₦airaland Forum

EFCC seeks permanent forfeiture of Patience’s Jonathan’s $5.7 million
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/efcc-seeks-permanent-forfeiture-of.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to order the final forfeiture of $5.7million belonging to wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience.


Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on April 26 made an interim order forfeiting the money to the Federal Government.

EFCC said Mrs. Jonathan allegedly paid $6,791,599.64 (about N2.1billion) into her account between February 8, 2013 and January 30, 2015.

It said the money, which she allegedly directed her aides to pay into her account while her husband was President, was suspected to be proceed of unlawful activities.



The commission said Mrs. Jonathan had earlier spent $949, 282.98 (about N296, 141,911) from the money.

It said she also withdrew another $100,000 from the account in April, leaving a balance of $5,731,173.55.

It prayed the court to order the temporary forfeiture of the remaining sum to prevent her from further dissipating it.

Justice Olatoregun directed the EFCC to publish the interim order in a newspaper to enable any interested party to appear before the court within 14 days to “show cause” as to why a final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government.

Mrs. Jonathan’s lawyer Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) yesterday urged the court not to order a final forfeiture of the money.

Hs said his client was not given sufficient time to “show cause”.

Adedipe said he had filed a notice of appeal against the court’s ruling as well as a motion for a stay of proceedings.

He argued that the EFCC ought to have waited for the Court of Appeal to determine the case.

Adedipe noted that the publication of the court’s order was done on May 11.

According to him, the notice was too short to allow for the filing of any response.

EFCC’s lawyer Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo said the business of the day was for any interested party to appear and show cause.

Justice Olatoregun noted that the suit would only be adjourned on the grounds that the time-frame of the publication was short.

The commission said it found the money in an account numbered 2110001712 with Skye Bank Plc in Mrs. Jonathan’s name.

Justice Olatoregun had also ordered the temporary forfeiture of N2,421,953,522.78 found in an Ecobank Nigeria Ltd account numbered 2022000760 in the name of La Wari Furniture and Baths Ltd.

The commission said the money is also linked to Mrs. Jonathan.

EFCC said the sums were “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities”.

Justice Olatoregun adjourned to May 22 by which time any interested party would have filed the requisite responses to claim the claim.

EKITI 2018: Drama as Governor Fayose removes PDP logo from campaign office, billboards
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/ekiti-2018-drama-as-governor-fayose.html


EKITI 2018: Drama as Governor Fayose removes PDP logo from campaign office, billboards
EYES OF LAGOS TV 10:14 PM POLITICS



Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has adjusted his campaign strategies ahead of next year’s governorship election.

NE's investigation revealed that Fayose removed the logo and name of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from his campaign office at Olora junction, Adebayo, Ado- Ekiti.
It was gathered the one storey building was repainted white, with every insignia of PDP removed.
Before repainting, the building had Fayose’s picture embossed on PDP logo with the inscription: “Fayose Our Leader, Architect of Modern Ekiti.”
The governor installed a billboard close to the gate of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), without the PDP name and logo.
The billboard, with Fayose’s portrait, reads: “Ekiti 2018: Support Continuity, Fayose Leads, We Follow. Again, It’s Going To Be 16-0.”
It was also observed that the mini signposts mounted on Ado-Ikere Road, bearing the logo and name of PDP alongside Fayose’s name, have been removed.
They were replaced with ones without PDP name and logo, but with Fayose’s pictures, and the statement: “Ni 2018, E Standby”, meaning “My People Be on Standby in 2018.”
Posters with the above inscription, which have no PDP logo, were pasted in Ado-Ekiti.
A source said the uncertainty hanging over PDP was responsible for the governor’s action.
“Fayose does not want to be caught unawares. Nobody knows how the PDP factional crisis will end. It will be suicidal for him to wait till the end of litigation at the Supreme Court,” the source said.
Fayose is believed to be heading for the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the platform on which he is expected to anoint a successor for the 2018 governorship election.
His tenure will end on October 15, 2018, while the governorship poll will hold in about a year from now.
The battle for the soul of the PDP at the national level has shifted to the Supreme Court, which adjourned the case till May 25.
National Chairman Ali Modu Sheriff heads one faction, while the other, which Fayose belongs, is led by the National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ahmed Makarfi.

Nigeria seeks foreign investors for smart cities project
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/nigeria-seeks-foreign-investors-for.html


The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, says Nigeria is set to hold a smart cities summit in June as part of efforts by the Federal Government to develop ICT sector in the country.
Mr. Shittu disclosed this in an interview the News Agency of Nigeria on the sideline of the Transform Africa Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda, an ICT conference focused on development of smart cities.
The minister, who said the plan was to replicate the unparalleled ICT transformation of Rwanda in Nigeria, said the “Smart Cities Nigeria 2017 Summit” was scheduled for June 28 and 29.
NAN reports that a smart city is an urban development vision to integrate in ICT and Internet of Things (IoT) technology in a secure fashion to manage a city’s assets
The initiative aims at leveraging technology solutions to improve efficiency of cities.
Rwanda which is spearheading the initiative has rolled out a number of developments such as WiFi in public areas, including public transport vehicles, as well as cashless payment systems in public transport.
Currently, the initiative is backed by 18 African countries while more nations including Nigeria are expected to join.
While explaining further on the Smart Cities Summit, Mr. Shittu said Nigeria was starting late but steadily.
“I will say that we have some delays within the government operations we ought to have unleashed some of these ideas in the Nigerian scene more than eight months ago.
“In consonance with our desire to pursue all initiative in the ICT transformation including smart cities we have planned a summit.
“The summit is with the theme `Smart Cities Nigeria 2017’ fixed for 28 and 29 of June, this year, is with a view to getting the buy in of stakeholders in the Nigeria projects.
“From that point, we will kick off and there would not be any stoppage,” he said.
Mr. Shittu said the Smart cities project would provide the opportunity to get a buy in of all stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
According to him, Nigeria needs the buy-in of all stakeholders especially that of the state governments if the ICT transformation project is to work.
“To transform Nigeria using ICT we need the buy-in of all states that must get it right from the onset that ICT is the way to go.
“Of course, we would demand the patriotic participation of all states,” he said.
He also said that government was seeking foreign investments into the country’s ICT sectors to fast-track the digital transformation agenda in the country.
The minister said that he had spoken with some foreign investors to that effect.
“I have had the privilege of speaking with a lot of foreign investors persuading them to come to Nigeria because Nigeria offers a lot of advantage in terms of the huge population.
“On the West African sector of the African continent, Nigeria’s population is more than that of the other 14 countries. That means that there is a huge market and any investor who comes will never regret.
“I have spoken with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; Strive Masiyuwa, Chairman and founder of Econet Wireless, as well as Inmarsat, among others.
“In fact, Inmarsat will be coming to Nigeria for a meeting in first week of June. I have spoken with Korean Telecommunications,” he said.
Mr. Shittu said that when he went to Rwanda four months ago he spoke with them and put in application for them to bring in smart towers to Nigeria, adding that the process was still ongoing.
“I have renewed our bid for them to come and invest in solar based tower stations and I am confident that once they come, it will be a leap jump towards our having enough infrastructure for the steady progress of ICT,” he said.

We have confidence in Osinbajo – US, UK
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/we-have-confidence-in-osinbajo-us-uk.html

The United States of America and the United Kingdom have expressed no doubt in the ability and commitment of Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to continue with the anti-corruption war and economic revival in Nigeria.


The two countries told newsmen on Friday that they have confidence in Osinbajo to carry on with the quality leadership President Muhammadu Buhari has been providing the country.

This is coming on the heels of public outrage and fears expressed by Nigerians over Buhari’s deteriorating health and continued absence from public.

The President left for the UK last Sunday to receive medical attention and he is expected to be there for an indefinite time, according to his media aide, Femi Adesina.

In his last medical trip to Britain, Buhari was away for 49 days.

In the last few weeks, some prominent Nigerians had expressed angst over a cabal that has purpotedly hijacked power in the Presidency due to Buhari’s protracted illness, leaving Osinbajo in the cold.

The US and the UK, however, revealed that they believe the VP would take off from where the President stopped when he jetted out of the country to the UK for further medical attention.

