₦airaland Forum

Breast cancer patient, Bridget Gunduor and her husband Atule Kile Gunduo were joined in Holy Matrimony Sunday at Foundation Hospital Makurdi where she is currently undergoing her treatment.

According to activist, Ukan Kurugh, he met Bridget last September through one Mrs Uke Dukek.

"We started treatment a month after and even though the Drs had explained to me that her cancer was at an advance stage, I stood my ground believing God she will make it. We spent alot of money on her because Nigerians came all out to assist her. Today she and her husband her taking marital vows at the moment at Foundation Hospital Makurdi were she is still undergoing her cancer treatment. A priest is currently doing a mass for her and darling husband." he wrote.

In an update captioned: 50 YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE, MR. GUNDUOR WEDS BRIDGET ON HER HOSPITAL BED, RESOLVE TO LIVE MORE HAPPILY, Kurugh shared more details tails about the couple, appealing for well meaning individuals to assist the woman as her condition has deteriorated. Read below:

"Mrs. Bridget Gundor who for a couple of Months (September 2017 till date) has been at the Foundation Memorial Hospital, Makurdi due to breast cancer complications that have reached a regrettable level today, January 21st, 2018 wedded the love of her life, Mr. Atule Kile Gunduor, with whom they have been married for over 50 years and have raised 8 children out of whom 4 are living.

The occasion which took place at the Foundation Hospital earlier today was attended by family members, well wishers and admirers. The in-pains woman and her aged husband were joined in holy matrimony and blessed. In his sermon, the priest explained that, no time was late to come back to God and that, though the couple had lived together for a golden age without being wedded, it was only right to grant them the sacrament now that they were ready for it and urged them to live happily.

It was indeed a pathetic show of emotions as the couple exchanged marital vows and did the necessary as regards wedding. They signed the wedding certificate and received ovation from those who were present. Indeed, they fulfilled the agelong adage that, "it is never too late to do the right thing.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bridget's breast condition has reached a fearsome level where survival is hardly contemplated. I urge you all good men and women of the earth, to come to the humble woman's aid so that, her walk on this stage can be elongated and made more meaningful. You have always done me proud and I believe strongly that, even at this instance too, help will to come. May God bless us all.
Happy Married Life to the latest couple in town.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-man-weds-wife-battling-breast-cancer-hospital-bed-benue/

Daura Emirate Youth Progressive Movement (DEYPM), an NGO, on Sunday said it would purchase nominations forms for President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State to enable them recontest in the 2019 general elections.

Malam Abdulkadir Lawal, the chairman of the movement, disclosed this in Daura at a rally, which was attended by thousands of youths from the five local governments areas under Daura Emirate.

The five local governments areas under of the emirate include Daura, Baure, Zango, Mai’adua and Sandamu.

“We will purchase the forms as part of our contribution to support the two political leaders to re-contest during the polls.”

He said the movement decided to purchase the forms following Buhari and Masari’s exceptional performance in office.

Lawal said the two leaders had brought rapid development in their respective areas of jurisdiction, especially in security, agriculture, among others.

“Gov. Masari has succeeded in transforming education, infrastructure and health sectors in the state within the last two years,” he stressed.

He described Buhari as God send, stressing that prior to the advent of his administration, people in northeast were experiencing hell due to the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in the region.

Lawal commended Buhari’s effort to diversify the economy and instilled discipline in public life.

“The anti corruption crusade of the Federal Government has been yielding results as looted funds are being recovered.”

The commissioners Justice, Ahmad Al-Murzuk and his counterpart for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Abu Dankum, in their speeches, described the decision of the movement as timely.

