Deadly disease worse than HIV

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is accountable for the outbreak of a new deadly disease. It is predicted that this new epidemic, even deadlier than AIDS will claim many lives. According to new research, condoms cannot provide 100% protection against HPV (or H.I.V/AIDS) which can spread through skin to skin contact with infected areas of the skin not covered by the condom such as the male and female genitalia. HPV is the name for a group of viruses that affect your skin and the moist membranes lining your body, for example, in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. HPV is a common and highly contagious infection, with over three quarters of sexually active women acquiring it at skin to skin genital contact is also a well recognized mode of transmission. This means that condoms cannot give full protection. HPV is mainly transmitted through contact and most people are infected with HPV shortly after the onset of sexual activity. Cervical cancer is by far the most common HPV related disease. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer, which is the leading cause of death in women can be attributed to HPV infection. Women are more susceptible to contracting the virus than men. So my dear, play safe and try and get one (Diagnosed) trusted partner or abstain from premarital sex or romance. Play your cards well during this festive season. ALREADY MALAYSIA and KENYA has recorded few cases. BE CAREFUL

World Igbo Union Drums Support For Buhari’s Govt

President General of Igbo World Union (IWU) His imperial Majesty , Prof Mishak Nnata has called on Ndigbo to give maximum support to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. He said the vision and aspiration of the Igbo would be better actualised through the support of Buhari who he said has good plans for Nigeria. Speaking during his second Ofala festival at Gburugburu Ndigbo Dum’s palace, Umuajata Olokoro, Umuahia South local government area of Abia State, he said the agitation for Biafra does not have the support of the World Igbo Union. Prof Nnata however appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to make provision for the actualisation of Igbo presidency which he said is the desire of every Igbo man and not the actualisation of Biafra. He said that President Buhari’s administration would provide brighter future for the Igbos, expressing optimism that God will use the president to actualise the vision and aspirations of the Igbos. He said, “We use this medium to encourage Ndigbo on the imperative to accord the federal government of President Buhari maximum cooperation as they did to his predecessor His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, which was unprecedented in post war Nigeria”. He commended erstwhile President Jonathan whose passion for peace overrode the desires for self perpetuation in power, thereby saving Nigeria from the precipice of another intractable war.

Protesting Shiite Muslims Clash Violently With Rival Islamic Group in Jos

A protest by hundreds of Nigerian Shiite Muslims demanding the release of their leader, Sheikh El Zakzaky, in Jos during the weekend turned bloody as the procession clashed with a rival Islamic group. The clash left one person dead and several others injured according to Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, Media and Communications Officer of the Special Task Force, also known as ‘Operation Safe Haven’. “The procession by the women later turned violent as rival Muslim youths clashed along Bauchi Road as the Shi’ite members were proceeding to the Central Mosque," he said. According to him, the incident created tension around Bauchi Road, Rikkos, Angwan Rogo, Dilimi, Nasarawa, Gwom and many other Hausa-dominated areas, leading to a clash between some rival Muslim sects. Things could've gone worse if security operatives hadn't intervened, he said. Many people were also arrested. "The commander has ordered a round-the- clock security surveillance and patrol and we would not want to take chances," he added. “He has also ordered a ban on all forms of rallies, protest or procession in Jos and such rallies must get the permission of the police upon application," PUNCH quoted him as saying.

Beyond Governor Ishaku’s Appeal Court Victory

Victory is sweet. Always. And a good illustration of this was the jubilation that heralded the recent judgement of the Appeal Court in Abuja on the governorship elections in Taraba State in which Justice Abdul Aboki, chairman of the five-member panel of justices, set aside the earlier ruling of the state elections tribunal, and declared Architect Darius Dickson Ishaku of the PDP as the duly elected governor of Taraba State. Indeed, when news of the Appeal Court’s decision filtered into Jalingo, the state capital, the people couldn’t hide their joy. In their numbers, residents trooped out to the streets. Amidst singing and dancing, they marched across the town in celebration. For residents of the state and close watchers of democracy, the judgement cleared every doubt concerning the validity of the election of Ishaku who was voted into office in April 2015 after defeating the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, in a keenly-contested election. Even motorists had a hectic time moving as traffic was obstructed and halted for several hours in the town as the convoy, which included women and children, moved in a victory dance around the city. The mood of the people was well-captured by Enyetere Ambituni, one of the jubilant residents, who spoke with journalists. According to him, the judiciary has once again proven itself as the last hope of the common man and had vindicated the majority of the people of the state who overwhelmingly voted for Ishaku as their governor. “We are celebrating today because the judiciary has once again shown that it is the last hope of the oppressed. The people of Taraba who overwhelmingly voted Ishaku as their governor have been vindicated,” Ambituni said. However, beyond Ambituni’s words and the excitement of jubilant residents of the state, it must be clearly understood that victory, especially in an election, also comes with great responsibilities. And this is where I believe the governor, Architect Ishaku, has his work clearly cut out for him. This is because, beyond the celebrations, people now expect him to fully settle down to work for the betterment and advancement of Taraba state which prides itself as ‘Nature’s gift to the Nation.’ Since governance is a continuum, they expect the Ishaku administration to take development to greater heights in Taraba because the coast is now clear for him to smoothly run his government. I say this because as is often the case in states where opponents of those who are declared winners in an election decide to go to court to contest the outcome, governance is often slowed down significantly. In fact, most often than not, except for payment of salaries of civil servants and public officials, there is little or no capital projects that are embarked upon. Again, Taraba, for some time now, has really not been in the news for very good reasons. A lot of Nigerians were certainly not impressed by the various contestations for power and desperation to control the machinery of governance in the state following the plane crash involving the former governor, Danbaba Suntai, and the two acting governors that came into office after him under controversial circumstances before Ishaku’s election into office in April 2015. I believe he now has the opportunity to change the dynamics and position Taraba state as a model state, not just in the North East, but in the whole of Nigeria. It’s good that Architect Ishaku himself understands the importance of the task at hand because he admitted, following the Appeal Court verdict, that the series of litigations that followed the April 2015 governorship election had slowed down the pace of development of the state “by 30 per cent.” It’s better that he has committed himself to working for the socio-economic development of the state together with his team, and even members of the opposition APC. However, I want him to always remember that journalists, the watchdogs they are, would also be keeping an eye on his government. Of course, those in opposing political camps would equally be watching and even praying for his government’s failure. Yet, he cannot afford to fail himself, or his people, or his God since he proudly talks about his faith in the Almighty God who rules in the affairs of men. Now, the tasks before Governor Ishaku, although many and daunting, are not insurmountable. Whether in the area of security, infrastructure development, expanding health services and mitigating epidemics like Lassa fever, environment, attracting investments, boosting tourism, increasing internally-generated revenue, or others, he must ensure that development is spread across the 16 local governments of the state. As a state that is blessed with abundant tourist attractions, I believe Taraba can earn fortunes from these if well-harnessed and packaged. Personally, I believe that states with amazing tourist attractions can focus efforts on attracting tourists even locally here in Nigeria rather than waiting for the monthly federal allocation which is even dwindling by the day. Many Nigerians today hardly know their country well enough. As a matter of fact, attracting local tourists from across Nigeria is one sure way to attract visitors and also boost internally generated revenue. Thankfully, the state government has made concerted efforts towards improving areas of tourist attractions like Mambilla Tourist Centre, Gumpti Park and the game reserve in Gashaka. The governor can now do so much more in further exploring the opportunities these provide including those of the mysterious rock formations at Kpambo and Marmara pond, Wukari. —Ikpechi wrote in from Abuja

How Dangote Reconciled Don Jazzy, Olamide

ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM After the show of shame at the just- concluded Headies awards in Lagos between Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy and YBNL CEO, Olamide, Africa’s richest man and the President of Aliko Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, it has been revealed, reconciled the duo. The two musical artistes had engaged in war of words while on live television during the award ceremony while the fight spilled over to Twitter with the pouring out of vulgar language. The rift, which started after Mavin records singer, Reekado Bank, won the Next Rated prize at the 2015 Headies Awards , got Olamide infuriated and the label CEO while giving his speech on stage, stated that despite the fact that the next rated award went to another singer, his boy, Lil Kesh will always be a winner. Two days later, the two icons, at the same time on Instagram and Twitter, released a photo along with a statement that they had reconciled. The two were reportedly seen shaking hands at Aliko Dangote’s mansion where it was gathered that the business mogul settled their rift. An inside source also revealed that Olamide hugged Don Jazzy during the reconcliation by Dangote. The development has finally put to rest the rift between Don Jazzy and Olamide. Who would not listen or settle a quarrel when the richest man in Africa is involved?

