Features: Roadside Markets Mushroom in Lagos

Roadside Markets Mushroom in Lagos

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

 

It was all bustle and hustle recently at the roadside market along Apapa-Oshodi expressway at Cele. With conductors shouting themselves hoarse looking for passengers and traders advertising their wares to all and sundry, a clear picture of commotion was emerging. Suddenly! Everybody took to their heels, sellers left their wares, passengers ran helter skelter for their dear lives and conductors scampered to safety. Shortly before the ensuing melee, gunshots from robbers had broken the flow of motion and hell was let loose as everyone ran for cover.

Detained Army Men Ask Court to Commit COAS to Prison

Detained Army Men Ask Court to Commit COAS to Prison

 

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika

By Tobi Soniyi

A retired Army Major, Ali Abdullahi and a serving sergeant, Abdul Wahab Yunusa Tuesday asked an Abuja High Court to commit the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika and Lieutenant Col Femi Olorunyomi to prison for disobeying the court's order issued on October 8, 2012.

FG Re-Opens Third Mainland Bridge Today

FG Re-Opens Third Mainland Bridge Today

 

Third Mainland Bridge

By Bennett Oghifo

The Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, Tuesday officially declared open all sections of the Third Mainland Bridge for use.

Onolememen said repair works on eight expansion joints have been competed.

CONTROVERSIAL DEATH: 22 YEAR OLD FOUND DEAD IN SWIMMING POOL

Police Investigate Murder of Domestic Help Found Dead in Swimming Pool

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The death of 22-year old domestic help, Onyeka Raphael, in a swimming pool at the Ogudu area of Lagos State has continued to generate controversy prompting a more detailed investigation by the State Police Command.

According to reports, Raphael, an indigene of Umunede in Ika Local Government Area of Delta State, was found dead in the bottom of the swimming pool at his employee’s residence at Babatunde Asimi Street, Ogudu GRA.

LAGOS OKADA BAN AND ITS REPRISAL EFFECTS

Lagos Okada Ban Triggers Anger, Protests

An okada operator at Ikotun bus stop in Lagos

Chiemelie Ezeobi and Ebere Nwiro write that the implementation of the new Lagos State traffic law, which banned commercial motorcyclists from plying 475 routes in the state, is already taking its toll on motorcycle operators and Lagos commuters who spend long hours at different bus stops across the state waiting for vehicles to get to their destinations

DECONSTRUCTING NOLLYWOOD

Deconstructing Nollywood

 

NOLLYWOOD

Laurence Ani offers glimpses of a soon-to-be-shot movie by enigmatic director, Didi Cheeka

Here’s dialogue from a coming movie: “Among our people was a great queen - Amina. A warrior queen. She led an army of thousands and took a man for the night wherever she camped. The next morning she had him killed, so he would not live to tell what it was like with the queen... She was feared - physically and morally - because she violated tradition.” You wonder if the intention of the writer of these lines is to violate [Nigeria’s movie] tradition.

AND HE FELL LIKE A PACK OF CARDS: BURNA BOY

Burna Boy

Burna Boy

 

 

BY JOY BEWAJI
 I’m not sure he got the memo: in this industry you have a better chance of success, approval and positive reviews if you learn to mind your business! The closer you are to meekness the easier it is to gain acceptance – ask Ruggedman, there’s hardly anything he does that isn’t criticised with ruthlessness!

 

AND FOUR OTHER THINGS WITH SIMON KOLAWOLE

And Four Other Things...

 

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

 

Who Shot the Sheriff?
Former Borno Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has often been fingered as the brain behind Boko Haram, and he has always denied. He has now come out smoking, claiming Senator Ahmed Khalifa Zanna and the Borno PDP are the brains behind the sect.

 

ACHEBE AND THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA

Achebe and the Future of Nigeria

 

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

 

I’m very sorry to disappoint you – this is not the article you wanted to read. You thought I wanted to participate in the street fight over Professor Chinua Achebe’s latest book, There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra. Not yet. In the light of another successful election in Ondo State last week, my interest in Achebe’s book today is his take on what I call “the Future of Nigeria” – the political process of building a strong and virile nation.

