I am not on exile – Ex President tells ThisDay

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cleared the air on insinuations that he has gone on exile.

Jonathan, on Monday, May 23, 2016, placed a phone call to ThisDay and said he was resting in Cote d’Ivoire.

The former President also confirmed that he was in the United states for a while, adding that he had no reason to leave Nigeria.

GEJ said “Yes I am in Cote d’Ivoire, I have been here for a week resting and this is my second trip to the country since I stepped down as president.

“I have made sacrifices for Nigeria. I am praised all over Africa for averting bloodshed and for the peaceful transition from one government to another, but it seems Nigeria does not appreciate my efforts.

“I have done my best for this country and if I have to die for it, I will do so. However, I am taking it easy here (Cote d’Ivoire) and when I am ready, I will come back.”

Various people have called for the arrest of former President Goodluck Jonathan following revelations from those arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming he was aware of the disbursement of huge sums of money.

I don’t have confidence in INEC – Rivers Governor says

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has expressed his displeasure over the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Wike said he has lost confidence in INEC to conduct free and fair elections anywhere in Nigeria.

He said “I don’t have confidence in the present  INEC. It is too inconsistent and acts outside the  law. We are encouraging every candidate  to contest elections and emerge through popular  votes. We  will  not allow  impunity  or imposition.”

Wike also spoke on the upcoming elections in Edo state, saying “From what we have seen on ground in Edo State, this is the best time to capture the state. We have sent independent assessors to the state and they have adjudged that the PDP has the opportunity to  take over Edo.”

The Governor expressed surprise that INEC will set up a committee to look into the rerun election which was cancelled.

Wike also said the All Progressives Congress (APC) deceived Nigerians in a bid to win the 2015 elections.

State govt. accuses APC of sponsoring unrest

The government of Bayelsa state has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring unrest in the state.

The government says the opposition party in the state, has been masterminding killings, kidnappings and economic sabotage.

It also said the APC ‘s intention is to make Governor Seriake Dickson look like he does not have a firm grip of the security situation in the state.

Leadership reports that the Bayelsa State commissioner of Information and Orientation, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite said “The members of the APC are still pained by their landslide loss in the governorship election and have vowed to ensure that the second term of Dickson is frustrated through such attacks.

“These attacks which have claimed several innocent lives have heightened the security situation in the state which was brought back to normalcy by the restoration government after the last governorship election. Worried by the spate of attacks on security operatives and oil installations in Bayelsa State, the government of Hon. Seriake Dickson has severally expressed its readiness to work with the federal government and security agents to arrest the situation and bring to book, those behind it.”

Seriake Dickson was sworn in as Governor of Bayelsa state, for the second time, on Sunday, February, 14, 2016.

Former governor says president will lose in 2019

Alhaji Balarabe Musa who stated this in an exclusive interview with Pulse on Wednesday May 18, 2016, added that it is already impossible for Buhari to return as President in 2019 because many Nigerians who supported him in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 have lost confidence in him.

"As the president, Buhari has the means of transforming everything but obviously, it is quite clear that Buhari's popularity before 2015 elections and now have gone down drastically," Balarabe said.

Balarabe Musa who is the first civilian governor of Kaduna State said Buhari can only make it in 2019 if he can completely tackle the issues he promised.

"For instance, if today, he abandoned the leading role of the private sector in the economy in favour of the leading role of the state, he can't return because there will be cries everywhere."

"But if he ensures peace, equality, justice and promote human development, he can still win in 2019," Balarebe said.

"But as it is now, it is already impossible. Because as the president, he has the means of transforming everything. In Nigeria today, it is from one hardship to another."

"His military administration was passive. For one reason or the other, when he came to the civilian race in 2003, 2007 and 2011 he was forgiven. And now unfortunately, he has lost the confidence of Nigerians who voted him despite the military atrocities," Balarabe added.

Speaking on the current strike action, the former Kaduna State governor, Balarabe said the strike is more than in order, "and we support it absolutely."

"Our reservation is that, the strike should not be embarked by Labour alone. It should be jointly with NLC, TUC, CSOs, political parties and patriotic individuals."

"They should organise and conduct the protest under the leadership of NLC, TUC, Political parties and CSOs so that in the event that one of these opted out, Nigerians should have the benefit as it has always been the case since the Babangida era as Head of State of Nigeria. It also happened in 2012," Balarabe said.

"Other members should continue with the protest even if one or two members opted out. As it is today, we don't know the real position because there are many people saying industrial court has stop the protest which I don't think is the duty of industrial court to stop.  NLC is saying that the protest will go ahead. Some are also saying that TUC has opted out of the protest and so on."

"Now, what we should realised is that, it took a long time to bring Labour along in any National Protest against bad government. Labour was convinced to join in the protest and now that they have joined, they still have some tendencies of opting out before the aim is achieved."

"But even if one or two of them opted out of the protest against fuel increment, we have to realised that the people involved want good and quality of governance to Nigerians. We want good things for Nigeria. It is not a labour affair alone."

"The issue of how much fuel should be sell should be estimated by informed bodies. But all we know is that it should be easier for Nigerians to get access to cheat fuel than the non-oil producing countries. If we are an oil producing country, we should have free access to fuel at cheaper rate," Balarabe Musa added.

Watch out for Lagsaba Records

It began life on December 1, 2015 with the sole aim of providing young, talented and passionate artistes/producers the platform to showcase their God-given talents to a global audience.

The label is managed by the energetic Chinomso Anozie (CEEJOE) whose job is to harness the potential assembled. He is the brain behind the label’s smooth running.

Lagsaba Records is an indigenous record label founded and based in Lagos, Nigeria. The principles of Lagsaba Records believe in grooming and encouraging young artistic talents and also have a penchant for synergy.

The label recently signed on three young, talented artistes and a producer and is set to introduce them to the world.

They are comprised of the duo XXII (Jason Ombo and Royal Bright), the effervescent Lagsaba first lady – QueeModa (Chito Ann Deborah Akwueh), the sensational SteveRock (Stephen Edoka) and not forgetting the beats chef – Aybee1 BeatFac3 (Samuel Umukoro Abraham).

This is a feature by Lagsaba.

Buhari might meet with ex-president over Niger Delta attacks

President Muhammadu Buhari might meet with predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan over the resurgence of violence in the Niger Delta Region, reports say.

