Obasanjo attends Jonathan’s daughter’s wedding

The church wedding of President Goodluck Jonathan’s foster daughter, Inebharapu Paul on Saturday  was contrary to expectations attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
The former president has been criticizing Jonathan’s administration in the past few months.
Obasanjo, who arrived the venue with Dr. Andy Uba and some other aides before the commencement of the service, was ushered into the hall amidst standing ovation by his admirers.
He took his seat at the VIP section while his introduction during the service attracted a loud applause from the congregation.
President Jonathan also recognised Obasanjo’s presence while giving the vote of thanks at the church service.
At the occasion, the President also urged the couple to embrace the virtue of endurance and learn to resolve their disagreements in their bedroom.
Jonathan asked them not to bring their problems to him because he has more than enough issues to handle.

Ekwueme Explodes: Why Jonathan Won’t Get Block Votes In South-east

Though it was not a Sunday, Dr Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President, who had a scheduled interview appointment, took The Sun team to his chapel, a sanctuary in the upper chamber of the right wing of his house.He had led the way from his living room to climb the staircase to the chapel, explain­ing that it was the only place the interview could be held without much distraction from visitors.After we had ascended the ‘holy’ up­per chamber, we began the business of the day that lasted for about two hours, with the octogenarian looking at the country, remembering what had happened as if they occurred just yesterday, appraising power equations from independence in 1960 till now. Dr Ekwueme, who co-founded the Peo­ples Democratic Party (PDP) with some other illustrious Nigerians, also looked at the current state of the party, saying that things have fallen apart in the PDP envi­sioned to be a mass movement that would rule the country for 60 years.He also told the story of how the party has derailed from the original vision of the founders, and how the leadership has aban­doned him.

Ethiopian Airlines Cargo Plane Crash-Lands At Accra Airport

An Ethiopian Airways cargo plane from traveling from Lome, Togo to neighboring Accra, Ghana is said to have crash-landed at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
Eyewitness accounts say the plane skidded off the runway in the process of landing at about 10:00 am local time on Saturday.
All three crew members said to have been on board cargo plane flight no. ETEQV survived the incident and are currently receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
Bad weather is thought to have contributed to the crash landing incident although Ghanaian authorities have not confirmed this.
Ethiopian Airlines is top rated in Africa and has one of the continent's best airline accident records. As of January 2014, the Aviation Safety Network has recorded 60 accidents/incidents totalling 322 fatalities since 1965.

YOUTHS SET JONATHAN’S CAMPAIGN BUS ABLAZE IN JOS

Some angry youth on Saturday attacked and set ablaze a campaign bus branded with President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign posters at Zololo junction, Bauchi road in Jos, Jos North Local Government area of Plateau state.
The bus was on fire at the time of filling this report. However, witnesses said the driver of the bus escaped unhurt.
It is not clear what led to the attack. Police could not be immediately reached for comments.
A witness, whose car was also torched by the rampaging mob, said another PDP-branded car was also set alight.
The source, who only identified herself as Mrs. Rose, told PREMIUM TIMES that her Honda car was also smashed by the protesting youth.

We’ll humiliate Buhari — South East PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described APC’s cap in hand scouting for South East votes as will-o’-the-wisp, sheer delusion and a mid-day feverish dream, asking the party to forget the zone as
South-Easterners will deliver 100 percent block vote to the PDP in February general elections.

PDP National Vice Chairman, South East, Austin Akobundu, in a statement on Saturday said “the South East apart from being an impregnable forte of the PDP, the APC’s ideology of lies, deceit,
divisiveness and violence is a vexatious stigma that makes support for it a cardinal sin among the peace loving people of the zone”.

APC WILL WIN 28 STATES ON FIRST BALLOT —NGIGE

SENATOR Chris Ngige, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has predicted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win 28 states on first ballot in February general elections.
Ngige told newsmen in Awka on Thursday that his prediction was based on facts and surveys conducted by independent surveyors.
Ngige, who is the Coordinator of General Muhammed Buhari Presidential Campaign in the South-East, said that following the prediction, APC would form the next government at the centre.
“Our party will win in 28 states in the first ballot; we have done everything humanly possible to educate our people to follow this change.
“We have done very well in making the people believe in APC despite the vilification by the PDP,” he said.

APC WILL PLUNGE NIGERIA INTO CIVIL, RELIGIOUS WAR –FAYOSE

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has described the All Progressives Congress as capable of causing chaos in Nigeria with the statements being made by its leadership.
Fayose, in a statement made available toSaturday PUNCH on Friday, blamed the APC for what he called a “campaign of hate.”
He described the APC presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, as an “Islamist who is out to return power to the northerners and implement Islamic agenda.”
He said this could trigger crisis in the Niger-Delta area of the country in the South-South, where President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party hails from. Buhari, on the other hand, is from the North-Western part of the country.
Jonathan, Buhari and 11 other candidates will vie for the presidential seat at the polls in February, 2014.

