₦airaland Forum

A renowned musician, Mr Sunny Nneji, on Monday urged the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) to be more unified in decision making processes for maximum results in 2017.
Nneji made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
The popular pop highlife star said that it was only when the ‘movers and shakers’ of the music industry cooperated among themselves, that meaningful progress could be achieved.This is a new year and I welcome everybody into it. However, it is necessary for the leaders in the music industry to be unified in making decisions.
“It is only when we can speak with one voice that progressive steps can be attained and our goals can be reached,’’ Nneji said.
The music maestro said that unification in the association would affect the quality of music being produced by upcoming and existing musicians in the industry.
According to him, it will be easier to set a standard and enforce such standards for the production of quality songs that can preserve Nigerian culture across the world.
“When there is unity in any sphere of life, only the best can be expected from such venture,’’ he said.
Nneji said that 2017 would be a good year for music to thrive and expressed confidence in the new crop of artistes being discovered in the industry.
Full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/sunny-nneji-urges-pman-to-promote-unity.html#more

MMM Nigeria says it has introduced Bitcoin, said to be the world’s best performing currency in 2016, as part of its mode of payment in its comeback plans

The Ponzi scheme, which froze accounts of its three million participants on December 13, 2016, is preparing to return, and it is throwing up a number of plans to get its community active again.

Last week, MMM promoters issued instructions to its participants whose accounts were frozen, to perform “Promo Tasks: A New Tool for MMM Community Development.”

In the MMM message, subscribers were told to perform tasks, both online and offline, to promote the scheme and drive “traffic and participation” by the time the restriction on the account is lifted.

“Being an MMM member implies not only opportunities, but also a responsibility for the state and development of the MMM Community”, the message said.

Now it has come up with Bitcoin, the increasingly popular cryptocurrency or digital currency.

It was said to be the best performing currency in 2016, appreciating by more than 100 percent , from about $400 per bitcoin to over $1,000 per bitcoin. The currency has now fallen to $887 as at last Friday, with China tightening rules to curb capital outflows.

Prior to the freeze of MMM, participants were allowed to provide help in bitcoin, but they were paid back in naira.

However, MMM new plan allows participants to receive payment in bitcoin, and watch their monies grow in bitcoin.

In a statement to participants, MMM said “due to the recent sharp price fluctuations of Bitcoin, MAVRO-BTC is being introduced in the system.

“So far, we have only had Mavro-Naira in the system. Even though you provided help via Bitcoin, your Bitcoins, anyway, were recalculated into the Naira at the exchange rate at the moment of providing help, and you were credited with Mavro-Naira in your PO.

“It was the naira amount that grew. In other words, you received 30 percent a month specifically in naira (not in Bitcoins, although you originally provided help using Bitcoins).

“Now, you have a chance to have 30 percent growth of the Bitcoin amount, not the naira amount. So, acquire MAVRO-BTC which will be credited in your PO and will grow at a 30 percent monthly growth rate.

“In a month not only 30 percent will be added to your initial amount, but, it can increase itself due to Bitcoin price growth.

“And, what if Bitcoin price is going to fall? In case Bitcoin price might go down, you will be able to return to naira at any time — instantly convert your MAVRO-BTC into Mavro-Naira (and vice versa, if Bitcoin price might increase again).
More at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/mmm-dumps-naira-for-bitcoin.html?m=1

A twenty-four-year-old driver accused of stealing his former employer’s car, television set and a pet dog, has confessed that the Christmas needs of his siblings pushed him into the stealing.
The decoy team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command arrested the suspect, Abass Ope, from Ogun State at Ojuelegba area of Lagos, on Boxing Day. He was rounded up by the police while trying to sell off his ex-boss’ Toyota Avensis 2013 model with Registration Number AGL 734 AR for N2 million.
Arrested along with him were three of his friends, Balogun Oluwaseun, 23; Sanni, 23 and Stephen Ewiele, 22. Abass had during Christmas period stormed his former boss Magodo home while he and his family were holidaying in Delta State, with a conspirator to move a 100 inches LCD TV, another 42 inches LCD TV, a dog, a suitcase, 2 DSTV decoders and a Toyota Avensis, from the home.According to Abass, “I took the car because I had no money to take care of myself and younger ones. They had no clothes, no shoes and this is Yuletide season.
They look up to me to take care of their expenses. It was about three months now that I left Mr. Ekinodo (his former boss). I had worked for him for four years before leaving in August 2016. I left because he had a little challenge and things were pretty tough for him.”
He continued: “He was a very nice boss to work with. He enrolled me into university but I couldn’t continue when I left him. While he had this challenge, he owed me eight months salary. This prompted me to take his property and the vehicle.”
It was learnt that the suspect invaded the home of his ex–boss after learning that he had travelled to Delta State for the Christmas holiday, and that the gatekeeper had also gone to church. A source said the suspect was aware of where his boss usually kept keys to his rooms, which made it easy for him to commit the crime.
It was revealed that his former boss, on getting report of the missing vehicle and property, called the suspect on more than two occasions to intimate him of the development, but he denied knowledge of the incidence. The source further added that the boss had to cut short his holiday with his family to report the incident at Magodo Police Station.
Ekinodo Ifoghale said: “I am still in shock. This is a guy I treated like a son. Apart from my wife, he was the closest person to me. This is a guy that did my shopping for me. Even before I would buy anything for myself, I bought for him first. How can I owe him eight months salary when he never worked for me during those periods? He was never in my house in the periods he claimed.”
read more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/i-robbed-my-ex-boss-to-buy-christmas.html#more

GENERAL Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye recently revealed how God used a witch to stop him from eating kola nut which would have lead to his death if he did not stop the act.

Narrating his experience while delivering a sermon tiled: “God Loves Me” during the annual thanksgiving service and prophetic declaration at the church national headquarters, Throne of Grace parish in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye attributed his continued survival to God’s faithfulness, and love, saying those whom God loves are more than conquerors.

In his words: “I was telling my children that whenever we wanted to study at night while we were young, we used kola nut as our own coffee as we did not have money to buy coffee. We ate the kola nut to stay awake.

“One day, the number one self confessed witch in our compound, called me and said: “Dejare, why won’t you stop eating kola nut? The witch warned me to desist from what can lead to my death. I think God spoke through the witch and I can say God loves me,” Adeboye stated.

Continuing, the cleric said: “You are alive today not because you are clever, wise or know how to do it but simply because God loves you. There are lots of people who are in the prison who are free. I was at the Kirikiri Prison where I heard testimonies that brought tears to my eyes. Some of them said they were in prison but they are free men because they have Jesus; they were incarcerated but they are free. And there are people who are outside the prison who are prisoners.

“It is because God loves you that you are able to conquer all that the devil threw at you last year. Left for the enemy you, will not be here today but because God loves you, you are more than conqueror,” Daddy G.O. said.

Adeboye then admonished Christians that God expects those He loves to respond by honouring Him with their tithes and first fruits and love their neighours, noting that the greatest gift Christians can give their neighbours is introducing them to Christ.

