Gista Naija : January 2013

Thursday, January 24, 2013

NEMA orders evacuation of Kogi communities over flood threat

THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged some communities in Ibaji Local Council Area of Kogi State to move immediately to high ground in neighbouring councils following the increase in water level in the area.

The Nigeria Police has come out to announce the death of five people in an attack by Islamists in Maiduguri, yesterday. Two witnesses, who asked not to be named, said they heard cries for help at around 2:30 a.m. from a house in the Jiddari Polo area of Maiduguri and later saw five dead bodies with what looked like machete wounds.

AT least 12 people were said to have been killed and a school burnt in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, in a renewed violence and attacks in three separate areas of the state. This is just as gunmen, suspected to be members of the Islamic militant, Boko Haram, slaughtered five people in Jiddari Polo, with another five killed at another place, while soldiers claimed to have killed two members of the sect during an exchange of gunfire.

Delta partners Bank of Agric to boost revenue, employment

THE Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and the Delta State Government are to partner to boost agricultural produce, enhance the state economy and create employment opportunities.Managing Director of Bank of Agriculture, Dr Mohammed Santuraki disclosed this Wednesday in Asaba after a meeting with the state Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.

BARELY two weeks after vandals burst the petroleum pipelines of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at Arepo area of Ogun State, which led to the death of 30 suspected vandals, another fire incident occured in the early hours of Wednesday following the activities of the vandals.

Suleja Bombings: INEC Pays N4.6m Each to Families of NYSC Members

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday paid N4.6 million each to the families of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who died following the Suleja bombings during the 2011 general election.

The Bayelsa Police Command yesterday announced the release of the mother of the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mrs. Betinah Benson, eight days after her abduction. The release of the Speaker’s mother is coming few hours after the Bayelsa State Government accused some unnamed politicians, within and outside the state, of sponsoring recent cases of kidnapping to promote confusion and sense of insecurity.

776 Nigerians in Foreign Prisons

About 776 Nigerians are serving different jail terms in foreign prisons, Senate Committee Chairman on Foreign Affairs, Senator Mathew Nwagwu disclosed Tuesday. The revelation which followed a motion moved on the floor of the Upper House by Nwagwu (Imo North), prompted a resolution, urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian embassies across the world to be more proactive on matters affecting Nigerians in countries where they are in distress.

The Nigerian Army on Tuesday in Abuja dismissed four soldiers accused of rape, extortion and assault. The soldiers include one corporal and three privates, who were attached to the Guards Brigade, an arm of the Nigerian Army, Abuja.

A middle aged man, Mr. Edwin Jato popularly called Torjor, of Naka town in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State has killed five of his brothers in the earth dam situated in the area. He threw all of them in the water and fled.

Six states of the federation will experience power outage on Saturday and Sunday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has said. A statement issued by the Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, Mr. Dave Ifabiyi, in Abuja on Tuesday, named the states as Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo and parts of Benue.

Stella Damasus & Daniel Ademinokan open Code 55

Is this a date or just business? Nollywood actress Stella Damasus and award winning movie director, Daniel Ademinokan come together to open a boutique ‘Code 55′ in Abuja on Monday (January 21, 2013).

The minister of police affairs, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade yesterday held a marathon meeting with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar, which lasted for the better part of the morning and afternoon hours.

Nigeria: Five Shot Dead in Kano

Gunmen riding on motorcycles yesterday attacked a group of men playing draught game, killing five and injuring two in Dakata area of Kano. The incident happened at the densely populated neighbourhood close to popular Dakata Bus Stop around 5pm, according to eyewitnesses.

The police in Lagos have arrested a housemaid for allegedly stealing her madam’s jewelleries and selling them to a Mallam at Bariga for the sum of one million naira. The housemaid, Freedom Maddy, her husband and the buyer of the jewelleries are currently being quizzed by detectives attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Federal Government, yesterday, announced that January 31, 2013 was the deadline for expression of interest from all pre-qualified bidders for Afam generating company and Kaduna distribution firm. The decision was taken at the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) meeting chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Nigeria: Okonjo-Iweala, Diezani, Sanusi Shun N273 Billion Sure-P Probe

Absence of ministers and heads of government agencies yesterday stalled the House of Representatives public hearing on the implementation of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P). The House of Representatives on November 15, 2012, mandated the committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream ), Finance and States and Local Government to investigate the implementation of SURE-P.

