INEC 2015 General Election timetable released

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday unveiled the timetable for the 2015 general elections.

According to the timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled to hold on February 14,  2015, will precede elections into the State Houses of Assembly, as well as that of all but four of the 36 states of the federation.

This is because the Anambra State governorship elections was held in November 16, 2013, while the governorship elections for Ekiti and Osun States have been slated to hold on June 21st and August 9th, 2014 respectively.

A statement signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu,  in Abuja, also said the commission fixed state assembly and governorship elections for February 28, 2015.

Ogakwu, who said the timetable, was released after the retreat the commission held in Kaduna State, between Tuesday and Friday, explained that the release was done pursuant to the powers conferred on the commission, by the Constitution and the Electoral Act (2010) as amended.

Anti-Gay Marriage Act won’t affect funding – FG

The Federal Government on Friday in Abuja doused apprehensions that the Assent by President Goodluck Jonathan to the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013, effectively making the provisions of the Act an operative law in Nigeria would not affect funding or have any negative  impact on the fight against the disease in Nigeria.

The Untied States of America has also stated that it would spend about $500 million in 2014 as part of its contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

The Barack Obama administration said it was not going to back out of its funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria as a protest against the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act recently signed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The government in a statement by the Director-General of National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Prof.John Idoko, said although the law has generated much debate and anxiety on the implications of the passage, especially as it affects HIV programming, it would however not affect the crusade and against the disease and funding in Nigeria.

Michelle Obama looks fabulous at 50

The First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama, turned 50 last week Friday, and she did not hide her excitement as she took to twitter to announce, “Excited to join Barack in the 50+ club today… check out my @AARP card!”

Obviously, one of the first birthday gifts she received came from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), an open 50+ club.

As expected, the First Lady celebrated her milestone birthday in presidential style at the White House on Saturday night – a day after she clocked 50 – with a star-studded guest list, including Samuel L. Jackson, Smokey Robinson and Magic Johnson.

With strict rules to wear comfortable shoes, Smokey Robinson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Rachel Ray danced their butts off at The White House all night.

But not to be outdone, one of the guest stars, Jennifer Hudson, also performed at some point. The Oscar Winner and former American Idol took to her Instagram page just after leaving the party where she allegedly previewed some new music.

Men started eyeing me as a teenager –Munachi Abii

Munachi Abii is a former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria who later became a rapper. She tells Ademola Olonilua about her career and early days.

What have you been up to lately? You haven’t been in the news recently. Is it a deliberate decision?

Yes it is a deliberate decision. I’d rather be in the news for a good reason. A good reason would be something positive. My video for No Tomorrow just got released, so I’m promoting that.

Speaking of your new song, it seems different from what Muna does. Why is that?

I’m not one to put myself in a box. I started off being a conscious rapper, which I still am, but then I went through a process and  everyone was telling me what they felt was the key to survive in this industry. At first, I let that get to me but then I realised that one only lives once. Why not explore it all but be true to what you love? That is what I am doing; everything that I love. I haven’t changed my style per se, I just expanded. I see myself as a musician not a ‘celebrity’ or a ‘hit of the moment.’ I fuse sounds from all over the world so that other people can feel it too.

Jonathan stops SSS from quizzing Obasanjo

The Presidency may have put on hold its earlier directive to  the State Security Service  to investigate the weighty allegations contained in the controversial letter  written by  former  president Olusegun Obasanjo to  President Goodluck Jonathan in December last year.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that the Presidency decided to halt the investigation of  the issues raised in the former president’s  letter in order to amicably settle the rift between President Jonathan  and his political benefactor.

It was learnt that notable political leaders in the country were already engrossed in moves to bring the President and Obasanjo together.

It was further gathered that security operatives were directed   to stop the investigation as a result of the ongoing efforts in high political circles to broker a truce between the two political figures.

A  source close to the Presidency, who craved anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on behalf of the President, told one of our correspondents in Abuja on Thursday  that the President was more interested in settling his differences with Obasanjo than carrying out the investigation that could deepen the crisis.

“The President was the one that gave the directive but I think another counter directive is in force now; they might not go into investigating all those things in the letter. I think they are making efforts to settle this matter.

