Onodo election: Faction revealed that Jimoh is not PDP candidate but INEC candidate

The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has rejected the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which recognized Jimoh Ibrahim as the flag bearer of the

party in the forthcoming guber election.
The faction said that it would only work with Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) as its candidate in the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.

Spokesperson for the faction, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, in a statement in Abuja on Friday said Jimoh was representing

INEC while Jegede represents the party.
Adeyeye alleged that the process that threw up Ibrahim was illegal.

He said, “We reject in its totality the announcement of INEC of the list of candidates for the Ondo State governorship election on which the names of Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim and Alabi Omotayo as candidate and running mate of our party were published respectively.

“In announcing its list, INEC completely disregarded the order of Justice Olamide of the Ondo State High Court restraining INEC from substituting the name of our candidate, Jegede, choosing instead to pay heed to the order given by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court.

“These actions have resulted in massive protests in many parts of Ondo State as the Ondo people have taken to the streets to show displeasure at the schemes to deny them of the candidate of their choice for the governorship election.

“It is most unfortunate that INEC and external forces are seeking to make Jimoh Ibrahim, who is not a member of our party and who did not participate in our primaries which INEC itself has admitted, the candidate of our party, through the back door.”

Zinedine zinedine has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is not happy

Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is not happy, because of his recent goal drought.

The Portugal captain, has only scored once in his last five La Liga matches ahead of Saturday’s trip to Alaves and looked upset during last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at home.

Zidane stated that it was only normal for Ronaldo to be angry, but insisted that it was nothing serious.

The Frenchman told reporters at his news conference on Friday: “No, I’ve seen him upset but that’s normal. He wants to score, so it’s only natural that he’s upset but I don’t think he’s worried at all.

“He’s unique, what he’s achieved is unique. He’s played so well and scored so many goals. When he doesn’t score, people start reading between the lines but he’s a genius.”

A'rease lost her SUV to criminals

Winner of the Voice Nigeria music talent show, Agharese Emokpae, popularly known as A’rese has allegedly lost her brand new Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV to some individuals posing as government officials.

The 28-year-old actress cum musician shared a picture of her car via Instagram page @ankemokpae on Friday appealing to the public to help her find it as she expressed shock toward the sad news.

She wrote: “So my car was just stolen by people posing as government officials.

“They towed it while refusing to identify them or tell us where they’re going.

“If you see it, please alert me with the location and a picture if you can.”

The alleged missing car which is reportedly worth N7million was given to her with a recording contract as she emerged the winner of the maiden edition of The Voice Nigeria 2016.

Popular Nigerian comedian Gordons has spoke about Church offerings

in church – Comedian, Gordons
By Ameh Comrade Godwin on October 28, 2016

Self-acclaimed comedy beliscony, Godwin Komone, famously known as Gordons, has called on the federal government to declare tithes and offerings illegal in churches.

According to him, with that, Nigerians will know clerics who were truly called by God.

The comic merchant gave this advise in his latest comedy collection entitled ‘Comedy Clinic.’

The Delta-State comedian believes that the many problems currently facing Nigeria today boils down to religion.

“The only solution to our problems in Nigeria today is religion.

I will be the happiest person in the world if the federal government place a ban on giving of tithes and offerings from churches.

“I tell, we will continue to lament as long as these people keep collecting the little one we have in the name of offering.

“By the time tithes and offerings is declared illegal, then we will know those who were called by God and those who called themselves in the ministry.

“I tell you, some people actually saw miss call and not calling into church ministry,” Gordons added.

See what Nigeria is turning into 888 employed out of 6.5millon applicant

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has finally employed 888 applicants.
On Saturday March 15, 2014, about 6.5 million applicants for the immigration employments reported at various designated centers across the country for screening.

The screening was, however, overshadowed by the death of 16 persons .

Former President Goodluck Jonathan had then set-up a presidential committee with a mandate to assist the Civil Defence, Fire Immigration and Prisons Service Board, (CDFIPB) in carrying out recruitment exercise to fill the vacancies in NIS.
NIS Comptroller General, (CG), Muhammed Babandede, on Friday told newsmen that the CDFIPB issued out guidelines for a fresh screening of only 2000 applicants whose names were published in Leadership and Thisday newspapers on August 15 and 16 2016 respectively.
Babandede disclosed that out of the 2000 applicants, a total of 1470 reported for screening while 888 met all the criteria and were therefore successful.
The breakdown shows that the number of Assistant Superintendent of Immigration 11 is: 177, Assistant Inspector of Immigration is: 305 and Immigration Assistant 1 – immigration Assistant 111 are: 406.
His words: “The guidelines included: Age on rank, proper scrutiny of certificate, Physical fitness, drug free test, security clearance, good conduct/character and medical fitness.
“The screening exercise was carried out at the NIS Headquarters Abuja between August 29 2016 and September 6, 2016 and was opened to the press.
“The recommendations from the exercise have been submitted to the CDFIPB which on confirmation will be issued the provisional letters of appointment to the 888 successful candidates.
“The successful candidates will remain on probation in line with the Public Service extant laws until they are ensured that indeed they are drug free and of good conduct.
“For the successful applicants their names will be posted on our website on Monday. With this development the recruitment exercise has been regularized and the issue finally laid to rest.”
The Immigration boss added that “This government has given us a lot of opportunity to purchase patrol vehicles. We have done the tender to follow due process. Government has budget a lot of fund to buy operational vehicles. It has reached federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
“Ones we have vehicles we will hit the ground running. The challenge we have is that there is no equipment. We need border surveillance equipment to see things happening in Abuja. By 2017 we will focus on border patrol.
“You are aware that majority of those who are saved at the high sea unfortunately Nigeria is number three. Italy alone claimed that from January till date 30 thousand Nigerians have been rescued in Italy of cause it does not mean that those 30 thousand Nigerians left the country today, some are in different nearby countries because they were going by road.”

INEC wants to collaborate with APC to ring Onodo election-Fayose

The Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of working with the All Progressives Congress, APC, to rig the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.

Fayose made the remark against the back drop of INEC’s decision to replace
Eyitayo Jegede with businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate of Ondo State.

In a statement on Friday, the Ekiti State Governor maintained that INEC’s decision was a clear evidence that the commission had double standards and was aiding the APC.

According to the governor, Ibrahim did not emerge through any known electoral process as the candidate of the PDP, adding that his acceptance was another plot by the APC to take over the state.

He said, “With the development in Ondo Guber election and the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it is clear that INEC is a department in APC led federal government.

“The APC has decided to rig the Ondo State election even before it is conducted and this is sad commentary for our democratic process that was near perfection before the advent of this APC government.

“The question to ask INEC is having accepted the candidate presented by the Malkarfi-led PDP National Caretaker Committee for the Edo State election, relying on the judgment of the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt, despite the Abuja Federal High Court order at that time, what has changed? Obviously, it is either INEC is playing double-standard or has descended into the arena.”

