₦airaland Forum

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has pledged the federal government’s support of local food producers to meet the growing challenge of feeding the nation.
Ogbeh gave the assurance in Lagos after his familiarisation visit to the production facilities of Sympli, pioneers of Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) fruits and vegetables in Nigeria.
The IQF technology helps to deliver farm-fresh products in ready-to-cook state through a process that involves peeling, chopping and fresh-freezing local foods and vegetables to retain all the flavour, texture and natural goodness of the foods. This not only reduces food preparation time by at least 40per cent, it also reduces post-harvest loss of foods and vegetables by about 40 per cent.

The minister noted that value addition in the agricultural sector, as exemplified by Sympli, would help to meet the challenge of feeding the people, which has been exacerbated by the country’s ‘exploding population.’
“I am very happy to see this type of innovative thinking in Nigeria; what Sympli is doing is revolutionary and this kind of value addition is exactly what we need at a time that government is working seriously at addressing the food issue in the country,” Ogbeh said.
While acknowledging inadequate financing, high interest rates, constant power outages and double taxation as some of several challenges that beset food producers in Nigeria, Ogbeh commended the long-term commitment of the PRIMLAKS Group, producers of the Sympli brand, to creating value in the food chain, saying: “We are very happy with what we have seen here and really congratulate PRIMLAKS Group for their many years of resilience and commitment to Nigeria’s growth. We pledge our support as a government because what they are doing is what we want to see,” adding, “We shall intensify efforts at supporting local food producers and we are hoping that we can keep the interest rates low in the Bank of Agriculture, which we are restructuring.”
He lauded Sympli as an ‘innovative contribution’ to encourage the consumption of Nigerian foods at home and in the Diaspora and enjoined consumers to patronise the products.
“I like the taste of this, it’s still fresh; I’m sure all Nigerians will be excited about Sympli. The convenience is necessary as people get very busy. Keep working at it; we’ll give you our support and we’ll use the Diaspora Office to see how we can propagate this.”
While conducting the Agric Minister round the Sympli plant, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ravi Hemnani, said: “Our goal is to make it easier than ever to cook family favourites and we are getting very positive responses from our customers, both here in Nigeria and in the UK.”
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/ogbeh-visits-sympli-pledges-fgs-support.html

The federal government has been called upon to ensure that it diligently prosecutes organisations and individuals, including foreigners, who have made the violation of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Act their means of amassing illicit wealth.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General of Plateau State, Prof. Dakas C. J.Dakas, who made the call, said all agencies of government with powers to prosecute must rise to their responsibilities and ensure that such economic saboteurs are brought to book.

Speaking at the SON 2017 management retreat in Lagos, Dakas said such action would send the right signal to the different quarters as to the seriousness of the government to protect its citizens and economy from dubious businessmen.
He said since nobody is above the law, those found to have erred regarding products counterfeiting should be brought to book since Nigerians in other countries are not placed above the laws of those countries.
“There are Nigerians all over the world and some of them are in Chinese prisons and elsewhere and here you find that when foreigners are involved, you don’t really accord the necessary investigations and prosecution. In some cases, the sense of urgency required in sending the message to these foreigners that they are not above the law and can not trample on Nigerian laws and get away with it is not there,” he said.
Dakas who was also served as Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) said the law was indeed a welcome development in the light of the fact that sub-standardisation had become a major problem in the country, adding that it constitutes a great risk to life and economy of Nigeria. He said with the new SON Act, that those who fake products would know that it was no longer business as usual, as punitive sanctions awaited them.
He made reference to the recent haul of substandard tyres valued at about N5billion in Lagos, saying the damage would have been colossal had SON not intercepted the products.
“So, it is a milestone that the law had been amended. There may however be areas to look into again,” he added.
Dakas also expressed the hope that the National Assembly would continue to work in concert with the SON to ensuring that the problem of substandard products was effectively contained in the country.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/fg-charged-to-prosecute-foreigners.html

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie, who has just been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Government on Entertainment, Arts and Culture has acknowledged the privilege, adding that she would use the experience she had gathered over the years to serve the state.
She stated this in an Instagram post on her page, @mercyjohnsonokojie on Wednesday.
She said, “I am gratified with the official notification reaching me on my Appointment as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Kogi State on Entertainment, Arts and Culture.
“I am humbled, as i duely acknowledge this attending responsibility to serve my great state with the modest experience I have gathered over the years.
“With depth of gratitude, I want to thank the Governor of Kogi State; His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and his wife, the first lady of Kogi state Her Excellency Mrs Rashida Bello for this unparalleled opportunity to serve.
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“My endless gratitude goes to my husband, Prince Odianosen Okojie, for giving me his consent, knowing fully the sacrifices and adaptations he will have to put up with.
“To all my family, friends, colleagues and fans, thank you for all your prayers and well wishes, I am eternally greatful to Almighty God, to him be all the glory.”
Johnson’s appointment was announced with 62 others in a statement issued in Lokoja on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Folashade Ayoade.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/ill-use-my-experience-over-years-to.html

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leadership worldwide have urged the Great Britain to prevail upon President Muhammadu Buhari and All Progressive Congress (APC) party to obey the court orders and respect the rule of law in the Nigeria.

The group called on the Nigerian government to immediately release its leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, and other IPOB members as well as Sheikh El-Zakzaki, former CSA Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) and other political detainees or else Nigeria will continue the slippery slide towards the abyss.
A statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Mr. Emma Powerful, described as appalling that a supposedly civilised country like Britain, at the forefront of upholding standards in human decency, could exhibit so much bias when it comes to the issue of upholding the rights and dignity of the indigenous populations in Biafra.
IPOB”s statement read in parts: “Another example of British bias is the events surrounding the illegal detention of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and their unwillingness to challenge the flagrant disobedience to legally binding judicial pronouncements. We at IPOB are compelled to ask if Britain is not aware that court after court of competent jurisdiction in Abuja has ordered the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu but the Buhari’s government still refuses to obey the law”.
“Britain has never held Buhari’s Government accountable for the many breaches of court rulings in Kanu’s case. The killing of unarmed members of IPOB even during the solidarity rally in support of American president Mr Donald J Trump on 20th January 2017 in Igweocha (Port Harcourt) River state did not draw a rebuke from the British Government has not drawn any condemnation from Britain”.
“It is unfortunate that Britain have steadfastly refused to hold Muhammadu Buhari to the same level of high standards expected of other heads of governments around the world. Britain should therefore prevail upon Buhari and his APC party to obey the court orders and respect the rule of law in the Nigeria they created. Detained IPOB members, Sheikh El-Zakzaki, Dasuki and other political detainees should be released immediately or else Nigeria will continue the slippery slide towards the abyss”.
“The British government should come out openly to tell the whole world what the good people of Biafra did to them since they amalgamated Nigeria to warrant such wickedness. We Biafrans as a people, were the first to assimilate British culture by answering English names and adoption of Christianity as the main religion, yet Britain is never pleased with Biafra”.
“Such overt expression of hatred by the civilised British Government leaves much to be desired, if we consider the media and public uproar that greeted the news of the Tinamen Square massacre and mass arrest of pro-democracy activists in China”.
“Britain was also vocal in pointing out the human rights limitations of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility for Islamic terrorists. Why can’t Britain be so equally vocal in condemning human rights abuses when it comes to the issue of Biafra, or is it because Biafrans are not Muslim”
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/ipob-carpets-buhari-britain-over.html

A former Big Brother Naija housemate, Gifty has finally admitted that she was once married.

