Buhari fires head of Christian Pilgrims Commission

<p dir="ltr">President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the dismissal of John Opara (pictured middle), executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).<br> Babachir Lawal, secretary to the government of the federation, disclosed this in a statement, saying the decision took effect from Thursday.<br> “His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has in the exercise of his powers, approved the disengagement of Mr. John Kennedy Opara as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission with effect from Thursday May 19 2016,” the statement read.<br> “Mr. President, however, thanked him for his invaluable services to the nation and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”<br> Opara’s tenure was supposed to end in 2018, having being reappointed for a second term by former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he had a very good relationship with.<br> In an interview with a magazine , he described Jonathan as a man of wisdom.<br> “I have come across great men but one man that has stood out without fear of contradiction because he is my boss, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. He is a man with wisdom; I admire him so much.” he said.<br> Opara hails from Mbaise in Imo state.<br> Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPf-_6LVo_pypf_0mnD3GjrOnpuvE17sc-bcQ4r7hwYzRzIMs3jHoxXc8RGemrXn_UvdM0evDYcedeg70fKtAcM3815_QWM8bhOouIIeoTJNb0cOO30G4Y4_GAlwzQ2b3anLBC7Lay7Ku/s1600/Christian-653x365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPf-_6LVo_pypf_0mnD3GjrOnpuvE17sc-bcQ4r7hwYzRzIMs3jHoxXc8RGemrXn_UvdM0evDYcedeg70fKtAcM3815_QWM8bhOouIIeoTJNb0cOO30G4Y4_GAlwzQ2b3anLBC7Lay7Ku/s640/Christian-653x365.jpg"> </a> </div>

Buhari fires head of Christian Pilgrims Commission

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the dismissal of John Opara (pictured middle), executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim...

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PDP sacks Sheriff, names Makarfi caretaker chairman

<p dir="ltr">The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the national executive committee (NEC) of the party led by Ali Modu Sheriff.<br> The party also dissolved its national working committee (NWC) and set up an interim committee headed Ahmed Makarfi, former governor of Kaduna state; with Ben Obi, a former senator, as secretary.<br> A motion for the dissolution was moved by Austin Opara, former deputy speaker of the house of representatives, and seconded by Emeka Ihedioha, the immediate past deputy speaker of the house of representatives.<br> The motion was ratified by Nyesom Wike, Rivers state governor and chairman of the convention holding at Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt.<br> Congratulating the new leaders of the party, Wike made it clear that they have only be assigned to organise a convention, and not to partake in any election.<br> “Please I want you to know that you have been appointed to organise the next convention, not to contest in the election,” he said.<br> “You cannot contest for any office. This is very important.”<br> In his remark, Makarfi thanked the party for the trust reposed in him. He said the assignment caught him unaware, describing it as a challenge.<br> Makarfi said the PDP will not regret choosing him to steer its wheel for the next three months.<br> “Honestly, I lack word to express my pleasure. What you may not know is that I didn’t expect this,” he said.<br> “The bag I came here with is still in the car. I just arrived and I was told that there was a meeting holding at Government House, Port Harcourt. So, I rushed there and people started approaching me asking: ‘If you are called upon to serve, will you be willing and ready to serve?’<br> “And I said if it is in the support of the unity of our party, progress of our country, no matter the kind of job I am asked to do, once it is legitimate, I will offer myself.”<br> Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aBUUyhCCD0KXHoiJb9rED3ilb5wFEvWx9kQOn3RPw2yuOvO3TzvmsLkNlwqApMQ1Lh26UNssFZhN1C5m8C5sAoZ_epMYiOLMgAaNJevlduoaBMJPvrsAwo-7Zso_V5Z2c6Yp-n_WLIa6/s1600/Ali-Modu-Sheriff-504x283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aBUUyhCCD0KXHoiJb9rED3ilb5wFEvWx9kQOn3RPw2yuOvO3TzvmsLkNlwqApMQ1Lh26UNssFZhN1C5m8C5sAoZ_epMYiOLMgAaNJevlduoaBMJPvrsAwo-7Zso_V5Z2c6Yp-n_WLIa6/s640/Ali-Modu-Sheriff-504x283.jpg"> </a> </div>

PDP sacks Sheriff, names Makarfi caretaker chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the national executive committee (NEC) of the party led by Ali Modu Sheriff. The party als...

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THE SECOND COMING OF PRESIDENT BUHARI

<p dir="ltr">By Dele Momodu </p> <p dir="ltr">Fellow Nigerians, let me start today’s epistle by saying time flies indeed. Over a year ago, the dream of Major General Muhammadu Buhari to return to power, after being toppled in a military coup by Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and company, was eventually realised after a record fourth attempt. History would record this monumental feat as one of the biggest miracles of our time. It was a testimony to the power of resilience and tenacity.</p> <p dir="ltr">Not many people would ever have a second chance in life. In fact, a second chance is usually a rare and divine opportunity to correct past mistakes, make amends, atone for sins of omission and commission; and move forward to greater glory. In recent time, only two former Generals have been so favoured. The first Nigerian to return to power in 1999 was General Olusegun Matthew Aremu Okikiolakan Obasanjo. Obasanjo had left power in 1979, in a most controversial manner, after handing over power hurriedly to the newly elected President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari. That election would remain one of the most controversial in Africa’s most populous nation but Obasanjo was determined to quit power and he got a standing ovation from the global community.</p> <p dir="ltr">Obasanjo remained vocal and relevant in retirement. He attained the enviable status of a statesman for his dexterous understanding of foreign affairs as well as his uncommon courage at fighting for Africa wherever his avuncular intervention was required. He was voluble in his acerbic criticism of his successors, especially President Babangida who had metamorphosed from military to civilian President and instantly acquired the sobriquet of “evil genius.” There were rumours that Babangida did not want to quit power as attested to by his endless transition deadlines which eventually culminated in the ill-fated June 12, 1993 election debacle and its resultant conundrum. The refusal to hand over to the presumptuous winner of that election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the Yoruba generalissimo, would cost Nigeria some expensive and extensive repercussions.</p> <p dir="ltr">President Babangida was left with no choice than to step aside after all his talismanic experiments failed. He handed over to a lame duck Interim National Government, headed by Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan, which crumbled in a jiffy when General Sani Abacha struck and sentenced Nigeria to years of servitude and excruciating dictatorship. Buhari was assigned a pivotal role under that dreaded government when he was asked to manage the Petroleum Trust Fund. Despite criticisms about his performance, many would attest to the fact that he applied the funds frugally and judiciously.</p> <p dir="ltr">Abacha was a different kind of military ruler. Despite his well-known taciturnity, his actions were reverberatingly loud. Many of us dispersed and scattered in different directions. No one needed to tell us before we scampered into safety. It was during this eerie period that Olusegun Obasanjo and his former deputy, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, both retired army Generals simultaneously got into trouble when they were charged for treason. Abiola himself had been picked up from his home and kept in solitary confinement at God-knows-where.  Abiola was a civilian warrior who fought ferociously for his inalienable right to be the President of Nigeria. Out of the three of them, only Obasanjo lived to tell the story. The other two died under mysterious circumstances yet to be unravelled till this day.</p> <p dir="ltr">Obasanjo came out of prison looking gaunt and almost gone but God is awesome. The Bible-wielding leader effortlessly migrated from prison to the presidential villa in Abuja. It was a matter of destiny which no tribulation could stop or annihilate. The resurgence of Obasanjo was a done deal by the Nigerian Mafia. Chief Oluyemisi Falae, banker and economist, fought a spirited battle but failed to stop Obasanjo’s second coming.</p> <p dir="ltr">Obasanjo, without doubt, knew Nigeria inside out and he had his game plan ready. He was able to hit the ground running from Day One. His style was blistering. He managed the economy well and was able to pay off Nigeria’s debts. He was fortunate that oil, Nigeria’s cash cow, sold at a premium. He reversed Nigeria’s pariah status in the comity of nations. He was personable and accommodating in his first term. But trouble came as he began to seek the second time. He wasted enough energy, time and resources fighting his Vice President and ancillary and imaginary enemies. His war against corruption became vengeful and ruthless. The crave for an unconstitutional third term was the height of it all. Whether he personally wanted it or was lured into it, this audacious move deemed and diminished the Obasanjo presidency. Despite the hoopla generated by the controversial plot, Obasanjo would be remembered as a leader who did so much for his country during his second coming.</p> <p dir="ltr">It was during Obasanjo’s re-election contest in 2003 that Buhari threw his hat in the ring. No one knew how long he had nursed the ambition of returning to power. Buhari failed and cried foul. He headed to the courts but got no joy in return. In the twilight days of the Obasanjo government, Buhari tried his luck again but lost to Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, his fellow citizen from Katsina State. Again, Buhari cried wolf. In 2011, Buhari joined the presidential race again and was taunted as a serial candidate. He was soundly beaten by the incumbent President Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, who had been catapulted to power after the death of his ailing boss, President Yar’Adua. Out of acute frustration, or something else, Buhari sang a nunc dimittis and literally said goodbye to presidential contests. It didn’t come as a surprise to many. At nearly 70 years old, the perennial campaigns must have taken its toll on the body if not the soul. Buhari had crisscrossed several political parties. He had been called unprintable names including religious bigot, ruthless dictator, certificate dodger and forger, terrorist, and so on. But man proposes and God disposes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Somehow, Buhari suddenly announced he would run again. When God is ready for you, you will find succour in your enemies. Those who would ordinarily not support Buhari all lined up for him. Buhari was repackaged and rebranded as a born again democrat. The recklessness of the PDP government and the war of attrition which ravaged the ruling party made Buhari’s journey a lot sleeker this time. What was thought impossible in the past ignited and exploded at home and abroad. Buhari was funky-fied and he became a brand we all identified with proudly.</p> <p dir="ltr">Thus the expectations were raised for a Buhari presidency and this would later put so much pressure on the fledgling government. Buhari won the election convincingly this time and President Goodluck Jonathan was magnificent in defeat. For the first time we saw an incumbent Nigerian President concede defeat and even calling his opponent to offer congratulations. What if Jonathan had refused to give up power and chose to set up the nation in flames? Innocent people would have been killed for the sake of political gladiators. The joy in the land was unlimited. It reverberated across the seas.</p> <p dir="ltr">Buhari was sworn in one year less eight days today. And it has been quite a tough and rough journey. The first challenge was how to assemble a good, competent and efficacious team to run the nation with the President we all knew to be incorruptible. That exercise alone took several months. There is no question, that sluggishness dampened the fire of change that had engulfed everywhere. The rumbling started from that moment when it seemed the momentum had waned substantially. The screening exercise also turned into another melodrama. It dragged on a bit before the cabinet was eventually constituted.</p> <p dir="ltr">The ruling party APC had started on a precarious note when it could not gently elect its national assembly leaders. Like a house divided against itself, APC leaders have been tearing at each other’s throats. The battle has taken a full year in germinating and no one knows when the harvest time would come and the yield it would bring to all parties concerned in the imbroglio.</p> <p dir="ltr">The economy has suffered miserably. Oil revenue has gone down drastically. Exchange rates have hit the rooftops beyond the ceiling. Imports have decreased. Government is not able to meet its commitments to the people. There have been flip-flops in terms of dashed or miscommunicated campaign promises. The social media is now agog with all manner of caricatures dissing the Buhari government. A battle is raging between the Buhari supporters and those who feel Buhari’s government is failing and falling apart. Some have already written off the second coming of Buhari as an anti-climax. Are they right or wrong? The answer is neither here nor there.</p> <p dir="ltr">President Buhari did not come back at the right time. The comatose economy caused by atrocious corruption and reckless years of profligacy has hit the country by the jugular. One area the government has shown total passion without compassion is in the area of fighting corruption. The battle has been fierce and relentless. There have been allegations that Buhari is on a witch-hunt to take his pound of flesh on his critics and perceived enemies. PDP has been under siege. The banks are not having it easy over campaign funds that were warehoused in their vaults. There is panic in the financial sector. The tension is red hot. Buhari and his team must have their strategy and many are praying and hoping everything is on course and we shall arrive our destination safe and sound.</p> <p dir="ltr">President Buhari has travelled far and wide within this first year in office. He’s been accorded the status of a Rock star globally. He is well respected. How this would translate to concrete achievements remain to be seen. On a personal note, I believe despite the humongous challenges, it is too early to write off Buhari. This government has three years to show Nigerians its capabilities. In my next piece, I plan to elaborate on what I think President Buhari can and should do to redeem his government from the spiralling attacks. He should ignore the paranoia of those who are likely to find enemies where there are none.</p> <p dir="ltr">It shall be well with our country…</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70UVtkLJI_WnTBLe4HY0ZvX5iwMytHTmA6E10nOa921V4i1GQUxAobBU7wYJ5MaepybgjfUng1dkszhwd-PPvSHLbnjman0q-MzJKPuje-M2lLQrmaoTIer7ki-hYBhyphenhyphenspWXdYXnJM_Rs/s1600/buhari-sworn-in-ventures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70UVtkLJI_WnTBLe4HY0ZvX5iwMytHTmA6E10nOa921V4i1GQUxAobBU7wYJ5MaepybgjfUng1dkszhwd-PPvSHLbnjman0q-MzJKPuje-M2lLQrmaoTIer7ki-hYBhyphenhyphenspWXdYXnJM_Rs/s640/buhari-sworn-in-ventures.jpg"> </a> </div>

THE SECOND COMING OF PRESIDENT BUHARI

By Dele Momodu Fellow Nigerians, let me start today’s epistle by saying time flies indeed. Over a year ago, the dream of Major General Muha...

