President Buhari has approved the appointment of acting DG NIA and SGF.

Following the suspension of Babachir Lawal (SGF) and Ayo Oke DG of NIA. President Buhari has approved the appointment of Amb. Arab Yadam and Dr. Habibat Lawal as acting DG NIA and SGF respectively.

Amb. Arab Yadam (Plateau State) is said to have taken over as the Acting DG of NIA, Yadam is said to be the senior Deputy DG among Oke’s two deputies and Dr. Habibat Lawal (Bauchi State), who is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary as the Acting SGF.

BEHOLD A CHURCH WHERE THE PASTORS USE BEER TO CAST OUT DEMONS:

This Church uses beer to cast demons out of their members.

The church was founded by a man known as Guy Emile Cetikouabo, who proclaimed himself God, and claimed to be invisible. Although he is dead, the church members say he is represented on earth by their current leader, Charles Loundou.

The church believes beer can be used to cleanse evil spirits. The members call this mixture of beer and faith, “biéramicine”.

Services which lasts up to 9 hours are dedicated to the healing of souls and bodies with sips of beer and praise. People come from all walks of life mainly to seek an immediate solution to all their evils.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW!

God Save Us!

Scientists: Planet Similar to Earth Discovered.

A newly discovered planet sitting in a solar system just 39 light years away has been dubbed one of the best targets for finding alien life, scientists have said.

A team of scientists that discovered the exoplanet were quoted by the USA Today online news as saying that the planet LHS 1140b was believed to be a rocky “Super-Earth.”

According to the scientists, the exoplanet sits right in the middle of its solar system’s habitable zone-the orbital region where it is neither too hot nor too cold for liquid water to exist.

An exoplanet or extra-solar planet is a planet that orbits a star other than the Sun.

Specifically, 2,098 planets in 1,342 planetary systems, including 509 multiple planetary systems exist as at March 24, 2016.

“the joint exercise revealed a small dim star circled by a small tubby planet, nearly seven times more massive than Earth and probably made in good part of rock" The scientists said

“Such rocky world seems a better bet for hosting life than do the puffy gas planets orbiting other stars".

“The temperature is very mild and similar to what earth experiences today; that means the potential for liquid water on the planet’s surface.’’

They said astronomers had found roughly 20 Earth-sized planets that might support liquid water, adding that many were so far away that it would be a challenge to get to know them.

Over 2000 exoplanets have been discovered since 1988.

To date, more than 3,500 exoplanets have been discovered in over 2,600 planetary systems.

Five Illegal Miners Arreseted by NSCDC

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC) in Niger Today announced the arrest of five illegal miners at the premises of the College of Education, Minna, Niger State.

Mr Philip Ayuba, The Commandant of the corps, disclosed this in Minna, Niger State.

"The illegal miners were arrested after several warnings resulting from complaints by the college authorities which accused the miners of degrading the college land" He said.

He said the authorities had also accused the illegal miners of constituting a security threat to the college and items recovered from them included shovel, digger and a pan.

He also disclosed said the suspects would be charged to court after proper investigation into the matter.

He said the corps would pursue its assignment in accordance with the NSCDC Act on the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

He called on residents to assist the command with useful information about the activities of illegal miners in the state.

BABACHIR LAWAL FIRES BACK!

WHO'S THE PRESIDENCY?

In an encounter with reporters shortly after his suspension was announced, a clearly shocked Babachir Lawal, the secretary to the government of the federation, told reporters to ask the “presidency” why he was suspended.

When he was informed that his suspension was announced by the presidency, he retorted: “Who is the presidency?”

It was gathered that Lawal had been in a meeting with the vice-president when the presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, announced his suspension pending investigations into the the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).

Below is the exchange of the sacked SGF and the state house correspondents as transcribed by TheCable News in full;

Reporters: Your suspension has just been announced. How will you react to the development?

Lawal: Who announced it?

Reporters: The presidency

Lawal: Then ask them. Why are you asking me? Who is the presidency?

Reporters: Have you been informed of the suspension?

Lawal: By who? About what. What about you? Have you been informed?

Reporters: Yes sir.

Lawal: By who?

Reporters: By the Presidency sir.

Lawal: I have not seen it. I should have been given… I have not seen the press release so I cannot comment on it.

Reporters: It is currently trending online. Are you doubting the authenticity of the statement?

Lawal: I have not seen it.

Reporters: Tell us the outcome of your meeting with the vice-president.

Lawal: I am always here. I always meet the vice-president. I used to come here even before I was made SGF.

My Father is Not Afraid to Give Up The Throne....Samusi's Daughter Fumes

...SAYS FATHER NOT AFRAID TO GIVE UP THE THRONE

My father not afraid to give up the throne, says Sanusi’s daughter

Shahida Sanusi, daughter of Muhammad Sanusi, the emir of Kano, says if the throne stands in the way of the truth, her father will gladly let go of it.

Speaking in Abuja during the first annual Chibok Girls lecture, Shahida who represented her father at the programme, said the monarch had dedicated his life to the truth.

She made it clear that he had always wanted to be the emir, but that he believes in the truth.

“My father is not afraid of giving up his throne if it stands in the way of speaking the truth. Those who think that my father would keep quiet because he wants to hold on to his throne, I think they don’t know my father,” she said.

“I know that he has always wanted to be the emir of Kano but to him, if it comes between what is right, what his conscience tells him and choosing the throne, he would happily give up the throne.

“My father has always been a part of one controversy or the other and it’s normal for us. We are not scared anymore.

“And honestly, he has been a source of inspiration and pride. He never fails to fight. He fights for progress, liberty, justice and equality. Those who think they know my father should know that he will never be silenced by blackmail and intimidation. He lost his position once as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and I remember his quote that you can suspend a man but you can never suspend the truth. I know he does not mind being the most unpopular emir so long he speaks the truth.

The lecture was organised by the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, the group which has been advocating the release of the girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents three years ago.

Of late, Sanusi has been in the news over some candid views that have attracted criticisms.

At the second edition of the Kaduna Investment Forum, the traditional ruler called on northern leaders to accept the realities of the modern world, and educate the girl child.

Before then, he called on all religious and traditional leaders to refrain from beating their wives, adding that they will lose their titles if they do so.

He also corrected the “Islamically incorrect” views of Abdulaziz Yari, the governor of Zamfara state, who said meningitis is a product of fornication.

Last weekend in Morocco, Sanusi said Zamfara state started the implementation of Sharia in Nigeria but now has the highest poverty rate in the country.

