Motorcyclists dare Lagos State Government, fly high on restricted routes

The restriction order placed on the operation of commercial motorcyclists on certain roads in the Lagos metropolis by the Lagos State Government is now being flouted by some motorcyclists and security agents.
According to reports, the motorcyclists were now in the habit of plying some of the restricted roads with ease. They are now said to be plying parts of Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Ojuelegba, Mobil Road, Apapa and the Ikorodu Road without any fear of being arrested.

Nigerians express their anger, as Stella Oduah claims responsibility for BASA deal

Embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, broke her seven-day silence on social media on Tuesday, amidst backlash over the N255m bulletproof cars bought for her by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

In a post on Twitter and Facebook, Oduah took credit for the signing of the much-publicised Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Israel.

Why Nigeria’s borders are porous

Leaky borders and non-compliance with the rules contribute to making it difficult to police Nigeria’s 4,000-km borders with four countries, writes The Economist
THE drive from Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to Doula, the biggest city in neighbouring Cameroon, is a 1,320 km (820 mile) rollercoaster ride along dusty highways and muddy jungle tracks replete with bumps, bruises and attempted bribes.

Journalists barred from aviation crisis meeting at Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Journalists were on Tuesday prevented from covering a stakeholders’ session on the crisis in the aviation sector.

The session in Abuja had industry professionals in attendance.

Jonathan writes Reps, presents 2014 budget Nov 12

President Goodluck Jonathan wrote the House of Representatives on Tuesday seeking to present the estimates of the 2014 budget to a Joint Session of the National Assembly.


In the letter read by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, the President sought to be allowed to present the estimates on November 12.

Strike: Education minister, ASUU in secret meeting

Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday met with the Academic Staff Union of Universities in Abuja.


It could not be ascertained if the meeting which lasted barely one hour produced desirable results.

The ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Fagge and the minister refused to speak with journalists after the meeting.

How bank financed N255b bulletproof cars, 54 others

The controversial bulletproof cars allegedly bought for the Minister of Aviation may be the costliest ever bought by any government official in Nigeria, it emerged yesterday.

Below are details of the transaction.


In 2012, the President and the Vice President spent N280 million on four bulletproof vehicles for the presidential fleet. The Ministry of Aviation is alleged to have spent N255 million on two armoured BMW cars for the minister.

Man Drugs Wife For 3-Day Marathon Sex

A nursing mother, Mrs Glory Ojuala, has narrated how her husband, Alex Ojuala, drugged her for three days in order to have sex with her a few days after she was delivered of a baby at her matrimonial home in Lagos State, western Nigeria.

The mother of three children made the shocking revelation at Ejigbo Customary Court in Lagos State on Monday while testifying before the court following a petition she filed before the court for dissolution of their 15-year marriage.

Oduah in another car scandal, faces Reps panel today

The embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, has been linked to another car purchase scandal.

This time, Oduah is said to have also approved the procurement of two Lexus Limousine cars and two Toyota Prado jeeps.

76-yr-old woman escapes from kidnappers den

Mrs. Otiti Esegba, a 76 year-old grandmother, escaped from the den of her abductors about five hours after she was abducted, Monday.
She was abducted at 2a.m. by a five-man kidnap gang at Akperhe community in Olomu kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State and taken away on a motorcycle to their den at Oviri Olomu.

World Bank ranks Nigeria 122nd best place for business

The World Bank has ranked Nigeria 147th among the best places for doing business. It also ranked the country as the 122nd for best countries to start a business.

The report released, yesterday, said Nigeria’s low ranking is mainly caused by electricity problems, where the country is ranked 185th out of 189 countries evaluated. The first African country on the list is Rwanda, ranked 32nd.

30 year-old Saudi man given 50 lashes for insulting his twitter followers

If you're planning on taking up a hobby as an internet troll, Saudi Arabia is probably somewhere to avoid.