The former participant of the reality television show, in an interview with Hiptv said the period she was married was a dark period of her life.


According to Gifty, “I will say it here and now that the marriage issue was kind of real, I was once married, it was a dark part of my life that I don’t want to ever go back to.

“First, I advise every young girl out there; before you go into a marriage, you have to be physically, mentally, emotionally and physiologically matured because I was naive.”

Recall that shortly after she was evicted from the ongoing reality show, Gifty had denied being married.

But a man who identified himself as Augustine Akuma and claimed to be a cousin to her supposed husband, had released photos from the Gifty’s wedding earlier in the week and accused the former housemate of deceiving her fans.


Akumah further alleged that the couple had irreconcilably differences over Gifty’s “cheating lifestyle while still in her husband’s house.”

Gifty had earlier denied the claim, before maintaining that she has never been married to anyone before, stressing that the fake rumours will only make her more famous and bigger.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/i-was-once-married-gifty-finally-admits.html

The President of Pentecostal Sanctuary Bible Ministries Worldwide, Prophet Sunday Iyunade has prophesied that President Muhammadu Buhari will work towards a one party system in Nigeria and may likely destroy the nation’s democracy with some powerful persons.

Iyunade made the prediction while addressing journalists in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.


Calling on Nigerians to pray against possible threat to the country’s democracy, Iyunade said, ”I had prophesied before the 2015 elections, some doubted, but, it came to pass. I told you about the first three month of enjoyment after Buhari’s election and what will happen in the remainder of his tenure which we are experiencing now .

“This government will work towards one party system. There is not much hope for democracy in this regime as we will not operate democratic system. For now, election has been suspended in Nigeria as the choice of the people will not be reflected on the throne.

“We need to pray for political stability and must pray against threat to political stability as there will be threats to democracy. We need to seriously pray for our governments and politics to survive as various new dimensions of crisis will emerge in this dispensation.

“The government will disorganise all the democratic strictures they met on ground and will set up another structure. The government will pocket Nigeria and rule with a mighty, powerful, iron and steel hand and very soon, Nigerians will ask God questions and many will moan under this government. This is because there will be a repeat of the Roman Empire rule in Nigeria.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/buharis-reign-will-end-democracy-in.html

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has revoked 54 television and radio licenses while another 120 licenses are being processed for revocation due to offences bordering on inability to pay for their licenses within the mandatory 60 days period and failure to go on air two years after the licenses were issued.


The Director General of the commission, Ish’aq Modibo Kawu, who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday in Abuja observed that frequencies cannot be held indefinitely by individuals as there are other people waiting and ready to make use of those frequencies.

He also announced that NBC has extended the deadline for the payment of the over N5 billion debt owed the commission from March 15 to March 31, 2017 adding that after the date, any station still owing the commission would be closed down.

Kawu, who warned that the harsh economic realities of the country was not an excuse for stations not to meet lawful obligations, disclosed that some of the licenses expired since 2015, stressing that every license issued is provisional and could be revoked at any point.

He said: “There has been no plan by any station to pay. Some even wrote us that the amount they were expected to pay was too much, suggesting to the commission the amount they intend to pay.

“However, this is a new era. All outstanding sums owed the NBC must be collected. The practice of using political connections or going to the Aso Villa to seek black market endorsement will not work,” Kawu said.

The NBC boss stated that the commission has commenced the settlement of all indebtedness arising from the contracts awarded in respect to the Digital Switch Over (DSO), especially to the Set Top Box manufacturers to the tune of N5billion.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/nbc-revokes-54-television-radio-licences.html

After spending 50 days in London, for undisclosed health-related reasons, President Muhamamdu Buhari, has on Sunday night, informed Nigerians that his resumption to duty would not be dramatic, as he plans to stop attending outdoor Presidential functions, until he fully recuperates.

Buhari, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Garba Shehu, stated this during an interview on Sunday, in Abuja, on Arise Television News Network

“Let me first of all caution that he (Buhari) is not going to start in a dramatic way. He has been away from the country for nearly two months, so he needs to get into the temperature of the place.

“For instance, yesterday he went through the newspapers page by page, and he read everything that interested him.

“So he needs to get back to that place. The thing is that he’s basically human like all of us. He is coming out of an ailment, and like he himself had said, he needs to start gradually.

“Don’t expect the President to be given neck-breaking schedules or punishing schedules like from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., or sometimes to 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.,” Garba submitted.

Asked whether Buhari would be fully in charge once he resumes, the Presidential Aide said: “The responsibility is his; that is the position of the Constitution.

“The moment the letter goes to the National Assembly and he says I am back, he is back.

“This is not a President by his style of leadership, whose hands dictate every detail.

“People make the observation that perhaps Ministers under this government are the most powerful Ministers we have had in this Republic.

“He doesn’t call each month to say that a contract should go to Mr. A, B, or C, or that road should be channeled through this or that.”

Garba further elaborated on the role of the Vice President, adding that: “even before the President’s departure, the Vice President had a full plate”.

“He has again on record, been one of the busiest Vice Presidents in our country; the President has delegated so much to him,” Shehu explained.

On when Buhari would return to London for further medical treatment, Garba said though the actual date remained uncertain, the decision would solely “be determined by him (Buhari) and his own Doctors”.

“But he has given notice that he will need to go back, and that is normal,” he added.

Speaking on the propaganda and half-truths on the President’s illness, Garba said: “You don’t say what you don’t know, that is one.

“Two, matters of medical disclosure are extremely private. In the course of the process, Femi Adesina, got a long note from the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, describing what disclosure would mean in medical science.”
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/buhari-announces-retirement-from-public.html

Photographer, TY Bello shared these photos of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo taken in celebration of his 80th birthday.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/former-president-olusegun-obasanjo.html#more

A 57-year-old grandmother, and textile merchant at Balogun Market in Lagos, has been caught in connection with cocaine smuggling to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

The suspect, Odeyemi Omolara Morayo, who claimed to be going on a pilgrimage to Jedda, had all the paraphernalia of a pilgrim, save for the narcotic content of her luggage.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, explained that the two parcels of white powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine, were carefully concealed inside her luggage.



