Divorce Saga: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Finally Speaks Up

After over a week of remaining silent on the divorce suit filed against him by his wife, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy Church has finally addressed the allegations.

Pastor Chris, who spoke on the evening of Sunday, September 7 during the monthly global communion service of the church, described the allegations as ‘crazy’ and ‘stupid’.

Pastor Christ Oyakhilome

According to him, divorce was not biblical but if his wife insists on it, he could consider it as an option.
“Christians should not have a divorce, it shouldn’t be, but you see, that doesn’t mean a Christian may not take the step. They may do it, but that doesn’t make it right,” Pastor Chris said.
He said being married to a man of God doesn’t automatically make you a woman of God and that is why you don’t really find wives of Men of God listed in the Bible.

Mikel Obi Suffers From His Fans Again

The scandal between Nigerian football fans and footballer, Mikel Obi continues. This is reportedly due to his possible engagement to his Russian girlfriend.

Mikel & Olga

In January 2014, Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi already came under fire from some of his female fans. The sport star just posted a picture with his Russian girlfriend Olga Diyachenko. And then the attack on him began.
Fans blasted him severely for dating a white Russian girl. They questioned him on why he chose to be with a white woman if there are so many gorgeous black girls. Obi replied them by saying they are not getting married anytime soon:

Catholic Archbishop Rebukes Chris And Anita Oyakhilome

The recent divorce saga between founder of Believers Love World, a.k.a. Christ Embassy, Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, and his wife, Rev. Anita Odegwa Oyakhilome, is yet to die down.

Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie in a recent interview with Vanguard, condemned the divorce crisis which he described as ‘disturbing’.

According to him, it is an act of indiscipline for men of God to wash their dirty linen in the public.

Left: Anthony Cardinal Okogie Catholic archbishop, Right: Pastor Chris and Anita Oyakhilome

Okogie said: “When the going was good, they took vows on the altar of God to stay together in sickness and in health, until death do them part. They promise to make one another faithful partner in the presence of God, their family and friends and vow to be each other’s faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. They promise to love one another unconditionally, to support each other, honor and respect and cherish themselves for as long as they both shall live.”

‘Make Abducted Girls Sacrificial Lambs’ - Chibok Chairman

Its been over 130 days since the over 200 Chibok school girls were kidnapped by the dreaded Boko Haram sect on April 14 in Borno, the traumatized parents have called on the Federal Government to go to Sambisa forest and bring back the corpse of their children dead or alive.

Chibok women storm Abuja

Speaking on behalf of the parents, the chairman of Chibok Local government, Tsambido Hosea, in an interview with Premium Times on Friday, August 29 during a protest to mark the 130th day in Abuja said the parents have not been able to move on with their lives since the abduction of the girls.
He said the parents have given up hope and are seeking a logical end to their trauma either by burial or reunion.

Ebola Solution: WHO Recommends To Use Survivors' Blood

The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed how the use of Ebola survivors’ blood could help the infected patients to recover.

While there is no approved drug for the deadly tropical virus which has already claimed around 2,000 lives in West Africa, hundreds of people still have managed to win the battle with Ebola.  Health experts say that such survivors develop antibodies in their blood and thus immunity from further infection, Premium Times reports.

As the countries expect the results of experimental vaccines trial, every day counts and records new deaths.  The UN health organization urged the affected countries not to wait until the drug becomes available but start using the blood of patients who recover from the Ebola in treating other patients.

A health worker dressed in personal protective equipment at Ebola centre

Speaking yesterday on the issue of Ebola epidemic, which has definitely spun out of control, the WHO said there was no data on the effectiveness of such therapy, however studies on the 1995 outbreak in Congo showed that 7 out of 8 people survived after being given this therapy.

Marie Paule Kieny, WHO top officials, said, as reported by BBC:

“We agreed that whole blood therapies may be used to treat Ebola virus and all efforts must be invested to help infected countries to use them. There is a real opportunity that a blood-derived product can be used now and this can be very effective in terms of treating patients. There are also many people now who have survived and are doing well. They can provide blood to treat the other people who are sick.”

Fintiri Wins Adamawa PDD Governorship Primary

Adamawa State acting governor Ahmadu Fintiri defeated other aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary.