A 30 year-old Saudi national was apparently sentenced to 50 lashes for insulting members of his own tribe on the Twitter microblogging site.


According to the Riyadh Bureau website a group of tribesmen from a village near the city of Medina - Islam's 2nd holiest site - lodged a complaint against the man at a local police station, providing screenshots as proof.

Angry Fans Stone Wizkid, Damaging His Porsche In Lekki

Being a celebrity comes with much responsibilities of which includes parting with some naira notes as situation presents especially when celebs get stuck in the midst of loving fans.


Ayodeji Balogun a.k.a Wizkid was today stoned by angry fans at the VFS Global Services, Lekki phase 1 over the Azonto Crooner’s arrogant attitude and his refusal to part away with some naira notes despite the much accolades he got from the cheering crowd who were so elated to catch a glimpse of their Superstar.

OAU rated best in Nigeria, eighth in Africa

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been rated the best university in Nigeria and the eighth in Africa in the latest webometric ranking.

This was contained in the university’s news bulletin issued on Tuesday, quoting the new Webometric rating by Cybermetric Lab of Spain, a world-renowned research council.


The publication stated that the council rated OAU higher on the ladder from number 14 to eight in Africa.

Napoli makes official bid for Mikel

Italia Serie A club Napoli has made an official offer for Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, futaa.com reports.

The offer is believed to be 15 million Euros, according to report on eyefootball.com


The Nigeria international may now be ready to listen to offers from the Italian club having fallen behind Ramires as first choice holding midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

Ailing Taraba governor to return to Nigeria this weekend

Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba is expected to depart the Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Centre and Home located in New York for home on August 25, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.


The governor’s wife, Hauwa Danbaba Suntai, made this known in a telephone interview with NAN on Tuesday in New York.

Fasehun Can Kill, Destroy For Power, Money And Women - Gani Adams

Gani Adams is the National Coordinator, Oodua People’s Congress. In this interview with FOLARIN ADEMOSU, he characterises Dr. Frederick Fasehun, his affairs with Hamza al-Mustapha, origin of OPC, what caused the split, and other issues


Last week, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun said you cannot speak for the Odua People’s Congress, OPC. What is your reaction to his statement?

Riot in Ikorodu as Police allegedly kill Okada rider

Fracas broke out, yesterday, in Ikorodu following the death of a motorcyclist after he was allegedly shot by a Policeman attached to Ikorodu Division, Lagos State.


The tragedy struck around 4p.m at Ojubode area leading to a serious gridlock which lasted for hours as the deceased’s colleagues trooped out to protest the killing.

This resulted into pandemonium as commuters and residents scampered for safety. Also, shops and offices were shut for hours by owners for fear of the unknown.

Condolence visit: Rivers Govt counters Patience Jonathan’s claim, releases photo of Amaechi’s wife

Rivers state government on Tuesday released a picture showing wife of the Rivers State Governor, Judith Amaechi, signing the condolence register during her visit to the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, on the death of her foster mother, Mrs Charity Sisi Oba.

The picture is a response to the statement earlier released by Mrs Jonathan that while several groups and individuals from across the country came to condole with her, no official of the Rivers State government deemed it necessary to pay the family a condolence visit.

I want to represent the Wizkid of the female fold in the industry - Nigerian singer, Lola Rae

Funmilola Rachel Garton, popularly known as Lola Rae, is a product of a mixed union-British father and Ghanaian mother-is set to storm the entertainment industry with her Afro Pop music. The “Watch My Tingo” crooner, in this interview she opens up on her mission to Nigeria, which she regarded as her home, fashion preferences and her music career.  

INEC keeps num on Abuja women rally

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it will not comment on the controversy between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party over the women rally organised by the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, in Abuja last Thursday.

 The APC had referred to the event as a political rally and accused the Presidency of violating the INEC’s rule, which bars political parties and aspirants from campaigning for the 2015 elections.

