Kogi State University expels 68 students

Kogi State University, Ayangba, has expelled 68 students for examination malpractice and poor academic performance, according to a statement.

The statement, issued by the Registrar of the university, Dr Yakubu Abubakar in Lokoja on Sunday, said 19 of the affected students were expelled for various examination misconduct and 49 others withdrawn for poor academic performance.

Kaduna stinks, as refuse collectors continue strike

Heaps of refuse have taken over streets in Kaduna metropolis following an indefinite strike by refuse collectors, due to the failure of the state government to pay them for six months.

strike, which began about a week ago, has left major streets, markets and residential areas with mountains of refuse, some covering roads and drains.

Residents of the city have expressed worry on the health and environmental danger associated with the stinking heaps of refuse on the streets.

At Kawo, Chechenia, and Sabo markets, traders and customers complained of the ``filthy situation'', urging the government to address the issue promptly.

A resident, Ibrahim Shuaibu, said it was ``very disturbing that the government ignored to pay the refuse collectors for too long, thereby, putting public health in great danger.

``The filthy environment is capable of leading to a major outbreak of diseases, which may affect a lot of people.

MTN Nigeria fined $5bn, by Bashir Sa'ad Abdullahi

Nigeria's Communications Commission, the country's telecommunications regulator, has issued mobile phone firm MTN Nigeria, with a $5bn (£3.5bn) fine for failing to disconnect millions subscribers with unregistered Sim cards bought before January 2012.

From that date anyone buying a Sim card in Nigeria has had to register it under their name by law.

How Linda Ikeji Really Mints Her Billions by FOLA

Judging by the attitude of some Nigerians to Linda Ikeji’s acquisition of a half a billion Naira home in upscale Banana Island, Ikoyi this week, a lot of people don’t believe she earns her money only from blogging. Several people have started circulating rumours that the Forbes ranked successful blogger makes money from other undisclosed sources.

One particular rumour confidently making the rounds is that Ms. Ikeji got some dirt on a politician and approached him and that the politician compensated her with a N500 million home. The story is as fake as it is unbelievable but Nigerians often need a reason to doubt genuine success, especially when there is a feeling that your success should not pale in comparison.

Whilst there may be some genuine grievances in some corners about when Ms. Ikeji or her more outspoken younger sister brag about high end purchases like thousand dollar shoes and bags, Linda’s intentions are genuine. She is not seeking to stir up envy but trying to help young Nigerian women forge a new path. Traditionally most young women rely on men for even their most basic of needs, Linda’s entrepreneurial success and business acumen help to demonstrate that there is an alternative to the age old tradition of “money for hand and back for ground”.

So how much does Linda really make and how did she move from “Mushin to Mohits” in a sense in just about a decade without joining politics, or sleeping around with politicians.

The Herald in this report has uncovered how Linda really makes her billions.

Google Adsense: According to information at our disposal, Linda Ikeji and bloggers in her bracket typically make $50,000 to $80,000 monthly in income from Google. So that means Linda makes N10 to N16 million per month in Adsense revenue.

Headline Banners: Linda charges N1 million per month for a 728 by 90 banner ad, the ad that appears around the Welcome To Linda Ikeji Blog placeholder when you log on to the site. Jumia has reportedly paid Linda N12 million for the whole year and their banner ad remains on the desktop version of the site 24/7. Occasionally other advertisers also opt for the space and Linda will share the space for two companies. So in a year Linda makes a minimum of N18 million from this space.

Rivers state governorship election petition tribunal orders rerun

The Rivers state governorship election petition tribunal in Abuja on Saturday delivered its verdict on the petition filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Peterside Dakuku against the election of Governor Nyeeson Wike.

The three-man election Tribunal headed by Justice Ambrosia stated that it was not satisfied that the April 11 election satisfactorily complied with the guidelines as laid down by the Electoral Act.

The Tribunal therefore ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise a fresh election in all the local governments in Rivers state.

Mr Peterside and the APC had approached the Tribunal to challenge INEC’s declaration of Mr Wike, who was candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the hotly contested Rivers state election.

The petitioners had cited such irregularities as electoral violence which prevented the accreditation of voters on the day of the election. The APC similarly claimed the failure to use electronic card readers for accreditation on election day was an irregularity substantial enough to render the results declared by INEC as fraudulent.

The Tribunal agreed with the petitioners and upheld the prayer to order a fresh election.