According to Daily Trust, Buhari and Jonathan may meet to discuss the chaos being unleashed by militant group, Niger Delta Avengers.

Jonathan is reportedly expected to visit the Presidential Villa this week to speak with Buhari on the issue.

The group has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on oil installations in the region and says that its goal is a sovereign state of Niger Delta.

BOT shuns party elders, says May 21 National Convention will hold

The Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has given party's National Working Committee (NWC) go ahead on the planned May 21 national convention regardless of opposition from some party elders.

The newly elected Secretary of PDP BOT, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, made the position known in Abuja on Monday, May 16, while briefing newsmen after the Board's meeting.

"In spite of the well-articulated reservations by well-respected and articulate elders and members that the convention should not go ahead, the BOT has decided to support the NWC that our national convention should hold on May 21," Maduekwe said.

"Secondly, that all the grievances that have been well articulated by well-meaning elders and interest groups would be clearly look into in the process of party reconciliation to see how we can carry everybody along."

He said that the grievances that would be given attention would be those aimed at making the party stronger and not to pull it down.

The scribe said the party would look into states that encountered problems in their congresses and make amendment.

Maduekwe added that the committee also resolved to urge the National Executive Committee to make a resolution at the convention that the party's 2019 presidential candidate should come from the north.

"Part of our resolution is also that the review of the party constitution should be suspended," he added.

Maduekwe said that the party's mid-term convention has also been scheduled for 2018.

"When that happens the position of chairmanship will automatically shift to the south in accordance with PDP constitution."

Answering questions, Professor Jerry Gana, a member of the BOT, made clarification on an allegation that he obtained N500 million from a bank in the name of the party.

Gana said that the money was obtained from the bank by the Fund-Raising Committee for 2015 general elections as the party was unable to finance its activities and the fund-raising dinner.

He said that an account was opened for the money of which the party financial secretary and treasurer were signatories.

He said the expectation was that the party would pay back the loan from the generated fund, adding that the matter is already in court since the party refused to pay.

It was also gathered that Senator Walid Jubrin was elected the substantive chairman of the BOT at the meeting.

Ex governor says Nigerians must decide in 2019

Lamido who was in Kaduna on Saturday, May 14, 2016 for the North West PDP congress held at the trade fair complex, said his happiness is that every finger is pointing at him for the 2019 presidential race.

“APC cannot gather this kind of crowd without crises,” Sule Lamido said adding, “The North West has always been PDP except for what happened in 2015.”

“But as am talking to you, there is no APC in the North West zone. The eyes of the people have opened. Can APC gather this crowd?  If they made effort to get something close to this, it may result to killing,” Lamido said.

“I thank God every hand is pointing at me for 2019. The PDP family has gathered peacefully and that is our trademark in this country. Each time APC member gathered all you hear is killings. But the PDP family is peaceful. There is love and happiness among the PDP family.”

The former Jigawa State Governor, Lamido, said the PDP is strategizing to rescue Nigeria from what he described as APC mismanagement of governance.

“It is very clear that APC does not have the capacity to rule this country. We have commenced the process of reclaiming power. Nigerians now know the difference,” Lamido added.

“Nigerians can now see that PDP is the right choice,’ Senator says

Former Senate President, David Mark has said that the difference between the governments of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is now clear to Nigerians.

Mark made the comment over the weekend while speaking at the North -Central zonal congress of the PDP in Abuja, Daily Trust reports.

"Nigerians can now spot the difference. The PDP is still the right choice. Therefore, we must respond positively and ultimately return the nation to the path of glory,” Mark said.

“I think we have realized our past mistakes and learnt our lessons. We cannot afford crisis or disaffection within our fold any more. It is time for all genuine men and women of our party to make the necessary sacrifice and work honestly towards a united and more cohesive party,” he added.

Mark had earlier said that the PDP lost power in 2015 because the leadership of the party imposed candidates on the people.

Former governor says crises will soon be resolved

Wada, who said there are several meetings ongoing which are anchored by the National Working Committee of the PDP, added that there was no cause for alarm as the party will come out strong.

Speaking at the venue of the North West PDP congresses held in Kaduna on Saturday, May 14, 2016, Captain Wada said the reality of being an opposition is reflecting on their members who are now determine like never before to move the party forward.

“Everybody in the PDP is beginning to see in one way or the other what he can do to move the party forward. People are cooperating for the PDP to rise again and become a strong vibrant party that has a future in the leadership of our country.”

“So, I could see spirit of cooperation and determination from the PDP members. We made effort to ensure a free zonal election and we came up with a strategy that works,” Wada said.

While speaking on the leadership tussle in the PDP, the former Kogi Governor, Wada, said, “We are having several meetings.”

“This is in the hands of our National Working Committee. As a leader and member of the PDP, what we are doing now is having several meetings and consultations to put our heads together and iron out our differences so that we can move forward as one united PDP,” Wada said.

When asked about the current leadership crises in his home state Kogi, Wada said he was not happy over the crises. “We look up to God almighty and the determination of the members of our party, PDP.”

PDP backs NLC intended strike

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples' Democratic Party has thrown its weight behind the reported NLC strike action scheduled to commence on Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

In a statement by the party's Publicity Secretary, Malik Ibitoye, the party queried the ability of President Muhammadu Buhari to rescue Nigeria from the doldrum.

"We want to agree with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that said in a statement that “the unilateral increase in prices of petroleum products today by government represents the height of insensitivity and impunity and shall be resisted by the NLC and its civil society allies,”the statement reads.

The statement further read, 'Our fears are that it would not stop at that as petrol price may go beyond N200 per litre in the next  few months because we could see the marketers jubilating that they have won the battle. 

'It added that with the unjustifiable electricity tariff and other economic challenges brought on by the devaluation of the naira and inflation, the least one had expected was another policy measure that would make life miserable for the ordinary Nigerian,' the statement read in full.

The Ogun State PDP has began firing salvos to the President Buhari led government since the emergence of the new executives of the state chapter.

'My arrest by EFCC has no political undertone,' ex-Gov. says

The former Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has said that his arrest and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has no political undertone.

Shekarau, who was also a former Governor of Kano State, made the remark while addressing a news conference in Kano on Sunday.