The commissioners attributed the relative peace and stability recorded in parts of the country to government’s efforts to bring sanity to the system.

http://www.metronaija.ng/2019-daura-youth-purchase-nomination-forms-buhari-masari/

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Bobrisky is back online dragging the wigs of his haters! To slam people supposedly claiming that he wears pad to make his ass look bigger, the cross dresser shared nude photos of himself in bed. Lol.

http://www.metronaija.ng/bobrisky-shares-nude-photos-ass/

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As reported earlier, The Kanyan Zance cultural rights to marry Fatima, a daughter of Governor Ganduje, was performed today by the family of the Oyo state Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The groom, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi took to his Instagram page to praise the cordial relationship between his bride and mother, and also shared photos of them together with some of his sisters after the successful completion of the cultural rights. See another photo below.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-governor-ajimobis-son-idris-gushes-mother-wife/

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Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu received the Alliance for Democracy AD in the November 26th 2016 Governorship Election in Ondo State Chief Olusola Oke back to APC at MKO Democracy Park, Akure.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-olusola-oke-returns-apc-gov-akeredolu-receives/

Vice Chancellor, Unilag Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe visits Presidential Media Team, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu at State House, Abuja.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-unilag-vc-professor-ogundipe-visits-femi-adeshina-garba-shehu/

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President Buhari receives in audience Minister of Mines and Steel, Kayode Fayemi and Former Ekiti State Governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo in State House on 19th Jan 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-fayemi-former-ekiti-state-governor-niyi-adebayo-visit-buhari/

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A landlord, Segun Abiodun, who allegedly beat up his tenant’s son and punched off his teeth for not greeting him, was on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, 45, a fashion designer, who resides at 82, Capitol Road, Agege, a suburb of Lagos, is being tried for assault! according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

Police Prosecutor Raji Akeem told the court that the offence was committed on Dec. 19, 2017 at the residence of the accused.

Akeem, an inspector, said the accused, who is the landlord of the boy’s mother, Mrs Titilayo Makanjuola, claimed that the 17-year-old boy, Sodiq Makanjuola, failed to greet him when they saw each other.

“The accused beat up the boy and removed two of his teeth; he also threatened to beat up the mother when she reacted.”

He said when the police got to the landlord’s house to arrest him, they were told that he had “travelled.”

The accused was, however, arrested when he eventually returned.

The offence contravened Section 246 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr T. O. Shomade, granted the accused N50,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

Shomade ordered the accused to pay N5,000 into the account of the court’s Chief Registrar as part of the bail conditions.

He adjourned the case until Feb. 9 for mention.

http://www.metronaija.ng/landlord-court-allegedly-poaching-off-teeth-tenants-son/

http://www.metronaija.ng/landlord-court-allegedly-poaching-off-teeth-tenants-son/

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Over 15000 thousand non-indigenes living and doing business in Rivers State on Wednesday endorsed the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for a second term.

This is as the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike urged Nigerians irrespective of their linguistic and religious affiliation, to use their voters card to sack the non-performing APC Federal Government

The non-indigenes under the platform of Non-indigenes Without ithout Borders trooped to Government House Port Harcourt on Wednesday where they declared their unalloyed support come 2019.

The non-indigenes announced their endorsement of Governor Wike during a solidarity visit to the Government House Port Harcourt .

The visit was like a carnival as different ethnic groups displayed their cultural dances and attires.

The non-indigenes stated that their support for Governor Wike stems from his outstanding developmental strides which have improved their standard of living.

Spokesman of the Igbo Community in Rivers State, Chief Emeka Vitalis said that the Igbos will vote enmasse for Governor Wike because his development projects have helped their businesses to grow.

In his remarks, Alhaji Omotayo of the Yoruba Community and Henry Iyoha of the Edo/Delta Community in Rivers State said their endorsements of the Rivers State Governor stems from commitment to the welfare of all residents of the state.

The Bayelsa community in Rivers, represented by Agbai Tom , the Akwa Ibom/Cross River State community in Rivers State led by Obong Godwin Inyang and the Muslim community in the state led by Hajia Mariam also announced their respectice endorsements for the re-election of Governor Wike.

Spokesman of the Hausa Community, Alhaji Maisundu said the Hausa Community will mobilise votes for Governor Wike in 2019 because he is a de-tribalised leader.

Commissioner of Special Duties, Emeka Onowu who is a non-indigene noted that Rivers State Governor has been a father to the non-indigenes, carrying them along as he develops the State.

Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike assured the non-indigenes that he will continue to deliver quality projects and programmes that will improve the lives of residents of the state.

He declared that all residents of Rivers State should remain resolute in their commitment to PDP, saying that they should not fear the evil machinations of the APC.

Governor Wike said because the people have discovered that the APC is full of lies and deceit, the Party will resort to rigging in 2019. He said they will fail in Rivers State.

