MERRY XMAS TO YOU ALL

  HEREZ wishing you all an awesome and memorable Xmas. It can only get better

SSS Parades Air Force Personnel, Six Others for Kidnapping, Killing

Chief of Air Staff

The operatives of State Security Service (SSS) Tuesday paraded Sulaiman Mohammed, a Lance Corporal with the Nigerian Air Force and six others for allegedly kidnapping a businessman, who later died 11 days after his release. Others are Mustapha Isah, Mohammed Abubakar, Farouk Waziri, mohammed Bukar, Usman Idah, and Abdullahi Musa.

Speaking on behalf of the SSS yesterday in his office in Abuja, an Assistant Director, Mr. Doyin Adetuberu, said the men were caught after the mastermind of the criminal act, Isah, was arrested and later confessed to the crime.

Read Simon Kolawole's Hilarious 'The Old Man and the Manual'

Simon Kolawole Live  simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Once upon a time, there was a king that reigned over Nigeria in majesty and grandeur. When he ascended the throne in 1999, he developed a Manual on how to rule Nigeria. He enjoyed the “ogbono” soup in Aso Rock so much that he did not want to leave after spending eight years and two terms. He wanted a third term. His manipulation to rewrite the constitution failed spectacularly at the National Assembly, and he hurriedly left power in humiliation in May 2007. He forgot the Manual in the side drawer of his bed. Alas! One of the successors discovered the Manual and started borrowing from it.

YOUTUBE Video Reveals Sgt. Rogers' Testimony on Al Mustapha’s Killer Squad

More facts have emerged on how Sergeant Barnabas Jabila Mshiela, aka Sergeant Rogers, a member of the killer squad allegedly trained and maintained by Major Hamza Al Mustapha the former Chief Security Officer of late General Sani Abacha, on how Mustapha ordered him and others to assassinate Kudirat Abiola, the wife of Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12 1993 general election.

Although Mustapha was acquitted of the murder of Mrs. Abiola a few months ago by the Court of Appeal following a 14-year trial, a YouTube video uploaded Monday on the website of online news medium Sahara Reporters, has revealed Sgt. Rogers being cross-examined by lawyers of a commission set up to investigate Mustapha and the Strike Force that he headed.

Edo Police Parade Pastor, Lover for Alleged Murder of NPDC Staff

The Edo State Police Command paraded two suspects suspected to have been behind the murder of one Mr. Isonguyo Victor, a Deputy Manager at the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC)  who was allegedly murdered penultimate Friday by his wife and her lover pastor boy friend. Mrs. Isonguyo is suspected to have conspired with her pastor, believed to also be her secret lover, to murder her husband.

Parading the suspects, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, said Mrs Enebong Victor Isonguyo planned the murder of her husband with her pastor, Mr. Udoka Nkanchukwu. He disclosed that both suspects confessed to be lovers and plotted the death of the NPDC staff and father of three.

FEATURES: Keeping the Seas Safe

Determined to rid the waterways of sea pirates, the Nigerian Navy continues to hone the skills of its personnel, writes Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Nigerian maritime frontiers is beset with a number of challenges. The vices on the high seas, which have necessitated the war against maritime illegalities are legion. Some of these include piracy, sea robbery, smuggling, poaching, illegal bunkering, illegal unregulated and unreported fishing, crude oil theft, drug and human trafficking and maritime terrorism. The daily perpetration of these crimes merely suggest that the war against them is far from being over.

Besides other prevailing illegalities, the authorities also battle other daunting challenges of  protecting offshore oil installations and facilities as well as combating seaborne insurgency and environmental degradation. The Nigerian Navy (NN) as part of its unrelenting quest to curb these vices have in times past been engaged in different exercises including African Winds, Operation Obangame, Operation Farautau and Operation Prosperity, amongst others.

EXCLUSIVE: HURRAY!!! Nigerian Navy Ship Thunder finally arrives Lagos from Australia

 The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Thunder on Wednesday arrived Lagos in grand style after a successful participation in the Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review in Sydney.

