NFF Dismisses Kenyan Delegation’s Fairy Tales

NFF President Alhaji Aminu Maigari

The Nigeria Football Federation has dismissed complaints of the delegation of Kenyan National Football Team, Harambee Stars, that it was not received on arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Wednesday, as pure fiction.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, NFF’s Assistant Director (Media), Ademola Olajire said: “We really didn’t want to be seen to exchange words with the Kenyans on non-existent issues. Nigeria is known to be good hosts at any time and we have not done less for the Kenyan

delegation.

20 Massacred in Fresh Attack on the Plateau

Governor Jonah Jang

There seems to be no end to the killings on the Plateau as another 20 persons have been confirmed dead in an overnight attack on Attakar and Dajak villages both in Ganawuri district of Riyom Local Government Council of the state.

This is even as the state government has expressed sadness over the Wednesday attack on Mavo community of Wase Local Government Area of the state, adding that “the tragic incident in Mavo, Wase LGA is saddening, all the more as the feud is between neighbours who had lived together for many years.”

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI: A Most Controversial Pardon

The Verdict according to Olusegun Adeniyi. Email, olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

As the presidency seemed to be playing games with the agenda for last week Tuesday’s Council of State meeting with regards to the names of those to be granted state pardon (before finally sending out the last copy on the eve of the session), many members conveniently chose to stay away. Incidentally, the memo contained a list of 57 prison inmates and ex-convicts granted presidential amnesty in commemoration of the 52nd independence anniversary last October. For this category of offenders, 71 names were initially recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM) said to have been reconstituted on November 15, 2011. But ultimately, 57 were approved with 14 rejected based on their involvement in armed robbery, according to the memo.

‘We’ve Buried Over 100 Victims of Attacks in One Year’

Governor Jonah Jang

Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council of Plateau State, Engr. Sam Gyang Audu has lamented that his council has buried over 100 victims of serial attacks on the people since about one year in office, adding that the council has spent over N5 million in treating over 60 persons that have sustained gunshot injuries from these attacks.

He stated this Thursday at a press conference in Jos while narrating the circumstances that led to the recent face-off between women of his council and the men of the STF.

EXCLUSIVE: OP Mesa, SSS Raids, Arrests Chadian Other Suspected Boko Haram Members in Lagos

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

Operatives of the Operation Mesa (OP Mesa), a joint security apparatus comprising of the armed forces, alongside the Department of State Security Service (DSSS), today raided the Ijora-7UP area of Lagos state, and arrested some suspected Boko Haram members.

Although the number of persons arrested could not be ascertained, sources alleged that the raid also uncovered devices suspected to be explosives.

However, sources said the SSS arrested two persons, an Northerner and a Chadian who at the instance off the DSS were allegedly whisked off to Abuja immediately based on the delicate nature of the case.

Presidency: Cancellation of Bill Gates’ Visit Had Nothing to Do with Alamieyeseigha’s Pardon

Bill Gates

The Presidency Tuesday described as false a statement credited to the Melinda and Gates Foundation that the billionaire software guru, Bill Gates, will not be visiting Nigeria as a result of the clemency granted to the former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, Gates had instructed his foundation to inform the presidency, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and other notable Nigerians that his scheduled visit to kick-start the campaign against polio had been cancelled.

Imoke Splashes Land, N25m on Eagles

Governor Imoke with the AFCON trophy flanked by NFF Vice President Mike Umeh, Coach Stephen Keshi, players and officials of the Super Eagles during Wednesday’s Cup presentation ceremony in Calabar

Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, Wednesday described the Super Eagles AFCON 2013 win as the tonic needed by Nigeria to reinvent itself as a country and become the best developed country on the continent of Africa.

Imoke made this declaration at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, while playing host to the national team, which recently emerged champions of Africa during the last Nations Cup held in South Africa.

Defence Headquarters Appoints New Spokesman

Col Mohammed Yerima

The Defence Headquarters has appointed a new spokesman following recent postings in the Nigerian Army, which affected some senior officers. This latest change was announced in a statement signed by Group Captain Adedayo Makun for the Directorate of Defence Information.

The new helmsman, Brig-Gen Chris Olukolade will be replacing Col Mohammed Yerima as the Director of Defence Information (DDI).

Plateau: Nine Feared Killed in Reprisal Attack

Governor Jonah Jang

At least nine persons are  feared killed and scores of others seriously injured in a suspected reprisal attack on Fili Mavou village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State by unknown gunmen on Wednesday morning.

Two Tarok men were on Sunday shot dead at Kadarko village in Wase while they returned from Langtan, where they had gone to celebrate Tarok Day.

Kidnappers of ACN Chieftain Demand N30m Naira Ransom

Police Headquarters

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has raised the alarm over the kidnapping of its Vice Chairman (South-east), Dr. Chudi Nwike, in Anambra State on Tuesday.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party quoted Dr. Nwike's younger brother, who has been contacted by him (Dr. Nwike), as saying the kidnappers are demanding 30 million naira (in foreign currency) as ransom.

While lamenting the ugly incident, the party urged security agents to try and secure the Nwike's freedom from the captors.

''We appeal to the security agencies to do everything within their power to ensure the safe release of Dr. Nwike, while assuring his family of our prayers and support at this very difficult time,'' it said.