Tarzoor vs Ortom: Supreme Court Delivers Judgment Friday

By Kunle Olasanmi The Supreme Court yesterday fixed Friday for the delivery of its judgment in the appeal brought before it by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the April 11 governorship poll in Benue State, Dr. Terhemen Tarzoor against the decision of the Court of Appeal which dismissed his appeal and upheld the election of Governor Samuel Ortom. The seven-man panel of Justices of the apex court, presided over by Justice Walter Onnoghen, fixed the date after the parties in the matter adopted their written addresses when the matter came up. Tarzoor had filed a petition before the Benue State Governorship Election Petitons Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, challenging the propriety of Ortom’s election. But the tribunal had dismissed Tarzoor’s petition for lack of merit and upheld the election of Ortom. Tarzoor later filed an appeal against the judgment of the tribunal which on September 21, 2015, dismissed his petition against the election of Ortom of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Following the dismissal of his appeal by the Court of Appeal in Makurdi, Tarzoor consequently filed 18 grounds of appeal before the Supreme Court, asking the apex court to uphold his appeal.

The Unending Mystery Of Zuma Rock

By Igho Oyoyo When travelling through the Abuja-Kaduna express way, at the northern part of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) stood the Zuma Rock, a monolithic rock rising extravagantly to an height of about 700m, with a human face that is always bold and resolute by coming dusk, one that looks straight ahead, starring at the setting sun and it is never distracted. It is believed by people the live within the environment close to where the rock is located, that since centuries past, the gaze of the rock has remained unchanged, a gaze that seems threatened to swallow its admirers, one that looks any one in the eyes, if any one looks it in the eye, with a slightly opened mouth, that also seems as proudly declaring its royal location. The Rock which is standing imposingly high and dwarfing every other object both natural and man-made is great and fear inspiring. The inhabitants of Madalla Zuba, Dakwa and Gauraka villages who live near the 700m high Rock have different opinions of the rock. Some, especially non-indigenes and Christians, hold the opinion that the Rock is responsible for the frequent accidents on the Abuja – Kaduna Road and the consequent loss of several lives. However, because of the tourism environment created by the rock, an investor bought the idea of building a Five Star hotel in the neighbourhood, very close to the Rock. But, unknown to him, the assumed great and powerful deity of the Rock, according to residents of the neighbourhood, was angry about the location of the hotel and made it desolate. An indigene of Gauraka community, Isah Alhassan, who spoke with FCT Watch about the abandoned site, explained that he knew that the Hotel project would not last long when it started, “I have lived here for several years of my life and I knew that Zuma can never allow that. For men to come and build Chalets where they will be committing adultery in the face of the powerful deity of Zuma Rock? It is impossible. Although, Alhassan denied been part of the worshipers of Zuma Rock, he said he had seen when the deity raged in the past through explosive sounds that send frightening goose pimples on skins of those living around it or killing of those that try to desecrate it, citing an example when the deity killed several white folks in the past who tried to blow up the Rock with dynamites. “When the hotel, a six storey magnificent structure, was nearing competition, the Zuma deity issued several herbal warnings to the builders but they ignored it and continued. After the painting of the house, the deity launched a vicious attack on the people, killing some and sending others on the run and abandoning their equipment and materials,” he said. He further confirmed having seen nude people offering sacrifices to the Rock and each time such sacrifices were offered, fire and smoke billowed from the peak of the rock at night. “I have never seen a thing like this before. The mystery surrounding this rock is yet to be deciphered.” The Zuma rock which has always been seen to have some strange mysteries surrounding it, some of them rooted in tribal beliefs and superstition and it is also seen to be older than the history of Zuba community, recently created fear and panic amongst the residents within the Suleja and Abuja-Kaduna road communities, when some parts of the rock exploded severally with frightening sounds. Many residents within and outside the FCT who identified the Zuma Rock as the den for ritualists and occult, explained the strong spiritual belief holds about the rock, was the reason it became alarming to residents when thunderous explosive sounds were heard around it at night, some months ago and the latest was few weeks back. Speaking on the possible cause of the explosion, the Village Head of Chachi, in Tafa local government area of Niger State, Malam Musa Abubakar, who is also the traditional custodian of Zuma Rock and its surroundings, explained that he could not remember the last time he witnessed such explosions. Abubakar explained that the first two explosions two months back generated goose pimples on the skins of the people, as a result of the frighteningly sound, which resulted to a massive, widespread dust cloud, spread across the sky above and around the rock. “The Rock is always angry at impurities of any form, and these days every spiritually impure person, girls and boys gallivanting in its vicinity, provoke it. I was in my farm when it occurred. People returning from the area near the affected part of the rock later informed me that a portion of Zuma Rock had fallen off. I actually thought it was a bomb, until I went and saw things for myself. “In the past, sacrifices of a black cow or black he-goat were made to the rock yearly to appease it, especially when our ancestors were praying for rain. It is probably angry, because it feels cheated of the cultural practices usually undertaken to mark its significance to the communities surrounding it. In the past, whenever sacrifices were offered to the rock, it showed its acceptance of the sacrifices by beaming a light from the spot on it which looks like an eye. “Tradition dictates that no-one approach the rock wearing a cap, out of respect. Anyone who does that, will get lost never to be found again. The rock has every cause to be angry, because it is sanctity has been violated by the government, selling land traditionally belonging to it. The rock been under the custody of the government is not helping matters at all,” he said. Some of the frightened residents who were yet to get over the panic from the explosion, gave various accounts of the situation, describing it as frightening and unbelievable, that despite they have been hearing frightening tales about the rock, they have never experienced the kind of fear from the rock, like the one they experienced lately from the explosions. A resident of Madalla close to the Zuma Rock, Suleiman Dabo said the rumbling which followed the previous explosive sounds sent unimaginable panics into the spines of everybody, as everybody started running to take shelter in their houses, while those who were not close to their houses were transfixed in one position. “Both animals, birds and people around the area fled for shelter. We have never experienced anything like the last two explosions of about three months ago from the Zuma Rock. We have had meetings and nobody could explain the caused the explosions. All I can say is that the whole thing is mysterious,” he said. Another resident of Chachi village, Abubakar Shagari, explained that when the slab-like portion fell off the rock, they were at the junction close to the Zuma Rock, that they heard a very loud explosion, followed by a rumble, which made them to think that something big had exploded in nearby Zuba. Shagari explained that they saw huge dust cloud, much like smoke around the rock after it exploded, that people within the area ran for their lives, because they never experienced anything like that in the entire community before. “It terrified the villagers around the rock and many fled for their lives, taking shelter in any place they found themselves at that moment. I personally thought it was a Boko Haram bomb attack and I started saying my prayers. I give God thanks because it was from the rock and not Boko Haram,” he said.

Confusion In Edo Over Salaries Of State Owned Colleges

By Patrick Ochoga Edo State government has
reiterated that no worker in the state is owed salary,
saying that December salary was paid before Christmas
Day. Reacting to the coalition of tertiary institutions
workers who protested along major streets in Benin in
December 2015 demanding for their five months
salaries owed them by the Edo State government, the
state commissioner for Education, Gideon Obakhan
said the state government does not owe any of its
workers, including workers of the state owned tertiary
institutions. Gideon Obakhan, said yesterday while
interacting with some journalists on the issues that
Edo State government is one of the few states in
Nigeria today that have been able to pay salaries. “The
issue with the coalition of tertiary institutions union is
between them and their management. Every month
the state government gives subvention to these
institutions and they are expected to also generate
revenue internally to be able to run the schools. “I
think it is either misunderstandings on how these
institutions are run on the part of the coalitions or
people are just trying to be mischievous. “It is untrue
that the ministry have not intervened in the crisis
between the union and their management. We have
had series of meetings in my office where they
appealed for support and bailout and in December last
year, close to the Christmas period, the governor, in
order to reduce the pressure on the workers who
were saying the schools have not paid them, approved
a bailout for themhttp://leadership.ng

