UNSOLICITED MESSAGES ON MTN NETWORK VIOLATION OF SUBSCRIBER’S RIGHT – COURT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/06/unsolicited-messages-on-mtn-network.html

Granting unknown persons and organisations access to a subscriber’s telephone line by MTN for the purpose of sending unsolicited messages to the line is a violation of the subscriber’s right to privacy, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has ruled.
A three-man bench of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Tinuade Akomolafe-Wilson, unanimously held in its judgment that the said MTN’s act was a violation of the subscriber’s right to privacy guaranteed under section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, who prepared the lead judgment of the Court of Appeal, held that the innumerable text messages sent without the consent of the subscriber was a violation of the subscriber’s fundamental right to privacy of his telephone conversations, correspondence, his person, telephone line and telephone message inbox.
Justice Agim held, “By giving those unknown persons and organisations access to the respondent’s MTN GSM phone number, to send text messages into it, the appellant violated the respondent’s fundamental right to privacy guaranteed by section 37 of the Constitution which includes the right to the privacy of a person’s telephone line.\
“The said section 37 of the 1999 Constitution provides that, ‘The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic conversations is hereby guaranteed and protected’.
“The innumerable text messages without his consent at all times is a violation of his fundamental right to the privacy of his telephone conversations, correspondence and his person and telephone line and telephone message inbox.”
Justice Agim also held that MTN’s act violated Rule 14(1)(b), (2) and (3) of the General Consumer Code of Practice Rules and the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2007, both of which were regulations made on the strength of section 70 of the Communications Act.
The two regulations, according to Justice Agim, “require the appellant (MTN) to maintain a directory enquiry facility containing information of all its subscribers in Nigeria and allow access to same by third parties but subject to the prior notification of the subscriber”.
Justice Akomolafe-Wilson who head the court’s three man-panel and the another member, Justice Olabisi Ige, agreed with the lead judgment delivered by Justice Agim.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered the judgment on May 12, 2017, but its copy was made available to our correspondent on Sunday.

THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE HANDBAG: AN HERMÈS BIRKIN BAG SELLS FOR #138MILLION NAIRA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/06/the-worlds-most-expensive-handbag.html

Would you rather have a house or a handbag? If you have to choose, you can't afford the Hermès white Himalaya crocodile diamond Birkin bag that Christie's just unloaded for $379,261, making it the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction.
The exclusive white Himalaya Birkin, handmade from Niloticus crocodile with more than 240 diamonds on its 18-karat-gold hardware, is routinely in the top spot for most expensive bag — this year's titleholder (sold in Hong Kong) knocked the crown off another white Himalaya Birkin that sold for a little over $300,000 in 2016.
Hermès matte white Himalaya Niloticus crocodile diamond Birkin sold for more than $379,000 at Christie's in Hong Kong
Courtesy of Christie's
Hermès matte white Himalaya Niloticus crocodile diamond Birkin sold for more than $379,000 at Christie's in Hong Kong
Celebrities, of course, love the bag. David Beckham, who is worth $350 million, bought his clothing designer wife, Victoria, an albino Nilo crocodile Himalayan Birkin in 2008 for a reported £80,000 (or about $100,000). Kim Kardashian has also been spotted with the Himalayan.
David and Victoria Beckham
Getty Images | Anthony Harvey
David and Victoria Beckham
The Himalayan is so-named because the coloring resembles the famous mountain range, and it's "possibly the rarest and most desirable handbag in the world," according to Hermès expert Jane Finds.

"Hermès only very rarely—and very thoughtfully—creates unique pieces of this caliber," says Finds. Christie's estimates only one or two of the bags are handmade per year.
The bag is so rare and expensive in part because white or albino crocodiles are hard to come by and the dying process for the bag is painstaking.
Even the simplest of Birkin bags start at about $10,000 and are famous for their often months- or years-long waiting lists to purchase.
But Birkins aren't just fashion statements or folly — these bags only appreciate in value with time.
Just ask Victoria Beckham. She reportedly has 100 Birkins in a collection that's estimated to be worth $2 million.

LASG INTRODUCES NEW GRADUATE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME TO TACKLE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/06/lasg-introduces-new-graduate-internship.html

In a bid to reduce the high rate of youth unemployment, the Lagos State Government has launched an internship programme aimed at empowering young graduates to increase their employability skills and create more opportunities for them.
Speaking at the induction programme of the internship scheme on Thursday, June 1, 2017 the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, disclosed that about 250 young graduates were selected for the first batch of the programme.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that “About 250 beneficiaries have been taken up for internship by our up-takers, who are our partners. They were picked out of the 2,000 we have in the first set,” he said.
The Commissioner added that “we introduced this scheme because we need something to stimulate them to redesign that ecosystem, and that is why we decided as a government to invest in a transparent and inclusive process, and also let them know that this is very competitive.”
During the event, three beneficiaries of the scheme who were particularly outstanding received special preference in job placement and N100, 000 each.
In his remarks, Durosinmi-Etti stated his observation on how employers were usually skeptical about the low employability skills of graduates, hence the decision of the government to introduce the scheme in order to invest in the youths through a very competitive and transparent process.
The commissioner maintained that the programme would be a continuous one, stressing that the partners working with the Ministry are from different sectors with the mandate to accommodate the beneficiaries in order to give them the opportunities to be trained and benefit the organisations.
He noted that this would open opportunities for the interns to either work in those organisations when they complete the three-month internship programme or, acquire skills that could make them entrepreneurs.
“To qualify for the internship programme, beneficiaries must have a first degree or a Higher National Diploma, and must have completed their youth corps service,” Durosinmi-Etti disclosed.

UK VISA: NIGERIANS, OTHERS TO PAY FOR EMAIL ENQUIRIES FROM JUNE 1
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/06/uk-visa-nigerians-others-to-pay-for.html

British High Commission has announced that email enquiries by visa customers applying from outside the UK would attract a fee as from June 1.
The high commission made this known in a brief report on changes to UK Visas & Immigration customer care operations made available by the Media Officer, Mr Joseph Abuku, in Abuja on Monday.
According to the reports Eyes Of Lagos gathered, the changes would help the government reduce costs and ensure those who benefit directly from the UK immigration system make an appropriate contribution.
“Effective today (June 1), email enquiries by visa customers from overseas will attract a fee.
“How you contact UK Visas and Immigration is changing.
“From 1 June, all customer enquiries will be handled by a new commercial partner Sitel UK. The new contract will see a number of changes for customers.”
The high commission stated that changes were made in all phone numbers and opening hours.
Other changes made were a reduction in the number of languages offered to 8 including English and a fee of £5.48 for customers who contacted the UK Visas and Immigration by email.
“You will need to pay using a credit or debit card for contacting us by email.
“The charge includes the first email enquiry you send and any follow-up emails to and from the contact centre relating to the same enquiry.
“The way you pay to use the telephone service will remain the same using a credit or debit card.
“If you do not have access to a credit or debit card, you may choose to use a trusted 3rd party such as an agent or sponsor.”
The UK mission, however, stated that there were no changes to services for customers contacting from inside the UK.