He said: "Nobody should be afraid of anyone. Anyhow they want it, we are ready. There is nothing like do or die in this election, only God gives power. We believe in God , that is why we always defeat them.

"Whether they go to the United States of America or North Korea to bring anything, we shall withstand them. The only weapon you have is your voters card. Mobilise and use your voters card , that is the weapon that will remove them from office".

He regretted that after two and half years, the APC Federal Government has no single project in Rivers State. He said the State will be a no-go area for them in 2019.

He said contrary to the allegations of the APC ahead of the 2015 General elections, he has proved that Rivers State is a home for all by carrying the non-indigenes along through appointments and projects.

"I will always fulfill my promises. I will never give excuses. I am not like the APC that thrives in excuses. My commitment remains to deliver on projects", Governor Wike said.

The governor said that he will respond to the request to seek re-election at the appropriate time.

Simeon Nwakaudu,

Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.

17th January, 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-thousands-non-indigenes-rivers-state-endorse-gov-wike/

The Nigerian House of Reps has finally passed the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) which now awaits the president's assent.

The bill seeks to approve a single regulator for petroleum industry operations and remove powers form different regulatory agencies.

http://www.metronaija.ng/reps-passes-petroleum-industry-governance-bill/

It’s no news that Davido appears to be madly in love with his currwnt girlfriend ,Chioma ..
He attended a family function with her in Ede, Ogun state and then they were in Owerri where they partied at a nightclub .

http://www.metronaija.ng/new-photos-davido-girlfriend-chioma/

President Buhari hosted Principal Officers of Senate at State House: Senate President Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Majority Leader Ahmed Lawan, Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio, Chief Whip Sola Adeyeye, Minority Whip Philip Aduda.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-buhari-meets-senate-leaders-aso-villa/

Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu inspects St. Andrews Primary School, Elegbeka, Ose Local Government Area of the State, with New Six Block of Classrooms, renovated Old Building and added Motorized Water Project and Perimeter fence.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-gov-akeredolu-inspects-st-andrews-primary-school-elegbeka/

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Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu joined other Nigerians in a Service in commemoration of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-gov-akeredolu-2018-armed-forces-remembrance-celebration-akure/

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Abdulkarim Mohammed, has been declared the winner of the just concluded Gwagwalada Central Ward councillorship re-run election.

Announcing the result, the INEC returning officer, Mr George Galayam, said Abdulkarim Mohammed polled 1, 686, against 1,588 to win the election that was earlier nullified by the election tribunal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abdulkarim Mohammed of APC had 1,686 votes, while Ibrahim Anize of APGA had 1, 588 votes and Jibrin Yerima of PDP had 977 votes.

The earlier election of Ibrahim Anize was nullified as a result of the cancellation result from four polling units by the FCT Area Council Election Petitions Appeal Tribunal.

NAN reports that with this development, APC has six councillors and APGA has four in the legislative arm of the area council.

http://www.metronaija.ng/apc-wins-gwagwalada-councillorship-re-run-election/

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More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-stephanie-linus-meets-victims-human-trafficking-italy/

Events have taken on another dimension in the advocacy against human trafficking for Stephanie Linus. The Actress and Director who has been in Italy for a few days in partnership with the international medical humanitarian organization - Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee, came face to face with the realities yesterday when she met one-on-one with some rescued victims of human trafficking.

She met with the women, listened to their stories and shared with them. It got even more interesting when the women decided to prepare a meal together, sing and exchange hand-made gifts. It was truly a heartwarming experience as hope was renewed in their midst.

Following her meeting with the women, she also visited United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office where she was given a deeper insight into the operations of the organization in Italy.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-stephanie-linus-meets-victims-human-trafficking-italy/

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Otunba Gani Adams has stepped out of seclusion for his installation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba on Saturday, 13 January 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-gani-adams-steps-seclusion-installed-kakanfo/

The Department of State Security has denied reports making the rounds on social media that the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria aka Shiites, has died. An official in the agency who spoke to NAN today on the condition of anonymity, denied the report. The official said that El-Zakzaky is healthy and in a good condition.

The Islamic group leader has been in custody of the Federal government since December 2015 after members of his group had a clash with soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna state.



