The Circus From Last Night – Tinuke Arigbabu

 After my routine Sunday evening basketball with my friends, I got home and settled to watch Mr. President’s promised Presidential media chat (An idea, which by the way, I totally welcome). I was excited thinking this would be an opportunity for him to redeem himself and remind us why we gave him our votes in 2011.

At the beginning of the chat, I was irritated at the fact that the audio quality was annoyingly poor and the picture quality was terrible too. Our dear NTA needs to step up. That aside, Mr. President was asked a number of questions, which to my surprise he waved off like they were nothing.

IGP Promotes 39, Redeploys 62 Senior Officers

Following the recommendations of the IGP, the Police Service Commission (PSC) on 27^th September, 2013, approved the promotion of 39 Senior Police Officers to their next ranks. This is in line with the vision and mission of the present Police Administration to motivate and inspire personnel of the Force for greater efficiency and better service delivery, through the pursuit of a robust and a comprehensive welfare regime.

Iron Your Clothes Today, PHCN To Begin Nationwide Blackout Come October 2

PHCN 

Please make sure you iron your clothes for the week o because the already epileptic power situation in the country may worsen as Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers have threatened nationwide blackout by October 2 if the federal government goes ahead to handover the assets of the company to private investors today without the conclusion of payment of workers entitlements. The industrial action follows the expiration of the ultimatum issued by the workers to government to resolve all labour issues ahead of the privatisation of PHCN.

Over 11 Million Barrels Lost in 3 years to Crude Theft

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclosed that it lost as much as 11,753,217 million barrels (mb) of crude oil to activities of illegal crude theft and oil bunkering within the last three years.

NNPC in a closed-door presentation to members of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), stated that the losses were recorded between 2010 and 2012 at its various pipelines notably the Escravos/Chevron Nigeria (ESC/CNL)-Warri trunk line, which has the highest cumulative figure of 6,415,052mb in the years under review.

IG Places Policemen on Red Alert for Independence Day

Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, IGP

As part of efforts by the police to ensure a hitch-free Independence anniversary, the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, Sunday placed officers and men of the force, as well as other special operatives, on red alert nation-wide.

Consequently, the IG directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Command Commissioners of Police, including the Maritime Command to ensure adequate and effective deployment of all operational tools and manpower within their commands, and to pay special attention to shopping malls, public parks and beaches, highways and other critical infrastructure and sensitive areas in order to guarantee the safety and well being of the citizenry.

Outrage Boko Haram Slaughter 60 Students in Yobe

IGP, Mohammed Abubakar

Anger Sunday trailed the killing of 40 students of College of Agriculture, Gujba, Yobe State, by gunmen suspected to belong to the outlawed Boko Haram sect. Scores of others were also injured in the early morning raid on the college by the gunmen who attacked the institution while their victims were sleeping.

Another set of gunmen from the sect also killed seven others in Benisheikh, in Borno State, which was attacked two weeks ago during which 150 persons were killed in an ambush on the highway.

SIMON KOLAWOLE: Nigeria Is Changing But We Know Not

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

Growing up, I was moulded by certain prejudices. I was conditioned to view different parts of Nigeria in stereotypical ways. However, a time came in my life when I began to question these inherited sentiments.

I desired a mind of my own, to judge things empirically and come to conclusions by myself. I intensified my research into the history of what we now know as Nigeria, from pre-1914 amalgamation to the present day. I want to gladly announce today that contrary to the received wisdoms, prejudices, biases and stereotypes, Nigeria has changed significantly over the decades.

42 Confirmed Dead, 100 Others Missing in Boat Mishap in Niger State

Governor Babangida Aliyu

No fewer than 42 persons were confirmed dead while 100 others are believed to be missing in a boat mishap on River Niger close to Malilli Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. According to the Public Relation Officer of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Malam Ibrahim Hussaini, who made this confirmation in Minna Saturday, the incident occurred on Friday around 2 pm as the traders were returning from Malili Village to their village Tunga Illo across the River Niger, after a market day.

