Senate withholds NIS recruitment tragedy report

Nine months after the Senate Committee on Interior submitted its report on the investigation of the March 15, 2014 tragedy that attended the recruitment by the Nigeria Immigration Service, the upper legislative chamber has refused to release the findings of the panel.

No fewer than 21 people reportedly died during the stampede that occurred at the NIS recruitment centres across the country.

The Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, who hails from the same local government area with the Senate President, David Mark, was widely accused of being responsible for the poor conduct of the nationwide aptitude test for the Nigerian job seekers.

The Senate on March 18, following persistent public outcry, directed its Committee on Interior to conduct a public hearing to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the stampede at the NIS recruitment centres.

The committee was to report back to the chamber within two weeks to enable it to take appropriate action that would discourage such recklessness during future exercises.

However, more than nine months after the committee, led by Senator Abubakar Bagudu, concluded investigations and submitted its report to the Senate, the leadership of the upper chamber had remained silent despite calls for deliberation on the report.

There were insinuations that the report of the panel might have been secretly implemented when President Goodluck Jonathan, about seven months ago, directed that three family members of each of the deceased applicants should be offered slots in a fresh Immigration recruitment exercise.

However, the committee empanelled by the President had yet to comply with the order while the controversy over the payment of hospital bills of the victims was yet to be cleared as the interior ministry was accused of failing to fulfil its promise to settle the bills.

Moro had at the Senate investigative hearing admitted his negligence in the NIS recruitment exercise.

The Benue-born minister had said, “With regards to the ill-fated day, I cannot abdicate responsibility; the buck in the entire exercise ends on my table.”

The Secretary of the Civil Defence, Fire Service, Immigration and Prisons Board, Mr. Sylvester Tapgun, and the Comptroller General of the NIS, Mr. David Parradang, who testified before the panel, accused Moro of unilaterally contracting the exercise to the consultant, Messrs Drexel Technology Nigeria Limited.

Parradang had said that he protested the recruitment modalities by suggesting staggering of the exercise to be held in applicants’ state of origin, while the payment of N1000 for forms should be discouraged but that the minister did not listen to him.

Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma – Egba, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, who spoke with our correspondent on the issue on Monday said the report had not been swept under the carpet.

Ndoma – Egba said all reports before the Senate would be treated whenever they were presented for consideration.

Enang also assured members of the public that all legislative businesses pending before the Senate would be attended to before the expiration of the 7th Senate in June next year.

Meanwhile, apart from the report of the NIS recruitment saga, our correspondent learnt that the Senate Committee on Police, which investigated the teargas attack on Senator Magnus Abe by the police had yet to submit its report to the upper chamber.

Other reports, like the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, Petroleum Industry Bill, Review of the 1999 Constitution and treatment of the 2014 National Conference report are all pending before the Senate.

Source Punchng

Embrace peace, Adeleke urges defeated APC aspirants

The first civilian Governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, on Wednesday, appealed to aggrieved politicians in the All Progressives Congress in Osun State to embrace peace and cooperate with the party.

The former governor, in his Christmas goodwill message, felicitated with Christians in the state as they mark the festival, urging them to continue to live in harmony.

He called on the people of Osun-West senatorial district to give him another chance to serve them, promising to make life better for them.

Adeleke also enjoined the people of the state to vote massively for all the candidates of APC in the 2015 general elections.

He said he was eyeing the senate to consolidate on the economic empowerment projects he initiated during his first period at the senate.

He expressed optimism for a quick resolution of the Boko Haram crisis in different parts of the country while urging Nigerians to maintain eternal vigilance.

Adeleke said, “The cooperation and unalloyed loyalty of Osun citizenry for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s government at this crucial time of economic downturn, cannot be overemphasized, stressing that, tough time don’t last, tough people do. Despite the lean financial resources of Osun State, Governor Rauf Aregbesola is determined to see all ongoing projects to timely completion for the benefits of the people, much against the wrong insinuation been peddled by the opposition.” He further appealed to Osun citizens, to take their destiny in their hands by not allowing self-centred, short-sighted and politicians of low repute, to infiltrate their rank, “as such people have nothing good to offer the state, except self aggrandizement and unruly conduct.”

Also, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, promised to improve all sectors of the economy such security, education, health, transportation and provide job opportunities if elected.

Makinde, in his goodwill message to Christians in the state, urged Nigerians to continue to make personal sacrifices for the good of others.

“By the grace of God, as your trusted servant if I am elected as governor of the state on the platform of SDP, my administration will do all within its powers and abilities to transform Oyo State and make it one of the best states in Nigeria and ensure better life for the people.

“Everybody will have every opportunity and encouragement to make significant contributions towards forging the required consensus for sustained peace, unity and progress of Oyo State.”

Nigeria’s high speed rail is ‘world-class’

Nigeria’s high speed rail project initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan has been rated among the global top 100 world-class infrastructure projects by KPMG. The rail will connect Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Warri, Bauchi, Abuja, and Port Harcourt and will cost the country $13 billion, much of which will be financed with a loan from the Export Import Bank of China. The China Railway Construction Corporation has secured the contract to build the 3,218-kilometre network, which will be digitally operated using fibre-optic cables, radio communication and wireless services. The project is designed to cover 54 stations and will take 25 years to build.

A Nigerian Billionaire Buries Late Mum with Hummer SUV and $10000

Is this a case of too much money and nothing better to spend it on? Or too much love for one’s parent? We can never tell.

A Nigerian billionaire based in Enugu recently buried his mother using a Hummer Jeep. Rather than the conventional coffin, the billionaire decided to use an automobile to give his mum her final resting.
He also sprayed the hummer jeep with over 10,000 dollars.

