EFCC arrests CBN officials, 16 bankers for recycling N8bn

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said five top officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria and 16 others are to be arraigned for alleged complicity in a currency fraud running to N8bn.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement on Sunday, said the suspects were to be arraigned for circulating defaced and mutilated notes at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, on June 2, 2015

Uwujaen said the16 other suspects to be arraigned alongside the CBN bigwigs were members of staff of various commercial banks in the country.

He said the suspects would be arraigned on five counts at the high court.

The EFCC spokesperson added that all the suspects now in custody connived to recycle the defaced and mutilated currencies they were asked to destroy by substituting the notes with newspaper cuttings in Naira note sizes.

Uwujaren stated that the operatives of the commission waded into the matter following a petition that the sum of N6.5bn was recycled by a syndicate involving top officials of the CBN in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He explained that the fraud was partly responsible for the failure of the monetary policy of the government as mop up exercises by the CBN failed to address the effect of inflation on the economy.

He said, “The Economic and Financial Crime Commission has concluded arrangement to arraign in court, five top executives of the Central Bank of Nigeria implicated in a mega scam involving the theft and recirculation of defaced and mutilated currencies.

“The suspects, drawn from various business units of the apex bank, are to be docked by the anti-graft agency before a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, from Tuesday June 2, 2015 to Thursday June 4, 2015. The remaining 16 suspects are drawn from various commercial banks who were found to have conspired with the CBN executives to swing the heist.

“All the suspects, who are currently in the custody of the EFCC, are now ruing the day they literally allowed greed and craze for materialism to becloud their sense of judgment and responsibility, when they elected to help themselves to tonnes of defaced Naira notes.

“Instead of carrying out the statutory instruction to destroy the currency, they substituted it with newspapers neatly cut to Naira sizes and proceeded to recycle the defaced and mutilated currency.”

He added, “The fraud is partly to blame for the failure of government monetary policy over the years as currency mop up exercises by the apex bank failed to check the inflationary pressure on the economy.

“The lid on the scam, which is widely suspected to have gone on unchecked for years, was blown on November 3, 2014, via a petition to the EFCC, alleging that over N6, 575, 549, 370.00 was cornered and discreetly recycled by light fingered top executives of the CBN at the Ibadan branch.”

Osinbajo formally takes over Villa Chapel

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday formally took over the leadership of the villa chapel located inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The chapel built by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo always have the President or the Vice President (that is a Christian) as the political head while the President’s or Vice President’s chaplain is the spiritual head.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan would have handed over the chapel to Osinbajo penultimate Sunday when he attended service in the worship centre for the last time but for the Vice President’s absence.

Osinbajo attended service in the chapel for the first time on Sunday accompanied by his wife, Dolapo; Bishop Wale Oke of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries; Senior Pastor, Living Waters Unlimited Church, Pastor Ladi Thompson and other clergymen.

The Vice President, who himself is a pastor, delivered a goodwill message to the congregation and did the benediction.

He later proceeded to the children church where he prayed and took photographs with the children.

He was also joined by members of his entourage.

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We will rescue Africa from destitution, poverty and ignorance, says Tinubu

President of the Federal Republic of Guinea, President Alpha Condé yesterday arrived Nigeria ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s inauguration in Abuja on Friday, May 29.

President Condé arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos aboard a private aircraft about 12:30pm and was received by the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor elect Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and other dignitaries who all left in a convoy to Eko Hotel and Suites for a meeting.

Speaking to newsmen at Eko Hotel and Suites after the meeting, President Condé said that he was impressed with the way the 2015 general elections were conducted in Nigeria stressing that it was a victory for Africa.

The President who is on a 5-day working visit to Nigeria said”Before the elections in Nigeria, there was anxiety, fear and uncertainty in the land. It was the belief that the country will disintegrate. This is also drawn from the fact that Nigeria has fought the Biafra war in time past”

“So far, the election in Nigeria is a victory for Africa and Nigeria being the biggest black African country. We are here to thank the people of Nigeria for the outcome of the elections. We must also thank the leadership of the parties for their conduct during the elections” he added.

President Condé also congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat just like Presdent Abdou Diouf of Senegal.

“We also congratulate President Jonathan for accepting defeat just like President Abdou Diouf of Senegal when he lost the elections”

“With the election of President Buhari, who is a straight forward person, one who fight against corruption and dictatorship. I believe this new dispensation will culminate into a good relationship between Guinea and Nigeria. Like in the past, the relationship will offer opportunities to Nigeria businessmen and those in Guinea” President Condé said.

While expressing his gratitude to President Condé, National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said that he felt honoured for the President to come and celebrate with Nigerians in sharing the norms and values of democracy that is enshrined in the country.

Chief Tinubu said that democracy is about freedom and opportunity adding that President Condé is a Pan Africanist who is committed to African development and democratic values and norms.

He however decried that it was lack of good leadership and political stability that have hindered Nigeria and other African countries in the past stressing that now that Nigeria has a new leadership, African leaders should work together to share ideas and share vision and rescue Africa from destitution, poverty and ignorance.

According to him, “Without that commitment and the promise, he wouldn’t have been here, he can stay back at home and enjoy his home. For him to come, we appreciate that, for him to believe and share that believe with us that African renaissance must come with him in sharing of values with President Buhari and our own political party of which I am very proud of.”

