₦airaland Forum

Former senate president, David Mark, has accused his main opponent in the senatorial election in Benue state, Daniel Onjeh, of plotting to assassinate him.

Njeh is contesting under the aegis of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The two-time senate president said the party has hired cultists to incite violence in south senatorial district ahead of Saturday’s rerun election.

Mark is vying to return to the senate after the the appeal court annulment of his victory in the last senatorial election in the state.

In a statement released by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, he said Onjeh connived with the state's deputy governor, Benson Abounu, to hire cult members with the aim of targeting his (Mark) life.

The statement reads in part: “Plots by the All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftains in Benue state to assassinate former President of the Senate Senator David Mark ahead of the Saturday February 20, 2016, rerun election for Benue South has been uncovered.

“The APC candidate for the election Daniel Onjeh, through his campaign Director, Okpokwu Ogenyi, in connivance with the state deputy governor Benson Abounu, are alleged to have hired the services of cultists to unleash terror in Benue South and in the process target Senator Mark for elimination.

“Credible sources listed the cultists hired for the assassination to include the notorious supreme Vikings squad from Jos, Plateau state as well as the dreaded in Makurdi Benue state.”

It further said Mark has petitioned the inspector-general of police (IGP), Solomon Arase, on the development.


Mark alleged that security operatives of the Deputy Governor of the state fired several shots into his family compound on Sunday.

“Already, Senator Mark has alerted the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase of the plot by the APC stalwarts in Benue to assassinate him,” the statement reads.

“The petition signed by Mark’s counsel Mr. Ken Ikonne alleged that one Okpokwu Ogenyi masterminded the plot.

“In the petition, Ikonne told the IGP that it is obvious that Ogenyi knows more about the assassination plot than he has revealed. “Our client has therefore instructed us to petition you ( IGP) to, as a matter of urgency, apprehend and interrogate Ogenyi to throw more light on the details of this grave assassination plot before he and his associates carry out the dastardly plot.

“Only yesterday, police said to be attached to the State Deputy Governor Benson Abounu fired several gun shots into the family house of Senator Mark in Otukpo.

“No reason was given for the unprovoked attack and no arrest has been made.

“A couple of weeks ago, Benue State chairman of the APC Mr. Abbah Yaro was quoted as saying ‘if Senator Mark wants, let him win the election in seven out of the nine local government areas but no returning officer born of a woman will dare declare him."

The APC Chairman in the state, Abbah Yaro, was also quoted as saying Mark would not be declared as winner of the election even if he emerges victorious.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/apc-senatorial-aspirantdaniel-onjeh.html

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This is the bakery where Olajumoke worked before she found fame after photo-bombing a TY Bello shoot. The documentary on her will air this Sunday Feb. 14th on NTA Newsline.


http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photos-olajumoke-tour-of-bakery-where.html

Here’s Nike Okundaye. A 64-year old Nigerian Batik and Textile designer who has no formal education, but lecturers at Harvard. Some of you know her story. Love her gele! Talk about class!!

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photo-nike-okundaye-64-year-old.html

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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photos-how-yoruba-boys-dress-on-vals-day.html

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President Buhari says despite the recent attacks by Boko Haram members in some parts of Borno state, the group has now been decimated to the point where they do not have a hold on any Local government area in Nigeria. Buhari said this while speaking with the visiting President of Germany, Joachim Gauck, at the statehouse today Feb 11th


“It is a pity Boko haram welcomed you by explosions in Maiduguri that took so many lives, but I have attempted to explain in so many fora that Boko haram is not what it used to be. While they were firmly holding 14 out of 774 local governments when we came in, they are not holding any local government now. What they have resorted to is using improvised explosive devices to cause maximum casualties on soft targets as they did yesterday,” he said.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/boko-haram-not-holding-any-nigerian.html

The wife of Vice President,Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo was with the First Lady of Germany, Daniela Schadt who Abuja health care center this morning in Dutse Makaranta.


http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photo-mrs-dolapo-osinbajo-german-first.html

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About 13 governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC were formerly members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

See list below:

1. Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state

Using the PDP platform, he was elected Senator for the Ogun Central district of Ogun State in April 2003
https://www.nigerianbulletin.com/data/attachments/51/51986-c7ffbd9b33b3e9a386c8ef38cdf2084d.jpg

2. Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state

He served as FCT minister under the PDP
[img]http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/nasir-el-rufai-jpg.70682/[/img]

3. Governor Aminu Masari of Kastina state

Former House of representatives speaker under the PDP.
[img]http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/aminu-masari-jpg.70683/[/img]

4. Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State

Former Commissioner of Commerce and Investment under PDP.
[img]http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/governor-abubakar-bello-of-niger-state-jpg.70684/[/img]
5. Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto

Former Speaker of the house of representatives under the PDP
[img]http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/aminu-tambuwal-jpg.70685/[/img]
6. Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state

Former Commissioner of Finance and development under the PDP
[img]http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/abdulfatah-ahmed-jpg.70687/[/img]
7. Governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State

Former front runner of the PDP in Jigawa.
[img]http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/badaru-jpg.70688/[/img]
8. Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state

Former speaker of the Plateau state house of assembly under PDP.
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9. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state

Former commissioner for local government and former Deputy Governor under PDP.