Tribunal Declares PDP’s Ahmed Ahmed Winner of Ankpa 1 State Assembly Seat

The Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Lokoja on Friday declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, as the lawmaker representing Ankpa 1 Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly.

 

In the judgment, the Justice held that the APC candidate, Abdulmuminu Alhaji was not duly nominated by his party.

The tribunal, therefore, held that all the votes cast for the APC candidate were wasted and that the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Ahmed Mohammed who was the first runner up was the rightful person to be declared winner of the poll.

Reacting to the judgment, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed described the decision of the tribunal as a ‎”sweet victory” for the people of Ankpa LGA which, he said, would keep “hope alive for the people.”

Appeal Court Ruling: Desire of Detractors to Truncate LG Administration in Kogi Has Failed – Awoniyi

Kogi State Government has congratulated the Council Chairmen and Councilors in the State who were this morning reinstated by the Appeal Court, Abuja Division.

In a statement issued in lokoja, the State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, described the decision by the State Governor, Capt Idris Wada to abide by the Koton Karfe High Court Ruling as respect for the rule of law, stressing that subsequent appeal mounted by all stakeholders has been further vindicated by the Appeal Court Ruling.

Awoniyi disclosed that the desire of detractors to truncate Local Government administration in the State has been brought to naught.

The State Government felicitate with all men of good will and believers of true democracy for the Appeal Court victory.

The State Government in the statement said it will continue to ensure a harmonious working relationship with the Local Government tier of Government.

The Government in the statement further assured that it will continue to guarantee the autonomy of the Local Government as guaranteed by the constitution and extent laws passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly.

The Government also congratulated Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed, for his victory at the Kogi State Election Tribunal, said the judgment is a confirmation of his victory at the April 11, State House of Assembly Election.

The statement described the string of victories for the PDP, as ominous signs for all detractors of the ruling PDP in the state to see that the party would forge forward and ensure it remains the preferred political platform for the transformation of Kogi State and in the realization of the goals in its quest for better life for all its citizens.

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF POLITICS: AUDU’S PROBLEM By Williams Olafemi

The art and science of politics is very intriguing. It is about the
choice of strategic words, application of certain laid down
methodology. It is a game of strategy, synergy and political sagacity;
it is the scheming that cuts across every sphere of human endeavour,
for the purpose of gaining relevance. Politics is an art in the sense
that, it is the ability to use well thought out plan(s) to appeal and
sway the mindset of the people, by being able to paint a mental
picture in the brains of the people for the purpose of stirring up
their emotional sensitivity and sensibility for the product. It is
science because, politics is a game of numbers and of late the broad
use of technology to reach and get the numbers even makes it more
scientific in nature. The man who is able to win and appeal to the
minds of the electorate has the tendency of getting more votes and
eventually emerges. Be it science and art, It’s all about winning
elections.

Prince Abubakar Audu is yet to come to terms with the realities of
political maneuvering as stated above which are in conformity with our
present day politics in Nigeria, failure to which there may likely be
a severe defeat at the polls. He, Prince Abubakar Audu seems to be
lost in reflection and ostensibly basking in the euphoria of his past
glory. He is soaked on the premise that his party, the All Progressive
Congress (APC) is the ruling party and so he will defiantly carry the
day. Lastly and probably, he tend to be relying and leaning his hopes
on the raising up of his unholy hand by Mr president as the lucky
charm that will grant him automatic victory at the polls, I advice him
to have a rethink and wake up from hallucinations, as the people are
not ready to go through pains any more and they are wiser from their
previous experiences in the hands of the Prince of Niger.
Needless to say, it is an open secret that there is no love lost
between Prince Abubakar Audu, the civil and public servants over the
way their welfares and emoluments were being tampered with recklessly
and disrespectfully, one will be of the idea that, he would come out
and openly apologies to these people, making a resolute promise to
them. However, the reverse is the case, it is alleged in various
quarters that, Prince Abubakar Audu boasted of being the one
responsible for stalling the bailout fund meant for the state to pay
salaries and other benefits of its workforce so as to score a
political point against the governor and which is to the detriment of
the people, not minding their sufferings. Civil servants are wiser. It
is said in an adage in my dialect “onje ti o ba ma yo ni, ati aro la
ti mo’ (the food that will fill your stomach, it is right from when
preparation commences that you will know). With this, can it be said
that Prince Abubakar Audu has changed? Are the civil servants safe
again if he wins?

