Rivers Boils: Killings Everywhere, Politicians Hire Cultists

There is tension in Rivers state as the two major political parties,
the All Progressive Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP continue to claim brutal murder of their members by the other.

While governor Chibuike Amaechi alleged recently that over thirty
members of his APC have been gunned down in Rivers state in political
related circumstances the PDP governorship candidate, Barr Nyesom Wike
on his part said over 45 PDP members have also been killed on account
of their political affiliation. He said this when he addressed a team
from the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC led by the Chairman,
Prof Chidi Odinakalu in Port Harcourt.

The two parties have continued to evidence some of their claims with
names of alleged members killed. Governor Amaechi at a press briefing
in Government House, Port Harcourt, reeled out about eight names of
members of his party he said were killed at different locations in the
state recently, adding that about thirty members of his party had been
arrested by the Police on what he termed frivolous reasons.

The APC and the PDP have also lashed at the police for allegedly being
biased. The PDP governorship candidate, Barr Wike alleged that the
governor and his APC maintain a killer squad in the police , code
named C4I and urged the Inspector General of Police to immediately
disband the body

"Amaechi and APC brewed the crisis in Rivers State through their
illegal actions and acts of violence against the PDP. Since this year,
we have lost over 40 PDP members murdered by armed agents of the APC
and members of the See for Eye, C4I, Police team directly answerable
to Governor Amaechi.

"We call on Inspector General of Police to, as a matter of urgency,
disband Amaechi's hit squad called C4I used to kill our members before
the general elections. We will, otherwise, be compelled to defend
ourselves against the killings", he said.

The APC on its part accused the Police of conspiring with the PDP to
harass, intimidate and arrest its members, saying the move were part
of plots to rig the elections for the PDP.

"Unfortunately the Nigeria Police force in Rivers state has led to a
great escalation of these acts of killings, unlawful arrests and
detention on frivolous and unsubstantiated reasons as well as constant
and un-abating harassment using the very same police meant to protect
all sides.

"The most ridiculous is that the Police whom we are supposed to run to
for protection have commenced the withdrawal of Police security for
top APC members including that of gubernatorial candidate, Dr Dakuku
Peterside", Amaechi said.

Amaechi further said the reported withdrawal of Policemen from his
party's governorship candidate was a likely step towards executing an
alleged scheme to assassinate Peterside.

Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG zone 6, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin
who responded to the allegations by the various parties on the Police
said they were not true.

According to him, the Police would continue to discharge their
responsibility professionally in all states under his zone. To
reassure the political parties of the neutrality of the police he said
he had to order that men of the C4I should no longer be deplored to
protect politicians, adding that they should also not be posted to
campaign rallies of any of the political parties any longer.

" The C4I unit should henceforth stop featuring in political
campaigns. The C4I Unit of the Department of Operations should on no
account post their officers to any political appointee or VIP;", he
said.

Also the state Police Public relations officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad
who declined comment on the allegation of arrest of APC members
indiscriminately by the Police said most of them were being tried at a
federal High court in Port Harcourt for criminal offences. "The matter
is in court so I will not want to comment on an issue before the
court", he told the Vanguard.

Residents of the state have also expressed worries over political and
cult related killings in the state.

According to Sopriye David it had been difficult to draw a line
between cult and political killings in the state because of the
elections around the corner.

According to him, most of the cult groups have been recruited by the
political class to prosecute their interest in the coming elections.
"So the killings you see are both political and cult- related.

Read more at Vangiuard:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/03/rivers-boils-killings-everywhere-politicians-hire-cultists/

Tinubu Vs AIT: Court Fixes April 1 For Ruling

An Ikeja High Court has reserved ruling till April 1, 2015 on the
interlocutory application filed by the National Leader of All
Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu against Africa
Independent Television, AIT, over a libel case.

Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe, who sat over the case, fixed the date after
she took over three-hour arguments from counsel representing Tinubu
and the AIT, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN and Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN
respectively.

National Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu

Tinubu had dragged the television station, owned by Chief Raymond
Dokpesi, before the court alleging that a documentary broadcast by the
station, titled 'Lion of Bourdillion,' was libelous and aimed at
tarnishing his image.

In his ex-parte motion, Tinubu prayed for an order of interim
injunction restraining AIT, whether by itself, agents, privies and or
other persons from producing or continuing to broadcast, airing, or
continuing to reproduce the said documentary.

The motion also sought to restrain the TV station from continuing the
broadcast of the documentary, which it started airing on March 1 and
had been repeating daily, pending the hearing and determination of the
motion on notice dated March 5, 2015.