 

FINALLY, FA INVESTIGATES CHELSEA'S CLATTENBURG CLAIM

FA Investigates Chelsea's Clattenburg Claim

 

Chelsea's Mikel Obi (R) talking with referee Mark Clattenburg during the match

BBC

The Football Association has begun an investigation into allegations made by Chelsea against referee Mark Clattenburg following Manchester United's 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have made a formal complaint against Clattenburg, accusing him of using "inappropriate language" towards two of their players on Sunday.

SAVING WOMEN AND CHILDREN FROM MATERNAL DEATH

Saving Women and Children from Maternal Death

 

A Nurse tending to a Mother and Child

In 2010, the UN Secretary-General’s Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health highlighted the suffering of women and children around the world caused by lack of access to life saving commodities. Life in the developing world is filled with stories like that of the woman who, just after child birth, dies from excessive bleeding because the health centre is stocked-out of the medicine to save her life; the child with a simple case of pneumonia who cannot be treated because the needed antibiotic is not registered for use; and the 45-year old woman who finds out she is pregnant for the seventh time, after almost dying the last time she gave birth because she does not have access to modern methods of family planning.

ISIO WANOGHO: The Painter on a Catwalk

ISIO WANOGHO: The Painter on a Catwalk

 

In her studio, you would likely find Isio Wanogho shuffling around with splashes on her denim and top. But she’s just as comfortable on the ramp as a model and behind the cameras as a TV presenter. Wanogho speaks with Azuka Ogujiuba on her motivation and how she is able to stay comfortable in diverse tasks

You helped popularized modeling as a career in the country; do you still have plan to strut the runway in the nearest future?
If you really love modeling, it never really leaves you. I enjoy being on stage, I love the catwalk and although I don’t model professionally like I used to, I look forward to walking the ramp again someday for a good cause.

POOR FUNDING OF TB WORRIES WHO

Poor Funding of TB Worries WHO

 

A TB patient

By Steve Dada

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that new tuberculosis (TB) infections has dropped by 2.2 per cent worldwide but warned that TB remains a massive problem that could worsen if countries short-changed funding to fight the disease.

In its annual assessment released recently, WHO also said only one in five people with drug-resistant strains of TB is being diagnosed each year, leaving hundreds of thousands of people who are potentially infecting others with this particularly deadly form of the disease.

COURT THROWS OUT BAKASSI INDIGENES SUIT

Court Throws out Bakassi Indigenes Suit

Bakassi Indigenes

Tobi Soniyiin Abuja

A Federal High Court  in Abuja yesterday struck out the suit filed by ïndigenes  of Bakassi in Cross Rivers State seeking  an order voiding the Green Tree Agreement (GTA) that Nigeria signed with the Republic Cameroun in 2006, saying it was incompetent.
The GTA officially marked the ceding of  the oil rich peninsula to Cameroun by Nigeria and it also gave  effect to the 2002 judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declaring Cameroun as the lawful owner of Bakassi.

BREAKING NEWS: IS TARABA GOVERNOR DEAD?

BREAKING NEWS: TARABA STATE GOVERNOR, DAMBABA SUNTAI DIES IN PLANE CRASH?

NEWS FILTERING IN FROM YOLA AIRPORT, IN ADAMAWA STATE REPORTS THAT THE Governor of Taraba State, Dambaba Suntai has allegedly died in an air crash.

According to reports, the governor was alleged to have died in a small plane piloted by him and his remains is still at the crash site.

However, there are indications that he survived with his security detail and has been flown to the hospital. Feelers also indicate that he was seriously injured and not dead as claimed.

BOKO HARAM WITNESS FINGERS SENATOR NDUME

Witness: Senator Ndume Gave Adoke’s Phone Number to Boko Haram

Senator Ali Ndume

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

A prosecution witness yesterday told the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, that the senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Mohammed Aliyu Ndume, gave the telephone number of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), to members of Boko Haram.