In her statement, the suspect said her friend and customer was responsible for the trouble she found herself. “I have two children and my daughter is married with children. Recently, I told my friend I would love to go on pilgrimage this year and she promised to sponsor my trip.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/ndlea-arrests-grandmother-with-cocaine.html

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has assured the Hausa Community in the state of adequate protection of their lives and property.

The governor stated this on Thursday at Ooni’s palace when he visited Ile-Ife following the crisis which erupted in the ancient city between the Hausa and Yoruba.

He said the state government is already on top of the communal clash and normalcy had returned to Ile-Ife.

He called on citizens as well as other tribes resident in the state to go about their lawful duties without fear of intimidation as the government has put everything in place for their security.

Aregbesola, who condemned the actions of those behind the fracas at Ife promised that those behind the unfortunate incident would be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

He said the present administration will continue to work to ensure that the activities of miscreants are completely wiped out of the state to make Osun the most peaceful state in the country.

According to him, the incident at Ile-Ife yesterday is highly unfortunate and least expected, it was caused by some senseless set of people who took laws into their hands.

“We will not allow miscreants in our state, we will fish them out, especially the perpetrators of the fracas at Ife, we are going arrest them from their hiding place and prosecute them.

“I appeal to communities in our dear state to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.

“Everything is under control by the government and I promise you that it will never happen gain” the governor promised.

Aregbesola, who visited the scene of the clash, expressed regrets that the incident happened.

He was received at the entrance to the town by the Serikin Hausa, Alhaji Mohammed Mandagali, who accompanied him to visit the scene.

He later met the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in his palace for discussion on how to bring succour to the affected community.

Also, the Ooni of Ife described members of the Hausa Community in Ile-Ife as his subjects and co-owners of the town with whom he has enjoyed tremendous loyalty in the last 14months of his reign.

The monarch said that the crisis was very unfortunate one caused by agents of backwardness and devastation.

He said that he was unhappy about the whole crisis, saying he always treated the Hausas residing in the town as his subjects.

“That is why I did not leave any stone unturned to bring the avoidable ugly situation to normalcy by acting promptly upon receiving a report of an altercation between a Yoruba woman and a Hausa man on Tuesday evening.

“I immediately sent some chiefs to address the situation, which was amicably resolved and we all thought it was over until we woke up the following morning (Wednesday) to hear that they had started attacking one another.

“I quickly informed the security agencies, who responded very swiftly, ” Ooni said.

The monarch also praised the state governor, Rauf Aregbesola for his efforts towards ending the crisis.

“Thank God for the normalcy, the governor has been so proactive and the security agents have been on top of the situation.

“I got a tip-off that a number of our Hausa brothers were being held in captivity, we rushed to trace them to where they were being held.

“We were able to rescue all of them numbering over a thousand and got them handed over to their Seriki Hausa, ” he said.

The royal father urged all the Yoruba people to always embrace the Hausa and other ethnic groups as their brothers to enjoy maximum peaceful coexistence.

“My people, we are working to ensure that things don’t get out of hand. We must allow peace to reign in Ile-Ife and respect one another.

“Yorubaland is a place of love, we show love to every visitors in our land and our kinsmen from other parts of the country.

“Let us always maintain peace and harmony with them here too,” he pleaded.

Meanwhile, the Seriki Hausa, Alhaji Mohammed Mandagali, expressed his appreciation to the state governor, Aregbesola, Ooni Ogunwusi, community leaders and the security agencies for their efforts in curtailing the crisis.

Mandagali lamented the loss of lives and property of his people, saying it was a painful and avoidable incident.

He called on the state government and Ooni to relocate the Abuja motor pack, Ife branch to another place because the drivers were the root of the chaos.

more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/gov-aregbesola-vows-to-prosecute.html

A cross section of Nigerians have continued to react through the social media on the reported news that President Muhammadu Buhari will be returning home from London on Friday after his medical vacation.

Many Nigerians have been showering praises on the originator of the news, Mr Femi Adesina who had earlier issued a statement indicating that the president would be returning on Friday.

One of the social commentators, Mubashsheer Mustapha said: “Femi Adesina, you have made my day by posting this good news. In fact, words are too scanty to aid the expression of my happiness on seeing this news.

“May God continue to bless you and your entire family, and also grant Mr.President a very good and sound health as well as the wisdom and courage to continue with the good governance of our fatherland.’’

Osquare Okpanachi said, “Baba while you were away, we the hailers match the wailers bumper to bumper and kept them quiet’’.

Jimoh Ibrahim merely posted “Allahu Akbar; Allahu Akbar; Allahu Akbar’’ while Olakunle Longe thanked God for answering his prayers on the president.

Longe posted, “Thank God for answered prayers. You have done a great and perfect job informing the populace about Mr President as being practice in other civilized countries of the world. Kudos’’.

Henry O. Henry, who saluted Adesina for breaking the news, said “I can’t wait to see my President and welcome him back home.Kudos to Mr Femi Adesina, Keep the good work going Sir’’.

Jide Adebayo, in his comments, said “salute to professionalism in information management. God bless PMB with greater strength to consolidate the gains of his administration and sanitisation of Nigerian nation.

“There can be no more cheery news at this hour.

Austine Ejeke, however, said “Shame to bad people! President Buhari is alive! Hale and Hearty!’’, while Auwal Hassan wished the president a safe return home, saying glad for the news….let’s the mischief makers go to …’’.

It is generally believed that the president’s arrival on Friday will put to rest the speculations about his health and will particularly shame death wishers.

In the past two weeks, President Buhari has been quite busy receiving visitors from Nigeria and making phone calls to some Nigerians, offering messages of succour, and felicitations.

more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/nigerians-react-to-buharis-arrival-on.html