SHEKAU'S DEATH: We can’t rejoice over anyone’s death, says CAN

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Monday, in reaction to the reported death of the Islamist sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, said: “I have not heard the story yet but if it is true, as a Christian, we should not rejoice over the death of any one.

“Nevertheless I must commend the security forces, which had taken this war against terrorism in this country to a new and commendable height by the accomplishment they had achieved in the last couple of months.”
According to him, the Christian community in Nigeria would have preferred that Shekau was caught alive

Navy kills 16 pirates in gun duel

The Nigerian Navy says it has killed 16 pirates, who allegedly hijacked a vessel, MT Norte, along Lagos waters.

The Nigerian Navy, in a statement on Monday, stated the vessel was loaded with 17,000 metric tonnes of petrol when it was hijacked.

Jonathan didn’t sign single-term deal, Presidency insists

The Presidency on Monday insisted that President Goodluck Jonathan did not sign any agreement with any individual or group that he would serve only one term in office.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, said this in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja.

Electrician shot dead by Police in Lagos

Pandemonium broke out in Aka Town, Iba Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos State, yesterday, after an electrician, Mr. Adamson Bello, was allegedly shot dead by a yet to be identified policeman attached to the South Bound Hotel.

FG earmarks $6.43m to educate 40 million illiterate Nigerians

The Federal Government has earmarked $6.43 million “self benefiting” Trust Fund for the delivery of quality literacy programme for estimated 40 million illiterate Nigerians by 2015.

Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Education, Alhaji Jibrin Paiko, declared this yesterday, in Ilorin at a workshop for 111 adult and youth facilitators in three local government areas of Baruten, Edu and Kaiama in Kwara State.


He explained that the project, was captured under a three-year strategic frame work (2012-2015), aimed at revitalising adult and youth literacy project.

Paiko said it was designed to meet the education for all, EFA, goals and education related Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, by 2015.

Represented by a Monitoring Officer in the agency, Mr. Lukuman Paiko said: “The workshop held simultaneously in Lagos, Edo and Kwara, is to improve the skills and knowledge of 4,107 facilitators across the country at the average of 111 per state.”

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Saka Onimago, who declared the workshop open, said: “Each of the facilitators must enroll  at least 24 adult and youth illiterates and make them literates  within nine months.”

The commissioner was represented by a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mohammad Alabi.
He commended the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, for sponsoring the workshop.

God will uproot bad leaders in Nigeria, says Gowon

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on Monday in Ibadan prayed that God should uproot all the leaders with evil intentions against the country so that the polity could move forward.

Gowon spoke during his visit to Gethsemane Prayer Ministries Cathedral, Eleyele, Ibadan presided over by National Coordinator, Nigeria Prays, Rev. Moses Aransiola.

Angry Youths Beat Up House Of Rep Member

A member of the House of Representatives representing Malumfashi/Kafur constituency of Katsina state, Hon Ibrahim Babangida Mahuta, was attacked by a mob in his constituency.

 
This is the third time the lawmaker has been attacked by youths from his constituency. The first being during the last public hearings on constitution amendments.

ASUU Strike: No Retreat, No Surrender —President

Ahead of today’s meeting with the Federal Government, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr. Nasir Fagge, has declared that the union will not back down on the ongoing strike if a compromise is not reached.

Dr. Fagge who made this disclosure to NE via a telephone chat this morning, maintained that the strike action was not embarked upon just for the demands, but for the Federal Government to honour a Memorandum of Understanding which it  signed in 2012 with ASUU.

The Yoruba are far ahead of them — Fani-Kayode

As the debate over the deportation of some Igbo from Lagos rages, a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, in this interview tells ALLWELL OKPI that the city was built by the Yoruba and not the Igbo.

Stolen N20m Wristwatch Sold For N1.2m

A hair stylist, Clark Lydia Vivian, 22, and her step-father, Engr. Ayodele, Djamasi, 51, are in police net for allegedly stealing a gold wrist watch worth N20 million and selling it for N1.2 million at Tejuosho market, Yaba, Lagos, southwest Nigeria.