Also speaking, the Assistant General Overseer to G.O. on Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said it was high time government did something to ameliorate the incessant orgy of violence in southern Kaduna often leading to killing of innocent citizens and destruction of properties before it escalates to the type of Boko Haram problem the nation is nursing today.
Read more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/adeboye-god-used-witch-to-save-my-life.html?m=1

Mariah Carey and James Packer: Mariah Carey and James Packer have reportedly split. The duo got engaged in September, but the Australian billionaire called off their wedding – that was supposed to take place in early 2017. Mariah, who was previously married to Nick Canon, asked the father of her twins to finalise their divorce so she could marry James. The America’s Got Talent presenter didn’t want to stand in the way of the newly engaged couple and singed the pending papers in September, shortly before the wedding was called off. The short-lived engagement involved a 35-carat diamond and platinum blinder, bigger than Kim Kardashian’s and Beyoncé’s stones… combined.

Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart Jennifer Lopez relationship with backup dancer Casper Smart, recently came to an end. The couple had been together on-and-off for 5 years, after having publicly split in 2014, they made things work for another two years. Apparently, the 29-year-old prioritising his friends and social life over J-Lo was a constant problem. The last straw came when Smart didn’t accompany the beauty to an important Hamptons charity event, and went to an UFC 202 fight with his friends in Las Vegas. The couple ended the relationship in good terms.

Justin Bieber and Sofia Ritchie Justin Bieber and Sofia Richie have reportedly split. The couple, who was recently on a romantic vacation in Mexico, had a rough start after Justin posted photos with Sofia on social media that were not well received by his fans.The posts led to a little Insta-feud with his ex, Selena Gomez, who asked the singer not to be mad at his fans: “If you can’t handle the hate, then stop posting pictures of your girlfriend lol- It should be special between you two only. Don’t be mad at your fans. They love you.” After threatening to delete his account, Justin decided to quit Instagram. This duo’s short-lived relationship was certainly full of drama!

Taylor Kinney and Lady Gaga After nearly one and half years of engagement, Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney broke up. The singer was seen performing in a Mexican orphanage without her engagement ring, and shortly after was seen alone on Taylor’s birthday. The Chicago Fire actor proposed on Valentine’s day last year, with a gorgeous heart-shaped rock. Gaga just released her new single called “Perfect Illusion”, making fans question if the heartbreaking lyrics are about Taylor. Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman After 12 years together,

Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman have reportedly called it quits. According to reports, the couple has been struggling with marital issues for quite some time. On October 25, Wiseman filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne After 33 years of tumultuous marriage, the Osbournes split amid reports that he had an affair. Whether it’s truly over remains to be seen . . . Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman Hearts sank when everyone’s imaginary best friend filed for divorce from her husband and the father of her two young daughters. “Sadly our family is separating legally, although we do not feel this takes away from us being a family,” they said.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Breaking the internet with the news of their divorce, fans were sad to see one of their favourite Hollywood couples, Brad and Angelina, splitting. Angelina filed for divorce stating “irreconcilable differences”, reportedly on the way they raise their 6 children. Many infidelity rumours went viral involving French actress Marion Cotillard and even Gwyneth Paltrow. Brad released a statement asking the media to preserve their family’s privacy and saying he is very saddened by the event. Brad and Angelina have been together since 2004, but only got married in 2014, having recently celebrated their 2-year anniversary. Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber Just when we were trying our best to get our heads around Brangelina’s split, another long-term Hollywood couple has announced the end of their relationship.

Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber have confirmed their breakup after eleven years together. In a joint statement, the pair said: “Over the past few months we’ve come to the conclusion that the best way forward for us as a family is to separate as a couple… It is with great love, respect, and friendship in our hearts that we look forward to raising our children together and exploring this new phase of our relationship.”

Calvin Harris & Taylor Swift Taylor Swift, 26, and Calvin Harris, 32, went their separate ways after 15 months of dating. It was reported that it was Calvin who called off the romance, but Taylor will surely have the last laugh with an epic revenge song. An insider has claimed there was no incident which had triggered the break-up. The romance had merely fizzled out. “Taylor and Adam had no big blowout fight, but the romance just was not there anymore for them. Adam is the one that ended it. It was all done in a very mature fashion. Taylor is pretty upset but they are still in communication. Taylor was there for Adam with his accident and supportive.” Demi Lovato and Wilmer Velderrama After nearly 6 years together

Demi Lovato and Wilmer Velderama have reportedly split. The couple has never pondered on being romantic towards each other, sharing lovey-dovey posts on social media, and always being very public about their relationship. The break up, that came as shocking news to their fans was also publicaly announced. The singer and the actor posted the same statement on social media, saying: “This was an incredibly difficult decision for both of us, but we have realised more than anything that we are better as best friends.”
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/world-celebrity-breakups-in-2016.html#more

The Organisers of one of the most memorable events in Anambra State in 2016, The Unizik Fashion Show and Awards is back in 2017 with an even more interesting style and momentum. The Unizik Fashion Show and Awards or UFSA as it was popularly called has been as of this date January 6th 2017 changed to The Anambra Fashion Show and Awards which will conventionally be an annual event without compromise.The sole aim of this major change was to move past the shores of Unizik and to revitalize the essence and importance of Fashion events in Anambra State.The event is basically set to promote and celebrate Fashion Enterprise inside and outside the state. The AFSA organization was also established to celebrate fashion in a diversified and ecstatic way. This therefore will give the organization hope and also give Fashion Enterprise in Anambra State a reputable name and a platform to stand solidly for investors (Local and Foreign) to see the Light in the Business of Fashion in Anambra State.
The Anambra Fashion Show and Awards 2017 is scheduled for May/June 2017 and promises to be bigger and better than what was witnessed with the UFSA in 2016.

Signed.

AFSA management.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/anambra-fashion-show-and-awards-2017.html#more

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Saturday attend the inauguration ceremony of Ghana’s President-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo, in Accra.

Buhari, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, will join other Heads of State and Government to witness the swearing-in of the President-elect and Vice President–elect, Mahamudu Bawumia.