The witness, James Ene Izi, an Assistant Director with the State Security Service (SSS), said the jailed former spokesperson of the sect, Ali Konduga, revealed in his confessional statement that Ndume gave him the AGF's phone number and asked him to threaten the AGF that there would be more violence in Maiduguri should the then governorship election petition tribunal rule against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

LAGOS' CRIPPLING TRAFFIC

Lagosians Groan under Frustrating Traffic Snarl

Lagos Business District

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The mega city status of Lagos, though celebrates the greatness of the city, sure comes with its own burden. Yesterday, one of such burden was felt by many Lagosians as the city literally froze, due to a crushing traffic snarl, which subjected many commuters to undue agony.  Many of the residents had a tough time getting to their destinations as they spent endless hours on the road.

Places such as Oba Akran Road, Ikeja, Berger, Victoria Island, Iyana Ipaja, Maryland, Isolo, Oshodi, Mile 2, Apapa, Western Avenue, Ikorodu Road, Cele, Okota, Jakande Estate, Ikotun and Egbeda roads were simply shut down.

Naija's Onaiyekan Becomes Cardinal

Pope Makes Onaiyekan, Five Others Cardinals

Archbishop of the Abuja Diocese, John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan

Paul Ohia in Lagos and Muhammad Bello in Abuja with agency report

• New cardinal says elevation is honour to Nigeria

•Jonathan, Obi rejoice

The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI, yesterday elevated the Archbishop of the Abuja Diocese, John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, along with five others to the position of cardinal, barely two months after the retirement of the Archbishop of the Lagos Diocese, Anthony Cardinal Okogie.

He becomes the fourth Nigerian to attain that position after Dominic Cardinal Ekanem, who died in 1995, Francis Cardinal Arinze and Okogie.

NIGERIA LOSES BILLIONS IN CUT PRICE OIL DEALS

Nigeria Loses Billions in Cut Price Oil Deals

 

Nuhu Ribadu

(Reuters)

Nigeria lost out on tens of billions of dollars in oil and gas revenues over the last decade from cut price deals struck between multinational oil companies and government officials, a confidential report seen by Reuters says.

A team headed by the former head of the anti-corruption agency Nuhu Ribadu produced the 146-page study on an oil ministry request. It covers the year 2002 to the present.

112 DIE, 11 CHILDREN DELIVERED IN RIVERS FLOOD CAMP

12 Die, 11 Children Delivered in Rivers Camps for Flood Victims

 

Camp for flood victims

By Ernest Chinwo

 

About a month after flood sacked many communities in Nigeria, the effect is still being felt at a time displaced people are beginning to adjust to life in the relief camps.

Living in the camps is a mixed bag of sorrow and joy for the internally displaced people. While some are dying, due to the poor sanitary condition of the environment that has aggravated their frailty, others are multiplying. In Ubie clan of Ahoada-East Local Government Area of Rivers State, 12 persons have died.

SHIP'S OWNERS PROTEST ARREST OF RUSSIAN VESSEL IN NIGERIA

Ship’s Owners Protest Arrest of Russian Vessel in Nigeria

 

Nigerian Navy ship

By Paul Ohia, with agency reports

A ship with a 15-member Russian crew, which was seized by Nigerian naval authorities over the weekend, has all the necessary papers, its owner, the Moran Security Group, said Tuesday.

The Myre Seadiver vessel flying a Dutch flag was detained at Lagos sea port.

The crew was arrested for suspected arms smuggling 14 Kalashnikov assault rifles, 22 smoothbore guns, and ammunition rounds were found aboard.

LASTMA IMPOUNDS OBASANJO'S VEHICLE

LASTMA Impounds Obasanjo’s Vehicle

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

By Gboyega Akinsanmi, Chiemelie Ezeobi and Taye Oye

 

A ‘cold war’ appears to brewing between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, following the confiscation of a utility vehicle belonging to Obasanjo Farms.

This is coming as the protest against the Lagos State Road Traffic Law by commercial motorcyclists (popularly called Okada) Tuesday spread to other parts of the metropolis, leaving at least one bus belonging to LAGBUS Asset Management Limited damaged.

