I don’t wear tattoos because I fear needles -Essence

Nigerian musician, Okoro Uwale (aka Essence), has been around since 2004.In this interview, she spoke to JOAN OMIONAWELE about her career, scandals and private life.
You’ve been around for a long time. How was it like starting as a female in the Nigerian music industry?
I would say it was very difficult. It was like trying to cultivate on virgin soil. You didn’t know what sound to go with because there was basically no sound.  R&B was a hit-or-miss case, unlike now that it’s widely accepted. I should say we suffered for what is now being enjoyed. But we thank God.

How did you get into the Nigerian music industry?
I started music professionally in 2004; but before that, I had been doing background vocals for various artistes and soundtracks for soap operas, including Super Story, Dominoes, Secrets and Scandals.

What has Essence been up to lately?
Essence has been diversifying into other aspects of entertainment. I am also venturing into hospitality, because I have my own ushering outfit called Hello Events.

We fight and reconcile but can’t separate -Midnight Crew

Exactly 12 years ago today, four young singers, Ayo Ojo Onasanya, Patricia Uwaje-King, Mike Abdul and Olugbenga Ademola Oyebola came together to form a group called Midnight Crew. Today, as they celebrate over a decade together, they share their thoughts and journey so far with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE and KEHINDE AKINSEINDE. Excerpts.

JOURNEY so far?
It has been good, there were the usual ups and downs but God has been our help. We made up our mind to go all the way. As long as God helps us, as far as we can, and the point is we see very far

The beginning
We met at Yaba College of Technology where we were in the same choir in 1999 and were just keeping it real. Everyone of us had that musical background before we went there. Along the line, the four of us started getting close and flowing well together musically. As we were moving on, we had one concert, it was very great and from there, we decided to continue this after leaving school. We put a lot into it while we were in school because we didn’t want it to end in school. We had to make up our minds to run with the vision and right now, we are the one chasing the vision. Initially, we were eleven –some got married and went to London with their husbands, some caught another vision, while some are into personal ministries and are doing well. One of them could not cope with engineering and music, so she opted out. It was not a break-up but a breakthrough.

Eaglets gun for world history •Aim at record 4th FIFA title

Nigeria will become the most successful team at the U17 level in the world when they win a fourth World Cup today in Abu Dhabi.

Both Nigeria and Brazil have won the competition three times each, but victory against Mexico again will install the Golden Eaglets as the best team in the world at this level.

Nigeria’s previous triumphs have been in 1985, 1993 and 2007. And they have all been achieved in Asia.

Going into today’s final against Mexico, the Golden Eaglets have played a total of 48 matches; won 43, drawn four  and only lost once;scoring a total of 218 goals  and conceded just 53.

Nigeria’s head coach Manu Garba admitted that today’s final match  would  not  be a one-way traffic since the Mexicans would be eyeing a revenge after  their last 6-1 defeat.

“Mexico would be looking for revenge but we are going to win this match because we want to set the record as the best team in the world at this level,” Manu explained.

Scottish referee Craig Thomson along his compatriots Derek Rose and Alan Mulvanny has been picked by FIFA as officials for the Cup final at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Omotola to be honoured by kinsmen

Nollywood’s leading Actress,  Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has never had honours, lurking too far away from her as every single stride the sexy actress makes seems to have a golden lining of honour about it. She has won virtually every award there is to be won in the movie industry within and outside the shores of the country and the  only vacuum in her list  of  honours, which is one from  her  State of origin, is now on the cards.

Tom Cruise denies abandoning daughter

Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise has denied having “abandoned” his daughter Suri following his divorce from Katie Holmes last year, while acknowledging that he has seen less of the seven-year-old.
In a statement filed in court this week, the US actor said he had a “wonderful relationship” with his daughter, who he said “has never indicated … that she has ever felt abandoned by me.”