MUSA, IHEANACHO SCORE AS EAGLES BEAT TOGO IN PARIS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/06/musa-iheanacho-score-as-eagles-beat.html

First half goals from Ahmed Musa and Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho helped the Super Eagles to a 3-0 win over Togo on Thursday night in Paris.
It is the first time the Super Eagles will win in three matches and they did it in a convincing manner, recording a 3-0 victory over The Sparrow Hawks in an international friendly match staged at Stade Municipal de Saint Leu La Foret on Thursday.
Two goals from Musa and another from Iheanacho gave the Super Eagles a commanding 3-0 half time lead.
Musa was finding the back of the net for the first time in the Eagles’ colours since 2015.
On his part, Iheanacho’s goal was his third in his last three matches for the Super Eagles.
With this morale boosting win, the Eagles will be returning to Nigeria to firm up preparations for next weekend’s AFCON qualifier against South Africa in Uyo.

LAGOS ASSETS MANAGEMENT AGENCY GETS NEW GENERAL MANAGER
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/lagos-assets-management-agency-gets-new.html

As part of efforts to revamp and rejuvenate public infrastructure management and maintenance in the State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the appointment of Mr. Oladeji Williams as the new General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA).
Until his recent appointment, Mr. Oladeji Williams was the Special Assistant to the Governor on Energy and a team member of the Policy Development, Conceptualization, Coordination, and Implementation of the Light up Lagos Initiative.
Oladeji is a well-rounded professional and skilled administrator with cognate working experience spanning over fifteen (15) years spent working as a project manager in the United States of America and in Nigeria.
He has worked at management level within the Lagos State Government and also served as a consultant to various State governments in Nigeria.
Oladeji is a graduate of Franklin University, United States of America with a Bachelor‘s Degree in International Business and Global Issues. He also holds professional Certificates in Project Management and International Facility Management.
The Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (formerly Office of the Facility Management and Maintenance (OFMM) is charged with the tasks of ensuring proper management and maintenance of all Lagos State assets and infrastructure.

CRIME: LASG DESTROYS ILLICIT DRUGS WORTH MILLIONS OF NAIRA AT OLUSOSUN-OJOTA DUMP SITE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/crime-lasg-destroys-illicit-drugs-worth.html

As part of the plans to ensure a safer and cleaner environment, the Lagos State Government destroyed drugs suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit substances recovered from arrested hoodlums during the recent fracas which rocked Mushin community.
The product which was worth millions of naira was destroyed at the popular Olusosun dump site, Ojota by a team of the Lagos State Task Force alongside other operatives attached to the Lagos State Police Command.
Led by the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, the enforcement team burnt drugs such as codeine, Indian hemp and other outlawed drugs in compliance with the order of Magistrate Tosin Ojuromi of the Lagos State Mobile Court at Oshodi.
Speaking on the incident, SP Egbeyemi disclosed that Magistrate Tosin Ojuromi recently gave a ‘Court Order’ after the prosecution of 36 hoodlums arrested during the fracas between Alamutu and Akala-Elegba boys at Idi-Oro.
You would recall that during the fracas between the groups, innocent lives were lost while others were injured with properties worth several millions damaged.

Meanwhile, the Lagos Task Force has arrested another 115 hoodlums during an over-night raid carried out around Fadeyi, Akala and Idi-oro area of Mushin. The arrested suspects during the raid consist of 113 males and 2 females.
Speaking on the operation, SP Egbeyemi said, “the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatai Owoseni had directed that all arrested 115 hoodlums be charged to court.”

BRITISH-AMERICAN TOBACCO PLEDGES COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL DEVT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/british-american-tobacco-pledges.html

The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has reiterated its commitment to the socio-economic development of Nigeria through its significant investments in the local manufacturing industry.
The Legal and External Affairs Director, BAT, West Africa, Freddy Messanvi, stated this just as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched its World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) campaign for the year themed: ‘Tobacco: A Threat to Development.’
Messanvi said: “We are one of the leading industry manufacturers in Nigeria with initial investments of over $150 million in our Ibadan factory and Zaria operations. We believe in the huge potential of the non-oil sector and as one of the nation’s non-oil foreign exchange earners, we support about 350,000 to 400,000 livelihoods directly and indirectly while building local capacity of our employees by exposing them to international best practices in environmental health and safety, corporate governance, standards of business conduct, principles of engagement, among others.”
Speaking further, Messanvi noted that BATN has been making significant strides in the agricultural sector with the support of farmers through an extensive world-class backward integration model that also encourages alternative food cropping programmes with growers.
He stated that the model has been studied and replicated by other key stakeholders and industry players in Nigeria.
He added that through the company’s independent charity, the BATN Foundation, it facilitates livelihood initiatives that focus on the development of smallholder food crop farmers residing in rural communities. This critical role, he noted, “supports the attainment of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to eradicate poverty, hunger and encourage the supply of potable water.”
“With our strong ties in Nigeria and long-standing commitment to development, we believe in the value of a balanced, workable and evidence-based regulatory framework, which has been our position since 2015. Our objective ensures the effective implementation of reasonable and practical tobacco control measures, provided that these measures adequately combat smoking activity in a manner which is proportionate, not duplicating or contradicting existing laws, and does not unjustifiably limit any rights or objectives. It is important to note that for regulation to be effective; regulation must be very clear in terms of its set objectives to reduce the health impact of tobacco and should not leave the market open to illicit trading activities which ultimately become a threat to development.
“As a responsible organisation, we will continue to abide by all laws of the country we operate in and will support the effective implementation of the Tobacco Control Act through practicable regulations with a positive contribution of setting a new global benchmark in tobacco control,” he concluded.