He said ``what happened to me could happen to anybody and it was only Godly for me to accept my fate, good or bad.''

He, however, insisted that he was ready to spend the next 10 years in the Commission’s custody to prove his innocence.

``I am not suspecting any political undertone in my arrest but rather regard it as an act of God to test my faith.

``I was told that one of the beneficiaries of the N950 million in question implicated me; that I was given N25 million as my share of the money
but could not state where, how and when.''

Shekarau, who thanked Kano people and other Nigerians for standing by him, said he was not suspecting anybody behind his ordeal.

It would be recalled that the former minister was arrested by EFCC on Thursday over alleged sharing of N950 million campaign funds in
his house at Mundubawa in Kano metropolis.

He was alleged to have collected N25 million as his own share of the money and consequently quizzed by the Commission for interrogation.

World's oldest person dies in New York City, aged 116

The world's oldest living person, 116-year-old Susannah Mushatt Jones, died on Thursday in New York City, a research group said.
Jones' death makes Emma Morano-Martinuzzi, a 116-year-old woman in Italy, the oldest living person, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
Jones, who was born in the southern U.S. state of Alabama in 1899, was the daughter of sharecroppers and granddaughter of slaves.
After graduating from high school she moved north in 1922 to New Jersey and then New York, where she worked as a housekeeper and childcare provider, according to Guinness World Records and the Vandalia Senior Center in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, where she lived.
Jones, who retired in 1965, had said that lots of sleep is the secret to her longevity and that she had never smoked or drank alcohol.
The oldest verified person was Jeanne Calment of France, who died in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days, the research group said.

Opposition party attacks Buhari over fuel subsidy in Ogun

The Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attacked decisions of the President Muhammadu Buhari led government over the increase in price of Premium Motor Spirit.

In a statement issued by Malik Ibitoye, the party's Publicity Secretary in the state, tPDP condemned the increase in price of fuel from N86 to N145 per litre saying the 'President hates the Nigerian masses.'

The party through Ibitoye further said that the President Buhari-led government is not only anti-people but undemocratic as it has been displayed in his array of policies.

According to the statement, "the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has once again demonstrated its hatred for the Nigerian masses and the downtrodden people of Nigeria.

"Just a few weeks to the celebration of its first anniversary in office, the Buhari-led government officially increased pump price of Premium Motor Spirit from N86 to N145 to the chagrin of millions of Nigeria," the statement began.

Continuing, Ibitoye said, 'It must be noted that the APC-led government has constantly displayed its arbitrariness with the brazen manner it has been churning out anti-people policies one of which is this latest onslaught on the people.

'It is unthinkable that Buhari's government would ever thought of foisting increase in fuel pump price on Nigerians, who have been made to go through months of fuel scarcity and hyper-inflation in the last couple of months.

'Our fears are that it would not stop at that as petrol price may go beyond N200 per litre in the next  few months because we could see the marketers jubilating that they have won the battle,' the statement read.

Jamie Vardy Leicester City striker named Premier League Player of the Season

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Leicester City's England striker Jamie Vardy has been named Premier League Player of the Season after his pivotal role in the club's remarkable title-winning campaign.

The East Midlands club, which announced the award in a tweet on Friday, defied the odds to lift their first top-flight crown having begun the season as 5,000-1 outsiders.

Jamie Vardy and his Leicester City teammates defied the odds to win the Premier League

The prolific Vardy is also in the race for the golden boot awarded to the league's top scorer, having netted 24 goals so far, one behind his international team mate Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur with one round of matches remaining to be played on Sunday.

Vardy was rewarded for scoring in record consecutive league (EMPICS Sport)

Leicester visit last season's champions Chelsea, while Spurs travel to relegated Newcastle United.

The 29-year-old's phenomenal form this season led to him winning his first England cap and he is certain to be included on Monday in Roy Hodgson's squad for next month's European Championship in France.

Vardy beat Leicester team mates Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante, Kasper Schmeichel and Wes Morgan, as well as Spurs trio of Kane, Dele Alli and Toby Alderweireld; Arsenal's Mesut Ozil and West Ham United's Dimitri Payet to the Premier League award.

He was also voted Player of the Year by the Football Writers' Association (FWA), an award he received at a dinner in London on Thursday attended by manager Claudio Ranieri.

Vardy was voted Writer's Player of the Year (PA)

Vardy was named in the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) team of the year but Leicester's Algeria international winger Mahrez won the PFA Player of the Year award.

Hiking fuel price was the "only option" left - Vice President

Following the negative reactions that greeted the announcement of the increase in fuel price - from N86 per litre to N145, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has explained the rationale behind the development.

Osinbajo's statement, issued on Friday, May 13, is the first explanation coming from the Presidency since the new fuel pricing regime was announced on Wednesday, May 11.

The statement which was entitled “The Fuel Pricing Debate: Our Story,” said what the Presidency is most concerned about is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy.

“I will hopefully address that in another note,” Osinbajo said.

He explained the necessity of the fuel price hike option and why  Nigerians should embrace it.

Read the full statement below:

"Fellow Citizens, I have read the various observations about the fuel pricing regime and the attendant issues generated. All certainly have strong points.

"The most important issue of course is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy. I will hopefully address that in another note.

"Permit me an explanation of the policy. First, the real issue is not a removal of subsidy. At $40 a barrel there isn’t much of a subsidy to remove.

"In any event, the President is probably one of the most convinced pro-subsidy advocates.

"What happened is as follows: our local consumption of fuel is almost entirely imported. The NNPC exchanges crude from its joint venture share to provide about 50% of local fuel consumption. The remaining 50% is imported by major and independent marketers.

"These marketers up until three months ago sourced their foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria at the official rate. However, since late last year, independent marketers have brought in little or no fuel because they have been unable to get foreign exchange from the CBN. The CBN simply did not have enough. (In April, oil earnings dipped to $550 million. The amount required for fuel importation alone is about $225million!) .

"Meanwhile, NNPC tried to cover the 50% shortfall by dedicating more export crude for domestic consumption. Besides the short term depletion of the Federation Account, which is where the FG and States are paid from, and further cash-call debts pilling up, NNPC also lacked the capacity to distribute 100% of local consumption around the country. Previously, they were responsible for only about 50%. (Partly the reason for the lingering scarcity).

