Hundreds of thousands of Africans stateless

2015-01-30 07:03
Addis Ababa - A new report says hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of Africans are stateless because of gaps in the citizenship laws of many countries.

The report from the African commission on human and people's rights says Africans whose legal existence is jeopardised often are deprived of the right to education, health care and to vote and travel.

Commissioner Maya Fadel-Sahli says such people are denied the right to exist "not because they are not Africans, but because some people in power say they do not deserve to be".

She spoke at the launch of the report on Thursday at the African Union in Addis Ababa, calling for a protocol on the right to nationality, saying this would strengthen democracy and integration and reduce conflict on the continent.

- AP

Babies found alive after hospital explosion

2015-01-30 07:03
Mexico City - A gas truck explosion ripped through a maternity hospital on the western edge of Mexico City on Thursday, killing one woman and two children and injuring dozens, authorities said, with several babies found alive in the rubble.

A nurse and a child died after the blast, which destroyed around 70% of the hospital, Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera said.

Speaking on national television, Mexico City's health minister said another child had died and more than 70 people were injured.

Several babies were found under the rubble. Scores of rescue workers dug through the concrete and twisted metal for survivors.

People seeking information on family members gathered around police lines that were set up to keep bystanders away from the chaotic scene earlier in the day.

Some of the injured were evacuated by helicopter, and aerial footage showed firefighters scrambling over the skeletal wreckage of the building.

"I am so worried about my sister. She's supposed to have given birth. We brought her in yesterday," said Monserrat Garduno, a 32-year-old nurse. "They won't let us pass. I want to know how she is."

Ambulances were at the scene to treat survivors. Around 100 people were in the hospital at the time of the explosion, according to a city official.

A leak in a hose from the truck, which was fuelling the hospital's tanks, was believed to have triggered the explosion, officials said.

"They tried to stop the leak, but it was not possible," Mancera said. Three people had been detained and two had been hospitalised, he added.

Many areas of Mexico City have no mains gas supply, and rely on deliveries from gas trucks. Mancera said the gas truck company involved had been working in Mexico City since 2007.

President Enrique Pena Nieto gave his condolences on Twitter, while Pope Francis urged his Twitter followers to pray for the victims and their families.

- Reuters

APC says APD is wasting time by rallying

Lagos - The All Progressive Congress (APC) has hit at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by saying that the ruling party is wasting time and called it an embarrassment, reports Naij.

After the PDP had to rally to an almost empty stadium, and the APC has criticized the lack of support for the ruling party by saying that, present Goodluck Jonathan’s lack of support confirms the unpopularity of the ruling party and it presidential candidate.

The opposing party went on to say that Jonathan and his administration have nothing to show for heading the state for the past four years; as such they do not deserve to be voted in.

The APC urged the president to stop thinking about being re-elected, as they argue that with his popularity slowly decreasing, the current president does not stand a chance. Muhammadu Buhari's party concluded by calling out people from River Plate make sure that the PDP gets 10 percent of votes from the region.

Read more at Naij.

Jonathan says he has been transparent

Abuja - President Goodluck Jonathan says that he has been transparent throughout his tenure as president, reports Guardian.

The People’s Democracy Party’s (PDP) presidential runner, Jonathan, says the fact that he did not favor any states, however, treated every state the same shows that he is a transparent president.

The APC has been accused of forsaking the south-south geopolitical, however, the president responded by saying that no part of the country is left behind in terms of development, and that all states in the country should advance all at the same speed.

The president ended the rally by promising that, jobs will be created for the youth within the state.
Read More at Guardian.

APC accuses govt of blocking journalist visas

Lagos - Nigeria's main opposition party on Thursday accused the government of blocking foreign journalists from covering next month's elections and urged international monitors to press for access.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed there had been a "systematic denial of visas" by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
"A regime that has nothing to hide or fear will not hesitate to allow international coverage of what is undoubtedly one of the most important elections in the world this year," said APC spokesman Lai Mohammed.
"Information reaching us indicates that most of the foreign journalists who applied for visas to travel to Nigeria from different parts of the world for the elections have been kept in abeyance under the guise of security clearance.
"This is totally unacceptable and it is another indication that this administration has a lot of skeletons in its cupboard as far as the forthcoming elections are concerned."

The APC, which is expected to push the PDP close at the February 14 presidential and parliamentary vote, called on local and international election observers to take up the matter with the government.

The opposition alleges that the PDP is trying to "scuttle" the vote with a smear campaign on its candidate, former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, and through the courts because it fears it will lose.

There was no immediate comment from the government on the visa issue.
Sue Valentine, Africa programme director at the Committee to Protect Journalists, said they were "extremely concerned" by the situation.

"When Africa's largest economy and most populous democracy goes to the polls it is global news," she told AFP in an email.
"In keeping with its claim that it respects press freedom and that these electi
ons will be transparent and democratic, the Nigerian government should expedite the accreditation of journalists.
"The world can only understand the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria if journalists are on the ground and free to report a multiplicity of stories."

- AFP

PDP decries property destruction in Taraba State

Abuja - The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) raised concern at the destruction of its property in Taraba State despite a commitment by the contestants of the upcoming elections to ensure a violence-free poll.

This follows rampaging youth suspected to be members of All Progressives Congress (APC) attacking the PDP’s e Secretariat in the state and destroying several vehicles.
The youths which according some to the security personnel keeping vigil at the Secretariat located along Barde Way, stormed the premises when President Goodluck Jonathan and his entourage were busy campaigning at the stadium located at the outskirt of Jalingo metropolis on Wednesday.
Security personnel who spoke to journalists said the youth numbering 100 took them by surprise thereby destroying over ten vehicles belonging to the staff of the party.

This publication established that heavily armed security personnel had taken over the premises of the secretariat.
Confirming the report, Public Relations Officer of the party, Napoleon Adamu, felt sad that in spite of the Abuja Accord signed by all the candidates contesting the presidency, some “disgruntled elements” of some political parties can still go as far as attacking members of the ruling party.
He alleged the attackers were members of the opposition party (APC), adding that the attack was carried out they were at the stadium for the presidential rally.
Adamu said the party was relieved no life was lost in the attack but admonished the teeming supporters of the party not to take the law into their hands as security operatives would soon fish out perpetrators of this act.
When contacted, Chairman of APC, Alhaji Hassan Jika Ardo, denied any involvement of their supporters in the attack.
“We are just coming into Jalingo from our campaign. Our supporters are peace loving people and we don't go about with thugs,” he said.

- CAJ News

Fighter jets jobs bomb town held by Boko Haram

2015-01-29 21:31
Kano - Nigerian fighter jets have bombed the northeast town of Malam Fatori, controlled by Boko Haram, the military said Thursday.

Witnesses and some media reports said troops and airforce planes from neighbouring Chad were involved in the operation on Nigerian soil but Abuja neither confirmed nor denied the claim.

There was no initial word on casualties or whether Boko Haram fighters had fled the area.
"Malam Fatori is within the area of operation covered by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) of which Chad has always been a part," defence spokesman Chris Olukolade told AFP in a text message.

"The Nigerian airforce has also been conducting (an) air mission there for two days now," he added. "It is all part of the ongoing efforts against terrorism."

The MNJTF was set up more than a decade ago to combat smuggling in the remote region but as the Nigerian Islamist insurgency in the area intensified, the mandate of the force changed.

Residents in the town of Bosso, which lies next to Malam Fatori but across the border in Niger, said the bombardment began early on Wednesday and lasted for several hours.

