Friday, 30 January 2015

Nigerians React To Buhari Pulling Out Of Presidential Debate

It was revealed today that All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, will not participate in the presidential debate organised by the Broadcast Organisation of Nigeria (BON).

Garba Shehu, director of media and publicity of the APC presidential campaign organisation, said the boycott was due to the “unhidden bias and campaign of calumny by some key organisers of the programme, against the corporate political interest of the party (APC) and its candidates”.

The views expressed below do not reflect the views of Naij.com, but of simple Nigerian citizens.

PDP Campaigns Are Making Gen Buhari More Popular – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taunted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over what it describes as a fruitless attempt to convince Nigerians not to vote for its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) Punch reports.

Lai Mohammed

The APC, in a statement by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, its National Publicity Secretary, on Thursday January 29, said all paid advertisements and campaigns of calumny aimed at Buhari had only been making him more popular.

Asari-Dokubo's Wife Blasts Obasanjo, Danjuma, Buhari

Hajia Mujahidat Daba Asari-Dokubo, wife of the former Niger Delta militant, Niger Delta militant, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, once again took to Facebook, this time calling out Nigeria’s ex President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and not only.

It should be recalled that yesterday Asari-Dokubo’s wife used social media to express her discontent with the calls by the former minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, to arrest her husband over the dangerous remarks about the elections.

Another post in a series accuses former military tops of having desire to enslave the country youth. She explains what, in her opinion, was wrong with Obasanjo’s government, why Buhari should be voted out and Jonathan selected for a second term.
See the message below:

US Diplomat Says Nigeria Not Ready For 2015 Elections

Former United States Ambassador to Nigeria and South Africa, Princeton Lyman, has told the British Broadcasting Corpoaration, BBC, that Nigeria is not ready for next month’s general elections.

The US diplomat made the statement during an interview he granted the BBC World Service Radio on January 30, 2015, Friday, saying some of the needed structures for February 14 polls are not in place particularly in the north eastern parts of the country.

Voters wait patiently for INEC officials.

To buttress his claim, Lyman stated that Nigerian elites have failed to agree on how to proceed on next month’s election, power sharing or bringing an end to the Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed thousands of innocent lives across Nigeria.
“In this circumstance, I think whoever wins the election there is going to be violence and a lot of uncertainties that won’t address the major problems the country is facing,” he said.

Danjuma, We Will Destroy Your Oil Assets If - Boyloaf

Niger Delta ex-militant Victor Ben Ebikabowei, also known as Boyloaf, has warned retired general Theophilus Danjuma after the general asked for the arrest of the ex-militants for threatening the nation.

Boyloaf

Danjuma had earlier said that the ex-militants should all be arrested for saying that there will be war if Jonathan fails to win the elections.

In a statement sent to Premium Times, Ebikabowei revealed the location of some of Danjuma’s assets in the region, and swore to attack them if Danjuma fails to retrace his steps and apologize for his words.

The statement read: “I have elected to expose Retired General T.Y Danjuma for whom he is with this reply and advise him to apologize not only to myself, but to my brothers as well, and the entire well-meaning and oppressed people of the Niger Delta,” Mr Ebokabowei said in the highly charged statement.

Boko Haram: Sambo Begs Buhari Not To Commit Suicide

Vice President Namadi Sambo has advised the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, not to commit suicide over his plan to personally lead the war against Boko Haram insurgents if elected president in the February 14 presidential election.

Sambo gave this advice on Thursday, January 29, during the presidential rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Yola, Adamawa state, PM News reports.

Buhari’s running mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo was said to have advised him to personally lead the war against Boko Haram if he wins

the presidential election.

Babangida Endorses Buhari, Jonathan

Nigeria’s former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) has spoken about his preferred candidate in the forth-coming presidential election.

Babangida who was speaking on a talk show in a television programme, Straight Talk, on CHANNELS Television said all the candidates have shown passion for the unity of the country and therefore, he endorses all of them.

According to Leadership, the gap-toothed retired General, was asked by the programme presenter, Kadaria Ahmed if he endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as was reported in some sections of the media, Babangida said, “I did allude to that, I said I found him as someone who has a very strong belief about the unity of this country.

Edo State Receives General Buhari's Team

Edo State receives All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign team with its candidate for February 14 poll General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

Gov Oshiomole and the campaign team are waiting to receive GMB.

