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Home News Business Technology Politics Sports Entertainment Style Viewpoint Editorial Forum Jobs Columns PROPERTY THESPARK I fear Boko Haram’ll overrun Adamawa – Gov Ngilari

ABUJA— Governor James Ngilari of Adamawa State, yesterday, cried out to President Goodluck Jonathan to save his state from being overrun by Boko Haram insurgents who have already taken over five local governments and are advancing to other towns.

Governor Ngilari took his case to the Presidential Villa, Abuja on a day Boko Haram renamed another town it captured as part of its Islamic caliphate. It also commenced full enforcement of Sharia law in its areas of control. Ngilari Ngilari President Goodluck Jonathan has, however, assured that in spite of the present security challenges, Nigeria will remain unbroken even as he promised free and fair general elections next year. Ngilari, who spoke with State Hose correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Jonathan in Abuja yesterday, disclosed that five local governments in Adamawa State have been taken over by Boko Haram insurgents and pleaded with the military authorities to deploy more troops to the state. Ngilari said that failure to boost military presence in the state may mean that the terrorist group will completely overrun it, noting that the security situation in the state remained fluid and required a more urgent intervention by the Federal Government. According to him: “The security situation in Adamawa is very dicey right now and we are only trying to do our best to manage the situation. We are praying that it will improve, but it is really something to worry about”. Speaking on the number of towns being occupied by the terrorists, the governor said: “I can talk of my entire senatorial district, Mubi senatorial district. Five local governments have been overrun; Gombi was taken and I just got a report now that perhaps they are on the outskirts of Shanli. “There is a semblance of movement in that area. Really, we need a lot of intervention. We need to move more troops to secure the state. Really, it is a big challenge.” The governor played down the seizure of the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff, saying that the issue of insurgency was much more than taking one person’s home town. He stated: “We shouldn’t reduce this issue of the insurgency to simply the taking over of the house of the defence chief. There are a whole lot of things that make the challenge of insecurity. What about the problem of unemployment? You know it is a whole long story. We don’t just reduce it to the taking over of the house of the defence chief. I think it is more than that. Absolutely it is a challenge. We look up to God, God is there, there is nothing impossible for Him. “We will do our best, but it is not something that we should leave in the hands of government. Everybody has a role to play in terms of giving out information timely, in terms of convincing people who are involved. They live with us, they are not from planet Mars, they are part and parcel of the society.” Despite the dismal picture painted by the governor, he expressed optimism that the insurgency would soon be a thing of the past. “I believe that Nigeria will really overcome, but I don’t know the time frame. Anything that affects any part of Nigeria affects the rest. We must all see how we can tame this monster,” he added. Boko Haram renames Gwoza Meanwhile, Boko Haram has renamed Gwoza, in Borno which it captured in July as Darul Hikma, or “House of Wisdom” according to the residents who fled the area. The terrorists last week renamed Mubi, the second largest town in Adamawa as Madinatul Islam, which means City of Islam in Arabic. Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, in a video released in August declared that he had made Gwoza part of a caliphate. “They have given new names to Gwoza and Mubi, which they say are now part of their Islamic state,” said Ahmad Maishanu, who fled Mubi with his mother on Wednesday to Yola. Tijjani Kalifa, who left Mubi on Monday and has contacts in Gwoza, also reported that Boko Haram was forcing people in both towns to use the new names. Both witnesses said all the churches in Mubi had been burnt down and that Islamists were patrolling the streets regularly, with no sign of resistance from the security services. Enforces Sharia Law The residents also said the insurgents have started implementing Sharia law in the towns they captured. Maishanu said in Mubi that Boko Haram members chopped off the hands of 10 men accused of theft last Friday and burnt down churches. In a video released on October 2, Boko Haram showed the stoning to death of a man accused of adultery, a man having his right hand cut off for theft and a young man and woman given 100 lashes each for sex outside marriage. Also, the civilian vigilante group was said to have beheaded some Boko Haram terrorists. A member of the group, Umar Hassan, said they and troops ambushed Boko Haram fighters last Friday as they prepared a raid on Sabon Gari village in the south of the state. “We killed 41 of them and decapitated them and brought the heads to Biu, which we displayed to people to demystify Boko Haram,” he said. Two Biu residents said the vigilantes put the heads on wooden spikes and drove around the town, telling people the Islamists did not have magical powers. “It was like hunters displaying their game after a hunting expedition,” said, one Silas Buba. Nigeria will remain unbroken—Jonathan In spite of the security challenges, President Jonathan said, yesterday, that Nigeria would come out stronger than before, insisting that contrary to fears of possible disintegration being expressed by some people, it would remain unbroken. He equally reiterated his commitment to the sustenance of free and fair election, assuring that the 2015 general election would be conducted according to international best practices just as he charged Nigerians to ensure the principle of “one man, one vote”. Dr. Jonathan, spoke in Abuja, through his Chief of Staff, Brig-General Jones Arogbofa, rtd, at the launch of a book titled: “Diverse But Not Broken-Wake-up calls for Nigeria”, written by Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Canada and one-time Head, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Jos, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher. The President called on Nigerians to use their voters’ cards to fight for their lives, children and future but said such must be done in a very decent and peaceful manner. He said: “This is Nigeria and Nigeria belongs to us. We don’t have to run anywhere, but stay here and use our voters cards to fight for our lives, our children and our future in a very decent and peaceful way. The title of the book reflects a lot and speaks volume. It adds colour to the rainbow that we have in Nigeria. We are a diverse people but we are never a broken people. We are all together even in diversity; this has proven itself repeatedly and is proving itself even now.” Insurgents invade Borno village, kill two, burn churches Meanwhile, no fewer than two persons were feared dead while another person sustained gunshot wounds when a group of terrorists suspected to be Boko Haram sect on Wednesday invaded Whitambaya village of Hawul Local Government Area of Borno state. The gunmen also burnt down two churches including the Church of Brethren in Nigeria, popularly known as E.Y.N church. It would be recalled that the Caretaker Chairman of Hawul, Dr. Andrew Usman Malgwi complained of lack of military presence in his Council where a Pastor of Living Faith Church, Pastor Eluid Gwamna Mshelizza and 19 other residents of Shaffa town were slaughtered with over six churches burnt in the last one month. 

