Amaechi-Lamido’s Posters Flood Abuja

Governor Chibuike Amaechi

As impeachment threat dangles before the embattled Rivers State Governor, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, posters bearing his photograph and Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State for the 2015 presidential election  Wednesday flooded some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

But the governor has denied having any ambition to contest the 2015 election against President Goodluck Jonathan, saying it might be the handiwork of his political detractors’ flooding some parts of the FCT with his posters.

THISDAY checks revealed that Amaechi’s poster with the Peoples Democrtic Party (PDP) logo, pasted along major highways and some bus stops especially the Federal Housing Estate, Kubwa, Dutse bus stop and some other bus stops were seen struggling for space with church crusade posters and were posted in the early hours of  Wednesday.

Commenting on the appearance of his posters in Abuja, Amaechi, who spoke through his Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said he neither had no political ambition for the 2015 presidential election nor printed posters.

Jonathan Promises to Fully Implement Broadband Plan

Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson

President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged that his administration will take immediate steps to fully implement the report of the Presidential Committee on National Broadband Strategy and Roadmap.

Speaking after receiving the report which was jointly presented to him by the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson and the Co-Chairmen of the Committee, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and Mr. Jim Ovia, Thursday, President Jonathan said that he was confident that the successful implementation of the National Broadband Strategy and Roadmap will help to positively revolutionize communications in Nigeria.

Navy Urges Communities to be Security Conscious

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Joseph Ezeoba

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Joseph Ezeoba, has urged the Nigerian communities to assist in the ongoing efforts against rising state of insecurity in the country. He called on Nigerians to be security conscious, and alert security agencies of unusual happenings in their environment.

This is coming as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, called on the Nigerian armed forces to continue to support democratic institutions as the nation celebrates Democracy Day.

PDP HOUSE OF COMMOTION: Obasanjo, Pro Amaechi Govs Absent at Party's Family Dinner

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Indications that all is not well with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged as some governors perceived to be pro Governor Chibuike Amaechi were absent at the family dinner hosted Thursday  at the Aso Rock Villa by President Goodluck Jonathan to mark the mid report of the administration.

Only the governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu sent his deputy, Musa Ibeto to represent him. Those absent are the governors of Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, Kano and Adamawa States. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was also absent.No reason was given for their absence.

Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi did not attend because he is under suspension by the PDP.

Governors’ present are those of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi, Enugu, Bauchi, Katsina, Plateau,

Kaduna; the deputy governor of Benue and the acting governor of Taraba State.

More to follow...

Buhari: APC Not for Personal Aggrandisement but for National Cohension

 Buhari

The National Leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Major-Genreal Muhammadu Buhari (rtd),  Wednesday said the evolution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not for personal aggrandisement, but for national cohesion.

He said the need to promote national ideals and unity were behind the reason for the formation of APC, stressing that it was not for personal reasons. He stated this at the inauguration of constituency projects by a member representing Zaria in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbass Tajuddeen, in Zaria, Kaduna State.

SEGUN ADENIYI: Of Globacom and The X FACTOR

The Verdict By Olusegun Adeniyi. Email: olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

I was switching television channels last Sunday afternoon when I saw on AIT a young lady on the heavy side strutting the stage after saying some nice words about her mother who was shown backstage greening almost sheepishly. But the lady sure knew how to sing as I began to watch what I would later discover to be a music talent reality programme being sponsored by Globacom in conjunction with the globally acclaimed The X Factor.  What that means in essence is that the telecom company is now investing billions of Naira in the three most promising areas of our national life where the resourcefulness of our young men and women have shone through: Nollywood, football and music.

SLOT Systems Sued for Alleged Sale of Defective iPad

An iPad

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of IT & Telecom Digest, has asked a Lagos High Court to compel SLOT Systems, which sells IT products, to pay a total sum of N15 million to for alleged sale of a defective iPad to the claimant.
In the statement of claim, the Publisher, Mr. Mkpe Abang, said he purchased an IPAD 2 (64 GB) in the sum of N160,000 from SLOT Systems  on 20th July, 2011 with a 12 months manufacturer’s warranty.

SEGUN ADENIYI: NGF Poll and the Dangers Ahead

The Verdict By Olusegun Adeniyi. Email: olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Very early in 1993, the State House Correspondents (of which I was one, reporting for African Concord) held an election at the Villa. Because our then ‘oga at the top’, Double Chief Duro Onabule, presidential spokesman to General Ibrahim Babangida, was suspected of having interest in some candidates, the stakes were raised in what ordinarily might have been a drab contest among reporters.