The Edo State governor Adams Oshiomole with other APC delegates welcomed Buhari at the airport.
Then APC campaign team visited Oba of Benin’s Palace.

ISIS Threatens To Behead Obama, Islamize America

In a new video from Islamic State militants they have threatened to behead Barack Obama, turn America into a Muslim province and come to France and Belgium with car bombs and explosive charges.

The footage shows a black-clad ISIS jihadist standing over a Kurdish soldier and saying, “Know, oh Obama, that we will reach America. Know also that we will cut off your head in the White House and transform America into a Muslim province.”

Islamic State militants issued a direct threat at the U.S. president in their latest video

Addressing France and Belgium citizens, he says, “We advise you that we will come to you with car bombs and explosive charges and will cut off your heads.” Then he personally speaks to the Kurdish leader Masoud Barazani, who is currently leading the fight against ISIS in Iraq,“As for you, oh Masoud, you dog, we are going to behead you and throw you into the trash bin of history.

Know that we are men who fear no-one. We will institute the laws of Allah, may he be exalted and praised. This is the fate of one of your soldiers, and every time you launch a missile, we will send you back the head of one of your soldiers. You are killing children and bombarding civilians while claiming that this is forbidden in your constitution.”

PHOTOS: Jonathan's Campaign Rally In Port Harcourt

President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign train finally landed in the city of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, despite the controversies that trailed the use of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in the state.

Jonathan who is seeking a second tenure took his presidential campaign to Port Harcourt, yesterday, January 28^th, 2015.

President Goodluck Jonathan at the rally.

UN Reveals Why Nigeria Cannot Fight Boko Haram Alone

As Nigeria’s Joint Task Force continues to intensify efforts to bring the insurgency in northern parts of the country to an end, the United Nations has explained why the Nigerian government cannot fight the insurgency alone.

Making the statement on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, was Hiroute Guebre Sellassie, the UN envoy for the Sahel region.
According to Sellassie, Nigeria

must accept that it cannot defeat Boko Haram fighters alone, and work with regional armies in a new multinational force.

This comes after Nigerian security officials, including the national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, a few weeks ago ruled out the need for a United Nations or African Union-backed force to fight Boko Haram, saying the country and its partners could handle the threat.

More than 13,000 people have been killed and more than one

million made homeless by Boko Haram violence since 2009.

Hiroute Guebre Sellassie.

“Nigeria cannot handle the problem alone, Boko Haram is not only confined to Nigeria,” Sellassie told AFP in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, where the African Union is preparing for leaders of the 54-member bloc to hold a summit on Friday.
“The Sahel is increasingly affected,” she said.
Nigeria has the largest army in West Africa, but has come under criticism at home and abroad for failing to stop the advance of Boko Haram.

Buhari Condoles With Boko Haram Victims

Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, who is running for the presidential seat under the platform of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in February 14 polls, condoles with the victims of Boko Haram attacks on Maiduguri, Konduga and Monguno in Borno State.

APC candidate expressed shock at reports that more than 40,000 refugees supposedly joining the statuses of the internally displaced.

Mr. Buhari was cited in a statement by the party’s Presidential Campaign Organisation and signed by Mallam Garba Shehu, Director of Media & Publicity.

Garba said Buhari expressed his condolences, support and prayers to all those comprising Nigerian soldiers affected by the latest terrorist raids.

The spiritual leader of One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, has made a revelation about female Nigerian politicians.

Satguru Maharaj Ji

According to Tribune, Satguru Maharaj Ji made it known that it is uncalled for for a woman to vie for top political positions. Talking about politics the world over, and using Nigeria as an example, he said that it is a total abomination to see women trying to be top politicians, citing the example of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, coordinating minister of the economy.

Former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, who is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of breaching his oath of office.

Buhari made this statement on Wednesday through a statement made public by the spokesperson of his campaign organisation, Malam Garba Shehu.

According to the statement, the former Head of State stated that President Jonathan breached his oath of office by aligning with Niger

Delta militants.

The APC flag bearer accused Jonathan of complicity and alliance with ethnic war lords who had threatened war should he (Jonathan) fails at the February 14 presidential polls.

