Obasanjo, others meet PDP govs today as crisis festers

The truce talks between elders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and governors elected on the platform of the party will on Friday (today) continue in Abuja.

The meeting, initiated by a former President, Chief  Olusegun Obasanjo, is aimed at seeking a solution to issues that led to  the factionalisation of the PDP.

Six PDP governors had last Saturday stormed out of the party’s mini-convention in Abuja and joined some aggrieved prominent members of the party, including the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi,  to announce the emergence of  a faction known as the New PDP.

The  governors are Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Aliyu Babangida (Niger); Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara);  Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); and Rabiu Kwakwanso (Kano).

They named a former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, as the leader of the faction. An ex- National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Mohammed Bugaje,  was appointed the national chairman;  Dr. Sam Jaja, deputy national chairman;  and Prince Olagunsoye, national secretary.

Fashola bars Molue from Lagos Island

The Lagos State Government has barred big commercial buses, popularly called Molue, from operating on Lagos Island.

The government explained that it also did not expect the buses to ply  Third Mainland, Eko and Carter bridges, adding that operating in the Central Business District had become history for the buses.

A statement from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority on Thursday said the move was to ensure adequate monitoring of the operations of commercial vehicles and compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

Malawi can’t surprise us – Mikel, Oduamadi

The Super Eagles have ruled out any form of surprise from the visiting Flames of Malawi as both sides prepare for the crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier holding in Calabar on Saturday.

Nigeria need only a draw to advance to the knock-out stage of the qualifying series, while Malawi must get maximum points from the encounter to progress in the competition.

While Malawi coach, Tom Saintfiet, had several times assured his employers that they will win the game, promising to shock the Super Eagles on their turf  at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, the Nigeria players on Thursday dismissed any such threat from the Belgian.

Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, said the Eagles had grown beyond falling to new tricks in the game, insisting that they were prepared for the encounter.

2015: Ex-militants caution ‘New PDP’ against stopping Jonathan

SOME former militants in the Niger Delta have cautioned the ‘New Peoples Democratic Party’ and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi against stopping President Goodluck Jonathan from having a second term in office.

The ex-fighters, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital,  on Thursday, expressed anger over the emergence of a new PDP, adding that the development was targeted at preventing Jonathan from being re-elected in 2015.

The ex-militants who spoke under the aegis of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, described the action of the breakaway politicians in the new PDP as a ‘dissident act.’

National President of the group, ‘General’ Reuben Wilson, a.k.a Pastor, who signed the statement with three other former militant leaders said that they would adopt lawful means to stop those fighting against Jonathan’s second term bid.

We expect battle from Malawi – Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, expects the Flames of Malawi to put up their best fight when they play against Nigeria in the Word Cup qualifier in Calabar on Saturday.

Keshi led the team in another training session in the rain on Thursday, making it twice they would defy nature to prepare for the crucial game.

“I’m expecting them (Malawi) to fight like they never did before. They need to win, while we’re okay with a draw,” Keshi said after the training session.

“I’m happy my players are eager to get the job done. This is the first time I’m having a full house and it has presented me several options on the tactics to adopt.”

Keshi said he was satisfied with what he saw in the training but insisted no player would be guaranteed a starting role on the match day.

Corporal shoots ASP dead during argument at station

Olusoji

PUNCH - When on April 6, 2013, Jane and Olusoji Elegbede got married in Lagos State, their joy knew no bounds.

Although Olusoji was a policeman serving in Yobe State, which is fraught with security challenges, Jane did not mind living there with him.

 Their plan was to settle down, have children and grow old together.

Unfortunately, this was not to be as Olusoji, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, was gunned down by a police corporal  in Gashua Bade Local Government, Yobe State, while on duty less than five months after their wedding.

Olusoji’s widow, who spoke while fighting back tears, told PUNCH Metro that she was still in shock over the incident.

Narrating what led to her 39-year-old husband’s killing, Jane said her husband, who was the Administration Officer at Gashua Police Division, was killed by a 53-year-old corporal, Andrew Bitus.

Lagos, Ekiti, seven others are heavy debtors –FRC

Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade

Nine states of the federation are in serious debts judging by their revenue profile, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission has said.

The states are: Lagos, Ekiti, Kaduna, Cross Rivers, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Ebonyi and Kwara.

 In its Annual Report and Audited Accounts 2011, which was released in Abuja on Thursday, the FRC listed the nine states as being under the weight of huge debts.