Tom with wife Katie Holmes and their daughter Suri

Cruise launched legal action last year against Bauer, the publishers of US magazines Life and Style and InTouch for $50 million over covers claiming he had abandoned his daughter.
A July 2012 edition of Life and Style splashed the headline “Suri in tears, abandoned by her dad,” over a picture of the sobbing girl. Holmes and Cruise had announced their split the month before after six years of marriage, and Suri was living with her mother.

Eaglets coach begs Keshi to admit his boys in Super Eagles

Golden Eaglets coach Manu Garba has asked national coach Stephen Keshi to give some of his players a chance to train with the full Super Eagles squad, but admits that next year’s World Cup might be a bridge too far for them.
“I want to appeal to Keshi to give some of the Eaglets a chance to train with the senior national team as that will be of immense benefit to them in the future,” Manu said.
The Golden Eaglets have swept all in their path to reach the Final against Mexico on Friday, playing a brand of football that has captivated fans and destroyed opponents.
The likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Ezeh and Taiwo Awoniyi have stood out, and Manu believes they can get their senior opportunity.

Why actresses prefer married men – Bose Arowosegbe

Bose Arowosegbe, a native of Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, has come to pitch her tent with the very best in Nollywood. Having started acting in 2003 she shot into limelight in 2008 with her sterling lead role in ‘Kareni Barin’ and affirmed her arrival on the scene as a ‘made star’ in ‘Anikisaya’, a flick that earned her the alias with which she is known in the industry today, and thereafter went ahead to record string of successes with her own productions.
In this chat with Weekend Groove, the Business Studies graduate of LASPOTECH talks of her sojourn in the movie industry; her beliefs and a lot of other issues. Excerpts:.
How did you find your way into the movie industry?
I didn’t start out as an actress, I started out as a video vixen in 2002 before I was introduced into acting at the insistence of an editor named Jide Bambo. He was involved in movie production and music video production. It was as a result of his influence I veered into acting.

What was your first film and how was it like?
It wasn’t much of anything because it was a two-scene cameo. The film was “Akamo’’ and I played the role of an angel. But after that I think I caught attention of some people and it started the flow of other jobs coming my way.

Judgment: Oyinlola must resume on Monday, New PDP vows

The New Peoples Democratic Party  on Thursday said it would storm the Wadata Plaza national secretariat of the party to ensure that one of its core members, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, was inaugurated as the national secretary of the PDP. It said the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee of the party had no reason to delay  Oyinlola’s  inauguration in compliance with  Wedneday’s judgment by the Court of Appeal  in  Abuja  affirming Oyinlola as the authentic national secretary of the PDP.
The New PDP which  has Oyinlola as one of its promoters and current national secretary,  added in a statement by   its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Chukwuemeka Eze, that the verdict had    corrected  part of the anomalies it  had been  complaining  about in the PDP.
It therefore advised the   National Legal Adviser of PDP, Mr. Victor Kwom,  to stop further studying of the judgment   and  ensure  that Oyinlola,  resumed duty  latest by Monday.

PDP peace moves hit a dead end

PUNCH - The peace talks between President Goodluck Jonathan and the seven Peoples Democratic Party governors appear to have collapsed, investigation  by The PUNCH  on Thursday,  has revealed.

The PUNCH learnt of this just as  one of the rebel governors,    Dr. Rabiu Kwakwanso of Kano State,   said their  romance with  the All Progressives Congress, was   an indication that they  were  on their  way to the APC.

At the last peace meeting  between Jonathan, the aggrieved governors and  the leadership of the New Peoples Democratic Party   on October 7, further deliberations   were adjourned with an understanding   that they   would  resume after the Muslim and Christian pilgrimages.

Jonathan returned from  Israel nine days ago and since then there has been no indication that the  talks  between him and the aggrieved governors  would continue.

A  reliable Presidency source   said  in Abuja  on Thursday that the President might  no longer be favourably  disposed to  further discussions with the G-7 governors and other members of the New PDP.

