₦airaland Forum

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State said after a careful study of the facts on ground, it has come out to declare that what took place in the State on March 19 was not the expected rerun State and National Assembly elections but the mere allocation of votes to the ruling party in the State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to avoid being killed by Wike and his gang of killers.

The party in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, outrightly rejected the results so far announced by INEC, saying that nothing but the total cancellation of the process and the holding of fresh rerun polls would be acceptable to it.

“We wish to put on record our total and uncompromising rejection of the results of the March 19, 2016 rerun elections so far announced by INEC as these do not in any way reflect the current political realities on ground in Rivers State.

“These results, which indicate a mysterious landslide victory for PDP, were allocated to the ruling party in the State following unrelenting threats by Governor Nyesom Wike to the effect that anybody coming to conduct any election that would not favour PDP should first write their wills before coming to the State.

“The effect of these threats and their practical demonstration as seen in how people were burnt, beheaded and buried alive during the rerun elections can clearly be seen in the shameful manner INEC is awarding victory to PDP,” Rivers APC said.

The party in the statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt said there was nothing different between what happened on March 19, 2016 and during the widely discredited elections of March 28 and April 11, 2015 cancelled by the courts, which also ordered the rerun elections.

It said this was not a coincidence considering that the apparatus used for both elections were basically the same.

“From the Police leadership to most of the INEC officials and INEC ad-hoc staff, the characters that organised the 2015 general elections were the same characters that organised the March 19, 2016 rerun elections and it will be foolhardy to expect any different result.

“All these characters were set up by the former disgraced PDP administration rejected by Nigerians during the 2015 polls,” Rivers APC said.

It berated Governor Wike for claiming that APC is not in a position to win an election in the State, and for accusing Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, of sponsoring violence to remain politically relevant.

“Everyone knows that Wike is the one who has been sponsoring violence in Rivers State and not Amaechi,” the party said, adding: “If Amaechi did not employ violence as Governor of Rivers State to stop Wike from succeeding him in 2015, is it now that he is far away in Abuja as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that he would do so?

“Rather than the vain attempt to drag his name into the mud, Amaechi should be commended for not encouraging APC members to retaliate the wanton killing of its members by PDP, which would have turned Rivers State into another Somalia.

“If Wike feels that he is very popular let him allow free and fair election devoid of his gang of killers and he will see how he is hated in Rivers State. Time will tell the heroic role played by Amaechi in this dispensation.

“As we watch the macabre dance in Rivers State we expect the APC Government at the centre not to allow PDP to decimate our ranks any further in view of the strategic roles we played in freeing Nigeria from the inept PDP administration that would have completely grounded the country if it was re-elected,” the APC said.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/04/03/apc-calls-fresh-rerun-rivers/

A sad news reaching Aproko247 has it that a Nigerian bre@st cancer patient, Debbie Idiagbonya Osarere, has finally lost the battle to the illness.

It would be recalled that few years ago, popular blogger, @GossipGirliee, raised an awareness campaign to save Debbie.

Nigerians promptly responded and money was raised for her treatment.

However, in 2015, another call was made that her treatment was still ongoing and that she needed more money to enable her have treatment abroad.

She was reportedly flown to the United States for her treatment when money was raised, but unfortunately, she did not see it through.

Her demise was announced a moment ago by @GossipGirliee, who said Debbie died at her US hospital, where she has been receiving treatment.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/04/02/cancer-patient-debbie-osarere-dies-us-hospital/

Preliminary reports reaching Aproko247 confirm that an actor in the Nigerian movie industry has lost his life in a fatal road mishap.

According to information squealed to our reporter by an industry source, the victim named Ceejay Perez, died along with four of his friends.

Ceejay, as his close pals love to address him, is a prominent actor from Isuofia in Anambra State, who has acted in some flicks produced in Asaba, Delta State.

It was disclosed to us that Ceejay was involved in an auto crash on Thursday and his death has been received with shock by his friends in Nollywood.

Aproko247 learnt that the road mishap occurred in Onitsha in Anambra State. It is however still not clear how the incident happened, but pictures we received suggest their car rammed into a drainage and got badly damaged.

We are still digging to gather more details about the unfortunate incident and bring them to you soon.

see pictures here: http://www.aproko247.com/2016/04/01/nollywood-actor-4-others-die-car-accident-photos/

The senior army personnel kidnapped and later killed by unknown gunmen on Sunday in Kaduna has been buried according to Islamic rites.

The corpse of the Army officer, Colonel Samaila Inusa, was laid to rest at the old Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Muslim Cemetery in Kaduna on Wednesday.

Some at the burial could not control their emotions as the remains of the slain officer was lowered to the ground.

During his burial, the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who was represented by the Chief Administrative Officer, Major General Ado Abubakar, vowed to ensure his killers are fished and made to face the full wrath of the law.

Buratai described the late Colonel as a committed officer who was diligent in the performance of his duty.

Twenty-One gun salute were shot to honour the late Colonel Inusa and after the burial, some Army personnel visited the family house of the deceased.

