₦airaland Forum

By Chesa Chesa – Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Elmau, Germany met with French President, Francois Hollande,and reaffirmed his administration’s unequivocal commitment to ending Boko Haram’s insurgency in Nigeria within the shortest possible time.Buhari, who is due to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, was in Germany to participate in the two-day Group of Seven industrialised nation (G-7) Outreach Programme.He told Hollande that Nigeria would welcome greater support and cooperation from France and other friendly nations towards ongoing efforts to overcome Boko Haram and restore full security and normalcy to areas affected by the group’satrocities.The President said that his administration was already taking concrete action to build a more efficient and effective coalition of Nigeria and neighbouring countries against Boko Haram, according to an Aso Rock statement.“Nigeria would appreciate more intelligence on the terrorist group’s links with ISIS, movements, training and sources of its arms and ammunition to facilitate the perfection of fresh tactics and strategies being evolved to overcome terrorism and insurgency in the country and its sub-region,” he stressed.Buhari reiterated at the talks with his French counterpart that there was absolutely no link between religion and the atrocities of Boko Haram.According to him: “There is clearly no religious basis for the actions of the group. Their atrocities show that members of the group either do not know God at all or they don’t believe in Him”.In his remarks, Hollande commended Buhari’s concerted efforts to galvanize Nigeria’s armed forces, security agencies and neighbouring countries for more decisive action to eradicate Boko Haram.The French leader assured President Buhari that France would give Nigeria and its coalition partners greater support against terrorism and insecurity, including military and intelligence cooperation, to help them overcome the security challenge posed by Boko Haram and its global terrorist allies as quickly as possible.He also called for greater bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and France in other areas including trade, economic and cultural relations.Buhari also received similar pledges of enhanced support from Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada and Chancellor Angela Merkel who he also conferred with over the security challenges.
Source:http://dailyindependentnig.com/2015/06/buhari-meets-french-president-boko-haram/