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White House on lockdown after nearby shooting

<p dir="ltr">Shooting recorded near the presidential residence in the United States led to a lockdown on Friday.<br> US Park Police tweeted that the shooting occurred after 2 pm on West Executive Drive, near 17th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.<br> President Barack Obama was said to be away at the time of the incident. The White House press pool said the president was golfing at Joint Base Andrews.<br> However, Vice-President Joe Biden was taken to a safe location, according to the police.<br> ABC News quoted sources as saying one person was shot by law enforcement officers near the White House.<br> Snipers took to the White House roof with guns drawn as people were cleared off the streets. Some people were heard screaming on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington Post said in a report .<br> A Capitol Police spokesman said the agency is monitoring the situation at the White House, but that all buildings remain open at the Capitol.<br> Trabian Shorters, the head of the advocacy group whose members were waiting in line to enter the Executive Office Building, said one of his companions heard shots, and officials quickly cleared the area.<br> “They started yelling for everyone to clear the canopy and get to the street,” Shorters was quoted to have said. “They were very emphatic. It was clearly very serious.”<br> Commenting on the incident, Muriel Bowser, mayor of DC, tweeted: “We are aware of the White House lockdown situation. I’ve been briefed by my public safety team [and] they are coordinating w federal partners.”<br> Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRJ8VWD0xWA6WiXklngbRVH9KtyiRVOl4VokxZrNEvnqWSiAkMGVizOMFDBvDN80qZgJagG7KmDTh6NtGb44mWnLqNUxDFu6wt2TLUZ1CJnfCCtENjZsO4AAmoQddXQQ-iedTP2iSTBGz/s1600/IMG_20160520_223328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRJ8VWD0xWA6WiXklngbRVH9KtyiRVOl4VokxZrNEvnqWSiAkMGVizOMFDBvDN80qZgJagG7KmDTh6NtGb44mWnLqNUxDFu6wt2TLUZ1CJnfCCtENjZsO4AAmoQddXQQ-iedTP2iSTBGz/s640/IMG_20160520_223328.jpg"> </a> </div>

White House on lockdown after nearby shooting

Shooting recorded near the presidential residence in the United States led to a lockdown on Friday. US Park Police tweeted that the shootin...

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IMF: Nigeria’s economy will grow faster than Saudi’s in 2016

<p dir="ltr">The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Saudi Arabia’s economy will grow by 1.2 percent in 2016, slower than Nigeria’s 2.3 percent projected growth.<br> The IMF team led by Tim Callen held discussions from May 1 to May 12 on the 2016 Article IV Consultation with Saudi Arabia.<br> At the conclusion of the mission, Callen said: “The decline in oil prices is affecting the Saudi Arabian economy”.<br> “Real GDP growth is projected by IMF staff at 1.2 percent this year, down from 3.5 percent in 2015. Lower oil revenues have resulted in current account and fiscal deficits which are projected by IMF staff at around 9 and 14 percent of GDP, respectively, in 2016.<br> “Nevertheless, the financial assets held by the government remain high, providing a substantial cushion. The decline in bank deposits and the resulting tightening of liquidity conditions and rise in interbank interest rates have not yet impacted credit growth.”<br> At the conclusion of a similar mission to Nigeria in March, the executive board of the IMF projected a GDP growth of 2.3 percent in 2016 – lowest since democracy returned in 1999.<br> The board added that Nigeria’s government deficit will rise to about 3.7 percent of GDP, lesser than Saudi’s nine percent to 14 percent.<br> “Lower oil prices have significantly affected the fiscal and external accounts, decimating government revenues to just 7.8 percent of GDP and resulting in the doubling of the general government deficit to about 3.7 percent of GDP in 2015,” IMF said in Nigeria.<br> The IMF said the Saudi government policy of using a combination of deposit drawdowns and international and domestic debt issuance to finance the fiscal deficit is appropriate.<br> “The establishment of a Debt Management Office (DMO) is a positive step and should be accompanied by the introduction of an efficient and market-based process for debt issuance,” the organisation said.<br> “Further reforms to the fiscal framework that sets the annual budget in a medium-term framework and clearly establishes fiscal policy goals would support fiscal adjustment.<br> “Staff welcomes the establishment of the macro-fiscal unit (MFU). Given the plans for the sale of a stake in Aramco and for a greater role for the Public Investment Fund, it will be appropriate to enhance their transparency and integrate them into the fiscal framework.”<br> Unlike Nigeria, IMF said: “the exchange rate peg to the US dollar continues to serve Saudi Arabia well given the structure of the economy”.<br> Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__nm0ZCrF5zguy2OawRJ05JSqQAxOOrTEZsxQf6oJqkTJShEVUliyyMALh3MJXFtR4DlOzd-aVnWW4SwWv_xuRHbSfiIdc-zk8oBibHqx6BF1SwMxeyCs5kRx1EYJlXOlENsBbDqWF2d6/s1600/Nigerian-Economy-653x365.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__nm0ZCrF5zguy2OawRJ05JSqQAxOOrTEZsxQf6oJqkTJShEVUliyyMALh3MJXFtR4DlOzd-aVnWW4SwWv_xuRHbSfiIdc-zk8oBibHqx6BF1SwMxeyCs5kRx1EYJlXOlENsBbDqWF2d6/s640/Nigerian-Economy-653x365.png"> </a> </div>

IMF: Nigeria’s economy will grow faster than Saudi’s in 2016

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Saudi Arabia’s economy will grow by 1.2 percent in 2016, slower than Nigeria’s 2.3 percent projec...

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Tinubu: I can swear Buhari will NOT steal

<p dir="ltr">Bola Tinubu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he can vouch for President Muhammadu Buhari when it comes to managing Nigeria’s funds.<br> Speaking at the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Friday, Tinubu described Buhari as honest and straightforward.<br> The APC chieftain said that he was at the union’s headquarters to appeal to the NLC to shelve the strike.<br> An NLC faction led by Ayuba Wabba had declared a nationwide strike and protests on Wednesday.<br> But the action failed to gain much traction.<br> “I cannot say, I’m a part of the decision that created the situation. I can only say I noticed the communication gap. And I cannot say you are enemies of this government,” he told the executive of the congress.<br> “Today, we came here to appeal to you. Go back to history, we worked real hard to bring Nigeria on progressive path. For me a progressive government is all about the welfare of the people.<br> “Mr president, the former president of NLC, and senators are here to make it clear that you are not an enemy of a government that is progressive.<br> “We have refineries, but they are not serving our people. Is it benefiting the public? Why should we continue problem after problem, and continue to do the same things over and over again.<br> “We must try new things. I’m here to appeal to you to understand this government. You brought this government in. If change is our slogan, are we collaborating to make it possible?<br> “This is by the way, we must introduce history… the political history of the country is not being taught in schools anymore.<br> “In good conscience, many of you who are part of genuine labour struggle know is about progress and not cheap oil.<br> ”We are shipping our labour, oil and opportunities abroad, which is not good for the country.<br> “Buhari is straightforward. We didn’t say we won’t have problems with him, but he has integrity.<br> “They brought in SURE-P, but the only thing about SURE-P is corruption. It was sure stealing, sure diversion….<br> “Buhari will listen to us, we will work together to make this change possible.<br> “I can swear that Buhari will not touch a penny for personal gain. He has that character and integrity to steer Nigeria.<br> “Let us look at a new mechanism of doing things.<br> “Let us work together for a government that we know is honest. My mission here is for peace, for us to return to the negotiating table.<br> “Let us build Nigeria, let us make it the centre piece of Africa.<br> “Let us call off this strike. I come to beg on behalf of my party.”<br> Giving his remarks, Wabba thanked the delegation for its visit.<br> “Visiting us as demonstrated you are concerned about the working class,” he said.<br> “We have taken note of your plea. And we will convey this plea to the various organs of the party.<br> “I want to assure you that we are open to discussion.”<br> Tinubu was accompanied by Rauf Aregbesola, governor of Osun state and Kabir Marafa, a senator from Zamfara central.<br> Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dmXBhxBuhD2pMH9hpyYRbNxytOOA2UNOj8ZI5ToU8y_Ftqq5ijP11VkegCFfQLzZZ32ly7sKjBZftbaERm4pRpYXaEJLoO6PqNNB1C6sme3xrmGc0-QHkbOHqjEnKcKwKqcv7YK5WyVk/s1600/Bola-Tinubu-2-653x365.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dmXBhxBuhD2pMH9hpyYRbNxytOOA2UNOj8ZI5ToU8y_Ftqq5ijP11VkegCFfQLzZZ32ly7sKjBZftbaERm4pRpYXaEJLoO6PqNNB1C6sme3xrmGc0-QHkbOHqjEnKcKwKqcv7YK5WyVk/s640/Bola-Tinubu-2-653x365.png"> </a> </div>

Tinubu: I can swear Buhari will NOT steal

Bola Tinubu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he can vouch for President Muhammadu Buhari when it comes to managing ...

