₦airaland Forum

No fewer than four children were found drowned at the Danko River, Galadimawa Community, FCT suburb, Abuja hours after leaving home to wash their clothes.

The four children, who were identified as Jinkai Hakila, 10, Bridget Ibrahim, 11, Precious Ezra, 14 and Azumi Daniel, 16, were said to have been drowned at about 11 am yesterday.

It was gathered that the four children and others, who had thronged the river to wash their clothes and take their bath were earlier warned not play inside the river.

An eyewitness, miss Blessing Elisha, 14, narrated that they were together at the river washing while others were playing at the scene, saying, efforts made to stop the children from playing in the water yielded no result before the incident.

“I actually did not see them entering the water because I was busy washing, suddenly I was called that three of them had entered the river.

“It was then I looked up and saw the fourth one going in and an attempt made to rescue her looked like I was getting drowned. Then I left her and ran to call for help,” she said.

One the first people that responded to the distress call, Alhassan Abdulwahab, said it took about three hours to get their corpses out of the river.

He said the information gathered from other children at the scene showed that the youngest of the deceased, Hakila was the first to enter the river and efforts by others to rescue him led to their death.

“We came to the scene of the incident immediately we got the information, and it took some time before we discovered their corpses because our nets were already in the river for fishing.

“It was after I pulled out my net with a very big fish in it that I saw the four corpses in the same area with their stomach not swollen,” Abdulwahab said.

NAN reports that the four corpses were buried by the river side in line with the tradition of the community.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/four-children-drown-in-abuja-river.html

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Since Big Brother Housemates, Bisola and Bally spent some days in the paradise, the duo have been closer than before. Yesterday after the party, Bisola and Bally kissed passionately before they slept together (had sex together). Watch the video below


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDovv3Ba-mo

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/video-bbnaija-bisola-bally-sex.html

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Daniella Okeke, the actress accused of having a party with Apostle Suleiman, calls her accuser, Stephanie Otobo, a dirty demon

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/stephanie-otobo-daniella-okeke.html

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Nollywood couples pictured at the Red Carpet of AMVCA yesterday.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-nollywood-couples-at-amvca-2017.html

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The Federal Government has condemned the 2015/2016 report of Amnesty International (AI) as lacking conformity to standards.

The government said the report lacked both local and international standards on evidence gathering.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr Clement Aduku, in Abuja regretted that the report never condemned the atrocities committed by terrorist groups in Nigeria.

Aduku stated that Amnesty did not deem it fit and proper, in line with best practice, to subject its Report process to wide consultations and in-depth engagement.

“Hence, it casts unnecessary and unverifiable aspersions on critical institutions of the Nigerian State.

“Such omission made the scenario captured in the report itself to totally lack conformity to both local and international standards.

“It is in this regard that the Ministry encourages AI to endeavour to consult widely before releasing its future publications to ensure a more balanced, credible and unbiased reportage,” he stated.

The ministry said it was worrisome to observe that the Report neither encourages compliance with national laws nor condemns horrendous, mindless, and ruinous activities of terrorist groups in Nigeria.

He stated that the AI should be aware that Nigeria was a law-abiding State governed by democratic norms enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The Federal Government does not, and will not condone, the brazen and needless display of lack of regard for constituted authority by any unlawful groups.

“Accordingly, no persons or group of persons will be allowed to destabilize the peace, stability and security, or jeopardize the unity and sovereign existence of Nigeria

“No matter how highly placed and the level of external support such individuals or group of persons enjoy,” he warned.

The ministry noted that where terrorists have unleashed their dastardly acts, legal means and measures are usually deployed by affected countries to counter violent extremism.

Nigeria should therefore, not be unduly pressured or pilloried for taking similar measures in defence of its national security, he said.

“Even if AI does not deem it fit to report on the atrocities committed by violent groups, the Government of Nigeria will ensure that the culprits are brought to book,” it stated.

The Ministry pointed out that the case of Mr El-Zakzaky, which AI pronounced on, was a high and sensitive national security issue.

The government stated that the activities of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in general and El-Zakzaky Movement in particular, were reminiscent of Boko Haram.

He that this had become a menace and a source of concern not only to Nigeria, but to the Lake Chad Basin region and the entire world.

“The conduct of the El-Zakzaky movement is one that cannot be tolerated by any progressive democratic government.

