General Abacha, who ruled Nigeria for five years after a 1993 coup, is believed to be among the ranks of Congo’s Mobutu Sese Seko as one of Africa’s most avaricious looters in power. Investigation by WDNews reveal that the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha pillaged the country’s coffers to the tune of $210 billion (N73.5 trillion, with the exchange rate at all time high of N350 per dollar), which is the country’s budget for approximately 13 years, using an annual budget of N6 trillion. Of that figure, past Nigerian governments have, in the last 11 years, received over $1 billion from the Swiss and American governments.



Monies recovered
Pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, had in November 2006, in London, said that Gen. Sani Abacha looted over $6 billion from Nigeria and that $2 billion of the loot had been recovered.

This was still reiterated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his book titled “My Watch”, where he claimed he left in the national treasury over N287 billion, made up of $2bn, £100m and N10bn in cash and property, being the loot recovered from the late dictator, Gen. Abacha.

According to President Obasanjo, the funds were paid into the treasury through the Central Bank of Nigeria before he handed over power to the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua on May 29, 2007.

He disclosed, “In total, by the time I left government in May 2007, over $2 billion and £100 million had been recovered from the Abacha family abroad, and well over N10 billion in cash and properties locally. All were paid to the public treasury through the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“By the time I left government, Enrico (Monfrini, a Swiss lawyer) told me that if he continued to get support for his work, there was still about $1 billion he believed could still be recovered from the Abacha family and cronies.”



The returns
Meanwhile, Switzerland has returned $723 million (about N142.43 billion) that the late Abacha stashed away in Swiss accounts and they are now set to return another $380 million, stolen by the dictator with the proviso that the Nigerian government will judiciously use the money to positively touch the lives of its citizenry.

Also, the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein has repatriated $227million worth of loot stolen by Gen. Abacha in 2014. The State of Jersey in Channels Island has announced its readiness to return £315 million to Nigeria as part of funds recovered from the late dictator. The Island had earlier returned the sum of £140 million to Nigeria in two batches.

Reliable sources reveal that they were yet to uncover billions of dollars of Abacha’s humongous loot stashed away in offshore banks.

for more info:
http://wdn.com.ng/2016/03/21/abacha-loot-over-a-decade-of-budget-loot/

Let me start by saying that I am Fulani (laughter). My grandfather was an Emir and therefore I represent all that has been talked about this afternoon. Sir Ajayi has written a book. And like all Nigerians of his generation, he has written in the language of his generation.

“My grandfather was a Northerner; I am a Nigerian. The problem with this country is that in 2009, we speak in the language of 1953. Sir Olaniwun can be forgiven for the way he spoke, but I cannot forgive people of my generation speaking in that language.

“Let us go into this issue because there are so many myths that are being bandied around. Before colonialism, there was nothing like Northern Nigeria, Before the Sokoto Jihad, there was nothing like the Sokoto caliphate. The man from Kano regard himself as bakane. The man from Zaria was bazazzage. The man from Katsina was bakatsine. The kingdoms were at war with each other. They were Hausas, they were Muslims, yet, they were killing each other.

for more news:
http://wdn.com.ng/2016/03/21/monday-bite-nigeria-not-africas-failed-asset/

A must Read ;
http://wdn.com.ng/2016/03/21/boko-haram-losing-food-production/

Leadership reports that the new APC group has named itself ‘True APC’. Members of the new faction are said to have been unhappy because the state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, did not do anything in line with the change mantra the party represents. They also accused the governor denying the people of Kaduna the true change they yearn and voted for.

Members of the new faction include the retired permanent secretary, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Hajiya Hafsat Baba, former ANPP chairman, Alhaji Kabir Umar, former education commissioner, Mr. Tom Mataimaki Maiyashi, Alhaji Lawal Maiturare, Nasiru Ahmed; special adviser on strategy to Senator Shehu Sani and Murtala Abubakar who is the publicity secretary.