US donates 24 used mine- resistant vehicles to Nigeria

The United States government Thursday officially handed over 24 mine-resistant armour-protected vehicles to the Nigerian army. At a brief ceremony in Lagos, the US government said the donation was part of its commitment to assist Nigeria in its war against insurgency. ”For many years the Nigerian armed forces has been a strong partner of the United States,” said Patrick Doyle, a Colonel and the US Defence Attaché to Nigeria. “We have asked for your support in many endeavours, in particular throughout West Africa and you have responded. “I believe United States government security cooperation commitment is second to none. We have provided extensive training programmes, logistical supports, and equipment to the Nigerian armed forces and we will continue to do so.” The armoured vehicles, which arrived the country on New Year day, were part of the US government’s Excess Defence Articles Programme, a programme designed to transfer excess US military equipment to partner nations. Eight more of the vehicles are expected to arrive the country soon. Mr. Doyle said half of the 24 vehicles are in good working condition but will need “minor work.” “When the Nigerian army inspected the vehicles a few months back, they selected the best vehicles that they could find,” he said. ”The reason we are giving the vehicles, we have the Excess Defence Programme, is because we are downsizing forces in our military, we have left Iraq with our forces and we have downsized our forces in Afghanistan and we do not need all these vehicles anymore. So Nigeria asked for these vehicles and we gladly provided it to them.” There are many land mines buried by the Boko Haram terrorists across the north-east. Last August, two soldiers were killed in Dikwa, Borno State, after a land mine they stepped on exploded. Two other soldiers sustained serious injuries while an armoured personnel carrier was destroyed in the blast. Barry Ndiomu, representing Nigeria’s Defence Minister, said the vehicles are what is needed to prosecute the war in the north-east. “We express our most profound gratitude for the gift of Mine Resistant Ambush-protected vehicle to the Nigerian Army. It couldn’t have come at a better time especially considering the challenges that confront our armed forces in the north east,” said Mr. Ndiomu, a Major-General. “We appreciate what you have done, although like Oliver Twist, we would appreciate if you can do even more.” Mr. Ndiomu noted that some of the armoured vehicles are not serviceable and requested for help from the US to procure their spare parts. “The defence adviser has actually told me about certain steps we need to take. As soon as I return to Abuja, I’ll pass this information on to the appropriate authorities so we can initiate the process.” The 24 armoured vehicles are worth $11 million (brand new ones), according to Mr. Doyle, and the other expected eight are valued at $7.5 million. ”The repairs of the vehicles is up to the Nigerian government to do that,” he said. “They can repair them on their own and they have the facilities to do that, but of course the spare parts are very particular to these vehicles so the General and I have been discussing and we have been in discussions with the army previously and we were working modalities on how we will get those parts to them. “They will have to order those parts from the United States and we will work out those conditions and how they will do that but when you say they will pay the United States, the easiest way to do that is to open a government-to-government case, where we can then work with them to ensure they get the correct parts and get them in a time and manner and from the correct manufacturers and the parts they actually need.” Mr. Ndiomu also said the vehicles would be moved “as soon as possible” to the Nigerian Army Electrical Maintenance Engineers workshop in Bauchi. ”They will make the necessary assessments and I believe that ongoing discussions with our American partners, the spare parts will be made available and they will be repaired.”

Terrorism: FG Begins Arrangement To Sustain Peace in North-East

By CHRISTIANA NWAOGU The federal government has announced its support for the West Africa Conflict and Security Team in its efforts to sustain peace in the north-east of the country affected by insurgency. Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulraman Dambazau (rtd), disclosed this yesterday in Abuja when he played host to a delegation from the West Africa Conflict and Security Team. Dambazau, who maintained that sustaining peace in the much devastated north -east is as good as winning the war against terrorism, pledged government’s readiness to restore calm and normalcy to the region and the country at large. Describing terrorism as a global problem, the minister said that the activities of Boko Haram in the north-east is a national headache. He said, “We know that the ministry has been up and doing in dealing with insurgency in the north-east but it does not stop at winning the war but also winning the peace. “This is where the Ministry of Interior comes in. We want to assure you that we will do everything possible to support you to bring back peace in that region after the military would have won the war. “So, for us here, whatever we can do to add value to the effort you are making we are ready to do that. Like I said, terrorism is a global problem and terrorism is beyond the north-east.” Also speaking, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Bassey Akpanyung, said the issue of post conflicts in the affected areas in Nigeria was important to the present administration, saying in the coming days they will be meeting again as smaller groups to look into the arrangements. Earlier, leader of the delegation, Catherine Weiss, told Danbazau that the team had come to continue the discussion on how to develop security assessment in Nigeria.

Shocking! ISIS Militant, Ali Saqr al-Qasem Publicly Executes His Own Mother

In a very shocking revealing, a Militant from the so-called Islamic State, publicly executed his own mother after accusing her of apostasy. The activist group Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RIBSS) said 20-year-old jihadi Ali Saqr al-Qasem shot his mother Lena, 45, in the head with an assault rifle in front of a large crowd. Lena al-Qasem is understood to have been accused of apostasy – a crime that usually means leaving one’s religion but in practise is used by Isis as a justification for murdering anybody who doesn’t support or speaks against the terror group. The exact charge against Ms al-Qasem was “inciting her son to leave the Islamic State and escaping together to the outside of Raqqa”, according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. The UK-based conflict monitor said Ali Saqr al- Qasem had reported his mother to his Isis superiors, who then sentenced her to death and ordered him be the one to kill her. The Observatory said hundreds of people turned out to watch Ms al-Qasem's execution. It is not known why her son was given the task of killing his own mother but the reason the execution took place outside Raqqa’s post office is because that is where Ms al-Qasem had worked. The news comes as Isis’ chief spokesman in neighbouring Iraq, Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, was reportedly left with severe injuries following an airstrike.

PMB Pledges Support For Science & Technology

Jonathan Nda-Isaiah — Jan 8, 2016 6:01 am | Leave a comment President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to invest in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in order to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness at the continental and global levels. Speaking during the inaugural meeting with the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Buhari said the objectives of securing Nigeria, growing the economy, creating jobs and fighting crime can best be achieved through science and technology. According to him, Nigeria must accord high priority to science and technology if it must take its rightful place among the leading economies in the modern world. He said, “Nigeria’s vision of becoming one of the 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020 is only attainable when science, technology and innovation are fully integrated into our national socio-economic development process. That process will now be fast tracked with the coming on board of this Council. “I wish to assure this Council of my determination and commitment to ensure that as a nation, we will invest appropriately in science, technology and innovation in order to guarantee our competitiveness both continentally and globally. Our goal to secure our nation, grow our economy, create jobs and fight crime can best be achieved if we embrace science and technology. “The NRIC is geared towards coordinating and streamlining the nation’s research and development activities as well as fostering innovation. It is designed to accelerate the growth of innovation-based entrepreneurship in the country and to create conditions for the commercialisation of current and further research findings in our universities and research institutes. “Your Council is also expected to reposition STI as a national priority to guarantee sustainability, high standard of living and quality of life for Nigerians as well as fast- track industrial and economic development. In this regard, the Council will meet quarterly to consider and take vital decisions on STI related issues.” PMB Meets Service Chiefs Meanwhile, Buhari has held a closed- door meeting with the service chiefs and other members of the National Security Council. The meeting which started at about 11am and ended at about 4pm yesterday , was the first meeting of the Council in 2016. No member of the Council spoke to State House correspondents after the meeting. In attendance at the merging were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, Chief of Defense Staff, General Gabriel Olonishakin, and Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai. Others were Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok- Ete Ekwe Ibas, Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar, Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase and Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammed Dan- Alli.

Confusion In Edo Over Salaries Of State Owned Colleges

By Patrick Ochoga Edo State government has reiterated that no worker in the state is owed salary, saying that December salary was paid before Christmas Day. Reacting to the coalition of tertiary institutions workers who protested along major streets in Benin in December 2015 demanding for their five months salaries owed them by the Edo State government, the state commissioner for Education, Gideon Obakhan said the state government does not owe any of its workers, including workers of the state owned tertiary institutions. Gideon Obakhan, said yesterday while interacting with some journalists on the issues that Edo State government is one of the few states in Nigeria today that have been able to pay salaries. “The issue with the coalition of tertiary institutions union is between them and their management. Every month the state government gives subvention to these institutions and they are expected to also generate revenue internally to be able to run the schools. “I think it is either misunderstandings on how these institutions are run on the part of the coalitions or people are just trying to be mischievous. “It is untrue that the ministry have not intervened in the crisis between the union and their management. We have had series of meetings in my office where they appealed for support and bailout and in December last year, close to the Christmas period, the governor, in order to reduce the pressure on the workers who were saying the schools have not paid them, approved a bailout for themhttp://leadership.ng

FG Commences Direct Payment Of N65, 000 To Ex- militants

By ANAYO ONUKWUGHA , Port Harcourt The Federal Government has commenced the direct payment of N65,000 monthly stipends to former militants in the Niger Delta region, with the payment of the three months arrears owed them. Launching the direct payment exercise in Port Harcourt, the Rivers Stare capital yesterday, the chief of staff in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Colonel Dedis Abel (Rtd), said the Federal Government will no longer make such payment through leaders of the ex- militants. Abel said, “The Amnesty Office took the decision to pay the ex-agitators directly following reports of complicity and short- changing of some of them by the leaders. Reports revealed that some of the ex- agitators were paid as low as N20,000 out of the N65,000 which does not conform with the mandate of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. “Henceforth, payment of the monthly stipend would be made directly to each beneficiary with focus to eliminate cases of fraud and short-changing by their leaders. Similarly, this exercise will enable us to collect biometrics of beneficiaries and to create Bank Verification Numbers to enable government to make future payments through their individual bank accounts.” He stated that the week-long direct payment was to off-set the October, November and December arrears owed to more than 2,000 former agitators, drawn from several ex-agitators’ camps in the state and environ, adding that out of the 30,000 beneficiaries under the Amnesty Programme, only 13,000 had received either formal education or vocational training before the present team came onboard. The chief of staff said, “However, the number of those trained increased by 5,000 since Retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to head the Presidential Amnesty Programme five months ago. The 5,000 newly trained beneficiaries were sent to both local and foreign institutions and vocational centres to acquire knowledge and skills that would allow them become self-reliant.” Abel, who disclosed that the remaining 12,000 ex-agitators yet to participate in the process would be trained in the coming months, commended Heritage Bank for its partnership and support of the Amnesty Programme.