OBA OF LAGOS BLAMES OBASANJO, NOT JONATHAN FOR NIGERIA’S WOES

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Thursday said President Goodluck Jonathan should not be blamed for the problems of Nigeria.
Oba Akiolu said this while receiving the president Jonathan at his palace in Lagos.
He said that many of the problems in the country predated the Jonathan administration.
Mr. Jonathan was in Lagos State for the flag-off of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) presidential campaign at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
He was at the Oba’s palace to pay homage to him and seek his blessings before going to the campaign venue.

OUK,THE ABIA NORTH SENATE RACE AND THE JONATHAN FOR LIFE SLOGAN!

Like I earlier stated,a lot of lies has been told to us about this one true Igbo leader by a man who's wickedness can only be equated by that of Pharaoh of Egypt and deception,that of our yesteryears story book about tortoise. I have met with most of our Igbo ex-Governors,non has the after office follower-ship as Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu!

From my first port of call which was in his multi-million dollars mansion home in the Presidential Villa,where I was stunned by the crowd I met and was later meant to understand that they were old members of the National Assembly and some were His old colleagues.

SAUDI BLOGGER FLOGGED PUBLICLY FOR ‘INSULTING ISLAM’

Saudi Arabia has lashed a liberal blogger 50 times in public, despite widespread international outrage and calls for clemency from human right groups.
Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, said on twitter that blogger and activist, Raif Badawi, was lashed outside a mosque in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on Friday.
Badawi is due to undergo 50 lashes every week after Friday prayers, which will continue for 20 weeks until his punishment is complete.
Amnesty International says Badawi, who started the “Free Saudi Liberals” website, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes on charges related to accusations he insulted Islam on the online forum.

I CAN'T FIGHT CORRUPTION BUHARI'S WAYS, SAYS JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan Friday in Enugu challenged the presidential candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress, Muhammadu Buhari to unveil his blueprint on how to fight corruption and 'revive' the nation's economy, noting that unlike in 1983 when Buhari clamped "innocent Nigerians" into jail, there are new and modern ways of fighting corruption.
Addressing the mammoth crowd of supporters who thronged the main bowl of Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu, venue of the PDP presidential campaign rally, Jonathan said his administration had tackled the problem of corruption in the last four years using modern technologies.
"People keep accusing us of being corrupt, let them bear in mind that no nation can thrive with corruption. We hate corruption but the issue now is that they have not told us how to deal with it. They should show us how they will manage the economy better than us. Let them unveil their blueprint," he said.

Jonathan's Triumphs And Errors By Erasmus Ikhide

President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan can now see clearly his triumphs and errors as the 2015 general election firmly stirs him in the face. Now, he is striving militantly with a burning sense of mission anew - for himself and for Nigeria - from which all doubts are not excluded. His new campaign strategies seems to have exerted a strong appeal on the sentimentally-induced nation.
In his exalted spirit, he is pointing the way toward a glorious Nigerian destiny where there would be power stability, elimination of Boko Haram, job creation, zero tolerance for corruption and the like. Will Mr. Jonathan be able to achieve these, even if he tarries on to 2019? To think of it, is it actually useless to speak guilt of a man who in the bottom of his heart is devoted to his nation with studious love, and who only missed or failed to understand the common road to her destination?
There is no doubt that the President has done some good, his best. Is his best enough for Nigerians? He has fixed Ore-Benin Express Way, and has continued to fix the Lagos-Ibadan axis of the same road. He has minimally upgraded some major airports, even though they are not amongst the best 10 airports in Africa and are still leaking each time it rains.

Anyim, PDP Top Shots Use Judiciary In Plot To Impose Stella Oduah As Senatorial Candidate In Anambra State

Top shots of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja and Anambra State are manipulating the judiciary in order to achieve their imposition of a disgraced former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah as one of the party’s senatorial candidates in Anambra.
Aggrieved members of the party named Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as the key collaborator in Ms. Oduah’s game to be foisted as a senatorial candidate. “Senator Anyim and Chief Mrs. Oduah have been working together to undermine internal democracy in Anambra PDP,” one of several sources in the state alleged. “They appointed an illegal caretaker committee led by Major General Aliyu Karma (ret.), as chairman, and Alhaji Dalhatu Akibu, as secretary, to oversee, run the affairs and conduct elections for the PDP, Anambra State chapter,” the source added.
Several party members said the imposition of the Karma-led committee flouted two court judgments, an interim order issued in October 2014 by Justice E. S. Chukwu of the Federal High Court Abuja, and an earlier interlocutory Injunction by Justice H. A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court. In the latter verdict, Justice Nganjiwa ordered both the PDP and INEC to recognize and deal with Ejike Oguebego as the party’s state chairman in all election matters in Anambra State pending the determination of the substantive lawsuit.

NIGERIA REQUIRES ONLY DEGREE HOLDER AS PRESIDENT, SAYS MIMIKO

As the build-up to the February Presidential elections gathers momentum, Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, says Nigerians will not accept any President who has anything less than a university degree.
He disclosed this while speaking at the official flag-off of the Presidential campaign for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
He said the people of the South West have concluded plans to rally support for the PDP candidate adding that anyone who would become the president should be a university degree holder.
“I stand on firm ground to state, categorically, that hardly is there any home in Lagos and, indeed, the South West that cannot boast of a 10th generation school certificate holder. This is why, among
others, we will not settle for a President with less than a University degree”, he declared.
The Governor described the president as a democrat noting that in spite of challenges and abuses on his person, Jonathan had remained committed to the unity of the country.