Ahmad Fintiri

Thus beating his opponents with 624 votes during Saturday election in Yola, Fintiri becomes PDP candidate for the October 11 governorship election in the state, Premium Times reports.
In the first top-3 the votes distributed as follows :
1. Ahmadu Fintiri – 624 votes;
2. The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ahmed Modibbo – 197 votes;
3. Ex Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa  - 54 votes
Victory of the acting governor was foreseeable after the 8 aspirants, who had withdrawn from the primary election, declared support for him. These aspirants, including Nuhu Ribadu, had previously said they supported Fintiri after he agreed not to contest the primaries of the party for the February 2015 governorship election.

The Nation reports with reference to its source that the poll was conducted without violations:
A source said: “The poll was free and fair. The power of incumbency worked for Fintiri who had secured the loyalty and support of statutory delegates like local government chairmen, councillors, and other political appointees. Also before the poll, a former Political Adviser to the President, Ahmed Gulak, stepped down for Fintiri, making up to four aspirants conceding the slot to the Acting Governor.”

Boko Haram Seize Adamawa Town

Boko Haram have reportedly captured another town, this time in Adamawa State, forcing thousands of people of out of their homes.

Kirchinga, the hometown of Adamawa governor Umaru Fintiri, was seized on Saturday, September 6, P.M. News reports. Punch confirms with reference to its source that insurgents razed Fintiri’s residence in the town.

It was also mentioned that the residents of Madagali, Gulak and Michika towns and nearby villages started fleeing their homes after the militants had repelled military to recapture Madagali.

Boko Haram Militants

Bello Alaramma, a refugee from Gulak to Mubi said:
“All the residents of Madagali, Gulak and Michika have fled their homes to the mountains and Mubi town after soldiers retreated from Madagali where they made a failed attempt to push out the insurgents and the recapture the town.”

While the officials of Madagali headquarters said that “Boko Haram are now in control of Gulak”, Nigerian Defence refused to comment on the seizure of new towns.

Gulak local Ayuba Daniel said:
“Around 5:00pm (1600GMT) yesterday (Friday) we started seeing hordes of soldiers in vans, trucks and armoured cars driving through Gulak firing shots in the air and soon afterwards people from Madagali started trooping in telling us Boko Haram were on their way. This forced us to flee to Mubi and nearby mountains to escape Boko Haram attack.”

2015 AFCON: Keshi Speaks After Super Eagles' Loss To Congo

Following yesterday’s Super Eagles’ 2-3 loss to Congo in the first leg qualifier for 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), head coach Stephen Keshi said he could foresee the outcome before the match end.

Stephen Keshi

After the unsuccessful first game in Calabar, Nigeria now occupies the 3rd place in Group A, behind South Africa and Congo but ahead  of Sudan, Punch recalls.
Interestingly, the Eagles’ players had previously expressed their confidence in their victory, with CSKA Moscow Striker Ahmed Musa saying: “We already know ourselves and we know that we will win on Saturday.”

Nigerians Will Hear From Us Soon - Boko Haram

Following the revelations made by Australian negotiator, Stephen Davis, about the dreaded Boko Haram sect, there are reports that the sect have plans to carry out their next plan in a bid to set the record straight concerning the controversial issues.

Australian negotiator, Dr. Stephen Davis, and Boko Haram commanders in 2013 after BH reportedly agreed to dialogue

Vanguard source said on Sunday night that the leadership of Boko Haram was upset by most of the claims made by the negotiator and was set to make a categorical position on all the issues raised by Davis in the media.“

Jonathan Meets Chadian Leader Over Boko Haram

In a bid to forge a stronger alliance against terrorism and violent extremism with Nigeria’s neighbours, President Goodluck Jonathan will meet Chadian President Idriss Debyleave in Ndjamena, Chad, today, Monday, 8 September, 2014.

According to a statement made public by the Special Adviser to the President Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, it said the talks with President Deby, who is also the chairman of African Union’s, AU Peace and Security Council, is a follow-up on their discussions in Nairobi last week on the sidelines of the African Union Peace and Security Council Summit.

President Jonathan in Nairobi, Kenya.

Abati informed that President Jonathan and his host will discuss the further actualisation of agreements for greater cooperation against insurgents and terrorists reached by Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon at a meeting in Paris earlier this year.

“Their talks are expected to strengthen the Paris Accord on joint border patrols, intelligence sharing and prevention of illicit movement of terrorists, arms and ammunition across shared borders.

“Before returning to Abuja tomorrow, President Jonathan will be a Special Guest of Honour at an international conference on Information Technology and Communication holding in Ndjamena on the same day,” the statement read.

Nigerian Military Reclaim Bama

Following a week of fierce battle with Boko Haram insurgents, Nigerian military have reportedly reclaimed Bama, Borno State.

