Ambode Inaugurates Governing Council Of CMC

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (4th left); Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (3rd left); Chairman, Governing Board of Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC), Justice Olayinka Gbajabiamila, rtd. (middle); Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem (4th right) and members of the Governing Board during the inauguration of Board at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday inaugurated the Governing Council of the Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC), urging members of the Council to work assiduously to enhance the capacity of the Centre to provide free and effective alternative dispute resolution of matters.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the inauguration ceremony, held at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said his administration will continue to ensure the growth and expansion of the CMC in recognition of the important role the Centre plays in mediating on disputes reported in respect of all matters that fall within the ambit of its statutory duties as well as providing free dispute resolution options.

“In every city where monetary, human and other capitals flow in such large volume as can be found in our State, an alternative to the adversarial means of resolving disputes must be put in place for easier and faster resolution of matters. Lagos State’s answer to this trend is the Citizens Mediation Centre.

“The Citizens Mediation Centre serves as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre providing a non- adversarial forum for the mediation and settlement of disputes between parties who voluntarily agree to the mediation of the disputes by mediators.

“In recognition of the important role the Centre plays in mediating on disputes reported in respect of all matters that fall within the ambit of its statutory duties as well as providing free dispute resolution options, we, as government have continued to ensure the growth and expansion of the Centre into remote areas of the State,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor said the setting up of the Council was in line with the Citizens Mediation Centre Law of 2015 (CMC Law), whose functions, among other things would include monitoring performance of the Centre; assess user satisfaction of mediation services; review and formulate new policy guidelines for the Centre for the overall development and growth of the Centre, amongst other functions.

He said the composition of members of the council was based on their track record and area of expertise, just as he charged them to be diligent and demonstrate the integrity and impartiality which the task deserves.

“I have no doubt that you will all bring your wealth of experience to bear on the mandate of the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre and that you all will justify the confidence this administration has reposed on you,” Governor Ambode said.

Earlier, while introducing members of the Governing Council, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem recalled that the CMC was established in 1999 as a unit under the Directorate of Citizens’ Right of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice before it emerged as an entity by law in 2007 to provide speedy free legal services to the needy and residents of the State irrespective of tribe, race and religion.

The Governing Council is headed by Hon. Justice Olayinka Gbajabiamila rtd as Chairman and Mrs Oluwatoyin Ogunsanya; Mrs Omololu Adesina; Mrs. Amanda Asagba; Mr. Mohammed Iskil Lawal; Mr Tokunbo Jaiye- Agoro and Mrs Yinka Odukoya as members.

The Attorney General said over the years, the Centre has become a household name, a reference point and a model for other States due to the commitment of the State Government to enhance their service delivery.

“The template of the Citizens’ Mediation Centre over the years has been replicated in some States through the effort and assistance of the Lagos State CMC. The establishment and activities of the centre has also engendered the inclusion of Conflict Resolution studies as practiced in some tertiary institutions in Nigeria,” Kazeem said.

He said the Centre currently has 18 units spread across the State, assuring that the present administration will ensure expansion of the Centre in each Local Government Area and Local Council Development Area in the State in order to bring mediation services closer to the people.

In his vote of assurance, the newly appointed Chairman of the Council, Justice Gbajabiamila thanked Governor Ambode for the confidence reposed in him and members of the Council, assuring that they would work assiduously to carry out their task in the best interest of Lagosians.

El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, Reno Omokri fight dirty over Obasanjo’s statement

Bashir El-rufai, the son of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri have started a fight on social media over Olusegun Obasanjo’s statement where he advised president Muhammadu Buhari not to run for a second term.

Obasanjo in the statement had also stated that those advising the president to carry on were not helping him, neither were they thinking good for Nigeria.
Governor El-Rufai, on his own had said, “We are not aware of any letter written by the former Nigerian leader. But if we grab it we will study it and see whether it affects us or not.
“We will react at the right time.”

But his son, Bashir, went ahead to attack the former military leader, saying, “Once again, Obasanjo’s Messiah Complex manifests itself. The only Saint in Nigeria.”

Infuriated by the governor’s son’s comment, Omokri wondered why he should show such disrespect, replying, “Look at son of El-Rufai insulting President Obasanjo! Like father like son. If @el-rufai, his ill brought up snake of a father, can insult GEJ when he was praying, can we expect better from the son? Yet El-Rufai complains about youths insulting him.
Angered by this, Bashir wrote, “You disgust me, so I cannot begin to exchange words with you. You are scum. You are a mistake. You are a cancerous curse to humanity and your family.”

Obasanjo too busy to notice Buhari’s efforts in economy - FG

The Federal Government on Wednesday said former President Olusegun Obasanjo might have been too busy to notice the efforts being made by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to revamp the nation’s economy.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this while addressing State House correspondents at the end of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The minister however commended Obasanjo for lauding the administration’s efforts to fight corruption and insecurity.

He was reacting to a statement in which Obasanjo asked Buhari not to seek second term.

Another Nollywood Actress Ene Adikwu Dies

The death has occured of another upcoming Nollywood actress Ene Adikwu

She died yesterday after a brief illness. More details later

House of Reps change 2019 Elections Timetable

The House of Representatives on Tuesday amended the Electoral Act to change the order of 2019 general elections’ timetable.
This came barely a month after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the time-table for the general elections.
INEC had said Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 16, 2019 and Governorship, State Assembly and Federal Capital Territory Area Councils polls will hold on March 2, 2019.