53 members of the group were arrested on Wednesday during a protest in Abuja. Members of the group have repeatedly staged protests demanding the release of their leader.

http://www.metronaija.ng/dss-denies-reports-shiite-leader-ibrahim-el-zakzaky-dead/

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In continuing the state government’s biometric data capturing of informal sector operatives, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Wednesday commenced the presentation of biometric identity cards to about 7,000 tradesmen and artisans captured in Ona Ara local government area of the state.

Ajimobi, represented by his Special Assistant on Trade Matters, Mrs Kunbi James, at the presentation held at Shamsu Su’ud Central Mosque, Orita-Aperin, Ibadan, said the traders, by holding the cards, had further opened their goods to willing buyers across the country and increased their access to various government’s offers for the people.

He added that the biometric exercise was also aimed at enabling the state government to have a unified identity for all tradesmen and artisans in the state, create a database for proper planning and ensure compliance to tax payment.

“When the government is giving out a lot of things, it is easy for the government to locate every trader, artisan, know what goods they sell, have their phone number. We intend to have a directory of traders across the local governments, for them to be easily located by willing buyers. They can also use the card anywhere for bank verification. They only have to pay a token of about N1,500 for all the processes,” Ajimobi said.

Speaking, Chairman, National Trader Youth Action Council International (NYTACI), Oyo state, Najeemdeen Abdulazeez assured that the association was poised to galvanise traders and artisans across the state to be registered for the biometric data capturing and identification card project of the state government.

It would be recalled that the state governor, at the inauguration of the project, in September 2017, said about 440,000 tradesmen and artisans across the state were to be captured.

http://www.metronaija.ng/oyo-government-presents-biometric-id-cards-7000-traders/

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Nigeria's baddest girl, Maheeda describes herself as the naija sex goddess.

http://www.metronaija.ng/maheeda-flaunts-cleavage-new-photo/

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Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, Computer & Allied Products Dealers Association (CAPDAN), Adeniyi Ojikutu,other members of the association during the Minister's visit to Computer Village, in Lagos on Friday

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-minister-communications-shittu-visits-computer-village-lagos/

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Adamawa State, has accused the Adamawa state government of tactically supporting Fulani herdsmen.

CAN decried the attitude of Governor Jubirila Bindow and condemned alleged comments by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Bindir, that Fulani herdsmen don’t carry firearms.

Chairman of the association, Bishop Dami Mamza in a statement on Wednesday, in Yola, said the government was insensitive to the ongoing killings.

“We wish to call on the state government in particular to caution it’s officials on unguarded utterances during and after conflicts, as it has come to CAN’s notice that the secretary to the Adamawa state government has propounded a new firearms narrative which seeks to justify the use of firearms by Fulani in the country”, he said.

“This is dangerous and reprehensible as the law of the country does not allow any civilian the possession of illegal firearms whether Herdsmen or farmers.

“CAN condemns the silence of the state governor who has failed to rebuke or dissociate himself from the SSG’s position.

“CAN wishes to state in unequivocal terms that violent elements are easily embolden and fuelled to terror killings by such reckless and unguarded utterances.

“We are saddened by the death of over 50 people killed in the repeated attacks carried out by herdsmen in Koh Village of Girei.

“This has happened after Lawaru, Dong, Kodomti, Shafaron, Plum, Kikan, Bilachi, Bang and Nzoruwe villages of Fufore, Numan and Demsa fell to the exploit of the same herdsmen and their expatriate mercenaries killing close to 150 people, injuring several hundreds and destroying properties worth millions of naira before the start of Christmas festivities.

“It on record that less than one week ago, no fewer than twenty innocent Christian farmers were killed in separate attacks in and around Tambo.

“Luru village in particular saw its worst days when Herdsmen wielding sophisticated firearms stormed the area Killing fifteen people.

“Within the period under review, not less than 10 churches were burnt down and in some instances worshippers killed.

“On the basis of these, we stand to believe that the ongoing carnage is an attempt to discourage Christianity and to silence Christians from free religious practice.

“We make bold to reject this attempt and ask the government to stop the unfortunate development.

“Extremism seem to taken persecution to a new dimension with armed herdsmen burning down churches especially the recent attacks two days ago in Sagal community in Maiha where four of our Churches were burnt to ashes and properties destroyed.”

