₦airaland Forum

THE LOWS HAVE IT IN AVIATION
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/the-lows-have-it-in-aviation.html

Lack of aviation fuel, economic recession and outright unavailability of foreign exchange to enable airline operators function combined to bring the Nigerian aviation sector to a new low. Though some successes were recorded, especially with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification of some local airlines and the coming of Airbus, the aviation sector had more sorry tales to tell. ANTHONY AWUNOR writes.
Events and activities in the nation’s aviation sector have shown significant improvements since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office two years ago, (May 29, 2015). In an effort to reposition the transportation industry, the current administration put in enormous efforts at repositioning the aviation sector through proper restructuring, infrastructural development, security and ultimately safety of lives and properties according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
The administration came up with the concessioning of the four of the viable airports in the country that include: Abuja, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Kano airports. The concession proposal was, however, overtaken by flight diversion from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja to Kaduna International Airport, following the poor state of the runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport that time.
On March 8, 2017 federal government shutdown NAIA for six-weeks to give room for repairs on the runway, making the Kaduna Airport the only alternative for Abuja flights. In what can be described as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation, the federal government through the Ministry of Aviation successfully reopened the Abuja Airport, ahead of the April 19 deadline given by the government.
One of the major events that heralded the year in the aviation industry was the suspension of flight operations by three airlines in a row within a week. The airlines which shut down operations due to recession and high cost of aviation fuel, foreign exchange, charges and others were Aero Contractors, FirstNation and Arik. Although Arik recommenced operations after stoppage but others are yet to resume flight, after several months of suspension of flight operations. Consequently, Aero Contractors and Arik were put under the management of the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCOM).
The true position in the year, particularly, 2016 was that airline operators barely survived in 2016, having been burdened with a lot of challenges, including lack of aviation fuel, foreign exchange, manpower, multiple taxation, charges etc. Many of them were on the verge of being declared insolvent, just as the major ones are no longer reliable, with epileptic flight operations characterised by delays, flight cancellations, fare hike and general poor customer services.
To cushion the effects of the recession, the federal government on behalf of foreign airlines and domestic operators under the aegis of Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) got the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to include airlines operating from Nigeria in the Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange market through forward settlement.
As part of the restructuring process by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and to make proper placements in the agencies, the Aviation Ministry initiated demotions, sack and other changes at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA.
Despite recession and challenges faced by operators, aviation since May 29, 2015 recorded quite a number of international accolades. First was the election of the FAAN managing director, Engr Saleh Dunoma as president of Airports Council International ACI Africa; re-election of president of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu and the opening of Nigerian office by renowned aircraft maker, Airbus.
Apart from all these, four more airlines in Nigeria obtained the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification. Medview Airline, Allied Air, Dana Air and Air Peace obtained the IATA’s IOSA certification between 2016 and 2017. Many new airlines are already, documenting their papers to join flight operation in the country.
To improve airport services, FAAN has stepped up activities at most of the nation’s airports for better service delivery. For instance, in November last year, the agency commissioned three ultra-modern carousels and conveyor belts at the D-Arrivals of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) as part of efforts to reduce delays and fast track departure formalities of arriving passengers. The facility is one of many projects embarked by the federal government to hasten passengers’ facilitation at the airports to keep pace with the growing traffic which has been on the increase since the commencement of the remodeling project, and the immense growth of the country as the fastest growing economy in Africa.
FAAN has also given most of the airports a facelift, including that of Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos where Vice President Yomi Osibanjo visited recently.
Sadly, fire razed down some offices in FAAN headquarters in Lagos on April 11, 2017. The fire incident affected some offices in the agency’s corporate headquarters. Shortly after the fire incident, FAAN in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire Department and other security agencies set up panel to investigate and find out the cause of the fire outbreak.

JAMB WITHHOLDS 300 UTME RESULTS OVER MALPRACTICES
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/jamb-withholds-300-utme-results-over.html

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has so far withheld the results of 300 candidates who wrote the unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME), its Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede has said.
Oloyede said this on Thursday when he featured on Sunrise Daily, a weekly programme on Channels Television in Abuja.
He also said the agency has released the results of 15, 000 candidates, adding that the board has released the results of candidates where it had no problem.
According to him, the board would release results of candidates after it had ensured that they did not participate in malpractices.
Oloyede also said the board would not hesitate to sanction anybody found wanting no matter how highly placed the person is.
“For instance this morning (Thursday) we have released about 15, 000 results but among those who sat in that centre we have real reasons, concrete evidence to say about 300 of them the results will not be release because they knew they were not in the hall where the examination took place.
“Those who do not receive are qualified not to receive. In all the places where there are no problem we have released the results within 24 hours. But those who have not they may not be culpable but we are investigating.
“Where we have reasons to doubt anything, where we have report of anything that was not acceptable to us we have withheld the results and we keep on releasing them as we clear them.
“We are comparing those who sat for the examination, how long they sat in the hall and when some of them will take excuse that they are going to the toilet only to go to what they call VIP, all these have been able to track and I want to say that we will not hesitate to sanction anybody no matter how highly placed,” he said.
Oloyede also said the board would not impose any candidate on any institutions in the country.
According to him, the board will not take any candidate that has not been recommended by the institution.
“The final say for admission rest squarely with the institutions. Their senates and academic boards are empowered to determine the students. What JAMB does is and what it should continue to do is to moderate, to ensure equity, to ensure that nobody is unfairly treated.
“JAMB should not and will not take any student that has not been recommended by the institution. JAMB was not established to take up the responsibility or to usurp the power of the senate. What JAMB should do is to moderate, take recommendation and ask questions.
“JAMB will give the admission letter but the process of giving the letter must be democratic enough, must not encroach on the powers of the senate and the academic boards of the various institutions.
“We will advise our colleagues who are manning these institutions to be fair and to play according to the rule but we will not impose anything on the institutions,” he said.
He also said that fraudsters who meet the requirements of the organization are establishing computer based test centers just to defraud candidates.
“We now have situation that crooks, people who have no standards are now establishing CBT centres and they are meeting our requirements only to misuse the opportunity.
“We have seen so many of such that we want to call on credible Nigerians, credible institutions, and government agencies. If we can partner with some federal government or state or public institutions to expand their facilities I will be more comfortable.
“We have seen supposedly highly placed individuals who own CBT centres and are using the CBT centres to perpetrate examination malpractices,” he added.