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2015: House of Reps aspirant pledges qualitative representation

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for the House of Representatives in Enugu State, Mr. Dennis Amadi, has promised to give the people of Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency qualitative representation if elected in the 2015 elections.

Amadi made the promise yesterday in a chat with newsmen after he submitted his nomination form at the state PDP secretariat. His supporters, who accompanied him, marched from New Haven to the secretariat.
“I have decided to make myself available to enable good governance, improvement on what we met on the ground, to leverage on what the governor has done in the state and for better opportunities for the people of my constituency.
“I have 21 years experience in banking carrier, spanning both private and public sector. I have seen what is happening around, the economy of Africa and beyond. I should be able to tap into it to ensure that our people are better than they are today,” he said.
Asked if the legislator currently serving the people in the lower legislative chamber had not performed, he said; “I am saying he has his own scope, but I think I have a wider scope for my people.”
Amadi promised to exploit other areas where the people had not been given opportunities when he gets to National Assembly.
“I will provide creative solution to the economic and political challenges of the people of Udi/Ezeagu in particular and the nation at large through legislative advocacy and collaborative synergy with the government to drive the human and natural resources of our people.
“My vision is that by the end of four years, there shall be a total improvement in the level of confidence of the people in their legislative representation by enthroning a people-oriented agenda,” he said.

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Ohakim’s man eyes Reps seat

Director General of Orlu Stakeholders’ Forum and former senior special adviser to former Imo State governor, Ikedi Ohakim, Dr. Godwin Uche Dibe, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the only true party that can bring genuine democracy dividends to Nigerians.

Dibe stated this in Owerri, Imo State when he returned his nomination form to the PDP office.
He said his decision to pick the form to represent the people of Orlu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives was borne out of his love and desire to serve the people.
He said after a meeting with members of his ward and local government coordinators as well as various groups at Awo Omama Ward 2, in Oru East, he became convinced that he was the right man to represent the people.

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2015: Group urges Igbo to participate in polls

A socio-cultural group, Odimma Igbo, has urged the Igbo community in Lagos to participate very actively in the 2015 general elections

National leader of the group, Chief C. E. Ekeke, who made the appeal in a statement in Lagos yesterday, said the days of voter apathy on the part of Ndigbo were over, saying the people were now poised to make themselves relevant in Lagos politics.

His words: “Odimma Igbo is a socio-political organization on a mission to emancipate Igbo from the political strangulation of other tribes in the country.
“Towards this end, we have been liaising with other Igbo associations in Lagos State towards sensitizing the people on the imperativeness of participating actively in the voters’ registration exercise, starting from today.
“The 2015 elections will, therefore, present Ndigbo a unique opportunity to correct these anomalies and put things in proper perspective.”
On the forthcoming voters’ registration exercise, Ekeke appealed to market leaders, town unions and other Igbo-based associations to mobilize their members and ensure that they registered within their residential areas.
“This is not a matter of going to the village to register because we want Igbo to run for elective offices wherever they reside. We believe that Ndigbo can win elections in any part of this country, especially in Lagos where they constitute more than 40 per cent of the population of the state. This gives us a clear advantage over other non-ethnic groups in the state. This is something that cannot be wished away by anyone.”
He said politicians seeking Igbo votes in the state must explain to Ndigbo how they would improve their welfare before canvassing for their votes, stressing that the people would only vote for political parties that demonstrated commitment to improve and promote Igbo welfare.

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Adamawa 2015: Anxiety over plot to concede guber ticket to Ngilari

Contrary to the zoning of the Adamawa State governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Adamawa Central Senatorial zone, there were indications yesterday, of an alleged fresh plot to concede the ticket to the state governor, Mr. Bala Ngilari.