The statement reads: “This unholy alliance by the president with elements that served notice of their diabolical intention to foment trouble is in negation to the oath of allegiance sworn to over five years ago by the president, to maintain the territorial integrity and indivisible Nigeria.”
Buhari-vs-Jonathan

Buhari condemned the president’s attitude of “condoling treasonable statements and gross indiscipline by some elements of his kinsmen – as a breach of presidential oath to protect all Nigerians and a sheer display of double standard and selective justice.”

Buhari Was Never A Dictator During His Regime

Joseph Orkar, All Progressive Congress (APC) vice chairman in Benue State, has said that the APC presidential candidate’s decision to send corrupt politicians to jail is to demonstrate his high sense of moral discipline.

General Muhammadu Buhari

Orkar, who was detained for eighteen months by the then military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari, stated this on Wednesday at an APC rally in Aliade, Benue.
Admitting that their could have been cases of miscarriage of justice, he claimed the few cases did not undermine the integrity of the process.

He said:“Buhari was working towards establishing integrity and responsibility in the system by imprisoning erring politicians”.

Governor Jang Says Buhairi's Past Will Haunt Him

Plateau State Governor, Jonah David Jang, is sure that the past of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), will not be forgotten.

Jonah Jang

The politician made claim January 28 while speaking during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Ladi.
According to Jang, Buhari has committed a lot of atrocities against politicians while acting as a military Head of State, which acts would be recalled during the February elections, ThisDay reports.
The governor noted that Buhari allowed the military “to get

into his head” adding that he was going about jailing the innocent.

Full Statement: You Are The Worst CBN Governor Ever - Okonjo-Iweala Blasts Soludo

Finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has today slammed the former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN chief, Chukwuma Soludo for daring to criticize President Goodluck Jonathan’s management of the country’s economy.

Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

Okonjo-Iweala released a statement through her Special Adviser on Media, Paul Nwabuikwu in which she accused Soludo of taking the country into “an incredible accumulation of liabilities that will cost

tax payers about N5.67 trillion”.

The Minister through the statement described the Soludo as “an embittered loser in the Nigerian political space” who is “so derailed” to “commit intellectual harakiri by deliberately misquoting economic facts and maliciously turning statistics on their head to justify a hatchet job”.
“Soludo has shamelessly pandered to so many past leaders that Nigerians are asking one more time – what position is Soludo gunning for now?” she asked.

Fayose Admits Owing Ekiti Workers N7.5bn

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose has said he sometimes has sleepless nights because of the huge financial difficulties the state is presently experiencing.

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State.

According to Punch, the governor made this statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday, January 28, 2015, while inaugurating some projects to mark his 100 days in office.

Fayose said the state government needed the sum of N7.5 billion to settle arrears of entitlements of public servants in the state.

According to him, the entitlements included August and September 2014 salaries of some workers, subventions due to state-owned institutions and leave bonuses among others.

AGN Responds To Accusations Of Abandoning Muna Obiekwe

Talks tracing the death of Nollywood actor, Muna Obiekwe, won’t calm down, with this time the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) responding to the accusations.

Muna Obiekwe

After Muna died January 18, from kidney ailment, it was disclosed by some that his inability to receive proper treatment had been caused by poor financial state. The actor’s colleagues were blasting each other for abandoning him when he was in need.
While the attempts by The NET to officially contact the AGN President, Ibinabo Fiberisima, for the comments pleaded unsuccessful, some information was obtained however from Moji Oyetayo, the PRO of the Lagos State chapter of AGN.

Mrs Obama's Attire Attracts Criticisms In Saudi Arabia

United States of America President, Barack Obama was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to pay his last respects to the the late Saudi King, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud who passed on recently.

Barack Obama was accompanied by his wife, Michelle whose attire to the Muslim country caused a frenzy on social media.

As noted by the Associated Press, Michelle Obama did not wear a headscarf or veil to the country. In Saudi Arabia, that’s unusual: The country is one of the few on Earth where women are expected to cover their heads, and most Saudi women wear hijabs.
Saudi Arabia has a strict dress code for women, who are instructed to wear black robes and head coverings at all times in public, though visitors to the country are not required to abide by the dress code.
However, exceptions are made for foreigners, and Mrs. Obama who did wear loose clothing that fully covered her arms – appears to have been one of them.