Ballon d' or belong to Rinaldo or no one else-Fabio

Former Italy captain, Fabio Cannavaro has backed Portugal forward, Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the lucrative Ballon d’Or after helping his club Real Madrid to Champions League glory and Portugal to Euro 2016 victory.

Cannavaro said there is no doubt the Portugal captain deserves to win the individual gong.

The 31-year-old, who has two Ballon d’Or (which has now separated from the FIFA World Player of the Year award) to his name, scored 51 goals in all competitions for Madrid last season, and also netted three times as his country lifted the European championship trophy in France.

Cannavaro told Marca, “Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon d’Or, without a doubt.

“Even if he hasn’t scored these last few games, we shouldn’t forget all he’s done this year.

“Carlo Ancelotti used to say that with Cristiano [Ronaldo], it is like starting a match with a 1-0 edge.”

Ronaldo has managed five goals in all competitions, two in La Liga and as many in the UEFA Champions League.

Ondo election: Akeredolu called for tight security

The All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN Campaign team has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris and other security operatives to provide security for Ondo state ahead of the November 26, governorship poll.

Akeredolu, who spoke through one of his media aides, Mr. Kunlle Adebayo, lamented that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has allowed its internal crisis to lead to violence in the state.

He accused Governor Olusegun Mimiko of making threat statement following the non-inclusion of his anointed candidate in the final list of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, released on Thursday.

Akeredolu called on all stakeholders in the state including: Kabiyesis, religious leaders, the media, labour leaders, artisans, Okada riders, the youths and other group leadership to actively intervene by helping to secure peace and calm in the state.

The statement reads, “The Akeredolu Campaign platform notes with concerns the tension and anxiety generated in the state by the final list of governorship candidates published by INEC yesterday.

“We have also noted with regrets today the release of violence, wanton disruption of public peace, commerce and rights of free movement of citizen, by the government backed faction of the PDP and its supporters.

“In this particular circumstance, it is well known that the ugly situation we are witnessing today in Akure is the official reaction of PDP to yesterday’s court ruling concerning the matter of their primaries.

“While we recognize the fact that the choice of candidates remains an internal matter of the PDP, we are also disappointed and outraged that the public, particularly the electorates and innocent citizens are now being subjected to unwarranted threats and embarrassment by the PDP due to its inability to govern its affairs decently.

“We wish to stress that it is shameful, unthinkable and unacceptable that the PDP will allow the failure of its internal party process to degenerate to terrorism of the innocent electorates of Ondo state.

“We therefore appeal to the leaders of PDP, particularly Governor Olusegun Mimiko to review its strategies of managing its internal affairs by exploring proper legal channels of seeking redress.

“At this time of electioneering campaigns, the Governor Mimiko led PDP is advised to repent from acts of violence, provocation and intimidation of the public. It must resist from inspiring and sponsoring actions leading to destruction of public peace and properties.

“By the reason of the needless and irresponsible actions of today, the nation’s security agencies must be put on notice on the attitude and plans of the ruling government to the November elections.

“It is regrettable that before our very eyes, the government backed PDP is making good its threat to foment civil crisis if its preferred candidate is not recognised by INEC in its final list released yesterday.

“We thereby advise the Inspector General of police, the DG of DSS and other security chiefs to scale up their preparedness for securing the November 26 elections, after all as they say, the morning shows the day.

“We also wish to respectfully call on all leaders of our society : our Kabiyesis, religious leaders, the media, labour leaders, artisans, Okada riders, the youths and other group leadership to actively intervene by helping to secure peace and calm.

“We must remember that Ondo state, our land of Sunshine, is our inheritance and this generation and that of the future have nowhere else to claim as our own. Our task therefore is to salvage it.”

Everton shows interest on buying Rooney

Everton football club have indicated interest in signing back out-of-favour Manchester United and England captain, Wayne Rooney.

Everton manager, Ronald Koeman described the striker as a “great player” and would welcome the chance to bring him back to Goodison Park, his boyhood club.

Rooney is struggling at Manchester United with reports suggesting he has been told by manager, Jose Mourinho that he can leave Old Trafford.

Although the England captain has been linked with a move to MLS side, Los Angeles Galaxy. Koeman would grab the opportunity to bring him back to Everton.

Speaking to the press ahead of Sunday’s game against West Ham United, the Dutchman said, “First of all, he’s a great player – he’s still not finished his career.

“I don’t know what his situation is, I need to respect his situation. That’s not my problem.

“Even if one time there is a possibility that Rooney is an option for Everton, I’d say ‘yes, please’.”

On Rooney’s struggles under Mourinho at United, Koeman added, “That’s football. He is enough of an experienced player and person that he knows what can happen.

“Everyone gets periods of criticism. It’s part of the business and you need to stay calm and that’s the best thing you can do.”

Rooney began his football career at Everton and scored a wonder goal against Arsenal at age 16.

He signed for the Old Trafford outfit in August 2004 and has been a regular for club and country ever since, but has struggled for playing time under Mourinho.

See Fatima Buhari's weeding pictures

Top dignateries inclduing governors from Northern part of the country were present at the residence of President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura for the Wedding Fatiha of the President's daughter Hajiya Fatima and her hubby Mallam Ya' u Gimba Kumo. See more photos below

Woman chained her daughter for refusing to attend class

A mother chained her daughter to a lamp post and left her there as punishment for playing truant from school. The shocking images show the eight-year-old crying and nervously sucking her thumb as she struggles to move with the metal chain hooked around her ankle tied to a large metal post.

Shocked onlookers gathered around the distressed girl, who was still wearing her school uniform as she stood beside her water bottle and school bag. The girl was stuck there for another hour after drivers tried and failed to release her before police arrived.

The youngster told cops that her 30-year-old mother had punished her because she failed to go to her mandarin classes at school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The mother will be investigated for child neglect and exposing a child to physical injury.

Shocking: see what a heartless maid did to her boss in revenge

A Kenyan housemaid has done the unthinkable after what he did to her boss' children before taking her own life.

A heartless Kenyan maid in the United Arab Emirates strangled and killed her employer’s three children by hanging them on the ceiling and attacking them with a cleaver while they slept.

According to the report, the maid whose identity was not revealed by the police, killed herself after murdering the kids.

The 25-year-old Kenyan maid, had earlier claimed she attacked the children, two girls and a boy aged 15, 14 and 10, because they and their mother had made threats against her own life.

According to the police, the maid must have been revenging after her boss mistreated her.

The neighbors revealed that the maid's boss, a 42-year-old lady was fond of mistreating her

Chelsea manager Conte has declared Ssouthnampton clash a big challenge

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte has stated that Chelsea’s away clash against Southampton at St. Mary’s will be a real test to their title challenge this season.

Chelsea, lost 2-1 to West Ham in the English Football League, EFL, Cup on Wednesday, while the Saints held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw away last weekend before beating Sunderland in the EFL Cup midweek.