According to Tinubu in his motion, the damages would not adequately

compensate him if the ex-parte order was not granted and prayed that
the rest of the suit may be extinguished if the ex-parte order was not
granted.

He further averred that there was "real, imminent and urgent threat
and danger" of continuing to decimate his person and integrity by AIT
by continuing to air the "offensive" broadcast if the ex-parte motion
was not granted.

Moving the application, Olanipekun argued that by granting the motion,
the television station stands to lose nothing by temporary stopping
the broadcast of the contentious documentary, pending the
determination of the substantive suit.

He further argued that AIT's contention that the said documentary was
a sponsored advertorial was also not an excuse to further continue the
broadcast, which has become a subject of litigation.

He added that AIT cannot continue to make money at the expense of
Tinubu who he claimed had never been convicted by any court of law
either in Nigeria or abroad.

However, responding to the argument, Ozekhome, SAN insisted that
Tinubu's application will not in anyway be prejudiced if the court
chooses not to make an order stopping the broadcast.

Moreover, he stated that AIT had since stopped the broadcast of the
documentary immediately after Tinubu instituted the suit, while
contending that the issues contained in the documentary was already
public knowledge as several website had already published similar
facts.

Moreover, he noted that since Tinubu had already demanded for
N150billion as compensation which is the worth of his purported
damaged integrity, it would not be wise to grant his prayer for
interlocutory injunction restraining AIT from further broadcasting the
documentary.
--Vanguard

Delayed Presidential Election Set To Hold Next Week

Africa's most populous nation, Nigeria, goes to the polls to elect a
new president next week after a controversial postponement, with the
six-week delay seeing major gains against the Boko Haram jihadists.

Fourteen candidates, including the first woman, are eyeing the top job
but the election is a two-horse race between incumbent Goodluck
Jonathan and former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari.

Next Saturday's poll is being watched closely, given the strong
opposition challenge and the possibility of defeat for a sitting head
of state.

The head of the country's electoral commission, Attahiru Jega,
maintains that "everything humanly possible" has been done to ensure a
free, fair, credible and peaceful vote.

But security threats -- from Boko Haram to political violence -- are the
prime concern, with the Islamist militants renewing attacks on
civilians, despite a wave of claimed military successes.

Just how many of the hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the
violence in the northeast will be able to vote will come under
scrutiny, as will the first use of voter ID card technology.

The election delay has hurt Nigeria's crude-fuelled economy, which has
been battered by the global oil shock, creating investor uncertainty
and an urgent problem for whoever wins.

On Friday, credit ratings agency Standard and Poor's downgraded
Africa's leading economy further into junk territory, blaming falling
crude prices, political instability and Boko Haram.

- Security issues -

Security on polling day is the major concern, with the inability of
soldiers to provide cover nationwide given as a reason for delaying
the initial vote on February 14.

Since then, there has been a wave of military successes, with
indications that the government may soon announce an end to the
six-year conflict, that has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

But there have been warnings against any premature declaration given
fears that the rebels, who have allied themselves to the Islamic State
group, will revert to guerrilla tactics.

Nnamdi Obasi, senior researcher at the International Crisis Group,
said Boko Haram is still able to carry out its threat to disrupt
elections, which it views as "un-Islamic".

"Its fighters may not be able to seize new territory but they could
certainly still send suicide bombers to public places, including
polling centres," he told AFP.

"In many parts of Borno state, the security situation is still tenuous
and displaced persons have not returned or settled down well enough to
participate in elections.

"Elsewhere in the region, the polls will go but very much in an
atmosphere of unease and insecurity."

Political violence, which has plagued previous Nigerian elections and
which in 2011 saw nearly 1,000 people killed in clashes, is also seen
a major risk.

Nigeria's human rights commission recorded nearly 60 deaths in
December and January and there are fears of many more with the
campaign so close.

The head of the Nigeria federal police, Suleiman Abba, vowed on Friday
that trouble-makers will face "the full wrath of the law".

The United Nations has also promised "accountability for anyone who
will choose to contest the election results through violent means".

"The world really is watching," UN Under-Secretary General Jeffery
Feltman said on a visit to Abuja this week.

- Voting procedure -

Some 68.8 million of the 173 million Nigerians are registered to vote
in the presidential and parliamentary election, which are followed on
April 11 by state assembly and gubernatorial polls.

But Jega has been under pressure over the electoral commission's
preparations, particularly from Jonathan's ruling Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP).

The PDP has criticised the rate of distribution of biometric voter ID
cards, the technology used to "read" them and the ability of election
volunteers to use the devices.

Buhari's All Progressives Congress (APC) for its part senses a
government plot to revert to the former paper system, which made
ballot rigging easier, allowing the PDP to cling to power.