The campaign preceding the election was therefore interesting as reporters pledged and shifted loyalties. But one of the contenders, then correspondent for Champion newspaper, Mr. Amaechi Dike (now of blessed memory) was not only sure of victory but would also not want to take chances. He therefore sent money to the Champion State House photographer who was then in Port Harcourt, so he could return to Abuja and vote for him.

State of Emergency: Police Dogs Foil Boko Haram Infiltration

Police dog

Operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) have stepped up their onslaught against members of the Boko Haram sect with the use of trained military police dogs to foil insurgents infiltration and capturing 50 of them in the process.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, who said the dogs were participating in the cordon and search phase of the special operations against terrorism in the country.

Weapons Linked to Hezbollah Uncovered in Kano

Grenades and other assorted ammunition were recovered during the operation

The Department of State Security Service (DSS) and the Nigerian Army 3 Brigade Bukavu, Kano are claiming that weapons uncovered at a Lebanese man's house in Kano belongs to Hezbollah.

Security officials said an underground bunker in the master bedroom of a Lebanese national residing in Kano at No 3 Gaya Road off Bompai Road, Kano one Abdul Hassan Taher Fadlalla, who is currently out of the country, contained a large quantity of assorted weapons of different types and caliber.

The DSS Director in Kano State, Mr. Bassey Etang and the Brigade Commander of the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ilyasu Abbah displayed  the weapons to reporters  on Thursday, insisting that the  bunker, where they were found, was specially constructed for this purpose.

12 Missing as Chevron-contracted Vessel Sinks

 Chevron  office

Exactly three days after a tug boat contracted by Chevron Nigeria Limited sank off the coast of Delta State, 12 crewmembers are still missing, according to West African Ventures, owners of the vessel. The tug boat sank on Sunday due to what the ship owner described as “rough seas” off the coast of Nigeria.

Chevron had confirmed in a statement that the Jascon-4 capsized early on Sunday due to "heavy ocean swells" while the vessel was "performing towing operations" at a mooring point around 30 kilometres off oil-producing Delta State.

Cops Called to Justin Bieber’s House Again

Justin Bieber

Cops were called to the 19-year-old  Justin Bieber's home in Calabasas, California, on Sunday, after two neighbours called into complain about the singer's reckless driving. former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson was one of those who called the police. Johnson had supposedly just left a party on Monday night inside their gated community – with his child in the car – when Bieber sped by in his Ferrari. When Johnson tried to confront the "Beauty and a Beat" singer, Bieber ran inside his house and refused to talk. The singer also reportedly did not talk to the police.

Soldiers Uncover warehouse with Military Hardware in Kano

The chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika

Operatives of the Nigerian Army Special Forces on Tuesday night raided a warehouse stuffed with sophisticated military hardware at Gaya road of Bompai in Kano city. The army forces special troops were said to have stormed the house after the resident of the house was arrested after a  search of the Bungalow  showed  the   arms and ammunitions. An official of the security  agency  told reporters under condition of anonymity that the discreet operation was carried out following a tip off by a suspect who is under investigation.

EXCLUSIVE: Kidnappers Release Senator Annie Okonkwo's Sister-in-Law

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

Hours after she was allegedly abducted by kidnappers, the sister in-law to former Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Annie Okonkwo, was released. Although details were sketchy as at press time, it was gathered that she was abducted on her way home from her sister's house in Ikoyi.

According to reports, the victim had allegedly attended a birthday party in her sister's home in Ikoyi last Sunday and later left for her house in FESTAC Town in the company of her three children.

The family became worried when report reached them that she did not show up at home that night, prompting them to report the incident at the nearest police station.

Fani-Kayode Dumps PDP for APC

Fani Kayode

A former Minister of Aviation and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has finally dumped his former party to team up with members of the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition of some opposition parties.

Fani-Kayode, who served under the regime of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, declared on Monday during a visit to the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in Ado-Ekiti, that he decided to defect to the APC because of the composition of the membership of the new party.

Jonathan Faults Media Rating of Ministers

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised media rating of his cabinet members, questioning the ‘criteria’ employed by some newspapers to score the performance of his ministers within the last  two years of his administration.