The deceased was abducted on Sunday after his car was ambushed around Kamazo area, near Refinery Junction in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He was taken with his wife, who was later dropped off and he driven away with the kidnappers along the Abuja-Kaduna road.

His decomposing body was later found on Tuesday around Ajyaita village off Eastern Bypass Kaduna, Kaduna State.

The Nigerian Army had suggested in a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, on Tuesday that the late officer may have been killed on the day he was kidnapped.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that most likely the late senior officer was killed same day he was kidnapped by his abductors. This is because the body was found already decomposing,” Usman had said in the statement.

Late Inusa was serving at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Jaji before his untimely death.

More pictures here: http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/31/slain-colonel-inusa-buried-kaduna-photos/

Sixteen members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have now found refuge in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following alleged plots by the police to arrest them.

The congressmen on Wednesday addressed the media at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, council office in Ibadan, stressing that nothing will make them impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose from office.

The lawmakers further disclosed that they are determined to resist any plan by the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government to cripple the state government.

Chairman, House Committee on Information, Youths and Sports, Honourable Gboyega Aribisogan, explained to newsmen that they had to run to Ibadan because they no longer feel safe in Ekiti. He said their lives are being threatened.

Aribisogan said the FG wants to coerce them to remove Fayose at all cost; a move he claimed has put the state under siege in the last few weeks.

“We are however undaunted in our unflinching support for our governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose and wish to state that freedom of thought and expression is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and in exercising this right, Governor Fayose won’t be intimidated by any agency of the federal government.

“Everybody should understand that human right activists are nowhere to be found, there is conspiracy of silence from the other angle, the only hope is the press. We are not going to hide, the Ekiti lawmakers are not going to neglect our duties,” Aribisogun said on behalf of the 15 others.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/31/ekiti-lawmakers-flee-ibadan/

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has revealed steps to take to know the authenticity of a number plate as well as one’s driver’s licence.

Some Nigerians have had to battle with fake number plates and driver’s licence, which they get through proxies.

According to the FRSC, here are the simple steps;

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/30/verify-number-plate-drivers-licence/

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, has assured Nigerians that the lingering scarcity of petrol would be over in the first week of April.

Kachikwu, who appeared before the Senate Committee On Petroleum Downstream on Tuesday in Abuja, when he was summoned, also apologised for remarks he made at the State House last week that he is not a magician and that the situation could persist for two more months.

The Minister told the Senate that he is not a typical politician who is trained on how to speak to electorates on the language they understand.

He said, “I do apologise if the comments that I made jocularly with my friends in the press about being a magician offended some Nigerians. It wasn’t meant to be.

“It was a side jocular issue and I did go on to explain what needed to be done. I didn’t think it would create the kind of hyperbole that it did.”

“Let me first admit that I am not your typically experienced politician; I am a technocrat, I come to work. So some of the phraseologies that I might use, while being acceptable in the arena in which I play, obviously will not be acceptable in the public political arena,” he added.

“So if anybody’s sensitivities are offended by those, I totally apologise. I’m a very humble person, I’m not the one to even imagine the thoughts that I dictate to Nigerians,” he further said.

Kachikwu stressed that he is not ready to resign as many have suggested. The Minister said he has a work to perform and he must do it before thinking of bowing out. He advised those planning to storm Abuja to ask for his resignation to save their scarce fuel.

“I am going to deliver on the job the President gave me until he deems it fit for me to go. So let’s not waste our time, it’s going to cost us more fuel to drive vehicles to Abuja to do that (protest),” he said at the questioning.

Kachikwu highlighted to the Senate the three major problems causing fuel scarcity in Nigeria; the inability of petroleum marketers to import fuel, the NNPC being burdened with importing 100% of fuel for local consumption and acts of vandalism.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/30/fuel-scarcity-end-next-week-kachikwu/

As part of making the celebration of Easter very meaningful to the less privileged in the community, star actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, and her husband, Prince Odi Okogie, lavished some gift items on widows in their area.

Aproko247 gathered that several widows in the vicinity stormed the residence of the popular family and were treated to a nice time by the Okojie family.

Bags of rice and other food items were distributed to many women who were present that the Lagos residence of Mercy Johnson and her husband.

The couple, who wore matching Ankara outfits, was all smiles giving out the gift materials to the women, who expressed their gratitude to the kind gesture.

Odi Okogie explained why they decided to carry out the gesture.

He said, “The reason for Easter is the celebration of Christ’s victory to humanity, his vicarious death and triumphant resurrection brought us life eternal.

“This in mind, I and my wife had a nice time bringing joy to the widows in our community.

“All thanks to Mercy Johnson Okojie foundation and all the crew members of Prince Odi Okojie Empowerment Scheme.”

Pictures here: http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/27/easter-mercy-johnson-hubby-host-widows-pictures/

Despite the regulatory headwinds and downturn in the Nigerian economy, Sterling Bank Plc recorded growth in virtually all its performance indicators for the year ended December 31, 2015, pushing up profit before tax by 2.5 per cent to N11.0 billion.

Similarly, profit after tax rose by some 14.3 per cent to N10.3 billion due to a higher retention of organic capital compared to the previous period.

