The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has taken delivery of new exotic cars purchased by the National Assembly management for his official use, brushing aside widespread criticisms against such lavish spending at a time of national economic crisis.

PREMIUM TIMES had exclusively reported that the Nigerian legislative body proposed to splash about N4.7 billion on at least 400 vehicles for leaders and members of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Among the proposed vehicles were 10 top-of-the-range cars for Mr. Saraki and his official convoy.

Our market survey showed the vehicles cost N329, 515,625 – more than the budgetary allocations for many government schools.

The report triggered a firestorm of reaction from Nigerians, including President Muhammadu Buhari and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who urged the National Assembly to shelve the plan.

Mr. Buhari said he had rejected a proposal for new vehicles to be purchased for him as part of 2016 budget expenditure.

“I turned down a N400 million bill for cars for the presidency, because the vehicles I am using are good enough for the next 10 years,” the president said during his first media chat.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also wrote members of the National Assembly asking them to jettison the plan to buy official vehicles.

“Whatever name it is disguised as, it is unnecessary and insensitive,” Mr. Obasanjo said. “A pool of a few cars for each Chamber will suffice for any Committee Chairman or members for any specific duty.

The waste that has gone into cars, furniture, housing renovation in the past was mind-boggling and these were veritable sources of waste and corruption. That was why they were abolished. Bringing them back is inimical to the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.”

But PREMIUM TIMES can report today that the National Assembly management ignored such concerns and, finalised procurement processes for the vehicles, and indeed took delivery of them for Mr. Saraki.

At least four of the 10 vehicles meant for Mr. Saraki have already been delivered by Lanre Shittu motors and the lawmaker has since put them to use.

Officials briefed about the matter told this newspaper that procurement process for the purchase of vehicles for the senate president was concluded since December.

However, like Mr. Saraki, the tenders board agreed the purchases be made in batches due to paucity of funds, our sources said.

Stressing what the Senate spokesperson, Aliyu Sabi, had earlier said, the source said procuring new vehicles for Mr. Saraki became a “matter of priority” because “the current cars are old and already developing faults”.

PREMIUM TIMES obtained tender documents for the 10 cars Mr. Saraki requested.

In the document, the National Assembly sought to purchase a 2016 model Mercedes Benz S550, four 2016 Toyota Prado jeeps, four 2016 Toyota Hilux SS (Auto) as well as a 2016 model Toyota Hiace Bus.

PREMIUM TIMES’ independent market evaluation showed the cars cost as follows: 1Nos.Mercedes Benz S550 (N49, 020,625); 4nos. Toyota Prado (N149, 650,000); 4nos Toyota Hilux SS (N102, 407,500) and 1Nos. Toyota Hiace Bus (N28, 437,500).

At N250 to the dollar, PREMIUM TIMES estimated the total cost of the purchase at N329, 515,625.

The four cars delivered yet, and confirmed by this paper, are three Toyota Prado SUVs and one Mercedes Benz S500.

PREMIUM TIMES also confirmed that the procurement processes for the purchase of 120 Toyota Land Cruisers for the remaining 119 Senators were also concluded last December.

The tenders board also agreed to shelve the plan temporarily due to “paucity of funds.”

A source said senators however continued to pressure the Committee on Senate Services, which in turn put pressure on the National Assembly management to immediately conclude the procurement.

An estimated N4.7billion would have been spent by the time the acquisition of cars for Mr. Saraki and his 108 colleagues are completed.
A cocktail of illegalities

As we reported in an earlier story, the acquisition of cars for senators is a violation of the monetisation policy of the federal government.
Under the policy, no new vehicles should be purchased by any agency of government for use by officials.

Rather, public officers and political office holders are to receive 250 per cent of their annual basic salary as motor vehicle loan, which translates to N5.07 million for each senator.

Our sources at the National Assembly said the Senators got these loans before also proceeding to acquire these new Toyota Land Cruisers.
Also, the President of the Senate is said to have inherited the vehicles used by his predecessor, and Senate insiders say “he really does not need new cars as the one he uses are in top condition”.

But even if he needs new cars, the number being acquired for him is in excess of what the law provides.
According to the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, the Senate President is entitled to a maximum of six vehicles, and not 10 as being bought for him.