However, some PDP stakeholders in the state were said to be opposed to the move, because,  according to them fielding Ngilari, who is from the northern senatorial zone for the 2015 gubernatorial contest, might attract protest votes from the people of the state.
Checks revealed that some individuals in the Presidency, including a serving minister and two former ministers, have been making a strong case for Ngilari. They allegedly held meetings with some strategists of President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday and Tuesday to prevail on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP to renege on the gubernatorial zoning formula for the state.
Sources said the argument put forward was that since the party had given all governors seeking second term the Right of First Refusal, Ngilari should  also benefit from the arrangement. Besides, they reasoned that since the Adamawa governor  was not part of the previous power sharing formula in the state, he should not be  bound by it.
It was gathered that those behind Ngilari had been trying to seek the attention and endorsement of a top Federal Government official.
The stakeholders also warned the party against the danger of reneging on its promise to zone the governorship ticket to Adamawa Central District, pointing out that the district has not produced a governor since the inception of the state.
Also, the stakeholders stated that the northern senatorial zone had produced two ministers, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, adding that since the zoning of the governorship seat to the central senatorial zone had been announced to the electorate in the state, it could lead to the switching of votes for APC, if the PDP defaults.
A top source said: “All along, Ngilari had said he would vie for the Northern Senatorial District’s ticket. But a serving minister and two former ministers from the Middle Belt are already lobbying the presidency to give the slot to Ngilari.
“They stated that since the Acting Governor of Taraba State, Garba Umar, who is a Muslim, is being penciled for PDP ticket in Taraba State, Ngilari, a Christian, should be allowed to fly the party’s ticket in Adamawa. Why are they trying to introduce ethnic and religious politics into a heterogeneous state like ours?”
“With this plot, the governorship ticket hitherto zoned to the Adamawa Central District will now be for the Northern District.”

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You must work hard to win election in Anambra

Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe, a politician and businessman was a governorship aspirant for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State in 2011.

Presently aspiring to represent Anambra Central Senatorial Zone in the Senate, he fielded questions from selected Journalists in his country home, Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of the State, where he offered reasons for his ambition, promised effective representation if elected and how he made it from nothing among other issues.


You are seeking the Senatorial mandate on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). How confident are you that you will not be disappointed as it happened in 2011, when you aspired for the governorship of the State?
First of all, let me say that, according to late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the greatest glory in life is not for one not fall, but rising each time one falls. Again, I believe in the promise of God in the affairs of men, God is the one who elevates and He is the one who dethrones. I believe that without God, one cannot achieve anything in life. If it is the will of God that I will be a Senator, no human being will stop it. But if it is not the will of God that I will be Senator, no human being will make me a senator.
So, I am looking up to God, let His will be done. Mine is to present ‘myself but I know, looking at the cleanliness  of my intention, looking at the fact that what is propelling me is  to have a platform to reach the greater number of people possible, He will bring it to pass to His own glory. So, I am confident, that He will see me through.
  But specifically, speaking, how organized is PDP in Anambra state today because we know that you are one of the stakeholders of the party that is involved in the peace making?
Despite the seeming crisis in our party, Anambra State is a PDP state. APGA has been doing its pretentious ‘abracadabra’ because of the crisis in our party but we must take that which belongs to us. APGA has been winning by default and we are not going to allow that any longer.
 How do you intend to contend with the forces in other political parties like Senator Chris Ngige, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh who are in the same race with you? If you eventually clinch the ticket of PDP do you hope to beat them?
Again, like I said before, it is God who elevates and crown kings. Ultimately, my faith is in God but talking as a human being, I have done so much with my personal resources, the evidence is there. I have empowered a lot of youths, and have seen over 100 graduates through the university with my personal resources. These are verifiable facts because I have a board chaired by Prof. Isreal Okoye of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
So, if a man could do so much with his personal resources, not that one is in government. That is why foremost of the traditional rulers like Prof. Laz Ekwueme, immediate younger brother of the former vice president, in 2009, deemed it fit to confer a chieftaincy title on me, (Ezechimere of Oko), meaning a king crowned by God.
Again in 2011, another traditional ruler of Awka, Igwe Gibson Nwosu, conferred on me the title of (Ochendo-Umuogbenye of Awka) meaning the provider of shelter for the poor and needy. These are the attestation of what I have been doing. So, people know what I stand for, I am one of them, the poor and needy. They know that if they send me there, I will go there as their representative, to help to pull them out of poverty. God has pulled me out of poverty and it is incumbent on me to help to pull others. I know that people have been taking note of what I have been doing and they will not let me down.  I will tell you, this election will not be won on the basis of big name or being a veteran but on the basis of your good work.
 As you talk about effective representation, are you saying that Senator Chris Ngige from APC has not offered Anambra Central an effective representation?  
Thank you. Dr. Chris Ngige is a very good friend of mine, but as a policy, I don’t discuss individuals. I discuss issues or things that I will do.
If you go through my mission statement, I stated in black and white, those things that I will do. I don’t want to talk about my good friend, Dr. Chris Ngige. I am talking of what I will do if the good people of Anambra Central deem it fit to elect me to represent them in the senate, what I promise them is efficient, effective, selfless, dynamic, altruistic and result-oriented representation. I don’t what to talk about who has done well or not, rather, it is for the people to judge.
We have had many senators and they have played their own parts and you have been on ground to know what everybody did. What is the difference you  want to offer the people of Anambra Central which others that have represented the zone in the past have not done?
The key point I have is accessibility. If you also look at my mission statement, I stated there that I will  be having monthly town hall meetings with my constituency, which will be rotating from one local government to another. In Anambra Central zone, we have seven local government areas. So, this town hall meeting will rotate among the local government areas on monthly basis and I personally will be there to listen to them.
It is part of me that I answer every phone call, even when you call and it is not possible for me to answer, I return those calls later because I don’t make promises I will not keep. Those who know me when I was nobody can still attest to the fact that my behavior has not changed in any way.
Therefore, accessibility is my first promise I made to my people and then, youth empowerment which I strictly believe in . It is the road I passed and when I see a poor person, what I have for such person is empathy; I can feel what he is feeling.
Mind you, poverty cannot be explained by just laziness. No, it is an opportunity because if it is hard work that determines richness, those who carry heavy load in the market could have been the richest people, but they are not. So, poverty is an economic and socio-political problem in the society.
That is part of the uniqueness I am bringing, people will know that they have elected somebody to represent them, who can be their voice.
I may not be Dangote or those money spinners but the little God has given me, I can pay my bills, I can meet my needs. Honestly, God has taken care of me, so, I need also to use those resources to take care of others. That is why I am running for the senate.