18 YEARS AFTER, NIGERIANS ASSESS GAINS OF DEMOCRACY – POLL
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/18-years-after-nigerians-assess-gains.html

Most Nigerians observed on Monday that democracy has proved to be the best system of government that has come to stay in Nigeria.
They spoke with the NAN across the country, although some expressed mixed feelings about the performance of democracy in the last 18 years.
For instance, Prof. Chika Aliyu, an economist, commended the Federal Government on the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (ERGP) as President Muhammadu Buhari marked second year in office.
Aliyu, a lecturer at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, said the government did very well by coming up with the plan to take the country out of recession.
According to him, the ERGP aims at making significant progress to achieve structural economic change with a more diversified and inclusive economy in five key areas by 2020.
He, however, advised the government to ensure effective implementation of the plan, commending the government for investing in agriculture as well.
Also, in his view, Mr Najeem Salaam, the Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, said democracy had come to stay in Nigeria and its worst form was better than the best of other options.
But the speaker urged politicians in power to show compassion to the poor populace and strive to bail out people in need as a mark of responsible leadership.
He also called on the people to engage the political class with issues of general interests, saying an individual challenges fell within the bracket of societal challenges.
Applauding the success of democracy so far, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, the speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, noted that Buhari and Gov. Tanko Almakura of the state had achieved progress in their respective levels of leadership.
He said that democracy had proved to be the best form of government, considering the dividends of democratic government as well as the tremendous achievements the country had witnessed in it. He urged Nigerians to continue to support a democratic government for continued peace and stability in the country.“The two years in office of Buhari are fruitful because he has been able to achieve his campaign promises.“This is visible especially in the areas of tackling insecurity, unemployment and the diversification of the nation’s economy through agriculture.“Peace has been restored in the country as no local government in the north-eastern part of the country is under the Boko Haram insurgents’ control as it was in the past.“Some Chibok girls have been rescued, there is employment of youths among other achievements that have direct bearing on the lives of Nigerians,’’ he said.In Lokoja, some residents lauded Buhari for improving agricultural practice, fighting corruption and insecurity.However, some observed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government performed below expectations in the areas of economy, power, job creation and education.Dr Godwin Tijani, the Chairman Nigeria Medical Association in Kogi, said Nigeria’s democracy was far from perfect as selfishness and greed was the order of the day, especially among the past leaders.“I want to remind the masses that 2019 is around the corner and I advise them to use their votes to elect their representative and to send bad ones packing,’’ he said.He urged the public to pray for leaders for good governance, appealing to them not to lose hope as God would rescue Nigeria from bad leaders.But Mr Kayode Dennis, a former Secretary to Mopamuro Local Government Area, Kogi, said even though government at all levels might have performed below expectations of Nigerians; there was a reason for celebrating the country’s democracy day.
“We must educate the people on the importance of participating in the political process and to encourage younger people to value the rights for which so many people worked so hard.
“The fact remains that we should not pretend to stay away from politics because that is the instrument of governance in Nigeria which has come to stay,” Dennis said.
Irrespective of this, Mr Joel Usman, a lawyer, said the APC led Federal Government had recorded some successes in some areas like security, tackling corruption and recovery of some looted funds.
“This administration has tried in addressing the insurgency in the north-eastern part of the country and there’s decency in government today compared to the past governments.
“Although the manner of fighting against corruption is not commendable but corruption has reduced in government at the federal level but very much alive at the state level.
Similarly, an engineer in Lokoja, Mr Olabisi Alonge, insisted that Buhari has recorded an appreciable success in the area of security and fight against corruption and he should be commended.
“I stayed in northern part of the country and I knew the hell of insecurity in that place in the past and corruption is being checked now.
Also, a parent in Mupamuro Local Government Area, Kogi, Mr Obed Onibiyo, commended Buhari for his effort in the fight against corruption and insurgencies in the country.
He particularly commended the giant stride of Buhari’s government in securing the release of Chibok School girls and urged him to intensify effort in the release of the remaining girls.
But in Plateau, Mr Yusuf Gagdi, member representing Kantana state constituency in the Plateau House of Assembly, urged leaders at various levels to show good governance and better delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people.
He challenged Nigerian leaders to use this year’s Democracy Day to reflect on the need to give the electorate purposeful leadership.
“Nigeria is today enjoying 18 years of uninterrupted civil rule; we have never had such a lengthy spell of democracy, so, it worth celebrating.
“As a politician, I feel another time has come for leaders to begin to reflect as to whether or not we have truly given to the people dividends of democracy.
“So, it is a time for us to draw a balance sheet and see areas we have not done well, so as to adjust and meet up with the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
“Plateau today can boast of viable infrastructure, good socio-economic activities, virile work force as a result of prompt payments of salaries and incentives,’’ he said.
He urged government to encourage more people’s oriented programmes that would have direct bearing on the lives of the citizens.
He also urged citizens of the state to support government in its bid to deliver on dividends of democracy for the betterment of the public.
To sustain democratic governance, Mrs Morenike Alaka, Caretaker Chairperson, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, urged politicians to protect the nascent democracy in the country.
She said giving support to the masses was a way of extending the dividends of democracy which should be given utmost priority by politicians.
She also urged all Nigerians to continue to pray for the leaders for them to pilot the affairs of the country, states and local councils to enviable heights.
“Our politicians have a huge task of protecting our nascent democracy because we do not have any other place than Nigeria.
“Politicians should also make the masses to benefit from the dividends of democracy and the masses should endeavour to pray for leaders in piloting the affairs,’’ she said.
Mrs Alaka also said her administration was poised to roll out masses oriented programes which would extend the dividends of democracy to the residents of the council.