10. Governor Samuel Orthom of Benue state

Former Minister of Trade and Investment under PDP
[img]http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/samuel-ortom-jpg.70691/[/img]

11. Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state

Former frontliner of PDP in Nasarawa

12. Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi state

Former senator representing Kebbi Central under PDP

13. Governor Bindow Jubrilla of Adamawa state

Former Senator representing Adamawa North under PDP.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/13-apc-governors-who-were-formerly.html

Hajara began her career as a non-commissioned officer in 1986. She rose to become the first Hausa Muslim woman from a core Northern state to reach the rank of Wing Commander, equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel in the Army.

Hajara, a daughter of late Marafan Birnin Kudu, Colonel Bashari Umaru, from Birnin Kudu in Jigawa State, is currently the Chief Matron of Armed Forces Medical Hospital, Kano. She has been to war in Congo, served at Ibadan, Kaduna, among other places within the country.

She was born in Dorayi Quarters on March 19, 1964, and grew up in Yakasai quarters of Kano, and later began her early education at wagwarwa Primary School, and later joined St. Louis Primary School.

Being a bright student, Hajara gained admission into Queen’s College, Lagos and St. Louis Secondary School, Kano. She would have chosen the former option but for her dad’s transfer to Kano. After completing her secondary education, she joined School of Nursing, Kano.

It was at that school that she took the decision to join the Nigerian Air Force, following recruitment drive for medical personnel.

"It was actually a dramatic situation. My mom Hajiya didn’t like it at all. And my dad pretends that he also didn’t like it in order to please her. But he actually encouraged me and respected my choice," the widow said.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photos-first-hausa-muslim-female-wing.html

The pair reportedly got married yesterday..

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photos-sokoto-state-governor-aminu.html

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Chief Bisong Etahoben, an international investigative journalist and traditional ruler revealed how a jealous wife from Kerawa North in Cameroon exposed her husband who she claims trains girls, arm them and sends them as suicide bombers to wreck havoc and claim many lives.

Etahoben, made the disclosure through his twitter handle, said the wife labeled her husband as “Emir of Boko Haram” – informing that she helped her husband who now lives in Goche, to prepare girls who exploded bombs in Mozogo, Ashigashiya and Kolofata regions of Cameroon.

See tweets:

[img]http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/kerewa-jpg.70217/[/img]

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/my-husband-trains-girls-as-suicide.html

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The President had on Friday via his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina announced that he will be going on vacation.

Buhari may use the opportunity of the short holiday to undergo medical check-up in London, United Kingdom.

Buhari had told some Nigerians resident in United Kingdom earlier in the day that his doctors who he has been using since 1978 are based in London.

According to a transcript of his interactions with Nigerians living in UK, the President had said, “The court process during my first attempt at the Presidency lasted 30 months. I only missed four sittings.

''One, when we went to bury late Chuba Okadigbo, my vice presidential candidate.

''The other three times, I came here (London) to see my doctors who I have been using since 1978 when I was in Petroleum.”

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/my-doctors-are-in-london-buhari.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has lashed out at Nigerians applying for asylum in the United Kingdom.



UK reports that Nigeria's president warned his fellow citizens to stop trying to make asylum claims in Britain, saying that their reputation for criminality has made it hard for them to be "accepted" abroad.

"Some Nigerians claim is that life is too difficult back home, but they have also made it difficult for Europeans and Americans to accept them because of the number of Nigerians in prisons all over the world accused of drug trafficking or human trafficking," he said

"I don't think Nigerians have anybody to blame. They can remain at home, where their services are required to rebuild the country."

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/youre-criminalsstop-applying-for-asylum.html

cc: lalasticlala

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and top businessmen from the South West including Mike Adenuga, Subomi Balogun, Rasaq Okoya and others joined Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, in welcoming President Buhari to Ogun state yesterday. Buhari was in the state to celebrate its 40th anniversary and also commission some projects. He also visited the Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona. See more photos after the cut...
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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photos-obasanjo-mike-adenuga-balogun.html

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Habibat Ibrahim Shaba , a 5months PREGNANT based in Kubwa area of Abuja, has been declared missing. On 30/01/2016, she went to Abuja town and on returning home, her car developed mechanical fault, she managed to get the car to her In-law's house in Gwarimpa and then took CAB/DROP from Gwarimpa to her house in Kubwa area, but she never got home.

She is the CEO of Initiative for the Awareness of Cancer in Women, and initiative that has sent victim to India for successful treatment in 2011.