When asked by our correspondent if the US Government was worried that Buhari’s poor health could slow down ongoing anti-corruption war in Nigeria, the spokesman for the US Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks, said President Donald Trump’s administration believed in Buhari and Osinbajo.

Brooks said, “We are very much in favour of President (Muhammadu) Buhari’s campaign against corruption. We also believe that Acting President (Yemi) Osinbajo is strongly committed to this agenda and will continue to pursue it while President Buhari is out of the country.”

Speaking in a similar vein, the spokesman for the UK High Commission in Nigeria, Joseph Abuku, stated that while the British Government could not comment on whether any crisis resulting from Buhari’s protracted ill-health would lead Nigeria into political instability, he said the UK had confidence in the President and his deputy.

Buhari’s Ill-health: Between Statesmanship And Parochial Interest
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/buharis-ill-health-between.html

In this report, EYES OF LAGOS writes on the roles played by some stalwarts of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on President Muhammadu Buhari’s ill-health.
Last February, they received accolades for visiting the then convalescing President Muhammadu Buhari in London, thereby reassuring the populace there was nothing to fear over his health.
But today, the two stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), its former National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu are in the eye of the storm for their recent comments on the health status of the president.
Buhari, until he embarked on another medical vacation on the night of Sunday May 7, had been rumored to be incapacitated, with calls from unexpected quarters for his resignation. The two politicians have also made comments many feel are both unpatriotic and unstatesmanly on the health of the president.
It took the ingenuity of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who according to an impeccable source in the presidency urged Buhari to summon the leadership of National Assembly, Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Abdul’aziz Yari; prominent politicians and top government functionaries to a brief meeting and take group photographs with them before he would embark on his follow up overseas medical trip.
The idea, according to the source was to make the whole world know and believe that the president was neither incapacitated nor was he smuggled out of the country. This singular adroitness of the senate president doused the raging tension and stabilized the almost overheated polity.
It was gathered that it was after the meeting that the president walked out of his room at the Presidential Villa and headed to the airport after transmiting a letter to the National Assembly.
“Many people did not know the president was going on medical follow up until Sunday night when a statement was released to that effect. A call had earlier been made to Saraki that the president would be traveling on Sunday and that the letter would be sent to him to that effect. It was then that he suggested that it would be better to invite the leadership of the National Assembly, Chairman of NGF and some top government functionaries to see the president and even take photographs with him so that Nigerians would be rest assured that Mr. President is not incapacitated, and in order to avert any constitutional crisis”, the source quoted.
Saraki’s role in this complexity is however, contrary to the insinuation making the rounds in certain quarters that he is part of the cabal working against the president, the presidency, the North and national interest.
The letter which was later sent to the senate read thus: “In compliance with section 145 {1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, I wish to inform the Distinguished Senate that I will be away for a scheduled medical follow-up with my doctors in London. The length of my stay will be determined by the doctor’s advice.
“While I am away, the Vice President will coordinate the activities of the government. Please accept, the Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.’’
The letter, however almost degenerated into constitutional crisis on the floor of the Senate as Senator Mao Ohaunbuwa (PDP Abia North) through a point of order faulted the President for not categorically designating the Vice President as Acting President in his absence as stated in section 145 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. He said the status of coordinator of economic activities does not exist in the section of the constitution and therefore should not have come up in the President’s letter and therefore called for rejection of the letter.
After the issue had been dragged forth and back, Saraki again saved the day by averting what could have led to a constitutional crisis when he declared that: “I think it is a very clear issue and what we should be guided by, is the constitution and I think that it is clear, the letter has referred to the constitution and there’s no ambiguity in the constitution. So, I don’t think there’s any issue there. I hereby rule Senator Ohuabunwa out of order.”
Recall that prior to the trip, Buhari had been absent a number of times at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings and had also made little public appearances, thus fueling the speculation that he might really be sick.
It was also gathered that the emergency Minna, Niger State, meeting among three former presidents and heads of state, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd), Gen Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) and Gen Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd), on Monday May 1st, a few days to Buhari’s overseas trip was in connection with the rising security tension over his health.
It was gathered that one of the resolutions reached at the meeting was that it was safe for the president to travel. Prior to the meeting, there was a speculation that certain political elements were poised to use some military officers to cause chaos in the nation in the event anything untoward happened to the president. There was also a report of a certain police office that threatened to kill at least 200 persons in the event that the president died.
This, perhaps was why the president tarried in the country a little longer than expected, having disclosed on his return to the country on Friday March 10 that he would soon return to the United Kingdom for his treatment. But rather than return overseas, it was gathered that medical personnel were brought into the country to treat him, until his eventual overseas trip.
A day after the Minna meeting, Buhari’s wife, Aisha also took to her Twitter handle @aishambuhari, and her Facebook page, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, to inform the nation that her husband’s health is not as bad as certain individuals have made some people to believe.
Pundits are of the view that Mrs. Buhari’s tantrum may not have been unconnected with a statement issued about that time by Chief Bisi Akande, a former National Chairman of the APC, where he described the president’s health as worrisome.
Akande, had in the statement noted that: “The health of the leader is intricately intertwined with the health of the nation. It is more so in a delicately fragile union of nations called Nigeria. I did not see President Buhari at the wedding of his adopted son in Kaduna, last Saturday. I was sad and I wept.
“When last we met at the wedding of his daughter in Abuja, last December, I complained to him that I was not happy about his stressful looks. His reply connoted some allusions to circumstances where an honest man fighting corruption is surrounded mostly by unpatriotic greedy ruling class. He felt painfully frustrated.
“He assured me he would soon be going on vacation. I then knew that corruption has effectively been fighting back. And I prayed for Nigeria. That was why Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and I rushed to meet him in London in February this year when he was sick and could not return as scheduled from his vacation”.
While Akande’s statement was not only a surprise but of great concern to the leadership of the APC, a number of Nigerians were also worried about a certain revelation of Tinubu on how he was allegedly stopped by Bukola Saraki, the Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai and some other politicians from being the Vice Presidential candidate to Buhari in the 2015 general elections.
This position was contained in a book titled ‘Against the Run of Play,’ written by the Chairman, Editorial Board of ThisDay, Olusegun Adeniyi. According to Tinubu, his opponents persuaded Buhari to look for another running mate on the grounds that Christians in the North would not embrace a Muslim-Muslim ticket, and as such, could jeopardise the party’s victory.
Tinubu added, “What they (Saraki and others from the PDP) did behind my back was wrong. We always do things as a group. By the time they joined, we were already too far ahead in our processes but we accommodated them.
“We agreed to take their state structures and subsume them into the part and they all had their opportunity to nominate the candidates of their choices for different political offices. But they went behind to instigate Buhari and some other people in the party against me on the pretext of religion. That was not right. They were canvassing arguments that the Christians in the North would not vote for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“Nasir el-Rufai was also selling the same argument within the CPC (the defunct Congress for Progressive Change) because at that point, he still wanted to have Pastor Bakare brought in as Buhari’s running mate.”
With this revelation, pundits are wont to ask if Tinubu is regretting not being the Vice President at a time Buhari is seen not be enjoying good health; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was also said to have been nominated by Tinubu not having the political sagacity and charisma to of the former Lagos State governor.
Recall also that Nigerian civil society leaders at that period also asked the president to immediately take medical leave to attend to his health. Several activists, including notable lawyer, Femi Falana, and Jibrin Ibrahim, said the president should heed the advice of his personal physicians without further delay.
“As we join the Nigerian people of goodwill to pray for a speedy recovery of President Buhari, we are compelled to advise him to heed the advice of his personal physicians by taking a rest to attend to his health without any further delay,” they said in a statement.
Others who signed the statement are Debo Adeniran, Chris Kwaja, Y. Z. Ya’u, Chom Bagu, Olanrewaju Suraju, Ezenwa Nwagwu, Anwal Musa Rafsanjani, David Ugolor, ‘Sina Odugbemi, Muhammed Attah and Adetokunbo Mumuni.
While pundits have alleged Tinubu to be the brain behind Akande’s letter and protest of the leaders of the civil society organisations due to his relationship with them, a northern group, Northern Patriotic Assembly (NPA) has warned against exploitation of Buhari’s health situation for political gains, saying such action is immoral and despicable.
The group in a statement issued in Kaduna and signed by its President, Hon Idakwo Jibrin and Secretary General, Alhaji Adamu Wakil decried what is said to be the exploitation of President Buhari’s health by some Yoruba leaders to create crisis in the country.
The group cited remarks relating to the President’s health credited to Chief Bisi Akande and Femi Falana, describing such as part of a larger plot to plunge the country into crisis.
The group regretted that what is a personal challenge to the President has been politicised beyond comprehension by politicians who hide behind the pretext of agitating for what is in the country’s best interest.
In the same vein, another group, National Coalition of Democrats which is a coalition of over 22 democratic elements has also expressed dismay over the activities of Tinubu.
Addressing a press conference in Jos, the Plateau state capital, recently, the group described Tinubu as a leader of a cabal seeking to use issues around Buhari’s health as an opportunity to achieve a clandestine motive.
The conference was addresed by Ambassador Melvin Ejeh, the Executive Director of Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI) and Dr Charles Okoroji of the Action Against Oppression Initiative (AAOI).
They stated that Nigerians have followed the recent turn of event around the President’s health and how some self acclaimed political gladiators are making a storm out of a tea cup in pursuit of reinventing their fledgling political stature.
It is worthy of note that issues relating to health should not be toyed with, especially as they relate to the status of a sitting president.
While the gesture of the three former heads of state who met in Minna at the heat of the demand for Buhari’s health status remain commendable, other notable Nigerians will do well to work on the progress of the country while wishing the president soonest recovery.

