FG plotting to assassinate Kanu on Oct 1 – IPOB

IPOB alleges that the federal government plans to assassinate Nnamdi Kanu.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by the federal government to assassinate its leader, Nnamdi Kanu inside the prison custody on October 1.

The group in a statement issued by its spokespersons, Emma Nmezu and Dr. Clifford Iroanya, on Thursday, September 15, queried the federal government for abandoning its prosecution of Kanu and going for the option of his alleged assassination on Nigeria’s 56th independent anniversary celebration.

According to Vanguard, the group accused President Muhammadu Buhari of freeing a terrorist Kabiru Umar (a.k.a Kabiru Sokoto), and criticised the president for disobeying court orders on the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.
It said: “Is the government not sure of the ability of its legal team to make a strong case for the conviction of Kanu? Is government impatient with the rule of law to the extent that it now wants to take the laws into its hands and resort to extra-judicial killing which has always been its second nature?
“What is the rationale behind government’s preference for the freedom of a terrorist and mass murderer over compliance with the rulings of courts of competent jurisdictions?”

Berating the president, the group said with Buhari’s  limited education and non-existent leadership training plus lack of updated skills in modern and democratic governance, he should at least respect the constitution of the country he is claiming to be the president of.

Meanwhile, Nnamdi Kanu has raised alarm over continued detention of five of his relatives by the Department of State Security Services (DSS).

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in a letter written to the minister of interior Abdulrahman Dambazau and the comptroller general of prison Ja’afaru Ahmed also alleged possible threats to his life while in custody.

Kanu in the letter sent to Dambazau and Ahmed by his lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor and obtained exclusively by NAIJ.com was dated Wednesday, September 14, and acknowledgement from receipts received same day.

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Biafra: MASSOB appeals to UN for referendum

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has appealed to the United Nations (UN) to arrange and conduct a referendum to ascertain the willingness or otherwise of the people to be part of an independent Biafra.

According to Vanguard, the Owerri zonal leader of the MASSOB and a member of the organisation’s elder’s council, Chief Canice Anujuru and Chief Okechukwu Nwogu respectively, made the appeal during a news conference in Owerri to mark the 17th anniversary of the birth of MASSOB.

Anujuru said conducting a referendum for the independence of Biafra was long overdue, adding that Biafrans are earnestly awaiting the conduct of the exercise.

He recalled that the UN granted MASSOB observer status since 2000, and pointed out that since then, MASSOB has been prosecuting its campaign for the independence of Biafra in a non-violent manner.

He accused the Nigerian government and its security agencies of mindlessly killing, detaining and prosecuting several pro-Biafra agitators over the years despite the group’s non-violent posture.

In another development, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech urging Nigerians to remain together.

Uwazuruike in a statement signed by BIM’s director of information, Mazi Chris Mocha,  on Sunday in Onitsha disagreed with the president saying, no amount of preaching on “One Ni­geria” can save the country from going the way of the Soviet Union.

He blamed Britain for the problems facing Nigeria adding that Lord Luggard when he discovered that northerners were indolent and that the resources be­ing generated from the Niger Delta of Southern Nigeria could be used to administer the two protectorates (North and South) joined the two different entities together without seeking the consent of the people concerned.

Uwazuruike further re­vealed that after the killing of Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, the north had wanted to pull out of one Nigeria after Yakubu Gowon said that there was no basis for one Nigeria.

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The new Filmhouse Cinema in Lekki everyone is talking about

If you’ve been keeping tabs with us, you would have heard all about the first ever IMAX Cinema in West Africa, but do you really know all the nitty-gritty details?

Well, that’s what we are here for, to give you the inside scoop you might have missed!

1. The Filmhouse Lekki besides screening in 2D and 3D but astonishingly comes with a state of the art IMAX screen; IMAX (short for Image Maximum) has the highest image resolution ever. It is the most immersive, explosive movie experience you will ever come by.

2. It is located at The Rock Drive, Off Bisola Durosinmi-Etti Drive, Lekki Phase 1 Lagos.

3. Sport lovers can also see weekend games while chilling with loved ones at the exclusive Terrace bar and the all VVIP Signature Bar at Filmhouse Cinemas Lekki.