Youth Corper Jailed For Possession Of Indian Hemp

26-year-old NYSC member, Samuel Udeh, was on Tuesday sentenced to two months imprisonment by an Ado-Ekiti Federal High Court for possessing 50 grammes of Indian hemp. The prosecuting counsel, Iliya Waji, told the court that Udeh was arrested on November 19, 2012 with 50 grammes of the illicit drug.

Youth Corper Jailed For Possession Of Indian Hemp

The deceased, a salesgirl at Alaba International market, Ojo, was reportedly trailed by her ex-boyfriend, Osita Amanunwa, from her Iba new site abode, to Ajangbadi area of Lagos, where she had gone to visit a friend. It was gathered that the late Onyin, as she was fondly called, sat outside her host’s compound, exchanging banters, without the slightest inkling that death lurked at the corner.

Bolanle Arowolo, the mother of 31-year-old Akolade Arowolo, who allegedly killed his banker-wife, Titilayo, on Tuesday told an Ikeja High Court, Lagos that her son had become a pastor when he was only 12 years.

Govt To Conduct Autopsy On 3 Bodies Evacuated From Ezu River

The governments of Enugu and Anambra states will today carry out autopsy on some of the decomposed bodies evacuated from the Ezu River on Saturday. The Anambra state Police Commissioner, Mr. Bala Nassarawa revealed that all the dead bodies are males, and that only three bodies have been selected for the autopsy because the other 15 bodies had decomposed.

An Improvised Explosive Device planted near a bank on Muritala Mohammed way in Kano, north-west Nigeria, was on Monday, successfully detonated by the officers of the Police Anti-Bomb Squad.Confirming the incident, police spokesperson in the state, ASP Musa Magaji Majia, said the anti-bomb squad got to the scene as soon as the command was informed of the suspicious package. He added that the squad successfully removed the bomb and disabled it, without any loss of life or property.

Monday, January 21, 2013

NIGERIA: I can turn waste to wealth – Uchenna Igwe

Mr. Uchenna Igwe is the Director, Uche Links Glass Fibre, a company that is into manufacturing of fibre frames, motorcycle parts and motor spare parts such as car bumpers. In this chat with Financial Vanguard in Nnewi recently. Igwe speaks on his work, noting that the major challenge is funds. Excerpts:

Lagos state Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), yesterday had a meeting with Executive Chairman of Google Inc., Eric Schmidt to discuss the use of the internet and technology to drive growth in diverse sectors of the state. The meeting which held at the State House, Marina had several government officials and members of the Google team in attendance.

THE Federal Government is to probe the rot in all the training institutions of the Nigeria Police nationwide, following the mess uncovered during last Friday’s surprise visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.

The House of Representatives has said that the former works minister and former chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, has questions to answer over about N20 billion largely unaccounted for during his tenure as minister.

Islamic group claims killing Nigerian troops

Abuja: A little known extremist Islamic group has claimed that it killed two soldiers who were on a convoy to Nigeria's northern city of Kaduna from where they were be deployed to Mali to fight Islamists rebels. Two bus-loads of soldiers came under weapons' attack yesterday and authorities said the assailants used remote controlled bombs and other arsenals.

Anambra State governor, Peter Obi on Sunday promised to give N5 million to anyone with information on the bodies found in Ezu River, Ama. 30 bodies were found at the old Enugu-Onitsha road axis of the River, situated at the boundary between Enugu and Anambra States.nsea, Akwa North Local Government area of the state.

Merger talks: Tinubu mediates in Buhari, Shekarau row •As Ikimi heads ACN committee

THERE are strong indications that the national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Senator Bola Tinubu, has commenced efforts to reconcile both the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP), over planned merger of the parties. General Muhammadu Buahri had reportedly canvassed an alliance of opposition parties without the ANPP, due to old rivalry between the him and chieftains of the ANPP, a position Tinubu and his party were not comfortable with.

President Barack Obama takes the oath of office from U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts, as first lady Michelle Obama holds the Bible and daughters Malia, 14, and Sasha, 11, look on in the Blue Room of the White House on Sunday, January 20. Both Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were officially sworn in Sunday, with a public ceremony on Monday.

A day after formally beginning his second term, President Barack Obama on Monday takes part in the full trappings of his inauguration by reciting the oath of office in front of a crowd expected to number between 800,00 and 900,000 people.

13 Nigeria police recruits killed, 6 others injured in auto accident

No fewer than 13 police recruits were burnt to death while six others were critically injured in an auto accident on Sunday in Omu-Aran, Kwara State. The newly posted recruits were said to be on their way to Nassarawa State when the accident occurred at about 10 a.m.

The Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, who was attacked Saturday on his way back to his Palace after attending a Quranic recitation competition has been flown to London. A source at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, told PREMIUM TIMES that the emir travelled in a private jet which took off around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

It’s just the first month of the new year and a number of births have gotten us really excited. Earlier today, Nigerian International & West Bromwich Albion striker Osaze Odemwingie announced the birth of his baby boy on Twitter. Osaze and his wife, Sarah Fallon tied the knot in May 2012. They have already named their baby, Noah.

The wife of the iconic African pop star, Annie Macaulay Idibia has opened up on why Tuface Idibia begged her to marry him. In a revealing interview she granted Jara, a TV programme on Africa Magic channel on DSTV, the singer’s wife reconstructed the scenario of how Tuface proposed to her and why he chose her among the other women in his life. Hear her:

A new twist has been introduced into the appeal and stay of execution instituted by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola against his ouster as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Abdu Kafarati. The new twist is that PDP has removed the National Legal Adviser of the party, Victor Kwon as the counsel representing the party from both the appeal and the stay of execution. He has been replaced by Chief Joe Gadzama as the lawyer to represent PDP in both cases.

Okene: Fear of Military Reprisal Sends People Fleeing

The fear of reprisal actions by the military has sent many people fleeing from their villages in Abobo village, the scene of last Saturday deadly attack on the Mali bound military convoy, which killed two soldiers and injured eight others.

15 bodies in Nigerian river so far

Police in Nigeria have found at least 15 unidentified corpses floating on a river in southeast Anambra state, with local media claiming the number could be much higher. Some local media reports put the number of corpses at between 30 and 40.

In a bid to end the festering crisis in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan and the party saturday reached out to former President Olusegun Obasanjo who has been aloof from the party’s activities since his resignation as the Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman in April last year.

Five killed in Nigeria violence

Abuja: At least five persons, including two soldiers, were killed in separate incidents of violence in Nigeria on Sunday. The soldiers were killed when unknown gunmen suspected to be members of radical Islamic sect - Boko Haram - attacked a military convoy in northern Kaduna city.

Francis Coquelin and Fernando Torres - Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1: match report

There was a time, just briefly during the Premier League era, whenChelsea against Arsenal and the sub-plot of Jose Mourinho going head-to-head with Arsene Wenger, was the defining confrontation of the season.

An Algerian brigade vehicle patrols near the gas plant where hostages had been held kidnapped by Islamic militants.(Anis Belghoul/Associated Press)

Algerian officials continue to scour a gas refinery after a bloody raid that ended a four-day standoff and left 23 capitves dead as well as 32 militants. Algerian TV said Sunday that 25 bodies had been found inside the gas facility. Earlier Sunday, Algeria's chief government spokesman said he feared the toll of hostages would rise as the special forces teams finished their search.

ANY institution, whose certificates are not ready for collection by graduands, should not hold convocation, says President Jonathan. Jonathan said this while commending the Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Vincent Tenebe, at the 2nd convocation ceremony of the institution where 7, 220 persons received certificates and prizes.

Video: Private Sector Rise To Rescue Police College

The private sector is taking up the challenge of fixing the dilapidated Police Training College in Lagos, as the Contemporary Group, a Lagos based construction and building Development Company is partnering with Channels Television to remodel and redesign the college.

Walking out of her hypnotherapist’s treatment rooms, Asher Bourke felt troubled by a nagging sense of unease.Previous sessions had left her feeling relaxed and happy, freed from the anxiety that had plagued her for years.

But now the 19-year-old’s head was filling with flashes of terrifying images.

She saw Philip Sherwin, the hypnotist she trusted, sexually assault her as she lay paralysed and powerless on his couch.

After over four years of advocacy, the Lagos State Governor; Babatunde Fashola says it is now time for the state to go after tax evaders. The governor noted that only 3 million out of the 8 million taxable people pay tax thereby putting the government under immense pressure to deliver on the numerous programmes it set out to do.

Though there is no new legislation on taxes in Lagos, however like the model canvassed during the recently conclude U.S. election, the rich will have to pay more in the state.

Gunmen Attack Ado Bayero

UNKNOWN gunmen on Saturday attacked the convoy of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, killing four of his palace guards.

The incident took place in the early hours of the day, after the Emir’s convoy departed from a Qur’anic graduation ceremony at Murtala Muhammed Mosque, in Kumbotso Local Government Area.