ELECTORAL INSTITUTE CHIEF MOMOH PASSES ON IN ABUJA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/electoral-institute-chief-momoh-passes.html


Electoral Institute chief Momoh passes on in Abuja
The Director General of The Electoral Institute of Independent National Electoral Commission, EI, Professor Abubakar Momoh has died in Abuja and is expected to be buried in Auchi, Edo State according to Islamic injunction.
Momoh, in his lifetime, was a close friend of the former governor of Ekiti State and current Minister of Solid Minerals Development and former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere
According to information gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, the astute professor of political science passed on this morning after a brief illness and as at the time of filing this report, his body is on the way to his Auchi hometown for burial.
Abubakar lost his father earlier in the year.
However, the academic community has been thrown into mourning as his colleagues at the University of Ibadan who got the rude shock of his demise described his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
Until his appointment, Professor Momoh was the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Lagos State University, LASU.
He obtained his PhD in Political Theory and started his Lecturing career in 1988. He has served on various Boards and scientific committees including those of the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, and Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa, CODESRIA.
According to his bio-data obtained from African Leadership Centre, Momoh was Vice President of African Association of Political Science, AAPS, and National Treasurer, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, 1991-1995.
He has been a researcher and lecturer at many universities across the world, including being Visiting Research Fellow, Institute of Development Studies, University of Helsinki, Finland; Fellow, Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University, Sweden; Visiting Scholar, Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Guest Researcher, Nordic Africa Institute, Sweden; Guest Lecturer, Summer Course on African Law, Catholic University, Brussels, Belgium; Senior Fulbright Scholar, James Coleman African Studies Centre, University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA; Guest Lecturer, African and African-American Studies Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA; Visiting Researcher and Tutor, Conflict, Security and Development Group, CSDG, King’s College, University of London; and Visiting Senior Research Fellow, International Development Centre, Open University, Milton Keynes, England, Post Graduate Research Supervisor, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, German, among others.
Momoh has served as External Examiner to the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan and University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa and Nigerian Defence College, NDC since 2005.
Momoh has also served on several government technical committees including being member and coordinator of “Foreign Policy” Subcommittee of Federal Republic of Nigeria “Vision 20:20” Technical Committee; he was also a member of the team that drafted the policy on “Peace Support Operations, PSOS, for the Federal Government.
Momoh has also been on several technical teams of the African Union Commission, AUC, and most recently was involved in designing the African Governance Architecture, AGA, and Elections Bench-marking for the African Union.
He has also served as election Observer to several African countries on behalf of ECOWAS and African Union. He has also served as Election Observer to some European countries.
He is survived by a wife and a son.

APC LG PRIMARY : VIDEO OF HOW THE APC VIOLENCE STARTED AT TESLIM BALOGUN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/apc-lg-primary-video-of-how-apc.html

Violence erupted midway into the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to elect chairmanship candidates for the July 22 council polls in Lagos State on Saturday, ending the event abruptly


Watch Video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMUS_tZGY_I

NDDC RECOVERS OVER N60 BILLION FROM NON PERFORMING CONTRACTORS – EKERE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/nddc-recovers-over-n60-billion-from-non.html

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has recovered over N60 billion from contractors who abandoned various developmental projects in the region after being paid mobilization fees for the contracts.
The Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere, stated this on Friday while speaking as a guest on “State of the Nation”, a Channels Television news and current affairs programme.
According to Ekere, the NDDC is presently collaborating with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution to ensure that such erring contractors are brought to justice.
He regretted that some contractors have failed to mobilize to site years after being awarded the contract, insisting that such delay automatically invalidates the contract terms because all NDDC contracts are time bound.
He said the current NDDC Governing Board is committed to reforming the Commission, part of which involves undertaking projects that can be completed and delivered on time rather than award numerous contracts for projects that will be abandoned.
Ekere said the issue of abandoned projects in the NDDC is a huge challenge which necessitated the ongoing reforms aimed at reforming the governance system to take away some of the discretion the executive have, restore the Commission to its core mandate, institutionalize due process in the way of doing things as well as rededication and reaffirmation of commitment of the management and staff of the NDDC to doing what is right.
On the NDDC Master Plan, he explained that the inability to achieve the goals as envisaged in the master plan was due to the inability of other stakeholders such as States, Local Governments, Development Partners, Oil Companies, and the communities to key into the master plan, insisting that the present board is poised to change the narrative.
He commended the new Niger Delta Initiative of the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, whom he noted has brought about sustainable peace and progress in the region through his renewed engagement with communities in the region, an action he said has led to improved security in the Niger Delta, the resumption of academic activities at the Maritime University in Delta State as well as a new partnership between the NDDC and the Delta State Government aimed at constructing the Warri-Escravo road leading to the Maritime University.
The NDDC Managing Director said, the Commission is currently embarking on massive skill acquisition training for youth in the region geared towards sustainable economic activities to lift up the economic wellbeing of the region and create jobs.
He submitted that funding remains a key challenge of the Commission as the NDDC currently has a balance sheet of over N1.3 trillion, regretting that the federal government is owing the NDDC an outstanding backlog of N1.7trn due to the Commission statutorily.
He said the NDDC has received only about N500 billion since inception, a challenge he noted necessitated his letter to President Mahammadu Buhari over the non release of funds meant for the NDDC.
Mr Ekere commended the National Assembly for amending the NNLG Act to ensure that the NNLG pays its mandatory 3% of its annual budget to the NDDC as required by law, submitting that though the action of the NNLG was a question between national interest and corporate profit, the amendment will ensure that the legal requirement for oil and gas producing and processing companies operating in the Niger Delta region contributing to funding the Commission is achieved.
On allegation of corruption in the NDDC, Mr Ekere said, he is committed at ensuring that international best practices are adhered to in the way things are done, insisting he is poised to deploying technology, establishing partnerships and initiating reforms to stamp out corruption and enshrine transparency from project conceptualization, procurement, project execution and delivery.
He noted with dismay that weak institutions breeds inefficiency and corruption but advocated strong institutions to address issues of mismanagement and corruption in the system.
He assured beneficiaries of NDDC foreign scholarship that the Commission is poised to resolving whatever hitches was encountered which might have impeded them from receiving their entitlements, promising that reforms are underway towards ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in the scholarship scheme.

LAURA IKEJI DAZZLED HER FANS WITH HER HOT CRAZY JEAN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/laura-ikeji-dazzled-her-fans-with-her.html

LAURA IKEJI DAZZLED HER FANS WITH HER HOT CRAZY JEAN

SMUGGLERS REPACKAGING CONTAMINATED RICE FOR NIGERIAN MARKET – CUSTOMS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/smugglers-repackaging-contaminated-rice.html

The Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Udo-Aka Emmanuel, has alleged that rice smugglers are repackaging contaminated rice from the Republic of Benin with the aim of supplying them to the Nigerian market.
Emmanuel spoke while showing journalists a truck and two buses loaded with contaminated rice, which were impounded along Iseyin-Oyo Road.
The Area Controller said that 853 bags of rice were found in the three vehicles, adding that apart from the rice, 395 (25 litres) kegs of imported vegetable oil were also seized from smugglers at different locations.
He said the seized bags of rice had passed their shelf lives, having been stored in various warehouses at the Republic of Benin for so long after the owners found it difficult to smuggle them to Nigeria. He said that to make the rice attractive to buyers, the bags were changed to reflect new expiry dates.
He said, “These seized bags of rice have been stored in warehouses at the Republic of Benin without proper pest control, making them prone to all manner of diseases. We should also understand that most of these smuggled products have exceeded their shelf lives and therefore expired and are not safe for consumption. Yet they are re-bagged and relabelled and dumped in our country.
“The smugglers took advantage of the recent mass deployment of officers and men in the Nigeria Customs Service to indulge in their unwholesome activities with the belief that we will be caught off guard. The duty paid value on the rice is N14.6m while that of the vegetable oil is more than N3m. No suspect had yet to be arrested because the drivers and motor assistants abandoned the vehicles and ran away on sensing that they had been trapped by the patrol team.”
Emmanuel said the command would always try as much as possible to avoid unnecessary bloodshed when confronting smugglers, stressing that the command would continue to rely on intelligence gathering from sources to arrest suspects.

