background, God has descended upon me with an inspiration,”

“To ensure that you complete this project and get it ready for commissioning as in the history of Cross River, we have never had a labour house where members can come in unmolested, it is my pleasure to support you complete this edifice with additional N50 million.

“That figure will cover furniture, telecom and small clinic in case of any emergency.”

He charged labour leaders and members to remain better organised, well structured and never relent in their roles to the society, pointing out that, the leaders must not stop insisting on what they think is the right thing for the people as it is pertinent to share the concerns of government while appreciating the challenges of workers.

“I must commend you for being very balanced in the whole process. Agreed that normally as government task, critical misunderstanding will set in, but that is part of relationship and I think that the concept of this is a harbinger of a better relationship and better understanding of each other.”

Earlier, NLC Chairman in the state, Comrade John Ushie, explained that “for over 40 years, the labour centre has not had a place to call their own, but in your time, it has come to pass. We believe that before your third year in office, you will come back to commission this place.”

The governor, his deputy, members of the organised labour as well as members of the state executive council, thereafter proceeded to other projects sites embarked upon by the present administration in the state, including the 21 megawatt power plant, Calabar Garment Factory, Calabar Pharmaceutical Factory, Rice Seeds and Seedlings Center amongst others.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/ayade-orders-payment-of-2014-gratuity.html

The Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has revealed that Pope Francis is deeply worried about herdsmen’s killings in Benue State and other parts of the country.

Onaiyekan, said even though the Pope will not speak in the media as they (bishops) do, the Pope will respond through diplomatic channel.

The Pope is the head of state of the Vatican and equally doubles as the successor of Saint Peter (Head of the Catholic Church).

Onaiyekan made this disclosure shortly aftet the visit of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to Rome, where all Catholic bishops of Nigeria gave account of events within their dioceses.

Onaiyekan said the Pope is saddened and that he specifically asked who the Bishop of Makurdi is, and, upon meeting him, held the Bishop, who, in turn, wept profusely.

“The Pope is so concerned about what is happening, not only about the Benue killings, but about the situation that has been going on in Nigeria for many months now, even here. He showed deep concern.

“The Pope will not speak as frankly as we did because this is our country. We can speak like we want; we can speak like we think we ought to speak; as leaders of our Church,” Onaiyekan said.

Onaiyekan further added the Pope is very well aware of what is going on in the country.

He also said there are many ways out of the present situation, even as he said everyone has a role to play.

“The politicians can continue to pretend that everything is normal. But they know it isn’t. The rest of us cannot allow them to deceive us and defend themselves. You can already see that things are not going well and we have elections in a few months.

“So, it is possible that you are going for an election, but you are not going to get a good election and that means we will be postponing the solutions to our problems,” he said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/what-pope-francis-told-me-about.html

Says executive, legislature should take governance more seriously and stop toying with Nigeria’s present, future

Tobi Soniyi, Abimbola Akosile and Akinwale Akintunde

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, saturday counselled the National Assembly against impeaching President Muhammadu Buhari for authorising the withdrawal of $496 million from the Excess Crude Account without approval of the legislature. Olanipekun said the move would be inappropriate at this time, given “the current critical period of deep security crisis” that the nation had found itself in.

Olanipekun gave the advice in an email response to THISDAY enquiries yesterday, just as the Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a civil rights organisation, and two other senior advocates, Festus Keyamo and Mike Ozekhome, offered divergent views on the import of the legislature’s angst over the extra-budgetary expenditure by the executive.

The president had in separate letters to the two chambers of the National Assembly, penultimate week, sought approval for the $496 million paid to the United States government for the purchase of 12 Super Tucano military aircraft without appropriation. But the federal legislators took offence, accusing the president of spending such a huge sum without appropriation, and proposed to kick-start impeachment proceedings against him for perceived breach of the 1999 Constitution, as altered.

The Senate and the House of Representatives have, however, referred the matter to their committees on Judiciary, and Rules and Business, respectively, for advice on the way forward.

Olanipekun, in his response to THISDAY enquiry, noted that the proper thing would have been for the executive to seek legislative approval in the form of a supplementary budget for a specific vote for the purchase of the Tucano fighter jets from the United States. However, the lawyer noted that it was not every constitutional breach that should lead to impeachment or provoke threats of impeachment. He said the impeachment power donated to the National Assembly by section 143 of the constitution should not be used as a sword but rather appreciated and utilised as one of the key elements of checks and balances between the three arms of government.

Apparently admitting that there had been an infraction of the constitution, Olanipekun said, “Section 59 of the constitution gives and provides elaborate procedures through which the National Assembly can perform its legislative functions, including passage of money bills, whether in the main or supplementary budgets. It is after the bill so passed has been signed and become law that any fund from the consolidated fund can be spent, and not before. The proper thing would have been for the executive to seek legislative approval in form of a supplementary budget for a specific vote for the purchase of the aircraft.”

But he cautioned against wielding the big stick, saying, “While one is not encouraging impunity or continuation of it, we must bear in mind that while the impeachment provision is legal and constitutional, impeaching the president at this critical point when the country is in deep security crisis can neither be prudent nor expedient.”

Olanipekun admonished the executive and legislature to take governance more seriously and stop toying with the present and future of Nigeria, pointing out that the duty of government is to protect the lives and property of the citizens.

He said, “In Nigeria of today, life has become so cheap and brutish, as we see and hear of hundreds of Nigerians being slaughtered on daily basis, and government isn’t doing much to halt this gradual descent to a state of anomie. TS Eliot, the renowned poet, would appear to have us in mind when he composed that epic poem titled Murder in the Cathedral, depicting the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becker in Canterbury Cathedral in the dark age of 1770.”

Urging restraint and reacting to the incessant killings by suspected herdsmen, Olanipekun said, “I will seriously counsel against the impeachment of the president, while I will urge the president to take decisive actions on the massive killings going on in Nigeria. The National Assembly has the power to invite the president to come and address it on the security situation in the country, and I don’t see anything wrong in the invitation already extended to the president in this regard.”

Expressing similar views, the Executive Director of the Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, said he thought that government would have been more preoccupied with formulating and implementing policies that would positively impact the lives of the people.