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Militants disrupted my plans, says Fashola

<p dir="ltr"><b>Babatunde Fashola, minster of power, works and housing, has lamented the effect of the activities of the Niger Delta militants.</b></p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking on Wednesday at a forum organised by NAN, the minister said after the announcement of 5,000 mega watts of electricity earlier in the year, the ministry was about launching into a new phase.</p> <p dir="ltr">He explained that the nation’s power generating capacity had reached 5,000 megawatts before the recent vandalism of gas pipelines.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The only reason I announced 5,000 this year that we have reached this bus-stop; because I was already heading to another bus-top, until we had the outages and blow up at the Chevron platform,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Just as we were hoping that will soon be completed and we will get back on, that took us back to 3000.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Then we were looking at ways to bypass and evacuate our condensates, so that we can get more gas, we had reached about 3,800.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Then they hit again the Chevron pipeline in Escravos, the oil platform and also now the gas pipeline, the Excravos Lagos pipeline system, deliberate sabotage, took us down to 2,500 megawatts.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He said despite the difficulties, significant progress was being made to proffer solution to the challenge of electricity generation in the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fashola added that the nation’s power sector had the ability to advance its power generation, transmission and distribution through other sources.</p> <p dir="ltr">The minister said that once the challenges confronting the sector have been addressed, Nigeria would be able to generate 12,000 megawatts of electricity.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There are many perspectives to do this; we have today the capacity to generate at least 12,000 megawatts,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If we fix all what is not working; let us even say that we are not building any new power plant, anything close to 12,000, we can do.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But we won’t do it because out of over one hundred and forty turbines, only about half can get gas.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He said electricity consumers who have meter cannot be affected by “crazy billing” from Distribution Companies (DISCOs).</p> <p dir="ltr">The minister advised consumers to demand for metering, and also insist on paying for what they actually consumed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you get a crazy bill, you must pay what you think you consumed. You are not obliged to pay for power that you do not use; those who have meter do not have problem,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Once you do that, the new tariff protects you from being disconnected; it is the burden of the service provider to prove that you used the power.</p> <p dir="ltr">“How do you prove that you used the power, you have to measure the power; for you to measure the power you must give me a meter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That is the incentive we put to protect the citizens so that the DISCOs can increase their metering.’’<br> Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhTILDOKUWTRRdQJnd31uYtNjSowxYG5hyGdwVQtRapEpcgEvrFdAFwdre9NCovZkRj1zz3gHBLChPxslyqVEwJNj7VUCmkK3bNXcEkpdVPn_-xieVpXCsTKq1NhwBOTTl_hkFrePuMgK/s1600/Fashola-OnoBello-1-653x365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhTILDOKUWTRRdQJnd31uYtNjSowxYG5hyGdwVQtRapEpcgEvrFdAFwdre9NCovZkRj1zz3gHBLChPxslyqVEwJNj7VUCmkK3bNXcEkpdVPn_-xieVpXCsTKq1NhwBOTTl_hkFrePuMgK/s640/Fashola-OnoBello-1-653x365.jpg"> </a> </div>

Militants disrupted my plans, says Fashola

Babatunde Fashola, minster of power, works and housing, has lamented the effect of the activities of the Niger Delta militants. Speaking on...

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Buhari orders naval chief to crush militants

<p dir="ltr"><b>President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the chief of naval staff to reorganise and strengthen the military joint task force (JTF) in the region to deal effectively with the resurgence of militancy and the sabotage of oil installations.</b></p> <p dir="ltr">Buhari disclosed this while speaking at a meeting with the global director (upstream) of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Andrew Brown, in Abuja on Friday.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to a statement issued by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, the president assured oil companies operating in the Niger Delta that the federal government was taking all necessary actions to protect strategic assets in the region from vandals and criminals.</p> <p dir="ltr">The president told Brown that the operations of the JTF were also  being enhanced with increased support and cooperation from the United States and Europe in the areas of training, intelligence, equipment and logistics.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have to be very serious with the situation in the Niger Delta because it threatens the national economy. I assure you that everything possible will be done to protect personnel and oil assets in the region,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The president urged aggrieved persons, militants and communities in the Niger Delta to drop their confrontational stance and work with those who have been charged by the federal government to review the amnesty programme initiated by the administration of the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua.</p> <p dir="ltr">Buhari praised the resilience and staying power of Shell in Nigeria despite the operational challenges of the environment.</p> <p dir="ltr">He urged the company to do its best to end gas-flaring in the Niger Delta quickly and produce more gas for electricity generation to support manufacturing and job creation in the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">Brown had appealed for an urgent solution to rising crime and militancy in the Niger Delta.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Shell executive also dispelled speculations that the company was pulling out of Nigeria.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said that contrary to such speculations, Shell was currently in discussions with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on new joint oil and gas projects.</p> <p dir="ltr">The statement of the president is coming about the time that <b><a href="https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-militants-blow-escravos-pipeline-delta">militants blew up a gas pipeline</a></b> in the oil-rich region.</p> <p dir="ltr">Source: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbDWH3pgn4NxFjSCHSJ8cjgedrw7WetHXiWdBdJQ1BhPhvo3qSHwBQ7IEQTByEosxrO9Ogznj3S1LGX3SoCzqHVqHHhDPadAD5mhkZkUDuzrCRWlMmWXIdzLYyldiBpKZiqRXQp_GmBJK/s1600/IMG_20160520_210245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbDWH3pgn4NxFjSCHSJ8cjgedrw7WetHXiWdBdJQ1BhPhvo3qSHwBQ7IEQTByEosxrO9Ogznj3S1LGX3SoCzqHVqHHhDPadAD5mhkZkUDuzrCRWlMmWXIdzLYyldiBpKZiqRXQp_GmBJK/s640/IMG_20160520_210245.jpg"> </a> </div>

Buhari orders naval chief to crush militants

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the chief of naval staff to reorganise and strengthen the military joint task force (JTF) in the regi...

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Another fuel scarcity looms as oil marketers lament lack of forex

<p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr"><b>Oil marketers have called on the federal government to assist them in making foreign exchange available for the importation of petroleum products.</b></p> <p dir="ltr">The marketers, under the umbrella of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DPPMAN), made the plea during a meeting with Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance, at the headquarters of the ministry.</p> <p dir="ltr">The meeting, chaired by the minister, was attended by chief executive officers of 46 major oil companies in the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">It was held to discuss salient issues affecting the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dapo Abiodun, chairman of DAPPMAN, told the minister that members of the association were currently having a tough time converting some of the naira payments made by the government to dollars.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said their inability to convert these payments from the federal government from naira to dollar was making it difficult for them to meet their obligations to their foreign partners.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said while the oil marketers would continue to do their best in importing petroleum products into the country, the unavailability of foreign exchange might make it challenging to achieve such objective.</p> <p dir="ltr">The federal government had paid the oil marketers N48.2 billion minus value added tax as the arrears of outstanding 2015 subsidy claims.</p> <p dir="ltr">The amount, according to finance ministry, is to enable them import petroleum products and meet up their other financial needs.</p> <p dir="ltr">Abiodun said except the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) provided foreign exchange to oil marketers, the payment made by the government for fuel imports would continue to sit in their naira accounts.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We want to thank you for the recent payment of about N42 billion but we want to emphasise the fact that this naira payment will continue to sit in our banks,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We look forward to dialoguing with you as to how you can help us expedite the sourcing of foreign exchange to liquidate our exposures to our foreign bankers that we have line of credit with.</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">“We are very worried about going into a new dynamics in which marketers are now going to be sourcing forex at the rate that they can find, which we have approximated to around N285 to a dollar.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We believe that it is a quick fix solution to all the epileptic supply of petroleum products in the county.</p> <p dir="ltr">“However, we still have this naira sitting in our account from previous transactions and we are worried that if anything happens to the rate of exchange officially, we are going to be caught in between.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We do not want to come back to you to ask for foreign exchange differentials which issue we still have pending from previous transactions.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Adeosun said the payment recently released by the government to the oil marketers was one of the liabilities inherited by the current administration.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said the government would continue to do what it could to ensure availability of petroleum products in the county.</p> <p dir="ltr">Adeosun expressed optimism that the reforms currently being implemented in the oil sector would restore confidence in the market</p> <p dir="ltr">Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdHAw8RO8LQSVlldNdnBJVyaQBOs0Y1wvPZs5zLJ5Mq58vDf9571c23h9bWnKuDvhyphenhyphencTi9fK7nTZTg2wTl0P-PzHBq9JsCHCo4VqqNhCCdXVif1vmZUy_drM3d7mN_pXPE65BuOy3Z8pd/s1600/IMG_20160520_205357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdHAw8RO8LQSVlldNdnBJVyaQBOs0Y1wvPZs5zLJ5Mq58vDf9571c23h9bWnKuDvhyphenhyphencTi9fK7nTZTg2wTl0P-PzHBq9JsCHCo4VqqNhCCdXVif1vmZUy_drM3d7mN_pXPE65BuOy3Z8pd/s640/IMG_20160520_205357.jpg"> </a> </div>

Another fuel scarcity looms as oil marketers lament lack of forex

Oil marketers have called on the federal government to assist them in making foreign exchange available for the importation of petroleum pr...

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157 Pregnant Women In U.S. Infected With Zika – CDC

<p dir="ltr"><b><i>The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday that some 157 pregnant women in the United States and another 122 in U.S. territories, primarily Puerto Rico, have tested positive for infection with the Zika virus.</i></b></p> <p dir="ltr">The CDC, in a conference call, said that so far fewer than a dozen of the infected pregnant women it has tracked in the United States and Puerto Rico have had miscarriages or babies born with birth defects.</p> <p dir="ltr">This was the first time the agency had disclosed the number of Zika-infected pregnant women in the United States and its territories.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to Reuters, U.S. health officials have determined that the mosquito-borne virus, which can also be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person, can cause microcephaly, a birth defect marked by unusually small head size, and can lead to severe brain abnormalities and developmental problems in babies.</p> <p dir="ltr">The agency told reporters on the call it has dramatically increased its testing capacity for Zika in the United States, as it girds for an increase in cases during the summer mosquito season.</p> <p dir="ltr">Virtually all the Zika cases in the continental United States so far have been in people returning from countries where Zika is prevalent, such as Brazil, or through sexual transmission by travellers.</p> <p dir="ltr">The latest report comes at a time when U.S. health officials have been clamouring for adequate funding to support mosquito protection and eradication, development of anti-Zika vaccines and better diagnostics and long-term studies needed to follow children born to infected mothers and to better understand the sexual transmission risk.</p> <p dir="ltr">Credit: channelstv </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYIsxpREyRaQ62nslqVZPKrR4KwZdaoHHPYWiQNQhVrEjhmiEGipHhqAHqlKIgsGWa9Tsp3WvHCzbDKiGCjFXQpVgnptc_PEjyDcvoYargh5pHqeBpR24nVdojMSI5TXYv8QIru86Si4t/s1600/IMG_20160520_173030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYIsxpREyRaQ62nslqVZPKrR4KwZdaoHHPYWiQNQhVrEjhmiEGipHhqAHqlKIgsGWa9Tsp3WvHCzbDKiGCjFXQpVgnptc_PEjyDcvoYargh5pHqeBpR24nVdojMSI5TXYv8QIru86Si4t/s640/IMG_20160520_173030.jpg"> </a> </div>

157 Pregnant Women In U.S. Infected With Zika – CDC

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday that some 157 pregnant women in the United States and another 122 in U.S....

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China: We’re not using dead bodies for corn beef

<p dir="ltr"><b>China has emphatically denied reports that human flesh is being canned and sent to Africa as corn beef.</b></p> <p dir="ltr">In media report, an unnamed Zambian woman living in China reportedly issued warnings to Africans not to eat corn beef.</p> <p dir="ltr">She claimed that the Chinese people have started producing corn beef with their dead bodies and sending them to Africa.</p> <p dir="ltr">Yang Youming, the Chinese ambassador to Zambia, said that these claims being spread by the media are false, adding that the rumors were being circulated by “people with ulterior motives attempting to destroy the long-standing partnership between Zambia and China”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some reports have been quoting workers in Chinese meat factories who claim the measures began because there is limited burial space.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gory images (pictured), said to show human bodies being prepared for the process, have been exposed as fakes from a 2012 marketing stunt for the video game Resident Evil 6.</p> <p dir="ltr">Youming called for an investigation into the allegations.</p> <p dir="ltr">A comprehensive investigation has been promised by the Zambian deputy defence minister Christopher Mulenga.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said: “The government of Zambia regrets the incident in view of the warm relations that exist between Zambia and China.”<br> Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRuR5O29wtFNi0F-Czwhk2uOhJQhkf-eniuNwIzpKc1NQE1CnksAhsk2YFry6K6-PQsAZYay_gTrhUxtDDm5QOWNw2-pNO6Rp7KZF5Vt1r6ck_aeGSkAzJ_GIPCw04yeMc5nK1_g0JnDd/s1600/IMG_20160520_163030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRuR5O29wtFNi0F-Czwhk2uOhJQhkf-eniuNwIzpKc1NQE1CnksAhsk2YFry6K6-PQsAZYay_gTrhUxtDDm5QOWNw2-pNO6Rp7KZF5Vt1r6ck_aeGSkAzJ_GIPCw04yeMc5nK1_g0JnDd/s640/IMG_20160520_163030.jpg"> </a> </div>

China: We’re not using dead bodies for corn beef

China has emphatically denied reports that human flesh is being canned and sent to Africa as corn beef. In media report, an unnamed Zambian...