AMATEURS VENTURE INTO COMEDY WITH LITTLE SENSE OF HUMOUR – ALI BABA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/amateurs-venture-into-comedy-with.html

Humour merchant and godfather of Nigerian comedy, Ali Baba, has taken a swipe at the state of comedy business in the country, lamenting the alarming rate at which quacks and amateurs are taking over the business.
According to the veteran humour merchant who is gearing up to mark his 30th years on stage as a stand-up comedian next year, the comedy industry is flooded with many non-professionals as a result of unemployment, fuelled by the dire quest for an escape route.
In a recent interview, the widely acclaimed King of Nigerian comedy extensively explained that many quacks venture into the comedy business with little or no sense of humour, all because of the financial gains.
“There is a very thin line between being funny and being offensive; some people don’t know how to tread it because a lot of people have come into comedy because of the financial reward. So there is an influx of people into it because of the unemployment rate, people who have a very little sense of humour would jump into it and make it look like it’s their escape route to financial glory. So you have a lot of that going on and what that does is that when all comers come into this, you have quacks, people who don’t know the difference between their left & right; and so when they come on stage to tell jokes they jump at anything that they want to”, he said.
He advised potential and present comedians to strive to acquire an in-depth understanding of the humour making craft to avoid the risk of getting into trouble after cracking jokes on stage.
“Comedians should know that it is not everyone that you relate with, you need to have a relationship with certain people, you need to familiarize yourself with the audience for you to get away with certain things that you want to say”, Ali Baba advised.

FED GOVT BANS MDAS FROM CONDUCTING BUSINESSES WITH UNREGISTERED FIRMS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/fed-govt-bans-mdas-from-conducting.html

The Federal Government on Friday banned Ministries, Departments and Agencies from transacting business with companies and other corporate bodies that are not duly registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission.
A circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said that the measure is aimed at protecting MDAs from entering contractual obligations with fake or unregistered companies.
This is even as the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, warned that payments for contracts by companies that did not comply with the requirements may not be considered.
A statement from the ministry of finance issued by the Director of Information, Mr Salisu Dambatta, explained that for companies and other corporate bodies to qualify for business transactions with MDAs, their letterhead must bear the Registration Number as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission.
It added that the letter head must also have contact telephone numbers, valid e-mail address and official company address as well as the names and nationalities of the Directors of the company at the bottom of the page.

TOMATO SCARCITY BECKONS AS TOMATO PEST, TUTA ABSOLUTA, RETURNS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/tomato-scarcity-beckons-as-tomato-pest.html

The Gombe State Agricultural Development Project, ADP, says that the tomato pest, Tuta Absoluta, has seriously affected tomato harvests in three of the state’s 11 local government areas.



Tuta absoluta, a destructive tomato pest, ravaged many tomato farms across Nigeria in 2016 causing an astronomical increase in the market price of tomato.

Abba Dreba, the Pest Control Officer of the Gombe ADP, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Gombe on Wednesday that the affected local governments were Akko, Kwami and Yamltu-Deba.

“The tomato pest started ravaging tomato farms since last year but the ADP was not aware of this until this year; this is because tomato farmers in the affected local government areas were ignorant of the pest.

“However, when we received the report, we went round the entire local governments of Gombe and discovered that only Akko, Kwami and Yamltu-Deba local government areas were affected.

“The entire tomato farms in the three areas were devastated. This is a very serious problem because the pest is resistant to all the available chemicals and insecticides in the market,’’ he said.

According to him, once the pest affects a tomato farm, it will damage everything in the farm within a week or two.

Mr. Dreba called on the state government to initiate proactive measures to ensure that tomato planted in this rainy season would not be affected by the pest.

“If proactive measures are not taken, tomato farmers will divert their attention to other crops because Tuta Absoluta is very devastating,” he said.

Also speaking with NAN, Sunday Lah, Director, Gombe ADP Agric Extension Services, advised farmers to wait for the rainy season to be well-established before engaging in crop planting.

He said this was the only way to ensure that their efforts would not turn out to be a worthless venture.

Besides, Mr. Lah said that the ADP was trying to procure seeds from reputable institutions for farmers in the state.

“Most at times, a farmer goes to the open market to buy seeds without knowing the source,’’ he said.

63-YEAR-OLD WOMAN DELIVERS BABY GIRL IN JOS, AFTER 38 YEARS OF MARRIAGE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/63-year-old-woman-delivers-baby-girl-in.html

A 63 years old woman, Margaret Davou on Monday gave birth to a baby girl in Jos, after 38 years of marriage.


Mrs. Davou, a native of Zawan in Jos South local government area of Plateau State delivered the baby, her first through a Cesarean section at the GynaeVille Specialist Hospital, Jos where she confessed she had achieved her life time dream of being a mother.

Speaking with newsmen in Jos yesterday, the proud mother said, “This is not my first trial, I have undergone many surgeries and have done the treatment in different hospitals outside Plateau State.

This is the fourth time, three times in other hospitals and I am grateful to God that at the first trial since I came back to Jos, it is successful.” She encouraged women who are “seeking the fruit of the womb to depend on God and seek medical help” because “I am not advocating anyone visiting or patronizing herbalists” and also urged families of such women to give them the needed support rather than adding stress to their predicament.

However, the Director of the hospital, Dr. Kenneth Egwuda who was elated at the success of the treatment said, “God decided to favour this woman because based on her age, 62 at her first visit in this facility in 2016, many would have doubted the success of the treatment but because she looks strong and healthy for her age, we decided to take her as our patient.

“I never worried about her age but IVF is a game of chance and not 100% that you must get pregnant, when she got pregnant, it never occurred to me that something fundamental or striking had happened until someone called my attention to it that this is the oldest reported woman in Africa to give birth at 63 with assisted reproductive technology and it happened here, it is a thing of joy.”

N3 BILLION LOOT: HOW WE BROKE INTO EX-NNPC BOSS, YAKUBU’S HOUSE - EFCC TO COURT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/n3-billion-loot-how-we-broke-into-ex.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Tuesday, narrated before the Federal High Court in Abuja, how an iron-bender in Kaduna State helped it to gain access into the house where former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu, allegedly stashed about N3billion in a fire-proof-safe.


An investigative officer at the EFCC zonal office in Kano State, Mr. Tasiu Abubakar, who testified as the first prosecution witness, PW-1, told the court that he was a brother to the ex-NNPC boss, Mr. Bitrus Yakubu, that led the agency to the safe. Abubakar also told the court that it was Bitrus that equally brought the iron-bender that helped operatives that went to search the House situated at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State to break the door. He said the operation followed an intelligence information which leaked that a huge sum of money was hidden in the house.

