ASUU STRIKE: "Okonjo-Iweala Blackmailing Nigerians"

The member representing Akoko-Edo federal constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, Mr. Peter Akpatason, weekend, accused the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, of being insensitive to the plight of Nigerian students, saying that “she has been blackmailing Nigerians that government does not have the money to meet its agreement with Academic State Union of Universities, ASUU.”

The lawmaker, a former President of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, said it was irresponsible on the part of the Federal Government to renege on its agreement with ASUU, describing as regrettable, the seeming insensitivity exhibited by government since the commencement of the ASUU strike.
He spoke in Benin City, shortly after the inauguration of Uneme National Development Association’s N100 million Education fund for Uneme communities. According to him, “It is very disheartening that up till now, ASUU is still on strike  but unfortunately, I am not in a position to blame ASUU because I was still fully in Labour when this agreement was negotiated between ASUU and government.
“So, it is irresponsible of anybody to enter into an agreement and then renege. It is totally unacceptable and that is the issue. It is unfortunate that a party has gone into an agreement and today, it is is saying that it has no resources to fund what it signed. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is known for coming up with statements about inadequacy of funds but yet the entire revenue gates in the country are performing above estimation; customs, oil and gas industry, immigration, they are all doing well beyond what was anticipated, yet Okonjo- Iweala keeps deceiving Nigerians and the whole world that Nigeria does not have money. What are they doing with all our money?”

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Read What President Jonathan Has To Say On The Current PDP CRISIS

9 September, 2013
Politics

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President Goodluck Jonathan has spoken about the current PDP crisis rocking the party.

He assured Nigerians that the current political impasse in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will soon become history as efforts are being intensified by elders to resolve it.

Jonathan gave the assurance at the Presidential villa on Monday.
It would be recalled that former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and seven other governors split from the president's PDP to form their own PDP faction.

Pastor Kumuyi Does Not Recognize 'Prophetess' Who Visited Heaven, Hell and Came Back

The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has refused to recognise the controversial videos of a ‘prophetess’ and others who claimed to have died, gone to heaven and came back to narrate their extra-terrestrial experience.

In the controversial videos being sold all over Nigeria, two women and a boy claimed they died, went to heaven and came back to narrate what they said God showed them.

One of such CDs is that of a Sierra Leonean woman, simply called Sister Linda Ngaujah. Linda said she died and was shown happenings in heaven and hell and that many of the members of a large church on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway are on their way to hell and that the founder of a leading church in Lagos should repent as he allegedly acquired his powers from the devil, saying that a Bishop of another large congregation and his members are not even recognised in heaven.

The ‘prophetess’ added that women who used rubber and wool to plait their hair will go to hell as it is a sin and that the only way for people to be prepared for heaven is to go back to the old Deeper Life Bible Church’s method of dressing.

The video CDs released by Linda is causing serious controversy in the church of God as some women in Deeper Life, who plait rubber hair have vowed never to do so again as they want to get to heaven.

Some female worshippers have even shaved their hair in one Christian Assembly in Ikorodu, saying that they don’t want to have anything to do with attachment as they want to get to heaven.

Another person who claimed to have gone to heaven said she saw the late wife of Kumuyi, Biodun, in heaven and narrated her encounter there.

Other CDs were released by Margaret Amure from Church of God Mission, who also claimed to have gone to heaven and another 10-year old boy from Edo, named Samuel.

P.M.NEWS Nigeria reports that on Sunday during the church service, Pastor Kumuyi reacted to this development warned members of his church not to have anything to do with such CDs as these are the last days where many people would come up with different things to deceive the church of God.

Pastor Kumuyi urged members of the church not to waste their money on such CDs, saying that the church should not rely on purported CDs of people who claimed to have gone to heaven to come back to produce CDs to sell to people narrating their encounter.

He referred to Linda’s CD which said people need to dress like Deeper Life to get to heaven, saying that “if you dress like Deeper Life without salvation and sanctification, will you get to heaven? These are the last days.”

The man of God emphasized that dressing like Deeper Life would not take anybody to heaven but that righteousness and holiness of heart are the keys to getting to the kingdom of God and warned members to desist from watching such CDs.

Pastor Kumuyi further said that one of the people who claimed to have gone to heaven said they saw Mummy Kumuyi in the kingdom of God, saying that he did not need such CD to know that his wife was in heaven and that the word of God has told us the criteria for getting to His kingdom.

According to him, such people were merely deceiving the people, saying that when Apostle Paul was translated to heaven and came back, he did not produce CDs about what he saw in heaven and began to sell them.

“When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, Lazarus did not go about telling people that this was what he saw in heaven. We should rest on the word of God to tell us what we need to know about heaven and how to get there. How do you know that they have actually gone to heaven? These are the last days. Don’t waste your money on buying these CDs,” he stated. 
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/46626.html

PHOTO: See What Peter Okoye Has To Say For Allowing His Female Fans Touch His 'Manhood' While Performing On Stage

Peter Okoye of P-square probably so excited during their concert in Canada stripped and allowed his female fans touch his manhood while performing on stage.

The singer took to twitter to talk about what happened.
According to him "it's called show biz and you all should admit you are jealous, because 'You talk it and They live it".
See tweet below

READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/46550.html

PDP CRISIS: Atiku Abubakar Is Now Our Enemy – Militants Warn

The former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar who alongside seven other Governors formed a new PDP faction has been ordered by the former leaders of militant groups in the Niger Delta region to tender an apology letter to President Goodluck Jonathan for tearing the ruling PDP apart.

Atiku Abubakar has been declared a persona non-grata in the region by the militants and they warned that they would not watch the same man who had benefited a lot from the resources of the region, take others along for his personal interest.
The group, under the backing of Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative made these assertions in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital on Saturday during a meeting to review political developments in the country.
Addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt after the meeting, president of the group, General Reuben Wilson, said the former Vice President was now an enemy of the Niger Delta people since he had decided to lead other members of the PDP to organise what he called a political coup against Jonathan.
According to Wilson said, “It is unfortunate that Atiku who has benefitted so much from the Niger Delta oil is leading dissidents in a political coup against the first South Southerner to ever occupy the seat of president of Nigeria.
“We are aware of his vast business interests in the Niger Delta and we are warning him in his own interest to stay off the region. He cannot be enjoying our oil money and at the same time use the same money to fight against the owners of the oil”.

READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/46547.html

Students Don’t Want Us To End Strike – ASUU President

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has said it is continuing its nationwide strike on the advice of university students.