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APC should look into our grievances –Group

Members of Save Apapa Group under the auspices of All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to the national leaders of the party to look into their grievances concerning the alleged marginalisation going on in Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos.

Chairman of the group, Mr. Nath Georgewill made this known in an interactive session with journalists in Lagos.
He alleged that, “ sometime in March, this year, there was supposed to be a ward and congress election that was never held but that the council returned both the ward and congress members who had served for six years back to the same office.
“ They are scheming to form a caretaker committee and the same person has been selected to head that committee, members of other parties who formed the bulk members of the party in Apapa have never been incorporated into the party, we reject that and we all speak with one voice, seeking for truth and justice.
“ It is the yearning for the greater good of the people of the local government, we speak what is honest, desirable and what is possible, we are not seeking beyond the parties abilities, we believe that they can grant us our desires,” he said.

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2015:Group tasks INEC over credible election

The Centre for Democratic Governance In Africa (CDGA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2015 general elections are free, fair and better than previous ones.

   


The appeal was made by the Director General of the group, Dr. Dafe Akpocha while addressing newsmen in Lagos. Nigerians, he said, “would not accept any election that is not transparent, adding that one-man-one-vote is what will enable democracy to grow.
Dr. Akpocha also  warned those threatening that Nigeria would be ungovernable if they don’t win to know that whoever sows wind will reap whirlwind, adding that those politicians are only proving that they don’t love the people and the nation.
He also disclosed the plan of the NGO to give the CDGA Gold Service Award to the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) national Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Idris Wada, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, Chief Olabode George, Skye Bank Chairman, Dr. Tunde Ayeni, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank, among others.

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Defection in Ogun shocking, but won’t affect our electoral chances –APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed shock over the defection of some of its members in Ogun State to another party, but said the defection will not affect the overall chances of the party in the forthcoming polls.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the shock stemmed from the fact that efforts were ongoing to reconcile the aggrieved members in Ogun State chapter, hence, it is expected that they would give room for the efforts to yield fruits.
It expressed the hope that the defecting party members would reconsider their decision and beat a quick retreat.
“Yes, the defection of some our members will create some challenges for our party, but we will go back to the drawing board to re-strategise and redouble our efforts to retain the state in 2015. Every member of our party is important to its overall success, but none is more important than the party. Against this background, no member can hold the party at ransom,’’ it said.
APC said it was a mere fallacy for anyone to conclude that the defection of some members, irrespective of their self importance, would dramatically alter the chances of the party in 2015, and therefore urged its members in Ogun State not to lose any sleep over the latest development.

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FG sets up committee to address military pension arrears

The Federal Government has set up a  working group made up of high-level team from the Federal Ministry of Finance and representatives of military pensioners  to harmonise positions on pension arrears and address other issues arising from  the payment of pensions to retired military personnel.

Addressing pensioners who were protesting  against delays in the payment of their pension arrears  in her office, the Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that the group will be chaired by the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Dr Bright Okogu and will include the Chairman Military Pensions Board , representatives of the military pensioners, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission as well as staff of the Federal Military of Finance.
The pensioners who acknowledged that they have been receiving a 33 per cent  increase on their pensions since August 2013  also demanded  that the increase should be 53 per cent  to put them at par with their colleagues who are in active service.
The government’s  team which engaged the pensioners included the Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry, the DG Budget and the Chairman  of the Military Pensions Board.
Explaining the genesis of the problem, the Minister told the pensioners that the 53 per cent  increase in public sector wages which was implemented in 2010 left government with a very high recurrent budget which poses a significant funding challenge.
According to her,  even though she was not in office when the hike was implemented, government is a continuum and the ministry under her watch, with the strong support of President Goodluck Jonathan has been working hard to address the challenges because soldiers who put their lives on the line to serve the nation deserve the greatest honour and consideration.
She explained that it was because of this that the federal government has implemented a 33 per cent  increase in military pensions alone since August 2013 following a recommendation of a government committee.
On the pension arrears,  Okonjo-Iweala stressed that government was committed to paying but that, given the realities, this had to be done on an agreed schedule in tranches.
“I cannot tell you that everything will be paid at once but I can assure you that you will be paid when we agree on a realistic schedule”, the minister said.
Earlier, the representatives of the military pensioners  had spoken passionately about the challenges they are facing because of delayed pension payments.

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Stick to deadline,FG tasks bidders on NITEL/Mtel

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin E. Dikki, has tasked the prequalified bidders in the Guided Liquidation of NITEL/MTEL to strictly adhere to the deadline for the submission of the technical and financial proposals which scheduled to close 5pm Nigerian time on Friday 07 November 2014.