“Political elders are intervening in it so the President asked them to stay action on it; so, for now there is nothing on it.

OBJ faction may dump PDP for APC in Ogun

Strong indications emerged yesterday that a faction of the embattled Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) loyal to the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo in Ogun State may join the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.
This was the conclusion of majority of members after a meeting which held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, (OOPL), Abeokuta, the state capital. The development had also led to a sharp division among members of the party, who were of the opinion that the move would not benefit the cross-carpeting members.
There has been irreconcilliable differences between Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Prince Buruji Kashamu, the party’s Chairman, Organization and Mobilization in the Southwest.
Before yesterday’s  meeting, leading members of the faction have been romancing the APC, necessitating disenchantment among members.
Sources closed to the meeting told Saturday Sun that the motion for the members of the faction to join the APC in the state was moved by Chief Tayo Odulaja, from Ogun East Senatorial District and was seconded by anotber member.

Omotola acquires choice property

IN what may be described as another moment of glory, popular Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has reportedly purchased a multimillion naira property on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.
Though the mother of four, fondly called Omosexy, didn’t disclose the cost of the choice property, she welcomed friends, family members and different homes and orphanages to a party tagged Oyep/Give- and-let-give event on the property during the last Christmas.
In attendance were her husband, Capt. Mathew Ekeinde, CEO, Aquatic jungle; Omowunmi Akinifesi (Oyep Role model 2013); widows and two orphanages, among others.

Weirdest thing a female fan has asked me for —Ali Baba

After acquiring a degree from the then Bendel State University, Ekpoma in 1990, Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere (popularly called Ali Baba) relocated to Lagos, having discovered his comic talent in a country that did not take comedians seriously. It was a tough struggle gaining acceptance for stand-up comedy in Nigeria, but he did not give up. And today, Ali Baba has grown his brand to an amazing proportion.  In this interview with JOAN OMIONAWELE, he opens up on his career, marriage and private life. Excerpts
Before you became a comedian, what were those days of humble beginnings like?
I used to make my own sandals and belts. I celebrated festive periods with hand-me-downs. Even my matriculation suit was a ‘hand me down’. But I was so happy when I saw someone with just a shirt and trousers wearing his matriculation gown.

Can you remember a particularly unforgettable thing you did for acceptance as a totally new comedian back then?
I did lots of free shows and begging to be allowed a few minutes at seminars, AGMs (Annual General Meetings) and workshops.

Why I’m sure of second term —Aregbesola

Rauf Aregbesola is the fourth civilian governor of Osun State. In a couple of months, another election will take place where he will be seeking re-election. In this interview with some journalists, the governor speaks on previous administration in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), critics of his government, among other issues. OLUWOLE IGE  brings the excerpts.  
THE financial re-engineering of the state under your leadership has been intriguing, despite the limited resources of Osun when compared with oil-producing states. How is the state fairing and coping, especially in its various projects, programmes and projects across the state?
We are being driven by the passion to turn around the economy of the State of Osun. We believe strongly in the divine intervention for guidance and success. This foundation made it possible for us to be guided in the appointment of the right people into the right places. We cannot ascribe the success to ourselves, but to the Almighty who will continue to support and make it possible for us to achieve our plans to execute mega projects that will attract investments from across the developed nations to the state.
And that passion definitely inspired more than the ordinary effort to get our resources to drive our vision. However, God has established his laws; it is left to human beings to take maximum advantage of the laws of God for their benefits. So, with the abundance of God’s provisions, human beings only need to put their minds in what they want and help from sources that are never envisaged and which will just come.

I’ll die if I stop eating African foods - Yemi Solade

Yemi Solade has been acting for three and a half decades. The thespian spoke with JOAN OMIONAWELE on his private life, fashion preference, marriage and other issues. Excerpts
You are 53 years old. How have you been able to maintain the good looks?
I have an engineering department in my life that takes care of that.

I don’t get that?
When you buy a generator, you must have an engineer. My wife and members of my family as well as my Chief Engineer, God – take care of that. I also take care of myself; I give my body what it wants. When the body wants it, eat right, drink right, work hard and play hard.