"We realised that we were left with only one option. This was to allow independent marketers and any Nigerian entity to source their own foreign exchange and import fuel. We expect that foreign exchange will be sourced at an average of about N285 to the dollar, (current interbank rate). They would then be restricted to selling at a price between N135 and N145 per litre.

"We expect that with competition, more private refineries, and NNPC refineries working at full capacity, prices will drop considerably. Our target is that by Q4 2018 we should be producing 70% of our fuel needs locally. At the moment even if all the refineries are working optimally they will produce just about 40% of our domestic fuel needs.

"You will notice that I have not mentioned other details of the PPRA cost template. I wanted to focus on the cost component largely responsible for the substantial rise, namely foreign exchange. This is therefore not a subsidy removal issue but a foreign exchange problem, in the face of dwindling earnings.

"Thank you all."

Fulani herdsman beheads woman, injures two others

A suspected Fulani herdsman has reported beheaded a woman severely injured two others in Illah community, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State.

According to Vanguard, the herdsman allegedly attacked the victims while they were fishing at Otu Ngegu (Gulugulu) in Ajaji area of the community.

The herdsman was said to have used cutlasses on the victims after a failed attempt to rape them.

The people of Obiaruku community, Ukwani Local Government Area, State, had told the Fulani herdsmen to vacate their land following incessant violent attacks on their indigenes.

OAP wades in on subsidy removal

Cool Fm OAP, Daddy Freeze has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for the recent removal of fuel subsidy which has seen the price of petrol rise to N145 per litre.

  Freeze at the tallest residential building event in Lagos

Freeze today, May 13, 2016 went hard on the President on his Instagram page, alleging that now is not the time to remove subsidy.

He wrote, "A TORTOISE WITH RIGOR MORTIS ! ! !

The pain of the poor Nigerian at such a time as this is beyond unbearable. I have always supported this government so I took the slow 'tortoise' pace of its ruling strategy though unnerving, with optimism, believing that the future is going to be propitious if we can eventually get out of this 'alley'..... However, with the latest hike in petrol prices, the slow paced tortoise has developed rigor mortis, which by definition is 'the stiffness of death'. This fuel increase, will only serve to highlight our harrowing plight, in a country where life prior to this act, was already intolerable.

It's like serving a quit notice to a man whose car was stolen the previous day, after he lost his kids in a fire earlier that week. He had also lost his job a month back, due to depression caused by the discovery that his wife was HIV positive during her autopsy.

There is nothing wrong with removing a subsidy that has been the foundation of the most elaborate corruption scheme in the history of this country. However, is now the best time to do it?
I'm of the humble opinion that when the economic rigor mortis resulting from this fuel hike sets in, and many are faced with the dilemma of choosing between corruption and suffering, a vast majority won't be choosing suffering.
A word like they say, is enough for the wise."

On May 11, 2016, Nollywood actress, Onuoha went hard on President Buhari on her Instagram, alleging that he is a corrupt leader, who helped to facilitate corruption in Nigeria during his term as a military leader while Caroline Danjuma yesterday, May 12, 2016 asked that we should pray for Nigeria.

Governor says PDP South-West congress will still hold

Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state has announced that the South-West congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), slated for Saturday, May 14, 2016, in Akure-Ondo state, will still hold.

This is in defiance of a court order purportedly issued by a Federal High Court in Lagos state, stopping the congress.

According to Premium Times, a faction of the PDP in the South-West, led by Buruji Kashamu, filed a suit with number FHC/L/CS/605/2016, asking “That an order of interlocutory injunction is granted to the Plaintiff/Applicant restraining the 2nd, 3‎rd and 4th Defendants from conducting or permitting or recognizing any election into the offices of the South West Zonal Executive Committee pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summon.”

Fayose on his part, said the party is not aware of any court order stopping the congress, adding that everything required for the congress has already being distributed.

He also said “I can confirm that materials for the congress have been handed to the committee and the committee is set for the congress.

“Anyone talking about court order is only deceiving himself and, it is now time for the party to operate, devoid of any abracadabra court orders.

“I, therefore, urge all delegates and leaders of our party to converge in Akure tomorrow for the congress as scheduled.”

Fayose added that “Those who have occupied exalted positions in the party should be ready to bow out graciously for the emergence of new blood burning with ideas, especially the youths who are not Abuja-based but popular at home.

“In as much as we respect and appreciate all our elders, they must act in a way that the overall interests of our party and its members will not be jeopardised.”

Meanwhile, a group under the aegis of Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP has announced the sack of the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff  and the dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Dino Melaye rejects increase, attacks APC

Senator Dino Melaye has threatened to mobilise Nigerians for a protest if the Buhari led administration does not reverse the increase in fuel pump price.

The Federal Government announced the removal of fuel subsidy, and the subsequent increase in the pump price of fuel to N145 per litre on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

The Senator on his Facebook page, said “My sincere advise is for the National Chairman of our party to suggest that the federal government immediately reverse the announced increase in the pump price of PMS. If after seven days from Monday, there is no reversal, I will mobilize Nigerians from all walks of life for the mother of all protest.

 “This is not what we promised Nigerians. The time is not right and the negative effects will be unbearable. A word is enough for the wise.”

Reports say Senator Shehu Sani has also rejected the government’s decision to increase fuel price.

Governor Fayose also accused President Buhari of playing with the lives of Nigerians.

The Ekiti state Governor wondered why the government would increase the pump price of petrol at this time when Nigerians are going through economic hardship.

Buhari’s decision is irrational and illogical – Shehu Sani

Senator Shehu Sani of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), has described as illogical and irrational, the
decision of the Buhari led administration to increase
the pump price of petrol at this time.
Sani also said it was most unfortunate that the decision was made,
adding that the move was insensitive and punitive.
He also said “At a time when poor Nigerians are facing
enormous economic hardships and are being asked to
be more patient all the NNPC can do is to add to their
suffering.
“It’s utterly irrational and illogical to further
impoverish the people in order to achieve liberal self-
serving liberal economic aspirations.”
“It’s all evident that capitalist forces are holding the
FG hostage and are blackmailing it to implement its
inimical version of economic reforms. It makes no
sense if everyone must perish in order to revamp the
economy.
“Economic reforms are necessary but it must be done
with a human face and human heart if it’s made in
the interest of human beings,” Sani said.
Adding that the “Outrageous increase in pump price is a
social provocation. It’s possible to reform the oil
sector without necessarily incinerating the country.
We must not take the patience, the sacrifice and the
goodwill of Nigerians for granted.
“I stand opposed to the increase in pump price and I
call on PMB to weigh in on the NNPC to rescind the
decision.”
Shehu Sani was reportedly among those that protested against the
removal of fuel subsidy and subsequent increase in fuel price
which former President Goodluck Jonathan announced in
2012.