The witness said: “The zonal office has a unit called Intelligence & Special Operations Section known as ISOS, which its function is to carry out such investigation. Based on that, the zonal head of operation directed the unit to proceed to Kaduna and carry out surveillance. “Immediately on arrival, the said house was identified. A search warrant was obtained which the team executed on February 3. The house caretaker came and identified himself as Mr. Bitrus Yakubu. He told us that he is a brother to the defendant.

“As a usual procedure, we asked him to search us. When we demanded for key to the apartment, he told us that he does not have it. He called one iron-bender who came with breaking tools to help us open the door”. “While the main door was unlocked, we entered along with Bitrus and the iron-bender. We further discovered another door inside which we also unlocked with the iron-bender. “Immediately the doors opened, we discovered a grey coloured Bubabi four-panelled fire-proof safe. We asked Mr. Bitrus the owner of the safe and he said it belongs to his brother, Engr. Andrew Yakubu.

“We moved the safe outside the apartment along with Bitrus and further searched the apartment and discovered a white Excel CPU component in the same place”. The witness told the court that the safe was subsequently taken to EFCC office in Kano where key experts were invited to unlock it in the presence of Bitrus. “When the first panel was opened, we discovered foreign currencies. Specifically, US dollars and Pound Sterling. The unlocking process continued to the fourth panel which all contained money”. He told the court that the EFCC zonal head in Kano state engaged Bureau De Change operators that counted the money. “The money counted was $97, 72, 800.00, as well as £74, 000”.

He said the money was immediately registered as exhibits, even as Bitrus volunteered a written statement. According to the witness, Yakubu, who was outside the country at that time, was later contacted through phone call and he appeared at EFCC office on February 8.

He said that Yakubu, in his six-paged statement, admitted that he is the owner of the House and the money. The witness told the court that the recovered fund was boxed and sent to a strong room in the Central Bank of Nigeria for safe keeping. While being cross-examined by Yakubu’s lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, the witness told the court that the EFCC is suspecting that the recovered fund is proceed of crime. Meantime, trial Justice Ahmed Mohammed, admitted the fire-proof-safe, the search warrant and Yakubu’s statement into evidence as exhibits A, B and C, even as the trial was adjourned till May 24. Yakubu who was GMD of the NNPC between 2012 and 2014, is answering to six-count charge preferred against him by the anti-graft agency.

The court earlier granted him bail to the sum of N300million with two sureties in the like sum.

FED GOVT SEEKS $5.2 BILLION WORLD BANK FACILITY TO BOOST ELECTRICITY
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/fed-govt-seeks-52-billion-world-bank.html

The Federal Government is seeking $5.2 billion from the World Bank to expand the country’s electricity generation, the Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has said.
Fashola who made this disclosure to Bloomberg, said the fund is expected to help the country recover from its first recession in 25 years. According to him, the World Bank’s private-sector lending arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is set to invest about $1.3 billion in power projects and electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs.
Moreover, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) will provide $1.4 billion in the form of equity and debt for gas and solar power programmes. These would be in addition to the $2.5 billion loan the country is seeking from the World Bank to help improve the distribution of power, expand transmission-capacity as well as increase access to electricity in rural areas. These bring the sector international facility quest to a total of $5.2 billion.
Earlier a credible source in the sector had told a national daily about plans by the government to go for a loan of $7.6 billion from the global lender. But a scale down may have happened at the backdrop of stringent conditions including inauguration of all the boards of parastatals in the power sector which included Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission, NERC, BULK Traders, and Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE as well as the implementation of the power plan.
Fashola stated that disbursement of the fund will commence next month. “Disbursements with the World Bank are being worked out to start from around June, July this year.” The minister was reported to have asked the lender to bring forward the timetables “because next year we want to see results.” The World Bank had in a statement last month expressed interest in supporting the government’s power-sector recovery plan, days after President Muhammadu Buhari introduced an economic plan which proposed cost-reflective electricity tariffs.
The new plan is believed to have been initiated by the World Bank partly to attract investment in the sector and help the economy recover.
According to the bank’s statement, Nigeria’s power sector is characterized by poor service and lack of liquidity which causes macroeconomic imbalances and a binding constraint to economic recovery.

AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOU ARE BY -IFEDAYO OLUSEYE - EYESOFLAGOS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/as-beautiful-as-you-are-by-ifedayo.html


Do you ever feel so worthless? Or like a piece of ship when people around you are doing better than you? I know how it feels, it’s hard.
Having no opportunities around you makes you look talentless, I mean, there are things you wanna try of course but you have no idea of going about it and it gets really hard when no one wants to help you out.

This makes one looks like a no good and consequently leads to cases like depression, mental breakdowns and even addiction to substances!. This is the typical life of so many youngsters battling with what they want to make out of the life that has been given to them.

As painful as it is, suicide is now on the list as so many people taking to the social media to live stream their own death. Why?! When you try so hard to be the best but then you are being faced with setbacks and limits, you just feel the world is moving past you and you are being left behind, much worse, you feel empty.

This makes you feel the worthlessness and in turn leads to depression and all. What you need to know is that we are not necessarily put in the best position to make the best decisions, for this reason, you can’t be hard on yourself for whatever cards you are currently given. The first step you have to take in turning this card is discovering who you really are.

Who are you? What are your potentials? What is your purpose? These are questions you need to figure out to be able to break free from depression and achieve your goals in life.
The best way to be motivated is to believe in yourself because it’s what you think about yourself that really matters, you can’t judge yourself based on what other people think of you. Believe me, whether you’re doing good or bad some people will still try to bring you down simply because they don’t like you and the only way they can succeed is when you give in to what they say.

The point is each and every person in life has a purpose and the only person that can stop you from fulfilling your purpose is you! What you think of yourself regardless of what other people think of you is what
really matters. You are beautiful! You are wonderful! And there’s purpose for you being here! Believe it then you can fulfill it.

Note: this post first appear on eyesoflagos.com

CHAINED BY SOFIA LAWAL - EYESOFLAGOS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/chained-by-sofia-lawal-eyesoflagos.html

The invisible shackles that's tied to our soul, isn't as shattering at heart than those fake smiles we chose to mask around, making the world believe the smile not just a cover for the pain felt, disguising how we really feel and pain faced daily.

It's all hidden beneath that smile, our fears, but what are we left with? Isn't it nothing but hope? Hope for a greater tomorrow? Hope for a transparent and tranquil tomorrow? Isn't it all we seek for? Are we going to get that which our soul so seek for?

Our souls are sealed away with propaganda, we know what we face yet we still face it, because we are fighters, aiming for a cause and determined to get through, yet we put ourselves through what we facing, the situation we are in we put ourselves in it, we choose to believe what they feed us.

The darkness we are in we created it all by ourselves, it's hard to escape from it, we don't make this mistakes, we know quite well what we are in and blame it on them when they reach the height of their position, but didn't we we know that before bringing them in? We know what we want before going for it, cause the power lies with us.

Most times, we know how wrong we are but still go for it, cause of what we are getting now and then not thinking of what we would be getting NEXT! The future....

Now, its heartbreaking and terrifying to think of all we could have been but we are not still, its saddening cause we are supposed to stand as one great nation but our leaders are standing as great ones all by themselves. The clattering sounds of the chains as they drag through our soul is every where, surrounding our inner thoughts but we choose to ignore it. Why? What would i say i smell at that? Fear! Its creating a thick fog around us that its not long before we see that, cause i fear what we are becoming.

Nation are supposed to rise at our feet not squirm or feel disgusted when our name is called but we have prevailed them by giving them false image of us not what we really are, all these are chained down to our soul.

The inflation pressure have done nothing but hit the soul of people and we still in this pain the problem still rises yet its not worked on no improvement, the feeling of abandonment is slowly creeping in and can't be comprehend, yet we still smiling, i say its a pain that's chained to our soul that dwells deep but still not burning, i fear a day would come where the fear would eat up every inch of our soul, take over all and the soul would be left not without being shattered..

The turbulence that squash our heart are terrible yet they feel nothing like none of it, because they are not in it, theh were never on it and would never be in it, but they still they gives us false assurance and nothing seems to be elevated yet our soul is chained daily. The same hope that kept our forefathers is what is still keeping us, yet we are still turning in same circles as they had turned.