More than 1,500 tweets using the hashtag #ميشيل_أوباما_سفور (roughly, #Michelle_Obama_unveiled) were sent Tuesday, many of which criticized the first lady. Some users pointed out that on a recent trip to Indonesia, Michelle had worn a headscarf. Why not in Saudi Arabia? they asked.
The response wasn’t entirely negative, Ahram Online notes that some Twitter users said Michelle shouldn’t be criticized too much, it being a short, impromptu trip and all.
See the photos below:

The Obamas being welcomed by the new Saudi King

The Obamas being welcomed by royal officials at the airport

According to Politico.com, In 2011, when then-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Abdullah in New York, she did not cover her face or hair. Nor did then-US first lady Laura Bush during a 2006 visit with Abdullah in Saudi Arabia

Former PDP Boss, 5000 Others Join APC In Ondo State

A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Chief Sanya Orungbemi, and 5,000 others from the Akoko North East local government area of the state have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Leadership newspaper reports online that this comes barely 24 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan had campaigned in Ondo State.

According to former senatorial aspirant, Jide Ipinsagba, who is the leader of the defectors, they decided to dump the PDP because of the injustice in the party.

Ipinsagba, speaking at a press conference in Ikare-Akoko on Tuesday, lamented the rate at which people were leaving the PDP since Governor Mimiko joined

the party in October last year.
He alleged that old members

of the PDP in the state no longer have a sense of belonging in the affairs of the party except what the governor imposes on them.

“We leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party in Akoko North East Local Government Area and over 5000 teeming supporters are moving from a deadly party to a progressive party.
“We are leaving PDP to for APC to restore the glory and ensure the development of our area and our people. Not only the people of Akoko are tired of the current trends in Ondo state and Nigeria at large but every right thinking person,” Ipinshagba said.
It is reported that the defectors were received into the APC by the opposition party’s state chairman, Hon Isaac Kekemeke, and its other leaders.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko declares for the PDP in Abuja on October 2, 2014.

Meanwhile, there is controversy in the state over who are the authentic PDP candidates for the forthcoming elections.

Funsho Adeolu Loses Dad

Popular Nollywood actor Funsho Adeolu Adegeye has suffered a great loss!

Funsho Adeolu

The Nigerian Yoruba actor lost his father, Pa Felix Ife Adegeye, on Monday after a brief illness.

Daily Times reports that the 77-year-old Ondo State native died on Monday, January 26, 2015.

The deceased was a staunch member

of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a businessman who was a major dealer in sports materials.

The popular actor, who is the second child and first son of five children, is said to be taking his dad’s death well. Of his late dad, Funsho Adeolu said “He was a great dad; we will miss him a lot”

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family later.

GMB Certificate: Cambridge Clarifies Issues Raised

The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), now Cambridge Assessment, has released more details of the West African School Certificate(WASC) results presented by the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to qualify for the February 14 presidential election.

The exam board, who said they were responding to requests to authenticate a candidate’s exam certificate in relation to Nigeria’s presidential election, posted the new details and clarifications on their website, www.http://cambridgeassessment.org.uk. The statement read:
“The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), now known as Cambridge Assessment, in response to requests to authenticate a candidate’s exam certificate, today said: “We can only confirm or verify results at the direct request of or with the permission of a candidate.”
“This is in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.”

The organisation also confirmed that according to the regulations for 1961, African language papers, including those for Hausa, were set for the West African School Certificate.
According to Sahara Reporters, Cambridge said that for candidates to qualify for its certificate in 1961, they needed to pass English, and not necessarily Mathematics.
“Our records show that Hausa was set in the Northern Region in 1961″, the university concluded.
Below is a screen shot of the notes pointed out by the organisation
premium times

Recall that a legal practitioner, Chukwunweike Okafor, has contacted the Federal High Court in Abuja in order to apply for a lawsuit, saying that Buhari does not have the educational qualifications required to take part in the February 14 presidential election.

In a related development, four activists have filed a criminal suit against Buhari with Abuja Magistrates’ Court over false information.

Adeboye’s Son Shares Election Poll Declaring GEJ Winner

As Nigerian elections are fast approaching, lots of unexpected happenings have been recorded so far.

Unexpected happenings like political parties opposing each other with uncountable grievous allegations, unscrupulous online election polls, religious leaders meddling into politics with various seemingly real and ‘not-so-real’ revelations and predictions and many more. However, we are not here to talk about that.