WHY NIGERIA MUST REMAIN AS ONE – OSINBAJO
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/why-nigeria-must-remain-as-one-osinbajo.html

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has underscored the need for Nigerian leaders to give the younger generation the vision on a pathway to unity in diversity.
Prof. Osinbajo made the statement yesterday in Abuja at the colloquim on “Biafra: 50 years after’’ organized by the Yar’ Adua Foundation at the Shehu Musa Yar’ adua Centre, Abuja, where he spoke to a cross section of political leaders which include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. John Nwodo, leader of Ohaneze, the Pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization and Alhaji Ahmed Joda amongst other dignitaries that graced the occasion.
According to him, Introspection is probably what separates us from beasts as the ability to learn from history is perhaps the greatest defense from the avoidable pain of learning from experience, when history is a much gentler and kinder teacher.
Osinbajo said”As we reflect on this event today, we must ask ourselves the same question that many who have fought or been victims in civil wars, wars between brothers and sisters ask in moments of reflection….“what if we had spent all the resources, time and sacrifice we put into the war, into trying to forge unity? What if we had decided not to seek to avenge a wrong done to us? What if we had chosen to overcome evil with good?’’
“The truth is that the spilling of blood in dispute is hardly ever worth the losses. Of the fallouts of bitter wars is the anger that can so easily be rekindled by those who for good or ill want to resuscitate the fire. Today some are suggesting that we must go back to the ethnic nationalities from which Nigeria was formed.
“They say that secession is the answer to the charges of marginalization. They argue that separation from the Nigerian State will ultimately result in successful smaller States. They argue eloquently, I might add that Nigeria is a colonial contraption that cannot endure.
This is also the sum and substance of the agitation for Biafra. The campaign is often bitter and vitriolic, and has sometimes degenerated to fatal violence. Brothers and sisters permit me to differ and to suggest that we’re greater together than apart.”

OSINBAJO SEEKS APPROVAL FOR ADDITIONAL $1.2BN EXTERNAL LOAN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/osinbajo-seeks-approval-for-additional.html

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has sought the approval of the House of Representatives for the $1.280 billion loan intended for the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) which is ready to commence operation while the four foreign banks involved will commence the disbursement of the loan.
Osinbajo is also seeking the approval of €9m for agricultural financing to consolidate the gains of the first tranche of €10.5m which he sent the requests as an addendum to the 2016-2018 external borrowing plans.
Osinbajo, whose letter dated May 16, 2017 was conveyed to Speaker Yakubu Dogara in the Vice President’s seal and letterhead but signed with the designation of the Acting President, said the DBN was approved by the last administration but the loan facility was strangely omitted in the 2014/2016 borrowing plan by the National Assembly.
“The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is a multi-donor supported bank approved under the previous administration with the Financing Agreement executed on February 25, 2015,” the letter reads.
“However, the facility in the sum of $1.28b appeared to be inadvertently omitted in the 2014/2016 external borrowing plan approved by the National Assembly.
“The bank is being supported by the World Bank, African Development Bank, KfW Development Germany and French Development Agency in the sum of $500m, $450m, $200m and $130m respectively.
“The bank is ready to commence operation and the donors are also ready to commence disbursement consequent upon National Assembly approval of the borrowing.
“Furthermore, Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN-11) is being supported by KfW Development Bank of Germany in the sum of €9m.
“The first phase of (FAFIN-1) was €10.5m and the Financing Agreement was executed on October 3, 2013.
“It is an investment facility in agricultural financing. The first tranche of FAFIN-1 has been fully disbursed and the donor is ready to provide another tranche of €9m for FAFIN-11.
“The second tranche is for the consolidation of the gains in the investment of the first tranche.”

VIDEO: ‘Order from Nnamdi Kanu says no shop must open in Nnewi on 30th May’
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/video-order-from-nnamdi-kanu-says-no.html

“This is order by Nnamdi Kanu: No shop must be opened in Nnewi on 30th May,” “Everybody must sit at home” and “We are here to tell the world that we are ready to go” were among the comments by over a hundred Biafra supporters in Anambra who, as shown in the video clip, converged at the Central Church, Nnewi “on evangelization for the up-coming 30th May, 2017 Biafra Day Remembrance celebration.”

watch video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11K6x9VjD-8

Lanre Gentry moves on fast, dumps Mercy Aigbe for new lover
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/lanre-gentry-moves-on-fast-dumps-mercy.html

Less than a week after being released from prison, estranged husband of Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, Asiwaju Lanre Gentry has decided to move on with his life.



On his Instagram page he shared the picture of his new girlfriend who he described as the love of his life.

He captioned his post; “Temi My New Love”

No ransom was paid for the release of Chibok girls – Lai Mohammed
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/no-ransom-was-paid-for-release-of.html


Information Minister Lai Mohammed yesterday denied suggestions that a ransom of two million euro was paid by the federal government to Boko Haram for the release of the 82 girls.



In a response to a BBC report that the sect got the money as part of the deal to release the girls, Mohammed said: “apart from the five Boko Haram commanders, the exchange of which we have already made public, no other concession was made.