He is entitled to two official cars, one pilot car, one protocol/press car, one ambulance and one security car.

Members of the two chambers of the national assembly are renown for their taste for exotic vehicles even after receiving monetary pay in lieu of official vehicles based on the provisions of the law.

The Senate had in the last legislative session bought Toyota Prado Jeeps for each Senator at the cost of over N1.3 billion, coming after both chambers had also bought Toyota Camry, for Senators and Peugeot vehicles for members of the House of Representatives.

The allegedly shady deal involved in the purchase of the Peugeot vehicles formed part of the charges against then Speaker Dimeji Bankole when he was taken to court after completing his term.

What N4.7billion can do If deployed towards enhancing healthcare delivery, N4.7 billion can be used in building 235 primary health care centres across Nigeria (enough for at least 6 health care centres in each state) at the cost of N20 million each.

The money, N4.7 billion, can also provide over 470,000 children with insecticide-treated mosquito nets at N10,000 each, saving them from the scourge of malaria which today kills more than 300,000 Nigerian children under the age of five annually and responsible for 11 per cent of maternal mortality cases yearly, according to experts at the Malaria Action Programme for States (MAPS).

Still on healthcare, over 10 million Nigerian kids could get complete malaria treatment dosage, at N460 if the N4.7 billion was directed to this life-saving purpose.

If that money is spent on boosting yield of farm produce, the amount can cover the cost of procurement of about 626,667 bags of fertilizers for Nigerian farmers at N7,500 each.

The money –N4.7 billion – can also offset a six-month wage bill of 40,000 minimum wage workers presently owed salary payment by some state governments seeking bailout from the federal government.

In order to provide conducive learning environment in schools, 470,000 sets of school furniture, comprising table and chair at N10,000 each, can be procured at the cost of N4.7 billion.

Yet kids sit on bare floors to study in many schools across the country while the parliamentarians gets N4.7 billion to buy cars.

In the housing sector, at N7million per piece, the country can provide 671 additional cheap housing for citizens; and provide 51 thousand households with potable water at N92,000 per household connection.

The artist took to Instagram on Saturday in order to show off some fresh purple highlights, initially doing so via the above photo.
It depicts Bieber sitting on the hood of a fancy sports car, looking down and rocking a pair of sunglasses.
Justin did not include a caption with the image.

But he did send a message to followers with his next purple-haired picture… although we doubt most fans were focused on Bieber’s hair in this one:
Justin Bieber: Shirtless and Purple
“Back in the gym,” Bieber wrote on Instagram, wearing nothing but a towel while holding his phone up for a selfie.
Prior to sharing these photos, meanwhile, Bieber posted what may have been his racist snapshot to date on Instagram.
And we’re guessing the dreams of his fans were most definitely sweet after ogling this nearly-naked picture.
Take as long as you want to stare and drool at the photos above before moving on the shirtless shots below.
Who cares what color Justin Bieber’s hair is when he looks like this regardless?!?

The People’s Choice Awards has always been considered the underdog of the awards season, but the fan-dictated ceremony is perhaps the most accurate barometer of pop culture affections. Here are the full list of winners.