“Africa must have its home grown strategy to build its own economy, we must form that synergy amongst African countries to develop itself, address open trade issue, address the conflict of fundamentalist, address the areas where you have problems, militantcy. What are the bottle necks, what are the problem areas. We have resolved in eliminating it in order for our today to be better and live for a great continent of Africa. Africa should not continue to be a giant with elephantiasis in the economy world, we can compete. Africans are all over the world competing professionally in every sphere of life, it is lack of good leadership, political stability that have hindered us in the past. Now we have that leader, we have those leaders and they are working together to share ideas and share vision. We will rescue Africa from destitution, poverty and ignorance and that is all that we are working hard for” Chief Tinubu stressed.

Also speaking, Lagos State Governor elect Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said “This is a great time the President of Guinea is coming to Nigeria. He came for the inauguration and decided to visit Lagos first. We thank you for that and welcome you to Lagos State. This is the time for us to take advantage of the commercial capital of Nigeria and ensure also that we are able to have strong partnership with the French speaking countries in the West Coast. We are willing and ready to open Lagos for greater business. We assure the President and people of Guinea that the next four years will be greater trade and commerce between Lagos and Guinea. We are willing to open investment office in Lagos and also in the West Coast to make sure we take advantage of the commerce here”

Present at the meeting were former APC interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Lagos State Governor elect Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and other dignitaries from the Federal Republic of Guinea.

Certificate saga: Court asked to stop CJN from swearing in Buhari as President

ABUJA – ‎A Civil Society Organisation, the Incorporated Trustees of Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative, has ‎asked the Federal Court in Abuja to stop the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, from administering oath on the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari on May 29.

‎The group, in an originating summons that was filed by its lawyer, Mr. Philip Ekpo, insisted that Buhari is not legally fit to take over as the President of Nigeria.

•Buhari: Decked out

The plaintiff argued that Buhari did not meet the qualification enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, and ought not have contested the April 11, 2015, presidential election.

Cited as respondents in the suit were Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The group specifically applied for an order of interim injunction restraining the 3rdRespondent or any person acting in his capacity, from swearing in the 1stRespondent as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015, or any other date thereof, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.

According to the plaintiff, “‎The 1st Respondent gave false information in the Affidavit he presented to the 2nd Respondent and on the strength of which he contested and purportedly won the presidential election which was conducted by the 2nd Respondent on March 28, 2015.

“The 1st Respondent deposed to an Affidavit dated ‎November 24, 2014 that his West African School Leaving Certificate is in the custody of the Secretary to the Military Board

“The Nigerian Army on ‎January 20, 2015, said that in the personal file of the 1st Respondent with the Nigerian Army, they do not have the original copy of his West African School Leaving Certificate (WASC) nor does the Nigerian Army have the Certified True Copy of his WASC results neither do they have a photocopy of the said result.

“The 1st Respondent has not met the qualifications enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act, Cap E6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010 (as amended) to havecontested the position of President of Nigeria at the 2015 general elections.

” That the authority conferred by Section 140 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on the 3rd Respondent to administer oath of office to any person who will occupy the office of the President of Nigeria cannot be exercised in respect of the 1st Respondent who has not fulfilled the requirements of the same Constitution and the Electoral Act as it relates to his eligibility to occupy the office of President of Nigeria”, it averred before the court.

This therefore prayed the court ‎to declare that the information contained in the Buhari’s FORM C.F.001 stating that his educational qualification is the West African School Leaving Certificate (WASC) and that same is with the Secretary to the Military Board amounts to False Information.

As well as to hold that the information contained in the Buhari’s Affidavit deposed to on 24th November, 2014 stating that his West African School Leaving Certificate (WASC) is with the Secretary to the Military Board amounts to False Information.

More so, it is among other things, seeking ‎”A declaration that the 3rdDefendant is estopped fromswearing in the 1st Defendant as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the issue of perjury involving the 1st Defendant has not been resolved.

“An order restraining the 3rdDefendant or any person appointed for such purpose from swearing in the 1st Defendant as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29th May, 2015 orany future dateswhatsoever forgiving False Information to the 2nd Respondent on oath.

“An order annulling the Certificate of Return given to the 1stDefendant by the 2ndDefendant.”

Meantime, the case is yet to be assigned to any judge for hearing.

Kashamu Refuses To Apear In Court

Buruji Kashamu, senator-elect in Ogun state, has rejected to leave his residence for court for his extradition case.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDELA) stormed his Lagos apartment Monday morning, May 25, to convey him.

Senator-elect is insisting that the officials didn’t have a warrant of arrest in line with the extradition pact, which they should produce to him.

Austin Oniyokor, Kashamu’s personal aide, sends a note to reporters which says: “It has just come to limelight that the NDLEA did not obtain a warrant of arrest from the court as required by the extradition treaty.

“Kashamu’s lawyer, Barrister Ajibola Oluyede requested from them the court we are going to only to be told that they are just going to file the papers as no court has been assigned the case or has ordered his arrest”.

However, many of his supporters protested his extradiction near the court in carrying placards with different captions.

Some of them says: “Leave Kashamu alone”, “We voted for him, he is our man”, “Kashamu is a great state man”, “Kashamu is not a drug baron”, “Ilegal detention, illegal arrest must stop”.

Politicians Should Not Head NNPC - PENGASSAN

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has urged President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari not to appoint politicians, as the head of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

PENGASSAN’s President, Mr. Francis Johnson,  said it was the only way government can move towards “achieving effectiveness and curbing wastages of our resources and potentials to improve accountability and optimisation across the polity and economy.”

He also said that the holding company and its 10 subsidiaries can only be effective and adhere to global best practices if not subjected to undue political interference.

Mr. Johnson speaking on PENGASSAN’s view on the road map to revamp the oil and gas industry, said: “There is need to instil in NNPC the culture of corporate governance and career management, which requires a legislative review to ensure that the board of NNPC is headed by technocrats and not politicians.