In response to Sanusi’s teachings, messages on and off social media have accused the emir of squandering N3 billion of Kano emirate’s money on buying two Rolls Royce and on hiring chartered flights.

Sanusi was also accused of “kissing, holding and romancing ladies in public” with the picture of him hugging a woman in public.

The government is set to investigate his financial deals, according to one report. EFCC may “arrest” him, and this will lead to deposition.

But a Kano palace insider had told TheCable that the allegations are “the usual rubbish”.

Jimoh Ibrahim Says Goodluck Jonathan is ‘anini’, armed robber with PhD

A Former Ondo governorship candidate under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, Jimoh Ibrahim has said Former President, Goodluck Jonathan is a notorious armed robber with PhD.

 He wrote on his twitter page @JimohIbrahimOFR “Based on logistics, Goodluck Jonathan is an Anini (the notorious armed robber) with PhD.”

This is coming after the House of Representatives ad-hoc panel summoned Goodluck Jonathan concerning the contract of Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 245 and former president denied the allegation.

Recall that Jonathan on Tuesday denied reports that he received $200m as kick-back from the Malabu oil deal, adding that the “fake news” was the handiwork of those determined to truncate his rising international profile for politic reasons

Cargo Plane Crashes In Indonesia

It was earlier reported on Wednesday that the cargo was missing before Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue (INSR) on Thursday confirmed the cargo plane crashed into a mountain in Papua province.

“A signal from the cargo plane had been detected and the crashed plane was located in the deep forest in remote Oksibil.

“The plane collided with a mountain in the deep forest area in Oksibbil.

Rescuers flying there could not reach the area partly due to the poor weather condition,” spokesman of the INSR named only as Marsudi said.

The cargo plane which was reported going to Sentani from Wajo when the crash occurred and only a pilot was aboard the cargo plane C208 Caravan plane.

Russia Mishandled Beslan School Siege Says European court

Kremlin objects to the ruling that blamed Russia for deaths of more than 300 hostages in 2004, saying it was "impossible" for it to "agree with this phrasing", the Kremlin's spokesman said.

In September, 2004 Russian authorities breached European human rights laws when they stormed a school seized by fighters, contributing to the deaths of more than 300 hostages, the continent's rights court ruled.

However, following the ruling today, the Kremlin's spokesman objected to the ruling, saying it was "impossible" for it to "agree with this phrasing".

"Such phrasing for a country that has suffered an attack is absolutely unacceptable," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Armed fighters demanding withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnya seized around 1,100 children, parents and teachers as they celebrated the first day of the school year in September 2004.

Three days later, some of the rebels detonated explosives during a bloody shootout when Russian forces moved in.

The France-based court said authorities did not take necessary preventive measures to save lives, on Thursday

The court said the security forces' use of tank cannon, grenade launchers and flame-throwers contributed to casualties among the hostages.

It noted failures to increase security before the attack despite imminent threats against schools in the area.

The Russian Justice Ministry said it would appeal the verdict and that a number of the court's conclusions were "not backed up".

It contended that the judges failed to grasp the gravity of the situation during the siege and specifics of efforts taken to free the hostages.

The court also said Russian authorities Knew the possible attack on public places such as schools but had not prepared sufficiently.

"While certain security measures had been taken, in general the preventive measures in the present case could be characterised as inadequate," it said.

The court ordered that Russia pay nearly $3.2m in total compensation to the 409 surviving hostages and relatives of the deceased.

"All the necessary legal action regarding this ruling will be taken," Peskov said, adding that the court's finding showed it did not examine the tragic events "in sufficient detail".

The head of the Mothers of Beslan group, Aneta Gadieva, said the payment ordered was meager.

"Somebody will get 5,000 euros, somebody will get 20,000 euros. That's a small sum in compensation for moral damages," she was quoted as telling state news agency TASS.

News Agencies

Ex-Lawmaker Jailed 14 Years For Graft.

Gai Ruyin, former Senior legislator in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province was Today sentenced to 14 years in prison for accepting bribes.

The former deputy head of the Standing Committee of Heilongjiang Provincial People’s Congress, was fined $291,300 and ordered to return all this ill-gotten gains by the First Intermediate People’s Court of Tianjin, north China.

Gai was found guilty by the court for taking advantage of his various positions in Heilongjiang to help others secure projects, business opportunities and promotions from 2003 to 2015, according to a press release.

In return, he accepted money and property amounting to more than 23 million yuan personally or through other people, the court said.

The court decided to be lenient as Gai pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, returned his illegal gains and offered information about other crimes.

Normalcy restored in Damaturu After Police/Army clash

The Nigeria Police Force say normalcy has been restored in Damaturu, Yobe after the clash some personnel of the police and the Nigerian Army.

The clash occurred in the early hours of Wednesday in Damaturu.

CSP Jimoh Moshood, confirmed this in a statement issued by the Force spokesman,  that a joint investigation team had been constituted by the Chief of Defence Staff.

“This is aimed at uncovering the causes of the incident and deal with the situation appropriately to prevent such occurrence in the future,” he said.

Moshood noted that The Police and the Nigerian Army have had a long good working relationship that could not be compromised.

He said that the Inspector-General of Police has directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi and the Commissioner of Police in Yobe, to sustain the normalcy that has been restored.

“The Inspector General of Police hereby enjoins members of the public in Damaturu and other parts of Yobe State to go about their lawful activities without fear or apprehension” Moshood said.

He said that the renewed determination of the police to continue the fight against insurgency with other security agencies remained unequivocal and unwavering.

Ikoyi Home where $43.4m, N23.2m, £27,800 was found Owned by Ex-PDP chairman Adamu Muazu

Sacked NNPC MD, Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue Owns The $50m Found By EFCC.

Sources on Wednesday said that the $50 million uncovered in a residential building located at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) belongs to the sacked Managing Director, Operations at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue.

Nnamdi-Ogbue, was sacked alongside other three top Managing Directors at the NNPC over the ‘missing’ petrol scandal involving Capital Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited owned by businessman, Ifeanyi Ubah.

it is reported that the cook who served Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, absconded with cash and pieces of jewelry worth $6million in 2016.

The cook, Mr. Gabel Segbedji, a national of Benin Republic, took off with the loot in a Toyota Camry car, which also belonged to her boss.

The operation leading to the discovery was followed by a whistle blower's confidential alert received by the anti-graft agency in the early hours of Wednesday.