This is just as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, restated the navy's commitment to ensuring global peace and security especially at this period of growing global security challenges.

The CNS also added that the ship was outside the shores of the country for four months and 10 days, of which 1,834 hours was spent underway covering 22,614 nautical miles.

The vessel which arrived the jetty of the Western Naval Command (WNC), Apapa, Lagos, was received by the CNS; his wife, Mrs. Vivian Ezeoba; the Chief of Engineering, Rear Admiral Emeraku Ijioma and the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Obi Umahi.

Others were the Flag Officers Commanding WNC, Eastern Naval Command and Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admirals Ibok-Ette Ibas, Joe Aikhomu and Goddy Ayankpele, respectively, amongst other serving and retired senior officers.

EXCLUSIVE: Inside Mandela’s Home in Soweto

Ezeobi besides Mandela's portrait

Chiemelie Ezeobi who recently visited Nelson Mandela’s home in Soweto, South Africa, a few days before the anti-apartheid icon died writes on how the house the late South African leader lived in his early years has become a tourist’s delight

In Soweto, it is not difficult to locate where he once lived. The people on the streets are eager to point in the direction of his house. Of course, no one would want to miss out on the memory of such a man as Nelson Mandela, whose death recently brought multitude of leaders to Africa.

Mandela achieved a series of firsts in his lifetime including being the first black man to rule South Africa. But that was 27 years after he was jailed at Robben Island.

EXCLUSIVE: HIV/AIDS: Awareness Contributes to Low Indices among Navy Personnel

Chief of Naval Staff, Dele Ezeoba

The Nigerian Navy (NN) has stated that the low HIV/AIDS indices of its personnel could be attributed to constant awareness and mass enlightenment carried out by the force.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Ibok Ibas made this disclosure during the 2013 Health Week lecture organised by the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, Commodore Chris Ezekobe.

EXCLUSIVE: Emirates Airways' Lackadaisical Attitude After Overbooking Flight

 

I always say that we (NIGERIANS) are the cause of our own problems. How else can you explain the superior and rude attitude of some of the Nigerian staff of Emirates Airways to their fellow Nigerians when the airline clearly overbooked its flight yet again.

There was palpable anger today at the International Mohammed Airport, Lagos, over the rude and sarcastic attitude of  Emirates Airways officials after its airline overbooked its flight to Dubai.

The angry passengers who had already paid for their flight  and were ready to board the flight for their 2.45pm take off were rudely shocked when they were told that they flight was already full.

EXCLUSIVE: CDS Charges Military Retirees to be Worthy Civilian Ambassadors

Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Saa'd Ibrahim

The Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Saa'd Ibrahim, Friday charged the 2013 batch of military retirees from the three services to be worthy ambassadors as they were reabsorbed into the society as civilians. The CDS who was represented by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, made this disclosure yesterday at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) graduation ceremony of the 134 military retirees of in Lagos.

The Magic of Naija: Bode George No Longer an Ex-Convict Says Supreme Court

Bode George

                 

After serving their terms in jail for contract splitting, the Supreme Court Friday set aside the judgment which sent the former chairman, Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Chief Olabode George and five former members of the board to jail. The apex court also quashed their conviction and discharged and acquitted them.

Reps Hold Valedictory Session for Lar

 Solomon Lar

 The House of Representatives on Tuesday held a valedictory session to honour late Solomon Lar, the pioneer National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, who described Lar as a man of peace, said that the only way to immortalise him was to emulate his virtues.

APC Raises the Alarm over Alleged Plans by FG to Disburse N32bn to just 16 PDP States

The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday raised the alarm over alleged plans by the federal government to disburse a total  sum of N32billion to 16 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) states  to woo the electorate ahead of the 2015 general election in the country.

Already, the party said it was in possession of  a memo raised  to pursue the alleged  project for the affected PDP states. The party, however, promised that the plan would fail at the end of the day.