The leaders of the Group of Seven industrial nations met for a two-day summit in the Bavarian Alps with a heavy agenda including global terrorism, Ukraine and climate change. Following are the mainpoints of what was agreed at the stunning Elmau Castle location, taken from the final statement:– TERRORISM –Germany 7: President Muhammadu Buhari in a grouppicture at the Munich residence. In the picture are Prime Minister Haile Mariam Desalgn of Ethiopia, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Ellen Sirleaf of Liberia, Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Ban ki Moon, Minister-President of the State of Bavaria, Mr Horst Seehofer, Chairperson AU commission, Mrs Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, President of World Bank, Dr. Jim Yong Kim and others.Unusually, the G7 leaders invited several heads of government from countries fighting jihadists to attend the talks. “In light of the Foreign Terrorist Fighters phenomenon, the fight against terrorism and violent extremism will have to remain the priority for the whole international community,” the G7 communique said.“In this context we welcome the continued efforts of the Global Coalition to counter ISIL/Daesh. We reaffirm our commitment to defeating this terrorist group and combatting the spread of its hateful ideology.” They pledged to “strengthen our coordinated action” against terrorism, including in the fight against “terrorist financing”.– CLIMATE CHANGE –The leaders at the G-7 summit said “urgent and concrete action” was needed to address climate change. They said “deep cuts in global greenhouse gas emissions are required with a decarbonisation of the global economy over the course of this century.”“As a common vision for a global goal of greenhouse gas emissions reductions we support … the upper end of the latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) recommendation of 40 to 70 percent reductions by 2050 compared to 2010, recognisingthat this challenge can only be met by a global response.”– GLOBAL ECONOMY –“The global economic recovery has progressed since we last met,” leaders noted, with the decline of energy prices having “supportive effects in most of the G7 economies.” “However, many of our economies are stilloperating below their full potential and more work is needed to achieve our aim of strong, sustainable and balanced growth,” they stressed.“Overall G7 unemployment is still too high, although it has decreased substantially in recent years,” the statement said.– TRADE –Fostering global economic growth by reducing barriers to trade remains “imperative” and the leaders “reaffirm our commitment to keep markets open and fight all forms of protectionism, including through standstill and rollback.”The seven leaders at the G-7 summit also “welcome(d) progress on major ongoing trade negotiations, including onthe Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the EU-Japan FTA/Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).– HEALTH –The Ebola crisis has shown that the world needs to “improve its capacity to prevent, protect against, detect,report and respond to public health emergencies,” the communique said.Leaders at the G-7 summit saidthey were “strongly committed to getting the Ebola cases down to zero” and recognised the “importance of supporting recovery for those countries most affected by the outbreak.”“We must draw lessons from this crisis,” they said.– LABOUR SAFETY –“G7 countries have an important role to play in promoting labour rights, decentworking conditions and environmental protection in global supply chains,” the statement said.– WOMEN –G-7: The leaders noted that “across G7 countries and around the world, far fewer women than men run their ownbusinesses often due to additional barriers that women face in starting and growing businesses.”“We agree on common principles to boost women’s entrepreneurship … We will make girls and women aware of the possibility of becoming entrepreneurs,” the statement added.– UKRAINE –G-7: Leaders said they were “ready to take further restrictive measures in order toincrease cost on Russia shouldits actions so require.” They said the “duration of sanctions should be clearly linked to Russia’s complete implementation of the Minsk agreements and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.”The leaders also voiced concern about the recent flare-up in fighting and urged “all sides to fully respect and implement the ceasefire and withdraw heavy weapons.”
Source:http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/g7-conclusion-what-buhari-others-agreed-at-the-g7-summit-in-germany/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended immediate-past Senate President, Senator David Mark and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu for the mature and patriotic manner they conducted the affairs of the last Senate especially in stabilizing the upper house, which contributed immensely in deepening the nation’s democracy.In the same vein, the party commended the immediate-past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his deputy, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha for their efforts in steadying the ship of the last House despite unpredicted daunting challenges.PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement on Sunday said the leadership of the party notes the efforts of the last National Assembly under the Chairmanship of Senator Mark in ensuring unity among lawmakers and leading the federal legislature to provide the much needed direction for national development.The party also showered encomiums on Hon Ihedioha and other PDP leaders in the last House of Representatives for their steadfastness to the party and the nation at large.“The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and members of the our great party nationwide appreciate the commitment of our leaders and members in the Seventh National Assembly for their selfless contributions to the development of our nation.“Indeed, we are pleased to underscore that in line with the undying values, tradition and manifesto of the PDP, our leaders and members in the last Senate and House of Representatives respectively, amply demonstrated that the true essence of statesmanship lies in employing its uncommon values to the benefit of the people rather than self and for this, we are very proud of them”.This, the party said “reflects in their commitment in oversight functions as well as many landmark people-oriented legislations especially the amendments to the 1999 constitution to further reflect the wishes and aspirations of the citizens while strengthening the unity and stability of the nation.”It also listed the passage of Freedom of Information Act, which further guarantees personal freedom and greater transparency in governance; amendments to the Electoral Act for credible, free and fair elections which the nation enjoys today at all levels, among scores of other important legislations passed under the PDP-led National Assembly.
The party said it is particularly satisfied that the out-going PDP leadership in the National Assembly laid very solid foundation upon which the nation’s legislature can always leverage for greater productivity in the interest of all.
Source:http://dailypost.ng/2015/06/07/pdp-hails-mark-tambuwal-their-deputies-for-selfless-service-to-nigeria/

Billionaire and business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote recently launched his cement plant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with many top Nigerian business men and politicians at the event. The cement factory worths close to $600million.Checkout the photos of the multi million cement factory below...
Source:http://godwin12..in/2015/06/checkout-aliko-dangote-multimillion.html

Former Minister of Finance, Dr.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has advised her would-be successor to prepare for a “difficult year” because of plunging oil revenues.She also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to form a team of economic experts who can do the job effectively.In a chat with Bloomberg in Cape Town on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Africa, the economist said Nigeria has “a serious situation with a cash crunch.”“But fundamentally, the economy is strong. If we can get through the cash crunch, manage the way through, build on some of the assets we have,by next year, things will be better.”Nigeria is struggling in the face of a 40 per cent slump in crude oil prices.The next finance minister needs to focus on “a strong policy, the fiscal consolidation path that we have and looking toward diversification of revenue resources,” Okonjo-Iweala said.The former managing director of the World Bank, said like other Nigerians, she is also “waiting for the new finance minister to be named”.
Source:http://dailypost.ng/2015/06/05/im-sure-buhari-will-find-a-good-finance-minister-okonjo-iweala/