In a telephone interview with SUNDAY PUNCH, the President of the union, Dr. Isa Fagge, said students were tired of the incessant industrial actions by the university lecturers due to the Federal Government’s failure to implement the agreement it had with ASUU since 2009.
Fagge said the union had decided to heed the advice of the students to continue the strike until the Federal Government fully implemented the agreement.
“Our students have come out to say they don’t want us to call off the strike until the Federal Government answers us, because they don’t want us to call off now and later we go back to strike again. So, we are heeding the advice of our students,” he said.
On the complaint by the Federal Government that it lacked the funds to implement the agreement, Fagge said it was not all about money, noting that government did not need funds to start implementing some parts of the agreement.
“There are issues and agreement they can implement without money. Why don’t they begin with those ones?” he asked.
He added that it was unfortunate that the government had pulled out of dialogue with ASUU, stating that the union would not be intimidated.
He said, “Now, government has pulled out of the dialogue. We thought we were the ones going on strike, but now government has also gone on strike.”
Last Thursday, university students under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students reportedly staged a peaceful protest in Ado-Ekiti and flayed the Federal Government for failing to honour the agreement it had with ASUU since 2009.
The students, who were from public universities, threatened to disrupt activities of private universities, adding that the government was not bothered about their plight because children of government officials were studying either in private universities or studying overseas.
The university lecturers began an indefinite strike on July 1 and have been demanding full implementation of the agreement ASUU had with the Federal Government in 2009, which among other things include the UNESCO-recommended 26 per cent budgetary allocation for education. However, the government said it could not implement the agreement, and is seeking re-negotiation.
The Federal Government, last Wednesday, accused ASUU of being unrealistic by continuing its nationwide strike and asked it to rethink its demands, considering other commitments government has.
The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who gave government’s position on the strike when he briefed journalists at the end of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council, said apart from security, education was one of the sectors the government had expended a lot of money on.

READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/46516.html

(PICZ) MayD Gets High On Marijuana

The talented singer is in Miami. Shared this with the caption” Too high to be friendly

nice shii

A must watch pretty funny and nice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL9NeyAa6jY&list=UUjPwDvHPv135vOnlbe_Gwfg

Jonathan In Secret Meeting With "Loyal" PDP Governors

President Goodluck Jonathan splashed further out in the muddy waters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, holding a meeting at the presidential villa with some of the governors elected on the platform of the party after majority of them rejected his overtures.

Those he met with were described as those who are close and loyal to him.
They included Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Ramalan Yero (Kaduna), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Theodore Orji (Abia), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Idris Wada (Kogi) and Isa Yuguda (Bauchi).
The six governors who walked out of the party's convention on Saturday to form a parallel PDP were invited to the meeting but declined asking to be given more time to respond to such invitation.
Those governors are Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aliyu Babangida (Niger), Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara ) Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Rabiu Kwankwanso(Kano).
The Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, with whom Jonathan has one of the fierce battles that have exposed him politically, was not at the villa meeting.
At the meeting, which started at 9.10 pm at the First Lady conference room were Vice President Namadi Sambo; PDP National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ahmed Gulak; and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.
Journalists were asked to leave the venue of the meeting under the pretext that it was a private meeting.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/46103.html

ASUU Strike: FG Shows Absence of Vision for Education - ASUU Chair

Sylvester Osakwe Ukwuteno, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kogi State University Chapter, claimed the ongoing strike by the Union will continue because the Federal Government has not strengthened its vision for the sector.

Sylvester Ukwuteno shared his vision with Vanguard Learning by giving a telephone interview.

He explained that if there are plans for the sector, the Federal Government would have speedily concurred with the plea to innovate the sector being pursued by the Union, adding that the pursuit of the Union is to ensure that the country meets up with the international standard of education.

“We hope this would be the last strike that will surface on this particular discourse, hopefully if the government cares for education because we will not budge until our demands are met. The much emphasis of ‘no money syndrome’ is all lies as the president could convey over 300 entourage including himself, to China coupled with their allowances, welfare and other incentives, they should tell Nigerians where the money is coming from.

“The quest is not money motivated as speculated, but to ensure that facilities and other necessary equipment needed to update the students are made scalable for effective learning. Universities are currently operating with little or no equipment in the labs, making the labs non-functional for practicals, thereby sterilizing what is supposed to be practically inclined.

“It took Ghana a year and some months strike before the government came to their senses and the outcome is currently obvious, we would do even more till our request is granted.”

The ASUU Chairman, Kogi Chapter, has called the public to join in the struggle by mounting pressure on the FG to speed up in its decisions, because the students are the casualties now, but will be the benefactors if eventually granted.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/46212.html

Limpopo Singer KCEE Joins The Oil Chase

Kcee is not interested in using all he has to purchase cars, houses and golds only

READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/46086.html

READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/46086.html

The Limpopo hit maker just invested millions of naira into oil.He shared his excitement to be involved in Oil business via his Instagram page
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/46086.html

14-yr-old Girl Delivers Triplets For Her 16-yr-old Boyfriend

A 14 year old girl in Bungoma County last night safely gave birth to triplets. The school dropout and her babies are in good condition but still in hospital.

Mwanarahab Wamukoya shocked staff at the Bungoma district hospital not for giving birth to three boys but because of her age.

Mwanarahab says her and her 16 year old boyfriend tried to get married after she found out she was pregnant but their plan failed.

Doctors at Bungoma hospital are happy that Mwanarahab gave birth safely in a hospital and not at home as more teenage mothers do. Her new born sons are in good health and she will be discharged from hospital soon.

Kenyan health practitioners have expressed concern over the increasing rates of teenage pregnancies. watch video below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuaS3Kxe0hQ

Kevin Hart Dances Azonto To Fuse ODG’s ‘Azonto’ Song

view the link to watch video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yu21YQRYoA&feature=player_embedded

Davido with Dangote, Femi Otedola at his Sister's wedding in miami

Money Come!! Father Come!! Kenyan Man Claims BBA Winner Dillish Is His Daughter

A week after the Big Brother African, the Chase which saw Namibian Dillish emerged as the winner of the $300,000 prize money, a Kenyan man has surfaced to claim that he is the biological father of the BBA winner, Dillish.

She was interviewed by a Namibian journalist few days after the BBA finale where she opened up about her lack of a father figure while growing up and that she only learned about him from her mother. She also said that her mum told her she lost contact with her real dad when he stopped replying her letters.  Days later this unknown Kenyan man came on board to claim paternity saying he fathered Dillish during a peacekeeping mission in Namibia.