“Any other thing to the contrary is absolutely false.

“I emphatically deny on behalf of the Federal Government that any sum of ransom was paid in exchange of the 82 Chibok girls.”

A thanksgiving service will be held for the girls today in Abuja.

FEMI FANI-KAYODE: COUP BELLS RINGING AND WHY NIGERIANS MUST BE CONCERNED
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/femi-fani-kayode-coup-bells-ringing-and.html

I am very worried now. Ever since 1966 the northern ruling class has ALWAYS effected a coup d’etat whenever they feel sufficiently threatened with the loss of power.
The only time that they failed to do this, to their eternal regret, was when President Goodluck Jonathan succeeded President Umaru Yar'adua after the latter’s death in 2010.

Up until today they blame my friend and brother Lt. Abdulrahman General Dambazau for that failure and they felt he was weak and cowardly.​ ​This is because he was the Chief of Army Staff at the time and he did not strike.
He paid a heavy price for his “weakness” and for not doing their bidding a few years later because when Buhari came to power in 2015 instead of appointing him Minister of Defence or National Security Advisor, which is what he had originally been penned down for, he appointed him as Minister of Interior which is far less strategic and important.
As a consequence of his “failure” to strike they had to endure Jonathan for 5 long years and their response was to covertly support and encourage Boko Haram to make parts of the country “ungovernable” and to organise the whole Chibok girls affair, in collusion with a notable foreign intelligence agency and foreign Government, to get him out by 2015.
President Muhammadu Buhari was “elected” into office that year and now his fate is similar to Yar’Adua’s. He is chronically ill and he is NOT coming back to lead and rule as he once did because he will NEVER be the same again.
Once he dies the northern ruling class have already decided on what to do.​ ​They will give Vice President Yemi Osinbajo an ultimatum and they will threaten him and ask him to resign.
They have resolved that they will not allow power to go to the south and they will encourage their senior officers in the military to effect a coup.
In doing so they are only doing what they have ALWAYS done when they feel sufficiently threatened with the loss of power. That is their way. And that is the measure of their ruthlessness and determination to hold on to power.
They would rather have a core northern military dictator in power than a southern leader or President.​ ​And they are prepared to kill anyone, no matter how highly placed, who stands in their way or who attempts to oppose or stop them.
The only options that exist if they are to be stopped is, firstly, if someone beats them to it by effecting a “progressive” Rawlings, Orkar or Nzeogwu-type coup of junior southern and Middle Belt officers.​ ​This would lead to massive loss of life and to civil war and it is therefore unacceptable.
The other option is for the southern and Middle Belt civilian population to come together and march the streets in an attempt to resist military insurrection and mutiny in the name of fighting for and attempting to preserve democracy.
That would be the best option but sadly we do not have a very good track record when it comes to protesting against injustice and the truncation of democracy and this is especially so because the core north will openly support the coup and hail it.
However one thing is clear this time around: if a coup led and inspired by the core north and the FN takes place simply to keep a southerner out of power it will signal the end of Nigeria as a united country.
Such is the anger and frustration in the south and Middle Belt today about the excesses, abuses of power, wickedness, bondage and arrogance of the north that there is likely to be a very violent reaction to any northern coup.
This may well lead to the disintegration of the Federation and when it gets to that point even the army will be hard pressed to keep us together as one nation.
The likelihood is that it would lead to a second civil war because even the army would be split down the middle along regional, ethnic and religious lines.
That is the catastrophe, madness, chaos and carnage that the northern ruling class are now leading us to and toying with in their insane quest to hold on to power.​ ​That is where they are pushing us to with their obsessive and insatiable appetite and lust for that power.
It is for this reason that the plan by the cabal in Buhari’s government and the northern ruling elite to effect a coup in order to keep power for themselves and their people and to stop a southerner from enjoying it must be condemned and resisted by ALL men and women of goodwill.
And as we condemn it we must prepare for a very strong reaction to it (and not just with loud and empty words) when they strike.
We must be ready to put our money where our mouth is. We must be prepared to risk our lives. We must be prepared to fight back and resist them with guns and bullets and every fibre of our being.
We must not let them steal our country from us right under our noses and deny us the right to wield power as the constitution dictates.
We must not let them abort democracy even though Buhari’s rule can hardly be described as one and would be better described as a murderous and despotic civilian dictatorship.

SINGER SHEYMAN WELCOME NEW BOUNCING BABY GIRL
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/singer-sheyman-welcome-new-bouncing.html

Popular Nigerian singer and producer sheyman wife just put to bed a bouncing baby girl as wife share this on her facebook

chai biafra pple is here

ApolitiCal:
That doesn't change afonja brown roof identity

all this nollywood actress here not loyal lol

lol you can only force a horse to the river ,you can force it to drink water from the river poor donald trump lol

abeg front page please this Governor Ambode is the best governor ever in nigeria oo, see as he dey commission bridge anyhow within two years
cc : OAM4J, Mynd44)

"I never saw Churchill fight with Tonto Dikeh or beat her. She was the one raising hand on him" - Nanny of Tonto Dikeh's son reveals (Video)
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/i-never-saw-churchill-fight-with-tonto.html

There's a new drama surrounding Tonto Dikeh and her nanny who has been taking care of Tonto's son, King Andre for over one year. Read the gist HERE.