The Italian said during his pre-match press conference on Friday, that he admires Claude Puel’s side’s attacking style.

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“This test is different. We are playing away against a team in good shape. It’s a big test for our ambition.

“Southampton are very strong and I’m impressed with the offensive football they play,” Conte said.

The former Italy national team boss disclosed that Branislav Ivanovic has returned from injury but ruled out Cesc Fabregas.

He said captain John Terry is a key member of the Chelsea team despite not being at his best in the loss against West Ham.

“The situation for the injured players remains the same. Fabregas remains out but Ivanovic is available.”

“John came back from an injury and it’s not easy to find the right shape, but I’m satisfied with him and the team.

“John is an important player for us, if he plays or if he doesn’t play, for the changing room and the club.”

“This league is very difficult and anything can happen in any single game. For this reason, continuity is crucial.”

Unemployment rate in Nigeria is too high- Minister

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has lamented the current unemployment rate in the country.

He described the situation as unacceptable, saying
no nation can develop by leaving out a vast percentage of its productive human capacity.

Deputy Director, Press in the Ministry, Samuel Olowokoore, in a statement yesterday quoted the Minister as saying that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government was committed to job creation and the provision of decent employment opportunity for Nigerians within the productive age.

The Minister spoke at a validation workshop on the review of the National Employment Policy (NEP), organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.

Ngige stated that “there is urgent need to engage a larger percentage of the productive age in decent, fairly remunerated and sustainable means of livelihood either as wage earners or self-employed, while preserving existing gainful employments.”

Senator Ngige disclosed that towards ensuring inclusive national employment policy, the revised NEP addresses concerns such as employment of the physically challenged, international labour migration, decent work components, and higher education for employability including green jobs amongst others.

“The country is currently facing difficult times in the annals of its history requiring understanding and cooperation of employers, workers and other stakeholders.

“In proposing strategies to overcome the current challenges, stakeholders must objectively and conscientiously be willing to make necessary trade-offs in the overall interest of the society”, he added.

The Director ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liason Office of ECOWAS, Dennis Zulu expressed confidence that the reviewed employment policy will enhance coherent, integrated and sustainable multi-sectorial response to combat the challenges of unemployment.

Zulu appealed to the federal government to ratify the ILO convention 122 saying that the reviewed national employment policy is already in line with the objectives of the conventions.

NLC disclosed why Buhari should increase minimum wage

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, yesterday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to increase workers’ current minimum wage without further delay.

He said the demand by the organized labour was in view of the economic recession, noting that N18, 000 was not an amount that any worker can survive on.

Wabba said increment was the strategy the United States used to address recession.

He argued that the economy cannot return to its former state unless the citizens have purchasing power.

“The state of the country’s economy requires that we increase minimum wage. We need to empower the people to buy and sell. If the economy is at standstill and people cannot buy, the economy will not grow.

“It is the workers’ money that keeps the economy growing. It is not the fund disbursed for big contracts that are kept in different accounts that keeps the country economy growing.

“That was the logic that helped the United States to revive their economy,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has urged Nigerians to always speak positively about the country in spite of the current economic recession.

Buhari made the call at the 7th National Prayer Breakfast organised by the National Assembly on Thursday in Abuja.

Represented at the occasion by the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, Buhari assured Nigerians that the recession would end very soon as the government was doing all within its power to restore the economy of the country.

“As Christians and political leaders, we must strive to be the light of the world by speaking positively concerning the state of the nation.

“These hard times we are in, require leaders who are aware of the situation to stand in the gap to see how to turn the situation around.

“I have total faith that Nigeria will emerge from this crisis strong, united and prosperous, this will come to fruition in the lifetime of this government.

“Also as Christians and leaders we should all thank God for the opportunity to be key player in this time of economic meltdown,” Lawal admonished.

Dancer Kafayat blast Davido with disrespectful names

Popular Nigerian dancer, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, better known by her stage name, Kaffy, has called out music star, Davido, describing him as arrogant.

The choreographer lashed out at artistes who request dancers to perform with them on stage, then cancel at the last minute.

On her Instagram page @kaffydance, she wrote: “This message is for those of you that disrespectfully disregard us dancers especially. @davidoofficial: If you don’t want dancers express it way before you agree to allow them dance than when you are about to climb the stage you decide you don’t need us again, or tell dancers not to come near you while u perform.

“It’s not your fault we have learnt our lesson and we thank arrogant artistes like you as this will not continue for long. Nowadays artiste take a piss.

“Enough is enough. It’s alright if artistes don’t need us. We are artistes ourselves.

It is very disrespectful for you to look down at and trample on people who in one way or the other contribute to where you are today.

“Dance is our widow’s mite to a lot of your careers. All you need to do is respect us. Even other people under you suffer your arrogance from stylist to band men.

“People pay a lot of money to see u come out and give a good show it requires more than you jumping all over the place with no content.

“Even some artistes in other countries who perform alone still plan their craft.

They practice, they rehearse, they are never tired of doing better than their last.

Man raped 12 year old girl to coma in kaduna

A 32 year-old man has been arrested by the Kaduna State Police Command, for allegedly raping a 14-year-old to coma.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Aliyu Usman, who made this disclosure to newsmen on Wednesday said the suspect, Hamza Abdullahi, who resides in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area of the state reportedly lured Faiza Salisu (14), to his room which is opposite the family house of the said victim where he had carnal knowledge of her.

It was gathered that the suspect before the incident took some sex enhancement drugs and in the process kept having sex with the victim until she collapsed.

When he sensed that the teenager was unconscious, the suspect quickly called a Tricycle driver to help in taking the victim to a bush closer to the house where he intended to dump her.

Luck, however, ran out on him when a relation of the victim saw her being carried into the tricycle.

She raised alarm which attracted passers-by. After seeing the condition of the victim, they descended on Hamza Abdullahi. The suspect was saved by men from Rigasa Police Divisional office, who took him away.

Speaking to the media at the police command, the suspect agreed to have had carnal knowledge of Faiza Salisu (victim), but said it was with her consent because he promised to reward her financially.

Hamza, who refuted the allegation that he took some sex enhancement drugs, said he only took ‘man power’ sold by some women around the area.

The PPRO said investigation was still on, adding that the suspect would be charged to court after investigation.

In another development, the police recently arrested a primary school teacher for sexually abusing a minor in Lagos State.

Man whose parents locked for 20 years was freed by policemen

A 36-year-old Brazilian man who was allegedly tied to a bed and locked at the basement of their home,by his father and step-mother for 20 years was freed on Monday, October 24, by policemen.

Armando de Andrade who disappeared at age 16 was accidentally discovered during a search process by the police while looking for members of a drug gang. He was discovered tied to a bed in a tiny, windowless room of their house in Sao Paulo.