"At around 8:00 am (0700 GMT) we started seeing three military jets encircling Malam Fatori and soon after (they) began dropping bombs," said Idrissa Ari, a Bosso resident.

Reaching locals inside Malam Fatori is difficult given the collapse of the mobile phone network on the Nigerian side of the border.

The authorities in N'Djamena did not respond to requests seeking comment on their alleged involvement in the operation.

The Boko Haram uprising has become a regional crisis, with the four directly affected countries, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria -- agreeing to boost cooperation to contain the threat.

The African Union's annual summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa is this week expected to focus heavily on the threat from Boko Haram.

AU chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has called the insurgency "a threat to the whole continent".

Chadian troops in CameroonA brutal attack this month on the Nigerian town of Baga, near Chad and Niger, killed several hundred people and raised fresh questions about the Nigerian military's capacity to face Boko Haram alone.
An aerial bombardment inside Nigeria by the Chadian airforce, if confirmed, would mark a major development in bilateral security cooperation.

While it was unclear whether Chadian troops had begun operating in Nigeria, security sources said soldiers from Chad had arrived in Cameroon ahead of an expected campaign against the Islamists.
"The first Chadian soldiers were deployed yesterday (Wednesday) in Fotokol," a Cameroonian security source told AFP, requesting anonymity.

Fotokol is just 500 meters (0.3 miles) from the Nigerian town of Gamboru, currently controlled by Boko Haram.

A senior Cameroonian officer said the deployment was part of "preliminary action" for the Chadian army to take on Boko Haram alongside troops from Yaounde.

The insurgents control large parts of Nigeria's Borno state, which shares borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Meanwhile, local sources in three areas of Cameroon's far north reported that 10 people had their throats slit by suspected Boko Haram militants this week.

- AFP

Chad army retakes Nigerian town from Boko Haram

015-01-30 07:04
Niamey - Troops from Chad have driven Boko Haram fighters from aborder town seized by the Islamist militants late last year, military sources stationed in neighbouring Niger said on Thursday.

Chad's involvement in retaking the town comes as the regional military heavyweight assumes an increasingly aggressive role in combating the militants and regional leaders weigh new options for containing the movement's spread.

Boko Haram, which has killed thousands in its struggle to create an Islamic state in northern Nigeria, seized the town of Malam Fatori in November, sending government soldiers stationed there fleeing across the nearby border into Niger.

"This morning the Chadians retook Malam Fatori. There were clashes with Boko Haram that lasted over 24 hours," said a Niger army officer deployed to the adjacent region of Diffa. "There were combat aircraft but we don't know their nationality."

A second officer said Chadian troops began massing on the shores of Lake Chad last week before crossing into Nigeria on Wednesday to retake Malam Fatori.

Nigeria's defence headquarters tweeted that Nigerian Air Force aircraft had been involved in two days of air operations over the town though it did not confirm Malam Fatori had been retaken or directly acknowledge the presence of Chadian troops.

"(Malam Fatori) is within the area of operation covered by the Multinational Joint Task Force of which Chad has always been a part," the defence headquarters' official Twitter account said.
Chadian officials were not immediately available for comment.

The four nations of the Lake Chad Basin - Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria - agreed to bring their forces together to fight Boko Haram in October, together with a contingent from Benin, which borders Nigeria to the west.

But disagreements surfaced over how to deploy the troops and a cohesive fighting force has failed to materialised.


Meanwhile, Boko Haram, which has expanded their zone of operations over the past year most notably into northern Cameroon, has stepped up attacks in the run-up to February 14 elections in Nigeria.

After Cameroonian President Paul Biya appealed for help to fend off Boko Haram, Chad sent troops, armoured vehicles and attack helicopters earlier this month to assist the thousands of Cameroonian soldiers already deployed to the border.

The African Union on Thursday endorsed a West African plan to set up a regional task force of 7,500 to fight Islamist Boko Haram militants, a senior official said, in a vital step towards securing U.N. Security Council backing.

- Reuters

Angry youths stone Goodluck Jonathan's convoy

Jalingo — Youths angry at the government's failure to fight Islamic extremists threw stones Thursday at President Goodluck Jonathan's electioneering convoy in the eastern town of Jalingo, breaking windshields and windows on several vehicles. An Associated Press reporter was unable to see if anyone was hurt.
Police used tear gas and whips to disperse the mob.

From Jalingo, Jonathan flew to Yola, capital of Adamawa state, where officials had declared the route of his motorcade a no-go area. The presidential cavalcade already had been stoned in northern Katsina city and northeast Bauchi last week. Youths in Bauchi flung shoes and plastic bottles at Jonathan's podium at a rally.
In Jalingo, soldiers guarded billboards and posters of Jonathan, who is running for re-election on February 14. Protesters shouted that the troops should instead be fighting the Boko Haram insurgents blamed for the deaths of some 10,000 people in the past year.

"Why are they using soldiers and other security operatives? They should be deployed to Sambisa and fight with Boko Haram, not with innocent civilians," one youth yelled as he tore down a poster of a smiling Jonathan.
Sambisa Forest is where the insurgents have camps and where they are believed to be holding some of the 276 schoolgirls abducted from a boarding school in the remote town of Chibok in April — a mass kidnapping that brought international outrage.

Dozens of the girls escaped on their own but 219 remain missing, a reminder of the failures of the government and military.

At a rally in Yola, Jonathan promised his government will do more to help some of the million-plus people driven from their homes in the 5-year-old insurgency.

"We are totally committed to the liberation of Adamawa state," Jonathan pledged. But Adamawa state legislator Adamu Kamale complained Wednesday that seven villages and Michika town have been under attack by Boko Haram since Friday and that he has appealed in vain for soldiers to come and fight the extremists.
It is unclear if displaced people will be able to vote. Hundreds of thousands have fled across borders. And it is not known how many remain trapped in more than 100 northeastern village and towns held by the insurgents.
Nigeria's home-grown Boko Haram group has been attacking Cameroonian villages and troops, broadening the conflict and raising fears among Nigeria's neighbors.

- AP

African leaders gather for conflict, Ebola talks

2015-01-30 08:03
Addis Ababa - African leaders meet Friday for their annual summit with conflict topping the agenda, especially Nigeria's Boko Haram insurgents, as well as efforts to stem Ebola.
While the official theme of the African Union meeting will be women's empowerment, leaders from the 54-member bloc will once again be beset by a string of crises across the continent.
Preparatory talks this week ahead of the two-day meeting at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital have seen promises by AU chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to drum up "collective African efforts" to tackle the Islamists.
Late Thursday, the AU Peace and Security Council called for regional five-nation force of 7,500 troops to deploy to stop the "horrendous" rise of the insurgents.
More than 13,000 people have been killed and more than one million made homeless by Boko Haram violence since 2009.
Leaders are also expected to elect Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to the organisation's one-year rotating chair, replacing Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.
Mugabe, a former liberation war hero who aged 90 is Africa's oldest president and the third-longest serving leader, is viewed with deep respect by many on the continent.
But he is also subject to travel bans from both the United States and European Union in protest at political violence and intimidation.