Comic Actor Mr.Ibu Weds His Longtime Heartthrob

Popular Nollywood actor and comedian, John Okafor, popularly known as ‘Mr.Ibu’, this morning, Monday, May 25, got married to his longtime heartthrob.

John Okafor and wife

Okafor got married to his longtime love, Stella Marris, the mother of two of his children.


The couple have been together since 2008, but never officially got married. They had three kids, but one died few years ago.


Their wedding reception is expected to take place after Mr Ibu’s mother’s burial.


See More Photos after the cut....

Fuel Scarcity In Nigeria To Be Resolved In Less Than Six Hours

The major oil marketers association of Nigeria (MOMAN) has finally reached an agreement with the government to begin supplying country with much needed petroleum products “in six hours”

Fuel scarcity hits Nigeria’s economy hard.

Magnus Abe, the chairman of the senate committee on petroleum resources, informed press that a solution to fuel crisis has just been worked out during the meeting of MOMAN representatives, major stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, senate committee on petroleum resources, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, minister of finance.

According to that decision, petroleum products will be delivered across the country “in six hours”.

Oritsejafor Lauds Jonathan For Accepting Defeat To Buhari

With many taking a swipe at President Goodluck Jonathan, over the current fuel crisis which is threatening to ground the nation’s economy, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has lauded the outgoing president.


Speaking at the 2015 Presidential Thanksgiving and Interdenominational Church Service, Pastor Oritsejafor thanked President Jonathan for conceding defeat in the March 28 presidential election.
He lauded Jonathan’s classic humility in his official conducts as president while presenting an award of “outstanding Christian humility in public service’’ to the president for his commitment to the peace, Unity and Stability of the country, Daily Post reports.

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor presents an award of “outstanding Christian humility in public

“We rejoice with you that the end of your tenure as President is greater than the beginning thereof. We present this award to you with great joy in our hearts.
“We wish to give you this award for your outstanding Christian humility in public service and commitment to peace, unity and stability of Nigeria,’’ he said.

Fuel Scarcity: Taxi Drivers Begin Protest In Akure

The current fuel scarcity rocking the country is arguably one of the worst that has hit Nigeria in recent years.

In recent times, the queues at petrol station have been a menace to the society as traffic is left to play a pivotal role in the citizens’ everyday life. Nigerians are left frustrated at petrol stations after waiting patiently for hours to get fuel have, hence resorting to desperate measures.

To this regard, members of Taxi Union in Akure, the Ondo State Capital have embarked on a massive protest.

Taxi drivers begin protest in Akure over fuel scarcity

According to a report by The Nation, fuel is now being sold at the rate of N200, N250 at the few filling stations opened for business.

NLC Threatens To Go On Strike If Fuel Scarcity Persist

The Nigerian Labour Congress on Monday threatened to direct workers to stay at home if the current fuel scarcity across the country is not addressed.


Factional NLC Deputy National President, Isa Aremu, stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Kaduna.


The NLC statement is coming barely four days before the Peoples Democratic Party-led government will hand over the affairs of the nation to the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, May 29.


Aremu said, “If the current scarcity and price robbery of Nigerians continue, NLC will have no choice but compel workers to stay at home.


“Workers certainly cannot fuel themselves to work with their blood. There is a limit to slavery and state marketers’ extortion.


“With an outgoing President and incoming one, five past heads of state alive, 36 state governors and hundreds of legislators and scores of ministers, no country on earth parades the highest number of state actors like Nigeria.


“Yet, there is no governance with respect to distribution of basic products like petroleum and kerosene.”

Names Of Those Buhari Submitted For Ministerial Posts

General Muhammadu Buhari has submitted to the security agencies for screening 40 names being considered for ministerial appointments .

According to Daily Post, the names were submitted by the president-elect about a week ago.

Tinubu, Amaechi, Buhari meet

The Department of State Services, the Directorate of Military Intelligence and the National Intelligence Agency are the security agencies screening the potential ministers.

The names listed by the president-elect were mostly former PDP men who had defected to the APC, leading people to question where is the change.

The names being screened include Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the former Osun state governor and ousted PDP national secretary; Chief Bode Mustapha, the former PDP national auditor; an All Progressives Congress stalwart from Ogun state; and Engineer Segun Oni, the former Ekiti state governor and APC deputy national chairman (South West).

Others are Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past governor of Ekiti state; Dr. Abba Ruma, a former minister for agriculture and water resources; and Chief Kanu Agabi, a former minister of justice.

The list continues with Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River state; Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos state; and Yinka Folashade Oredola, a pharmacist from Ondo state.

Others on the list are Rotimi Akeredolu, a former gubernatorial candidate in Ondo state; Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state; Engineer Funsho Kupolokun, a former group managing director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation; Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso of Kano state; and Bisola Adegbenro, a senator-elect from Ogun state.

Also on the list are Isaiah Danjuma, the son of General TY Danjuma from Taraba state; Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation; Kehinde Lawanson, a former executive director of First Bank; and Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN), former minister of justice.

The rest of the names will be published when security agencies confirm the names to newsmen.

Buhari ran on the platform of change but critics have asked whether working with the old guard even with a new system can guarantee change? If you agree or disagree with this, leave your comment below.

HEALTH: E-Cigarettes are healthier compared to ordinary cigarettes – say Health Authorities

Health authorities have stated that E-cigarettes are healthier compared to the ordinary cigarettes and that there is no need to worry about the misconceptions that are widely believed about e-cigarettes.  A large number of people believe that dangers from e-cigarettes are no different compared to the ordinary cigarettes. A recent report released by Action on Smoking and Health states that there has been an increase in the use of e-cigarettes. In Britain alone, the number of vapers has reached 2.6 million.