During the period, non-interest income grew by 13.7 per cent from N25.7 billion in 2014 to N29.3 billion largely due to a 57 per cent increase in trading income, confirming the efficiency of the lender’s management, operating expenses decreased by 1.9 per cent from N50.6billion to N49.7 billion.

Net interest income however, declined by 8.1 per cent from N43.0 billion to N39.5 billion, driven by an 18.5 per cent increase in interest expense resulting in a 630 basis points reduction in net interest margin to 48.9 per cent.

Commenting on these financial results, Yemi Adeola, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive, stated: “I am pleased to report that we sustained our performance from the previous year driven by an improvement in operating efficiency.

“Cost-to-Income Ratio improved by 140 basis points to 72.2%, Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at a record high of 17.5%, while liquidity buffers remained strong as the Bank grew its After Tax Profit by 14.3%.

“Clearly, our 2015 performance offered a clear validation of the underlying resilience of our business model.

“The very challenging operating environment notwithstanding, we managed to and continue to maintain a delicate balance between delivering on near term goals and laying the foundation for the future that we see – one where our customers enjoy the experiences that we create together, which in turn becomes the basis for our long term profitability.

“Asset quality remained resilient with Non-Performing Loans (NPL) below the maximum regulatory threshold of 5% despite a significant reduction in the loan book, arising from the replacement of state government loans with federal government bonds.

“We also maintained a very liquid balance sheet position despite the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the FGN. This outcome reflects some initial progress with the retail funding strategy and further supports the material investments that we are making in this area.

Commenting on the outlook for the 2016, Yemi Adeola observed: “We are of the view that the current macro-economic challenges present their own opportunities for agile and dynamic operators.

“We recognize that re-structuring of the sort that the current Federal Administration is pursuing takes time but like many other Nigerian businesses, we view the pursuit of economic self-reliance as commendable.

“Consequently, we remain optimistic for the future but are not under any illusion that the near term operating environment would be more favourable as we expect some policy volatility in the course of the year. There is clearly ‘a new normal’ and the future will belong to those who can develop new competences even while retaining the core strengths that have led them to success in the past. Our desire is to make Sterling Bank one of those.”

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/22/fy-2015-sterling-bank-records-n10-3b-profit/

Following reports of Korede Bello’s absence in school and his likelihood of missing out on school’s examination due to not meeting the 70% attendance of class criteria, the student-Journalist and Blogger, Damilare Famuyiwa who leaked out the story to the media is bearing the brunt of the management of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) over the report, which the management considered unfavourable.

Consequently, Damilare was marked down in the last semester examinations with very low scores in virtually all the courses, while Koredo had very high grades.

According to reports, the Mavin Mega Super-Star, Korede Bello with the Godwin hit song cleared all his examination results with good grades while the student-journalist, Famuyiwa Damilare had two carry-overs and low grades in eight other courses offered last semester which ended February this year.

Korede Bello whose matric number is HNMC/15/091 reportedly cleared all his results with the help of some corrupt members of the school’s management who manipulated the system to allow him write his papers after being absent in school for over half of the semester, while Damilare who course mates described as a brilliant student with no record of carry over or low grades since he gained admission into NIJ, is marked down with very low grade.

It was also gathered that Damilare, who is a freelance journalist at The Nation Newspaper, an active member of the Nigerian Young Journalists Forum and Journalists For Christ (JFC) whose matric no is HNMC/15/031 had earlier been promised to face worst scenario of academic hiccups all through his stay in the institute.

Since posting the story in January 2016, Damilare, who is a website manager at Naijanewsroom.com had unknowingly entered the bad book of the institution and is subsequently being victimized.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/22/nij-lecturers-victimise-student-cos-korede-bello/

**Calls Critics “Stupid”
**Jonathan Abused, Misused His Opportunity
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has slammed those criticising him for not accounting for the recovered loot of late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, describing them as stupid.

Speaking in an interview over the weekend, OBJ, as he is fondly called, explained that it was not his duty to give account of how the huge amount of money was used.

His words, “They said the money recovered from Abacha, I should account for it. What stupidity! The man who asked for it, the man who gave the judgement or who answered them are all stupid, with due respect.

“I don’t keep account, all Abacha loots were sent to Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and every bit of it was reported to Minister of Finance. My job was to write where we can get help to recover the money.

“Every penny that comes out of it went to CBN, so if they want to know what happened to the money, they should call CBN governor or call the Minister of Finance.

“But again, it shows ignorance, total ignorance, which is lacking and you wonder, are these people educated? They can also approach the man who helped us in recovering process to give the list of money recovered and where he took it.”

The former President, while reacting to criticisms over the frequent travels of President Muhammadu Buhari, said there’s nothing wrong with it.

Obasanjo said Buhari “needs to be known and to know people. How do you make friends and influence people except you know them and this cannot happen if he sits in Aso Villa, especially in a situation that we found ourselves, a situation where we have bad image in the world, a situation where we need to play leadership role, especially in Africa, because during Jonathan’s administration, Nigeria was not on the table.”