PDP orders senators to vote one candidate

A few days to the convening of the eighth National Assembly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a plot to take the Senate presidency from the All Progressives Congress (APC) which controls the majority of senators.
But the APC is not taking chances. It has summoned a meeting of its lawmakers to forge a united front.
The plot, if it succeeds, may lead to the return of outgoing Senate President David Mark and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu to their positions.
The PDP has directed its 49 senators to vote for one candidate when the eighth Senate convenes.
The APC is left with 59 Senators following the death of reelected Borno Senator Ahmed Zanna.
Although APC ought to produce the next President of the Senate, with its simple majority, the party has not reached a consensus.
Senate Committee on Public Accounts Chairman Ahmed Lawan and Ecology Committee Chairman Bukola Saraki are locked in a battle of popularity for the job.
The Nationlearnt that PDP leaders at the party’s retreat in Port Harcourt,the Rivers State capital, for its senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives-elect mooted the idea of the opposition retaining the senate presidency.
It was gathered that the PDP leaders agreed that with block votes by its 49 senators, the party could win the must coveted seat with a simple majority.
The permutation of the PDP is that APC might be unable to birdge the gap between Lawan and Saraki.
A highly-placed source said: “The PDP leaders held a secret meeting in Port Harcourt on Monday night to finetune the plot.
“The development may see Mark and Ekweremadu joining the race in a ‘tactical moment’ if the APC remains divided.
“The PDP is seeking to retain the office because there is no rule which says either the majority party or the opposition should produce the president of the Senate.”
The source cited Section 50 (1) of the 1999 Constitution to back the lacuna.
The section says: “There shall be a President and a Deputy President of the Senate who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves…”
Apparently sensing the danger in going into the Senate presidency race divided, the APC leadership has called a meeting of its senators and Representatives for tomorrow in Abuja.
A statement by National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed inviting the lawmakers to the meeting did not reveal the agenda. It only urged them to be punctual at the International Conference Centre venue.
The meetings with the senators and the Reps will hold separately.
It was, however, learnt that the meetings might be used to galvanise a consensus.
As for the PDP, it was learnt that some of its governors have offered to bankroll the project to “pay back APC in its own coin for controlling the Seventh House of Representatives even when President Goodluck Jonathan was still in charge”.
Another source added: “We also want to spring a surprise and prove that anything is possible in politics. Once Mark and Ekweremadu are back in the saddle, APC will need at least the support of 72 or 73 members to remove them.
“If you look at Section 50 (2) (c), the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of the Senate are required to remove the President of the Senate and deputy.”
“The PDP is trying to capitalise on internal wrangling within APC to realise its agenda.”
A third source however spoke of Plan B by some PDP leaders bordering on block votes.
The source added: “What the Port Harcourt retreat has so far achieved is the need for PDP senators-elect to voteenblocbased on prevailing circumstances in the Senate.
“The horse-trading will determine the direction of PDP bloc votes although the opposition is waiting in the wing for any slip.”
In his speech at the retreat in Port Harcourt, the outgoing President of the Senate, Chief David Mark, pleaded with PDP members-elect in the National Assembly to be united.
Mark said: “We must subject our individual interest to our group interest. In the election of principal officers of National Assembly, we must vote in one accord. We must know that united we stand, divided we fall.
“We must take our destinies in our hands. We must be ready to provide credible, vibrant, determined and focused opposition to the party in power in a manner that would guarantee development and good governance.
“In doing so, we must maintain a strong synergy between our members in the National Assembly and the National Working Committee. The PDP is still a brand all Nigerians know. We just need to reinvent the wheels and move forward.”
source:http://news2.onlinenigeria.com/news/417747-apc-moves-to-stop-pdp%E2%80%99s-plot-for-senate-president.html