Armando de Andrade who disappeared at age 16 was accidentally discovered during a search process by the police while looking for members of a drug gang. He was discovered tied to a bed in a tiny, windowless room of their house in Sao Paulo.

According to reports, neighbours who asked after him were told he had traveled. His family always claimed he had moved to another part of Brazil and was ‘doing well’ for himself. Neighbours said Armando was a normal 16-year-old who loved skateboarding and playing guitar. Armando’s childhood friend, Ederson Silva, said: “Whenever we asked about him they always said the same thing, he’s living in the northeast, he’s well, he’s working, he’s building his family there. That’s all they said to us.”

Armando was however found with ‘enormous’ toenails and fingernails and a long beard which had grown to his knees, looking totally ‘malnourished ’.

The police believe he lived in virtual darkness for two decades in a room without light fittings, while the floor was reportedly covered in human faeces.

Police in Brazil came across the 36-year-old by accident after they searched homes looking for members of a drugs gang

Police chief, Celso Marchiori, said: “He got up, very impaired and didn’t speak a word. We took him outside and he still didn’t say anything. We didn’t know if he was scared or drugged. He wasn’t able to identify us as police officers. We called for help and he was taken straight to hospital. It’s difficult to believe he wa s in that place for 20 years. It’s a very insanitary place, he wouldn’t have survived. There’s no light at all.”

Armando’s father, Amancio de Andrade, has denied holding him captive, claiming his son left home when he was 18, returned last week, and asked him to lock him in the room to help him ‘get clean’ from drug addiction. The father said: “He’s a grown man. He never got in touch.

Then last week I opened my door and he was there. I gave him food and let him stay in the basement room. He asked me to lock the door so he couldn’t get out.”

Fatima Buhari set to wed this Friday

President Buahri’s daughter Fatima and her 57 years old fiance.

The second daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, Fatima, is reportedly getting married this Friday, October 21.

Fatima is one of the president’s children from his first wife, Safinatu Muhammadu Buhari.

She is marrying Malam Gimba Yau Kumo, a former managing director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Their Islamic wedding will take place in Katsina state, her father’s home state.
Here’s wishing them a happy married life from NAIJ Weddings.

The wedding invitation.
President Buhari married his late wife, Safinatu in 1971. She was 18 at the time, born December 11, 1952. She was Fulani and related to the late Shehu Usman Danfodio.

The marriage produced five children: Zulaiha (late), Fatima, Musa, Hadiza and Safinatu Buhari.

Baby born after 16 miscarriages killed by meningitis

A mum who overcame 16 miscarriages to give birth to her “miracle girl” told how it took just six hours for meningitis to kill her “perfectly healthy” daughter.

Fleur-Rose Allen died on April 4 this year, just days after she started walking for the first time.

The 15-month-old, who was born on New Year’s Eve 2014 – two-and-a-half months premature following a difficult pregnancy - woke with a slight temperature and crying.

Her mum, hairdresser Lizzie Allen, 32, thought she had a bug and gave her water and Calpol.

But hours later, after suffering four cardiac arrests, she was declared dead, reports Mirror.

Her brave mum, in her only interview, said she wanted other parents to know how quickly meningitis can become deadly.

“Fleur-Rose was so healthy,” she recalled. “She was toddling and laughing the day before she died.

At 1pm on the day we lost her, she was sat on her daddy Matt’s knee, grinning away. Around lunchtime she began retching, but her oxygen levels were still 100 per cent.

At 1pm she had an X-ray on her chest, which was clear, but she still was not eating.

“I remember saying at teatime, ‘Shall we try her with some food.

“She had one mouthful of mashed potato.”

It was at this point that Lizzie noticed a slight red blotch on Fleur-Rose’s neck, which spread down it as she watched.

“I just shouted to Matt, ‘Go and get a nurse.’

“But moments later it had gone and there were only tiny pinprick marks.”

At 5.30pm Fleur-Rose was admitted to a side room.

“She was pale, but conscious and crying,” said Lizzie. “They were trying to get a water sample from her.

“They said they were going to give her an antibiotic, which would treat meningitis .”

It was the first time she had heard mention of meningitis .

“I was terrified,” she said.
Then, at 6pm, Fleur-Rose was moved to the resuscitation unit and a specialist team from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, was called in.

“She deteriorated before our eyes,” Lizzie continued, recalling how her daughter suffered four cardiac arrests.

“The rash returned, creeping from her feet to her head and at 11.04pm there was nothing more they could do.

“My darling daughter died.”
It was subsequently discovered that Fleur-Rose had been suffering from streptococcal meningitis, a bacterial strain of the illness.

the day she was bornHer mum now wants to promote greater awareness of the symptoms of meningitis in youngsters.

“People always look for the rash, but her rash didn’t develop until later,” she said.

“At lunchtime she was cheerful, but actually she was being killed from the inside out.

“She was too young to articulate how she felt.

She couldn’t say, ‘Mummy my eyes hurt; Mummy I have a bad tummy’.

“I think every child who is admitted to hospital with similar symptoms should automatically have a meningitis check.

“A child’s life isn’t a lottery.”
Since Fleur-Rose’s death, Lizzie has raised £12,000 for Meningitis Now in her daughter’s name.

“I want people to remember her,” she said. “I had 16 unexplained miscarriages in six years before she was born."

Two suspected armed robbers killed by security operative

Two suspected armed robbers on Tuesday met their waterloo in Rukpokwu Obio/Akpor, while attempting to attack the newly appointed LG Caretaker Committee Chairman.

The suspected armed robbers (Photo: )

Some gallant security operatives in Rukpokwu Obio/Akpor in Rivers State, on Tuesday, shot dead two suspected armed robbers while attempting to attack the newly appointed Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairman.

According to reports, the three armed robbers entered the residence of the victim, Hon John Wokoma, CTC Chairman of Emohua in Obio/Akpor at about 2:20am, but were smashed by security operatives on ground in the house.

It was learnt that when the suspects who had gained entry into the house noticed the tight security, they opened fire on them but were overpowered by security operatives.

Bill Gates: My three children will not inherit my $81.7

World's richest man, Bill Gates says his three children understand why he'll be leaving his $81.7 billion fortune to his Foundation instead of them when he dies.

Bill Gates saying his children won't get a penny of his multi-billion fortune
Speaking in an exclusive interview on

'This Morning' television show, the world's richest man, Bill Gates, revealed like never before that his three children understand why he has pledged to leave his £70 billion ($81.7 billion) fortune to charity when he dies.

According to a report by Dailymail, the 60-year-old founder of Microsoft, in a revealing insight into his private life, disclosed that his children are 'proud' of his decision to dedicate his money to helping the world's poorest

The multi-billionaire business mogul who revealed that instead of billion-dollar trust funds, his two daughters and son will be given a 'great education' to help kick-start their own careers, adding that there would still be a financial safety net in place.

Bill Gates told This Morning presenters, Holly Willoughby and Ben Shephard his children are behind the decision.