Nigerian soldiers

According to Vanguard, the success of the operation was on yesterday confirmed by the military sources in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
“Our tactical aerial attacks to reclaim this town had been effective and yielding the desired results. This will enable the fleeing residents and villagers to return within the shortest period of time.”

Mustapha Modu, who had fled to Maiduguri in fear for his life, said, however, that weekend clashes claimed a lot of lives of civilians and caused serious damage to the property as the militants used residents as human shields.

Boko Haram forces Adamawa University to shut down

The authorities of Adamawa State University, Mubi, in north east Nigeria has announced indefinite closure of the institution due to the fear of possible attack from Boko Haram insurgents.

This is according to Malam Hassan Tanko, Acting Registrar of the institution who made the announcement on Sunday, 7 September, 2014, in Yola.

The statement, which directed students to go home, stated that the university was closed indefinitely for security reasons.

Internally displaced persons in northern Nigeria.

Mubi, 25 kms from Gulak which was annexed Saturday by Boko Haram Islamic Caliphate, appears to be the next target for the militants.
Reports say other towns taken at the weekend by Boko Haram fighters are: Michika and Bazza.
Both towns, along with Uba, are in Hong Local Government Area .
It was however gathered that the sect suffered a major setback, with no fewer than 50 of its men killed in a military raid in Borno State.

The Nigerian army announced on Sunday that security forces raided a “hideout” of suspected Boko Haram members in Kawuri, a village about 37km from Maiduguri, the state capital, on Saturday.
According to the military report, the suspected fighters were planning an attack.

How JTF Recruits Children To Fight Boko Haram

As the Federal Government continues to its war against terrorism in Nigeria, a new report, “Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict”, has accused the Civilian Joint Task Force, JTF and the Boko Haram sect of using children to fight each other.

According to the report published in New York, United States at the weekend, “Children as young as 13 are being recruited by both sides of the conflict and have nowhere to turn”.
The report added that the Islamist sect has subjected boys and girls to forced recruitment, detention, attacks at school, abductions, rape, and other forms of sexual violence.

The 64-page report stated that the gravity and scale of violations perpetrated by both the Civilian JTF and the Boko Haram warrant urgent action from the Federal Government, the United Nations, and other child protection actors.

The report titled “Who Will Care for Us?”  reveals grave violations by some parties to the conflict since December 2012 and recommends how to protect Nigerian children.
“While the abduction of over 200 girls in Chibok, Borno State, has shed some light on how children are affected by the conflict in the northeast, most abuses are still poorly documented, understood, and addressed by key actors,” Janine Morna, Researcher at Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, stated in the report.

The report added that security forces who encounter child soldiers in Boko Haram’s ranks often detain these children in unofficial military detention facilities known for the mistreatment of detainees, instead of protecting and rehabilitating them, in accordance with international standards.
“The government of Nigeria should denounce the recruitment of children by all armed groups, take immediate steps to release child soldiers in their custody, and develop procedures to transfer child soldiers to civilian actors,” said Morna.

According to a media survey conducted by Watchlist,  attacks on schools in northern region has resulted in the death, injury, or abduction of at least 414 students, teachers, or other civilians on school premises between January 2012 and July 2014.
Morna stated that : “Continuous attacks on schools have devastated education in the region, creating a climate of fear for students and teachers, and leading to school closures from as early as April 2013. Relevant actors must bolster school security through programmes like the Safe Schools Initiative.”

File photo of Civilian JTF in northern Nigeria

Some of the documented abductions of boys and girls by Boko Haram, according to Watchlist, included Christian girls who were forced to convert to Islam and coerced into marrying members of the group, along with other female abductees.

Amosun Case: Man Jailed For Attacking Governor On Facebook

The court hearings of Governor Ibikunle Amosun vs Mr Wasiu Ogunnoiki case at Sagamu Magistrate’s court, Ogun State, continued on September 2, 2014, Tuesday.

The 31-year-old man, who allegedly works as commercial motorcyclist, was accused of engagement in the acts on social media (Facebook), which dented the image of the state’s governor, TheNation reports.

Governor Ibunkunle Amosun was discredited on Facebook

The accused has allegedly used his account to publish information that property owners, whose houses were demolished as per Amosun’s order, did not receive any proper compensation.
Ogunnoiki was also accused of uploading pictures of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sagamu Local Government Area, claiming that the politician in cooperation with Labour Party (LP) chiefs have been mastering plans to impeach Amosun before and in 2015 general elections.