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NO DATE YET FOR 2016 BATCH 'A' (STREAM II) ORIENTATION

<p dir="ltr">NYSC <u>revealed</u> through their tweeter handler '@nysc_ng' that  NO DATE YET FOR 2016 BATCH 'A' (STREAM II) ORIENTATION <br> Read below for full details... </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH53lT-qkDwkr4ezWragbD9Cia3StDmqNz0D3ea8ZtZPPK4klJJ3NWccighsHV_fmM6FEbSa1qjH80RLrYWFzNuspVJ0d3V3MY2Y7ca0rWwn8kqidYZgtPoP9WueT8pvoshTF5IK6wPw7R/s1600/IMG_20160520_155549_088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH53lT-qkDwkr4ezWragbD9Cia3StDmqNz0D3ea8ZtZPPK4klJJ3NWccighsHV_fmM6FEbSa1qjH80RLrYWFzNuspVJ0d3V3MY2Y7ca0rWwn8kqidYZgtPoP9WueT8pvoshTF5IK6wPw7R/s640/IMG_20160520_155549_088.JPG"> </a> </div>

NO DATE YET FOR 2016 BATCH 'A' (STREAM II) ORIENTATION

NYSC revealed through their tweeter handler '@nysc_ng' that  NO DATE YET FOR 2016 BATCH 'A' (STREAM II) ORIENTATION Read b...

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FIFA to ban ex-German football boss Niersbach

<p dir="ltr">FIFA’s ethics committee adjudicatory chamber on Friday recommended a two-year ban from all football activities for Wolfgang Niersbach, former president of the German Football Association (DFB), over an alleged corruption scandal around the right to host the 2006 World Cup.</p> <p dir="ltr">FIFA’s ethics chief Dr Cornel Borbély opened the probe in March and last month passed on his report to the adjudicatory chamber, which has now decided to proceed with “formal adjudicatory proceedings against Mr Niersbach”.</p> <p dir="ltr">FIFA’s investigatory chamber had recommended that Nierbach be banned for two years from all football-related activity and fined of CHF 30,000 (27,000 euro, $30,000).</p> <p dir="ltr"><i>“In the course of the proceedings, Mr Niersbach will be invited to submit his position including any evidence with regard to the final report of the investigatory chamber and may request a hearing,”</i> a FIFA ethics committee statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Niersbach, vice-president of the 2006 World Cup organising committee and current member of the FIFA Council and the UEFA executive committee, resigned from the German federation last November.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 65-year-old quit amid accusations the DFB used a slush fund of 10 million Swiss francs (6.7 million euro, $8 million, according to the exchange rate at that time) in 2000 to buy the right to host the 2006 World Cup finals.</p> <p dir="ltr">FIFA’s ethics committee’s investigation had targeted six people over their roles in the bidding process, with the probe partly focused on alleged bribery.</p> <p dir="ltr">Those targeted included Franz Beckenbauer, the German football legend and World Cup organising committee chief who is suspected of bribery, along with Helmut Sandrock and Horst Schmidt, both former DFB secretary generals and Theo Zwanziger, former DFB <u>president</u></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mzrsPE-Ae2YR6tyn3mUOY7l91-MATt_P3WcJt_OM3QcppPin2JLM0uLSoof1U-ZaBPQLOA502Q2Ka2N0DLypKOiYPAxRPqhUVk9q4iRilSK0OpNUVRG9CLAbcgAJdcmdtevpMFvcnU_Q/s1600/FIFA-Logo-old-300x225.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mzrsPE-Ae2YR6tyn3mUOY7l91-MATt_P3WcJt_OM3QcppPin2JLM0uLSoof1U-ZaBPQLOA502Q2Ka2N0DLypKOiYPAxRPqhUVk9q4iRilSK0OpNUVRG9CLAbcgAJdcmdtevpMFvcnU_Q/s640/FIFA-Logo-old-300x225.png"> </a> </div>

FIFA to ban ex-German football boss Niersbach

FIFA’s ethics committee adjudicatory chamber on Friday recommended a two-year ban from all football activities for Wolfgang Niersbach, forme...

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Serah Luka not among schoolgirls abducted-Chibok Parents

<p dir="ltr">Questions are being asked on the true identity of the second rescued Chibok schoolgirl Serah Luka with many parents of the abducted schoolgirls challenging the military claim that she was among the kidnapped girls.</p> <p dir="ltr">#BringBackOurGirls’ campaigners also expressed doubt over the military claim on Friday, but the army maintained she was one of the 219 abducted by Boko Haram.</p> <p dir="ltr">Yakubu Nkeki, the head of the Chibok Abducted Girls Parents group, said the military contacted him before an announcement was made on Wednesday about the discovery of the first girl, Amina Ali.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were able to identify her and then establish her parents,” he told AFP. But there was no call before Nigeria’s army announced late Thursday that a second schoolgirl had been rescued.</p> <p dir="ltr">She was said to be Serah Luka, who was among 97 women and children rescued earlier that day in the Damboa area of the northeastern state of Borno.</p> <p dir="ltr">She told troops and civilian vigilantes she was a Christian pastor’s daughter originally from Madagali, in neighbouring Adamawa state, and had been in Chibok to sit her exams.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nkeki said his records showed only two girls with the surname Luka.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These are Kauna Luka Yana and Naomi Luka Dzakwa. Among the list of parents we have only four priests and none of them is Luka,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Among the girls none of them is from Madagali. They were either from Chibok, Damboa, Askira and Uba (all in Borno state). So I can say… that this girl is not among the abducted Chibok girls.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were never contacted by the military for verification of the girl’s identity before the announcement was made.”</p> <p dir="ltr">A human rights activist in Mubi, Adamawa, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitive nature of his work, also said a Serah Luka was not on the list of the missing.</p> <p dir="ltr">A senior Nigerian military source said it was “beyond reasonable doubt” that the schoolgirl was among the 219 held by the Islamists since the kidnapping on April 14, 2014.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The military personnel who carried out the rescue operation and the civilian vigilantes who assisted them and those who know the girl confirmed that she is among those abducted,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We can only change our position if the principal of the school or the government of Borno state come out and refute this established identity of the girl.”</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE-JQus2kZI5pOaHyJVR_0W10LLYngVYdZ-R6T_WOKOcHsx7aE97q671tkWG1dlwfjXAWmLRi2VYsaHnzhhEnxmEJLohyd92jBQRt_CJSq2Q7HtDAOzDMThohF6TQJ5eQITz9LjbEc2Rn/s1600/IMG_20160520_095934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE-JQus2kZI5pOaHyJVR_0W10LLYngVYdZ-R6T_WOKOcHsx7aE97q671tkWG1dlwfjXAWmLRi2VYsaHnzhhEnxmEJLohyd92jBQRt_CJSq2Q7HtDAOzDMThohF6TQJ5eQITz9LjbEc2Rn/s640/IMG_20160520_095934.jpg"> </a> </div>

Serah Luka not among schoolgirls abducted-Chibok Parents

Questions are being asked on the true identity of the second rescued Chibok schoolgirl Serah Luka with many parents of the abducted schoolgi...

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Half Goat Born With No Hind Legs In China

<p dir="ltr">A goat born with no hind legs has shown its triumph over adversity after it reached six months old – just walking on its forelegs.<br> The young kid was born without rear legs last December, and its owners felt it wouldn’t survive but it overcame its disability mere days after its birth. According to the unnamed farmer who witnessed the birth of the animal some six months ago, the goat’s mother had previously given birth to two healthy kids.<img src="http://cat.nl.eu.criteo.com/delivery/lg.php?cppv=1&cpp=4bLGx3wzR1lJZHVpUVdTemVyVjA2TFJkUEdndHphL0VwVXhDRVNicEltc2U1bDBlSXhzV2kxK0pFcnZrT1JEMXpydnBsU0pUVVd2NW5TNU1JQ3dRVTMvMHpSdHAraE5Nd3hrZ0RxcEU3dWo4NHpkdUdSNHA1ZWxpaExpODVldlB4YS9MRE43clQ5TjhkbGk5cDZPMXdCTnYxbXdkekxuTksxUXM3VklLRENIRXhYS1JuU0VzM1dJQkN5SkJwcDhFc0hSZnhjcUUvNjU0NE9hU1dIVnc2QUp1Tyt4RjZpQzZZcnZuQXF5M3I3SE1zY29VPXw%3D"></p> <p dir="ltr">Breeders on the forest farm in Xinping Yi Dai Autonomous County, in south-west China’s Yunnan Province, were shocked to see the deformed goat, but they were even more surprised to see it walking within a week of its birth.</p> <p dir="ltr">The goat farmer said the young animal learned to perfect its balance and stand on its two front legs, and it is clearly unaware of and unfazed by its disadvantage.<br> It now hops around the farm merrily using only its two forefeet, travelling with its herd and grazing on the same foods given to the rest of its kin.</p> <p dir="ltr">Reports citing local veterinarians suggested that the doe may have suffered an abdominal injury during pregnancy that resulted in the birth of the two-legged animal.</p> <p dir="ltr">Credit: dailytrust</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrH4nQdyJvhnJWo29ZEldQwFeEKRkgAdCVEqwC1wYl1JPnkv35p9PXgTAZR6iEFYqgeMOn2jG1BP0VO_47hY0AtDfAXCJIL1MXGVykVw-ZMHhIJ8nr_LUWKbcq6jiWQaN1LkS-88gkneE/s1600/IMG_20160520_142828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrH4nQdyJvhnJWo29ZEldQwFeEKRkgAdCVEqwC1wYl1JPnkv35p9PXgTAZR6iEFYqgeMOn2jG1BP0VO_47hY0AtDfAXCJIL1MXGVykVw-ZMHhIJ8nr_LUWKbcq6jiWQaN1LkS-88gkneE/s640/IMG_20160520_142828.jpg"> </a> </div>

Half Goat Born With No Hind Legs In China

A goat born with no hind legs has shown its triumph over adversity after it reached six months old – just walking on its forelegs. The youn...

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Second Chibok Girl Rescued – Nigeria Army

<p dir="ltr">A second schoolgirl kidnapped in the Nigerian town of Chibok two years ago has been found, the army says.</p> <p dir="ltr">Army spokesman Col Usman Sani Kukasheka said more details about the operation would be provided later.</p> <p dir="ltr">This comes two days after the rescue of the first girl, Amina Ali Nkeki, and her four-month-old baby.</p> <p dir="ltr">In all, 217 girls remain missing after their abduction by the Boko Haram Islamist group from a secondary school in north-eastern Nigeria in 2014.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3HnvQJh96P8jwhfteVRj4FPIFV6g6WCmLNRQwKbF8DahLXsmeQru1Fzbf2dKBHvNCpylHWg_4r8ffkxh9X-RMcEUzWiZdKupkkNgErkx5-32FllaLP0SALSL6romnD7jFn1L97X9jnjx/s1600/IMG_20160520_095934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3HnvQJh96P8jwhfteVRj4FPIFV6g6WCmLNRQwKbF8DahLXsmeQru1Fzbf2dKBHvNCpylHWg_4r8ffkxh9X-RMcEUzWiZdKupkkNgErkx5-32FllaLP0SALSL6romnD7jFn1L97X9jnjx/s640/IMG_20160520_095934.jpg"> </a> </div>

Second Chibok Girl Rescued – Nigeria Army

A second schoolgirl kidnapped in the Nigerian town of Chibok two years ago has been found, the army says. Army spokesman Col Usman Sani Kuk...