Army Rescued 3,000 Civilians, Military Sources Confirm | Sahara Reporters

According to Nigerian army sources, speaking to a SaharaReporters correspondent on the condition of anonymity, soldiers have liberated 3,000 people from areas under the control of Boko Haram on Wednesday. It was also confirmed that the military killed at least two terrorists during this operation. According to the military source, the thousands of civilians were held under the control of militants in villages around Dikwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State. He noted that the Army Headquarters Strike Group responsible for the liberation of those civilians was engaged in a fierce gun battle with terrorists on Wednesday in Kudel and Kawari villages, which are about 11 kilometers from Dikwa town. This source also told our correspondent that the liberated citizens looked malnourished and had very little strength. He added that most of those rescued were women, children, and elderly men. He also disclosed that they have been screened by both the military and Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and have since been placed in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Dikwa where more than 50,000 people currently reside. SaharaReporters also learned that some terrorists were killed when soldiers were returning to Maiduguri from Dikwa.

A massive bushfire that devastated a small town is still burning out of control in Western Australia.

A massive bushfire that devastated a small town is still burning out of control in Western Australia. About 95 houses in Yarloop, south of Perth, have been destroyed and three people are reported to be missing. Wind gusts of up to 60km/h (37mph) overnight fanned the blaze, dubbed the Waroona fire, to heights of 50m. The fire area is now 58,000 hectares and emergency warnings remain in place for Waroona, Harvey and surrounding areas including Preston Beach. A local politician told the BBC the fire "could well be the end" of Yarloop. How events unfolded Western Australia Fire Commissioner Wayne Gregson told a news conference that the fire in Yarloop was too intense to be tackled head-on. He said four firefighters were injured battling the blaze and one fire truck was destroyed. 'Could be the end' A large thunderstorm hit the town of Pinjarra to the north of the fire zone at about 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT). Reports said lightning struck an evacuation centre in the town, injuring a man in his 50s and cutting power. The storm was understood to be heading towards the fire zone - a downpour of rain could ease conditions, but lightning strikes could also spark further fires. Local politician Murray Cowper told the BBC that the loss of property was "significant". He said firefighters told him the town's pub, bowling club and historic timber workshops had been destroyed. "You've got seasoned firefighters who've been around for many years saying they've never seen anything like it," Mr Cowper said. "A big fireball came through and there was no way they were going to stop it. "This could well be the end of the town." Yarloop resident Alex Govanovich told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the fire was "crazy - one fireball after another" with "devastating" winds. A Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) spokesman said conditions were "very tricky", with wind gusts of up to 60km/h expected again on Friday. Thunderstorms and sea breezes could add further unpredictability to the situation if they rapidly pushed the fire in new directions. Thunderstorm systems could also be generated within the fire itself, the spokesman said.

BENUE GOVT AUTHORISES PAYMENT OF RETIREES FROM BAILOUT FUNDS

The Benue State Executive Committee on payment of bailout funds to local government and primary school teachers’ has authorized the release and payment of the bailout funds to all retirees and deceased staff who served between January and May 2015. This was a fall out of the meeting of the committee with the Bureau held today at the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Titus T. Zam. The committee also directed the release of money for the payment of verified and genuine staff that was omitted in the previous disbursement. According to the committee, only seven local government councils namely; Okpokwu, Gwer-West, Ado, Obi, Konshisha, Gboko, Gboko and Ohimini which have submitted relevant records will benefit from the directive for now. The Committee also directed the remaining sixteen local government councils to submit all relevant records or information to the Bureau as earlier directed to enable them benefit from the payment.

NSCDC ARRESTS 50 VANDALS, KIDNAPPERS, RESCUES 7 YEAR-OLD IN BENUE

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Benue state has arrested 50 suspected kidnappers and vandals that specialized in abducting persons, as well as destroying public utilities. The men of the command also rescued a 7 year-old boy that was abducted and taken to Buruku town of the state. The State Commandant, Mr. Ugwumba Igwe stated this yesterday in Makurdi while speaking with newsmen on the activities of the law enforcement agency in the past seven months. According Ugwumba, the suspected vandals were involved in vandalizing PHCN and NITEL cables expanded within the three senatorial zones of the agrarian state. He said they were arrested in Taraku and Gboko towns, as well as Northbank and Apir areas of Makurdi. The state commandant stated that seven of the suspects have been convicted and are serving jail terms while others are under investigation. He added that a 50 man armed men of corps were deployed to monitor the 15km NNPC Makurdi-Enugu pipelines. Speaking on the arrest of the suspected kidnappers, Ugwumba revealed that the abductors were nabbed in Northbank and Buruku LGA areas of the state on tip off. He further explained that the suspects had kidnapped a 7year-old boy and also abducted a staff of Parklin Hospital in Enugu at Nsuka and had taken the victim to Ogbadibo LGA of the state.

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BENUE STATE GOVERNMENT: STOP EXTORTING MOTORCYCLISTS

The one thousand, five hundred naira (N1500) fee imposed on motorcyclists (Okada riders) by the Benue State Government as compulsory registration fee for security reason is simply an illegal official way of extorting the poor Motorcyclists in the state. Okada riders in the state are truly suffering due to the fact that police officers are always collecting money from them forcibly, which is now becoming legal that they most give money to police officers every day they go out for their Okada riding business. As if is not enough, Benue State Government is now joining forces with the police officers in the state to frustrate Okada riders. It is the responsibility of the Benue State Government to provide jobs for her citizenry but she failed and at the same time implementing policies that could hinder the unemployed youths from being self-reliance. Majority of the Okada riders in Benue State are graduates and they embarked on the Okada riding business due to the absent of government jobs as we all know how our government lacked creativity to create jobs for her jobless youths. However, instead of the state government to think of what to do to encourage these youths (Okada riders) and make their Okada riding business more profiting so as to continue keeping them busy in order to prevent them from becoming threat in the Benue society, the government is rather imposing policies that could soon kick some of the youths out of the Okada riding business and render them jobless again. The reason given for the obligatory fee of N1500 upon each Okada rider in the state by the Benue state government is not convinced and satisfied. The fact that the state is facing security challenge does not mean Okada riders are responsible and should suffer for it by asking them to pay N1500 for security reason. If things should be rightly done, the state government would have asked the Okada riders to obtain plate number for their motorcycles and not to pay a mandatory charge of N1500 for registration. After the purchase of these motorcycles, the owners went and paid heavily for plate number and it was given to them. That’s the registration. Their names are written in the receipt given to them after paying for the plate number that would differentiate one motorcycle from the others and as well, show that truly, one is the actual owner of a particular motorcycle. Then, what is the need of paying another N1500 for registration? What kind of security reason that necessitated the payment of N1500 as registration fee? If the Benue state government is broke, Okada riders are not responsible, if the Benue state government is having challenges in paying the salary of her workers, Okada riders are not responsible and should not be asked indirectly to contribute for the payment of the workers’ salary, if the Benue state government fail to utilize the over 28billion naira bail-out funds given to her by the federal government and still owing some of her workers, Okada riders are not responsible and should not be indirectly task for it, if the Benue state government lacked sources of income, Okada riders should not be used as a source of her income and if Benue state government cannot be creative to create channels that can be providing income for the state, Okada riders are not responsible and should not be tasked to pay for the incompetency of the state government.