Does Prince Abubakar Audu understand the dynamics in the art and
science of politics? I do not think so, if he does, he wouldn’t have
accepted a Faleke, who has no structure on ground in kogi state
politics, in place of people who worked assiduously for his emergence;
he won’t have accepted a Faleke who has not been a part of the
agitation for power rotation or shift (which ever name you chose to
call it) if he Audu really want to implement it as stated in most of
his speeches. It is a slap on the faces of faithful party stalwarts,
who are also qualified to be or produce a deputy. It is indeed a
political suicide mission; as dissent in the party are not happy and
are hell bent on scuttling the whole process either via on flimsy
reason or a bogus one in the court of law court. For Faleke, there is
absolutely nothing to loose, he will return to Lagos and then the
National Assembly and pretends as if nothing has happened!

Let us deviate a bit from the mechanics of the art and science of
politics and talk about power rotation. Prince Abubakar Audu, who
canvassed for support with “power shift” as one of his campaign slogans, may eventually not relinquish power to the central or western senatorial districts. The entrance of Jibrin Isah Echocho into the APC leaves much to be desired. An in-law to Prince Abubakar Audu, there is
a feeling that, there may be a sympathetic feeling towards the new
entrant such that come 2019, there is a transfer of power from in-law
to in-law haven been stopped twice in the PDP from becoming governor.
Prince Abubakar Audu is known to be a very difficult man, not easily
constrained to follow or honour an agreement and so the dream of power
rotation can well be described as a mirage under him, Tinubu or not.

Alhaji Idris Wada is the man with the moral ability to honour an agreement, his word is his bond. Mr Idris Wada may not have been the best of governors but he is the safest of the pack so far. If the
desirable is not available, then the available becomes desirable. When
recommendations where made to him for the pruning down of staff, he
trashed that recommendation for the love of the people. What would an Audu have done? People should therefore cast their votes for a steady, healthy and focused man who is predictable, Prince Abubakar Audu is
unpredictable and dangerous with power!

Kogi State Government vowes not to compromise

 

The Kogi State Government has vowed not to compromise its  rights in the Nigerian federation even in the face of persecution by the APC  Governorship candidate.

The state government’s position is coming as a reaction to statements credited to the APC Gubernatorial candidate Prince Abubakar Audu and his running mate at a campaign rally that they have prevailed on President Buhari to order the stoppage of the release of the bailout funds to Kogi State.

A statement signed by the Chief Communications Manager to the Governor,Mr Phrank Shaibu however called on President Buhari as leader for all, not to be swayed by the antics of this desperate politician who is nothing but the author and finisher of the woes of civil servants in Kogi State. 

"What kind of desperation will make a man to callously and viciously wage war against the release of resources meant for the people of his state" Shaibu queried.

"The Kogi State Government is of the firm view that the bail out fund is only a loan and not a presidential benevolence. This matter is not a personality contest between Governor Idris Wada  and the APC led government . It is strictly about constitutionalism and the rule of law. While the state government will always accord the highest respect to the exalted office of the President, it will not compromise a principled stand on the rights of its citizens in the Nigerian federation, especially when it is being machinated by some desperate politicians from Kogi state for selfish reasons" Shaibu stressed in his statement issued on Friday .

He called on  President Buhari to as a matter of exigency order the release of the said funds so that the state could meet its obligations to its workers and emphasized that the eyes of the world are on Nigeria as far as the case is concerned. "For one, the President has consistently stressed the role of morality in governance and there can be nothing more immoral than the willful deprivation of the right of our civil servants whose allowances and emoluments have remained unpaid owing to the economic downturn" he added.

At last, Senate screens Amaechi,

The Senate on Thursday finally screened the former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, a ministerial nominee from Rivers State.

The Senate had twice postponed the screening of the former governor owing to some allegations of fraud levelled against him by the Rivers State Government and the scheduled trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal on alleged false declaration of assets on Wednesday.

At the inception of the screening on Thursday, however, Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, had opposed Amaechi’s screening on the grounds that the report of the ad hoc committee, set up by the Senate to look into the petitions against Amaechi’s nomination, had only been submitted but not considered by the lawmakers.

Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, argued that it would be inappropriate to ask the ministerial nominee questions when the report of the panel set up to investigate the allegations against him had not been considered.

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He added that the Peoples Democratic senators, whom he represents, would not ask the nominee questions as the report of the committee had not been considered.

Barber remanded for allegedly killing friend over noodles

A 25-year-old barber, Oluwaseun Ojo, was on Thursday remanded at the Olokuta Prisons by an Akure Chief Magistrates' Court for allegedly killing his friend, Shola Omotayo, while arguing over the taste of noodles.

