President Jonathan appoints AIG Suleiman Abba as new IGP.

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector General, AIG Suleiman Abba as the new Inspector General of Police.
AIG Abba by his appointment takes over the headship of the Nigeria Police Force following the retirement of Mr Mohammed Abubakar who has served the force for the mandatory 35 years.
The appointment of Abba which was announced through a statement issued by the special assistant to the President on Media,Dr Reuben Abati takes effect from August 1, 2014.
The new IGP was before his appointment, the AIG in charge of Zone 7 comprising Abuja, Kaduna and Niger States, and hails from Jigawa State.
He had served as Deputy Force Secretary and Commissioner of Police in Rivers State as well as ADC to the wife of late Head of State, General Sanni Abacha.

I have been grappling with diabetics for 18 years now,Kosoko admits,gives credit to God and his doctor.

Kosoko

By Tunde OLowu.
Popular Nollywood actor, Mr Jide Kosoko has owned up to the fact that he is a diabetic patient, disclosing that he has in actual fact been grappling with the ailment for close to eighteen (18)years.

Making the revelation while speaking at a Nigeria Entertainment Industry health insurance lecture series held in Lagos, Kosoko,aged 60, was however quick to tell his audience that he was able to contain the sickness seen and known as a killer of the young, old, wealthy and poor in society through the special grace of God.

He quipped to the consternation of those present at the event “Yes I thank the Lord, but I have been able to contain my medical challenge because of my cordial relationship with my doctor.

Jide Kosoko who was apparently inspiring his colleagues on healthy lifestyle, lamented the non challant attitude of many nollywood actors towards their health , a situation which he sorrowfully noted was responsible for the alarming rate of deaths recorded within their fold in recent times.

He therefore admonished artists in the country to take the issue of their health more seriously to stem the tide of sudden deaths.

Rapper-Footballer Relationship in offing as Lil Wayne strikes deal to manage Ronaldo.

By Tunde OLowu. Barring any unforeseen hicups all now seems set for Dwayne Michael Jr,known in the hip hop arena as Lil Wayne to forge and set a pace for a strong relationship between music and football . Towards this direction ,the American wrapper and big boss at Young Money Cash Money BillionairesYMCMB, has signified his intention to start a Sports Management Company in the United States and has chosen Real Madrid prolific footballer ,Cristiano Ronaldo as his first client. TMZ says Lil Wayne intends to get the deal working with the assistance of Polaris Sports via Jorge Mende, the agent of Ronaldo. Wayne signing on Cristiano Ronaldo, currently recognized as the world’s best footballer is gonna definitely be kept so busy in view of Ronaldo’s commercial needs. Source :Caughtoffside /

President Jonathan appoints Oyeyemi as new FRSC Corps Marshal, names Chidoka,Minister of Aviation and Abubakar,Minister of National Planning.

President Goodluck Jonathan has announced the appointment of Mr Boboye Oyeyemi as the new helmsman for the Federal Road Safety Commission,FRSC, with immediate effect. Oyeyemi’s appointment was announced on Wednesday as the Federal Executive Council meeting was about to commence in Abuja. The new appointment followed the confirmation of Mr Osita Chidoka ,the former FRSC Corps Marshal as the new Minister of Aviation having been cleared by the National Assembly. The President also announced the portfolio of Dr Suleiman Abubakar, a former lecturer at the University of Abuja as Minister of National Planning and Deputy Chairman of National Planning Commission. Speaking as he swore the new appointees into their offices ,President Jonathan tasked them to ensure that they leave their footprints in the offices they were deployed and be above board in the performance of their duties. On Oyeyemi’s appointment, Jonathan said his appointment as the new boss at the FRSC was to ensure stability within the organization. He explained that his appointment was a clear departure from what used to happen in the past in the FRSC whereby the heads of that commission was always appointed from outside the system. Mr Boboye Oyeyemi,the new Corps Marshal /Chief Executive of FRSC was before his new appointment the Deputy Corps Marshal, Operations and the highest ranking officer of the Commission.

Minister cautions Nigerians against using abducted Chibok Girls issue to make money.