At the end of 2014 Britain had only 2.1 million vapers and in a matter of just five months, the numbers have bulged to 2.6 million. Notably, most of the new e-cig smokers are those who were used to the regular cigarettes earlier.

This report also shows that experts have succeeded in spreading the awareness of e-cigarettes. Many people are still trying to quit smoking with the help of tobacco. On the other hand however, many people have also started to believe that e- cigarettes are no less harmful compared to the regular cigarettes.

Last year just about 15% people regarded e-cigarettes to be lethal for health. But that proportion has now ascended on account of false studies. At present some 22% people believe that e-cigarettes are also harmful.

The rapid spread of this false perception about e-cigarettes poses big threat to smokers. The major motivation to move from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes comes from the claim that they are less harmful to the smoker and more environment friendly.  But by spreading the misconception, many smokers have been discouraged from making the shift to e-cigarettes and continue with the traditional cigarettes that are more hazardous.

Source: TIMES GAZETTE

HEALTH: The secret to a great sex life revealed: Two cups of coffee a day

Drinking just two cups of coffee could boost your sex life by over 40 per cent

Scientists may have solved this age old riddle

Drinking just two cups of coffee a day could dramatically improve your sex life, a university study has concluded.

A study by the University of Texas has found that men who drank two cups a day where 42 per cent less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction compared to men.

For an article for the American science journal PLOS ONE, scientists studied 4,000 men drinking caffeinated drinks including coffee, tea, fizzy and sports drinks and found the result was the same regardless of weight, age or blood pressure.

Scientists believe it could be because the caffeine triggers a chemical reaction that increases blood flow to the penis by relaxing muscles.

But two cups might be the limit as the researchers also found the result dipped slightly to 39 per cent for men drinking three a day.

It also appears to have no effect on men already suffering from diabetes.

Prof David Lopez, of the University of Texas, Houston, said: “Even though we saw a reduction in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction with men who were obese, overweight and hypertensive, that was not true of men with diabetes”, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Previous research has already suggested the caffeine can boost sex drive in women.

In a 2006 experiment on female rats by Southwestern University in Texas, scientists found drinking coffee stimulated the parts of the brain that signal sexual arousal. But this effect could possibly was only be seen in women who did not drink coffee regularly.

Scientists have long argued whether to much coffee is bad for you with some arguing drinking more than four cups a day is dangerous as it causes restlessness, tremors, irritability, insomnia and stomach pain.

But in March a separate study on 25,000 middle aged men and women suggested that drinking three to five cups a day could reduce the chances of heart disease or stroke.

The research showed the people who drank the least- and the most- coffee showed the most signs that their arteries were clogging up- which dramatically increases the likelihood of a heart attack.

Source: The Independent

When Tunde, Wunmi Obe Hosted Top Celebrities To Exclusive Album Listening

Tunde and Wunmi Obe

NIGERIAN music industry’s first couple, Tunde and Wunmi Obe, otherwise known as T.W.O, hosted the crème de la crème of the Nigerian entertainment industry last weekend to a spectacular exclusive listening party for their latest studio album, T.W.O PLUS.

The event, which held at their plush Lagos residence, had in attendance several celebrities including Afrobeat icon, Femi Kuti, Nollywood actresses Funke Akindele and Kate Henshaw; popular musicians 9ice, Dare Art-Alade and dancehall legend, Ras Kimono.

Besides, DJ Jimmy Jatt’s eclectic mix of old school and new school songs which guests happily swayed to, the gig also treated guests to a rich mix of barbecue, champagne and assorted cocktails and drinks.

An animated Tunde commented shortly after the event: “We are very grateful for this amazing turn out and the support our colleagues have shown us.”

About the album, he said: “T.W.O. has grown and evolved over the years, both as a sound and as a brand and this album is a celebration of all that is great about T.W.O. as well as a venture into a fresh sound because we have always prided ourselves on our ability to be musical innovators.

Jonathan says he will be a peace advocate after leaving office

Abuja –  President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday said he would be an advocate of peace in the country after leaving office.

The president said this when The Apostolic Church Nigeria, FCT Field, presented him with the “2015 Epitome of Peace Award’’ at the State House in Abuja.

Jonathan thanked the church for honouring him and said that he would appreciate if more Nigerians would join him in advocating for peace in the country.

“And one thing that I have decided to do after leaving office, is to make sure that I will be talking to all faithful of all religions, Christians, Muslims and other religions the need for Nigerians to live in peace.

“Because, when there is crisis in any part of the country, nobody can practice his own belief.

“When there is crisis anywhere, people cannot go to the mosque, you cannot go to the church.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES RADIO STATION IN ABUJA

“So we need peace in this country, no matter our religious persuasions, no matter our beliefs.

“And that will be one of my main commitments when I leave office.

“To reduce discrimination in this country based on religious divides or ethnicity.

“And I believe that I will have so many apostles to follow me to do that.’’

The president said that so many people had done things to project and keep the nation together which had gone unnoticed.

According to him, his recognition and honour by the church is to encourage him to do more for Nigerians.

He said the church noticed him not because he was the president, but because of a little action he took to save lives.

He thanked the group for the memorabilia it gave to him and said he would keep them in his Presidential museum of library for posterity.

Earlier, the Superintendent of the Church, Apostle John Buzu, said that the church chose the president for the award in recognition of his “outstanding leadership qualities, great strides, impactful contributions and laudable achievements’’.

Buzu said that Jonathan had proved to be an excellent leader and wonderful asset to the country.

“Our beloved president, you have distinguished yourself as a selfless servant leader with a large heart and a great sense of commitment towards the wellbeing, development, unity and progress of this nation.