AfroCandy Opens Up On Her Sex Scenes and Much More

afri
Controversy never seizes to follow US-based Nigerian actress, Judith Opara Mazagwu, a.k.a AfroCandy. The mother of two is however insisting that many Nigerians love what she is doing and they are rushing for her movies, even though some are pretending in public.
Below are AfroCandy’s revelations on her latest séx scene and more:
Your recently released movie entitled “Destructive Instinct” has generated mixed reactions. Surely you expected this to happen.
Well, you should know that the people that are condemning my movie are not my fans. They are pure haters. My fans do not condemn me, but they love everything I do. They are even happy that I could beat the odds to release the movie regardless of all the setbacks. I don’t care about the people that are speaking negatively about the movie. They should get used to it because this is just the beginning. It is what it is! Their bad comments and attacks did not stop me, can never stop me and will never stop me.
Is it true that you want to bring the movie to Nigeria ?
Yes. I was even preparing to release it in Nigeria this month, but there is a little discrepancy with the marketers. They want the original version with the sex scenes, but we are still discussing on some issues. I didn’t get naked and didn’t have sex in the movie and will regard it as the usual or normal movie. So, we are still on it and as soon as we reach an agreement, I will drop it.
How convinced are you that the Censors Board will not ban the movie in Nigeria?
I already told you the marketers said I should leave that for them to handle. That is why they are asking for that version. I guess they know better.
Is it true that the main reason you produced the porn movie was to gain publicity here in Nigeria?
Publicity was not the intention. I was trying to break a record in Africa, not just in Nigeria. But the fact is that this kind of movie I made does not come without ‘publicity’. You know.
What is your grouse with Mercy Johnson, Uche Jumbo, Ini Edo and other Nigerian actresses?
I have nothing with or against any of the actresses .
It was reported that you always took Ini Edo along with you to locations back then. Does the relationship remain the same?
I never had any relationship with any of them. As for Ini Edo, I worked on the same productions with her director who had to beg me to pick her up from the bus stops. One was at the Amuwo Odofin. We were shooting a movie in Festac and she had no car then, while I already had my first car. The second time was at Ogba. That was years back.
Do you see these actresses ahead of you now?
I see myself as AfroCandy. I am who I am and doing my things in my own ways. I am not competing with any actress, neither am I trying to be like any other. So, I don’t see myself amidst anybody. Sometimes I make references just to let people know what is on, instead of just letting them judge me by mere assumption.
Don’t you feel you are missing as you are not based in Nigeria?
I live in a country where most of them long to live. I don’t think I am missing anything because I can still do whatever I want to do from America. The only thing is, I took a break to focus on raising my daughters as a single mother. I have to stay closer to them.My first has turned 18 and she is very responsible. I will loosen up a little bit to pay attention to my career though, so I will be doing more now. And whether I am in Nigeria or not, you won’t know the difference.
But Uche Ogbodo and Cossy Orjiakor remain your true friends in the industry?
I think I answered you before.
As a mother and an actress, which of your movies do your children like most?
I don’t discuss that with my children. I only give them a hint of my projects. They don’t even have to see my projects to like them, or approve of them, especially now that I have started doing more of explicit projects. Explicit stuffs are not for children.
But people, especially the under-aged, could gain access to these explicit stuff considering the level of technology we have today.
Well, you can’t control what children see on the internet, but your job as a parent is to educate them on the implications. If they are responsible kids, they stay away from such things. My kids are very intelligent, smart and very responsible. They know what to stay away from.
You recently celebrated your birthday. How fulfilled are you?
Very fulfilled.
How did you celebrate it?
I was too busy trying to release my movie. For now, it is all business before pleasure for me. When I achieve all I am working toward, I shall relax and celebrate birthdays because I don’t believe in chasing grasshoppers while the house is on fire.
How did you feel seeing your social media walls flooded with loads of birthday wishes?
It felt good.
You have more male fans than the females
I think so.
Maybe they got attracted to your weird postures?
The fact is that I am a female. More of the opposite sex should naturally be attracted to me.
Were you impressed with the turnout to your recent “Dick” auditioning?
I was overwhelmed, not just impressed. I even twitted about it. I got more responses than I expected.
What prompted the auditioning?
I cannot go into details about that for now.
In your last interview you promised to remarry soon. Any plan towards that yet?
No plans yet. Like I said, I am too busy for that.
Would you encourage any of your wards to go into acting or sing?
I have once answered that question but the press misconstrued it and wrote what I did not say. So, please, leave that. Leave my children out of it. They got their education to focus on and don’t need these distractions. If I want them to act or sing, they will. But for now, let them be.
A host of Nigerian, Ghanaian movie producers and you, in recent time, have appeared in movies that could pass as porno. Is it a new avenue?
It is what it is. That’s all I have to say.
What really spurred you to produce such movies?
I wanted to break a life time record. I wanted to set the pace while others can follow. You can say that I love making history.
Can you state briefly the main story line of the movie?
It is a long story, it’s a movie with four parts. I can’t start telling it here. I’ll rather have people get the movie and watch it to figure out what the story is all about.
How did you arrive at the title “Destructive Instinct”?
Honestly, it was my producer in Nigeria that gave the name ‘Destructive Instinct’. I can’t tell how he came about it.
Words were that it was because you’ve been starved of sex.
Oh, really? I never read about that. But I would let you and those that reported it to take a good look at me and tell me if I look like a sex starved woman. I guess it’s conji that is affecting our people. They are the ones that are sex-starved for them to have even had such crap in their hearts.
What are the challenges that almost turned you off during the course of producing that movie?
We had so many challenges right from the beginning to the end, but what matters is where we are. At last, the movie came out. It became a reality.
What should your fans expect after Destructive instinct?
I am coming out with a new movie titled ‘Ikebe Squad’ and a new single.
Would you say you are successful are as an actress?
I am not as successful as I want be, so I cannot tell you that I am successful; as long as the hustle continues, no success yet.
With your experience, how would you compare Naija entertainment and that of the US?
Is there any comparison between the two? The difference is clear because we are third in the world, meaning we are evolving in quantity, but USA is higher in quality, but we will get there someday.
How have you been able to contribute to the growth of the industry, especially in US?
You can see what I am doing already; at least I brought something new to the Industry.
One of the house mates of the just concluded Big Brother Africa (BBA), Beverly, had rejected your invitation to feature her in your film. How will you react to this?
I will not comment on that for now. I cannot answer anything that has to do with Beverly yet.
Would you honour the invitation if you were asked to participate in the next edition of BBA?
I want to reserve my comment on that. I remember the late Goldie featured as a guest artiste in one of the editions, but did AfroCandy represent Nigeria on BBA? I still want to keep mute on that. I don’t know, but it sounds funny to me.
How often do you follow the game?
I do not watch reality shows, but I know and heard about the activities on it.
As the African woman you claim to be, do you have African attires?
Of course, I have a lot them, Am I not an African Woman? Original Igbo Woman for that matter, I lived in Lagos for 14 years with all the Owambe parties.
Talking about appearance and looks, what reactions do you get from people when you go out?
Well, I do not walk around naked, and my stage appearance is usually different from the regular day to day dressing, so I do not raise any eyebrows when am on the streets. Sometimes you may not even recognise me; absolutely no different reactions.
As an African and Igbo woman, it is believed that people do not see single parents as responsible persons. What is your take to this?
That is Nigerian mentality, “slave mentality.” I want to tell you and those people with such mentalities to look around the world, especially in America, most influential people were raised by single mothers, President Obama was raised by a single mom, Oprah was raised by a single mom and the list goes on.
You mean you don’t have any regrets as a single mother, even if there were lots of condemnation to such development?
Does my looks and demeanor suggest that I have any regrets?
What is your most embarrassing moment?
I never really had a very embarrassing experience, but there was a time, I was moving into a new apartment, the truck and the movers were outside with some of my neighbours, I came out carrying something to the truck and somehow my wig got stuck on one of the things I was carrying and fell off of, everyone was looking at me before I realised I had no wigs on my head, I ran back into the house to fix it. It was a crazy experience.