PDP youth say fuel increment an act of cruelty

According to the group, the increase is senseless
and a height of cruelty against the Nigerian people.
The group through their President, Kaduna State PDP Patriotic
Youth Front, Comrade Danjuma Bello Sarki , said it is so
callous for a government that have not added any value to the
economic well-being of its people since it assumed office almost
a year ago to dish out such obnoxious policy on the same people
that voted it into office.
"There is no justification that despite the decrease in
international price of oil, which is today hovering
around $45 Nigerians are still made to buy N145/
Litre ."
"This shows that the present government have lost
touch with the yearning and aspirations of the
masses. We believe that no sensible government
would contemplate increase in price of Petroleum
product at a time like this when Nigerians are
obviously going through excruciating hardship and
lack, where prices of household commodity are
avoidable skyrocketing," the president of the group said in a
statement made available to Pulse.
"It is absolutely deceptive that Buhari, Osinbajo and
the APC who vehemently rejected the deregulation of
the downstream sector by the past administration and
during the last campaigns promised to reduce the
pump price of petrol from N87 to N45 has now
decided to insult the sensibility of Nigerian by this
increase ."
"This decision of the APC administration has further
exposed their disconnect with the people and has
once again prove their insensitivity to the plight of the
common man. It obviously shows that Buhari and his
APC co-travellers are not interested in improving the
welfare of the downtrodden, but derive joy in
inflicting untold hardship on the people ," the group said.
The PDP youth said the economic hardship that would follow if
the decision of the fuel increment is allowed to stand will be
vicious.
"There is the need for all Nigerians to reject and
resist this increment. We strongly condemned this
action of the APC government in its entirety and call
on the Nigerian labour Congress, civil society
organizations and all well-meaning Nigerians to stand
up against this heinous act. We demand the
immediate reversal of this harsh policy in the interest
of the masses and for peace to reign ."

Six homosexuals arrested in Edo

Six young men accused of being homosexuals have been arrested by the Edo state police command. According to the Nation, the young men whose names were given as Festus Osagiede (24), Hyacinth Imahanrebhor (20), Itama Omon (25), Onwukwe Prince (28), Monye Chukwuma (23) and Osadebe Kelvin‎ (26), were paraded by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 5, AIG Musa Daura at the state police command headquarters in Benin city today May 12th.

According to Daura, the suspected homosexuals were arrested in different parts of the state. The AIG said leader of the homosexuals, Festus Osagiede, lured one of the suspects, Itama Omon into the act after attending a night club in 2006.

“After the third suspect (Itama) got drunk, Festus Osagiede invited him to his house and forcefully had carnal knowledge of him. Since then, they have been committing the crime with others at large until May, 2016, when luck ran out of them and they were swooped on by zonal detectives.”he said

All of them are presently being detained by the police and would soon be charged to court.

Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff suspended for 6months as senate votes to impeach her

Embattled president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, was suspended today from office and stripped of duties as the senate commences impeachment procedures against the country's first female president.

This will be the South American nation's first impeachment in 24 years and with Dilma just halfway through her mandate, she's now being stripped off presidential duties for 6 months as the Brazilian senate vote to begin an impeachment trial while Vice president Michel Temer will take over presidential duties..

 

After a lengthy 20 hour debate where senators voted 55 to 22 to suspend her, Dilma will have to step away while she is tried by the upper house for allegedly manipulating government accounts to fund the previous electoral campaign.

She will be tried by fellow senators who are have even committed more serious financial crimes with reports emanating from Brazil saying that the impeachment procedure is more 'political' than 'legal'

Rousseff’s approval ratings is now around 10% as close to 60% of voters support impeachment.

Photo: WTH! A goat and dog seen mating...

Lol...or at least trying to mate..

Ex Governor rejects N145 new petrol price

Former governor of Kaduna state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, has urged the Federal Government to reverse the N145 new petrol pump price introduced on Wednesday.

Musa, who is also a national leader of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kaduna.

He said that the government’s action would inflict more pains on Nigerians.

"We are in trouble; the already bad situation will get worse and it will worsen the poverty level of Nigerians," he said.

The politician said that he would support the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) planned mass protest to compel the Federal Government to reverse the decision.

He alleged that the proceeds from the new price of the product may only benefit some persons and caucuses within government.

The former governor also urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and well-meaning Nigerians to join in implore the government to reverse the decision "for the sake of the masses”.

NAN recalls that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, announced the new price of petrol on Wednesday.

He explained that the action was taken to ensure availability of the commodity and reduce the suffering of Nigerians due to lingering scarcity of the product.

Militants threaten to blow up Atiku, Danjuma’s oil blocs

Militant group, Niger Delta Avengers has threatened to blow up oil blocs belonging to prominent Nigerians.

Persons named by the group include former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma and petroleum minister, Rilwanu Lukman, according to Vanguard.

The group made the threat via a statement issued by its spokesperson, Col Mudoch Agbinibo on Thursday, May 12, 2016.

It reads:

If at the end of the ultimatum and you still operating. We will blow up all the locations. It will be bloody. So, just shut down your operations and leave.

The oil blocs listed are: Apo Well awarded to Sapetro Oil owned by Gen Theophilus Y Danjuma. Apo field is capable of producing 300,000 barrels per day and crude reserve of 500 million barrels.

OML 110 Obe oil field owed by Alhaji Mai Daribe, Cavendish Petroleum with an estimated 500 million barrel of crude oil. Akpo condensate field awarded to Sapetro Oil owned by Gen Theophilus Damjuma.

OML 112 and OML 117 awarded to AMNI International Petroleum Development Company owned by Colonel Sanni Bello, son-in-law to former Head of State. Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar.