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Breaking: Israel’s defence minister resigns

<p dir="ltr">Israel’s Minister of Defence Moshe Ya’alon announced on Friday morning on his Facebook and Twitter feeds, “I informed the prime minister this morning that following his recent actions and developments, and in light of the lack of his confidence in me, I am resigning from the government and and the Knesset and taking a break from political life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He is to hold a press <u>conference</u> at noon.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifQowVYLxOMqJIZ-KX-sShc8b57orGTTDldLQ7AtEz5HFbLkXaZUSIOsxOwirg0KXmtXwEYs93b9Z_rTwYC1BMBWW-D0LTRkhbyJwX9sah1u-42y1o9uMoFHm8b7kGrmoEqdsVygJYlVD/s1600/IMG_20160520_094350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifQowVYLxOMqJIZ-KX-sShc8b57orGTTDldLQ7AtEz5HFbLkXaZUSIOsxOwirg0KXmtXwEYs93b9Z_rTwYC1BMBWW-D0LTRkhbyJwX9sah1u-42y1o9uMoFHm8b7kGrmoEqdsVygJYlVD/s640/IMG_20160520_094350.jpg"> </a> </div>

Breaking: Israel’s defence minister resigns

Israel’s Minister of Defence Moshe Ya’alon announced on Friday morning on his Facebook and Twitter feeds, “I informed the prime minister thi...

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Lai: Nigeria is broke. Pure and simple!

<p dir="ltr">Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, says “Nigeria is broke. Pure and simple!”<br> Explaining what led to the increase in the pump price, Mohammed said the financial situation of the country made the federal government to make some very “painful adjustments”.<br> He appealed to Nigerians to understand that there would be some times when the government will take decisions that will make it unpopular.<br> The minister was briefing reporters at the end of the federal executive council meeting at the state house.<br> “The current problem is not really about subsidy removal. It is about that Nigeria is broke. Pure and simple!” he said.<br> “It is like somebody who has been earning N100,000 a month and he is faced with a situation where his employer says henceforth you will be earning N10,000 a month. He would need to make some very painful decisions and some very painful adjustments.<br> “That is the situation with Nigeria today. A few months ago, we were earning as much as $100 for every barrel of crude. We no longer have the resources, the foreign exchange to bring in refined fuel products. And our economy is shrinking.<br> “We appreciate the fact that the decision is going to affect everybody. We appreciate what we are going through, but Nigerians should also know that the government has the responsibility at times to take very difficult decisions. So, it is not always about popularity.”<br> Other ministers at the briefing were Chris Ngige (labour and employment), Abubakar Malami (justice), Babatunde Fashola (power; works and housing).<br> Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JCK8X-IVIEsFMz7Pw2kksnE03erhGVmskUAXGdhyphenhyphenT8bA-JBBEolE151bJG2tqbVCoL8FjG7Wa76BgcCX-eeRTiDBwIxeFJQXC9QibItE2W_UvLI3yUL2L1WnRTyq3AsiC2ohQbTNWvF7/s1600/IMG_20160518_212304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JCK8X-IVIEsFMz7Pw2kksnE03erhGVmskUAXGdhyphenhyphenT8bA-JBBEolE151bJG2tqbVCoL8FjG7Wa76BgcCX-eeRTiDBwIxeFJQXC9QibItE2W_UvLI3yUL2L1WnRTyq3AsiC2ohQbTNWvF7/s640/IMG_20160518_212304.jpg"> </a> </div>

Lai: Nigeria is broke. Pure and simple!

Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, says “Nigeria is broke. Pure and simple!” Explaining what led to the increase in the pum...

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Workers choose FG’s N145/litre over NLC strike

<p dir="ltr">The planned strike action by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) fell short of expectations as workers chose to pitch their tent with the federal government on new pump price of petrol.<br> On May 11, the federal government announced an increase in the pump price of petrol, citing the lack of foreign exchange to continue importation as its reason.<br> After the announcement, labour unions threatened to embark on industrial action if the government failed to back down on the hike in fuel price.<br> The government was able to pacify a faction of the NLC, but not the one led by Ayuba Wabba. The aggrieved faction encouraged workers to down tools.<br> WORKERS STICK WITH FG ON D-DAY<br> But the strike suffered a setback on Wednesday, as workers chose to go to their duty post, sticking with the advise of the government which asked them to ignore the industrial action.<br> Babachair Lawal, secretary to the government of the federation, had directed heads of government agencies to invoke “no work, no pay policy” on the day of the strike.<br> As at 8am in Lagos, workers had already reported at their duty post in the state secretariat, and the situation was the same at various banks across the state.<br> Though the NLC staged a protest to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, the team of protesters were stopped by men of the Nigerian Police Force, who said they were only upholding a court order to ensure orderliness in the state.<br> In Ado Ekiti, capital of Ekiti state, many workers stayed back home, following reports that some others were leading a protest to the government house, crippling workflow in the state.<br> There were demonstrations in some parts of Kwara and Ondo states. While federal and state workers in Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Kebbi reported to their duty posts in defiance of the NLC’s order.<br> In Sokoto, some civil servants said they would not join the strike because it would only aggravate current hardships in the country.<br> “Such strikes would only aggravate our situation; the NLC should have given the federal government the benefit of the doubt,” Aliyu Musa, a worker at the Shehu Kangiwa secretariat, said.<br> Mathias Iliya, a federal worker said “no worker in his right senses will join the strike action”.<br> “Nigerians should be fervently prayerful and patient with the Buhari administration as his intentions towards Nigerians are truly sincere.”<br> At the Kaduna State University, normal academic activity was going on with students taking lectures.<br> Workers of the institution also turned out for work, and according to Adama Jafar, the university’s public relations officer, there was no directive from any union to proceed on strike.<br> Hajiya Bello, one of the workers, advised the NLC to respect the decision of the National Industrial Court, which ordered the union not to proceed with the strike.<br> Karim Ahmed, another worker, said most civil servants were conscious not to fall into the trap of “no work, no pay” as announced by the government.<br> Sarah Bijimi urged the NLC and Nigerians to be patient and support the federal government’s action, saying “with time things will get better”.<br> Jonathan Yohanna, a staff of the state ministry of health, said “we are not on strike, all our hospitals are functional and our officials are working”.<br> The state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, said it had deployed 600 personnel to guard strategic public installations in the state.<br> Orndiir Tergungwe, the command’s spokesman, said the move was to avoid breakdown of law and order during the period of the strike.<br> Yusuf Bala, a rice dealer, said “we don’t have confidence in NLC because at the end of every strike we don’t benefit from any relief”.<br> Maman Kobo, a provision seller, advised the labour union to “sit down and dialogue with government rather than embark on strike”.<br> The NLC however vowed to continue with the strike on Thursday, despite the poor outing recorded across the country. <br> Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasnnyAwU3IcrvnrfnwsXhzLjHS3LO4AeGEpIsPdM-vZLf_uQKo26JODcfgrYivwxvt35tPU5DMOitAIDO5Rdyfq3GD2m9finxj286hEvNhhArcUQfrcgw-kDGruL6sDzdTk0Zj8RdLoaL/s1600/IMG_20160518_211412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasnnyAwU3IcrvnrfnwsXhzLjHS3LO4AeGEpIsPdM-vZLf_uQKo26JODcfgrYivwxvt35tPU5DMOitAIDO5Rdyfq3GD2m9finxj286hEvNhhArcUQfrcgw-kDGruL6sDzdTk0Zj8RdLoaL/s640/IMG_20160518_211412.jpg"> </a> </div>

Workers choose FG’s N145/litre over NLC strike

The planned strike action by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) fell short of expectations as workers chose to pitch their tent with the fed...

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FG’ll Make 2,000km Of Road Motorable This Year – Fashola

<p dir="ltr">The Federal Government says its target in 2016 is to make about 2,000 kilometres of road network motorable.<br> The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, made this known while fielding questions at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Wednesday.<br> Fashola explained that the current administration would ensure the completion of all strategic roads demanding urgent attention before undertaking other road rehabilitation projects.<br> “There are roads that only sections of them are bad. There are roads that are really devastated that need to be totally rebuilt.<br> “And so, that is why our target is to make about 2,000 km of roads motorable network this year.<br> “So, the way I explained it then makes sense. We are not building 2,000 km roads. Our budget cannot build 2,000 kilometres of roads in one budget year.<br> “But because there are bad sections, there are failed sections (and) there are sections that need to be repaired.<br> “If we do all of that, then Nigerians will have a pleasant riding and travelling experience over about 2,000 kilometres of road network.<br> “And we can do that year-on-year over the next three years.’’<br> Fashola also gave insight into how the ministry intends to go about spending funds allocated for the rehabilitation of roads.<br> He said the current budgeting system was targeted at eliminating the incidence of abandoned roads, as funds released would be effectively monitored to ensure that projects were completed.<br> “What we have done in the past is to budget for every road without being mindful of its state of completion.<br> “We must budget to complete projects that need special attention very quickly so that we are also not distracted in our capacity to monitor all projects.<br> “So, this year, we are going to put more money on certain projects because they are strategic and they have made some progress.<br> “And we think that we can finish them or nearly finish them either this year or next year.<br> “That does not mean that other projects are not important; but it means that we perhaps have to wait a little so that we finish those strategic ones.’’<br> The minister restated the commitment of the current administration to completing all road projects.<br> (NAN)</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs5lYsvOPW3UUsFdjTMQae_LaS3dPOXzRozdHYWWyoi0iFo1dzhwHbtBAx9QQvv7JmDKZFZiTT8w7LqCqElw3MtSKQxeOGNw9O7DD5rkM5mWTtevIAuZDv6znWpJpu2birtWilAe0cqyA/s1600/IMG_20160518_210406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs5lYsvOPW3UUsFdjTMQae_LaS3dPOXzRozdHYWWyoi0iFo1dzhwHbtBAx9QQvv7JmDKZFZiTT8w7LqCqElw3MtSKQxeOGNw9O7DD5rkM5mWTtevIAuZDv6znWpJpu2birtWilAe0cqyA/s640/IMG_20160518_210406.jpg"> </a> </div>

FG’ll Make 2,000km Of Road Motorable This Year – Fashola

The Federal Government says its target in 2016 is to make about 2,000 kilometres of road network motorable. The Minister of Power, Works an...

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Army Confirms Rescue Of One Of Chibok Girls

<p dir="ltr">The Nigerian Army on Wednesday confirmed the rescue of one of the Chibok school girls abducted in 2014 by the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is contained in a statement issued by the acting Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to Usman, the girl, Falmata Mbalala, is among other persons rescued by troops at Baale community near Damboa in Borno.</p> <p dir="ltr">He, however, did not state when the girl and other hostages were rescued by the troops.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is to confirm that one of the abducted chibok school girls, Falmata Mbalala, was among the rescued persons by our troops at Baale near Damboa,’’ the statement quoted Usman as saying.</p> <p dir="ltr">On the ongoing special operation inside the Sambisa forest, Usman said troops of 7 Division on Tuesday cleared Boko Haram terrorists out of their Njimia camp in Sambisa.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said the troops had earlier on the same day killed 15 insurgents during an operation to clear their camp located at Alafa area of the forest.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to Usman, the troops continued their advance through Alafa main, Alafa extension and Alafa Yaga-yaga and cleared Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the area.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said apart from destroying the camps, the troops rescued 41 hostages who were mostly women and children.</p> <p dir="ltr">Usman added that the troops also recovered two Dane guns, several vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles belonging to the terrorists.</p> <p dir="ltr">“One significant aspect of this feat today was the combination of ground forces assault, Nigerian Air Force Jets provision for combat air support and monitoring of the operation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The operation was directly supervised by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu on board Air Force reconnaissance aircraft.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is gratifying to note that no casualty was recorded by own troops through the conduct of this operation,’’ the statement said.</p> <p dir="ltr"> (NAN)<br></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeHbQylteemGonoO5jaCT84gzZWX5Fsq3J8j02Y3FriEdgYvCiD_CC0w8RBNzzF-of7qPBK3z5p-95fB5twZhzV2AJ9k0R_F-q5zeLefHFP7fT87OEjMlgDGYMbWxVPtG79VWY_WYcj1a/s1600/IMG_20160518_210038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeHbQylteemGonoO5jaCT84gzZWX5Fsq3J8j02Y3FriEdgYvCiD_CC0w8RBNzzF-of7qPBK3z5p-95fB5twZhzV2AJ9k0R_F-q5zeLefHFP7fT87OEjMlgDGYMbWxVPtG79VWY_WYcj1a/s640/IMG_20160518_210038.jpg"> </a> </div>

Army Confirms Rescue Of One Of Chibok Girls

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday confirmed the rescue of one of the Chibok school girls abducted in 2014 by the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno...