How To Become An Overnight Billionaire In Nigeria

With only some 50 years of independent national existence, Nigeria is a country reeking with “new money.” The overwhelming proportion of the millionaires and billionaires in the country are “nouveau-riche;” they became rich literally “overnight.” We are talking of people whose wealth does not go beyond a generation.

Indeed, the fantastic wealth of Nigerian billionaires like Femi Otedola scarcely goes beyond ten/fifteen years.  Not only does Nigeria’s wealthy few have a short history, they often have a short future as well. The money comes “miraculously” and goes just as “miraculously.”
In my youth, S.B. Bakare was the celebrated Nigerian tycoon.  Highlife stars and juju musicians eulogised him in their records.  But ask a young Nigerian today who S.B. Bakare is, and I can bet my bottom dollar he has never heard of him.
S.B. has fallen off the radar and so has his wealth.  It is not identifiable by any major industry or enterprise.  His descendants may still be in litigation over the dregs of his estate, but undoubtedly it is nothing to write home about again.  Certainly, nobody is singing about S.B. Bakare today.  There are now new pretenders to his throne.
New dawn
Time was when wealthy Nigerians built something, developed something, or made something.  At that time, the rich were truly captains of industry.  Alhaji Sanusi Dantata made his fortune in the era of the groundnut pyramids in the North; buying and shipping them for export.
Sir Odumegwu Ojukwu had Nigeria’s largest fleet of inter-city “mammy-wagons.”  He also imported “panla” (dried fish) on a large scale.  Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony had a tanker fleet and a pioneering charter airline.  Emmanuel Akwiwu, hauled oil-rigs and supplies for British Petroleum.  Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola produced bicycle tires for the growing army of Nigerian bike-riders.
But thanks to oil, much of Nigerian wealth is no longer the product of such ventures.  Yes, we have billionaires like Ibrahim Dasuki and Mike Adenuga who can still be rightfully described as highly enterprising.  But even more significantly, we have tycoons who came into wealth through “wuru-wuru” and “mago-mago.”  These men are hardly Nigeria’s Bill Gates.
On the contrary, they don’t have a clue what to do with their dubious wealth, and they are ignorant about wealth-creation.  As such, they add little of value to the Nigerian project.  Their praises may be sung today by their horde of parasitical hangers-on, but they will not be remembered for good when they are gone.  As mysteriously as their wealth materialised, so will it vanish.
These men became rich through some of the following tried and tested methods, which can be relied upon to lead to one’s inclusion in the Nigerian Book of Irrelevant Rich Men.  If you want to get rich quick, here is the Nigerian blueprint.  But please, don’t tell anyone I “wiki-leaked” this highly-classified national secret to you.
Rob a bank
This strategy has gone through some transition.  Bank-robbers used to be men of the underworld who held banks hostage at gunpoint and then made off with the cash.  However, it was soon recognised that this approach has distinct disadvantages.  You might get arrested and jailed.  Even worse, you might get shot.  It also became apparent that banks carry limited amounts of cash.
Therefore, a successful bank robbery of this violent kind might only land you perhaps 50 million naira tops, which is not even enough to buy or build a house in Banana Island.  There is a better way to rob a bank with far limited risk.  Simply establish a bank.
When you establish a bank, you can rob the bank every day without a gun.  When people deposit money in your bank, they don’t know that they are handing over their life-savings to a thief.  You then rob the bank you establish in a number of imaginative ways.
For example, you can lend money to your bank and then charge it a very high interest-rate.  Better still, you can borrow billions from your bank and simply forget to pay it back.  Or, you can use the money deposited in your bank to buy houses and then rent them out as branches to your bank at exorbitant prices.

By Femi Aribisala

Forbes and Channel O's 2013 African Richest Artistes.

 

 Forbes Magazine and  Channel O  released the list of African  richest musician for the year  2013.

According to the statement released by Forbes/ Channel O  the ranking is based on artist Sales, Social - Media presence, endorsement value , YouTube views, show rates , Influence,  appearance in newspapers, investments , popularity and so many other factors.

 

Seven Nigerians are present in list but they are all males.

 

Check out the list below:

 

 

(1) Akon – Senegalese-American top the list — Founder of Konvict Music, opened doors with other African artiste such as P-Square and Wizkid .

(2) DON JAZZY – Rank as Best African and Nigeria Music Producer. CEO Mavin Records, Brand Ambassador of Samsung, Loyal Milk and MTN  , Influential producer. Having producer Songs For D’Banj,  Kanye West,  Beyonce and American Rap Mogul Jay Z on production credit.

(3) P SQUARE – Ranked as Best African Music Group.  Featured on Forbes Africa twice, sold out concert, presidential guest in at least 5 African countries.

(4) D’BANJ – CEO of DB Records, Music Artiste. International music brand, GOOD Music, Def Jam, Mercury deal, Sony Entertainment Music distribution deal, Goodwill Ambassador BOI (Bank Of Industry).

(5) WIZKID – Singer .  EME artiste,  Starboy CEO,  affiliation with Disturbing London, international collaboration with Wale and others international stars, Perform Twice on stage with American Pop Singer Chris Brown, highest paid Pepsi Brand Ambassador in Africa, Brand Ambassador of MTN.

(6) 2FACE IDIBIA –  Music Artiste. Produces 10 million disc and have at  least 7 million digital sale, UN ambassador For Youth And Peace, associated with Guinness, Haven Homes, Airtel Worldwide and philanthropist – Tuface Idibia Foundation.

7. ANSELMO RALPH – Music Artiste Samsung and Coca Cola Ambassador, Called Angola prince, Perfume line, clothing label, multimillion dollar tour bus, Sony Music African artist.

8. SARKODIE – Ghanian Rapper. Presidential youth ambassador in Ghana,  Sark clothing, Samsung and Fan Milk ambassador in Ghana

9. ICE PRINCE – Music Artiste. Multi award winning Rapper, Having  Six million downloads, 2 studios owner, one foundation member, Plug N Play ambassador, Zamani Foundation

10. BANKY W – Music Artiste. Co owner EME, Samsung Ambassador, Philanthropist, multiple award R&B And Soul winner.

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Why We Are Taking Over PDP — Baraje, Atiku , Amaechi