“I don’t know whether we can probably say that the priority of Nigeria now is the buying of helicopter. There are a number of monumental things to do with the money that will impact on the lives of the ordinary Nigerians. Those are the types of expenses that I support,” he said.

Recognising the legislature’s power of appropriation, Mumuni said it would be inappropriate for the executive to spend public funds without appropriation, explaining that could amount to a breach of the constitution, which could not be overlooked in a democracy.

But the Director of Communications of the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, in an interview with THISDAY, defended the extra–budgetary expenditure, saying it is excusable under what he called the doctrine of necessity.

Mumuni said: “The president acted under what we call the doctrine of necessity. In law, there is a doctrine called the doctrine of necessity. The doctrine has wide implication. Some of my colleagues have interpreted it in a narrow sense.

“The doctrine of necessity applies when state actors take decisions that may not be totally in tune with the constitution and those decisions are designed to save the country as a whole, to save the entity known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to protect lives and property; those kinds of actions are covered by the doctrine of necessity.”

Keyamo Illustrated his position, “In 2010, the country was rudderless, there was no president because (Umaru) Yar’Adua had vanished, nobody heard from him and by the constitution he ought to have transmitted a letter to the National Assembly to enable Jonathan act as president. Jonathan could not function as acting president, they were forging Yar’Adua’s signature in Appropriation Bill; the country was almost collapsing.

“These same senators sat down and said, gentlemen, we need to put aside the constitution right now to save this country from collapsing. What did they do? They invoked the doctrine of necessity and made Jonathan the acting president. It was unconstitutional. There was no provision like that. They now have to regularise it by amending the constitution to say that if a president does not transmit letter within a particular time, automatically, the vice president becomes acting president. It was later they regularised the constitution to take care of that situation.

“It has happened in many situations. In this situation, can it be said that the president acted in order to save the country from collapsing?”

Taking an opposing view, another senior lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, told THISDAY that the purchase of the Tucano aircraft without appropriation was a violation of the constitution.

“This is a serious breach that cannot be overlooked,” Ozekhome said, adding, “A pre-emptive withdrawal of $496 million as he (President Buhari) has done without any prior National Assembly approval has exacerbated the impunity and this is impeachable under Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution that defines a ‘gross misconduct’ as a ‘grave violation of the provisions of the constitution, without naming what acts amount to grave violation.

“Of course, dipping fingers into the national treasury and yanking out $496 million without National Assembly approval is an act amounting to a grave violation of the constitution. Two-thirds majority vote of members of the National Assembly is needed to remove him from office.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/olanipekun-urges-caution-over-calls-for.html

Loyalty at the place of work is key however, every one has a price, they say.

Employees which include gate men,gardeners,chefs and maids of seemingly rich bosses are known to demand tips from visitors and act in favour of anybody who tips them irrespective of the implication and consequences that their employer may suffer

A young lady identified only with her twitter handle as @GbemmyG, has revealed a rather hillarious incident which played out as her gateman snitched on her neighbour after being bribed by one of her boyfriends

The gate man who is on the verge of losing his job for the disloyal act, revealed that he exposed her neighbor over a N2k tip

See tweet;

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/how-gateman-exposes-madam-after-being.html

A heartbroken man left the court in tears as he deposed that he didn’t want his wife, Hilda Mleya, 30, anymore because she was too beautiful.

'The most difficult journey you will travel in life is the journey to self-discovery' - Comedian Bovi

Arnold Masuka, 40, the complainant made his sensational claims before Chief Chireya.

It is reported that Masuka was divorcing his wife because of her beauty which was giving him sleepless nights.

The situation had got so bad he was afraid of going to work or leaving her alone as he feared she would attract other men.

Chief Chireya asked Masuka if he had really made up his mind to divorce his wife and abandon his own young children who are currently still in school.

The Chief urged the couple to continue staying together as husband and wife, but Masuka told the court that their marriage had ended, even before the case started.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/my-wifes-beauty-makes-me-sleepless-i.html

Members of Okada union, yesterday, took over the popular Waterworks Road within Abakaliki metropolis, burning tyres and dumping refuse on the road, protesting the killing of one of their members, Mr Ejike Ofim, on Wednesday evening by a policeman, Sgt. Onyebuchi Nweke, attached to the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the command over N50.

Though the police command described the shooting as an accidental discharge, it said the Police had taken full responsibility.

Waterworks Road and other adjoining streets in the area were taken over by the aggrieved youths when Vanguard visited, yesterday, as they were seen setting up roadblocks with stones, woods and burning tyres.

The protest paralysed commercial and other activities for some hours leading to deployment of anti-riot policemen in strategic locations in the state to restore normalcy.

It was gathered that senior police officers on patrol to quell the situation were reportedly stoned by the Okada riders and one of them hit by stone is said to be on admission at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

Reacting to the development, Governor David Umahi called for immediate arrest of the policeman over the death of the commercial motorcycle operator.

The governor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, described the incident as barbaric and callous and expressed confidence that justice will be done.

Umahi warned that his administration will not tolerate any form of killing of innocent citizens or extrajudicial killing by the security agencies and ordered the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Titus Lamorde, to arrest the trigger-happy policeman and other members of the team to face the full weight of the law.

Meanwhile, the state police command, yesterday, announced the dismissal of the policeman.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mrs Lovett Odah, who disclosed this in Abakaliki, warned that the Police Force would not condone any extra-judicial killing or unethical conduct by its personnel in whatever guise or manner.

Odah, who expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident, said the command had dismissed the policeman overnight and noted that the suspect would be arraigned in court today.

Odah, who described the shooting as an accidental discharge, however, noted that the Police had taken full responsibility, hence the dismissal of the officer from the force.

“What happened was that the officer did not intentionally shoot at the deceased; it was an accidental discharge. It is not excusable; hence the officer will take responsibility for his action.

“The Officer will be arraigned in court tomorrow to face a murder charge and we assure the family of the victim and the public of Justice.

“We further assure the public of our commitment to the protection of lives and property of every citizen.

“We implore the general public, especially members of the Okada Riders Union, to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands by embarking on riotous protests as the Police will do everything to ensure justice,” Odah said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/policeman-killed-okada-rider-over-n50.html

Seven internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking refuge at the African Church and LGEA Primary School, Mondo, were, yesterday, killed in Ukemberagya, Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The latest attack is just two days after the killing of two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners in Mbalom, Gwer Local Government Area, and barely 24 hours after the murder of 37 persons in Guma on Wednesday.