He however said that bidders were free to submit such proposals before the deadline, but emphasized that they must endeavor to submit their proposals as scheduled “as no proposal will be accepted, even if it is one minute after the closing time for submission.”  According to him, the Bureau is a stickler of time and deadlines without any compromise.
Dikki gave this admonition while declaring open a Pre-bid Conference for the Guided Liquidation of NITEL/MTEL, organized by the liquidator and the BPE at the Rockview Hotel, Abuja last Tuesday.
The conference, which had the two prequalified bidders and other telecommunications stakeholders in attendance,  was meant to provide a platform for prequalified bidders to seek clarification and resolve issue(s) that might  arise prior to preparing their technical and financial proposals, given that they have concluded a two-week data room and physical due diligence.
The two prequalified consortia are Messrs NETTAG Consortium and Natcom Consortium. The Dikki noted that the pre-bid conference is an important milestone in the privatization of NITEL and MTEL.
In his overview of the liquidation transaction, the Liquidator, Otunba Olutola O. Senbore, noted that the objectives of the current exercise include the disposal of assets and business units of NITEL and MTEL as one entity; and the need to select bidders/investors through a competitive bidding system that have the technical and financial wherewithal to continue to run the two telecomm giants as going concerns.
He also noted that the preferred bidder “must have the capability to turn around the business acquired into first class telecommunications companies.”
Otunba Senbore said this exercise is different from the past ones because it is a disposal of assets and businesses without encumbrances since they are free fo liabilities.
He said the transaction “by way of guided liquidation is more plausible, more bankable and more attractive.”
Senbore said due diligence would be continuously conducted on the bidders “ including security checks as appropriate, and after the opening of financial bids, negotiation with the preferred and reserved bidders would commence to resolve any outstanding issues, especially  on the Post Acquisition Plan.”
It would be recalled that the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), on February 27th 2013, approved the sale of NITEL/MTEL through Guided Liquidation after several failed attempts in the past to privatize the enterprises. Under the guided liquidation strategy, NITEL and MTEL are to be sold as a single lot to a qualified bidder by a Liquidator under the guidance of the Bureau.
Senbore’s appointment was confirmed by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on March 14, 2014 and he commenced the process on March 25th 2014 and appointed professionals to work with him as required under the law. Members of Committee of Inspection (COI) were appointed from significant creditors including equipment vendors, Debt Management Office, First Bank Plc and others

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Oil price: National Planning Minister urges states to develop contingency plans

Minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, has advised states to develop contingency plans to complement Federal Government revenue should oil price decline continue.

The Minister gave the advice in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, recently in his keynote address at the meeting of the National Council on Development Planning (NCDP), which he chaired him with the states Commissioners for Economic Planning as members of council
“I am pleased to inform you that National Planning Commission is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the central bank in developing a contingency plan at the national level. The states are also advised to develop their strategic plans, as well as the associated contingency plans to complement efforts of the Federal Government. Commissioners for Economic Planning are therefore expected to lead the process in their respective states,” he said.
The Minister also explained that the decline in crude oil price from $100 to $80 per barrel in the recent past has the potential of affecting the economic performance of member nations of OPEC including Nigeria and by extension the states that rely on crude oil as major revenue receipts.
While emphasising the need for cooperation among all tiers of government to achieve desired result, the Minister said, “the Federal Government cannot do it alone; neither can the state and local governments. We all need to work together to achieve our common goals and aspirations of enhancing strategic planning and building resilience. There must therefore be synergy of purpose so that progress can be brought to our people within a short period.”
In his address, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, also stressed the need for effective collaboration between the states and the Federal Government in addressing all matters of national development.
He commended the NPC for driving laudable initiatives for the nation to achieve purposeful growth and transformative development.
The NCDP body was established in accordance with the National Planning Commission Act 1993, as one of the key statutory bodies constituted to facilitate and coordinate the economic development process at the federal and sub-national levels in the country.
The meeting of the council is expected to be held on bi-annual or annual basis and its recommendations are expected to serve as critical inputs to the meetings of National Economic Council (NEC) under the chairmanship of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Ibadan meeting of the NCDP, which is the second to be held this year, has the theme, “Enhancing Strategic Planing for Transformative Development and Building Resilience.”
According to Sulaiman, the theme is apt, timely and a reflection of collective aspiration to initiate policies and programmes aimed at transforming the Nigerian economy for enhanced growth and development, which, he said, is also consistent with the aspirations of Transformation Agenda and NV20:2020.

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Brazil 2014 fallout: Nigeria, others get FIFA’s financial windfall

The World soccer ruling body, FIFA has commenced payment of participation money to the 32 finalists that graced the Brazil 2014 World Cup held in June.