With the amendment by Reps, the National Assembly election is to hold first, followed by the gubernatorial and state assembly polls, and presidential election to be conducted last.
The amendment was made at the Committee of the House, presided by the Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun.

The lawmakers amended the Act while considering the report of the House Committee on Electoral Matters which proposed amendment of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
The House amended section 25 of the Principal Act and substituted it with a new section 25 (1).

According to the section, the elections shall be held in the following order: (a) National Assembly election (b) State Houses of Assembly and Governorship elections (c) Presidential election.
Similarly, section 87 was amended by adding a new section 87 (11) with a marginal note “time for primaries of political parties”.
“The primaries of political parties shall follow the following sequence (i) State House of Assembly (ii) National Assembly (iii) Governorship, and (iv), President.

“The dates for the above stated primaries shall not be held earlier than 120 days and not later than 90 days before the date of elections to the offices.”

The House also amended section 36 to allow running mate of a candidate who dies before the conclusion of elections inherit his votes and continue with the process.
Section 35 which states that if a candidate dies before an election, he will be replaced by the next contestant with the highest vote was also amended.

The amendment indicated that if a nominated candidate dies in the election process, the next person from the same political party with the second highest votes in the primary election should replace the deceased.
It stated that the name of the new person should be submitted to INEC, which should accept such replacement as if the deceased was alive.
The House also made an increment in the limitation of election expenses to be incurred by candidates for presidential candidates from N1 billion to N5 billion.

It raised the governorship bill from N200 million to N1 billion, while Senatorial and Representatives candidates’ expenses are not to exceed N100 million and N70 million, respectively.
For State Assembly and local government chairmanship elections, candidates’ expenses had been raised from N10 million to N30 million while councillorship candidates ceiling was raised from N1 million to N5 million.
Similarly, individual contribution had been jerked up from N1 million to N10 million.

UNILORIN bans hair extensions, shorts,, students kick

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has released a circular reminding students of the school the dress code prescribed by the university.

Students are required to comply with the dress code, the circular read, and erring students will be sanctioned.

The dress code includes a ban of hair extensions, shorts and skirts with their hems above the knees for ladies, and shorts, distressed trousers and sagging for male students.

Students of the school have however kicked against the dress code, describing it as a “big joke.”

See the circular and the reactions below:

Programme to promote Buhari’s policies launched

Presidency launches Programme to promote President Buhari’s administration


The Presidency has launched a weekly television and radio programme which is aimed at promoting the policies and programmes of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Abiola Olusola, Deputy Director (Media) in the office of the Vice President.

The announcement is coming 24 hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo took the present administration to the cleaners with a 13-paged letter in which he urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to run for a second term as he had performed below his (Obasanjo’s) expectation.

According to the statement from the Presidency, the programme would air on a number of network television and radio stations across the country.

The programme is aimed at promoting the giant strides of President Buhari as well as the positive impact he had made in the lives of many Nigerians

“Members of the public are invited to watch the programmes on television:

Channels TV on Monday – 4:30pm

Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Network on Thursday – 6:30pm

Core TV news on Saturday – 12:30pm

Liberty television on Sunday – 4:30pm

“On radio, it will be airing:

FRCN network – Monday at 2:30pm

Raypower FM – Monday at 3:00pm

Bauchi Radio – Monday at 1:30pm

Heartland FM – Saturday at 10:30 am

Rainbow FM (Ogun) – Saturday at 8:00am

Capital FM – Saturday at 1:30pm

Liberty Radio – Sunday at 10:30am

Choice FM – Sunday at 6:30pm

Rivers Radio – Sunday at 9:30pm,” the statement from the Presidency read.

NAN

NAF redeploys 3 Air Officers commanding, 14 other senior officers

The Nigerian Air Force has redeployed three Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) and 14 other senior officers as part of routine exercise to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

The air force Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Adesanya, with the redeployment, AVM Oladayo Amao is now the AOC Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, AVM Mohammed Idris, AOC, Air Training Command, Kaduna, and AVM Remigus Ekeh, AOC, Logistics Command, Lagos.

In the same vein, AVM Ibrahim Yahaya, the former AOC Logistics Commanding becomes the Chief of Administration, NAF Headquarters, while AVM Christopher Okoye, who was the former AOC Air Training Command, is now Director of evaluation, Defence Headquarters, (DHQ)

Also redeployed are: AVM Olusoji Awomodu as Director of Operations at DHQ, AVM Okechukwu Ntukogu, Senior Air Staff Officer, Headquarters Mobility Command, Yenagoa, AVM Napoleon Bali as Director of Operations at NAF Headquarters.

The redeployment saw AVM Mahmoud Ahmed as Director of Legal Services at NAF HQ, AVM Dahiru Sanda, Director of Space Utility at DHQ and AVM Charles Ohwo, Director of Evaluation at NAF HQ.

Similarly, Air Commodore Ado Inuwa is now the Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

Adesanya said Air Commodore Aliyu Bello who was the former Commander 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna State, had been redeployed as the Director of Training, NAF HQ.

He said following the exercise, Group Capt. Ahmed Dari has been appointed as the Commander, 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna.