APC LAGOS PRIMARIES: LASTMA ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC DIVERSION
source; http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/apc-lagos-primaries-lastma-announces.html

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has concluded special arrangements for motorists within and outside the venue of the All Progressive Congress chairmanship primaries scheduled for today, Saturday 27th of May, 2017 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
Assuring motorists and members of the public of the agency’s adequate preparation and deployment of traffic officials to achieve free flow of traffic, LASTMA has put in place a traffic advisory for motorists.
As a result of the diversion, see below for details of traffic advisory for motorists.
* Surulere bound motorists from the Lagos Island descending Eko Bridge to use Constain through Breweries into Eric Moore to Bode Thomas for onward movement within Surulere.
*Motorists can move further from Costain Round About to Iponri bus stop and navigate through Iponri Estate to link up Bode Thomas Street for onward Surulere journey.
* Lagos Island bound motorists from Surulere are advised to link Adelabu into Babs Animasaun through Bode Thomas to Eric Moore through Breweries onto Costain for onward movement to Lagos Island through Eko Bridge.
* The alternative for Surulere -Lagos Island bound motorists is Masha through Shitta under Bridge to Adeniran Ogunsanya to Bode Thomas through Alaka service lane onto Iponri, then Costain for onward movement to Lagos Island through Eko Bridge.
* Funsho Williams/ Eko Bridge bound motorists from Surulere to use Masha to link Ogunlana Drive onto Lawason-Itire road to Ojuelegba for onward movement to Funsho Williams Avenue/ Ikorodu road.
* The alternative is for motorists from Surulere to make a detour at Shitta Round About onto Akerele Road through Randle Avenue into Lawason-Itire Road to Ojuelegba for onward movement onto Funsho Williams Avenue/Ikorodu road.
* Surulere bound motorists from Ikorodu road are to use Ojuelegba through Lawason-Itire Road into Randle Avenue to Akerele Road onto Shitta Round About for onward movement within Surulere.
In addition, there will be temporary closure to traffic at the following locations.
* By Alaka on Funsho Williams Avenue (Lanre Shittu Motors) inward stadium.
* Shitta Round About inwards stadium (After AdenIran Ogunsanya)
* Shitta Flyover by Rabiatu Thompson. Both inward and outward movement.
*The service lane inward Teslim Balogun Stadium, as traffic would be diverted to the Main carriageway.

BASKING IN LONELINESS -IFEDAYO OLUSEYE(EYESOFLAGOS)
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/basking-in-loneliness-i-fedayo.html

The lonely man searches desperately for who to converse with and more importantly understands him but couldn't find anyone. He yearns for an understanding partner but all to no avail.
Loneliness is commonly used to describe a negative emotional state experienced when there is a difference between the relationships one wishes to have and those one perceives one has.
The unpleasant feelings of loneliness are subjective; researchers have found loneliness is not about the amount of time one spends with other people or alone. It is related more to quality of relationships, rather than quantity. A lonely person feels that he or she is not understood by others, and may not think they hold meaningful relationships.This may sometimes makes him feel insecure as he may be perceived as a weird person in society.
One common consequence is that the lonely person feels emptiness is his soul, that feeling that he might be living in vain. He asks himself questions like; what exactly is my purpose? Am I a product of a screw-up? What can I do with my life? And, Why was I born?! The last question happens to be the most dangerous of all as it could lead to positive or negative actions, and one prominent negative is depression which commonly leads to SUICIDE!
Despite the negative effects of loneliness, it can hardly be considered abnormal. It is a most normal feeling. Everyone feels lonely sometimes—after a break-up with a friend or lover, when we move to a new place, when we are excluded from some social gathering.
Chronic loneliness is something else entirely. It is one of the surest markers in existence for maladjustment. When a lonely person decides to bask in his own loneliness, such person may be hard to build any sort of connection and relationship with. He takes solace in himself alone and becomes dangerously unpredictable.
From his low end he makes decisions which may be negative or positive but one sure thing is for sure you may not be ready for this person as he does the unexpected.
He is not invincible! He ain't made out of steel either, he is just human, but a completely different human as his loneliness has taken a toll from his soul.

NOBODY IS UGLY

femolacqua:
Look at the little Rihanna, looking all innocent.

RIHANNA SHARES HER THROWBACK PICTURE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/rihanna-shares-her-throwback-picture.html

Rihanna shared these throwback photo from when she was a little girl. She alo revealed that her sandals in the photo was where she got inspiration for her new Puma jelly slides. She wrote; when I got the vision #JELLYslides @PUMA".

DELAYED SALARIES: LUTH RESIDENT DOCTORS STAGE PROTEST
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/delayed-salaries-luth-resident-doctors.html

It was a tense atmosphere at the gates of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Ara as the three main entrance gates of the hospitals were put under lock by the armed policemen following a protest by the health workers over unpaid salaries.
The protest march which occurred yesterday, May 24, 2017, was staged by the members of the Joint House unions and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) over the delayed salaries of its members.
It was gathered that the entrance to the hospital was locked following an order from the Chief Security Officer of the facility in order to prevent the protesters from gaining entrance into the hospital facility.
Speaking on the incident, the President of the LUTH chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Adebayo Sekumade, explained to Eyes Of Lagos that the doctors held the protest over unpaid salaries, poor working conditions and other grievances within the hospital.
Dr. Sekumade lamented the poor, deteriorating state of the hospital adding that there are no materials such as needles, syringes, latex gloves, adequate power supply and more for doctors to work with.
The group however appealed to the Federal and State governments to intervene and resolve the matter in order to prevent industrial disharmony.