OML 115 also known as Oldwok field and Ebok field awarded to Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, in-law to former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

OML 215 awarded to and operated by Nor East Petroleum Limited owned by one Alhali Saleh Mohammed Gambo. The field is worth $100 billion dollars after tax.

OML 108 awarded to Express Petroleum Company owned by Alhaji Aminu Dantata. This field is worth $128 billion dollars. OML 113 allocated to Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Limited owned by Alhaji W. I. Folawiyo. Net worth is $150 billion dollars.

Prince Nasiru Ado Bayero cousin to the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanisu, owns ASUOKPU/UMUTU marginal oil fields. It is worth $110 billion dollars.  Inter is owned by Atiku Abubakar, Yara dua and Ado Bayero has a substantial stakes in the oil and gas exploration in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.

AMNI International Petroleum Company owns OML 112 and OML 117. Former Minister of Petroleum and OPEC Chairman, Rilwanu Lukman, has major stakes in AMNI International Petroleum Company.

OML 67 is operated Afren Plc. Rilwanu lukman also has a major stakes and the field worth $180 billion dollars. OPL 245 is awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas owned by Dan Etete. It is worth $50 billion Dollars.

OPL 289 and OPL 233 were awarded to Cleanwater Consortium; the two fields are worth $200 billion dollars. Former Governor Peter Odili of River State, Obasanjo and Sultan of Sokoto has major Stake15. OPL 288 was awarded to focus Energy Senator Andy Uba, Obasanjo, and Gen Theophilus Y Danjuma are the major stakeholders. The field is worth $70 billion Dollars.

OPL 291 awarded to Starcrest Energy Nigeria Limited owned by Emeka Offor. The field is worth $100 billion dollars. Mike Adenuga’s Conoil controls and operates Six (6) oil blocs and exports about 500,000 barrels of crude oil daily. These 6 oil blocs are worth $500 billion dollars.

From our analysis above, 90 per cent of oil blocs are allocated to individuals from northern Nigeria and some confused elements from the region are calling the Niger Delta Avengers names, some are calling us criminals.

Our question to these groups of individuals calling us names is: where were you when all these atrocities were happening to the people of the Niger Delta?

From the high command of the Niger Delta Avengers, we congratulate all the strike teams of the Avengers. Without taking any innocent life or that of the Nigeria military, we were able to shut down 50 per cent of crude production.

We have been seeing a lot on the media about us. Some are asking, “Who are you avenging?” some calling us empty heads, ex-agitators have been condemning us on daily basis. Our criticizer from other part of the country, we do not have anything to tell you because you clearly do not know how life is in the region.

To our criticizers from the region, we want you to know you are all cowards and afraid to stand for your people. To ex-agitators of the likes of Tompolo, We know why you people are after us. Our agitation is more civilized than yours, the Niger Delta Avengers is more concerned with people of Niger Delta unlike you (ex-agitations) that were into kidnapping, killing of Nigeria soldiers, sea piracy, vessel and tanker hijacking.

However, we were able to carry out all our operations without killing a fly. We have sophisticated arms far better than what you use to have during your kidnapping days.

Buhari created fuel scarcity to enable price increase – Ekiti Governor

  EKITI SATE GOVERNOR, Ayo Fayose has said that the Muhammadu Buhari administration created the fuel scarcity in order to increase the price of petrol.

Fayose made the comment on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, via a statement released by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Punch reports.

The statement reads:

“Nigerians are now left at the mercy of political liars who took over power by deception and are governing by deceit.

“When they were seeking votes from Nigerians, they promised to reduce petrol pump price from N87 to N45 per litre, they promised to create three million jobs per year, they said $1 will be equal to N1 and above all, they promised to pay unemployed youths N5, 000 stipends and provide one meal a day to pupils nationwide.

“Instead of fulfilling their promises, they have increased petrol pump price to N145 per litre, increased electricity tariffs, retrenched thousands of workers and imposed untold hardships on Nigerians.

“As they did in 2012, if labour leaders do not also stand up for the people at this time, posterity will not forgive them.”

Fayose’s comments follow the announcement by the Federal Government that petrol will now sell for up to N145 per litre due to the removal of subsidies.

Islamic State attack kills 10 in suicide attacks

Islamic State in Yemen said it carried out a suicide bombing that killed ten soldiers in the provincial capital Mukalla on Thursday, hours before the prime minister was due to visit the city, which until two weeks ago was a militant stronghold.

Prime Minister Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr is on his first visit to Mukalla, a port city on the Arabian Sea, since it was recaptured by government soldiers in April after a year-long occupation by Al Qaeda.

Islamic State said in an online statement that one of its members had blown himself up in a car near government troops.

Medical sources said ten soldiers had been killed at a naval camp near the port of Khalaf in Mukalla when a car exploded. About 15 soldiers were wounded, they said.

"The explosion is not going to affect the visit or its aims," a government source told Reuters.

Mukalla, the capital of the vast eastern province of Hadramout and important shipping hub, had been the centre of a rich mini-state that Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) built up over the past year as it took control of an almost 600-km (370-mile) band of Arabian Sea coastline.

In late April, Yemeni and Emirati soldiers seized Mukalla from al Qaeda, which withdrew its men among little fighting.

Islamic State in Yemen has criticised AQAP for losing Mukalla to the Gulf-backed Yemeni forces, and said the long-established group had suffered its territorial losses because it had chosen to be populist rather than following the commands of God.

'Increase in fuel price is illegal, insensitive' - Lawyer says

Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana (SAN) has condemned the new fuel price increase by the Federal Government, describing it as illegal, immoral and insensitive.

He said the government lacks statutory power to increase fuel pump price as the body empowered to take such decision is yet to be constituted.

Falana, who stated this in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday, May 12, asked the government to revert to the old pump price.

He said the Muhammadu Buhari administration acted against its promises not to remove subsidy in order to inflict undue pains on Nigerians.

The lawyer stressed that since the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) empowered to recommend the price of petroleum products has not been reconstituted, such decision was wrong.

“In view of the illegality, insensitivity and immorality of the price increase the federal government should cancel it, revert to the status quo and consult widely with all relevant stakeholders in the society,” Falana said.

He also faulted the move based on the recent invitation of fresh bids for the setting up of modular refineries by the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which resulted to licensing of 22 modular refineries “with combined capacities to refine 1.429 million barrels of crude oil per day. If the policy is genuinely pursued the construction of the refineries ought to be completed within the 9-12 months.