The breakdown of the money found in the house is  $43.4million, £27,800 and N23.2million.

According to the source, the movers of the bags made believe that they were bringing in bags of clothes. Another source who is conversant with the apartment of interest indicated that a woman usually appears on a different occasion with Ghana-Must-Go bags.

"She comes looking haggard, with dirty clothes but her skin didn't quite match her outward appearance, perhaps a disguise," the source said.

On getting to the building, operatives met the entrance door locked. Guards at the gate explained that nobody resides in the apartment, but some persons come in and out once in a while.

In compliance with the magisterial order contained in the warrant, the EFCC used minimum force to gain entrance into the apartment, the agency said.

Monies were found in two of the four-bedroom apartment. A further search of the wardrobe by operatives in one of the rooms was found to be warehousing three fireproof cabinets disguisedly hidden behind wooden panels of the wardrobe. Upon assessing the content of the cabinets, neatly arranged were US dollars, British pound sterling, and some naira notes in sealed wrappers.

Preliminary findings indicate that the funds are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity. Investigations are ongoing.

The facility is said to be owned by a former PDP Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu.


Sahara Reporters

Customs, Banks, Importers to be Probe by Senate Over N30 tn Fraud

The Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff Chairman by Sen. Hope Uzodinma has commenced investigation into the more than N30 trillion fraud allegedly carried out in the import, export value chain between 2006 and 2017.

The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Hope Uzodinma made this known at an investigative meeting with some of the commercial banks, alleged to be accomplices in the fraud.

The chairman said the committee would do everything possible to ensure that the mandate given to it by the Upper Chamber to recover and block leakages would be carried out to the latter.

“You recall Senate in plenary mandated this committee to investigate and identify areas of revenue leakages in the entire import and export circle.

“The committee has started investigation. We took time to enter into the import and export value chain and we have been able to identify areas of leakages and malpractices.

“This is ranging from unutilised Form Ms, abandoned Form Ms, partially abandoned Form Ms abandoned assessment of Customs Duties and foreign exchange allocation manipulation.

“We have been able to go into the database of the operating system of Nigeria Customs Service otherwise called ASCODA.

“We identified Form M by Form M, import by import, vessel by vessel, liabilities of importers and commercial banks that are yet to be handled.

“We are talking about monies in regions of over 30 trillion and we have been able to give all these information to the various commercial banks that purchase foreign exchange on behalf of the importers.

“We met with the banks today and asked them to go home and come back in three weeks to show us evidence of utilization of the forex.

“Failure of which they will be compelled to refund those foreign exchange they bought from Central Bank or Inter Bank to be used for import,’’ he said.

He disclosed that the amount of foreign exchange given to commercial banks and importers by the Federal Government for importation was not utilised as agreed.

In addition, he said the fraudulent act has led to scarcity of foreign exchange in the market, while the foreign exchange conceded to importers are not tied to activities of importation.

He noted that the development was unhealthy, adding that it had led to some Asian countries round tripping and sending monies out of the country without due process.

The chairman lamented that the practice had contributed to high exchange rate in the country over time.

“I am sure by the time we conclude this investigation and action plan is drawn, the exchange rate will come down drastically because only genuine importers will now enjoy government forex allocation.

“All commercial banks in the country are accomplices in this matter. They are all involved both the ones that are dead and the ones living.

“The ones that are no more operating were acquired by some banks. So the activities of those that are no longer in operation are tied to those that acquired them as part of the liabilities.”

He said banks were part of the investigation because they were fully aware of the regulations when dealing with importers.

He pointed out that the foreign exchange utilisation manual prepared by CBN was a regulation guiding import and export, which entrusted commercial banks with the responsibility when purchasing money on behalf of importers.

He said that “under the Agency Statute, once you are acting on behalf of somebody the offence or the inaction of that person is your own inaction.

“By the time the banks carry out know your customer programme they know the address of these importers.

“They are also the ones that opened Form M for the importers, purchased foreign exchange for them and the regulation requires them to monitor to ensure that importers pay the correct customs duty on importation.

“It is the responsibility of the banks to know and confirm that the documents sent that would warrant the release of forex is genuine. It is contained in the manual.

“If we do things right, this country will get it right and irrespective of where you come from we will become the Giant of Africa which God created us to be.

The lawmaker further said that the committee had interfaced with shipping companies in this regard.

He said the committee was able to identify the infractions caused by the shipping companies and mandated Shippers Council that regulate their activities to follow through.

He stressed that what the committee was doing was not only a probe but a way to ensure that all relevant stakeholders worked together to help in the economic recovery process.

He said, “I can tell you that if government takes this very seriously, and all these potholes are blocked, government will move forward.

Efe (Mr Based on logistic) becomes Plateau State Ambassador on Entertainment.

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State has appointed Efe Ejeba, winner of the just-concluded Big Brother Nigeria (BBNaija) as the ambassador of Entertainment and Creative Industry in the state.

The appointment was announced in a statement signed by Emmanuel Nanle, the state Director of Press and Public Affairs.

He said Efe’s victory was a further proof of brotherhood, excellence, courage and determination that characterised the `Plateau spirit’.

The Governor noted  Efe is from Delta state but was born and bred in Jos, "Jos was proud to lay claim to his entire life’s orientation" He said.

He assured the people of the state and Delta that the success of Efe would provide additional platform for consolidation of the relationship between the two states.

The governor had before the grand finale of the reality TV show, mobilised support for Efe and encouraged residents to vote for him.

Efe emerged the overall winner clinching the N25 million prize and an SUV car.

Additional $250m Released by CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday released another 250 million dollars on 7 to 30 day forwards for agriculture, airline, petroleum products and raw materials.

Mr Isaac Okorafor, The acting Director (Corporate Communications-CBN), said in his statement that the bank also called for bid for 100 million dollars wholesale spot for travelling allowances, medical and tuition fees.

He continued by saying that the apex bank had also commenced heavy injections into the spot market in addition to the settlement of requests for wholesale spot bids for invisibles like school fees, medicals and personal travel allowance.

It will be recalled that earlier this week, the apex Bank had disbursed 20,000 dollars each to the Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in two tranches of 10,000 dollars, to ensure liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

On Monday, the bank auctioned 100 million dollars to be settled between one week and 30 days.

It also auctioned 418 million dollars at N310 to a dollar to airlines, agricultural firms, petroleum and raw material importers in addition to the 350 million dollars it sold last week.

