₦airaland Forum

Pastor Lil'Wayne!

Judiciary on Trial.

This should be interesting. Let's see how this goes.

Thanks.
But wait what's 'Using you'? Is that even correct?

What do I even know sef?

Well quite tricky. Its difficult to condemn the governor in a situation like this.

Outside Politics, Mr Ajimobi is well to do and so I believe he can afford all of these personally. He worked many years in a Multinational at an Exectutive level. But how many people do we have to tell all these narratives? Who even cares in the first place? He's the Governor and an hungry man is an angry man. The Governor can't be celebrating while some citizens have not been paid.

Its also bothers on timeliness, priority and morality.

Affirmati Non Neganti Incumbit Probatio
the burden of proof is upon him who alleges - not on him who denies

The governing party (APC) must show Nigerians concrete and water-tight evidence to prove all these weighty allegations.
Until then, these allegations remain in the realm of imagination and speculation.

Former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, on Saturday, warned his successor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, against taking God for granted.

Amaechi also said he decided to shun the judicial commission of inquiry set up by Wike because the panel was illegal.

The ex-governor, while speaking with his supporters and members of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, stated that he would only appear before the commission of inquiry if Wike complied with the law.

Amaechi stated that the governor had already adjudged him to be guilty in the presence of members of the panel and vowed that he would go to court over the matter.

He insisted that he would not appear before the Justice George Omeriji panel until an independent person or body was called to handle the probe of his administration.

Amaechi said, “Nyesom Wike was not afraid of God in the past; he never went to church. Today, he is going on bended knees to the same God we worship. Don’t take God for granted because if we don’t go back to God to remind Him, God may answer his (Wike’s) prayers.”

Recalling how his relative was allegedly killed in front of Wike’s father’s house at Rumueprikom, the former governor called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the deaths in the state.

He said, “We are asking the Federal Government to investigate it; we have written, asking for investigation but nothing has happened yet. We hope that the President will call on the IGP to investigate what happened with his policemen. We need the IGP to investigate so that people don’t encourage impunity.”

http://www.punchng.com/news/dont-take-god-for-granted-amaechi-tells-wike/

Known for his wittiness, Nollywood actor, Francis Odega, is currently enjoying a brand-new fame. He speaks about his career and industry

Your Gerara Here comedy skit on Instagram has caught on like wild fire on social media.

I am pleasantly surprised that just one scene from a movie, which I starred in three years ago, has suddenly brought me so much attention and fame. The three-part movie was titled Welcome to South, Back from South and Agony of South. It was shot in South Africa and Nigeria. I acted alongside Imeh Bishop and Dede One Day.

Why is the movie suddenly trending three years after its release?

I don’t really know why it has taken the movie three years to garner this sort of recognition. I joined Instagram two months ago, after some social media-savvy friends of mine played the Gerara Here video, which was posted on Instagram for me. The number of comments that trailed the post blew me away and I decided to join the platform almost immediately. Within a month, I had 3000 followers and currently have 18,600 fans.

How did you feel when 50 Cents posted the skit on his Instagram page?

It was an indescribable feeling and I also felt honoured when he began following me on Instagram. Snoop Dogg also followed suit shortly after. Both artistes are obviously huge fans of mine. Don Jazzy, PSquare, Patoranking, M.I, Sound Sultan and many other Nigerian music stars also follow me on social media.

Has this fame translated into more money or jobs for you?

It sure has as telecoms company, Etisalat, recently made me its ambassador because of the attention I have been receiving. I recently had a photoshoot for the billboards and will shoot the television commercial for the brand very soon. The concept of the billboard adverts revolves around the ‘Gerara Here’ concept.

Can you tell us more about the movie, which has brought you so much fame?

I played the role of a Nigerian, who travelled to South Africa for the first time and returned to the country with an accent. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the role because I had the freedom to express myself just the way I loved to. Gerara Here was not originally included in the script; it was my coinage. I didn’t know it would go viral years after I created it.