Below is the full text of a speech by the new factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic, Abubakar Kawu Baraje, at a press conference in Abuja where a new faction of the ruling party was unveiled.
We address you today as leaders of PDP, who are worried by the increasing repression, restrictions of freedom of association, arbitrary suspension of members and other such violations of democratic principles by a faction of our party led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur .
While we have done everything humanly possible to bring to the attention of critical stakeholders within the party the dangers inherent in the course being charted by that leadership, it has become very clear that the desperate permutations towards 2015 general elections have blinded certain people from the consequences of their actions.
Not only has the constitution of the party been serially abused by Alhaji Tukur and his fellow travelers, all the organs of the party have been rendered virtually ineffectual by a few people who act as though above the law. Unfortunately, it is obvious that that they get encouragement from the presidency whose old calculations are geared towards shutting out any real or imagined opposition ahead of the party’s presidential primaries for the 2015 elections.
As leaders of our great party, we consider it a sacred responsibility to save the PDP from the antics of a few desperadoes who have no democratic temperament and are therefore bent on hijacking the party for selfish ends. While the list of their violations of the tenets of our great party is long, we will highlight just a few: The National Executive Committee of the PDP at its belated meeting of 20June 2013 approved 20 July2013 for the conduct of a special national convention.
However, that date was changed to August 31 without reverting to NEC ( the only authority vested with such powers) by a few people, apparently acting on the authority of the presidency. Notwithstanding the fact that INEC had noted that the PDP congresses in nine states were not properly conducted, the illegal delegates from such states are being paraded at the so-called convention being held today in a cynical attempt to circumvent the law and further bring the name of the party to disrepute.
In gross violation of the PDP constitution which stipulates that the NEC meeting must hold at least once in a quarter, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and a few people have been running the party like a personal fiefdom without recourse to that important decision-making organ of the party. The NEC of the party accepted the resignation of the former members of the NWC whose offices were affected by INEC observations based principally on the agreement that the affected officers would be returned to their respective offices at the convention.
However, against the decision of the NEC. And in a not-so-clever bid to exclude some perceived opponents of the few powerful members who are trying to hijack the party, these positions have been made Open to some Yes-men within the party.
Notwithstanding INEC instance that Senator Any Uba is the duly elected candidate of the party in Anambra State and against the background that he is so recognized by majority of our party members, the Bamanga Tukur-led Executives announced a purported suspension of Senator Uba and some other members close to him in defiance of subsisting court orders.
Despite that the PDP Constitution is very clear that the state chapter of the party cannot discipline a national officer, the Deputy National Chairman, Mr. Sam Jaja, has reportedly been dismissed by some renegades who have hijacked the Rivers State chapter of our party with the connivance of the Bamanga Tukur leadership.
The persistent change in the list of the party’s delegates in many states as part of a deliberate attempt to rig the party’s nomination of candidates, especially at the presidential and gubernatorial levels, with a view to foisting on the PDP some unpopular candidates who are bound to lose at the polls. The suspension without due process of the Governors of Rivers and Sokoto states.
Even when the illegal suspension on Sokoto State Governor has been lifted, the Rivers Governor remains purportedly suspended for no just cause. The illegal dissolution of the Adamawa State chapter of the party is a clear abuse of power by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur thus causing confusion in his home state.
Given the foregoing, it is very clear that the Bamanga Tukur leadership cannot guarantee for our millions of party members democracy anchored on free choice and the rule of law. We have therefore taken it upon ourselves to rescue the party from their int and dictatorial leadership. It is indeed noteworthy that from 1999 to date, Nigerians have constantly voted the presidential candidates presented by our great party but not only dies such trust come wig enormous responsibility, we recognize that wee cannot continue to take the people f granted.
From now, the new leadership of the party under us will strive to build a fairer as well as a more transparent and accountable PDP that will putty interest of members and indeed all the people of Nigeria above that of one single individual.
For all the members of our great party who may have become disillusioned by the anti-democratic tendencies of the Bamanga Tukur’s leadership, there is a new lease of life in the horizon. It’s a new day for the Peoples Democratic Party. As we take over the leadership of the PDP, our immediate priority is to revive the culture of robust debate of all contending issues while providing a level-playing field for all our members.
These were the ideals that differentiated our party from others and endeared us to Nigerians. We are not, and have never been a political party where one man would be taking decisions for all members and where once you do not kowtow before the presidency, you are deemed a rebel that must be crushed. That is no the PDP bequeathed to us by our founding fathers. That, I dare say, is no longer what PDP under our leadership will represent from today.

Woman Commits Suicide Over Husband’s Failure To Buy Her iPad

A 41-year-old woman, Mrs Catherine Sefunmi Urouna, who allegedly drank a substance suspected to be chemical to protest her husband’s alleged refusal to buy her an iPad device was reported dead.
Her family of five and neighbours were thrown into mourning when they discovered that the deceased who was adjudged to be comfortable in her husband’s house took her life over a minor domestic disagreement.
The motive and cause of her death is however, being probed by the Ondo State police command.
The late Mrs Urouna, who was a mother of two boys and a girl, was buried on Friday. She was a senior executive accounting officer in Akure North local government area in Ondo State.
Although investigations into her death are still on, police sources disclosed to reporters on Sunday that trouble started when her husband who works in one of the states in the northern part of the country came home as usual to visit the family in Akure and his late wife welcomed him joyfully.
The deceased was said to have served her husband a good meal and thereafter asked him whether he brought the ipad she had earlier pleaded with him to buy for her, but the husband told her quietly that he was yet to buy it.
It was further gathered that he pleaded with his late wife to continue using the Blackberry phone he had earlier bought for her, pending the time he would be able to purchase ipad for her.
The reply of the husband was said to have not gone down well with the late Sefunmi who immediately threatened to kill herself if he would no accede to her request.
But the husband was said to have taken the threat lightly and as the argument persisted, the woman was said to have gone inside her room, took a substance suspected to poisonous chemical and headed for the toilet where she locked herself up.
Unfortunately she was said to have succeeded in drinking the substance before her daughter who saw her locking the door of the toilet and suspected she might want to do something funny because of her mood could reach the place.
reporters correspondent gathered that when the daughter got there and started knocking at the toilet, there was no response from within.

READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/45805.html

ABOMINATION: 40 year old woman Pregnant For Son, Set To Marry Him

Betty Mbereko (40), who was widowed 12 years ago, has been cohabiting with her first child, Farai Mbereko (23). She confirms that she is six months pregnant and that she has decided it is better to “marry” her son because she does not want to marry her late husband’s young brothers, whom she says are coveting her. Betty stunned a village court last week when she said the affair with her son had begun three years earlier.
She said after spending a lot of money sending Farai to school following the death of her husband, she felt she had a right to his money and no other woman was entitled to it.
“Look, I strove alone to send my son to school and no one helped me. Now you see that my son is working and you accuse me of doing something wrong. “Let me enjoy the products of my sweat,” she told the village court.
Farai said he was more than prepared to marry his mother and would pay off the ilobola balance his father had left unpaid to his grandparents. “I know my father died before he finished paying the bride price and I am prepared to pay it off,” he said.
“It is better to publicise what is happening because people should know that I am the one who made my mother pregnant. Otherwise they will accuse her of promiscuity.” 
But local headman Nathan Muputirwa says: “We cannot allow this to happen in our village, mashura chaiwo aya, (This is a bad omen indeed). In the past they would have to be killed but today we cannot do it because we are afraid of the police.” He warned them to break off their marriage or leave his village.
They chose the latter and have left the village for an unknown destination .

TWO COPPERS BURNT BEYOND RECOGNITION

  Two females National Youth Service Corps members, Amarachi Okey Winifred, a Batch C corps member and her friend, a fresh batch B corps member who recently left camp, were recently burnt beyond recognition by one of the victim’s boyfriend last month.

The victims, both serving in Community Secondary school Iddo in Asari-Toru LGA of Rivers State, were said to be locked in after he had poured fuel and then set the room on fire.