“If such refineries are established in the country the importation of fuel and the fraud associated with it will stop.

"In the interim, instead of importing oil from Europe and the United States the NNPC should refine crude oil for domestic consumption in neighbouring countries which have functional refineries.

"After all, Nigeria refines 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day in Cote d’ivoire which is not an oil producing nation.” He said.

He further stated that “If subsidy had been removed over a month ago and the country has been saving $2 billion (from fuel importation and subsidy removal) while the refineries are now working at full capacity Dr. Kachukwu should tell Nigerians the justification for the new removal of fuel subsidy announced by him yesterday.

“The cost elements that make up the N145 are provocative. If the total landing cost of a litre and other charges are fixed at N138 what is the basis of fixing the price at N145? For goodness sake, why should motorists be made to pay NPA/NIMASA charges, within and without storage/ bridging charges etc?"

Falana also said that the decision will have virile effect on the people and the economy, adding that the government took Nigerians by surprise with the drastic decision, without any public debate or consultation with relevant stakeholders whatsoever.

Phyno, Olamide - 'Fada Fada'

Olamide and Phyno collaborate on a thankful note to God counting their blessings in the song 'Fada fada'.

Their previous 2012 collaboration 'Ghostmode' was a hit.

The Ghetto gospel song 'Fada fada' was produced by Masterkraft.

Olamide's last single 'Abule Sowo' and freestyle heat 'Who you epp' are currently dominating airplay across the  streets. The label boss also recently signed a female singer Temmie Ovwasa to his label who has a single out 'Jabole'.

Phyno is set to release new album "Playmaker" which would feature artistes like 2baba, Timi Dakolo, Olamide and Cynthia Morgan.

The Indigenous rapper's 'Ezege' single is still getting a lot of buzz on the streets and airplay on radio as well.

Madrid will beat Atletico like they did in Lisbon - Gento

Real Madrid will upstage Atletico just like they did in the 2014 Champions League final, insists club great Francisco Gento.

Madrid and Atletico will go head-to-head in the Champions League final at San Siro on May 28, a repeat of the decider two years ago.

On that day, Madrid claimed 'La Decima' courtesy of a 4-1 win after extra time in Lisbon, and six-time European Cup winner Gento is adamant his former club will repeat the feat in Milan.

"We are going to win the same as we did in Portugal. We have a great team, great players and we cannot fail," the 82-year-old said via Marca.

"You have to fight for the 90 minutes, this is how to win trophies.

"We have never played for a draw and for this reason we have won so many trophies."

Messi hopes Real Madrid lose final

Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi hopes Real Madrid will lose the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid.

The Catalan holders crashed out at the hands of Atletico in the quarter-finals, who then went on to reach the final at the expense of Bayern Munich.

But Messi does not bear a grudge against Diego Simeone's men and hopes they can beat the Santiago Bernabeu side.

"It is clear that the people at Barcelona do not want Real Madrid to win anything," Messi told ESPN.

"It would hugely please Barcelona if Atletico beat them in the Champions League final.

"What Atletico Madrid have done is great, it is not easy to beat them. They are a very tough opponent and [Diego] Simeone deserves credit for their performances."

Barcelona's hopes of capturing a second successive treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League ended following their defeat against Atletico and Messi now wants the domestic double to make it a successful season.

"The Champions League elimination was a major blow. We were much better than Atletico in the first half and could have decided the tie there. It was then very complicated in the return at the Vicente Calderon," he added.

"It would be great if we can end the season by winning the Liga title and the Copa del Rey. We realise it will not be easy, though. We have two finals left, one in La Liga and one in the Copa.

"We spilled a lot of points in La Liga, but recovered just in time. We still have everything in our own hands."

Fake female doctor arrested twice in Cross River.

A woman who has been parading herself as a medical doctor in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross Rivers State, Stella Akagbusim, has been arrested by officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), reports CrossRiverWatch.

And according to the report, this is the second time Akagbusim will be arrested for the same offence, after she had earlier been nabbed and granted bail.

It was gathered that the suspect was rearrested on May 4, after her earlier arrest, following complaints made by the Community Relations Officer, Emmanuel Akwagiobe, about a week after her initial release.

It was further revealed that the fake doctor's cover was blown after she treated a man identified as John, a business center operator at the NSCDC field office and charged him 9000 Naira.

The patient told her he had only N3,000 on him and asked her to return in two days which she agreed to.

Fake Dr. Stella Akagbusim ID Card

(CrossRiverWatch)

Fake Dr. Stella Akagbusim ID Card

Photo Credit: CrossRiverWatch

When the appointed day came, Akagbusim was said to have gone to the office to harass John for her balance and he resorted to questioning the rationale behind her desperation for the balance and alerted the NSCDC who later arrested her.

When she was questioned, Akagbusim reportedly said she graduated from the Madonna University but it was realised following investigations that though she graduated from the school, she did not study medicine or any science related courses though she paraded herself as a specialist who works with GNLD, a food supplements marketing and networking company.

She was later released and warned to desist from practicing what she did not study  but a week later, she had gone back to her fraudulent practice and was arrested again

Wizkid Singer's 'One Dance' song with Drake now Billboard's Hot 100 number 1

Wizkid’s collaboration tune with Drake 'One dance'  is currently the number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart After 4 weeks of growth.

The song debuted on the chart at the 21 position, before rising to 13, and later storming the 3 and 2 spots.

This marks Drake's 17th top 10 song and the first time the rapper will be the lead artiste on a number one song. Drake previously hit number one as a guest on Rihanna's ‘What's My Name’ in 2010, but ‘One dance’ is his first as a headliner, with a little help from Wizkid and Kyla.

The song which features Nigeria’s own Wizkid and Fillipinio R&B singer Kyla was Drake’s first-ever UK number one as a headliner when it topped the charts last week knocking off Mike Posner’s tenure at the top.

Drake, Wizkid   Drake celebrates his first No. 1 as a lead artist on the Billboard Hot 100(dated May 21), as “One Dance,” featuring WizKid and Kyla, climbs 2-1.

The track is from his new album, Views, which, as previously reported, debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with his best sales week and a record-setting weekly streaming total.” Billboard wrote.