Well, strange things abound

- See more at: http://gistreel.com/2014/12/03/enugu-based-billionaire-buries-mum-inside-hummer-jeep-alongside-10000/#sthash.1DlwG1Ng.dpuf

Why Yoruba Women Have The Biggest Backside in Nigeria- Charles Novia

Charles Novia is at it again.. this time it’s about ladies who gat  big backside! Nollywood filmmaker and self-proclaimed culture critic Charles Novia says African women are naturally endowed. Also he explained that Nicki Minaj, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez should be jealous of Mercy Johnson, Yvonne Okoro and a lot of African women – especially Yoruba women.

Read Charles piece below.

I know the hidden agenda of Kim Kardashian, Nikki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez. Yes, I know.

These ladies are jealous of Mercy Johnson, Yvonne Okoro and one of my female relatives in the village.

Na today real Black women don dey get Big Yansh? Why the sudden obsession with Kim Kardashian’s butt by the Western World? Ehn?

And the funny thing is, oyinbo women are now getting butt transplants while those who can’t afford it are using butt pads, or Yansh Pads as we term it here sometimes.

Now, this is the humour when it comes to Nigerian and perhaps African women. When God made the African woman, he might have taken an extra rib from Adam to bless the African women in most parts of the continent. That is why South African women have….(*speechless)

Narrowing it down to Nigeria and the ethnic groups, it is debatable but research has shown that Yoruba ladies just might have the biggest butts in Nigeria. I am likely to concur with this because ever since I was born and all the years I was growing up, the only images of Yoruba women I could remember from the black and white music clips of those days and Owambe Parties, were images of some bad ass conservative butt shaking which never got one’s parents incensed enough to switch off the television lest we got ‘spoilt’ but would sooner ask us to close our eyes when images of oyinbos kissing came on the screen.

In fact, when I first watched a clip of Fela Kuti’s stage performance in 1977 or 1978 on NTV ( as it was called then), it wasn’t the ‘shakara, shakara’ chorus he was singing which caught my fancy. It was the unbridled butt shaking of his dancing girls which tormented my poor, young innocent soul for years.

Then, Charly Boy came in 1987, with his outrageous music video, ‘Big Bottom’ and not even the morally-correct NTA could ban it off the airwaves then even with the
tempting close-ups of women with Big Yanshes in that video. Then one lady singer called Uche Ibeto released a video titled ‘Jigida’ where she did some provocative butt shaking as she screamed in a simulated moan ‘ligiligi, ligiligi, sha, sha, sha! ‘. And no one banned that video then because it ‘projected an African dance’.

Back to the meat of my story, today’s fashion is a conspiracy to ensure that Butt-om Power will keep on ruling. Everything with women’s fashion seems to bring out the shape of their butts these days. And the Kim Ks and Nikki Minajs are there to help you out, if you have any doubts.

Sadly, in Nigeria, I am told that Butt Pads for ladies are in high demand in the market. Why? Because many young ladies want to have butts like Kim Kardashian.
I need to ask why an African lady would want to put on artificial pads on what has naturally been padded from heaven. Because of Kim?

Fela Kuti did sing that the African People’s problems start from the back. ‘Na from BACK yioooooo’.

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate butt. Good butt. And for those who got it among the ladies, thank God for ‘butt’ering your bread. But when butts are being used now as weapons of distraction, Houston, we have a problem!

Why did I write this satire today? Two days ago, at Garki 2, a young lady with well-formed hips came out of a building and stood by the road to flag down a taxi. I tell you, Kim K has nothing on this woman’s butt and I wasn’t looking at her o. I was humming Tisha Cobbs ‘Break Every Chain’ when I saw her. The next thing I knew, an SUV rammed me from behind. Gbosa!

A well-dressed young man came out and apologised profusely as I looked at my dented rear bumper. Whilst apologising, he kept glancing at the young lady a few metres away.

‘Mr Man!’ I said, ‘before Yansh will kill you, go and meet that girl and take her contacts so that you will know that the bills you will pay for fixing my dent will be worth it!’

The Guy nor slack. He went to the Lady and a couple of minutes later, they both walked back to his SUV.

I don’t care to know what went down with him and the endowed lass but all I know is that I have a new rear bumper at his expense which was fixed yesterday.
Obviously that kind of person would not care to pay for bumpers. What with the way he rammed my car from behind, it doesn’t take much imagination to visualise the other types of ramming he loves doing behind closed doors.

- Source gistreel.com

Over 50 killed in bomb blast near kano central mosque before Friday Prayers SEE Photo

Messi is a beast who always wants more, says Xavi

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has hailed Lionel Messi as a “beast” for his desire to always try to achieve new heights, likening him to former Real Madrid star Raul.
The Argentine attacker dethroned Raul as the all-time top scorer in the Champions League on Tuesday with his hat-trick in the 4-0 win over APOEL.
Messi has now found the net 74 times in European club football’s elite competition and Xavi feels his team-mate is an exemplary in the annals of history.
“Messi is always in the right place. It is incredible to have the best player ever in your team,” the veteran midfielder told AS.
“Messi reminds me a bit of Raul with his ambition. Raul was an example to follow and Messi has the same attitude. He is never satisfied and always wants more.
“They are competitive beasts. The stats are proof of this.”
Xavi then discussed his team-mate’s future after the Argentine’s comments that he might leave Camp Nou, stressing that the attacker is happy at Barca.
“I have always seen Messi happy. He never talks much and there’s always a discussion when he does talk. He said nothing out of the ordinary, though.
“Leo is happy and satisfied at Barcelona. He’s feeling right at home and enjoying himself.”
Messi has already netted 17 goals in as many appearances in all competitions so far this season

Don calls for sustenance of Ibadan excellence

A professor of History, Prof. Wale Oyemakin, has urged Ibadan elders and indigenes of the Oyo State capital in general to ensure that the excellence associated with the city is sustained.