A community leader in the area, Chief Joseph Anawah, told Daily Sun that the attackers stormed the area around 12:22am while the people were still sleeping. He said the victims were among those camped in African Church and LGEA Primary School, Mondo, after they were displaced from their homes by suspected herdsmen.

“At about 12:22am, gunshots were heard in the area that woke the people up, as they scampered for safety. In the process, seven of them were killed on the spot and several others are said to be missing. The marauders did not stop there, they went ahead to mount a roadblock along Wukari-Anyiin road and seized more than four motorcycles. As I speak with you, the area is completely deserted,” he said.

Chairman of the local government area, Mr. Richard Nyajo, who confirmed the report, said seven persons were killed.

Reacting to the incident, the acting governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, lamented that the state was under the siege of Fulani herdsmen from all corners. He urged the Federal Government as well as security chiefs to get to the root of the incessant killings, with a view to finding a lasting solution.

However, the police could not be reached at the time of this report as both the commissioner of police in the state, Fatai Owoseni, and the state’s police public relations officer, ASP Moses Yamu, did not pick their calls.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/gunmen-invade-idps-camp-in-benue-kill-7.html

Police detectives and Anti-Robbery Squad at the Delta Police Command, Asaba, had in the early hours of Wednesday shot dead eleven armed robbery suspects during a gun battle with the suspects.” The battle reportedly lasted for several hours on Ogwashi-Uku-Ubulu-Uku Highway.

The Police Image Maker in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka who narrated the incident to DAILY POST in Asaba, said: “Our officers and men of the Anti-Robbery Squad ran into the armed robbery suspects around 5:30am operating along Ogwashi-Uku-Ubulu-Uku highway, they engaged the robbery suspects in a gun battle that lasted several hours, and the police gained the superior hand, killing eleven out of sixteen armed men, while the remaining five escaped with serious bullets injuries,” adding that the police were on the trail of the suspects with injuries who escaped into the bush.

It was gathered that Ubulu-Uku-Ogwashi-Uku-Obior highway had been flash point of frequent robbery menace, and in most cases, unsuspecting motorists including pedestrian have been victims to these gun totting robbers.

Investigation revealed that armed hoodlums had over times ambushed road users, particularly traders who travel between Ubulu-Uku and Umunede community in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state for their businesses, most often, they are dispossessed of their valuables including money. But DSP Aniamaka, Police Image Maker in the state in a swift reaction said: “We have deplored our policemen to be patrolling the road, and ensure the hoodlums are brought to book,” disclosing that the corpses of the robbery suspects had been dumped at the Ogwashi-Uku Central Hospital’s Mortuary.

A resident of Ubulu-Uku, Festus Osakwe who confirmed the incident as an eye witness, told MC EBISCO that the police detectives acted swiftly to the distress call, by engaging the armed robbers in a gun duel.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/police-kill-11-armed-robbery-suspects.html

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has backtracked on his loan approval for private hospitals in the State.

The Governor stated that the failure of private medical practitioners to service their loans had made it impossible for the state government to start the second phase of the N500million Private Hospitals’ Loan Scheme.

Governor Wike said the N500million Private Hospitals’ Loan Scheme introduced by his administration recorded an abysmal 90% repayment failure rate on the part of the private hospital proprietors.

He said this when he hosted the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Optometric Association.

Governor Wike said the action of the private hospital proprietors negated the spirit of the revolving loan scheme.

“We gave out loans of N500million to private hospital proprietors. Out of the number of those who received the loans, majority of them have refused to pay back.

“The first batch is not responding in loan repayments, making it difficult to commence the second phase of the programme.

“There is a 90 percent failure in loan repayments in the first phase.

“We have spent $8million (USD) to re-equip Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital and we are setting a dedicated electricity line for the hospital to improve power supply”, he said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/gov-wike-suspends-loan-scheme-for.html

Big Brother Naija 2018 housemate, Tobi, has revealed who he would like to emerge winner of the N45 million grand prize if he fails to come out victorious.

The reality television show comes to end today, with five housemates completing the 90 days.

The 5 housemates, Nina, Alex, Tobi, Cee-c and Miracle all hope to win the prize.

Tobi had his last diary session with Biggie on Sunday afternoon ahead of the grand finale later in the evening.

Asked what his expectations are for the night, Tobi said, “I wish to be happy after all.

“I want to want win the cash to complete my happiness of lasting this long in the show.

“But if I don’t win it, I’ll like my guys, Miracle or Alex to win.”


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-2018-tobi-reveals-who-should.html

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola and other stakeholders, including students, academic, socio-cultural groups, traditional rulers, policy makers and government functionaries from South West geo-political zone on Friday renewed the agitation for restructuring of the country in the interest of development.

They made this call at the maiden Biennial Dipo Famakinwa Colloquium organised by Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Yoruba Academy and Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat Ibadan, under the theme, “Restructuring: Ending the talk and starting the walk.”

Ajimobi who spoke through the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela declared that restructuring within the context of a united federation of Nigeria and democratic processes should be built around such fundamental values as sovereignty of the people.

He added that restructuring of Nigeria was necessary in order to ensure, “Respect for human rights, equal political, social and economic opportunities for all citizens, equity, justice and fair play as ethical values of politics and national unity as well as transparency and accountability as the basis of governance”.

He described late Famakinwa’s contribution to the strategic and tactical rethink of Western Nigeria as instructive and pivotal, noting that paying tribute to and sustaining the memory and good work of such individual is fundamentally apt.

Ajimobi said, “These values are non-negotiable and form the bedrock of nation-building. For these values to be given expression in the Nigerian nation, the structural defects and deficiencies of the construct of the nation must be addressed as expressed by popular consensus of the people through:

“Renegotiation of Nigerian Federal nation; organizing for regional actions; mobilization of regional endowments and assets; optimizing the space for development through the regions to achieving sustainable growth in Nigeria; fiscal federalism and decentralization of Nigeria.