ARABA GUBER: FOR ISHAKU, ALHASSAN, SUPREME COURT HOLDS THE ACE

Taraba Guber: For Ishaku, Alhassan, Supreme Court Holds The Ace By Andrew Ojih As the battle over who takes charge of the governance of Taraba State continues to rage, ANDREW OJIH examines the verdict of the Court of Appeal which upturned the removal of Governor Darius Ishaku within the backdrop of the appeal by Senator Aisha Alhassan before the Supreme Court. Last week, the legal battle over the governorship seat in Taraba State incidentally shifted ground to the Supreme Court. Senator Aisha Jumai Alhassan of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has taken the case on appeal to the apex court. She is challenging the verdict of the Court of Appeal which reversed the judgement of the governorship election petitions tribunal that nullified the election of Darius Ishaku as governor of the state. The verdict of the appellate court on Taraba governorship tussle, coupled with another one bordering on Abia State gubernatorial seat delivered by the same court ended the year 2015 on a dramatic note. While somewhere in Jalingo, supporters of Governor Ishaku shut down the state capital in a frenzy of jubilation, Umuahia, the state capital of the South Eastern state wore a gloomy look in the camp of Gobernor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Of these two judicial pronouncement, the appellate court judgement on Taraba elicited much public interest. It seemed to have dashed the faith of thousands of Tarabans and, indeed, some Nigerians who were waiting curiously to see the state producing the first female governor. Alhassan met a tall brick wall on her way to the Taraba Government House which legal experts are wondering whether she would be able to climb over. For Ishaku, it was smiling all the way to the New Year together with his teaming supporters. Presently, the last fight is in the highest court in the land and the watchword is ‘finish and go’, as there is no other platform to appeal the case after their lordships at the apex court would have taken their decision on Alhassan’s appeal. But considering the changing pattern of the legal tide in the matter, can Alhassan get her groove back at the Supreme Court? In attempting to answer this question, it would be better to take a look at the decision of the appellate court. Likened to a football match, the political battle now stands at 1-1 draw. Ishaku came from behind after suffering a one goal down at the tribunal to register an equalizer against Alhassan at the appellate court. On November 7, 2015, the governorship election petitions tribunal sitting in Abuja had nullified Ishaku’s election and ordered the swearing in of Alhassan of the APC on the ground that the governor was not a validly nominated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and therefore was not qualified to contest in the election ab initio. The tribunal’s judgement sparked up a debate among legal experts who were sharply divided into two schools of thought. Some contended that the verdict of the tribunal was in order, while many maintained that it was the peak of judicial rascality which, if not reversed, could affect the country’s vibrant and promising democracy adversely. Dissatisfied with the verdict, Ishaku approached the appellate with an appeal, challenge the decision of the tribunal. Confidently, he told his supporters that he was certain the appellate court would upturned the tribunal’s decision which allegedly stood the law on its head. Simultaneously, Alhassan also ran to the Court of Appeal to file a cross appeal, a development described by state the Commissioner for Justice, Yusufu Akirikwen as outright demonstration of lack of faith in the tribunal’s ruling. She challenged the decision of the tribunal that the Ishaku’s election was not marred by substantial non- compliance with the Electoral Act. But after all the legal fireworks at the appellate court, the five-member panel of justices sitting in Abuja upturned the verdict of the election tribunal. Their lordships ruled that the method of nomination of a candidate ought not to have been one of the grounds for removing an incumbent governor. In a unanimous judgement read by Justice Abdul Aboki, the five-man panel of justices held that the PDP primary which produced Governor Ishaku was a pre-election matter that ought not to have been entertained by the Tribunal. The court also said that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and members of the PDP who participated in the primary election had the right to complain. The court held that whether the primary of a political party was done right or not cannot be subject of an election petition because it is purely a preselection matter meant for the ordinary court. The appellate court said that the constitution clearly spelt out that until a candidate has been indicted by a court of law, or is known to have a criminal record, or has certain degree of health condition, among others, such a person cannot be determined by a tribunal as not being qualified as a candidate. Aboki said the inability of a political party to conduct a conclusive primaries was clearly a pre- election issue which the tribunal has no jurisdiction on. He said the important question about Section 85 of the Electoral Act was whether the INEC, which the section was made for, was complaining about the candidature of Ishaku. “If INEC does not see any reason to complain, can the first and second respondent be seen complaining loudly? I have found in this case that the first and second respondent have no right to challenge the emergence of the PDP governorship candidate since none of them is a member of the PDP”, the judge stated. According the appellate court, what was most important as a question was whether the appellant was a member of PDP and was sponsored by the party for the gubernatorial race. The court ruled that Ishaku was validly nominated candidate of PDP for the election and he participated in the election. It noted that in the eyes of the law, Alhassan and APC have no right to challenge the election in which Ishaku emerged, since none of them is a member of PDP. According to the court, the decision of the Tribunal not to take into consideration the testimony of the appellant witnesses that the PDP primary election was shifted to Abuja because of security situation was perverse. Accordingly, it set aside the decision of the Tribunal. “If the Tribunal decides that a candidate elected at an election was not validly nominated, it can nullify the victory, it should order fresh election and not declaring the petitioner the winner of the poll”, Justice Aboki declared. The court maintained that the tribunal erred in law when it declared the APC candidate who scored the second highest number of votes the winner of the election. The court said it was a gross misdirection for the tribunal to declare the APC candidate winner of the election on the basis that she secured the second highest number of votes. Allowing Ishaku’s appeal, the court summersaulted the judgement of the tribunal and held that Ishaku was validly elected as Governor of Taraba State and ordered that his certificate of return remains valid. The five member panel of justices, however, dismissed arguments by the appellant, Ishaku, that the tribunal should not have accepted the statements of the witnesses because they were not properly signed. Ishaku had argued that the tribunal should have struck out the petition. But the appellate court held that the statements upon examination were properly signed and stamped by the secretary to the tribunal who statutorily was the head of the registry of the Tribunal. The court held that the petitioner, Alhassan fully complied with all statutory stipulations for filing of statement of witnesses and that the Tribunal was right to have accepted them. The court also argued that it will amount to great injustice if the petitioner is held responsible for the mistake of the registry of the tribunal. Also, the court dismissed arguments by the appellant that the reliefs sought by the petitioner are incongruent. The appellant had argued that the petitioner cannot be claiming that the election was marred by malpractices and at the same time, asking to be declared winner of the election. Reacting to the judgement, Senator Alhassan announced that she was heading for the Supreme Court to challenge the verdict. Her counsel, Mahmud Magaji (SAN) who spoke to journalists shortly after the verdict was delivered in Abuja, said, “Their lordships have gone through our various speeches and have come up with their own ruling and we feel that we have the right to proceed to the Supreme Court”. On his part, governor Ishaku in reaction to the judgement said he would not undermine the right of the APC and its candidate to seek further appeal. Speaking through his through his, Kanu Agabi (SAN), the governor stressed that the right of appeal was what brought them to the court and the right of appeal is still what will take them to the Supreme Court. Ishaku, who further spoke to newsmen shortly after he returned to the state from Abuja advised senator Aisha and her supporters to concede to defeat and join the wining team. He told them that he will run an all inclusive government that would carry every Taraban along to enable him achieve his rescue agenda. He noted that his decision to stopped his party supporters from jubilating over his recent victory was to ensure peace and order in the state. The governor added that he has confident in the judiciary, stressing that the Supreme Court would do justice to case at the end of it all. The appellate court verdict has, however, led to a media tirade between supporters of the governor and those of the Minister. Ahlasssan’s camp are alleging that the appellate court ruling on Taraba guber promoted godfatherism. A group known as Taraba indigenes club support for Senator Alhassan said the appellate court judgement which returned Darius Ishaku of as duly elected governor of the state was a prove of “man pass man”. Speaking on the verdict, the coordinator of the group, Aaron Wanchebe said that their lordship, by their ruling, disappointed the people of the state and indeed Nigerians who depend solidly on the judiciary for justice. “To be frank with you, we were all disappointed by the ruling. We have been following the entire scenario, the PDP did not conduct Primaries,because the party imposed a candidate on the people of the state”. But the PDP in the state lambasted the APC, saying instead of conceding defeat and joining the wining train, Senator Alhassan and her party supporters were busy criticizing the ruling of the appellate court. The state chairman of the PDP, Mr. Victor Bala Kona said Alhassan and her party, the APC, were only showing its desperation in the face of obvious defeat by the PDP at the court. “As I speak with you, the APC is only being jittery and desperate, because it knows that if the court orders for fresh election, they can’t win an election in a predominantly PDP state like Taraba”, he said. As it is, pundits are watching with ecclesiastic passion to see the outcome of the legal tussle bordering on the Taraba governorship seat which has gone before the Supreme Court. They say they are curiously waiting to see the legal ‘abracadabra’ Senator Alhassan’s team of lawyers would perform at the apex court. The thinking is that the appellate court verdict which reversed the judgement of the tribunal was clear on points of law as it was well fashioned. But since the apex court is a superior court with more experienced justices, it is still daisy for one to preempt or undermine Alhassan’s appeal, just as Ishaku himself has pointed out.