The Magistrate, Mr Sunday Adedapo, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody, pending legal advice from the state's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

 Ojo, of No. 10, Familusi Gaga Area of Oke-Aro, Akure, is facing a one-count charge of murder.

According to the Prosecutor, ASP Pelumi Adejuwon, the accused stabbed his friend with broken bottles on the chest and back, while arguing over the taste of noodles cooked by the deceased.

Tribunal Orders Re-run In 18 Local Councils in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has concluded that there were verifiable discrepancies in the election conducted in the state on 11th April.

The tribunal thus  order a re-run in 18 local government areas of the state.

The judgement was pronounced on Wednesday by Justice Sadiq Umar who ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections within 90 days.

However a specific date has not been fixed for the election re-run.

Tribunal was also silent on the prayer of the petitioner, Umana Okon Umana, seeking the invalidation of the election of Governor Emmanuel Udom, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to results of the 11th April gubernatorial election in Akwa-Ibom, Emmanuel who was declared winner of the election polled a total of 996,071 votes, ahead of Umana, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC)  who got 89 865.

President Buhari Appoints Acting Head Of Civil Service

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, as the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The appointment is with immediate effect.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, in a press statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Until her appointment, Oyo-Ita was the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. She is from Odukpani Local Government, Cross River State.

“The appointment is a testimony of Mr. President’s implicit confidence and trust in her ability to discharge the responsibilities of the office of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,” the press statement signed by Bolaji Adebiyi read.

Oyo-Ita is replacing Danladi kifasi who was removed by the president on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Kifai’s pre-retirement leave as the Head of Civil Service of the Federation was also approved with effect from Tuesday, 20th October 2015.

The letter conveying the President's approval of the leave was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Eng. Babachir David Lawal.

In the letter, the president expressed appreciation for Kifas’s meritorious service to the nation during his tenure as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. He wished him Gods guidance and best of luck in his future endeavours.

Buhari nominates Yakubu as new INEC Boss, 5 national commissioners

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday nominated Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, as new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after an emergency meeting of the Council of State, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He said that the council was also briefed on the nomination of five national commissioners for the electoral body.
Tambuwal said that the council had considered and confirmed the nominees in conformity with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Sections 154 (1 and 3 and 156 (3).

He said that the sections conferred on the President the powers to appoint a chairman and national commissioners for INEC, in consultation with the Council of State.

``The situation in INEC, as at today, is such that requires for this emergency meeting to approve the nominations by Mr President.

``The law requires that a minimum of four commissioners should form a quorum in INEC, which is not the case as today, because the tenures of 11 of the national commissioners of INEC has expired,’’ Tambuwal said.

Audu Alleges Threat to His Life

The Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Organisation yesterday alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party in the state was plotting to eliminate its candidate in Kogi State, Abubakar Audu of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Head of Media of the organisation, Dr Tom Ohikere, in a statement issued in Lokoja, alleged that some hoodlums apprehended at Ejule in Ofu Local Government Area of the state by men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad were on a mission to attack the house of the APC candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu.

Oyikere warned the PDP to stop using undemocratic means to continue to remain in power in the state.

He also called on the law enforcement agents to be vigilant and proactive as the state moves towards the November 21 governorship election.

But in a swift reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Publicity Secretary in the state, Bode Ogunmola, debunked the allegation, saying “the APC is only crying foul.”

According to him, the PDP already enjoyed the support of the masses and did not need to resort to violence to win election.

Wada appoints Chief Communications Manager

A new Chief Communication Manager, Mr Phrank Shaibu, has been appointed by Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada.

The appointment which is with immediate effect was issued in a press release signed by the Kogi State Chief of Staff, Pharm Nasiru Yunusa in Lokoja today.

Phrank Shaibu, a media professional of repute, had once served as a Special Assistant and Special Adviser Media and strategist to former Governor Ibrahim Idris.

EFCC didn’t arrest me for missing money in Akwa Ibom’s treasury, says Akpabio

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited him and honoured the invitation over alleged siphoning of N108.1 billion from the state’s treasury.

Akpabio made the clarification at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja to deny media reports that he was arrested by the commission.

`` I was invited by the EFCC but that was a long time ago, just before my accident and I said okay that when I am fit that I Will go to see them to respond to the allegation that they said a young lawyer wrote petition against me.

``So, when I was chanced on Friday, I went there on my own to listen to them, go through the petitions and make my response.