POLICE BEGINS SEARCH FOR KILLERS OF KAI OFFICIAL
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/police-begins-search-for-killers-of-kai.html

The security operatives attached to the Lagos Police Command has said that it has commenced investigation into fishing out the hoodlums that allegedly stoned an official of the state’s Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade to death.
Speaking on the development, the Command’s Spokesperson, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said that investigation had started immediately and perpetrators would be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.
“Investigation had commenced on the case and the command would not relent until the perpetrators were arrested,” he said.
You would recall that news surfaced across media platforms about the passing of a KAI official, Mr. Moshood Ayeni, who was pelted with stones while on duty by street hawkers at Iyana-Oworo, Lagos yesterday, May 24, 2017.

EMBRACE “CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME” MANTRA – OSINBAJO TELLS NYSC MEMBERS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/embrace-change-begins-with-me-mantra.html

The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has advised NYSC members to identify with the ‘Change Begins with Me’ mantra of the current administration meant to restore national values.
Osinbajo gave the advice on Thursday in Owerri in a message read by Mr Obinna Aharanwa, the Principal Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Imo, at the swearing in of the 2017 Batch ‘A’ corps members posted to the state.
Aharanwa represented Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo at the programme.
Osinbajo expressed regret that degeneration of moral values and good behaviour had become part of life of some Nigerians which had paved way for corruption and indiscipline.
He said it was as a result of this that the presidency set the ball rolling to cleanse the rot through the ‘Change Begins with Me’ mantra.
The acting president said that the NYSC had become a veritable vehicle for national development, national unity and oneness among Nigerians which had strengthened the nation’s corporate existence.
He congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of their academic programmes in their various institutions of learning which qualified them to participate in the programme.
Osinbajo enjoined both public and private institutions not to reject corps members posted to them for their primary assignments.
James Olugbodi, the Coordinator of NYSC in Imo, said that 1,615 corps members comprising 735 male and 850 female were registered in the state for the programme.
He commended Gov. Rochas Okorocha for his invaluable support to the NYSC scheme in the state, particularly the construction of extra hostels in the permanent orientation camp at Eziama Obaire, in Nkwerre council area of the state.
Olugbodi said that although the state government had made concerted efforts to drill a borehole in the orientation camp, there was an urgent need to intensify action in this regard and to finish the project on time.
He said that the training at the camp would include lectures, para-military drills, Man ‘O’ War exercises, language studies, games, cooking, environmental sanitation, skill and entrepreneurial development, among others.
Olugbodi charged the corps members on discipline, orderliness, perseverance, service, humility and respect for constituted authorities.

INCONVERTIBLE GRASP BY SOPHIE LAWAL
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/inconvertible-grasp-by-sophie-lawal.html

Ever wondered how it sweet it could have been if everyone stand to create a better today and a marvelous tommorow? Rather than to stay hidden at a dark corner waiting for the precious angel that would emerge and save from the drought we put ourselves in?
Most time the thoughts that consumes my mind majourly are on when we would start standing up for something rather than just laying around giving complaint without having anything to do to that thing we do complain on, it breaks my mind to watch people grumbling on what the government is suppose do and what not! Not understanding the fact that we are the government.
For so long, we have forgotten how to make things happen, we only recall how to express resentment towards things not done properly and sometimes we are in that position to do that thing right! I see people soar and fall causr they get tired or they don't want to and truly that's where our power comes from. If we stand for something together the result would be incomprehendbly rather than just sitting around condemning what one can't do.
Empowering of one another is a massive tool to build a nation rather than complaining of hardship that faces the country, you have that power and you know it, yet all you do is lash out at government. You have ideas, resources and you not doing anyone any good why not get your butt up and do something?? Yeah! The right thing.
Why not put something worthwhile on the table rather than blasphemy! Am not facing you without finance or ideas but if you are part of the "condemners" then bring something too, if you have something worth it, put it down, meet people, talk to people, we can't just sit around waiting! The wait won't be over am telling you.
Let's face reality, peoople give different perception of our economy but all they can give is an just that conscious talk, they just say and wait till something positive comes in, you don't need to be famous before you can fo something benefitting for your nation, you don't have to be rich to start-up something good that would lead you to greatness, start from helping for family survive during this drought then the nation. Am not in support of treacherous acts but i definitely support good government which begins with you and I. What we fight for is definitely what we become.
One can't just sit and watch, while waiting for a great nation, we have to fight and stand for something, cause if we don't fight for something we would most fall for anything! Don't just sit and complain, take actions. Today's action determines Tomorrow's greatness.

5 Banks Contribute N245.8bn To CBN’s Real Sector Support Facility
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/5-banks-contribute-n2458bn-to-cbns-real.html

In a move to towards increasing credit to priority sectors of the nation’s economy, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank Plc and three other commercial banks invested N245.8 billion to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF).
The other three banks are Access Bank, Diamond Bank Plc and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. The N300 billion RSSF introduced by CBN in January 2016 and was meant to unlock the potential of the real sector to engender output growth, value added productivity and job creation.
Commercial banks were to contribute five per cent of total naira deposits and the Facility will be used to support large enterprises for startups and expansion financing needs of N500 million up to a maximum of N10 billion.
According EYES OF LAGOS findings, Zenith Bank in 2016 contributed N80.6 billion towards the special intervention reserve held by CBN while United Bank for Africa contributed N54.7 billion.
Access Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc contributed N49.6 billion and N39.9 billion towards the RSSF in 2016 respectively while Stanbic IBTC Holdings added N20,8 billion towards the special intervention fund last year. The CBN said in 2016, the sum of N2.25 billion was released to two projects under the RSSF, bringing the number of projects to four valued at N6.85 billion from inception in 2014.
In a circular issued by the director, Development Finance Department early 2016, the objectives of the Facility include, “Improve access to finance by the agricultural value chain, manufacturing, mining, solid minerals activities and other strategic sub-sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“Increase output, create jobs, diversify the economy, increase accretion to foreign reserves and provide inputs for the industrial sector on a sustainable basis.”
According to the circular, Loans granted shall have a maximum tenor of 10 years depending on the complexity of the project. “Each project tenor shall be determined in relation to its cash flow and life of the underlying collateral.
“Working capital facility of one year with a maximum rollover of one year subject to approval and the Facility allows for moratorium of one year in the loan repayment schedule,” the circular explained.
Hitherto, the CBN said some banks, which accessed the funds at one per cent interest rate for lending at nine per cent yearly, are not doing so. The CBN said it had suspected that some banks are not only diverting the loans, but also delaying the quarterly repayments remittance from beneficiaries. According to CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the RSSF is expected to support large enterprises for start-ups and expansion of the financing of up to N10 billion.