Jonathan spoke Wednesday at the presentation of the mid-term report of the transformation agenda to mark this year's Democracy Day celebration held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Two government functionaries, the minister for National Planning and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr Shamsudeen Usman and Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, had earlier took on the media for inaccuracy and falsification.

EXCLUSIVE: Navy Thrills Civilians with Sea Trip

Civilians disembarking NNS Obula after hours spent at sea today

By Chiemelie Ezeobi 

As part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the Democracy Day celebration, the navy took over 350 civilians to sea. The event which was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy  Ship (NNS) Beecroft, one of the units under the WNC and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe, saw a large number of civilians grace the occasion.

Although Nigerian Navy Ships Yola and Amarya which are under the command of Commander Mohammed Dahiru, as well as other platforms did not partake in the event, about five platforms were deployed to convey the civilians to sea.

EXCLUSIVE: Navy Issues Stern Warning to Pirates, Sea Robbers

By Chiemelie Ezeobi 

In the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigeria's maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday issued a stern warning to pirates and sea robbers,  with a firm directive to desist from their nefarious acts or face the consequence.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th Anniversary of the NN, held at Beecroft,  Apapa, Lagos.

Sports: EFCC Arrests Umeh for N15billion Fraud

Chief Mike Umeh

This is certainly not the best of time for the First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Mike Umeh, who was picked up Monday as an accomplice  in a N15billion case.

Economic and Financial Crime Commission spokesman, Wilson Uwugiaren, confirmed the arrest of the NFF chief Monday and further hinted that Chief Umeh will be arraigned in a Sokoto High Court Tuesday in the case involving former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa.
Although  further details of the deal that turned messy remained unknown, Chief Umeh who is an industrialist is believed to have played a role  in the N15billion  case to warrant his being arrested by operatives of the EFCC in Lagos.

Nigeria: Pirates Kidnap Oil Tanker Crew

Nigerian Navy

Armed pirates attacked an oil products tanker off the coast of Nigeria in West Africa and abducted an unknown number of crew, security sources said on Tuesday. Increasing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea region, which includes Africa's No. 1 oil producer Nigeria and is a significant source of cocoa and metals for world markets, is jacking up costs for shipping firms operating there, reports Reuters.

The Nigerian-flagged MT Matrix was boarded by gunmen in the early hours of Saturday about 40 nautical miles off the coast of oil-producing Bayelsa state, two security sources said, in a stretch of water often targeted by pirates.

Justice Rhodes-Vivour’s Wife, Daughter Regain Freedom

Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour

After 17 days in captivity, the wife and daughter of Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour of the Supreme Court, were released at 11 am in Benin City, the capital of Edo State. Mother and daughter had travelled to Benin to prepare for the latter’s wedding but were kidnapped by unknown assailants. It is uncertain if ransom was paid for their release.

Nigerian Navy Donates Computer to Community School

 As part of the programme to  mark its  57 anniversary, the Nigerian Navy,  had on Tuesday donated six Computers, six UPS and a printer to a community Secondary School in Lagos. The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC), Rear Adm.  Ibok Ibas, said that the donation was part of the command's Quick Intervention Project to mark the service anniversary.

The FOC who was represented by Rear Adm. Jonathan Ango, the command's Chief Staff Officer, said Awori Ajeromi Junior Grammar School , Agboju in Oriade Local Council Development Area, was chosen because is within its host community.

Armed Gang Attacks, Snatch Pasuma's Range Rover

An armed robbery gang, Monday, attacked popular fuji crooner, Wasiu Alabi, popularly known as  Pasuma, at about 9pm along the Ahmadiya end of Abeokuta Expressway, snatching his Range Rover Sports Utility vehicle.

The victim who was said to be in the company of a friend, was attacked by the robbers, who abducted them in his (Pasuma) jeep with registration number MUS 830 AP. However, after hours of driving aimlessly, the gang pushed them out of the car in Ogun state and zoomed off in the Range Rover.

Dana Crash: 11 Victims’ Relations Received Compensation, One Year After

Dana Air crash scene

Almost one year after, only relatives of 11 out of about 146 passengers, who died at the Dana Air flight 0992 which  crashed on June 3, 2012 have received the full compensation of $100,000 as stipulated by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Act of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). About 153 passengers on board died while scores people on ground were wounded.

Besides, the relatives of the deceased persons who went to court to demand higher compensation, 95 others had received the initial payment of $30,000 as at May 25.