There are strong indications that some top police officers at Lagos Police College in Ikeja, south-west Nigeria may soon be transferred out of the place.This follows the messy conditions Nigerian president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan met when he paid a surprise visit on Friday to the college on his way to a meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Cote d’Ivoire.

Task Force DG, Okereke, Urges FG To Call EFCC To Order

THE Director-General of the newly established National Task Force on Illegal Importation and Smuggling of Small Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons into Nigeria, Chief Emmanuel Osita Okereke, has protested invasion of his office in Abuja by men suspected to be members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Addressing the newsmen in Abuja, Okereke alleged that, though the EFCC offered him no reason for the invasion during the course of the action, EFCC operatives took away two of his aides, including one Mr. Victor and his personal secretary, Miss Vivian Okafor, who was only released at 10:pm on Tuesday, after about a week in the commission’s detention.

Cossy Orjiakor blasts blogger: Tonto Dikeh and I have brought international attention to Nigeria

Controversial Nollywood actress, Cossy Orjiakor, has reacted angrily to an open letter published by a blogger, Ngozi Kanwiro, calling her “jobless” and “a low life”.Kanwiro had written about the reckless and notorious lifestyle both Cossy and Tonto Dikeh live and the former didn’t take it likely on Twitter last night
Controversial Nollywood actress, Cossy Orjiakor, has reacted angrily to an open letter published by a blogger, Ngozi Kanwiro, calling her “jobless” and “a low life”.

Amarachi Uyanne (haven’t forgotten her so soon, have you?), the sensational winner of the debut franchise, Nigeria’s Got Talent Season One,is now the proud recipient of an Award for Excellence from the Oba of Benin, for her outstanding performance in the just recently concluded reality TV talent hunt show.

The Eight-year-old was among ten outstanding personalities honoured by His Royal Highness, Omo No’ba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, at the annual event that recognizes achievers within the Oba’s domain.

Facebook for Android update touts speedier photo viewing, ability to send voice messages Mobile

While the recently announced Graph Search has taken most Facebook-related headlines of late, let's not forget Zuckerberg himself said that mobile applications are undoubtedly one of the company's main focus areas.

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in continuation of its forces deployment to Mali has sent two Alpha Jets to strengthen the ECOWAS intervention force battling extremist rebel forces in Mali's northern flank. The fighter jets, which was authorized for combat operation by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, took off yesterday from the domestic wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Air Component Commander, Air Vice Marshal Tayo Oguntoyinbo, led the Alpha Jet team and flew to Niamey, in Niger Republic, where they will be based during the Mali operations.

Boko-Haram-Suspects.jpg - Boko-Haram-Suspects.jpg

Suspected Boko Haram Members

The Department of State Security Service yesterday in Abuja announced the arrest of two suspected Boko Haram members in connection with the bombing in Jaji, Kaduna State on November 27 last year. During the terror attack, St. Andrews Protestant Military Church located in the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State, was destroyed by the suicide bombers, leaving many people dead.

West African leaders are to meet in Cote d'Ivoire to discuss how best to coordinate military action in Mali.
They are expected to discuss plans to deploy African troops in support of French and Malian soldiers already in action against Islamic insurgents.The French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, will also be taking part in the talks in Abidjan.

Chairman and CEO of MRS Plc, Sayyu Dantata, tells SHAKA MOMODU that last Wednesday’s fire incident involving one of their barges in Lagos could have been much worse barring what he call the company’s impressive safety system

Algerian special forces are continuing to hunt Islamist militants who overran a BP gas plant as freed hostages headed home.

Police-College-1913.jpg - Police-College-1913.jpg

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday paid a surprise visit to the Police College in Ikeja, Lagos, in a move presidency sources say was meant to pre-empt the whitewash that usually precedes the visit of top government officials to agencies.

But the grim situation the president glimpsed through his visit is said to be causing unease for police chiefs who fear there may be some harsh consequences particularly given that they had been totally kept in the dark over the unscheduled visit.

SCID quizzes policeman over missing crime diary

Detectives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lagos State Police Command, have quizzed a policeman, Sgt. Nwagha Bale, over the alleged disappearance of a crime diary from his custody.
It was learnt that Bale, who is the crime recorder and custodian of the Area ‘E’ Police Command, FESTAC Town, Lagos, could not provide the crime diary when he was asked to produce it.

Cossy Orjiakor

Maverick Nigerian actress, Cossy Orjiakor, has continued to tell the public that there is no difference between private and public assets.