Stop Sharing Oil Money - IMF Boss Advises Nigerian Government

Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, IMF on Wednesday told the National Assembly that the days of sharing oil revenue were over. Speaking to the Leadership of the National Assembly, she said, “I see an immediate priority – a fundamental change in the way government operates. What do I mean by that? The new reality of low oil prices and low oil revenues means that the fiscal challenge facing government is no longer about how to divide the proceeds of Nigeria’s oil wealth, but what needs to be done so that Nigeria can deliver to its people the public services they deserve – be it in education, health or infrastructure”. “This means that hard decisions will need to be taken on revenue, expenditure, debt, and investment going forward. My policy refrain is this: “Act with resolve- by stepping up revenue mobilisation. The first step is to broaden the tax base and reduce leakages by improving compliance and enhancing collection efficiency. At the same time, public finances can be bolstered further to meet the huge expenditure needs. For example, the current VAT rate is among the lowest in the world and well below the rates in other Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) members – so some increase should be considered.”

“Nigeria’s debt is relatively low at about 12 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). But it weighs heavily on the public purse. Already, about 35 kobo of every naira collected by the Federal Government is used to service outstanding public debt”. “Exercise restraint- by focusing on the quality and efficiency of every naira spent. This is critically important. As more people pay taxes there will, rightly, be increasing pressure to demonstrate that those tax payments are producing improvements in public service delivery.”

SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE HIV INFECTION

40 to 90% of people who've been infected with HIV experience flu like symptoms after they've contracted HIV, while others do not show symptoms for years or DECADES! But we're not here to scare you, just inform you of signs you should look for when determining if you should visit your doctor! Fatigue and fever are the most common signs you might have been exposed to the virus, however it can show up at both the beginning and later stages! Look out for sore throats, swollen lymph organs and joint weakness. ** "It's a very common fungus and the one that causes yeast infections in women," Dr. Malvestutto says. "They tend to appear in the mouth or esophagus, making it difficult to swallow." ** If you rarely ever get skin rashes but they've randomly begin to surface on your body...you should see immediately visit your doctor. ** 30 to 60% of those infected will experience short-term nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. You will also begin to notice your weight fluctuating, ultimately getting lower and lower. ** Never discredit a dry cough, it can be just as big of a sign as any other symptom. Many will think it's allergies, when it's actually a sign for patients with severely ill HIV patients. ** Night sweats occur in the early stages of contracting the virus, and occur despite the room temperature or if you currently have a cold. **

Oshodi Market Demolished By Lagos State Government

The Lagos State Government demolished Oshodi Market today, according to numerous media reports and social media activity. The market was established more than 40 years ago and is considered iconic by LagosiansAccording to various media reports, the Lagos State Government had earlier shut down the marketplace due to security concerns. The destruction of the Oshodi Market took place in the earlier hours of Wednesday and was completed by about 7:45 A.M., according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode personally oversaw the demolition of the market. The Lagos State Governor was joined by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, police officers, officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KIA), and other top government officials. A director in the Ministry of Environment was tasked with leading the demolition task force. When contacted by NAN, the director refused to comment on the demolition of Oshodi Market. NAN reported that the traders and shop owners affected by the markets destruction were relocated to the new Isopakodowo Market in the Bolade area of Oshodi. The Lagos State government released a statement indicating that it planned to build an “ultra-modern” bus terminal with new bus shelters where Oshodi Market once stood..

‘Saddened But Indifferent,’ Wole Soyinka Answers Rivers State Government Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has reiterated his warning that when confronted, corruption does fight back.

In a brief statement issued this evening, headed ‘Those Who Flounder In The Sewage of Corruption,”, he acknowledged the unflattering comments of the Rivers State government about the 80th birthday dinner to which he was hosted by the former governor and now Minister of Aviation, Honorable Rotimi Amechi. Speaking to press correspondents on Tuesday, the Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Austin Tam-George, accused Mr. Amaechi’s government of spending N82 million on the event. “A government that did not pay salaries, closed the courts, but the administration had the courage to expend N82million to fund a dinner for Prof Wole Soyinka,” he had said. “These are facts on ground. The Amaechi administration expended the money under the heading of borrowed funds.” In a follow-up comment on radio on Wednesday, the commissioner said he would seek the permission of Governor Nyesom Wike to write to Professor Soyinka to find out he was paid part of the money by the Amaechi administration. Professor Soyinka said he had first ignored reports about the remarks, as it was not, and is not his business to probe into the catering and logistical implications of the hundreds of institutions and governments all over the world who have offered him unsolicited recognition over the years. “Since then however, I have learnt of some unsavory statements by the insecure incumbent of the Rivers State government Lodge,” he said, adding that they included a loose invitation to anti-crime agencies to investigate the potential crime of being honoured through any occasion. “The unprecedented call by this governor is prescient of a warning I recounted in my recent pamphlet publication THE REPUBLIC OF LIARS, and was taken from my address to an anti-corruption global conference that took place in Tunisia two years ago,” he recalled. “Those words were: CORRUPTION STRIKES BACK. In this ongoing instance, that expression translates most vividly as ‘Those who are neck deep in the sewage of corruption ensure that they splatter sewage in all possible and improbable directions.’” “I do however fully support the Wikeleaks call for multi- directional probes,” he continued. “I recommend further that he involve the services of INTERPOL to guarantee its extension to all international organisations and governments to whom I owe uncountable events of recognition – including birthday luncheons, dinners, cultural receptions and events of real, fictitious, or simply opportunistic flavoring - to which I have submitted myself.” Prof. Soyinka expressed regret about what he called the present level of abominable distractions. “It is one that even I did not envisage when I warned – CORRUPTION STRIKES BACK!” he said. Throwing the matter over to “EFCC and company,” and reminding them that they all know where he lives, he concluded, “Whether it brings honour or dishonour to the nation is another matter – I am saddened, but indifferent.”

Davido And Babymama Sign Peace Accord

After a long drawn media battle, families of singer, Davido and his Baby mama, Sophia Momodu, have fi nally signed a peace agreement. They decided to resolve amicably, the child trafficking allegation levelled against the music star. According to the SUN, this came at a meeting held at the instance of the National Agency For the Prohibition of Trafficking In Person (NAPTIP) which was attended by Sophia, the musician’s father, Deji Adeleke, Mr. and Mrs. Dele Momodu, Adeleke’s lawyer, counsel to Dele Momodu, Gbolaga Ajayi, Mr. Ajayi Famakinwa, and NAPTIP’s representatives. At the meeting, it was decided that the issue be resolved amicably and that both families should stop the ongoing media war. Consequently, both sides were made to sign an agreement to stop the media face-off. NAPTIP’s representatives, who took Sophia and Dele Momodu and his wife’s statements, advised the Adelekes to allow the child’s mother have access to her child, currently in custody of Davido’s half- sister, Ashley Adeleke. Momodu’s lawyer, Gbolaga Ajayi, who confirmed that the meeting held, told Daily Sun that the issue of blackmail being alleged by Davido does not arise. “What will Dele Momodu blackmail Davido for; mon­ ey, position or what?” he queried.

Mixed Reactions Trail MTN's Free Credit Offer to Nigerians

From the experience an MTN subscriber shared on popular public forum, Nairaland, and the reactions that followed, Nigerians aren't too happy with MTN for a free credit offer for which one'll reportedly have to pass through a lot of trouble to get. The offer works this way: one dials a code (*559*40#) and gets thousands of call credit for free. "To my amazement, I immediately received a confirmation text that I have been given a bonus of #5,000 credit. I was so so happy," Smooyis wrote. "Early this morning, another text came that I should go to any of their service centres to complete my biometrics without which I would not be able to access my free credit." 'You have been

compensated with N5000 valid for 7 days. To activate, please visit any MTN Registration outlet to update your biometrics. Dial *559*40# to check' However updating biometrics proved to be better imagined than experienced. "At the ikotun service centre, the situation was very chaotic as I met many customers who had received same message from mtn trying to get entrance into the office without success. Many aged people, nursing mothers were in the sun unattended to for several hours." Insulted, the user ended his/her experience with the statement. "What is MTN really taking us for in this country. Must we go through all these suffering to get our sims registered. Do they subject their own people back in south Africa to such inhumane treatment." Others users chimed in soon. "I, simply ignored the text message. I was given 10k" Ammyluv2012 said. "Can we say this is official 419 of the Nigerian people"- Smooyis