The source said the best the President could do   was  to ask   Vice-President Namadi Sambo to continue with the discussions on his behalf.

Ogun PDP drags Oyinlola to Supreme Court

The Ogun State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has asked the Supreme Court to reverse the reinstatement of former Osun Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as the National Secretary of the party.

In a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Thursday, the appellants want the apex court to reinstate the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja,  that sacked Oyinlola as the PDP National Secretary.

Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on January 11 declared invalid, null and void Oyinlola’s nomination and subsequent election as the National Secretary of the party.

Kafarati had relied on the order and two separate judgments of the Federal High Court, Lagos, that nullified the South-West zonal congress that produced Oyinlola as candidate for the National Convention in March 2012.

But the Court of Appeal, chaired by Justice Amiru Sanusi, on Wednesday reinstated the formr Osun after setting aside the judgment by the lower court.

Kanu fires up Eaglets for fourth title

Japan ’93 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner, Nwankwo Kanu, believes the Golden Eaglets will overcome Mexico in Friday’s final of the 2013 edition in the United Arab Emirates for their fourth title.

Kanu’s goals two decades ago propelled Nigeria to their second title of the U-17 competition and he believes the present squad have what it takes to add a record fourth trophy.

The retired Nigerian player, who went on to help Nigeria win a gold medal at the Atlanta ‘96 Olympic Games, left Lagos on Thursday, to cheer the Eaglets to victory in Abu Dhabi.

N255m scam: Panel report leakage tears Reps apart

PUNCH - The leakage of the House of Representatives report on the purchase of N255m BMW bulletproof cars to the media tore members of the investigation panel apart on Thursday.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority bought the controversial cars allegedly for the use of the Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah.

She appeared before the panel to deny that the cars were purchased for her.

Some newspapers, including The PUNCH, had scooped snippets of the report on Wednesday ahead of the report presentation before the House on Thursday (yesterday).

Investigations showed that the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, which conducted the investigation, Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, was enraged that the media had foreknowledge of the content of the report.

Some key members of the committee also expressed disgust over the development, saying that it exposed the “lack of trust” among the members.

Jonathan sends Mark, others to cheer Eaglets

President Goodluck Jonathan has constituted a high-powered delegation headed by the President of the Senate, David Mark, to represent the Federal Government at the FIFA U-17 World Cup final match between Nigeria and Mexico in the United Arab Emirates.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

Abati named other members of the delegation who he said Jonathan has asked to ensure that the Golden Eaglets received all necessary support and motivation for victory as the Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji  Tanimu Turaki; Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu; Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe; and the Minister of State, FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide.

ICPC seizes 61 houses from NSCDC official

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, Mr.  Ekpo Nta, announced on Thursday that the agency had seized 61 houses as well as 45 plots of land from officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The 61 houses were seized from a single official.

Nta said the seized properties were scattered in various locations within the Federal Capital Territory.

He made the disclosure when he appeared before an Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives investigating alleged land-swap allocations and racketeering in the FCT.

The ICPC boss explained that the anti-graft agency began an investigation following a complaint by the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abolurin, that his men were involved in dubious land deals.

Nta said, “Impressed by the action of the Commandant-General of the Corps by reporting his own officials for alleged wrong doings and demanding for an independent investigation while other heads of agencies or organisations will be covering up if it were their own organisations, I commenced an immediate investigation by directing the Special Squad I set up on land matters to swing into action.

A’Court reinstates Oyinlola as PDP secretary

A Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Wednesday reinstated a former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The three-man panel chaired by Justice Amiru Sanusi upturned the January 11 judgment of the Federal High court, Abuja, which sacked him.

Justice Abdul Kafarati had declared that Oyinlola’s nomination and subsequent election as the National Secretary of PDP were invalid, null and void.

He relied on the order and two separate judgments of the Federal High Court, Lagos that nullified the South-West PDP zonal congress that produced him as candidate for the national convention in March 2012.