OSOKOGU: FG TO BAN DATE RAPE DRUG

Osokogu: FG to Ban ‘Date Rape Drug’

 

Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu

By Muhammad Bello

The federal government is set to ban the sale of rohypnol, otherwise known clinically as Flunitrazepam, a sedative with hypnotic effect that was used to lull late Miss Cynthia Osokogu to complacency while she was gang raped and later killed.

About two months ago four accused persons, Okwumo Echezona Nwabufo (33), Ejike Ilechukwu Olisaeloka (23), Orji Osita (32) and Maduakor Chukwunonso (25) were paraded by the police in Lagos for the murder of Osokogu.

Later two of them, Nwabufor and Olisaeloka told the police, about how they they met, drugged and strangled the victim in order to steal her money.

MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD FOR OZUAH AT KINGS COLLEGE

 Ozuah: Widow Eulogises Husband

Chiemelie Ezeobi

As late Ugochukwu Ozuah began his journey to mother earth, emotions ran wide and tears flowed freely as his widow, Joan eulogised her late husband during the memorial service held on his behalf at Kings College, Lagos Island, on Wednesday evening.

The 36-year-old engineer was allegedly killed by policemen attached to Gbagada Police Station on September 20, barely five days after his wedding.

NAVY ARRESTS RUSSIAN SHIP, RECOVER 8,598 AMMUNITIONS

 Navy Arrests Russian Ship, 15-Man Crew, Recover 8,598 Ammunitions

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Nigeria Navy (NN) has arrested a 15-man crew Russian ship, Merchant Vessel (MV) Myre Sea Diver, Avatiu,  in the country's territorial waters and recovered about 8,598 ammunitions and different rifles.

Although 14 AK47 rifles with 3, 643 ammunitions and 22 Benelli MRI 20 barrel rifles with 4, 955 ammunitions were discovered on board the ship, THISDAY gathered that there could be more as investigations are yet to be concluded.

SAY WHAT? N3.3TRILLION LOCAL GOVT PENSION FUND MISSING

N3.3tn Local Govt Pension Fund Missing

ICPC Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta

The Pension Reform Task Team has revealed that a total of N3.3 trillion had been deducted from the Local Government pension funds without proper accountability from 1976 to date.

A member of the team who was also a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ngozika Ihuoma, said this during a visit to the headquarters of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) weekend in Abuja.

SSS: TERRORISTS CANNOT DIVIDE NIGERIA

SSS: Terrorists Cannot Divide Nigeria

By Ike Abonyi

A clear message was at the weekend sent to those who think that the activities of terrorists are capable of affecting the cohesion and unity of the nation, that the country will remain intact despite the challenges.

The Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Ekpeyong Ita, gave the assurance while addressing members of Course No. 5 of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja.

Ita told the graduands that the institute was set up to be a centre of academic excellence committed to expanding the professional horizon of the members of the intelligence services. 

OKADA BAN: POLICE KILLS ONE, INJURES ANOTHER

Okada Ban: Police Allegedly Kills Commercial Motorcyclist, Injures Another

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Pandemonium erupted today at the Alakuko area of Lagos State, following the alleged killing of one commercial motorcyclist, and the purported injury of another by policemen.

Popularly known as Okada rider, the deceased simply identified as Alagede, was allegedly shot dead by a yet-to-be identified police officer purportedly attached to Alakuko Police Station, Area G, Ogba Command.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERS CANVASS SUPPORT FOR CASHLESS ECONOMY

Engineers Want ICT Repositioned to Boost Cashless Economy

Computer network

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has intensified calls to reposition the Information Communication Technology (ICT) industry to boost the cashless economy scheme.

Making the disclosure at its 2012 Fellows Conference, NSChE National President, Dr. John Erinne, said the topic was germane in light of the recent cashless economy scheme the nation wants to adopt.