The recently sacked nanny of her son King, Mgbechi Enyinnaya, has made shocking revelations in an interview with a media outfit. If you recall, Tonto Dikeh alleged that her short marriage was filled with domestic violence and her now estranged husband, Olakunle Churchill, beat her number of times and even cheated on her with his personal assistant
Her son's nanny has denied all of the allegations, claiming that Churchill is not a woman beater. She said;

"I never saw two of them fight, talk of Churchill to beat her. For my own eyes as old woman, I never see one day Churchill carry hand. When they argue too much, she herself (Tonto) will raise her hand on Churchill. I never him beat her, he did not. She herself was even beating Churchill and pushed his mother down."
When asked if she was willing to go back to work for Tonto, who allegedly threw her things out after the hospital bill scandal, the nanny replied;
"No. God will keep King (Tonto and Churchill's son), give her the grace to take care of King.
She denied Tonto's claims saying she's only been taken to Ghana. In her words,
'If Tonto says she has taken me to 15 countries, let her bring the passport and evidence. Tonto has not taken me to any country except Ghana. I don't even know where America is in my life. If we travel to Abuja I always sit down at the back and madam sits in front in the plane'.
When asked if she was recently sacked by Tonto Dikeh because she falls sick alot, Mrs Mbechi in the interview said,
'Tonto never sacked me, I'm still with her, I only traveled and came back because of my leg pain. It was just yesterday she threw my things out and pushed me, I had to sleep outside'.
The nanny also alleged that Tonto tried to force her to lie that Churchill used to beat her, but she refused.
"Tonto dey vex because she tell me say make I go lie against her husband, make I go tell the world or record my voice say 'your husband dey beat you', although she know say I never see say her husband beat her. Make I talk, even if say I now
Do any other thing for am, make I do that one. I no gree. Is that why she dey vex for me? Ahh. Na was oh. Make she just change."
Watch the video below:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIGEsYr3EFA

lolzzzzz

donlucabrazi:
Then I'm still in my mum's womb.....

"Love is the greatest"

BUHARI’S CHINESE LOAN REQUEST SUFFERS SETBACK
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/buharis-chinese-loan-request-suffers.html

President Muhammadu Buhari’s bid to get the National Assembly approval for the proposed $5.815 billion loan from China Exim Bank suffered setback in the Senate on Tuesday.


The Federal Government plans to use the loan to execute several rail projects in the country.

Following a motion by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), the Senate resolved to invite the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to explain why Southeast corridor rail line was omitted from the areas covered by the proposed loan.

The upper chamber, however, rejected a motion, urging the lawmakers to suspend consideration of the loan request pending correction of the oversight.

The motion entitled: “Outright Omission of Eastern Corridor Rail Line in the request for approval of Federal Government’s 2016-2015 External Borrowing (Rolling Plan)” was hotly debated on the floor of the Senate.

Abaribe, in his lead debate, recalled that on April 26 the Federal Government laid before the National Assembly a request seeking an approval for a loan of $5,851 billion from China Exim Bank to execute the modernisation of Lagos-Kano, Kano-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan and Lagos-Calabar rail segment.

He observed with dismay that the project covers only the western corridor of the country.

The Abia South lawmaker noted that the eastern section of the rail segment linking the Southeast to Northeast parts of the rail line is completely excluded from the request.

Abaribe urged the Senate to invite Amaechi to come and explain the reasons for the exclusion of the Eastern corridor from the proposed loan from the Chinese bank.

Governor Fayose threatens to dump PDP
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/governor-fayose-threatens-to-dump-pdp.html

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has said that he will dump the People’s Democratic Party if the Supreme Court ruling does not favour the Makarfi-led caretakercommittee in the leadership face-off with Sherrif.



According to a media report by Channels TV, Fayose said this to newsmen on Tuesday while reacting to media reports that he had removed the name and logo of the PDP from his campaign office and mini signposts mounted on Ado and Ikere-Ekiti roads.

Fayose, however, stated that he remains a bona fide member of the PDP until the outcome of the court ruling.

Despite reconciliation efforts, the governor has stated several times that he does not recognise Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the party’s leader.

On February 17, a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt had ruled that the caretaker committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi was illegal and could not act on behalf of the PDP.

Meanwhile, the governor also met with youths in the state where he called for more support for his administration and enjoined them to come out en masse on May 19 to honor the late former Governor of the Southwest region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo.

Confession of teenage Boko Haram girl

source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/confession-of-teenage-boko-haram-girl.html

A 14 year old female suspected suicide bomber says Boko Haram leaders chose her to detonate an Improvised Explosive Device in Maiduguri because she refused to get married to their members in Sambisa Forest.


The suspect is among three suspects arrested by the military when they allegedly came for a suicide mission at a military facility in Jakana in Maiduguri.

According to the facts gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, we confirmed that the suspect told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Sunday that she was sent on the mission to detonate the device because she refused marriage proposals from three Boko Haram terrorists.

The suspect said she was abducted with her father, Usman, by Boko Haram insurgents in Gwoza, Borno, in 2013.

She said she and her father were running to Mandara Mountain for safety when they were abducted.

The suspect said she and her father wanted to travel to Madagali in Adamawa where he normally sold cows before Boko Haram insurgents attacked Gwoza.

“I have spent three years in the hands of Boko Haram. Three different Boko Haram (terrorists) had proposed to marry me and I refused. Two among them were commanders (amir).

” When I refused for the third time, one of the commanders became furious and threatened to kill me and my father. I told him I would rather die than marry a Boko Haram (terrorist).

“So, after one week, they said since I have refused to get married, I should be taken to Maiduguri for a suicide mission. So, three of them held my hands and they injected me.

” Then, I never knew what was happening again.

‘’I was taken to a herbalist, who, after I regained consciousness, told me that I had been with him for 30 days.

“He told me he was preparing me for a mission. So he gave me some water to drink. I don’t know what it tasted like but I drank it. So, he said they would come and pick me today.

” At about 7p.m. three Boko Haram (members) came with a male and a female. They were also recruited for the mission like me.