4. Children aren’t left out as well, because the more the merrier!

Check out photos below:

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Nigerian woman excretes 6 mega wraps of cocaine pellets

A 55-year-old woman named Binuyo Basari Iyabo has excreted six wraps of cocaine pellets, barely one week after she excreted 76 pellets of drugs that tested positive to cocaine.

Binuyo Basari Iyabo reportedly excreted 76 pellets of drugs that tested positive for cocaine.

Ms Binuyo Basari Iyabo, was a pilgrim who was recently arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during the outward screening of passengers on an Emirates flight from Abuja to Medina.

In a statement yesterday, NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Hamisu Lawan, said the woman would be prosecuted in line with the anti-narcotics laws of the country.

Lawan disclosed that the total number of wraps of cocaine expelled by the suspect while under observation was 82.

He said: “Ms Binuyo Basari Iyabo while under observation expelled 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 931 grammes. All arrangements have been concluded for her prosecution.”

Iyabo, 55, who hails from Kwara State, had told the NDLEA that she was lured into the crime because she needed money to expand her business.

Wraps of cocaine.

Iyabo’s confessional statement to the NDLEA reads: “My sponsor offered to foot my expenses to Saudi on pilgrimage. This was how I got involved in the act. I was excited until the issue of drugs was introduced. I wanted to decline but it was late.

“Besides, I was offered a million naira which I accepted. I swallowed the drugs in Lagos and took a flight to Abuja on my way to Medina but I was caught in the process.”

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Kogi lawmaker shares 100 rams, 500 bags of rice for Sallah

Prince Muhammed Idris Ndako has defied Nigeria’s economic hardship, to ensure that his people have a beautiful Sallah celebration.

Kogi lawmaker Prince Muhammed Idris Ndako has distributed 100 rams and 500 bags of rice to his constituency.

The lawmaker representing Lokoja 11 Constituency in the Kogi state House of Assembly, distributed 100 rams and 500 bags of rice to the people of his constituency on Saturday, September 10.

While distributing the materials he said his assistance to the less privileged has nothing to do with his rumoured ambition to contest the 2019 house of representatives race.
He maintained that his aim was to serve his constituency meritoriously at the House of Assembly and fulfill his 2015 election promises.

Ndako, who is also Felele community leader in Lokoja local government area, spoke while distributing rams and food items to representatives of the five wards and the less privileged yesterday.

He said: “People are saying that I am taking advantage of assisting people as a plan for 2019 House of Reps race. For now, my important focus is to see how I will use the opportunity of my constituency seat to serve my people in conformity with the pledges and promises I made to them before the 2015 election. You can’t stop people from talking and praying for you; but for now, I want to make sure that I please and appease them.”

At the event, the lawmaker said a total of food stuffs worth over N5 million, had been distributed during the month of Ramadan.

The lawmaker added: “In the last 28 days, my office has been involved in a programme of feeding the poor in the five wards that make up the constituency I represent. Today (yesterday), I am here to share 100 rams and 500 bags of rice to people within my constituency to celebrate the coming Sallah.

“I am here in fulfillment of that very promise to feed my people and to make sure the Sallah turns out to be a memorable one for them,” Ndako stressed

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Opinion: Celebrating Eid in a time of recession

Editor’s note: Muslims all over the world will come together on Monday, September 12, 2016 to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir. Hafsah Abubakar Matazu in this piece talks about celebrating this year’s Eid-el-Kabir while facing the current economic recession.

It is clear that Nigeria is currently going through difficult times and facing economic crisis. Nigerians have been wailing over how the dire situation has greatly affected everyday life and how the cost of living is ridiculously expensive.

Infact, there have never been a bad situation as this in recent times. Basically, the recession is said to be caused by a slump in crude prices, which brings in approximately 70% of the government’s revenue and the rise in dollar rate soared other prices of many items.
With Eid-el-Kabir celebrations on Monday, many people are at a cross road of what to do for a swell celebrations. Majorly, ram sellers have recorded an all-time low of patronage. People want to buy their rams like every other year, buy new outfits for their children, warmly welcome their loved ones and friends with gifts and the usual wonderful delicacies and take the family out. But they are desperately struggling to make ends meet before the festivities.