“President Buhari once again congratulates Ghanaians on the peaceful elections and orderly transfer of power from an incumbent to an opposition candidate, and commends outgoing President John Dramani Mahama for his maturity and statesmanship,” the statement said

President Buhari will return to Abuja at the end of the inauguration ceremony.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/buhari-to-attend-ghanas-president.html#more

The price of cooking gas has risen by about 30 per cent in Lagos and other parts of the country, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
A 12.5kg cylinder, which previously sold for N3,500, now goes for N4,500 in most parts of the metropolis.
Some domestic gas users told NAN that they were irked by the sudden price increase, which they said, was arbitrary and thoughtless.Mrs. Rebecca Aleshinloye, a resident in Surulere, complained that gas sellers every year exploit users by increasing price of the product during festive periods.
“I filled my cylinder with gas at N3,500 in December, but surprisingly, I was told the price has been changed to N4,500.
“In annoyance, I went to a gas plant inside a filling station thinking that it would be cheaper, but was told it is N5,000.
“I had no choice but to go back to the first gas plant to fill my cylinder. This practice of gas sellers is highly unfair to users considering the economic situation in the country,” she said.
Also, Mrs. Jennifer Eluko, a resident of Abule-Egba, said that cooking gas price rose on December 24 at most of the sale points in the area.
“I usually filled two cylinders ahead of the festive period because I know that sellers would sometimes create artificial scarcity and inflate the price,” Eluko said.
Mr. Ben Nwabueze, a retailer at Ikorodu, said that the price increase was a local problem, which would phase out as more plants restock the product.
“Yearly, because of the heavy cooking that takes place during Christmas period, there is usually high demand for gas.
More details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/cooking-gas-price-rises-to-n4500-per.html?m=1

Operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command at the weekend arrested Suleiman Seidu, 33, for allegedly attempting to kidnap a two-year-old boy, Chimdi Udwu, in Owode area of Ogun State.
The decoy team of the squad got a hint about a kidnap attempt on a little boy by one of the two persons, whom the prime suspect had contracted to perpetrate the crime. Upon gathering further intelligence, a member of the RRS Decoy Team posed as a lady that the kidnapper sought to help give the child a good care.
A RRS source disclosed that for more than two weeks while the kidnapping took shape, the investigator, pretending as an accomplice, was exchanging information with the prime suspect.It was revealed that the suspect assured the accomplice that he had gotten motorcycle to use in kidnapping the boy, stressing that the ransom was N10 million, which the father of the boy would be able to afford as a landlord and dealer in electrical appliances.
A source in RRS disclosed that one of the kidnapping suspects was shocked by the insistence of the prime suspect to kidnap the little boy and request for N10 million ransom. He continued: “I knew it was going to boomerang if I concealed the information and would not inform the police.
Then, I called one of my friends, who resides in Lagos and explained the whole idea of the kidnap attempt on an innocent boy by someone in my neighbourhood, and the person also solicited that I joined him to commit the crime.
“It was my friend, who told me to come to Lagos to inform the RRS. I eventually came the following day to report the case at its headquarters in Lagos,” the informant was quoted as saying.
The source added that the suspect had successfully kidnapped two persons in Kogi State where he collected huge ransoms from their families.
The suspect, who confessed to the crime, said he wanted to kidnap the young boy because his biological mother was seriously ill and looking for money by all means to pay her hospital bill.
In his confessional statement, he revealed: “I have been on the trail of that young boy and her parents for quite a while now. I conceived the idea to kidnap him when I was left with no option than to commit the crime because my mother is very ill at the moment.“I wanted to demand N10 million ransom but if his parents could not afford the whole sum, at least I was expecting N3 million at the end of the day.
Although, I just relocated to that area and I am not that familiar with the neighborhood, I thought of contracting someone, who knew the environment very well and would make the job easy for me.”
On how he would have carried out the kidnap, the Kogi State- born suspect explained: “I had been watching the movement of his parents for about two weeks. I discovered that whenever he was taking the boy to school everyday, when the man drove out, he would alight from the car to lock the gate because they don’t have a gate keeper in their house. Also, he takes him to school between 7:00a.m. and 8:00a.m.
“What I devised was to kidnap the boy whenever the driver alighted from the car to close the gate and escape on a waiting bike. Although, I live in a room and parlour apartment, I had planned to keep him with me in my house while I would threaten his parents to bring my expected ransom,” he said.
The father of the child, Udwu, who had no inkling of the looming woe, thanked the policemen for carrying out the intelligence report successfully, which led to the arrest of the kidnap suspect.
full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/police-foil-mans-attempt-to-kidnap-two.html#more

The collapse of the Reigners Bible Church building in Uyo that killed scores of worshippers and injured many more is one too many of such incident in recent times. But, as if it was not enough, nine days after, market stalls collapsed and reportedly killed two and injured about 17 others in the same state. The collapse of buildings is not limited to Akwa Ibom State. Indeed it has become a recurrent embarrassment all over the federation but especially in urban areas. In Kano this August, five persons reportedly escaped death when a three-storey building under construction in Kano State University of Technology gave way; in Abuja, a structure under construction for a private company collapsed, trapping some workers under the rubbles. And in Lagos, structures large and small so often collapse, the most remembered in recent times being a guest house owned by The Synagogue Church of All Nations that killed over 100 persons, most of whom were foreigners. The incident nearly provoked a diplomatic row between South Africa and Nigeria.
Besides those that are triggered by natural disasters of which Nigeria has very few incidents thereof, repeated events of collapsed building indicate glaringly the shoddiness of work done by just about everyone concerned with construction. It is evidence of non-adherence to the rules and standards of construction. At the first level of liability in varying degrees therefore, the developer, the contractor, the consultants in relevant professions must be held to account. Did the developer hire and was he prepared to pay for a sufficiently competent and experienced contractor for a work of the magnitude? Did the contractor hire competent and experienced soil, structural, electrical, mechanical and other relevant engineers? It is not unusual that some clients are ‘penny wise and pound foolish’ when confronted with the cost of, in some cases, their ego-driven, projects. It is axiomatic, however, that you pay for a short-cut in the long- run. But the burden upon true professionals is to insist on adherence to high standards, for the sake of their own reputation, as well as the safety of future users of the building.On the second level of liability, government building inspectors are supposed to identify, inspect, and monitor the construction of buildings in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Ministries and departments of works at various tiers of government have professionals who are supposed to ensure that developers of buildings -large and small – adhere to rules and regulations, including the quantity and quality of construction materials.
It is difficult not to conclude, generally, that many persons are simply derelict in their respective duties for reasons that range from penny-pinching through greed to unprofessional compromise. The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has observed that there is sufficient reason to believe that the trusses used for the roof of the Uyo church building were inadequate to support such span, and their anchorages to the columns and beams were also inadequate.Egotism is sometimes the cause of hastily constructed buildings. It is not uncommon in this environment for clients to insist that contractors hurriedly put up a building to be ready for a birthday or a wedding anniversary. But, of course, all these are symptoms of a dysfunctional system where rules are observed in the breach and nearly everyone has his price, where the personal good overrides the public good.
The government of Akwa Ibom has promised to institute an inquiry into the cause of the collapse of Reigners Bible Church building. Very well. But this should be done with thoroughness and dispatch. The major reason these sad incidents recur is that hardly are culprits punished to deter others. The case of The Synagogue Church has dragged on for more than two years, professional bodies do not go tough enough on their members found wanting in the discharge of professional duties. COREN’s proposed committee to, in the words of its president Kashim Ali, ‘identify the consultants, designers, builders, and contractors that are involved in the project…’ is a helpful contribution in the state government’s inquiry. Other professional and or regulatory bodies should act similarly.
The Akwa Ibom State government commission of inquiry should also set new high standards by ensuring that justice is done and seen to be done in this matter regardless of whose ox is gored. It will serve to deter criminal negligence on the one hand, and save lives on the other.