The incident was first reported on July 19, but the name of the other corps member could not be ascertained at the time of the report. The attackers were initially thought to be some community boys and students in their place of primary assignment (ppa) but the story turned out to be different.

Reports say:

It turned out that Winifred was burned by her boyfriend because he felt she was cheating on him with a fellow corps member. A corper who stayed in the same hostel with Winnie in camp related the events.

“He thought she would be the only one in the room, he locked the door from outside, put petrol and lit the fire. Unfortunately, a friend of Winifred was also in the room. She’s a Batch B corps member who just left camp some weeks ago. But, unfortunately for the boyfriend, he burnt his hands in the process. That was how he was identified and caught.”

“In camp she was always scared whenever he called and she missed it and all.”

After the incident, the victims were both taken to the Intensive care unit (ICU) of UNIPORT Teaching Hospital due to the critical nature of the burns. The victims did not survive the burns. Winifred died on the morning of July 31. The perpetrator however, has since been caught by the police.

Zimbabwe's Mugabe Threatens U.S., UK Firms Over Western Sanctions

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe threatened on Sunday to retaliate "tit for tat" against companies from Britain and the United States if these Western powers persisted in pressuring his government with sanctions and what he called "harassment".
"They should not continue to harass us, the British and Americans," Mugabe, Africa's oldest leader at 89, said at the funeral of an airforce officer.
"We have not done anything to their companies here, the British have several companies in this country, and we have not imposed any controls, any sanctions against them, but time will come when we will say well, tit for tat, you hit me I hit you."
Mugabe has fiercely rejected questioning from the West of a July 31 election that returned him to power in the southern African country he has ruled for 33 years. His main rival called the election a "huge fraud".

BOILING POINT: Yoruba, Hausa Traders Clash In Ibadan Market 25 August, 2013 Accidents BOILING POINT: Yoruba, Hausa Traders Clash In Ibadan Market

At least five people were injured and property worth millions of naira was destroyed in the course of the conflict that escalated between Yoruba and Hausa traders at Bodija Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, August 16, 2013.
According to the eyewitnesses, other traders fled the market, leaving their stores open, with food stuffs littering the entire market. At the entrance of the market, a commercial bicycle was set ablaze while the owner escaped with minor injuries. A truckload of food stuffs was also vandalised.
Fortunately, no life was lost in the clash due to the prompt intervention of security operatives.
Traders with serious injuries were said to have been quickly taken to the hospital while police vans were stationed at strategic positions.
As a cause for the outbreak of violence, Akeem Emiola, the Public Relations Officer, Ibadan Food Stuffs Sellers Association, Bodija Market, named the tension between the two groups that has been growing since Yoruba traders were killed by Boko Haram members in Borno State on May 5, 2013.
Four traders were killed that day, and ten more people were killed on June 28. 2013.
After the killing, the Ibadan Foodstuff Traders Association placed an indefinite ban on travelling to the North to purchase beans on its members.
It was gathered that despite the ban, Hausa traders still brought beans from the North to the market and sell at very exorbitant prices. The situation worsened as a bag of beans has rose from N11,000 to N20,000
Emiola said Friday's clash was the climax of the tension that had been on the rise since the death of the fourteen traders.
He said, "Since Boko Haram killed Yoruba traders from Bodija Market, traders could not go to the North to buy food stuffs. But the Hausa traders have a means of sending the products, especially beans, to their kinsmen in Ibadan.
"The price has since risen beyond common man's ability, which is a source of worry for the leadership of Bodija market union.
"There was tension in the market because only the Hausa traders have been selling beans in largequantity, leaving Yoruba traders idle."
He added that there were rumours that a clash was imminent between the two ethnic groups, leading to a peace talk called by the community leaders in Bodija area, where all concerned parties were invited.
But a solution remained elusive until Friday, when the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Indabawa, invited all the parties involved to find a solution to the brewing crisis.
"On Friday, all the parties concerned met with the Commissioner of Police, where it was agreed that beans coming from the North should be divided equally between the two groups," said Emiola."But the truce only lasted a few hours as tension reached a boiling point."

Kendrick Lamar's "Control" Verse Boosts Rappers Social Media Followers.

Kendrick Lamar experienced a huge increase in his social media following his killer verse in Big Sean's  “Control,” also every rapper he named in the verse.
The verse got people talking about a lot of rappers especially those  mentioned in the verse, they all gained a lot of followers on the various social media tools;



K.Dot experienced a rise of 122% in Facebook conversation, and gained 88,000 new fans (a 138% increase from the previous week).


 Lamar also collected a massive 208,000 more Twitter followers (an additional 510% from the week prior). The rapper’s Wikipedia page also experienced some heavy traffic, with a 277% increase, working out to 200,000 page views.

Check out the boost the rest rappers experienced on their twitter accounts (percent increased; followers gained) below.

Kendrick Lamar; 510%; 209,000

 Jay Electronica; 533%; 5,000

 Pusha T; 304%; 30,000

 Big K.R.I.T.; 154%; 10,000

 Mac Miller; 153%; 87,000

 Meek Mill; 127%; 41,000

 Big Sean; 100%; 67,000

 Wale; 96%; 34,000

 J. Cole; 84%; 63,000

 A$AP Rocky; 78%; 10,000

 Drake; 51%; 78,000

 Tyler, The Creator; 38%; 10,000

Wale Respond to Kendrick Lamar's "Control" Verse

                                                                There have been so many responses via rap songs to Kendrick Lamar's epic verse on Big Sean's new "Control" track  Interestingly, almost none of the folks responding were even name checked by Kendrick on the track.  But Wale was and this is what  Mr. Folarin has to say .

He told Rolling Out :

Kendrick is a phenomenal rapper. It was a great verse from Kendrick. But I think people are taking it the wrong way. He said my name and a few other names and also said he was the best rapper. I say that I’m the best rapper in every song I’m on, I just don’t call out names. He just did it a different way.
It just hasn’t happened that way in a long time. Those type of records usually come from the bitter rapper who has had his time pass. Since it hasn’t been done by anyone in their prime, it felt shocking. Kendrick gave you a good verse and just named rappers while doing it. Every rapper brags in their own way. He took the position of, ‘whoever is standing in my way, I’m going to do something to you.’
I thank him for mentioning me in that category. I may have felt a certain way if he didn’t mention me. He mentioned the rapper [Drake] who is going to sell the most records this year, and he mentioned the rapper who has sold the most records thus far in 2013. I think I’m in good company.

What Would You Do With 35 Nigerian Senators Who Voted For Underage Marriage?

What Would You Do With 35 Nigerian Senators Who Voted For Underage Marriage?

Fine, dismissal, public censure, the prison or the death penalty?

Need Your Opinion Readers!