By Tunde OLowu. The Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Kabiru Turaki has cautioned Nigerians reportedly using the issue of the abducted Chibok girls to make money and achieve cheap popularity to desist from their attitude in the interest of the country. Alhaji Turaki gave the caution while interacting with newsmen in Abuja.and said such act was opportunistic ,and a disservice to the country as well as the abducted girls and members of their family. He denied insinuations in certain quarters that the Federal Government could not match the terror group as untrue, noting that what was most needed against terrorists is the ability to be able to conquer their minds and get them deradicalised. Turaki pointed out that the Government was interested in engaging them in active dialogue and rehabilitating the insurgents through skills acquisition. The Minister opined that if the international community could rise up to support Nigeria in this war against terrorism, he saw no reason why citizens of this country should decide to sabotage the efforts of the Government to nip the Boko Haram issue in bud. Commenting on the abducted Chibok girls ,he stressed that the government has consistently applied the best option for the release of the girls as the Federal Government believes in dialogue as a great proactive way to win any war. He appealed to the media to be objective in both their coverage and reportage of events at this trying period in the history of the country bearing in mind at all times the unity of Nigeria.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu comments on Murtala Nyako's Impeachment,Chibok Girls,Malala and Boko Haram.

The Presidency and the ruling PDP forcefully had their way in Adamawa. Governor Nyako has been impeached. Nigeria’s constitution suffers violence. Democracy has been setback. Under the constitution, a governor can only be impeached for “gross misconduct.” For the PDP, Nyako’s crime was not the false allegations contained in the articles of impeachment. To them, his gross misconduct was leaving the reactionary PDP to join the progressive APC. His misdeed was to exercise his constitutional right of freedom of association and political expression by leaving their corrupt assemblage and joining the party that just may represent the best hope of rescuing Nigeria from its present descent into authoritarian darkness. Perhaps, Governor Nyako’s greatest sin is his temerity to speak truth to power albeit in a courageous way. On two different occasions, he gave an unvarnished insight into the Boko Haram menace and the insecurity engulfing Northern Nigeria. At the Institute of Peace in Washington DC this year when he visited with other Northern governors, he placed the blame for the Boko Haran insurgency on the Jonathan presidency. He then followed this up with a detailed letter to the forum of the Northern governors in which he accused the Jonathan led government of genocide against the North. This rattled and unsettled the government.Repeated attempts to have Gov. Nyako withdraw his letter and apologize to the President failed. From the moment he wrote that letter, he became a marked man. The government savaged the governor through the media. This kangaroo impeachment is government’s way of punishing Nyako. The plan is to use the contents of the letter he wrote to the Northern Governors as a basis to try him for treasonable felony and eventually sentence him to life imprisonment. Nyako’s frank, if rough-edged, letter concerning the security situation apparently infuriated the monarch of Aso Villa who has become so arrogant as to believe no opposition against him is justified, thus he has the liberty to impose his brand of injustice to crush those who oppose him. Before our eyes and under Jonathan’s watch, Nigeria gradually descends into fascism. We must all act now before it consumes us all. In impeaching the Governor Nyako, the PDP used the constitution to abuse the constitution and the democracy it is supposed to enshrine. Governor Nyako’s impeachment must be seen completely as political move to punish his and deter others from leaving the PDP. It was a sanction imposed against political freedom and freedom of expression. It had little to do with alleged financial or other wrongdoing. A view of the alleged charges against him reveals that his purported wrongdoings revert to when he was still in the PDP, some dating back three years. His actions were known to the House of Assembly then. While he still adhered to the PDP, there was no talk of misconduct. Upon leaving the PDP, his actions suddenly became the meat for impeachment. There is only one thing new which was not then present. The governor’s political party affiliation changed. In the PDP mind, his party change transmitted him from the list of those to be praised to the list of those to be persecuted. He gave green light to this move and winked approvingly as his minions poured cash into the pockets of the pliable Adamawa State Assembly members who would do their bidding. That the impeachment came on the same day that PDP governors and National Assembly members scurried to Aso Villa to endorse another term for their king is no accident. This was orchestrated to appear that all the wind is at the PDP sails and that the APC has been stalled by PDP strong-arm tactics. They want to create the impression that all is well and that the president rides high on popular acclaim. But there is a large crack in their wall. Because they profit from and love the wreckage they have done to us, the president and his subordinates delude themselves into believing the average Nigerian also loves them for the damage they have caused. After over three months of avoiding the parents of the Chibok victims, Jonathan was shamed by the visit of a heroic teenager from another land, Pakistan’s Malala, into agreeing to meet them. However, after being shunned for months by the President’s cold indifference to their plight, the aggrieved parents refused to be party to the President’s slick public relations game. The parents shunned the man who would not meet with them when they wanted to meet him. He only decided to meet them to gain publicity. The parents saw through his uncaring charade. They decided not to add themselves to the farce. In the universe of his political hacks and courtiers, President Jonathan can do no wrong because his pockets are deep and seem never to run dry. For him, this is popularity and legitimacy. But if he truly wants to gauge how the people of Nigeria truly feel about him, he would seriously consider why the parents boycotted his meeting. These parents more accurately represent the mood of the nation than do all the processions of politicians who come to the Villa to lay themselves at the feet of their monarch. He and the PDP contrived the removal of Governor Nyako from office. This is a temporary and costly victory for it reveals more and more the undemocratic heart of the man who rules over the nation. He now justifies his illegal and immoral acts by claiming that any show of dissent or opposition to him is the product of partisanship and thus not to be seriously considered. This is what all dictators tell themselves and he has become one. As such, he believes he can turn his back on the will and welfare of the people in order to attain his personal ambitions. Yet, while he may ignore the people, even he cannot make them disappear nor can he keep them for seeing him for what he is. If he truly believes the false acclaim of his coterie and party dregs are genuine, let him stop these contrived attacks against opposition politicians. If he believes so much in himself, let the people decide things at the polls. He will not do this because he rightly fears Nigerians will do unto him what he has done unto them. When he calls unto the people, they will turn their backs to him in just reward for his sad and indifference misrule of this precious nation. Impeaching duly elected opposition politicians will not increase his popularity. These acts only undermine our democracy. The one party state and quasi-monarchy the PDP seeks are relics of the past and will not again stand in Nigeria. SOURCE ; NEWSWIRE