- Elections and Ebola -With over a dozen elections due to take place this year across Africa, the focus at the talks will also be on how to ensure peaceful polls.
The Institute for Security Studies, an African think-tank, warns that "many of these are being held in a context that increases the risk of political violence".
Wars in South Sudan and the Central African Republic -- both nations scheduled to hold elections -- as well as in Libya are also due to draw debate.
South Sudan's warring parties met Thursday in the latest push for a lasting peace deal, with six previous ceasefire commitments never holding for more than a few days -- and sometime just hours -- on the ground.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed in more than a year of civil war, with peace talks led by the regional East African bloc IGAD due following the summit.
Also topping the agenda is the question of financing regional forces, amid broader debates on funding the AU, a thorny issue for the bloc, once heavily bankrolled by toppled Libyan strongman Moamer Kadhafi.
African leaders will also discuss the economic recovery of countries affected by the Ebola virus, setting up a "solidarity fund" and planning a proposed African Centre for Disease Control.
The worst outbreak of the virus in history has seen nearly 9,000 deaths in a year -- almost all of them in the three west African countries of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone -- and sparked a major health scare worldwide.

- AFP

Man United to fight for top four spot

2015-01-30 08:03
Manchester - Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has warned his team-mates that the hard work starts now in their bid to secure a top four finish in the Premier League.

Louis van Gaal's side hold the final Champions League berth as they prepare for Saturday's home fixture against lowly Leicester, but they are just a point ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal.

The Gunners, on a four-match winning run, face Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and Valencia knows the race is just starting to heat up.

"It's very open and quite tight in those top spots," Ecuador international Valencia said. "We're seven points behind second place and then a couple of teams are three or four points below us.
"We must fight hard in the remaining games to finish as high as possible.

"It's a long season and we've picked ourselves up of late, so we need to keep the results coming for the fans.
"We've got tough games coming up against very good teams and rivals for our position but, if we keep the concentration high, we can achieve our aim of a top-four finish."

United missed out on European football for the first time in 25 years when they finished seventh at the end of a campaign of struggle, largely overseen by previous manager David Moyes.

Despite a sluggish start to the season under van Gaal, Moyes' successor, United have put themselves in contention to end their season-long absence from continental competition with a run of one defeat in 13 matches.

Valencia believes new signings Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Marcos Rojo have settled well in to the United set up, despite each suffering injury problems in the first half of the campaign.

"Angel, Rojo and Falcao are terrific. They've all settled quickly into the group and I think they're all really enjoying life here," Valencia said.
"We've got a top bunch of lads. We all get along really well, the atmosphere is great but it's always been great here."
United were held to a disappointing goalless draw by League Two club Cambridge United in the FA Cup fourth round last Friday and van Gaal will hope his players are more incisive against Nigel Pearson's side, who are fighting for survival in the Premier League.

Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata are expected to be recalled to the United squad after being rested for the FA Cup match, while defender Jonny Evans remains a doubt after missing the match through injury.

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson admits he wants to sign further players before Monday's transfer deadline but is unsure whether they will materialise.

The bottom of the table Foxes have already signed Mark Schwarzer and Andrej Kramaric in January to aid their pursuit of Premier League survival.

"I don't know if we will see anymore," said Pearson. "Maybe, maybe not. You're not getting nothing more from me.

"I would hope if there is something done it will be done before Monday night. If you have to do it you have to do it but I don't see why deals are done so late.

"All that I think about is what we're trying to do, I'm not interested in other people. We have tried to do the business we wanted to.

"We got two done and if we can strengthen we will. But I don't know.
"It's nice to have options, we've managed to keep a relatively fit squad and hopefully that will continue. If we can add to that we will do."

- AFP

Teen with fake gun storms Dutch TV show

2015-01-30 08:03
The Hague - A teenager armed with a fake gun disrupted Dutch television on Thursday evening when he forced his way into the building of public broadcaster NOS and demanded airtime before being overpowered by police.

The 19-year-old, speaking Dutch and carrying a black pistol which police later said was a fake, could be seen pacing next to a desk in an empty studio before being arrested, in footage later shown on NOS.
The NOS building in the central city of Hilversum was evacuated. The incident interrupted NOS's 20:00 newscast, with a message on screen telling viewers no broadcast was "available at this time".

A spokesperson for the prosecutor's office said at a press conference that the man, aged 19, came from the town Pijnacker near The Hague and was in police custody.

NOS broadcast a short video of the incident after coming back on air.
Wearing a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie, the young man could be seen speaking calmly to someone off-camera as he claimed to represent a "hackers collective".

He can be heard telling the man that he "wanted to talk about things that are of world importance".
"We were hired by intelligence services. We have heard things that call society into question," he said.

"Once my message has been sent, we'll shake hands and you'll be able to go home."

He immediately dropped his weapon and raised his arms when five armed officers stormed in to restrain him, yelling at him to drop the gun.

"I dropped it, I dropped it," he replied off-screen.
A police voice was then heard saying: "The situation is under control."

Claimed hacker link
Speaking live on NOS, general director Jan de Jong said that "thank God" nobody had been injured.
Police combed the building, which was declared safe shortly after 22:00.
The man had also given a threatening letter to staff, which NOS posted on its website. The note said he was "heavily armed" and not working alone.

"There are five plus 98 hackers ready for a cyber-attack," it read, also warning of "eight heavy explosives placed in the country that contain radioactive material" and would be set off if he was prevented from making a live televised announcement.

Hilversum mayor Pieter Broertjes said extra measures had been taken to protect media workers since two gunmen killed 12 people at the Paris offices of French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo earlier this month.
Despite the increased security, the man still managed to force his way into the NOS studios, allegedly after threatening a security guard with the fake gun.

"We know that since the Paris attacks the press itself has been the focus of attention. You never know when it can happen," Broertjes said at a press conference.

Johan Bac, a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office, said police and prosecutors had launched an investigation into the incident.

Police were considering charges of hostage-taking and illegal possession of a gun.
Dutch Justice and safety minister Ivo Opstelten said from initial information it seemed the man was acting on his own.

Meanwhile, local reports suggesting he had recently lost his parents had been proved incorrect, the NOS reported.

The man, identified only as "Tarik", has an Egyptian father and Dutch mother.
He is a student at the Delft Technical University outside south of The Hague and was described by one man interviewed by the NOS as a "normal guy".

The worst incident to date in the sprawling media hub of Hilversum happened in May 2002 when flamboyant anti-immigration politician Pim Fortuyn was assassinated by an animal rights activist.

The murder shocked the tolerant-minded Netherlands. Volkert van der Graaf was later sentenced to 18 years in jail for Fortuyn's murder. He was released in May 2014 after serving 12 years.

- AFP

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Traffic snarls expected for APC Lagos rally

Abuja - The Lagos State Government has announced traffic management measures to ensure minimum disruption of traffic flow during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally slated for today.

According to government officials, the early morning Friday traffic will not be affected likewise the afternoon traffic but heavy traffic was expected around Lagos especially along Funsho Williams, Eko Bridge, Ikorodu Road, the entire Surulere and the Teslim Balogun Stadium Area.

Priority will be given to pedestrians and mass transit vehicles conveying people to the rally.

Vehicular traffic (non-rally related) would be diverted from Funsho Williams at Ojuelegba towards Itire to link Ogunlana Drive to connect Eko Bridge via Bode Thomas, Eric Moore and Adelabu as at when necessary, while from Eko Bridge, traffic would be diverted to Ojuelegba, Agege Motor Road and Ikorodu Road via Costain, Eric Moore, Bode Thomas, Adelabu and Ogunlana Drive, Itire Road, Mabo, Fashoro and Bishop Street all in Surulere or better still to use the Third Mainland Bridge, officials of the state transport ministry said.

The State Government regretted any inconveniences and directed all relevant traffic agencies to ensure free flow of traffic. It also appeals to residents to tune to Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM for traffic information every 15 minutes.

“The State Government appeals for caution and cooperation from all road users by obeying all traffic regulations and ensuring traffic flow during the campaign period.”