Pockets have run dry and the present economic situation is only making things more difficult. Muslims are trying to find any other alternative to provide for their families. Also, many organisations both private and government are yet pay salaries or are owing workers for many months. To compound the problem schools have just resumed and many parents had paid their children’s fees.

A house wife, Maimuna Abbas voiced her concerns saying that the situation is extremely tough. She said the prices of food items have doubled if not tripled. Rice, beans, meat, cooking oil have greatly increased. According to that, one have to plan and budget, cut down the quantity of purchases and stop buying items that one can do without. Maimuna explained that “Our lifestyle has taken a complete turnaround.

“This Sallah, I hope and I will try to maximize what I have to make my family have a decent and fun filled celebration. Usually, I take them out for ice cream, buy them new clothes but now we have been forced to use the clothes they wore last Sallah. My children may not be happy, but they are going to have to adjust to the new situation of how things are now. We plan to at least cook what is available to us and go out and entertain ourselves however we can. If we are to go out, I have to seriously consider how much I will spend. But still, we will try and see how to make things work out in our favour.”

She explained further that “every year during Sallah, my husband and I slaughter one ram each and now, one ram is going for the ridiculous price of up to N140, 000. What are we meant to do when we know we have other responsibilities vested upon us? As of now, the best thing to do is to believe that God will provide a way out and use the little savings we have. Our salaries are yet to be paid. We need the government or whoever it is responsible for making our lives so horribly difficult to provide a way out for its citizens. The reality out there is that some people cannot even afford three square meals anymore and it is like the government is completely oblivious to conditions they are living in.”

Fatima Ibrahim, another housewife spoke about her own inconveniences. “It has really affected me and every Nigerian too. But in respect to my own family, we haven’t had it easy too. We will manage with the little we have to see that we do something during the festivities even though we know it will not be as grand as before. Our extended family can also give us a helping hand since that is what family is for.”

Mrs. Ibrahim added that, “Sallah won’t be the same for us because we usually travel home but this year, we won’t be able to do that. We will be spending it here in Abuja. It is like a Sallah tradition to us and now we have no choice but to stay put here. We will spend it visiting our family and friends that live nearby and if that is not possible either, we will just stay at home so that we do not bring more unnecessary spending upon ourselves.”

Another woman, Ummahani Abubakar also told noted that the current economic situation has affected everyone greatly because of the rise of prices of foodstuff. She said “in the past, you could purchase a bag of rice at N9000 but now, it goes for between N18, 000 and N20, 000. That is more than double the price and the same applies to everything. The most important thing during this Eid celebration is the ram slaughtering and many people won’t be privileged to do so.

The food quantity will have to be cut down this year because of the harsh economic circumstances. It is rather unfortunate and there are very little alternatives to turn to. Also, we have priorities that are equally important. Our children are all going to school. We have school fees and prices of other things have also soared. We also need to make sure that we serve our family three square meals daily and if that means sacrificing what we do for Sallah, then so be it.”

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Little boys rape one-year-old girl before killing her

Two little boys aged 7 and 10 years old, have been arrested for committing a crime that will make you wonder if there’s still such a thing as ‘childish innocence’.

According to reports, the boys raped a one-year-old girl, forced her into a pit toilet afterwards, and went ahead to beat her with a stick till they were sure she was dead.

7 and 10 year old boys raped a one-year-old girl

The boys have reportedly admitted to the crime, which was said to have taken place on Wednesday, September 7, in the Kumbe Balindo area of Ndian Division in Cameroon.

See another picture below:

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Patience Jonathan cries out over $31.4m frozen by EFCC

Nigeria’s ex-first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has cried out over her $31.4 million being tied down by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Former first lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, says the money with EFCC belongs to her.

The Guardian reports that the account is being fingered as one of those involved in an alleged fraud case before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos but Mrs Jonathan’s counsel, Gboyega Oduwole has filed a case before the court, informing that his client is unhappy with the EFCC over the recent move to freeze the account.
– Ex-first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan is really not happy with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

– The former president’s wife is asking the court to declare that the monies found in the four accounts belong to her

Nigeria’s ex-first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has cried out over her $31.4 million being tied down by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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Former first lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, says the money with EFCC belongs to her.
The Guardian reports that the account is being fingered as one of those involved in an alleged fraud case before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos but Mrs Jonathan’s counsel, Gboyega Oduwole has filed a case before the court, informing that his client is unhappy with the EFCC over the recent move to freeze the account.