On the fluctuating oil price, the former Head of State explained that when he “assumed office in 1999, I inherited $3.7 billion in reserve, while Buhari met $30 billion, almost 10 times of what I met then, and the price of oil then was $9. When it got to $20, I was dancing.

“I know the price is down now and with time, it will jump up again. What Buhari is doing currently is preparing ground for Nigeria to take advantage when it goes up again.”

Also commenting on the Biafra agitation, Obasanjo said “I sympathise with people agitating in the country, but what Nigeria needs to do now is to get our economy back on track.

Read concluding part here: http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/21/biafra-not-threat-nigeria-obj/

The year 2016 has been very busy with fights, malice and others in the Nigerian showbiz industry. In fact, the dramas created already in the first quarter of 2016 alone are more than six.

The year was opened with Olamide and Don Jazzy calling out each other at the Headies and this was followed by other dramas, which might not end anytime soon.

When men fight, it is sure that it may not last long, but same cannot be said of the ladies, who love to prolong their beefs.

According to BON online, there seems to be a cold war brewing between tow Yoruba movie stars, Seyi Ariyo fondly called SheBaby and Kemi Afolabi.

The reason for their clash, Aproko247 gathered, is because of clothes.

BON reports that SheBaby updated her Display Picture, DP, message on her BBM and wrote, “Kemi Afolabi, u are coward! Pic up snitch! Oloriburuku, u are a disgrace to Nollywood! Pls return my clothes, Ur case is so pitiful. Get a life!”

It was learn that this got to some of their colleagues, who promptly intervened in the matter and appealed to SheBaby for calm.

It was further reported that minutes later, she changed her display message to “Thanks to Aremu Afolayan and Saheed Balogun.”

According to BON, efforts to speak with both Kemi Afolabi and SheBaby were “not successful as both refused to pick calls or reply texts” sent to them.

It is not certain if both actress have agreed to settle the matter or the ‘beef goes on’.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/21/shebaby-disgraces-kemi-afolabi-dress/

Governor Nyesom Wike has accused his opponent in the Rivers State governorship election in April 2015, Dakuku Peterside of killing an aide to his (Wike) Chief of Staff, Chukwuemeka Woke.

Wike, while addressing journalist on Sunday, said Dakuku, who is the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, used his security aides to open fire on Woke’s aide.

The governor, who was speaking with journalists on the rerun elections held in the state on Saturday, said the All Progressives Congress, APC, may have the Federal might, “but we have the people.”

According to Wike, the polls have clearly shown “who is on ground and who is accepted by the people.”

“The rerun elections have proved that the control of INEC, Federal might, military, police and other security agencies cannot not translate to electoral victories as the people will always resist agents of rigging,” the governor declared.

“Remember I warned that today’s Nigeria is not yesterday’s Nigeria. Things that were done wrongly before cannot be done wrongly now. I warned that the people will resist any attempt to rig,” he said.

The governor noted that it was unfortunate that the military has been reduced to this level when they will be used against public interest.

He said the number of military men unleashed to intimidate and harass Rivers people is regrettable as they failed to tackle security challenges.

On the conduct of the rerun legislative elections, Governor Wike maintained that INEC was not prepared in terms of logistics and planning.

On the issue at the Mile 1 Police Station, the governor said that Mrs Ekwi Adebisa is the girlfriend of the APC Candidate for the Port Harcourt Federal Constituency who framed her abduction alongside APC leaders.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/20/dakuku-killed-rivers-chief-staffs-aide-wike/

….As he escapes assassination attempt
Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside, says the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike is after his life.
In a statement issued Sunday night by his Special Assistant on Media, Sylvester Asoya, the NIMASA boss said the attempt on his life “not only terrifying, but also shows the parlous state of security in Rivers State.”
The statement said Dakuku escaped death in the assassination attempt on Sunday afternoon by gunmen in two Sport Utility Vehicles on his way from the Port Harcourt International Airport after he chose to change his routine.
Dakuku was in his car with Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, Rivers State All Progressives Congress, APC Chairman and Hon H.O. Asita, Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC in April 2015 election.
“Two Jeeps belonging to Emeka Woke, Nyesom Wike’s Chief of Staff carrying two unknown gunmen trailed us to UTC Junction and opened fire on my car. Our car however did a detour to the DSS office gate where we drove to seek refuge but the unknown gunmen opened fire again at the SSS men on guard.
“The exchange of fire between the DSS men and the assailants lasted for more than 30 minutes. This is a very ugly experience but I thank God that my colleagues and I escaped unhurt,” Dakuku was quoted to have said in the statement, which was made available to Aproko247.
“If I can be engaged openly by gunmen for nearly an hour in the heart of Port Harcourt, only God knows the fate that will befall members of our party and those sympathetic to our predicament. What is happening today in our dear state is not only horrible but also constitutes serious national security risk,” he further said.
Dakuku claimed it is “now evident that the governor wants to kill” him and that “he is prepared to do everything possible to eliminate” him.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/20/wike-life-dakuku/

Popular Lagos transporter, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, well-known as MC Oluomo, has reacted to criticisms raised this week over a party held in his honour to celebrate his birthday.