“Your personal and leadership character have so endeared you to the hearts of well-meaning Nigerians and friends of the international community.

“We have collectively watched and observed you to be a humble leader with a simple and humane disposition to all manner of persons, irrespective of age, background, status, tribe, race or colour.

“You have exhibited a true servant-leader attitude with the willingness and readiness to always serve objectively at any level of responsibility and governance.

”You are a genuine and an icon of peace,’’ the clergyman said.

Buzu thanked Jonathan for expanding the political space in the country and expressed the hope that such legacy would be sustained. (NAN)

Power situation could get worse, FG warns

The Federal Government yesterday warned that the power situation in the country could get worse if the labour unions’ strike is not called off.

Addressing state House Correspondents after briefing Vice President Namadi Sambo on the power situation in the country, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali said the achievements recorded in the power sector are being eroded by the combined effects of vandalism and strikes.

According to him,

“Prior to the current constraints we have been encountering we have generated between 4,800 megawatts at the beginning of the year with a potential to get up to 6,000 megawatts based on the available gas and hydros. Besides, pipeline vandalization which has continued to have very negative impact on the power supply situation in the country, the on-going strike by labour unions in the oil and gas sector has added additional toll.

The current strike by both senior and junior staff unions of the NNPC, (NUPENG and PENGASSIN) has led to further reduction of the amount of gas available to most of our power plants especially in the western axis.

“As at 12.00 noon Friday, 22nd May, 2015, UTOROGU, CHEVRON ORE DO, OB EN gas plants are all shut down while UGHELL and CNL ESCRAVOS are all isolated already. On the eastern axis Shell Gas, ALAKIRI has also been shut down. This has led to the several power plants being stranded and shut down. These include EGBIN, OLORUNSHOGO I & 11, OMOTOSHO 1& 11, GEREGU I & 11, IHONVOR and SAPELE (NIPP) on the western axis and ALAOJI on the eastern end.

“The overall effect is that power supply which had started picking up steadily since the beginning of the week, following repairs of various vandalized portions of the ELP Line and the Trans-Forcados Gas Pipelines has fallen to all-time-unprecedented low of 1,327mw as at 1.00 p.m. on Friday, 22nd May, 2015. This situation could get worse if the strike action continues.

“The Federal Ministry of Power hopes, that the on-going discussion between the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and, the Labour Unions, will end amicably and soonest to spare the country from such a major disruption of essential service. Indeed it is hoped the Labour Unions would help restore supply of gas to the power plants even while negotiations are on-going” he said.

NAFDAC seals Chocolate Royale over expired food products

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC has sealed Lagos – based confectionaries and multinational food outlet, Chocolate Royale over what it described as “unethical practices” and non-adherent to Good Manufacturing and Hygienic Practices.

Vanguard gathered that the outlet was sealed following a tip-off and intelligence report which indicted the company of illegal importation, storage and use of expired ingredients and food products for preparing of food and confectionaries served to unsuspecting customers.

The company was also accused of operating and maintaining illegal cold-rooms at their Managing Director’s resident where large quantities of various expired and spoilt food ingredients worth millions of naira were uncovered.

The Agency claimed that it’s  action became necessary following avalanche of complaints of violation and affront of the company to the regulatory body’s regulations. Announcing the closure of the facilities located at Plot 267A Etim Inyang Crescent and the Managing Director’s residence on No 1, Karimu Kotun Street, all in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Director, Investigation and Enforcement of NAFDAC, Mr. Kingsley Ejiofor disclosed that  some top officials of the company were equally arrested for interrogation for willfully obstructing the NAFDAC operatives in the course of their duties during the exercise which lasted over, nine hours.

The expired products worth over N1bn had been evacuated from both premises in six vans, Ejiofor confirmed.

He said six persons were arrested in connection with the incident, explaining  that they were held for intentionally obstructing NAFDAC officials while on official duties.His words: “The suspect will be interrogated, while the products will be sampled and taken to the laboratory for analysis, where the labels and contents will be properly analysed. And at the end of the day when the results are out, that will determine the next of action.”

Ejiofor who is also the Chairman of Federal Taskforce on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs, Unwholesome Processed Foods and other regulated products, said that the food and confectionery outlet will remain closed to allow for proper investigation.

“They will be investigated by the Federal Taskforce and NAFDAC. At the end of the investigations, files submitted will be reviewed and after evaluation, we will send them to the legal division which will advice on what next to do and if we have enough facts, then will proceed on prosecution,” he added.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii has inspected the seized products evacuated to the Agency’s Enforcement office at Apapa, assuring Nigerians that the case would be thoroughly investigated to ascertain the level of violations to aid prosecution.

Orhii who frowned at the development disclosed that apart from the products being expired, they were not registered by NAFDAC therefore should not have come into the country in the first place.

The Director General directed that in the course of the investigation, those handling the matter should request the company to furnish them with their clearing documents to ascertain if the offending products were legally cleared at the point of entry.

Reiterating that  Chocolate Royale will remain sealed and closed to the public until all the issues are fully investigated and resolved, Orhii commended Nigerians for their support for NAFDAC and urged them to help to provide more information that will assist them unravel the activities of those he described as the ‘’merchants of death’’ just as he revealed that there is a reward system in place for those who could furnish the Agency with useful information that will aid it to uncover more hideout of violators.

Chocolate Royale is a subsidiary of AIM Group belonging to a Lebanase business mogul, Mr. Amin Moussalli who is also the owners of broadcast stations; Cool Fm, Nigerian Info Fm, Wazobia Fm, Cool TV, Wee TV and Wazobia TV respectively among other business interests in Nigeria.