http://t.guardian.ng/opinion/one-collapsed-building-too-many/

Barely 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari presented the Olive branch to Niger Delta militants, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC) has accused some forces in and out of government of frustrating his peace efforts.
The President had on Sunday while receiving a delegation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents led by the Minister, Mallam Muhammed Bello, who paid him a Christmas homage, appealed to the militants to sheathe their swords.
Buhari said negotiation was the best option to decide how resources could be managed, instead of picking up arms.
But reacting yesterday in a statement, the JRF said Buhari should hold Fifth Columnists responsible for the inability of the government to achieve the desired peace in Niger Delta.
JRC noted that peace would have been achieved in the region if some inner members of the Buhari government had not preferred to deal with merchants instead of genuine militants.
Whtye, in the statement titled: “Separate the wheat from the chaff and the boys would listen”, said it does not represent the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), but genuine militants interested in peace in the region.
“We received your message of a willingness to talk to agitating units within the Niger Delta struggle with good faith. However, we are burdened by the fact that in the past few month of your administration, certain agents within your administration have shown a preference to dialogue with conmen, conflict entrepreneurs, drivers of extortionist enterprises and wholesale blackmailers. It is for this reason that your pursuit of peace has failed. If you truly seek peace with the Niger Delta, then peace shall come.
“This is the official email address of the Joint Revolutionary Council. This is the same email address we have used since 2005. We do not speak for the Avengers. We do not speak for MEND. MEND is dead. We are just a few people who speak for ourselves, but you may come to see that our word may just be our bond. We do not need a roundtable. Sometimes, just two chairs are enough. Peace is possible even though negotiable. The end of the end might just be about to begin,” the JRF said.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/militantsbuharis-men-frustrating-peace.html#more

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Sunday vowed to continue to find sustainable solution to the challenge posed by insurgency in the Niger Delta.
The NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr Ndu Ughamadu, said this in a statement issued in Abuja.
“The Corporation has created security management platforms that would enable it identify and evaluate risks, develop and superintend implementation of investigations.The platform will also aggregate and deploy necessary resources to guarantee peaceful business environment in the region,” Ughamadu said.
Quoting the NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru who addressed staff during an end of year message, the spokesman said the corporation was committed to implementing a robust security.
“’The Corporation is committed to implementing a robust security and stakeholders’ strategy that would ensure that peace reigned in the industry operational areas.
‘“Dr Baru attributes the recent increase in the country’s oil and gas reserves to 37 billion barrels and 192 trillion cubic feet, respectively, to the relative peace that was instituted in the Niger Delta.
“’Over the year, NNPC adopted strategies to ensure the Corporation’s operational profitability, renegotiation of all existing contracts to achieve substantial value realisation of between five and 30 per cent discounts.
“This singular effort alone translated to substantial cost savings in favour of NNPC,” Ughamadu said.
He said NNPC had commenced the implementation of a 12-key Business Focus Areas developed by its Management Team to enhance the corporation’s business performance.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/nnpc-vows-to-find-lasting-peace-in.html#more

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, for always putting Nigeria’s interest above every other thing.
The President stated this on Sunday in Abuja in a statement to mark the Speaker’s 49th birthday anniversary.
Buhari, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, noted that he was impressed with Dogara’s rising political career and his leadership style at his relatively young age.
He added that the Speaker’s performance had reinforced his confidence in the country’s youth.
“With Dogara’s performance as Speaker, fears that the country’s younger politicians have been pushed into background are unfounded,” the President said.He said that his administration would always encourage the younger generation.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/buhariim-impressed-with-dogaras.html#more

Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi yesterday disclosed that over 306 persons were reportedly killed this year in road accidents involving 338 fuel tankers and 692 vehicles across the country.Dr. Oyeyemi who spoke yesterday at the flag off of the Special End of Year 2016 Patrol in Makurdi, lamented that “losses from tanker crashes have been estimated to be causing the nation about N7billion annually.” Represented by Assistant Corps Marshal Julius Asom, the Corps Marshal noted that the campaign against carnage on Nigerian roads required the support and collaboration of all stakeholders in the country hence the campaign. Speaking, chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Comrade John Shom who urged the FRSC to curtail the incessant activities of it’s mobile court also urged the federal government to address the dilapidated state of Nigerian roads. In his remark, the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Provost and Regulating School, Commodore Suleman Bello appealed to road users to adopt the strategy of sailors “by having it at the back of their minds that any driver involved in a crash is liable even if the driver of the other ill fated car caused the accident. “When this strategy is adopted our roads will be safer because all drivers will drive with care just like sailors do.” Benue state Sector Commander, Chidiebere Nkwonta said the Yuletide season usually witnessed issues of over-speeding, drunken driving, use of phones while driving and recklessness on the roads assuring that the command was prepared to enforce all driving rules in the state. Governor Samuel Ortom, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Toytange Akaagerger, said the government would soon establish centralized motor-parks in the three
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/frsc-corps-marshalpetroleum-tanker.html#more

Fellow Nigerians, remember I predicted 20 things that will be
experienced this year 2016. Almost 90 percent of what the Holy Spirit
led me to predict came to pass.
The Holy Spirit has once again led me to tell Nigerians what may
happen in 2017. We therefore need prayer to avert further calamities
in Nigeria.
May God help our country.
1. 2017 will be a defining year for Nigeria as there will be major
revolution and uprising against the Federal Government because of
economic hardship.
2. More judges perceived not to be doing the bidding of the Federal
Government will be arrested and humiliated.
3. Efforts will be made to prevent Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen from
being made the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
4. Dollar will go as high as N600 to $1.
5. APC-led Federal Government will still not have solution to the
economic problems of the country as the economy will move from
recession to depression.
6. About four ministers will be removed.
7. There will be more pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack
the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele.
8. Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) will absolve Senate President Bukola Saraki.
9. Crisis in the APC will deepen as former Vice President, Alhaji
Atiku Abubakar will officially show intention to leave the party and
declare his intention to vie for the office of the president in 2019.
10. A former Head of State/President may pass on.
11. A new (major) party that will wrestle power from the APC will emerge.
11. More Shi’ite Muslims will be killed and Federal Government will
not release the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) leader, Ibrahim
El-Zakzaky.
13. Disobedience to court order and abuse of human rights will continue.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/gov-fayoses-predictions-for-2017.html#more