“We spent one and a half days on the road to Maiduguri. It was when we got to Maiduguri that they strapped the bombs on our bodies. At that moment I knew that I was going to die, so I started crying.

” I was watching when the first bomber, a female, detonated her explosive close to a military checkpoint which killed no one but herself. The second, a male, was killed by the military before he could detonate his.

“At that time something told me to remove my own IED and surrender which I did. I was surrounded by soldiers and policemen and I fainted.

” When I woke, I discovered that one of the policemen at the checkpoint was a brother of my mother’s. I think that was the reason I survived,’’ the suspect said.

Meanwhile, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, said the suspects were being de-radicalised at the military detention facility.

“We have quite a number of them here in our facility. We have been profiling them and making them feel comfortable.

“So far, from their testimonies, they usually tell us that they were brainwashed by some sort of charms to commit suicide,” Irabor said.

NUBIFIE Petitions IGP Over Alleged N30m Fraud
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/nubifie-petitions-igp-over-alleged-n30m.html



NUBIFIE Petitions IGP Over Alleged N30m Fraud
EYES OF LAGOS TV 10:16 PM POLITICS



The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, seeking the arrest and prosecution of two of its former National executive members, over alleged frauds running into N30 million.
In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday and signed by the Acting General Secretary of NUBIFIE, Comrade Odiaka Jude Nwanji, the union said the former official who were suspended have been found to have allegedly “diverted N2.94million gift given to the union by Zenith Bank, about N36m National Delegates Conference levy funds which was approved by NAC for the purpose of the conference in 2015; N5m diverted and stolen through a WEMA account and over N23m diverted and stolen through a Skye Bank account, operating secret and unapproved accounts.”
The union also denied reports of the arrest of its President.
According to the statement, “The person purported to have been arrested was arrested in connection to false affidavits deposed to before a honourable court in a conspired effort to get an injunction to stop the IG Police amongst others from prosecuting him and his collaborators over allegations of fraud which they have perpetrated in NUBIFIE before and after they were duly suspended from office, and this, involves two suspended national officers amongst others.”
However, Comrade Nwanji emphasized in the statement that NUBUFIE is an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and not the newly launched United Labour Congress (ULC)
He said: “It is a known fact with the Registrar of Unions, the general membership of the union and the written constitution of NUBIFIE that NUBIFIE is an affiliate of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and at no time was the constitution amended to reflect anything contrary.
“Therefore, the mention of NUBIFIE as an affiliate ULC as publicized amounts to poaching and criminal subversion of a trade union. To this end, the National Administrative Council (NAC) has forwarded a petition to the IG Police to urgently prosecute the culprits.”
He also regretted the threat made by the ULC to breach industrial peace and cause unprecedented industrial crisis, adding, “to this end, we call on the Police, the SSS, the Military and other security agencies not only to be alert but to arrest and prosecute those behind the statement as this is not only a threat to the lives of NUBIFIE officials and members, but also a threat to the nation, especially at these times of security challenges.”

SOLD ASSETS: WIKE, AMAECHI SET FOR BATTLE OVER JUDICIAL PANEL
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/sold-assets-wike-amaechi-set-for-battle.html