OHANEZE TELLS REV. MBAKA TO STOP GIVING SPIRITUAL POISON

• Urges Nigerians to ignore his remarks
• Chime promises to mobilise Enugu State for Jonathan
TheYouth Council of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo on Wednesday carpeted the fiery Enugu Catholic priest, Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka, for his recent advice to Nigerians to reject President Jonathan in the coming election because of alleged non-performance.

Describing his remarks as “spiritual poison” unbecoming of a religious leader, the National President of the Ohaneze Youth Council, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, urged Nigerians, especially Ndigbo, to ignore the vituperations of the Catholic priest as he was not speaking for either the Catholic Church or Ndigbo.

Why we named him Goodluck - President Jonathan's parents

Have you been wondering why our amiable president was named Goodluck? The answer has been revealed in his authorized biography..According to his mother, Madam Eunice Aye Jonathan....“Madam Eunice recalls that there was nothing special about the day on which Goodluck was born in Otuoke. His birth was however very easy compared to her other experiences with childbirth. She recalled, “I often had prolonged labour during childbirth, sometimes for up to a wee, and because of this, I usually had still-births. But when it was the turn of Goodluck, I delivered him the very day I started having labour pains. This surprised me”.

Dorobucci, Surulere, Aye, Girlie O, others make Naija Top Ten hottest videos of 2014

This week’s episode of Official Naija Top Ten hosted by MTV Base VJs Stephanie Coker and Ehiz Okoeguale reveals the list of hottest videos aired on the show in 2014

The list includes ten chart-topping videos that stayed on the number one spot for many weeks during the course of the year.

Runtown’s  Gallardo  holds the number one spot followed by Davido’s  Aye  and Dr Sid’s  Surulere  on numbers two and three respectively.

Other videos that made the list include  Jaiye Jaiye, Show you the money  andYawa dey.

See full list below:

Stella Oduah Takes Campaign To Governor Obiano's Strong Hold

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members are determined to ruffle the Anambra state Governor , Chief Willie Obiano in his strongholds.
This is because the party has extended its campaign rally to Anambra West Local Government Area of the state, which is one of the strong holds of the State governor, Chief Willie Obiano of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
Report has it that the immediate past governorship candidate in the 20`3 governorship election, Comrade Tony Nwoye while addressing over 6,000 party loyalists said that PDP remains the only way forward for national transformation and progress even as he added that the transformation agenda of Mr President and its achievements had already made PDP a household choice among Nigerians.

Kidney Transplant: I almost gave up hope of surviving — OJB

When the popular music producer,  Babatunde Okungbowa a.k.a OJB was down with kidney related disease, and consequently was flown to India for a transplant, two things pre-occupied his mind. They were, the fear of the unknown and that of the mystery of death.

But in the mix of these depressing  thoughts, OJB did not give up the hope of cheating death. He went through the surgeon’s knife and came off successfully. Today, the popular music producer is not only bubbling with life again, but he’s championing a worthy cause geared towards affecting the lives of those who are suffering from kidney related diseases.

It would be recalled that shortly after his return to the country, OJB set up a foundation called, OJB Foundation, which he is using to solicit support for those suffering from kidney related diseases. He stated that the foundation would majorly act as a dialysis centre, providing financial relief for patients who spend their life savings on undergoing weekly dialysis.

PHOTO NEWS: Full Pictures of President Jonathan Presidential Rally

Nigerians even Lagosians witnessed an unprecedented turn out, in the maiden of President Goodluck and vice President Namadi Sambo presidential rally, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan Lagos.

See the full pictures that summarized the epoch making event.

I worked free to get my acting career on track – Adufe

Mary Adufe is a fast rising actress in the Yoruba movie industry. She studied communication and language at the Obafemi Awolowo university, Ife and later worked as a journalist for a while. She resigned to become secretary to popular Yoruba actor Yinka Quadri . She has featured in so many soap operas and Nollywood movies like Ona Abayo, Effisy po, Ifokantan, Nitori Aye and many more. In this interview with Aderonke Adeyeri, she talks about her passion for acting and other interesting things. Excerpts.

I’m fierce and sexy, says Debie Rise as she releases ‘Winner’

Nigerian Idol Star, Debie Rise, who impressed and thrilled audience of the popular music reality show, ‘Nigerian Idol’ has released her single, ‘Winner’ after signing a recording contract with ‘800 Records.’

Winner as the single is titled, flamboyantly displayed Debie’s energy, passion, love and enthusiasm for music as indeed a winner and not a loser. Debie Rise who had stunned with ‘Gagabu’ and ‘MatchUp’ is gradually catching attention, earning respect of critics and getting a lot of gigs across the nation. Of particular mention are her performances at the Pepsi Gala Nite and several private ‘end of the year’ parties.