SHEILA SOLARIN'S 60 YEARS OF SERVICE

Sheila Solarin: Remembered for 60 Years of Service

Sheila Solarin

By Adeola Akinremi

When she arrived in Nigeria 60 years ago, the late Mrs Sheila Solarin was eager to start a new life away from the western life she had known before that time. She was convinced about many things, but she stuck to social justice. Her husband, the late Dr. Taiwo Solarin, whom she met at the University of Manchester, was spending more and more time at meetings of social crusaders and that instantly emboldened her resolve to tread the path of social justice.

Sheila arrived in Nigeria in 1952 and married the late Solarin at the age of 27 years, a marriage that lasted for 43 years before death separated them.

ARISE MAGAZINE NAMES SUPPORTERS OF AFRICA

ARISE Magazine Names Cherie Blair, Okonjo-Iweala, Melinda Gates, 97 Others Supporters of Africa

ARISE Magazine

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

Liberian President, Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf; Malawian President, Mrs.Joyce Banda; United States’ television personality, Oprah Winfrey; Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi-Okonjo-Iweala; Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Maduekwe; wife of Microsoft Co-founder, Melinda Gates; and wife of former British Prime Minister, Mrs. Cherie Blair, have been named among the top 100 women supporting Africa and its peoples to develop their potentials.

UBA: COURT STRIKES OUT BAIL APPLICATION

Court Strikes Out Uba’s Bail Application

Ifeanyi Uba, Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas

By Nwanneka Ezemelue

Despite of the fact that the police have released the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas, Ifeanyi Uba, from the custody of the Special Fraud Unit, (SFU), a Federal High Court in Lagos Monday struck out his bail application.

Uba and four others were arrested in connection with fuel subsidy fraud.

He was detained for over 10 days pending the conclusion of investigations on the case.

GOOGLE'S TGIT EVENT SERENADES STARS

Google hosts +200 celebrities and social influencers on Google+ at Thank Goodness It’s Thursday (TGIT) Event

...celebrates top celebrity Google+ users and premieres +Naija documentary

18th October 2012, Lagos: Google today hosted over 200 guests at its Thank Goodness It’s Thursday (TGIT) event held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. In attendance were social influencers, bloggers and celebrities in the music and entertainment industry, as well as individuals that have been very active and engaged on Google+ since its launch.

On arrival, guests networked on the red carpet and joined a Google+ Hangout with fans online, to get an idea of the excitement that lay ahead.  Taking a show-versus-tell approach, the team from Google Nigeria shared a video of launch of  Google+, in addition to exhibiting some of the latest features on the platform through interactive quizzes with the attendees.

Jonathan and Tambuwal's Vote of Thanks

Why Did Jonathan Reach for Tambuwal’s (Speech) Vote of Thanks? by Tunde Rahman

 Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

A lot has been said and written about the scathing remarks by Senate President David Mark and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal during the 2013 budget presentation by President Jonathan and I do not intend to belabour the matter again, lest one incurs the wrath of the National Assembly. The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs Dr. Doyin Okupe who dabbled into the matter in a way deemed contemptuous of the National Assembly has already gotten a piece of the Senate’s tongue. Senate President David Mark asked the President to call his officials to order.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ANALYSIS BY TUNDE RAHMAN

What are the Constitutional Amendment Issues in State Creation?

By Tunde Rahman


It was human rights activist and lawyer Festus Okoye who raised that thought-provoking issue at a media dialogue on the constitution amendment process last Tuesday in Lagos. Perhaps exasperated by the growing demand for additional states in the country (at the last count 56 requests for new states were submitted to the Senate Constitution Review Committee) and the way and manner the constitution review committees were carrying on as if they could bring about new states just with their votes, Okoye had raised a poser. He asked what I consider to be the big question: “Are there new issues in the constitutional amendment apart from those set out in Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution?” Just what are new constitutional amendment issues?  It was real food for thought. Section 8 sets out the procedures that must be followed by those seeking additional states in their areas.

Canticles: As the First Lady Bounces Back…

 Canticles with Eddy Odivwri


As the First Lady Bounces Back…


All hail our First Lady, she is back to her busy life style. She is even looking brighter and better. Did you see that her colourful, dazzling boubou, with dark shade to match?  Shame to bad people.


Yes, we are happy she is back. But why are you rubbing-in some invectives?