``And thereafter I was allowed to go and I was admitted on bail, I think that is in line with their procedure, so it wasn’t a function of an arrest.

``It was a voluntary decision on my part as a law abiding citizen to go there. That is why when I heard that some youths were very disturbed in various parts of the Niger Delta.

``It wasn’t a problem. I feel as a law abiding citizen people write petitions against you. As a lawyer we believe in let the other side be heard.’’

STRIP DANCE: Ebonyi Govt Shuts Hotel

The Ebonyi State government at the weekend shut down a two-star hotel known as Brifina Garden located along Waterworks Road, Abakaliki, over alleged illicit activities which include pornography, prostitution, sodomy wanton selling and consumption of illicit drugs and other prohibited substances.

Speaking after sealing off the hotel, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dave Umahi on Security, Mr. Ali Odefa said when information got to his office about the illicit activities going on in a nightclub at the hotel, he invited the manager and managers of other clubs involved in such acts to his office and told them to desist from such acts as government was not happy with such activities.

He warned the managers to stop parading girls who dance naked while some objects are inserted into their genitals just to entertain their viewers.

According to him, two of the club managers invited heeded the instruction while the Brifina manager did not as she was reported to have sent her girls back to the stage to perform striptease acts, forcing the government to wield the big stick.

Odefa maintained that the illicit activities in the hotel posed security threat to the state as all manner of people patronize the hotel.(clued from Leadership)

EFCC Invites Former Kebbi Governor for Questioning Over Alleged N3.8 Billion Money Laundering

Former Kebbi State governor, Usman Dakingari, was invited to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters for questioning over allegations that he laundered N3.8billion from the state.

According to Sahara Reporters, he arrived at the headquarters at 10 a.m today.

The report further states: Dakingari is an in-law to late former Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’dua. 

Recently, the EFCC arrested Dakingari’s wife, Zainab. She was accused of laundering N2billion for her husband.

Dakingari was elected governor of Kebbi state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2007.

South Africa universities close amid student fee protests

Protests over fee increases have forced the suspension of teaching at three of South Africa's top universities.

Protests have spread from Johannesburg's Wits University, closed last week after thousands demonstrated on campus, to the universities of Rhodes and Cape Town (UCT).

Wits University agreed to suspend a 10.5% tuition fee increase on Friday, pending negotiations with students.
Protesters argue that poorer, mainly black students would be worst affected.

Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu reportedly arrested

Director of pirate radio, Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, was on Saturday, reportedly arrested by Nigeria secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS).


Kanu, who is also acclaimed to be the Director of Biafra Television and the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was said to have been arrested in Lagos, yesterday.

The Deputy Director of Radio Biafra, Uche Mefor, alongside other members of the group, in a marathon broadcast on the pirate radio, alleged that Kanu was arrested in Lagos by the security operatives, as he flew into Nigeria from his base in the UK.

The group in a tweet on Sunday, via its Twitter handle, confirmed the arrest.

Tribunal Upholds Dino Melaye’s Election

The National Assembly and Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State has upheld the election of Senator Dino Melaye as the winner of the 2015 Kogi West Senatorial Election against the petition by his rival, Senator Smart Adeyemi.

Melaye had been declared winner of the election conducted March 28 pulling an upset that shocked many who had come to know Senator Adeyemi for his populist views in the Senate and even his populist exposure at home.

The legal exchange between the two contending parties reached a dramatic point last Tuesday after the lawyers of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC were compelled to tender a certified true copy of the APC report on the Kogi West Senatorial primaries in which it was adduced that Melaye did not partake in that primary.

I’m not aware of Lai Mohammed’s N500m lawsuit against me – Metuh

The Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has denied knowledge of a N500 million lawsuit instituted against him by the spokesperson of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.

Mohammed is demanding compensation for alleged defamation of his character.

Special Assistant to the PDP Publicity Secretary, Richard Ihediwa, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said neither the PDP spokesperson nor any of his lawyers was aware of any such suit by Mohammed, adding that they had not been served at the moment.

Ruggedman, identifies ills crippling music industry

A renowned musician, Michael Stephens, on Saturday said that lack of requisite structures and greed were the ills crippling the music industry in the country.

``If proper structures were to be in place, the industry will run very well and artistes will enjoy the fruits of their labour,’’ Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, said.

He added that the lack of indexed intellectual properties had made it possible for some unscrupulous stakeholders to encroach on the creative output of other artistes.

``If structures are in place, things will be well documented.