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode on Thursday charged students in the State, especially those seeking admission into tertiary institutions to put in their best into academics, saying only seriousness could break all barriers on the way of actualizing their dreams.
Speaking while handing out award letters to two students who scaled the scholarship interviews of her pet project, Hope For Women In Nigeria Initiative (HOFOWEM) for the 2016/2017 academic year, Mrs. Ambode said coming from a humble background was never a limitation for a serious student, but that only hardwork would pay off with outstanding success in future.
The award letters were handed over to the successful students – Oluwadare Caroline Omolola and Afolabi Olakunle Felix at HOFOWEM’s office in Oregun, Ikeja.
Mrs Ambode said the lucky recipients of the HOFOWEM Scholarship Award and indeed all students of tertiary institutions in the State must embrace academic excellence and shun any short cut to success.
She said: “You must note that coming from humble beginnings is not necessarily a limitation to what you can achieve in life. The children of rich people are not always the most brilliant or most successful. It is about how much of your time and attention you invest in your academic work.”
Speaking further, Mrs Ambode disclosed that the scholarship award was in line with HOFOWEM’s ideal, to give hope to underprivileged children by encouraging their educational pursuits, adding that it was instituted to sponsor brilliant indigent students from Lagos State public secondary schools, to pursue first degree courses in Nigeria.
She disclosed that over 100 applications were received online and all candidates were considered on an equal basis with no bias for background, but judged independently on the basis of the applicant’s ability to meet the criteria outlined under the terms and conditions of the award.
Besides, the wife of the Governor said the successful candidates would enjoy the payment of tuition fee, monthly maintenance allowance, book allowance and incidental allowances for the period of their chosen courses.
She also advised them to always put God first and shun bad vices capable of preventing them from reaching their desired goals, while urging them to be good ambassadors of HOFOWEM, by paying attention in class and moving with the right peers, as any decline in their academic performance might result in forfeiture of the scholarship.
Expressing their joy, the beneficiaries, Miss Caroline Omolola Oluwadare and Master Felix Olakunle Afolabi, both studying accountancy at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and University of Lagos respectively, disclosed that it was a dream come true.
The duo whose results were among the best WAEC results in Lagos State could not hide their joy, noting that they just tried their luck when they saw the advert in the newspaper, adding that they never believed they could sail through considering their very humble backgrounds, despite excellent performances at WAEC and JAMB examinations.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/ambodes-wife-charges-students-on.html

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has called on foreign and local investors to take advantage of the rapid developmental strides in the state to invest in all sectors of the economy, with a view to creating jobs.
He also assured that first-time investors in sectors such as tourism and hospitality, housing and property development, as well as agriculture and ICT skills development would receive attractive tax incentives and easy access to land in the state.
Addressing a group of foreign media correspondents in Lagos, yesterday, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Austin Tam-George, who spoke on the state government’s tax plan, also dismissed security concerns about the state, insisting that Rivers is among the safest destinations for investment in the country.

“The narrative that Rivers is unsafe is an ugly slander against the state by a disgruntled political opposition. As the oil and gas hub in the country, the state has offered the highest return on investment in Nigeria since 1958,” the commissioner noted.
Tam-George further said activities marking the state’s Golden Jubilee celebration in May, would showcase different opportunities for investment.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/gov-wike-assures-investors-of-land-tax.html

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, has said that the marginalisation of the region by successive administrations necessitated agitation by the youths for a sovereign state of Biafra.

Speaking at the forum of leaders of the South-South and South-East geo-political zones at the weekend, Nwodo noted that he aspired for a country where every part would be fully involved and the future generation would have a better country than the present generation.

“Our children are agitating. Our children do not want to be part of this country anymore because they feel that we are second-class citizens and because they feel that their parents are incapable of standing out for them.
“They want the Republic of Biafra because most of them feel they are discriminated against and are not equal with others,” he said. He, however, noted that the country was better as one, as the impact of war on any country can never be over-emphasised
“We think that in the African continent, our size is our asset. We have built a brotherhood over the years since 1960 and we cannot break. “Consequently, we have to put our heads together and find a better federal structure, a constitutional structure, which gives every part of this country satisfaction. In weeks and few months to come, the socio-cultural organisations will come together to seek an end to this impending catastrophe,” he stated.

Host of the meeting, an elder statesman and Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, canvassed for an egalitarian society where everyone would be equal because the country belongs to everyone.

“We are far away from the kind of country our founding-fathers bequeathed to us. At independence in 1960, the Richard’s Constitution spelt out what Nigeria should be – a Federal Republic with three regions – North, East and West as the components. Each of the regions is equal and each is allowed to develop at its own pace. But today, the reverse is the case,”
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/ohanaeze-ndigbo-marginalisation-of-igbo.html

The Supreme Court has ruled that the decision of the federal government to void the allocation of Oil Prospecting Licences (OPLs) 321 and 323 to the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) and re-award the oil blocks to ONGC/Owel Petroleum Consortium was right.

In a four-to-one judgment, the Supreme Court in the suit numbered SC114/2013, between President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and three others Vs. KNOC and six others, declared that the action of the president, which was taken in 2009, was within his executive powers.


The lead judgment was read by Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation represented the federal government while Dr Alex Iziyon (SAN) and Chief Robert Clarke (SAN) represented ONGC/Owel Petroleum Consortium and KNOC respectively.

The court in the judgment delivered last Friday, said the act, which arose from a contractual arrangement between the parties, not being a quasi-judicial act, was therefore not subject to judicial review in respect of which a writ of certiorari lies.

The court noted that the dispute between the parties arose from a contractual relationship and held that by the letter of award in respect of OPLs 321 and 323 respectively, “in my considered view, constitutes allegations of breach of contract”.

According to the judgment, “Where there is a contractual obligation between the parties, both parties are expected to comply with the terms and conditions of the contract. Where the contract contains terms for bringing the contract to an end by either party and the terms are not complied with, the remedy of the affected party lies in action for breach of contract, damages, etc.”

Regarding the remedy available to the Koreans in respect of the termination of the award of OPLs 321 and 323, the Supreme Court held that the case of KNOC and its consortium at the trial court was incompetent as the act complained of was an executive act in respect of which a writ of certiorari would not lie, having arisen from a purely contractual relationship.
The court consequently affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal striking out the appellant’s suit at the trial court.

The grievance of the Koreans was the decision of the president conveyed in the then Federal Ministry of Energy’s letter dated January 8, 2009, written by the Minister of State (Energy) and addressed to the Chairman of KNOC.

In the said letter, the federal government voided the allocation of OPLs 321 and 323 to KNOC on the basis that KNOC and its consortiums failed to fulfill certain terms and conditions of the award and restored the rights of ONGC/Owel Petroleum Consortium as the original winners of the two blocks in the 2005 bid round.

ONGC/Owel Petroleum Consortium had taken steps to pay the signature bonus in full as stipulated by the letter until the consortium received information that the KNOC had approached the Federal High Court, Abuja sometime in March 2009, to seek redress and an injunction restraining the relevant federal government agencies from giving effect to the content of the January 8, 2009 letter.

The ONGC/Owel Petroleum Consortium had to hold back the payment of the signature bonus pending the outcome of the case in court.

The ONGC/Owel Petroleum Consortium had, as gathered, previously caused a bank guarantee for the full payment of the signature bonus to be issued by the State Bank of India in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The consortium had to recall, at great cost, the bank guarantee when the blocks awarded were withdrawn and re-alloted to KNOC in 2005 on the basis of its prior right of first refusal, due to some non-bid related downstream obligations made by KNOC, which it failed to comply with, in addition to its failure to comply with the terms of the bid.