In your movies, you are always given the role of a doctor, playboy or rich husband. Is this always deliberate?
It’s not deliberate. I think there are things producers see in actors that make them cast them in certain roles. I have different looks and they must have looked at my face, as I have an osomo (Casanova) kind of look. That’s their estimation of my physical attributes. They just look around for a Casanova and after the long search, they just rest the job on my shoulders.

My life as daughter of a traditionalist —Oyinkansola Elebuibon

Born to the prominent Ifa priest, Chief  Ifayemi Elebuibon, Oyinkansola Elebuibon is a television presenter, red carpet host, actress and a producer. In this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE, she talks about her style, career and passion. Excerpts:
Description of self and greatest asset
I am a free and caring individual. I let things go rather than to remain angry. I cherish that a lot about me. I love my dimple, my nose, eyes and my gap tooth. There are a lot of things I love about myself and I wouldn’t want to go there (laughs).

Opinion on toning
We should be proud of our God-given skin colour. Most of the toning creams have adverse effects on the skin in the long run, and moreover, there is no way you could bleach to the extent that you would become white. Black is rich and beautiful. Though I’m not really black, I don’t want to be white either.

Growing up with an influential father
Growing up was fun. I grew up in a big extended household, with my siblings and cousins. I had no idea of our affluence when I was young and all I could remember was that people used to give us preferential treatment and in fact, they still do. Anywhere we went, people would greet us and they usually had this look on our face when they whispered to one another about us.
Also, my friends in school loved coming to our house, so that they could get to meet my father. But as an adult, I’ve come to realise how blessed we are. I am honoured to be born to my father.

Ex-minister’s wife delivers baby boy after 23 years of marriage

File photo

The former Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Humphrey Abah and his wife, Mary are grateful to God over the birth of their first baby after 23 years of marriage.
A thanksgiving service was held in Abuja on Sunday at the United Evangelical Church, National Worship Centre to celebrate the birth of the baby boy and was attended by top government functionaries.
Abah was reported to have given a speech in church saying that he was laughed at for 23 years by his political opponents over his inability to father a child.
The Nation reports:

He revealed that even doctors in London have “said that my wife will not be able to bear any child.”
The ex-minister said God has since been his hope even after doctor’s declaration adding that there was no pressure from his family to either marry another wife or seek another alternative.
His words: “I always pray to God for a day like this. My political opponents have used my childlessness to mock me. I have come across some people who initially we were in the same camp together but because you did not do one thing or the other that they wanted you to do on grounds of principle they say ha… we are not surprised after all he does not have a child. You get that kind of jab. I keep telling people that I have gotten to a position in life that I am driven by what the word of God have promised me and I do not take to comments that come from sides.

Jonathan ‘to appoint Tukur as defence minister’

President Goodluck Jonathan might have stayed true to his word to give the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, a “tougher” position. Reports have it that the president is set to appoint Alhaji Tukur as the new minister of defence following a recent  reshuffle in the country’s military leadership.
Tukur resigned from his position as chairman last week after intense pressure was placed on him by various party stakeholders.

Source

How I felt kissing Kenneth Okonkwo ––Actress Chizzy Alichi

Actress Chizzy Alichi has all it takes to join the big girls in Nollywood . Below is her words...

How was your first kiss in the movie?

I have done many kissing scenes with different actors. My first was with Kenneth Okonkwo. It was awesome because I have always admired him; he is my favourite actor so doing the kissing scene with him was great and as a professional and nice guy that he is, he carried me along very well.

Pokello to feature In A Nollywood movie

Former Big Brother housemate Pokello Nare has landed her first acting role in a Nigerian movie. Pokello, who is causing a stir with her fashion styles across Africa with her Ghanaian boyfriend Elikem Kumordzie, was upbeat about the role.Pokello on Monday wrote on Facebook: "Reading this script I got for my first movie in Naija (Nigeria). Lol I'm laughing off. I'm trying to picture myself in this role! Kikikikiki."

The mother of one added that she needs to be serious and read her lines because the way she was laughing about it was not productive.

In an interview with The Herald Entertainment yesterday, Pokello, who is affectionately known as the Queen of Swag, confirmed the development.

"I am to star in a Nigerian movie. I have just received the script and started rehearsing. I will be leaving for Nigeria in February," she said.