MOVIES
Favorite Movie: Furious 7
Favorite Movie Actor: Channing Tatum
Favorite Movie Actress: Sandra Bullock
Favorite Action Movie: Furious 7
Favorite Action Movie Actor: Chris Hemsworth
Favorite Action Movie Actress: Shailene Woodley
Favorite Animated Movie Voice: Selena Gomez
Favorite Comedic Movie: Pitch Perfect 2
Favorite Comedic Movie Actor: Kevin Hart
Favorite Comedic Movie Actress: Melissa McCarthy
Favorite Dramatic Movie: The Martian
Favorite Dramatic Movie Actor: Johnny Depp
Favorite Dramatic Movie Actress: Dakota Johnson
Favorite Family Movie: Minions
Favorite Thriller Movie: Taken 3
TV
Favorite TV Show: The Big Bang Theory
Favorite Network TV Comedy: The Big Bang Theory
Favorite Comedic TV Actor: Jim Parsons
Favorite Comedic TV Actress: Melissa McCarthy
Favorite Network TV Drama: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite Dramatic TV Actor: Taylor Kinney
Favorite Dramatic TV Actress: Ellen Pompeo
Favorite Cable TV Comedy: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Favorite Cable TV Drama: Pretty Little Liars
Favorite Cable TV Actor: Kevin Hart
Favorite Cable TV Actress: Sasha Alexander
Favorite Premium Cable TV Show: Homeland
Favorite Premium Cable TV Actor: Dwayne Johnson
Favorite Premium Cable TV Actress: Kristen Bell
Favorite TV Crime Drama: Person of Interest
Favorite TV Crime Drama Actor: Nathan Fillion
Favorite TV Crime Drama Actress: Stana Katic
Favorite Network TV Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show: Beauty and the Beast
Favorite Cable TV Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show: Outlander
Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor: Jensen Ackles
Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actress: Caitriona Balfe
Favorite Competition TV Show: The Voice
Favorite Daytime TV Host: Ellen DeGeneres
Favorite Daytime TV Hosting Team: The Talk
Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host: Jimmy Fallon
Favorite Streaming Series: Orange Is the New Black
Favorite Actor in a New TV Series: John Stamos
Favorite Actress in a New TV Series: Priyanka Chopra
Favorite Animated TV Show: The Simpsons
Favorite New TV Comedy: Scream Queens
Favorite New TV Drama: Supergirl
MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Ed Sheeran
Favorite Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Group: Fifth Harmony
Favorite Breakout Artist: Shawn Mendes
Favorite Male Country Artist: Blake Shelton
Favorite Female Country Artist: Carrie Underwood
Favorite Country Group: Lady Antebellum
Favorite Pop Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Hip-Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
Favorite R&B Artist: The Weeknd
Favorite Album: Title by Meghan Trainor
Favorite Song: “What Do You Mean?” by Justin Bieber
Favorite Music Icon: Madonna
SOCIAL MEDIA
Favorite Social Media Celebrity: Britney Spears
Favorite Social Media Star: Matt Bellassai
Favorite Mobile Game: Candy Crush Saga
Favorite Video Game: Super Smash Bros.
Favorite YouTube Star: Connor Franta
The DailyMail.com Seriously Popular Award: Maddie Ziegler
http://myblogemmanuelumeh..com.ng/2016/01/peoples-choice-awards-2016-winners.html#more

Driverless cars are supposed to be a sign of a tranquil future, where pleasant machines cart relaxed guests around, handling all the messiness of automobile travel. They’ve also long been the interest of the military, which through DARPA in 2003 challenged inventors to make a machine that, by itself, could navigate a 300-mile stretch between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.The goal was a technological solution to a messy problem from the insurgencies fought in Iraq and Afghanistan: convoys carrying supplies were frequently attacked, with lives often lost in the process. If resupply could be driverless, it would save lives.


Now, it appears, ISIS has created a driverless car with the exact opposite objective: remotely controlled, a driverless car bomb could be just as deadly as a suicidal one, and without the high cost of a fighter in the driver seat, too.
As reported by Sky News, ISIS has posted an instructional video on how to turn a car into a remote-controlled weapon. It includes remote steering, a machine to hit the pedals, and a foil-wrapped laser-eyed mannequin in the front seat to fool infrared cameras.

Iraq observer Joel Wing wrote that in the week of December 22nd to the 28th, Iraq saw 13 car bombs, the fewest since June. Previous campaigns have used about 50 car bombs a week.
http://myblogemmanuelumeh..com.ng/2016/01/isis-shows-off-driverless-carbomb.html#more

This is interesting. Yunusa Hanidu shared these photos on Facebook alleging that petroleum is being diverted into Cameroon through Mambilla border. Mambilla is between Taraba State and Cameroon. Below is what he wrote:

"This is how petroleum is diverted into cameroon from mambilla border. Our customs and other security agents are just there to collect bribe from these dealers and things like this to be happening. This thing has to be stopped. This is what make the product to be sold here at #220 per litre. This is because they make much money to sell it in cameroon than in Nigeria. And the people are paying the prices of all these rubbish"
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com.ng/2016/01/how-petroleum-products-are-diverted.html#more

Just yesterday (January 5), famous Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage shared a picture of her reading to her son Jamil Balogun on Instagram.
In the picture, Tiwa Savage is sitting on a rocking chair and reading him a bedtime story.