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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photos-this-pregnant-woman-is-missing.html


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www.nairaland.com/attachments/3356642_PresidentMuhammaduBuhariattheAwujalePalaceinIjebuOdePhotos3_jpgc446b53b31352d4831cea14da2395a93

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photos-buhari-arrives-ijebu-ode-ogun.html

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Being part of the remark by the Acting National Chairman of The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, at the inauguration of the Imo State PDP Caretaker Committee today, Monday, February 1, 2016.

The peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urges the judiciary, as the last hope of the common man, to continue to assert its independence and not allow itself to be deterred from upholding justice and the rule of law, no matter the pressure


The judicial community and in fact, all discerning Nigerians were shocked by the release by the Presidency on Sunday wherein President Muhammadu Buhari was quoted to have described the judiciary as the 'major headache' of his administration.

This statement is a direct affront on the statutorily guaranteed independence of the judiciary and more worrisome is the fact that a President of a country had to tie back already settled judgments of the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, in cases involving him, as a benchmark of his assessment of the institution of the judiciary at the moment.

While we express worry at the attacks on the judicial arm of government, we are aware that they are intended to blackmail and stampede the judiciary to deliver judgments against the PDP in various pending cases involving our party and some of our leaders in the courts.

While we urge the judiciary to ensure that it adequately guards its flanks from all external influences, we also caution the executive to focus on governance, while respecting the constitutionally guaranteed principle of separation of powers by allowing the judiciary and the legislature indeed, all statutory arms of government to freely operate within the bounds provided by our laws.

Finally, the PDP wishes to call on critical stakeholders to appreciate the fact that the Judiciary, in its nature as an arbiter, cannot join issues with the other arms, and such needs to be defended from the brazen blackmail by the APC-led Government.

Signed:

Prince Uche Secondus
Acting National Chairman

####

Note that Acting Chairman's remark came during the inauguration of the Caretaker Committee of Imo state PDP.

He charged the committee to be fair, just and balanced, accommodate every interest and restore Imo PDP to winning ways, especially as APC government in the state has failed woefully.

The PDP Imo Caretaker Committee:

Hon. Vitalis Okafor - Chairman
Sir Martin Ejiogu - Deputy Chairman
Chief Innocent Ikpemezie - Member
Chief Fabian Ogbonna - Member
Chidi Onuoha - Member
Chief Peter Ezenwa Orji- Member
Chief Isaac Anyim -Member
Chief Henry Onwukwe - Member
Chief Eze Ugochukwu - Member
Rt. Hon Okechukwu Dike - Member
Sir. Roy Iwuala - Member
Hon. Emma Dike - Member
Sir Bon Unachukwu - Member
Chief Mrs. Josephine Nnoaham- Member
Chief Mrs. Vivian Echeruo.....Member/Secretary


http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/pdp-laments-buharis-attack-on-judiciary.html

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https://12800-presscdn-0-96.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Hajiya-Ramatu-Tijjani-Handing-Over-Some-Bibles-To-Pastor-Yohanna-Buru2-e1454267114504.jpg
In a bid to strengthening religious tolerance and mutual understanding as the world marks International Interfaith Harmony week by the United Nations, a Muslim woman in Kaduna on Sunday donated 50 Bibles written in Hausa language to Church cleric and members.

Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, who arrived the Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry Sabon-Tasha, Kaduna at 9;30am in company of her son, Abdullahakim, to attended Sunday church service with Christians , explained that there is the need to start the World Interfaith Harmony week holding between 1st -7th February by donating important gifts such as Bibles to Christians .

She also said the importance of sharing Bibles to Christians is to boost mutual understanding and inter religious dialogue as well as spread the culture of peace and harmony in a way to immensely promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith and beliefs.

According to her, the interfaith harmony week is established to celebrate the principles of tolerance and respect for the other that are deeply rooted in the world’s major religious. Adding, “That is why United Nations declared and dedicated first week of this month to promote all activities that encourage and enhance religious activities and tolerance.


“Christians are my brothers and sisters and as a Muslim I love visiting them, because both religions preach peace and tolerance. Attending the church service doesn’t make me become a Christians. As a Muslim, I have copies of the Bible at her home and I read them.”
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Hajiya Tijjani who pointed out that the impact of the previous ethno-religious and political crises in the state that claimed hundreds of lives and properties was a serious set-back for peaceful co-existence in Kaduna, urged clerics from both religions to preach sermons that encourage unity and peaceful co-existence.

While emphasising that both religion preach peace, harmony, forgiveness and tolerance, she noted ,”We all are from Adams and Eve and because both Muslims and Christians have their books and scriptures that guide them, we should rely on the scriptures.”

She however, called on the states, federal government, non governmental organizations, civil societies organizations, human right groups, traditional rulers and youth organizations to use the week to speak on need for inter-faith harmony and good will in the world’s Churches, Mosques, Synagogues, Temples and other places of worships.

“It is necessary for Nigerian religious clerics to strengthen peace culture and maintain the culture of visiting other clerics at their places of worship in other to teach their followers ways of tolerating other religious bodies,” she said .