The recent judgement of the Appeal Court in Rivers State, which upheld setting up of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate sale of valued assets of the state during the tenure of the immediate past administration has sparked fresh upset among major political actors in the state, ANAYO ONUKWUGHA writes.
The legal battle between Rivers State Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike and his predecessor and minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, over the setting up of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate sale of valued assets of the state during the tenure of the latter, came to a head, last Monday.
On that day, justices of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal, in a judgement that lasted for three hours and thirty minutes, upheld the legality of the commission that was headed by Justice George Omereji.
The Appellate Court also held that the Rivers State House of Assembly has the power to make the Commission of Inquiry Law (CAP 30) under which Wike established the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
Amaechi had approached the Court of Appeal after a Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice Simeon Amadi declared that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry was not established to investigate the personal activities of the former governor, but was set up to investigate previous actions of government as they affect the people of the state.
Delivering judgment on Suit No PHC/187/15, Amadi ruled that Wike by the provisions of the law is empowered to establish the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate previous actions of government.
He stated that there is no law preventing a state government from finding out how her resources were expended.
Amadi declared that Amaechi cannot disburse and expend funds of the Rivers State Government and turn around to claim that such powers belong to the National Assembly.
On the claim by the former governor that the 30 days set aside for the sitting of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry will deny him fair hearing, the court held that the days set aside have not breached Amaechi’s right to fair hearing.
The court noted that the former governor has not filed a memorandum before the commission and has not appeared before it, hence he cannot complain that he was not given fair hearing.
Amadi, who stated that the 30 days set aside is not sacrosanct, hence it could be extended, held that the suit by Amaechi is speculative as he failed to prove the injuries that he has suffered because of the setting up of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
The judge held that contrary to the former governor’s claims, the terms of reference of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry did not accuse the former governor of crime, neither is the former governor on trial.
He declared, “The Judiciary is not only the last hope of the common man, but it is also the last hope of the mighty and movers and shakers of democracy. Those who by the benevolence of the Judiciary got to power should resist the temptation to emasculate the Judiciary”.
The Appellate Court, in a unanimous decision on Amaechi’s appeal in Suit No CA/PH/342/2015, dismissed the appeal filed by Former Governor challenging the Constitution of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
The court held that Justice Simeon Amadi of the Rivers State High Court was right when it ruled that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry had the power to sit and make recommendations.
The Court of Appeal, which ruled that anybody who holds public office should be ready to be accountable to the people, even after leaving office, however, resolved that Amaechi has the locus standi to file the suit , since it had to probe his administration.
Recall that Wike inaugurated the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on June 22, 2015, in fulfilment of his promise to probe the last 18 months of the Amaechi’s eight-year rule in the state, especially as it affects the sale of valued assets of the state.
The commission, which had since submitted it’s report and a White-Paper issued to that effect by the state government, had Mrs Florence Fiberesima, and Dr Zaccheaus Adango as secretary and counsel to the commission, respectively, while members were; Dr Edith Chukwu, Chief Monday Ekekenta, Rev Canon Alex Usifo, and Elder Ignatius Piegbara.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, which took place at Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said the commission shall constitute a quorum and shall hold its first meeting after the date of the inauguration and the chairman should submit their report to the governor not later than one month from the date of their first sitting.
However, contrary to the governor’s directive, the Omereji-led commission could not hold its inaugural sitting as a result of two law suits from the former commissioner for Power, Sir Augustine Nwokocha, and from Amaechi, respectively, challenging its legality.
The commission, however, held its inaugural sitting on August 24, 2015, more than two months after it was inaugurated by Wike, following the removal of the legal bottlenecks by an Abuja High Court and later a Port Harcourt High Court.
The governor stated that setting up a commission to probe the sale of valued assets of the state by the previous administration was a right step in a right direction as it was not meant to smear the image of Amaechi so as to deny him appointment in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Wike also said he decided not to drag the former governor to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of corruption, because he believes the Judicial Commission of Inquiry can handle the matter.
For the immediate past governor, Amaechi, who many believed was the main target of the probe; he believed and still believes that the commission was not set up within the ambits of the country’s constitution. He noted that he is not afraid of a fair and decent probe or investigation or inquiry of his administration; and would cooperate and support such probe or investigation or inquiry in as much as it’s done within the ambits of the country’s laws.
The former governor, in a statement by his media aide, David Iyofor, said: “However what Wike has set out to do is anything but a fair probe. The commission will not be fair to Amaechi because it was set up to indict him. Wike had repeatedly held that Amaechi, the person to be investigated, acted illegally in the disbursement of public funds and that Amaechi ran a corrupt government.
“Clearly, Wike has prejudged the matter, and showed his bias that Amaechi is guilty even before investigations. This means Wike, with his prejudiced, made up mind has taken a position of a guilty verdict even before the outcome is known or established.
“The same Wike who had adjudged the yet-to-be-investigated conduct of Amaechi as illegal and Amaechi as corrupt, is the same person that has gone ahead to set up a commission of inquiry and will have the final say on the findings of the commission. What a sham!
“This bias and predetermined agenda to indict Amaechi is obvious even in the terms of reference of the commission. In one of the defective terms of reference, Wike said the commission should investigate the circumstances that led to the sale of the state’s Hotel Olympia.
“With a fair and decent probe, the Inquiry should have been to examine (or investigate) the transaction concerning Hotel Olympia. The difference is so clear: In the former, jaundiced Wike’s term of reference, it has been prejudiced and concluded that the hotel was sold, while in the latter, the inquiry is open and fair, and may lead to a finding of a sale or a lease or even a gift or even a pledge.
“Now, having so concluded that Hotel Olympia was sold, would Wike be decent and humble enough to reverse himself if documents showed it was never sold but concessioned or leased? This is one of the dangers of Wike’s commission that harbours a predetermined outcome in the name of an inquiry and Amaechi will not subject himself to Wike’s deceit and phony shenanigans. Hotel Olympia was never sold. The hotel was only concessioned (or leased) on the approval of the State Executive Council and not sold.
“Even while inaugurating his yeoman commission of inquiry, Wike could not conceal his vendetta agenda. He was clear to the panel members that their job is to indict Amaechi. And to do this his dirty hack job, he got Justice G. O. Omereji (the commission chairman), a man who is well known to harbour a long held, extreme anger, hatred and animosity against former governor Amaechi.”
Apparently in total support of the former governor’s position on the setting up of the commission, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, described the probe panel as illegal, saying that it lacks constitutional powers to do the work for which it was set up by Wike.
The APC, in a statement by its state chairman, Dr Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said, “This is, at best, a kangaroo court which was set up for the sole purpose of rubber-stamping Chief Wike’s conviction, without trial, of his estranged benefactor and the immediate past governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. The Justice Omereji Commission of Inquiry is illegal, ill-conceived, and ill-motivated. It should be disbanded forthwith.”
Ikanya stated that the Commission of Inquiry’s law which has been cited as the backbone of the commission being chaired by Omereji did not in any of its 23 Sections authorise the establishing of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, but merely stated that the governor can set up an inquiry, saying judicial powers are vested in courts of law (Section 6(6) (b) of the Nigerian Constitution).
He said, “As has been made quite clear by legal experts, in setting up the Omereji Commission, Chief Wike was exercising a power unknown to law. To add Judicial to a mere administrative inquiry does not reflect a doing of right according to law as it gives the public the wrong impression that the commission is a High Court by another name called.
“This is a clear case of bias, which is not acceptable to us. It is tantamount to conviction before trial, and this should be unreservedly condemned by all lovers of justice throughout Nigeria and beyond. It is not yet too late for this otherwise respected jurist to throw in the towel and save his good name, which is being tarnished by his acceptance of Wike’s satanic assignment.”

I AM A MAN OF ART ,FORMER YBNL SINGER ADEKUNLEGOLD BOAST OF HIS MULTI TALENTED SKILLS
source; http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/i-am-man-of-art-former-ybnl-singer.html



Image result for adekunlegold

I AM A MAN OF ARTS, FORMER YBNL SINGER ADEKUNLE GOLD boast of his multi talented skills in art.
He share this on his Instagram after he set to premier a new song after leaving his former record label YBNL NATION owned by Popular rapper Olamide. He shared a throwback picture of the creative artwork he has done while he was still young .