“Most Yoruba people want a Nigeria that operates as a properly managed modern country, a land of order, law, freedom, justice, progress, science, technology, opportunity, competitiveness, productivity and prosperity- the kind of country that all Yoruba people desire and want”.

Akintola in his own explanation lamented that if Nigeria is not restructured, the present federal structure cannot sustain the county for another 25 years.

He said, “For those that still believe so much in the corporate existence of Nigeria, we should know that the present structure cannot sustain this country for another 25 years. It is totally impossible. The world is already becoming a neighbourhood and its no more a global village.
“Nigeria is the only federation in the world with unitary police, even the State of Britain that is unitary in form has many formations and organisations. In the United States, as at the last count, they have more than 78,000 police formations, including universities. Each higher institution in the United States has police formation, recognised by the state.

“Restructuring is the mantra of an average south westerner. I know that the present structure cannot sustain the county for another 25years. We need to give the DAWN commission every support. When late Bola Ige was advocating for integration, we never knew the country would ever be in this state. He who wants peace must be ready for war. We will not take another neo-colonialism from anybody. This country will not move forward unless we restructure.

“The Nigerian governance structure is oppressive. The only language understood by the oppressor is confrontation. Therefore, to achieve restructuring, we must be ready for appropriate confrontation. A structured way to achieve restructuring agenda is by strengthening regional integration. Southwest state governors should give greater support to DAWN Commission.”
Other speakers at the event noted that the region has been unfairly shortchanged with a structure that allows other regions to hold it back in terms of speed of development and progress before the military interregnum.

Director General, DAWN Commission, Mr. Seye Oyeleye in his remarks noted that the event was to celebrate the late Famakinwa’s devoted energy in the last 7-8 years to what is today known as DAWN commission.
He said the effort which he described as an all-inclusive was to take the subject of restructuring from mere talks to acting in a way that all the stakeholders will be able to express their views and understand what it means.

Widow of late DG, Mrs. Ibironke Famakinwa appreciated the DAWN Commission for honouring her husband.
Famakinwa while speaking further urged the organisers to sustain the fight until the integration and unity of the region is achieved in the interest of the present and future generation.
Dignitaries at the event include, General Secretary, Afenifere Renewal Group, Chief Ayo Afolabi, Dr. Bolaji Ogunseye, Rtd Major Gen Sam Odunsi, Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, Alh. Lai Oyeduntan, Mr Tokunbo Ajasin and Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo.
Others are, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, Mrs Yemi Alabi, Mrs. Adeyinka Bello and Baale of Makoko Barr. Adekunle Olaiya.

The biennial event according to the organizers seeks to immortalise Famakinwa’s vision and ideas on the development and adoption of a common regional agenda.

The late Famakinwa was the pioneer Director- General of DAWN Commission until his death on April 21st, 2017, after serving the commission for four years.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/ajimobi-akintola-south-west-groups.html

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has called on members of the former ruling party to close ties ahead of the 2109 general elections.

He said as Nigeria inches towards another political year, there was need for aggrieved members of the party to be reconciled before the polls.

Secondus gave this charge on Thursday on the occasion of the Emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza.

The party chairman also expressed shocks over the current happenings in the nation, practicality the Wednesday’s drama at the Senate where the mace was snatched and the London speech by President Buhari where he described most Nigerian youths as lazy.

His full speech below.

“As you must have been following the nation’s political terrain, since our last meeting, you will agree with me that all is not yet well with our nation. The situation in our country is very disturbing as the ruling APC has continued to show in all ramifications that it lacks the wherewithal to manage this country.

“The ugly incident in the nation’s Senate on Wednesday 18th April, 2018 more than anything else underscores the fact that our democracy is seriously under threat.

Nigerians and international community watched horrified as the spokesman of President Muhammadu Buhari’s support Group in the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agage led thugs into the hallowed chambers of the nation’s senate to steal the mace the authority of the Senate and kidnapped a Senator.

“That these hoodlums passed through all the security checks and majestically worked into the chambers to cause such havoc leaves much to chew to all discerning minds.

As the President and APC leaders globe throttle meeting World leaders the legislative arm of the government, in fact the main symbol of democracy the legislature is being vandalised by agents sponsored by the government.

“What happened in the Senate yesterday is a clear assault on democracy, a coup against the legislature and should not only be condemned but those responsible should be tried for treason as demanded by the law.

“Herdsmen brazenly invade our homes and farms, rape, maim and kill our people daily, and thugs do the same in our parliament yet we have a government

“This obnoxious development has placed enormous challenge on us as the main opposition party to up our game and quickly rescue this country from the appalling APC administration.

“Majority of Nigerians who are disillusioned about the state of affairs in the last three years, are excited that we are trying to get it right as we remain the last hope for our democracy.

“We have also noted with disbelief, the continued de-marketing of this country by the President each time he travels outside the country. This time he chose to abuse and deride our hard-working youths as lazy, a remark that is not only embarrassing but untrue. Our youths are not lazy, they are resourceful and indeed they are our future leaders.

On the 30th of April, 2018, our President is scheduled to meet with the President of the United States of America in Washington, the home of democracy and free speech, but back home in his country; anti-democratic weapons are being deployed against the Nigerian people.

“We commend our elder statesmen and other patriotic Nigerians who have spoken up on the urgent need to rid the country of the current bad APC government and enthrone a government that will serve our needs.

“All hands must be on deck to achieve the great task of removing this APC government and replacing it with a government that will the hope and aspirations of Nigerians.

“Because of this challenge, we have taken it upon ourselves as the leading opposition party to broaden our scope, open our doors and allow ideas to flow in for a more robust democratic development. We therefore, invitee our brother, sister, youths and women from other political parties in this platform to join us to rescue our country that is in distress, socially, politically, economically and security wise. In this country today over 3.1m citizens are languishing in various IDPs across the country yet we are not at war with any country.

“Our consultations have taken us to meet with various interest groups who are willing to do business with us and I can report to you that it has very fruitful. We expect in coming days to have a broader political family working dedicatedly to rescue this democracy and our beloved country from the hands of APC.

“Since peace and unity in the party is key to realizing any of our aspirations particularly winning the Presidency, a peace and reconciliatory efforts were catalysed. Permit me at this juncture therefore to place on record the yeoman role of the Chairman of our reconciliatory Committee His Excellency, Governor Seraike Dickson of Bayelsa state who has submitted his committee report to the NWC.