What Else? Reuben Abati Tackles Tambuwal Over Indicting Jonathan

I'm sure no one expected President Goodluck's bulldogs to take 
Tambuwal's indictment of the president lying low.  Aminu 
Tambuwal who is the current Speaker of the House of Assembly
 had alleged that Jonathan's body language encourages corruption 
in Nigeria. Read Tambuwal's allegation Here
Expectedly, President spokesperson, Reuben Abati has since 
replied Tambuwal but on twitter. I wonder if Tambuwal even has
 a twitter account.  

See Abati's tweets

Tambuwal Indicts Jonathan for Corruption

Hon Aminu Tambuwal

House of Representatives Speaker, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Monday  gave a damning verdict on the prosecution of anti-graft war by President Goodluck Jonathan. He criticised Jonathan's handling of corruption cases, saying 'the president's body language' seems to be encouraging corrupt practices in the country.

Tambuwal, fielding questions from reporters in Abuja after delivering a lecture on  'Role of the legislature in the fight against corruption in Nigeria,' expressed dissatisfaction with the way the Jonathan administration has been handling high profile corruption cases.

Ibori’s Case Adjourned Until Dec 17

James Ibori

There was a new twist and complications in the reopened asset confiscation hearing of the former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, at Southwark Crown Court Monday.At the hearing, it was revealed that the benefits that Ibori’s sister, Udoamaka Okoronkwo, got is to be re-determined, after the Appeal Court ruled in her favour. Ibori’s lawyer, Gohil is also contesting the benefits he got at the Court of Appeal and a verdict is fixed for December 14 to that effect.

Police Arrest Ex-bank Director for Laundering N7bn

The police Special Fraud Unit (SFU)   Monday arrested a former bank director,    Adekunle Johnson, for   laundering about N7 billion. Other charges against the suspect and several others who are currently at large, include conspiracy, forgery and stealing, which led to the liquidation of Gulf Bank Plc as reported by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, SFU,  Ngozi Isintume-Agu,  a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the suspect was one of the executive members of the bank. Agu said the enormous insider abuse carried out by the suspect and several others who are still at large, eroded the bank's financial base.

Glo CAF AWARDS: Mikel, Emenike, Enyeama, Musa Make Top 10

Mikel Obi

CAF on Thursday unveiled the top ten nominees for the 2013 Glo-CAF Awards African Footballer of the Year. The list of top ten nominees include four Nigerians:Mikel Obi of Chelsea, Emmanuel Emenike of Fernabache, Vincent Enyeama of Lille and Ahmed Musa of CSKA, Moscow.  Others include reigning African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure of Cote d’Ivoire and Manchester City, Didier Drogba also of Cote d’Ivoire and Galatasaray, Asamoah Gyan of Al-Ain (UAE) and Ghana, Jonathan Pitroipa of Stade Rennes and Burkina Faso, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund and Gabon and  Mohamed Aboutreika of Al Ahly ,Egypt.

Toni Payne Calls Out Linda Ikeja on Cyber bullying

  Toni Payne recently called out blogger, Linda Ikeja on her supposed cyber bullying albeit in a subtle way. Hear her; Let me start by saying, we sometimes avoid those touchy subjects because we wish to avoid “drama” but Cyber Bullying is one concept it seems we are yet to get a full grasp on its consequences. Currently, in America there is a full campaign launched against bullying in general, where different celebs have been actively campaigning to stop bullying. We have seen cases of young ones committing suicide because they couldn’t handle the bullying. I pray and hope things don’t get this far in my motherland, although I suspect it may have and we just don’t document it as much.

Awesome Stuff! Nigerian Quadruplets Graduate With Masters Degrees From UK University Same Day

Although this is probably stale news for some but I thought it quite cool so here we go. The 23 year-old set of Nigerian-born quadruplets, Tolu, Tokunbo, Tobi, and Temi, of the Ogunsanyas have all graduated from Warwick University in the United Kingdom on the same day with Master Degrees. The quads, two identical brothers and two identical sisters, donned their robes and collected their degrees from Warwick University yesterday and are now all set for top jobs in London.