Watch 'Facts Only' on what Wizkid's collaboration with Drake means for the Nigerian music industry.

Man shouts "Allahu Akbar", knifes Munich rail passengers

A man knifed passengers at a train station in the Munich area early on Tuesday, killing one man and injuring three, media reported, and police said they were investigating whether there was an Islamist motive to the attack.

A spokeswoman said police were checking witness statements that the man shouted "Allahu Akbar" ('God is Greatest' in Arabic) during the attack, adding that the perpetrator had been arrested.

Germany's ARD broadcaster reported that one man had died from his injuries. Police could not confirm this.

The attack took place in the S-Bahn commuter train station at Grafing, a town about 32 km (20 miles) southeast of the Bavarian capital in southern Germany.

Germany, which is playing a supporting role in the fight against Islamic State, has not suffered a major attack by Islamist militants on the scale of those that have hit neighbouring France and Belgium.

However, German security services are on alert and ministers have repeatedly warned of a possible attack.

Over 800 home-grown radicals have left Germany to join jihadist groups in Syria and Iraq and about 260 have returned.

Germany has also been a transit country for militants who carried out attacks in Belgium this year and Paris last year. There are concerns that some of the 1 million migrants who arrived in the country last year have slipped off officials' radar.

President Muhammadu Buhari to host 2nd regional security summit in Abuja

President Muhammadu will host the second Regional Security Summit in Abuja on Saturday, a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja said.

The statement said that the event is in furtherance of ongoing efforts by the Buhari administration to enhance the security of lives, property and investments in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

It said that President Francois Hollande of France, who hosted the first Regional Security Summit in Paris on May 17, 2014, would participate in the second edition.

According to the statement, Hollande, who is scheduled to arrive in Abuja on Friday on an official visit to Nigeria, will be joined by the Presidents of Cameroon, Niger Republic, Chad and Benin Republic.

Furthermore, it said that the U.S., Britain, Equatorial Guinea, the European Union, ECOWAS Commission, the Economic Community of Central African States and the Gulf of Guinea Commission would also be represented at the summit.

Top on the agenda of the summit, according to the statement, is the successful conclusion of the ongoing military operations against Boko Haram.

It also said that the speedy resolution of the humanitarian crises caused by the barbaric acts of the terrorist group would also feature prominently in the discussions at the summit.

Before proceeding for the summit, Buhari is expected to meet with Hollande and the French delegation at the Presidential Villa on Saturday morning.

It is expected that new agreements on further defence and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and France will be concluded and signed after talks between the two Presidents and their officials.

RONKE SHONDE'S DEATH

Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Bolanle Ambode, has condemned in the strongest possible terms, the vexed issue of domestic violence, which has continued to rear its ugly head in the state and across the country. She made the denunciation in Alausa, Ikeja, against the backdrop of Lekan Shonde, who allegedly beat his wife, Ronke, to death at their Egbeda home last week.

Mrs. Ambode lamented that domestic violence in the form of assault on wife, child-battering and other forms of uncivilized behavior against women and children, seemed to have got fresh fancy from some men, who are still living in the primitive times.

She described as totally unacceptable, a situation where a man would callously turn his wife to a punching bag on the flimsy excuse that the helpless woman had either insulted him or refused to carry out his orders. In her words:

“How do you explain a situation where the man you married and one who claims to love you, would descend so heavily on you at the slightest provocation. If he is not complaining about delayed dinner, it is another flimsy excuse that is not tenable anywhere. They do it every now and then even to the extent of killing the helpless woman. For how long will this go on?”

The visibly distraught wife of the governor, advised any woman who found herself in an abusive relationship to retrace her steps when possible, so that she could live to tell her own story. She rejected the common and well-worn excuse of societal stigmatization of women who abandoned unpleasant marriages, retorting that when the woman dies in such a cruel marriage, what then does the society say? According to her,

“Many victims of domestic violence become victims of their own psychological realities. The world of these women is lonely, isolated and filled with fear, with no emotional outlet whatsoever. Sadly, victims wait until it is too late”.

She advised that, we should cease to treat domestic violence as a case of “family affair” and such do not become involved. The fact that our society is patriarchal and values sanctions by culture is not enough reason for this epidemic called Domestic Violence.

Speaking further, she said domestic abuse should be moved from being viewed as a social problem to being viewed as a criminal justice issue. Mrs Ambode commiserated with all victims of domestic violence, including families of those that died, urging any woman going through such troubled marriages to approach the state’s Office of the Public Defender, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Youth & Social Development or the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for legal assistance at no cost.

NIAJA SENATE TO LAUNCH Transparency and Delivery Commission

In line with the Legislative Agenda approved by the Senate, the President of the Senate today has announced the intention of the Senate to inaugurate an independent Transparency and Delivery Commission to review and improve the oversight systems and tools of the Senate. 

The Commission will be led by a working group consisting of a world leading research institution and a partner institute in Nigeria and will be advised by an internationally acclaimed anti-corruption expert.


The independent Commission will work closely with the Senateand the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption & Financial Crimes to draw up a robust oversight scheme and strengthen the internal structuring and capacity of the National Assembly to fulfil its role as an anti-corruption institution.

The Commission’s work will be two-fold. Initially it willconcentrate on analysing the processes and tools by which the Senate and the National Assembly in general can, using its legislative remit, assist the anti-corruption agenda of President Buhari and more specifically strengthen the institutions through legislative reforms.

The following medium-term goal is to then deliver recommendations for better ways of working within the Senate and to ensure that it meets the highest global standards includingthe newly announced Commonwealth Secretariat anti-corruption ‘kitemark’ system. 

Specifically, the group will:

1. Map out how the Senate could use its oversight tools to actas a catalyst for greater transparency and anti-corruption in other parts of the Nigerian state both at the Federal and State Levels.

2. Assess how the Nigerian Senate functions as a scrutiny and policy making body and how it can improve in this role

3. Undertake a review of the mechanisms of the Nigerian senate and identify areas for improvement in senate efficiency in implementing its legislative agenda and itsanti-corruption capacity.

4. Look at international and regional examples of best practice – such as the Commonwealth Secretariat ‘kitemark’ – and suggest tangible reforms the Nigeria Senate could implement to improve transparency and the policy delivery process internally and across government.

Signed
Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser (Media and Communication)