I Didn’t Sleep With Beverly – Angelo

Though it is widely believed that the South African housemate, Angelo, had sex with the Nigerian housemate, Beverly, in the ongoing Big Brother Africa reality show, the dreadlocked guy has denied it. He said they were ‘just kissing’.
Speaking to Saturday Beats on the phone earlier in the week, after being evicted from the show, Angelo said, “We didn’t have sex. We talked about it. There were some things I said I wasn’t going to do in the house.
I respect my mum so much. Before I got into the house, there were things I told my mummy I wasn’t going to do. I wasn’t butt naked. It looked as if we were having sex in that bathtub. We were just kissing. I couldn’t take advantage of Beverly because I respect her so much.”
Respect is not the only thing Angelo has for the Nigerian lady. Angelo also confirmed that he is in love with her and intends to pursue the relationship.
“We will try and work things out and see how we can make our relationship work. At the same time, I hope the people of Nigeria don’t hate Bev. I would love to come to Nigeria and experience Nigerian culture and take lots of pepper,” he said.
Now that he is out of the house, so many people feel the South African will go back to the girlfriend he left behind before BBA. But he said he wasn’t in any relationship before he got into the show.
“I didn’t have a girlfriend before I got into the house, but I had someone I told to wait for me so that we would see what would happen when I get out of the house. I will be focused on what I want to do as a person and then focus on my relationship with Bev and see where we will take it to,” he said.
No matter his feelings for Beverly though, Angelo said he hopes Melvin, the other Nigerian housemate, comes out tops in the show.
“Melvin is very humble and he is not a selfish person. I wish he wins. I think he is a stronger competition than Beverly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the show ends tomorrow with Elikem, Cleo, Dillish, Melvin and Beverly as the finalists
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/44892.html

ASUU Strike: Return To Class, FG Urges Varsity Lecturers

The Federal Government on Friday appealed to striking university lecturers to return to work, saying a resolution to the 54-day strike was under way.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, made the appeal in Abuja during a meeting between government’s representatives and Chairmen of Governing Councils of both federal and state universities.
Anyim, who read out a number of agreements held between government and executives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities since the commencement of the strike, said the Federal Government had shown enough commitment to ending the impasse.
He said that the lecturers were being inconsiderate with their demands.
Anyim’s reaction, however, came on the heels of recent threat by ASUU to discontinue further deliberations with the Federal Government’s negotiation team.
ASUU began its current strike on July 1, 2013 following the failure of the government to implement a 2009 agreement on public universities funding.
Anyim said, “Government is making every effort to revitalise the university system by this demonstration of clear commitment to revitalise the university system. Government hereby urges every staff of the nation’s universities to return to work as all issues are being resolved.”
The SGF also inaugurated the disbursement of N130 bn sourced by the Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS implementation committee and the Federal Government for revitalising infrastructures within the university system and settlement of earned allowances arrears.
Anyim said most of the issues contained in the 2009 agreement, which necessitated the current strike had been fully met except for the earned allowances which ASUU pegged at N92bn.
He said, “On July 2, 2013, ASUU declared what it called, total and indefinite strike over issues it says have remained unresolved pertaining to an agreement it reached with government in 2009.
“It is pertinent to narrate the genesis of the 2009 agreement; ASUU went on strike action in 2006 based on their request for a review of personnel matters; on account of this, government initiated a NEEDS Assessment of the University System comprising federal and states universities, the negotiations led to the 2009 agreement.
“Some of these issues bothered on amendment of pensionable retirement age of academics in the professorial cadre, Consolidated Peculiar Allowances.”

(PicOfTheDay) See What Chris Brown Did To Karrueche’s $90,000 Porsche #POTD

Chris Brown had Karrauche mad when she arrived at his Hollywood Hills home yesterday to find her sports car covered in monster graffiti.(well, it was a gift from him)
Karrueche uploaded a picture on Instagram with the caption”“this is what the fuck I come home to lmao this nigger man”

Hahaha.. Chris Brown na madman! see what you get for dating a man that once dumped you for Riahanna.. hehe

Teenage Boy Stowed Away In Arik Flight To Lagos

 Top officials of the Edo state government were on board the airline. Passengers aboard the airline were shocked when security agents found the teenager at the Lagos Airport after the aircraft landed.
Though none of the officials at the Benin Airport agreed to comment on the issue, but Sunday Vanguard observed that the teenager whose name is yet to be ascertained may have entered the airport through the Akenzua road axis due to lack of perimeter fencing at the Airport.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/44912.html

FG provides N30bn to support university councils

The Federal Government has provided N30 billion to support university councils in settling the 'Earned Allowances' of university workers.

Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced this at a


Senator Anyim Pius Anyim
Anyim said the amount would be disbursed to the various university councils, which were in position to know, who was entitled to what and how much, after verification.

'From the foregoing, it is obvious that the Federal Government has demonstrated sufficient commitment to the implementation of the 2009 FG/ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) Agreement.

'By this, it is clear demonstration of commitment to revitalise the university system, government hereby, urges every staff of the nation's universities to return to work as all issues are being resolved.

'With particular reference to the contentious issue of 'Earned Allowance'', every staff of the universities that is so entitled should verify his claim with his university council and accord get paid.

'President Goodluck Jonathan is fully committed to bringing the students back to school and appreciates the patience of parents and students.

'Government is making every effort to revitalise the university system, '' Anyim said.

He said that the government acknowledged the contributions of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

The SGF also acknowledged other associations, such as National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and other stakeholders.

Earlier, the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa'I, said that the government was ready to implement all the recommendations, particularly as it relates to revitalisation of the universities.

Rufa'I said that on the issue of funding and revitalisation, the Needs Assessment Committee would address infrastructure decay in universities.

'I want to assure you that this will be done in the next few years.

Also, Prof. Kimse Okoro, the Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities, commended the government for its efforts.

Okoro called on chancellors to use the funds judiciously and appealed to ASUU to show some understanding.

Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, the Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities, said that the institutions would put more efforts to ensure that regulations were followed.

Also, Prof. Mohammed Hamise, Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, commended government for the N30 billion to university councils to defray the arrears of the peculiar allowances which had remained outstanding.

'The committee regards this as a positive step which, if replicated over the next two years, would solve the problem of the arrears,'' he said. (NAN)

meeting with Pro-Chancellors and Vice Chancellors of Public Universities.

Rivers PDP moves to suspend deputy governor, senator, other Amaechi's associates

The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru, and other elected and appointed public office holders loyal to Governor Rotimi Amaechi are facing imminent suspension by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Their offence is their  refusal to appear before the Perfomance Assessment Committee set up by the Obuah faction of the party in the state to evaluate their performance since their election/appointment.

The governor and the 27 members of the state House of Assembly on his side in the protracted crisis in the party are already suspended and excluded from the performance  evaluation.

The Osinakachukwu Ideozu-led committee however invited  Ikuru,an engineer,the three senators,13 members of the House of Representatives from the state  and council chairmen many of whom are loyal to the governor.

They have so far  refused to honour the invitation.

Also invited was  the Minister of State for Education,Chief  Nyesom Wike who is the arrowhead of the opposition to the governor.

It was gathered yesterday that the plan to suspend the 'errant' party men is to ensure their non-participation  in next week's mini national convention  of the PDP in Abuja.

When contacted yesterday,Chief Felix Obuah,the factional PDP Chairman said he was at a meeting.