THISDAY gathered that the federal government was excited about the judgment, which it believes would bolster the country’s readiness to observe international best practices in its bid to attract Direct Foreign Investments (DFI).

The judgment also accorded with the theme of the discourse at the recently-held Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja where the issue of sanctity of contracts and agreements with government and government agencies was in focus with the major international oil companies (IOCs) in attendance.

A senior government official told THISDAY Sunday night that the federal government would benefit from the development of the long dormant oil blocks following the Supreme Court judgment that has removed all encumbrances.

This, as believed, would send a positive signal to the global oil industry at a time of increased levels of enforced nationalisation of assets and uncertain statutory and judicial treatment in many markets.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/supreme-court-affirms-fgs-decision-to.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee says it is not a party to the purported planned registration of Advanced Peoples Democratic Party (APDP).

The Publicity Secretary of the committee, Mr Dayo Adeyeye, said in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja that the committee or any of its members as individuals, had no hand in such plan.

Adeyeye said the clarification became necessary to clear the air on falsehood that the committee was planning to abandon PDP structure for the Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff led group.

“We state clearly and without ambiguity that the National Caretaker Committee of the PDP is not in any way involved in the plans to register any party by the name APDP or any other party for that matter.

“It is unthinkable that the National Caretaker Committee which without any doubt, enjoys the support of all the recognised organs of the party, will contemplate such a move.

“We, however, acknowledge and recognise the rights of party members to seek alternative platform to actualise their political dreams which is an inalienable right guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We also wish to state clearly and without ambiguity that the committee is holding leadership power in the party in trust for the millions of party faithful who instituted the committee at the National Convention,”he said.

Adeyeye said that whatever decision that would be taken on the PDP brand shall be taken by members at a properly constituted National Convention. He added that such decision could not be taken by a few individuals no matter how highly placed.

“For the records, no decision has been taken that the PDP should be abandoned and a new party formed out of the current structure. “At least, no such proposal is before the caretaker committee as at this moment,” the spokesman said.

He reiterated the party’s belief that the leadership issues before the Supreme Court would be resolved on the side of truth and that Justice would be served in the interest of peace.

Adeyeye urged party faithful to keep calm and allow the reconciliation efforts to move forward, adding that this was necessary without prejudice to the appeal before the Supreme Court.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/pdp-denies-plan-to-form-another-party.html

A team of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has ransacked the palatial home of George Turnah, popularly known as the godson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The fierce-looking operatives reportedly stormed the courtyard of Turnah located at Kolo Creek, Ogbia local government area with scores of fully-armed mobile policemen and soldiers.
They were said to have arrived the courtyard at about 5pm on Friday and painstakingly searched various buildings and rooms in the premises till about 10pm.
Though there was no clue that money was recovered from the house, the team were said to have carted away cheque books and financial documents.
The commission was said to be investigating an alleged multiple cases of corrupt enrichment against Turnah and his involvement in disappearance of money allocated to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
It was learnt the 33-year-old Turnah fled his multi-billion naira Kolo Creek Villa built with a gold-plated fence and gate along the Ogbia town road few minutes before arrival of the EFCC.
His whereabouts were unknown with all his telephone numbers switched off.
When our correspondent visited the Kolo Creek Villa, about 45 minutes drive from Yenagoa, the compound was filled with solemn voices of a church congregation wafting from one of the buildings.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ogbia and two police officers in mufti visited the villa to debrief one of the stewards.
A source from the building confirmed the EFCC team spent about six hours to search different parts of the buildings.
He said: “It was a scary sight because many mobile policemen and soldiers were involved in the operation.
“They took over the premises and the road and conducted thorough search each room.
“They broke some doors and used keys to open others. They carted away cheque books and other financial documents.
“But I am not aware that money was recovered from the house. Our master left the house a few minutes before they came”.
Turnah, who graduated from the Law Faculty of the Niger Delta University (NDU) in 2009, warmed himself into the heart of Jonathan when he founded the Jonathan Youth Vanguard popularly called Joy 2011, a platform he used to mobilise support for Jonathan.
Jonathan conferred on him the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) award and was appointed a Special Assistant on Youth Matters to the Managing Director of (NDDC) in 2012.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/efcc-raids-house-of-jonathans-godson.html

Saheed Balogun is a veteran actor well known in Nollywood for his versatile roles in Yoruba movies. He also acts in English movies too. Currently, he’s President, Golden Movie Ambassadors of Nigeria; a body that believes in rebuilding, restructuring and re-branding the movie industry. He spoke with Sunday Sun recently about his firsts. Excerpts:

Your first movie?


That was in 1989 in Kwara State and titled Ori Apere. My first TV national soap opera was Winds of Destiny on NTA. I played Mallam Vodca in it . My first radio program was on Radio Kwara as Mallam Sule Metoya, a comedian. My first television appearance was in 1978 in NTV kiddies program. I was the first producer in the history of Africa to do the true cast movie, the Ankara movie and the three cast in West Africa.

First day on stage, did you panic?

I was just doing my thing. No stage fright at all. But the following day, I asked people how it was and how I performed.

First salary?

I earned it in Ilorin and in 1989 at the Kwara State Council for Arts and Culture. It was N130 and I felt cool that day. I left primary school in 1978 to go back to secondary school in 1985. Just imagine that stretch. Fausat Balogun was the first to tell me to go back to school.

First car?

It was a BMW. That was what I bought with my money. That was like 15 or 17 years ago. I dashed the car to a friend who said he would give me something. I couldn’t face him to ask for the car again, because he assisted me a lot. He has done more than a car for me. Subsequently, I bought Honda Accord.

First pet?

I don’t have.

First trip abroad?

I’m sorry to say this; a person who went to Cotonou went abroad too. My first trip abroad was to Cotonou. But if you want to package it, my first trip was to London. I was shocked at the trip because I went with the likes of Ramsey Nouah. I felt I just had to sit down and watch others. But when they called my name, the hall was vibrating and I was like is it real? That was in 2002.

First girlfriend?

It was in secondary school and we called her Bose but she’s from Ebiraland. She taught me how to speak Ebira language. You know that kind of boyfriend and girlfriend. It’s more of picture and letter. Not the kind of things they do these days that result in teenage pregnancies. We were all in Ilorin then. But don’t forget, I left primary school in 1978 and started secondary school later in 1985. Look at that long stretch. I was much older in secondary school. Even in Form 1, I was the president of music and dramatic society. It was like a star coming to school when I got to secondary school.

First designer outfit?

I can’t mention the name. That’s a free advert for them. My consultant would fight me. But in those days, it was bj trousers, stretch jeans, and bj hairstyles. These were designers in those days.

First kiss?