Oyemakin spoke at the Annual Ibadan Festival Conference, organised by the Jericho Businessmen Club on behalf the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes.

The event was part of the Ibadan Festival.

Head of the Aboderin family in Ibadan, Mogaji Olutunde Aboderin; President of JBC, Bayo Olugbemi; Ppresident-General of the CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero; Chief Finance Officer, Oando Energy Services Limited, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke; founding president of JBC, Sikiru Soladoye; members of JBC and other guests were at the event, presided over by Chief Oladiti Oladipo.

Oyemakin, who was the guest speaker, said that Ibadan had over the years played host to scholars and scientists, who through their work and publications had beamed the light of success on the city.

While listing the city’s feats, Oyemakin said Ibadan was home to the first television station in Africa, the first teaching hospital in the country, the first university and other reputable institutions.

He said, “That which crowned the confirmation of Ibadan leadership position in Yorubaland in particular and Nigeria in general was the establishment of University College, Ibadan in 1948. It gained autonomy in 1962 to become University of Ibadan and has since blossomed into veritable citadel of learning that commanded respect in the Commonwealth and the world at large.

“Outside the university system, there can be no doubt that the issue in Nigerian politics from time immemorial has remained the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. There can be no doubt that the one and only issue (Awolowo) was incubated here at Ibadan. Since ideas rule the world and progressive ideas rule fine, Ibadan’s formidable reputation as Nigeria’s fountain of ideas and knowledge should be kept flourishing for the illumination of mankind.”

Chairman of the occasion, Oladipo, said that all efforts must be made to preserve the dignity of the city for the sake of the coming generations.

Obama, Putin circle each other warily in China

BEIJING (AP) — On the surface, President Barack Obama and
Russian President Vladimir Putin are all niceties — a pat on the
back here, a pleasantry there. But away from the cameras, the
two leaders are circling each other warily at a global summit in
China, coming face to face just as relations between their
countries continue to deteriorate.
Despite a handful of encounters so far, it was unclear whether
the leaders had broached any of the tough issues — such as
harsh U.S. sanctions that have damaged Russia's economy, or a
fragile ceasefire in Ukraine that appears at risk of collapse.
Officials said Obama and Putin didn't delve into substance
during a brief run-in Monday night, and in public appearances
Tuesday, the two kept their deep-seated disagreements out of
sight.
Just outside of Beijing, where leaders from 21 nations were
gathered for economic talks, picturesque Yanqi Lake became
the venue for an awkward pas de deux between two of the most
powerful leaders in the world.
Entering an ornate, wood-paneled room for the start of the
summit, Obama and Putin looked a bit like sidekicks to Chinese
President Xi Jinping. The summit's host led the way, with the
American on one side and the Russian on the other.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Putin said in Obama's direction. Yes, it
is, concurred a reticent Obama, avoiding eye contact with Putin
and addressing his response to no one in particular.
As the three presidents came to a stop at the head of the table,
Putin reached out to give Obama a slap on the back. But
Obama had turned in a different direction, and it didn't appear
that the Putin's hand landed on its intended target.
A few hours later, the two again found themselves in close
quarters under an overcast sky as leaders planted trees in honor
of their counties. Putin strode confidently up to his tree, ahead
of Obama, who clasped his hands behind his back before
picking up a shovel and greeting a Spanish TV crew with a
wave.
Away from the cameras, Obama and Putin did have a chance to
speak privately, said a senior Obama administration official who
wasn't authorized to comment by name and demanded
anonymity. But it wasn't clear how thoroughly the leaders used
that opportunity to address the vexing issues that have raised
the specter of a return to a level of chilliness between the U.S.
and Russia unseen since the Cold War.
Putin's spokesman said only that the two had spoken a few
times during the summit, touching on "bilateral relations, the
situation around Ukraine, Syria and Iran."
The U.S. has been up in arms over Russia's presumed role in
fueling pro-Russian rebels in neighboring Ukraine. White House
officials have accused Russia of sending heavy weapons to the
separatists and shelling Ukrainian troops, and have denounced
Russia's buildup of forces along the border.
A truce reached in September between the rebels and Ukraine's
government is teetering, destabilized by what the White House
calls a "blatant escalation" by Russia and rebel-organized
elections in eastern Ukraine that the U.S. condemned as a
"sham." Vice President Joe Biden, in a phone call last week with
Ukraine's president, vowed further U.S. sanctions against
Moscow "if Russia continued to willfully violate the terms" of
the cease-fire.
Russia's economy has taken a major hit following U.S. and EU
sanctions — the ruble has plunged by a third this year and hit an
all-time low last week — but Putin has dismissed the notion that
he's hurting at the hands of the West. Addressing the Asia-
Pacific economic summit here Monday, Putin said his
government had the resources to stabilize its currency without
taking any emergency measures.
"We want Russia to play a different role," Ben Rhodes, Obama's
deputy national security adviser, said Tuesday. "We want Russia
to be a stabilizing force on issues that we care about. But
they're not going to be able to do that ... if they're violating the
sovereignty of a country next door."
Rhodes said Obama wouldn't not be seeking out a meeting with
Putin while in Beijing — nor in Brisbane, Australia, where the
leaders will once again run into each other during a Group of 20
economic summit this weekend. "Putin knows where we stand,"
Rhodes said, adding that Obama may discuss Russia's actions
with other G-20 leaders.
For Obama and Putin, awkward encounters at international
gatherings have become almost expected. But the optics have
gained even greater attention as the Ukraine crisis has taken
center stage.
In June, on the sidelines of D-Day anniversary commemorations
in Normandy, France, Obama and Putin avoided each other
during a group photo, with Obama even using Britain's Queen
Elizabeth II as a buffer. The two later spoke briefly during a
private leaders' lunch.
And during a formal meeting last year during a summit in
Northern Ireland, Putin slumped in his chair and sat stone-faced
as Obama tried to joke about the Russian leader's athletic
ability. Obama later said Putin frequently looks like "the bored
kid in the back of the classroom."