The clock is ticking faster and faster as day goes by, where are we heading to? It isn't clear but we are still going to keep hoping, we have to keep our heads high above is, reach out for ultimate goal, cause what we have we don't know. Para venture we do but we can't be stucked in a place for too long, we are doing nothing but harming the pretty soul, we need to break free from them and drop that chain off our soul, we need to do it together with our voice, The Youth Call.

sorry ohh

N11bn Stolen Oil: Tanker Drivers Debunk Allegation Of Sabotage
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/n11bn-stolen-oil-tanker-drivers-debunk.html

Amid controversy trailing N11 billion stolen oil, Petroleum Tanker Drivers yesterday denied rumour making the rounds alleging that they were part of the economic sabotage,In a statement signed by the national PTD chairman, Comrade Salimon Oladiti, they insisted that the claim is baseless and untrue. According to the statement, leadership of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers wishes to categorically deny the allegation of Ifeanyi Uba or any other individual, inciting the tanker Drivers to cause any economic sabotage. The allegation is baseless, unfounded and totally untrue.
“Our responsibility as a Trade Union is solely to promote, project and protect the job security and welfare of workers most especially the petroleum tanker drivers in Nigeria.
“We have no further relationship with any capitalist/employer beyond the precinct of promoting, projecting and protecting the security of jobs and welfare of our members,” it added.
The union stressed that it unequivocally support the on -going war against corruption by the current government and that any capitalist/employer found culpable of stealing, diversion or embezzlement of government funds should be appropriately dealt with in accordance with the law.

phd in lie

Nigerians Blasts Wizkid For Saying He Do Free Shows In Nigeria
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/nigerians-blasts-wizkid-for-saying-he.html

Nigerians are seriously blasting Wizkid for saying he do free show in Nigeria because of the love he has for the country..he said this during an interview with BBC (watch HERE if you missed it)..they say he didn’t say the truth..see some comments below;

CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT: WHEN EX-DELEGATES REVISIT 2014 CONFAB REPORT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/constitution-amendment-when-ex.html

Some delegates of the 2014 National Conference reunited and revived the clamour for implementation of the recommendations, especially now that the National Assembly is embarking on amendment of the constitution. CHIBUZO UKAIBE, writes
It was lamentation and regret when some former delegates of the 2014 National Conference reunited last Tuesday in Abuja.
It was the first major reunion of the delegates after they dispersed upon the close of their assignment in 2014.
With the report relegated to the dust-gathering shelf of history, the former delegates, drawn from various geo-political zones, had revived the clamour for its implementation by this administration.
Led by elder statesman, Tanko Yakassi, the reunion was designed to fashion a strategy on how to engage government to implement the report, more so, that the National Assembly was embarking on constitutional amendment.
Three years on, precisely March 17,2017, after the conference was inaugurated by former President Goodluck Jonathan, over 600 recommendations were made to address the challenges facing the country cut across the socio-political and economic spheres.
The conference had made far- reaching recommendations on many areas, including political restructuring and forms of government; political parties and electoral matters; public finance; national securities; land tenure matters and national boundaries; energy; human rights and legal reforms; and devolution of power.
The confab, which was originally billed to last three months but was granted about one month extension, had former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Idris Kutigi, as its chairman. He led the other members of the leadership as well as the 492 delegates to present the document, which was in three volumes.
The conference had gulped N9bn in direct government funding and also valuable man hours for attendees and other stakeholders.
Howbeit, the failure of Jonathan’s administration to implement recommendations from the report and see to its adoption into the constitution by the 7th National Assembly, largely saw to its relegation to the dust-gathering archives just like previous constitutional conference reports.
With the 2015 general election won and lost, the former president had presented the report to the National Assembly two days to the end of his tenure, having lost his second term ambition.
He, however, presented the report among the handing over documents presented to his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Buhari-led administration made no pretenses about its little regard for the report. The president outrightly declared that he had not given the report a look, noting “I have not bothered to read it or ask for a brief on it. I want it to go into the so- called archives.”
As much as he blamed the timing for the confab in the face of other challenges the country was facing, he faulted the gathering for trying to do the job of the legislature.
It was expected. His party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) had distanced itself from the conference, even though delegates attended from states it controlled. For them, the timing of the confab smacked of a political gimmick aimed at building momentum for the former president ahead of the 2015 presidential election.
Even so, the conference had battled to establish its relevance and legitimacy in the face of the raging debate over whether it was trying to take over the job of the National Assembly whose statutory responsibility it is to amend the constitution.
For many analysts, the rivalry between the Confab and the federal legislature compounded the situation, considering that the federal lawmakers were also embarking on a constitution amendment at the time.
Yakassi, Clarke, Gana, Ezeife, Ozhehome Lead Fresh Charge
They assembled at the sizable conference hall owned by media mogul, High Chief Raymond Dopkesi in Abuja.
They caught up on old times, hugging and exchanging pleasantries. The convivial setting, however, belied the protest, lamentation and regret that was to come.
The delegates who met under the aegis of reunion summit of delegates, lamented that most of the problems facing the country today would have been addressed if the present administration implemented recommendations from the conference.
They further called on the National Assembly to consider the 2014 confab report as part of its ongoing constitution reform.
While they added that no progressive government would ignore the recommendations from the conference, the delegates noted that they will only mobilize for political parties and aspirants who support the recommendations in 2019 general elections.
Chairman of the summit, Tanko Yakassi, said “this meeting is taking place at a time when our legislators are currently engaged in activities aimed at changing some provisions of our constitution.
“The meeting is therefore, taking place at a time that can be said to be ideal for the props for which it is initiated. I would agree that members should use this rare opportunity.
“Failure to do that would mean waiting for a number of years before the opportunity to present itself again, since the process of amending our constitution is a long, arduous and time consuming exercise.”
On his part, convener of the summit, former presidential candidate and delegate at the conference, Dr John Dara, noted that no progressive government should ignore the recommendations of the conference.
He said “many of the social-economic and political issues that warranted the convening of that conference are still very much with us. Nigeria’s faulty foundations are still left unrepaired.”
While he recalled that the conference made recommendations on the clashes between herdsmen and farmers, he added, “as a matter of urgency, we now need to implement the recommendations of the education committee and save Nigeria from shame of being the nation with the highest number of out of school children in the world.”
He added that “predative and opportunistic politics, devoid of vision, values and ideals has been the bane of Nigeria. The conference tried to repair years of wrong headed policies that have made Nigeria almost dysfunctional and stagnant.”
He added that they have to persuade Buhari to see the benefits of the report, “we need to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that they make the report of the conference their primary and principal reference material for amending 1999 constitution.”
In his keynote address, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozhekome, said the report has to be implemented because “the resolutions taken at the conference were voluntarily and consensually reached and passed by all delegates, without compulsion.”
He added that “ it was agreed that some recommendations could be embedded as alterations to the 1999 constitution (for which proposed amendments were made); some subjected to legislative drafting (for which draft bills were actually made by the conference); while some were yet to be treated by government as policy matters for implementation.”
Speaking for the South East, former governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, clamored for a return to regional system of six geo-political zones.
He said “We have to go back to zonal federation. If we do this, our country will experience explosive growth”
Former minister of information, Prof Jerry Gana, who spoke for the North Central, said “In any civilized society that was a document of people of Nigeria. It is no longer proposal of government. It is now a peoples agenda so that we can live in peace and unity. Those recommendations were deep and addressed the problems of Nigeria.”
This comes as spokesman of Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, who was also a delegate at that confab, said feelers from the South West is that “our people will strongly desire that the 2019 election must be conducted on the basis of a new and truly federal constitution.”
He revealed that that resolution was reached by prominent elders from the zone led by Chief Olu Falae.
Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clarke who spoke for the South-South, decried the neglect of the report and urged the delegates to return to their constituencies and begin to mobilize their people to put pressure for the implementation of the recommendations.
Represented by Tony Uranta, he said “We don’t do it by sitting at home and grumbling but by coming together and making a demand. Each of us have a constituency. It behooves on us to return and start action there. If we have to march to make them recommend it, we should go and march. Mere talk will not make for the recommendation but the people will make it recommended.”
Speaking for the North-West, Barr Hawa Shekarau, said the gathering showed that many people believe in the unity of Nigeria.
She added, “for the Nigeria we want to see, we need to have a platform where all of us will contribute to its success. This summit offers us that opportunity to discuss the resolutions. We support all the resolutions that will provide the roadmap for the implementation of the resolutions of the 2014 confab.”
An elder statesman from Southern Borno and one of the campaigners for Nigeria’s independence, Elder Paul Bassi spoke for the North-east. Underscoring the import of the confab report in ensuring equity for minorities, he revealed that there is no federal or state government rehabilitation going on in Southern Borno that was ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgents.
Bassi further challenged the federal government to produce the Chibok girls since it claimed that the forest has been captured.
He disclosed that he has not returned home since March 2014.
While dispelling media reports that the Southern Borno region of the state is undergoing rehabilitation, he noted that there is neither federal or state presence going on there.
“Southern Borno has been destroyed. I will like to say that at present, the people of North East are distressed all over. The beautiful pictures painted in the news media are not true. Since March 2014, I have not returned to my home in Southern Borno.
“People tell us that Sambisa forest has been captured. If it is true, where are the girls, where are they hiding. We either admit that forest has not be captured or that the girls are somewhere else.
Meanwhile the politics of the destruction of ethnic minority groups continues.”
While Bassi pleaded for more moral support for the people in the region, he also asked for material support.
“We need to fashion out a way of coming to the North East and see that we are rehabilitated. No one will go back to Southern Borno until there is law and order there. There is no government functioning there. It is just names.
On the rebuild of Southern Borno, he said “nobody can go and show one contracted by federal government or state government in Southern Borno.
“There is no functioning IDP camp in all the local governments of Southern Borno. But when they talk about displaced people they are all from Southern Borno.
“But all the ongoing reconstruction is in Northern Borno. There is nothing going on in Southern Borno. I am ready to take you there If we they can allow us move freely.
There is nothing going on there, the federal and state government are not doing anything.”
He pledged the commitment of the North East to the 2014 confab resolution, adding, “in Southern Borno, we want to be free to manage our affairs.”
Hon Augustine Otafo while speaking for the organised labour, said although the APC was not part of the conference “but it is the assignment of the conference to woo the government because the recommendation cuts across.”
He added that labour supports the recommendations, adding “We have to arrive at a strategy to get the government and the people involved in the process.”
On behalf of the civil society, Nasir Kura, said “I am here because I believe in Nigeria and anything outside Nigeria, I won’t be part of it.”
He added “I believe in the recommendation. There could have been some implementations that were overtaken by events.”
While he noted that there were concerns by some delegates that some recommendations were changed, he, however, noted “We could have sat down, met and resolved it.”
On her part, Niger Delta activist, Ankio Briggs, said the report addressed a lot of issues adding, “Refusal is indirect way of saying we want to break Nigeria.
“Nigerians sat down and took these decisions. There is no way we will be begging some people to implement them. Failure to implementation the conference report is a call for people to take destiny in their own hands. It does not mean call to violence.”
Other prominent former delegates at the reunion were HRH Alfred Diete-Spiff; Raymond Dopkesi; Felicia Sani; Dan Nwanyanwu;
Conclusion
Apparently, the president hasn’t given any inclination that he is ready to rethink his position on the report.
Suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir David Lawal, had last year, described the 2014 National Conference as a mere reward for “the boys.”
Whether the National Assembly will accede to the clamour by these delegates remains hazy. At the turn of this administration, the lawmakers were divided on the report along party lines. While the PDP lawmakers readily endorsed the report, APC lawmakers outrightly rejected it.
However, with the myriad of challenges in the polity as envisaged in the report on the one hand and the evolving political realignments ahead of 2019 on the other, there is no telling whether lawmakers who had opposed the report are having a rethink.
However there is a ray of hope for the delegates clamoring for the implementation of the report as the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara said, “we may also sift ideas from the Confab of 2014 report, in a possible 5th Alteration bill.”
But there are no assurances.