What do you mean? Didn’t you hear all that was said about her, while she was away? Didn’t you people say she went for the treatment of all kinds of unimaginable ailments? Didn’t some say she had ruptured appendicitis, even as some others said she went for tummy tuck so that she will be more attractive to Mr President? Didn’t some people even say she had died? Was that not all the gibberish you people were spreading around?

IMAGINE THIS (2) OKONJO IWEALA AND THE $5 WAHALA

 Okonjo Iweala and the $5 Wahala By Polscope with Eddy Odivwri

I have followed all the hoopla over whether the budget should be based on the oil benchmark of $75 or $80 per barrel. While the Finance minister argues that $75 per barrel is the appropriate benchmark, the House of Representatives believes that it should be $80 per barrel. The difference between both positions is $5. And that is what is threatening to tear down the budget. But I see it as purely a case of storm in a tea cup.
While the executive believes the figure ($75) will further boost savings by swelling  the Excess Crude Account (ECA), the lawmakers believe it is needless saving up treasure when the country’s infrastructure are virtually collapsed, and that it does not make sense seeking foreign loans to build infrastructure, while saving the nation’s wealth.

IMAGINE THESE (1) ALUU KILLINGS AND THE POLICE

Imagine These BY Polscope with Eddy Odivwri

Aluu Four and the Lies of the Police (1)
For whatever the reason is, the truth is that the society hardly believes the Police. It is not for nothing. Not much truth comes from them. While seeking to exonerate itself from blame in the murder of the UNIPORT undergraduates by a mob, the Police Spokesman, Mr Frank Mba claimed that when the Police got to the scene of the lynching, the mob repelled them by pelting stones at them. Really? It is even more disappointing for the police to announce this excuse as reason for their failure to save the lives of those young men. Police were prevented from securing lives because of just stones. Yes, stones! So what if it was bullets?  Were those Policemen not trained on quelling riots? What happened to their teargas canisters often used to disperse crowd? What happened to firing into the air to scare away the gathering mob? What happened to firing rubber bullets? The Police just revel in telling cheap and silly lies. Remember the Apo six?

Anyway, an elder sister of one of the victims, Miss Ibisobia Elkanah, who was at the scene, gave a graphic account of how the Police arrived the scene, addressed the mob, and one of them advised them to burn the victims alive. One of the arrested suspects, David Ugbaje further confirmed that one of the Policemen actually joined in the beating of the boys. I hear the policeman in question has been identified and fired. But he must now join the suspects being prosecuted for murder.  Mr Inspector General of Police, over to you!

ONDO ELECTION: THE IROKO VS THE JAGABAN

POLSCOPE: Ondo Election: The Iroko Vs the Jagaban

Polscope with Eddy Odivwri, eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com, 08053069356

As you read this, the high-scale contest between the Iroko and the Jagaban is taking place. The two combatants are right in the village square called Ondo State. The two characters seem fully kitted to undo each other. Yes, it is the Ondo State gubernatorial election. Three main candidates are on the line up. They are Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rotimi Akeredolu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party (LP). The latter is the incumbent governor, seeking re-election. The contest is strictly between the last two contestants. While the first two candidates are lawyers, the last is a medical doctor. Although Akeredolu is flying the flag of the ACN, he is largely seen as a proxy fighter.

CORPSE OF 13 YEAR OLD GIRL EXHUMED

Police Exhume Girl, 13, over Mysterious Death’s Claim

Police Headquarters

Shola Oyeyipo

The corpse of a 13-year-old pupil of Oluyori Comprehensive College, Isanlu in Kogi State, was Thursday exhumed by the police who also arrested her guardian over the alleged mysterious circumstance of the pupil’s death on October 5, 2012.
There had been allegations of the gruesome murder of the girl, who was purportedly deposited into a medium freezer after she was strangled to death. Trouble, however, started when her remains were buried without the parents or the guardian reporting her mysterious death to the police.