“The AI, in dabbling into Nigeria’s legal and judicial system, did not give due credence to the Federal Government’s appeal filed against the decision of the lower court for El-Zakzaky to be released”.

The Ministry also reiterated that the agitation for a sovereign State of Biafra was unacceptable and detrimental to the peace, unity, stability and development of the Nigerian State.

It stated that the scenario captured and the report itself lacked conformity to both local and international standards on evidence gathering.

“Nonetheless, if any security personnel are found to have flouted the rules of engagement, or acted unprofessionally, such officers would be punished in accordance with the provisions of the law.

“Nigeria remains committed to the freedom of expression and association, peaceful assembly and protest within the confines of the law,” it stated.

It stated that the right of Nigerian and culture must be respected on the issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTI).

“On LGBTI, the inviolability of the enactment of the National Assembly and the sovereign right of Nigerians expressed through their religious-cum-ethical values and cultural rights must be respected by all,” he stated.

The Ministry reminded AI and all other human rights groups, that the victims of the despicable activities of terrorist groups deserve sympathy from all, including national and International Non-governmental human rights groups.

He stated that the morale of the security forces undertaking the difficult task of risking their lives and sacrificing their comfort to keep Nigeria safe and united must not be dampened.

“The Government of Nigeria is deeply concerned about the rights and safety of all Nigerians,” it stated. (NAN

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/nigeria-blasts-amnesty-international.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola pictured during Jumat service in Osogbo yesterday.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photo-gov-aregbesola-at-jummat-service.html

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Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has said that the proposed inter-city light rail project in the state would be completed before the end of his administration in 2019.

Ajimobi said this on Friday in Ibadan while receiving a Chinese delegation led by Mr Ling Jing, the Deputy Ambassador of China to Nigeria, in his office.

“We are planning to construct light rail in the state and I hope the project would be completed in 24 months. “I believe with our relationship today, we are happy to work with the Chinese groups: We look forward to partnering the Chinese on agriculture, solar energy and infrastructure,” he said.

The governor said that his administration at inception decided to partner the Chinese because of the country’s phenomenal growth.

Ajimobi said that the state government partnered with some groups from China on its newly-established Free Trade Zone along Ibadan-Lagos expressway. According to him, the partnership with a Chinese group, Polaris, led to the establishment of Pacesetter Polaris Group, which has attracted the interest of 153 construction companies.

Earlier, Jing said that a Chinese company was planning to establish a mobile phone manufacturing company in the state. He said the visit was to further strengthen and promote the relationship between the Chinese government and the Oyo State government.

“The governor has made many trips to china in the last three years to forge a partnership in the building of infrastructure,’’ he said.

The Chinese envoy said that the relationship and partnership was to transform the state and strengthen bilateral trade.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-oyo-inter-city-light-rail-ready.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Remember the 18 year-old, Jon Ogah who won the first edition of Naija Sings? Well, he's back with a new single, "Uncle Suru" off from his forthcoming debut album, "Uncle Suru" and just goes by Jon Oogah now. Listen ANDDownload AND Share!

After winning NaijaSings, Jon travelled to the US for his education and later moved to the UK, where he graduated from Business at the University of Portsmouth. He was the winner of Night With The Stars Portsmouth UK, organized by Stella's Voices Charity Organisation.

"Uncle Suru" is released by La Cave Musik/Jungle Records/Yogi Music and is now available for pre-order on iTunes.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/bbnaija-evicted-housemates-jon-releases.html

Northern Governors Wives Forum Meeting held today in Borno state

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-northern-governors-wives-meet-in.html

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-gov-ikpeazu-and-ngige-at-fg-town.html

Abia state Governor Ikpeazu and Minister of Labour and productivity, Ngige were pictured at today's Federal Government town hall meeting in Abia state capital, Umuahia

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-gov-ikpeazu-and-ngige-at-fg-town.html

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The immediate past Minister of Environment, Ms Amina Mohammed, will be sworn-in on Tuesday as the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Mohammed, who was appointed by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, on December 15, 2016 as his deputy, was initially expected to assume office on January 1.

She, however, delayed the assumption of her new role at the request of President Muhammadu Buhari to complete some ongoing responsibilities she was handling at that time.

Guterres, while announcing the appointment of Mohammed alongside two other women, described them as “highly competent.”

“I am happy to count on the efforts of these three highly competent women, whom I have chosen for their strong backgrounds in global affairs, development, diplomacy, human rights and humanitarian action.