Receiving the Bibles, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Pastor Yohanna Buru, thanked Hajiya Tijjani for the Bible donation and urged other Nigerians to learn how to tolerate, accommodate and live in peace with one another, irrespective of religious backgrounds.

Pastor Buru also called on all citizens to shun all issues that lead to ethno-religious and political crisis. Meanwhile, he stressed that it is high time for all preachers to redouble their efforts in teaching their followers the right ways and obey the teaching of the holy books so as to end the activities of extremists and terrorists hiding under religion . “ As preachers we must work to halt the activities of false preachers, causing series of problems to peace settlement across the globe”.

Pastor Buru however, said as this year’s interfaith week and harmony commences, the church will embark on endurance trekking with Muslims to create awareness to the public on need to tolerate one another, regardless of religious affiliations.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photos-muslim-woman-donates-bibles-to.html

cc: lalasticlala

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Three corpses were found and exhumed from a building site at Ugwuaji area of Enugu on the Enugu - Portharcourt Expressway yesterday Monday Jan. 25th. The corpses were buried inside the foundation of the building allegedly owned by a church which is under construction and totally covered with concrete.

According to unconfirmed sources, one of the workers at the site who heard about what had happened to the three men alerted the police, who came to exhume the bodies. The building is allegedly owned, according to residents in the area, by a ritualist who disguised to be a man of God. More photos...
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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-dead-bodies-found-buried-in.html

cc: lalasticlala seun

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Kaduna state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai launched the School Feeding Program in Public Primary Schools in Kaduna State this morning. The flag off took place at LGEA Primary School Aliyu Makama Barnawa-Kaduna, Kaduna South Local Government Area, Kaduna State. See more photos after the cut...
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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-el-rufai-launches-school-feeding.html

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Rotimi Amaechi is the Minister of Transport and immediate past governor of Rivers state. He was in Rivers state over the weekend.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photo-amaechi-arrives-rivers-state-in.html

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Billionaire businessman Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu's young wife, Frances, has been delivered of a bouncing baby boy. The baby was born yesterday morning at Greater Baltimore Medical centre.

The 74 year old billionaire married 28 year old Frances in 2013. Congrats to the couple

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photo-billionaire-businessman-chief.html

cc: lalasticlala

2015 was ushered out with fireworks, dancing and prayers as the new year, 2016 was heralded in by all and sundry.

The previous year was thoroughly eventful- although it ended on a rather somber note for many Nigerians as fuel scarcity yet lingers, the Naira continuously drops in value in the international market, bombs are still being detonated by Boko Haram, while protests are becoming a regularity.

As Nigerians enter the New Year with hope for their general state of being to get better, here is a list of 10 things most citizens expect from the Federal Government in 2016.

Defeat Boko Haram completely, not technically.


During the campaign for the presidential polls, the All Progressives Congress gallantly promised Nigerians to defeat and vanquish the dangerous Boko Haram sect in no time if elected into the Aso Villa.

Their flag bearer, Muhammadu Buhari won the election and raised the hopes of Nigerians by promising that insurgency would end before the close of the year 2015.

As the year cascaded to a close, the Federal Government claimed technical victory over the terrorists prompting fresh attacks on Borno and Adamawa states, by the insurgents.

In 2016, Nigerians desperately hope that the Federal Government would literally defeat the Boko Haram menace in totality and not technically.



Begin payment of N5,000 allowance to unemployed youths.

Another promise made by the All Progressives Congress which is yet to be delivered to Nigerians is the payment of a monthly allowance of N5,000 to unemployed youths across the country.

Since getting into the power, the feasibility of the payment plan has been discussed extensively with the government sometimes giving reasons why it cannot cover all unemployed youths.

The payment is meant to commence in January 2016, according to some members of the Buhari cabinet, and Nigerians are hoping and expecting the government to fulfill this particular promise.



Fight corruption squarely.

One of the major strong points of the current administration is the fight against corruption and investigations into diversion of funds meant for public use by individuals in power.

More prominent and public in the government’s fight against corruption is the $2 billion arms scandal in which Sambo Dasuki and a host of other public figures are currently embroiled.

In 2016, Nigerians expect the government to extend its sweeping arm of righteousness across political party lines and fight the good fight without picking favorites.



Provide one meal a day for school pupils.

During the campaign for presidential election, a meal a day was promised by the APC to schoolchildren across the country.

This is yet to implemented and Nigerians are hopeful that the Federal Government would justify the faith and belief that made people come out and vote en masse for President Buhari.



End the continued fuel scarcity across the nation.

For more than three months, the nation has faced a gigantic challenge of getting fuel at pump stations as the battle between the Federal Government and oil marketers raged on behind the scenes.

Queues for fuel at different petrol stations were seen to be longer than giant constrictors as several petrol stations stopped selling petrol for lack of availability.

As the New Year dawns on the nation, Nigerians hope that fuel scarcity would soon abate.



Reduction of pump price of petrol.