Tell us about your foray into acting?

I have been an actor for over two decades. While I was in secondary school, my family and I lived very close to the premises of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service. I loved going to the station to observe the staff at work and found myself being drawn to the arts.

What did you study in school?

I studied Economics despite my passion for acting and I have never worked in any industry aside from Nollywood. I have no regrets about being an actor because movies pay my bills. I have featured in over 300 movies since 1996 when I earned my debut role. I started out as an extra in a movie titled Apama and it made me famous. I played Apama, a prince who attended the university with a bodyguard.

Which is your most challenging movie role yet?

It has to be a 2013 Ghanaian comedy flick titled House of Gold. I learnt to speak and act like a Ghanaian and it was quite challenging and exciting at the same time.

How much do you charge to feature in movies?

I can’t disclose what my fees are; it is dependent on the nature of the script and demands of the character in a movie. The script serves as a guide and I also improvise and embellish the character as long as it doesn’t deviate from the original thrust of the script. I have been lucky to have the directors that allow me the creative freedom to explore my talent.

Are you selective of roles because of your current status?

I am now a star, so I am selective of the roles I am asked to play in movies. If I am unsatisfied with a movie script, I won’t partake in it irrespective of the amount of money I am offered. I have gone international; I recently shot a movie in the United States of America entitled John Bosco in US. I describe myself as a Hollywood and Nollywood actor

As a comic actor, are you taken seriously?

People are never able to tell when I am serious whenever I approach them. Thankfully, I cannot be bothered because comedy allows me provide for my family and live a comfortable life.

Is your wife supportive of your career?

Yes, she is and I met her at a show I compeered. She confessed to me that she was a huge fan of mine and we exchanged phone numbers. That was how we became friends. Though she tried to be a bit difficult, after some persistence on my part, she agreed and we started going out. We have been married for 11 years. I don’t quarrel with my wife for real because I genuinely love her.

Have you ever felt challenged by a script?

I am a natural actor so the script always almost determines my performance. I possess the ability to turn a bad script into a good one by infusing a few lines. I have absolutely no challenges when faced with a comedy script because it’s my forte.

What are your thoughts on Nollywood?

Our industry has become an all comers affair and this has taken a huge toll on the sector and watered down the level of professionalism. This is one of the reasons why the Nigerian audience still does not take us seriously. On the flip side, the likes of Okey Bakasi, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bob- Manuel Udokwu and Kanayo O Kanayo have been invited to work with top public office holders and this is good for Nollywood.

Why is it that some of your colleagues still live in penury?

They make money but they have so many responsibilities and I don’t believe that an actor must depend on acting alone. You must plan for the rainy day and have something you can fall back on just in case acting doesn’t pay. Social media has been has been very good for our acting careers and has brought us fame and money. I get to interact more with my fans on social media and any actor, who feels Instagram invades his or her privacy, can leave the platform.

What was growing up like?

I had a difficult childhood; some were born with silver, golden or a wooden spoon but I was born with none of these.

What inspires you?

God, Nkem Owoh and the late Sam Loco Efe inspire me. The latter brought me up in the industry and I met him while on a location. I wasn’t an actor when I met him for the first time but I almost served as his personal assistant because I carried his bag along with him wherever he went.He soon began mentoring me and encouraged me to become an actor. I recall the day he died vividly. I was on a movie set in Lagos when I received a text message which read, “Sam Loco died an hour ago in Owerri.” I stopped acting and cried profusely like a baby and I was unable to complete the shoot that day.

http://www.punchng.com/spice/local-entertainment/a-friend-uploaded-gerara-here-video-on-instagram-francis-odega/

Lovely Picture.

Nigerian Ladies, Have you people heard of Local Content Act before? please adjust

Same people who felts 5years wasn't enough for GEJ to solve the myriads of problems bedevilling Nigeria are now the ones asking PMB to fix Nigeria in 90days. With what na? No quick fixes lasts especially in Nigeria, we need well-thought and impeccable blue-prints to provide long-lasting solutions.