The Chairman of Oshodi branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, as well as Treasurer of the Lagos chapter of the union, came under harsh criticisms over the dress code for the birthday party held on Monday night at The Place night club in Ikeja, Lagos.

Apparently miffed by reactions generated over the ‘braless’ dress code for the ladies that attended the event and their eventual display of different sizes of mammary glands, the Lagos socialite has cleared the air on the issue.

In a statement issued by one Agiri Olmide on behalf on MC Oluomo, it was noted that the controversial transporter did not organise the bash, but his associates, who made it a surprise party and that he had to honour the invitation sent to him.

“To all my fans both home and abroad, there are scandalous pictures going around on social media network and some newspapers on my surprise birthday party at The Place, Ikeja, which was organised by friends in which I had to honour,” MC Oluomo said.

“I, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya MC Oluomo did not invite anybody or gave dress code. I respect my religion and also I respect women a lot,” he stressed.

“My birthday was earlier celebrated in my house with my family and friends, The Place was just a surprise party for me, I know nothing about the organisation. I just had to honour it by going there,” he added.

Concluding, the Lagos big boy said he is “using this opportunity to thank all my fans for their goodwill messages and prayers on my birthday. You are all wonderful and I still remain loyal.”

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/19/mc-oluomo-speaks-controversial-braless-party/

Apparently not happy with accusations levelled against that he is behind the crisis rocking P-Square, elder brother of the twin brothers, Jude Okoye, has called it quit as manager of the multi award-winning music group.

Jude, who has been the manager of P-Square for over a decade, disclosed on Thursday that he has stopped being in charge of the group.

In his short message on Twitter, the Northside Music Inc boss said he left the job for over a month.

He appealed to critics to let him have his peace.

“Please, I stopped being P-Square’s management for over a month now (for the 4th time). Let me be at PEACE. Thank you,” Jude said in his post.

Many have pointed accusing fingers at Jude, claiming he is taking advantage of his younger brothers, Paul and Peter Okoye.

Last month, Peter pointed out that he has no issues with Paul, but with Jude and called for him to stop being their manager.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/18/jude-okoye-resigns-p-square-manager/

Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has threatened to resist any attempt to force a state of emergency on Rivers State because of the increase in the rate of violence in the South-South state.
The party, in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, alleged that the violence is being engineered to impose an emergency on the state, stating that the plan will fail.
PDP said if emergency is declared in Rivers State, there would be dire consequences.
The party also said it has rallied all its formation in the state to stiffly resist by all means necessary in a democracy any move by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to scuttle the Saturday's National and State Assembly rerun elections in the state.
“The party is privy to a grand design by the APC to orchestrate violence in the state with a view to truncating the elections, having realized that the PDP and its candidates are more popular and ready to win overwhelmingly in all the reruns.
“We are aware that the orchestration of violence is designed to serve as stimulus for the planned imposition of a state of emergency to enable the APC forcefully take over the state which is failed to get through the ballot box.
“We also know the design to unleash violence is behind the recent infamous call by APC spokesman in Ondo state, Omo'ba Abayomi Adesanya for emergency rule in Rivers state.
“What else, apart from the execution of this plot explains the complains from our candidates and members in Rivers state of constant threats by partisan security operatives as well as the recent gale of arrests, attacks and killing of PDP supporters in the state?
“But let it be known that Rivers state is a stronghold of the PDP and that such profane quest would be squarely and comprehensively greeted with intense resistance and very dire consequences.
“Our position is guarded by the fact that we remain a responsible and law-abiding party committed to the sanctity of our electoral process, the interest and will of the Nigerian people. Besides, we have the numbers and the people of Rivers state are solidly behind us.
“It is on this note that we totally welcome President Muhammadu Buhari’s warning to those instigating violence and causing mayhem in Rivers state. It is our belief that the President's warning is more directed to APC supporters who have shown unique thirst for violence,” the PDP said in the statement.
The party further noted that, “The hallmark of democracy is the inalienable rights of the citizens to freely choose their leaders; vote and be voted for, and we believe this right must be fully protected at all times.”
“While we expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use Saturday’s polls to redeem its image by ensuring that the elections were not only credible but also conclusive, we support the people of Rivers state in their demonstrated resolve to stand up and use all lawful means necessary in a democracy to defend their votes in the reruns as well as protect the state government they voted for,” it implored.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/17/well-resist-plot-declare-emergency-rivers-pdp/

Some lawmakers in the Ondo State House of Assembly have removed their Speaker and her deputy from office.

The Assembly Speaker, Jumoke Akindele and her deputy, Fatai Olotu were reportedly impeached by 18 members on Tuesday night.

It was gathered that the lawmakers met at about 10pm on Tuesday and signed the notice of impeachment of the Speaker.

They also immediately elected new occupiers of the two posts.

The newly elected Speaker is Iroju Ogundeji from Odigbo local government, while Ayo Arowele from Owo local government was elected as the Deputy Speaker.

No reason was given for the action.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/08/breaking-ondo-speaker-deputy-impeached/

A filmmaker in the Nigerian movie industry has taken his trade forward by doing what others may have dreaded to do.