Nigeria recorded the largest outbreak of Lassa fever in its history between 2015 and 2016, with 273 reported cases resulting to 149 deaths, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, said on Friday
Chikwe Ihekweazu, Chief Executive Officer of NCDC, said this in a statement in Lagos.
Mr. Ihekweazu said the cases were reported from 23 states.
He said following this, the Minister of Health inaugurated a Lassa Fever Eradication Committee, under the leadership of a professor, Oyewale Tomori.
It said that the committee was to look into the situation and proffer solutions to the NCDC towards preventing future outbreaks and reducing the deaths from the disease.
According to Mr. Ihekweazu, the committee came up with an approach that focused on strengthening the capacities and capabilities of states to prevent, detect and respond to Lassa while the NCDC coordinates the efforts.
”The prepositioning of commodities has now ensured that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria have a full complement of emergency materials.
”The materials comprising Personal Protection Equipment, Ribavirin, Disinfection sprayers, hand sanitizers, hypochlorite (bleach), case definition posters, hard copies of IDSR technical guidelines and safety boxes,” it said.
The statement said that NCDC had dispatched a team of epidemiologists to support Ogun State to respond to the recent outbreak where a case of Lassa fever was confirmed in a healthcare worker, who died later at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
”Emergency Operations Centre has been setup and is now monitoring all contacts of the case, disinfecting contaminated areas and coordinating all response activities.
”This case highlights the risk Lassa fever still poses to the lives of Nigerians, particularly at this time of the year,” it said.
The Ogun State Government also said on Friday that 396 people who had contact with the deceased heath worker are being monitored.
“All the 396 contacts have not shown any abnormal symptoms or signs of Lassa fever, their temperature is under control and we have stationed our monitoring officer with each of the contacts to continue monitoring throughout a specific period in line with the World Health Organisation standard,” health commissioner Babatunde Ipaye said.
In his statement on Friday, Mr. Ihekweazu added that a nationwide risk communications plan had also been developed.
”Throughout the dry season, a new communication plan would address priority antecedents of Lassa Fever outbreak to ensure prevention is guaranteed,” he said.
He said the communication targeted all key stakeholders, from presidency to households, and would emphasise on the ways to prevent Lassa fever infection.
”The Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with infected rodent urine or faeces.
”Lassa can also be transmitted from human to human through contact with the body fluids of an infected person.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/breakingnewsnigeria-records-273-lassa.html?m=1

Austin Jay Jay Okocha has attributed his decision to retire early from active football to lack of enough playing time. The ex-Nigeria international who dazzled the footballing world with his sizzling skills and breathtaking performances made the shock decision to leave the game in 2008. According to the Olympic Gold medallist, reduced minutes on the pitch of play triggered his exile from the round leather game, at the age of 34.I must confess that not getting a lot of playing time was the main reason why I retired from playing at a very young age,” Okocha told media men at a press conference organised by Star Times. “I believe that it is not worth it to train from Monday to Friday just to have 20 minutes on the pitch or sit on the bench on Saturday. I am very competitive.”
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/jay-jay-okochawhy-i-retired-from.html?m=1

kaduna Governor, Nasir el-Rufai said, yesterday, that President Muhammadu Buhari has backed the 24-hour curfew imposed on three local government areas in Southern Kaduna, as well as other measures to protect lives and properties.

The curfew was imposed on Zangon-Kataf, Kaura and Jema’a local government areas, just as the State Security Council also endorsed a ban on processions and unlawful assembly in any part of the state to forestall crisis.

On Tuesday, el-Rufai met hundreds of women and youths protesting against alleged killings by Fulani herdsmen in Southern Kaduna.

The women, mostly half clad, and the youths, stormed the council secretariat where the governor was holding a security meeting with the local government officials and traditional chiefs.

In their submissions, the women alleged that soldiers one and injured many youths in Garajere, after shooting sporadically.

The governor’s convoy was reportedly stoned by the protesters.

But, speaking to State House Correspondents, yesterday, after a closed-door meeting with the president which lasted for over an hour, el-Rufai said all hands are on deck to restore peace in the state.

“I came to brief the president about the situation in Southern Kaduna in the last few days and outlined to him measures we have been taking, as a state government, with the support of the Nigerian Army, the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

“The president has given us unqualified support to stabilise the state and bring those responsible for the violation of our laws to justice. So, we have the full support of the president to move on and we are confident that things will return to normal very soon.”

On criticisms trailing the state’s decision to extend the curfew to Christmas day, the governor said, “well, we have curfew, even on Christmas day, but, it is for 12 hours. People will be able to get out at 6:00am and be back at 6:00pm; it is because of the security situation.

Meanwhile, to resolve recurrent violent clashes between herdsmen and host communities in Southern Kaduna, the federal government will establish two military formations in the affected areas.

el-Rufai disclosed this during a media chat on Wednesday night in Kaduna.

Scores of people have been killed in the clashes this year alone.

The governor said the state government is discussing the new military formations with Buhari, the Ministry of Defence and Chief of Army Staff.

One military formation would be located in Fadan Karshi, in Sanga Local Government Area and the other in Kauru Local Government Area.

“We are talking with the president, the inister of Defence and the chief of army staff. I will meet with the president on continuation of the project.

“The presence of these military formations will help in securing lives and properties and provide rapid response to any act of criminality and the maintenance of law and order.”

The governor further disclosed that two other military formations would be established in Birnin Gwari and Kubau Local Government Areas of the state.

To ensure the crisis does not escalate, he said two squadrons of mobile police have been drafted to the area.

“This is part of the state government’s effort to provide adequate security for the people during the Christmas and new- year celebrations,” he added.

The governor linked the rising insecurity in the area with loss of investors.

He said foreign investors, who the goverment agreed to revive a ginger processing plant in Kachia local government and an Australian, who wanted to invest in mining nickel, in Jema’a local government, have withdrawn initial commitments because of violence in the area.

el-Rufai said he is, however, doing his best to assure the investors to return to the state.

The violence in Southern Kaduna took a new turn on Tuesday when angry protesters in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area, on Tuesday stoned Mr. El-Rufai’s convoy and also burnt down the local government chairman’s house.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/el-rufaibuhari-backs-curfew-others-to.html#more

The Minister of State for Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, monday said the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja would be closed between February and March next year to allow Julius Berger carry out repairs on the damaged runway.
Briefing journalists after an on-the-spot assessment of the runway, he said while the runway would still be put to use during the six months of rehabilitation, the airport would however be shut for six weeks between February and March, when the mid section of the runway would be reconstructed.According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the reconstruction work through the emergency procurement procedure for work to commence because of the centrality and importance of Abuja to the general administration of the country.
He admitted that government cannot afford to close down Abuja airport for a long time, even though palliative repairs had been ongoing at the runway in the last three months.
The minister said: “From start to finish of the runway, it will take six months. However we will be using the runway almost throughout the period except for about six weeks when the runway will be closed. That is when we are going to do the mid-section of the runway.”
According to him, government had accepted the design done by the contractor, adding that the runway would last for more than 10 years on completion early next year.
On the six weeks closure of the airport to passenger traffic, he said Abuja bound passengers from any part of the world will use the Kaduna airport as alternative, explaining that robust arrangement had been finalised the with Kaduna State Government to convey the passengers to Abuja.
Sirika said: “It will cost government substantial amount of money but we thought in our wisdom that palliative approach is wrong because three years down, we will come back to do the same repairs therefore we decided to go for the bigger option which is to do structural repairs if the runway which will take about six months to complete.
The minister said the government was not unaware of the pains passengers are currently going through due to the non-availability of aviation fuel and the scarcity of foreign exchange which has also impacted on government finance.
While pleading for understanding, he said consultations were ongoing with oil marketers, the Ministry of Petroleum and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to resolve the crisis, adding: “Very soon, the country will be out of this, as we cannot be relying on Ghana for aviation fuel.”
On the Bilateral Air Agreement with other countries, he said government had signed BASA with 18 countries that Nigerians frequently visit and do business with.
The MOUs, he said, gives Nigeria the opportunity to operate air services with 18 countries, adding: “With this, we have the freedom to fly and land safely in other air space and this will assist in opening our market.”
While expressing optimism that Nigeria will reap great benefits from Turkey, he said that country had made progress in air transportation being at the centre of Europe and therefore a hub in aviation business, adding that the United States of America operates open skies with Nigeria.
This came as the National Executive Council of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) have directed the commencement of a joint strike at Arik Air with effect from 00:00hrs on December 20, 2016.
A statement signed by the three unions said the strike would continue indefinitely until certain conditions were fully realised.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/fg-to-close-abuja-airport-for-six-weeks.html#more