$38m, N23m Recoverd by EFCC in Lagos home

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has discovered another large sum of money in a house in Ikoyi, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Operatives from its Lagos Zone found the cash during a sting operation, EFCC said.

The PUNCH Reported, Specifically, it said the operatives uncovered about $38m, N23m and £27,000 from the apartment.

This is coming two days after EFCC operatives recovered £21,090 and €547,730 as well as N5,648,500 from a Bureau de Change operator in Balogun Market, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Six days earlier, the EFCC recovered N449, 000, 860 hidden in an abandoned shop also in Lagos.

The Counting of money discovered ongoing.

N2.5bn Realises by FIRS From VAT Automation

The Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) has entered into Value Added Tax (VAT) automation with Aero contractors, Dana and Medview airlines to boost revenue collection in Aviation.

Mr Kola Okunola, The Director (ICT-FIRS), said this in a presentation at the ongoing training by Journalism. Com Ltd. in collaboration with FIRS on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Director said that since the commencement of VAT automation with the three airlines, FIRS collected N2.5 billion from 2014 till date.

” We also plan to commence VAT automation in oil and gas, big businesses and other sister organisations to facilitate tax payment.

” Arik airline has about 70 per cent of the market in the Aviation, but yet to be in the VAT automation.

“If all these airlines come into place, we (FIRS) are looking at collecting almost N10 billion in a year'

He made clear that the Integrated Tax Administration System(ITAS) of the FIRS made Tax Identification Number (TIN) generation much easier to access.

Okunola said that the ITAS platform had a live chat that could respond to questions and complaint of taxpayers.

He said that with the help of the platform, taxpayers would not need the help of FIRS officials to generate their TIN.

Okunola said that few weeks from now, the service would commence electronic tax clearance.

Another Raid by EFCC

The Kano residence of a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Muhammad Bello Adoke, was on Wednesday raided by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The iron doors of the house were broken to access the building, while the raid lasted two hours.

THISDAY gathered that Adoke’s wife left the building a few hours before the EFCC operatives arrived for the raid.

Efforts made by THISDAY to contact the Media Officer of the EFCC in Kano zone, Mr Idris Nadabo, to shed light on why Adoke’s residence was raided probed abortive.



Source: ThisDay

The Other-Side of The Story​ of United Passenger Pulled Off Flight

Disgusted by a man's violent removal from an oversold flight, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has called for a suspension to the widespread practice of overbooking.

"To have somebody pay for a ticket, reserve a seat, be seated and then dragged off the plane physically by law enforcement officers at the direction of United (Airlines) -- it's outrageous," Christie told CNN's "New Day" on Wednesday. 

The United Airlines CEO said "It's not so much what I thought, it's what I felt. Probably the word 'ashamed' comes to mind," Munoz told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Wednesday morning.

But watch this video to see the other-side of the story......

A Nigeria Invented Jet Car in Lagos

Nigerian Man, Mr Kehinde Durojaiye, Invents Jet Car.

It is reported that the Jet Car that can float on water, fly in Air and drive on land,

It has been tested and it covered 86 miles when Durojaiye drove it from Lagos to Ibadan at the speed of 120 km/hr...

Proudly Nigeria...
#MadeinNigeria

Show some love by Sharing this post still Nigerian politicians see it..

Free Ride For Easter Holiday Makers

It has been announced by The Ministry of Industries, Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment Easter holiday makers have again been offered free ride to Osun as the Government of the State on Wednesday.

Is it reported that the train would move from the Ido Terminus of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Ebute Metta Lagos to the state capital, Osogbo on Friday April 14th at exactly 10am

While urging holiday makers to take full advantage of the offer, the ministry said the train would return to Lagos on Monday April 17.

The gesture is in line with the Rauf Aregbesola-led government’s commitment to citizens’ welfare and the state government did this to ease movements of the people during period of the festivity.

The Government therefore enjoined indigenes of the state to maximise the advantage the free train ride offers them to visit home and enjoy the celebration.

The statement said, “Free train ride as introduced by the Aregbesola government about six years ago is aimed at facilitating the easy movement of the citizenry wherever they are.

“And this programme takes care of both Muslims and Christians whenever it is the time for their festivals. Since its commencement, we can say confidently that it has been a boost to the economy of the state.” the statement said

Holiday makers who are to enjoy the offer include enroute Osun through Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States.

Already, millions of people have benefitted from this service since its commitment by the State Government.

Governor Donates Hospital to Nigerian Navy

Governor Rochas Okorocha (Rescue Mission Government) received on courtesy Navy Captain Abdullahi Aminu of the Nigerian Navy for the smooth take-over and operations of the newly constructed Specialist Hospital at Ngor Okpala and the Marine University at Ossemoto in Oguta LGA. The governor had recently donated four of the hospitals to Nigerian Air Force.

#IMOmustbeBETTER

ISIS-Boko Haram Planning to Bomb US, UK Embassies in Abuja Arrested

The Department State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspects alleged to have perfected plans to attack the United States and United Kingdom embassies in Abuja.

A statement, Wednesday by DSS official Tony Opuiyo said the Service busted the ISIS linked Boko Haram members based in Benue State and the FCT.

He said: “The group had perfected plans to attack the UK and American Embassies and other western interests in Abuja.”

He said, during the operation to thwart this plan, five (5) key suspects, namely: Isa JIBRIL, Jibril JIBRIL, Abu Omale JIBRIL, Halidu SULE and Amhodu SALIFU, were arrested. Earlier, on 22nd March, 2017, at Fika, Yobe State, a 20 year old Boko Haram member, Adamu DATTI was arrested. He confessed his involvement in executing the sinister activities of the group. In the month of April, two (2) suspected Ansaru kingpins, Ahmed MOMOH and Al-amin Mohammed JAMIN were arrested on 4th April, 2017 at Igarra, Akoko Edo LGA, Edo State.

The duo were confirmed associates of Abu UWAIS, a main Ansaru kingpin terrorizing residents in Kogi and Edo States While these terrorists are already undergoing detailed investigations, the Service stepped up its efforts at stamping out the menace of kidnapping. In Rivers State for instance, Daniel DIBIAMAKA was arrested on 24th March, 2017 at Obio/Akpor LGA, for his complicity in the kidnap of one Emmanuel Orji UKAH on 20th January, 2017. On that same day, Godsgift ISIOMA was arrested over his plan to kidnap one Dr. G.N DOUGLAS.


Daily Trust

Where are Your Credentials? 