I don’t remember. But I’m not a fan of kissing. My pikin must not pick my brain in that regard.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/my-first-salary-was-n130-and-i-felt.html

Dear Mr. Acting President, I am writing to bring your attention to some soft issues that may become too hard to crack if they are not promptly addressed now. Although I had met you twice or so in the build-up to the 2015 presidential election, my name may not specially ring with you outside the fact that you encounter me daily on the imprint of The Guardian. But I have always known you right from your days as attorney general of Lagos State, the richest state in Nigeria and according to some statistics, Africa’s fifth biggest economy.

You did extremely well in that previous assignment and I guess it was the reason your name propped up so irresistibly in the APC’s pre-election trade-offs to produce a candidate to stand with President Muhammadu Buhari in that election. From hindsight, you weren’t a bad choice and Nigerians have got Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the one also called Jagaban to thank for your ascendance to the throne. He single-handedly swung the variables that made you inevitable in the calculations. He did very well. Thank you very much Ashiwaju. May your reign as the Ashiwaju of national politics be long!

Now, to the main purpose of this letter. Sir, you know very well that nobody nominated you as acting presidential candidate, neither were you voted for in that capacity. You were vice presidential candidate and you duly came in at the end of the electoral processes as the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That has not substantially changed in spite of the circumstantial new description of Acting President. Why am I reiterating all of this? I just want you to be guided properly by the original template so that you will readily understand when people are leading you into temptation and for you to raise the red flag.
If others do not, I know enough to know that your ascendance is divine. I can say for sure also that you were too farfetched in the politics of the formation of the APC and subsequent allocation of privileges to earn the vice presidency. The Ashiwaju himself was around, hale and hearty, and not entirely disinterested, although he had to reinvest his own interest in you when things looked improbable with him. There was the other key investor called Rotimi Amaechi, who even stood a better chance than Ashiwaju if the preference of General Buhari were to be the only factor in picking the vice presidential candidate. But the Grace was all over you and you had literally come from nowhere to emerge champion without corresponding efforts. I really thank God for your life.

As I can see, God chose you to work for Nigerians not to play politics. In the first place, I cannot picture you playing politics because you are not so wired. You are wired to state it as it is. You are a professional; in fact, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), which does not come by fooling around and pledging loyalty to a political godfather. People are saying that the economy which had lain prostrate has been attempting to stand on its own since January 10. They associate the magic with your transition from Vice to Acting President.

Well, it might be true. It could also be a sheer coincidence that the so-called turn around occasioned by sustained recovery of the Naira and your peaceful missions to troubled spots nationwide, including the Niger Delta had been programmed to happen before your advent as Acting President. In fact, Mr. Babafemi Ojudu who advises President Buhari on political matters took good time to explain why you were not the subjective factor in the observable changes in the economy. He said your four or so weeks of acting could not have translated to instant magic if President Buhari had not used the last 20 months preparing the grounds for the miracle.

Ojudu needed to make this clarification because Nigerians, especially in the social and even the traditional media were making value judgments to the effect that you were better than your principal and that if you had been Acting instead of being Vice President since May 29, 2015, the story, overall, would have been significantly different. I can’t get the point Ojudu was trying to make though. You did not mount the podium to do that proclamation. Nigerians did.

So far, you have only tried to utilize, to the best of your ability, the power transmitted to you by President Buhari, who is currently in UK or some location outside Nigeria on extended medical vacation. Was Babafemi Ojodu saying in using the transmitted power to cause results, you should have also transmitted to the people that the power that was causing things to happen differently in Nigeria belonged not to you but that which had been transmitted to you by President Buhari and certified by the Senate?

Sir, you see, Nigerians are an impossible lot. You just have to be very careful. Some people want you to state categorically by whose authority you are doing wonders in six weeks. Buhari they know! But who is this Osinbajo? And so, instead of this silent manifestation that you have been doing, you should embark more on loud proclamation. Let me explain what I mean. For instance, I know in the quest for peace and national cohesion, your next port of call shall be the Southeast to speak peace to MASSOB and IPOB members. When you get there, stop talking as if you are an authority unto yourself. You are not because you are exercising transmitted power not original power. The Late Chief K.O Mbadiwe had described the vice presidency as a repeater station of a major station and of microscopic consequence. Although the majestic Mbadiwe didn’t envisage a situation of acting presidency, which is threatening to become a permanent feature in our operations, his theory on the power relations between the president and his deputy is still largely tenable. Sir, that is why some entrenched quarters are getting worried over your rising profile.

For effect, when you get to the Southeast, align your speech this way. “The President spoke to me this morning (assuming you arrive in the afternoon) and told me to tell you that the Igbos are a major stakeholder in the Nigerian project and the country cannot move forward without their fully coming on board…” and so on and so forth. By the way, why is the President not speaking to you as often as he does to Lai Mohammed, Femi Adesina and others? Or has he been talking and you are the one not relaying the conversation to Nigerians?
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/letter-to-acting-president.html

more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/throwback-photo-of-dr-nnamdi-azikiwes.html

Having survived kidney ailment that held him down for months before kindhearted Nigerians intervened and got him treated in the United Kingdom, Nollywood actor Leo Mezie is now focused on how best to give back to the society for standing by him during his ordeal. Though the Abia State native had organised a special thanksgiving in Lagos to thank God and well meaning Nigerians for saving his life, Mezie seems determined to do something more tangible in that regard.
Weeks after he returned from a successful medical treatment abroad, the actor has set up the Leo Mezie Kidney Foundation, which aims at supporting patience with kidney ailment, helping them with tips on how to manage the situation and find cure. Though the Foundation, according to Mezie, will also assist patients with other ailments, the focus currently is on kidney.

“This idea came to me while on my bed during dialysis. While I was going through my ordeal, what kept amazing me was the love I was getting; the prayers and the financial support especially, was overwhelming. I believe that was one of the major reasons I stood my ground that I cannot die. As for me, I had lost hope; there was nothing else to live for. But with the kind of encouragement I was getting from people, I was like, ‘okay, if I give up on myself, there are a lot of people out there, who didn’t give up on me.

“There are a lot of people out there, who believe in me; praying, calling, sending text message, visiting and spending their resources. So, it crossed my mind that, ‘who am I? Why is my case so special?’ Then, I began to wonder, there are many other Nigerians out there, who have this kind of challenge, but don’t have the kind of opportunity I have; how they suffer, how they die. So, I vowed that once I make it, I would ensure I give back to the society by reaching out to those, who don’t have the same opportunity that I had,” he said.

For the actor, setting up the foundation remains one practical means of saying ‘thank you’ for what kindhearted Nigerians did in an effort to save his life.