El-Rufai Suspends Kaduna North LG Chairman

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has suspended the interim Chairman of Kaduna North Local Government Council, Alhaji Ahmed Kurfi, for his alleged unauthorised involvement in the ongoing land recovery exercise within the state capital, without the approval of the Governor.

 

The suspension was contained in a letter addressed to the embattled Chairman and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Balarabe Lawal, on Friday.

 

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, explained that the suspension of the Chairman was taken, to enable the government to thoroughly investigate his involvement in the unauthorized demolition of private buildings within the state capital, aimed at recovering lands belonging to the state government.

The statement also said that “when the government decided to recover lands belonging to schools, hospitals and other public institutions, it set out clear guidelines which were issued to all relevant agencies and the general public.

“These guidelines made mandatory the written approval of the Governor before any action for land recovery is initiated, aside from clearly stating that local government councils have no role in the land recovery process beyond gathering and forwarding information to the appropriate agencies.

“But recent actions undertaken within Kaduna North Local Government Council, under the direction of the interim Chairman, did not comply with the guidelines for the land recovery exercise.

“Therefore, the state government has directed the immediate suspension of the interim Chairman.

Investigations will be conducted to establish the full extent of culpability of Kaduna North Local Government officials in the matter,” the statement read.

Former Bayelsa Gov. Alamieyeseigha dies at 63

Former Governor of Bayelsa, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, is dead.

Alamieyeseigha, 63, was said to have died at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital where we was receiving medical attention.

Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa Governor, confirmed the development  in a telephone interview.

He said government would issue a statement later

Nigerian Government dispels Ebola outbreak rumor in Calabar, urges sustained public hygiene

The Federal Government on Friday dispelled speculation of a suspected fresh case Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Calabar, Cross River, and urged Nigerians to observe good hygiene behaviour.
Mr Linus Awute, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, allayed the public fear of the rumour while briefing newsmen in Abuja.

Awute said the rumours have been making round since Wednesday Oct. 7, until government agencies concluded investigation of the case.

He said the ministry monitored the latest speculation and found out that it was a case of the death of a 21-year-old student of the University of Calabar.

He said the deceased patient was brought into the causality ward of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) by the mother and other family members on Oct. 7.

Awute said the deceased was admitted at about one o’clock in the morning and was investigated clinically and tested in the laboratory to determine his ailment.

``He was admitted with bleeding, diarrhoea, vomiting, skin rashes and mouth lesions. His temperature on admission was 37 degrees centigrade and vital signs were stable.

``The parents said that the patient had never travelled out of Calabar, on the basis of signs and symptoms; a tentative diagnosis of viral Hemorrhagic fever to rule out Lassa fever was made.

``Some of his family members had a history of chicken pox a week to his falling ill,’’ the permanent secretary said.

Naira depreciates further at jparallel market

The naira further depreciated against the dollar at the parallel market this week, losing N2 to the dollar on Friday.

It was traded at N226 to the dollar in Lagos on Friday, down from N224 last week.

The naira was, however, stable against the dollar at the interbank at N197.

Traders said that the market appeared to have defied regulatory policies targeted at saving the naira from further depreciation.

Kogi State Government has taken possession of the Post – Flood Housing Estate

 Kogi State Government has taken possession of the Post – Flood Housing Estate, earlier taken over by illegal occupants.

Yomi Awoniyi, Kogi State Deputy Governor stated this following a protest by those not genuinely  allocated with the housing units.

The State Government had today sealed all the apartments in the estatewith a call on genuine owners to present their letters of occupation before gaining entrance.

Awoniyi while briefing the press to clarify issues on the Post – Flood Housing Estate, said Kogi State was one of the State badly affected by the 2012 flood.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that the State Government is on record to have built 270 Post Flood Housing Estate after the 2012 flood, among State affected by the 2012 flood adding that 1,704 houses were discovered after enumeration to have been affected in Lokoja after the flood.

Awoniyi, added that the State Government received 241 application from interested applicants to occupy the estate after the advertisement, added that the remaining houses were allocated to the disable persons and some vulnerable people in the society after the close of application.

Fifa: Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini & Jerome Valcke suspended

Fifa has provisionally suspended its president Sepp Blatter, secretary general Jerome Valcke and vice-president Michel Platini for 90 days.

The punishments were handed out by the ethics committee of football's world governing body, which is investigating the three over corruption allegations.

It also banned ex-Fifa vice-president Chung Mong-joon for six years.