“Also for special mention here is the former Senate President David Mark whose committee on Ekiti state has also been submitted. Just yesterday myself, Senator Mark and members of NWC were in Ado Ekiti to put flesh to the recommendations and I can proudly report to you that Ekiti PDP is approaching July gubernatorial election as one huge family.

“I must not forget to commend Governor Ayodele Fayose and other leaders of the party in Ekiti state for their cooperation. We have also began the same process for Osun state where a successful congress was conducted and peace building process put underway ahead of September gubernatorial election in that state.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/what-secondus-said-at-pdp-emergency-nec.html

The ongoing military operation, code-named “Exercise Ayem Akpatuma,” in Benue, Kogi, Nassarawa, Kaduna and Taraba states, has claimed the lives of 13 soldier, with seven other seriously wounded.

This is even as the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) warned political leaders against politicising military operations.

Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General John Agim, who gave the warning at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, also disclosed that the military lost major equipment in the operation.

“During the exercise, we lost some of our dear colleagues; 13 soldiers were killed in action, while seven soldiers were wounded in action. We also had our equipments destroyed during the operation,” he said.

The DHQ, therefore, solicited the cooperation of the civilian populace to enable the Nigerian armed forces contain the security challenges bedevilling the nation.

Agim said, “Civil authorities, at all levels, such as community chiefs, LGA chairmen and state governors are often instrumental to the success of internal security operations.

This is because they provide information, synergy, support, and facilitate a conducive environment for military operations. They also assist in winning the minds and hearts of the people in support of the military, among others.

“Regrettably, during the conduct of Exercise Ayem Akpatuma, some civil authorities, especially in Taraba State, did not accord the military the desired cooperation.

For instance, the chairman of Takum Local Government Area in Taraba State did not cooperate with 93 Battalion but instead portrayed the military in bad light to the locals.

His actions before and during Exercise Ayem Akpatuma were clearly anti-military and he incited his people on many occasions to resist and confront the military.

“Defence Headquarters hereby appeals to our political leaders not to play politics with security issues and the armed forces of Nigeria. The military is the strength of every nation, Nigeria inclusive. If we talk down on our military, it will dampen their morale, the enemy will be emboldened to cause more havoc and the consequence on our citizens will be dire.”

He also blamed Amnesty Intervention for allegedly frustrating attempts by the Nigerian government to procure military equipment from some foreign countries to fight the counter-insurgency war and other security challenges.

Agim, while listing the successes of the operation, said 183 criminals were arrested in Benue and Taraba for various offences.

According to him, “In Benue State, 147 herdsmen, six cultists, five rustlers and six bandits were arrested, while 15 were arrested in Taraba State. In 1 Division’s area of responsibility, a total of 13 bandits were arrested. All the arrested suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.

“Several arms and ammunition were recovered during Exercise Ayem Akpatuma. In Benue State, 1 x AK 47 rifle, 1 x FN rifle, 3 x AK-47 magazines, 9 x rounds of 7.62mm special, 23 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 dane guns, 38 machetes, several spears/axes and assorted charms were recovered. Also, 18 motorcycles and 15 handsets were recovered in Benue State.

In Taraba State, 4 x AK-47 rifles with three magazines, 96 rounds of 7.62mm special, 8 x rounds of 9mm and 19 locally-made guns were recovered.

Others include five locally-made pistols, one shotgun and 27 live cartridges. In 1 Division’s area of responsibility, 16 assorted arms were recovered and some ammunition.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/13-soldiers-killed-7-injured-in.html

Nigerian Yoruba actress Habibat Jinad has been accused by many for indulging in a viral post between a lesbian.She was formerly asked out by a female fan which is surely a lesbian but she declined her proposal and went on to share the chats online.

Since then she has been hunted by many saying she may be a lesbian but only turned down the offer of that particular fellow. Speaking in an interview, Habibat has disclosed that she is not a lesbian and will never be.

When asked by the interviewer “how did you involve in the lesbianism tale?”

She said “A fan slides into my Instagram page and sent a direct message, just to express herself to me, and I told her that “I’m not a lesbian”. That was how the whole thing began.”

When asked if she had reported the lady to the any law enforcement agency she said “I didn’t reveal her identity. I can’t do that, I just cried out just to inform others not to make any attempt again. I don’t like it at all. I would definitely inform the law enforcement for future purpose.”

She went further to debunk the rumor that even if she was paid $10 million she will never go down with a fellow lady.

She said; “Do it for what? I can never do it for anything. This is because Almighty God is against it, and that money is dirty. I would wait for God’s time because it is the best my brother.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/actress-habibat-jinad-finally-opens-up.html

Nigeria Nollywood actress Awele Odita who wanted to be the wife of Kokozaria even when she knew he was already married is not pleased and has taken her anger publicly.

The actress got pregnant and gave the NURTW official a baby boy sometimes last year with the hopes of also being his wife but that actually has not materialized.

The actress who recently realized that she was only tricked by Kokozaria has now decided to kick him out but by first blocking and unfollowing him on social media.

For a while now, there has been tension in the family as the public display of friendship between the two ‘wives’ had vanished, followed by koko’s display of love.

Last week Kokozaria had shown Awele that he was still the man of his first wife after he took to social media to lavish great words on her and he also called her the ideal woman.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/actress-awele-odita-kicked-baby-daddy.html

Georgina Onuoha definitely had time for critics who wanted to troll her for going braless as she had not so nice words for them.

The beautiful actress took to her Instagram page on Monday, April 16, 2018, where she posted a photo of herself, wearing a sports kits and yes she wasn't wearing a bra. It looked like Georgina knew what was coming for her as she went on to caption the photo with a quote for her critics.

"Come take a long morning walk with me.Good morning Lovers ❤️ Blood of Jesus . Nigerians no go kill me. Oya give me iro and buba and gele make i wear take go do morning walk. Since bra top na crime .. Una for give me body magic , turtle neck and tie .. Yeye dey smell . Come and beat me if this picture dey pain you. Na you sabi # Basta," she wrote.

Lol! We all know the new wave of our celebrities not taking it easy with fans who tend to take jabs at them and we guess Georgina Onuoha is on that list.