“I want to reach out to those people out there, who nobody knows, who are having this challenge but are dying quietly. Those, who have given up like I did; I want to reach out to them. I want to start with those, who have the similar challenge that I had, then we will see how we can help lift our fellow Nigerians. I’m talking about Nigerians, who need help, who need support, prayers and encouragement, but they are not getting it. For me, ‘thank you’ is not enough for; showing the appreciation is better of,” he said.

Part of the Foundation’s mandates is to educate the public about kidney and how to live healthy and avoid endangering the sensitive organ. This will involve organising seminars, workshops, training and symposiums, with expert on ground to speak on different topics.

“Personally, I want to spend time to teach people about kidney because, since I came back, the question has always been, ‘what caused it?’ Everybody is scared; they hear about this everyday, they see people suffering from the same situation, including big men. Some are asking me, ‘is it drinking or smoking so I can stop it?’ But first of all, I want to have series of seminars to teach people how you can get the problem, how to dictate it at very early stage and what you can do to stop it before it escalates,” he said.

Mezie is currently speaking with some medical doctors in the United Kingdom and here in Nigeria, with the hope of getting their support for the foundation.

“I’m working with a couple of doctors; we’ve had discussions and they are really interested in coming down for our seminars to speak on this matter. When we are ready, we want to first of all educate people about functions of the kidney; what damages the kidney, how do you know when the kidney is damaged, what diet is suitable for the kidney, how do you take care of kidney patients and things like that,” he hinted.

However, for the actor, kidney transplant is not the best.“To be honest with you, transplant is not the best at all. It’s better you start early to manage it; you can get out of it. The problem with this ailment is that you don’t know until it’s over; you will see someone out there looking very agile, but you won’t know his kidney is about getting to the last stage of collapsing. So, we will teach people some little symptoms that you see around you that you think would go away; these are symptoms of kidney disease. Once you have the information, the next thing is how can you deal with it early,” he said.

On how the Foundation plans to support patients, Mezie explained that, “for those already at the point of no return, we want to support them. Those we can support financially, we will support; those who we can help get good treatment, even abroad, we can help. Those who don’t know how to manage it, we will help them,” he assured.

While explaining the possibility of living healthy with kidney ailment, Mezie informed, “while in the UK, I met a lot of people, who have been living with kidney diseases for over 10 years and they are okay; they just do their dialysis and they are out, they don’t do transplant. The doctors will tell you that taking it out is not the best; if you can manage it carefully and make it a routine, you will live a normal life. These are the things we want Nigerians to know,” he said.

As for funding, “well, that’s one of the biggest challenges it looks like we are going to have, but we believe we won’t have that kind of challenge. We are going to make it look like an insurance policy for everybody because; you don’t know when it will be your turn. It’s like opening an account and making a monthly donation. One day, you may know somebody who have that challenge and the fact that you have the account with us, the person gets support financially,” he said.

Meanwhile, there’s also plan by the foundation to partner with government, especially in the area of dialysis for patients.
“We are also going to be working with a lot of State owned hospitals in Nigeria; we will be making some provisions, as well as supporting them with dialysis materials. We intend to strike a deal with them to have a particular percentage discount of the real cost for patients coming from us. If I can get the kind of support I got from Nigerians, I’m hoping that some of them will still come to support us to help other Nigerians, who have the same problem. Finance is a challenge, but we are not afraid. The most important thing is to know that prevention is better than cure; we don’t want to cure people, we want to prevent it,” he said.

Having gone through kidney ordeal, Leo Mezie seems to be seeing life in different light now.“My brother, life is nothing; what are we all fighting over? You ask yourself, what’s all these about? Just a snap of finger, it’s all over and when it’s over, what’s next? Just imagine yourself sleeping, what do you know? Where do you think you are,” he quizzed rhetorically.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/nollywood-actor-leo-mezie-i-want-to.html

An FCT High Court, Maitama, on Friday sentenced 30- year-old man, Shedrack Clement, to death for armed robbery.

The court, however, discharged one Wisdom Sunday, 32, and Awal Mohammed,35, charged alongside Clement.

Justice Peter Affen in his ruling said the prosecution proved its case against Clement beyond reasonable doubt.

“The prosecution has established the guilt of the 1st defendant Shedrack Clement beyond reasonable doubt and I thereby found him guilty,’’ Justice Affen said.

He said Clement was convicted in accordance with provisions of Section 1(2) (a) of Robbery and Firearms Special Provision Act, Laws of the Federation 2004.


“I hereby sentenced you Shedrack Clement to death by hanging.

“No alibi was pleaded in the evidence by him,’’ Affen said.

For the 2nd and 3rd defendants, the judge said the prosecution did not adduce any direct or positive evidence, pointing to their involvement or participation in the robbery incident.

“As the police did not recover any stolen item from them, there is also no circumstantial evidence linking them to the robbery.

“It is settled that a confessional statement of an accused person is quoted only against him and cannot be used as evidence against a co- accused without any corroboration.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/man-sentenced-to-death-for-armed-robbery.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has initiated plans for more vehicles in the country to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) instead of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Speaking on “Domestic Gas Utilization in Nigeria: From Producers to Users” at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) yearly Oloibiri lecture series, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said the corporation has successfully completed a pilot programme to introduce natural gas as fuel for transportation through CNG.

According to Baru, over 4,000 cars, mostly commercial taxis, run on natural gas in Benin, served by a network of six gas filling stations.

The General Manager, Natural Gas of Green Gas Limited, Rajesh Prabhu, said adopting the CNG option is sustainable, considering that Nigeria is one of the largest producers of natural gas.

Baru stated: “The use of gas in transportation is cheaper, taxi drivers save significantly on petrol cost by using gas, as CNG is sold at 46 per cent the price of petrol. Dangote cement factories are converting their trucks to run on CNG as it is not only cheaper but it is neater and cleaner and pilferage-free,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has said that scarcity of petroleum products is imminent in parts of the South West over nonfunctional five depots supposed to serve the area.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/nnpc-initiates-plans-for-vehicles-to.html

The 14 year old marriage of actor, Emeka Ike and his estranged wife, Emma, was today dissolved by the Lagos Island Customary Court. The president of the court, Awos Awosola, granted the request of Emma who in July 2015, had approached the court to dissolve her marriage over allegations of physical abuse she suffered while they lived together as a couple. Delivering judgement, the president of the court said:
“Emeka, who has been begging to be reconciled with his wife, has not made any effort towards the reconciliation. The marriage is hereby dissolved with effect from March 2, in accordance with the Lagos State Customary Court Law, 2011; Order 3 Rule 7 as amended. Any party that is not satisfied with the judgment has the right to appeal to any court of higher jurisdiction within 30 days from today’’.