Our Sons Are Raping Us - Imo Christian Women Reveal

In one rural community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area in Imo state, mothers from Mgbishii are now protesting over the unthinkable savage crimes that have befallen them.

Women protest fiercely

The have cried out to the Imo state government and Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province Dr. Anthony Obinna saying that their off springs have turned against them.

They told Vanguard that they are being raped and molested by our own children during a recent visit to the Catholic Archbishop at the Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral in Owerri.
They said: “We are raped and molested by our own children. You cannot come to Mgbuishii and return home safely because of the crime rate.”

Popular Comedienne Is Dead

Legendary US Comedienne and TV presenter, Joan Rivers is dead, according to ABC News.

Joan Rivers died on Thursday, September 4 at the age of 81.

US Comedienne and TV Present, Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers’ daughter, Melissa Rivers announced the death of her mother in a statement released.
She said: “It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17 PM surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Mount Sinai hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother.”
“Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support and prayers we have received from around the world.They have been heard and appreciated.”

Ebola Patient Heads To The US

Latest information says Dr. Richard A. Sacra, the third American to contract the deadly Ebola virus rampaging through Africa, is on his way to the United States.

This was made public by the wife of the American patient, Debbie Sacra, at a news conference at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Mrs Sacra informed that she had just spoken to the doctor treating her husband, who had put him on the plane to the US.
“He said Rick is clearly sick, but he was in very good spirits … and he walked onto the plane,” she said. “We are really encouraged by that news and looking forward to reuniting with him,” she said.

Dr. Sacra attending to patients in Liberia.

Mrs. Sacra added that the couple had known there was a risk of him getting infected with Ebola when he left for Liberia in August.

“I knew he needed to be with the Liberian people,” she said. “He was so concerned about the children that were going to die from malaria without hospitalization and the women who had no place to go to deliver their babies by cesarean section. He’s not someone who can stand back if there’s a need he can take care of,” the wife said.

Shocking: Dangote Accounts Frozen By Court!!

Twenty commercial banks in Nigeria have been restrained from honoring any withdrawal cheque from Dangote by the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday.

Sani Dangote, younger brother of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and his brand, The Dansa Foods Limited and Bulk Pack Services Limited are undergoing a law suit from Union Bank.
Trial judge, Justice Okon Abang said that the restraining order will be in force from now till September 2014, the next hearing.

The Judge requested all banks involved to file affidavits declaring the defendants statement of accounts he has with them.

Alhaji Sani Dangote

Union bank had given Sani Dangote a loan of N5.2bn since September, 2008 but Dangote and his companies has allegedly refused to pay back.

The banks lawyer, Mr. Chukwudi Enebelihad seeked the mareva injunction to stop Dangote from making use of any of his accounts pending the determination of the suits.

(Mareva Injuction is a temporary injunction that freezes the assets of a party pending further order or final resolution by the Court.)

Modu Sheriff Denies Sponsoring Boko Haram

Former Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, has said he has nothing to do with the dreaded Boko Haram sect and associating him with them was a ploy by his detractors to tarnish his image.

Sheriff was reacting to claims by an Australian negotiator, Dr Stephen Davis, who said the former governor was one of the major sponsors and financiers of the insurgents.

Former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff

The former governor, who expressed shock over the report, described it as senseless and baseless.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Modu Sheriff threatened to sue Stephen Davies, the Australian negotiator for his allegations while expressing his readiness to face any panel in the world to clear his name.
He said if the Australian negotiator was truly a professional mediator or negotiator, the right thing for him to do would have been to give his report to the security agencies of Nigeria.

We Prayed Before Every Robbery - Arrested Suspects

Suspected robbers arrested by Lagos police upon interrogation narrated how they carried our operations saying they prayed to God before each.

According to a member of the 4-man gang, the prayer was to ensure that during the robbery only sinners would be dealt with and innocent – spared, Punch reports.
Mutalubi Abdullahi, Ismaila Moruf, Opeyemi Akinyemi and Sarah Emmanuel were nabbed for robbing residents in the Mile 2 area of Lagos State.

4 suspected robbers by Lagos police. Credits: Olaleye Aluko

Armed with guns, suspects operated using commercial motorcycles, okada. They were attacking pedestrians and motorists early morning and during traffic jams.  The suspects justified the crime by the fact that only bad people were attacked, as Abdullahi told the police:
“That is why we usually prayed to God before embarking on any operation. The prayer was for God to protect us and to bring only sinners our way so that those who were innocent would be spared.”