It may be too little to cheer but little is better than nothing.

The Federal Government has on different platforms hinted on the possible removal of the subsidy on oil which would inadvertently result in the skyrocketing of the price of petrol.

However, a few weeks ago, the government announced that the pump rice for petrol would be regulated to about N86 per liter and Nigerians are really hoping that the government keep to its words.



Save the failing Naira.

The Nigerian currency continues to struggle in the international market, falling as low as N265 to a dollar in December.

The government has effected different measures to ensure that the Naira regains its value even as investors are set to pull out of the nation due to the Naira’s loss of value.

The fall has also affected the import and export market greatly leading to a likely economic crunch and inflation in the country.

The Federal Government would do well by Nigerians to initiate policies that save the failing Naira and resuscitate the nation’s currency.



Create more jobs for teeming unemployed youths.

The count of unemployed youths in the country is quite staggering.

During the presidential campaign, Vice President Osibanjo promised Nigerians that if voted in, the administration would ensure that 2 million jobs were immediately provided for the teeming population of unemployed youths in the country.

Months after getting into power, nothing has been forthcoming in this department.

The Vice President also recently promised that 1 million jobs would be created in 2016.

Despite being a million short of the initial projected number during the campaign, Nigerians still expect that 1 million jobs will be created.

This would significantly help in curbing the blight of unemployment in the country.



The President cuts the frequency of his travels.

In 2015, President Buhari frequently made trip across the world at state expense, some of which some people have described as unnecessary considering the myriads of challenges the country is facing.

From the proposed budget for 2016 submitted by the president to the 8th Senate, it would appear, from the staggering amount designated for presidential travels, that the frequency of President Buhari’s journeys abroad would not abate.

It remains to be seen however, what the Federal government has in stock for Nigerians in that respect, in the New Year.



http://ynaija.com/9-things-nigerians-expect-from-president-buhari-in-2016/

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The National Emergency management Agency (NEMA) on Friday said it had provided drugs and medical consumables for the treatment of victims of the recent bombings in Maiduguri.

The NEMA North East Information Officer, Malam Abdulkadir Ibrahim, stated this in a statement in Maiduguri.

He noted that “NEMA has provided drugs and medical consumables for the treatment of the people injured in the recent bombings which occurred in Maiduguri, the Borno capital.

“The drugs were presented to the pharmaceutical departments of the Maiduguri General Hospital, the Umaru Shehu Specialist Hospital, the late Mamman Shuwa Memorial Hospital and the Nigerian Air Force Clinic, Dalori.”

Ibrahim said that the gesture was aimed at assisting hospitals in the treatment of the victims, most of them less privileged.

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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-nema-distributes-drugs-to.html

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What is the most compelling, most impactful and most remarkable issue in the year 2015 that has just ended? In my estimation, it is democracy: its contents and discontents, its hopes and impediments, and the forceful manner in which these have compelled us afresh to focus on our circumstances and destiny as a people and a nation. In 2015, democracy shaped the national debate.

The government of the people, as simply and poignantly defined, has been, in the last 22 years, such a central idea and a factor in the lives of Nigerians, after so many years under purely authoritarian rule, inflicted by the military for decades by subterfuge.
In those years that the locusts ate, as described by George Ehusani, Nigerians suffered. Dictatorship. Abuses. Autocracy. Disregard for human rights and utter disdain for the people’s voice. The call for democracy, the insistence on it; the urge for the people’s rule, was the only solution that civil society clung to. Thrice in the last 22 years, therefore, democracy has been the people’s only hope of having a say in their own affairs.

The first turning point was in 1993. That year, the military junta led by military leader, President Ibrahim Babangida annulled a democratic election, which threw up late Bashorun MKO Abiola as the undisputed and undeclared winner. The military having been in power in one form or the other since 1966, with a short interregnum of the Shagari years (1979-1983), obviously did not want to leave or lose power. For the rest of that year and for the six years that followed, Nigerians fought a principled battle against the military. They insisted on the supremacy of the people’s will. By the end of 1993, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that democracy was the major issue of the year. The second turning point was in 1999. That was the year Nigerians gained actual victory over the military and succeeded in putting in place a democratically elected government led by President Olusegun Obasanjo.


The triumphalism of that year, and the fact that the military had been humbled again made democracy, the very fact of its return, the major issue of the year. Nigerians woke up on January 1, 2000, with a democratic government in place, with hope in their hearts that democracy will endure, and deliver positive dividends and value. The third turning point occurred in the year that just ended. It has been 22 years since the struggle for democracy began, and 16 years since the return to civilian rule: in 2015, democracy confronted Nigerians with new challenges and brought in its trail, lessons so significant they may affect the future of Nigeria and of the democratic process forever. It left fresh imprints on the Nigerian consciousness and delivered impactful outcomes. I have dealt in parenthesis, with aspects of this in an earlier piece (The Guardian, October 23), but as the year ends and another begins, we need be reminded of the phenomenon in a more expanded and specific sense, especially in the light of emergent realities.