Adesanya said that the postings will take effect from Jan. 29.

Kanu Nwankwo and wife unfollows each-other after Insulting brother!

Amara Kanu, Wife of Nigeria football legend insulted her husband’s younger brother, Ogbonna and accused him of sabotaging her family. The Former beauty queen married Kanu at 18,In a recent development, Kanu Nwankwo and Amara have both unfollowed themselves on Instagram, after the public rant. see below...

Zika virus resurfaces in Singapore –Agency warns

Zika virus is usually spread by mosquitoes
The National Environment Agency’s (NEA) on Wednesday warned that the Zika virus has resurfaced in Singapore.
An update published on the NEA website said that, the case, which was diagnosed and reported to authorities on Jan.18, was the first of its kind in 2018 since the disease was thought to be eradicated from the country in September 2017.

NEA said the case appears to be an isolated one as there are no identified Zika clusters currently in the country.
The first case of locally transmitted Zika was first reported in August 2016, and 450 people were confirmed to have been infected by the end of the year.

The virus, spread by an infected Aedes mosquito, has been linked with neurological diseases and birth defects such as microcephaly, which causes babies to be born with a smaller head due to abnormalities in brain development.

A widespread epidemic of the Zika virus that originated in Brazil and swept through South and North America prompted the WHO to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in 2016 once its effects were discovered.

A joint sequencing study conducted in 2016 by the health ministry and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research found that the Zika strains circulating in Singapore were not imported from South America.
Invariably the virus in fact was similar to those which have been percolating in Southeast Asia since the 1960s.

However, whether this strain of the virus has the potential to wreak more or less harm than the South American strain is still unknown.
Zika virus is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae and is spread by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti and A. albopictus.
Its name comes from the Ziika Forest of Uganda, where the virus was first isolated in 1947.
Zika virus is related to the dengue, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis. (dpa/NAN)

Why Bisi Akande and I visited Buhari — Tinubu

All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday said that his visit to President Muhammadu Buhari was not connected with the critical statement issued by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Buhari’s presidency.

Tinubu, former Governor Bisi Akande and President Buhari had met behind closed-doors hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo released a statement critical of Buhari.
There were speculations that Buhari urgently called the meeting to discuss the political implication of Obasanjo’s letter.

But Tinubu said through his Media Adviser, Tunde Rahman, that the meeting was long scheduled, and had nothing to do with the controversial statement by the former President.

The full statement by Tinubu reads,

Tinubu’s, Akande’s Visit Unconnected with Obasanjo’s Statement

Today’s visit by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande to the Presidential Villa was scheduled last week.

President Buhari periodically schedules talks with Asiwaju Tinubu and Baba Akande, as he does with other Nigerians and APC figures, to discuss substantive issues pertaining to the governance of the country and matters concerning the party.

This visit was one such meeting. As such, the meeting had nothing to do with the statement of former President Obasanjo.

It is totally unconnected. At the time of the meeting, Asiwaju Tinubu and Baba Akande were even unaware that President Obasanjo had released his statement.

Tinubu Media Office

Tunde Rahman

Pope Condemns 'Evil' of Fake News and Its Use for Political Gain

Pope Francis on Wednesday condemned the "evil" of fake news, saying journalists and social media users should shun and unmask manipulative "snake tactics" that foment division to serve political and economic interests.

"Fake news is a sign of intolerant and hypersensitive attitudes, and leads only to the spread of arrogance and hatred. That is the end result of untruth," Francis said in the first document by a pope on the subject.
It was issued after months of debate on how much fake news may have influenced the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign and the election of President Donald Trump.

The document, called "The truth will set you free - Fake news and journalism for peace", was issued in advance of the Catholic Church's World Day of Social Communications on May 13.
"Spreading fake news can serve to advance specific goals, influence political decisions, and serve economic interests," the pope writes, condemning the "manipulative use of social networks" and other forms of communication.

"This false but believable news is 'captious', inasmuch as it grasps people's attention by appealing to stereotypes and common social prejudices, and exploiting instantaneous emotions like anxiety, contempt, anger and frustration," he said.

"SATAN'S SERPENT"

False stories spread so quickly that even authoritative denials often could not contain the damage done and many people run the risk of becoming "unwilling accomplices in spreading biased and baseless ideas", he said.

He called for "education for truth" that would help people discern, evaluate and understand news in order to recognize the "sly and dangerous form of seduction that worms its way into the heart with false and alluring arguments".

Francis compared the use of fake news to the Bible story of the devil, who, disguised as a serpent, persuaded Eve to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree. He said she was fed wrong information by Satan.

"We need to unmask what could be called the 'snake-tactics' used by those (purveyors of fake news) who disguise themselves in order to strike at any time and place," he said.


He said the role of journalists was "not just a job, it is a mission" and they had particular responsibility to stem fake news.


"Amid feeding frenzies and the mad rush for a scoop, they must remember that the heart of information is not the speed with which it is reported or its audience impact, but persons," he said.


He said journalism should be "less concentrated on breaking news than on exploring the underlying causes of conflicts ... a journalism committed to pointing out alternatives to the escalation of shouting matches and verbal violence."