5 Major Differences Between Sunni and Shia Muslims

From Nigeria, to Iran, Saudi Arabia and other world countries, there have been several uproars among Islamic followers and leaders believed to be sectarian disputes in the world. The recent cases was the Shiite/Military attacks in Nigeria, ad the execution of Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia, a country believed to be Sunni Nation. WHO ARE SUNNI and SHIA (Shi'ites) in Islam? Sunni and Shia Islam are the two major denominations of Islam. The demographic breakdown between the two denominations is difficult to assess and varies by source, but a good approximation is that 85-90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and 10-15% are Shia, with most Shias belonging to the Twelver tradition and the rest divided between many other groups. The historic background of the Sunni–Shia split lies in the schism that occurred when the Islamic prophet Muhammad died in the year 632, leading to a dispute over succession to Muhammad as a caliph of the Islamic community spread across various parts of the world, which led to the Battle of Siffin. The dispute intensified greatly after the Battle of Karbala, in which Hussein ibn Ali and his household were killed by the ruling Umayyad Caliph Yazid I, and the outcry for revenge divided the early Islamic community. Today, there are differences in religious practice, traditions, and customs, often related to jurisprudence. Although all Muslim groups consider the Quran to be divine, Sunni and Shia have different opinions on hadith. NigerianBulletin brings 5 major distinctions between Sunnis and Shiaīs which can be seen through observation: 1. Names

Shia are sometimes recognizable by their names, which are often derived from the names of Ahl al-Bayt. In particular, the names Fatima, Zaynab, Ali, Abbas, Hussein, and Hassan are disproportionately common among Shias, though they may also be used by Sunnis. Umar, Uthman, Abu Bakr, Aisha, Muawiya, Yazid being the names of figures recognized by Sunnis but not Shias, are commonly used as names for Sunnis but are very rare, if not virtually absent, for Shias. 2. Composition and Location Sunnis are a majority in most Muslim communities: in Southeast Asia, China, South Asia, Africa, and most of the Arab world. While Shia make up the majority of the citizen population in Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain, as well as being a politically significant minority in Lebanon. Azerbaijan is predominantly Shia; however, practicing adherents are much fewer. Indonesia has the largest number of Sunni Muslims, while Iran has the largest number of Shia Muslims (Twelver) in the world. Pakistan has the second-largest Sunni as well as the second-largest Shia Muslim (Twelver) population in the world. 3. Salat When prostrating during ritual prayer (salat), Shias place their forehead onto a piece of naturally occurring material, most often a clay tablet (mohr), soil (turbah) at times fromKarbala, the place where Hussein ibn Ali was martyred, instead of directly onto a prayer rug. There is precedence for this in Sunni thought too, as it is recommended to prostrate on earth, or upon something that grows from the earth. 4. Mut'ah and Misyar Twelver Shia permit Nikah mut‘ah—fixed- term temporary marriage— which is not acceptable within the Sunni community, the Ismaili Shia or the Zaidi Shia and is believed a planned and agreed fornication. Twelvers believe that Mutah was permitted until Umar forbade it during his rule. Mutah is not the same as Misyar marriage or 'Arfi marriage, which has no date of expiration and is permitted by some Sunnis 5. Hijab and dress Both Sunni and Shia women wear the hijab. Devout women of the Shia traditionally wear black and yellow as do some Sunni women in the Gulf. Some Shia religious leaders also wear a black robe. Mainstream Shia and Sunni women wear the hijab differently. Some Sunni scholars emphasize covering of all body including the face in public whereas some scholars exclude the face from hijab. Shias believe that the hijab must cover around the perimeter of the face and up to the chin.[40] Like Sunnis, some Shia women, such as those in Iran and Iraq, use their hand to hold the black chador, in order to cover their faces when in public.

5 Major Differences Between Sunni and Shia Muslims

From Nigeria, to Iran, Saudi Arabia and other world countries, there have been several uproars among Islamic followers and leaders believed to be sectarian disputes in the world. The recent cases was the Shiite/Military attacks in Nigeria, ad the execution of Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia, a country believed to be Sunni Nation. WHO ARE SUNNI and SHIA (Shi'ites) in Islam? Sunni and Shia Islam are the two major denominations of Islam. The demographic breakdown between the two denominations is difficult to assess and varies by source, but a good approximation is that 85-90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and 10-15% are Shia, with most Shias belonging to the Twelver tradition and the rest divided between many other groups. The historic background of the Sunni–Shia split lies in the schism that occurred when the Islamic prophet Muhammad died in the year 632, leading to a dispute over succession to Muhammad as a caliph of the Islamic community spread across various parts of the world, which led to the Battle of Siffin. The dispute intensified greatly after the Battle of Karbala, in which Hussein ibn Ali and his household were killed by the ruling Umayyad Caliph Yazid I, and the outcry for revenge divided the early Islamic community. Today, there are differences in religious practice, traditions, and customs, often related to jurisprudence. Although all Muslim groups consider the Quran to be divine, Sunni and Shia have different opinions on hadith. NigerianBulletin brings 5 major distinctions between Sunnis and Shiaīs which can be seen through observation: 1. Names Shia are sometimes recognizable by their names, which are often derived from the names of Ahl al-Bayt. In particular, the names Fatima, Zaynab, Ali, Abbas, Hussein, and Hassan are disproportionately common among Shias, though they may also be used by Sunnis. Umar, Uthman, Abu Bakr, Aisha, Muawiya, Yazid being the names of figures recognized by Sunnis but not Shias, are commonly used as names for Sunnis but are very rare, if not virtually absent, for Shias. 2. Composition and Location Sunnis are a majority in most Muslim communities: in Southeast Asia, China, South Asia, Africa, and most of the Arab world. While Shia make up the majority of the citizen population in Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain, as well as being a politically significant minority in Lebanon. Azerbaijan is predominantly Shia; however, practicing adherents are much fewer. Indonesia has the largest number of Sunni Muslims, while Iran has the largest number of Shia Muslims (Twelver) in the world. Pakistan has the second-largest Sunni as well as the second-largest Shia Muslim (Twelver) population in the world. 3. Salat When prostrating during ritual prayer (salat), Shias place their forehead onto a piece of naturally occurring material, most often a clay tablet (mohr), soil (turbah) at times fromKarbala, the place where Hussein ibn Ali was martyred, instead of directly onto a prayer rug. There is precedence for this in Sunni thought too, as it is recommended to prostrate on earth, or upon something that grows from the earth. 4. Mut'ah and Misyar Twelver Shia permit Nikah mut‘ah—fixed- term temporary marriage— which is not acceptable within the Sunni community, the Ismaili Shia or the Zaidi Shia and is believed a planned and agreed fornication. Twelvers believe that Mutah was permitted until Umar forbade it during his rule. Mutah is not the same as Misyar marriage or 'Arfi marriage, which has no date of expiration and is permitted by some Sunnis 5. Hijab and dress Both Sunni and Shia women wear the hijab. Devout women of the Shia traditionally wear black and yellow as do some Sunni women in the Gulf. Some Shia religious leaders also wear a black robe. Mainstream Shia and Sunni women wear the hijab differently. Some Sunni scholars emphasize covering of all body including the face in public whereas some scholars exclude the face from hijab. Shias believe that the hijab must cover around the perimeter of the face and up to the chin.[40] Like Sunnis, some Shia women, such as those in Iran and Iraq, use their hand to hold the black chador, in order to cover their faces when in public.

5 Major Differences Between Sunni and Shia Muslims

From Nigeria, to Iran, Saudi Arabia and other world countries, there have been several uproars among Islamic followers and leaders believed to be sectarian disputes in the world. The recent cases was the Shiite/Military attacks in Nigeria, ad the execution of Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia, a country believed to be Sunni Nation. WHO ARE SUNNI and SHIA (Shi'ites) in Islam? Sunni and Shia Islam are the two major denominations of Islam. The demographic breakdown between the two denominations is difficult to assess and varies by source, but a good approximation is that 85-90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and 10-15% are Shia, with most Shias belonging to the Twelver tradition and the rest divided between many other groups. The historic background of the Sunni–Shia split lies in the schism that occurred when the Islamic prophet Muhammad died in the year 632, leading to a dispute over succession to Muhammad as a caliph of the Islamic community spread across various parts of the world, which led to the Battle of Siffin. The dispute intensified greatly after the Battle of Karbala, in which Hussein ibn Ali and his household were killed by the ruling Umayyad Caliph Yazid I, and the outcry for revenge divided the early Islamic community. Today, there are differences in religious practice, traditions, and customs, often related to jurisprudence. Although all Muslim groups consider the Quran to be divine, Sunni and Shia have different opinions on hadith. NigerianBulletin brings 5 major distinctions between Sunnis and Shiaīs which can be seen through observation: 1. Names Shia are sometimes recognizable by their names, which are often derived from the names of Ahl al-Bayt. In particular, the names Fatima, Zaynab, Ali, Abbas, Hussein, and Hassan are disproportionately common among Shias, though they may also be used by Sunnis. Umar, Uthman, Abu Bakr, Aisha, Muawiya, Yazid being the names of figures recognized by Sunnis but not Shias, are commonly used as names for Sunnis but are very rare, if not virtually absent, for Shias. 2. Composition and Location Sunnis are a majority in most Muslim communities: in Southeast Asia, China, South Asia, Africa, and most of the Arab world. While Shia make up the majority of the citizen population in Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain, as well as being a politically significant minority in Lebanon. Azerbaijan is predominantly Shia; however, practicing adherents are much fewer. Indonesia has the largest number of Sunni Muslims, while Iran has the largest number of Shia Muslims (Twelver) in the world. Pakistan has the second-largest Sunni as well as the second-largest Shia Muslim (Twelver) population in the world. 3. Salat When prostrating during ritual prayer (salat), Shias place their forehead onto a piece of naturally occurring material, most often a clay tablet (mohr), soil (turbah) at times fromKarbala, the place where Hussein ibn Ali was martyred, instead of directly onto a prayer rug. There is precedence for this in Sunni thought too, as it is recommended to prostrate on earth, or upon something that grows from the earth. 4. Mut'ah and Misyar Twelver Shia permit Nikah mut‘ah—fixed- term temporary marriage— which is not acceptable within the Sunni community, the Ismaili Shia or the Zaidi Shia and is believed a planned and agreed fornication. Twelvers believe that Mutah was permitted until Umar forbade it during his rule. Mutah is not the same as Misyar marriage or 'Arfi marriage, which has no date of expiration and is permitted by some Sunnis 5. Hijab and dress Both Sunni and Shia women wear the hijab. Devout women of the Shia traditionally wear black and yellow as do some Sunni women in the Gulf. Some Shia religious leaders also wear a black robe. Mainstream Shia and Sunni women wear the hijab differently. Some Sunni scholars emphasize covering of all body including the face in public whereas some scholars exclude the face from hijab. Shias believe that the hijab must cover around the perimeter of the face and up to the chin.[40] Like Sunnis, some Shia women, such as those in Iran and Iraq, use their hand to hold the black chador, in order to cover their faces when in public.