Appointment of Local Government Caretaker Management Committes as released by the State of Osun House of Assembly.

Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salaam has charged all nominees in the list to submit their credentials from Tuesday 11th April to Thursday 13th April 2017 at the Office of the Clerk of the House, in preparation for the screening exercise.

The list reads as follows:

LIST OF CARETAKER COMMITTEE OSUN CENTRAL (IFELODUN/BORIPE/ODO OTIN FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY)

IFELODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Alh. Ahmed Omoloye      Executive Secretary
 2.     Isiaka Aderemi  Member
 3.     Alhaja Tayo Adebisi       “
 4.     Kayode Taiwo      “
 5.     Lere Okunola      “

IFELODUN NORTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Kasali Oyewo    Executive Secretary
 2.     Fatimoh Oyegbenle       Member
 3.     Segun Abioye      “
 4.     Saka Oyebanire    “
 5.     Adewoye Rasaq     “

IFELODUN AREA COUNCIL
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Fausat Jimoh    Executive Secretary
 2.     Ghazal Adewale Adekanye Member
 3.     Olawale Olatunde          “

BORIPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Tajudeen Abiodun Ayantoye       Executive Secretary
 2.     Mrs. Isiolatan Oyefunke Tayo    Member
 3.     Ogunwale Ajibola Mudasiru         “
 4.     Ibrqahim Mukaila Gboyega          “
 5.     Olayide Oladiti   “

BORIPE NORTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Prince Bola Adejumo     Executive Secretary
 2.     Mr. Fabunmi Sundy Gabriel       Member
 3.     Babatunde Kolawole Adebiyi        “
 4.     Ariyo Olayiwola Jacob     “
 5.     Mr. Joseph Segun Akinyele         “

ODO-OTIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Samson Oduoye   Executive Secretary
 2.     Samson Oyedele  Member
 3.     Mrs. Ogunlade Lydia       “
 4.     Akinniyi Akintunde Usman          “
 5.     Grace Adedati Adeaga      “

ODO-OTIN NORTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Akeem Seriki    Executive Secretary
 2.     Tajudeen Ibiyemi        Member
 3.     Rasheed Raji Ropo         “
 4.     Ganiyu Omotoso    “
 5.     Enoch Oyelere     “

ODO-OTIN SOUTH
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Hon. Rasaq Adeyemi      Executive Secretary
 2.     Efunkunle Ayodele Olumuyiwa     Member
 3.     Rasaq Adewoye Adenle      “
 4.     Tiamiyu Saliu     “
 5.     Sanusi Moshood Owolabi    “
OSUN CENTRAL
(OSOGBO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY)
OSOGBO LOCAL GOVLERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Adejumo Olufemi Akintunde       Executive Secretary
 2.     Bamidele Kamaru Olusola Member
 3.     Badmus Jelili A.          “
 4.     Tiamiyu Wahab Aderemi     “
 5.     Adelabu Abolaji Sherifat          “

OSOGBO SOUTH
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Olaoye Abdul-Akeem      Executive Secretary
 2.     Badmus Akeem Olaiya     Member
 3.               “
 4.     Bolanle Jimoh     “
 5.     Oyedele Adekunle Kabir    “

OSOGBO WEST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Alhaja Sekinat Temilade Olokungboye     Executive Secretary
 2.     Alhaji Dauda Olushola Alli      Member
 3.     Rabiu Lateef Olatunji     “
 4.     Yisa Taofik Badmus        “
 5.     Mrs. Odelade Idiat Adenike        “

OLORUNDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Akeem Olapade   Executive Secretary
 2.     Mr. Taofik Olalekan Adewuyi     Member
 3.     Mrs. Funmilola Temilola Olayiwla          “
 4.     Akeem Oyekola     “
 5.     Waheed Ayandeyi   “

OLORUNDA NORTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Owonikoko Quadri Ademola        Executive Secretary
 2.     Sakirat Adeoye  Member
 3.     Omolaoye Felicia          “
 4.     Lawal Olalekan    “
 5.     Shade Adebimpe    “

OROLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Azeez Akeem Kolawole    Executive Secretary
 2.     Adekola Olutoyin Tope   Member
 3.     Miss. Oyedotun Folashade          “
 4.     Mr. Safiriyu Jelili Adekunle      “
 5.     Alh. Rasheed Adegboye     “

OROLU ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Benson Adekunle Adesina Administrator

IREPODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Mr. Anthony Abayomi Oyedeji     Executive Secretary
 2.     Mr. Saheed Adebayo Adekunle     Member
 3.     Mr. Akeem Ademola Adesina         “
 4.     Mrs. Funmilayo Alake Alabi        “
 5.     Mr. Jelili Ajiboye        “

IREPODUN SOUTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Mr. Oloyede Adekunle Kamoli     Executive Secretary
 2.     Usman Wahab     Member
 3.     Mr. Rafiu Adegboyega      “
 4.     Alh. Rasaq Olanrele Bidmus        “
 5.     Alh. Alawode Muslim Tunde         “

OSUN CENTRAL
(ILA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY)
ILA LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Hon. (Barr) Adedeji Joshua Ademola      Executive Secretary
 2.     Dr. Olumide Babatunde   Member
 3.     Odetayo Saka Adeniyi      “
 4.     Afolabi Ajoke Khadijat    “
 5.     Atolagbe Mohammed Olajide         “

ILA CENTRAL LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Hon. Chief Ademola Kolawole     Executive Secretary
 2.     Mr. Gbadamosi Ganiyu Tope       Member
 3.     Mrs. Bello Abidun         “
 4.     Engr. Adebisi Adeleke     “
 5.     Mr. Adedayo Abiodun       “

IFEDAYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Abiodun Samuel Idowu    Executive Secretary
 2.     Mrs. Atolagbe Felicia   Member
 3.     Adeyeye Samson    “
 4.     Alimi Sarafa      “
 5.     Adediran Adedayo          “

BOLUWADURO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Tokede Adeyeye Akeem    Executive Secretary
 2.     Ekundayo Mustapha Kolawole      Member
 3.     Otunba Oladitan Bisi      “
 4.     Mrs. Alani Esther Boluwaji        “
 5.     Abidoye Dauda Gold Adeyinka       “

BOLUWADURO EAST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Yinka Falolu    Executive Secretary
 2.     Fatogun Olalekan Samson Member
 3.     Fashipe Akinloye Oluwaseyi        “
 4.     Aina Sunday Oladele       “
 5.     Mrs. Mojoyin Ogunrinde    “