The quads, who are originally from Lagos, Nigeria, have been living in the UK since the age of seven when they began boarding schools. Since leaving university they have all landed top city jobsvand now all live in Hempstead, London. Three of them also graduated in their undergraduate courses at Warwick in summer 2010 while the fourth went to university in Leeds.

Did South Africa Snob Jonathan at Mandela's Burial?

According to Premium Times, Despite leaving Nigeria early for the funeral of late South African leader, Nelson Mandela, President Goodluck Jonathan has been snubbed by the South African authorities at the State Memorial Service of the anti-apartheid leader. The reports that an official release of programmes during the memorial service shows that the Nigerian president was missing on the list of world leaders billed to give tributes.

World Leaders Head to S’Africa for Mandela’s Burial Dec 15

Nelson Mandela

A large number of world leaders, including President Goodluck Jonathan, President Barack Obama of the United States and British Prime Minister David Cameroon are scheduled to attend the burial of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela who died on Thursday. The anti- apartheid icon will be buried on December 15 in his village in Qunu, Eastern Cape, after a state funeral.

Also in a rare global honour, the flags of several countries in the world will fly at half mast beginning Friday, in honour of Mandela. President Jacob Zuma who announced the funeral plans for Mandela yesterday afternoon said the official memorial service for the departed icon would be held on December 10 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Mandela, who died after a long health struggle at the age of 95 will lie in state from December 11 to 13 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Zuma said, adding that the buildings are "where he served as the first president."

Finally, FG Installs Bomb, Drug Detection Equipment at Airports

Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah

As   the Federal Government  moves  to unravel those behind the recent bombing of the Nigerian Airforce base in Maiduguri,   the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, over the weekend said that  government has completed the    installation of   the  Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) detectors and drug detection equipment at all the airports for security, safety and environmental protection.

The Minister spoke Saturday night in Abuja, at a reception held in honour of  the incoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)  President elect, Dr. Bernard Aliu. She  added that the transformation initiatives being embarked by President Goodluck administration was  to position Nigeria as a continental hub, taking advantage of her unique geographical location in West Africa and vast human resources.

Full List of BEST OF NOLLYWOOD Award Winners

OC Ukeje with the Alan Poza Crew

The best of Nollywood awards held at the Dome in Asaba,Delta state on Thursday December 5,2013 and here are a list of winners from the well attended talk of the town event.

 O.C Ukeje (ALAN POZA) Best Actor in a leading role in an English movie

-Omoni oboli (Brother's keeper) Best Actress in a leading role in an English movie

-Mike Ezuruoyen (Unforgivable) Best Actor in a leading role Yoruba movie

-joke Muyiwa (Ayitale) Best Actress in a leading role Yoruba movie

Chidinma Ekile Says False Sex Tape has Taken her Career Higher

Kora award winning musician and Ex Project Fame winner, Chidinma Ekile was recently in the news over a fake sex tape. In this interview with Sunday Punch, she said it only made her more popular.
Read here; '  I woke up one morning and I was greeted on the internet with ‘Chidinma and sex tape’.  I was worried primarily because of my mother. I didn’t let her see the video but I had to show her the photos. I didn’t want to go out that day. I couldn’t go out. But my mum felt otherwise. She told me to ignore the mischief makers. I almost took some actions but I thought against it. I met Sound Sultan on a set. He told me, ‘Babe, you are now a star. I welcome you officially into the industry.’ 

Jonathan Declares 3 Days National Mourning for Mandela

Dr Nelson Mandela

  President Goodluck Jonathan  has declared three  days mourning for the late freedom fighter and former President of South Africa, Dr Nelson Mandela who died Thursday.