Yaya Toure Wins 2014 GLO CAF Footballers Award, Fourth Time

Ivory Coast and  Manchester City of England play maker, Yaya Toure has claimed the 2014 Glo-CAF African Footballer of the Year award, thus winn-ing it for the fourth straight time, since 2011. The Ivorian midfielder who is 1.88 meters tall was born in Bouake in May, 1983.
He has over 85 caps for Ivory Coast with 16 goals while his appearance for Manchester City is above
140 with over 39 goals.
The Ivorian captain defeated his nearest rival, Nigeria captain and first choice goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama and Gabon international, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

We never endorsed Buhari — Ex-Mend commanders

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, may have been hit by a crisis, following the purported endorsement of General Muhamadu Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the presidential election, as a former leader of the group, ‘Gen’ Reuben Wilson, has called on Nigerians to disregard the said endorsement.
He said that the ex-militants were all for President Goodluck Jonathan in next month’s presidential election.
But Jomo Gbomo, who speaks for the group, has lambasted the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, for questioning its credibility and describing MEND as a ghost organisation because of its proclaimed support for Buhari.

My generation has failed – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, flagged off his campaign for re-election with a declaration that his generation has failed Nigeria.
While addressing youths at the campaign ground, the President told them to work for the future of Nigeria, through hard work and dedication, adding that the youths are the ones to take the country to the moon.

Sri Lankan Election Update: Opposition Candidate Beats Incumbent President

Sri Lanka’s Mahinda Rajapakse has conceded defeat in presidential elections, officials said Friday, after a bitter campaign that saw Asia’s longest-serving leader brought down by allegations of corruption and a failure to bring about post-war reconciliation.
Winner of election Sri Lankan presidential election, Maithripala Sirisena
After the island’s tightest presidential vote in decades, a top aide to Rajapakse said the one-time strongman accepted the decision of voters who turned out in force on Thursday.
“The president concedes defeat and will ensure a smooth transition of power, bowing to the wishes of the people,” presidential press secretary Vijayananda Herath told AFP, adding that he had already vacated his main official residence in a symbolic gesture of defeat.

EFCC Arrests Two Fraudsters Over N500m Oil Scam

Emmanuel Owoicho

In what may be described as the biggest catch of the new year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has smashed a syndicate of suspected fraudsters who duped their victims, within and outside Nigeria, over N300million in cases involving different fake crude oil deals.
Two members of the syndicate, Michael Oghenemi Morowie and Emmanuel Owoicho, are currently in the custody of EFCC, explaining their involvement in the alleged crude oil scam.
EFCC moved against the syndicate following complainants by victims, who have been fleeced by the alleged fraudsters who operate, using different pseudo names and companies.
An unsuspecting victim alleged that members of the syndicate collected the sum of N119million from him in the pretext of supplying him two million barrels of Bonny Light Crude Oil.

Governor Obiano Thanks Ndi Anambra for Peaceful Celebrations

The Governor of Anambra State Chief Willie Obiano has on behalf of the government of Anambra state expressed profound appreciation to Ndi Anambra for the peaceful and memorable Christmas and New Year celebrations witnessed in various communities in the state.

The governor was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm and sense of duty displayed by Ndi Anambra through their positive response, attendance and participation in the activities and programmes of the maiden Anambra Heritage Festival which held from December 23 to 26, 2014. The Festival activities include Reading by Novelist and Newspaper Columnist, Prof. Okey Ndibe, Masquerade display at Ekweme Square, the Obiano Football Fiesta and the Jam Blast Music show held at the Ekwueme Square on the December 26, 2014.

Jonathan to Buhari: I would have rejected MEND’s endorsement

President Goodluck Jonathan, Thursday, dismissed the alleged endorsement of the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, General Mohammadu Buhari by the Movement for the emancipation of Niger Delta, saying that no person who mean well for the country should be excited by the endorsement of a terrorist organisation.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, he noted that for a faction of MEND that had attacked venues where the President was presiding over events at least two times, the attack on the person of the President did not come as a surprise.
President Jonathan therefore advised General Mohammadu Buhari not to “place any stock on his purported endorsement by the renegade faction of MEND which is led by a convicted and unrepentant terrorist with whom no leader who truly means well for Nigeria should be associated”.
The statement reads:

Jonathan to Jega: Every registered Nigerian must get PVC before Feb polls

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, has promised that every eligible Nigerian would be provided with his or her Permanent Voters’ Card, PVC, before the general elections next month.
Jega was responding to a request by President Goodluck Jonathan for INEC to ensure that every Nigerian, who registered to vote was provided with PVC to enable him or her vote in the elections.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has invited the INEC and other stakeholders to deliberate on the country’s readiness to conduct 2015 general elections.
Jonathan spoke while swearing in a new National INEC Commissioner representing Oyo State, Prof. Akinola Murtala Salau, saying no Nigerian should be disenfranchised because of his/her inability to get the PVC.
The President said the level of interest shown by Nigerians from all walks of life in getting their PVC was an indication that confidence was being restored in the electoral process.

Governor Condoles President Jonathan Over The Death of Hiis Sister

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has condoled with President Goodluck Jonathan on the passage of his sister, Mrs. Nancy Jonathan-Olei who recently died at the age of 53.In a statement signed by James Eze, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Governor Obiano expressed a deep sense of regret that the late Mrs. Jonathan-Olei passed on at a very young age, describing her death as colossal loss to her family and the nation.