Ignore deceit of APC,Omisore advises Osun Civil Servants.

By Tunde OLowu. Civil Servants in Osun State have been advised not to be carried away by alleged panicky measures being adopted by Governor Rauf Aregbesola to pay salaries to some "selected categories of workers". The candidate of the People's Democratic Party,PDP,in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Osun State on August 9, Senator Iyiola Omisore gave the advise in a press statement issued on the allegations. The PDP candidate in the statement issued by his director of media and strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi said the eleventh hour strategy of Governor Aregbesola,who is also the candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC,in the August 9 election is meant to hoodwink the workforce to support him in getting undeserved second term in office.

Be active in politics,Oshiomhole urges Women.

The Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has called on women in the State to play active roles in politics and be relevant in the ongoing shaping of the political system of the State. Governor Oshiomhole made the call while speaking at the 2014 conference of women held in Benin. He said that women were so important in the process of governance and should not see themselves as weaklings because of their gender in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. The governor assured the women of his administrations commitment to women empowerment as this translates to empowerment of families. He explained to the women that the Edo State Government has abolished all forms of levies in government schools and provided meals to its students in public schools.

Anambra Govt demolish 4 buildings used as kidnappers den.

The Anambra  State Government  in its resolve to rid the state of criminals and kidnappers on Thursday rolled out bulldozers to demolish four buildings belonging to kingpins of suspected kidnappers  in the state.

The exercise which is in tandem with a law in the state that any building used for crime or built with proceeds of crime in the state will be demolished was supervised by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Usman A Gwary.

Gwary told newsmen at the site of the properties that one of the buildings was built by Late Pius Ozuochukwu in Okija area and was being allegedly used for keeping kidnapped victims by two of his sons and some of their gang members.

The Police boss said the  suspected kidnappers  most of whom were being sought by the security agencies had made over N300 million as ransom from the illicit business from their victims.

He listed some of their victims to include a bank manager and his cashier, a manager of a construction company and several others.

He disclosed that  the demolishing of the buildings followed the revocation of the certificate of occupancy of the buildings in question by the state governor.

A bungalow at Uruaku in Nnewi which was also used by its owner, one Jude Okeke as a place for keeping kidnapped victims was demolished and reduced to debris.

Anambra State Governor , Chief Willie Obiano while commenting on the demolishing exercise stressed that the policy was aimed at serving as a deterrent to intending kidnappers in the State.

Senate confirms Chidoka,outgoing FRSC boss, Olanrewaju as Ministers

The Senate on Wednesday formally confirmed the nomination of Mr Chidoka ,and Mr Abubakar Olanrewaju as Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Their confirmation at the senate plenary followed the forwarding of their names by President Goodluck Jonathan earlier for ratification for appointment as Ministers. Before Wednesday’s confirmation ,Osita Chidoka who represents the slot for Anambra State was the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps while Mr Abubakar Olanrewaju from Kwara State was a lecturer at the University of Abuja. Both Mr Chidoka and Mr Olanrewaju are expected to be sworn in by the President later.

Fighting Boko Haram : Jonathan seeks NASS approval to shop for $1billion loan.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the National Assembly to approve his request before them to borrow $1billion externally to be able to fight the Boko Haram insurgents to a stand still. Jonathan made the request in a letter he sent to both the Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday which was read in both chambers on Wednesday. In the letter, the President said the money was to be used for among others, the upgrade of security equipment, so as to be able to wage the war against insurgents in the North East well. He added that the money when secured will also be used for the training of the military and other security officers in the country. The letter read by the Senate President at Wednesday sitting of the Senate read in part ,”I seek the concurrence of the National Assembly for external borrowing of not more than $1billion dollars including government to government arrangements for this upgrade “. President Jonathan said he was counting on the steadfast support of the legislators on the borrowing of the money. The Federal Government under the leadership of Jonathan has within this financial year dispensed close to N1 trillion on security especially in relation to insecurity in the country,a trend which the people believe is not abating.