NLC, TUC Give IG, Police Commission Ultimatum over Mbu

Abdulwaheed Omar, NLC President

Rivers State chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, and the Police Service Commission to explain the continued stay of the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Mbu, despite repeated calls for his redeployment. This is as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) warned Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to leave them alone and not to drag students into the  political crises.

Polytechnics Declares Fresh Nationwide Strike

SSANIP

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has declared a fresh nationwide strike. National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Clement Chirman, who disclosed this in Jos, added that the decision to resume the strike that was earlier suspended was reached after the union's NEC meeting in Abuja.

Terrorism... Shopping Malls, Tank Farms Under Surveillance

Tank Farms

Following the attack on the Nairobi's Westgate Mall in Kenya and in view of the renewed deadly campaign by the violent religious sect, Boko Haram, security agencies have beefed up surveillance around malls, fuel tanker terminals, tank farms and other strategic locations.

The increased surveillance around stratategic locations also coincides with the commencement of activities marking the 53rd independence anniversary.

BBA Star Prezzo Wanted by Kenyan Police for Assaulting Military Officer

Big Brother Africa StarGame star Prezzo is reportedly wanted by Kenyan police officers. According to Kenya’s Standard Digital, the former reality TV star who was romantically linked to late Nigerian pop star Goldie, is on the run after he engaged in a gun battle outside a club in the Westlands area, Nairobi, Kenya.

The media agency stated that Prezzo (Jackson Makini) is to report to Parklands Police Station for questioning for assaulting a Swiss Military Officer in the head with a rifle butt and handgun holster on the early hours of Saturday 21st September 2013.

Femi Kayode Eat Your Heart Out, Fashola Finally Apologises Over Deportation of Igbos

 Governor Babatunde Fashola

After weeks of open confrontation between the Lagos State Government and Igbo ethnic groups over the forced relocation of the latter’s destitute indigenes to Anambra State, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) Thursday, finally apologised to Ndigbo over the misunderstanding that arose from the action of his administration.

The governor, who said: “Ndigbo are my kindred,” however, lamented the depth of underdevelopment, which he said, had been a major challenge of the section of Nigeria that produced such prominent leaders as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Chief Alex Ekwueme and Major General Ike Nwachukwu, among others.

EXCLUSIVE: Air Force Committee Raises Alarm Over Improper Ammunition Dump

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh

The National Assembly  House Committee on the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has lamented the improper storage of armament, weaponry and ammunition at the store of the force in Makurdi, Benue State.

The Committee Chairman, Kenneth Archibong, made this disclosure yesterday after a tour of the NAF Logistics Command Headquarters in Lagos, stressing that the improper storage is a ticking time bomb that could blow up if precautions are not taken. 

Ex-Biafran Soldiers Threaten Showdown over Non-payment of Benefits

Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (SGF)

Veterans of the 1967-70 civil war under the aegis of Biafran War Veterans  Wednesday positioned themselves for a possible showdown with the federal government over what they described as the non-release of their entitlements more than  40 years after the war despite repeated promises by government.

The ex-biafran soldiers threatened to embark on a street-wide protest in Abuja “in the next couple of weeks” if government refused to heed to their demand within a reasonable time, expressing dismay that most of their members have lost their lives because of the absence of reasonable sources of livelihood.

Rising from an emergency meeting in Enugu, the ex-soldiers led by Rt. Col Victor Onah and Barrister Ibe Nwachukwunta as National Coordinator and Attorney respectively condemned the nonchalance of the federal government towards their plight in spite of their contributions to the nation.

Lagos CJ Frees 119 Kirikiri Prison Inmates

 Kirikiri Prison

Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips  Wednesday released 119 awaiting trial inmates from both Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Security Prisons, Apapa. The released inmates, who have been awaiting trial for as much as thirteen years, include 99 inmates from medium prisons and 20 from maximum prisons with capital and minor offences.

Justice Phillips said the visit was aimed at decongesting the prisons and in exercise of the Chief Judge's powers under Section 1 (1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

EXCLUSIVE: Collapsed Building Kills Baby, Octogenarian and Two Others in Lagos

Tragedy struck today in Lagos as yet another building collapsed, killing a four year-old girl, an  octogenarian and two others, with 10 others left with varying degrees of injuries.  Although some victims were still buried under the debris as at this evening, four children, an old woman and five adults have since been rescued through the combined effort of youths in the area and emergency services.