See Photos Of Oyinbo Eating at Nigerian restaurant called BUKA in Brooklyn,USA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/see-photos-of-nigerian-restaurant.html

Facebook user Oyinlola Tubor Samuel based in United State of America just share this on Facebook,
No doubt Nigerians are always representing anywhere they live ,See photos of Nigerians in USA chilling with oyinbo inside a customized lagos danfo flexing at nigerian restaurant called BUKA at a Brooklyn , USA..
LOL Aye Eko ni brokyln #ekobrokyln

Why I reconciled with Tinubu – Obanikoro
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/why-i-reconciled-with-tinubu-obanikoro.html


Why I reconciled with Tinubu – Obanikoro
EYES OF LAGOS TV 12:26 AM POLITICS


Why I reconciled with Tinubu – Obanikoro

Former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has opened up on why he mended fences with former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Obanikoro said contrary to the media speculations, he was yet to pitch his tent with the All Progressives Congress, but was planning towards that direction.
He said that, “In this instance, whatever step I am taking or will take later is about public interest. It is about the overall interest of the community that I represent, and my supporters who see me as their true representative.
“Politics is not static; it is very dynamic and when certain interest, especially the one that borders on public interest is challenged, a politician that is worth his onions must react immediately.”
Asked if he is still a member of the PDP, the former minister said, “A situation whereby a group of people, who are not prepared for governance or ready to offer anything to the society are controlling a big party like the PDP, one should review his participation in such a party. I can tell you without mincing words that I am at that stage now. I am reviewing and assessing the options before me.”
On how he was able to settle the long-standing score with Tinubu, Obanikori said the Oba of Lagos was behind the reconciliation.
His words, “My reconciliation with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu did not just happen overnight. I want to thank the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and my personal friend, Kashim Imam, for the reconciliation.
“The reconciliation was not meant to serve political interest but rather a personal and Lagos interest. Asiwaju and I belong to one family.”

THE FALLEN CHURCH (The devil's playground) by Taiwo Alphonso
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/the-fallen-church-devils-playground-by.html


It amazes me today to see so many Church buildings being built, so many Pastors being called, so many sermons been preached, so many prayers being prayed and yet, people cannot seem to overcome sin and their problems keep increasing every single day, especially people who profess to be Christians... After series of prayers, I asked God, why are all these happening? And that was when He began with me on the journey to _*"THE FALLEN CHURCH"*_

He said to me.........

I see my children gathered in churches to pray against the devil "Lucifer" and all they do is to scream *"Holy Ghost Fire, Fire Fire"* as many times as they can, they go home *tired* and *exhausted* and yet nothing happens... You see, _*Its because they dont really know who this devil is, let alone how to overcome him.*_ My Son, do you remember what Lucifer did in heaven some time ago? "I couldn't answer"
You see, *the devil is not scared because you scream Fire Fire Fire*, this is someone who was able to persuade and pervert 1/3 of my angels who were with me, do you know what angels are made of?

*Psalm 104:4* _"Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire"_

My angels are made spirits and were covered in flames of fire and yet Lucifer was able to corrupt their Divine nature and convert them into demons, and my children on earth think they can overcome him by just screaming fire? Even those who were made with fire fell to his schemes, how much more you who are flesh and blood?

My Son, I will show you how to overcome the enemy so you can save my *CHURCH* and other *Souls* hungry for my salvation....

You see, the strategy of the enemy will never change, in the garden of Eden, _*he used what was around man to destroy what was in man*_. When the devil attacks your *finances*, _Its not because he needs your money_, because Lucifer doesn't spend money in the dark world, he doesn't attack your *marriage* because he wants to marry your spouse, he doesn't attack your *car* because he wants a new ride... *You see, when the devil attacks any of these things*, _*its because he has realised your heart is connected to them*_ so *if he can touch them, then he can touch your heart and destroy you*. The devil will _*always uses what is around you to get what is in you.*_

But *Christians today are more mindful of what is around them, more than what is in them*, _*we are more scared of loosing money than loosing our soul*_ and that is why we can never overcome the devil, _*instead of setting your heart on fire through purity and righteousness*_, you are rather praying to set fire around your business, money, cars, future... I pity the Church, _*if the devil is able to capture your heart by making you live in sin, he has power over your physical materials...*_

*Proverbs 4:23* says _*"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life"*_

Keeping something diligently is more like guarding it from any external influence but unfortunately, the *Church today is seriously guarding physical materials and we have sold our soul so cheap to the devil*, and that's why *we don't care living in sin and immorality but we are scared of not getting a marriage partner, or not making a lot of money*... We scream fire fire fire, whiles our heart is as cold as winter... *We have neglected the messages that prepares people for the second coming Jesus Christ and all we talk about is how to make money and be prosperous on earth*, and _*the more the messages of Repentance, Holiness, Fear of God, Heaven and Hell are neglected the more Sin increases, and the more sin increases, the more the Churches fall before Satan...*_
The fallen Church will only be mindful of building an _*extravagant building with broken souls living in it*_ and that is why there are _*Christians speaking in tongues in Church and yet addicted to all kinds of secret sins*_, and they will tell you *"We are living under grace"* as if _*grace is a license to sin.*_

Its a pity seeing my *Church walk in deception...*
They have believed in this deception that there was *God the father who was always angry at sin, and there is Jesus the Son who also smiling at sin* and says... As long as you have your church's membership record intact, you have a fat wallet to keep your pastor always smiling, you have a few bible verses you can memorise, a nice Voice to sing about me and a deep Voice to preach about me, you can do anything you want and live anyhow... My Church is in trouble.

But I will still save those who want to be saved. So go and spread this message to all men, delivering them from the venom of Sin... Tell them _*to be more mindful of the sins that corrupt the soul, than the witch that stole their money*_, because _*if a witch can steal your money, its because it first corrupted your soul through sin.*_

*A WORD TO THE CHURCH*

*1 Samuel 12:20-25*

And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king

Without Repentance, there will be no Revival and all you will be left with will be Noise making.
Please spread this message to all and save"THE FALLEN CHURCH"

Beyoncé turns to late Nigerian Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo, for help at her baby shower
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/beyonce-turns-to-late-nigerian-afro.html
watch video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBo4ZzWQ_j4

I spent N13bn on security in 5 years – Gov. Yari
source; http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/i-spent-n13bn-on-security-in-5-years.html

Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, says he told the truth on amount he spent on security in the state, insisting the figure is over N13billion.