That babe should relax. what's her business? Love life is a private affair.

The last time I checked, Aisha wasn't complaining . Don't ask me how I know.

Congrats to him but enough of recycled elements in politics. Young people don't fold your hands.

How is his 14year old wife doing? So Kogi get ready, the youngest First Lady ever is about to get flexed in the Lord Lugard House

I almost forgot, Iara Osho has a new friend too.

All in search for a greener pasture. Lord Have mercy!

Happy Birthday!

Left to me, its still too early in the day to adjudge PMB an ethnic bigot.

Many including your humble self have criticized PMB's appointments so far as loop-sided, but i just think we should give the guys a chance to see what they can deliver.

This Politics and Its all a game. Many put their life, finances and soul on the line for the culmination of PMB's Presidency without any compensation yet,but I'm positive they will all be rewarded very soon. How soon? I don't know.

The Senate has eventually signed up its first social media account, leaving behind the lower chamber in the global race to embrace the reality of digital communication.

Its Twitter page – @NGRSenate – was unveiled with a message, “This is the official Twitter handle of the eighth Nigerian Senate. Follow @NGRSenate to receive updates from the Red Chamber and its committees.”

From dozens of retweets and comments that followed immediately, it was obvious that the Internet-savvy Nigerians had long expected the lawmakers to move in that direction.

The account has since begun to harvest followers from media organisations, civil society groups and student bodies.

Interestingly, the Senate’s handle was unveiled on the eve of the 500 day commemoration of the adoption of Chibok girls, an incident that has deepened the adoption of social media in the country. Internet users might have expected the Senate to dedicate their profile photograph, at least, to the missing girls.

But there was a disconnection between the Senate’s new page and the tone of the digital space. The Chibok girls’ anniversary message, which many people around the world have adopted on their profiles, was clearly missing on the legislators’ Twitter page.

Social activists, from different parts of the world, shared their thoughts on the plight of the kidnapped girls, using different hashtags to communicate their frustrations.

But for the Senate’s Twitter page, which could have smartly announced its arrival on the platform with, perhaps, a trending artwork on #BringBackOurGirl, the issue appeared like a ‘no-go area’.

It was not only the Senate’s corporate Twitter page that did not sympathise with the grieved Chibok community and give individuals who have been campaigning for their rescue a sense of leadership. From the different platforms of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to those operated by many of his colleagues, there was no post on Chibok girls.

As far as the Wednesday commemoration was concerned, it was the effort of the civil society, social media activists and voices from outside the country that kept #ChibokGirls, #NeverToBeForgotten, #BringBackOurGirls and other similar hashtags alive.

The Global Week of Action Campaign, which had generated much publicity on digital media, could not also get many other politicians to lend their platforms to the cause.

The campaigners had appealed to world leaders to show more concern towards rescue efforts. Their message drew the attention of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, when he visited the country earlier in the week.

Addressing State House correspondents in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Ki-Moon called for an unconditional “release” of the girls. He said he would continue to support efforts to release them.

“This week will witness 500 days of the kidnap of the Chibok schoolgirls. I want to reiterate my support for the release of the girls and many other abducted girls and boys whose names and fate remain unknown.

“It is intolerable that their lives and education have been disrupted in this way. The whole world has been moved by their fate. I, once again, call on those responsible to unconditionally release these girls and many other abducted children,” he was quoted as saying.

As the Global Week of Actions ended on Thursday, more individuals re-echoed the frustration of the #BringBackOurGirls, with the hashtag trending globally. They charged the government and the global community to do more to rescue the girls.

For instance, A United States House of Representatives member, Brendan Boyle, posted a tweet, saying it was unbelievable that “219 girls had lived with terrorists for 500 days.”

http://www.punchng.com/i-punch/now-the-senate-is-set-to-tweet/

The Senate on Thursday commenced investigation into the alleged unauthorised spending of N567bn being the cost of tax collected by the Nigerian Customs Service and the Federal Inland Revenue Service from January 2005 to July 2015.