Breaking News: 47 Killed in School Potiskum Yobe State Nigeria

A Suicide Bomber detonated an explosive in the mist of crowd of students while they were observing their morning Assembly. The victims re receiving treatment at Potiskum General HospitalAt least 23 dead in NE Nigeria school blast, rescue worker said at an explosion that ripped through a school in northeast Nigeria on Monday, as students gathered for morning assembly before classes began, a teacher and a medic told AFP.

The blast happened at the Government Comprehensive Senior Science Secondary School in Potiskum, Yobe state, as students waited to hear the principal’s daily address.

“At the moment, we have 23 dead bodies in the hospital and 72 other students injured in the blast,” a rescue worker said in an account supported by a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps member

“The students had gathered for the morning assembly when something exploded in their midst with a thunderous sound‎ at exactly 7:50 am (0650 GMT),” said one teacher, who asked not to be identified.

“The explosion has affected many students but I can’t say how many because we are now evacuating the victims to the hospital which is just 100 metres (yards) away,” the teacher added, sobbing.

A medic at the Potiskum General Hospital where the victims were taken said scores of students had been admitted.

“We are still receiving casualties from the school which is a stone’s throw from here,” the medic said.

“Our priority now is to save the injured, so we have not started a headcount of the victims.”

A local resident, Adamu Alkassim, said there was confusion in and around the school but the scene was a mass of abandoned footwear and blood.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack but Boko Haram militants are likely to be the prime suspects.

The group, which wants to create a hardline Islamic state in northern Nigerian, has previously carried out deadly attacks on schools teaching a so-called Western curriculum since 2009.

In February, gunmen killed at least 40 students when they opened fire on students and threw explosives into the dormitory of a government boarding school in Buni Yadi, also in Yobe state.

In July last year 42 students were killed when Boko Haram gunmen attacked dormitories with guns and explosives in a government boarding school in the village of Mamudo, near Potiskum.

Potiskum, the commercial hub of Yobe state, has been repeatedly targeted by deadly attacks blamed on Boko Haram.

Just last week, at least 15 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack targeting a Shia religious ceremony in the city.

Yobe is one of three northeastern states that has been under a state of emergency since May last year to try to quell the bloody insurgency.

But violence has continued unabated and Boko Haram has seized at least two dozen towns and villages in recent months, raising fears of the government’s ability to control the region.

Dr Myles Munroe and Wife Died in a Plane Crash in Bahamas

 

We have just learned that acclaimed minister,
author and leader of Bahamas Faith Ministries
Dr. Myles Munroe has been tragically killed in
the Bahamas. He along with his wife Ruth
were on board a private jet with 7 others
when the plane reportedly hit a crane at the
Grand Bahama Ship Yard, according to
Tribune242.com ,

killing them all on impact. There are few biblical clinicians who's view of ministry wasn't
enriched in some way by this tremendous bible scholar. His voice
changed the way we viewed the Kingdom! Dr. and Mrs. Myles Munroe
and associates, gone but not forgotten! # DrMylesMunroe

Homeownership still a major challenge to Nigerians — NIESV

Homeownership is a great challenge to citizens in both the rural and urban areas, the Nigerian Institution of Estates Surveyors and Valuers has said.

According to the Vice Chairman, Faculty of Housing, NIESV, Mr. Biodun Odeleye, the problem comes from the high cost associated with land acquisition, building materials, taxes and statutory charges.

He added that solutions to the problems would form the basis of discussion at the faculty’s National Housing Summit holding in Lagos on Thursday, November 6, 2014, with the theme, ‘Housing as a catalyst for economic development’.

“Our economy is no doubt growing; in fact, it is one of the fastest growing economies in the world as of now.

“The growth, therefore, has to be holistic, affecting every facet of the economy. Housing has remained one of the biggest challenges of our economy in view of the massive shortage in the system,” Odeleye said.

He noted that the summit would focus on housing as a factor for accelerating economic growth as well as highlight the importance of housing in the present economic age, and how it could alleviate poverty and unemployment in the country.

“A greater percentage of the social and economic life of our nation takes place in houses; hence, the necessity of housing to the health and well-being of the nation cannot be overemphasised.

“This summit shall expose new ways by which our nation can successfully rise above housing and home ownership challenges through a careful appraisal of case studies beyond the Nigerian borders,” he stated.

Odeleye added that the summit, which is expected to have professionals in the built environment and others in attendance, would feature the Singaporean Minister of Housing, Dr. Lin Lan Yuan, who would speak on the topic: ‘An exposition of Singapore’s homeownership scheme, what imperatives for Nigeria.’

Other speakers are a former President of NIESV, Mr. Bode Adediji, and Managing Director, Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company, Mr. Sonnie Ayere.

Displaced persons’ number swells to 10,496 in Mubi

No fewer than 10,496 residents of Mubi and its environs now reside in displaced persons camps following the recent attack on the areas by the militant Islamic sect, the National Emergency Management Authority said on Monday.

The agency also revealed that five women gave birth at two of the camps for the Internally Displaced Persons.

In a press statement by the agency’s Senior Information Officer, Sani Datti, it stated, “Following the recent attacks on Mubi town by Boko Haram insurgents, the National Emergency Management Agency and Adamawa SEMA have so far recorded about 10,496 Internally Displaced Persons in five camps situated in Yola south and Fufore.”