"They are never going to be poorly off. Our kids will receive a great education and some money so they are never going to be poorly off but they'll go out and have their own career.

'It's not a favour to kids to have them have huge sums of wealth. It distorts anything they might do, creating their own path,' Gates said.

In a rare insight into family life, Gates told This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Ben Shephard his children are behind the decision.

He said: 'This money is dedicated to helping the poorest. They know that, they are proud of that, they go on trips with us to see the work that's being done.'


Bill and Melinda Gates with their children, Jennifer, now 20, Rory, now 17, and Phoebe, now 14,
who will only inherit a small fraction of their parents' multi-billion fortune
Bill Gates and his 52-year-old wife Melinda, have three children together, Jennifer, 20, Rory, 17, and Phoebe, 14.

Jennifer is in her second year at prestigious Stanford University, California, where her father donated £5million to the construction of a computer science building in his name.

She is also an accomplished equestrian, riding in national competitions.

Rory and Phoebe are believed to at school and live at home with their parents outside Seattle, Washington.

Shocking: Man gives up after he find out that he best friend is sleeping with his wife

Oh No! Husband Breaks Down After Finding Out His Best Friend Has Been Having S.@x with His Wife (Photos)

A man has been left totally devastated after discovering that his best friend he trusted so much has been having s*x with his wife and impregnated her.

A man is threatening his wife with divorce after discovering a devastating secret. The man has been left devastated after finding out his wife has been having s*x with his best friend and has even aborted for him.

The man identified as Justice Gorwa says he discovered his wife Chantelle Chifamba’s illicit affair with his friend Talent Guhwa when she fell sick after allegedly aborting the latter’s pregnancy.

While speaking to H-metro , Justice said the adulterous affair between Chantelle and Talent was the greatest betrayal he has gone through in his life.

“There is nothing as heart-rending as being hurt by people you trust.

“I never thought that my best friend and my wife would be so heartless that they would have a sexual relationship.

“People in our neighbourhood used to tell me that something fishy was going on between my wife and Talent but I never took it serious because I thought they didn’t understand how we relate as families.

“I only got to know about it when Chantelle aborted the pregnancy and Talent started demanding the child from her,” said Justice.

Giving details how he found out about the secret affair, Justice said Chantelle and Talent allegedly shared engaged in the illicit act while he was at work.

“I have always been a good husband and father; I would go out of my way to support my wife as well as our child but for some reason I wasn’t good enough for Chantelle.

“I used to send her money during the time that she was sleeping with Talent since I was out of town with work.

“When I came back, Talent started demanding the baby from Chantelle that she had aborted and that was how I got to know about it.

“The issue of her abortion has become the talk in our neighbourhood and the woman who helped her to abort is also from our neighbourhood.

“The foetus is said to have been dumped close to some banana trees in our neighbourhood,” he said.


Meanwhile, Chantelle has since applied for a protection order against Justice at the Harare civil court. She claims that Justice started to be violent towards her accusing her of cheating on him.

“He is the one who has been cheating, I discovered it through text messages he has been sending to his girlfriend.

“I left his house naked because he said I came with nothing and I was supposed to go back without anything.

“He has been coming to my mother’s place hurling stones and urinating in the garden,” she claimed.

Talent’s wife, only identified as Amai Wayne, confirmed her husband’s affair with Chantelle. She also said the affair was now straining her marriage.

“ My husband and I have never been in good books ever since the time he had an adulterous affair with Chantelle.

“He has been accusing me of being the reason Chantelle aborted the pregnancy but I wasn’t involved in all of that,” she said.

Man United draw west ham in EFL quarter final

Juan Mata has given Jose Mourinho's men a tie against the side that knocked Chelsea out, while Arsenal and Liverpool are at home, too

Manchester United's reward for beating city rivals City is an EFL Cup quarter-final match against West Ham.

Arsenal will play host to Southampton, while Liverpool host Leeds United and Newcastle go to Hull.

The last time the Red Devils played the Hammers in cup competition, it was in the FA Cup last season. It took a replay for Louis van Gaal's side to come through on that occasion, yet it paved the way to their success in the FA Cup.
However, West Ham's last League Cup meeting with the Old Trafford club ended emphatically in their favour, with a 4-0 win in 2010-11.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have lost their last three home League Cup ties against Premier League opponents - including a 2-1 reverse against Saints two years ago.

Nigeria is too tough for Zambia-Renard

The Atlas Lions' gaffer has ruled out the possibility of Chipolopolo qualifying for their first World Cup owing to the quality of opposition in their group
Morocco head coach Herve Renard does not expect Zambia to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after being pooled together with Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria in group B.

Renard who led the Chipolopolo to their first ever Afcon victory is confident it will be a tough group but is keen to stress it will be difficult for Zambia to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in such a setting which has Africa's heavyweights.

The tactician while speaking in Zambia when he went to see his family, admitted that there are lots of talents in the South African country but it will definitely time for the them to be groomed and insisted that 2018 World Cup shouldn't be a priority.

“Zambia has had a lot of talent and will have talent for a long time to come. If you have to achieve something at international level, you need team spirit but we need to start a new process of rebuilding the national team,” Renard told the Post of Zambia.

“It will take some time. The next target should not be to qualify to the next World Cup.

“You need time to rebuild something very strong, build a strong team. People are sometimes not patient, but they should be patient; the talent is here, the skill is here too, so what we need is to start all over.

“I saw their (Chipolopolo) game against Nigeria and they played well in the second half but they were down 2-0 already.

“At international level, when you have teams like Algeria, Nigeria and Cameroon, it’s very tough. People need to be calm because it will be very tough in the qualifiers.

“Zambia might do well but these teams are very tough, they are the three of the best big five teams in Africa…for Zambia, it’s too much.”

Zambia sit at the base of Group B with no point having lost their first qualifier at home to the Super Eagles.

Chelsea suffer a huge defeat

WEST HAM 2-1 CHELSEA: BLUES' LEAGUE CUP ADVENTURE BROUGHT TO A HALF BY BILIC'S MEN
Ben Spratt

A late strike from Gary Cahill was not enough to keep Antonio Conte's team alive in the competition, as the Hammers took an impressive win

West Ham reached the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup as they beat Chelsea 2-1 on Wednesday, although the tie was the latest game at London Stadium to be marred by unsavoury scenes in the stands.

On a night when Slaven Bilic's men finally seemed at home on the pitch in unfamiliar surroundings following their move away from Upton Park, goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Edimilson Fernandes clinched victory.

Roared on by a vociferous crowd, Kouyate crashed a glorious header into the net as both sides attacked in a thrilling first half.

Fernandes' storming strike - his first goal in English football - doubled West Ham's advantage shortly after the break, with their teething problems at this new stadium suddenly appearing a thing of the past, although off the pitch stewards struggled to keep rival fans apart and missiles were thrown.