The trial judge gave the verdict in a suit by the Ogun State Executive Committee of the party.

Dissatisfied, Oyinlola approached the Court of Appeal, Abuja, asking it to set aside the judgment.

In its judgment on Wednesday, the appellate court said the judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos relied on to remove Oyinlola was not binding on him because he was not a party in the suit.

Natural ways to lower blood pressure

Uncontrolled high blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension, has been said to kill in at least eight different ways.

They include stroke, diabetes, kidney failure, heart attack, aneurysms, end-stage liver failure, coronary heart diseases and  sudden death.

Emeritus Prof. of medicine, Oladipo Akinkugbe, describes high blood pressure as a condition that occurs when there is excessive pressure on the walls of the artery and adds that this causes damage to the blood vessels, as well as vital organs in the body when it is not controlled.

Hypertension is also a major health concern for Africans.

In Nigeria, about 57 million people are estimated to be hypertensive with many still undiagnosed.Akinkugbe says  this high incidence of hypertension is a major reason why many die suddenly from heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure is preventable and it is also manageable, so you need not die from it if you make efforts to control it.

Police ban political gatherings at airports

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has banned all forms of political, social and religious gatherings at all the nation’s airports, stressing that they are exclusive security zones.

The police authorities said that the ban was necessary to avert security breaches and protect critical infrastructure, travellers, aircrew, airport staff and personnel at the nation’s local and international airports.

Rising from a strategic security meeting at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, the Police High Command directed the Airport Command Commissioners of Police and Commissioners of Police in states hosting the airports to ensure that, in line with international best practices, firm security measures were taken to safeguard the airports and their critical infrastructure.

Strike: ASUU begins consultation over FG offer

The Academic Staff Union of Universities is set to convene its National Executive Committee this weekend to discuss the offer made to the union by the Federal Government to develop public universities, it was learnt on Wednesday.

ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Faggae after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan which ended in the early hours of Tuesday had told reporters that the union would take back an undisclosed message to the striking lecturers.

The Federal Government had offered to inject N1.1tn into public universities in the next five years.

The Punch gathered that the union had concluded arrangement to hold the meeting to collate the views of members before a final decision would be taken on whether to accept or reject the offer.

Usually, the decision to embark on or to call off strike is taken at the union’s NEC meeting.

Jonathan extends emergency rule in Adamawa, Yobe, Borno

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has extended the current state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by six months, even as Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State rejected the extension, describing it as unjustified and punitive.
Jonathan, in a letter dated November 5, 2013, to the Senate President, David Mark, seeking approval for the extension, explained that he took the decision because “some security challenges still exist in a few parts.”
However, he admitted that the security agencies, through the support of citizens in the affected areas, have achieved considerable successes in containing the activities of the terrorists.

Eagles vs Ethiopia match NFF borrows N50m

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will again have to borrow for next weekend’s 2014 World Cup playoff against Ethiopia, officials disclosed.
The NFF need at least 50 million Naira for a November 16 playoff for a place at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

This cost has been reduced because of the part sponsorship from the Cross Rivers State Government.

We’re not under pressure – Eaglets

Nigeria’s Under-17 national team head coach, Manu Garba, has declared that they are not under pressure to face Mexico in the Fifa Under-17 World Cup showpiece game in Abu Dhabi this Friday.
Garba is confident of guiding Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to a fourth title at under-17 level after watching his boys defeat Sweden 3-0 in the semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday with goals from Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Okon and Chidera Ezeh.

But Garba, who was an assistant coach of the Golden Eaglets six years ago when they won the Under-17 World Cup in South Korea, was quick to point out that the Mexicans have been resilient following their recovery from a 1-6 loss in their opening game against Nigeria.

Oduah: Jonathan, NSA in closed-door meeting

The National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), on Wednesday  met behind closed-doors with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Dasuki is a member of the three-man administrative panel set up by Jonathan to probe the Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, over the N255m bulletproof cars purchased for her by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

The panel, which is led by a former Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello, also has Air Vice Marshal Dick Iruenebere (retd.) as members.