President Buhari in attempt to sort out some controversies surrounding his yet to be released appointments met with some APC Chieftains at Defence Guest House in Abuja on Tuesday. In attendance were APC national Chairman,Chief John Oyegun,Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Sehu and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity,Mr Femi Adesina and other top APC Chieftains. See Pics
Source:http://thenationonlineng.net/new/photos-buhari-meets-apc-chieftains-in-abuja/

If this is true,it does show a really good image of Buhari.A lady identified as Shalom Miriam Shehu revealed on twitter today that she was sent out ofWuse II Abuja Boutique by SSS because Buhari's daughter came shopping at the boutique.See her tweets below....
Source:http://godwin12..in/2015/06/sss-allegedly-send-lady-out-of-wuse-ii.html

President Muhammadu Buhari, and his Vice -Prof
Yemi Osinbajo were spotted on their first day in office in a happy mood on Monday June 1,2015.
The two were seen strolling in the Defense House in Abuja,possibly discussing how to move the country forward. Earlier yesterday,Buhari sympathised with the families of the victims of Asaba Park tanker explosion and also announced his plan of travelling to Chad to negotiate with the President on how to defeat Boko Haram insurgents.
See photos below....
Source:http://www.godwin12..in/2015/06/buhari-and-osinbajo-spotted-on-their.html?m=1

For seven hours yesterday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) grilled the Chairman of Capital Oil, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, over alleged N43.291billion fuel subsidy fraud.
He was still undergoing interrogation as of press time.
Ubah was arrested by the operatives of the commission early yesterday.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “His company was implicated in the scandal by the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede-led 15-man presidential panel, which re-investigated the fuel subsidy bazaar.
“We had earlier invited Ubah for interrogation but when he did not honour the invitation, we decided to arrest him.
“If nothing is found against him or his company, we will set him free. But if he has a case to answer, we will charge him to court.”
Ubah was still undergoing investigation as of 5.05pm.
EFCC spokeman Wilson Uwujaren confirmed Ubah’s arrest. The Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police had in October last year arrested Ubah on a similar allegation.
Based on SFU’s application, a Lagos Magistrate’s Court, remanded the Managing Director, Capital Oil and Gas in custody of Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Lagos over the alleged scam. Also charged and remanded with Ubah were Head of Trading, Nsikan Usoro, 35, Depot Manager, Godfrey Okorie, 41, General Manager, Chibuzor Ogbuokiri, 48; and Orji Anayo, 46, Executive Director (Operations).
The case later went to a Federal High Court where Ubah was cleared of indictment by the Aig-Imoukhuede Committee. The coast is now clear for the EFCC to arraign three suspects for alleged N1.4billion fuel subsidy scam.
Justice Olusumbo Goodluck of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi yesterday gave the EFCC the go-ahead to prosecute Helyn Aninye, Chizobam Ben-Okafor and Pon-Specialised Services Limited.
Uwujaren said: “The judge struck out their (the accused persons’) application asking the court to decline granting the EFCC leave to arraign them for fraud, forgery and conspiracy to obtain the sum of N1.413,507,951.50 from the Federal Government of Nigeria by false pretence as subsidy under the Petroleum Support Fund.
“Justice Goodluck, in her ruling, affirmed that at this stage, there is no requirement to consider facts before the court; what is needed is to determine if a prima facie case against the accused persons is established. “I am of the view that the proof of evidence suggests elements of forgery and obtaining by false pretences and I, therefore, overrule the objection of the accused persons and hereby grant leave to prosecution to prefer charge against them.”
“The accused persons were said to have “on or about 3rd day of March, 2011 at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with intent to defraud, conspired to obtain money under false pretence from the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Petroleum Support Fund”.
“The offence, according to the charge sheet, is contrary to Section 8(a) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006.
“They were to be arraigned on November 26, 2012 but this was scuttled as their counsel, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), who challenged the application of the prosecution seeking the leave of the court to prefer charges against the accused persons.
“He argued that the proof of evidence did not disclose any offence against the suspects and urged the court to refuse the application.
“But, prosecution counsel, Steve Odiase, told the court that the proof of evidence supports the 18-count charge.
“The case has been adjourned to May 30, 2013 for arraignment and June 11 and 12, 2013 for trial.”
source:http://thenationonlineng.net/new/efcc-arrests-ifeanyi-ubah-over-alleged-n43-291b-fuel-subsidy-scam/