With issues at the London Stadium regarding the segregation of home and away fans, there had previously been disturbances in Premier League fixtures against Watford and Middlesbrough - leading West Ham to stamp down on some supporters and outline a plan to tackle the trouble ahead of this fixture.

Antonio Conte's Blues won the teams' early-season Premier League clash 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, but, even with captain John Terry back from injury, they could not get contain the Hammers, Gary Cahill pulling one back with the last kick of the match shortly after Eden Hazard had struck the frame of the goal.

The returning Terry flicked an early Willian corner over, and the Brazilian then contributed a fine flick to set N'Golo Kante away into the area, with Darren Randolph standing up to make a firm right-handed stop.

But, after 11 minutes, West Ham led through a stunning opener.

Mark Noble's cross from the left was deep and found Kouyate just inside the box, but the Senegal international rose to direct a magnificent header beyond Asmir Begovic into the far corner.

With the noise levels cranked up another notch, the hosts sought a second; almost finding it as Michail Antonio squeezed a low shot narrowly wide after Dimitri Payet tumbled under pressure from

Mourinho's men overcome man city

The former Barcelona and Bayern coach reached an unwelcome personal landmark as his compatriot scored the only goal of a tense tie at Old Trafford
Juan Mata scored the winner as Manchester United bounced back from their humiliating defeat at Chelsea with a 1-0 derby victory over Manchester City in the EFL Cup fourth round, extending their local rivals' winless run to six matches.

This was a tie between two managers in need of a reassuring win – Jose Mourinho after the embarrassment of a 4-0 defeat on his return to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and Pep Guardiola amidst what is now the longest barren spell of his coaching career.

A much-changed City side started strongly but were unable to make the breakthrough, allowing United to find a way back into the match.

After finishing the first half strongly at Old Trafford, the hosts made a flying start to the second, hitting the post through Paul Pogba before Mata netted the winner.

The victory sees United into the quarter-finals and lands a satisfying blow for Mourinho and the red half of Manchester on Guardiola and outgoing EFL Cup champions City.

Guardiola made nine changes to the side that drew at home to Southampton on Sunday and it was Kelechi Iheanacho – in for Sergio Aguero – who got the first sight of goal in the second minute.

The Nigerian striker headed over from close range after getting on the end of an inviting Jesus Navas cross, and City continued to probe a United defence that lacked the injured Eric Bailly, seeing claims for a penalty waved away when the legs of Aleix Garcia and Michael Carrick tangled in the box.

Claudio Bravo's well-publicised lapses in recent matches may have given Willy Caballero hope that he could unseat the City number one with a strong performance at Old Trafford, but neither he nor David De Gea in the opposite net were given too much to do in a first half that ended without either side having registered a shot on target.

City looked the more likely to break the deadlock for much of the opening period, but it was United who finished the stronger, although Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent a promising free-kick straight into the wall before having another effort from the edge of the box deflected over.

Vincent Kompany, who only returned from long-term injury at the weekend, did not emerge for the second half – replaced by Aleksandar Kolarov – and it took United just a few minutes to find a gap in the adjusted City back line.

See the date court fixed for Dame Jonathan suits against EFCC

Justice Babs Kuewumi of a National Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday fixed December 7 to hear a suit by ex-First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, against the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), seeking to un-freeze her account.

Other respondents are Skye Bank and a former Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Waripama-Owei Dudafa.

Also joined in the suit are Pluto Property and Investment company Ltd, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Ltd, Transocean Property and Investment Company Ltd and Globus Integrarted Service Ltd.

The ex-first lady is demanding the sum of 200 million dollars from the commission as damages for infringing on her rights.

She is also urging the court to issue an order discharging the freezing order and restraining the EFCC and its agents from further placing a freezing order on the said accounts.

On Wednesday, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, announced appearance for the EFCC, while Mr Granville Abibo (SAN) appeared for Jonathan.

Oyedepo informed the judge that the case was coming up for the first time, adding that some of the respondents had yet to be served with the court’s processes.

In an affidavit in support deposed to by Mr Sammie Somiari, a lawyer, he averred that on March 22, 2010, she (Jonathan) had opened five different accounts with Skye Bank with the assistance of one Damola Bolodeoku and Dipo Oshodi.

He averred that the account mandate forms were duly completed and signed by her.

According to him, Jonathan subsequently discovered that apart from one of the accounts that bore her name, the other four accounts were opened in the name of four companies which were companies belonging to Dudafa.

He said she also observed that the ATM cards of the said accounts were issued in the names of the companies, adding that she complained to Dudafa, who promised to effect the necessary changes.

He said Dipo Oshodi also promised to effect the necessary changes.
Somiari averred that Jonathan is not a director, shareholder or participant in these companies and the funds in the said accounts were solely owned and operated by her.

“Dudafa does not own any part of the funds in the said accounts”, he added.
According to the deponent, the Skye Bank official, (Oshodi), did not effect the instructions of the plaintiff to change the name of the said accounts to her name, in spite of repeated request.

He stated that notwithstanding the refusal of the bank to effect the necessary changes, she had been using the said ATM cards without any interference.

The deponent averred that sometime in July, Jonathan discovered that the ATM cards were not functioning, and immediately contacted the bank, who informed her that a “No debit/freezing order” had been placed on the accounts.

He said: “On further enquiry, the bank informed her that the accounts were frozen on the directive of EFCC as a result of ongoing investigation in relation to Dudafa.”

Jonathan, therefore, contended that she was never arrested or invited by the EFCC prior to the freezing order placed on the accounts.

PDP react over Buhari's 10 trillions loan

President Muhammadu Buhari from borrowing $29.960b (over N10 trillion)
for the execution of key programmes and infrastructural projects across the country.

PDP also asked the National Assembly not to approve the request by the President.

Spokesman for the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, in a statement said that President Buhari must specify what he intended to finance with the proposed borrowing of almost $30b, instead of lumping it up in a coded term, “and to plunge the nation’s future into burden of debt.”

PDP said the President’s approach cannot be the preferred solution to the economic quagmire “created by the present government”.

“This Government budgeted N6.07trn for the 2016 Fiscal Year with deficit of N2.22trn and according to the breakdown, N1.8trn was budgeted for Capital Expenditure and President Buhari is now seeking to borrow over N9trn ($29.960b) for ‘critical infrastructure’.

“This is absurd and way outside the Government budgetary provisions for Capital Expenditure and must be rejected by all well-meaning Nigerians.

“Nigerians will recall that the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed in June 2016 made public through a press statement, an account of recovered looted funds between May 2015 to May 2016 amounting to the sums of N78.3b, $185.1m, £3.5m and €11,250m in cash; while others were under interim forfeiture. What happened to the recovered funds?

“Or is it the same funds the EFCC and Department of State Services are planting in houses of opposition figures and Justices instead of channeling it into the economy?