“These appointments are the foundations of my team, which I will continue to build, respecting my pledges on gender parity and geographical diversity,” Guterres had said.

The office of the UN Deputy Secretary-General was formally established by the General Assembly in 1997 to handle many of the administrative responsibilities of the Secretary-General.

As the fifth Deputy Secretary-General, Mohammed will help to manage the UN Secretariat operations, and “ensuring inter-sectoral and inter-institutional coherence of activities and programmes.”

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/amina-mohammed-resumes-work-at-un.html

Cossy Ojiakor was spotted in Rumours Night Club VI. Not bad..

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photo-cossy-ojiakor-flaunts-big-boobs.html

"It's a scam!" The Housemates stare in shock and disbelief as Bisola and Bally's potraits are put up on the Eviciton wall. Any housemate portrait is pit up whenever they are evicted from the Big Brother Naija. Housemates are currently living their lives like Bisola and Bally are out of the game unknown to them , the duo are enjoying themselves at the paradise.


Bisola and Bally also sneaked into the house bathroom this morning to have their bath.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/bbnaija-bisola-and-bally-portraits-on.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Jon was evicted from the Big Brother Naija house yesterday alongside his fake housemate, Ese after two weeks in the house.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/bbnaija-5-facts-you-didnt-know-about-jon.html

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-from-omotolas-39th-birthday-party.html

Nollywood screen goddess, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde recently clocked 39 and the happy actress took the celebration down to South Africa.

Celebrity stylist, Swanky Jerry and actress Rukky Sanda
, attended the birthday bash, that had lots to eat and drink..

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-from-omotolas-39th-birthday-party.html

The Office of former President Goodluck Jonathan media has refuted reports that the ex-President on Monday endorsed Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dr. Jonathan’s media aide, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, said in a statement, Tueday, that the issue of endorsement never came up in the course of the visit,“at the closed door meeting with Sheriff nor during the former President’s interview with newsmen.” Mr. Eze said that the reported endorsement was mischievous.

According to him, Dr. Jonathan received Sen. Sheriff, “as a former President and foremost leader of the party, welcomed Sheriff and some of his supporters to his house, in line with a mediation role he is playing towards unifying and strengthening the PDP.”

He further stated that Jonathan opened his doors to Sheriff upon his request, just as he had earlier done to the Makarfi-led caretaker committee members, adding that the former President is prepared to broker more talks until the issues in the leadership of the PDP were finally resolved. Mr.Eze said,

“In deed, it may interest you to know that after meeting with Sheriff, the former President also met with Senator Ahmed Makarfi, leader of the PDP Caretaker Committee, and the party’s Board of Trustees chairman, Senator Walid Jubril, later in the evening.

“As a peace-loving leader of the party, the former President’s interest is to help reposition PDP to enable it play a constructive role in the affairs of the nation, in view of the imperative of deepening the nation’s democracy.

“I wish to let those spinning this falsehood know that it just doesn’t add up to fly a contrived banner of endorsement in one breath, and in another, concede that the former President explained his commitment in meeting with different interest groups, towards resolving the differences in the party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the following are the former President’s exact words during the interview with newsmen, as had accurately been reported by most online and major national newspapers, as well as, broadcast organisations.

“‘We (PDP) are not factionalised. We are one. We are solving our problems. There are bound to be differences in politics. It is the way we resolve these differences that make us human beings and that is what makes us leaders. I have met with Sheriff. And I have met with others. I will still meet with others, so that we will be able to do what is expected of us as a political party.’

“While we appreciate the interest of journalists in the coverage of the activities of the former President, we urge accurate and constructive reporting, as it is a known fact that we cannot truly develop our nation, if journalists continue to twist and fabricate stories with the intent of misinforming the public.”


http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/jonathan-didnt-endorse-sheriff-aide.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Star singer Tiwa Savage shares some behind the scene photos during a video shoot with DJ Exclusive and Solidstar. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/tiwa-savage-glows-in-new-photos.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Senate held a plenary session today which was headed by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki. See more photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-from-todays-senate-plenary.html

Nigerian Celebrities have joined the call for the release of Chocolate City Boss Audu Maikori.