Amajuoyi Azubike Briggs, an ex-presidential aide; Damola Bolodeoku, a former Skye Bank official; Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited and Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited had all been charged to court over their individual involvement in the fraudulent activities with companies without address.

Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited, Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited and Globus Integrated Services Limited were also charged with the same offence.

Mrs Jonathan, is however, not taking any of those accusations and allegations as she is seeking a court order to enforce her basic human rights as it agrees with reliefs she sought, while also naming EFCC and Skye bank as defendants.

According to the report, she wants the court to rule that the monies found with the four companies and another account in her name with a Skye Bank are all hers.

Consequently, the former president’s wife demanded a court declaration that the respondents have breached her fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic by placing a ‘Freezing Order’ on the said accounts without any court order or prior notice to her.

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Abuja cleric warns Buhari over consistent hunger in the country

Unless drastic actions and measures are quickly put in place, more Nigerians will commit suicide because of poverty and hunger, Rev William Okoye, a top Nigerian cleric has warned.

The ex-Chaplain of Aso Villa chapel, during a chat with journalists in Abuja, affirmed that Nigeria in presently in a serious problem and fears that the issues at hand may escalate unless something is quickly done to salvage the situation in the country.

Reverend Okoye, who doubles as the general overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission, Maitama, Abuja, said: “Yes, Nigeria is in a serious problem now; people are dying and killing themselves because when they come to the end of the road and they don’t have anybody to support or encourage them, they think that the best option is to give up by just killing themselves.

“It shouldn’t be happening in our society where we have responsible citizens; we should reduce that (suicide). We can’t be talking about government, government and government.

President Muhammadu Buhari has to do something about Nigeria’s economic situation.

“The government has its roles to play but we all as individuals should also have our roles to play and when each of us take responsibility to play our roles in our own little ways and corners, those things add up to bring the stability we believe God for.
“I read the newspapers everyday and I watch news everyday. And not only that, there are many that you cannot capture because of where they happen. There are a lot of that (suicide) happening and if nothing is done as a way of intervention, which is one of the reasons why we decided to do this, the rate will increase.

“Even if it is one person that will be saved as a result of this message, it’s worth it. But we are praying and doing whatever we can do to see that we get out of this as soon as possible.”

According to The Punch, the clergyman made a suggestion to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, saying: “I believe that Nigeria should be restructured, I believe that, and a lot of well-meaning and respected individuals in our nation, have said the same thing and any government that is responsible should listen to the people. The nation needs to be opened up so that people don’t suffocate.”

In a another development, Professor Anthony Anwukah, Nigeria’s minister of state for Education has said that Nigerians must try to acclimatize to the current unfavorable condition of Nigeria’s economy.

The erstwhile Vice Chancellor of Imo State University Owerri, blamed Nigerians for their “inability to swiftly adjust to the present economic recession” in the country due to their “over-bloated lifestyle.”

He also expressed regrets that most of the products that are consumed in the country are imported.

Anwukah, who spoke during the Special Senate Session organised by IMSU in honour of four senators of the university was, however, optimistic that the nation would come out of the economic hardship stronger.

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Patience Jonathan cries out over $31.4m frozen by EFCC

Nigeria’s ex-first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has cried out over her $31.4 million being tied down by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Former first lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, says the money with EFCC belongs to her.

The Guardian reports that the account is being fingered as one of those involved in an alleged fraud case before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos but Mrs Jonathan’s counsel, Gboyega Oduwole has filed a case before the court, informing that his client is unhappy with the EFCC over the recent move to freeze the account.
– Ex-first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan is really not happy with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

– The former president’s wife is asking the court to declare that the monies found in the four accounts belong to her

Nigeria’s ex-first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has cried out over her $31.4 million being tied down by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Share on Facebook
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Former first lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, says the money with EFCC belongs to her.
The Guardian reports that the account is being fingered as one of those involved in an alleged fraud case before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos but Mrs Jonathan’s counsel, Gboyega Oduwole has filed a case before the court, informing that his client is unhappy with the EFCC over the recent move to freeze the account.