To mark her 2nd wedding anniversary with hubby Austin Faani,Nollywood actress Chacha shared some stunning family photos on Instagram.The couple are blessed with with Kamara. She also shared pics where they carry the stylish kid.I wish them better days in their marital life and many more anniversaries to celebrate.
source:http://godwin12..in/2015/06/a_1.html

PEOPLE Living with Disabilities in the north under the aegis of Arewa People With Disabilities Forum (APDF) have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law, the Disability Bill as he reportedly promised Niger State governor during the electioneering campaigns.A statement issued on Sunday May 31, 2015, jointly signed by the chairman and secretary of the forum, Ibrahim Sani Bakura and Adamu Mohammed Bako respectively, stated that while congratulating the president, “it is imperative to intimate you that the disabled people in the north and the country in general played a significant role in making the change we are witnessing today, and hope we would be carried along in governance in order to contribute our quota in nation building.“We also want to passionately appeal the new president, Muhammadu Buhar in to fulfill his promise made during the electioneering campaign where he made the commitment to sign the long awaited disability bill, which the past administrations of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Umar Musa Ya’Adua and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan failed to sign into law.”According to the forum, if the bill is signed into law and attached with a commission or ministry for persons with disability, the life of the disabled will change for the better and their needs significantly. Similarly, the forum also appealed to the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) to find suitable ways of making the disabled in the north to be more productive and harness their potentials instead of allowing them to waste their God given talents on street begging in every nook and cranny of the country, which to them, is degrading to the northern part of the country. The forum also appealed to all political office holders across the country to consider persons with disabilities for political appointments for equal rights and opportunities in governance.
Source:http://dailyindependentnig.com/2015/06/physically-challenged-people-urge-buhari-sign-disability-bill-law/

Abuja – President Muhammadu Buhari has announced the first set of appointments into his administration.The President on Sunday evening, named Mr Femi Adesina and Mal. Garba Shehu as his spokesmen. Femi Adesina will serve as Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) while Garba Shehu will be the new Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity).The President has also approved the appointment of Mal. Lawal Abdullahi Kazaure as the State Chief of Protocol (SCOP).Mr Adesina is the current President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and serves as the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun newspapers.Garba Shehu served as the Director, Media and Publicity ofthe APC Presidential CampaignCouncil. He was the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors sixteen years ago.Abdullahi Kazaure is a career Foreign Service official and currently serves in Aso Rock Villa as a Special Assistant (Presidential Matters).
Source:http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/buhari-appoints-adesina-shehu-as-spokesmen/

There are many sides to everybody. For Tonto Dikeh, it seems the side that is well known is the wild one.Controversial as many may think this singer and actress is, she does have her subtle side and she laid it on the line for everyone to see in an Instagram post on Wednesday by telling whoever cares to listen her story of humble beginning.*Tonto“Growing up life was not easy, not after I lost my mom at the age of three. Though I thank my step mom for keeping up with my rudeness and stubbornness. Sometimes, I felt like killing myself but God saw me through that stage in my life and sometimes I sit and ask God why me?At the age of twenty, I said to myself `I wouldn’t ask my dad for money- I wanted to be independent. I tried traveling to UK but I got refused at Nigerian embassy, not because my documents were not complete but because I didn’t have the connection to pass through” she stated“University life was so hard for me, handouts I could not afford, I begged from hand to mouth just to eat! Sometimes, I considered going back to my dad but ego and pride wouldn’t let me.Then, all my jeans were Alababend-down-select if the jeans was longer than me I would cut it to my size to make it look rugged! If I asked friends for a favour, before they helped they would ask me to do something for them in return, like cleaning their rooms, or helping with course work” she added.She then went on to advise her fans never to give up in their struggle to make it in life. For sometime now, Tonto has been engaging in a soft kind of motivational talks on social media, showing people there might be another side to the controversial figure we all hate to love.
Source:http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/i-used-to-beg-for-money-to-eat-tonto-dikeh/

Chelsea and Nigerian midfielder Mikel Obi has denied reports he will be getting married to a Nigerian lady soon.Mikel who is currently dating a Russian lady took to Instagram to rubbish the rumour.See his post below
https://instagram.com/p/3SNouCHruO/