Finally, Security Agencies Nab Kelvin, Kidnap Kingpin

DG SSS, Ita EKPEYONG 

Dreaded kidnap kingpin, Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, was  Wednesday arrested by a combined team of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Army. He was believed to have been behind the   kidnap of the human rights lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), his driver and an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Athansius Ugbome, along Auchi–Benin road late last month.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), spokesperson for DSS, Marilyn Ogar, said Oniarah who was arrested yesterday was a notorious terrorist, kidnap kingpin and armed robber and had been on the wanted list of security agencies.

Nigerian Dies Aboard United Airlines Flight to US

An airplane 

The management of United Airlines has confirmed the death of a Nigerian, Mr. Benedict Sylvester Igwedike, 67, while aboard Flight 143 to Houston, United States of America. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, took place after the aircraft had just finished refuelling at Dakar, the Senegalese capital. The plane had taken off from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. But the bad news may have been delayed from reaching the family of the deceased as the airline said it had just contacted his family  Wednesday.

A statement from the airline’s headquarters in Houston yesterday said: “Medical personnel in Houston met United flight 143 from Lagos, Nigeria upon arrival Monday due to a deceased passenger on board. We are assisting the passenger's family with their needs.”

SEGUN ADENIYI: SSS and the Apo Killings

The Verdict, According To Olusegun Adeniyi. Email: olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

By the time my wife came back from the market last Saturday, I had just finished discussions with a respected family residing within the Apo Legislative Quarters who told me categorically that the “Boko Haram insurgents” the State Security Service (SSS) claimed they engaged in a “shootout” were in fact harmless economic migrants known by people within the area. Unfortunately, before I could even share the distressing story, my wife started her lamentation about a particular cart pusher at Garki market who was among the “Boko Haram” people gunned down in cold blood.

EXCLUSIVE: Reps Calls For State of Emergency in Police Barracks

The House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, Thursday added its voice to the clamour over the derelict state of police barracks across the country, calling for a state of emergency by the Federal Government and a total rehaul of the facilities.

The Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Usman Kumo, alongside other committee members made this disclosure during an inspection of Mopol 20 Barracks and Area F Command in Lagos.

Acclaimed Dead Shekau Appears in a Video, Says He’s Alive

Leader of the outlawed Boko Haram sect, Abubakur Shekau

The leader of the outlawed Boko Haram sect, Abubakur Shekau, whom the Joint Task Force (JTF) had claimed was mortally injured in a shootout last month and had died somewhere in Cameroun,  Wednesday resurfaced in a recorded video message, threatening to continue his killing spree until democracy is crushed in Nigeria.

EXCLUSIVE: Police Arrest Chinese Fugitive Who has Spent 12 Years in Nigeria

According Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit,  CP TUNDE OGUNSAKIN, On 28th August 2013, the Chinese Government through its Consulate in Nigeria contacted the Nigeria Police, Special Fraud Unit for collaboration to nip a fugitive who ran away from the shores of China to Nigeria.

The Chinese government complained through a letter that Fang Yang and Leng Jiqing, former Legal Representative of Qingdao Sifang Qiaolian Trade Co. Beijin, were wanted for 8million Yen loan syndicated through a fake bank deposit receipt in 1996 to get a mortgage from 2nd Sub Branch of China Agricultural Bank of Qingdao. 

Tension as LAGBUS Driver Crush Soldier

Chief of Army Staff

A yet-to-be identified soldier was Monday crushed to death by a LAGBUS at Alaka-Costain area of Surulere, Lagos,  leaving the deceased's passenger critically injured.

It was gathered that the deceased who was riding a commercial motorcyclist with  a female passenger behind him, was caught between the LAGBUS and the railings of the bridge.

Rights Commission Probes Killing of Suspected Terrorists in Abuja

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched a probe into last Friday’s gun duel in Abuja between security agents and suspected members of the outlawed Boko Haram terrorist group. Some seven persons were said to have been killed during a raid by a combined team of soldiers and State Security Service (SSS) operatives on an uncompleted building in Abuja believed to have been inhabited by suspected terrorists.