The Indigenous People of Biafra on Monday warned President Muhammadu Buhari to ‘stay clear’ of the South-East.
The President is slated to attend the opening session of the South-East Economic Summit in Enugu on Thursday.
But IPOB, in a statement entitled ‘Muhammadu Buhari must stay clear of Biafraland or have himself to blame for the outcome of any such visit’, told the President to abort the planned visit, for his own good.The secessionist group, in a statement by its spokespersons, Emma Nmezu and Clifford Iroanya, equally warned Igbo governors and other political leaders against hosting Buhari in Enugu or any other part of the South-East.
IPOB said Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and other leaders should be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order in the state if Buhari goes ahead to visit the Coal City on December 22.
The pro-Biafra group accused Buhari of persecuting the Igbo and warned politicians in the South East against welcoming the President.
It said, “We object totally to this visit. We warn that any governor or Igbo politician that receives Buhari in Enugu will have himself or herself to blame.
“We make it public that should there be a breakdown of law and order in Enugu on the 22nd of December, greedy Igbo politicians will have themselves to blame.
“Any Igbo governor or politician that is found among those hobnobbing with Buhari becomes an enemy of the people and shall pay dearly for it.”
The demanded the release its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, all detained pro-Biafra agitators and called for
an investigation into the Amnesty International report, which accused the army of mass killing of Biafra activists.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/ipob-warns-buharistay-away-from-south.html#more

see more photos at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/reginal-daniel-looking-gorgeous-in.html

The Enugu State Police Command says it has commenced investigation into the clubbing to death of a police officer who was attempting to apprehend some hoodlums smoking Indian hemp in Enugu metropolis.
The incident took place at about 5.p.m on Saturday at the popular New Artisan Market within Enugu metropolis.
It was gathered that the hoodlums overpowered the officer and then used hard objects to club him to death.
Reacting, the command’s spokesman, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, said that the police had begun massive crackdown and investigation into the matter.We are saddened with the development that we lost one of our own in the line of duty.
“It is unfortunate that at this age, people still engage in maiming law enforcement officers meant to protect and ensure they live peacefully in their neighbourhoods.
“We have launched investigation into the matter.
“The command would unravel what happened and deal with the culprits decisively,’’ he said.

more at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/police-officer-clubbed-to-death-in-enugu.html#more

At least three persons have reportedly lost their lives in two separate accidents along Asaba axis of the Benin-Asaba-Onitsha expressway.
This is coming barely one week when about 23 persons were burnt to death in a multiple accident at Abudu town along the expressway. One of the latest crashes which claimed the life of the conductor of a Mercedes Benz 911 was said to have occurred at midnight in front of MTN head office, Asaba along the road. The driver of the ill-fated 911, laden with wood, was attempting to avoid an on coming vehicle when he swerved into the road divider. Although the driver survived, the impact of the crash on the concrete road divider led to the death of the motor boy (conductor).
Delta State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Rindom Kumven, who confirmed the crash, could not, however, confirm the second crash which was said to have claimed two persons.
Full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/road-crashes-claim-3-in-delta-state.html#more

Exxonmobil has sacked about 150 Nigerian workers in what its management described as a regular evaluation of its operation as part of a disciplined management process.

But the Chairman of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Exxonmobil branch, Mr. Paul Eboigbe, in a telephone interview with Daily Sun, said the sacking of the workers did not follow due process, and cannot stand in the face of the law.

Eboigbe said while discussions and negotiations were still ongoing, and a final agreement yet to be reached, the management unilaterally abandoned talks and went ahead to issue sack letters to the 150 affected workers.

He said the ploy deployed by the management was to exit Nigerian workers and in return bring in expatriates to take up the jobs that Nigerians were capable of executing, lamenting that the salary of an expatriate could pay the salaries of 10 Nigerians.

The union leader said a couple of sectional heads and General Managers were sacked in an undignified manner to pave way for the employment of the expatriates, saying PENGASSAN would not allow that to happen. ‘‘We adjourned the meeting to reconvene at a later date. And while waiting to continue talks, the management started issuing sack letters to the affected workers. This ill treatment cannot stand. And we will do all we can to resist it.”

On what the next line of action would be, Eboigbe said he has directed all his members in offshore location to down tools while similar instruction is being carried out at the Exxonmobil headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Responding, Exxonmobil Manager, Media and Communications, Mr. Oge Udeagha, explained that ExxonMobil regularly evaluates its operations as part of a disciplined management process and continually strives to operate its business in as safe and efficient a manner as possible.

‘‘We invest for the long term and are focused on maintaining a stable, well-developed workforce and are committed to treating our employees with respect and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations,’’ he said.

According to him, the development is a limited programme that will impact a relatively small fraction of employees, adding that special benefits specifically introduced for this purpose will be paid to affected employees consistent with existing labour agreements.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/breakingnewsexxonmobil-sacks-150.html#more

Cameroon Government is trying to dominate the country as a full French country. Knowing fully well that the country is made up of both French and English citizens. The youths are retaliating by destroying government properties and the government reacts by killing them.
full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/photoscameroon-youths-destroy.html?m=1