Nigeria by virtue of her second round finish will receive the sum of $8m (about N1.2bn)  same as Cote d’ Ivoire and Ghana. In fact, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) revealed on Thursday that it has received all the monies from FIFA for the Black Stars participation in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in June as its prize money, ending months of expectations from the public.
The amount expected to have been received from the world governing body is expected to be about $8m but deductions from FIFA could drop the figure to a lower amount.
According to the GFA, “FIFA has now paid the GFA for the Black Stars participation in the tournament,” the GFA said in a press statement released on Thursday morning.
The arrival of the money is something that will delight the public knowing that the GFA will refund all the monies spent by government on the team during the competition in Brazil. Government agreed to part with $3.8m as a loan to the GFA to help pay for the appearance fees for the Black Stars during the competition in Brazil which raised issues after failure of the money to arrive in time.
This led to a revolt by the players leading them to boycott training two days before their final group match against Portugal in Brasilia.
The loan was government only contribution to the team but the delay and failed promises of the arrival of the money led to chaos in camp which eventually led to the sacking of Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng from the camp of the Black Stars.
FIFA has revealed it was ready to pay Ghana’s players their World Cup bonuses directly and deduct it from the GFA’s prize money. After Ghana’s players boycotted training in protest at not receiving their money, the country’s government flew $3.8m in cash to Brazil.
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke described the situation as sad.
“The players have the right to receive their money but it would be much easier to do this by bank transfer,” he said. “The fact that the money came in cash is also sad because I was ready to sign a letter, as long as I had a copy of the agreement between the national association and the players, that the money would be paid by FIFA by bank transfer into their personal accounts. FIFA would have made sure to deduct the players’ money from the prize money paid to the national association.”
Ghana went home early from the competition in Brazil, having been eliminated from the tournament at the group stage.

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Keshi begged for his back-room staff –Pinnick

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick has debunked reports that Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi over ruled back-room appointments made by the NFF.

The board of the NFF upon sacking Keshi appointed new back-room staff for the Eagles, but Keshi’s dramatic return to his post nullified all employments.
Those affected by the change effected by the return of Keshi include the media officer Toyin Ibitoye and team coordinator Garba Lawal.
Keshi’s coming also nullified the appointments of Salisu Yusuf and Gbenga Ogunbote as assistants as the big boss choose to work with his trusted allies.
He also brought back Sylvanus Okpalla who was fired by the past board after the Nations cup triumph as one of his assistant. Pinnick insist the changes were allowed by the NFF because Keshi pleaded to have his familiar team behind him due to the crucial nature of the remaining two games.
“It’s not correct for anyone to say Keshi over-ruled the NFF, his employers, that’s a misnomer,” he said in Abuja.
“The truth is Keshi appealed to me to allow him have the complement of his usual staff for the remaining two games.
“I thought over it and agreed, there is no way he could have over-ruled the board.”

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Glo-CAF Awards: CAF names Musa, Enyeama, 23 others as contenders

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Thursday in Cairo announced the nominees for the 2014 African Player of the Year and the 2014 African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) in the Glo-Caf Awards.

Twenty-five players were nominated for the African Player of the Year, while 20 players made the list for the Player of the Year (Based in Africa) category.
Super Eagles’ duo of Ahmed Musa who plays for CSKA Moscow and Vincent Enyeama of Lille, France are the two Nigerians who made the list of topmost twenty five players in the main Award category while Ejike Uzoenyi of Rangers International, Enugu is the only Nigerian shortlisted in the 20-man list of Africa-based Player of the Year.
Ahmed Musa, a very resourceful player and Vincent Enyeama, the outstanding goalkeeper were members of the Super Eagles team that won the 2013 African Nations Cup in South Africa and also participated actively in the Super Eagles’ campaign in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.Ejide Uzoenyi on the other hand made his international debut for Nigeria in 2012. He was called up to Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and was named to Nigeria’s squad for the 2014 African Nations Championship where he emerged the most valuable player of the tournament. He was also named in the Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and made the final squad after Elderson Echiejile was excluded by injury. The list was compiled through a vigorous exercise by the Confederation of African Football that took into consideration the performance of the nominees for their national teams and clubs from January to November, this year.
Other Players shorted listed for the African Player of the Year award include the Ghanaian duo of Asamoah Gyan of  Al-Ain  and Kwadwo Asamoah  Juventus, the Senegalese:  Dame N’doye of Lokomotiv Moscow and Sadio Mané of Southampton, Emmanuel Adebayor  of Togo and Tottenham and the Cameroonian trio of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting of Schalke 04, Stephane Mbia of Sevilla and Vincent Aboubakar of Porto.
Others are Yao Kouassi Gervais ‘Gervinho’ of Cote d’Ivoire and AS Roma and his fellown country men: Wilfred Bony of Swansea and Yaya Toure of Man City as well as Fakhreddine Ben Youssef and Ferdjani Sassi from Tunisia and CS Sfaxien.
Also listed are Algerian quartet of Islam Slimani of Sporting Lisbon, Raïs M’Bolhi of Philadelphia Union, Sofiane Feghouli of Valencia and Yacine Brahimi of Porto. Yannick Bolasie of DR Congo and Crystal Palace, Thulani Serero of South Africa and Ajax, Seydou Keita of Mali and As Roma, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon and Borussia Dortmund and Mohamed El Neny  of Egypt and Basel completed the list.
In the African  Player of the Year (Based in Africa) category, the twenty players short-listed are South Africa’s: Bernard Parker, Bongani Ndulula and late Senso Meyiwa of Kaizer Chiefs Amazulu and Orlando Pirates, Amr Gamal  of Egypt and Al Ahly, the duo of Akram Djahnit and El Hedi Belamieri  of Algeria and ES Setif. The list also included Tunisian and CS Sfaxien players: Fakhereddine Ben Youssef and Ferdjani Sassi.
Others are : Congolese quartet of Firmin Mubel Ndombe of As Vita, Jean Kasusula of TP Mazembe, Kader Bidimbou of AC Leopards and Lema Mabidi of As Vita.
Also nominated are Geoffrey Massa of Uganda and Pretoria University, Mudathir Al Taieb of Sudan and Al Hilal, Roger Assalé of Cote d’Ivoire and Sewe Sport, Solomon Asante of Ghana and TP Mazembe, Souleymane Moussa of Cameroon and Coton Sport and Yunus Sentamu of Uganda and AS Vita.
The winners of the two categories will be decided by votes from the Head Coaches and Technical Directors of the National Associations affiliated to CAF.
The Glo- CAF Awards Gala will take place on Thursday, 8 January 2015 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Ivorian Yaya Toure was crowned African Player of the Year for the past three years whilst Mohamed Aboutreika of Egypt was named African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) last year.