CRISIS: Fayose imposes curfew on Ado-Ekiti

        

 

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti on Thursday imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on the State due to the clash between Hausa community and a section of Yoruba residents in Ado-Editi.

 

Fayose announced this when he visited the Hausa community at Atikankan area of Ado Ekiti.

He said the curfew would last between 6p.m and 6a.m.

 

Fayose explained that the curfew had become necessary to forestall further mayhem and arrest perpetrators of the violence.

  

He ordered the security agencies to arrest anyone found roaming the streets in defiance of the curfew.

“I plead with you to allow peace to reign. Nigeria belongs to all of us, whether you are Hausa, Ibo or Yoruba.

“I assure you that the perpetrators and sponsors of this evil act will not go unpunished,” Fayose said.

Senate summons Okonjo-Iweala, Allison-Madueke over fuel crisis

The lingering fuel crisis in the country has compelled the Joint Senate Committees on Petroleum Resources to order the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and her counterpart in the Petroleum Resources Ministry, Diezani Allison-Madueke, to appear before it on Monday next week.

 

Those also summoned alongside the two ministers are the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Managing Director, Petroleum Pricing and Regulatory Agency and the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources.

 

Representatives of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria; Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the National Association of Road Transport Owners, are also expected to answer questions from the senators at the National Assembly Complex by 10:00am.

 

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Chairmen of the two committees, Emmanuel Paulker (Upstream) and Magnus Abe (Downstream), on Friday disclosed that the invitation of the public officers and groups was as a result of the assignment given to them by the senate explaining that the Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Abdul Ningi, had on Thursday drew the attention of the Senate to the lingering fuel scarcity in the country and the untold hardship on the generality of Nigerians.

 

According to Vanguard, Ningi also urged the federal parliament to look into the matter with a view to finding the causes and lasting solution to the problem stating that it was in view of the development that the Senate directed its committees on Downstream Petroleum sector and Petroleum Resources (Upstream), to investigate the matter and brief the Upper Chamber about their findings, next Tuesday.

 

The Joint Committee said the invitation was necessary in order to obtain adequate information that would be needed to write their report for submission to the whole house.

Photos: See Photos Of Kany West's Daughter North West

The kid picture was shared online and she's looking pretty. Kanye and Kim has given the world a stunning lad who's gonna look more better than her mum when she grows

Photos:See Throwback Pictures Of Kim K

  The model took these pictures after her talk show with David Letterman

See more pictures of her looking so skinny after the cut

Wizkid BUSTED On Instagram For Lieing About Is Location

Wizkid BUSTED on Instagram for lieing about is location …This is not good at all for someone like wizkid … Should we say maybe he forgot to turn off his location or what, because How can people be in Lagos and be blowing lie that they are in LA, ATL etc?

 The “Ojuelegba” star was busted last night by followers who called him out on a massive lie he told.

Last night, Wizzy posted the above pic on Instagram and captioned ‘Morning LA’. But…err…it was actually 5pm in LA at the time he shared the pic.

 

Instagram users resident in the US, quickly called him out on his lie.

 

He reacted by deleting their comments and blocking them off.

Pastor Chris And Anita Oyakhilome Settle Their Differences?

 

An unverified report on OluFamous.com is claiming that the General Overseer of Christ Embassy Church, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, and his estranged wife, Anita Oyakhilome, have settled their differences.

The blog claimed someone forwarded the information to them. See the message allegedly sent below:

DIVORCED COUPLE RE-UNITED

Brethren, please join me to thank God for bringing back this couple together again. When I first heard that this powerful man of God and his wife were divorced, it broke my heart, and I knew that something was wrong somewhere, for a servant of God to divorce his wife.

Yemi Alade Discovers Her Twin At Awka Star Music Trek

Feisty diva Yemi Alade played a stunning stage trick on her fans at last weekend’s Awka leg of the 2015 Star Music Trek when a stunt double was introduced as her before she made her entry to the stage.

Yemi Alade’s Twin

 Dressed in an African print hood jacket over a black tube and jeans with sandals and a pair of dark shades, the stunt double waltzed into stage with two dancers, dancing to Wande Coal’s ‘Baby Hello’ which featured the singer.

PHOTOS: Wizkid Adds Fresh Tattoos Of Fela To His Body

Starboy boss, Wizkid has just showed off his fresh tattoos. 

Wizkid has printed on his inner arm one of the famous images of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

 

There’s no doubt that Wizkid loves Fela Anikulapo Kuti and he has released two songs to prove it.

In the early hours of Wednesday, May 20, 2015, Wizkid displayed the new tattoo which also includes an image of a lion on his other arm with the caption, ‘Forever!!’

Governor Shettima Discloses Location Of Chibok Girls

Kashim Shettima, Borno state governor, on May 19, Tuesday, disclosed where the missing Chibok girls were likely held.

 

Governor Shettima

The children were abducted more than a year ago. Since then, the local and global forces have made dozens of attempts to locate the victims.

 

The most sensational breakthrough was believed to have been recorded in May of 2014. Alex Badeh, the Chief of Defence Staff, said that the military had discovered the girls’ whereabouts.

Time was passing by and the children remained in captivity. The military authorities were under attack over not being able to rescue the hostages.

 

In a recent period several people who escaped from Boko Haram have said they saw some of the girls in Gwoza, Borno state.

 

However, the fresh claim made by Governor Shettima, during Abuja conference might become the final step on the way to the Chibok girls rescue.

 

Shettima said there was every tendency that the female students were being held in bunkers inside Sambisa Forest, Vanguard reports.

 

The governor, represented by Bulama Mala Gubio, the secretary of Borno Elders Forum, said:

 

“We are suspecting that Chibok girls are living with the insurgents in bunkers, I think the military must carry out their operations beyond the surface earth.