In 2015, Nigerians confidently voted out a sitting government, and demonstrated that indeed, democracy is the triumph of the majority, right or wrong. It was the year when the political elite learnt a bitter lesson about humility. The then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had been dominant consistently for 16 years, and had become so accustomed to power that some of its leaders once boasted that the party will rule Nigeria for 60 years or even forever. Whoever made that statement failed to understand that power is slippery and that in a democracy, nothing can ever be so certain. Successful Presidents have lost elections; less successful ones have won full terms and have been tempted to stay longer.


What has prevailed is the power of the voter. The Nigerian voter ended the year 2015, fully aware of his or her power to determine the fate of politicians in office. Members of the PDP started the year 2015, convinced that as a sitting government, in office and power, they would remain formidable. But by December, the party had been routed, its members are in flight, and those of its members that survived are in the minority, their voices muffled, their former supporters in disarray. No one is in any doubt any longer about the slippery nature of the political terrain, and how the only thing that is certain in a democracy as in military rule, is power itself.

It was also in the year just ended that Nigerians witnessed for the first time, the rare spectacle of a sitting President organizing an election, which he and his party ended up losing in a jaw-dropping-to-the-floor-manner. President Goodluck Jonathan went a step further by conceding victory and pledging to support his successor. This may have been a positive development for democracy in Nigeria and Africa, but given the aftermath in the last seven months, this may never happen in Nigeria again or rather, for a very long time.


President Jonathan chose to respect the people’s will and show leadership, statesmanship and patriotism, but today, some other students of power are working hard to revise the story, and the facts. The transition from a ruling party to the opposition is in theory, good for our democracy, but the cost to the former ruling party and its agents teach a different lesson. The use of such phrases as “stupid”, “naïve,” “inexperienced” to describe what ordinarily should be a positive development has shown a posteriori that the model that is likely to endure in the Nigerian political space, may not be that of sportsmanship, but the model, sadly, of “do or die” political opportunism. When this concept was introduced afresh into Nigeria’s political lexicon around 2003, we all raised our pens and mouths in protest.

But in retrospect, many Nigerians may consider that commonsensical aphorism, a nugget of political wisdom and pragmatism, and this may be the attitude that will govern future political behavior at the centre in Nigeria. When you hold power, control the institutions and you are in charge, it is better to avoid any jaw-breaking outcomes. I don’t for example, imagine the ruling APC, handing over power to an opposition party in 2019! The APC in seven months has demonstrated such pragmatism that has elevated the do or die principle to a guiding compass. Even the most apolitical among us, has learnt that even in a democracy, especially in Africa, you can only allow power to slip away at your own peril. You can moralize about this as much as you wish, but by 2015, Nigerians have seen clearly that politics is not always about good intentions.


They have seen, for example, that the professional political elite can indeed over-promise, and that honesty is a scarce virtue in politics. Above all, democracy is not a deus ex machina, a kind of magical process that resolves all problems; it certainly does not work like that in a developing country still grappling with issues of being and becoming. And so in the year 2015, Nigerians went from voting out a sitting government, to months of expectation, and ended the year on a note of disbelief: how there is so much difference between promise and delivery, governance and accountability, power and service, truth and falsehood and all the contradictions that the use and abuse of power by those we have elected to lead us, can possibly throw up. The effect is that the gap of distrust between the people and the political elite is further widened. In the year 2015, Nigerians experienced massive change in the political terrain, but by December 31, they were neither more confident nor better reassured about the future or their circumstances.

In 2015, Nigerians further saw on display, how change can be brought about in a multi-party democracy through alliances and coalitions. To dislodge the People’s Democratic Party, a determined opposition elite had to sink their differences, and unite under one mission, one vision and one umbrella. This multi-party coalition achieved its objective, and whereas the differences among the key players may have become evident, the strategic visioning that brought about change in 2015 is remarkable. The only caveat can be traced to the political vulnerability of the minority groups in Nigeria: with the coalition dominated and supported by the two major ethnic groups in Nigeria, with key politicians drawn from the third major ethnic group, the battle was obviously won and lost. The potency of a majorities-conspiracy in Nigeria reinforces politics as a game of numbers, but it further erodes whatever may have been achieved with the emergence of a President of South-South extraction, and has only further deepened feelings of alienation and marginalization. In securing victory in 2015, therefore, the majority may have sown the seeds of greater troubles to come.


The people’s faith in democracy remains strong nonetheless. It is the form of government that has given them presence, voice and influence over their own affairs. It is the form of government that has taken them away from military rule: even if traces of militarism continue to manifest in the democratic process, the people are still confident that in the long run, only their will can prevail. Democracy is the platform and the weapon that has made it possible for the ordinary Nigerian to ask questions and to pass judgement loudly and openly and get away with doing so. It is this same form of government that has guaranteed free and widespread access to different modes of electronic and social communication, which taken together have deepened collective participation in the country’s leadership process. Nigeria’s democracy has grown to such a level that even the farmer in the village is keenly aware that the purpose of government is to serve the people and ensure their welfare and that where this fails, every citizen has the right and the opportunity to protest or raise an alarm. If the military conducted themselves as overlords, Nigerian politicians today are constantly reminded that they are the people’s servants and that the people are entitled to their freedoms under the law.