Tiwa Savage captioned the picture “Ok so I know it’s a bit early but I started reading to jamjam already before bedtime, I want to get him used to reading then my mum asks if I would speak yoruba to him as well, then I said of course as it is so important to me for him to speak his native language. Do you yummy mummies agree? #MomsKnowBest.”
On Sunday, January 3, 2016, Tiwa Savage along with her son and husband Tee Billz attended 2face’s daughter’s birthday party.
Tiwa Savage welcomed her son with husband Tunji Balogun aka Tee Billz on July 22, 2015, in the UK.
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com.ng/2016/01/photo-tiwa-savage-reading-to-her-son-in.html#more

The 31 year old singer threw a party last night in Lekki which was attended by friends and celebrities such as, Reekado Banks, Ubi Franklin and rapper T.R.
At the birthday party Oritsefemi was given a hover boards as his birthday present.
The ‘Double Wahala’ took it for a spin during the party.
Oritsefemi is set to perform in the United Kingdom this year.
“A big shoutout to all my UK friends n fans the amazing musical Taliban is coming soon roger dat…. bigger than before…. massive concert…2016.”
His first live performance this year was at the One Lagos Festival in the early hours of January 1, 2016.
In October 2015, the Money Stop Nonsense (MSN) CEO toured China and performed in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenyang. While he was in the communist country, he shot his ‘Give Thanks’ video there.
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Lol. I don’t blame this guy…we keep giving him attention
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Singer and actress J.Lo looks stunning on the January 2016 cover of American Way Magazine.
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Singer and actress J.Lo looks stunning on the January 2016 cover of American Way Magazine.
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Singer and actress J.Lo looks stunning on the January 2016 cover of American Way Magazine.
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

In a bid to stop any possible attack by Boko Haram members during the New Year celebration, the Borno state government has announced the restriction of vehicular movement as from 5.00pm Thursday 31st December 2015, to 6.00am on Saturday 2nd January 2016.
Borno State Commissioner of Information, Mohammed Bulama, made this known to newsmen today December 31st


“The measure becomes necessary in order to further safeguard lives and property of law abiding citizens in the state. While wishing you a hitch free new year, members of the public are please requested to be more vigilant and security conscious throughout the period and report any suspicious person or movement to the nearest security agency. We wish to assure the good people of Borno state and indeed all law abiding citizens that every step is being taken by government and military authorities to root out terrorists causing mayhem in the society,” Bulama had told KSM News.
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Nice ride!!!!
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Senate President Bukola Saraki attended the Thanksgiving Service in honour of Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremmadu yesterday, December 27, at All Saints Covenant Church, Mpu, Anini Local Government Area, Enugu State. A civic reception was later held at Aninri East Development Centre.
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

The 10th edition of The Headies, hitherto scheduled to hold on Wednesday December 30, 2015 has now been moved by two days. The organizers announce that the highly anticipated show will now hold on New Year's Day Friday, January 1, 2016.The postponement adds another opportunity for the organizers to deliver an event many expect to be truly remarkable.

The Headies 2015 is hosted by Kaffy and Bovi, with performances from 2Face, Vector, Falz, Iyanya, Seyi Shay, Adekunle Gold, Olamide, Simi, Victoria Kimani, Eva Alordiah and more.
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

England, Spain or Italy? Jose Mourinho is yet to make a decision over his future after leaving Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho is keeping his options open when it comes to finding a new club following his Chelsea departure.
The Portuguese manager was relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge this month following a dismal start to the defence of Chelsea's Premier League title.

Mourinho is thought to be resisting a return to former club Real Madrid as speculation mounts that he could be the man to replace Louis van Gaal at Manchester United should the under-fire Dutchman make his Old Trafford exit in the near future.
But agent Jorge Mendes insists his client is yet to make a decision over his future, with a return to Italy - where he previously managed Inter - having also been mooted.
"Right now he’s in Brazil, we'll see what happens when he gets back," Mendes is quoted as telling Sky Sport.
"At the moment we haven't been talking about England, Spain or Italy.
"He only needs to be calm and not worry about anything - he's the best manager in the world."
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Lionel Messi won the Best Player of the Year award at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai last night and he's the overwhelming favorite to scoop the Ballon d'or 2015 best player of the year award in January.