(Reporting By Philip Pullella; editing by Ralph Boulton)

Oil prices rise to $70

Crude oIl prices now $70


Oil prices were firm on Wednesday, receiving ongoing support from healthy economic growth as well as from supply restrictions led by a group of producers around the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia.
Spot Brent crude oil futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at 70 dollars a barrel at 0102 GMT, up 4 cents from their last close.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at 64.59 dollars a barrel, up 12 cents .
In the latest sign of healthy global economic growth, Japanese manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in almost four years in January, a survey showed on Wednesday.
Economic growth is translating into healthy oil demand growth, which comes at a time that OPEC and Russia lead production cuts aimed at tightening the market and propping up prices.
The deal to withhold output started in January last year and is currently set to last through 2018.
Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia/Pacific at futures brokerage Oanda in Singapore said a “beaming economic forecast along with stout compliance from OPEC (to withhold production) is providing convincing support.”
In spite of the overall supportive market conditions, which have seen crude futures rally by almost 15 percent since early December, there are signs that traders are preparing for a downward correction.
One way of doing that is to take out so-called put options on crude futures contracts which give a trader the right, but not the obligation, to sell at a certain price. (Reuters/NAN)

Cattle colony: Stay away from our land – Ijaw youths warn Nigerian govt

Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, says no parcel of its land will be allowed for cattle colony being promoted by the Nigerian government.
IYC in a statement by its spokesman, Henry Iyalla, said any individual or group desirous of land for herding in private business must pay for same anywhere in their domain.

Iyalla said: “It must be made clear that ranches cannot be seen as the same as colonies as stated by the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh.
“The IYC wants to make it clear that no Ijaw land will be given to anyone to run his private business, anyone who wishes to own a ranch must buy it from the owners who are willing to sell as we will not allow anyone use disguised names to claim and colonize our lands.
“As far as the IYC is concerned, our agitations are loud and clear. What is needed as a matter of urgency is restructuring of Nigeria, a demand which is wide spread in the nation today.
“We wonder what system of government we are operating, in theory it’s a federal system, while in practice it is quasi unitary system. A system where the state governors do not have control of their security agencies is worrisome.”

IYC urged President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle the issue of killings by marauding Fulani herdsmen.
Similarly, Rivers Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, on Tuesday said the state is not interested in cattle colony.

Python Dance: Army killed 100, injured 200 in South-East – Civil Society groups claim

The Igbo Civil Society Coalition (ICSCO), a coalition of civil society organisations, activists, human rights groups and the academia in Igboland has claimed that the Nigerian Army killed no fewer than 100 people and injured 200 others during the Army operation ‘Python Dance’ in the south-east last year.
The fresh allegation was contained in a communique issued by the group at the end of its meeting in Enugu on Tuesday.
The groups equally rejected the proposed cattle colony of the federal government in the southeast, describing it as a ploy to achieve islamization agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The communique was signed by the National Coordinator, Professor Obasi Igwe and convener Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji.

The communiqué titled: “Nigeria must value her citizens’ lives” reads:

That ICSCO met today in Enugu at its first General Congress of the year to assess, review in the polity last year and in the first few weeks of this year, as it affects Ndigbo, the following communiqué was issued:

“We aver that Genocide did occur during last year’s Operation Python Dance II in the South East. From our investigation, at least 100 lives were confirmed lost and at least 200 nursing various degrees of injury and permanent disabilities.

“The Nigerian Government must as a matter of conscience acknowledges that the Nigerian Army overstepped its bounds during the Operation and culprits in the killing of civilians and other gross human right violations brought to book.

“We note that till date, the Nigerian Army has not taken any steps to punish the soldiers that invaded the Abia State NUJ Secretariat and brutalized journalists during the operation despite pledging to do so.

“The arrest of two journalists –the Elombah brothers by the dreaded SARS on allegations of publishing libelous information about the IG of Police is another instance of human right violation that justifies the call by well meaning Nigerians for the scrapping of the anti robbery squad.

“Furthermore, we totally condemn the seeming inaction being exhibited by the Federal Government with regards to the ongoing massacre of defenseless citizens across the country especially in Benue and Taraba States by marauding Fulani “herdsmen” rated globally as the 4th most dangerous terrorist group.

“We are disappointed that despite previous similar occurrences of these inhuman attacks, the Federal Government has done nothing to either stop the attacks or protect the unsuspecting citizens/victims or punish the law breakers.

“We call on the National Assembly to rise up to the occasion by prevailing on the President to give the IGP marching orders to arrest and prosecute leaders of Miyetti Allah who are walking around freely after carrying out their threat of unleashing violence on Benue state for enacting the Anti- Grazing law.

“Also, we demand that a thorough census of lives and property lost in all the places where the herdsmen had wreaked havoc be articulated and adequate compensations paid to the victims by the Federal Government.

“ICSCO states that the cattle business is a private business being run almost exclusively by the Fulanis just like Ndigbo and other Nigerian tribes have businesses that they predominate. That notwithstanding, these other tribes do not carry out their businesses to the detriment of others. We are therefore at a loss on why the Government is hell bent on confiscating other people’s lands for the Fulani’s cattle trade worth trillions of Naira annually, out of which they pay no tax to the Government. Therefore, we will mobilise our people to resist any State Governor’s attempt to allocate land for the project in Ala-Igbo.”


The Army had several times insisted that nobody was killed during the operation, which it said was a regular military exercise and not targeted at anyone.