In all, the shape and the health of Nigeria’s democracy remain key concerns, and the matters arising as the year ends, are many: how best can elections be improved upon, to deepen integrity and limit gerrymandering, from the introduction of PVCs, to the declaration of results at each polling unit? How should political parties be funded? Should a ruling party deploy state resources for its own purposes or not? And should incumbent governments play games with the promises made during campaign season? Who is best suited for public office?



What happens when public opinion shows a growing disillusionment with the pace/depth of change? When for example, will N1 exchange for $1? And when will democracy finally deliver on its promise to end infrastructural deficit, the non-payment of salaries, an economy that rises and falls at will, and a leadership elite that huffs and puffs? As the people enter a new year, with so many expectations about the choices they made in 2015, finding meaningful answers to these questions will further define the shape and health of our democracy.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/the-year-of-democracy-reunen-abati.html

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Yesterday Dec. 30th, British actors Idris Elba and David Oyelowo were on Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honors list and both received OBEs for their services on the big screen.

"Awards and honors come in all shapes and sizes and all as significant as the other. But this is beyond special as it comes from Queen and country, and I couldn't be more proud for receiving this right now. What a year. On me head son!" Idris said in a statement.

"To be honored by the Queen in this way having been aided by her son's charity feels like a beautiful full-circle moment," David Oyelowo said

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/photo-david-oyelowo-receives-order-of.html

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The Anambra Police Command said on Friday that eight persons died in Thursday’s explosion at a gas plant in Nnewi, near Awka.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ali Okechukwu, told NAN that two bodies, a mother and her baby, were later recovered at a nearby building.

Okechukwu also described as false the “alarming and misleading figure” of casualty put at over100 by the media.

“After the incident, six persons were confirmed dead outside the perimeter fencing of the company.

“Two other bodies of a woman and her child were later found dead in an adjoining building.

“Six other persons who were seriously injured were also rushed to the University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, and later referred to the hospital in Enugu,” Okechukwu said.

He explained that the fire might have occurred at the time when domestic gas was being dispensed to customers.

“I think there was disconnect which led to the explosion,” Okechukwu said.

He said investigation was still ongoing to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.

He further explained that when the fire sparked-off from one of the nozzles, staff members and customers were advised to vacate the premises.

Okechukwu said that most of the casualties were motorcyclists and passersby who rushed to take a glance at the inferno before the explosion took place.

Also confirming the report, the Acting Director of the state Fire Service, Mr Innocent Mbonu, said although some nearby buildings were affected, six persons died before the fire service team came.

“Tentative report says the fire, which was extinguished after a fierce battle, was caused by domestic gas explosion which distributed fire to some buildings around.”

The explosion affected the Inter Corp Oil Limited (LPG Gas Plant), a subsidiary of Chikason Group.

An eye witness said that the fire was caused by an explosion when a truck was discharging its contents.

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/police-recover-bodies-of-baby-and-mum.html

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A youth group known as the Ekiti Kete Youth Forum as denounced the Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose as a disgrace to the people of the state.

The statement was made by Tope Idowu, the director of publicity of Ekiti Kete Youth Forum in a recent conference. The youth group also claimed that Ekiti State lost its premium academic and moral standing under Fayose's administration.

They criticized the governor as uncultured and disrespectful.

“It is unheard of that Governor Fayose, instead of facing serious governance, has rather become common in the market as a seller of pepper, meat, fish, palm oil and so on. An act which has not only denigrated the highly esteemed office, but also deceitful as it aims at distracting the people from noticing his negative tendencies towards serious governance.

“Since Fayose resumed office as the governor of Ekiti on 16 October, 2014, Ekiti has always been in the news for wrong reasons, due to series of shameful and uncultured acts being exhibited by Mr. Fayose on a daily basis, as he has also neglected his responsibility as a governor of a state and unofficially assumed the responsibility of the spokesperson of the opposition party (People’s Democratic Party) in the country,”

The youth forum also lamented the high rate of poverty and unemployment in the state. They likewise accused him of imposing heavy taxes on the people.

“Mr. Governor is less concerned about their welfare, this has informed our strongly condemning his idea of imposing heavy tax on the governed even with their small scale businesses, the tipper drivers and meat sellers who are struggling to feed their families,” the group said.

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/fayose-is-social-disgrace-to-ekiti.html

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An Argentine fan who also supports River Plate of Argentina reportedly spat on Lionel Messi on Sunday evening after his club Barcelona celebrated winning the Club World Cup title in Japan where he scored in the 3-0 win. While heading through the Narita International Airport in Tokyo, he was allegedly abused by an irate fan.