Datti, in the statement, said many more people were still pouring into the Adamawa state capital, Yola, from the attacked areas.

The NEMA spokesman said the agency’s Director General, Muhammad Sani Sidi, has assured the people of the agency continued provision of distribution of relief materials to the troubled states of the Northeast.

He said,  “The agency, which has been managing IDP camps and distributing relief materials in Adamawa and other states in the North East affected by the insurgency, would continue to establish more camps and provide all the basic needs of the displaced persons.”

Datti said the agency has delivered adequate relief materials to all the established camps in Adamawa State and the new one would be provided with tents.

Obasanjo replies Buhari: Muslim-Muslim ticket dangerous for Nigeria

A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,   has warned political parties and their leaders against the idea of fielding either Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian as presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the February 14, 2014 election.

He said in a terse statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Sunday that such idea was dangerous given the current happenings in the polity.

Although he made no mention of any political party or politician in the statement, he appeared to have alluded to an All Progressive Congress presidential aspirant, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s comment   on Saturday that he was not opposed to a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Obasanjo’s statement read, “Sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust.

“It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim- muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture.

“Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the spectre and fear of Islamisation or Christianisation. The idea of proselytisation in any form is a grave danger that must not be contemplated by any serious-minded politician at this delicate situation in Nigeria, as this time is different from any other time.

“Therefore, disregarding the fact that there are fears that need to be allayed at this point will amount not only to insensitivity of the highest order but will also amount to very bad politics indeed.”

Buhari had in an interview published on Saturday by an online newspaper, TheCable, said he had an open mind on a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The presidential aspirant argued that he had shown in the past that he was not a religious fundamentalist   by picking Christians as his running mates. His former running mates   are a former Senate President Chuba Okadigbo (late); an ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Edwin Ume-Ezeoke (late) and Tunde Bakare.

He had said, “Nigerians will always uncover impossible room for manoeuvre for politicians. I had to face one of the governors during one of our party’s meetings [over the issue of religion].

“In 2003, I chose Okadigbo as my running mate. He was a Roman Catholic. He was an Igbo. In 2007, I picked   Ume-Ezeoke. He was a Roman Catholic. He was an Igbo. And in 2010, I chose even a pastor. Pastor Tunde Bakare.

“Honestly, what do Nigerians want me to do? If they don’t believe I’m not a fundamentalist, what else can I do?”

He added that the late MKO Abiola, a southern Muslim, picked Babagana Kingibe, a northern Muslim, as his running mate in the 1993 presidential election.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket won the election generally considered as the fairest and freest election in Nigeria.

Buhari is believed to be looking in the direction of   Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who is also a muslim, as his running mate.

Fashola had since distanced himself from reports that he might be Buhari’s running mate.

When contacted, the Director-General, Buhari Support Group, Alhaji Umaru Dembo, said, ‘‘I do know the context in which what was said was said. So many people have been trying to cast the APC in a religious garb. What I can say is that when the issue of the ticket is decided, the party will look at other issues. Right now, talking about the running mate is a distraction.’’

The APC National Publicity Secretary,   Lai Mohammed, however, told one of our correspondents that it had “noted” Obasanjo’s advice.

He said, “We appreciate the fact that the problem confronting our nation today is one that requires a patriotic Nigerian who has the capacity and competence to deal with. We however note the former President’s advice.”

Mohammed added that the party had always   pledged to be guided by the 1999 Constitution and its guidelines in taking decisions   on issues that affect the generality of Nigerians.

“What we’ve always said is that our party will be guided by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and will be guided also by our own guidelines and also will be guided by what we believe is in the best interest of Nigerians,” he said.

The APC had lost some of its prominent members who claimed that the party leadership was planning to field Muslim-Muslim candidates for the 2015 presidential election.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, said the party had decided to keep off religious issues and focus on politics.

“At this point in time, due to what is happening in the nation, the PDP has refrained from commenting on religious matters. We want to keep religion out of politics. We are focused on politics. We do not want to make comments on religion,” Metuh added.

The ruling PDP   has already endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian as its presidential candidate. Vice-President Namadi Sambo, a Muslim whom the PDP leadership described as a member of its winning team, may still run as Jonathan’s deputy.

APC, PDP legislators, others disagree

However, the caucuses of the PDP and APC in the House of Representatives differed on the issue.

The Minority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the character of the presidential candidates should be the focus and not the religion.

He explained that Nigeria could have “all-Muslim” candidates or “all-Christian candidates.”

Gbajabiamila added, “For us, it doesn’t matter whether it is a Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Christian ticket.

“What people are looking out for is development and good governance.

“We should be looking at the character of the person and what he can offer, not his religion.”

But, the PDP caucus praised Obasanjo for bringing the issue to the fore.

The Deputy Leader of the House,   Leo Ogor, said members were in support of Obasanjo.

“The former President spoke well. We are totally in support of what he has said.”

A former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Shuaib Oyedokun, also commended Obasanjo for the statement.

Oyedokun said,   “This statement from him is commendable. We must however be reminded that Nigerian had done this in the last by fielding Muslim/Muslim ticket.

“We must know that there are some states in both the South and the North that are either predominately Christians or Muslims and because of this, it would be difficult to do balancing.”

In the Senate, Kabiru Marafa said it was “left for the parties to design their permutations for winning elections and for Nigerians to say yes or no to them during the polls.”

Marafa recalled that the late Abiola and   Kingibe, both Muslims, contested for election on the same platform.

“They ran together and their election is still a point of reference in Nigeria. There was no crisis. In fact, people voted overwhelmingly for them across the country,” he said.

The lawmaker argued that it would “have been better if the former   President had advised his own party not to do so because of the fear of losing an election.”