Aproko247 gathered that the producer named Christian John, popularly called Krissyjoh Chris is currently shooting a flick where ladies and women bare their two moulds in their chests for all to see without any restrains.

He has even put a call out to others who have the courage to act such scenes to reach out to him for roles.

Chris’ message reads, “We are taking Nollywood to another level. Do you have what it takes to play this kind of role in a Movie? If yes, the door is open for you. Join Krissyjoh Production @ No. 8C Ojoh Lane Off Layinka Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos. Tel: 08059390697.”

When contacted by our reporter on why he chose to shoot such a film, he said, “I am just trying to bring back olden days’ culture. Besides, I noticed that whenever I shoot films like this, they sell more.”

He further told us that the film is not yet out. “We are still working on it,” he told Aproko247.

When also questioned if the female acts were cajoled into acting in the movie, he said, “Hmmm, those girls are up-and-coming, it took me time to convince them to play that role. Most of them did not play it for money, they just like to be featured in a movie.”

Chris is the CEO of Krissyjoh Producton, KP Studios, Westafristar Records, and founder of westafristar.com.

Photos cannot be posted here because they are explicit, but you can view them here: http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/08/nollywood-producer-shoots-movie-with-n-aked-girls-women-18-photos/

cc lalasticlala

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, was on Monday arraigned in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He was brought before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja to answer charges of corruption levelled against him.

He appeared in court today looking lively, but was remanded in Kuje prison by the court pending hearing of his bail application on Thursday.

He had been in the EFCC custody since February 8, 2016.

Here are pictures of his appearance in court on Monday

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/07/pictures-alex-badeh-in-court-on-monday/

Residents Send SOS To Ambode
Inhabitants of Ilupeju/Ifesowapo and Power line area of Ojodu and Ifako Ijaiye local government area of Lagos State have sent a Save Our Soul message to the governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode.

They called on him to save their lives, that of their children and properties from flood, which has made life unbearable to them.

The sad residents claimed the flood is due to the neglect of the Oyemekun/Alagbole canal, which has been blocked since the government allegedly last cleared it about nine years ago.

According to some of them, the rain that fell last week destroyed their properties and now they are counting their losses.

When this magazine visited the area on Monday, March 7, 2016, the residents expressed their fear because of the forthcoming rainy season.

Spokesman of the landlords’ association in the area, James Ajekoogan, lamented to us what they have suffered and lost to flood over the years.

“Our children swim inside water to go to school,” he told us.

Ajeoogan appealed to Ambode to use his good office to direct the Ministry of Works to clear the canal to enable the free flow of water whenever it rains.

He said the good people of the area are ever ready to contribute their own quota to the development of the state, adding that they will remain grateful to him.

Speaking in the same vain Osho Babatunde, Lekan Olajide, Femi Awolere and Funsho Adebayo whose houses were also taken over by the flood said they trust the governor to hear their cries and help them urgently.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/07/flood-takes-over-lagos-community-photos/

On Monday, March 7, 2016, a public hearing was held to debate the Frivolous Petition Bill, also called the Social Media Bill.

There have been hues and cries over the bill based on fears that it is being sponsored to tame social media in Nigeria.

But the Senate had severally said that the bill is not meant to clipped the wings of the media, especially the social media.

Many will not easily forget the role the social media played to frustrate the immediate past government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The present ruling party, which was in early 2015 still an opposition party, used the social media to win the presidential poll.

Here are images from the hearing.

cc Lalasticlala

More pictures here http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/07/pictures-from-public-hearing-on-social-media-bill/

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has been accused of giving bribes to reporters who cover the judiciary ahead of his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, which begins on Friday, March 11, 2016.

A popular online platform, SaharaReporters, said the Senate President gave out the sum of N50,000 each to journalists through one of his aides, Chuks Okocha, who worked for ThisDay before now.

It was reported that the ‘brown envelopes’ were handed over to reporters at the Nelson Nuek Gardens in Abuja.

“Our two sources disclosed that Chuks Okocha, a special assistant to the Senate President, distributed Mr. Saraki’s cash largesse to the reporters.

“At the meeting, the senator’s aides struck a deal with the reporters to have only one of the friendly reporters write a report of the trial which would then be syndicated among all the reporters.

“It was agreed that each reporter would merely retouch the syndicated report and send it to their medium,” the platform reports.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/07/cct-trial-saraki-accused-of-bribing-journalists/

One of the biggest challenges presently facing Prophet Chris Okafor of Mountain of Miracle and Liberation Ministries is tied to believability.

Prophet Okafor, who is known for his miracles and deliverances, is currently facing a credibility challenge, as many now ask how real and true are his miracles.

Observers of deliverances video of the prophet which recently went viral have described it as seeming like a scene from a Nollywood movie.

Recently, Dr. Okafor stirred up a lot of speculations and controversies having allegedly prayed back to life a dead baby.

More recently, the prophet is said to have treated on-lookers to another episode of signs and wonders.

A video which went viral online showed the prophet interviewing an alleged ‘god’ of the illuminati cult, Baphomet.

Baphomet said she is the angel from the third heaven. The video shows Baphomet who was allegedly speaking through a young woman in the church while the prophet threw questions at her.