APC is seen offering the ruling stiff competition to the ruling People’s Democratic Party in next month’s elections.
Lagos is the former’s stronghold.

- CAJ News

Shettima demands elections go on despite terrorism

Abuja - Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has opposed calls for the postponement of the general elections in terror-stricken the deferment would be unconstitutional.

His area, as well as Adamawa and Yobe States, are under emergency rule owing to terror the Boko Haram sect is waging.

The governor said if the election did not hold, the present administration in the states would be given another six months “to continue in the saddle.”

“It is unfortunate that some sons and daughters of Borno are agitating for postponement of election in the state wholly for political reason,” he said.

He asked them to have a rethink as there is no constitutional provision for a military sole administrator if elections were postponed in troubled states.

“In case election is not held in Borno Governor Kashim Shettima’s government would be extended for six months,” he said.

The governor claimed that those calling for extension of election are political opponent that are aware they could not win elections.

“That is why they are calling for postponement of elections in the state.”
He said elections had been conducted in troubled countries before and Nigeria should not be an exception.
“Elections were held in Afghanistan, election were held in Somalia, elections were held in Mali, elections were held in Iraq, I see no reason elections should not hold in Borno, so elections must hold in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States,” Shettima argued.

The governor asked all Nigerian to vote for APC in other to realize the desired change for the country.
“Change is in the air. As such, all Nigerians should unite irrespective of race, region, religion and tribe to secure it as presented by APC. It is not because I am in APC, but the People’s Democratic Party has failed.”

- CAJ News

PDP hits back at suggestions it is not ready for poll

Abuja - The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has denied accusations by the main opposition party it plotted to scuttle the holding of general elections next month.

The former said instead, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is seen as its main rival in the polls, was not ready for the election hence the unfounded claims of plots to scuttle the poll.

“These are a clear confirmation that the opposition party is not ready for the polls,” PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said.

“The APC and its Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari are now frustrated that they could not present an alternative to the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan and as such have resorted to fabrication of baseless stories in an attempt to heat-up the polity and divert attention from their failure.”

Metuh added that the ruling party has run a superior campaign with its record of achievements and roadmap for a more prosperous Nigeria.

He said the party reassured that it is ready for the elections and urged Nigerians to turn out en-masse and vote for it on February 14.

Metuh also advised the APC to concede defeat.
“Its campaigns have already exposed its emptiness and lack of integrity to Nigerians.”
APC has mainly expressed readiness to contest the polls despite some challenges around preparations for the process.

The major issue has been the failure by some potential voters to receive their permanent cards from the Independent National Electoral Commission and terror in some parts of the country displacing scores of people.

- CAJ News

Group splits over Jonathan’s endorsement

Lagos - Tuesday’s endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re- election bid by the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, has created a crack in the group, reports Daily Independent.

A faction in the group, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), has disassociated itself from the endorsement.

Kunle Famoriyo, ARG’s Publicity Secretary, noted that the group was not a party to the endorsement and does not in fact think the performance of President Jonathan since May 2010 is worth the endorsement of any patriotic citizen.

He noted that the group does not dictate to the generality of the Yoruba people, rather it gives voice to their feelings and aspirations.

Read more at Daily Independent.

Buhari storms Lagos on Friday

Lagos - The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari is expected in Lagos on Friday in continuation of his presidential campaign rallies, reports PM News.

The rally in Lagos was earlier scheduled to hold on January 13 but was shifted due to other commitments of Buhari.

The rally will hold at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, the same venue where Buhari was crowned presidential candidate on 11 December 2014.

The rally will begin at 10 a.m.

Read more at PM News.

Five PDP governors accused of supporting Buhari

Abuja - Five Peoples Democratic Party governors are secretly working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the February 14 contest, reports NewsDay.

The five PDP governors are clandestinely mobilising support for Buhari to have at least 25 percent of the total votes cast in their respective states to brighten his chances of winning the presidential election.

The governors are Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), James Bala Ngilari (Adamawa), Abubakar Danladi (Taraba), Martin Elechi (Ebonyi) and Sullivan Chime (Enugu).



The governors are already preparing ground to allow Buhari have a leverage that can give him the required 25 percent of total votes cast in the February 14 presidential election..

The governor are currently under surveillance by the Peoples Democratic Party.

Read more at NewsDay.

Olejeme drums up support for Jonathan endorsement

Abuja - The Deputy Chairman, Finance Committee of the Presidential Campaign Organization, Dr Ngozi Olejeme has urged Nigerians to vote for incumbent Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to enhance the country’s economic growth, development and unity.
She made the call in Abuja as she received prominent political leaders from Delta State in Abuja ahead of next month’s elections.
“Dr Goodluck Jonathan is a good listener and knows his task of governing the country. He is the only presidential candidate that can lead Nigeria to greater heights. He will make Nigeria a better place and a global economic power,” she said.

Olejeme, who is also chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), assured Nigerians that Jonathan would stick to the policy of transparency and accountability.

“Jonathan will accelerate economic transformation in his second term through investment in critical infrastructure projects so as to drive economic growth.”

According to Olejeme, Jonathan will pay special attention to education and health, building a strong economy as well as focus on communication, transport, electric power provision, security and potable water supply to the highest level.

He will create jobs and ensure that resources are equitably distributed and an enabling and conducive business environment provided.

“He will continue to work on good governance, which is an essential part of economic growth and development. He will continue to champion economic diplomacy, promote the growth of local businesses.”
She urged Nigerians, particularly public servants, civil society, youth, women’s groups and traditional leaders to support the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate.

Jonathan’s biggest test for re-election will come from Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress.
“Dr Goodluck Jonathan deserves our support in order to complete what he has started,” Olejeme said.

–   CAJ News

"Jonathan's Rivers State rally a waste of time"

Port Harcourt - The poor attendance at a campaign rally in the Rivers State confirmed the unpopularity of President Goodluck Jonathan and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, the main opposition claimed.
Jonathan staged his campaign at “half-empty” Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
All Progressives Congress Rivers APC Chairman, Dr Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said the event was a “waste of time”.
“To say that President Jonathan and his PDP wasted their time in coming to Rivers State to campaign is to state the obvious.

The half-empty stadium despite the renting of supporters from Bayelsa, Delta, Abia and Akwa Ibom states speaks volumes about Jonathan’s unpopularity among our people,” he said.

“The poor attendance only served to confirm the unpopularity of President Jonathan and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, while Jonathan merely ended up confirming APC’s claim that the President has done nothing to deserve the votes of Rivers people in the February 14 presidential election.”
Ikanya said Jonathan stood no chance of re-election.

“We want to assure you, Mr. President, that you will never be re-elected because you have failed woefully and do not deserve any re-election. After all that Rivers State and her people did for you, you could be so mean not to site one single project in Rivers State.

We have no reason for whatsoever to recommend you to any section of this country for re-election.”
APC also ruled out any chance of PDP governorship candidate, Nyesome Wike, winning.

"We will like to assure the entire world that if PDP scores up to 20 percent in these elections we will concede victory to the party," Ikanya said.

-   CAJ News

Fashola accuses Jimi Agbaje of tax evasion

2015-01-29 11:15
Lagos - Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, has accused Jaykay Pharmacy, owned by the governorship candidate of the PDP, Jimi Agbaje of owing the state N1.6 million as unpaid land use charges, Sun reports

Fashola made the disclosure at the 8th Annual Lagos State taxation Stakeholders’ Conference held in Ikeja.

Fashola, who explained that Land Use Charge was a consolidated tax combining ground rent and tenement rate, said tax is prescribed by the 1999 constitution. It states that it shall be the duty of every citizen to declare its income to the appropriate and lawful agency; and pay the required tax promptly.