MASS EXODUS OF DOCTORS HITS BENUE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi is currently experiencing a mass exodus of doctors due to paucity in the payment of salaries amongst other issues. BENUE.COM.NG gathered that in the last few months, over 30 resident doctors have left the institution for greener pastures, with many more planing to tow the same path. It is also understood that some visiting consultants have stopped coming because of several months of unpaid salaries and other allowances. This development has left the hospital grossly understaffed to the detriment of patients. One of the resident doctors who spoke under anonymity said, “Our colleagues are leaving for other places because of the way we are being treated here. The work conditions are not favourable and payment of salaries is not regular.” “Some of us still here have also applied in others places and we can leave at any time if nothing is done about the situation”. He lamented. Benue State University Teaching Hospital is the biggest tertiary health care facility in the state.

MASS EXODUS OF DOCTORS HITS BENUE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi is currently experiencing a mass exodus of doctors due to paucity in the payment of salaries amongst other issues. BENUE.COM.NG gathered that in the last few months, over 30 resident doctors have left the institution for greener pastures, with many more planing to tow the same path. It is also understood that some visiting consultants have stopped coming because of several months of unpaid salaries and other allowances. This development has left the hospital grossly understaffed to the detriment of patients. One of the resident doctors who spoke under anonymity said, “Our colleagues are leaving for other places because of the way we are being treated here. The work conditions are not favourable and payment of salaries is not regular.” “Some of us still here have also applied in others places and we can leave at any time if nothing is done about the situation”. He lamented. Benue State University Teaching Hospital is the biggest tertiary health care facility in the state.

MASS EXODUS OF DOCTORS HITS BENUE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi is currently experiencing a mass exodus of doctors due to paucity in the payment of salaries amongst other issues. BENUE.COM.NG gathered that in the last few months, over 30 resident doctors have left the institution for greener pastures, with many more planing to tow the same path. It is also understood that some visiting consultants have stopped coming because of several months of unpaid salaries and other allowances. This development has left the hospital grossly understaffed to the detriment of patients. One of the resident doctors who spoke under anonymity said, “Our colleagues are leaving for other places because of the way we are being treated here. The work conditions are not favourable and payment of salaries is not regular.” “Some of us still here have also applied in others places and we can leave at any time if nothing is done about the situation”. He lamented. Benue State University Teaching Hospital is the biggest tertiary health care facility in the state.

MASS EXODUS OF DOCTORS HITS BENUE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi is currently experiencing a mass exodus of doctors due to paucity in the payment of salaries amongst other issues. BENUE.COM.NG gathered that in the last few months, over 30 resident doctors have left the institution for greener pastures, with many more planing to tow the same path. It is also understood that some visiting consultants have stopped coming because of several months of unpaid salaries and other allowances. This development has left the hospital grossly understaffed to the detriment of patients. One of the resident doctors who spoke under anonymity said, “Our colleagues are leaving for other places because of the way we are being treated here. The work conditions are not favourable and payment of salaries is not regular.” “Some of us still here have also applied in others places and we can leave at any time if nothing is done about the situation”. He lamented. Benue State University Teaching Hospital is the biggest tertiary health care facility in the state.

MASS EXODUS OF DOCTORS HITS BENUE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi is currently experiencing a mass exodus of doctors due to paucity in the payment of salaries amongst other issues. BENUE.COM.NG gathered that in the last few months, over 30 resident doctors have left the institution for greener pastures, with many more planing to tow the same path. It is also understood that some visiting consultants have stopped coming because of several months of unpaid salaries and other allowances. This development has left the hospital grossly understaffed to the detriment of patients. One of the resident doctors who spoke under anonymity said, “Our colleagues are leaving for other places because of the way we are being treated here. The work conditions are not favourable and payment of salaries is not regular.” “Some of us still here have also applied in others places and we can leave at any time if nothing is done about the situation”. He lamented. Benue State University Teaching Hospital is the biggest tertiary health care facility in the state.

GOVERNOR ORTOM APPOINTS CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has directed the elevation of Mr. Terver Akase, from the position of Senior Special Assistant on Media to Chief Press Secretary. A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Targema Takema, stated that the change of status be effected from 22nd September, 2015. Mr. Akase, 38, who hails from Agbeede, Konshisha local government area of Benue State, is a graduate of Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi. He received professional training in journalism at the Universities of Columbia and Missouri in the United States of America. Before his appointment, he was a principal editor at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, headquarters, Abuja. Mr. Akase also served as FRCN Correspondent in Rivers State during which he was also Chairman, Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists after which he was the corporation’s Senior Editor in Enugu.

GOVERNOR ORTOM APPOINTS CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has directed the elevation of Mr. Terver Akase, from the position of Senior Special Assistant on Media to Chief Press Secretary. A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Targema Takema, stated that the change of status be effected from 22nd September, 2015. Mr. Akase, 38, who hails from Agbeede, Konshisha local government area of Benue State, is a graduate of Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi. He received professional training in journalism at the Universities of Columbia and Missouri in the United States of America. Before his appointment, he was a principal editor at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, headquarters, Abuja. Mr. Akase also served as FRCN Correspondent in Rivers State during which he was also Chairman, Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists after which he was the corporation’s Senior Editor in Enugu.

GOVERNOR ORTOM APPOINTS CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has directed the elevation of Mr. Terver Akase, from the position of Senior Special Assistant on Media to Chief Press Secretary. A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Targema Takema, stated that the change of status be effected from 22nd September, 2015. Mr. Akase, 38, who hails from Agbeede, Konshisha local government area of Benue State, is a graduate of Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi. He received professional training in journalism at the Universities of Columbia and Missouri in the United States of America. Before his appointment, he was a principal editor at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, headquarters, Abuja. Mr. Akase also served as FRCN Correspondent in Rivers State during which he was also Chairman, Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists after which he was the corporation’s Senior Editor in Enugu.

GOVERNOR ORTOM APPOINTS CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has directed the elevation of Mr. Terver Akase, from the position of Senior Special Assistant on Media to Chief Press Secretary. A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Targema Takema, stated that the change of status be effected from 22nd September, 2015. Mr. Akase, 38, who hails from Agbeede, Konshisha local government area of Benue State, is a graduate of Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi. He received professional training in journalism at the Universities of Columbia and Missouri in the United States of America. Before his appointment, he was a principal editor at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, headquarters, Abuja. Mr. Akase also served as FRCN Correspondent in Rivers State during which he was also Chairman, Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists after which he was the corporation’s Senior Editor in Enugu.

GOVERNOR ORTOM APPOINTS CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has directed the elevation of Mr. Terver Akase, from the position of Senior Special Assistant on Media to Chief Press Secretary. A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Targema Takema, stated that the change of status be effected from 22nd September, 2015. Mr. Akase, 38, who hails from Agbeede, Konshisha local government area of Benue State, is a graduate of Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi. He received professional training in journalism at the Universities of Columbia and Missouri in the United States of America. Before his appointment, he was a principal editor at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, headquarters, Abuja. Mr. Akase also served as FRCN Correspondent in Rivers State during which he was also Chairman, Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists after which he was the corporation’s Senior Editor in Enugu.