Gay couple sues after 1 twin's US citizenship denied

A gay binational couple filed a lawsuit on behalf of their 16-month son who they say has been denied American citizenship. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
A gay binational couple filed a lawsuit Monday against the U.S. State Department on behalf of their 16-month-old who, unlike his twin brother, has been denied U.S. citizenship.

Ethan and Aiden Dvash-Banks are toddler twins of Elad Dvash-Banks, an Israeli national, and Andrew Dvash-Banks, an American citizen. Ethan, the biological son of Elad, does not have a U.S. citizenship.
Ethan Dvash-Banks became a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against the State Department that seeks the same rights his brother, Aiden, has as an American citizen.

An LGBTQ immigrant rights lawyer filed the suit on behalf of the family, arguing that the U.S. is discriminating against the couple by denying their child citizenship at birth.
The twins were born in Canada in 2016 but the lawsuit alleges that they should be eligible for U.S. citizenship, since their surrogate mother is a U.S. citizen.
The State Department's website says there must be a biological connection to a U.S. citizen to become a citizen at birth.
Andrew Dvash-Banks was studying in Israel when he met his future husband, Elad, an Israeli citizen. Because they couldn't marry at the time in the U.S. or in Israel, they moved to Canada, and wed in 2010.
Ethan and Aiden are legally the exclusive parents of Andrew and Elad, who shared a surrogate, The Guardian reported.
The couple brought their infants to the American consulate in Toronto to apply for citizenship. The consular official told them a DNA test was required to show who the biological father was of each boy and without those tests neither son would get citizenship.
After submitting the DNA test results that proved who fathered each boy, the couple received Aiden's passport and a letter notifying Andrew that Ethan's application had been denied.
“The message is that you’re not fully equal. Your family is less than other families,” said Andrew Dvash-Banks. “My son has been wronged here by the government.”
The family has since moved to Los Angeles to be closer to Andrew Dvash-Banks' family. Ethan’s tourist visa expired last month, and he is currently applying for a green card, Andrew Dvash-Banks said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report

A thin line between Love & the Friendzone! Lolo Ereme, Jimmy Odukoya, Ireti Doyle star in “GuynMan” | Watch Trailer

Lolo Ereme takes the lead role in this new movie titled “GuynMan” on which she also serves as executive producer.
She plays the role of Nanya, best friend of the socially awkward Ike (played by Jimmy Odukoya) as she attempts to teach him how to be a “ladies man”.
“Guynman” also stars top acts like Adunni Ade, Ben Lugo, Ireti Doyle, Chukwuma Aligekwe, Keire Hewatch among others.Watch trailer below:

Diva! Omotola Jalade Ekeinde Is Stunning in New photos.

Veteran Actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is dazzling in behind the scene photos for this new shoot that we are suspecting is for her upcoming birthday next month 11th. Her makeup artist, Bibyonce shared the photos. See more photos below..

Festus Keyamo attacks police over arrest of Oby Ezekwesili, BBOG members

Festus Keyamo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has described as “insensitive and insensate” the arrest of members of BringBackOurGirls, BBOG, advocacy group and its leader, Oby Ezekwesili by men of the Nigerian Police Force.


The senior lawyer maintained that the arrest was “unjustified” and was a “violent violation of human rights.”
In a statement he signed, the senior lawyer urged the police to apologise to the advocacy group.
Keyamo also reiterated his earlier call that the IGP, Ibrahim Idris should immediately resign from his position.
The statement reads, “I just read with shock, bewilderment and disillusionment the arrest by the Nigerian Police of members of Bring Back Our Girls movement who gathered for a peaceful protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja earlier today.
“This arrest is one too many, especially coming on the heels of the recent illegal arrest and detention of some on-line journalists by the same Police, acting at the behest of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris.
“I am still struggling to come to terms with the explanation given by the Police for the arrest, which is the absence of a permit by the members of the group. This moronic excuse is not only inexcusable, it is laughable as Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the right to PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY and association.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has also re-iterated that a police permit is NOT REQUIRED for such a gathering in the case of IGP V. ANPP & ORS (2007) 18 NWLR (PT. 1066) PG. 457.
“Though, I understand that the members of the group have been released from the Police Station to which they were taken, it does not detract from the fact that detention of a citizen, no matter how brief, so long as it is unjustified, is a violent violation of human rights. The law is very clear on this as stated by the Court of Appeal in the case of DURUAKU V. NWOKE (2015) 15 NWLR (PT. 1483) PG. 417, particularly at 471 Par F-G.
“I therefore call on the Nigerian Police to IMMEDIATELY apologise to the members of the group for this unwarranted, unjustified and provocative trespass on their persons and deprivation of their freedoms.
“I also re-iterate my call for the removal of the Inspector-General of Police from office for these unpardonable and inexplicable infractions of the fundamental rights of citizens of our country.”

APC speaks on national convention date

The All Progressive Congress has spoken on its much anticipated national convention.
National Publicity Secretary of the ruling APC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said the convention can’t be moved further than June this year.
Abdullahi disclosed this on Tuesday while on Ray Power radio live programme, ‘Political Platform.’

He said “We can’t move it further than June. I did not say the convention will take place in June. I’m not in a position to give you the date because it’s only the NEC of the party that will fix a date.

“After NEC meeting, we will be able to declare the timetable.