The FRC also raised the alarm that given the rate of growth of the national debt and debt servicing, the nation’s debt was unsustainable except action was taken to reduce the rate of growth or increase the Gross Domestic Product growth rate.

According to the report, the total indebtedness of each of the states as of December 31, 2011 was beyond the limit set by the Debt Management Office.

Moses makes Liverpool squad

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has included new signings Victor Moses and Mamadou Sakho in his 25-man squad for the new season. Moses signed from Chelsea on Monday, the last day of the summer transfers.

Luis Suarez also features after being linked away from the club over the last few months.

All Barclays Premier League managers had to submit names to the authorities on Wednesday following the closure of the summer transfer window.

Rules state that clubs can have no more than 17 players who are not deemed to be ‘home grown’, but may have as many U-21 stars as they like.

The Premier League says, “A Home Grown player will be defined as one who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21).”

Changes can be made, however, when the window reopens again on January 1 2014.

Ngige wins Anambra APC primaries

RESULT of the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC, conducted in all the 326 wards in Anambra State Monday for the selection of the party’s candidate for the November 16 election has been announced.

Senator Chris Ngige scored 53255 votes to defeat Chief Godwin Ezemo who scored 9554 votes.
The result was announced at the Emmaus House, Awka collation center by the chairman of the primaries committee, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.
Shekarau commended members of the party in all the wards in the state for their peaceful conduct during and after the exercise.

VANGUARD

ANAMBRA 2013: APC elects officers, promises hitch-free primaries

THE Anambra State All Progressives Congress (APC), weekend, held its state congress in Awka and promised to conduct hitch-free primaries today for the nomination of its governorship candidate for the November 16 election.
At the state congress, Chief Chuks Chinwuba, a former secretary of Onitsha North Local Government was elected as chairman while Chief Samuel Igwedibia became the deputy chairman.
Also, Chief J.P.C Obikwelu was elected state secretary, while the woman leader is Mrs. Modesta Okagbue. Henry Emerah is the state youth leader.
With the party’s executive in place, all is set for the primaries to be conducted for Senator Chris Ngige and Chief Godwin Ezemo, today.
The congress was supervised by a special committee headed by Chief Romeo Anyisia, who appealed to members to jettison parochial sentiments in the forthcoming election so as to elect persons with tested credentials.

Cocaine mess update: Redeemers' Univeristy re-admits students

In February 2013, 28 students of Redeemers University were expelled by the university for allegedly failing drug tests. The tests were conducted last November for 42 students during their exam. The expulsion generated a lot of criticisms causing the school to rescind its decision in April. The school wrote letters to the affected students asking them to face a panel to explain why they failed the test, after which the panel would make a new judgement.

Well, the school has reviewed the case and has decided to re-admit all 28 students on the condition that the students will miss a whole semester and go for five month rehabilitation at a rehab centre. A decision that didn't go down well with the affected students and their parents.

ASUU strike: Varsities may face admission crisis

Inability of some universities to conduct the Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination spells more confusion, Charles Abah writes

The expression on the face of 22-year-old Mike Ugbodu on Monday conveyed a feeling of disillusionment. He looked every inch worried. All of a sudden, his chubby face seemed to have shrunken with anxiety. Ugbodu, otherwise known for his lively nature, looked quite lonely. In fact, he was not in a mood to talk.

 Of course, it is not surprising that the young man looked this desolate and disturbed. Having scored high grades in the last Universities Matriculation Examination, he looked forward to writing the post-UTME at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria last August, to enable him to secure admission to study Micro Biology in the university.

I’m at Liverpool to do a job – Moses

Super Eagles attacker, Victor Moses, has said that he joined English side Liverpool to do a job. The Nigerian joined the Anfield side on Monday in a last day transfer from Chelsea. The winger is on a year loan move.

Moses said, “First and foremost, I’m delighted to have made the loan from Chelsea to a big club like Liverpool. The most important thing is for me to be professional about it and I’m here to do a job for the club.

 “The target is to get into the top four and for the club to compete in the Champions League – and I’m delighted to be here.”

The 22-year-old, who scored 10 goals in 42 appearances for Chelsea after joining from Wigan Athletic last year, was at Anfield on Sunday to watch Liverpool beat Manchester United 1-0 in a Premier League match. Liverpool’s victory over United left them two points in front of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League and meant that they were the only team in the division with a perfect record so far this season.

Mba’s Bastia deal crashes

Nigeria international  Sunday Mba could still move before the transfer window closes after a proposed switch to CA Bastia crashed.

Warri Wolves media officer Moses Etu told MTNFootball.com, “We have seen several reports everywhere. I cannot confirm or debunk anything, but we will make an official statement on the transfer situation of Mba.