Dasuki came out of the President’s office at about 5.40pm and was driven out of the Villa.

It was not clear whether issues bordering on the probe formed part of the agenda of his meeting with the President.

His office is said to be saddled with the responsibility of approving amoured vehicles before they can be imported into the country.

Presidency dares Amaechi to join APC

The Presidency on Wednesday said Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State was at liberty to dump the ruling Peoples Democratic Party for the opposition All Progressive Congress.

Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Mr. Ahmed Gulak, said this in an interview with our correspondent. Gulak was reacting to a statement credited to Amaechi that he would consult Jonathan before joining the APC.

The governor was quoted to have made the remark on Tuesday while receiving chieftains of the opposition APC who were in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, to woo him into their fold.

“Before I join the APC, I will consult the President. I will. He is from our zone. I will consult all the consultable,” he was quoted to have said.

Forte sets 600MW target for Geregu power plant

Forte Oil Plc has reiterated its commitment to expand the 414megawatts Geregu Power Plant to 600MW in the short to medium term.

The company, in a statement signed on Wednesday by the Head, Brand and Corporate Communications, Mr. Odion Aleobua, confirmed that it had taken full operational control of the power plant since it was handed over to it by the Federal Government on Friday, November 1, 2013.

Forte Oil Plc said it acquired Geregu Power as part of its diversification from primary business of petroleum products marketing.

It said it planned to carve a niche for itself in power generation by increasing the current capacity of the plant to over 600MW in the short to medium term.

Buhari, Tinubu invite Amaechi to join APC

A former Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday renewed their calls on Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi to join the All Progressives Congress.

Buhari and Tinubu, who led a team of top APC officials to Port Harcourt for a rally, described Amaechi as an asset to Rivers people and Nigeria.

They spoke before the governor alleged that the desperation of the Peoples Democratic Party had made it to hire the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Mbu, to lead its “military wing” in the state.

Buhari  had said the leadership of the APC was in the state to seek the understanding and support of the people through Amaechi.

He said the governor’s projects in the state had increased his respect for him.

Buhari added, “Governor Amaechi is a great asset to the people of the state and to the nation. We are at a crossroad and whichever way you try to look at it, there is going to be a change in Nigerian politics.

Banks to identify customers by fingerprints next year

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers Committee on Tuesday sealed a biometric solution pact with a German Firm, Dermalog, for the development of a payment system that would be driven by fingerprints.

The move, according to the Governor, CBN, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, will help to revolutionise the country’s payment system.

For instance, unlike the current practice where different instruments are used as means of identification, bank customers will from 2014 be identified through their fingerprints.

Sanusi, while speaking at the signing of the agreement, which was held at the central bank’s headquarters in Abuja, noted that the system would become operational on February 14, 2014.

The move followed the recommendation of a sub-committee chaired by the Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

The committee, made up of the Group Managing Directors of Access Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, United Bank for Africa Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and Skye Bank Plc, had shortlisted Dermalog as the company to develop a database for the banking sector.

FG to give varsities N1.1tn in five years

Details of the  Monday/ Tuesday marathon meeting  between President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of Academic Staff Union  of  Universities have begun to emerge.

The PUNCH  gathered on Tuesday evening that a key component of the agreement reached by the parties was  that the Federal Government  would  inject N1.1tn into public universities in the next five years.

A reliable source, who made this known, also hinted that the strike would be called off anytime next week.

He  said the government team which was led by President Goodluck Jonathan would release   N220bn yearly into the sector beginning from 2014.

The source added, “The meeting should be the longest that we have ever had on this crisis but I can tell you that both parties were frank all through the discussions.

“The parties also showed commitment towards ending the crisis. The President in particular showed that he was serious about ending the strike and that was why he offered to release over N1tn to the universities in the next five years.