The governor declared that the pharmacy paid LUC in 2013 and 2014 because the management and the candidate of the PDP realized that the election would be holding in 2015.

Read more at Sun

Security guard killed in Ekiti bank robbery

2015-01-29 12:25
Ado Ekiti -A robbery attack on a bank's Automated Teller Machine in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, has claimed the life of a security guard, Vanguard reports.

The robbers were said to have attacked the bank which is located at the Ajilosun area of the state capital at about 2am carting away undisclosed amount of money.

The deceased was shot in the chest by the robbers as they arrived at the bank, disarming other security guards in the process.

The state police commissioner, Taiwo Lakanu admitted that the ATM unit of the bank was actually attacked, but not certain on the number of casualty.

Read more at Vanguard

Five telecoms restained from suspending APC platform

2015-01-29 13:37
Lagos - Five telecoms firms have been restrained from suspending All Progressives Congress, (APC), campaign fund-raising platform, Vanguard reports.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday, restrained Etisalat, MTN, Glo, Airtel and Visafone following an application by the APC.

Trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba restrained them from giving effect to a directive by the Nigerian Communications Commission which warned them against running political promotions that will portray them as being partisan.

The judge ordered the telecoms firms to continue to run, operate and/or restore to its full operative use the SMS Code platform 35350 created for fund-raising for the applicant’s presidential campaign.

Read more at Vanguard

Four persons killed in Kaduna village attack

2015-01-29 14:45
Kaduna - The Police Command in Kaduna State on Wednesday confirmed the death of four persons in an attack at Yangal village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state.

The command's spokesman, DSP Zubiaru Abubakar, said that 12 other persons were injured in the incident.
Abubakar said they were already receiving treatment at the St Louis Hospital, Zonkwa.

He said no arrest had been made so far, but added the command had deployed more security to the area, while investigation had begun.

Meanwhile, Governor Mukhtar Yero has condemned the attack, which he blamed on 'miscreants' with intent to cause confusion and heighten tension in the state.


Yero, in a statement by his media aide, Ahmed Maiyaki, described the attack as sad.
The governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency to immediately move to the affected community to provide support for the villagers.

He called on people of the affected community to remain calm; assuring that the perpetrators would be apprehended and prosecuted.

Yero condoled with the families of those who died in the attack and promised that the state government would pay the medical bills of the injured.

- NAN

Good people running into difficulty - Kasril

2015-01-29 17:52

Johannesburg - People who are trying to do good work, such as SA Revenue Services (Sars) deputy commissioner Ivan Pillay, are running into difficulties, former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils said on Thursday.

"People who are trying to do a job, who won't simply abide by an instruction from on high, from the president… and ministers... will certainly get into difficulties," he told reports in Johannesburg.

"I think it is quite clear that this is an expression of a disease increasing in the body politics of the state..."
Kasrils said he knew Pillay very well and believed he was "absolutely so clearly incorruptible".
"It's a reflection of the tensions within..."

The same went for the suspension of Hawks boss Anwa Dramat.
On 5 December, Pillay and Sars's strategic planning and risk group executive Peter Richer were suspended for the first time amid allegations of a special projects unit engaging in illegal activities in Sars.
Pillay's suspension was overturned by the Labour Court in Johannesburg.

However, earlier this month he was served with a second notice of suspension.
On Wednesday, the dispute between Sars and Pillay was settled but he remains suspended. The dispute was with regard to the suspension on 5 December was "amicably resolved" through conciliation at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

On 23 December, Dramat was suspended, apparently pending a probe into his alleged involvement in the illegal rendition of four Zimbabweans in November 2010.

Last week, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria overturned his suspension.
Police Minister Nathi Nhleko is appealing the court's decision.
SAPA

ISIS threat: Jordan wants proof pilot is alive

2015-01-29 17:00

Amman - Jordan said on Thursday that it was still holding an Iraqi prisoner whose release had purportedly been demanded by ISIS and would only consider releasing her once it had proof that a Jordanian pilot held by the insurgents was still alive.

Jordan's government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani also said Jordan was co-ordinating with Japanese authorities on an effort to secure the release of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto, a veteran journalist also being held by the Islamic State.

"We asked for evidence that the pilot is still alive and we have not received anything yet, but we've insisted," Momani told reporters.

Reuters

Governor says Buhari’s past will not be forgotten

Plateau - Speaking at The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rally, Jonah David Jang, stated that APC presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, had killed many, which he argues that should be brought up to the authorities, reports Naij.

The Governor went on to say that Buhari unfairly jailed those who were innocents, the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) presidential candidate humiliated politicians while serving as head of state. The PDP’s governor said that those who were in the military would know that his Buhari is not fit to lead the country because his past where he jailed both politicians and innocent citizens.


The governor proclaimed his support for Jonathan and the PDP, stating that, the president is true democrat. He went on to assure the ruling party that the Plateau state would be giving their hundred percent supports.

The governor who urged the APC to surrender, concluded the rally by stating that, Buhari‘s negative character might affect the results of the general elections.

Read more at Naij.

Muna Obiekwu to be buried Feb 3

2015-01-29 17:09 
  Lagos - The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has released the program of activities to honour the late Nollywood actor Muna Obiekwe, reports Vanguard.

The actor who died on January 18 from a kidney related ailment, would be laid to rest on February 3.

The statement  was released and signed by AGN’s President, Ibinabo Fiberesima.

The program would commence with a candlelight procession which will be held in Lagos on February 1.

He will be buried at Umudioka in Anambra State, and several celebrities from the showbiz circuit, are expected to be at the event.

Read more at Vanguard

UN says Nigeria cannot fight Boko Haram alone

2015-01-29 17:08
Lagos- With Boko Haram threatening to continue to attack, the UN has declared that Nigeria is not fit enough to stop the Islamic group on its own, reports Naij.

The United Nations (UN) envoy, Hiroute Sellassie, stated that Nigeria should accept the fact that they cannot stop Boko Haram alone. This is a comment that comes after the Nigeria government has given an interdict to the UN as well as the African Union (AU) to help stop the insurgencies.


The Nigeria government stated that they would handle the attacks without any help. Moreover, the latest development has shown that the presidency has welcomed international help, and stated that it is important for multinational forcegets support required to fight the threats through global partners.

About 13,000 people have been killed at the hands of the Islamic militants and about more than one million homeless since 2009.

Read more at Naij.

Mali crash out of AFCON after lots

By: Israel Ojoko 2015-01-29 16:19
Malabo - Mali have crashed out of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations following a lot conducted on Thursday.
Guinea have now joined Ivory Coast as the teams that advanced to the quarter final from Group D.

Mali and Guinea both finished on three points apiece after three games, with same number of goals scored and conceded.

CAF on Thursday conducted the lot which saw Guinea emerge the lucky team, and will now face Ghana in the quarter final on Sunday.

Ivory Coast had beaten Cameroon to top the group.

Buhari assures end to insurgency

2015-01-29 16:01
Abuja - The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed condolences and support to victims, including soldiers, of the latest insurgent attacks in Borno.

This is contained in a statement released to newsmen in Abuja on Monday by Malam Garba Shehu, Director, Media and Publicity APC Presidential Campaign Organisation.

Buhari, however, assured that the prevailing precarious situation in the North-East would not last forever.


"I commiserate with the latest victims of this despicable orgy of violence in Borno; I equally implore them to bear in mind that this situation won't last forever,’’ he said.