RELEASE OF 82 CHIBOK GIRLS PART OF BUHARI’S DIVERSIONARY TACTICS – FAYOSE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/release-of-82-chibok-girls-part-of.html

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has described the report of the discovery and release of 82 additional Chibok girls from Boko Haram captivity as diversionary tactics aimed at diverting attention away from the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The governor said; What is not missing cannot be found. Despite the strenuous efforts at cover-up, discerning Nigerians understand that the stories do not add up.”
In a press statement released in Ado-Ekiti, on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, the governor said it had become the pastime of the Buhari Presidency that each time it was under fire for under-performing or had serious issues it could not sufficiently explain to the people, “it resorts to flying dubious kites and selling cheap dummies to distract the people and obfuscate the issue at hand”.
“Right now, a matter of urgent national importance arresting the attention of all and sundry is that of the President’s health. While I continue to pray, in conjunction with other Nigerians, for the President’s quick recovery, I condemn without equivocation this shameless playing on the intelligence and psyche of Nigerians taking undue advantage of the vexed issue of the so-called Chibok girls.
“It has become the style of this government to distract attention but the truth will be told some day.
“The questions are; Which Chibok girls are they talking about? Chibok girls who purportedly were writing Physics WAEC examinations but cannot speak simple English? Chibok girls who were shielded from the media? Till today the media have not been allowed access to the so-called Chibok girls.
“When is the next batch of Chibok girls coming? When is the next make-believe?
“When there is the need for another cover-up, distraction and diversion of the people’s attention and focus, they will fly their usual kite and sell the self-same jaded dummy”, he added.
Saying that this penchant of the Buhari presidency has now become “a comical and circus show; and a theatre of the absurd”, Fayose enjoined Nigerians to, however, keep hope alive and not be despondent.
“Keep hope alive because there will be a new dawn in our country sooner than later. The hunger and suffering in the land are at an unprecedented level right now while the cluelessness and incompetence of this government beggars believe.
“In addition, the intolerance of this government and the way they are trampling people’s rights, and abridging their freedoms and liberties bring echoes of the dictatorship and autocracy of Gen. Buhari’s first coming in 1985.
“It is very unfortunate that we brought ourselves to this sorry passé. I sounded warnings which, unfortunately, were not heeded but, then, there will be a new dawn for Nigeria very soon”, he added.

DON JAZZY RESPONDS TO PETER OKOYE’S OFFER TO SPONSOR WEDDING WITH LINDA IKEJI
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/don-jazzy-responds-to-peter-okoyes.html

Mavin Boss, Don Jazzy has responded to Peter Okoye‘s offer to sponsor a possible wedding between himself and Linda Ikeji. Following Adesua Etomi and Banky W’s surprise engagement, Dailygossip.ng brought you a report that Don Jazzy proposed to Linda Ikeji with the latter accepting his proposal in jest. Many fans were clamoring for both Don Jazzy and Linda to get married soon seeing that they’ve been single for some time now. And in this spirit, Peter Okoye one half of popular music duo PSquare has offered to help smoothen things for Don Jazzy and Linda should they get married. Peter took to his Instagram page to make the very welcome offer of sponsoring the marriage. In response to Peter’s offer, Don Jazzy wrote on Instagram “Lol @peterpsquare u dey wash us Abi? This one that Banky is engaged and my timeline is on fire that means the day Linda real boyfriend go propose to her like this na die I dey.


Don Jazzy is now seen as the last standing eligible bachelor left in the entertainment industry. More wishful thinking than reality, fans have said it would be good if he marries Linda Ikeji. The top blogger who is 36 years old is one of the most famous single women in Nigeria. In 2015, Don Jazzy said he had no idea when he is getting married. In a brief interview with NET, the producer was asked when he was getting married and he simply said: “I have absolutely no idea.” Linda Ikeji in 2016 said that she cannot get married to a poor man. “No, I can’t marry a poor guy and I’m being honest about it. He doesn’t have to be rich but let him be successful in his own way.” “I keep telling people. It’s not that men are scarce. They are not scarce. The type of men that some of us are looking for are scarce. “If I want to get married next week, I can. I want a man that I can look up to. Somebody that inspires me, somebody that will push me, motivate me; somebody who has had some success in his own career. “I’m inspired by successful people. I can’t wait to meet someone like Tyler Perry” Linda Ikeji further said on her type of man. z

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FRESH CRISIS LOOMS IN OYO ASSEMBLY AS LAWMAKERS BATTLE OVER SHARING OF 9 OFFICIAL CARS
SOURCE: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/fresh-crisis-looms-in-oyo-assembly-as.html

There are indications of fresh crisis between principal officers and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly over whom to benefit from the delivery of nine (9) newly supplied official cars among the members.