SCAM BABY AND THE UK COURT

Court Grants Nigerian Couple Custody of ’Scam’ Baby

Court Of Appeal

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

A Nigerian couple who could not bear children received some relief Thursday in a London High Court when Mr. Justice Coleridge ruled that the couple could keep a two-year-old baby even though DNA tests had confirmed they are not the biological parents of the girl, despite their story line.

According to a report by the BBC, the mother claimed she was tricked by a doctor in Nigeria into believing she had given birth while sedated, after she went to Nigeria for fertility treatment.

The local authority had claimed the couple's story was a "charade".
But the judge ruled they were victims of an "appalling scam".

UNIPORT IN D NEWS AGAIN AS GUNMEN KILL STUDENT, EX-CORPS MEMBER, 1 OTHER

Gunmen Kill another UNIPORT Student, Ex-Corps Member, One Other

University of Port Harcourt

By Ernest Chinwo

Two weeks after four students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in a Omuokiri, Aluu, another tragedy struck in another host community of the institution as unknown gunmen killed another student of the school, his girlfriend and an ex-National Youth Corps member.

The incident occurred at Rumuchakara village in Choba community, the major host community of the university.

THISDAY gathered that the former corps member, who only passed out on Thursday, decided to celebrate his graduation from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with his friends.

The ex-corps member was said to have gone out with the two friends to celebrate his graduation from the service and were returning from the outing when the car they were driving in skidded off the road and ran into a shop in the village.

AS FMR. CHIEF OF AIR STAFF BOWS OUT

Umar: Superior Information, Key to Tackling Security Challenges

Air Marshall Dikko Umar (rtd.)

By Senator Iroegbu and Adedayo Akinwale

The Former Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Dikko Umar (rtd.) has stated that information superiority is the key towards overcoming the present security challenges and future threats.

Umar made this known Friday  at the flying out parade organised in his honour at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Abuja.
He however noted that any road map to improved capacity building, efficiency and effectiveness for the NAF cannot be achieved without proper budgetary appropriation.

DECISION TIME IN ONDO

It's Decision Day in Ondo

Prof. Attahiru Jega

 By Ademola Adeyemo, Chuks Okocha and James Sowole         

After weeks of intense campaign that occasionally turned murky, thousands of voters will today troop out across Ondo State to elect a governor among the 13 candidates jostling for the position.

In practical terms, the contest is expected to be a straight fight among three candidates – incumbent governor Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party; Rotimi Akeredolu of the Action Congress of Nigeria and Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic party - with Mimiko highly favoured to win at the end of the day.

The Independent National Electoral Commission spent most of yesterday moving both sensitive and non-sensitive materials to electoral offices in all the local government areas of the state.
The materials were moved amidst tight security and in the presence of political party agents.
Also, INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has relocated to the state for effective supervision of the election. He was seen yesterday directing affairs.

Group wants Boko Haram listed as terror organisation

Group Wants US to List Boko Haram as Terror Organisation

President Obama

By Paul Ohia

An anti-terror coalition of Nigerians at home and in diaspora, Nigerians Unite Against Boko Haram (NUABH) has launched a campaign to prevail on the United States government to list the Boko Haram group as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO).

The campaign has so far gathered signatures from more than 70 Nigerian professionals, students, and business people at home and diaspora communities from over 16 different countries.

Also in a statement, NUABH condemned the wanton destruction of lives and property in Nigeria by the Islamic fundamentalists.

NUABH which has more than 4,500 members online drawn from over 50 countries across the world believes the activities of Boko Haram pose serious threat to the unity of Nigeria and it’s developmental aspirations in addition to seriously painting the nation very bad light abroad.

IFEANYI UBA FINALLY GRANTED BAIL

IFEANYI UBA FINALLY GRANTED BAIL

Billionaire businessman and MD of Capital Oil and Gas Ltd, Mr Ifeanyi Uba has finally been granted bail from the custody of the Special Fraud Unit after spending 10 days in their cell in Ikoyi. He was arrested on October 9th following accusations of fraud totaling N43billion from the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede led presidential committee on verification and reconciliation of fuel subsidy payments. The committee discovered gross abuse by many marketers and reported the case to the police. Uba was released after he fulfilled his bail conditions.