Amajuoyi Azubike Briggs, an ex-presidential aide; Damola Bolodeoku, a former Skye Bank official; Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited and Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited had all been charged to court over their individual involvement in the fraudulent activities with companies without address.

Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited, Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited and Globus Integrated Services Limited were also charged with the same offence.

Mrs Jonathan, is however, not taking any of those accusations and allegations as she is seeking a court order to enforce her basic human rights as it agrees with reliefs she sought, while also naming EFCC and Skye bank as defendants.

According to the report, she wants the court to rule that the monies found with the four companies and another account in her name with a Skye Bank are all hers.

Consequently, the former president’s wife demanded a court declaration that the respondents have breached her fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic by placing a ‘Freezing Order’ on the said accounts without any court order or prior notice to her.

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Police backtracks, lifts ban on public protests

Premium Times quotes a statement signed by police public relations officer, Don Awunah, as saying that the police recognises the impacts of peaceful protests in a democracy and would not jeopardise the rights of Nigerians by banning such important activity.

Police public relations officer, Don Awunah says BBOG can continue with its protests.

“Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris wishes to state categorically that at no time did Nigeria Police Force place a ban on peaceful public protest/procession anywhere in Nigeria most particularly Federal Capital Territory,” Mr. Awunah said.
“Peaceful Public protest/procession is an integral part of democratic norms in as much as it conforms with the rule of law and public order.

“The Nigeria Police Force recognises the constitutional rights of every law abiding citizen to express his or her view through public protest/procession and other legitimate means,” he added.

BBOG campaigners say they are disappointed with the way President Buhari is treating the rescue of the Chibok girls

Premium Times also quoted a leader of the group, Aisha Yesufu as saying that the BBOG had no intention of backing down in the first place because the police had no power to place such a ban.

“Of course the rally continues. The work of the police is to protect lives and properties. They are not the National Assembly, or the courts of law to make such an order,” Yesufu told the online news platform.

Meanwhile, the BBOG has attacked the government with the words of information minister, Lai Mohammed in 2014, which claimed that the government should be proactive and not engage in blame game.

The group tweeted Lai Mohammed’s quote on its official Twitter handle on Saturday, September 10.

You can see more of BBOG’s ‘war’ with the government over its rights to protest. BBOG protest ban: Ezekwesili laments bitterly as Buhari fails test

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Buhari completes water project started by GEJ in Otuoke

The Muhammadu Buhari administration is set to complete a water supply project in Bayelsa state which will benefit the indigenes of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan hometown, Otuoke.

The minister of water resources, Suleiman Adamu, who inaugurated the project yesterday, September said 13 communities, including Otuoke, would benefit from the project which will cost N5.9 billion.

The minister and other dignatries at the ceremony

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, 130,000 people are expected to benefit from the project.

The project was kick-started by the Jonathan administration, even as Adamu promised that the federal government is committed to complete all abandoned water projects left by the past administration.

The minister noted that adequate water supply for human and livestock production was a crucial aspect of social and economic development.

The water project

He also said the recently launched road-map on water resources underscores the need for short and long term strategies for effective and efficient delivery of water to Nigerians.

His words: “The project we are inaugurating today is among the high priority projects for water supply.

“This project commissioning, therefore, further demonstrates that the Buhari administration is committed to completing all viable projects that have positive impact on the lives of our people without any political sentiments.’’ the minister said.

Speaking on behalf of the Bayelsa state government, the secretary to the government, Serena Dokubo, commended the federal government for the initiative.

He urged the government to extend the gesture to other communities, even as he promised the state government would continue to embark on similar projects.

Also speaking at the occasion, the senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Ben Murray-Bruce said lives were saved every time a water project was inaugurated.

Senator Bruce speaking at the ceremony

His words: “A lot of children die from consumption of unclean water, a lot fall sick, you have to spend more to take them to the hospital to get cured.’’

Senator Bruce also reserved kind words for Dr Jonathan and President Buhari, praising the latter for initiating the project and the latter for making efforts to complete it.

During his time in power from the state to the federal level, Jonathan was heavily criticised for failing to provide potable water for his town and other neighbouring communities.

Meanwhile, the federal government is set to commence the construction of 10 dams per state across the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The minister of agriculture and rural development, Chief Audu Ogbeh stated this on Friday, August 19 in his goodwill message at the public presentation of the water sector road map in Abuja.