Nollywood actress with killer boot Tracy Obonna showed off her killer body in a swimming pool.Her body is exactly what modelling business needs.She has got an amazing body and ain't scared of flaunting it.Check out her killer body below...
http://godwin12..in/2015/05/actress-tracy-ogbonna-flaunts-killer.html

Nigeria Former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan taking his oath of office during his May- 29th -2011 Inauguration.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE HELD IN HONOUR OF DR. GOODLUCK JONATHAN (FOMER PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA) IN OTUEKE TODAY.

pictures of Wine being Sworn in.
http://watchdognews.net/photos-from-the-rivers-state-handing-over-ceremony/

President Buhari Speech " I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody"

The federal government is spoiling for a fresh showdown with oil importers over subsidy payment.
This is coming as there is no end in sight yet for the current face off between the two sides that has grounded the nation for several days now.
Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala yesterday accused them of submitting to government suspicious payment claims to the tune of N159billion in exchange rate differentials.
The payment claims, according to her, reeked of fraud.
She told reporters at a farewell meeting in Abuja that she would not approve payment of the claims unless verified by the relevant authorities.
“Marketers were asking for N159 billion for exchange rate differentials from the outstanding N200 billion. There has been so much fraud and scam so I have refused to sign for that money but have agreed that a committee be set up involving the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to verify marketers’ claims,” she said.
”Marketers just want to make Nigerians suffer,” she added.
The minister also slammed the marketers for allegedly blackmailing Nigerians and asked the people to resist.
Insisting that the current fuel scarcity has nothing to do with paying the marketers, she said: “They are making a lot of money from black market activities, people should rise up against the blackmail of oil marketers.
“I will not pay the N159 billion without verification, Nigerians should not allow themselves to be blackmailed.”
The minister said there was something curious about the supply of and payment for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Her words: “I cannot say that the problem is due to not paying marketers, the process of paying marketers is always a rolling process and there has never been a time government reduced its financial obligation to marketers to zero.
“In a year where so much effort has been made to pay marketers including prioritizing their payment as subsidy claims in favour of other financial obligation like paying contractors, yet fuel scarcity still persists at this particular point in time suggests that something suspicious is happening.”
She responded to the claim by Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, that the Jonathan administration will be leaving a $60 billion debt burden for the in-coming government.
She said that Nigeria’s total debt indeed stands at $63.7 billion but it is the totality of all the debts incurred by successive governments since 1960.
“No $60 billion was accumulated under the Jonathan administration,” she said.
She added: “Current debt stock includes both federal and state governments debts made up of $9.7 billion external debt or 15 per cent of total debt stock and $54 billion or 85 per cent domestic debt stock.
“Nigeria is still repaying the multilateral loans it collected on concessionary terms with as long as 40 years maturity periods.”
The breakdown of the accumulated domestic stock is $18.575 billion outstanding by 2007, $17.3 billion accumulated between 2008 and 2011 and $18 billion accumulated between 2012 and 2015.
“This is so because of something that happened in 2010 because of the salary increment under Yar’Adua administration which increased civil servants salaries by 53 per cent.
“Those bonds have been rolled over and government had to weather the difficulties because resources to fund such increase were not there,” she said.
She described Nigeria’s debt to GDP ratio as one of the lowest in the world.
On the domestic debt stock, she said 20 per cent is owed by state governments with Lagos state having an external debt burden of N1.169 trillion while the balance of 80 per cent belongs to the federal government.
Reviewing her tenure, Okonjo-Iweala said she has no regrets in serving the country and declared that anyone called upon to serve Nigeria should consider it a privilege.
“Some people criticise from afar but some came home in spite of challenges to serve,” she said.
She faulted suggestions that the economy was mismanaged, saying: “The economy is reacting to the forces of demand and supply but there is hope for the country. Only that people will have to make sacrifices.
“The out-going government, she said, achieved a lot but she lamented that “there are very serious attempts to rewrite history.”
Meanwhile, there is still no respite for motorists and commuters across the country as the fuel scarcity persisted yesterday.
Most filling stations remained shut and only a few managed to sell but at exorbitant prices.
On the other hand black markets continue to thrive with operators charging as much as N350 per litre in parts of Lagos.
Source:http://thenationonlineng.net/new/okonjo-iweala-vows-not-to-pay-marketers/

Is from the person that post it.