Also, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, said that Obasanjo “should avoid such advice now especially when a political party is already being accused of bringing about a religious agenda.”

A Lagos-based lawyer, Fred Agbaje, said while he agreed that   “Obasanjo’s pronouncement on any major nation issue cannot be ignored,” he (Obasanjo) “should not arrogate to himself, the title of Mr. Know-it-all.”

Agbaje said, “What is Obasanjo saying? Haven’t Nigerians voted Muslim-Muslim ticket before even though the power-that-be did not allow it to stand? What Nigerians need are competent leaders, and they could be Muslim-Muslim, Christian-Christian, female-female, male-male, male-female or female-male.

“Nigerians need leaders that will solve many of the nation’s socio-economic woes, unemployment, corruption, armed robbery, kidnapping and the general state of insecurity in the country.

“Obasanjo should not see himself as the only person having the panacea to the nation’s problems.”

However, the Trade Union Congress advised   the political class to avoid any controversial issue such as a Muslim/Muslim 

Source : punch

Man cut stealing mobile phones and money. See Photo

A northern man was cut stealing phones and money yesterday at sky memorial shopping complex wuse zone 5  around 4pm

Abuja's Famous Blogger Receives NYSC Certificate Today See Pix

Olayinka Adeleke (center) popularly known as Olabluetooth is set to Attend his last Community Development Service Today in Abuja. He granted an exclusive interview to the correspondents of NigeriaInfo 95.1 FM in Abuja. Gina, one of the presenters of NigeriaInfo asked about his experience in the past year of his National Youth Service. He replied by saying, It was a wonderful experience. I have learnt so many things in life, people, business, service, discipline and devotion to my fatherland. In my service year, i have acquired many skills, among whom are Cupcakes baking, Chinchin, Ankara palm slippers, bags, Project Management skills, Advertisements, etc. i also learnt how to better relate with people, both civilians and military. As the Former Head of ManOwar Special Squad and Coach of Platoon 1, i ve learnt how to stay focus in time of distractions and under distress. As a former Special guard commander who did the salute of the ManOwar to the Hon. Minister FCT on the day of swearing-in. All glory  to Almighty God who made me to see this day. This experience and training gave me a boost in confidence and physical stamina to carryout my duties without fear or favour. My regards goes to the Camp Commandant Capt. Ijakpa for his discipline and humility. This spirit of hardwork and  discipline was taken to my place of primary assignment CAC Maitama Abuja. In order to actualise the objective of the commission as a world class registration company, my contributions as a corp member/staff deploymed to the department of ICT Corporate Affairs Commission is one of the best experiences i ve ever had in my service year. As a team member of Enterprise Software Solution Development (ESSD) under the supervision of my Able Head of Section Mr. Solomon M Odole and Under the past head of department Mr. Danyaro and Acting HOD Mr Ambrose Obeta. And Also the SA. and finally RG Mr Mamoud Bello is a priviledge to have worked with all these wonderful Men. As a team member of project code-named Activity Report Management System (AGMS). Its a wonderful experience where i learnt how to develop a web-application and actively participate in a team project. My team Namely Moses and Hassan both Corp Members serving in ICT of the above mentioned commission. They re wonderful and it shows that NYSC is a unifying Factor in this New Project Called NEW NIGERIA.

He was also asked about what his he going to miss most during the service year?
To be continue in part 2

Day Komolafe made first book public

It was a dream come true for Isaac Komolafe as dignitaries both from the literati and other endeavors converged on International Conference Centre, Abuja to witness the public presentation of his debut work, Speak: (20 success promises and stories). The book presented in 20 chapters and 145 pages is a motivational, packed with lots of quotable quotes from great personalities both past and present. It also contains the life-style and achievements of great and prominent men and women who have conquered in their different areas of life; notably amongst them include; Prof. Dora Akunyili, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chioma Ajunwa, Buchi Emecheta, Enoch Adeboye, Wole Soyinka, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kanu Nwankwo, Sunny Ade and a host of others. According to the author, these people were able to succeed and achieve greatness due to their determination. Reviewing the book, Mrs. Bunmi Fingesi, explained that thework is good and instrumental for young people who are desirous to make a mark in life and recommended it for everybody, especially young ones. The author of the book, Mr. Isaac Komolafe, a teacher who specializes in children’s writing has written several articles on the opinion pages of Nigerian Pilot Newspaper including some magazines in Abuja. The book presentation was graced by some talented musicians and comedians who made the occasion lively. source;http://nigerianpilot.com/day-komolafe-made-first-book-public/#sthash.AoctHRCM.gbpl

‘Jonathan, 6th richest African president’

Richest Lifestyle, a US-based website, has listed President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria as the 6th Richest African president. In an article titled, ‘Richest African Presidents 2014′ , the US website compiled a list of the nine richest presidents and kings in Africa. According to the article, President Jonathan is worth $100million. Other African presidents and kings on the list include; 1. Jose Eduardo dos Santos of Angola – Net Worth: $20 Billion 2. Mohammed VI of Morocco – Net Worth: $2.5 Billion 3. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea – $600 Million 4. Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya – Net Worth: $500 Million 5. Paul Biya of Cameroon – Net Worth: $200 Million 6. King Mswati III of Swaziland – Net Worth: $100 Million (The monarch shares the number 6 spot with President Jonathan) 7. Idriss Deby of Chad – Net Worth: $50 Million 8. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe – Net Worth: $10 Million

2014 Independence Day Broadcast by President Jonathan

2014 Independence Day Broadcast by

His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

Wednesday 1^st October, 2014

Fellow Nigerians:

1.             Today marks the 54th anniversary of our country’s independence as a sovereign nation.  This is also the tenth month of our journey into a new century, having marked the centenary of our nation in January this year. 