According to Spanish magazine Marca, Messi, who some football fans in Argentina don't like because they feel he shows more loyalty and zeal towards Barcelona than Argentina, was about to confront the fan when teammates Mascherano, Luis Suarez and coach Luis Enrique came to calm down the arising tension. More photos after the cut...

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http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/photos-argentine-fan-spits-on-lionel.html

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Read the press statement below...

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday unveiled plans to transform Ebute-Meta into a tourist haven by establishing a recreation park on the stretch of land overlooking the lagoon, adjacent to the Adekunle axis of the Third Mainland Bridge. The Governor, who said this during the commissioning of Ipaja-Ayobo and Ikotun-Ejigbo Roads as well as an inspection tour of on-going projects across the State, lamented the state of the piece of land which he described as an eye sore from the bridge.


He, therefore, gave the auto mechanics under the bridge seven days ultimatum to vacate the site and remove all abandoned vehicles for the development project to commence in earnest.

He said all things being equal, the project would be completed before the end of May in 2016 when Lagos State would be 50 years-old.

Governor Ambode, who expressed dissatisfaction about the refusal of the mechanics to vacate the site despite repeated notice, said it was important for them to appreciate that the land was needed for overall public interest of the State.

He also ordered traders in the area to move to the special site prepared for them in Agbowa by January 2016.

While at Ipaja where he inspected the just-completed Ipaja-Ayobo Road, Governor Ambode promised to commence construction works on Ishefun-Ayetoro Road, just as he assured residents that Alimosho would soon become the new Victoria Island.

He said: "Three months ago, you will all recall that we came to this particular road and we promised the people of Mosan-Okunola that we will deliver the Ipaja -Ayobo Road before Christmas, and it is on the strength of that promise that we are here today. Thank God, we have seen to the completion of this road; it has street lights beginning from Ipaja Round About to the end."

"As much as we have kept our promise and delivered even before the projected day, the residents should also maintain good use of this road and cooperate with the government as we extend development to this neighbourhood. I just want to assure the people of Alimosho axis that this government is right behind you and we would do everything possible to turn Alimosho to Victoria Island," Governor Ambode said.

The Governor also formally commissioned the Ejigbo Road and assured residents that street light would be installed on the road from Ikotun Roundabout to the Isolo Campus of Lagos Polytechnic within three months.

The Governor also inspected the on-going construction work in the popular Brown Street in Oshodi where he was briefed by Mr Baha, the project Manager for Lobrics Construction Company.

The Governor said that the project which commenced about six weeks ago, is now over 40 percent completed, just as he expressed optimism that the residents in the area would enjoy the benefits of the new road when completed.

After being briefed by the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Adeola Olajobi Dawood on the challenges of the adjourning Igbehinadun and Inasa Streets, the Governor ordered the Public Works Corporation to rehabilitate both streets within the next seven days.

While charging the contractor to ensure the completion of Brown Street by the end of February 2016, the Governor also urged the residents to continue to cooperate with the contractor so as to deliver the projects within the stipulated time frame.

At the Oshodi Resettlement Market, Governor Ambode also ordered the Public Works Corporation to resurface the car park in the market in preparation for the reopening of the market.

Governor Ambode also advised the developer of the market to consider a rent-to-own modality for acquisition of the shops, saying that a monthly payment plan would prevent the shops from being hijacked by businessmen.

SIGNED
HABIB ARUNA
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
DECEMBER 21, 2015

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/gov-ambode-sets-to-transform-ebute-meta.html

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Drop Your Caption

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/caption-this-funny-photo-of-amaechi-at.html

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Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar paid a visit to an Orphanage for victims of Boko Haram yesterday Friday, December 11.

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/photo-atiku-abubakar-visits-orphanage.html

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The Lagos state Rapid Response Squad in a statement released this week, narrated how it used the drones available to them in recovering an SUV belonging to Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu. One of his staff was driving the car when it was snatched..Read the story after the cut...

On Sunday night, the car of Mr. Michael Effiong, an Editor of the Ovation Magazine, with special number plate "Ovation 3", was snatched at gun point in Maryland. Immediately, he reported to the RRS Commander, who in turn, sent radio signal to all Divisional Police Stations across Lagos state to track down the vehicle. For Mr. Effiong, the car has gone forever. But for the RRS Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olatunji Disu, it was a task that must be accomplished. Immediately, the Commander deployed the RRS drones and the use of GPS tracker. Eventually, the stolen vehicle was discovered where it was parked around an hotel. He led the operation to the scene of the stolen vehicle with the help of the contemporary information technology deployed to track down the jeep. The jeep was recovered beside a popular hotel, Kalesco Garden Hotel, Badagry. The joy of Mr. Effiong knows no bound when he was handed over his vehicle that was stolen back to him. He praised the Lagos State Police for their doggedness in recovering the vehicle.

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/photo-rrs-use-drones-to-recover-dele.html

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