He expressed shock at what he described as "mindless attacks’’ by Boko Haram on Maiduguri, Konduga and Monguno in Borno with more than 40 000 more refugees reportedly joining the ranks of the internally displaced persons.

- NAN

Olejeme drums up support for Jonathan endorsement

Abuja - The Deputy Chairman, Finance Committee of the Presidential Campaign Organization, Dr Ngozi Olejeme has urged Nigerians to vote for incumbent Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to enhance the country’s economic growth, development and unity.
She made the call in Abuja as she received prominent political leaders from Delta State in Abuja ahead of next month’s elections.

“Dr Goodluck Jonathan is a good listener and knows his task of governing the country. He is the only presidential candidate that can lead Nigeria to greater heights. He will make Nigeria a better place and a global economic power,” she said.

Olejeme, who is also chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), assured Nigerians that Jonathan would stick to the policy of transparency and accountability.

“Jonathan will accelerate economic transformation in his second term through investment in critical infrastructure projects so as to drive economic growth.”

According to Olejeme, Jonathan will pay special attention to education and health, building a strong economy as well as focus on communication, transport, electric power provision, security and potable water supply to the highest level.

He will create jobs and ensure that resources are equitably distributed and an enabling and conducive business environment provided.

“He will continue to work on good governance, which is an essential part of economic growth and development. He will continue to champion economic diplomacy, promote the growth of local businesses.”
She urged Nigerians, particularly public servants, civil society, youth, women’s groups and traditional leaders to support the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate.

Jonathan’s biggest test for re-election will come from Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress.
“Dr Goodluck Jonathan deserves our support in order to complete what he has started,” Olejeme said.

–   CAJ News

Ghanaian star celebrates her nudity in Romania

015-01-29 16:01
Lagos -  Ghanaian singer and TV personality, Deborah Vanessa, has expressed her joy at featuring in a Romanian newspaper-naked.

In the publication, the pretty actress better known as Sister Deborah, is praised for outshining Kim Kardashian.

Deborah, who is the 1st runner-up of Miss Malaika Beauty Contest in 2004, posted a picture of the newspaper on Instagram.

‘I woke up in a Romanian newspaper #LiberTateaLumea in @mummyzboi ‘s locker room in Cluj!!!
It says that I’m one of the most loved Ghanaian artistes especially because of my songs and extremely hot pictures and that African media soon forgot about Kim K’s nude pics after I posted mine to the delight of my fans.’ Different strokes for different folks, did we hear you say?”

Indian police arrest editor over Charlie Hebdo reprint

2015-01-29 16:01
Mumbai -Police have arrested and bailed the editor of an Urdu-language newspaper in Mumbai for reprinting a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed from satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo, police said Thursday.

Shirin Dalvi, editor of the Mumbai edition of the daily Avadhnama newspaper, was arrested by police in the town of Mumbra in Thane district, close to the financial capital.

The editor was arrested under section 295A of the Indian Penal Code, which bans malicious and deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.

"She was arrested by us, produced in the court and granted bail. We are investigating the matter," S.M. Mundhe, senior police inspector in Mumbra, told AFP.

The Indian Express said several readers approached police in Mumbai and Thane after Urdu paper Avadhnama reprinted the Charlie Hebdo cover image, which was published after gunmen stormed the magazine's offices in Paris on January 7 and killed 12 people.

That cover issue showed the Prophet Mohammed with a tear in his eye holding a "Je suis Charlie" sign -- the slogan taken up by supporters of the magazine after the shootings -- under the headline "All is forgiven".
Mundhe did not confirm details of the Charlie Hebdo cover in question and AFP was unable to reach staff who could comment at Avadhnama, which has several editions across India.

Last week, tens of thousands across Muslim-majority Indian Kashmir, Afghanistan and Pakistan took to the streets to protest against Charlie Hebdo's cartoon portrayal of the Prophet Mohammed.

Images of the prophet are considered blasphemous by many Muslims and the magazine's publishing of the cartoon has trigged protests in Muslim countries around the world.

- AFP

Chelsea set to restore 8-point lead over City

2015-01-29 16:01
MANCHESTER — Chelsea has had an eight-point lead in the English Premier League wiped out by title rival Manchester City once already this season.

Don't expect it to happen again.
That means all the pressure will be on City when the defending champions travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, looking to avoid a loss to Chelsea that would restore the eight-point gap with 15 games remaining.
In fact, for City manager Manuel Pellegrini, only a victory will do.

"We must close the gap to two points," Pellegrini said of the biggest match of the season so far.
Having worked so hard in December to get back on level terms with Chelsea, City has allowed its rival to pull five points clear in the title race after drawing at Everton and losing at home to Arsenal in its last two league games. Throw in a home loss to second-tier Middlesbrough in the FA Cup last weekend and City's form has plummeted — despite star striker Sergio Aguero being back in the team after injury.

Chelsea was also humbled in the FA Cup on Saturday — by third-tier Bradford — but recovered quickly by beating Liverpool on Tuesday to reach the League Cup final.

That win was marred, however, by Chelsea striker Diego Costa stamping on an opponent's leg, leaving the Spain international facing a three-game ban that would rule him out of the City fixture.

With question marks also hanging over the fitness of key center midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who came off with a hamstring injury against Liverpool, Chelsea could be without arguably its two best players this season.
Here are some other things to know about the 23rd round of matches in the Premier League:

NO IVORIANS FOR CITY
Ivory Coast's progress to the knockout stage of the African Cup of Nations on Wednesday was bad news for City.

It dashed any faint hopes the champions had of having star midfielder Yaya Toure and new signing Wilfried Bony available for the game against Chelsea.

City hasn't won since Toure, the team's driving force in midfield and a regular source of goals, left for international duty.

With Aguero searching for full fitness after more than a month out injured, goals have suddenly become a problem for City, which has scored only once in three games.
.

- AP

God's word doesn't contradict itself

2015-01-23 19:31 Woman have asked, what if your husband wants you to go places with him on a Sundays and miss church?

By all means go with your husband with a loving, submissive attitude. Determine to enjoy the time with him and let the Holy spirit get your husband to church.

Isn't it more important, even if you miss church for a few months, to end up with a christian husband than to keep going to church alone for the rest of your life?

UK reviewing security after hoax call to Cameron

2015-01-26 10:07
London - British officials say they are reviewing security measures in the government after a hoax caller managed to get through to Prime Minister David Cameron on the phone.

Downing Street officials say the caller, who claimed to be the director of the eavesdropping agency GCHQ, Robert Hannigan, was put through to Cameron on Sunday.

They said Cameron ended the call when it became clear it was a hoax, and no sensitive information was disclosed.

Officials said earlier in the day, a caller obtained Hannigan's cell phone number by phoning GCHQ.
All government departments have been alerted for similar calls and security procedures are being reviewed.

- AP

Body of Frenchman slain by jihadists flown home from Algeria

2015-01-26 15:26
Algiers -The body of a French tourist who was kidnapped and beheaded by jihadists in Algeria last September was put on a plane to Paris after a brief ceremony in Algiers on Monday.

Herve Gourdel's headless corpse was found in a booby-trapped grave in the mountainous Kabylie region, east of the capital, on January 15 after a months-long search involving some 3,000 Algerian troops.

The 55-year-old mountain guide's backpack was laid on his coffin in tribute to the passion for hiking that had brought him to Algeria.

He was abducted in the heart of the Djurdjura National Park, whose dense forests, deep gorges and picturesque lakes were once a major attraction for tourists but which has since become a sanctuary for militants.