He shared : Ceramist , Sculptor , Brand developer , Graphic artist , Singer.. You did agree 'i am a man of arts' save this picture , you will all join me in saying my success story soonest.

No doubt it is now getting clearer why Ybnl nation Boss Olamide dont want Adekunlegold to leave the record label. The question is, Could Adekunlegold be the man planning and strategizing for his former Label all this while after he tagged himself a brand developer

See Photo

ANTI-GRAFT AGENCY SUSPENDS PROBE OF EMIR SANUSI
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/anti-graft-agency-suspends-probe-of.html

The Kano State government’s anti-corruption agency has suspended probe into the financial dealings of the Emirate council.
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission was investigating alleged misuse of N6 billion. The state’s House of Assembly launched a separate investigation of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sunusi II, following allegations of funds misappropriation, “defamation of character, breach of oath of office/oath of allegiance, abuse of office privileges and protocol, and political and religious interference”.

The chairman of the anti-corruption body, Muhyi Gado, said the commission was suspending its probe “indefinitely”. He said the commission could not continue as the House was also conducting an investigation.
Mr. Gado declined further comments.
But a source said that the commission viewed the investigation by House of Assembly as interference and an effort to scuttle the probe.
“We are not happy with the coming in of the House of Assembly into this matter and we cannot continue doing the same thing with them; that is why we allowed them to do it themselves,” the source said.
“You see many would rather see the House interference as purely political while our own has nothing to do with that. We do things professionally according to the dictate of laws.”

The source said the commission was prepared to resume the probe if the House allowed it.

OONI WRITES CONGRATULATORY LETTER TO ANTHONY JOSHUA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/ooni-writes-congratulatory-letter-to.html

Boxing sensation, Anthony Joshua, has received a congratulatory letter from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, following his recent defeat of Vladimir Klischko to become the IBF and WBA ‘super’ heavyweight of the world.
Joshua, whose father hails from Sagamu, Ogun State, is said to have been touched and humbled on receiving the Ooni’s letter, which was hand delivered to him in London, and the massive support from Nigerians.
Oba Ogunwusi is the first Nigerian leader to officially have his congratulatory letter hand delivered and recognized by Joshua who went over the letter time and again and on each occasion beamed with a smile and promised to frame it and hang it on the wall at home.
The letter which was facilitated by Nigerian lawyer, Bob Olukoya, was hand delivered to Joshua by elite Nigerian fighter, Larry Ekundayo, and Ben Gray, the owner of commercial agency, World Class Athletes, who specialises in helping Nigeria to deliver on its huge wealth of boxing talent.
“It was wonderful to be able to help promote Nigeria in this way, and Anthony and his team couldn’t have been more welcoming to us because they know how we have helped represent Nigerian boxing,” Ben Gray revealed.
“Now that the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo have led the way, I hope that Nigerians everywhere will recognise the huge asset that Anthony and other Nigerian boxers are to their country.
“This is particularly valuable to the country in helping create positive news stories about Nigeria on the international stage, and as a result, I hope we will see proper support of your incredible, world-class talent.”

Davido ecstatic as International singer, Rkelly does a cover of his smash hit 'IF'
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/davido-ecstatic-as-international-singer.html


Yet another major feat has been achieved by DMW boss, Davido, as his hit single and one of the biggest song in Africa at the moment, IF, was recently remixed by American music star, R-Kelly.

Davido, took to his social media page to share a video of himself listening to the song and expressing his surprise at the new song.
He captioned the video:

Crazyyy!!!!!!! THE LEGEND R KELLY REMIXED ‘IF’ !!!! Whaaaaaaat!! ? ! I’m honored!! ? #backtobasics stay true to your culture!! THEY WILL COME!!

Watch the video below:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V3dBW9a35g

LABOUR THREATENS NATIONWIDE STRIKE OVER MINIMUM WAGE REVIEW
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/labour-threatens-nationwide-strike-over.html

The organised labour has threatened a nationwide strike, if the government fails to begin process of reviewing the workers’ minimum wage.



It said workers are hungry and legitimately angry.

The National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), an affiliate member of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), issued the threat in Kaduna yesterday.

Addressing reporters with NUTGTWN National President Comrade John Adaji, the union’s General Secretary and Vice President, IndustriALL Global Union, Comrade Issa Aremu, called on the Federal Government to urgently constitute a committee on the review of the national minimum wage.

The labour union equally called on NLC and TUC to make urgent case for workers’ control of the country’s pension industry, saying pension fund is workers’ capital and should not be a play-ground to reward failed politicians.

According to Aremu, “As demonstrated by workers during the May Day in Abuja, Nigeria risks national industrial crisis, except governments at all levels give due attention to the critical issue of compensation of workers. Hungry workers are legitimately angry workers. Nigerian workers are not only hungry but legitimately angry.

“We commend both the Senate and the House of Representatives for their respective facilitating roles to address the current issue of national minimum wage. However, the responsibility lies squarely with President Muhammadu Buhari ably being represented by Vice President Osinbajo.”

“National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2011, which offers the current N18,000 was for a five-year cycle due for review in 2015. The five-year time limit was to avoid minimum wage stagnation and attendant seemingly increases that follow. In United Kingdom (UK) minimum wage is reviewed yearly. Today, it is £7.5 per hour, about N37,000 per day!

“Long before the current recession, Nigeria workers have long been in depression. With Naira devaluation and high inflation, 2010 negotiated national minimum wage of N18,000, which was about $120 in 2010, has fallen to below $50 in 2017, worsening income poverty. Nigeria cannot get out of recession with poorly paid work-force,” the labour leader said.