The aircraft, which flew from Abuja crashed in the Iju/Ishaga area of Lagos,  on June 3 and since then the relatives of the victims are yet to receive full compensation from the airline.

CPC, ANPP, TUC, Others Condemn Amaechi’s Suspension

Governor Rotimi Amaechi

The suspension of Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State from the Peoples Democratic Party by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, has continued to receive swipe from several stakeholders across the country. Many of those who spoke decried what they described as party high-handedness.

The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) expressed worries over Amaechi’s travails in the hands of the PDP. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, the party regretted that what started as a spat between President Goodluck Jonathan and  Amaechi, had snowballed into the suspension of the governor.

NIS Deports 108 Illegal Aliens in Kaduna

 Illegal Aliens

The Comptroller of the Kaduna State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Alhaji Hamman Yerima,  Monday paraded 103 illegal aliens, who entered the country illegally from Niger Republic.

Yerima explained that many of the illegal aliens were picked up at some of the Government Reserved Areas (GRA) within Kaduna metropolis, where they were employed as security guards. He said they would be deported immediately to their home country and urged  Nigerians to engage only legally permitted aliens for security jobs.

NEMA: Nigeria Lost N2.6tn to 2012 Flood Disaster

Director General of NEMA, Muhammed Sani Sidi

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the weekend disclosed that a comprehensive assessment of the total losses resulting from the 2012 flooding, which ravaged many states showed that the country lost a total of N2.6 trillion.

The Director General of NEMA, Muhammed Sani Sidi, made this known in his speech at the  fourth Global Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ajah Cult Clash: Police Arrest Chief

Braide 

The Police in Lagos have arrested a member of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs. It was learnt that his arrest was in connection with weekend’s communal clash in Ajah area of Lagos,where six persons were killed and several others injured.

His arrest, as gathered, followed information that he was allegedly fuelling the lingering crisis  in the area. As at 5pm, yesterday, 15 patrol vans carrying policemen led by the Area Commander ‘J’, Mr Felix Vwamhi were still conducting searches in his palace in Ajah after reportedly cordoning off the area.

Effectively Equipping the Navy for Security Operations

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba 

In its quest to effectively patrol the nation's maritime domain, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the Nigerian Navy (NN) recently took possession of five patrol fast boats; the Ocea and Shaldag boats acquired from France and Isreal respectively.

However efficient one is, a workman without his tools is deemed useless, thereby enforcing the ideology that an efficient workman also needs efficient work tools to function. A strong believer in this ideology, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, said platform acquisitions
would help the force deliver her statutory responsibilities.

Ministerial Scorecard Records Minister of Youth and Dev Low

  

Minister of Youth Development, Abdulkadir Fails to Engage Youths

The Minister of Youth Development Inuwa Abdulkadir seems to have gone to sleep after the transfer of Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi to the Ministry of Sports. As Minister of Youth Development, Abdullahi had come up with initiatives, including open forums for discussion with young people through the internet and town hall meetings, revamping of the National Youth Service Scheme to encourage entrepreneurship among corps members to help them become self-reliant after the service.  Apart from the NYSC, whose management remains up and running, nothing else seems to be going on in the youth ministry.

THISDAY Assessment – Below Average

'Fast & Furious 6' Hits $122m in Box Office

A scene from the 'Fast & Furious 6' movie

The latest entry in Universal's cars and criminals franchise is roaring to a $122 million four-day haul in its debut, and setting the pace for an overall box office that will top $300 million for the weekend. That easily beats the previous best Memorial Day holiday haul, which was the $276 million rung up in 2011, when "Hangover II" led the pack with $85 million.

"Fast & Furious 6" is proving a global hit, too. It opened No. 1 in 59 foreign markets and took in $158 million abroad this weekend, giving it a three-day global total of $275 million, the studio's best-ever worldwide opening.

ENIOLA BELLO: The NGF and Akpabio’s Ultimate Loss

Monday with Eni-B eniola.bello@thisdaylive.com

Akwa Ibom State governor Godswill Akpabio is a voluble person. A man, who perhaps because he knows how to make his audience laugh while holding their attention, loves hearing his own voice, one may indulge him the right to be loquacious on the evidence of what he has described as an uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom. Indeed Akpabio is one of the few poster boys of PDP (People’s Democratic Party) governors in the area of changing the infrastructural landscape of their states for good. On the strength of how he has positively impacted on the state since he assumed office, a performance he has described as driven by anger, it might be difficult to fault those who say that Akpabio is one of the A-listers among the Class of 2007 governors. So confident is Akpabio’s belief in his “uncommon transformation” of Akwa Ibom that he says the people have even defined his tenure in a language adapted from Christian pantheon - BA (Before Akpabio) and AA (After Akpabio), an obvious copy from BC or Before Christ and AC or After Christ.