Georgina Onuoha shares horrible experience in the hands of former in-laws

Georgina Onuoha has talked about her horrible experience in the hands of her former in-laws. The beautiful actress made this known on her Instagram page on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, as she celebrates the 11 year birthday of her daughter.

According to the veteran actress, she was constantly dragged to the police station by her in-laws and even assassins weren't left out as they were sent to her house.
Georgina Onuoha hints on domestic violence while married

Georgina Onuoha might have just hinted that she was in an abusive marriage with her ex-husband, DR C Igwegbe. The veteran actress reposted a woman's confession of being married to a man who molested, beat and humiliated her.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/actress-comes-for-those-who-called-her.html

Director General, National Taskforce to combat illegal importation, smuggling of goods, small arms, ammunition and light-weapons, Dr. Osita Emmanuel Okereke, has accused security agencies of complicity in the fight against the Islamist insurgency, alleging that most of them are members of Boko Haram.

Okereke also called on Nigerian communities to be on alert, claiming that members of terror group Boko Haram have infiltrated herdsmen to cause havoc across the country.

Okereke, president of Importers Association of Nigeria, backed the assertion of the former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, on the complicity of the military, lamenting sabotage from people powerful individuals, whom he said are encouraging the insurgency to continue.

“I want to tell you that there is a lot of sabotage; most of the military men are Boko Haram members and most of Nigeria’s security men are members of Boko Haram. Most security agencies are Boko Haram,” he claimed.

“I can categorically tell you that members of this administration are fighting this administration, the people earning from the government are part of the insecurity in Nigeria; security agencies are part of the insecurity in Nigeria today.

“We need total overhauling, as Gen. Danjuma said. He may know certain things you might not know. I can tell you there is an atom of truth in what he said and I believe in what he said,” the taskforce coordinator said.

Okereke, backed the withdrawal of 1$ billion to fight insurgency, though advising that President Buhari should approach the National Assembly for approval, warning against politicizing the matter.

He said that Nigeria was a time bomb that is waiting to explode if what is happening in the Middle Belt states of Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Taraba States is not checked immediately.

“So Boko Haram is like in every family in Nigeria and people might not know because any place they come they will mix up with Hausa people who are selling cows and inside the mosque, but people will not identify who they are because when you dress like a Hausa man nobody will suspect you,” he said.

“This is what Nigeria must fight. Let us stop deceiving ourselves talking about herdsmen. Herdsmen are not the key problem of Nigeria today. The problem of Nigeria today is Boko Haram.

“As I am talking to you, there are arms in every community in Nigeria. We have made our research, and we have information”, he alleges.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/be-on-alert-some-military-men-are-boko.html

A former military governor of Plateau State during the regime of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, retired Major-General Aliyu Adu Umar Kama, has called on those warming up to contest against President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 to bury their ambition.

Apparently referring his kinsman and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido and erstwhile deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu among others, Kama said it would be unwise for anyone irrespective of their inclinations to want to contest against President Buhari, who had done tremendously well.

He was speaking Saturday in Abuja at the Hoba community grand reception for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Gida Mustapha, by the Hoba elders’ council.

According to Kama, “It would be foolhardy for anyone irrespective of his/her political inclinations to want to contest against President Buhari.”

According to the former Milad, the Hoba people of Adamawa State are grateful to President Buhari for appointing two sons of the community as SGF successively and pledged continuous support for the Buhari administration.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/forget-2019-babangidas-ally-umar-kama.html

President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term bid is legitimate, constitutionally and morally right, a Lagos lawmaker, Mr Tunde Braimoh, said on Sunday.

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration to seek re-election in 2019 is courageous and it is good for consolidation.

“The President is enabled by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended to contest the presidency for a maximum of two consecutive terms of four years each,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Buhari had at a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on April 9 in Abuja, announced his intention to seek a second term in 2019.

The intention had triggered mixed reactions in the polity with the opposition giving knocks while a cross-section of Nigerians either applauded it or were ambivalent.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-military President Ibrahim Babangida had earlier advised Buhari not to run.

Braimoh, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, said notwithstanding the reactions trailing Buhari’s declaration, his sterling performances qualified him for re-election.

He said it was surprising that the President’s re-run bid was generating “undue controversy”.

“As a matter of fact, what should have been antithetical is if the President has decided not to run.

“It is, therefore, proper, legal, moral and courageous of the President so seek election for a second and final term in office,” Braimoh, representing Kosofe Constituency II. said.

The lawmaker noted that “morally the President had deployed so much energy, zeal, agility, ability, dedication and commitment in governing Nigeria”.

“It is only natural for the President to wish to nurture his projects and initiatives to fruition.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/buharis-re-run-bid-legitimate-morally.html

President Buhari has blamed those who he referred to as wicked people for stealing Nigeria's money and keeping the people poor.

Buhari said this while hosting members of the Buhari Diaspora Support Organisation in London.

According to Punch, Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Buhari said “Failure of some of the leadership we had in the past led to our not being able to capitalise on resources to improve the lot of the people.”

The President also added that “If they had used 50 per cent of the money we made when oil prices went as high as $143 per barrel, and stabilised at $100 with production at 2.1 million barrels per day for many years, Nigerians would have minded their business.

“You could almost grow food on our roads, as they were abandoned. The stealing was so much, and they were so inept that they could not even cover the stealing properly.

“I wonder how all those things could have happened to our country.”
God will grant Buhari victory

Speaking on the upcoming election, the leader of the Buhari Diaspora Support Organisation, Charles Sylvester told the President that God will grant him victory during the polls.

Sylvester also said that members of the group are happy with the progress that the current administration has made in Nigeria.

According to Punch, he said “You met a difficult situation, but you have overcome most of them. We are happy with the agriculture revolution, the ease of doing business, the anti-corruption war, the employment of youths through the N-Power programme, and the blockage of leakages in the public sector through the Treasury Single Account.

“We are proud of the speed with which you recovered the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls. It shows you as a worthy General.

“We are happy that you have declared for 2019. Majority of Nigerians are happy, but agents of corruption and darkness are unhappy.

“The same God who healed you when you were ill, will grant you victory in the 2019 elections. You are a General who does not fear combat, either with Generals or non-Generals.