Alhaji Murtala Abubakar who is the publicity secretary of the new APC said: “ members of “True –APC” are responsible people who successfully worked hard to remove the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and put our party in power, it is with tremendous reluctance that we make public, issues and grievances that should have the responsibility to address them. The group said there is no available avenue left and they would fail millions of people who expect the party to operate with requisite standard of responsibility and accommodation if they continue to remain silent. The same millions of people who require the state government under our great party to show sensitivity to the feelings of our people in the discharge of its mandate need to know where we stand on the disturbing issue of the clear contempt for decency being exhibited by the state administration.”

The “True-APC” went further to say that what is most alarming is the absence of functional and autonomous party structures in the state. ”The state has created a long distance between the state government and the teeming party members” .

Reacting to the news, officials of the APC passed a vote of confidence on Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s policies. The state acting publicity secretary of the party, Salisu Wusono, said all El-Rufai’s policies are in line with the party’s manifestos and agenda.

Urging members to remain loyal, Wusono said that the ‘True All Progressives Congress’ is one of the antics of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to defame and distract both APC and the Governor El-Rufai.

Wusono said: “APC as a party has a manifesto and also has a constitution and we are working in line with the constitution of our party. We have only one APC in Kaduna State. The party in Kaduna has leadership and structure.We are running the affairs of the party according to the manifesto, constituion and ideology of APC. It’s laughable if somebody in Kaduna State said APC is not functioning because the party has a governor in Kaduna, 90 per cent of members in the state and national assemblies; so anybody who comes out to say APC in the state is in disarray is a joker”.


http://watchdognews.net/kaduna-apc-divides-into-two-factions/

According to Senator Obanikoro, Abubakar Audu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, represents the ugly past of the state, while his opponent, Idris Wada, represents the immeasurable opportunities for Kogi’s future.

On Friday, November 20, a former ambassador to Ghana took to his official Twitter account to wish good luck to the incumbent and candidate of the PDP.

While people of Kogi state are patiently waiting for the polls, there have continually been accusations and counter accusations over who seems to be plotting strategies to rig the governorship elections.

The PDP in Osun state said that it had unveiled an alleged plan by the state governor, Rauf Aregbesola, to deploy 15,000 persons to Kogi state with the intent of rigging the elections in favour of the APC.

Meanwhile, Governor Idris Wada has accused his Edo state counterpart, Adams Oshiomole, of sponsoring cultists to disrupt tomorrow’s governorship election.

The presidency has released a statement signed by Garba Shehu, the Senior special assistant to president Buhari on media and publicity, giving details of the assets of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

http://watchdognews.net/breaking-news-president-buhari-and-vice-pres-osinbajo-reveal-assets/

Tiwa Savage has only been in the Nigerian Scene for half a decade but it feels like we have known all our life. With her lovely smile, regal air, and distinct singing style, Savage is easily one of the most popular female musicians in the country: Nigeria’s first genuine 21st century Diva. Tiwa made her first breakthrough into the Nigerian music industry in 2010 with her debut single “Kele Kele Love.” Prior to this she had long been in the music industry.

Tiwa Savage was born in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria on the 5th of February 1980 to Nigerian parents. At the age of 11 her family relocated from Nigeria to London. Her love for music started very early as she was the trombone player for her high school’s orchestra band. At the age of 16, Tiwa did backup vocals for George Michael and lent vocals to other musicians such as Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan, Blu Cantrell, Emma Bunton, Kelly Clarkson among others. She also performed on stage with British singer Sting, 50 cent, The black eyed peas, Eminem, Destiny’s child to name a few.

Moving further in life, she attended the University of Kent in England and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. She also enrolled at the Berklee College of Music and graduated with a degree in professional music at the age of 27.

While reminiscing about her experiences there, she said she was motivated by the drive and passion of the younger students. She also said she needed the school’s atmosphere. Savage spoke briefly on the challenges musicians face during their transition from backup to lead, and said that artists face more scrutiny when their performances are mediocre.