Nigeria has overcome the worst of Boko Haram-Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the country has overcome the worst of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The President, who said this while inaugurating the Presidential Committee on North East Initiative (PCNI) on Wednesday in Abuja, attributed the successes recorded in the war against terror to the patriotic efforts of the armed forces.

He said thousands of the persons displaced by the acts of terror had since begun to return to their original communities following the significant degradation of the insurgents.

“Fortunately, the worst of the insurgency is behind us. This, we owe, principally to the brilliant efforts of our military, whose gallant efforts have significantly degraded the insurgency.

“With these successes, many displaced persons are willing and ready to return home to pick up their lives and move forward.’’

President Buhari reiterated his administration’s determination to speedily resettle the persons displaced by the insurgency and reconstruct the areas affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North Eastern parts of the country.

He said the committee would be supported through a fund to be raised by the three tiers of government and through donations from development partners as well as friends of Nigeria.

He urged the committee to take immediate steps towards bringing succour to the Internally Displaced Persons.

In his remarks, the Committee Chairman, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, reminded Nigerians that the task of rebuilding the North East region is the collective responsibility of all citizens.

He acknowledged the contributions from various sources, particularly during the previous fund-raising ceremony for the Victims Support Fund for the North East.

Danjuma, however, noted that only half of the pledges made during the fund raising were redeemed.

He, therefore, called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to key into the strategic coordination framework of PCNI.

He said the rebuilding of the North East would be resource intensive and could not be done overnight, adding: “this is a task that must be done in the overall interest of our country’’.

Danjuma expressed the commitment of the committee to effectively deliver on its mandate as the apex coordinating body for all interventions in the region.

“We assure everyone of the intention of the PCNI to perform its coordination role with professionalism, transparency and accountability,’’ he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee is expected to operate for three years.

Fayose claim that he is the second Jesuse

Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose has debunked the claim by former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, that he gave him (Fayose) part of the money he got from ex-National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Fayose said the claim by Obanikoro, who is currently in EFCC custody, that he collected some money from him, was a clear indication that he was drowning and looking for someone to go down with him.

Speaking with Sun, Fayose said despite the myraids of allegations leveled against him, he would come out pure.
He compared his current situation to the Biblical Jesus, who despite many trials, came out victorious.

He said, “I wouldn’t want to join issues with EFCC or Obanikoro. But I remembered very well that Obanikoro was firing very serious salvos at the EFCC before now.

“I remembered all his statements in the press, but this dramatic return, he did not stop at the airport and there was a clear entrance straight to the EFCC custody; it simply shows that there is a hand of Saul in the voice of Jacob.

“I’m used to all these conspiracies and the fact remains that in all these, Jesus is Lord, in all these, victory is sure, in all these, I’ve not lost any battle and I’ll not lose any. Let me believe that Obanikoro did not say all these because whatever you say, you would have to prove it in court.

“It is not enough to just say it. If he’s saying all these to get out of trouble, it is just a drama of the moment. I know he is looking for ways out of the quagmire as his house was seized, his bank accounts were frozen and all that. May be, my brother and friend, Obanikoro is looking for easy way out so they have to heap everything on Fayose.

“I’m used to all these. In the meantime, I am busy as governor of Ekiti delivering good governance to my people. What they wanted during their conspiracy at my first tenure was to stop me politically forever. They didn’t want me to rise politically again; that was what all the first poultry allegation with EFCC in 2006 is all about but I won.

“Today, I can adjudge what would happen tomorrow by the victory of yesterday. So, their fear is my rising profile: their fear is – where is this Fayose going?

“Don’t you forget that in the Bible, the three wise men who came to greet Jesus Christ and who saw tomorrow about Jesus Christ just as the then King Herod too, saw tomorrow about Jesus Christ and he told the wise men to come back to him and reveal where Jesus was so that he could go and kill him.

“But the wise men didn’t go back that way. So, they saw my tomorrow and knew that I was rising. I’m going to be among those people that would take over from them. I have a future, I have greatness ahead of me and no greatness comes without a battle and struggle.

“So, they should keep their gun powder dry, behave like a responsible organization whose strength is in their coded investigation. They should stop messing themselves up. You see, nobody knows what would be the situation in two years time, but when we get to the bride, we would cross it.

“Again, if Obanikoro says he gave me such huge money, where did he get it from? Why will he take such huge cash like that? Why will an honourable federal minister of the country be saying that he took cash like this and gave to me?

“You can now see how EFCC operates, but we will talk about that when we get to court. They are only looking for ways for nexus, to link me at all cost, to destroy me at all cost.

‘It is just like in the Bible when they asked the people should we replace the thief with Jesus for the punishment but the people said no, it is Jesus we want.

“So, it’s Fayose that is all they want in all these drama, I hope that by now, they would have released all Obanikoro’s confiscated assets and property.”

My poultry farm made me go into robbery- suspect

A suspected kingpin of a car snatching gang in Aba, Abia State has claimed that he took to robbery to expand his poultry farm business.

The suspect, identified as Ladislas Ukpabi, said the economic recession in the country and frustration wrecked his hitherto booming poultry farm.

Ukpabi, who regreted his action in interview with newsmen when he was being paraded said, “I regret what I did.

If I’m well funded, I can raise about 10,000 birds without losing one, I’m not boasting about it, I can do that very well right from the hatchery to the laying point.”

The suspect who claimed he is a graduate of Animal Science from Plateau State University was nabbed by Police operatives in connection with a car theft case reported to the Abayi Police division in Aba.

It was gathered that one Mr. Felix Anyanwu of Umuoda road in Aba had made a complaint that his Lexus Sports utility vehicle was snatched at gun point on August 8.

The Police in its investigation also arrested one Igwe Uloma who resides at No 1 Watch Tower Street by old express road Aba, in the process of re-registration of the stolen vehicle for one Obinna Nwokeji of Deeper Life Road, Umuada Uratta, Aba.

Obinna, however, claimed that he bought the vehicle from Ukpabi at the cost of N600,000 only, but later confessed to be a member of the syndicate.

Exhibits recovered from the hoodlums include one locally made single barrel shot gun with six live cartridges, one Lexus Rx 330 SUV car with registration number JJJ 618 DL, one Honda CRV car with registration number No. SSM 143 KK, a master car key, number plate AK 103 GR and one standing fan.

The Police also arrested one Moses Nwosu, an automobile panel beater/spray painter based at Orji in Owerri, Imo State, who allegedly repainted the stolen vehicle from its original colour to black for Obinna.

Nwosu, however, said he was not aware that the vehicle was stolen.

The police while parading the suspects on Wednesday at the state command, said they would soon be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

FG is not making any plan to increase power supply

no plan to increase the current tariff being paid by consumers.

The ANED Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, said that the Distribution Companies had not submitted any proposal to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on tariff increase.

He said, “It is not true that we want to increase the tariff by 200 per cent because we do not have any right to do so.

“When you talk about tariff review or increase, it is the responsibility of a regulator and that work belongs to NERC.