Yari spoke when he received the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq, in Gusau on Thursday.

The governor was reacting to critics on his request to the federal government to refund the N13 billion his administration spent in fighting crime in the last five years.

“People should learn to respect their leaders and what the leaders say and ask for clarification on what they do not know”, he said.
He recalled that armed bandits, cattle rustlers and kidnappers caused lots of damages to lives and property and that the state government made frantic efforts to contain the situation.

Yari further explained that the state government constituted a committee which was chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Wakkala, pointing out that the committee negotiated with the bandits.

He noted that the initiative resulted in many of the criminals renouncing their act and surrendering their weapons.

Yari first requested for the refund of the money when the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mansur Dan-Ali, came to the state on an official visit in March.

Trump says he is worst-treated politician in history
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/trump-says-he-is-worst-treated.html

Donald Trump has claimed that “no politician in history” has been “treated worse or more unfairly” than he has.
The US President was speaking on the day he faced calls to be impeached over his handling of the sacking of former FBI director James Comey and his relationship with Russia.
Offering “advice” to new recruits at a coastguard graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, he quickly turned the focus on his recent difficulties.
“Over the course of your life you will find that things are not always fair,” he said.
“You will find that things happen to you that you do not deserve, and that are not always warranted, but you have to put your head down and fight, fight, fight!”
Warming to his theme, Mr Trump added: “Never, ever, ever give up – things will work out just fine.
“Look at the way I’ve been treated lately – especially by the media.
“No politician in history … has been treated worse or more unfairly.
“You can’t let them get you down. You can’t let the critics and the naysayers get in the way of your dreams.
“I guess that’s why we won.
“Adversity makes you stronger – don’t give in, don’t back down and never stop doing what you know is right.
“Nothing worth doing ever, ever, ever came easy.”
Earlier, Vladimir Putin said he was willing to hand over a transcript of a discussion between Mr Trump and senior Russian officials.
The US President allegedly disclosed highly classified information about “terrorism and airline flight safety” while meeting foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and ambassador Sergei Kislyak at the White House last week.
However, Mr Putin said Mr Trump did not pass over secrets and dismissed the scandal as “political schizophrenia”.
The Russian President added that he was “concerned because it’s hard to imagine what the people who produce such nonsense can come up with next”.
Questions over the discussion come amid reports Mr Trump asked former FBI director James Comey to drop an investigation into ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn and his ties to Moscow.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Jason Chaffetz, has said he will ask Mr Comey to testify next week.
Mr Putin added: “What surprises me is that they are shaking up the domestic political situation using anti-Russian slogans.
“Either they don’t understand the damage they’re doing to their own country, in which case they are simply stupid, or they understand everything, in which case they are dangerous and corrupt.”
The latest controversy, only a few months into Mr Trump’s presidency, has brought a call for his impeachment from Democratic congressman Al Green in the House of Representatives.
Earlier, in an interview with ThinkProgress, Mr Green said that following the dismissal of James Comey, Mr Trump “is demonstrating that he has the power to dismiss people summarily, with impunity, unless he’s impeached”.
Mr Green added: “The president committed an impeachable act when he fired Comey and indicated he considered the Russia thing when he did it.
“This will follow the president for as long as he’s in office  -  the impeachable offence will still be there.”
On Tuesday, national security adviser General H R McMaster said the intelligence sharing was “wholly appropriate” and based on “open source reporting”.
Despite reports Mr Trump shared the information in a way that would have allowed the Russians to work out its origin, General McMaster asserted the President “in no way compromised any sources”.
He said: “The President wasn’t even aware of where this information came from – he wasn’t even briefed on the source or method of this information either.”
There is no suggestion Mr Trump committed a crime as he has the authority to disclose even the most highly classified information at will.
However, he has been accused of acting unwisely and jeopardising long-standing intelligence-sharing agreements by sharing information without consulting the ally that provided it.

No law stops me from leaving PDP – Fayose warns
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/no-law-stops-me-from-leaving-pdp-fayose.html

Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has hinted on his readiness to quit the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over the protracted factional crisis tearing the green-red-white umbrella to shreds.



The governor has also showcased new campaign buses which have no PDP name and logo fueling speculations that he had perfected plans to move to another party.

The campaign buses have the following inscriptions: “Support Continuity 2018, Fayose Wherever You Go, We Will Go”; “Ekiti 2018…Continuity, Fayose Leads, We Follow.”

Buses including 35-seater Toyota Urvan and 18-seater Toyota Hiace, otherwise known as Toyota Hummer bus are parked in the premises of the Government House.

The buses which are painted lemon green are embossed with the picture of a smiling Fayose wearing black “danshiki” with red embroidery and waving.

The non-appearance of the PDP name and logo are tell-tale signs that Fayose has made up his mind to quit the umbrella party.

But Fayose who hosted students and youths Wednesday evening at Government House grounds whose ages range between 18 and 22 emphasized that he won’t wait a day longer in the PDP if his faction loses the case at the Supreme Court.

Many of the students who were attracted to the Government House with the governor’s promise of giving the first 300 that arrived laptops went home disappointed when the promise was not fulfilled.

Fayose promised to organize a raffle draw to determine the laptop winners which did not go down well with the youths who were eager to go home with their prizes.

Addressing the audience earlier, Fayose He also dropped a bombshell that stakeholders in the party loyal to Senator Ahmed Makarfi will defect to another party, if Senator Ali Modu Sheriff wins the appeal pending at the apex court.

He did not mention the party they (Makarfi loyalists) would defect to in the event of a loss to Sheriff.

When asked whether he has the intention of leaving the PDP as being rumoured, Fayose stated that no law prohibited him from defecting if the PDP can’t be a veritable platform for him to advance his political frontiers in 2018.

Fayose said: “I am still a member of the PDP and still the Chairman of the PDP governor’s forum, there are no two sides to it.

“But the strategy for 2018 poll is strictly my own business. No law says I should not run on the platform of another party if the PDP is no longer a right direction depending on circumstances.

“If they are bent on destroying the PDP, let them go ahead but I will never have anything to do with Senator Sheriff. The party is like a vehicle and the vehicle can’t be more important than the driver.”