It was gathered that principal officers on Tuesday insisted on being the beneficiaries of the first set of official cars bought for the assembly members almost two years after the inauguration of the eight assembly, a situation that did not gone well with floor members.
At the parliamentary caucus meeting held on Tuesday that lasted till 3pm, it was gathered that the bone of contention was who should be the beneficiaries of the vehicles.
A source at the meeting said that while the principal officers insisted that they would be the first set to benefit from it, other members suggested that the beneficiaries should be among the ordinary members.

The assembly is made up of 32 members, including the Speaker, Hon. Michael Adeyemo and the Deputy, Hon. Musah Abduwash who were excluded having gotten their own official vehicles.

It was also learnt that another nagging issue causing division among the members is the presentation of the report of the Committee that investigated the allegation of the swearing in of two un-cleared local government caretaker chairmen for Irepo Local Government, Asabari Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Mudasir Agbaje, and Taiwo Adeleke respectively and swapping of Mr Akeem Aransi with Mr Abiodun Oladeji for Lagelu West LCDA.

However it was gathered that Governor Abiola Ajimobi had held a closed door meeting with the lawmakers with a view to amicably resolving the perceived imbroglio between the two arms.
During the meeting, it was learnt that the governor promised to immediately release the official vehicles to the lawmakers as well as give them their parcels of land within the Government Reserved Areas (GRAs).

According to the report, the committee recommended that the Executive Arm of government should tender unreserved apology to the house for flouting the directives of the house, which is against the principle of separation of power.

It was gathered that the Speaker not satisfied with this aspect of the recommendations, made an appeal for its outright removal from the report, which did not go down well with the members of the House, especially the members of the Ethics and Privileges Committee that investigated the matter.
It was discovered that the members have now prepared for a showdown with the speaker at the plenary slated for tomorrow (Thursday) if the original report of the committee is not allowed to be presented.

But two members who were called on Wednesday evening said it was not true that members were having crisis over the purchase of cars.
A member representing Ogbomoso North, Hon. Olawumi Oladeji and her counterpart from Ibadan North 11, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye said the rumour was not true.
Oladeji said that “I am not aware of that.”
Olaleye in his reaction said “There is nothing like that, quote me, mention my name, there is nothing like that.”

WHISTLEBLOWER GETS OVER $500,000 FOR EXPOSING MISCONDUCT IN HIS COMPANY
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/whistleblower-gets-over-500000-for.html

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday announced that a company insider has earned a whistleblower award of more than $500,000 for reporting information that prompted a SEC investigation into well-hidden misconduct that resulted in a SEC enforcement action.


“This company employee saw something wrong and did the right thing by reporting what turned out to be hard-to-detect violations of the securities laws,” said Jane Norberg, Chief of the SEC’s Office of the Whistleblower.

“Company insiders are in a unique position to provide specific information that allows us to better protect investors and the marketplace. We encourage insiders with information to bring it to our attention.”

The whistleblower award is the second announced by the SEC in the past week. Approximately $154 million has now been awarded to 44 whistleblowers who voluntarily provided the SEC with original and useful information that led to a successful enforcement action.

By law, the SEC protects the confidentiality of whistleblowers and does not disclose information that might directly or indirectly reveal a whistleblower’s identity. Whistleblowers may be eligible for an award when they voluntarily provide the SEC with original, timely, and credible information that leads to a successful enforcement action.

Whistleblower awards can range from 10 percent to 30 percent of the money collected when the monetary sanctions exceed $1 million. All payments are made out of an investor protection fund established by Congress that is financed entirely through monetary sanctions paid to the SEC by securities law violators.

BREAKING: I'm leaving Nigeria, and relocating to another country - TB Joshua
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/breaking-im-leaving-nigeria-and.html

In a bombshell announcement that shocked congregants and viewers of Emmanuel TV alike, Nigerian Prophet T.B. Joshua declared his intentions to leave Nigeria and relocate his ministry to the nation of Israel.



Speaking to a rapt multi-national audience at his church service on Sunday 30th April 2017, Joshua disclosed that he had just returned from the ‘Holy Land’ after holding meetings with three prominent Israeli mayors of Jerusalem, Tiberias and the Jordan Valley.

According to the cleric, they offered both land and facilities in an area around the biblical site of the Sea of Galilee for the Nigerian Pastor to organise meetings for international pilgrims.

“This is where my Father in Heaven came from – it’s non-negotiable,” Joshua explained, adding it was not a decision he undertook lightly.

“It’s the best place for you to meet Prophet T.B. Joshua. After your healing, blessing and deliverance, you can move around all the spiritual monuments which will establish your faith,” he further clarified.

Joshua said his decision to leave was not connected to the “persecution” he endured during his ministry.

However, he hoped the move would help people to “appreciate” what his ministry had been contributing to both the local economy and Nigeria’s international image.

“This is the most persecuted ministry in the world. Who are the people persecuting the ministry? My people, Africa,” Joshua bluntly stated, adding that this ‘treatment’ had led him into a life of virtual isolation.

“That is why I choose to live a lonely life. If you want to see me, come to this church. I don’t go out. It has not been easy – because I don’t know who is a friend or who is an enemy. If you learn T.B. Joshua is not around, I am in a revival. I live in the church here. I don’t have a house outside.”

“Anytime you pray, remember Africa in prayer,” the cleric solemnly continued to an audience which included over 3,000 foreign nationals who flew into Nigeria to attend the church service.

“Many heroes and great people have been chased out of Africa. There are many geniuses in the Western world who are originally from Africa.”

The cleric pointed to the example of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua who was allegedly turned down by Nigerian sporting authorities when he wanted to represent the country.

“What happened to me from the beginning of my ministry is enough to chase me out of this country - but I am still in your midst. Upon the persecution and hatred – I decided to follow the path of love. You show hatred; I show love. When I go for a revival, you will see the stadium full but I am not carried away by that. I leave where I’m celebrated to live where I’m persecuted.”

The cleric then advised congregants: “Where you are not celebrated is the best place to stay, to get strength. When you are in the midst of a battle, you are building yourself. That is why I decided to stay where I am not celebrated here in Nigeria. When the grace of God is amid challenges, it gets stronger.”

According to the cleric, the invitation to Israel came due to the growing popularity of Joshua’s television channel Emmanuel TV, which is especially known on YouTube.

“Your life can preach a better sermon than your mouth,” he exhorted the congregation, stating that the Israeli officials had observed his ministry from afar before inviting him.

No timeframe for the move was specified in the service and it was not clear whether activities in The SCOAN's Ikotun-Egbe base would cease entirely.

Joshua concluded by counselling people: “Don’t destroy your relationships beyond repair because the person who fights you today can be your saviour tomorrow.”

The shock announcement will come as a blow to Nigeria’s religious tourism industry.

Statistics from the Nigerian Immigration Services revealed that six out of every ten travelers to Nigeria go to The SCOAN, with countless local businesses and hotels in the area relying on the church activities for their sustenance.

Nigeria Labour Congress demands N25, 000 minimum pension
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/nigeria-labour-congress-demands-n25-000.html






The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has demanded a review of pension to a minimum of N25,000, per month, in Sokoto State, as against the four thousand naira being paid for the past twelve years.


The chairman of the congress in the state, Mr Aminu Umar, made this demand in Sokoto on Monday at the 2017 May Day celebration. Umar also called for the implementation of the government circular of December 2014, on the payment of gratuity and pension to staff and medical workers in the Local Government service, as their counterparts in the state service.

The chairman, however, lauded the State Government for the payment of arrears of gratuities of more than four billion to retired civil servants at the State and Local Government service. He also noted the regular payment of salary and pension “at a time when some workers in some states are being owed arrears of salary and pension”.