See some celebrity reactions:

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/banky-w-mi-other-celebrities-demand.html

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More at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-from-tonto-dikehs-sons-ist.html

Tonto Dikeh celebrated her son King Andre's first birthday in Abuja yesterday .....Checkout some screenshots below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-from-tonto-dikehs-sons-ist.html

A loaded tanker lost control in Egan (Odo), LASU - Iba Rd, rammed Danfo, crushed one, spilled content this morning. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-petrol-tanker-rams-into-danfo-in.html

The Akwa Ibom Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Aniekeme Uwah, says four persons have lost their lives while 14 others are severely burnt in kerosene explosion in the last 15 weeks in the state.

Uwah made this known on Friday in Uyo when he was speaking at stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting on kerosene fire incidence organised by the office of the Senior Special Assistant on Petroleum Matters to the Governor of Akwa Ibom.

The NMA boss said that within 15 weeks spanning from Sept. 22, 2016 to Jan. 7, 2017, a total of 18 kerosene explosion cases occurred in the state.

He said that statistics available at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) revealed that all the four dead persons were females and five of the injured were males.

Uwah said that kerosene explosion often occurred through adulteration of the genuine products and wrongful use of the product in stoves and lanterns.

He said that the explosion usually led to loss of skin, which according to him, “is our major protector against infection”.

“Skin burn leads to loss of water and causes dehydration and lung infection resulting from inhalation of fume. Let stop this avoidable death,” Uwah advised.

He commended Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom for the support given to the victims of kerosene explosion in the state through purchase of drugs and other consumables.

Speaking in an opening remark, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Petroleum Matters, Obong Essien Esema, said that the meeting was targeted at surface tank dealers and peddlers of kerosene.

Esema told the stakeholders that part of the measures of preventing kerosene explosion caused by adulteration was to get all surface tank dealers and peddlers registered by his office.

He advised the surface tank dealers and peddlers to get affiliated to well known filling stations for the supply of the product.

“Henceforth, no more hawking of kerosene, only filling stations and surface tank dealers will sell kerosene in the state.

“No surface tank dealer or peddler should buy kerosene from unknown source. If you don’t buy from them, they will have no market,” Esema said.

He further advised the surface tank owners to paint their tanks blue with white stripes in the middle to show that they were kerosene dealers.

Esema also urged the surface tank dealers to attach themselves to the independent petroleum marketers for mentorship.

He announced that last year the state petroleum product monitoring committee under his office arrested 16 offenders on petroleum adulteration.

“Any surface dealers flouting our directives would be arrested and his product would be destroyed.

“We must guard against further loss of lives through kerosene explosion in this state,” Esema said.

Highlights of the meeting included talks on safety measures on how to handle kerosene and other petroleum products to avoid explosion. (NAN)

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/4-dead-14-severely-burnt-in-kerosene.html

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Governor of Abia State, Dr. Victor Ikpeazu (6th left); his wife & Chief Host, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu (6th right); wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (5th right); wife of Imo State Governor & Chairperson, Southern Governors' Wives' Forum (SGWF), Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha (5th right) with wives of the Southern Governors during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the quarterly meeting of SGWF in Umuahia, Abia State, on Thursday, 16 February, 2017.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-from-southern-governors-wives.html

cc: lalasticlala mydn44

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-ambode-at-nec-meeting-in-abuja.html

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Donation of relief items by the Nigerian Customs to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State (PHASE III)

In continuation of the National Logistics Committee's interventions to alleviate the plight of our people affected by the activities of insurgents in the North-East, the Committee was in Maiduguri earlier today for the third phase of items distribution.

The items donated, being from a presidential directive to donate seized perishable items to IDPs are as follows:

- 36,822 (50kg) bags of rice,
- 7,752 (20ltrs) jerry cans of vegetable oil,
- 727 cartons of vegetable oil,
- 3,003 cartons of spaghetti,
- 59 bags of second hand shoes,
- 4 bags of handbags.

Governor Shettima welcomed and thanked the Nigerian Customs service for their gesture, and commended their transparency;

"All they are after is to show compassion and support to the people of the North East. And I believe when the history of this époque is going to be written, the name of the Nigerian Customs Service is going to be written in gold for coming to the aid of fellow Nigerians. In years gone by, some of these food stuff tend to get rotten without being utilized for the good of the people, or they are being auctioned at ridiculously low prices to some interested persons. But lo and behold, this is the third time they are doing this.

"It is quite gratifying to note that the Nigerian Customs Service has displayed a lot of transparency, even by the composition of the team, it goes to show that they have absolutely nothing to hide.