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Troops raid two kidnappers' camps in Imo state

The raids were carried out by troops of 34 Field Artillery Brigade involved in field training exercise of Operation Crocodile Smile on Thursday, September 8.

Daily Post reports that the troops raided camps belonging to the cult groups, two of which are located in Umoubi and Umudike forests, both in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo state.

A statement by the army spokesman, Sani Usman, said during the raid one Chigozie aka “Chi boy”, a notorious kingpin of one of the cult groups lost his life.

The statement further revealed that another member was later discovered dead in the forest while many others were believed to have escaped with gun shot wounds.

The troops recovered a number of military uniforms, mobile phones and other household items before destroying the camps to prevent the cultists from regrouping in the area.

They have continued to comb the general area for other members of the kidnapping syndicate.

Meanwhile, the Joint Military Task Force (JMTF) has reportedly killed 5 members of the militant Red Scorpion operating in the oil bearing communities of the Awarra/Assa in Ohaji/ Egbema council area of Imo state.

Daily Sun reports that the militants were shot dead yesterday, September 6 by the JMTF which stormed the affected areas at the weekend.

The task force sneaked into the restive communities in a tipper, took the militants by surprise, killed five militants on the spot while others reportedly escaped with bullet injuries.

One of the leaders of the militant group identified as Banga who escaped, had his house razed allegedly by the security operatives.

The invasion may not be unconnected with the presidential directive to the military high command to flush out all militant groups in Niger Delta.

In recent times, the communities of Awara and Assa had been under the siege of both militants and cult groups, forcing people out of their homes.

Confirming the presence of security operatives in the communities,the state police command public relations officer, DSP Andrew Enwerem, said the force have always been sending security team to the communities to quell crisis.

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Top 6 pastors that are heavily involved in politics

Many pastors and spiritual leaders in Nigeria are heavily involved in politics, some have a huge say in political circles, while others vie for political posts regularly. Below are the top 6 pastors who rank high in Nigerian political circles:

6. Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor

President Goodluck Jonathan and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor in 2013

Hiss full name is Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor. He is popularly known as Papa Ayo Oritsejafor  and is the founding and Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, located in Warri, Nigeria.

On February 7, 2005, he became the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). And 5 years later in July 2010, Oritsejafor was elected as the President of the Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN).

He was replaced by pastor Supo Ayokunle as president of CAN in July, 2016.

About a year ago, it was discovered that Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s private jet was used to transport about $9.3 million by two Nigerians and an Israeli from Abuja to South Africa.

This money was found seized by the South African government, and the Nigerian government is currently conducting diplomatic discussions with South Africa to release the money.

The South African government insists that he illegally bring cash into the country, in what might have been part of an arms deal with the Nigerian government.

5. Chris Okotie

Chris Okotie has run for the presidency 3 times

Born Christopher Oghenebrorie Okotie on June 16 1958, he is a Nigerian televangelist and the pastor of the Household of God Church International Ministries, a Pentecostal congregation in Lagos, Nigeria since February 1987.

He first ran for presidency in 2003 under the banner of the Justice Party (JP), led by Ralph Obiorah he lost to Olusegun Obasanjo.

He ran again in 2007 on the platform of a party he founded, Fresh Democratic party, and lost to Umaru Yar’Adua in the May 2007 elections. Then in 2011, he ran and lost to the President Goodluck Jonathan.

4. Tunde Bakare

Tunde Bakare is the pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly

Born on November 11, 1954, Tunde Bakare is a Nigerian pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly.  He was formerly a pastor at the Deeper life bible church before he left to join the Redeemed Christian Church of Christ which he soon left to form his.

When Gen Muhammadu Buhari as the presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011, he announced Pastor Tunde Bakare as his running mate. Pastor Tunde Bakare accepted, but they lost the election.

3. Ejike Mbaka

Rev Fr Mbaka has been a close friend of the Buhari administration

Rev Father Ejike Camillus Anthony, Ebenezer Mbaka popularly known as Father Mbaka is a Catholic Priest of Enugu Diocese. He is the Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish GRA, Enugu and the founder of Adoration Ministries Enugu Nigeria (AMEN).

He has a large following among Nigerians, but early in 2015, he made a video criticizing the Jonathan government and called for his resignation, many criticized him for this.