PICTURES: Launch of Sale of Emblem to Mark the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day

“We are gathered here today to open up the floodgates of our national memory and spare some thoughts on the numerous sacrifices that the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have made to protect our freedom and preserve our nationhood”. These were the striking words of the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano at a special ceremony held yesterday to launch the sale of emblem to mark the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Conference Hall, Government House, Awka.

Behaviour Change Can stoicism make you happier?

Marcus Aurelius (121-180CE) was emperor of Rome at the height of its influence and power. One can only imagine the pressures that a person in his position might have experienced. The military might of the empire was massive, and much could happen in the fog of war. Conspiracies ran rampant through the imperial court. What might be lurking right around the corner seemed unforeseeable. Economies flourished and fell into ruin. Barbarians at the Gates! And if Marcus was stressed out, how much more might the ordinary Roman suffer from this uncertainty?

But, as we start 2015, is Marcus’s world really all that different from ours?

Today, global financial markets seem to move of their own accord as life savings vanish. Conflict around the world and violence at home seems hopelessly incomprehensible for most of us. US elections have seen some of their lowest voter turnout in recent memory, and the country seems more polarized than ever. The constant flow of information from the media and internet can make one feel small and ineffectual.

If all these stresses push one into a state of despair, or at least a sense of futility, maybe we can follow Marcus’ advice and turn to philosophy. In particular, the philosophy of Stoicism.

The principles of Stoicism

Police impounds lorry with ballot boxes in Ibadan

The Oyo State police command on Wednesday impounded a lorry conveying ballot boxes said to belong to the Independent National Electoral Commission around 2am in the Yemetu area of Ibadan.
The ballot boxes were stored in a 40-feet container.
Sources said that the trailer was arrested on the suspicion that it was carrying contraband items but was later discovered that its contents were ballot boxes meant for the next month election in Osun State.
It was learnt that the trailer and the consignment were later released after police investigation revealed that the boxes were being transported to Osun State by INEC.
However, the arrest created anxiety in political circles as politicians made effort to know if the boxes were empty or stuffed with ballot papers.
At a point, rumour spread in the city that a certain political party had connived with INEC to bring in thumb-printed ballot papers into Oyo State.

Don’t blame Jonathan for Nigeria’s problems – Oba Akiolu

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Railwan Akinolu, on Thursday said that President Goodluck Jonathan should not be blamed for the problems of Nigeria. Akiolu said this while receiving Jonathan at his palace in Lagos.
He said that many of the problems in the country predated the Jonathan administration.
NAN reports that the President was in Lagos State for the flag-off of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) presidential campaign at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
He was in the Oba’s palace to pay homage to him and seek his blessings before going to the campaign venue.

Re: Come and see Senate Building

The above subject caption was the title of the weekly treatise from Prof. Niyi Akinnaso in his regular column, “Thinking with You”, which appeared in The PUNCH of Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Earlier, an advert announcement with the picture of the Senate Building of the Ondo State University, Akungba Akoko and the subsequent reporting of the project inauguration had captured and directed my attention to the said Senate Building. I must admit that the picture I saw in that advert was fascinating and good to behold.

Some senior citizens are motor park touts –Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday condemned some politicians parading themselves as statesmen and senior citizens whereas, they are by their utterances, “ordinary politicians and motor park touts.”
He said such politicians could not be described as statesmen because of the big offices they occupied before but by virtue of what they brought to bear on the nation.
Jonathan spoke while playing host to a delegation of the Tanko-Yakasai-led Northern Elders Council in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Although the President did not mention names, former President Olusegun Obasanjo had on Monday said Nigeria was facing economic problems due to the failure of the present administration to plan for a rainy day.

Election: Pastor Bakare Challenges Christian Church Over Political Support, Alleges Some Pastors Sold Their Conscience In 2011

Fiery Lagos preacher and Serving Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly Church in Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has warned that the Church in Nigeria will face confusion over which of the principal can
In his sermon in Lagos on Sunday, Pastor Bakare asserted that 2011, the church was entangled in a bribery web, as some pastors were heavily paid by the President Goodluck Jonathan team to mobilize Christians through different means, and that they delivered for him.
The outspoken pastor did not mention any names, but noted that if put on the spot to do so, he would.
It would be recalled that ahead of that election, President Jonathan appeared at the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where he was widely photographed kneeling down in prayer before Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General verseer.

The Education And Learnings Of Muhammadu Buhari By Tunji Abayomi

There appears to be a great anxiety by somes to assert and spread wrong conclusions arising from my two previous notes on the education of General Buhari. I have not said General Buhari did not attend Primary or Secondary Schools. He did. What I said and stand on, is that section 131(d) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution focuses not on certificates but on education. I repeat, for the avoidance of doubt, a certificate where available may well prove the education level of the citizen desirous of becoming President, but without it, he can still meet the education qualification by other modes of proof.
General Buhari met that proof before the eminent men and woman of the APC Screening Committee (A.S.C) He did that by affidavit evidence under oath and by interaction and reaction. The Screening Committee justly and rightly concluded that “he has been educated up to at least school certificate level or equivalent.