However, official account on the raid in which no fewer than 12 persons were arrested and scores of others injured, has stirred controversy as some of the victims claimed they were not Boko Haram members but illegal occupants of the building.

Borno Highway Ambush: 142 Corpses Evacuated from Bushes

Defence Headquarters

There seems to be no backing down from the killing spree perpetuated by Boko Haram, as yet another 142 bodies were discovered and evacuated Thursday by officials of the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA).

An official of the agency disclosed this yesterday, stating that 142 corpses had been evacuated from the highway and surrounding bushes after Tuesday's ambush on Maiduguri/Damaturu highway by the terrorist sect.

Court Defers Ruling on Ibori's $15million

James Ibori

Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court Abuja  Friday deferred judgment on the controversial  $15 million allegedly abandoned by the former Delta State governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori. The judge had initially promised to deliver judgment  Friday. The suit was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The commission sought  an order to forfeit the money to  the Federal Government. The court will now deliver the judgment at a date to be 'communicated to the parties.' The verdict would also put to rest claims and counter claim being laid on the money by several interest groups and individuals.

12 Boko Haram Suspects Arrested at Apo Quarters

No fewer than 12 persons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect were Friday picked up at Apo Legislative Quarters,  Abuja,  by the operatives of the State Security Service (SSS). Deputy Director, Public Relations,  of SSS,  Marilyn Ogar,  said the arrest followed a tip-off from    Mohammed Adamu and  Kamal Abdullahi  who were earlier on allegation  of terrorism. The operatives of the SSS had invaded an uncompleted  building used by the suspects at the Apo quarters where the suspects were arrested after sporadic shootings. Ogar said the some persons were injured during the attack.

President Jonathan Sacks Emordi, Olagunju

Mrs Joy Emordi

President Goodluck Jonathan  Friday sacked his Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Mrs Joy Emordi  and also his Special Adviser on New Partnership on African Development, Dr. Tunji Olagunju. This was contained in a statement signed  by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

SSS Foil Attempt To Kidnap Yar'Adua's Daughter

DG SSS, ITA EKPENYONG 

The State Security Service (SSS), said it thwarted a plan to kidnap one of the daughters of late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.ssistant Director Public Affairs of the Service, Marilyn Ogar, told journalists of the foiled kidnap plans at the head office of the Service when the suspects were paraded today.

She explained that, the suspects Hamza Abubakar and Lawrence Okoro Denis planned to kidnap and detain the lady in Zuba at the residence of an acquaintance to Denis. The SSS spokesperson said, “The Service acting on actionable intelligence nullified the plot before it was actualized, and both Hamza Abubakar and other collaborators shall be charged to court soon.”

EXCLUSIVE: Jailed in UK For Fraud, Suspect Commits Same Crime in Nigeria After Release

Barely few years after he was released from detention for his involvement in a credit card fraud in the United Kingdom, alleged serial fraudster, Charles Sanusi, has again become embroiled in yet another scam.  It was gathered that after serving his jail term in one of the UK prisons, he was deported back to Nigeria, he allegedly started up another visa racketeering. 

EXCLUSIVE: 97 Per Cent of Suicide Bombing are Carried Out With Cars, Says Police

The top hierarchy of the Nigeria Police, Thursday revealed that 97 per cent of the suicide bombing carried out by terrorists in the country, especially the recent incidents at THISDAY, United Nations and Force Headquarters, were executed through the help of automobiles. 

The police were responding to the controversies that have trailed the recent introduction of the Police Biometrics Central Motor Registry (BCMR), which was rebuffed by the public.

Army: Over 150 Boko Haram Insurgents, 15 Soldiers Killed in Borno

Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Army has rebuffed claims by some online media websites that it lost over 40 soldiers, while 65 others were missing in a surprise ambush by Boko Haram insurgents at Kafiya Forest of Borno State.