However,sources close to his faction said: 'The associates of Amaechi, who refuse to honour the invitation of the members of the committee led by Ideozu, formally inaugurated by Bro. Felix Obuah, will definitely be suspended.

'When they are all suspended like Amaechi from the PDP, they will appreciate the supremacy of the party. Nobody will force or beg them to appear.

'They (Amaechi's loyalists) will know the importance of belonging to the PDP on August 31, during the special national convention of the party in Abuja, when they will not be part of Rivers state delegates of the PDP.'

Ideozu, at the committee's inaugural sitting on Thursday,  said it was not set up to witch-hunt anybody, but to examine how the officers elected to oversee the welfare of the people  discharged the responsibilities in line with public expectations and to be better informed in preparing for future elections.

The Press Secretary to the Rivers deputy governor, Godswill Jumbo, in a telephone interview yesterday, said: 'My boss is in Abuja. He is attending  some  meetings in Aso Rock. The Ideozu committee did not invite him in writing. I am not aware of any communication to that effect.

'I have contacted him (Ikuru) through text, to let him know about the development, but he is yet to reply (at 4 pm). As soon as he replies, I will let you know, but note that before appearing before the committee, he must seek clearance from Governor Amaechi.'

Senator  Magnus Ngei Abe could not be reached.
His  Special Adviser on Media, Honour Sirawoo, said at 4:07 pm yesterday: 'Was he (Abe) invited by the committee? Nobody has seen any letter inviting Senator Magnus Abe to appear before the committee. He is not aware of the performance assessment by the Chief Felix Obuah-led PDP.

'Senator Abe is a very loyal member of the PDP. You are aware that the National Assembly members are on recess and the distinguished Senator is out of the country. I have not been able to reach him.'

Representative Dakuku Peterside (Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro ) an ally of Amaechi, could also  not be reached  at press time.

Amaechi's bid to stop the committee members from assessing his loyalists   suffered a setback on August 20 when Justice Godspower Aguma of the State High Court dismissed a suit filed by him against the panel.

A former National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, ex-Rivers Chairman of the party and a loyalist of Wike, appeared before the committee on Thursday and described the performance assessment as an excellent idea, for the officers to be up and doing.

The ex-Rivers PDP chairman (Secondus) stated that he decided to submit himself to the committee to render the account of his stewardship, as a loyal party member and because the order was from the party.

He said: 'Anybody current with what is going on all over the world will know that politics is dynamic and we cannot be left out of the changing situation. The idea is very much in order.' The Nation

Boko Haram gunmen kill 44 Borno villagers

Not fewer than 50 gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect launched a vicious attack on Dumba village on the outskirts of Baga town in Kukawa Council of Borno State, killing about 44 people by slitting their throats without firing a single gunshot.

Baga is on the shores of Lake Chad and 230 kilometres north of Maiduguri, the state capital.

This happened just as the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Maiduguri, Friday said the emergency rule has improved the security situation in the metropolis.

Also, the JTF and members of Borno Vigilance Youth Group (BVYG) had on Thursday shot dead two suspected Boko Haram sect members in women's dresses at the Njimtilo village of Maiduguri, while fleeing to Konduga town, where 47 people were recently killed by the suspected gunmen.

An eyewitness also said that besides the killing of the villagers, several house were torched by the attackers, while 25 villagers sustained injuries.

The Guardian learnt that rescue workers of the Nigeria Red Cross (NRC) have arrived the area from Maiduguri to provide medical services to the survivors of the attack.

According to an NRC source: 'When our rescue team reached the village on Thursday, some of the eyes of victims had been removed by the gunmen and we don't know the motives behind removing such organs after the victims had been killed.

'The attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday before we rushed to the village, near Baga town, where over 150 people were killed by the same Boko Haram sect members last April.'

The source further disclosed that NRC Medicine Frontier officials were attending to the injured victims, adding that the village has been deserted and the people are taking refuge at the Baga Central Primary School.

An official of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also confirmed the incident, saying the agency had equally mobilised to the area to assess the situation.

According to him, the agency would today set up camps for the resettlement of displaced Dumba villagers at the primary school.

Spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt. Col Sagir Musa confirmed the incident Friday in Maiduguri.

Musa, who earlier told The Guardian that there has been 'consistent improvement in the level of security in Maiduguri metropolis since the emergency rule,' despite the inconveniences, fears and loss of revenue incurred by some residents of the state, could not give details on the number of casualties in the Dumba attack and the measure the security task is taking to prevent further attacks and killings.

On whether the security agencies' outpost stations are functional enough to protect people's lives and property, Musa said: 'Even in terms of security, most of the police stations, duty outposts of police, Customs and Immigrations that were closed are now re-opened.

'Schools and banks that were not working before in villages and towns are also being opened to students, teachers and customers.

'God's willing, all security agencies, particularly the JTF, will continue to maintain the momentum, and ensure that there will be no breakdown of law and order in this state, as witnessed previously.'

Speaking on whether the emergency rule has protected more lives and property, the spokesman said: 'If you look at the security situation in Maiduguri metropolis and its environs for the last one month, specifically from May 14, 2013 when the state of emergency was declared by Mr. President, there have been consistent improvements in the level of security. This is why you are seeing improvement in the level of social and economic activities in Maiduguri metropolis.'

The arrested terrorists, who disguised as females, were according to a vigilance youth, Babakura Isa arrested at Njimtilo village, in a 'stop and search' operation on the Maiduguri-Damaturu road at about 8.35pm on Thursday.

He said after the arrests, the two suspects were handed over to the sector commander of JTF that night for further investigation. Isa told also The Guardian that they wore pink brassieres and wore veils to avoid being arrested by JTF and youths.

Lt. Col Musa confirmed the capture and killing of two terror suspects on the Maiduguri-Damaturu road.

2 Women Sent To Prison For Fighting Over A Man

Apapa Magistrate Court remanded two women, Ogechi Nmerenini, 23 and Bilikisu Akinyode, 22 in prison for fighting in public over a man.
They were arrested by the police at Atebo Street, Ajegunle and charged with disturbing public peace.
Fighting broke out between them when they discovered that they were dating the same lover in Ajegunle area of Lagos.
A suggestion by one of them that they should continue their secret relationship with their lover was rebuffed by one of them who insisted on having the lover for herself alone.
The accused, it was gathered, injured each other during the fight.
Their lover was simply identified as Emma.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge when they arraigned and the presiding magistrate, Mr. M.K.O. Fadeyi, granted them bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety in like sum.
They were remanded in prison on the orders of the magistrate when they could not immediately meet the conditions attached to the bail.
The matter was adjourned till 6 September for mention

OJB Jezreel Departs For His Surgery In India

Ailing music producer OJB Jezreel and his wife have left for India today August 23,2013.The couple departed Lagos through a 10 hour Emirate airline scheduled for 2.30pm. OJB and wife who may be spending up to three months in India for the surgery were escorted by their son and daughter.
Expressing his gratitude at the airport,OJB said:"I am not sure how long this will take but I am so grateful for the love Nigerians have shown me .I trust in God that all would be well".
We wish him a successful surgery and expect him back alive.