The girl, while confessing, claimed she killed Michael Jackson and that several Nigerian artistes are in the cult. She also mentioned popular singer, Iyanya and dead singer Dagrin claiming that they were both in their cult.

No doubt, it will take a while for followers of his church activities to believe him.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/05/prophet-chris-okafor-battles-credibility-problem/

Tuesday, February 16, 2016, the city of Owerri, Imo State capital, was agog when the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) took its campaign there.

Every seat in the Amaechi Hall of Rockview Hotel, Owerri was occupied and many were left standing as the Stakeholders’ Forum of COSON took off in grand style.

Major players in the music industry from every state in the South-East and South-South stormed the venue and they came in cars and buses from Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Edo States for the event.

Also in attendance was the governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha and several of his Commissioners.

Among the legends of the music industry who were live in Owerri for the forum were the likes of Ras Kimono, Bright Chimezie, Paulson Kalu, Dan Satch Opara, Ugo Stevenson and Sir Morocco Maduka.

Also present at the occasion were members of Music Label Owners and Recording Industries Association of Nigeria (MORAN) led by their National President, Calistus Okeke.

While welcoming participants to the forum, chairman of COSON, Tony Okoroji thanked the government of Imo State for the warm hospitality accorded to them. He said the event was organized for participants to have an open discussion on steps to realign the music industry in the digital environment so as to boost income, create employment and contribute meaningfully to national GDP at a time of dwindling revenue from oil.

Read concluding part here: http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/05/okorocha-gives-land-to-coson/

Many people still continue to wonder what could have gone into a budding actress named Christabel Goddy to have allegedly bit a senior colleague of hers, Princess Chineke, in the lap, which took off a chunk of flesh.

Some have wondered if Christabel has pointed incisors in her mouth like those of wolfs or vampires.

Last week, Aproko247 looked into the matter and traced the victim to her hospital in Dopemu area of Lagos State, where we spoke with Princess Chineke on the matter.

It was a gory sight when doctors dressed the wound, which is gradually healing.

However, we gathered that the Princess Chineke has since been responsible for her treatment, except for the initial payment made by those in charge of production at Iyana-Ipaja area of the same state, where the unfortunate incident happened.

Princess, who forced a beaming smile on her face, lamented that she never foresaw this happening to her. The actress said the sad incident occurred after she completed 21 days fast at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, MFM, where she committed her year before God.

“This is not the 2016 I saw, certainly not a good way to start the year,” a dejected Princess told Aproko247 in a chat with her.

Princess said that she has gone through several pains, fever, trauma, scar, home-bound, loss of jobs, events and activities because of the incident.

According to her, “I have had many unanswered questions roaming through my head, 'God why, why me, what, why, where did I go wrong? especially after concluding the beginning of the year 21 days fast and prayers from December 31, 2015 and all I get is a bite in less than two weeks after?'

“If I had the slightest inclination this would have happened, maybe I would not have gone for the job.”

She explained that “It took me a while before I agreed to do the job. On my way to the movie location, I had a flat tyre that morning, my car broke down on Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos that day. My friend called my attention to all these signs, but I told her the devil didn't want me to work.

“Little did I know it would be this. Why didn't I see this coming? But like my loved ones said, it could have been worse if not for the prayers I had in the beginning of the year. In all, I still thank God.”

Princess pointed out that she is happy Christabel never poured hot water on her because according to her (Princess), they always ask for hot water at the hotel they lodged, where the incident happen, after completing the day's job.

“What would have become of me if she attacked me on the face?” Princess asked.

When Aproko247 demanded to know if they had any issues before the incident, Princess said that the only thing she remembered was her (Princess) telling her not to make night calls in the room and also to stop putting the phone on speaker during late night calls, which she said Christabel took offence in.

“I reported the first incident to the (movie) Director, Aaron Ugede, but he said he would take care of it,” Princess told Aproko247.

Read the concluding part of her chat here; http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/04/exclusive-princess-chineke-speaks-on-ordeal-with-vampire-actress/

The death of daughter of late American songstress, Whitney Houston, Bobbi Kristina Brown, shook many because it was not long after her mum’s demise that she joined her.

After being found face-down and unresponsive in a bathtub in her suburban Atlanta town home on January 31, 2015, the 22-year-old daughter of Bobby Brown breathed her last in hospice care on July 26, 2015.

The cause of her death remained a mystery to many, but that seems to have been solved now.

According to the result of an autopsy, Kristina died from a combination of alcohol, drugs and drowning.

However, Daily Mail reports that it is still unclear whether her death was murder, suicide or an accident.

The result of the autopsy was released on Friday by the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office in Atlanta, though a full autopsy result will soon be released.

Bobbi Kristina died of lobar pneumonia, which was caused by the combination of drugs found in her system, drowning and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a neurological condition resulting from a lack of oxygen to the brain, the statement said.

According to the medical examiner's office, marijuana and alcohol were involved in the death, along with medications used for sedation or to treat anxiety.