The Argentina and Barcelona forward, scored 58 goals as Barcelona enjoyed a memorable treble-winning campaign last season winning the Copa del rey, Champions league and La liga title.

'It's very nice to receive these awards, but I always say that the team makes it possible,' said Messi. 'It's been an extraordinary year.'

Other players like Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo were also honoured at the awards Ceremony in Dubai.

The Award winners in full;
GLOBE SOCCER AWARDS IN DUBAI WINNERS 2015
Best Player of the Year 2015 - Lionel Messi
Best Club 2015 - Barcelona
Best President 2015 - Josep Maria Bartomeu
Best Media Attraction in Football - Barcelona
Player Career Award- Frank Lampard
Player Career Award - Andrea Pirlo
Best Agent 2015 - Jorge Mendes
Best Coach 2015 - Marc Wilmots
Best Academy 2015 - Benfica
Best GCC Player 2015 - Yasir Al-Shahrani
Best Referee 2015 - Ravshan Irmatov
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Nigerians from all over the diaspora in Lagos gearing up for the most anticipated end of the year event…’The Hashtag Ball’. –
An evening of Live ‘Old Skool’ music, cool Jazz, Highlife, and Afro Pop music event for everyone who loves quality live music performances, who also likes to dance, and want a relaxing entertaining experience this season. Event holds this Sunday 27th December 2015, at the Intercontinental Hotel (The Grand African Ballroom), Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com.ng/2015/12/the-hashtag-ball-happening-today-at.html#more

A Snapshop View Of 2016 Budget As Proposed By Various States In Nigeria

Take a critical look at the budget and see states which are following the part of change…..Note the figures are in Naira SEE LIST.....

Federal Republic of Nigeria…….6.08T

Abia State ……………..INCONCLUSIVE

Adamawa State ……………..100.89B

Akwa Ibom State……………..426B

Anambra State …………….. 101.4B

Bauchi State …………….. 102B

Bayelsa State…………….. INCONCLUSIVE

Benue State …………….. INCONCLUSIVE

Borno State …………….. INCONCLUSIVE

Cross River State………… 350B

Delta State …………….. 266B

Ebonyi State …………….. 101.1B

Edo State …………….. 111.5B

Ekiti State …………….. 67B (the least)

Enugu State…………….. INCONCLUSIVE

Gombe State ……………..INCONCLUSIVE

Imo State …………….. 141.2B

Jigawa State …………….. 137.2B

Kaduna State …………….. 171.7B

Kano State …………….. 275B

Katsina State …………….. 110B

Kebbi State …………….. 107B

Kogi State …………….. INCONCLUSIVE

Kwara State ……………..116.2 B

Lagos State …………….662.58B (highest)

Nasarawa State…………INCONCLUSIVE

Niger State ……………..INCONCLUSIVE

Ogun State ……………..200B

Ondo State ……………..INCONCLUSIVE

Osun State ……………..150.7B (hmmmmm)

Oyo State …………….. 165.5B

Plateau State …………INCONCLUSIVE

Rivers State…………….. 370B

Sokoto State…………112.5B

Taraba State ………INCONCLUSIVE

Yobe State ………….. 80.6B

Zamfara State…….92.8B
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

The final game on Boxing Day in the Premier League is at St Mary’s, as Southampton side who are sliding down the table try to stop the forward momentum of title chasers Arsenal.
The Saints are down in 12th, and Ronaldo Koeman’s side are in a rut. They’ve lost five of their last six matches (the draw was an unimpressive 1-1 stalemate with Aston Villa), with an aggregate scoreline of 14-3.
That’s relegation form, and the dark clouds around Southampton aren’t helped by the fact the after the Arsenal match, they face two tough away trips at West Ham and Norwich.