MEND Reiterates Support For Buhari’s Candidature

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has countered the  Ijaw Youth Council, the Peoples Democratic Party and other ex-militants in the Niger Delta region over its support for the candidature of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari.
In a release issued today, MEND's spokesperson "Jomo Gbomo" described the statement credited to Peoples Democratic Party spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, as "callous and irresponsible". Jomo Gbomo stated that MEND had no relationship with the APC. The militant group also took the leadership of the IYC to the cleaners for describing MEND as a "ghost".  The release provided a website news link where the IYC priased MEND for observ
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) views the recent question and statement credited to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, as very callous and irresponsible. This question: “Explain your connections with MEND”, further confirms and vindicates our views about Goodluck Jonathan, his inept government and the PDP.

South South Can Collapse Economy If Jonathan Loses Presidential Election —Lagos PDP Candidate, Jimi Agbaje

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has warned that if President Goodluck Jonathan fails to win next month’s election, the South-South could shut down the oil sector and this would affect the nation’s economy which is oil-dependent.Agbaje, however, asked that if another part of the country shuts down over the failure of its candidate emerging President, would it have an equal effect on the economy since Nigeria relies heavily on the Niger Delta for its foreign exchange earnings.
Jonathan hails from the South-South while his major contender, Maj. Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) of the All Progressives Congress, hails from the North-West.
The PDP governorship candidate said this at meeting in London organised by his supporters and the UK chapter of the PDP.
In the six-minute video clip posted on DiasporaPr.com, which was sighted by our correspondent, Agbaje warned that Jonathan’s victory was imperative.

Dismissed ​female ​Police officer arrested for stealing ​​car

A police corporal, Funmilayo Balogun, has been arrested for stealing a Honda Accord car worth N5 million​,​ which she sold to unsuspecting client.

The 35-year-old suspect was on Wednesday paraded by the Ogun State Police Command. She was wearing a police uniform with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police.

She was dismissed in 2010 by the Ondo State Command for presenting fake result to get police employment.

After her dismissal, she allegedly promoted herself to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and allegedly started stealing cars in automobile stores across the South-West of the country

The suspect allegedly committed the offence in October 2014, when she approached a car dealer in Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta on the pretense that she wanted to buy the car.

Religious tension in Katsina as govt stops Church project

An attempt by the Katsina State Urban and Regional Planning Board, KURPB, to stop further work on a branch of ECWA Church in Matazu Local Government Area has generated tension among residents, setting off fears of a possible religious crisis.
In a letter, dated January 6 2015, entitled “STOP NOTICE” and received by ECWA Trustees, KURPB gave the church a three-day ultimatum to stop all the development work at Matazu ECWA church.
KURPB said that ECWA had been proceeding with the development of the church without necessary legal requirements, but said the church might forward proper formal application or risk “further action” by the board.
The letter reads: “You are hereby advised to stop all the development work at Matazu ECWA Church. It is believed that you are proceeding with development of the site without the necessary legal requirements of planning permission from Katsina State Urban and Regional Planning Board or in violation of such permission.

COLUMNS, KALU LEADERSHIP SERIES: WHAT COLOUR IS 2015?

BY Orji Uzor Kalu.

This is the season of predictions and prophecies. They come from different quarters, each purveying one message or an­other – some favourable, some fearful. In all, these predictions and prophe­cies help to shape our future and serve as a compass to that which is yet to come. And 2015 is not going to be dif­ferent. But the question on every lip is: what colour is 2015? What hope or failure does it hold for our dear nation and its people?

In our clime, people treat these predic­tions and prophecies differently. While some people underrate them and treat them with disdain, some others take them seriously. The reasons the two schools of thought behave the way they do vary and depend on the idiosyncrasies of each.

Sri Lanka's Election Update: President Mahinda Rajapaksa faces crucial poll

Millions of Sri Lankans have voted in an unexpectedly close election that pits President Mahinda Rajapaksa against one of his former allies
Mr Rajapaksa, in office since 2005, called the election two years early with analysts predicting an easy win.
But many voters have since rallied behind the challenger, former health minister Maithripala Sirisena.
There were armed policemen at every polling station because of concerns the vote would not be peaceful and free.
Mr Rajapaksa rode a wave of popularity after the civil war ended in 2009 but he now faces claims of cronyism.
His relatives fill many of the most powerful and influential positions in the country, and critics accuse him of running the state like a family business.
Analysts say Mr Sirisena appears to have capitalised on this perception, making gains among Sinhalese who usually vote for Mr Rajapaksa.
Mr Sirisena is also expected to win most of the vote from the ethnic minorities that make up about 30% of Sri Lanka's population.

Photo News: Charlie Hebdo attack: See the 12 victims of the terror attack

Stéphane Charbonnier was the editor of Charlie Hebdo. Photograph: Michel Euler/AP

Stéphane Charbonnier, aka Charb, 47

Charbonnier had been editor of Charlie Hebdo since 2009 and led the paper’s charge against the taboo on depicting the prophet Muhammad, in the name of freedom of expression. He had been under police protection since November 2011, when the satirical weekly published a special edition mocking the prophet and Islam, and a firebomb attack destroyed the paper’s offices. e was a well-known cartoonist who had previously worked for the Franco-Belgian comic magazines L’Echo des Savanes and Fluide Glacial, as well as the communist daily Humanité.