He, however opined, that “the best way to reflate the economy is through wage increase linked with productivity improvement and prompt payment of the existing salaries by states and local governments.

“President Buhari should, therefore, urgently constitute the tripartite committee on the review of the current national minimum wage within a short time-limit”, he urged.

On the pension matter, the textile union leader said, NUTGTWN as an affiliate of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and a critical stakeholder in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) was concerned with recent developments in the pension industry.

He added that Nigeria’s pension industry risks avoidable crisis following the recent abrupt termination of the appointment of Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, former Director General of PenCom and appointment of Dikko Aliyu Abdulrahman as new director-general by President Muhammadu Buhari subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Northern elders declare “full support” for Osinbajo
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/northern-elders-declare-full-support.html

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has declared full support for Yemi Osinbajo as Nigeria’s Acting President.

The forum also also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his steadfast respect for the constitution in transferring power to Mr. Osinbajo when it became necessary for him to travel to seek for medical treatment.



The Deputy leader of the Forum, Paul Unongo, made the commendation while addressing a news conference shortly after a meeting in Kano on Thursday.

“The Forum expresses its full support and encouragement behind Acting President Osinbajo and urges him to exercise responsibility, as he did in the past, with commitment, sensitivity and respect for the Constitution.

“We urge him to ignore mischief which seeks to pitch him against the President or the Nigerian people whose mandates they both exercise,” Mr. Unongo said.

He called on all persons with responsibility to cooperate fully with the Acting President to sustain a united, focused and committed administration to achieve the desired results.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday travelled to the UK for medical treatment ensuring he transmitted power to his vice president via letters to the National Assembly.

The Northern Elders Forum also commended President Buhari for securing the northern part of the country from the clutches of Boko Haram.


Mr. Unongo said the president deserved to be commended for tackling the Boko Haram insurgency especially in the North-East.

“Buhari has confronted the issue that has been disturbing us by tackling the insurgency which had caused a lot of havoc in the region especially the three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa,” he said.
He also commended the sterling contributions of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, for providing the necessary leadership to stabilise the polity.

“We expect that the war against corruption will not suffer a setback, and current investigations and activities will not be stalled due to the absence of President Buhari.

“Like millions of Nigerians, the Northern Elders Forum prays for the return to full health of President Muhammadu Buhari,” Mr. Unongo added.

The forum also advised northern state governors to complete all abandoned projects they inherited from their predecessors for the benefit of the people.

“I want to use this opportunity to advice our governors in the North to borrow a leaf from the governor of Kano State who is ready to complete projects abandoned over 20 years ago.
“We are impressed by the style of Kano State governor.

“While most of the governors are eager to start their own projects, Ganduje completed projects abandoned by late Abubakar Rimi, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
“He has shown maturity and this is what we feel should be done.

“If you as governor meet an uncompleted project, complete it if it will improve the living standard of your people,” he said.

Mr. Unongo stressed the need for governors in the region to ensure prudent management of public funds to provide their respective states with necessary infrastructure.

He commended the Borno State government for its effort to improve the living conditions of the people especially those affected by the activities of insurgents.

“We are going round the states to see what is going on. We went to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa and we are happy the security situation in those states has improved,” Mr. Unongo said.

BUHARI TREATS ME LIKE HIS SON — OSINBAJO
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/buhari-treats-me-like-his-son-osinbajo.html
Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari, treats him like his son.

According to his media aide, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo made the remark at the palace of the emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdulmumin Usman. Osinbajo is currently in Katsina state.
"I feel very much at home in Katsina. Moreso because this is the State of the President who has taken me as a brother; in fact the President has taken me as a son in the way he treats me," said Osinbajo.
"The amount of responsibilities President Buhari has given me shows he seriously believes we can live together as brothers"
"I pray the Lord will preserve our President to continue to lead as the nation has voted him to do. He seriously believes in Nigeria unity"
His tweets:

'I WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY CHIEFTAINCY TITLE' - DELTA GOVERNOR
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/i-will-not-accept-any-chieftaincy-title.html

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has said he will not accept any chieftaincy title while in office.

He said all titles will be deferred until after his tenure.


Okowa spoke yesterday when he visited the Odio Ologbo of Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Anthony Ovramwah, who was celebrating his 80th birthday.

The governor, who was also in Oleh to inaugurate and inspect projects to mark his second year in office, hailed the communities that desired to honour him with chieftaincy titles.

He said such titles would be taken after leaving office.

Okowa said: “I will not take chieftaincy titles during my tenure as governor. All titles will be deferred till after I leave office.”

The governor said he needed to concentrate on the delivery of dividends of democracy to Delta residents.

He congratulated the Odio Ologbo on his birthday and wished him more happy years on earth.

ABIA GUBER TUSSLE: JUDICIARY CHARGED ON CONSISTENCY IN JUDGEMENTS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/abia-guber-tussle-judiciary-charged-on.html

The judiciary at various levels has been urged to be consistent and coherent in the dispensation of justice which is the basis of the reforms needed in this arm of government.
Drawing inferences from the judgements in the court cases as seen in the Abia State governorship tussle between Ikpeazu Vs Ogah and that of Cross River state between Ben Ayade and Joe Agi, Civil Society For Judicial Reforms stressed that the ongoing reforms in the judiciary cannot be complete when different judgements and orders are given on similar cases.
The group in a press conference by the Coalition’s coordinator, Ameh Ejeh, represented by Onuahah Oliver in Abuja, yesterday, urged the court to restore, strengthen and enthrone this factor in the dispensation of justice.
Oliver said: “The reforms going on in our judiciary cannot be complete when different judgements and orders are given in the similar cases.
He argued that “Consistency and coherency in dispensation of judgements should form the basis of the needed reforms in the Nigerian Judiciary.