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Musa’s CSKA run excites Amokachi

Ahmed Musa’s exciting displays in the colors of Russian side, CSKA Moscow, have been a source of inspiration to the Super Eagles and their coaching crew ahead of the two important Nations Cup qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville and Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

Assistant Coach Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, declared after lunch in Uyo Thursday, that watching Musa show class in the Champions League encounter against English side Manchester City on Wednesday night made him happy. Musa’s CSKA secured a 2-1 away win in Manchester with Musa putting up a five star performance.
“I m happy with what I saw Musa do on Wednesday. With the form of our players, we will get the results we need against Congo and South Africa,” Amokachi declared.

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FIFA writes Pinnick, congratulates Kano Pillars

World football –governing body, FIFA has kept its pledge of monitoring intensely events in Nigeria football, as the body on Thursday congratulated newly –crowned Nigeria Premier League champions, Kano Pillars.

In a letter addressed to NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick and personally signed by FIFA President, Mr. Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA commended the entire Kano Pillars family for a job well done and also highlighted the capacity of football to transform societies.
“I know that behind this success are the belief and effort of everyone involved. This is a true team victory, and all of you deserve to share in the accolades: the players and coach of course, but also the technical and medical staff, and not least, the loyal fans. The dynamism and commitment of the Kano Pillars team have enabled them to win this title for the 3rd time in succession.
“Football is proving more than ever that it can transcend traditional boundaries to become a real driver of development. It enables players at all levels to develop their individual skills, tactical understanding and personal dynamism, all the while strengthening team spirit.
“Football is truly a school for life and I am convinced that everyone, and in particular the young people of today, can benefit from playing football on both a social and personal level. That is why I urge them all in Kano Pillars to continue their work, leading the way on this path of success. Football is helping to build a better future and I wish to thank Kano Pillars for playing a part in this.”
Pillars earned their third straight Nigerian title, with one game to play, after defeating Nembe City 4-0 in Kano last weekend.
Meanwhile, To allow for protests arising from some of the season’s fixtures to be conclusively disposed of, the League Management Company (LMC) has announced the postponement of Match Day 38 games of the 2013/14 Glo Premier League to Sunday, November 16.
The season was heading to an end on Sunday, November 9 but the Chief Operating Officer of LMC, Salihu Abubakar said a decision has been reached to shift the end games by another week.
“Some of the protests will affect the final declaration of position of clubs on the log and we are aware that Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a November 30 deadline for return of entries for representatives of member federations seeking to play in any of the continental club championships”, Abubakar explained.
“The LMC is committed to protecting the integrity of all match results and will therefore await pronouncement of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) relevant committees on the outstanding protests in the coming days. This way there won’t be any spill over games after the final day of matches”, Abubakar further clarified.
He said the LMC regrets any inconveniences arising from this but insisted it was the right decision to have taken in the circumstance.

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Uyo bubbles as Jonathan commissions Akwa Ibom Stadium

Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state has literally come alive as no fewer than four Heads of Governments from across the West African sub region gather for the elaborate commissioning of one of the most magnificent sporting infrastructure in Africa-the Akwa Ibom international stadium..

President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR will lead Ghanaian leader, Dr. John Dramani Mahama and Ivorian Head of State, Dr. Alassane Ouattara to the stately Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo this evening, with Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, as Chief Host.
Akpabio is showcasing the majestic facility, which has already been approved by the Confederation of African Football for the crucial 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa on November 19, as one of the key points of his uncommon transformation of the oil –rich State.
Apart from Presidents Jonathan, Mahama and Ouattara, a number of Governors from across Nigeria are expected, while President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick and some Executive Committee members and Management staff arrived in Uyo Thursday evening.
The 30,000 – capacity venue, with a bullet –proof State Box that has 70 seats, has  been described by the Vice President of Ghana Football Association, Mr. Fred Crentsil (who was sent by CAF to inspect the venue) as being “among the best you can find anywhere in the world.”

Eagles battle ready for Ghana

• Isokari,  Udoh dazzle

The Super Eagles are simply battle ready for today’s international friendly against Ghana and everything points to the team putting smiles on the faces of Akwa Ibomites and their visitors who have flooded the city of Uyo for the inauguration of the Uyo international stadium venue of the match.
During yesterday’s work out that lasted almost three hours, Eagles perfected their strategies in the areas of quick counter attack, fast breaks, robust defending and the need to avoid unnecessary infringements.
Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, effectively took charge of the training session in the absence of the big boss, Stephen Keshi who as at last night was yet to join the team. It is not yet clear if Keshi will be on the bench today. Apart from established professionals like Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwueke, Christian Osagunna Ighodalo and Gbolahan Salami, there was an excitement in the play of Enyimba of Aba midfielder, Kingsley Isokari and Glo premier league hot shot Mfom Udoh. Udoh who was on target for Enyimba last weekend has vowed to make history in today’s game with goals. The Akwa Ibom born striker is no doubt at home.