“They (Boko Haram) were also known to have dug tunnels to enable them move from house to house. So, having been left unchallenged for such a long time, such possibilities cannot be ruled out which poses serious obstacles within the forest.

“The insurgents used their bases in the Sambisa Forest to launch deadly attacks and make quick retreat to their base which enabled them capture and take over control of all the local government areas bordering Nigeria with Cameroon, Chad and Niger, thus effectively cutting off the three neighbouring countries thereby declaring what they assumed was their their independent territory (caliphate).”

 

Leadership adds that Shettima, urged the incoming government to transform the forest and put it to profitable use after totally ridding of terrorists there.

 

“Unless and only if the Sambisa Forest is effectively recovered from the occupation of the terrorists can we think of defeating the Boko Haram and begin to comprehensively embark on a holistic approach for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the North-East. In fact, at several stages, the Borno state government had intervened to reconstruct destroyed schools, health centres, homes, markets and so on, only for the insurgents to attack and destroy them again,”  he said.

The governor also criticized President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration over neglecting the region affected by insurgency.

 

“As a government, we have spent over N600 million, but all we have received from the Federal Government is N200 million. The same Federal Government has approved over N2 billion on dancers (entertainers) as loan,”  Shettima said.

Within the past month the Nigerian troops have rescued hundreds of women and children from Sambisa Forest. The operation in the insurgents’ hideout continues. After Shettima’s claims hopes emerged that the Chibok girls would be freed soon.

 

Source: News.Naij

Nigerian Army Apprehends Boko Haram Sponsor In Bauchi

The Nigerian military claimed on May 19 that they had arrested Aliyu Hussaini, a suspected Boko Haram sponsor, in Bauchi in the course of an army raid.

 

 

 

Hussaini, who pretended to be a serving general in the army, was apprehended by soldiers from 33rd Artillery Brigade.

 

See the statement as provided on Tuesday on the official site of the Nigerian Army:

“The 33 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army has recorded another land mark success in the ongoing Operation Zaman Lafiyah as troops of the Brigade recently arrested one Aliyu Hussaini, popularly known as Colonel, a suspected Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) member and an Impostor who has been parading himself as a Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army.

 

“The troops who were acting on a tip off, said Aliyu Hussaini was a sponsor and also a member of the Boko Haram Terrorist organisation, carried out a raid operation which led to the successful arrest of Aliyu and another suspected BHT member, one Ibrahim Mohammed who is also known as Yuram. It was later gathered that Aliyu had been defrauding innocent citizens in the belief that he was a general in the Nigerian Army.”

Meanwhile Kashim Shettima, the Borno state governor, yesterday disclosed that the insurgents were likely to be holding the missing Chibok girls in Sambisa Forest bunkers. Therefore he urged the military to “carry out their operations beyond the surface earth”.

 

Former Minister Faults Buhari For Obeying Traffic Regulations

Former minister of external affairs, Bolaji Akinyemi has faulted Muhammadu Buhari for instructing his motorcade to respect traffic regulations.

Muhammadu Buhari stopped his convoy at a traffic light. Nigerian politicians do not obey traffic rules.

 

Buhari had in a statement last week directed his motorcade to obey traffic regulations as a way of showing respect for the law. He noted that without leadership by example, the ordinary citizens would become copycats of the lawlessness of their leaders.

 

Romance With Liz Anjorin: Gbadamosi's Wife Speaks Up

The wife of a London-based Nigeria businessman, Olawunmi Shorunke Gbadamosi, has reacted to rumours making the rounds that her husband, Wasiu Olayinka Gbadamosi popularly known as Wese Peckham within the Nigerian community in London, allegedly sent her packing.

Mrs Gbadamosi denied the rumours that her husband had sent her packing with her six months pregnant over his love affair with a Nollywood actress, Liz Anjorin.

 

Mrs Gbadamosi

 

Speaking with our correspondent in a telephone interview, she said her five-year-old marriage is intact, adding that it is impossible to send a woman packing in the UK.

I Hope Patience Will Not Divorce Me - Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed fear and uncertainty as to what becomes of his marriage to Dame Patience due to his acceptance of defeat at the just concluded poll.

 

Patience and Goodluck Jonathan

Vanguard reports that the president said this, while ruminating aloud on the next phase of his life during a thanksgiving and farewell service in his honour at the Cathedral Church of the Advent Life-Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja.

 

The president who will be handing over to the president elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, come May 29 used as an example, the former South African Apartheid leader, F.W de Klerk whose wife divorced him for ending minority rule in South Africa.

Supreme Court Can’t Prevent Any Constitution Amendment – Senate

The Nigerian Senate on Sunday said that the Supreme Court lacked the power to stop it and the House of Representatives from amending the 1999 Constitution.

 

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and Public Affairs, Eyinnaya Abaribe, disclosed this while the House Deputy Majority Leader, Leo Ogor, described the court’s order that the status quo be maintained as a “temporary setback.”

 

A Supreme Court seven member panel led by Chief Justice Mahmud Mohammed last Thursday fixed June 18 for further hearing on the case, by then the tenure of the current assembly would have ended.

Abaribe, in an interview with journalists in Abuja, said that the supreme court was wrong to stop the lawmakers in the performance of their legislative duties.

Buhari Plans To Do Justice To Ministerial List Alone

General Muhammadu Buhari’s victory at the polls may have proceeded well for governors under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but following a show-down with the president-elect on Sunday, things are beginning to head south.