The police at Ilasan Division, Lekki, Eti-Osa, Lagos, arrested them along with the alleged receiver of the stolen wrist watch, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulahi, 42.

ASUU strike: Jonathan approves N400bn lifeline –SSANU

The end to the present strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may be in sight as President Goodluck Jonathan has approved N400 billion for the infrastructural development of Nigerian universities.

The document to this effect is expected to be made available today at the meeting of the presidential committee on implementation of the NEEDS assessment in the universities with the leaders of the four university-based unions – the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

PDP crisis: Tukur battles for political survival …seeks Atiku’s help to save job, meets Jonathan

IN a move to retain his job as the National Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has reportedly sought the help of ex-Vice President Abubakar Atiku.

Tukur, our correspondent learnt, sent an SOS message to Atiku who consequently rushed down for a one-and-half-hour meeting with the PDP chairman at his Wuse 2 residence in Abuja very late on Saturday. The meeting reportedly started at about 7pm and Atiku was seen leaving the chairman’s residence at about 8.30pm.

Minister blows N2 BILLION on chartered jets

A Minister may have been spending so much time in the air that she has wracked up a N2b bill in two years.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being urged to probe how she blew the cash on chartered jets.


The Minister was reported to the Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, by a whistle-blowing group, Crusaders for Good Governance (CGG), on August 13.

We heard fire victims cry for help –Residents

Neighbours of a family that perished in an inferno in a building located in Shagari Estate, Lagos State, said they heard the victims’ cries for help.

PUNCH Metro had reported last week Thursday that a family of five lost their lives after  fire engulfed their three-bedroom apartment in the early hours of Wednesday.

Okupe calls APC “mega-nonsense”, blasts @Elrufai as ‘stupid’ ‘liar

Presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, has described the new opposition alliance, the All Progressives Alliance, APC as a “mega nonsense, which cannot go anywhere”.

Speaking on a radio program in Kaduna, Mr. Okupe said the new opposition party was not a mega party, but a “mega nonsense”, which would collapse very soon.

First Lady snubs Rivers deputy governor

First Lady Patience Jonathan yesterday arrived in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on a three-day visit.

Mrs Jonathan is believed to be in her home state to prepare for the funeral of her mother, Madam Charity Oba, who died in a car crash last month.

Melvin and Beverly cruise to BBA final: Who do you put your money on?

Nigeria’s representatives in the 2013 Big Brother Africa Reality TV show, Melvin Oduah and Beverly Osu, have moved to the final stage of the event. They will now compete for the cash prize of $300,000 alongside the three other surviving Housemates, Elikem of Ghana, Dillish of Namibia and Zambia’s representative, Cleo.

BIG BROTHER AFRICA: Angelo and Bimp Evicted From the House, Tears for Beverly

South African representative Angelo and Ethiopia’s Bimp were evicted from the BBA house on sunday night.

South Africa's representative and Nigeria's Beverly's Big brother boy friend Angelo as well as her secret admirer Bimp (smoke chain) were evicted from the on going big brother africa the chase.

Mbu remains Rivers police chief, says IG

Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar yesterday dashed the hope of those expecting a change in the leadership of the police in Rivers State.

Controversial Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu will remain in office, Abubakar said.


He told reporters at the State House in Abuja, after joining other Muslims in government to pay homage to President Goodluck Jonathan, that a professional police officer is not a politician who could be drawn into politics.

New leaders‘ll emerge soon, says Tinubu

A National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday predicted the emergence of new leaders in Nigeria.

The former Lagos State governor urged Nigerians to pray fervently that “the predictions of doom, hardship, political instability and religious intolerance will not come to fruition”.


Tinubu, who is recuperating from a successful surgery, in his Sallah message released by his Media Office, wished all Muslims Eid mubarak and happy Sallah celebrations.