In a statement issued yesterday, the army said during the incident, over 150 members of the sect were killed while 15 soldiers and one officer died in action, with nine others missing. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, also disclosed that a key commander of the insurgents, one Abba Goroma was also killed.

EXCLUSIVE: Fuel Subsidy: Four Firms, Two MDs Arraigned Over N2.9B Alleged Fraud

 
Four oil firms and two Managing Directors, identified as Chinyere Anike Nweze and Ogundipe Olaniran, have been arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over N2.9 billion fuel subsidy scam.

The firms Geacan Energy Limited, Petroleum Brokers Limited, Lister Oil Limited and Oando Marketing along with their chief executives were charged before Justice Mohammed Kurya of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.

DJ SWITCH (Sote Crooner) Wins GLO XFACTOR, Walks Away With N24Million

Obianuju Catherine Udeh aka Dj Switch is the winner of the first edition 
of Glo X Factor. She was crowned the winner after the finale which held 
yesterday. Dj Switch won the $150,000 prize money (₦24 million), an SUV 
and a recording contract with SONY music. Its SWITCH ALL THE WAY. 
HER SWAGS WAS SOMETHING ELSE. HEREZ CHEERS TO THE XFACTOR 
SWITCH. Do you agree? 

EXCLUSIVE: Police Declares Anambra State Commissioner for Special Duties Wanted Over Fraud

The commissioner for special duties 

The Special Fraud Unit (SFU) is investigating a case of obtaining money by false pretences/forgery involving Barrister Vincent Ejikeme Ezenwajiaku a.k.a. Vincent Ezeh, a serving Commissioner for Special Duties in Anambra State Government.

A petition to the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit alleged that sometime between 1996 and 2002, the suspect being the Managing Director of BIO Plastic Ltd invited the Complainant to invest in his company as a Co-Director to enable him acquire 34% of the equity at the end of the investment.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2BABA

Happy birthday to my one and only crush on earth. The legend himself .....2Baba.
God bless and keep u.

Atiku Condemns Police Harassment of Amaechi

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Monday said it was both incomprehensible and outrageous for the police to subject the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to harassment and humiliation.Reacting to the incident in a statement by his media office in Abuja, the former vice-president said he was highly embarrassed by the excesses and open political partisanship against a democratically-elected governor who is also the chief security officer of the state. Atiku also reiterated his call for the police to halt their siege against the 'New PDP' headquarters in Abuja, which has entered its second week.

Murdered Banker (Arowolo): Court Fixes Oct. 2 for Adoption of Final Written Addresses

 Symbol of justice

  An Ikeja High Court has fixed Oct. 2, for adoption of final written addresses in the trial of Akolade Arowolo, charged with the alleged murder of his wife, Titilayo. Justice Lateefat Okunnu on Tuesday directed the prosecution and defence to file and serve the processes before  the next adjournment date. Arowolo, 31, was charged to court for allegedly stabbing his wife, a banker, to death. He was arraigned on Dec.21, 2011, on a one-count charge of murder and had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The accused, was thereafter, remanded in Ikoyi Prisons.

Police Recover 31 Weapons in Anambra, 8 Vehicles in Ogun

Police Headquarters

The Police Command in Anambra recovered 31 assorted weapons and arrested four suspects, during a raid on a criminal hideout in the Onitsha main Market on Sept. 11. Similarly, the command in Ogun recovered eight stolen vehicles on Sept. 10. This is contained in the summary of a nationwide Police Crime Report for the second week of September, made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.The report showed that 45 weapons were recovered nationwide during the period, with Anambra recording the highest.

3 Policemen Dismissed in Borno for Killing Pastor's Son

Symbol of justice

  The Borno Police Command says it has dismissed three policemen accused of killing a pastor's son at the Mobile Police Training School in Liman-Kara area of the state. Alhaji Lawal Tanko, the state Commissioner of Police, said at a news briefing on Tuesday in Maiduguri that the policemen had beaten the deceased to death for allegedly killing a dog belonging to one of them.