The drugs involved included marijuana, alcohol (ethanol), benzoylecgonine (a cocaine-related substance), benzodiazepines (medications used for sedation or to treat anxiety), and morphine.

The statement also said the autopsy alone could not reveal the underlying cause of death because of the long interval between Brown being found unresponsive in the bathtub and her eventual death.

It would be recalled that Kristina’s boyfriend, Nick Gordon, is having it rough with the Brown family.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/03/04/breaking-real-cause-of-bobbi-kristinas-death-revealed/

A date has now been fixed by the National Assembly for the passage of the 2016 budget presented by President Muhammadu Buhari in December 2015.

The controversial fiscal document, which the lawmakers painstakingly scrutinized, and several errors discovered, would now been passed on March 17, 2016.

This was disclosed in Abuja on Wednesday by the National Assembly Joint Committees on Appropriation.

Chairmen of both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje and Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin, made this known to journalists.

Goje stated that the sub-committees of the two chambers have met with the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies under their purviews and have submitted their reports.

According to him, the final report would be submitted shortly to meet up with the March 17 passage date.

Buhari had in December 2015 presented a budget of N6.08 trillion to the National Assembly for passage.

Last week in Saudi Arabia, the President described the "padded" budget as embarrassing, saying those behind it would be severely dealt with.

www.aproko247.com/2016/03/02/national-assembly-to-pass-2016-budget-march-17/

Indications have emerged that the recent re-alignment that affected some senior staff at Ecobank Nigeria was in furtherance of a market repositioning exercise designed to strengthen the bank’s business across all markets where it operates.

Market feelers indicate that for a banking group that grossed over N315 billion in revenue and over N78billion in pre-tax profit in the third quarter of 2015, the Ecobank Group is on a growth trajectory. As at today, Ecobank remains one of Nigeria’s strongest financial institutions.

An industry analyst opined that the Bank appears to be putting more focus on cost efficiency and investment in key initiatives in its Transaction banking, Cards, and eBanking businesses, while also continuing to simplify its operations to better serve customers which will put the bank ahead of the competition.

Meanwhile, a source from within the bank says the recent restructuring came after a review of senior staff bench strength and industry standards. The source also revealed that it became necessary for the Bank to realign its work force for better efficiency in line with best practice.

Ecobank is said to have realigned certain roles bank wide and those who were affected by the exercise were adequately compensated.

The bank only recently promoted 300 staff, representing 10 per cent of the employees based on the bank’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence and exceptional performance. The promoted staff cut across all cadres of the workforce.

He added that the Bank has also commenced a selection process of converting qualified non-core staff to permanent staff, in line with the Bank’s commitment to develop and grow talent by providing them with career paths that give them access to higher responsibilities.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/02/25/ecobank-repositions-for-improved-efficiency/

Reports reaching us say a blast occurred at a police station in the capital city of Adamawa State, Yola.

The incident, which happened on Thursday morning, left properties destroyed and also many people scampering to safety.

The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, explained that the attack was not from Boko Haram group as being speculated in some quarters.

It said it was an armoury explosion.

It was learnt that few people were injured in the incident and have been taken to the state Specialist Hospital for treatment.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/02/25/explosion-hits-police-station-in-yola/

The Federal Government says it is yet to receive the said N50 billion reportedly paid “in good faith” by MTN Nigeria after it dropped a court case earlier instituted against the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC.

Earlier on Wednesday, it was reported that the telecoms giants has withdrawn the matter from court and had paid N50 billion as a way of settling the case between them amicably and continue with further negotiations.

But Special Assistant to the Minister of Communications, Victor Oluwadamilare, told Vanguard in an interview that the development had not been made official.

“That has not been confirmed and I can confirm to you that the situation is still being studied. To the best of my knowledge, the amount announced is not the fine they are expected to pay. Federal Government is still studying it,” Oluwadamilare said.

Furthermore, he said, “They decided to go to court and never wanted an amicable settlement. If they now want settlement, there has to be an official statement on that soon.”

It would be recalled that the NCC imposed a fine of N1.04 trillion on MTN Nigeria for not deactivating mobile lines of over 500,000 unregistered subscribers on its network.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/02/24/we-are-yet-to-get-mtns-n50b-fg/

The Nigerian Senate has directed its Committee on Information to organise a public hearing to work out ways to ensure Nigerians can be protected from alleged exploitations by leading pay-TV platform in Nigeria, Multichoice Nigeria, the parent company of DSTV.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said on Wednesday that this move came following complaints received from consumers concerning the allegations.

He said the Senate discussed a “motion on the Unwholesome Practices by Multichoice Nigeria (DSTV), a subsidiary of South African-based Multichoice Africa.”

According to him, “distinguished Senators noted that Multichoice's arbitrary subscription charges, price hikes and refusals to adopt a pay-as-you-use model, affect Nigerian subscribers negatively.”

The public forum will be with stakeholders in the industry like the Nigerian Broadcast Commission, NBC; and the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, who will also map out ways to guarantee that regulatory agencies in Nigeria begin to take their responsibilities as 'Watchdogs' more seriously.

http://www.aproko247.com/2016/02/24/senate-holds-public-hearing-on-dstvs-activities/