A non-governmental organisation, Legislative Watch, dragged the two Federal Government agencies to the Senate through a petition that was sent to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on 13 August, 2015.

The Senate, thereafter, referred the petition to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

A document from the Federal Ministry of Finance, presented to the committee by the petitioner, indicated that the average monthly collection cost of the NCS was N2.5bn which put the total amount not remitted by NCS for 126 months (January 2005 to July 2015) at N315bn.

Similarly, the document showed that the average monthly cost of collection of the FIRS was put at N2bn which put the total amount not remitted by FIRS over the same period at N252bn.

The two figures added together, put the cost of collection for both agencies at N567bn.

Defending the petition before the committee, the Executive Secretary of Legislative Watch, Ngozi Ihuoma, alleged that the amount represented the seven per cent cost of tax collection paid to the NCS and the four per cent also paid to the FIRS during the period.

The group alleged that the two agencies deducted the money from the amount collected on behalf of the Federal Government without appropriation by the National Assembly, contrary to the provisions of the constitution.

Specifically, Ihuoma claimed that the action of the agencies’ management was against sections 162 (3) and 165 of the Constitution.

He said the group explained that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2004, approved the payment of seven per cent to the NCS and four per cent to the FIRS as cost of collection in line with Section 165 of the 1999 Constitution.

He said, “We have observed that deduction of the cost of collection started in January 2005 and the two agencies have been receiving the said percentages without appropriation from the National Assembly.”

http://www.punchng.com/news/senate-probes-customs-firs-over-n567bn-scam/

OSUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has attributed the negative focus on the state over unpaid salary to the role he and the state played in defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government in the general election.

Aregbesola spoke in Ipetumodu at a reception in honour of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Femi Adesina.

The governor said even though it was not only Osun that was caught in the salary crisis, some disgruntled opposition elements orchestrated unnecessary media campaigns against the state due to the role its government played in contributing to their electoral failure in the states and national levels.

Aregbesola said: “Every objective-minded Nigerian should pause to ask the pertinent question: Is Osun the only state which owed workers’ salary?

“The apparent answer is no. More than 22 states found themselves in this crisis.

“The reason Osun is aways in the news is not far to seek. I make bold to say that some individuals in the state are deliberately sponsoring hate campaigns against the state because of my government’s role in the ‘Project Change’ that led to the downfall of their party during the general election.

“It is not news again that our state contributed to the defeat of their leader (Goodluck Jonathan).

“What they did is to latch on to the general financial crisis to wage a was of attrition on Osun government in the media.

“All the bad portrayals of Osun have their root in our opposition to Jonathan.”

According to the governor, Osun was lucky to reap so early one of the outcomes that change brought to the country with the appointment of Adesina as the spokesperson of Buhari.

Aregbesola described Adesina as a prolific writer, a thoroughbred professional, and a consummate journalist.

He affirmed that Adesina got the plum job based on merit because of his hard work, competence and dedication.

He continued: “Femi Adesina became the spokesperson of President Buhari on merit and through dint of handwork and dedication to his chosen career.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) is an honest government: that is why appointments so far made by President Buhari are based on merit.

“Adesina has an illustrious career spanning 28 years and he is still counting. With all these years, he has demonstrated that he is cut out to be one of the best in his professional field.

“He is a thoroughbred professional, a journalists’ journalist and editors’ editor.”

Adesina thanked Buhari for counting him worthy of speaking for the Presidency.

He saluted the courage of the governor for standing firm in his commitment to moving the state forward even in the face of daunting criticisms and attacks by opposition parties.

He thanked the people of his hometown for the honour and recognition accorded him and his family.

“I thank all who are gathered here today for the recognition and honour given to me and my family.