Following the inability of state governments to pay workers salary, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has revealed that 18 states of the federation are already on/ about to embark on an a strike action.
Plateau State
Cross Rivers State
Benue State
Abia State
Akwa Ibom State
Bauchi State
Ekiti State
Imo State
Jigawa State
Kano State
Katsina State
Kogi State
Ogun State
Ondo State
Osun State
Oyo State
Rivers State
Zamfara State
source:https://m.facebook.com/story.php?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C4962116533

“A 24-year-old Nigerian student has emerged the best all round graduating student at Tokai University, Tokyo, Japan.
Ufot Ekong, who studied Robotics and Electrical Engineering graduated with First Class Honours.
The last time anyone graduated with a similar Grade Points Average (GPA) was 50 years ago.
He won the best engineering student award in the Faculty of Engineering at the undergraduate category, as well as the university president’s prestigious award for the best all-round student.
Mr. Ekong also won Japanese language award for foreigners and solved a mathematical equation that could not be solved for the past 30 years in his first semester.
Aside from paying himself through school, Ufot who is now doing his Phd, works at Nissan, has two patented products.
For his project, he made an electric car that goes as fast as 128 kilometres per hour.
The car drives on charged batteries. He plans to drive it May 29, in Abuja, Nigeria to celebrate Buhari’s inauguration.
He speaks English, Yoruba, French and Japanese.
Mr. Ufot Ekong, a multi-talented Nigerian youth, has artistry in music, specialising in Saxophone. He distinguished himself from the outset in the school when he won the Japanese language best student award.
The self-sponsored student, who combined two jobs with studies, won many other awards in the University, altogether numbering about six.
Ufot, who lived in Lagos while in Nigeria, is a Saxophone master and the director of Strictly African Japan, an African retail wears and accessories shop”
He won the best engineering student award in the Faculty of Engineering at the undergraduate category, as well as the university president’s prestigious award for the best all-round student.
Mr. Ekong also won Japanese language award for foreigners and solved a mathematical equation that could not be solved for the past 30 years in his first semester.
Aside from paying himself through school, Ufot who is now doing his Phd, works at Nissan, has two patented products.
For his project, he made an electric car that goes as fast as 128 kilometres per hour.
Source:http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/nigerian-emerges-best-student-in-50-years-in-japan-university

Pls can somone tell me, where the started their journey, to Otueke

The inaugural sitting today at the tribunal had all Dr. Alex Otti 's requests granted. The governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia has granted an order to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial candidate in the April elections in Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti to inspect electoral materials used for the elections.
Counsel to the petitioner, Chris Uche(SAN), had applied for an exparte motion from the tribunal during its inaugural sitting to inspect ballot papers, card readers and form EC8G and another order to serve the respondents.
The chairman of the tribunal Justice Usman Bwala in his ruling, granted both motions and ordered that the first respondent, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu be served using substituted means.
Reacting to the ruling, the counsel to the petitioner, Chris Uche (SAN), said the tribunal granted them three days to inspect the materials at INEC office in Umuahia, adding that their team will be bring in experts for forensic analysis as well as statisticians.
The chairman of the tribunal had during the inaugural sitting admonished all parties in the case to stay clear of them throughout the period of the sitting to enable them discharge their duties without interference.
According to the information gathered, Immediately after the tribunal sitting the tribunal bailiff went to serve Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu the court papers, but he was molested and beaten up by Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu 's aides. The matter has been reported to the police, but no action is yet taken.
https://m.facebook.com/889381184422688/photos/a.889400514420755.1073741828.889381184422688/1099567150070756/?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C4489113373

Is he traveling from Aso Rock to Otueke, hmmm. This our president self.

Looking for who to give my suport on Miss NL, gues who?

@dorocent, how do u subscribe Glo 3gb data for 1000. Pls tell me

Still celebrating, hmmm

@Jaffar23, he will collect medal, since he was listed in 25man sqaud For EPL with Chelsea. He will collect, weather he play 10 matches or less,