2.             The first one hundred years were marked by triumphs and tribulations, benefits and burdens, opportunities and challenges.  We made some far reaching advances in building a strong, united and prosperous nation.  We also overcame the forces of disunity that culminated in a debilitating civil war.  We have also renewed our faith in one another, and in our country. We have proven that we are truly a resilient nation.

3.             In my address to the nation last year, I did emphasize that we were in a sober moment in our country. We are still in that mood in spite of the many accomplishments of our administration. Our sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements who have done the unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people. 

4.             On an occasion like this, it is important that we remember all the precious souls that have been lost in the unprecedented war of terror unleashed on some parts of our country by these individuals who want to compel us to live our lives their way. They will not succeed!

5.             In their mission, they have maimed and raped. They have killed men, women and children, rendering many children orphans and several women widows.

6.             They have made violence their ideology and are bent on destroying our country. Dear countrymen and women, we will not allow them. 

7.             Night after night, day after day, our security forces continue to engage the terrorists in battle. My gratitude goes out to our armed forces whose will has been greatly challenged by this insurgency more than any other time, since the civil war.

8.             Yet, they have remained undaunted and unwearied in the face of constant challenge and mortal danger. Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their prowess and determination. As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror. Fellow Nigerians, it is our collective duty as patriots to avail our men and women in uniform of all the support they need to fight and win this war.

9.             This Administration is committed to making Nigeria safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of our places of birth, how we worship God and our political persuasion. To all those waging war against our country, I ask that you lay down your arms and embrace peace.

10.       To those who have genuine grievances, I affirm that Nigeria will listen to you, if you bring your grievances to the table of dialogue. To the good people of Nigeria, let me restate that our task of building a better and greater country must not waver.

11.       While we continue to deploy our resources in the fight against the terrorists, we do recognize the great toll the conflict is taking on our people.

12.       This is why, to assist the afflicted, we have launched the Victims Support Fund, an independent multi-sectoral charity, which will aggressively solicit resources to augment Government’s statutory intervention, in bringing succour to the injured, the displaced and the bereaved. 

13.       In partnership with Nigerian business leaders and international partners, we have also introduced the Safe Schools Initiative which is aimed at promoting safe environments for education nationwide, starting with the North East region. 

14.        The Presidential Initiative for the North East, a comprehensive programme to fast-track the economic restoration of this region, which has been the epicentre of terrorist activity, has been set up. 

15.        Our overall objective is to do all we possibly can, to sustain in the North-East, the momentum of economic advancement, which is on-going in other parts of the country, despite the machinations of the terrorists and their sponsors.

16.       It should now be clear to anyone who was ever in doubt that these terrorists do not mean well for anyone, of whatever religion or dispensation. Their persistent choice of the weakest and most vulnerable in society, for gruesome attack, provides an insight into their abnormal mind-set.

17.        I urge every Nigerian to put aside political, sectional or other parochial considerations, and support whole-heartedly the efforts of the government and the military, in checking this evil. 

18.        We are grateful to the international community, and especially our neighbours who are working closely with us in confronting this challenge, for their increased partnership and solidarity. Our steady progress in weakening the insurgency has certainly justified our cooperation. 

19.       Fellow Nigerians, in my independence anniversary address last year, I informed you that we had taken cognizance of the suggestion over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need to focus attention on rebuilding and strengthening the ligaments of our union. It was in that regard that we announced the convening of a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country.

20.       We have successfully delivered on that promise as we established the 2014 National Conference headed by Justice Legbo Kutigi. After months of deliberations, which did not come without its challenges, the conference concluded its assignment and has handed its Report to me.

21.       I have made a firm commitment that we would act on the recommendations of the conference. This, I have started by setting up the Ministerial Committee headed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to work out the modalities for implementing the Report. Every promise I make, God willing, I will see to its fulfilment. I assure you, we shall implement the report.

22.       One major lesson which the 2014 National Conference has taught us as a country is that, a multi-ethnic country like ours, must learn to embrace painstaking dialogue until consensus is established.

23.       To me, the National Conference is the greatest centenary gift to our country that we must cherish and sustain.

24.       Fellow Nigerians, our 54 year-journey as a nation has not been easy. There have been tough periods, but the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience of our people have seen us through. We will continue to march forward to greater heights. 

25.       We have been able to sustain a big, strong and influential country with a robust economy. We are currently in our sixteenth year of uninterrupted democratic rule, daily improving on the consolidation of our democratic process.

26.       Our Administration has made a commitment to ensure that we build and sustain a democratic infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections. International and local observers have attested to the positive evolution of electoral credibility and we cannot afford to relent.

27.       We will continue to ensure that the will of the electorate prevails so that political leaders would be reminded at all times that there is a day of reckoning when they have to go back to the people at the polls. Election days must not be days of violence and death. We must remain vigilant to ensure that our electoral process is characterised by peace, security and transparency.

28.       I enjoin the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all security agencies, politicians and the electorate to work conscientiously and peacefully, together, to consolidate on the gains of the recent elections.Free and fair elections have come to stay; nothing else will be acceptable to our people.

29.       My dear countrymen and women, occasions such as this present an opportunity to thank God for our country and to report to you, on our journey so far.

30.       Our power sector reform is on course with the ultimate objective of generating enough electricity to power our homes, industries and businesses. We are making giant strides in the Agricultural Sector which we are re-positioning to diversify our economy. We will continue to upgrade our infrastructure to make life easier for all and create an enabling environment for enterprise to flourish.

31.       Over the last four years, the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act in the Oil and Gas Sector has ensured major increase in the participation of indigenous Oil and Gas companies in the industry. Several critical infrastructure projects have been commissioned and commenced. The level of indigenous asset ownership has greatly increased and utilisation of Nigerian-owned and built assets such as marine vessels and rigs is being progressively enforced.  