OSUN WEST
(AYEDAADE/IREWOLE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY)

AYEDAADE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Oduwole Bashir  Executive Secretary
 2.     Ademola Ojeniyi Member
 3.     Soji Opawumi      “
 4.     Alhaja Aminat Amiola      “
 5.     Adedokun Adeolu Kehinde   “

AYEDAADE EAST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Ogunfolaju Olusola Oyehan       Executive Secretary
 2.     Joseph O. Edward        Member
 3.     Oyeyemi Sikiru    “
 4.     Oludare Adedigba          “
 5.     Adeola Bukunmi Adio       “

IREWOLE NORTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Opeyemi Adeboye Executive Secretary
 2.     Oyebamiji Akeem Member
 3.     Alhaja Babayode Sadiat    “
 4.     Akinde Ajibade    “
 5.     Oyedeji Musibau   “

ISOKAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Hon. Maruf Olanrewaju   Executive Secretary
 2.     Badiru Akeem Oladeni    Member
 3.     Adeyemo Adebiyi   “
 4.     Khadijat Salami   “
 5.     Ayandiran Isiaka Alani    “

ISOKAN SOUTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Wasiu Oyelami   Executive Secretary
 2.     Olabisi Adedeji (Mrs.)  Member
 3.     Boladele Tunde    “
 4.     Ajisafe Desola Morufa     “
 5.     Sangotoye Kasali Abiodun          “

OSUN WEST
(EDE/EJIGBO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY)

EJIGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Alh. Hassan Olaniyi     Executive Secretary
 2.     Mrs. Victoria Ibrahim   Member
 3.     Eyolade Tajudeen          “
 4.     Segun Ojerinde    “
 5.     Abiodun Ibrahim   “

EJIGBO SOUTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Omoboyede Jayeola       Executive Secretary
 2.     Mrs. Iyabo Abosede Alamu        Member
 3.     Taofik Olawale Bakare     “
 4.     Gboyega Oyelakun          “
 5.     Thomas Ojewuyi    “

EJIGBO WEST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Adetona Ayodele Adedire Executive Secretary
 2.     Ajani Adebowale Jeremiah        Member
 3.     Safiriyu Oyebamiji        “
 4.     Mrs. Olubola Fadayo       “
 5.     Adeyanju Ojo      “

EGBEDORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Engr. Layi Abiola       Executive Secretary
 2.     Omoboye Badiru Olawale  Member
 3.     Adabanija Kamoru          “
 4.     Adekola Suraju    “
 5.     Mrs. Azeez Jelilat Olayiwola      “
EGBEDORE SOUTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Kola Ajao       Executive Secretary
 2.     Tajudeen Adetoro        Member
 3.               “
 4.     Salawu Muinat Yetunde     “
 5.     Folasade Owolade Mrs.     “

EGBEDORE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Azeez Agboola   Administrator

EDE SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Hon. Johnson Ajagbe Ojo Executive Secretary
 2.     Olayiwola Abdul Mojeed Badmus   Member
 3.     Adeniyi Musiliyu Akanni   “
 4.     Ademola Muftau Adeniran   “
 5.     Olayiwola Wakilat         “
EDE EAST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Rafiu Fatoki    Executive Secretary
 2.     Ajas Mutairu Gbadebo    Member
 3.     Akanfe Idowu Sunday       “
 4.     Ayotunde Mojeed Olatunde          “
 5.     Lamidi Waheed     “

OSUN WEST
(IWO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY)

OLAOLUWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Asimiyu Amobi Oyediran  Executive Secretary
 2.     Dauda Lawal     Member
 3.     Rasheed Ibrahim Ademola   “
 4.     Nafiu Badrudeen   “
 5.     Akindele Olawumi          “

AYEDIRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Adeboye Mukaila Oladejo Executive Secretary
 2.     Akande Kabiru   Member
 3.     Ajayi Olusola Bakau       “
 4.     Adeleke Kabirat Moromoke          “
 5.     Alabi Israel      “

AYEDIRE SOUTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Olufemi Idowu   Executive Secretary
 2.     Tiamiyu Mutiu A.        Member
 3.     Fadele Kayode     “
 4.     Isiaka Sulaiman           “
 5.     Taiwo Ajao        “

IWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Raji Kamoru Abiodun     Executive Secretary
 2.     Gbenga Adekunle Member
 3.     Femi Akinbosoye   “
 4.     Moruf Ademola Adeniji     “
 5.     Salimonu Akeem Omotoso    “

IWO WEST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Hon. Ezekiel Adedibu    Executive Secretary
 2.     Bello Misikilu Ayobi    Member
 3.     Musibau Nureni    “
 4.     Ganiyu Ismaheel Olayemi   “
 5.     Olanrewaju Fasilat Ajoke          “

OSUN EAST
(OBOKUN/ORIADE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY)

OBOKUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     ALHAJI Ashaolu Ola      Executive Secretary
 2.     Kolawole Sunday Olawole Member
 3.     Owoeye Kola Ebenezer      “
 4.     Ogunmuyi Babatunde        “
 5.     Olajide Ajagbe    “

OBOKUN EAST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Olalekan Isola Omole    Executive Secretary
 2.     Komolafe Joshua Member
 3.     Kolawole Olaluwe          “
 4.     Oyewole Oyebanji          “
 5.     Hassan Ajiboye    “

ORIADE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Olomolatan Dauda Adedeji        Executive Secretary
 2.     Olorunfemi Busuyi Solomon       Member
 3.     Fadare Rotimi Oluwaseun   “
 4.     Popoola Titus Oluwatoyin          “
 5.     Ogundiran Damilare        “

ORIADE SOUTH LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Isaac Olaleye Aboge     Executive Secretary
 2.     Adetona Phebean Omolade Member
 3.     Oyerinde Siyanbola Joseph         “
 4.     Adeyeye Rasheed Adesina   “
 5.     Oriogun Emmanuel Olorunkemi       “

OSUN EAST
(ILESA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY)

ILESA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Mrs. Adeoye Moyinoluwa Olusola  Executive Secretary
 2.     Hon. Olaide Olayinka    Member
 3.     Mr. Alabi Teniola         “
 4.     Mrs. Kofoworola Omole     “
 5.     Mr. Femi Olayinka         “