French ambassador Bernard Emie said it was "Kabylie's magnificent scenery" that had brought Gourdel to the North African nation.

He paid tribute the Algerian army for recovering his body.

Gourdel was kidnapped by jihadists of the Jund al-Khilafa (Soldiers of the Caliphate) group who demanded that France halt its air strikes against the Islamic State group in Iraq.

He was beheaded days later in a video posted online after France rejected the demand.

- AFP

Egypt revolt anniversary death toll rises to 20: officials

2015-01-26 14:25
Cairo -The death toll from clashes between protesters and police as Egypt marked the fourth anniversary of its 2011 uprising has risen to 20, most of them Islamist demonstrators, officials said Monday.

The clashes on Sunday in Cairo and the coastal city of Alexandria came after Islamists called for demonstrations against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's government.

At least 19 protesters, mostly Islamist supporters of Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's first freely elected president who was ousted by then army chief Sisi in July 2013, and a policeman were killed, a health ministry official said.

The Cairo violence accounted for all but one death, that of a demonstrator in Alexandria.
Late Sunday, officials had put the death toll at 15, including the policeman who was shot dead during clashes in a northern Cairo district.

Tensions had surged ahead of the anniversary, and a female demonstrator was killed in clashes with police during a rare leftwing protest in Cairo on Saturday.

Shaima al-Sabbagh died of birdshot wounds when police fired to disperse a march, fellow protesters said.
An 18-year-old female protester was also killed on Friday in clashes in Alexandria.

Egypt has been gripped by political turmoil since the 2011 uprising that overthrew ex-strongman Hosni Mubarak, and by violent unrest since his successor Morsi was ousted.

Sisi has since led a crackdown on Morsi's supporters that has left hundreds dead.

- AFP

Jonathan meets Christian leaders in Abuja

Abuja - President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to meet with selected Christian leaders on Monday in Abuja, reports Sahara Reporters.

The meeting, which will be held at the National Ecumenical Centre, might not be unconnected with the re-election bid of President Jonathan.

The President decided to call the meeting following reports that most of the Christian leaders are turning their backs on his campaign.

He is expected to use the occasion to ask them what he can do differently to earn their support.

The meeting is being convened under the auspices Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which is headed by President Jonathan’s friend, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

Read more at Sahara Reporters.

Buhari’s wife denies being a foreigner

Kaduna - The wife of the presidential candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha Buhari, has denied reports making the rounds that she is a foreigner, reports Punch.

She noted that the false report that she is not a Nigerian is part of the orchestrated plot to disqualify her husband from the presidential race.

Speaking through Deborah Iliya, a chieftain of APC in Kaduna State, Aisha Buhari said the issue of where one comes from should not be part of the campaign issues.

She stated that Nigeria is bedeviled with a lot of problems that needed to be addressed urgently.

Read more at Punch.

APC blasts Bishop Oyedepo for supporting Jonathan

Lagos - The All Progressives Congress (APC) has come down hard on the General Overseer of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel),  Bishop David Oyedepo over his alleged comment supporting President Goodluck Jonathan's re-election bid, reports Vanguard.

Oyedepo during the visit of President Jonathan to the church on Sunday was reported to have said that he will open the gate of hell on those opposing the President.

Writing on his Twitter handle, the APC castigated Oyedepo, noting that all its supporters will enter the gate and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to change the padlock and lock Oyedepo inside.

The party also re-tweeted some of the comments of its followers, especially from some of its influencers which lambasted the man of God.

Read more at Vanguard.

Kwara governorship candidates sign peace pact

Ilorin - Governorship candidates in Kwara State have also signed a peace pact to maintain peace before, during and after the election.

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara State faciliated the meeting, which was attended by chairmen and governorship candidates of the 16 political parties in the state.

Among the candidates who committed themselves to a peaceful election include the incumbent Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his arch-rival, Senator Simeon Sule Ajibola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others.

The two main candidates were accompanied by their chairmen, Hon. Ishola Balogun Fulani and Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo who all embraced one another, committing themselves to sustaining the peace in the state before, during and after the election.


The anti-violence pact tagged “Ilorin Accord” urged the candidates to run issues-based campaign, refraining from whipping religious or ethnic sentiment, making inciting statements.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo who conducted the symbolic event, noted that election is like a football game, saying every participant should engage their players to emerge victorious.

-  NAN

Borno governor expresses sadness over terrorist attacks

2015-01-26 15:26
Maiduguri - Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno on Monday expressed sadness over Sunday's attempted attack on Maiduguri by suspected insurgents.

Shettima said in a statement in Maiduguri that the residents of the state should remain calm and reassured them that security forces were making frantic efforts to safeguard lives and property.

The statement commended the gallantry of the military in repelling the attempted attack on the state capital.

It, however, regretted the attack on Monguno, headquarters of Monguno Local Government Area in the northern part of the state.

It said that as result of that, properties were destroyed, lives were lost and many people were now taking refuge in different parts of the state with some sustaining gun injuries.


The statement said government was screening and taking records of surviving victims from Monguno with a view to accommodating and offering them immediate palliatives as internally displaced persons.

It called on them to regard what happened as ordained by God and prayed for God’s intervention to bring an end to the security challenges.

The statement said the administration was providing necessary support to armed forces involved in counter insurgency operations across the state.

It promised to continue to do everything humanly possible until territories seized by insurgents were reclaimed and sustainable peace and stability achieved.

- NAN

Petrol marketers reluctant to sell N87 in Kano

2015-01-26 15:26
Kano - Petrol marketers in Kano are still reluctant to sell the commodity since the reduction in its pump price to N87 per litre.

The Federal Government had announced the reduction of pump price from N97 to N87 per litre following the falling of crude oil price across the globe.

The marketers’ action had created artificial scarcity of the commodity, particularly in the city and some major towns of the state.

According to the investigation, some of the marketers preferred to sell the commodity to black marketers, to recover their money.

One of the marketers and the Manager of MRS filling station, Abubakar Mohammed, said he bought 40 000 litres of petrol and the next day the price was reduced.

He said he lost N400 000 following the reduction of the price by the Federal Government because he sold it at the N87 per litre.

Another marketer and Assistant Manager of Oando filling station, Malam Nuhu Musa, attributed the fuel shortage in the city to the sudden reduction of the pump price.

He said that the company had ordered for the commodity in Lagos but was yet to get the supply.
Nura Saleh, the Manager at Azman fillings station, said the company had no enough petrol now because the stock had finished within four days.

Most of the marketers who spoke on the issue called on the government to replenish what they lost due to the sudden price reduction.

- NAN

Thousands flee Monguno, swarm Maiduguri

2015-01-26 16:28
Abuja - Some 5 000 people have fled their homes amid the escalating terror in Monguno town in Borno State this past weekend.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it had registered these at a newly-established camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri.

Speaking to Journalists in Maiduguri, AbdulKadir Ibrahim, the information officer of NEMA Northeast Zonal office, said the state government had donated a housing estate to house the IDPs.

Ibrahim said many more people were likely to find their way into the town, stating that 2 000 persons arrived Maiduguri on Sunday with the rest arriving on Monday.

"At the moment we have registered the 5 000 persons and we are expecting more, we have put the needed materials that we make them settle to their lives at the camp".

He disclosed that the housing estate the government donated was along Gubio road at the outskirts of Maiduguri. - CAJ News

- CAJ News

South Sudan finds hope in honey

2015-01-26 16:32

London - A harvest of honey from the equatorial forests of South Sudan will help its struggling poor and, through the pollination of bees, improve the nation's crop yields, those involved say.