The Senate yesterday called for immediate resignation and prosecution of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, over allegations that he exploited his vantage position to award contracts on North-east rehabilitation project to his company, Rholavision.The call for Lawal’s resignation was the fallout of the presentation of the report of the Senate ad-hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-east presented by its Chairman, Senator Shehu Sani.
Sani had reported that the Presidential Initiative on North-east (PINE), saddled with the responsibility of rebuilding and rehabilitating the region devastated by the activities of Boko Haram, took advantage of the dire situation in the region by inflating contracts.
He alleged that top government officials took advantage of the development to award contracts to companies belonging to their cronies, family members and close associates.
According to him, Lawal, until September this year was a Director of Rholavision Engineering Limited and till date remains a signatory to the account.
Senator Sani described Lawal’s failure to resign his position in the company before assuming office as the SGF as a breach of the law and should be made to resign and prosecuted.
Sani further said Rholavision got a consulting contract for the removal of “invasive plant species” (weeds) in Yobe State, adding that all contracts awarded by PINE had been either 95 per cent or 100 per cent paid for, even when some of the contracts had not been fully executed.
For instance, he said Dantex Nigeria Limited is yet to supply 125 units of the total 1,225 units of the temporary tarpaulin carbines valued at N302,000 per unit.
According to Sani, the company had been paid N108 million despite the outstanding 125 valued at N37.7 million.
Sani further reported that most of the contracts awarded by PINE had no impact on the lives of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) whom he said had been languishing in hunger, starvation, disease, squalor and other deplorable conditions.
The senator said that even though the IDPs in the North-east lived in deplorable conditions, PINE opted to award irrelevant contracts such as the removal of plant species, for which he said N223 million was paid, pointing out that there was a serious humanitarian crisis in the North-east as evident in the plight of IDPs at the camps and host communities.
He also said in all the camps visited, the Federal Ministry of Health was conspicuously absent, but a few critical government agencies such as National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) were noticed without synergy from other agencies.
He added that the Nigerian Air Force medical team was found rendering medical services to the lDPs with the little equipment at their disposal, submitting that “despite the claim by some federal government agencies that a huge amount of money was spent on the IDPs in the North-east, what was on the ground as seen by the committee neither justified nor reflected the claims”.
After the submission of his report, the Senate resolved among others that the Federal Ministry of Health must be compelled to immediately deploy personnel to all the lDP camps to support the efforts of the international humanitarian crisis managers and the Nigerian Air Force medical team, and also provide the necessary medical assistance to avert a possible outbreak of communicable diseases like cholera, measles, and diarrhea, etc.
It also resolved that the federal and state governments should intensify efforts towards rebuilding destroyed infrastructure, rehabilitation and empowerment of the lDPs to enable them go back to their respective homes while the newly constituted Presidential Committee on the North-east Initiative (PCNI) should ensure there is synergy and proper coordination among all the humanitarian crisis agencies to enable the IDPs gain maximally from the entire exercise.
The Senate also ordered PINE to forward a detailed report of all the contracts approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), in accordance with Section 43(iv) of the Public Procurement Act.
full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/senate-calls-for-sgfs-resignation.html#more

It is far from convincing that Yahya Jammeh changed his mind over the Gambian presidential poll in protest against a flawed electoral process with unresolved posers over some alleged missing votes. Even if some votes were really not accounted for, it is clear by now that Jammeh is only looking for an excuse not to hand over to the winner of the presidential election. Since the reason for Jammeh’s rejection of the poll’s result he earlier accepted cannot pass muster, he has given room to an exploration of the various possibilities that could have influenced his decision. How about considering the possibility that it was a single call from Robert Mugabe, that veteran of sit-tightism of African politics, that made Jammeh to change his mind ? For Jammeh’s easily giving up would make Mugabe to feel that he is losing members of his league of crass tyrants. Again, consider this: Mugabe might have strongly rebuked Jammeh for not coming to him to rejuvenate his strategies of remaining in power. For it is clear that Jammeh’s strategies are outdated and that was why he lost the election to opposition candidate Adama Barrow.
Clearly, as long as sit-tight despots like Mugabe still hold sway in Africa, they would remain as sources of inspiration to other leaders who are tempted to manipulate elections to remain in power. This is the overarching challenge that African leaders must resolve to stabilise democracy on the continent. This goes far beyond the fatuous approach being adopted by African leaders now to persuade Jammeh to step down. African states must ensure stable institutions that would make democracy to flourish. The notion that some leaders have done so well and therefore they need more time to solidify their achievements must be discouraged. It is when African leaders want to pervert their state constitutions and prolong their stay in power that they use their stooges to emote about the sovereignty of their countries and the unimpeachable need of the West not dictating to them how to run their own governments. Yet, it is the same countries with perverted democratic systems that are bogged down by sit-tight leaders that would run to the West to seek help for the development of their countries.
It was this notion of incumbent African leaders’ indispensability to the survival of their nations that once seduced former President Olusegun Obasanjo into seeking a third term in office. He deployed financial resources and people to amend the constitution to accommodate his whimsical ambition. He was distracted from real governance to improve the lot of the citizens. And he would have had his way but for a wary citizenry and patriotic lawmakers who rebuffed him despite allegedly taking his humongous bribes. It is this notion that has also made Paul Kagame to seek another term to remain in power in Rwanda after already spending two terms of 17 years in office. He claimed that the people have allowed him through a referendum to continue in power. With this so-called endorsement by the people, Kagame would now begin a third term of seven years from 2017. After this he is entitled to another two five-year terms to remain in power till 2034 or probably for life as he wishes.
If African nations are serious about stabilising democracy, the idea that the people have willingly given their leader more time to consolidate their achievements must be presented as it is – cant and humbug. For how can we be sure that the people have really spoken when the leaders easily intimidate and manipulate them? To what extent do voters in Africa really determine who govern them? Was it the electorate who determined Mugabe’s and Jammeh’s stay in office for decades? Have the so-called leaders not been emerging in African countries after the polls have been brutally manipulated?The African leaders who are outraged at the volte-face of Jammeh are intervening too late. For decades before now, African leaders should have insisted on ensuring stable democratic practices through periodic elections. There should not be room for the prolongation of a two-term of office of a leader. African leaders should emulate countries of the world which do not allow their leaders beyond two terms no matter how popular and auspicious the regime of a leader has been. But here lies the big challenge: African leaders do not have the right democratic credentials to enforce such a policy. They are the ones who manipulate the electoral process to pervert the people’s will to get power. They also hanker after an extra term.
True, the Nigerian state has been a stabilising force on the continent. It has intervened to restore peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone. It played a major role in the collapse of apartheid in South Africa. But it is not only when there are stark consequences of an abuse of the electoral process that Nigeria should intervene. If it is really interested in ensuring democratic stability in Africa, it must mobilise the rest of the African countries to adopt a common constitutional template that would guarantee stable democratic systems on the continent.It is because the Jammehs and Mugabes of Africa know that the continent’s leaders are only replicas of antediluvian despots who do not have the democratic credentials to ask their colleagues who have lost elections to quit office that they would snigger at the attempts by Buhari and others to broker peace in The Gambia. However, for the sake of peace and the innocent citizens of The Gambia, Jammeh must consider the need to quit now. He should not allow the rest of the world to force him to leave. The innocent lives he has wasted through his tyrannical regime of 22 years are enough. He should not add to the grim statistics of trepidation and death by insisting on remaining in power and precipitating a conflict that would consume innocent lives. Even if Jammeh takes the case to the courts and wins, he should not delude himself that anybody would accept that verdict. We know that the courts in The Gambia grovel before him and they would not disoblige him.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/on-gambia-africa-is-late.html#more