Issa Hayatou, who heads Africa's football confederation (Caf), will act as Fifa president during Blatter's ban.
Spain's Angel Maria Villar is expected to head Uefa - European football's governing body - while Platini is suspended.

But Platini - and Chung - are still hoping to replace Blatter when he steps down as president in February.
Hayatou, meanwhile, has issued a statement saying he will only serve on an interim basis and will not be standing for election.

Explaining its decision to ban Blatter, Platini and Valcke, the ethics committee said: "The grounds for these decisions are the investigations that are being carried out by the investigatory chamber of the ethics committee."

The three are banned from any football activity in the interim. They deny any wrongdoing.
Britain's Fifa vice-president David Gill has called for an emergency meeting of its executive committee following Thursday's developments.

2Face Idibia Leads "Election No Be War" Campaign in Lokoja

 AS the Kogi state governorship  elections gathers momentum with its attendant apprehension it stirs within the polity, the 2FACE FOUNDATION in partnership with YOUNG STARS FOUNDATION, NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE (NDI) , and other partner organisations, have flagged off the “VOTE NOT FIGHT – ELECTION NO BE WAR" campaign, geared towards a violence free electoral process in Kogi.

 This timely initiative was officially unveiled at an event held at the Reverton Hotel Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.

The "VOTE NOT FIGHT, ELECTION NO BE WAR" campaign is an initiative championed by iconic music star, 2FACE IDIBIA, and targeted primarily at the youth demographic which incidentally constitutes by far the largest voting population in the country and also the main culprits in election violence.

2FACE IDIBIA said that the bottom line for him is that the project is all about Nigeria: “This is all about Nigeria, it’s about our future as a country. In less than six months, Nigeria will embark on the 2015 General Elections so we need to reach out to the youths who are the cannon fodder for politi­cians during elections; we need to enlighten them that election is not war.

“I decided to embark on this as part of initiatives to ensure a hitch-free electoral process in 2015. Tuface Foundation, in partnership with Young Stars Foundation, National Democratic Institute (NDI) and other partner organisations, have flagged off the Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War campaign.

“The youths are brimming with so much energy and passion and if they are not guided, they could be used as political tools to detabilise our nation. I am calling on all youths to heed this call,” Idibia added

The climax of the launch was the signing of the pledge by Tuface Idibia.

Political Parties Intensify Campaigns in Kogi

Ahead of the November 21 governorship poll in Kogi State, political parties in the state have intensified campaigns to outwit one another.

The two main gladiators in the contest are the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

PDP receives 10,000 APC members in Ofu: ,the home front of Prince Abubakar Audu. Led by Hon. Ajeka Baba, the defectors submitted their membership cards and resignation letters from APC.
While in Anyigba rally 2,000  persons decamped  from the eastern senatorial district of the state to join the PDP
The PDP and APC are the two major parties with structures across the 21 local councils of the state with 50-50 chances of winning next month’s governorship election. Labour Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are being considered as underdogs in the contest.

Attah Igala Solicits Support for Flood Victims

The Attah Igala, HRM, Micheal Ameh Oboni, has joined in the call for wealthy individuals to join hands with government in bringing succour to those who have been affected by this year’s flood.


The Royal Father stated this when he received in audience, Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, while on a visit to Idah and Ibaji Local Government Areas of Kogi State to carry out an on the spot assessment of the impact of this year’s flood on the two areas.


The Royal Father described the flood as a natural occurrence, not caused by any individual or government, but commended the swift response of the State Government to see the impact of the flood on the people and to also provide shelter and relief materials for those affected.

The Attah Igala, called on individuals and organizations from the various areas were people were affected by the flood to come to the aid of those affected, disclosing that with government’s huge responsibilities, amidst the drastic drop in resources to State and Local Government, people should partner with government to provide succour.

Tribunal: I’m Sure of Victory, Dino Melaye Boasts

Senator Dino Melaye, last weekend at Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State boasted that he was sure of winning at the tribunal in the case instituted against him by Senator Smart Adeyemi challenging his victory of March 28 general election.

Melaye, who spoke at the annual Ijumu Day celebration held at the Palace of Olujumu of Ijumuland, turned the occasion into a political jamboree as he and his supporters caused a stir when they started singing songs of victory over the pending suit which judgement had been fixed for October 10, 2015.

Melaye, a special guest of honour at the ceremony, averred that those who dragged him before the tribunal were just wasting their time, saying nobody could stop him from completing his four years term as a senator.