Police Barracks Razed In Lagos

Latest reports indicate that fire has razed at least 40 apartments at Ijeh Police Barracks in Obalende, Lagos state.

According to a report published by P.M NEWS, the cause of the fire outbreak is still unknown.

Ruins from the fire incident at Ijeh police barracks

The Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe, while speaking with newsmen, confirmed the fire incident.

He said: “An outbreak of fire is on now at Ijeh Police Barracks, Obalende. 24 rooms were consumed by fire.”

He however informed that “two fire trucks from Onikan and Sari Iganmu are on ground to douse the fire.”

Minister Reveals Date For Resumption Of Education

Nigeria’s Health Minister Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has today revealed that students could go back to school by Mid September in the country.

Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu

The Education Ministry though Minister  Ibrahim Shekarau had formerly stated that school is to start by October 13 due to the spread of Ebola virus in the nation.

Chukwu however disclosed this at to the State House correspondents at the end of Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

IK Uche Wants Me To Beg Him – Keshi

As Super Eagles get ready for their crucial Saturday clash against Congo for the African Cup of Nations Qualifiers, Head Coach Stephen Keshi has come out and revealed why Villareal Striker Ike Uche was not called up.

Omeruo celebrates with Keshi

Keshi told reporters that the Spain based striker has said he won’t come if Keshi does not beg him and bring him back.

This was revealed through a tweet by the verified twitter handle of the Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles).
Ike Uche was not called up for last summer’s FIFA World Cup held in Brazil.

FIFA May Ban Nigeria Again Come September 8th

 FIFA has given the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF till next week, September 8 to resolve all issues around electing new executives.

Chris Giwa – NFF President

This recent update was released on FIFA’s official website and said that Nigeria will be suspended immediately if there are stills officials claiming to  have been elected to NFF positions on 26 August 2014 and occupying their offices on Monday, 8 September 2014 at 08.00 (Central European Time).
FIFA  said that they would and will not recognise the August 26 elections held in Abuja due to the absence of the NFF President, who was being held by security forces for questioning.

Chris Oyakhilome Threatents To Sue Journalists

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, who has been recently in the news in connection with the highly-publicized divorce with wife Rev. Anita, threatens to sue journalists.

Pastor Christ Oyakhilome

According to Sahara Reporters, the head clergyman of Christ Embassy Church spoke about taking up legal actions over newsmen publishing stories about their split. Additionally, he characterized the accusations of adultery, allegedly provided by spouse Anita, as “false and malicious” attack against his personality and his church.
Oyakhilome made this known via his lawyer Kemi Pinheiro (SAN):
“The attention of our client, Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, and the church has been drawn to the wave of false, malicious and fabricated stories being published in the print and electronic media about his person, the church and a matrimonial cause between him and his wife.”

APC asks GEJ to hand over alleged sponsors of Boko Haram to the Int'l Criminal Court

The National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun, has asked Pres. Jonathan to arrest and hand over all those Australian Hostage Negotiator Stephen Davis, alleged to be sponsors of Boko Haram to the International Criminal Court. Oyegun said this while speaking with journalists in Abuja yesterday

"The man who exposed the boko haram sponsors is a Jonathan appointed, paid, hostage negotiator so he definitely has no axe to grind. He was certainly not speaking on behalf of the APC because we didn't know he existed until out of frustration he finally decided to speak up. Now that the cat has been let out of the bag and the real sponsors of Boko Haram have been exposed, we hope President Jonathan is summoning the courage today to do what is right. Hand over the identified boko haram sponsors to the international criminal court for investigation and prosecution" he said

Widow, 3 others who rob motorist along Mile2/Badagry Rd arrested

A widow and three men who are members of a robbery gang that specialize in terrorizing and robbing motorists along the Mile2/Badagry Expressway, have been arrested by men of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command.

The robbers; Sera Emmanuel (31) the widow, Ismaila Morufu (30), Musaalobi Abdullahi (29) and Opeyemi Akinyemi (30), were arrested on August 27th along the Sango-Ifo road by Iyana-Iyesi in Ogun state.

The armed-robbers allegedly confessed to operating daily at some bad spots around Mile 2/Badagry Expressway, Mile 2/Apapa Expressway, Agege/Oshodi, Oworonsoki, Alapere, Bariga, Ikeja and Onipanu. Continue...

Photos: Rihanna carries her weed in plastic bag during holiday in France

Rihanna smokes and she doesn't care that you know it. The Bajan beauty was spotted carrying a clear plastic bag of suspicious looking substance that looks with marijuana while on holiday with friends in the French island of Corsica. See more photos after the cut...