ILESA NORTH EAST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Alfred Babatunde Fagbemi        Executive Secretary
 2.     Mr. Femi Olowe  Member
 3.     Hon. Adebowale Ashaolu    “
 4.     Hon. Komolafe Oladimeji   “
 5.     Mr. Ariyo Ishola          “

 ILESA WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Barr. Olufemi Onigbogi  Executive Secretary
 2.     Giwa Nurudeen   Member
 3.     Olatunji Isaiah Ayomaya   “
 4.     Jegede Blessing Mrs.      “
 5.     Taofeek Salami    “

ILESA WEST CENTRAL LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Hon. Fafowora Folarin   Executive Secretary
 2.     Mrs. Agbeluyi Hellen    Member
 3.     Mr. Akin Apara    “
 4.     Mr. Salami Fatai Sanya    “
 5.     Ojo David Olaniyi         “

ATAKUMOSA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Prince Femi Kujembola   Executive Secretary
 2.     Chief Gbenga Oladunjoye Member
 3.     Chief Onigbogi Busuyi     “
 4.     Hon. Bowofolu Babawale    “
 5.     Mrs. Eunice Oke Oluwaseun         “

ATAKUMOSA EAST CENTRAL LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Hon. Busuyi Makanjuola  Executive Secretary
 2.     Hon. Fatai Azeez        Member
 3.     Prince Sina Haastrup      “
 4.     Princess Adefokun Adetoun         “
 5.     Mr. Ogbara Lawrence       “

ATAKUMOSA CENTRAL LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Mr. Anthony Adedeji Adeboye     Executive Secretary
 2.     Jumoke Bepo     Member
 3.     Oni Aderopo       “
 4.     Deji Fakowajo     “
 5.     Amusat Oluwagbenga Saka   “

OSUN EAST
(IFE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY)

IFE CENTRAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Barr. Posi Omisakin     Executive Secretary
 2.     Chief (Mrs.) Rachael Adejuwon   Member
 3.     Mrs. Titilade Taiye Aderemi       “
 4.     Kunle Oladele     “
 5.     Segun Oladogba    “

 IFE CENTRAL WEST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Barr. Bisi Oladosu      Executive Secretary
 2.     Barr. Taiwo Oladoyin    Member
 3.     Mrs. Rachael Adebodun     “
 4.     Ogunyemi Habeeb Kolade    “
 5.     Tunde Adewuyi     “

IFE EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Hon. Segun Adeyeni      Executive Secretary
 2.     Olaomoju Abimbola Eluyera       Member
 3.     Omisakin Mojeed Adebisi   “
 4.     Awe Bolanle (Mrs.)        “
 5.     Ojuade Kamarudeen         “

IFE OOYE LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Ganiyu Egbetunde        Executive Secretary
 2.     Olayinka Ishola Member
 3.     Adefioye Adelaja          “
 4.     Olaniyan Sidikat          “
 5.     Awoyemi Tayo Lukman       “

IFE NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Orosanya Taiwo Hassan   Executive Secretary
 2.     Asogbon Olabode Victoria        Member
 3.     Alawode Adeolu Zachaeus   “
 4.     Oyelakin Oladoye          “
 5.     Babarinde Wasiu   “

IFE NORTH EAST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Amola Dixon     Executive Secretary
 2.     Moshood Oni     Member
 3.     Animasahun Kazeem         “
 4.     Idowu Sakunle (Mrs.)      “
 5.     Oyelakin Oyewale          “

IFE NORTH WEST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Olabisi Ademola Bangbe  Executive Secretary
 2.     Igbekoyi A. Ajibola     Member
 3.     Adetoye Adeyinka          “
 4.     Tosin Oke         “
 5.     Mrs. Banke Akintayo       “

IFE NORTH AREA COUNCIL
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Akanbi Oluwatosin       Executive Secretary
 2.     Wale Ogundoyin  Member
 3.     Segun Ojo         “

IFE SOUTH WEST LCDA
S/N     NAMES   DESIGNATION
 1.     Hon. Amusa Yinusa Adebisi       Executive Secretary
 2.     Famoriyo Ajibola Ismaila        Member
 3.     Afolabi Olushola Mrs.     “
 4.     Adebiyi Femi Adebayo      “
 5.     Isiaka Aminu      “

The Affected people are advised to adhered strictly to the directive.

signed:

Goke Butika
Chief Press Secretary

Jonathan Appealed to Nigerians on $200m Bribe Malabu oil deal

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to Nigerians to count him out of the $200m bribe Malabu oil scandal, saying he didn’t receive any $200 million as proceeds from the Malabu oil deal.

Following the statement published on website Buzzfeed on Tuesday Jonathan’s  media office denied the allegation.

Jonathan’s Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, described the allegation as false and one more in the series of fake news sponsored by those threatened by Dr. Jonathan’s continuously rising profile in the international community and noted that common sense should have shown the purveyors of the slander that the Malabu oil deal far predated the Jonathan regime and it would only make sense for him to be bribed if he had a time machine to go back in time to when the deal was struck.

Eze said that the report relied on hearsay evidence from a man of questionable character who provided no substance to back up his false claim.

“The man quoted by the report said he ‘assumed’ that Dr. Jonathan would
be bribed. Since when has the assumption of a crook been enough to smear the reputation of a patriot and international statesman like Dr. Goodluck Jonathan?

“The report also wrongly claimed that “Jonathan and Etete had known each other for years, according to Shell staff, when Jonathan served as a tutor to Etete’s children while he was a minister.” This claim is clearly ridiculous and nothing can be further from the truth.

“In the first place, the former President couldn’t have been a ‘tutor’ to Etete’s children without first establishing contact with the family. This is because Jonathan met Etete who served as the Petroleum Minister in Gen. Abacha’s military regime for the first time under the succeeding civilian administration, when he was already the deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. Even then, the fact remains that ex-President Jonathan has never met any of Etete’s children.

“Besides, Jonathan couldn’t have been anybody’s private tutor during that period, because he was already in the directorate cadre in Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, OMPADEC (now NDDC), having already left the academia, at the time Etete was a serving minister.

“This story, coming so soon after the fake news that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan refused British help in rescuing the Chibok Girls (a story that the British Government debunked) and that he plans to contest the 2019 elections (another lie), proves that these fallacious stories are deliberately contrived for reasons that are yet to be publicly disclosed.