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Can men and women be just friends?

<p dir="ltr">By Daniel </p> <p dir="ltr"><b>The question sounds like a case of giving meat to a cat for safekeeping. In recent past, it would perhaps have been the most irrelevant question. Those days, men and women lived mostly separate social lives—men moved with men and women with women. So when the sexes crossed, the motive was obvious. Today, the issue has become more complicated. </b></p> <p dir="ltr">From the late nineteenth century, with women joining the once predominately male workforce and educational system, the simple equation has been muddled to birth flourishing cross-sex friendships.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some men I have asked this question said it wasn’t possible when they were much younger and “firing”, but now, having matured and become God-fearing, they can keep female friends “harmlessly”.<b> </b></p> <p dir="ltr">Many women respondents were spontaneous. They said it is possible when there is mutual respect, and where there isn’t, they quit.</p> <p dir="ltr">Yet, as we will see presently, this kind of relationship is not that easy. Many of such relationships are driven by men in cultures where women are passive. And this is the point: what do men want? What is the strongest force on their minds? Sex! It takes more than mutual respect for a man to control this urge when his female friend is attractive, or as they say it now, sexy.</p> <p dir="ltr"><b>The man’s mind</b></p> <p dir="ltr">There is ample evidence from how men relate to women to know what they want. There is enough scientific evidence too. For example, a 1989 study by psychologists Russell Clark and Elaine Hatfield conducted in Florida State University made an interesting find.</p> <p dir="ltr">They recruited young women to approach male students at random and have a brief conversation. Average-looking women, mind you—”moderately attractive,” even “slightly unattractive”—in casual clothes. No supermodels; no stilettos; no bare midriffs. It was important that the young man remain coherent. The ladies all told their guy they’d seen him around campus. They said they found him very attractive. Then some asked their man on a date. Some asked him to come over that night. And some asked him, point blank, to go to bed.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nearly 70 percent of men agreed to visit the lady’s apartment, and 75 percent accepted the sexual proposition. Extrapolating the finding to the real world means that on any given first date, the man would sooner sleep with the hostess than dine with his companion.</p> <p dir="ltr">Although, on the average females are less motivated by sex in cross-sex friendships, unless when it comes a tool, the question is still relevant. “Can a man and a woman be just friends?”</p> <p dir="ltr"><b>The truth</b></p> <p dir="ltr">Experts have spent years researching opposite-sex friendships, and the truth is that the man cannot be trusted as much as the woman. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that while women were generally not attracted to their male friends and saw the relationship as strictly platonic, the men usually had romantic feelings for their lady friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the study, not only were the guys more attracted to their female friends, they also mistakenly believed that the feelings were mutual, and they were more willing to act on their perceived mutual attraction. This unbalanced feeling has been identified as a possible cause of rape cases.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Wisconsin study concluded that women generally think men and women can just be friends, while men secretly hope the relationship can become something more. True talk!</p> <p dir="ltr">But this isn’t to say that truly platonic male–female friendships aren’t possible. Experts have documented that men and women can indeed be friends in some instances and that such relationships even offer some benefits that are unobtainable from same-sex friendships. Opposite-sex friendships could be very useful opportunities for single women to understand men better, to know how the male mind works. That could be useful in navigating romantic life more successfully. Also a healthy opposite-sex friendship could evolve into a fulfilling romantic relationship.</p> <p dir="ltr">The experts, however, qualify those conclusions by noting that cross-sex relationships are typically more complicated than same-sex ones, requiring far more communication and transparency.</p> <p dir="ltr"><b>Complicated for married women</b></p> <p dir="ltr">Opposite-sex friendship could be dangerous for married women or committed relationships. They may be safe when the woman is in a strong relationship or marriage. But here is the danger. When the marriages hit a storm, women are more likely to turn to their friends for emotional support. If those friends happen to be of the opposite sex, there’s a chance that “a nurturing hug can turn into something more physical without either party’s having intended it.” Adultery beckons from this point on, and in some cases, it has led some women, and even men, to leave their spouses for their friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">Experts, therefore, warn that although we may think we are capable of being “just friends” with members of the opposite sex, the opportunity (or perceived opportunity) for “romance” is often lurking just around the corner, waiting to pounce at the most inopportune moment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Beware!</p> <p dir="ltr"><i>Daniels is a journalist and author</i></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMcA6rlZNYUhaOwKs6XZESfP6FzdDkXR39_lm9U1Q6Cv-r30X1SUNuWUbYDaPhJCLOHDBHUYK9kSIlK1x28wr1Wj7yOZSKETeYaaXKFZunOE5P-ckGUjKP62FQG2AXK59Z4xfjnhiTuL1/s1600/IMG_20160518_191247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMcA6rlZNYUhaOwKs6XZESfP6FzdDkXR39_lm9U1Q6Cv-r30X1SUNuWUbYDaPhJCLOHDBHUYK9kSIlK1x28wr1Wj7yOZSKETeYaaXKFZunOE5P-ckGUjKP62FQG2AXK59Z4xfjnhiTuL1/s640/IMG_20160518_191247.jpg"> </a> </div>

Can men and women be just friends?

By Daniel The question sounds like a case of giving meat to a cat for safekeeping. In recent past, it would perhaps have been the most irre...

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PDP to repeat congress in Lagos, Anambra

<p dir="ltr">The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it will repeat its congresses in seven states where it encountered challenges during the conduct of the exercises.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, announced the decision in a communiqué issued at the end of the 71st meeting of PDP National Executives Committee (NEC) held in Abuja on Tuesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">He listed the states affected as Sokoto, Zamfara, Lagos, Yobe and Anambra.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These congresses will be revisited unless the leaders and people affected look at it and resolve to the satisfaction of everybody, otherwise the congresses will be repeated,’’ Sheriff said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said NEC with the Board of Trustees (BoT) and other stakeholders of PDP resolved that the party would hold its national convention in Port-Harcourt on Saturday as planned.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We also resolved that at the convention NEC will take a resolution that the party’s presidential candidate will come from the north.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We also state that the PDP national chairmanship position will go to the southern part of the country after our party’s presidential candidate wins the election,’’ he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The NEC also called on the Federal Government and the anti-graft agencies to investigate other political parties’ 2015 general elections campaign funds, he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sheriff said that the committee observed that only PDP members, no fewer than 20, were being arrested over campaign funding.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We believe that PDP is not the only party that went for the election; we are also calling on the government and its anti-graft agencies to investigate other political parties’ campaign funds,’’ he said.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ8HJDtaLdDVnMVA0DCuHSVoH2SLiwNB_epf37owTH1on2bnREWVm-PkPjq3BbTqmV84TPsB6FH357kmfBx-5xLZWRpzxRbMJ15oWDsBJLCZwQEGmPZL2Ibbhv2K5Q6a8XI24araNfSDA/s1600/IMG_20160518_092623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ8HJDtaLdDVnMVA0DCuHSVoH2SLiwNB_epf37owTH1on2bnREWVm-PkPjq3BbTqmV84TPsB6FH357kmfBx-5xLZWRpzxRbMJ15oWDsBJLCZwQEGmPZL2Ibbhv2K5Q6a8XI24araNfSDA/s640/IMG_20160518_092623.jpg"> </a> </div>

PDP to repeat congress in Lagos, Anambra

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it will repeat its congresses in seven states where it encountered challenges during the co...

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No work, no pay, FG tells workers

<p dir="ltr">The Federal Government has warned civil servants in the country not to participate in Wednesday’s nationwide indefinite strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.</p> <p dir="ltr">A statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal warned civil servants against participating in the strike, adding that any worker who participated in the strike would not be entitled to his or her wage.</p> <p dir="ltr">The statement read:</p> <p dir="ltr">”The attention of all Public Officers is drawn to the notice issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on an indefinite strike from Wednesday, 18th May, 2016. This notice is regrettably given in spite of an Order by the Industrial Court against the strike action.</p> <p dir="ltr">”Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all workers to respect the laws of the land and to desist from participating in an illegal strike action.</p> <p dir="ltr">”Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of workers and their work places, and expects that normal work will continue in the interest of the nation.</p> <p dir="ltr">”Accordingly, Security agencies have been directed to ensure unimpeded access to offices, work places and markets.</p> <p dir="ltr">”Acts of intimidation, harassment, including barricading of gates, locking up of offices, blocking of roads and preventing workers from carrying out their lawful duties will be met with appropriate response by the law enforcement agencies.</p> <p dir="ltr">”All workers, whether in public or private sector are further reminded of the Trade Dispute Act, 2004, which provides that “where any worker takes part in a strike, he shall not be entitled to any wages or remuneration for the period of the strike and any such period shall not count for the purpose of reckoning the period of continuous employment and all rights dependent on continuity of employment shall be prejudicially affected accordingly.”</p> <p dir="ltr">”Accordingly, all Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Government Agencies are hereby directed to invoke the provision of “no work no pay” in respect of any staff who absents him or herself from work to join the strike action.</p> <p dir="ltr">”Attendance registers are required to be opened in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZSEb9yrbONt3tBw1c0TyvtnzdLpytDRH5ksyXONUAPITzBLHXYrV2Mr7_4JBdx9yeQ_UX-95zJ47JqTl28L7SOt1A9-EuqwRaWLPyEuFa5XcAOkX5wcbw3bljaFbQ9p14ybVcSjqgtqP/s1600/IMG_20160518_092059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZSEb9yrbONt3tBw1c0TyvtnzdLpytDRH5ksyXONUAPITzBLHXYrV2Mr7_4JBdx9yeQ_UX-95zJ47JqTl28L7SOt1A9-EuqwRaWLPyEuFa5XcAOkX5wcbw3bljaFbQ9p14ybVcSjqgtqP/s640/IMG_20160518_092059.jpg"> </a> </div>

No work, no pay, FG tells workers

The Federal Government has warned civil servants in the country not to participate in Wednesday’s nationwide indefinite strike called by the...

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I miss my father, says Saraki

<p dir="ltr">Senate President Bukola Saraki says he is missing his father who would have clocked 83 years on Tuesday.<br> The older Saraki, popularly referred to as the strong man of Kwara politics, died of cancer in November 2012.<br> Between 1979 and 1983, he was a senator, rising to the position of a leader in the legislative chamber.<br> Nigeria’s number three man, who had a very special relationship with his father, took to social media to celebrate him.<br> “Dear father, it has been four years since you left us. You died as a titan of your time; a legend of the years that you walked the earth,” he wrote.<br> “As we remember you today, and pay homage to your memory, I want to say: Thank you Baba. We miss your presence.”<br> Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h0WwYDrUSalHqq9gknQLesR9POkHq_Mqc69FUN99NpqMhAtZ71dcyeYf6NdkW6-FEcLgJsIY4cG6DO_rAT0pp2VGz2LYjKugl4hRdfFA50BTnwanmQyco86exYPHEwodIPLEUGw_g2jL/s1600/Saraki2-653x365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h0WwYDrUSalHqq9gknQLesR9POkHq_Mqc69FUN99NpqMhAtZ71dcyeYf6NdkW6-FEcLgJsIY4cG6DO_rAT0pp2VGz2LYjKugl4hRdfFA50BTnwanmQyco86exYPHEwodIPLEUGw_g2jL/s640/Saraki2-653x365.jpg"> </a> </div>

I miss my father, says Saraki

Senate President Bukola Saraki says he is missing his father who would have clocked 83 years on Tuesday. The older Saraki, popularly referr...