“The convention could not be organized in 2017 because President Muhammadu Buhari was out of the country on medical vacation.

“I have been talking about this convention. And I will continue to answer question about this convention. We did not have the convention last year because the party went through difficult time. The president was out of the country on medical vacation. If it was wrong, yes, we admit responsibility. But in our best judgement, that would not be the best time to hold convention. But we are doing everything right now.

“We are happy the president is back in the country. We had National Caucus and NEC meetings. Now we are planning to hold it this year.”

Speaking on the ongoing National Working Committee (NWC) meeting of the APC, Abdullahi said that it was convened to deliberate on the activities of the party for 2018 not 2019 election as speculated.

“The meeting of the NWC is a routine meeting that kick-starts our activities for the year. It started yesterday (Monday). It continues today (Tuesday). And it will end tomorrow(Wednesday).

“But I can tell you that the meeting has nothing to do with the subject you have mentioned. No emissary is being sent. No conversation at all about 2019 or anything about Mr President’s participation in next election.
“There was no conversation about all those issues. At the moment, we are planning our activities for the year. They are barely administrative, looking at the minutes of last year’s NEC and National Caucus meeting and making plans for the next NEC and National Caucus meeting and other activities that will be done in the course of the year.

“But there is no conversation about 2019. We need to understand that it’s politics. And this kind of conversation that he will run or not doesn’t take place at working committee level of any party,” he added

Obasanjo’s letter a clarion call to Buhari, cabals – Falana

Activist-lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has described former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter as a clarion call to President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a lengthy letter, Obasanjo had asked President Buhari to perish the idea of returning to power in 2019, outright telling him not to contest in the presidential election.
Falana advised the President to act immediately against the influence of corrupt cabal.
According to him, the recent killings and kidnappings had eroded Buhari’s achievements in fight against insurgency.
Falana in a statement released on Tuesday night said: “President Olusegun Obasanjo’s intervention is a vivid expression of the frustration of the Nigerian people with the Buhari administration.
“The statement is a clarion call on President Buhari to remove the incompetent and corrupt cabal of power mongers that has hijacked political power from him. Through sheer nepotism and cronism, the regime has lost the massive goodwill that heralded it to power.
“The success recorded in the fight against insurgency in the northeast zone has been eroded in the wave of kidnapping and reckless killing of unarmed Nigerians by AK47-bearing herdsmen.

“The success of the fight against corruption and impunity has been rubished by the inability of the regime to remove corrupt public officers.

“President Obasanjo’s challenge has been taken up by many Nigerians who have already formed a coalition of genuine progressive forces to liberate Nigeria from internal colonialism and imperialist control.”

Obasanjo has no moral justification to tell Buhari not to seek re-election – Prof Sagay

The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, Prof Itse Sagay, has on Wednesday reacted to the special letter written by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo to President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, noting that Obasanjo has no moral justification to tell Buhari not to seek re-election coming 2019.


Obasanjo who attributed poor economic plan, poverty, nepotism, gross dereliction of duty, condonation of misdeed and insecurity as major cause of President Buhari’s old age, advised him not to take part in the 2019 presidential election, saying that the situation that made Nigerians to vote massively to get his brother ‘Jonathan’ off the horse is playing itself out again.

In view of the above statements from Ex-president Obasanjo, Prof. Sagay said, “I think Obasanjo should try and respect other people. He has achieved a lot. He is a great man and I respect him. But he should learn to respect other people and think of them as being, at least, as good as himself.

“I think it is insulting for a man who wanted third term to tell somebody else not to want second term. It is most inappropriate, and for a former head of state to say so is most improper”, he said.

Ebonyi lawmaker suspended for posing as public photographer (Photos)

Mrs Maria Ude Nwachi aka Afikpo Chic, member representing Afikpo North East constituency at Ebonyi state House of Assembly was on Tuesday suspended for alleged gross misconduct.

It was reported that Mrs. Nwachi was accused of allegedly posing as public photographer. The motion for he suspension was moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Joseph Nwobasi.




The House said Nwachi have refused to heed earlier warnings by the Assembly to desist from being a photographer in the state. Nwachi, a former Minority Leader, according to the house by her actions has brought disrespect and dishonesty to herself and the Assembly by posing as public photographer.


She was therefore suspended for 14 days pending the outcome of investigations on the allegations leveled against her by a special committee constituted by the House to investigate the allegations. 

This will be the second time she will be suspended by the House.

Recall that in 2015, Maria Nwachi, was suspended for mobilizing youths to protest epileptic power supply at the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC.



Then the House of Assembly described the action of Hon. Nwachi as unbecoming and contrary to the status of a lawmaker.

The youths of Afikpo had barricaded the entry and exit points into Afikpo town in protest against the epileptic power supply in the area and had petitioned the state government over the black-out.

The protest, which took place simultaneously in Afikpo, Unwana, Ozizza and Amasiri covered two constituencies of the state. During the protest, public institutions including banks and markets were shut down as three vehicles belonging to EEDC were destroyed while staff of the company were sacked from the offices by the irate youths.

FAAC: FG, States, LGs Share N655.17bn In January

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) on Tuesday shared N655.17 billion to the three tiers of government as revenue for January.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, told newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja that the N655.17 billion was distributed under four distributable sub-heads.