32.       There has been maximised local value addition by encouraging the manufacture of equipment components and parts within the country.  There has also been massive growth in indigenous participation in the provision of goods and services to the upstream sector from 10% to 60% within the last four years.

33.       Today, following the rebasing of our economy, every international monitoring and ratings agency now acknowledges Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, with a Gross Domestic Product of five hundred and ten billion dollars ($510 billion) which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world. This is progress.

34.       Earlier in the year, we launched the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) with the stated objective of fast tracking inclusive growth, job creation, enterprise development and industrialisation. 

35.       The success of these policies is already evident in the increased value addition in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.  

36.       In line with our objective of encouraging the production of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and making Nigeria a regional hub for the automobile industry, a number of foreign auto manufacturers have established plants in Nigeria, complementing the laudable efforts of our local vehicle manufacturers who have also demonstrated great innovation and competitiveness.

37.       We have also launched a special support programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with an initial intervention fund of two hundred and twenty billion naira (N220 b).  This is in addition to the Presidential Job Creation Boardwhich I inaugurated recently with the charge to create three million jobs annually.

38.       In demonstration of our Administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, we have commenced the new mortgage re-finance programme with the establishment of theNigerian Mortgage Re-finance Company. It is expected that, in addition to creating additional housing units across the country, this initiative also represents a huge job creation opportunity. 

39.       We have recorded notable success in the social sector. Nigeria has been globally acknowledged for reducing extreme hunger by more than half, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) formally presenting the country with an award for achieving the Millennium Development Goal on Hunger three years ahead of the 2015 target date set for the Millennium Development Goals.

  

40.       This progress is as a result of the deliberate policy of government to increase capacity in our agricultural sector of which the first step was to address and eliminate the graft in our fertilizer procurement system and ensure that the product gets directly to the farmer.  We are expanding our irrigation infrastructure to ensure that our farmers have sufficient water supply for dry season farming.

41.       A benefit of these combined actions is that our national food import bill has declined from 1.1 trillion naira (6.9 billion dollars) in 2009 to 684.7 billion naira (4.35 billion dollars) by December 2013, and continues to decline.

42.       Modern hybrid schools are being provided for less privileged children across the country, resulting in significant increase in the national school enrolment figure.

43.       In order to further enhance access to education at the tertiary level, fourteen new Federal Universities have been established; and, to encourage persons of exceptional abilities, our Administration has also introduced a Presidential Scholarship Scheme based strictly on excellence and merit.

44.       On infrastructure, we are building roads, bridges, and new rail lines to make it easier to traverse Nigeria and increase the integration of our people and our ability to do business with each other. In this regard, we have commenced the process of building the Second Niger Bridge. The Loko-Oweto Bridge over River Benue in Nasarawa and Benue States, will significantly reduce travel time by road between Northern and Southern Nigeria. The on-going dredging of the River Niger up to Baro in Niger State is opening up large parts of the Nigerian hinterland to maritime activity.

45.       The Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro-electric power projects are on course, and the Kashimbilla dam which we started a few years ago, is nearing completion. The successful privatisation of our power sector will in the long run enhance industrial growth. Policies such as this and others have raised Nigeria to the enviable status of being the number one recipient of Foreign Direct Investment in Africa in the past year. 

46.       The result of this infrastructure drive is that two and a half million jobs have been created over the past two years. This is a record, which we are committed to improve upon to continue to provide jobs for our youth. 

47.       An unprecedented number of Airports across the country, are not only being reconstructed at the same time, but being re-equipped and reassessed with emphasis on maintaining global standards.

48.       Fellow Nigerians, the goals we set to achieve for our country involve expanding the frontiers of economic freedom. Let us therefore unite with one heart and one mind. All our people must have access to the good things of life. All our people must be empowered to pursue the gift of life with happiness. This is our country; we must build it for our common posterity.

49.       As we move into an election year, desperate moves to overheat the polity are becoming a regular occurrence.  Our political leaders in particular must know that the contest for power should not translate to the destruction of the polity.

50.       The contest for the leadership of our country must yield good governance, and not ungovernable spaces. The love of country should rank higher than our individual ambitions.

51.       We must remain committed to a united and indivisible Nigeria within democratic parameters. The protection of individual rights, liberty, equality before the law, freedom of thought, and a progressive pursuit of a sound economy must be our goal.

52.       I cannot end this address without commenting on the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which was sadly brought into our country recently. My directives to the Federal Ministry of Health saw the ministry leading the charge in curtailing the spread of this deadly scourge and managing its impact. This is how it should be:swift, effective and comprehensive action in defence of citizens. 

53.       It must be pointed out that the Ebola battle is still raging elsewhere in our sub-region. I therefore enjoin all our citizens to continue to adhere strictly to all the guidelines that have been given by our health officials to keep Ebola out of our country.

54.       I appreciate and welcome the spirit of collaboration, unity and partnership with which we confronted the threat of the Ebola Virus Disease.  I thank all Nigerians for working together to prevent what could have become a major epidemic.  I particularly thank the medical personnel, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.    

55.       This is the spirit which we must demonstrate at all times as we face up to our challenges as a nation: one people, united by a common resolve, in the pursuit of one common national interest.

56.       As we look forward to another year in our national life, I am more than confident that our tomorrow will be better than our yesterday and today. Nigeria has got the human and material resources to excel and we shall lead the way in that journey to our manifest destiny. 

57.       Fellow countrymen, brothers and sisters, in all our plans, and in all our words and our actions, we must stand together in love and unity, as one people under God.

58.       We are one people from the womb of one Nigeria. We are brothers and sisters. We are one family. We are Nigerians.

59.       God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.