CAN further lamented, “the inaction of security operatives” to prevent the killings in, noting that in all the attacks, there have been sufficient alarms raised long before the actual carnages were done.

“With the incessant and spreading attacks, we feel the land is under siege and therefore calls for serious concerns from all well-meaning individuals and organisations to support any course that will restore lasting peace in the land as against sponsoring and equipping of the said herdsmen by their sponsors.

The christian body called on the state government to, “Work around the current Committee set-up on those matter that their work is objectively done and timely and ensure that previous reports on farmers/herdsmen conflicts are implemented and that Nigerian’s land borders are protected at all costs to keep none Nigerian herdsmen from flowing into the country.”

http://www.metronaija.ng/adamawa-govt-behind-fulani-herdsmen-can/

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It was a tragic start to New Year for migrants from Nigeria and other countries as hundreds of them crossing to Italy and Spain were feared dead in the Mediterranean Sea, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has said.

IOM’s Public Information Officer in Libya, Christine Petré, reported that the boats carrying the migrants departed from the coastal towns of Azzawiyah and Al Khums in Libya.

“Most of the survivors hail from African countries, including Senegal, Mali and Nigeria. The Libyan Cost Guard reported that eight were from Bangladesh while two were from Pakistan,” Petré said.

According to IOM, and a report released by Libya’s Coast Guard, about 100 people on board remain missing.

The UN migration agency said its officials were present at the disembarkation point in Tripoli and provided the survivors with food and water.

Othman Belbeisi, Chief of IOM Libya Mission, said on Wednesday that about 200 migrants or refugees had died or gone missing in the Mediterranean Sea with up to 100 unaccounted for since Saturday.

“It’s very distressing that during the first 10 days of 2018 we have seen close to 800 migrants rescued or intercepted off the Libyan coast, with more lives lost at sea.

“More has to be done to reduce irregular unsafe movements of people along the Central Mediterranean route,” Belbeisi said.

According to him, the tragedy came at a time when Mediterranean migrants’ death dropped sharply as IOM recorded only 26 on the Mediterranean Sea lanes in December 2017.

Belbeisi said while January 2017 had witnessed some 254 deaths, this week’s reports suggest that the start of 2018 may be even deadlier.

IOM reported on Tuesday that 81 Mediterranean Sea deaths of migrants or refugees were recorded in the first eight days of the year with five in Western Mediterranean waters off Spain and Morocco and the rest between Italy and Libya.

In the latest, and third deadliest, shipwreck in the Mediterranean since Saturday, the Libyan Coast Guard rescued three rubber boats with 279 migrants made up of 19 women, 243 men, 13 boys and four girls, in an operation lasting at least 12 hours.

The UN migration agency said it continued to provide support and direct humanitarian assistance to the survivors of this latest tragedy, many of whom now are at Libya’s Tajoura detention centre.

http://www.metronaija.ng/200-migrants-nigeria-others-drown-mediterranean/

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More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-actress-emmanuella-iloba-birthday-party/

Budding nollywood Actress Emmanuella iloba mark her birthday celebration over the weekend in a colourful gathering in Karaote House, Lekki, Lagos.

The star-studded birthday party was graced by celebrities like Jawon, Djinee ,Mac Joe,Uche Iwuji, Queeneth Agboh and many others.

Check out official photos from the ceremony below

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-actress-emmanuella-iloba-birthday-party/

The Police Command in Benue has confirmed the killing of two of its personnel by suspected herdsmen in an ambush in Logo Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Makurdi on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yamu, said a police patrol team sent to the area was attacked late on Monday.

He said the command immediately dispatched a reinforcement team which repelled the attackers and restored normalcy in the area.

Yamu said because of the nature of the attack, it was difficult to ascertain the number of casualties, especially as the attackers were many.

NAN recalls that the Chairman of Guma Local Government, Mr Anthony Shawon, had alleged that hordes of herdsmen were camped at Dogon Yashi Forest from where they launched attacks on villages in the area.

Shawon, who is also the Chairman of Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria in Benue, explained that the forest stretched from Guma to Logo on the banks of River Benue covering over 57km.

NAN recalls that the suspected herders had attacked some Benue communities on New Yew Day and killed 71 people.