All roads lead to Redemption Camp for Holy Ghost Service

All roads lead to Redemption Camp for Holy Ghost Service - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/news/#sthash.kxDdT7Kn.dpuf

All roads lead to the Redemption Camp of The Redeemed Christian Church of Christ for the toast of the ongoing annual convention, the Holy Ghost Service as Nigerians from all corners are expected to take advantage of the public holi-days to attend.

The Holy Ghost service which holds every first Friday of every month is the star attraction of all RCCG pro-grammes because it is always a power packed session with diverse miracle and unusual ministrations.

LAGOS: Many displaced as Lekki beach overflows banks

A yet to be ascertained number of families have been displaced by the recent ocean surge at Lekki, Lagos.

This came barely 10 weeks after a university don, Dr. Dupe. Olayinka,  raised doubts as to the safety of the Eko Atlantic City, a mega project by the Lagos State government.

Bale, Suarez, Rooney – Premier League’s troublesome trio

A couple of weeks before the start of the English Premier League season, the country’s most exciting player, its most reviled and the linchpin of the England side are involved in emotional and financial tug-of-wars with their clubs.

Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez and Wayne Rooney have been absent from recent pre-season friendlies because they are carrying injuries, are in no state to perform or have been banished from the first team.

 

Jilted lover sets corps member, friend ablaze

When in November 2012, Winifred Okey, received a call-up letter to begin her National Youth Service Corps programme in Rivers State, she was extremely happy. This was because she wanted to be posted there so that she would be close to her friends, who were staying there.

The 23-year-old graduate’s happiness was however cut short after she was set ablaze at the corper’s lodge in Asari Toru Local Government by her ex-boyfriend.

Buhari: Bomb or bubble?

The newly formed All Progressives Congress, APC , is faced with the difficult predicament of containing the determination of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to contest the next presidential election.



His last military posting before he was proclaimed military head of state in December 1983 was as General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Brigade, Jos. Giving that military backdrop, it is not surprising that he is being accused of confusing the newly registered APC with the Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC, one of the military vehicles used to position him in power 30 years ago.

Why we raped victims, by robbery suspects

Everyone around was startled when they recounted their escapades before their reign in the underworld was forced to a halt by the police.

Twenty-four-year-old Moses Adelawo, son of a landlord in Ajao Estate, Lagos; Felix Sunday, alias K-Money, and Abbey Yinusa, who claimed that the former lured him into raping girls, are members of a dreaded gang. So is Ike Leke, 26, aka Bombom. They were arrested on Wednesday.

Their gang, led by Abiodun Ogunjobi, aka Godogodo, terrorised the Southwest before it was smashed last Sunday by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command.

Leke, 26, told The Nation on Wednesday that he enjoyed raping daughters of their victims. His reason: Some ladies who advised him to take to armed robbery abandoned him when police declared him wanted after an operation in Lagos.

Nigeria won’t break up – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday assured that Nigeria will not break up pointing out that the country’s diversity is a great strength yet to be tapped.

Speaking while receiving the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, who led the Muslim community on the annual Sallah homage, faulted the United States report that predicted that Nigeria will break up on or before 2015.

Police will flush out bad eggs - IGP Abubakar

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, on Thursday vowed to flush out bad eggs in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), saying he would never preside over a corrupt police service.

Abubakar made the promise in Abuja while answering questions from State House correspondents over the police officer dismissed on Wednesday for demanding N25,000 bribe from a motorist in Lagos,.


He said the punishment was not too harsh and warned that any police officer caught in corrupt practices would not be spared.

REVEALED: Boko Haram still has 6,000 fighters “ready fight to finish” •Targets Lagos, Ogun, Rivers

Despite suffering heavy casualties and dislodgement from its North-East strongholds, Boko Haram still boasts “about 6,000 fighters ready to fight to the finish,” a Nigerian Senator who investigated the group’s activities has revealed.