 

Muhammadu Buhari with some APC governors and ex-governors, Governor Rochas Okorocha, Chris Ngige and more

The President-elect on Sunday expressed his intent to do justice to the ministerial list at the expense of the APC governors’ demands as he stated unequivocally that experienced technocrats and individuals of unsullied character would form his cabinet.

 

Buhari, who spoke at a meeting with northern leaders in Abuja on Sunday, noted that Nigerians eagerness to have a taste of good governance will be the driving force for his administration to hit the ground running once he took over the reins of power on May 29.

Actor Buys N20m Range Rover For wife On Mothers' Day

Nollywood actor and businessman, Chidi Mokeme has done the most amazing thing to his wife on mother’s day which is also her Birthday.

The popular actor got the delivery of a 2014 Range Rover Super Charged SUV for his adorable wife as she adds a year older on Mothers’ Day, May 10, 2015.

Investigation showed that the car which is valued at $102,000 (N20, 303,100) was presented to the actor’s wife by himself before taking to his Instagram account to shower praises on her.

Mercy Johnson Shares Family Photos

There is no doubt that the popular Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson, has a beautiful family.

 

The 30-year-old mother of two and entrepreneur who became popular with her role in , “The Maid”, in which she played the role of a possessed house help, has shared new photos of her family. The actress is married to Prince Odianosen Okojie and they have two children, Purity and Henry Ozioma Okojie. See these new photos below:

 

 

Buhari Warns APC Elected Officials

Mahammadu Buhari has warned elected officials under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to guard against making bogus promises they cannot fulfill.

President – elect, Mohammadu Buhari

The president elect counseled that it is better to promise small things and deliver than to make bogus promises that cannot be fulfilled.

 

Buhari according to Daily Trust, gave this counsel when elected officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Katisna state chapter, paid him a courtesy visit.

 

Reiterating to deliver on his campaign promises, the president-elect said that his victory at the poll, despite the fact that he did not have the money to match his major opponent, was a clear testimony of the people’s belief in him, adding that he would be fair and just to all, regardless of political party affiliation.

Popular Actor Bags 5 Years Imprisonment

The popular Bollywood actor and producer, Salman Khan, has been jailed for five years for killing a homeless man.

 

Salman Khan

The Indian filmmaker, who is cited in the media as one of the most commercially successful actors of Hindi cinema, was declared guilty of culpable homicide yesterday and sentenced to five years in prison, almost 13 years after he killed a man sleeping on a sidewalk in Mumbai and injured four others by running them over with his SUV.

 

Khan was also charged with negligent driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. The actor had said previously that it was his driver that was driving the car on the day of the accident. However, the judge told the dejected actor, “You were driving the car.”

HEALTH: Healthy diets make brighter brains

Fish was part of healthy eating while red meat was among the unhealthy foods.

A study following nearly 28,000 people aged 55 and older at high cardiovascular risk, which monitored their diets for 5 years and tested declines against thinking and memory tests, found a smaller drop in brain power for those who ate well.

 

 

The American Academy of Neurology has published the results in the journal Neurology. The healthy eating linked to the stronger cognitive health was a diet with not much red meat, moderate alcohol and lots of fruits and vegetable, nuts and fish.

The 27,860 over-55s included for the analysis, from across 40 countries, were studied over an average of around 5 years.

 

Certain health conditions were excluded at the start of the study of people at high risk of cardiovascular disease. None of the participants had diabetes or a history of heart disease, stroke or peripheral artery disease; nor had any recently experienced serious disease outcomes such as a stroke or congestive heart failure.

 

Participants who experienced heart disease or stroke during the study were no longer followed for diet and mental power.

Nigerian Army Rescues More Women and Children From Boko Haram

The Nigerian military has confirmed the rescue of another group of women and children from the infamous Boko Haram hideout, Sambisa Forest.

Rescued Sambisa victims received in Yola camp by NEMA

In a Wednesday statement, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, the army spokesperson, said that special forces carried out a successful operation on May 5, freeing 25 women and children.
Olukolade also revealed that seven camps had been destroyed and a number of terrorists killed during the raid. He said four soldiers were injured in the course of the clash with Boko Haram fighters. However, Colonel Sani Usman said yesterday that one soldier had died and five had been wounded.

Forbes Top Five Wealthiest Artists in The World

Forbes has unveiled its 2015 list of hip-hop’s five wealthiest artists. 

The list which was a big battle between Dr. Dre and Diddy enumerated five big wigs from the international entertainment scene.

Diddy

The super producer Dr. Dre smiled home with $500 million excluding taxes after selling off his Beats By Dre headphone line to Apple. This brought his net worth to an estimated amount of $700 million but this still did not make him top of the list as Diddy, according to Forbes, has an estimated net worth of $735 million.

I Bleached Because 80% of Nigerian Men Prefer Fair Women - Nollywood Actress

Nollywood star, Susan Maxwell has said some things that might interest you.

 

The Abia state born actress who is a niece to Nollywood veteran actor, Ashley Nwosu made her first debut with Isawuru and she has been unstoppable since then.The actress who is also into skincare, in a new interview with PlaygroundTV, addressed some issues about piracy in Nollywood, why she bleached, why Nigerian men prefer light-skinned women and why acting is her passion, but skin care is her life. Read excerpts below:

 

Describe your journey into the movie industry.

Jim Iyke Threatens To ‘Kill’ Uti Nwachukwu

 

Controversial Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke is currently upset, and he has told those around him yesterday (Tuesday) of his plan to beat Uti Nwanchukwu silly whenever their paths cross.

 

A close aide of Jim Iyke told Naij.com correspondent that Jim Iyke is angry over what he termed ‘defamatory comments’ made by Uti, the former Big Brother Africa (BBA) winner about him on JARA, a magazine programme on Multichoice’s DSTV.