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PDP governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Dagogo-Jack, submits nomination form in Abuja

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Dr Beks Dagogo-Jack, submitting his nomination form to the national secretary of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha in Abuja on Thursday

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Are Gun Display Posts on Instagram Offensive? Nollywood Actor Prince Eke Shows off his Piece

Prince Eke

A few months ago Jude Okoye, brother and producer for Peter & Paul Okoye, shared a picture of his gun collection on Instagram and the post caused a lot of controversy.

Not long after Jude Okoye had to apologize to his fans and Instagram followers.

Nollywood actor Prince Eke is known for his role in Nigerian action movies and a tough persona. He took to his Instagram page a few hours ago to show his gun, which he kept tucked in his pants. Some of his followers on Instagram have asked him to take down the post, saying it is offensive.

He captioned one of the pictures “If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer–His grace sufficient, His promises unchangeable.”

He captioned another, “The men whom I have seen succeed best in life always have been cheerful and hopeful men; who went about their business with a smile on their faces; and took the changes and chances of this mortal life like men; facing rough and smooth alike as it came”

While it is possible that Prince Eke is on set,  do you think it is offensive for him to post this on Instagram?

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Photo: Actor OC Ukeje shares photo of his bride-to-be

This is actor OC Ukeje's bride-to-be, Ibukun Togonu. Their wedding is this Saturday November 8th in Lagos.

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Beyonce shares hand pic of Kelly Rowland's new born son

The greatest gift of all...

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Pretty in Pink: Lupita Nyong'o stuns in new shoot for Lancome

Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o looked flawless as she posed on roses for Lancome's latest ad for L’Absolu Rouge lipstick, in a campaign photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. 

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Photos: Juliet Ibrahim Covers season4 of 'The Celebrity Shoot'

Actress and mother of one, Juliet Ibrahim, is the cover girl for Season 4 of 'The Celebrity Shoot' by fashion designer and stylist Abbyke Domina, which is celebrating successful African women and modern Africa clothes. See more photos after the cut...

 

-Can we meet you?
I am Juliet Ibrahim,a mother, an actress, musician,humanitarian, producer and entrepreneur, I
was born into the family of a Lebanese father; Mr. Hussein Ibrahim and a
half Liberian/Ghanaian mother; Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Ibrahim on the 3rd of
March 1986. I grew up in Liberia, Lebanon, Ghana and Ivory Coast and I’m
the eldest of 3 siblings.

- How can you describe your fashion lifestyle?
I can describe it as daring, spontaneous and very creative

-How do you handle fashion stress?
I don’t usually get stressed when it comes to fashion, simply because
I’m not into trends or what’s in vogue, I don’t rack my brain over what to
wear that much, I just wear what makes me comfortable .

-Your fashion icon home and abroad?
I like Nicki Minaj fashion sense,jennifer lopez, beyonce and Charlize Theron. Back home, I am my very own fashion icon.

-Your fashion accessories you will never go a day without?
My sunglasses, handbag, wristwatch

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Photos: Meet King Sunny Ade's beautiful wives...all seven of them

Nigerian music legend King Sunny Ade, KSA, has many wives...some say they are more than seven, but these are the officials ones...and they all have children for him. He said recently that he doesn't even know how many children he has but has decided to stop having them. See more photos after the cut...

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Awww, looks like Kayswitch and his baby mama have made up (pic)

About a week after Kayswitch's baby mama created a scene outside his gate, it looks like the two have made up and are back in each other's arms.The former Miss Liberia Meena Subramani posted the pic above of the two kissing on her instagram page yesterday and wrote "Always & 4ever...yeah I'm in love so what? Mine 4ever" Good to know all is now well!

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Photos: Oba Akinruntan celebrates 5th year coronation anniversary

Today is Kabiyesi, HRM Oba Obateru Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbonla Kingdom's 5th Year coronation anniversary. Happy anniversary! See more photos after the cut...

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Photo: Nigerian man jailed for drug trafficking in the UK

57 year old Nigerian-German man, Ukachukwu Charles Imoh (pictured above) has been sentenced to four years in a UK prison for trying to smuggle more than £215,000 worth of cocaine in 83 packages into the UK. 

Imoh was arrested as he arrived the UK from Germany by ferry via UK's Dover's Eastern Docks. He told police he was there to visit family but they were suspicious of him. He was taken to the hospital where he was x-rayed and 83 wraps of cocaine which had 66% purity level were found in his body.  

Imoh was immediately arrested. He later pleaded guilty to drug smuggling and was sentenced to four years in jail which, under the UK Borders Act 2007, means he will face automatic deportation after serving his sentence.

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Better things! West Ham Utd football stars strip for 'FeelEmFriday"

West Ham United football players stripped completely nude as they practiced their ball skills yesterday - to launch The UK Sun Newspaper 'Feel ’em Friday' campaign to get men checking themselves for testicular cancer.The pics after the cut are a lot more raunchy so careful opening it if you're in the office...:-). Better thing to see this Friday morning...

Photo credit: expdonaloaded

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