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will meet in Abuja on Saturday to continue discussion on how to resolve the impasse in The Gambia.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, said the coalition of seven political parties that produced Adama Barrow, President-elect of The Gambia, looked earnestly up to President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria to deploy his vast experience, alongside other African leaders, to resolve the political logjam in the tiny West African country.
Speaking with the media during the high-level ECOWAS /AU/UN Joint Mission to The Gambia on Tuesday, Hamad Bah, one of the coalition members, declared: “We need the experience of President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria in many ways. Like President Jammeh, he is a former military officer, so he knows how the military thinks, and would be able to talk to him appropriately.Again, President Buhari was in the opposition in Nigeria for about 12 years, before he won election in 2015. So, he also knows how the opposition thinks. He can feel what we feel. We are quite glad that President Buhari is here, it gives us a lot of hope.”
Adesina said the high-level team held a series of meetings that lasted the whole of Tuesday, met with President Yahya Jammeh twice, conferred with Barrow, consulted with security chiefs, members of the diplomatic community, leadership of the electoral commission, and many other interest groups.
According to him, the consensus was that President Jammeh needed to respect the result of the December 1 election, which he had earlier accepted, congratulated the winner, only to recant a week later, calling for fresh polls “to be conducted by a God-fearing electoral commission.”
Adesina said the Joint ECOWAS-AU-UN team, made of President Buhari, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia (current Chairperson of ECOWAS), President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, outgoing President John Mahama of Ghana, and Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, (UN Special Representative for West Africa), encouraged Jammeh to reconsider his rejection of the election results citing “tallying errors” and his call for new elections.
full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2016/12/ecowas-leaders-to-meet-in-abuja.html#more

The political agitation in Rivers State emerging from the vicious rerun decisions held in the state on Saturday, got ugly yesterday when some security agents made up of warriors and policemen in Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) regalia raged the Port Harcourt City Hall examination focus and attempted to upset the announcement of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC yesterday hosted declared the Peoples Democratic Gathering (PDP) hopefuls – Senator George Sekibo and Mr. Osinachukwu Ideozu – champs of the senatorial rerun races in Rivers East and Rivers West Senatorial Districts, respectively.This was after the commission had proclaimed Senator Magnus Abe as the victor of the Rivers South East Senatorial District decision on Sunday.

Be that as it may, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state kicked against the outcomes that indicated PDP had won two of the senatorial seats, saying it would challenge them as it was not done as per the law.

Proclaiming the outcomes at the assemblage focus, the Returning Officer for Rivers East, Prof. Orji Okumenkama, said Sekibo scored 93,098 votes to overcome the applicant of the APC, Chief Andrew Uchendu, who scored 34,193 votes.

The Returning Officer for the Rivers West Senatorial District, Prof Raphael Ndubuisi Echebiri, likewise pronounced that Ideozu of the PDP had surveyed 107,166 votes to annihilation APC's Otelemaba Amachree who scored 46,898 votes.

The declaration of the outcomes, in any case, did not come without dramatization, as some security agents made up of troopers and policemen in SARS garbs raged the Port Harcourt City Hall grouping focus and attempted to disturb the procedure.

Notwithstanding, as more individuals were pulled in to the scuffle that followed at the city lobby, the security agents shot sporadically into the air to unnerve the general population and made their exit.

In the resulting disarray, an INEC decision officer, Mary Tokoyo, was mauled.

"They (security agents) hit me with a seat, they slapped me. I was attacked," she advised columnists as she was taken to the healing facility for therapeutic consideration.

The state representative, Nyesom Wike, was among the individuals who hurried to the grouping focus, as the security agents attacked the inside.

Tending to supporters not long after the declaration of the outcomes, Sekibo committed his triumph to "the flexibility of the Rivers senator and the general population".

"I devote this triumph to every one of the general population of the Rivers East Senatorial District and without a doubt the whole individuals of the state. Notwithstanding their dedication and that they turned out to bolster majority rule government, I trust that the hellfire thieves would have taken away our order," he said.

He additionally guaranteed to seek after appointive changes when he rejoins his associates at the Senate.

Additionally tending to the group at the city corridor, Wike said the oppressive government may which he said was in plain view some time recently, amid and after the rerun surveys in the state, would not be permitted to happen in some other decision in Rivers State, as the general population had been instructed how to get ready for races.

He additionally undermined to pull back coordinations support to security organizations in the state in light of their exercises amid the decisions.

Wike said: "I say thanks to God for the quality and fearlessness he has given to us in this race. We have truly relinquished. I realize that flexibility accompanies give up.

"Streams individuals were killed for simply straightforward authoritative races. The government accompanied their strength to vanquish Rivers State, since they needed to win. They executed individuals since they need the state.

"The blood of those individuals they slaughtered will be on their heads. States that can't pay their laborers compensation and can't complete important tasks conveyed cash to fix the decisions in this state.

"They ought to be embarrassed in light of the fact that they won one senatorial seat however we won two of the senatorial seats. They battled however God said, no chance, don't be threatened. This will never happen in 2019.

"They have demonstrated to us that there is no majority rule government in Nigeria, if not why don't they lead races the way they have been done in different nations."

In his response to the outcomes discharged yesterday, APC gubernatorial applicant in the 2015 decision and Director General of the National Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said the gathering would not acknowledge the outcomes, affirming that some neighborhood government zones were not ordered.

Tending to writers at the APC state secretariat, Peterside said: "We need to rapidly give you a couple of essential improvements that happened today with the goal that Rivers individuals and Nigerians will recognize what is occurring in the state.

"At the beginning of today by 9:00 hours, Chinyere Igwe, an individual from the Rivers State Executive Council, who is not an INEC authority was gotten with unique pre-filled senatorial outcomes for Emohua Local Government Area. The police have since captured him.

"As I speak, Chinyere Igwe is still with the police and those pre-filled outcome sheets by individuals from the PDP are with the police. We have additionally been advised by our delegates that they have proceeded to examine senatorial outcomes without the aftereffect of Emohua, which is the neighborhood administration of our senatorial hopeful.

"In the mean time, there was an appropriate race in Emohua and solid outcomes where APC rose triumphant. In any case, since, they couldn't get their fake outcome sheets, the outcome they filled outside the domain of INEC, they have proceeded to proclaim a couple of different outcomes."

Whenever reached, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni (DSP), communicated obliviousness over the capture of Igwe.

He said he didn't know that the chief was captured for any race misbehavior.

Different outcomes pronounced by INEC demonstrated that the PDP's hopeful, Boma Goodhead, won government supporters situate in Akukutoru/Asaritoru, Tai Barinada of the APC won the Tai/Eleme/Oyigbo elected voting demographic, Pronen Maurice of APC won the Khana/Gokana elected voting demographic, while Wihioka Chidi Frank of APC won the Ikwerre/Emohua elected voting public.

Additionally, Tekena Wellington of the PDP won the Asaritoru I state body electorate, Enemi Alabo George of the PDP won Asaritory II state supporters, Blessing Pepple of the PDP won Bonny state voting demographic, Josiah John Olu of the APC won Eleme state voting demographic, Friday Nubari Nkeye of APC won Khana II state voting public, and Nwanjoku Chikre Azubuike of APC won the Ikwerre state voting public.

After the outcomes were declared, INEC affirmed the finish of the senatorial decisions in Rivers State.

Preparation writers at the state base camp in Port Harcourt the previous evening, INEC's National Commissioner responsible for the South-south Zone, Dr. Lecki Mustapha, said: "At the senatorial locale level, we have three seats that were challenged and every one of the three seat have been returned. Nothing is exceptional to the extent the senatorial races are concerned.

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