“It is instructive that this same old fable apparently intended to rubbish Jonathan’s name locally and internationally, is being recycled with more lies added to garnish the narrative, at a time the ex-President is making efforts to resolve the issues in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“Again, let us point out for clarity and for the umpteenth time that while he was in office and now that he is out of office, former President Jonathan did not open and does not own any bank account, aircraft or real estate outside Nigeria. Anyone with contrary information is challenged to publicly publish same,” he said

The former President appealed to the media to report facts rather than innuendo and gossip.

He reminded the media that he signed the Freedom of Information Act into law and that it is only fair to use it to investigate allegations in order to establish the truth.

 VP: “I’m fully in support of Ibrahim Magu”

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says he is fully in support of Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking at the presidential villa in Abuja during an interview with journalists from select media organisations, including TheCable, Osinbajo said President Muhammadu Buhari did not find the indictment by the Department of State Services (DSS) as a strong reason to replace Magu.
The senate had rejected Magu, on two different occasions, based on the report of the secret police.
The DSS had labeled Magu as corrupt, saying he was unfit to lead the EFCC.
But Osinbajo said the president could have interfered with the DSS report if he wanted to, but that Buhari decided to hear Magu’s own account, after which he felt convinced to retain the anti-graft czar.

“We should commend the president for not interfering with what the DSS said. The DSS came up with a report and the man who was accused refuted it,” he said.

“He explains and gives a reason. When that happened, the president looked at what Magu said and what the DSS wrote and he said ‘I am satisfied with what Magu said’.

“He then decided to retain Magu as the nominee for EFCC. I don’t see any reason why that should be contested. The president has not interfered with what the DSS said. If he wanted to interfere, he would have ordered the DSS to keep quiet. He didn’t do that, but he said ‘I don’t think the DSS report is meritorious enough to withdraw his nomination.’

“The president reserves the right to say, ‘this is who I want’. I’m fully in support of Magu as the EFCC chairman just as the president is.”
Osinbajo buttressed his point by saying that it is not only in Nigeria that lawmakers reject nominees based on reports.

He said despite the mounting opposition against the nomination of Jeff Sessions, attorney-general of the US, he is currently serving in the administration of President Donald Trump.

“You see the American example… There are various reports. People come up with all sorts of things. Look at Jeff Sessions (US attorney-general) for instance, there were many reports. Some accused him of being racist, some of this and that, but he is in office today,” he said.
Osinbajo also expressed support for the view of Femi Falana, a lawyer, who said Buhari does not need the confirmation of the senate to retain Magu.

“It is up to the senate to make their judgement, and it is up to us say what we want to do. If our candidate is rejected, we can rep-resent him. No law says we can’t rep-resent him. And again, there is the other argument, whether or not we need to present him for confirmation and that’s a compelling argument from Femi Falana,” he said.

“His argument is that under the constitution, section 171, and if you look at that section, it talks about the appointments that the president can make. They include appointments of ministers, ambassadors and heads of agencies such as the EFCC. In that same section 171, the constitution rightly said that certain appointments must go to the senate such as ministerial and ambassadorial appointments.

Those of heads of agencies like the EFCC do not have to go to the senate. That’s what the constitution says. But the EFCC act, which of course as you know is inferior, says that EFCC chairman should go to the senate for confirmation.

“I am sure that even a pocket book lawyer knows that when a legislation conflicts with constitution, it’s the constitution that prevails. I agree with Mr Falana that there was no need in the first place to have sent Magu’s name to the senate, but we did so and it was rejected by the senate, but I believe that it can be rep-resented. I don’t think there is anything wrong about the fact that senate has rejected him. Senate has acted in its own wisdom to say ‘No, we don’t want him’, and we can say, ‘This is our candidate… we like the gentleman and we want him to continue.”

Two weeks ago, the upper legislative chamber halted the confirmation of residents electoral commission (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in protest of the decision of the executive to keep Magu.

Source: The Cable

68 Nigerians deported from Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) on Wednesday said it had received 68 victims of human trafficking deported from three countries in March.

Mr Abdulrazak Dangiri, APTIP Acting Director General,  disclosed in Abuja that 37 were deported from Mali, 25 from Burkina Faso and 6 from Ghana.

According to the DG, the victims were arrested by police in the three countries, handed over to Nigerian embassies and subsequently transported back home.

He disclosed that among those arrested in Mali were four suspected human traffickers.

“The four suspected traffickers from Mali are still under investigation to ascertain their level of involvement before charging them to court” he said.

He said that the rescued victims would be counselled and rehabilitated by NAPTIP before handing them over to their relations.

Dangiri said, Reacting to the recent deportation of Nigerians from Italy, Dangiri said that most of the deportees had committed drug related offences and some were illegal migrants.

He said that all victims in the agency’s custody were well taken care of in terms of their health and welfare, adding that some of them were even sponsored to return to school.

The acting DG appealed to state governments and corporate bodies to collaborate with the agency in tackling the menace of human trafficking in the country.

Islamist link to Dortmund Attack

German media say, German police are investigating a possible Islamic extremist link to the bombing of the Borussia Dortmund football team’s bus, German media say.

A letter found near the scene cites the Berlin Christmas market attack and military operations in Syria, although it is not yet clear if the letter is genuine.

Meanwhile, German federal prosecutors, who normally lead investigations related to terrrorism, are taking over the probe.

German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the letter, beginning with the phrase “in the name of Allah”, mentioned Germany’s use of Tornado jets in the coalition forces fighting so-called Islamic State (IS).

ISIS said it carried out the attack on a Christmas market in Berlin.

But it is possible the perpetrators are deliberately trying to mislead the investigation, Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported, adding that an analysis of the letter by experts is under way.

The German news agency DPA also reported there is a second letter circulating online, claiming an anti-fascist group had carried out the attack.

The second letter, posted on an anti-fascism online portal, claimed the attack was motivated by the club’s alleged tolerance for racists and right-wing fans. The club has clamped down on such fans in the past.

What happened?

Police said, Borussia Dortmund were on their way to their home Champions League quarter-final match against Monaco, when “three explosive charges detonated”.

Pictures from the scene showed the bus’s windows broken and tyres burst in the blasts.

Player Marc Bartra underwent an operation after breaking a bone in his wrist. No other players were hurt, but a police officer on a motorbike escorting the bus was also wounded.

In a news conference, the head of Dortmund police said it was a targeted attack. Several reports said the explosives had been hidden in a hedge.

Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki told Swiss news outlet Blick that the bus had turned on to the main road when there was a loud noise.

The players ducked to the floor of the bus, not knowing if there would be any more, he said.

-BBC