In 2012, following a further controversy over the magazine’s depiction of Muhammad, Charbonnier told the avant-garde magazine Tel Quel: “I’m not scared of reprisals. I don’t have kids or a wife, I’ve got no car, no credit.

“It might sound a bit pompous but I prefer to die standing than live on my knees.”

Police converge on region north-east of Paris in hunt for Charlie Hebdo killers

The French president, François Hollande, has led a minute’s silence for the victims of Wednesday’s attack on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, as police responded to unconfirmed sightings of the suspects north-east of Paris amid an atmosphere of heightened tension and confusion.
In a briefing on Thursday morning, Bernard Cazeneuve, France’s interior minister, said that seven arrests were made overnight, but the two main suspects, brothers Saïd and Chérif Kouachi, were still at large.
With the search for the gunmen in its second day, anti-terror police converged on the Aisne region of north-east France after unconfirmed, and at times confusing, reports that the suspects had been seen.
Two police sources told Reuters the men were seen armed and wearing cagoules in a Renault Clio car at a petrol station on a secondary road in Villers-Cotterêts, about 70km (40 miles) from the French capital.
Bruno Fortier, the mayor of nearby Crépy-en-Valois, said helicopters were circling his town and police and anti-terrorism forces were deploying en masse.
“It’s an incessant waltz of police cars and trucks,” he told Reuters.

A Feast of Colour in Aguleri as Igwe Ogalagidi Marks 115th Ovala

The ancient kingdom of Aguleri exploded in a kaleidoscope of colours at the weekend to mark its 115th Ovala Festival. It was a feast of culture and opulence as the illustrious sons and daughters of Aguleri turned up in their largest number to celebrate with their Igwe – Eze C. N Idigo IV (Ogalagidi) as he marked yet another great year on the throne of his fathers. The 4-day cultural festivalvia



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Photos from the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of the President's Daughter in Otueke

The Crème de la crème of Nigerian leadership including the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano were in Otueke, Bayelsa State on January 3, 2015 to witness the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of Inebharapu Paul, daughter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the First Lady, Dr. Dame Patience Jonathan,via



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Photos from the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of the President's Daughter in Otueke

The Crème de la crème of Nigerian leadership including the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano were in Otueke, Bayelsa State on January 3, 2015 to witness the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of Inebharapu Paul, daughter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the First Lady, Dr. Dame Patience Jonathan,via



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Who will stop this looting spree?

The contradictions in our failed economy are probably best captured by the stark reality of deepening poverty and unbridled unemployment despite the celebrated recent increase in our Gross Domestic Product, with increasing revenue and bountiful external reserves to boot for almost two decades! We may recall that despite the paltry $4bn national reserves during the Gen. Sani Abacha years, whenvia



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Desperation In The Jonathan Camp In Anticipation Of Defeat-A Can Of Worms Nigerians Should Be Ashamed Of By Dr. Wumi Akintide

The debate currently going on whether or not a 4 star General has requisite qualifications to be certified as a candidate in the next election is a development that would come back to haunt Jonathan long after he loses the election on February 14. It is a development that can open a can of worms on the first Prime minister and most of the past Presidents of Nigeria from the North who were flagvia



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Judge threatens to jail Ohanaeze leaders

An Enugu State High Court judge, Justice Romanus Odugu, has threatened to jail some leaders of the Igbo pan cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, for contempt if they disobey an order restraining them from conducting an election to elect a new executive committee for the organisation. The threat was contained in a Notice of Consequence of Disobedience of Court Order (Form 48) issued by the court onvia



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Even Babangida Comments: I Never Looted Nigeria's Money

A former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has said that he is not corrupt as being insinuated in many quarters. He asked any Nigerian with facts on corruption against him to release them to the public. He also said the $12.4billion Gulf Oil War windfall of 1991 was not stolen. Babangida made the clarifications in an exclusive interview with a team of the Economic and Financial



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PRESIDENTIAL POLL: We’ll deal with Jonathan – Ndigbo reveal why they are angry with president

MAJORITY of South-East and Igbo votes may not go to President Goodluck Jonathan in the February 14 presidential polls contrary to expectations unless the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) takes the complaints of the zone seriously, Founder of the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) and Deputy Secretary of the Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), Evangelist Elliot Uko, has said. To make amends andvia



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INEC gets positive signals over N75bn budget

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday said it had been receiving positive signals from the Federal Government on the disbursement of N75bn budget for the 2015 general elections. The commission also said it was the duty of relevant security agencies to enforce laws whenever political parties breached their code of conduct. Mr. Kayode Idowu, chief press secretary to INECvia



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Ballot and blood? Never again!