“I am very grateful to the governor for honouring me with his physical presence here.

“I promise you all that I will be a good ambassador of the town and the state,” Adesina said.

In attendance at the reception were the wife and family of Adesina, including Professor Tayo Adesina of the Department of History, University of Ibadan.

Traditional rulers and politicians at the event include the host monarch, Oba James Adegoke (Apetu of Ipetumodu); Oba Adedokun Abolarin (Orangu of Oke-Ila) and Oba Abdul-Maruf Magbagbeola (Olufon Of Ifon); Oba Elijah Oyelade (Salu of EdunAbon).

Also present were Senator Babajide Omoworare (Osun East; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Special Adviser on Youth, Sports and Special Needs, Comrade Biyi Odunlade and the Director of Bureau of Communications and Strategy (Office of the Governor), Mr. Semiu Okanlawon.
http://thenationonlineng.net/aregbesola-attacks-on-osun-govt-fallout-of-jonathans-defeat/

Barely two years after the opening of the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the contract is stuck – no thanks to the inability of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to fund the project.

Besides, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has faulted the re-concession of the road to Julius Berger Plc and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), despite a pending legal dispute.

There was no public bidding for the project, ICRC said.

The Jonathan administration pledged to release N50billion for the project in 2013 and 2014.

Instead, the government provided only a guarantee to Infrastructure Bank to facilitate the release of N117billion to Berger and RCC.

But the two construction giants have been unable to get up to N10billion.

The bank, it was learnt, has been trying to limit its risk exposure because of the legal tussle on the project.

A source said: “We have fresh challenges confronting the project, including alleged politicisation of the reconstruction of the 127.6kilometres expressway. I think those in Jonathan government were desperately looking for a way to win Southwest votes in the last general elections and used the project as a bait.”

The Infrastructure Bank Plc Managing Director Adekunle Oyinloye said the Federal Government had directed the bank to raise N167 billion for the reconstruction of the dual carriage way.

Oyinloye said: “The project is now to be completed in a record time of 24 to 30 months as against the 48 months initially proposed by the contractors.”

The ICRC’s objection is that the government ought to have concluded the termination of the contract with Bi-Courtney Consortium before awarding the contract.

“And any re-concession must go through public bidding. In this instance, it was unilaterally awarded by the government.

“Since the project is still in dispute between the Federal Government and Bi-Courtney, any action taken will be subjudice. Any pronouncement by a court or an arbitration court can create more hurdles for all the parties involved.

“This is the mess inherited by President Muhammadu Buhari. His administration has to find a solution to the problem or else the project will be stalled.

“At a point, the Jonathan government was confused. In one breadth, it said it had re-awarded the contract and in another, it said it had opted for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with willing investors, Infrastructure Bank, Julius Berger Plc and Reynolds Construction.”

When a representative of one of the firms was contacted, he said: “I am driving, I will call you back.”

But the source refused to return the call.

The Federal Government in November 2012 terminated the 25-year concession given to Wale Babalakin’s Bi-Courtney Consortium for the construction and maintenance of the expressway.

The highway was conceded to Bi-Courtney in 2009 at N89.53 billion for 25 years.

The immediate past Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, said the concession agreement was revoked due to failure of Bi-Courtney to adhere to the terms.

In June 2013, the Federal Government re-awarded the reconstruction of the Expressway to Julius Berger Plc and RCC.

In July 2013, former President Jonathan opened off the reconstruction of the expressway at N167billion with a completion timeline of 48 months.

When The Nation did an investigative report that the Jonathan government was cash strapped on the project, Onolememen embarked on a mass rebuttal.

Section 2.1 of the Nigerian Public-Private Partnerships Manual says there must be a competitive bidding for such a project.

It reads: “The project is usually initiated by a Ministry, Department, and/or Agency (MDA) of the government. In select cases, the project could be initiated by the private sector as an Unsolicited Proposal under a transparent, competitive process, which will also be managed by a MDA.