“We declare our love and support for you. You are fixing the faulty foundations of our country and second term is when you will build the enduring structure.”

President Buhari thanked members of the group for identifying with the country.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/president-says-wicked-people-plundered.html

Nigerian pop star Wizkid missed his Coachella performance scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2018, due to some visa issues.

The Star Boy act, tweeted about the trouble of getting his band members visas on time for his performance at the music festival.

"Band had some visa issues...I’m upset bt See y’all next week" he tweeted on Saturday.

Wizkid will now be performing next week as announced by the official Coachella Twitter account. "We are sorry to announce that Wizkid is unable to make it into the country to join us this weekend but will be performing next weekend."

Coachella, the music festival holds every year in the sunny state of California and features the biggest and best performers on the planet. It enjoys a reputation as one of the biggest and most reputed music festivals in the world.

This year’s edition holds from April 13 to April 22, 2018.

Hip-hop icon, Eminem is one of three headliners, along with Beyonce and neo-R&B singer and pop star, The Weeknd.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/pop-star-misses-coachella-performance.html

Nigerian senator representing Kogi West senatorial district in the National Assembly Dino Maleye is at it again, this time with the newly evicted BBNaija couple Bambam and Teddy A.

Dino last year sparked a relationship rumor with Tboss after the show came to an end as he shared photo of himself with Tboss.

Bambam and Teddy A were in Abuja and the senator who is a huge fan of the reality TV show took the social responsibility to host them in his home in Abuja.

An excited Dino shared a photo of himself with the BBNaija ex-housemates and couple and gushed;

“Teddy A and Bambam of Big Brother at my krip. Great guys” Dino wrote.

Dino was suspended from the house after he had a rift with the security agency of Nigeria; the Nigerian police had declared him wanted after he escaped from their custody.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bambam-and-teddy-caught-in-sen-dino.html

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has waved the olive branch to the leadership and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following recent public altercations between the two on the propriety of holding a summit on restructuring by the former.

National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, Uche Achi-Okpaga in an interview with Saturday Sun said no matter the degree of provocation, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation isn’t going to apply force on members of IPOB.

He was reacting to the continuous threat by the separatist agitators to disrupt the proposed Southeast summit of restructuring.

Speaking on how the Ohanaeze was going to handle IPOB to allow the summit to hold, Mr. Achi-Okpaga, said, “once a soldier always a soldier and if you are a youth, you will always behave like one. We are not oblivious of their youthful blood.

They didn’t just wake to start the agitation, it is just a culmination of the crucible the Igbo race has gone through in Nigeria, and they say it is time for liberation, and once it is like that, they will always think ahead, without also thinking of the implications – the pros and the cons.”

According to him, an Igbo proverb says, “when you kill an animal, you don’t eat the entire meat, there are some parts you remove, so, when you are strategizing, there some precautions you also take cognizance of.”

He noted that the youths cannot work alone without their elders giving them advice and wise counsel, adding that in the same way, the elders cannot work alone without the youths, stressing that, “we are trying to handle them, we cannot apply force on them, but we still take care of the situation.”

When asked of what the Ohanaeze will do if it becomes inevitable to apply force to have the summit hold in the interest of the Igbo, he ruled out completely, the application of force, and was optimistic on the way the situation will be handled.

Reacting to the insistence of IPOB that it is Biafra they want and not restructuring, the publicity secretary said it is all about understanding, pointing out that “if you create Biafra, you have restructured Nigeria.”

“Yes, anything you thinker with will no longer be the same. That is what we are saying; we just have a communication gap, if they come to the round table with us, we will them give them some tips that will make them rechannel their manner of approach.

“You know the countenance of the Federal Government; they unleashed and deployed soldiers with armoured tanks on IPOB that was unarmed and defenceless, but for Boko Haram ravaging Nigeria, killing and maiming, terrorising towns and villages, nobody has made any declaration against them, with all the deadly guns they are wielding. They are not terrorist organisation, but the IPOB that didn’t bear arms is a terrorist organisation.

“So, you can see the way they don’t want restructuring, is still the same way the Federal Government does not want to hear Biafra. You have to come back and restrategise.

God in His wisdom restrategised. At first, He used word to create the world, the second time, He said I won’t use that again, let me send my Son to go and die for the sins of the world. Another style that God uses is that when you die, you go and face judgment.

God Himself changes style, why shouldn’t IPOB change when they see that the style they are using is not bearing fruits.

“Do you know what happened recently in Catalonia, they are still persecuting the leaders, and even the European Union is supporting the Spanish government.

So, how would they achieve it, they need more diplomacy and not violence, and you cannot achieve diplomacy with youthful blood, you need the elders to give you wise counsel. If they come to us and we reason together, we can achieve result, but when we go our different ways we cannot succeed. We have to start from somewhere”, Achi-Opkaga said.

Both Ohanaeze and IPOB have recently engaged in altercations following the proposed Southeast summit on restructuring by the apex Igbo body, an event IPOB threatened to disrupt. IPOB has insisted that it is Biafra or nothing, emphasising that discussion on restructuring of the country would not hold in Igbo land.

The group had on February 27, stormed a gathering of the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA), where some Igbo leaders, including the Chairman of Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), Prof Ben Nwabueze, and first President of Nigeria, the late Dr. Nnnamdi Azikiwe, were to be honoured.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/biafra-despite-provocation-we-are-not.html

A fresh crisis orchestrated by unknown gunmen at a mining site in Zamfara State, has left 26 people dead. The incident occurred after the armed gunmen who invaded two villages in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, attacked a mining site at Kuru-kuru village and also ambushed some people from the neighbouring Jarkuka village as they mobilized to bring help to Kuru-kuru.

Speaking to a NAN correspondent, a witness identified as Sadi Musa, said scores of people were killed at the mining site on Wednesday evening which forced the miners to flee for safety. However when residents from the nearby Jarkuka came later to join the Kuru-kuru survivors in burying the dead, the gunmen attacked again, and killed more people.

The State Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Mohammed Shehu who confirmed the incident, said “we are aware of the attack but I cannot give you details now until my commissioner is fully briefed”.

This is not the only time Zamfara State has been attacked by unknown gunmen in recent times. Few weeks ago, it was reported that cattle thieves killed 15 herders in a bout of violence in northern Nigeria’s herding communities, police and a local official said confirmed.