“The total statutory revenue for the month is N540.44 billion.

“It was made up as follows: NNPC contributed N104.3 billion, DPR, N77.61 billion, FIRS collection from the oil sector is N88.37 billion and N116.9 billion from the non-oil sector.

“We also generated N51.98 billion from the Nigerian Customs Service. There was also a refund of some excess bank charges to the tune of N1.93 billion.

“There was a deduction of seven per cent cost of collection to the customs, four per cent to the FIRS and another four per cent to DPR.

“There was also a provision for FIRS tax refund of N2 billion and another refund by Customs to the tune of N8 billion.

“So the distributable revenue for the month is 655.17 billion, which includes VAT of N83.96 billion and N30.76 billion from the Forex Equalisation Account,” she said.

Adeosun said that oil revenue continued to be impacted negatively due to the continued sabotage of oil pipelines in the Nigeri-Delta region and the declaration of Force Majeure at Bonny Terminal.

“The decrease in crude oil exports sales by 0.59 million barrels resulted in decreased revenue from export sales of 11.65 million dollars.

“However, the average price of crude oil increased from 52.07 dollars to 56.83 dollars per barrel during the period under review.

“There were also marginal increases in revenues from Petroleum Profit Tax and VAT, while Import Duty and Oil Royalty recorded decreases,” she said.

To this end, Adeosun said that federal government received N252.5 billion, states, N150.1 billion and the local government, N98.7 billion.

She also said that N47.7 billion was also shared among the oil producing states, representing 13 per cent of the oil revenue generated in the month of December and shared in January.

Adeosun said that the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) still remained 2.31 billion dollars.

 Source :(NAN)

Gov Okorocha, Wike Reject Cattle Colonies

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has said he will not give any land in Imo State to the Federal Government for a cattle colony. Okorocha also dismissed the speculation that he had adopted the proposed colonies and ceded a part of the state to herders as wicked, unfounded and untrue.

The governor who spoke on Tuesday in Owerri, the state capital, through the state Commissioner for Information, Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri, said there was no law, policy, decision, arrangements, to offer any part of Imo State for cattle colony. The governor said, "This information that Imo has has given lands for the proposed cattle colony is wicked, unfounded and untrue, although it represents the typical product of warped thinking of desperate mischief makers via the social media.

"Imo people and members of the public are therefore advised to disregard these baseless and laughable rumours. "It is unfortunate that manufacturing wicked and capricious lies on an hourly basis has become the hallmark or DNA of desperate opposition politicians in our dear state" Also, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said the state does not have land for a cattle colony.

Wike, who also declared that his administration would not allow Rivers to be controlled by external forces, insisted that his government would not be drawn into any debate on cattle colonies. The governor, who spoke on Tuesday when he granted audience to D-Source Connect Group at the Government House in Port Harcourt, said, "We will not allow our state to be controlled by external forces; we will not be drawn into debates on cattle colonic. We don't have land for any cattle colony in Rivers State.”

Arewa Youths Back Obasanjo, Ask Buhari To Go Home And Rest

The Arewa Youths Forum has backed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s advice to President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek another term in office in 2019. National President of the Forum, Alhaji Gambo Gujungu, recalled the group had earlier warned Buhari not to seek reelection.

According to Gujungu, Obasnajo’s letter, expressing concerns over issues in the country, could not have come in a better way.“Two weeks ago, we issued a statement warning Buhari not to contest the 2019 general election because he is yet to fulfill his 2015 election campaign promises,” he said.

"We are also not in support of how he is fighting corruption in the country. Imagine what is going even within the so-called cabals where issues bothering on corruption are dangling over their heads. "We are in line with what former President Obasanjo said.

"Buhari should give way since he cannot fix the country and allow others with the capacity to do so come in board. Let him go home and rest in 2019.”

Bank Cashier Arraigned For Stealing N48m From Customers

A Lagos banker, Patience Okoli, who is a cashier with one of the Lagos banks was yesterday, arraigned before an Ikeja High Court for allegedly stealing N48.4 million belonging to her employers. 

The cashier, who works in Global Trust Savings and Loans Limited, located at Plot 740, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, was arraigned before Justice Serifat Solebo, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 100-count charge bordering on fraud, forgery and stealing of the said sum.

The EFCC in the charge, alleged that the cashier had, between September 2007 and February 2009, while acting in her capacity, fraudulently forged and altered several withdrawal slips of the finance house in carrying out the act. The offences, according to the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. George Yakua, are contrary to Sections 390 (8), 467, 468, of the Criminal Code Law Cap. C17, Laws of Lagos State, 2003. The banker was accused of defrauding some of the bank’s customers as well.

The EFCC had, in count one, alleged that the accused had between September 26, 2007 and October 9, 2008, with intent to defraud, stole N775,000, by fraudulently depositing and withdrawing the money from one Clara’s account. She was alleged to have, between January 21, 2008 and February 4, 2009, fraudulently withdrawn a total sum of N27,734,900 from the account of one Odu, a customer to her employer.

In count 100 of the charge, the accused was accused of defrauding her employer of N200,000, by forging and altering a withdrawal slip of the company, which she claimed to have been signed by Odu. The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Her lawyer, Festus Afeleyedion, pleaded with the court to let his client continue with the previous bail terms granted her when she was first arraigned in 2012. Justice Solebo conceded to the lawyer’s request and adjourned the matter till February 16.