“The first step for the MDA is to develop a project concept to be approved by the National Planning Commission (for projects of the Federal Government) or other relevant State authorities.

“The project concept will usually be based on a Pre-Feasibility study or Outline Business Case, and if it is approved, will allow the project to be included in the 15-year Master Plan (or National Implementation Plan for the Federal Government) which sets out the Government’s infrastructure investment strategy covering all forms of procurement, including projects that will be financed in whole or in part from the Federal Budget.”

http://thenationonlineng.net/n167b-loan-for-lagos-ibadan-expressway/
Cc: lalasticlala

Your comments don't surprise me anymore. They smacks of defeat and deep-seated bitterness

Paper Tigers like yourself and your cohorts are only here to abuse, curse and lie.

You need JESUS!

kaorama:
Fools never read before commenting.

The Fear of PMB is the beginning of Wisdom.

Having said that, NIPOST needs some serious overhaul. We should start receiving letters like in the days of yore.

Deputy Wetin? Bros Deputy Governor na woman o

samx4real:
How market broz?



e be like say police dey look for ur deputy governor unto olosho matter oh!


U see I earlier told u that ur stay governor have mis-appropriated his workers salary on small small girls (ashawos)!

Long Live the Queen!

neocortex:
Do you mean what you just potsed ?
Because I know how excited you would have been
if the name "Aregbe" is replaced with "GEJ".

Well i mean every word sir.
And Wrong sir, I won't have been excited if it was GEJ
I have nothing but respect for GEJ as a person.

I'm seriously appalled at the descent journalism has assumed in this country. So much garbage most media houses present as news

There was no formal response from the Police authority, the PRO couldn't be reached to confirm the arrest and Yet Punch comes forward to tell Nigerians the Suspect was arrested... When?. The very substance of the headline is missing from the story itself.

Or I'm I missing something?

Again some points to note.

1. The suspect in question is a former aide. Rauf dissolved his Cabinet members and aides shortly before the twilight of his first term.

2. It is also on record that ever since Rauf assumed his 2nd term in office in November 2014, he is yet to announce/make any political appointment apart from that of the COS and SSG.

3.This case is not about the Governor. There's no point dragging his name into the private life of a former aide.

However, I'm an advocate of Justice. So, Justice must not only be done but must be seen by all to have been done.

Shakirat Aregbesola, the daughter of Osun Governor Aregbesola got married in Lagos over the weekend.
The wedding ceremony of Shakirat and her sweetheart held on Sunday the 16th of August 2015 at the luxurious Gradeur Event Center in Oregun area of Ikeja Lagos.
Oyo State Governor Ajimobi and Ovation magazine publisher are few of the dignitaries present at the wedding ceremony.

http://wapgodz.com/2015/08/rauf-aregbesolas-daughters-wedding-photos-osun-state-governors-daughter-weds-in-lagos/

Wow, what a touching story! Glad i took the time to read it all. Thanks for sharing.

Its just difficult to quantify the damage grudges or anger can wreck on any relationship. Communication is a major factor that can't just be over-emphasized because so many issues can be resolved just with a word.

This story and some others have made me resolute to try as much as possible to be at peace with everyone and anyone everytime, because you never can tell what may happen next, it may just be their last day.

May God help us all.

Dino Melaye; The man with a pocket full of mischief
Dino Melaye: The man who speaks from different sides of the mouth

In November 2011 when you decamped from PDP to the then ACN (now APC), you confessed you were a rigging exponent for the PDP

In December 2011, you came up with the concept of "Scientific Rigging" after INEC declared Capt Idris Wada Winner of the Guber Polls. ABubakar Audu was defeated. Till today you haven't proved this your elusive theory of scientific rigging.

Now in 2015: Another concept "Satanic Collabo" . Are you trying to defend the PDP or whose interest exactly are you serving exactly ?

What Has Satan got to do with Bad Roads please?.

Just Another NoiseMaker in the Senate.