Niger State Governor takes lead to stop medical tourism.

Governor Aliyu Babangida of Niger State has said that his administration has resolved to end all forms of medical tourism outside the country. As an indication in this direction ,the governor has entered into an agreement with an Abuja based private hospital to henceforth take care of the states' referal cases. Making this disclosure,the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Israel Ebije in a statement in Minna said a sum of N18 million has already been deposited with the management of the hospital for treatment of the state's patients with special health needs. He staed further that the amount will be replenished periodically to encourage Nigerians not only to rely on government but also to patronise Nigerian hospitals.

TIME Magazine lists Reminisce's,"one of seven Hip Hop Appeal to watch.

The profile of versatile Nigerian singer, rapper and song writer Remilekun Abdul Khaleed Safari seems to be rising as TIME Magazine has listed him as one of the seven street rappers globally you should meet. Safari popularly called Reminisce’s has been adjudged by the internationally acclaimed magazine as the only one within this continent currently bridging the gap when it comes to cross over hip hop appeal in Nigeria. The singer who is a native of Ajilete,Yewa South local government of Ogun State but born in Kaduna is popularly known for interweaving English and Yoruba vernacular language in his lyrics.

ADAMAWA :Nyako impeached , deputy Ngilari resigns, Speaker sworn in as Acting Governor.

Adamawa State House of Assembly has impeached the Governor of the State, Murtala Nyako,whilst his deputy,Bala Ngilari handed in his letter of resignation few hours before the Assembly took the decision for their sack Nyako's impeachment on Tuesday was premised on the Assembly finding him guilty of charges of gross misconduct and misappropriation of funds. The House while sitting at plenary on Tuesday said that their action was taken after having reviewed the report of a seven man panel of inquiry set up to investigate allegations of financial impropriety against the governor and his deputy,noting that the panel was set up by the assembly to shape democracy in Nigeria and the state in particular. The governor and his deputy did not however appear before the panel headed by Mr Bala kaigama,but it still conduted its assignment with only the legislature appearing before it. At Tuesday sitting ,18 out of 25 members of the Adamawa House of Assembly voted to remove Governor Nyako from office under section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution and the Speaker, Hon Umaru Fintiri therein announced his impeachment. The Speaker, Hon Fintiri was subsequently sworn in by the acting chief Justice of Adamawa State in the evening of the same day as acting governor under section 191,sub section 2 of the Nigerian Constitution for a maximum period of three months during which a new governor would be elected in the State. Meanwhile, the deputy speaker Adamawa State House of Assembly,Hon Kwamoti B.laori is expected to take over the duties of the SPEAKER at the House of Assembly.

Ebenezer Obey, veteran juju musician ,now 'Prof' ' of Music.

Veteran Juju Musician, Ebenezer Fabiyi Obey has been conferred with the award of a Lecturer at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, in Ogun State. The award was bestowed on Obey following the approval of the institution’s senate for him to lecture students of OOUA on music. The Vice Chancellor of the institution ,Prof Saburi Adejimi Adesanya performed the investiture on the ace juju musician who is aged 72years at a colourful ceremony held at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Hall on the institution’s main campus. Responding to eulogies showered on him at the occasion, Ebenezer Obey promised not to disappoint the university, assuring them that he would connect some well meaning Nigerians and his close friends to give the music department in the institution a befitting status in terms of standard.

2015 Election :Group ask Ihejirika,ex Army Chief , Senator to back down over their ambition,

LT Gen Ihejirika ( rtd)

A group in Abia State has called upon the retired Chief of Army Staff and indigene of the state, Lt Gen Azubuike Ihejirika and Senate Committee Chairman, Oil and Gas Nkechi Nwaogu to immediately halt whatever ambition they might be nursing concerning the 2015 governorship election. .
   
The group Coalition of Abia State Professionals in a statement released in Umuahia ,the state capital argued that the participation of the duo in the forthcoming governorship election as candidates would  disrupt the political equilibrum in Abia.
   
According to the chairman of the group, Kelechi Onwudiayo, the retired General from Abia North had ruled for eight years.
They noted that the duo should show respect for Abia Charter of equality  which recommends power rotation amongst the senatorial districts and give others the chance to equally serve the people.