Spring production over the coming weeks is expected to deliver 60 tonnes, double the volume of an initial batch of exports last year to Kenya.

South Sudan's honey harvests had suffered because decades of fighting closed off the former main trade route through the north.

"Honey production is not a panacea. We're not trying to save the country or eliminate the conflict, but we do want to do our part," Madison Ayer, head of development charity Honey Care Africa, told Reuters.

High potential 
Honey Care Africa has been working since 2013 in South Sudan, where it sees potential to collect honey from bees immune to the problems that have depleted colonies in the US and to a lesser extent in Europe.
The charity has worked in Kenya for a decade, but droughts can be a problem for honey-making there so it sought to expand. It looked at Tanzania, but decided South Sudan had greater untapped potential.

Zambia too has developed production sufficiently to allow international export and internet sales of honey from wild bees that live in rain forests.

"There is high potential indeed. When I get reports of honey exports from countries like Zambia of 300 metric tonnes and then I look at our forests here, I feel we have much more potential," Jabob Moga, a bee expert in South Sudan's agriculture ministry, told Reuters by telephone.

"With a little understanding, it's a good source of income... It's a win-win kind of activity."

Source of income
Honey Care Africa has invested $1 million in South Sudan and local farmers have received income of more than $75 000, benefiting more than 400 families.

While Sudan's oil wealth helped to fuel the conflict, corruption and rivalry that led South Sudan to be split off from Sudan, reviving honey production can aid recovery among the poorest in one of the world's least developed countries.

"When I get the money from the honey, I pay the school fees of my children. I buy other things like sugar, tomatoes, onions. I keep some money with me for emergencies in case my children get sick," Lilian Sadia James, one of the South Sudanese bee keepers working with Honey Care, said.

Relations between Sudan and South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, remain fraught, leaving little hope of re-establishing the south-north route.

Honey Care Africa therefore is exporting to Kenya with a view to eventually shipping more widely.
At the UNs' Food and Agricultural Organization Barbara Gemmill-Herren of the International Pollinator Initiative said "building markets with Kenya makes a lot of sense" for South Sudan. But she also cautioned that previous projections of "rivers of honey" had disappointed.
Reuters

SANDF unaware of ex-soldiers in Nigeria

2015-01-26 16:39

Johannesburg - The SA National Defence Force on Monday said it was unaware of former South African soldiers being deployed to Nigeria to help destroy terrorist group Boko Haram.

"I do not know where Beeld gets this thing from. Ask them," SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said.
Earlier, Beeld reported that former soldiers of the SA Defence Force were part of a multinational team of private military experts on their way to Nigeria.

The Afrikaans daily reported that this was at the request of the Nigerian government, and that the team of about 100 members would train Nigerian soldiers for a massive defence effort.

The first goal of the soldiers, backed by South African expertise, would be to free the remaining Chibok schoolgirls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram last year.

Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the department of international relations could not be reached for comment.
SAPA

Nigeria's gas supply market hits 2billion cfbd

2015-01-26 17:29
Abuja - The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says Nigeria has grown its gas supply market from 300 million to two billion cubic feet per day (cfpd).

The Group Executive Director, Gas and Power, NNPC, Dr David Ige, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Ige attributed the feat to successful implementation of the Nigeria Gas Master Plan.
He said the gas master plan was a policy document that basically outlined government aspiration for Nigeria.

He said its implementation had already positioned Nigeria to be the largest producer of fertiliser by 2018 on the continent.

He said the policy had impacted positively on the sector, adding that everything that was outlined in it was being implemented to the letter.

"Basically today, we have an outlay of many fertiliser plants already positioning Nigeria to be the largest producer of fertiliser by 2018 in this continent.

"Those are the aspirations of the gas master plan; the master plan talks about regional export which had started in West Africa.”

- NAN

Heavy security as APC holds rally in Mushin

Lagos - As the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds its electioneering rally at the Mushin area of Lagos metropolis, the Lagos State Police Command on Monday mounted heavy security at the crisis-prone place.
To ensure a peaceful atmosphere, the police cordoned off the Abeokuta expressway at the Cappa and Olorunsogo ends.

The development ensured that vehicles did not come into Mushin from the Oshodi end of the road, a development that created gridlock as traffic was diverted to alternative routes.
NAN also noticed the presence of armed policemen who were combat-ready to avert any violence from miscreants that could disrupt the rally.

There was the Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) with their Armoured vehicles at rally venue.

The situation kept the so called "Area Boys’’ in check as they were seen falling in line with instructions by the policemen on how to go about at the rally.

Speaking with NAN, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Kenneth Nwosu, said the police had always been prepared to nip violence in the bud.

"We are prepared like we used to be at every other rally, our men are on ground and we have lectured them on what to do.

"Security is not one man's business, so, we are ready for anyone that wants to disrupt the rally,’’ Nwosu said.

He added that when people conduct themselves well, they also help the security situation.
The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola and the APC Gubernatorial candidate, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, were seen distributing APC crested T shirts to the crowd.

- NAN

Cech says Drogba showing his worth

2015-01-26 17:29
LONDON - Didier Drogba is part of the furniture at Chelsea and it is great to have him back at the club this season following his short stints in China and Turkey, said goalkeeper Petr Cech.

There has been a neat symmetry in the two players' careers since they moved to Stamford Bridge from French clubs in 2004.

Drogba joined from Olympique de Marseille, Cech from Stade Rennes, and the pair won everything there was to win with Chelsea, culminating in the 2012 Champions League final in Munich when they became heroes at either end of the pitch.

The Ivory Coast striker broke Bayern Munich hearts with a late equaliser in normal time and the winner in the shootout while the Czech Republic keeper was almost unbeatable in goal, saving four penalties in the 120 minutes at the Allianz Arena.


"Didier is definitely special because he's been here in the time when we (Chelsea) had the most success," Cech told Reuters in an interview as Drogba was honoured by the Football Writers' Association at a dinner in London on Sunday for his outstanding contribution to the sport.

"He scored important goals in the big games, small games, and he's been ever present so I think that him coming back has been great news for everyone and he is showing his worth."

Drogba left the west London club after his Munich heroics but he was unable to resist the temptation of a second coming at Stamford Bridge and returned at the start of the season to sign a one-year deal.

The 36-year-old is the second-choice striker behind Diego Costa for the Premier League leaders these days but he is still an integral part of manager Jose Mourinho's plans.

Drogba started Saturday's shock 4-2 home defeat by third tier Bradford City in the FA Cup fourth round but is likely to be back on the bench for Tuesday's League Cup semi-final return match against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge after the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Anfield last week.

"It's never easy when you try to come back and turn back time," said Cech, who has also operated mainly as an understudy this season, to Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

"I think that we are in a completely different situation now, and we try, obviously, to replicate what we've done in the past and keep winning titles, keep winning trophies."

The 32-year-old Cech said there was a unique bond between him and Drogba.
"When you've known someone for such a long time... when you've been playing with him for a long time... the relationship is different than when you have someone you get to know for a few weeks," he explained.
"We went through the bad times, the good times, and we always managed to find a way to have success so I think it's something we have in common."

When football fans think of Drogba and Cech, their minds instantly go back to that joyous night in May 2012 when the pair linked arms and danced around the Allianz Arena to celebrate Chelsea's first Champions League triumph.

"That's a great memory for all of us, Chelsea supporters and everybody involved in Chelsea Football Club, because it was the best trophy we've won in the history of the club," said the giant keeper.

"When you win something for the first time it is special and winning the Champions League anyway is special. It had been our aim for years, ever since I came to the club."