“Armed bandits attacked Bawon-Daji village yesterday and killed 15 people,” the police spokesman for Zamfara state, Muhammad Shehu, told AFP. His account was corroborated by a senior local government official, Gado Anka.

Anka told AFP motorcycle-riding gunmen stormed the remote village in Anka district around 1:00 pm (1200GMT), shooting dead 12 residents before fleeing to a hideout in the bush.

“They returned two hours later and attacked mourners during the funeral of the victims in the cemetery, killing three more and injuring several others,” he said.

Rural communities in the agrarian state are under siege from gangs who kill, loot and torching homes. This has prompted villages to form vigilante groups — which in turn are often accused of extra-judicial killings of suspected cattle thieves, prompting deadly reprisals by the gangs.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/26-feared-dead-as-gunmen-attack-mining.html

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leadership have said that it will continue to hold Chief John Nwodo, South East governors, Nigerian Army and some Lagos-based political errand boys responsible for the murder of dozens of Biafra agitators during Operation Python Dance II.

The IPOB leaders also accused Chief Nwodo and South East governors, especially Dave Umahi and Okezie Ikpeazu and their associates of compromise over the killings of innocent IPOB members whose only crime was to stand up for their right in defence of the honour and dignity of the Igbo race and entire people of Biafra.

In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma, stated that Nwodo and South East governors must know that the Ndigbo are now enlightened enough not to accept their gimmicks and lies.

According to the group, Nwodo’s call fo the Nigerian Army to probe the massacre in Abia and Rivers State is medicine after death.

It said, “There was no justification for Nnia Nwodo and South East governors to betray or sabotage the efforts of Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB who were merely trying to rescue their nation Biafra from the hell Nigeria had become.

“The damage of Operation Python Dance has already been done. Those that perished as a result of the actions of Nnia Nwodo and South East governors, will never again rise from the grave.

“Therefore, it will be foolhardy for Ohaneze Ndigbo and South East governors to act as though we have all of sudden forgotten the event of the 14th of September, 2017 that occasioned the killing of our vibrant youths in cold blood and possible murder of our leader and his parents.’

It added that Nwodo and his associates will never exonerate themselves from such crime against humanity by merely offering warm words at a function in Enugu.

“Any probe of the military invasion of Igboland and killing of IPOB members at Afaraukwu Umuahia, Isiala Ngwa, Aba and Obigbo Igweocha must start with the role Nwodo, Umahi, Ikpeazu and other governors played. ”

They cannot join hands with the spirit of the dead to kill at night, then join the living during daylight to shed Crocodile tears at the funeral of their victims.

Those IPOB members slaughtered by soldiers died because Nnia Nwodo, Dave Umahi, Okezie Ikpeazu wanted Nnamdi Kanu killed at all cost in order to stop IPOB and please the North who threatened to kill Igbo people living in Northern Nigeria if Biafra agitation is not stopped.

“We urge the public to carefully scrutinise the statements of Nnia Nwodo, Okezie Ikpeazu and Dave Umahi during and immediately after the military siege at our Kanu’s compound between 10-14 September 2017 to find answers to many questions regarding the role these Igbo men played in masterminding the slaughter of their own people, “ it added.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/hold-nwodo-army-responsible-for-murder.html

Roma manager, Eusebio Di Francesco, has spoken on his side’s surprised victory over Spanish giants, Barcelona, in the second leg of the Champions League quarter final yesterday.

According to the Italian, the 3-0 result was a reward of their hard work.

Speaking with Mediaset Premium, Francesco said the focus now is on the trophy.

He said, “The strength of this team is in looking forward, not back. We have the derby coming up on Sunday, we must always look to the next target and it’s right in front of us.

“I take the blame for defeats and some ungrateful words on social media, so I may as well take the credit for a win!

“The truth is that I made this choice to create more width, allow more counter-attacks and bring rapidity, but what really changed was the philosophy of the side and we have to continue like this now.

“Although we had very good performances in Serie A, we are only today reaping the rewards – the just rewards – for the hard work we have done.

“Of course we should believe in the final. Why shouldn’t we believe? We came this far and nobody expected us to do it, so of course we should push on and aim for something more, raise the bar every time.

“I don’t want a side that rests on its laurels or thinks it doesn’t matter how the game goes. I’ll not stand for that. We have to target more and realise we can always do better.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/champions-league-why-we-beat-barcelona.html

Facebook yesterday disclosed that about 271,469 data belonging to Nigerians whose friends would have installed the ‘This is Your Digital Life’ app, were exposed to the Cambridge Analytica data breach.

In a statement made available to Daily Sun, Facebook also said 78 Facebook users in Nigeria installed the app on their phones. Last week, the social platform said 87 million users were affected by the hack , higher than previously reported estimates of 50 million and said “most people on Facebook could have had their public profiles scrapped.”

Facebook issued the number in a lengthy post by Mike Schroepfer about its privacy changes, which include restricting third-party app access and deleting phone call and text information that’s over a year old.

Facebook also said it’s ending a feature that lets users search for a profile using a phone number or personal email, and suggested that bad actors have abused the ability and taken information from personal profiles as a result.

“Given the scale and sophistication of the activity we’ve seen, we believe most people on Facebook could have had their public profile scrapped in this way. So we have now disabled this feature,” Schroepfer said in the post.

Cambridge Analytica was accused of improperly gaining access to personal information of Facebook users, spurring legal probes and changes to Facebook’s privacy policies.

Media reports, last month, alleged a UK-based researcher collected the data from Facebook users when just 270,000 users downloaded a psychology quiz app that requested access to their personal data.

Facebook’s policies regarding third-party apps at the time allowed apps to request the data of users who downloaded the apps and those users’ friends, impacting a much larger swath of people.

Facebook has said since that it ended that practice years ago. Schroepfer’s post on Wednesday outlined specific ways in which Facebook is restricting the types and amounts of data third-party apps can access about users.

The company said, for example, that third-party apps will no longer be able to see who attended your Facebook event or posts made in the event page.

But Facebook users may not need to worry much as the social media platform is breaking its back in the face of the current scandal to better protect the information of users.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/over-271000-nigerians-affected-by.html