So how can Southampton bounce back against Arsenal?
In all likelihood, Southampton’s best chance of scoring against the Gunners will be from set plays and quick counter attacks. Virgil van Dijk will be a threat from dead balls, while the Saints will look to launch swift counters through Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle.
Southampton also need Victor Wanyama to have a big match. Sat in the heart of the pitch, Wanyama needs to close down Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey if the Saints are to have success.
The hosts may also be boosted by the return of Maarten Stekelenburg in goal.
As for Arsenal, Wenger’s side travel to St Mary’s looking for a fourth successive league victory, although they’ll once again be without Santi Cazorla (knee), Alexis Sanchez (hamstring) and Jack Wilshere (calf) on Boxing Day.
The Gunners have seen their back-ups come to the fore in recent weeks. Joel Campbell has worked his socks off on the right hand side, while Mathieu Flamini has battled in midfield. Those players will again be key, along with Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud (5 goals in 6 games) who both seem in good scoring form right now.
It’s hard seeing past an Arsenal win.
The Gunners have only lost once in 11 league games and they’ve conceded 14 goals all season – the joint fewest in the top flight. Moreover, against the Saints, Arsenal have lost just one of their last 11 league games.
Two more points.
Arsenal have won 38 Premier League points away from home in 2015, which is the most the league. And Arsenal have only ever lost once on Boxing Day in the Premier League era
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Lagos state governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday commissioned the Ipaja-Ayobo, Ikotun-Ejigbo Roads and also inspected ongoing construction of Brown Street in Lagos. Continue to see more pics.
https://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

President Muhammadu Buhari will today present the 2016 budget estimates to a joint session of the National Assembly after the approval by the Federal Executive Council yesterday.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had earlier pegged crude oil price at $38 per barrel with a proposal of N6trillion for the 2016 budget.
Unlike the last administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, where the Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala presented the budget to the National Assembly, Buhari will personally present the budget to a joint session of the National Assembly.

Giving an insight on what to expect from the 2016 budget
Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed and minister of Budget and Planning, Udoma Udo-Udoma stated after the FEC meeting that the taxation laws will have to be reviewed and loopholes in the collection of taxes will have to be blocked to improve the revenue generation of the country.According to Mohammed, two major memos were presented at the FEC meeting, the first was the memo by the attorney general,Abubakar Malami , for a review for the extant taxation laws, in order to improve the legal framework and enhance compliance which was duly approved.
He also said the second memo was the memo presented by the minister of Budget and National Planing , seeking for approval of the 2016 budget which was also approved.
He said: “We have noticed some inadequacies in the current tax regime and that these inadequacies have been exploited by both individuals and corporate organisations to evade tax which has led to loss of revenue to the government. The review aims at plugging these loopholes”.
On his part, minister of Budget and Planning,Udoma disclosed that the details of the budget will be presented today at 10am and everything will be there in President Buhari’s budget address.
It would be recalled that the National Assembly last week passed the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) which is a prelude to the budget.
https://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Singer Wande Coal has changed his looks, he now spots short dreadlocks
https://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Rivers state governor assented to the 2016 budget passed by the state House of Assembly today, December 21.

The governor signed the budget at the executive council chamber of the government house, Port Harcourt in the presence of the leadership of the House, members of the House and members of the State Executive Council.

The state House passed the budget of N307billion sent to it by Governor Wike last week.
In his remarks after giving his assent to the 2016 budget, Wike commended the House for the accelerated consideration given to the budget.
He said with the passage and assent of the budget, his administration can now settle down to focus on the consolidation of the gains attained in the last seven months.
Wike said: “I assure the people of Rivers State that this administration will diligently implement this budget. We shall complete ongoing budget and initiate new ones for the good of the people. Wike and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Dabotorudima Adams at the signing of the 2016 budget.
READ ALSO: Rivers House Of Assembly Set To Screen Wike’s Nominees
“I am happy that the Rivers State Executive Council and the State House of Assembly have forged a common front to massively develop the state. We are partners in progress.”
Earlier while presenting the budget to Governor Wike for assent, majority leader, Martins Amaewhule said the budget will help in advancing the course of development in the state.
https://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

President Buhari pictured at the opening of the 48th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja earlier today. Earlier on, he received the Transitional President of Burkina Faso, Michel Kafando in Statehouse
https://myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Earlier today, there were reports that the former NSA Sambo Dasuki had alleged that he bought and gave bullet proof vehicles to all former heads of state and presidents of Nigeria, implying that President Buhari also received some items from the embattled NSA's office.