Photos from ongoing protest at Benin-Ore Expressway by students

Students of the College of Education, Ogwaruo, Benin, are currently causing traffic gridlock on the Benin-Ore Expressway. According to a LIB reader in Benin who sent in the photos, the students are refusing to allow cars ply the high way. He said the students are protesting no results, no good roads, no power, that their school is like a poultry with no authority.

The police have moved to the area but have not been able to disperse the students. See more photos after the cut...

Man arraigned in court for posting negative remarks about Ogun state Governor on Facebook

A 31 year old man named Wasiu Ogunnoiki was arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Sagamu yesterday September 2nd for allegedly posting negative remarks about the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun on his Facebook wall.

Ogunnoiki is alleged to have posted a message on Facebook saying that the state Governor had demolished the houses of some citizens without compensating them accordingly, a statement the government say they find unacceptable, and could incite the citizens against the governor. Continue..

I'm done with Chris Oyakhilome; No going back on divorcing him - wife

 

Those who are hoping that Christ Embassy Head Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and his estranged wife Anita Oyakhilome will resolve their issues and get back together, shouldn't hold their breath as the woman is said to have vowed to divorce the pastor Chris..

Speaking with Premium Times through her lawyers, Mrs Oyakhilome said her relationship with her husband had terribly degenerated that there is no room for any reconciliation or out-of-court settlement. Find the full report after the cut...

I will sue Australian negotiator who said I sponsor Boko Haram - Alimodu Sheriff

Former Borno state governor Alimodu Sheriff, who was accused by Australian Boko Haram negotiator Stephen Davis of being a sponsor of Boko Haram, held a press conference which ended a few minutes ago where he addressed the accusations. He denied the claims and said he plans to sue Mr Davis. He said the campaign against him is 'callous and unwarranted' and those linking him with the sect are 'either ignorant or completely out for mischief'. Some of the things he said below...

"I condole with the people of Borno, particularly the people of Bama, Gwoza and Gamboru over the recent attacks. My name has been mentioned for political reasons over the attacks of Boko Haram. I have been accused unfairly in connection with Boko Haram since I left office.

 "For the records, let me state categorically that I do not share the same ideology with Boko Haram. By my nature, I am opposed to the philosophy of Boko Haram." Continue...

Libyan Jet Crashes Near Parliament, Three Dead

Latest reports say a Libyan military jet has crashed in the eastern city of Tobruk, causing a huge fire and killing at least three people.

According to BBC report, the jet hit a block of flats near the new parliamentary building after developing a “technical fault”, a security official said.
It was gathered that the jet was controlled by forces loyal to ex-General Khalifa Haftar who have been battling Islamist militias.

The Islamist-linked Libya Dawn group seized the capital, Tripoli, last week.
Parliament had earlier relocated to Tobruk, more than 1,000km (620 miles) away, because of the deteriorating security situation in Tripoli.
Witnesses said the jet was flying at a low altitude and smoke was billowing out of its engine before it crashed into an apartment block and burst into flames, the AFP news agency reports.
It came down on Tuesday around 1km (0.6 miles) from the seat of parliament, killing at least two residents and a co-pilot, Reuters news agency reports.
The dead included a child, but the co-pilot survived, an unnamed security official is quoted by AFP as saying.

Libya has been hit by instability since an array of militia groups, backed by Nato air strikes, overthrew long-serving ruler Col Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
The militia groups, many of whom are allied to rival politicians, have been fighting for power among themselves.

File photo

Japan Develops 30-Minute Ebola Detector

Following the upsurge in the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in West Africa, Japanese researchers say they have developed a new method to detect the presence of the deadly disease  in 30 minutes.

According to Professor Jiro Yasuda and his team at Nagasaki University, the new technology they developed could allow doctors to quickly diagnose infection of the Ebola virus.

Representational image

The team also stated that their process is also cheaper than the system currently in use in West Africa where the virus has already killed more than 1552 people, according to the World Health Organisation, WHO.

“The new method is simpler than the current one and can be used in countries where expensive testing equipment is not available,” Yasuda told AFP by telephone.

“We have yet to receive any questions or requests, but we are pleased to offer the system, which is ready to go,” he said.

BAMA ATTACK: Boko Haram Kills Senator's Nephews

A Nigerian Senator, Khalifa Zanna, said that Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram, killed  two of his nephew in their take over of the second largest town, Bama in Borno state.