However, he continued his attack on the Jonathan government and has shown support for the Buhari government, using his pulpit as a platform to promote it. He has also frequented the presidential villa to meet with Buhari.

2. Osagie Ize-Iyamu

Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu is one of the favorites for the upcoming elections

Osagie Ize-Iyamu is a Nigerian pastor who is also a  political figure, former chief of staff and secretary to the Edo state Government.

He is the gubernatorial nominee of the PDP for the Edo state 2016 gubernatorial election, which was recently postponed by INEC.

He was previously a member of the APC, before he defected. He was also the National Vice Chairman, South-South Zone of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

1. Yemi Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo remains a senior pastor

Born Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo on March 8 1957,  he is the Vice President of Nigeria, and has been in office since 29 May 2015.

He is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a professor of law and until his inauguration as Vice President, a senior partner in a commercial law practice. Osinbajo is also a senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

There were rumours that he resigned, which he denied in April 2016, stating:

“Prof. Osinbajo continues to serve as a Pastor in the RCCG, honoring the call of God on his life. He is in fact the Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG Lagos Province 48, a position he has held in the past three years and in which he continues to serve. This completely fabricated report should be ignored and disregarded in its entirety.”

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Presidency deceptive about economy – Shehu Sani

Sani told Premium Times in an interview that the proper steps are not being taken but the impression is given in the media that adequate moves are being made to cut costs for instance.

Senator Shehu Sani the presidency is not tackling economic recession properly.

He noted for instance, that there is no way to prove that officials who vowed to take pay cuts really did so. He also noted that some of the cost-cutting measures the presidency has announced are at best superficial and really incapable of producing the needed effect.
“There is something which Nigerians should be conscious of: radical economic reform is very much needed, not cosmetic reform. Radical sacrifices are also needed. For example, when people are in office they tell you they are going to collect half salary or quarter salary. Who has any means of verifying whether that salary is full or half? There is none.

President Muhammadu Buhari is accused of being deceptive with some of his plans for the revival of the economy.

“As long as there is a law there that says they can collect their full salary, that law has not been changed. So they broke no law at all. When they make utterances that they are going to collect quarter salaries and then it hits the headlines and now they get the fame as a result of such a peripheral sacrifice, it doesn’t make any sense. And again things like cancellation of handbags and souvenirs for conferences, how much would that save?

“When you look at the cost of the conference in a Five-Star hotel, you talk of rooms, the publicity, the honorarium given, how much will removing handbags and souvenir save. Some of these things to me look deceptive. That sacrifice should be made by those in the position of leadership – president, senators and governors – I share that.”

He added: “Patriotism and sacrifice should not be a one way thing. It should be two ways. And if there are those that need to make sacrifices and show level of patriotism, they are those in the position of power so as to demonstrate their commitment and the sincerity of their call.”

You can view what the presidency is saying in its own defense about how it is treating the economic recession Economic recession is just a matter of time – Osinbajo (video)

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JUST IN: Buhari to visit US again; set to make BIG demand

President Muhammadu Buhari is set to visit the United States with delegates from Nigeria to attend the 71st regular session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Punch reports that the president’s visit is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21.

File photo of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the US

The assembly which is expected to hold in New York will provide President Buhari the opportunity to foster his excellent relationship with other world leaders.

Geoffrey Onyeama who is the minister of foreign affairs revealed that the president is also going to use the avenue to demand the recovery of illicit and looted funds.

According to the minister, the federal government would also push for the election of an Afro-centric secretary-general of the UN which it is believed would possibly affect developing countries.

Onyeama said Buhari would also push for the candidature of Nigerians into various international agencies. This is expected to have an influence on UN policy and programmes globally.
He revealed that Nigeria has candidates for positions like the International Civil Aviation Authority and the United Nations Human Rights Council and that this was important to make Nigeria engage more in multilateral relations.

President Buhari seems to have a very good relationship with the US government as he visited the country in July, 2015 where met with President Barrack Obama and they discussed issues related to terrorism and corruption.

He also attended the 70th UN general assembly in 2015 in US where he addressed world leaders’ summit on violent extremism to which he was personally invited by Ban Ki Moon during the secretary-general’s last visit to Nigeria.

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