ITZ POKO BABY *GRINS EVILY

Tonto Dikeh thanks Nigerians for her successful Singles:"We made history"

Despite the backlash which trailed the release of her singles.It is estimated that her songs have recorded an estimated ’1 million online downloads.For those who still haven't contribute your own quota by clicking here..Wow right!

She took to twitter to say thanks..

On behalf of Nigerians,im saying You're welcome Poko baby

THE GIRL-CHILD

UN Highlights Girl-child Protection, Commodities

UN office

Abimbola Akosile

The United Nations System in Nigeria has called on the federal and states governments to make special efforts to protect the rights of the girl child, while marking the recent International Day of the Girl Child.

The UN system also met in Abuja this week to deliberate on an implementation Plan for Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children, which is being developed.

In recognition of the peculiar challenges facing the girl child, the UN General Assembly in a resolution on 19 December 2011, adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 every year as the International Day to be observed around the world. The theme for the 2012 Day was “Ending Child marriage”.

WATER!!! FG TO ACCESS $400M WORLD BANK LOAN

Water Provision: FG to Access $400m World Bank Loan

Public Water System

Yemi Akinsuyi 

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Water Resources is to access a $400 million loan from the World Bank, in its effort to revitalise the ailing and dilapidated infrastructure in the water sector and map out a way forward in improving water utility.

Speaking at a recent seminar on water agencies’ performance assessment and benchmarking in Nigeria organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Bank in Abuja, the senior water and sanitation specialist of the World Bank, Alexander Danilenko, said the workshop was a baseline process to support the ministry in its drive in water transformation and supply. 

FOREIGN INVESTORS TRADE N571BN SHARES ON NSE

Foreign Investors Trade N571bn Shares on NSE

NSE DG, Oscar Onyema


Nigerian stock market witnessed a total transactions of N570.8 billion by foreign portfolio investors  between January and September 2012, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)  disclosed Wednesday.

Trading statistics released by the exchange showed that    transactions worth N954 billion have been executed on the floors of the exchange in the nine months, with foreign investors accounting for N570.8 billion.

A breakdown of the transactions by foreign investors showed that they purchased N318.55 billion and sold N252.24 billion, leading to a net transaction of N66.8 billion.

THE FLOOD AND FOOD PRICES

Flood Pushes up Food Prices as Inflation Eases to 11.3%

18 Oct 2012

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 Food items on display

James Emejo 

The Composite Consumer Price Index (CPI), which gauges the level of inflation in the country eased to 11.3 per cent in September from 11.7 per cent in August.

But the drop in inflation is not reflective of  the marginal rise in  prices of food items  as a  result of the flood, which ravaged many parts of the country in the period under review.

The relative stability of the naira within the period as well as crop harvesting exercises, which began late July and early August, helped to mitigate the severity of the impact on food price hike, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Wednesday.

POVERTY RATE TO REDUCE BY 15 PER CENT IN 2015

Poverty Rate will Reduce by 15% in 2015

18 Oct 2012

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UN Secretary, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon

Yemi Akinsuyi 

All things being equal, poverty rate across the globe will reduce by 15 per cent come 2015, National Coordinator, National Poverty Eradication Programme, Mukhtar Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, has said.

Balewa who disclosed this at the 2012 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP), with the theme: “Ending the Violence of Extreme Poverty; Promoting Empowerment and Building Peace,” said the prediction was the fallout of a recently updated projection from the World Bank.

UBA'S WOES CONTINUE

SFU: We Can’t Release Uba Now

18 Oct 2012

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Mr. Ifeanyi Uba

Davidson Iriekpen

The Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigerian Police Wednesday told a Federal High Court in Lagos that the money stolen by the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Ifeanyi Uba, could conveniently pay the monthly allocation of 11 states of the federation.

Giving reasons why Uba should not be granted bail, the SFU revealed that apart from the instant N43.291 billion fraudulent oil subsidy claim, Uba is currently being investigated in respect of another allegation relating to fraudulent transactions, money laundering, forgery of shipping documents and stealing by conversion of petroleum product worth about $280 million.