Over the weekend, the actress posted some of her latest pictures on Twitter. In a series of X-Rated poses, Cossy displays her famous king size breasts and went further to offer a glimpse of her not exactly ample buttocks. “I just got me a mad totographer. She is bad gon. Wanna share some pix,” she tweeted using her handle, @Cossydiva. The pictures provoked rage –honest and otherwise– something that drew what seemed a faux contrition from Cossy. On Wednesday, she expressed regret, claiming that a female friend of hers took those pictures in a guest house. “Now I wish I didn’t upload em last nite… I bet I was soooo in d mood. My bad…a girlfriend took this pix in a guest house, its not d playgirl mansion.. Cuz I only use playboy Bedsheet and curtains,” she tweeted.

Borrowing is not helping Nigeria in terms of growth and development, Professor Akpan Ekpo, Director General, West African Institute of Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM) has said.

Speaking at Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) Roundtable on the Economy held in Lagos, he said, “the borrowing the country has made has not even reduced poverty because they were not channeled to productive activities.”

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State says Lagos is the only state that can survive if crude oil supply – the mainstay of Nigeria economy – is shut down.

Fashola explained that this was possible because the government in the state had made it a policy to implement the laws on taxation to the letter, which allows it to have funds for capital project.

He spoke on Thursday during the state’s sixth Taxation Stakeholders Conference in Ikeja.

Minister suspends ban on mini-buses in FCT

IN what looked like a policy summersault, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has suspended the ban on the use of mini-buses within the Federal Capital City for three weeks.

SAHCOL warns workers against pilfering of passengers’ luggage

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, Mr. Olu Owolabi, said on Wednesday that the company would not tolerate pilfering of passengers’ luggage at airports.

Senate approves deployment of 1,200 troops in Mali

The Senate has approved President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for the deployment of 1200 Nigerian troops in Mali for “a limited combat duty.”Jonathan’s request reached the Senate on Thursday and was given immediate consideration – first, behind closed doors, and later approved in plenary.

NNPC boosts fuel supply as minister re-opens strategic Benin depot

PETROLEUM Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, Thursday re-commissioned the strategic Benin Depot of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), which has been dormant since 2005.

We’re under security threat, says Jonathan

IF the crisis in Mali is not quickly contained, it may spill over to Nigeria and other West African countries with great security and political consequences, President Goodluck Jonathan warned Thursday.

Expedite Action in Prosecuting Oil Subsidy Beneficiaries, NLC Tells FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reiterated its call on the Federal Government to expedite action in the prosecution of oil subsidy beneficiaries without further delay.

Gay couple turned away from getting married in Litchfield

A gay couple who asked to be married at the Litchfield Town Office on Monday morning got turned away, even though the town clerk and deputy town clerk are authorized to perform weddings.

Nyako Ignores CJN, Swears in Acting CJ

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State Monday sworn in Justice Nathan Musa as the acting Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, thus violating the directives of the Chief Justice of Federation (CJN), Justice Maryam Aloma Mukthar, to swear in Justice Bathimawus Popo Lawi, who is the most senior chief Judge as the substantive chief Judge of the state.

Why the North opposed PIB —Yobe ex-gov

FORMER governor of Yobe State, Senator Bukar Abbah Ibrahim, has given reasons the northern political establishment is opposed to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), insisting that the bill, as presented, aims at putting more money in the oil producing communities.

ABDUCTION OF NOLLYWOOD STAR : Police parade 4 suspects

FOUR suspected criminals arrested in connection with the abduction of popular Nollywood star, Nkiru Sylvanus, were, on Monday, paraded before newsmen by the Imo State police command.

New York Bomb Suspects Had Terrorist Encyclopedia

Police arrested a New York City couple in their apartment on Saturday after authorities investigating a credit card theft found a highly explosive compound, bomb-making manuals, a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition, officials said on Monday.

Fashola, Amosun, Fayemi Sign 2013 Budget, as Mimiko Presents His

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has signed the 2013 appropriation bill of N499.105 billion into law, while assuring residents of the state that the budget would be implemented effectively.

People & Entertainment: Kim, Kanye starting a family

"It's true," the 32-year-old reality TV star said in a statement on her site Monday. "Kanye and I are expecting a baby. We feel so blessed and lucky and wish that in addition to both of our families, his mom and my dad could be here to celebrate this special time with us."

Pages

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Monday, January 21, 2013

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Friday, January 18, 2013

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

ShareThis