Benitez Appointed as Napoli Boss

Rafa Benitez

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says Rafa Benitez has been appointed the club's new manager. Benitez, 53, had been looking for a new job with his contract as interim Chelsea manager ending this summer.

De Laurentiis posted a picture of the pair shaking hands on Twitter and told followers: "Rafa Benitez is the new coach of Napoli. A man of great international experience. A leader." Benitez will replace Walter Mazzarri, who has joined Serie A rivals Inter.

Ex-Liverpool boss Benitez guided Chelsea to victory in the Europa League while a third-place finish in the Premier League ensured Champions League football at Stamford Bridge next season.

Despite that success he remained unpopular with a section of the Chelsea support after succeeding Roberto Di Matteo in November, and had underlined his intention to leave the club at the end of the season.

Sahara Reporters Allege President Jonthan was Drunk in Addis Ababa

According to Sahara Reporters, President Goodluck Jonathan had 

missed his turn to speak at the  50th anniversary summit of the OAU in 

Addis Ababa because he drank himself to a stupor. The reason for his funk 

was blamed on the outcome of an election by the Nigerian Governors's Forum

 that he drank himself to a stupor.

SR's claims are in direct opposite of what by presidential spokesman, 

Reuben Abati said. He claimed President Jonathan was engaged with 

a small meeting on "West Africa Infrastructure" at the time that he 

was supposed to give the speech.

El Rufai Renamed HELL Rufai on Facebook

So, some disgruntled and mischievous persons have decided to
rename the former minister, Nasir El Rufai. These persons took to his
Facebook page to announce that his name was no longer El Rufai
rather HELL Rufai! Wow! Some people can sure be mean.

Gadzama Leads C'ttee to Investigate Amaechi

Chief Joe Gadzama (SAN)

The National Working Committee (NWC) Monday announced an 11-man committee headed by Chief Joe Gadzama (SAN) to investigate the role played by the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi in the dissolution of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council in the state.

Also, the NWC inaugurated a committee to fast track the process of constitutional adherence as it affects the current status of the office of the Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai who was injured in the self piloted airplane in October last year.

Jonathan Promises Toll Free Helplines for Children in Distress

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured that Federal Government will establish a child helpline to protect the rights of children in Nigeria. Jonathan gave this assurance in an address on the occasion of Children’s Day Celebration at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, even as a Non- Governmental Organization (NGO), Helpline Foundation made a case for over 10.5 million out of school children across the country.

EXCLUSIVE: Police Arrest Five Car Snatchers in Lagos

Braide

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

Detectives attached to the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), of the Lagos State Police Command had in an overnight operation during the weekend, laid ambush and arrested five suspected car snatchers including two of the stolen car receivers.

The operatives also recovered two pistols and a cache of cartridges as well as a Honda Bulldog and a Toyota Camry Saloon car from the suspects. While one of their car snatchers whose identity was not disclosed was arrested on Saturday alongside the two receivers, the other members of the gang were picked up on Sunday.

EXCLUSIVE: Man Pummels Wife to Death Over Missing N500

Lagos Pro, Braide

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

A miniature hell was let loose yesterday morning at Oronna Street, Off Puposola Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, when a 60-year old man, identified as Gbadebo Elegbede pummeled his wife and mother of four children, Maria  to death over a missing N500 note.

And as at press time, sources said the suspect was yet to be arrested as he had allegedly threatened to deal with anyone who call in the police, using his supposed occult powers.

PDP Suspends Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi

The National Working Committee at its emergency meeting on Monday, 27 May, 2013 considered the petition submitted by the PDP Rivers Executive Committee against His Excellency, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Executive Governor of Rivers State for violating Articles 58 1 (b), (c ), (h) and (m) of the PDP Constitution following his refusal to obey the lawful directive of the Rivers State Executive Committee to rescind his decision dissolving the elected Executive Council of Obiokpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The National Working Committee after preliminary hearing, in exercise of the powers conferred by Articles 57 (3), 59 (3), 59 (5) and 29 (2.b), hereby suspends the Executive Governor of River State, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as a member of the PDP and refers the matter to the appropriate disciplinary committee of the Party.