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Does Your Feelings Really Count?

<p dir="ltr">By Olajide David </p> <p dir="ltr">Feelings depict our moods. At times we feel angry, sad, happy, lonely, helpless, courageous, fearful etc. Feelings can take any form and frame, but do we measure God by how we feel? To begin with, we must recognise that God is a spirit (John4:24) and access to him is by worshiping in spirit and truth. This does not give room to feelings. Connecting to God is via spirit and truth not how we feel.</p> <p dir="ltr">Psalm46:1 tells us of the unfailing help of God. In him is safety (Refuge) and <u>strength</u> (empowerment) that is needed in the journey called life. As Christians, our regenerated spirit through salvation is empowered with might (Ephesians3:16). One of the reasons for this is to enable Christians live above how they feel and start living by the truth. Remember it's one of the key requirements to worshiping God.</p> <p dir="ltr">  Psalm46:2-3 shows chaos, a troubled state and a situation where helplessness is the order of the day. The natural result of the events listed above is bound to affect our feeling. We feel afraid, in despair, uncoordinated etc. In fact we tend to feel God has abandoned us and we are all alone. In the extreme we begin to think God is wicked. </p> <p dir="ltr">  Reading through the book of Psalms, it is noticed that the Psalmist feelings is shown in his write up. E.g. Psalm42:11(moody/sad man), Psalm45:1(shows a happy man), Psalm51:1(a man in guilt) to mention a few. So it's not out of place when our feelings tend to get the better of us. Psalm46:4-7 shows us the truth about the situation described in Psalm46:2-3. Now it's a case of truth versus feelings.</p> <p dir="ltr">  A characteristic of a Christian is that he walks by faith in the truth and not by sight which influences his feelings (2corithians 5:7). What then is the truth? John 17:17 described the truth as the word of God. The truth is often at variance with how we feel. Hence, circumstance and challenges may affect how we feel but it changes nothing about the truth. As children of God, we need to grow beyond thinking our feeling would move God and recognise that he's bound and moved by his word (Hebrews1:3a, Numbers 23:19) He's a spirit being we connect to by the truth and he moves when we act based on the truth. Apostle Paul recognised the efficacy and the ability of the word of God to build us up (Acts 20:32) that it was recommended to Christians. Relating our challenges to the truth according to Gods word has the ability to change our perspective, build our faith to a point where we come to a realization that we are more than the way we feel. Although the bible tells us of our high priest in the person of Jesus Christ that he understands how we feel, what we go through because he came as a man and has a perfect understanding of the human nature (Hebrews 4:15). However, when he was tempted (Mathew 4:1-11) the human in him was hungry. Being hungry would make anyone crave the need to eat and drink. The devil saw this as a perfect time to strike. He came with all his tricks but rather than let his feeling get the best of him, our master the Lord Jesus Christ responded with the truth. For everything the devil threw at Jesus, there was a word of truth to counter it. Imagine Christ responding in accordance to his feelings at that instant. The result would have been catastrophic. Following this example from Christ, It’s obvious that feelings would not solve the issue that confronted him but rather the truth is the solution. A point worth noting is that as followers of Christ, we are most vulnerable when we are led by our feelings. The chances of getting across to God is very slim when we judge God by feelings rather than by his word which is the truth any day, anytime and anywhere in the world.</p> <p dir="ltr">  As believers, it’s our duty to develop ourselves beyond relating with God based on how we feel and understand that our relationship with him is enhanced by relating with him based on the truth. Knowing the truth can set us free (John 8:32). We can be free from anything we so desire even from the wrong feelings. The truth can correct our thinking pattern and shape us until we are conformed to the image of Christ. As a reminder, Jesus was a man who moved and operated by the truth and not how he feels. Our ultimate aim is to be Christ-like. Individuals who function in accordance with the truth, people who would not succumb to their feelings. Always remember feelings won’t change situations only the timeless and changeless truth does. Feelings are temporal, the truth is most definitely eternal (Psalm 119: 89). Does your feeling still really count?</p> <p dir="ltr">Olajide David</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenfkm6JqjbjHjkrRjOxxTdI5-F87YDOqPe2UXJjwY4WjfLgE8_Cl9kgf2emBzb-JtBRV9RLvs4TBSq0S5FBNfZSRqlhYhZABPhfGYPa8BYsXe_JkgJrTtZDoNeEh6dJx0hTZOYtmwv5LB/s1600/IMG-20160517-WA0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenfkm6JqjbjHjkrRjOxxTdI5-F87YDOqPe2UXJjwY4WjfLgE8_Cl9kgf2emBzb-JtBRV9RLvs4TBSq0S5FBNfZSRqlhYhZABPhfGYPa8BYsXe_JkgJrTtZDoNeEh6dJx0hTZOYtmwv5LB/s640/IMG-20160517-WA0012.jpg"> </a> </div>

Does Your Feelings Really Count?

By Olajide David Feelings depict our moods. At times we feel angry, sad, happy, lonely, helpless, courageous, fearful etc. Feelings can tak...

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ECOWAS court gives FG 24 hours to justify Dasuki’s detention

<p dir="ltr"><b>The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court has ordered the federal government to justify the detention of  Sambo Dasuki,  former national security adviser (NSA), in one day.</b></p> <p dir="ltr">The court also ordered Dasuki to state his case against the government in one day.</p> <p dir="ltr">The presiding judge of the regional court, Friday Chijioke Nwoke, gave the order in Abuja on Tuesday at the hearing of a legal action instituted by Dasuki to challenge his alleged unlawful detention, unlawful seizure of property and infringement of his fundamental rights to liberty.</p> <p dir="ltr">Justice Nwoke, while ruling in a motion by the government seeking to give oral evidence against Dasuki, and to justify his detention, said the regional court having granted expeditious hearing in the case of alleged abuse of fundamental rights, would not do anything to defeat the accelerated hearing order.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the ruling, the presiding judge granted the request of the federal government to call two witnesses who are security operatives to give oral evidence against Dasuki, but ruled that the defence by the government must be done in one day.</p> <p dir="ltr">Subsequently, he ordered Dasuki to state his case on the alleged abuse of  his rights by the government on Wednesday, while the federal government must make its own defence on Thursday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Having listened to parties in this matter and the parties having filed and put all necessary documents and exhibits at the disposal of this court, and having granted accelerated hearing in this matter, it is in the interest of justice that this case must be expeditiously dealt with,” he held.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In this regard, the plaintiff is hereby ordered to make out his case on Wednesday, May 18 and the defendant to ventilate its defence the following day, May 19 after which we will adjourn for judgment.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dasuki had sued the government at the ECOWAS court over his detention.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former NSA asked the court to void the detention, the seizure of his property and to bar the government from further detaining him without a court order.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the suit filed by his counsel, Robert Emukpoeruo, Dasuki asked the court to award in his favour a sum of N500m as compensatory damages for the alleged unlawful invasion of his house, detention, seizure of property and infringement on his rights.</p> <p dir="ltr">He claimed that government had put him on trial in three different high courts on corruption charges where he was granted bail and that after meeting all the bail conditions, he was re-arrested on December 29, 2015 and had since been held incommunicado without a court order.</p> <p dir="ltr">The federal government through its counsel, Tijani Gazali, had argued a preliminary objection against Dasuki on the grounds that he ought to have filed a contempt charge against the government for alleged disobedience to the court order granting him bail.</p> <p dir="ltr">But the ECOWAS court ruled that the case of the Dasuki was on his fundamental rights and had nothing to do with the domestic court.</p> <p dir="ltr">Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9W7tNFk301g6lPYc0aIywt3-uCAjx-UBOWehyBcIGLNW2a6mKnEHzdrhkSLG5Vz_T03o99zriPq84jvY5TImNGmyt6PjpD9AKecLfRmv60Z4I1q_GN0_jP2hTDjbXnOiLPIwhqjuRyHw/s1600/IMG_20160517_223753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9W7tNFk301g6lPYc0aIywt3-uCAjx-UBOWehyBcIGLNW2a6mKnEHzdrhkSLG5Vz_T03o99zriPq84jvY5TImNGmyt6PjpD9AKecLfRmv60Z4I1q_GN0_jP2hTDjbXnOiLPIwhqjuRyHw/s640/IMG_20160517_223753.jpg"> </a> </div>

ECOWAS court gives FG 24 hours to justify Dasuki’s detention

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court has ordered the federal government to justify the detention of  Sambo Dasuki,  ...

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GOOD NEWS: FG releases funds to NYSC, Stream II orientation to hold Saturday

<p dir="ltr"><b>The federal government has released funds meant for the Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation programme of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).</b></p> <p dir="ltr">NYSC disclosed this on Tuesday, saying the programme scheduled for Saturday will go on as planned.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prospective corps members had expressed concerns after Sule Kazaure, director-general of the service, told the senate committee on youth and sport that the programme <b><a href="https://www.thecable.ng/alert-nysc-considers-postponement-stream-ii-orientation">might be postponed</a></b><a href="https://www.thecable.ng/alert-nysc-considers-postponement-stream-ii-orientation"> </a>as a result of lack of funds.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are presently at a loss in NYSC now as there is no money for us to mobilise thousands of prospective corps members in the Batch A Stream 2 to camp this Saturday,” he had said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is in spite of efforts made by us to get things done in that direction several weeks ago. The problem staring us in the face arose from the N13 billion shortfall we had in the 2016 budget estimate which the agency made strong request for its provision during budget defence.”</p> <p dir="ltr">However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, NYSC thanked the government for its intervention.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The National Youth Service Corps wishes to express profound appreciation of the federal government’s intervention through the release of funds for the 2016 Batch ’A’ stream II orientation course,” the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Consequent upon government’s intervention, Management is pleased to inform prospective Corps members, parents, guardians and the rest of the general public that the 2016 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course will hold as planned.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As a reminder, all are to note that the Orientation Course will commence on Saturday, 21st May, 2016 and end on Monday, 6th June, 2016.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Therefore, all prospective corps members are advised to print their call-up letters online or collect same from their respective institutions of graduation as applicable.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They are to report to the orientation camps in their states of deployment whose addresses would be shown on their call-up letters.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Management wishes all prospective Corps members a hitch-free and rewarding orientation course.”</p> <p dir="ltr">A University of Ibadan graduate, who will be joining the next batch, expressed delight over the development.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am very happy that we are finally going to camp. It seemed like we were waiting for what would never come,” she told TheCable.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Waiting to begin registration was like a necessary evil and when the postponement started, it only worsened the situation. If it’s to only march in the camp, let’s go and march.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Credit: thecableng </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLbL2dEz5-bHLSteBSv5wjfPRKmJN9cD3QUJdSxMOngcRNSGxg6wdiOpBCW_cLLIJ5uAbC3_3TmbHW81lc1Z8T1ezficuIib9rfI0anBYu6BKkGthR958Ha-6IW45Va279p_DjFPT2K-m/s1600/IMG_20160517_155202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLbL2dEz5-bHLSteBSv5wjfPRKmJN9cD3QUJdSxMOngcRNSGxg6wdiOpBCW_cLLIJ5uAbC3_3TmbHW81lc1Z8T1ezficuIib9rfI0anBYu6BKkGthR958Ha-6IW45Va279p_DjFPT2K-m/s640/IMG_20160517_155202.jpg"> </a> </div>

GOOD NEWS: FG releases funds to NYSC, Stream II orientation to hold Saturday

The federal government has released funds meant for the Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation programme of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)...