The state government has fixed Thursday for the mass burial of the victims.

http://www.metronaija.ng/benue-police-confirm-killing-2-personnel-suspected-herdsmen/

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta on Monday said it won’t participate in Tuesday’ s Local Government election rerun in Ughelli North and Ethiope East Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

Prophet Jones Erue, the state APC chairman who was flanked by party leaders announced this while briefing newsmen in Ughelli.

Elections in Ughelli North and Ethiope East LGAs were cancelled, after a violent protest.

Erue, also demanded for outright cancellation of the results of the Jan. 6, LG poll, alleging it was marred by fraud and other irregularities.

He said that APC in the state would always be ready to participate in an election that is free, fair and credible.

The chairman also said that APC would take legal action should the state Independent Electoral Commission ignore its demands for outright cancellation of the elections results.

“We demanded and still demanding for total cancellation of the sham elections in all the 25 LGAs in the state.

” To purportedly direct for a re-run in only two LGAs- Ughelli North and Ethiope East, is a subterfuge for the validation and authentication of the sham elections in the other 23 LGAs.

“We condemn the grotesque and brazen sabotage of the will of the people of Delta in the so-called election that was organised on Jan. 6, 2018 in Delta.

“We will, therefore, not participate in the elections in the two LGAs billed for Tuesday.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we are prepared, willing, and ready to participate in any free and fair election in all the 25 LGAs,” he said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/wont-take-part-delta-lg-poll-rerun-apc/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Women in Saudi Arabia would be allowed to attend football matches on Friday for the first time in the conservative kingdom, authorities said on Monday.

Female fans would enter major sports stadiums in the Kingdom to attend three football matches involving local sides as part of the Saudi Professional League competition, the government-run Centre for International Communication said in a statement.

The three fixtures are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Jan. 18, the statement added without further details.

In October, the Saudi General Sports Authority, a state agency, said that as of early 2018 three stadiums, up to now male-only facilities, would be prepared to be ready for families, including allocation of special places for seating and entrances.

They are King Fahd International Stadium in the capital Riyadh, King Abdullah Sports City in the western city of Jeddah, and Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia.

In September, Saudi King Salman Abdelaziz issued a royal order allowing women to drive, breaking a longstanding tradition as social reforms in the conservative kingdom gather pace.

Powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is believed to have championed lifting the ban as he is seeking to open up the country and revamp its international image.

Mohammed, 32, has vowed that the kingdom would return to “moderate Islam’’ as he works on reducing the influence of the hard-line religious establishment in the country. (dpa/NAN)

http://www.metronaija.ng/saudi-women-attend-football-matches-first-time/


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More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-osinbajo-armed-forces-remembrance-day-service/

Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo and wife Dolapo at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Service in Abuja.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-osinbajo-armed-forces-remembrance-day-service/

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Gunmen early on Sunday released Dr Usang Ekanem, a medical practitioner with the Cross River College of Education Medical Centre, Akamkpa, Cross River State, kidnapped on Dec. 26, 2017

Dr Effiong Mkpanam, the state Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar that Ekanem was released in the early hours of Sunday in Akamkpa.

Mkpanam, who expressed joy over the release said a traumatised Dr Ekanem, was released safely to his family on Sunday morning.

“As we speak right now, our colleague has been released; it is breaking news to us. I have seen him and the wife and we bless God that he has re-united with his family.

“At the moment, he is highly traumatised, but we are grateful to God for his safe release,’’he said.

NAN recalls that the NMA at a news conference on Friday in Calabar threatened an indefinite withdrawal of medical services from public, private, mission, and institutional hospitals in the state from Jan. 8 over the kidnapped doctor.

Mkpanam had expressed dissatisfaction with the rate of doctors kidnapped in the state, noting that five doctors and three of their family members were kidnapped in 2017 by gunmen.

He further said that any time a medical doctor is kidnapped in the state; the NMA would embark on an indefinite withdrawal of medical services without notice.

He told NAN that the association will meet on Monday, Jan. 8 to dialogue and suspend the planned action.

He, however, would not disclose if the doctor was released on the payment of ransom.

http://www.metronaija.ng/c-river-gunmen-release-abducted-doctor/

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