Jonathan: State of Emergency May Not Last Six Months

President Goodluck Jonathan

The current state of emergency in North Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, may not last up to the six months as prescribed by the constitution. President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed this to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki Moon on the sidelines of the Africa Union conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pointing out in addition to the constitutional provision troops deployed to the area have so far recorded impressive success.

Nigerian Navy Celebrates 57th Anniversary

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba

The Nigerian Navy will today begin its week-long activity to celebrate its 57th anniversary scheduled to take place in Lagos from 26 May – 1 June, 2013.  To celebrate this, several activities have been lined up to mark the event amongst which are the first anniversary of NNS ANDONI, the first indigenous warship built by the Nigerian Navy which was commissioned by Mr President Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr Goodluck Jonathan on 1 June 2012.

According to the Command Information Officer, Western Naval Command, Lieutenant Commander Jerry Omodara, other activities include the interdenominational church service at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Navy Town, the Jumaat service and sea trip.

EXCLUSIVE: Six Dead, Scores Injured as Factions Clash in Lagos

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

No fewer than six persons were weekend killed and scores inflicted with varying degree of injuries, in a renewed clash between three opposing cult factions at the Ajah area of Lagos.  Whilst the fight lasted, residents and motorists fled to safety as the warring factions engaged themselves in a gun duel that lasted for hours before security operatives moved in.

The clash which was blamed on the fight for supremacy over control of motor parks in the area, was said to be between Ajah, Olumegbon and Ilaje factions. This recent clash has incited fear in the area as the memories of a similar clash occasioned by wanton destruction of lives and properties in the area months back is yet to fade.

EXCLUSIVE: Police Raid, Arrest 20 over Murder of Colleague

Lagos POLICE PRO, BRAIDE

 By Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Area N Police Command of the Lagos State Police Command, weekend, arrested about 20 persons who allegedly murdered a policeman, as well as inflicted injuries on two other police officers.

 The deceased mobile police officer and his colleagues were attacked at Imowo Nla community in Ikorodu area of Lagos while trying to restore peace amongst some disgruntled persons. 

 It was gathered that the police were called in by some residents to mediate over a  large expanse of land which has been embroiled in dispute in the community.

Winners Emerge in 'I Don Port Dance Contest'

Saka 

Showers of rain could not deter the attendance by a multitude that thronged the MTN Golden Plaza Building, at Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, on May 17. The winners of the ‘MTN I Don Port Dance Contest’ prize presentation entertained the teeming crowd with their innovative versions of the Saka (Hafiz Oyetoro) portability advert which is making waves throughout the country, both on traditional and social media.

Solutions Group came first in the contest, followed by Dance Afrique, while Treasure Hunters came third and Amast Group came fourth. Other winners are Dancer Boys all the way from Enugu, BOT from Calabar, Esut Boys from Enugu, Numero Uno from Lagos and Mob “C” Group amongst so many from different parts of the country.

NGF Election Fallout: Akpabio, Jang, Two Other Govs Meet Sambo

Governor Jonah Jang

There was a new twist to the outcome of the re-election of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Friday as four of his colleagues contesting his victory visited the Vice President Muhammad Namadi Sambo at the State House, Abuja on Saturday evening.

Led by the chairman of the splinter Peoples Democratic Party-Governors Forum (PDP-GF), Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Jonah Jang of Plateau and Isa Yuguda of Bauchi, along with Garba Umar, the acting governor of Taraba State met Sambo in private.

The meeting came hours after the Presidency, through the President's spokesperson; Dr Reuben Abati dissociated his boss from the NGF election and its subsequent fallout.

UEFA League: Bayern Lifts Cup

Goal scorer, Arjen Robben (M) celebrating after his last grasp effort gave Bayern victory

Arjen Robben scored a dramatic late winner as Bayern Munich beat fellow German side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley. The heroics of both goalkeepers kept the game goalless until Bayern broke through when Mario Mandzukic tapped in a Robben cut-back on the hour. Borussia quickly equalised with Ilkay Gundogan's penalty after Dante's clumsy foul on Marco Reus. But Robben stole in late on and tucked a shot into the bottom corner.