“One thing I can tell you is that Mba is a lucky boy because he has over five French clubs on his case right now, so even if they say that he has dumped Bastia he would have another offer immediately.”

PDP crisis gets messier … as faction sues Tukur, Chikwe, others

In spite of the troubleshooting efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the  faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by  Alhaji Abubakar Baraje  has  said it will  not  abandon its mission to salvage the PDP.

To prove its seriousness, the faction known as the New PDP, has gone to  a Lagos High Court in Ikeja,  seeking to stop  officials of  the National Working Committee of the  Bamanga Tukur-led faction  from parading themselves as members  of  the National Executive Committee of the party.

Besides the suit which was  heard on Monday  by Justice Ganiyu  Safari, and adjourned till Monday, September 9, the New PDP will on Tuesday (today) open a parallel secretariat at the Maitama District of  Abuja.

In the suit, the plaintiffs – Baraje, Dr. Sam   Jaja, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the PDP –   asked the court to restrain Tukur, Prince Uche Secondus, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Olisah Metuh and others from parading themselves as PDP NEC members.

Late Prophet Ajanaku’s family fights over properties; church congregation scatters

New surfacing online claim that the once lively Revival Victory Chapel International is now a shadow of itself following the sudden demise of its’ spiritual leader and founder Pastor Elijah Iretiola Ajanaku.
The reports further claim that family members of the late Prophet are presently at loggerheads over who gets the lion share of the property he (prophet Ajanku) left behind.
Ladun Liadi reports that “Family members of Late Pastor Ajanaku have been coming around to see what he left behind. Not only have they been parading his home, they are mostly interested in his fleet of cars and they have been discussing on how to move the cars and who deserves the best. According to a source, any moment from now, his family members will be back to move the exotic cars out.
We also heard that, no weekly activities have been taking place in the church since their founder died.
His widow is said to become the next General Overseer and has also moved some valuables to undisclosed locations after her late husband’s family members have showed interest in their son/brother’s properties.”
DAILY POST

Photos: Wande Coal acquires Mercedes GL 450 4matic

The car arrived in Nigeria yesterday. Congrats to Wande Coal. Oya you people start with the price..lol

TB Joshua has more visitors than Buckhimgham Palace – THE GUARDIAN UK

According to a report in UK’s Guardian Newspaper today, Nigerian Prophet T.B. Joshua’s popularity exceeds even that of famous London landmarks Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

According to the report by The Guardian’s West African correspondent Monica Mark,“In Africa’s largest metropolis, the district of Ikotun Egbe has turned into a boom town. The draw? Temitope Balogun Joshua, one of Nigeria’s richest “super-pastors”, whose church attracts 50,000 worshippers weekly – more than the combined number of visitors to Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.”

Breakaway PDP can’t thrive in Kwara, says Gov Ahmed

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara yesterday said the breakaway Peoples Democratic Party, PDP would not thrive in the state.
Governor Ahmed who spoke with journalists at Ilorin international airport on his arrival from Abuja said the PDP-controlled government had election-winning machinery.
The governor said: “A few dissidents think that this time is an opportunity for them to begin to create disharmony in the PDP system in Kwara State.
“They should know clearly as crystal that we have election-winning machinery and that machinery has been used and is available. Those dissidents should know that they cannot come and start running parallel structure here. They will just be wasting their time, because we are a formidable force.
“In Kwara State, ours is not really a political party, we follow our leader. Election winning machinery is what we have. We have shown it before when we took it from ANPP to PDP and God is still with us.”
Governor Ahmed, who said he and some other PDP governors were in the Presidency on the invitation of President Jonathan, explained that the visit was a mark of respect for the President and to deliberate on issues that the governors had highlighted.
The governor said consultations were still on and that another round of consultation was being arranged where he hoped the issues raised would be trashed out, saying “We believe it is those that work that should reap and not those that did not work but want to reap from Abuja. We will not allow that.
We voted and our votes were part of those that brought President Jonathan to power. We know the voters and those in Abuja will not tell us those who voted here. They should ensure we make our people get due benefits of their struggle. Our leaders should be invited to ensure things go well. We can’t struggle to get things in place for some other people.”

Culled: Vanguard

Nigerian Super Fraudster Wanted In America By FBI Over $770,000 Internet Love Scam

Olaniyi Makinde Victor (right), with his lawyer, A.A. Adetunji (left)

A 26 year old serial internet fraudster, Olaniyi Victor Makinde who is top on the wanted list of the United States of America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI has been arrested in Akure, the Ondo state capital by Nigeria’s anti-graft police, EFCC.