Wilfred Agbonavbare's Death Shocks Stephen Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has expressed shock at the news of the death of his ex-teammate Wilfred Agbonavbare.

Wilfred Agbonavbare

Keshi, who was the captain of the team when the Eagles won the 2nd AFCON title in tunisia said that the death of the former Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper is a bitter pill to swallow despite knowing he has been battling cancer for sometime.

“Wilfred is dead? No! This is a bitter pill to swallow,” began Keshi while speaking to supersport.com. “What do I say about him now? I still remember our time together as teammates while at NNB many years back. Wilfred was one goalkeeper who was good at what he did.”
He further went on: “I cannot forget the role he played in our qualifying for the first (Fifa) World Cup in 1994. He was very, very important for the team and especially in the World Cup qualifying matches against Algeria and Ivory Coast before 1994. I cannot forget how he saved us several times in those games in Lagos before we went on to win 4-1 against the two teams.

2015: No Need For Change - Gov Aliyu

As the 2015 presidential elections draws closer, the governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu has asked Nigerians to give President Goodluck Jonathan a second chance.

Aliyu, who spoke when the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial campaign team visited the Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Garba Attahiru in Rafi Local Government Area said the call for change was unnecessary.

Governor Babangida Aliyu

According to Aliyu, Jonathan still has a lot to do for Nigeria, Punch reports.
“The call for change is unnecessary, if someone has stayed long out of office, it will take him another four years to learn if he gets to office before he can finally catch up,” he said.
Aliyu begged the Emir to talk to his people not to desert the PDP but to join them.

El-Rufai Gets Hero Welcome In Zaria

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna state governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), concluded his governorship campaign in his hometown of Zaria in front of a huge crowd at the Eid Praying Ground.

According to Sahara reporters, El-Rufai said the size of the crowd that supported him proved that change is inevitable and that a new dawn beckoned of development and purposeful leadership.
El-Rufai was quoted by Premium Times Nigeria as saying; “I am emotional and touched because of the way and manner we were received. We were received with total acceptance, trust and confidence that we have all it takes to rebuild our dear state.

Finally: Keshi Comes Back Home

Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi, has finally flown back to Nigeria after taking several weeks off to spend with his family in the USA.

Stephen Keshi

The African Cup of Nation’s winner arrived yesterday amid speculation about his future with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Keshi’s original contract had expired in June 2014 after the Eagles run in the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
The leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation had earlier wanted a foreign coach to take over, but that plan was cancelled, with the federation president, Amaju Pinnick, later confirming that Keshi would be allowed to continue in the job.

Keshi’s return to the country may be to sign a new contract before the national team begins qualifiers for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2016 Championship of African Nations.

In Keshi’s absence, assistant coach , Daniel Amokach, had led a home-based Eagles in two friendly games in the United Arab Emirates.
In the first game they lost 0-1 to Ivory Coast, later defeating Yemen 2-0 in Dubai.

Official photos from Omotola's 20th Anniversary Dinner

Popular Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is celebrating 20 years in the entertainment industry.

The super star and fabulous mother of four, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, celebrated her 20th year in the movie industry and capped it up with a dinner with some colleagues and friends at Sandralia Hotel, Jabi, in Abuja.

Omotola looked radiant as she stylishly stepped out in two

different outfits. See some of the amazing photos below:

Former Nigerian GoalKeeper Is Dead

Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Wilfred Agbonavbare, has reportedly passed away.

The Spain-based player has been battling with cancer at a Spanish hospital.
The ex-Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper was said to have lost the battle with cancer yesterday, January 26.

Wilfred lying on his hospital bed

Report has it that his wife died three years ago of breast cancer.
Wilfred Agbonavbare was a member of Nigeria’s U-21 Mexico 1983 Flying Eagles, 1984 AFCON silver medalist and 1994 AFCON gold medalist.

SEE What Tuface Is Doing With Another Woman (PHOTOS)

A photo of popular Nigerian singer, Tuface Idibia kissing another woman other than his wife Annie Idibia, has gone viral.

Report has it that the woman is one

of his other baby mamas, Pero Adeniyi, who has three children for him.

Tuface kissing Pero

Though some of the musician’s fans have insisted it is an old photo from when 2face was still dating Pero and was only released recently by mischief makers, it can be seen from the photo that Tuface was already married as is wearing his wedding ring.

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