Her business background has helped her fully understand the scope of the Nigerian music industry. Savage spoke about her business background and said that her level of professionalism does not make her susceptible to deception.

Her musical achievements which are too numerous to mention include writing for Babyface, Kat Deluna, Fantasia Barrino, Monica, and Mya.

Tiwa Savage joined Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records in 2012 after the label she co-owns teamed up with the executive producer. She also established her own label imprint, 323 Entertainment, with her manager and husband Tunji “Tee Billz” Balogun.

Tiwa has only one studio album Once upon a time released in 2013 and a compilation album Solar Plexus released in 2012. She however has several singles released.

She has received recognition for her work through various award nominations which she eventually bagged the award for some. There is comprehensive and accurate list of her nominations and awards but the table below show recognition received up till 2014.

Her personal life has equally been a public affair; she was rumored to be in a relationship with her manager Tunji Balogun but she never really confirmed or denied the reports until it became official on the 5th of February 2013 (Tiwa’s 33rd birthday) when Tunji popularly known as TeeBillz proposed to Tiwa Savage.

Following their engagement, Savage and Tunji held their traditional marriage at the Ark in Lekki on the 23rd November 2013. Their white wedding which was highly talked about held on the 26th April 2014, at the Armani Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

for more info :http://watchdognews.net/tiwa-savage-the-life-of-nigerias-first-true-diva/

t least, two people were killed and eight injured during an attack on Buratai village. It is believed that Boko Haram terrorist were responsible for the attack. Among the houses burnt down including the family home of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Tukur Buratai

“What really happened was that Boko Haram went there. They killed two motorcycle mechanics and torched some houses. It is not a massive attack. It was an isolated opportunistic attack, but the Army is on top of the situation. Troops are on the ground now,” a source stated.

Meanwhile, additional roads have been cleared of landmines by troops for use by commuters in compliance with the directive by the CAS to troops in the 3 and 7 Divisions of the Nigerian Army.

The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement that the road linking Biu-Sabon Gari to Damboa in Borno State has been cleared of landmines.

“The public are encouraged to use the road as adequate security measures have been put in place for their safety,” Usman said.

http://watchdognews.net/chief-of-army-staffs-home-burnt-by-boko-haram/

Chris Brown couldn’t get into Canada earlier this year and now he can’t get OUT of the Philippines because he allegedly bailed out on a concert gig there.

Brown played a show in the country Tuesday night, but when he tried to leave Wednesday morning for his next show in Hong Kong … he was blocked from doing so by the Philippine Department of Justice, reports the Philippines News Agency. The problem now is that Chris Brown was allegedly supposed to play a show last New Year’s Eve, but never showed. The promoters of that gig were granted an order to bar Brown from leaving the country in order to get him to pay back money they say they are owed.

FOR MORE INFO AND PHOTOS:http://watchdognews.net/exclusive-chris-brown-barred-from-leaving-the-philippines-over-concert-dispute/

Reports circulating on Monday stated that the National Industrial Court Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, had ordered that the 22 sacked local government chairmen in Rivers state be reinstated immediately.

This order was conflicting that of the Federal High Court sitting in Port harcourt on July 9, which nullified the May 23 local government elections held in the state.

In his ruling in a case brought by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Justice Akanbi the presiding Judge ruled that the poll conducted by the Augustine Ahiauzu-led Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission was illegal.

The Court further held that the election was conducted in disobedience of an injunction.

The PDP had boycotted the election citing court injunction, which ordered that the status quo be maintained.

Today, July 14, The National Industrial Court Yenegoa has denied that it granted any order reinstating the 22 local government chairmen in Rivers.

FOR MORE NEWS, VISIT: http://watchdognews.net/yenegoa-court-denies-granting-order-to-reinstate-sacked-lg-chairmen-in-rivers/

this is just a well observed and practical explanation to anyone who dims it fit to have sense....bloody ApC People...another failed attempt...psst.