EFCC Arrests Patience Jonathan’s Sister At Abuja Airport Over N3bn Accounts

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested sister of former First Lady Patience Jonathan, Esther Oba, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja. Esther, who was arrested on Monday shortly after arriving from Dubai in company of her husband, three children and a house help, was handed over to operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

he has been on the watchlist of the security agencies for many months. It was gathered that the EFCC is to investigate her in connection with the alleged laundering of over N359,397,458.26 through two firms linked with the former First Lady. The companies are AM-PM Global Networks Limited and Finchley Homes Limited.

It was also learned that about N317,397,458.26 was traced to Esther in AM-PM Global Networks Limited. And the EFCC expects her to explain how she came about the management of N42million in Finchley Homes Limited. "We have been looking for her but she has been faceless. We watch-listed her for arrest by any security agency,” The Nation newspaper quoted a source as saying.

"Fortunately at about noon on Monday, the Nigerian Immigration Service(NIS) contacted us that she was arrested while returning from Dubai with her husband and three children. She was arrested at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport.“Her name featured in the operation of one of the accounts of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan. The account is in the name of AM-PM Global Networks Limited which is domiciled in Stanbic IBTC. It is one of the accounts we have frozen. She is the sole signatory to the account of this firm suspected to have been used for money laundering.”

The source added: “From our findings, the closing balance in the account was N317,397,458.26 as at August 10, 2017. The inflows came without a clear narration as to the source. However, investigation is being intensified in that direction. Her claim is that the company was owned by their mother who is deceased. However, major inflows into the account occurred after the demise of their mother, Mrs. Esther Fynface Charity Oba.”

Buhari Not Ready To Tackle Nigeria's Challenges... Bishop Kukah

Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Most Rev Mathew Kukah, has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari is not prepared to tackle Nigeria’s challenges. Speaking to newsmen in Sokoto, he said this has resulted in the incessant attacks allegedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen. The clergyman said it is uncharitable on the part of the government to blame citizens or any particular group for the incessant attacks instead of looking for a way to tackle the challenge. Kukah said:

"I hear people blaming Nigerians, and blaming Fulani herdsmen and blaming. It is really the failure of government to address the very many problems that this country faces. "It is a bit of a pity, because it also means that sometimes people come into power not fully prepared, I thought if this government had taken inventory of the nature of the problems that this country face, we will not be where we are today".

The cleric noted that the responsibility of government is to fix a problem not to create one and that such a primary responsibility ought to be carried out by those in government and not to be shifted to citizens or past government leaders. Kukah expressed the resolve of the church to continue to pray for God’s intervention but was quick to call on the nation’s leaders to recognise the urgency required to fix the challenges.

Police Arrests Clearing Agent As Container Laden With Weapons Disappears

The Lagos State Police command, yesterday, arrested an agent alleged to have cleared a 20-foot container loaded with military camouflage uniforms and other suspected dangerous weapons that disappeared at the Tin Can Terminal in Apapa, last Friday. Though it was not clear whether the agent gave himself up to the police or not, his arrest came after the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Ports Command, Celestine Okoye, gave detectives 24 hours to arrest those behind the disappearance of the container.

Sources hinted that the arrest of the agent has sent strong signals to port officials involved in the disappearance of the container with top officers claiming the container did not disappear as alleged by the police. According to Vanguard, it was however, learned that detectives were making frantic efforts to lure them to disclose the exact location of the missing container.

Confirming the development, CP Okoye, said it was a 20-foot container and assured that as soon as his men were able to locate the container’s whereabouts, they would inform the public. A container loaded with military camouflage uniforms and other dangerous items passed through the terminal operation at the Port, last Friday but all efforts to stop it by police detectives failed.

It was gathered that before the container disappeared from the port, policemen informed the Commissioner and he swiftly gave directives through a letter, that it should not be cleared pending thorough checks. However, according to sources, after receiving the letter, Port officials at the terminal allegedly cleared the container claiming that they contacted the Marine Police before clearing the container, and alleging that the container had left the Port before they received the letter from Police.

Vanguard revealed that the story took another dimension after Okoye reportedly contacted his counterpart at the Marine who denied knowledge of the clearance. Based on this development, sources said the CP directed his men to get all facts relating to the container including the identity of the importer and all those involved in the illegal clearance within 24 hours. His directive paid off with the arrest of the agent that cleared the container whom sources said, has made useful statement to the police while the search for others involved in the deal continues.

Buhari mourns Dahiru Musdapher

President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the government and people of Jigawa over the passing away of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, according to a statement.
Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, issued the statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
Adesina stated that the president also commiserated with the Kano and Ringim Emirate Council, professional colleagues, family members and friends of the eminent jurist.
Buhari commended the mediatory and conciliatory leadership roles Musdapher played in his career development and nation building.
According to him, Musdapher’s contributions to the structure, letter and spirit of the nation’s constitution and legal practice will always be remembered and greatly appreciated by generations.
He prayed that Allah grants the departed soul good rest in eternity and comfort his family.
Musdapher, who died at the age of 75, had served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna State, Chief Judge, Kano State Judiciary, Justice, Court of Appeal and Justice, Supreme Court of Nigeria.
NAN