“Regular training and retraining of civil servants, priority given to education, agriculture and commerce. “Increased food production and security, creation of job opportunities, as well as increased revenue generation, among others”. Umar promised that workers in the state would continue to be hardworking, honest and dedicated to duty, in order to move the state forward.

In a message, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, promised to continue to accord priority to the welfare of civil servants, as well as the generality of the citizens. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba, the governor promised to motivate and encourage the civil servants to become robust, disciplined and productive.

Mercy Aigbe-Gentry shares another message against domestic violence
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/mercy-aigbe-gentry-shares-another.html


Amidst reports of her crashed marriage over alleged domestic violence she suffered from her hubby, Lanre Gentry, Mercy shared this message this morning with the caption "#saynotodomesticviolence"

Atiku To NGE: Partner With Present Administration
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/atiku-to-nge-partner-with-present.html

Former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has charged the new leadership of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) to partner with the current administration in the dissemination of government programmes as well as other critical groups in the society to see that our country gets good leadership through timely and unbiased information gathering and management.
This is as he also he praised the Guild for displaying “exceptional leadership and good conduct in the way it was able to organize within a short time a rancor-free and credible election, which saw the emergence of a new crop of leaders to pilot the affairs of the association”.
The APC chieftain said this in a statement issued by his media office in Abuja to felicitate with the entire members and leadership of the Nigeria Guild of Editors on a peaceful and successful election at its biennial convention in Lagos at the weekend.
Atiku said the outcome of the election, which has brought a new national executive team in place under Mrs. Funke Egbemode as President, Suleiman Uba Gaya as Deputy President and other well-known Editors is a testimony to the enduring legacy of the Guild.

Sule Lamido to remain in our custody for investigation – Police
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/sule-lamido-to-remain-in-our-custody.html

Mr Kayode Aderanti, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 1, Kano, says the arrested former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, would remain in their custody for further investigation.
Aderanti, who, spoke through the Public Relations Officer, Zone 1, DSP Sambo Sokoto disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano on Sunday.
According to him, the former Governor ‘honourably’ presented himself before the Police after an invitation was sent to him to answer questions.
“The invitation was as a result of a complaint we received from the Jigawa State Government on April 27, following an inciting statements alleged to have been made on a local radio by Lamido.
“The Jigawa State Government alleged that the former Governor called on his supporters in the state to stop the conduct of the upcoming local council polls in the state by all means,” he said.
According to him, the statement made by Lamido was capable of breaching the Public peace.
He said it is a public offence which is contrary to section 114 of the Penal code of Nigeria.
He said as soon as the investigation was completed, Lamido would be charged to court for appropriate prosecution.

Basketmouth’s wife blasts side chicks who are waiting for a marriage to crash so they can move in
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/basketmouths-wife-blasts-side-chicks.html

Basketmouth’s wife, Elsie is also not happy with the rate at which Celebrity marriages are crashing.. So, she’s got some words for mistresses who are eagerly waiting for a marriage to crash, so they can take over the position that isn’t theirs to start with.
In a post she made on snapchet, she cursed the hell out of such ladies. She wrote: “Some daft chic be waiting for ur marriage to crash so they can move in. I don’t know who im speaking to but while your waiting, thunder and lightening will strike you dead”

Assassination Attempt On Sen. Melaye: Police Arrest 6 Suspects
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/assassination-attempt-on-sen-melaye.html

The police on Saturday said they had arrested six suspects in connection with an assassination attempt on Sen. Dino Melaye in his home in Kogi on April 15.



The Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, told newsmen in Abuja that the arrested suspects included a Kogi local government sole administrator and his orderly.

Moshood said that items recovered included one Hyundai Ambulance bus allegedly used in conveying the attackers, five AK 47 rifles, One Beretta pistol and two locally made single barrel shot guns.

Others were 25 expended shells of 7.62 mm ammunition, 13 expended shells of 9mm ammunition and 12 expended shells of gauge cartridge.

Moshood said that the firearms had been sent for ballistic expert examination, test and analysis at the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in Lagos.

He said that following the attack on Melaye, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris swiftly deployed Police Special Tactical Squad (STS) team to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the police spokesman, the suspects used the telephone of the Sole Administrator’s orderly in planning the failed assassination on Melaye.

Moshood said one of the suspects had confessed to the crime and admitted to have been sent by the sole administrator.

“He was arrested with a serious criminal link to other active members of the gang,’’ said the Force spokesman.

He said efforts were being intensified to arrest other suspects at large, adding that the suspects would be arraigned in court on completion of investigation.

Police IG has ordered a raid on my house - Governor Wike laments
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/police-ig-has-ordered-raid-on-my-house.html

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated his declaration that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris plans to kill or silence him politically because of the political directives that the police chief has received.


He further declared that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has concluded plans to plant guns and other incriminating items at his Asokoro Extension Residence in Abuja. Addressing journalists at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Wike said that the Inspector-General of Police on Friday approved the raid of his Abuja residence. According to the governor, the Police will be in court to get a search warrant on Tuesday.

He said information available to him indicated that but for the May Day Public Holiday, the Police would have obtained the search warrant on Monday . He said: “All attempt is being made so that they will go and plant either AK47 or one million dollars in the governor’s house.

They can even plant costly wrist watches as a propaganda tool. “I said I have to let Nigerians know that this is not the way to go about in democracy. Rather, this is an attempt to truncate democracy. That someone differs on issues does not mean you have to go after the person’s life”. Governor Wike said this is the latest in the series of planned propaganda by the police to sow devilish information against him. He said because of the unconstitutional nature of the raid, the police refused to indicate that the house to be raided belongs to the Rivers State Governor.

“Nigerians should be aware that should they raid my house in Abuja and claim they found anything, it is incorrect. I have not been going to Abuja, but I will be in Abuja to wait for them to see how they plan to plant guns in my house”, Governor Wike said. While maintaining his position that the Inspector-General of Police is after his life, Governor Wike stated that this recenta plot is aimed at silencing him because the Rivers State Government claimed the Ikoyi Billions, which was reportedly left there by the former Rivers State Governor. He decried the pattern that has been adopted in the nation’s democracy, saying that it will negatively affect the growth of democracy. “Our democracy cannot survive if we continue with this line of action.

If the Inspector-General of Police wants to play partisan politics, let him remove his uniform and join us in the arena. He should not continue to wear uniform and do the bidding of politicians like a stooge”, he said. The governor added: “I want to reiterate, the Inspector-General of Police is after my life”.

He regretted that security agencies have adopted the unwholesome method of planting guns and cash when the owners of the houses are not at home, simply for political reasons. He cited the case of Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam and Senator Danjuma Goje. On the Ikoyi Billions, Governor Wike maintained that Rivers State lawyers are working on the matter, stating that the money belongs to the Rivers State Government.

IN 24 HOURS, DANGOTE CLIMBS BY $500M, AMAZON CEO ADDS $3.3BN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/in-24-hours-dangote-climbs-by-500m.html

Some global billionaires are seeing their wealth explode dramatically, and Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote is not left behind.


On Thursday, Jeff Bezos, CEO of the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon, saw $3.3 billion added to his wealth, following his company’s impressive performance.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man and president of the Dangote Group, also saw his fortune rise by $500 million (N152.5 billion) as one of his companies, Dangote Cement also recorded impressive growth in the first quarter of 2017.

According to Bloomberg Billionaire Index, Bezos is less than $5 billion away from becoming the world’s richest person in a bid to overtake Bill Gates. Bezos saw his fortune surpass $80 billion for the first time on Thursday.

As of Wednesday, Dangote was worth $9.91 billion, but climbed to $9.96 billion by the end of trading at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Thursday.

The stock market gods also smiled on Bezos as Amazon shares added almost $50 after the company projected sales that may beat estimates in the current quarter.

This added to Amazon’s unbroken 20-year streak of double-digit revenue growth.

Amazon had first-quarter sales of $35.7 billion and earnings of $1.48 a share, beating Wall Street analyst expectations.

Bloomberg said Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin added $1.4 billion when shares of Google parent Alphabet Inc. rose as high as $938.18 on news that the smartphone ad business helped Alphabet post revenue of $20.12 billion and net income of $7.73 a share.

Gates added nearly $100 million with the same time frame, as Bezos ousted Warren Buffet, the legendary investor, to the third position on the world rich list.