Arik: Expectant Woman Concealed Her Pregnancy

Arik Airline

The circumstances surrounding the emergency landing of an Arik Air flight at Palma, Mallorca, Spain, on Sunday got murkier Monday when the airline’s authorities claimed that the pregnant woman said to have given birth aboard the Lagos-London bound Flight W3 101, had indeed concealed her pregnancy from the airline’s staff.

A statement from the airline said the pregnancy was just 12 weeks old, and so was not noticeable. It added further that no medical report was required from the woman in the first trimester of her pregnancy. The airline explained that the pregnancy was not big enough for the airline profiling officials to have stopped her from boarding the flight.

Fight Breaks Out in N’Assembly Between Warring PDP Legislators

National Assembly

A fight broke out between warring members of  the Peoples’ Democratic  Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives at about 4pm Tuesday. Sources said   the fight erupted when  the   Chairman of the splinter group, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje and other loyalists paid courtesy  visit to their  members in the House. The fight started  following  an attempt  to prevent those  who   are not part of the splinter group  from taking part  in the courtesy  visit.

Nasarawa Crisis: Finally, Army Kills Ombaste Leader

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika 

The Nigerian  Army has killed the dreaded Ombatse cult leader who led his group to attack the people of Obi.am in Nasarawa State. Although,  Police authorities  in Nasarawa state could not confirm  the name of the leader of the outlawed group killed by the army, an eye witness said his body and three other persons arrested have been taken to an unknown location for further investigation.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Nasarawa State Command,  Cornelius Ocholi, who confirmed the incident to reporters said three unidentified assailants were killed in the crisis and four people who sustained injuries  have been taken to Dahaltu Specialist Hospital (DASH) and responding to treatment.

The Only MC With an MSC (NAETO C) Goes Back to School Again

He isn't called the only MC with an MSC for nothing and he is out to prove it again. Naeto C, the rapper has gone back to school even after acquiring a masters degree already.

EXCLUSIVE: Customs Impounds Arms and Ammunition Concealed in Cargo

Some of the arms and ammunition 

The   Nigeria Customs Services NCS,   Ports  and Terminals  Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Tin Can Island, Apapa, Lagos have impounded a container laden with  Black GMC Jeep  used to illegally smuggle into the country arms and ammunition.

DELE MOMODU: In Search of A Refreshing Nigerian

The Pendulum By Dele Momodu, Email: Dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Fellow Nigerians, I’m happy to send you this letter from Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, where I’m attending the wedding of a young Nigerian journalist, Jide Agbeniyi and his Zimbabwean colleague and partner, Miss Josey Mahachi, the beautiful presenter of the popular Click Africa Show on Africa Magic. This piece was inspired by the manner of greetings I discovered here: “A refreshing noon or a refreshing evening to you”, are the commonest ways of salutation in this tranquil country. It is almost a mantra as everyone I met greeted me thus and it sounded so sonorous and genuinely welcoming that it then occurred to me that what human beings require in essence to enjoy life to the fullest is a refreshing existence. This is what has eluded most societies that are in deep turmoil such as ours.

SIMON KOLAWOLE: What Does Obasanjo Really Want?

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

With former President Olusegun Obasanjo, you buy one and get one free. Problem is: you never know what you are getting. You could be getting a peacemaker and a troublemaker in one bundle. I am always conflicted trying to decode Obasanjo’s personality. One moment, I find myself describing him as the best president Nigeria has ever had. The next moment, I am cursing him as the worst thing that has ever happened to us. The best of humans live with their own contradictions and underbellies, but Obasanjo easily stands out, perhaps because of the prominent role he has played in our nationhood - and, more so, the way he keeps intruding into our lives.

Riot in Adamawa Prisons over Killing of Inmate

Nigerian Prisons Service

There  was riot Monday in  Numan Prisons, Adamawa   State,  following the  alleged  killing of an inmate by warders who moved to check an escape attempt. Eyewitness account said    that   the inmates went wild when the prison warders allegedly beat one of the them to coma which   resulted to his death.

Woman Gives Birth on Board Arik Flight to London

Arik Plane

An Arik Air flight with over 100 passengers en route to London Sunday was forced to make an emergency landing in Palmas, Spain, as a woman went into labour and gave birth while the aircraft was airborne.