Nigeria won’t break up –Oyedepo

The Chancellor of Covenant University, Bishop David Oyedepo, has called on Nigerians to join in the task of building a united country, predicting that the country will not break up.

Oyedepo said this in Uyo on Monday night during a courtesy visit to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Godswill Akpabio. He said, “I think Nigeria is advance enough to be able to put things together to help the masses see hope in their future and see opportunities in this nation.

“Once again, we are all Nigerians, this is our nation. We have no other nation. Let’s help to build and not be part of those who want to break it. We will build this nation and it shall not break.

“A lot of us have opportunity to outside this country forever but because of our parents and relations we can’t go anywhere. God forbid there is any war in Nigeria. There are some that don’t know anywhere. They don’t have understanding of how to get anywhere and yet they are citizens of our nation.”

Oyedepo who is also the General Overseer of Living Faith Church a.k.a Winners Chapel, commended Akpabio, and urged the media to foster unity.

He said, “I believe the media have a lot to do in helping to show the way forward. A lot of our young men are lost in Europe, America and China just because there is not enough information to show them they can make things happen here. I want to admonish the media to help people to see their future.”

Source 

Lamido confronted DPO who disrupted rebel govs’ meeting

A two-minute 22 seconds video detailing the encounter between five of the seven rebel governors in the breakaway faction of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Divisional Police Officer of Asokoro Division, Abuja surfaced on YouTube on Monday.

The DPO, Mr. Nnanna  Ama, was said to have led a detachment of policemen in three trucks to the  Kano State Governor’s Lodge where governors Rabiu Kwakwanso (Kano), Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aliyu Babangida (Niger), and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) were having a meeting.

In the video, Lamido was seen shouting at the top of his voice when Ama, who was putting on an orange T-shirt, walked into the meeting venue in company with some plain clothes policemen.

Ama,  who had asked to see the host, the Kano State governor, might have resorted to speak with Kwankwaso in private on noticing the way and manner still and video cameras  were directed at him as he insisted that he wanted to see “his Excellency.”

Pregnant at 18, best graduating student at 25

Seven years after an unwanted pregnancy forced her to drop out of the University of Ilorin, Aishat Farooq emerges the best graduating student of the Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, reports Temitayo Famutimi

When Aishat Farooq gained admission into the University of Ilorin at 15, to study Zoology, little did she know that she was not going to be an alumnus of the institution. That was in 2003.

Despite the fact that she was a high flyer in her first two years in UNILORIN, the now 25-year-old indigene of Ilorin West-Local Government Area of Kwara State got distracted along the line. She played the campus love game and got a shocking result: she got pregnant.

It was in 2006 and in her third year. She was pregnant for a fellow student whom she had been dating. She was disappointed in herself and thought the whole world was crashing on her.  Yet, she vowed not to terminate the pregnancy.

Jonathan, ASUU meeting: Varsity teachers still undecided

The over 12 hours marathon meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ended at about 3.30am on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja without a commitment from the union members.

ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Isa Faggae, told State House correspondent that the delegation was taking back an undisclosed message to their members following which a decision will be taken on the union’s next line of action.
“We have had a lengthy meeting with Mr. President, robbing minds on how best to address the problem of university education in this country. We now have a message from Mr. President that we are going to take to our members and we are expecting that our members will respond appropriately to his message,” he said.
He said since the message was meant for members, he would not divulge it to the press.
When asked whether he will call his members to return to the classroom, he said that decision was left for members to take.

Obasanjo, rebel govs meet over PDP crisis

Five of the seven aggrieved governors of the   Peoples Democratic Party on Monday  met behind  closed doors  with former President Olusegun Obasanjo  in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The meeting which lasted about two hours  took place barely 13 hours after policemen from the Asokoro Area Command in Abuja   briefly disrupted the governors’ talks at the Kano State Governor’s Lodge in  the nation’s capital.

The  governors  that met with Obasanjo were  Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Rabiu   Kwakwanso (Kano); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).

Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed  of  Kwara State and  his Sokoto State counterpart, Aliyu Wammako,  were however absent.

Journalists were barred from  the Hilltop residence of the ex-President where  the   meeting, which is a continuation of the rebel governors’ consultations on  how to end their disagreements with President Goodluck Jonathan and the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP, was held.

I’ll keep Nigeria united, says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan says his administration is committed and focused in keeping Nigeria united and peaceful.

Jonathan said this in Yenagoa on Saturday during the second Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day anniversary.

The event, which took place at the mainbowl of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, had Governor Seriake Dickson; American human rights activist, Mr. Jesse Jackson; prominent cleric, Uma Ukpai; and a host of eminent personalities in attendance.

Jonathan, represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (retd.), said meaningful development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

 The President, who commended Dickson for his leadership and initiative for instituting a thanksgiving day in the state, emphasized the need to thank God at all levels of government for His divine protection and guidance.

I’ll keep Nigeria united, says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan says his administration is committed and focused in keeping Nigeria united and peaceful.

Jonathan said this in Yenagoa on Saturday during the second Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day anniversary.

The event, which took place at the mainbowl of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, had Governor Seriake Dickson; American human rights activist, Mr. Jesse Jackson; prominent cleric, Uma Ukpai; and a host of eminent personalities in attendance.

Jonathan, represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (retd.), said meaningful development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

 The President, who commended Dickson for his leadership and initiative for instituting a thanksgiving day in the state, emphasized the need to thank God at all levels of government for His divine protection and guidance.

I’ll keep Nigeria united, says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan says his administration is committed and focused in keeping Nigeria united and peaceful.

Jonathan said this in Yenagoa on Saturday during the second Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day anniversary.

The event, which took place at the mainbowl of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, had Governor Seriake Dickson; American human rights activist, Mr. Jesse Jackson; prominent cleric, Uma Ukpai; and a host of eminent personalities in attendance.

Jonathan, represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (retd.), said meaningful development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

 The President, who commended Dickson for his leadership and initiative for instituting a thanksgiving day in the state, emphasized the need to thank God at all levels of government for His divine protection and guidance.

Another Teenager Nabbed In Attempt To Hide Inside Aircraft At Lagos Airport

Less than a month after the police paraded three teenagers for attempting to conceal themselves in an aircraft at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, another attempt was yesterday recorded at the airport.

General Manager, Corporate Communications of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, declined comment on the issue, but it was learnt that a teenager was apprehended at the airport as he attempted to hide in an Allied Air Cargo aircraft that was preparing to fly out of the airport.

Blackout: Nigerians to experience a week of darkness

Nigerians will experience a week-long electricity rationing that will put the country into darkness for the period. This will be the longest period in recent years that the country would be faced with blackout.
The development is coming few days after the Federal Government declared that its hand-over of the assets and facilities of PHCN including generation and distribution plants to private firms was successful.
The authorities had explained that the problem was due to the loss of 400 megawatts following repair works being carried out by the  Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), the major suppliers of gas to the power plants particularly Afam VI Power plant.

Police disrupt rebel governors’ meeting in Abuja

Policemen drafted from the Asokoro Area Command in Abuja  disrupted a meeting by five of the seven aggrieved governors  of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja on Sunday night.

The policemen were led by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the command, Mr. Nnanna  Ama.

The  rebel governors were at the  Kano State Governor’s Lodge  to meet on their grievances against the PDP  and how to marshall their points ahead of  their planned meeting with  President Goodluck Jonathan .

Those at the   meeting were Rabiu Kwakwanso(Kano), Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aliyu Babangida (Niger), and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).

Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara) and Aliyu Wamakko(Sokoto) were not at the meeting.

The  meeting  was also attended by   the Chairman of the New PDP, Alhaji  Abubakar Baraje; the National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; a former Governor of Ekiti State,   Mr. Segun Oni; a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu and a host of others.