"All they are after is to show compassion and support to the people of the North East. And I believe when the history of this epoque is going to be written, the name of the Nigerian Customs Service is going to be written in gold for coming to the aid of fellow Nigerians. In years gone by, some of these food stuff tend to get rotten without being utilized for the good of the people, or they are being auctioned at ridiculously low prices to some interested persons. But lo and behold, this is the third time they are doing this". Shettima said

The Governor reiterated the fact that the items are very good for human consumption, none is expired, and he will ensure transparency and discipline in the distribution;

"Most importantly, I will even go with the journalists to show to them, just like the last time we did, that none of these food items is an expired commodity. Believe me they are very good for human consumption, and we shall put in place a machinery to ensure transparency and discipline in the distribution of these commodities". he said

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the National Logistics Committee, ACG Abdulkadir Azarema commended His Excellency, the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima for his total and selfless commitment to the security and well being of all the people living in the State.

"Let me therefore commend His Excellency, the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima for his total and selfless committment to the security and well being of all the people living in Borno State. Paying for the transportation of these relief items from various Customs Warehouses across the country to Maiduguri is commendable and represents the State Government's continuous determination to restore IDPs to normal life" ACG Azarema said.

He also assured Governor Shettima of continuous discharge of the assignment with an utmost sense of responsibility, and thanked the Nigerian military of their efforts in creating an enabling environment for IDPs to return to their homes;

"I want to assure His Excellency that members of the National Logistics Committee under the coordination of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), will continue to discharge this assignment with utmost sense of responsibility.

"We therefore urge all those involved in the distribution chain to ensure smooth and transparent distribution to the intended beneficiaries.

"We thank the Nigerian Military for defeating the enemies of our land and creating an enabling environment for IDPs to return to their ancestral homes. We are confident that with supports such as this coming from various people and organisations, we will win back our peace insha Allah". he said

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-nigerian-customs-donates-relief.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

he National Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday that average price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as petrol increased by 35.7 per cent year-on-year in January.

This is contained in Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for January released by NBS in Abuja, the report stated that Petrol increased by 35.7 per cent year-on-year and 1.35 per cent month-on-month to N148.7 in January 2017, from N146.7 in December 2016.

It noted that states with the highest average price of petrol were Borno, which sold the product for N164.09, Oyo; N161.00 and Ebonyi N156.47.

“States with the lowest average price of petrol were Kogi, which sold at N144.67), Ekiti and Imo, N144.64 and Abuja which sold at N144.20.’’

The states with lowest average price sold the product below the recommended price of N145.

Fuel prices are collected across all the 774 local governments across all states and the FCT from more than 10,000 respondents and locations.

The report reflected prices households actually bought fuels together with the prices reportedly sold by the fuel suppliers.

The average of all these prices is then reported for each state and the average for the country is the average for the state

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/petrol-prices-increases-by-36-sells-for.html

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-saraki-and-dogara-at-joint.html

Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of The House Of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara , legislators, reps of MDAs, CSOs and others present at the public hearing on the 2017 budget. See more photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-saraki-and-dogara-at-joint.html

The Senate will, on Monday, February 13, hold a first-of-its-kind public hearing on the 2017 budget.

This was disclosed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi via a statement.

According to Senator Abdullahi, the public hearing is aimed at allowing stakeholders and members of the public to make contributions to the proposed legislation before passage by the National Assembly.

“This will be the first time something like this is happening,” Abdullahi said, “It’s a testament to the leadership and foresight of the Senate President, and the commitment of the 8th Senate as a whole to ensure that the budget is passed transparently — with adequate feedback from the general public,” he added.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, stated that the historic public hearing on the budget was aimed at ensuring more citizen-participation in the legislative processes.

“We will continue to create platforms such as these, that will allow the general public to play a role in what we do here,” the Senate President said.

“Moving forward, the public can expect that we will continue this practice of having an open budget hearing where every-day Nigerians are primary contributors,” he added.

Over the past week, the Senate has suspended regular plenary sessions in order to give all committees an opportunity to conduct adequate oversight and for ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government to defend the allocations included in the estimates submitted to the legislature by President Muhammadu Buhari.



The joint public hearing will push the budget defence a step further by allowing members of the public to weigh-in constructively on ways to improve the appropriations bill.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/senate-makes-history-with-first-ever.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44