Senator Khalifa Zanna

Senator Zanna whose hometown happens to be Bama, told SaharaReporters today that the Islamist terrorist group, have chased out the Nigerian troops and taken full control of the town and local government area.
The senator who said the Boko Haram terrorist have been driving around in armored tanks and military pickup in Bama said the sect killed two of his nephews named Babagana Mala Zanna, 28, and Yusuf Mala Zanna, 20, after finding them in his brother’s house in Bama early this morning.
Senator Zanna also said there were significant civilian deaths from the fierce firefight that lasted five hours between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram militants.

Give Me Back My 30 Million Naira - Emenike Asks Governor Chime

Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has asked Enugu state government to give him back his 30 million Naira (about $ 180,000) he invested in the state to build a sports academy after army men stopped workers from working on it.

An angry Emenike told AfricanFootball that he acquired the land after the World cup had concluded through the help of a special assistant to the Enugu State Governor Frank Ndubuisi Ugwunweze (a.k.a Ezeumuaga), who forwarded all documents concerning to the land in Emenike’s name.

Emenike wants his N30m back!

Emenike revealed that he bought the lands as he visits there regularly during his free time, so he found out about a free plots of land in the state and contacted  Governor Sullivan Chime’s aide who further assisted in making the purchase.
Emenike, in his own words, said: “I worked hard to make my money, I know what I pass through on the pitch before I earn my living and it will be unfair if what am hearing about my land in Enugu State was true.

Bama Under Control Of Boko Haram, Says Senator

Bama is still controlled by Boko Haram insurgents, Borno senator debunks the information that the town was released Tuesday.

Boko Haram Militants

UPDATE
The Senator representing Borno Central, Ahmed Zannah, debunks the recent reports that Bama was won by the military.
In a telephone interview to Punch the officials said that the town was under control of insurgents.
“Like I said yesterday, Bama is in the hands of Boko Haram, nothing has changed today. The Borno State Government is trying to play politics with the issue. I don’t know if they are trying to appease the military or the Federal Government. Even this morning, the two kids of my brother were killed. Anybody telling you that Boko Haram is not in control of Bama is telling a lie. Many people were killed in the fighting; I don’t know the number because there is no access to the place. Some of those who died have not even been buried yet.”

British Diplomat Slumps, Dies At Lagos Airport

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Peter Carter Leslie, slumped and died on Tuesday, September 2, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The deceased was said to have arrived Lagos aboard a United Airlines Flight UA143 from Houston, Texas at about 3 pm and slumped at the arrival hall shortly after alighting from the aircraft.

Ambassador Peter Carter Leslie

Though the cause of death is yet unknown, a top security operative at the airport said the diplomat may have died of heart-related complications, Punch reports.
“He was shouting help! Help! and then slumped. People did not want to go near initially because of the Ebola scare that has been in town,” the security operative said.
It was gathered that officials at the airport tried to resuscitate him with oxygen but all effort proved futile.

Uzbekistan Bars Nigeria Over Ebola

Latest reports inform that Nigeria and  four other African countries have been barred from this year’s Senior World Wrestling Championships holding in Tashkent, Uzbekistan due to the reported cases of the Ebola Virus Disease in the affected countries.

According to the report, other countries barred from the tourney holding this month in the European country apart from Nigeria are Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Democratic Republic of Congo.
The four west African nations would also be barred from participating in the FILA Congress holding during the championship in Uzbekistan. The restriction will also deny the African officials from contesting the FILA Bureau elections which hold at the same venue.
These details were made public on Tuesday, 2 September, 2014 by Uzbekistan through the world wrestling body FILA.
The 2014 edition of the Senior World Wrestling Championships would start from 8-14 September, while the elections are set for 7 September.

File photo of a wrestling action.

Speaking on this development, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, protested the decision, urging the international wrestling body to reconsider its decision as he cited a number of adverse effects such position might have on the wrestlers of the affected countries and the national associations.

It was gathered through the Olympic gold medal that Nigeria had planned to present seven wrestlers and officials at the event.

Stopping Ebola Won't Be Easy - President Obama

US President Barack Obama has said stopping the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) won’t be easy but it can be achieved.

In a video, which appeared on the White House website and was aimed especially West African countries struggling in their fight to stop the outbreak of the Ebola virus, particularly residents of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria, Obama took out time to explain facts of the Ebola outbreak.