Asked if he knew he would win the case by the crowd, Melaye uged them to just wait till judgement day to celebrate the foreseen victory, when the Tribunal, led by Justice Akon Ikpeme, would rule in his favour.

UK Court Seizes Diezani’s Money

Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has obtained permission from the Westminster Magistrate’s Court on Marylebone Road, London to temporarily seize 27,000 pounds that is about $41,000 from former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.

An Administrative Officer at Westminster Magistrates’ Court said that the NCA had applied to the court for an order to seize various sums of money in relation to Alison-Madueke and two other women for up to six months.

No details were given on the link between the three women.

Earlier reports on Monday suggested that the former minister had appeared in court, but this turned out to be incorrect.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke also failed to appear at the Charing Cross Police Station where she was expected to report on Monday according to reports from Friday night when she was granted bail.

Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian lead most-followed Instagram accounts with 48m, 47m followers

The ladies of U.S. pop music and pop culture are commanding the most followers among the 400 million plus global users of Instagram.
The photo-sharing app made this known on Tuesday as it celebrated its fifth anniversary.
Facebook Inc-owned Instagram confirmed its top five accounts for the first time with 25-year-old pop singer Taylor Swift leading the pack with 49.6 million users.
















Reality star Kim Kardashian, 34, boasts of 48.1 million followers, while R&B singer Beyonce also 34, commands 47.2 million fans.

APC Chieftain Bolster Sensitization Campaign For Audu

As the gubernatorial election in Kogi State draws closer, an Abuja-based chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who hails from Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Hon. Hassan Namiji Aboh has embarked on a robust sensitization campaign to bring the electorates, particularly those of Dekina Local Government extraction to par in ensuring the victory of Prince Abubakar Audu in the November 21st governorship election.

While speaking to journalists during the commissioning of a party office he set up in Egume to bolster the strength of the party and boost the campaign of Prince Audu, Hon. Hassan Aboh maintained that the people of Egume his immediate community and Dekina Local Government as a whole have resolved to make the candidacy of Prince Abubakar Audu their only and best alternative as they believe he possess the merit, competence, and capacity to bringing smiles on the faces of Kogites and called on other Local Government Areas in the State to take a cue from Dekina LG.

California governor signs bill on doctor-aided suicide

California Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law a bill allowing terminally ill patients to commit doctor-aided suicide.

The bill, passed in September in Californian Senate, allowed doctors to prescribe life-ending medication to patients who were determined to have only six months or less to live.

It was required that patients submit written request for the lethal drugs and two doctors agree to the prescription.

INEC approves 50 observer groups for Kogi, Bayelsa polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has approved 50 groups to observe the forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections scheduled for Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 respectively.

This is contained in the commission’s daily bulletin issued on Monday in Abuja.

The bulletin quoted Mr Bala Shittu, the Director of Elections and Party Monitoring Department (EPM), giving the breaking down of the figures as 43 and 7 local and foreign organisations respectively.

It directed that the approved groups should obtain, complete and return Form EPMC 002 for the two elections from the Elections and Party Monitoring Department, INEC national Headquarters, Abuja.

It stated that the office would be opened, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, Oct. 2 to Oct. 23.

``The photographs of members of staff to be deployed by approved groups in the two states along with their names should be submitted in hard and soft copies to the said department latest Oct. 23.

``Late submission will not be entertained.”

It added that the dates for distribution of Observer kits in the two states would be communicated in due course.

``Further enquiries should be directed to the Director, Elections and Party Monitoring Department,” it added.

Kogi approves immediate employment of 500 science teachers

Kogi Government has given an immediate approval for the recruitment of 500 science teachers for secondary schools in the state.

The Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Chief Sylvester Onoja, who made the disclosure in Lokoja, said the approval was given by Gov. Idris Wada.

The approval came at a time teachers in secondary school in the state gave a notice to commence a three-day warning strike from Oct. 7 to Oct 9.

He spoke at a ceremony by the Academic Staff Union of Senior Secondary Schools (ASUSS) to mark 2015 Teachers Day.

Onoja said that the new teachers would be recruited from among those that sat for written and oral interviews in 2013.

He said that names of the successful teachers would be out on Oct. 6, while the distribution of employment letters to them would start the following day.

Onoja admitted that schools in the state were in bad shape but said that the government was trying to address the situation gradually, noting that about six secondary schools had been renovated.

The ASUSS State Chairman, Mr Ranti Ojo, had said that the warning strike would affect 203 senior secondary schools in the state.

Ojo said that the objective was to call the attention of government to the deplorable situation in public secondary schools.