Source: Nigeriafilms

I don't need your money - Ini Edo

Star actress, Ini Edo has berated some fraudsters on Facebook using her name to dupe some of her teeming fans. She disclosed that her Facebook and Twitter accounts have been compromised and warned her fans to disregard any post asking to part with their hard-earned money.

The Akwa-Ibom-born screen diva sent out this warning message in a broadcast on blackberry and warned the criminals to desist from such acts.

She wrote, "hello my dear people. Once again, Happy New Year.

"My attention has just been drawn to some fraudulent acts being perpetrated by some criminals using my social media accounts; Facebook and Twitter, they have been compromised.

"I'm hereby warning these fraudsters to desist from these acts and advising my fans and unsuspecting members of the public to be vigilant so they don't fall victims. I have not asked anybody on Facebook or Twitter to pay money into any account. Please be careful.

"Kindly rbc (re-broadcast) this broadcast till it spreads. Thank you. signed Ini Edo."

Source 

PDP chair: Jonathan, govs choose Mu’azu

A  former Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, has been chosen as the new Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party by President Goodluck Jonathan and governors.

He will replace the former chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who resigned from his position on Wednesday.

Mu’azu was picked as a consensus candidate at a meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the governors of the party at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday night.

The meeting ended at 1:22 am on Monday (today) morning.

Investigations showed that the governors had rejected the choice of Mohammed Wakil by the President and his wife, Patience.

Some reasons were said to have been adduced for the rejection of Wakil,   a former House of Representatives  Leader.  The reasons  included his alleged inability to carry people along when he was a principal officer of the House.

Nigeria beat S’Africa, qualify for quarter-final

The Super Eagles have qualified for the quarterfinals of the ongoing African Nations Championship after beating hosts South Africa 3-1 at the Cape Town Stadium. The win gave Nigeria six points from three matches.

The Eagles, who needed a win to progress from Group A, started slowly but improved as the game wore on. It was the South Africans who threatened first in the fourth minute when Bernard Parker shot straight into the hands of Nigeria’s goalkeeper and captain Chigozie Agbim.

The Nigerians did little to test Moeneeb Josephs in goal for South Africa as their opponents threatened again in the 19th minute when the under-fire Nigerian goalkeeper saved a header off a corner kick. Nigeria’s first real chance of the match resulted in the first goal. It came in the 22nd minute when Ejike Uzoenyi scored after a pass had found him in the box from Ifeanyi Ede.

I had difficult times as PDP chairman – Tukur

The former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has said that he “passed through difficult times while in office.”  He thereby urged anyone aspiring to head the party to be fearless, consistent and focused.

He spoke when some clerics visited and prayed with him at his residence in Abuja on Saturday. He insisted that he stood by every decision he took while in office.

Tukur said he made a huge sacrifice by resigning from office as he expressed regrets that some members of the PDP preferred the party to be run with the  business as usual mentality, because, according to him, such members were utterly opposed to any form of change in running other party.

He said that his actions were aimed at reforming the party and to deepen democracy and made Nigeria raise its head among the comity of great nations.

He said, “I did my best to bring PDP to good standard and international best practices on politics. I came in with the mindset to reform the party by promoting the principle of election instead of selection and the idea of consensus instead of imposition.

Rivers: Hoodlums open fire on pro-Amaechi rally

HOODLUMS suspected to be militants on Sunday invaded the Save Rivers Movement rally in Bori, Khana Local Government Area and unleashed terror on members of the group.

The militants, who wore masks were said to have  shot sporadically mostly at  vehicles parked at the venue of the event by state government officials.

The  Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii, the Chief of Staff, Government House,  Chief Tony Okocha, and some journalists were among those that  escaped death by a whisker.

Some  however sustained serious bullet injuries during the incident that occurred  barely  a week   after a similar rally was disrupted by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Okocha was also lucky during the Obio Akpor rally  but a pro-Rotimi Amaechi senator, Magnus Abe, was not as he was shot with rubber bullets by policemen. Abe  is currently in a London hospital receiving treatment.

It was learnt that during the latest  incident, the  militants, who  besieged the All Saints Anglican Church venue of the  rally, had   begun  shooting  within Bori around 4.30am on Sunday.