The president said: “Stopping this disease won’t be easy. But we know how to do it.
“You are not alone, together we can treat those who are sick with respect and dignity.
“We can save lives and our countries can work together to improve public health so this kind of outbreak doesn’t happen again.”
Obama warned Africans not to touch the dead bodies of people infected with Ebola, referring to the widely practiced tradition of touching and kissing the body before burial, as the virus is passed through bodily fluids of an infected person.

Rev.Anita Oyakhilome's Lawyers Speak

There are new reports on the messy divorce of one Nigeria’s favourite couples, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and his wife, Rev. Anita.

Pastors Chris and Anita Oyakhilome

The hopes of many Nigerians that the couple will work out their differences and reconcile has been dashed as new reports suggest otherwise.
According to City People Magazine, Rev. Anita’s lawyers, Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors, a UK-based full-service law firm have confirmed the separation.

City People Magazine stated that, Stephen Goddard in a reply sent today said:
“It is with great sadness that our client, Pastor Anita Oyakhilome, has come to the conclusion that her marriage to Pastor Christian Oyakhilome has irretrievably broken down and regrettably there is no hope of any reconciliation.”

Goodluck Jonathan Might Declare Presidential Ambition October

Goodluck Jonathan, so as other politicians heading for 2015 presidency, are soon to declare their ambition.

Goodluck Jonathan

Among them are also ex military head Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), ex vice president Atiku Abubakar and Kano State governor Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwanso, as the  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled the start of primaries on October 2, 2014, Punch reports.
The investigations revealed that Jonathan was to declare his either in end of September or in the beginning of the next month, with the presidency source saying the exact date is still in elaboration.

Boko Haram: Ikedife Warns E-Rufai, Northern Elders

A former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife has warned former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Nasir El-Rufai, and other northern leaders to desist from pointing accusing fingers at Major General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) and other Igbo icons.

Ikedife who spoke to newsmen in his Nnewi country home, said the Nigeria may break-up following the manner El-Rufai and his fellow northern elders molested Igbo icons, which was becoming too unbearable.
Reacting to recent report in which El-Rufai accused Ihejirika, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff of being one of the sponsors of Boko Haram, Ikedife described it as another classical case of hounding and haunting of an Igbo icon.

Nasir El-Rufai and Azubuike Ihejirika

According to Vanguard report, he said such statement was capable of incurring the wrath of Ndigbo.
Ikedife stated: “I wish to recall that when Ihejirika left the Army, those I identified as destroyers of credit and rumour mongers said that he was dismissed from the Army, but my investigation revealed that Ihejirika retired as and when due and was indeed the last member of his course mates to retire from the army.”

INEC Suspends Electoral Officers For Fraud

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  has suspended two of its top electoral officers in Osun State for their alleged involvement in electoral malpractices during the 9 August, 2014, governorship election in the state.

According to a report published by Punch online on Wednesday 3 September, 2014, a source close to Senator Iyiola Omisore, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Osun polls, told journalists of the suspension of the two INEC officials.

INEC boss, Attahiru Jega

“INEC has suspended two electoral officers for electoral malpractices during the August 9 governorship election. Their offences included: sale of ballot papers to the APC, manipulation of form EC8 series to favour the APC and voiding of PDP votes counted in favour of the APC.

“INEC headquarters tried them and found them culpable of working for the APC to rig the election,” the source informed.
It was gathered that form EC 8 series are forms where election results are entered into from the unit level to ward, local government and state.

Tinubu Lambasts Ikimi Over Allegations

Responding to allegations made by a former Minister of External Affairs, Tom Ikimi, former governor of Lagos state and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu has described him as devious person with an awful past.

Ikimi, a founding member of the APC had defected to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) last week and upon leaving he decided to open a can of worms, accusing many of the leaders of his former party, especially former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, of imposing unnecessarily on party members.

Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos state

Replying to Ikimi through his media office in Lagos, Tinubu said he has seen the former minister carry out his devious acts in his years as in public life, Premium Times reports.
Tinubu explained that the APC could not make Ikimi its Chairman because of his past evils and if they had appointed him Chairman, they would have had to sleep with their eyes wide open lest he sells off the party before day break.
He said: “It was clear to practically everyone who had the interest of the party at heart that we simply could not have a man of Tom Ikimi’s antecedents as Chair of the party.

“Who in their right mind would compare the highly principled Chief Bisi Akande, or Chief Oyegun with a Tom Ikimi? Either of these two men are known for their no-nonsense styles, not once in their careers would you hear that they betrayed a cause or were anybody’s stooge.”