Yea, they are greedy dogs/Which cannot have enough,/And they are shepherds That cannot understand:/They all look their way,/Everyone for his gain Isaiah 54 v11 On the surface of it, the recent appeal made by President Goodluck Jonathan canvassing a violence-free general elections and the subsequent endorsement by the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, are both patriotic andvia



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Presidential Poll: ‘Forget your re-election’ – OAU students tells Jonathan

Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to reduce their tuition or be ready to face their wrath during forthcoming presidential election….You need to read this The Student Union President, Mr. Isaac Ibikunle, and the Secretary, Mr. Oludare Bamidele, stated this in a statement. Jonathan met briefly with the student unionvia



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2015 Election: ‘A litmus test for Nigeria’ -Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland

Foremost religious leader and businessman, Asiwaju Khamis Badmus has warned that failure in the 2015 election in the country would affect the growth of Nigeria. The Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland said this in an Eid Maolud message through his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Alhaji Dawood Ajetunmobi. Badmus also said it was important both candidates of the Peoples Democtraticvia



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Mr. President, America is not the enemy

It says a lot about a country and the integrity of its leaders when they deliberately deploy propaganda to portray another country as the “enemy” responsible for their own incompetence and domestic crises. In an increasingly globalised world, one would have expected a government responsible enough to understand the dynamics of international laws and how such laws affect other countries’via



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11 soldiers died in Baga Army base attack

Over 11 soldiers and scores of civilians were reportedly killed when the Boko Haram sect attacked the army base in Baga, Borno State on Saturday, a security source and witnesses said on Monday. The Islamists attacked the northeastern town of Baga and the barracks on its outskirts on Saturday, potentially providing a launchpad for more attacks in the country and other neighbouring nations.via



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Amokachi not impressed despite Eagles’ win

Coach Daniel Amokachi has said he is not impressed with his team of home-based super Eagles even after they thrashed FCT League side NYSC 5-2 on Monday, Africanfootball.com reports. Amokachi said he was not impressed by the performance of his Eagles as they showed signs of heaviness, adding that more work needed to be done before the team departed for friendlies against Cote d’Ivoire and Sudanvia



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Read Ten Things Apostle Johnson Prophesied Would Happen In 2015

As the 2015 general elections draws nearer, revelations has been emanating from different men of God across the federation, a popular man of God, Apostle Johnson Sulieman, leader of the Omega Fire Minitries International (OFM) has also released his 2015 Prophecies and what he believes will happen this year. Below are his prophecies. 1.There shall be harvest of testimonies for women looking forvia



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Enugu rejects newly redeployed REC

The main opposition parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the United Progressives Party, UPP, at the weekend, took a swipe on the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, over the recent redeployment of Resident Electoral Commissioners,RECs, ahead next month’s general elections. The Chairman,Enugu State chapter of APC,Mr. Ben Nwoye said,”it is bad for INEC to routinely,



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A Feast of Colour in Aguleri as Igwe Ogalagidi Marks 115th Ovala

The ancient kingdom of Aguleri exploded in a kaleidoscope of colours at the weekend to mark its 115th Ovala Festival. It was a feast of culture and opulence as the illustrious sons and daughters of Aguleri turned up in their largest number to celebrate with their Igwe – Eze C. N Idigo IV (Ogalagidi) as he marked yet another great year on the throne of his fathers. The 4-day cultural festival



via Ashiwaju.Org http://ift.tt/1DdhOgi

Photos from the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of the President's Daughter in Otueke

The Crème de la crème of Nigerian leadership including the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano were in Otueke, Bayelsa State on January 3, 2015 to witness the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of Inebharapu Paul, daughter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the First Lady, Dr. Dame Patience Jonathan,



via Ashiwaju.Org http://ift.tt/1BE6bev

Photos from the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of the President's Daughter in Otueke

The Crème de la crème of Nigerian leadership including the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano were in Otueke, Bayelsa State on January 3, 2015 to witness the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of Inebharapu Paul, daughter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the First Lady, Dr. Dame Patience Jonathan,



via Ashiwaju.Org http://ift.tt/1BE6dmx

A Feast of Colour in Aguleri as Igwe Ogalagidi Marks 115th Ovala

The ancient kingdom of Aguleri exploded in a kaleidoscope of colours at the weekend to mark its 115th Ovala Festival. It was a feast of culture and opulence as the illustrious sons and daughters of Aguleri turned up in their largest number to celebrate with their Igwe – Eze C. N Idigo IV (Ogalagidi) as he marked yet another great year on the throne of his fathers. The 4-day cultural festival



via Ashiwaju.Org http://ift.tt/1DdhOgi

Photos from the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of the President's Daughter in Otueke

The Crème de la crème of Nigerian leadership including the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano were in Otueke, Bayelsa State on January 3, 2015 to witness the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of Inebharapu Paul, daughter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the First Lady, Dr. Dame Patience Jonathan,



via Ashiwaju.Org http://ift.tt/1BE6bev

Photos from the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of the President's Daughter in Otueke

The Crème de la crème of Nigerian leadership including the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano were in Otueke, Bayelsa State on January 3, 2015 to witness the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of Inebharapu Paul, daughter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the First Lady, Dr. Dame Patience Jonathan,



via Ashiwaju.Org http://ift.tt/1BE6dmx