Jonathan meets ASUU today, union warns against force

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will meet the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities on Monday (today), apparently with a view to resolve the Federal Government-ASUU face-off that has left varsity gates shut since July 1.

But the union said it had got wind of Presidency’s plan to direct that universities be reopened, saying such directive without amicable resolution of the current strike would deepen the crisis.

Chairman of ASUU, University of Uyo chapter, Dr. Nwachukwu Anyim, said this in a statement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday, saying that the union leaders were invited by the President.

Anyim said the invitation by Jonathan should ordinarily inspired hopes that the four-month-old strike by the lectures would soon end but that the union needed to be cautious in its optimism.

His statement read, “We are aware that President Jonathan intends to meet with the leadership of ASUU tomorrow, Monday, November 4, 2013, in a bid to address the deadlock in the ongoing strike by the members of the union.

N255m car scandal: Airlines stop payment of charges

Domestic airlines have announced that they will no longer remit charges to aviation agencies until the sector is rid of corruption.

The carriers, under the aegis of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, said the decision took effect from November 1, 2013.

In a statement on Sunday, the spokesman of the group, Alhaji Mohammed Tukur, complained that heavy charges were being imposed on the airline operators by the aviation agencies.

He added that despite this, there was a lot of corruption in the system, citing the latest armoured car scandal involving the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah.

Tukur said, “Due to the ongoing crisis, we have resolved to stop all remittances payable to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and other relevant aviation bodies, as the numerous charges have the potential to cripple our operations.

“This will continue pending the time they reform or come clean on the taxes and charges they have collected, which ran into several billions of naira in a couple of years. They also need a reform to comply with the global practices and standards.

“The suspension of payment of taxes and charges took effect from November 1, 2013, and we call on the Federal Government and all concerned to set up an investigative panel to resolve these anomalies.”

Falana gives EFCC 13 grounds to prosecute Oduah

Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 13 grounds to prosecute the Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, and “her agents” for gross misconduct in the purchase of two armoured cars at N255m.

In a November 2, 2013, letter to the EFCC chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, Falana also gave the commission up till November 8 to make available to him the investigation report on the matter.

Relying on the Court of Appeal’s decision in the case of Dogogo v EFCC (2013), the lawyer threatened to sue the EFCC if it failed to carry out its “statutory duty”.

He accused the House of Representatives committee before whom Oduah appeared on October 31, of deliberately not asking her the relevant questions on the “criminal enterprise”.

But he said facts and circumstances of the “illegal transaction” had established, among others, that “there was no appropriation for the sum of N255m for the acquisition of armoured cars in the Appropriation Act, 2013.”

‘Blame Amaechi if APC leaders’ visit turns violent’

AS the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress prepares to visit Rivers State on Monday (today), the Peoples Democratic Party has warned that the state Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, should be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order in the state.

The Rivers State Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Felix Obuah, issued this warning on Sunday at the inauguration of the Grassroots Development Intiative in Eleme Local Government Area of the state.

Obuah accused Amaechi, of using state funds to organise a reception for the national leadership of the APC.

The state party chairman also alleged that Amaechi had doled out N500m belonging to the state to neighbouring states to mobilise people from such states to the airport to receive national leaders of the opposition parties.

B’Haram attacks wedding convoy, kills groom, 29 others

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members  have ambushed a convoy of vehicles conveying  people returning from a wedding ceremony, killing scores of  them, including the groom in  Bulakuri village, Borno State.

The fate of  the bride and her family members was  unknown as of Sunday when Adamawa State Government Spokesman, Ahmad Sajoh, confirmed the incident to the Associated Press.

Although Sajoh  said the wedding fatiha, the official Muslim ceremony, took  place in Firgi village in   Borno State, the Agence France Presse reported that it  held in  Michika, Adamawa State.

The two news agencies however  put the    casualty figure at  30 but  an Army spokesman, Captain Muhammed, said  it was five.