“We should understand how the system works because it is the work of the regulator to decide whether there should be tariff review and not DISCOs.”

He urged the National Assembly to reconsider the stoppage of the bond provided by government in order to address the liquidity challenge facing the power sector.

“We are not asking for subsidy but that government should step in and provide a bond,’’ he said.
Oduntan said that the business of electricity distribution were presently not bankable because no bank would lend DISCOs money with the huge deficits in their books.
NAN

Gunmen kidnapped LG vice chairman in Zamafara

The Vice Chairman of Anka Local Government Area in Zamfara, Alhaji Yahuza Ibrahim, has been kidnapped.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad, disclosed this to newsmen in Anka on Wednesday.

Muhammad, who was in tears, said he received the report of the incident from the victim’s home village, Wiya, in the early hours of Wednesday.

He said eye witnesses from Ibrahim’s village said gunmen drove into the settlement on Tuesday night and fired gunshots into the air before they took away the vice chairman.

He said shortly after he received the report, he got a phone call from a hidden number in which a male voice spoke to him in Hausa language and asked for a ransom of N5 million to facilitate the safe release of the victim.

“It was then that we realised that the kidnap was real and had been carried out by bandits who hide in the nearby bushes,” the chairman said.

He said he had already reported the matter to the state government as well as all security agencies in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Muhammad Shehu, however, said he could not confirm or deny the report because he was on his way back to the state from a trip.

Meanwhile, over N20 million worth of goods have been destroyed by fire at second hand cloth market in Gusau, Zamfara state.

How ex-NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi paid N40m rent for an apartment – EFCC tells court

A prosecution witness, Orji Chukwuma, has informed a Federal High Court in Lagos that former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Patrick Akpolobokemi, paid N40m rent for an apartment in Banana Island in the state.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had charged Akpolobokemi alongside three others to court over alleged N8.5 billion fraud.

Chukwuma, on Wednesday tendered the receipt which covered a two year tenancy before the court as evidence.

According to the witness, Akpolobokemi paid the N40m in three tranches of N12m; N14m and N14m respectively.

Meanwhile, a prosecution witness, Teslim Ajuwon, had on Tuesday informed the court of how the former NIMASA fraudulently transferred N8.5 billion into the account of the military Joint Task Force, MJTF, in the Niger Delta  –“Operation Puelo Shield’’, within nine months.

Train accident: Enugu government gives NRC 24-hour ultimatum

The Enugu State Government, Wednesday, slammed a 24-hour ultimatum on the Nigerian Railway Corporation over the poor working condition of its facilities in the State.

The ultimatum was sequel to the killing of a resident of the State by a train on Tuesday along the Ogbete Main Market Enugu.

It could be recalled that the victim, Ikechukwu Imediagwu, a native of Isikwuato in Abia State, the only son of his parents, died instantly, while other persons were said to have sustained injuries.

A government delegation led by the State’s commissioner for commerce and industry, Hon. Sam Ogbu Nwobodo, expressed anger at the railway crossing in Ogbete Market Enugu, where it discovered that none of the barriers was in good working condition.

Other government officials on the team included the commissioner for transport, Hon. Vitalis Okechi, the caretaker chairmen of Enugu North and Enugu South, Hon. Isaac Igwe, and Hon. Sunday Ugwu, among others.

Some officials of the railway corporation and men of the police traffic unit had engaged in heated arguement, as the latter and other eye witnesses insisted that nobody was on ground to give signal before the train suddenly bumped into the market road.

Nwobodo, however, intervened insisting that government must get to the root of the matter as it was not ready to toy with lives of residents.

“We are talking of loss of life here and I want us to bear that in mind; so, all the parties involved must cooperate with the government to ensure that this does not happen again.

“We are here on fact finding, not to apportion blames; but no responsible government will keep quiet over what has happened, that is why the Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi constituted this team”, he stated.

While expressing concern over the failure of the railway management to give appropriate signals, he noted that

“from what we discovered today, both the automated and the manual barriers are not working.

“Consequently, the government is giving them 24 hours to put all of them in proper shape; all their staff who are in charge of putting these signals should also be there and wear identifiable uniform. Failure to do all these, the government shall take appropriate action.”

He added that “there will be comprehensive review of all railway crossings in this State; we shall also decongest the area, because the traffic situation there is also very chaotic, we are all working to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.”

The team later visited family of the deceased, the Imediegwu family, at Umunevo, in Ogui, Enugu, where they met his wife and aged mother, assuring them that the government would give them necessary assistance.

Deity worshipping is not a sin Ooni of Ife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has stated that worshiping deities (idols), is not a sin against God Almighty as it was part of nature.

He cautioned people to stop misrepresenting the importance of festivals and deities celebrated in the ancient city of Ile-Ife and all parts of Africa.

His royal majesty made this known on Wednesday while speaking at the 2016 celebration of ORANFE, the god of fire in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Oranfe, the god of fire, is believed to be one of Yoruba’s 401 deities sent by God to establish the first world’s community called Ife Oodaye, and as one of the historical festivals in Ile-Ife, Oranfe is celebrated annually.

He said, “Those who keep sensitizing people against us that we are worshipping idols are not kind to history. I am proud to be associated with nature. Ife has 201 out the 401 deities and they are all relevant.

“These deities are divine messengers of God sent for different purposes. One of them is ORANFE, the god of fire being celebrated here today.”

“It is a pity that all powers in the possession of black men are being used for battles and power tussles. It is from these unique powers that the west sourced technology and development from, and they are now using it against us.

“We are also following the instructions of God needed for the sustenance of mankind as everybody, including powerful leaders rely on nature to survive.

“Some of these deities also show the mysteries of God, God wouldn’t have made mistake in the creation of the deities, they are representatives of sciences being taught in schools.

“It is very sad that the western world has messed up our psyche and inflicted slavish mentality on us making us to believe we are idol worshippers as our pitiable neglect of our own culture and traditions.

“This is a major factor responsible for the poverty in the land. We left the positive sides and allow the west to implant the negative side in our brain.

“Our people really need to be enlightened, a lot of these festivals have been misconstrued, misrepresented and demonised as if we are idol worshippers. We are not idol worshippers. We are rather believers in nature.

“I am not saying the commandments of God should not be adhered to, but we must know that all these deities are messengers of God.

“They represent nature. Nothing can be done without nature regardless of our religion be it Islam or Christianity or even traditional.

“We only honour nature because we are all integral part of it and do not worship idols. Some of the deities we worship have roots in the holy books,” he restated.

Recall that the Ooni had declared earlier that his tradition does not support idol worshiping , but gives glory to the Almighty God.

The Ooni had also caused controversy in the social media recently after he went down on his knees to worship God during a Thanksgiving Service after his coronation, saying Jesus was his father.

Users had lambasted him, calling him a hypocrite, although, he responded saying he was not moved by mere criticisms.