The presidency through the Special Assistant to the Presidency on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina has however reacted to the report, stating that President Buhari was statutorily entitled to any item he received from Dasuki.
http://myblogemmanuelumeh..com

A federal High Court in Abuja has denied Former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, former Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Aminu Baba Kusa and Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the NSA, Salisu Shuaibu, bail.

Their bail application came up for hearing this morning. After arguments between the prosecution and defence counsels, the presiding judge, Justice Yusuf Sani adjourned the bail application hearing till Friday December 18th. They are to be remanded in EFCC custody till Friday.
http://myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Mavin Records young superstar, Reekado Banks recently released the video to one of his most recent singles, “Sugar Baby". The Don Jazzy produced track has since its release, become a favorite among Reekaddicts (Reekado Banks fans) and music lovers all over the world.
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Take it or leave it, tomorrow’s Monday night Barclays Premier League clash between Leicester City and Chelsea at the King Power Stadium is a big big clash.
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea dropped to 16th place on the log today after Newcastle beat Tottenham.

Chelsea now would be hoping to build on their midweek triumph at home to Porto where they guaranteed a place in the next round of the UEFA Champions League.
It has been a dream start for Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester. They are currently having their best ever season in the Premier League, and much of that has been down to the incredible form of striker Jamie Vardy and team mate Riyad Mahrez.
Victory for Leicester will see them usurp Arsenal at the top of the English Premier League table. For Chelsea, it is a must win game as failure to win would leave them just 1 point from the relegation zone.
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 victory at Aston Villa to move to the top of the Premier League, plunging Villa further into the relegation mire in the process.
The Gunners looked in control right from the word go, and it wasn’t long before they took the lead, with Olivier Giroud converting from the spot after Theo Walcott had been fouled by a clumsy Alan Hutton.

Aaron Ramsey then tapped in following a swift Arsenal counter to double his side’s lead after 38 minutes – making the second half a mere procession.
With Leicester in action against Chelsea in the Monday Night Football, another three points at Villa Park sees Arsene Wenger’s men sit top of the pile, at least temporarily, but leaves Villa with an even tougher task ahead to preserve their Premier League status.
http://myblogemmanuelumeh..com

Legendary singer, D’banj is set to break another record.
The Kokomaster will be featured on popular American TV channel E! News.
The United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace and ONE campaign ambassador, D’banj announced the news when he posted a photo on his Instagram page with this caption- Catch a Brand New E! News .
http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com

1. Genevieve Nnaji
genevieve
Genevieve slayed at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) in March when she walked the red carpet in this custom made ElviraJude dress that glued all eyes to her. SEE MORE PHOTO>>
2. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Omotola-Jalade-Ekeinde
Omotola wore a Wani Fuga piece to the Aquafina Elite Model event in September.
3. Rita Dominic
rita dominic red carpet africa magic
Rita Dominic wore this gorgeous dress made and styled by celebrity designer Lanre Da Silver Ajayi to the AMVCA in March.
4. Linda Ikeji
Linda-Ikeji_selectastyle
Linda wore this gorgeous blue dress by LaPetitedress to The Future Awards Africa (TFAA).
5. Stephanie Coker
Stephanie-coker
Stephanie Coker rocked this to the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) which held in South Africa in July.
6. Dakore Egbuson
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The House of Dabira made this lace top and tulle skirt with applique for Dakore for the AMVCA.
7. Toke Makinwa
Toke-Makinwa
Style star Toke Makinwa wore this amazing emerald piece to a Fayrouz event at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos in July. This gorgeous piece was from rising designer April by Kunbi.
8. Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade certainly made 2015 the year to debut her fashionable side. She rocked awesome attires for red carpet events and slayed in this one at the MAMAs.
9. Toyin Lawani
Toyin Lawani wore this gorgeous piece by her fashion house, Tiannah’s Place, to the City People Awards in September.
10. Toni Tones
Toni Tones has been blazing on the red carpet and her look to the TFAA was not a disappointment. http://www.myblogemmanuelumeh..com