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FG contemplates N45,000 minimum wage

<p dir="ltr">Three days to the threatened mass action against government’s increase in the price of petrol, indications emerged yesterday that the Federal Government would meet organised labour today in Abuja over the issue, dangling a carrot before labour leaders.<br> The Guardian learnt that at the meeting slated for 3:00 p.m. at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Federal Government will be coming to the parley with the proposal for a new minimum wage that is fixed at N45, 000.But the increase comes with some provisos including reduction in the number of civil servants and merging ministries and agencies.<br> Indeed, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba confirmed the scheduled meeting saying he got a text message inviting him and other labour leaders to the meeting.<br> A source in the Presidency told The Guardian that ministers had been told to lead the initiative on the downsizing.Also, the Efficiency Unit in the Federal Ministry of Finance, which is saddled with coming up with cost reduction strategies is working on the template for the reduction.<br> The Federal Government would also be relying on the report of the Steve Oronsaiye’s panel on the rationalisation of the civil service in the streamlining process.<br> It was also learnt that though government said it would not devalue the naira, it would indeed embark on what it termed ‘appropriate’ value of the national currency, which may be in the region of N283 to the dollar.<br> Meanwhile, fuel scarcity persisted in most of the major cities of the country yesterday despite hopes that petrol would be available since government at the last Federal Executive Council meeting raised the pump price of petrol to N145 per litre.Yet, some outlets are retailing for as high as between N150 and N175 per litre.<br> A visit to some areas in Lagos showed that most petrol stations were under lock and key, with only one or two selling the product for N145 per litre.<br> In a related development, the Arewa Defence League (ADL) has called on Nigerians to stand by the current administration over the recent increase in pump price of petrol, saying the increase is not meant to worsen the sufferings of the masses but aimed at ensuring availability and sustainability of the product.<br> But the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, berated the government that promised to create jobs but was now tinkering with the idea of embarking on one of the most massive job losses Nigeria has every witnessed.<br> He added: “We cannot be talking about creating jobs and at the same time be talking about mass sacking of workers. This is a government that promised jobs and now, it wants to embark on mass sacking of workers. It is difficult to reconcile the two extreme ends. We will not accept any proposal for job cuts if put across to us.”<br> Wabba pointed out that the challenge of retrenching workers has always been that government at all levels has failed to make provision for payment of entitlements.<br> He explained: “Well, every employment has terms of agreement. Nobody can force any worker on an employer and no employer can insist a worker works for him. But very importantly is the fact that exit strategies must be in place for painless exit. The problem over the years has been that government disengages people without preparing for the payment of their gratuities and pension. I believe there are many employees that will be happy to leave today if all their entitlements are ready.”<br> While hinting that while the labour centre and their civil society allies are ready to come to the negotiation table, he explained that the issue at stake is far more germane than price increase.<br> He said: “I must say that the issues are beyond the price increase and dollar exchange rate. The issues are about the totality of the corruption that has characterised the downstream sector for many decades. Simply pegging the exchange at some N285 or so will not address the problem. It is a simple matter that if the demand outstrips the supply end, the price of the dollar will increase and Nigerians will continually pay for petrol. So, there would be no to price increments if the fundamentals are not discussed.”<br> Wabba said while labour is open-minded about all the issues, it will push for solving the challenges with timelines that would be respected.<br> “Just increasing the price is taking the easy way out. This is because, as the President and Dr. Kachikwu have observed in the past, what has held the downstream sector down is corruption especially as it concerns the landing costs. What government is trying to do now is transferring the burden to the Nigerian people. What government needs to do is to find the right mix to put an end to the quagmire.”<br> Long queues have remained at filling stations, including at the popular NNPC mega stations which offered Nigerians some respite before the increase.Black marketers were also in active business, with some selling at N350 per litre.<br> Besides, with the upward review of the Price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol from N86.50 to maximum of N145 per litre (about $0.73), the cost of petrol in Nigeria is about the lowest in Africa and among some oil producing countries.<br> Data obtained from GlobalPetrolPrices, which was updated at the weekend, showed petrol in Chad costs $0.78 per litre; Togo, $0.80 per litre;  Kenya, $0.81 per litre; South Africa, $0.84 a litre; $0.85 a litre; Niger, $0,90; Ghana, $0.92; Sierra Leone, $0.94; Uganda, $0.97 and Angola, $1.00 per litre.<br> Also, in Rwanda, Mali, Malawi, Guinea, a litre of petrol sells for $1.15, $1.15; $1.17; $1.17 respectively, which are far higher than the price in Nigeria.<br> Long queues have remained at filling stations, particularly at the popular NNPC mega stations which offered Nigerians some respite before the increase.Black marketers were also in active business, with some selling at N350 per litre.<br> Attendants at one of the filling stations along Oshodi -Apapa Expressway, Lagos told The Guardian yesterday the retail station had already run out of the commodity before the announcement of the new price regime.<br> Experts believed that the recent hike in the price of fuel would lead to hardship and have therefore urged government to initiate measures to ameliorate the effects on the economy.<br> A Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering and the Deputy Director, Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics & Law. Dr. Olugbenga Falode, told The Guardian that this is because whatever happens in the oil sector affects all other sectors of the economy and by implication, it affects the macro-economic policies of the country.<br> Also, a Professor of Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Francis Eniterai Ogbimi, said that mere adoption of deregulation and privatisation cannot build refineries and increase refining crude petroleum. Increased production is the solution to low supply, not the adoption of ideologies like capitalism deregulation, privatisation, liberalisation, socialism or communism, he said.<br> According to him, only seven per cent of the nations in the world practise full deregulation of the sale of petrol, adding that the United States does not practise full deregulation as the American government controls the price of petrol.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_t2FVBMtpRpgzovIrTbfcg1j1w2tISqhwpVfY5x7Q-eCmy4oYwN36nVfvCDuwvy6DqWYZxT3D0syvc8ucV0LblYDodegExQGyF_GJcoQTFqFigImsB9gWdw6VTP5DhRM7a1HTuoTgGzbj/s1600/IMG_20160515_215011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_t2FVBMtpRpgzovIrTbfcg1j1w2tISqhwpVfY5x7Q-eCmy4oYwN36nVfvCDuwvy6DqWYZxT3D0syvc8ucV0LblYDodegExQGyF_GJcoQTFqFigImsB9gWdw6VTP5DhRM7a1HTuoTgGzbj/s640/IMG_20160515_215011.jpg"> </a> </div>

FG contemplates N45,000 minimum wage

Three days to the threatened mass action against government’s increase in the price of petrol, indications emerged yesterday that the Federa...

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Lagos now officially an oil producing state – Ambode

<p dir="ltr">Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday declared that Lagos has officially joined the League of Oil Producing States in Nigeria following the discovery of crude oil by Tunde Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited in Badagry, Lagos.</p> <p dir="ltr">Governor Ambode who made the declaration when the management of the company led by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Tunde Folawiyo paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja, commended the firm for their doggedness to achieve the feat after 25 years of hard work, saying that by the provision of Section 162 Sub-Section 2 of the Nigeria Constitution, Lagos has become an oil producing State.</p> <p dir="ltr">He declared, “I want to thank you very much for this and I say it with all conviction because I know that based on section 162 Sub-Section 2 of the Nigeria Constitution, Lagos becomes an oil producing state and by virtue of this, the 13 percent derivation that is due to oil producing states, Lagos will start to partake from it by your very good gesture. So we officially declare Lagos State as an oil producing state, we also notify the Federal Government by this action that we would be sharing out of the 13 percent derivation. So all we need do is to apply and then we join.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Governor Ambode also said that the feat has not only placed Lagos in the history books as the first state outside the Niger Delta to become an oil producing State, but has also opened up a new page for revenue generation in the State.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It also means that by the additional revenue that is coming from this action, we would have more resources to provide infrastructure for Lagosians and this is what we want other investors and businessmen to emulate, so that beyond the issue of profit, you are actually creating impact on people without them necessarily knowing that it is actually coming from a venture like this that you have embarked on,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said the resilience of the Tunde Folawiyo Petroleum Company, an indigenous firm has shown the possibilities and opportunities for investors and businessmen willing to commit their resources to boost local production.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I want to commend what you have done, it’s a sign that you believe so much in Lagos State. I want to congratulate you, I want to showcase you as a very good example of a dogged entrepreneur, as someone who believes in Nigeria because that’s what you epitomize here.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Federal Government has always said that we all need to look back inwards and start to do things for ourselves. Spending 25 years to be able to get to this stage and get something productive shows a lot about your belief, tenacity and doggedness and I want to recommend you to every other Nigerian investor that there is still greater hope for Nigeria and with the likes of you, I don’t see any reason why any Nigerian needs to be afraid because you have just shown by this indigenous discovery that anything is possible in Nigeria.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This discovery is by a 100 per cent indigenous firm and at times like this when we are experiencing dwindling revenue from different areas of our economy; at times like this when foreign exchange is highly turbulent, it gives one great hope that the future prosperity of Nigeria is assured and is secured by transactions like this,” Governor Ambode said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Governor Ambode said that what the historic discovery means for Lagos is that the three Senatorial Districts, Lagos West, Lagos East and Lagos Central have all combined to open up the economic and investment potentials of the State.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I will like to let you know that that we have three senatorial zones in Lagos; from the Lagos West axis, we have crude oil coming out of it, from the Lagos East axis, we have the petrochemical refinery factory coming from the Lagos Free Trade Zone by the Dangote Group which will come on board by 2018 and from the Lagos Central axis, it’s the financial district of Nigeria. For Lagos, it’s designed for prosperity and to complement every achievement that is being recorded.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are likely to have three Sea Ports in Lagos in another two years; we have the Badagry Deep Sea Port and the Lekki Port and also the Apapa port. So, somehow, in some manner, some things are being put up that seems like a puzzle, but the future prosperity of Lagos is more than well assured and we are happy that we are part of that and this government is heavily committed to complement the efforts of business men like you.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In supporting endeavours like this, we would do everything to support whatever it is you want us to do to make sure that the arrow head of this particular sector that you have championed will not just go in vain. I can assure you of that,” the Governor said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier, Mr. Folawiyo said that the discovery of crude oil in Lagos, which has taken over 25 years to achieve, has gone a long way to show the possibilities achievable if Government continues to lend support to indigenous investors and companies.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At so many points along the way, we could have given up because it was a very rough road, but the point is that only a Nigerian company would have continued to do what we did. The man crux is that we need government and government needs us and where government supports assiduously, it can only be success,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Asked how much has gone into the investment, Folawiyo said the company has committed about $400million dollars to achieve the feat.<br> He said the current status of the oil well has the capacity to produce at least 12,000 barrels per day, with a possibility to increase to 25,000 to 50,000 barrels per day in the nearest future.</p> <p dir="ltr">Folawiyo also presented Governor Ambode with a sample of the crude oil discovered by his company in the State, a confirmation of Lagos becoming the first basin out of the Niger Delta to become an oil producing state, which according to him, is by no means a small feat.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHn6hu4MarVEe0fLalhXhxq9MWImrVwOn4QS-aPOnMEsQazKbmo0FPB_7XyVwSKB_tiQad1XyLCzczXVc8wKJq6nwSGQilFf6CzpDVzkzqo3dr8aZhCG742pJ9n46R8MIJ1VvMPi6X4pB/s1600/IMG_20160516_230532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHn6hu4MarVEe0fLalhXhxq9MWImrVwOn4QS-aPOnMEsQazKbmo0FPB_7XyVwSKB_tiQad1XyLCzczXVc8wKJq6nwSGQilFf6CzpDVzkzqo3dr8aZhCG742pJ9n46R8MIJ1VvMPi6X4pB/s640/IMG_20160516_230532.jpg"> </a> </div>

Lagos now officially an oil producing state – Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday declared that Lagos has officially joined the League of Oil Producing States in Nigeria...

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