He granted custody of their four children to Emeka Ike and added that their mother must be granted easy and unhindered access to them. He also ordered the refund of the N300 Emeka paid as dowry when they got married
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/court-dissolves-actor-emeka-ikes-14.html

King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with President Buhari in London, where the Nigerian president is on vacation. According to a statement Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the Moroccan King who initiated the call, asked after the President's health and expressed satisfaction at his rate of improvement.
The two leaders also discussed the current stage of the Morocco-Nigeria Atlantic crude oil pipeline project. King Mohammed VI thanked President Buhari for Nigeria's support in returning Morocco to the African Union and notified him of Morocco's request to join the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Moroccan King also expressed his intention to make the Rabat-Abuja strategic partnership a framework for regular consultation and cooperation on African issues of mutual interest to both countries.

President Buhari, who thanked King Mohammed VI for the phone call, said that he looked forward to deepening relations between both countries.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/king-of-morocco-wishes-president-buhari.html

A notorious kidnapper in South East and South South region popularly called ‘Vampire’ has been killed in an alleged shootout with the police.

According to the police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, a Chief Superintendent of Police, Henry Chibueze, aka Vampire, was killed in Omu Awa forest, at Ikwerre, Rivers State.

Moshood said that the “dreaded and deadly kidnap-for-ransom kingpin” was killed by the Police Special Forces, led by the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at 1 am today. He said that five suspected members of the gang were also arrested and a cache of arms and ammunition recovered from them.

Moshood revealed that the gang had been responsible for so many kidnappings and robbery attacks in Imo, Abia, Rivers, Delta and other states in the South-East and South-South.
He noted that the arrested members of the gang would be paraded and charged to court on completion of the investigation.

They were identified as 26-year-old Obinna Elah, Arinze Abecheta, 24; Chukwu Ebuka Ikeazota, 23; Samuel Ugochukwu, 24, and Clifford Aheana.

“Chibueze, the Vampire, was the criminal spirited away by his gang members on 27 January at the premises of an Owerri High Court,” he said.

“He was arrested in 2015 and had been in prison custody following the kidnap of the wife of a government official.“

Chibueze, who was brought to the court alongside other arrested suspects, escaped when gunmen in a sports utility vehicle which had been parked at the premises opened fire immediately he disembarked from the prison van.

“The suspect was then spirited away by the gunmen, leaving five Prisons officials and some bystanders wounded by the gunfire. Two other suspects were taken along with him.”

The Public Relations officer of Nigeria Prisons Service, Mr James Madugba, said that the accomplices had been mistaken for operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), hence no alarm was raised when they were spotted at the Court.

more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/notorious-kidnapper-vampire-killed-in.html

Dj kaywise just got his facebook page verified by Facebook as he reaches 104,200 likes and 104,211 followers
More at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/facebook-verified-dj-kaywise-page-as-he.html?m=1

The federal government has completed the repair works on Abuja-Kaduna highway in preparation for the closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.
According to a statement which was released by the Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola who was represented by Director, Federal Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Yemi Oguntominiyi, inaugurated the completed 330 kilometer road network on Tuesday, February 28, 2017.
The statement which was signed by Deputy Director for Information, Ministry of Works and Housing,Theodore Ogaziechi, revealed that Mr Fashola is satisfied with the job done by contractors, Messer's CGC Nigeria and was worth slightly above N1 billion.

Fashola also urged his counterpart, Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika to endeavour that the repair works on the Abuja works is done within the stipulated 6 weeks which is scheduled to start on March 8, 2017.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/03/fg-completes-repair-works-on-abuja.html

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has revealed that his ministry has so far recovered N57.9 billion as well as $US666.676 from corporate organisations and corrupt individuals in the country.


Highlights of the recovery showed that the sum of N50 billion was the fine paid by MTN Telecommunication Company; N7 billion and $10 million dollars was recovered from private residences, while N40 million and N50 million were voluntarily returned. The sum of $250 million under interim forfeiture was recovered as alleged proceeds of oil bunkering. Also, $136.676 million awaiting actual remittance and $270 million were recovered from the commercial banks.

The Minister made these disclosures in Abuja while defending the 2017 Appropriation bill of the Federal Ministry of Justice before the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters at the National Assembly Complex last Thursday. Malami, however, lamented that his ministry operated without a budget in 2016.

His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, in a statement, quoted the Minister as saying: “Our budgetary proposal of N18, 528,093,480.00 was not appropriated thereby compelling the Ministry to operate on a zero capital budget.”

According to Isah, the AGF expressed satisfaction with the achievements recorded by the Ministry as a result of the recoveries, which resulted in increased revenue for the Federal Government.

The budget framework, which the Minister defended, shows that the ministry’s budgetary allocation received a boost as against the 2016 appropriation. The budget document showed that the total sum of N6,914,774,768.00 was earmarked for the Ministry in the 2017 budget appropriation as against N3, 921,612,815 in 2016.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/agf-fg-has-recovered-n579bn-666676m.html

Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has said that it is not compulsory for all Ebonyi workers to participate in the state’s new pension scheme.

He announced this during a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliate bodies over the controversy surrounding the new pension law at the Government House, Abakaliki on Wednesday.

Umahi, who said that any civil servant willing to opt out should indicate so in writing, added that once done, the person’s name would be expunged outrightly.

“Any worker that doesn’t want to participate in this scheme should in writing, not collectively, state that ‘I don’t want to participate in this pension scheme law.’ Such person will be excluded from the programme,” the governor said in a statement on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya.

Umahi, who reiterated his commitment to the welfare of workers , said his administration could currently afford 5% contribution to the scheme.
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He reminded workers that the Nigerian constitution provides in the concurrent list, for each state to make the law to suit its financial capacity.

He flayed the NLC Chairman in the state, Ikechukwu Nwafor, for threatening to call a one-million-man match to protest alleged pension scheme deductions from workers salaries.

According to Umahi, the planned protest would not be allowed by the government.

He said, “We hear that Nwafor is planning to organise a one-million –man march against the government over the pension deductions but I know that not up that number voted during the last elections.

“We will, however, organize a three-million march if he goes on with his plan. We will not fold our hands and allow anybody or group destroy the government.

“Nwafor should join a political party if he wishes and let us know, as I have tolerated him and his activities enough and would no longer do
so.

more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/pension-scheme-not-compulsory-for-all.html

The Royal British Army has expressed readiness to assist the Nigerian military in training support and capacity building in the effort to bring an end to insurgency in the North East.

The Defence Adviser to the United Kingdom in Nigeria, Brigadier General Charles Calder, who assumed duty recently, made this known when he paid a courtesy call on the Acting General Officer Commanding, 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu.
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General Charles said the UK Government will significantly expand its training assistance to all Nigerian Army training institutions.

The Acting GOC commended the UK Government for previous supports and training given by the British Military Assistance Training Team geared towards capacity building and development of personnel of the Division.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/uk-pledges-support-for-fight-against.html