A source in FBI had hinted iReports-ng that Makinde who is also known as Olaniyi Jones and Andrea Bradley was wanted by the San Francisco Division of the FBI. According to the source, the US government viewed the activities of Makinde seriously and as such had to send three FBI agents including a supervisory special agent and two special agents, to Nigeria last quarter to meet with their Nigerian counterparts over the arrest of the fraudster. The fraudster was eventually arrested on September 6 last year.

Casket seller kidnaps self & demands N2M ransom from brothers

One Samuel Ani, a casket (coffin) dealer from Ugwuaji community in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State was arrested by operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Enugu State Police Command, weekend, for attempting to dupe his brothers of N2 million under the guise that he was abducted by kidnappers.

Ani, whose coffin shop is at Garki, Awkunanaw area of Enugu, allegedly hid himself in a bush behind his shop for six days and alerted his brothers that he was in a kidnappers’ den.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the arrest, yesterday, said the suspect “never knew that his sin shall find him.”

Naeto C’s Mum Becomes PDP National Women Leader

The mother of Nigerian rapper, Naeto C, Kema Chikwe has been elected the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) National Women Leader. The former Aviation Minister was elected into the new post on Saturday at the party’s National Convention held in Abuja on Saturday.
The new post makes the mother of the Glo ambassador a member of the National Working Committee of the PDP, which is a strong decision making body of the party.
Naeto C is one of Nigeria’s finest rappers. He is on the A-list category of artistes in Nigeria.
Culled: Nigeriafilms

Lagos businesses cash in on lure of super-pastor TB Joshua

Hotels, shops and touts in district of Ikotun Egbe are doing a roaring trade as church draws visitors from around the world
In Africa’s largest metropolis, the district of Ikotun Egbe has turned into a boom town. The draw? Temitope Balogun Joshua, one of Nigeria’s richest “super-pastors”, whose church attracts 50,000 worshippers weekly – more than the combined number of visitors to Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.
Seeking promises of prosperity and life-changing spiritual experiences, visitors flock from around the globe. Enterprising Lagos residents – those not turfed out by landlords turning their properties into hotels – have transformed the rundown area into a hotbed of business.

PDP crisis: Obasanjo sues for peace

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday called on aggrieved members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to embrace peace in order to move the party forward.
Obasanjo, who was the immediate past Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday, appealed to the aggrieved party members to remain calm and allow the resolution of of the crises rocking the party.
The Special Convention of the party was held at the Eagle Square in Abuja on Sunday where 17 new national officers were elected while a faction of the party under the leadership of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and seven Governors also met at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre where it elected another set of officers.
The Atiku-led faction said they took the decision to salvage the party from ”those who had hijacked it.”
“I want to passionately appeal to both sides to sheath their swords and maintain status quo.
“I urge members of the party to remain calm while the elders of the party meet to resolve the issues,” the statement quotes Obasanjo as saying.
The former president expressed optimism that the crisis would be resolved soonest and that the party would be the better for it.
(NAN)

Medical doctors and pharmacists in LUTH protest non-payment of salaries

Medical and Pharmacy Interns of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) are protesting the non-payment of their salaries for at least 3 months, some for longer. These house officers and interns are the first line doctors, they are the first to see the patients, first to get to work and last to leave, and for the past three months they have not been paid. Not fair! The relevant authorities should please address this issue before the situation escalates.

Christian women cry out over child marriage

The women wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Cross River State on Sunday cried out against the controversial issue of child marriage in the country.
The women, in a meeting in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, asked the National Assembly to lay the issue to rest as they did with the sex-same marriage issue.
Chairman of the wing, Rev. Mercy Akpan, said, “We are against the issue of child marriage. We don’t want it. Health wise, a child’s body is not developed to carry what goes with pregnancy and all of that. A baby cannot carry a baby. It is a woman that can carry a baby. Not a baby giving birth to another baby.
“The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says that for someone to be an adult, the person must be 18 years of age and above. You must be an adult to have franchise to vote and be voted for. So if they say any married person is an adult it stands to violates what the constitution says if one gets married below that age. The bible says a man would leave his family and to a woman, not a baby girl.
“Those supporting child marriages should know that it is morally wrong to give a child out in marriage, especially the girl child. They are creating problems while government is trying to provide healthcare. If a child is not ready for pregnancy she may die trying to give birth. There is also the risk of VVF.”
Culled: Punchng