Jonathan made the declaration while in   Paris, France,   attending a  summit on peace and security in Africa. During the three days  mourning,  flags   are to be flown at half mast in all the states of the country. He  also called for special prayers  in churches and mosques throughout Nigeria.

World leaders have since  Thursday   paid tribute to the former South African leader for his selfless service for the liberation of his people and indeed  Africa.

NDLEA Destroys N222m Drugs in Kano

Ahmadu Giade, Chairman, NDLEA

Over N222 million worth of assorted illicit drugs, seized  by  the Kano state Command of the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) have  been destroyed by the State  Governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and the Chairman of the agency, Ahmadu Giade.

The consignment, totaling 10, 488. 61 kg, was destroyed publicly after obtaining an order to that effect from the Federal High Court.

EXCLUSIVE: Air Force Reassesses Security at Base After Boko Haram Attack

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday said it had reassessed the situation of Monday's blast at a NAF base in Maiduguri by a troop of insurgents who tried to infiltrate the base. 

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh, made this disclosure yesterday at the commissioning of the additional blocks of classroom and shops at the Vocational and ICT Centre built by the Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), under the leadership of the National President, Mrs. Mary Badeh.

Farewell Mandela

Nelson Madela

After months of battling old-age-related disease, South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela, passed on Thursday. Mandela, 95, led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison.

He had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital. In a statement on South African national television, South African President Jacob Zuma said Mandela had "departed" and was at peace. "Our nation has lost its greatest son," Zuma said.

EXCLUSIVE: Navy Lists Protection of Offshore Oil Platforms as One its Key Challenges

Asides its continuous quest to fight sea robbery and piracy in the nation's maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy (NN), yesterday listed protection of offshore oil platforms as one of its daunting challenges.

This disclosure, according to the navy is due to the constant sabotage being perpetuated by hoodlums and bunkerers on offshore oil platforms and facilities, adding that the navy is breeding a formidable force that would contend fully with such challenges.

EXCLUSIVE: Navy Decorates 19 Officers in Lagos

The Nigerian Navy (NN) authorities in the Western Naval Command (WNC) area of responsibility (AOR), yesterday decorated 19 officers of different ranks including the rank of commodore. 

While five captains were promoted to commodores, six commanders were decorated with the ranks of captain and eight lieutenant commanders made the rank of commanders.

Oshiomhole Employs Widow, Gives Her N2m

Governor Adams Oshiomhole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has offered employment to the widow, Mrs Joy Ifije, whom he upbraided, penultimate week, and whose goods were seized by men of the State War Against Indiscipline for obstructing the Mission road in the state capital.

The Governor who announced the job offer to the woman, in addition to a N2 million grant for her to get a shop and trade, said during a breakfast meeting with her at the Government House, Monday, that her job would be to join State’s War Against Indiscipline in the campaign against street trading and to keep the state clean.

SIMON KOLAWOLE: Every Reason to Cheer

Simon Kolawole Live!: By Simon Kolawole, Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com

Maybe I am seeing things that many observers cannot see yet. Or maybe I am deluded. But I will continue to say that the current blossoming of a viable opposition is going to be one of the greatest catalysts for democracy and development in Nigeria. With the defection of five Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC), we are now entering a phase in our democracy where the ruling party and the opposition are almost evenly matched, at least on paper. I, for one, had been impatient with the PDP governors because they had been threatening endlessly to defect to the APC. Governor Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) had made it a daily habit to announce that he was on his way to the APC office in Yola to pick membership form. 

Five Aircraft Razed as Boko Haram Attacks Maiduguri

Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd),   National Security Adviser  

After almost seven months of relative peace in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the city came under renewed attacks Monday by the terrorist group, Boko Haram, leading to the death of two military personnel, 24 insurgents, the destruction of three decommissioned military aircraft, two helicopters and property worth millions of naira, which were burnt during the onslaught.

Owing to the siege, military authorities and the Borno State Government slammed a 24-hour curfew on the city and its environs.