Jega said on Monday that 67.8 million cards or 98.5 percent of cards
had been sent out -- up from 66.5 percent a week before February 14 --
but some 20 million had not been collected.

A further delay has been ruled out, with Jonathan's mandate due to
expire on April 30 and a formal handover of power set for May 29.
--AFP

Top European Leagues Threaten Legal Action Over Qatar World Cup

(Photo: Aspire Dome is seen in Doha in this aerial view. Qatar will
host the 2022 World Cup.)

Europe's top leagues could launch legal action against FIFA for the
sporting and economic damage caused by moving the 2022 World Cup to
Qatar, according to the French league president Frederic Thiriez.

At a meeting in Barcelona on Saturday, the European Professional
Football Leagues (EPFL) adopted a resolution slamming the decision to
move the competition from its traditional date in June and July to
November and December to combat the searing heat in the middle-east.

"The EPFL is ready to support any legal actions that the individual
leagues may take in this respect in the near future," said Thiriez.

"The EPFL is very disappointed with the decision of the FIFA ExCo who
decided to move the World Cup to November and December in 2022.

"This is seriously damaging to the European leagues both from a
sporting and a financial point of view.

This decision raises serious questions about the motivations of many
involved in the decision-making process and further demonstrated the
lack of good governance within the national football governing
bodies."

FIFA announced on Friday that it will triple the amount paid to clubs
who release their players for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to $209
million.

However, Thiriez insisted that the EPFL has to look out for the
interests of all clubs with the vast majority of the compensation
promised going to the top clubs in a few leagues.

"The EPFL has the responsiblity to protect the interests of all clubs,
including those that do not release players for the national
associations competitions. Today the interests of those clubs are not
protected."

Whitney Houston's Daughter Moved To Rehab Facility

The comatose daughter of late singer Whitney Houston has been moved to
a rehabilitation facility, though this was not necessarily a sign of
her condition improving, US media reported.

Bobbi Kristina Brown, 21, was placed in a medically induced coma after
she was found facedown and unresponsive in her bathtub on January 31.

Several media outlets including CNN and NBC, citing sources close to
the family, said Friday that Brown had left Emory University Hospital
in Atlanta, Georgia and had been moved to a nearby rehabilitation
facility.

NBC said Brown's condition remained the same.

Celebrity news site RadarOnline.com said the transfer was the result
of hospital policy.

Whitney Houston died in February 2012 when she was found in a bathtub
at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on the eve of the music
industry's annual Grammy Awards show.

Sierra Leone President Orders Three-Day National Lockdown Against Ebola

Sierra Leone's President Ernest Koromo ordered the country's entire
population Saturday to keep to their homes on March 27-29 in a bid to
stem the spread of the deadly Ebola epidemic.

"All Sierra Leoneans must stay at home for three days," he announced,
expanding a previous order from the authorities for a lockdown in the
capital Freetown and northern areas of the country.

Chad Troops Return To Nigeria Town After Boko Haram Kill 11

Chadian troops on Saturday returned to the northeast Nigerian border
town of Gamboru, locals said, after Boko Haram took advantage of a
lack of military presence to kill 11 people.

"Hundreds of Chadian troops moved into Gamboru this morning from
Fotokol," said Babagana Karimbe, who lives in the town in northern
Cameroon which is separated from Gamboru by a bridge.

Troops from Chad were credited last month with liberating Gamboru in
Borno state from Boko Haram control but the Chadians' withdrawal from
Nigeria last week appeared to have left the town exposed.

The Islamists returned on Wednesday, killing eight people, while three
more were killed on Thursday.

Karimbe told AFP that the deployment began at about 7:20 am (0620 GMT)
and involved dozens of vehicles, including tanks.

"They are now in Gamboru. It is clear Boko Haram gunmen had fled
before the troops deployed because we have not heard a single shot
since the Chadian soldiers moved in," he added.

"Our prayer is for the troops to remain in Gamboru because if they
withdraw again Boko Haram will definitely return and continue killing
people."

The lack of security presence exposed an apparent lack of coordination
between the allies, whose sustained offensive has led to the recapture
of dozens of towns in northeast Nigeria.

Chadian troops had pushed into Nigerian territory after freeing
Gamboru, going on to retake the Borno town of Dikwa, near Boko Haram's
Sambisa Forest stronghold.

Fotokol resident Umar Ari said by telephone that Gamboru residents
welcomed the soldiers with clapping and cheering, supporting Karimbe's
account that no shots were fired.

"From Gardumba neighbourhood (on the outskirts of Fotokol) we can see
the Chadian soldiers moving around Gamboru but we have not seen any
Boko Haram gunmen," he added.

"We catch glimpses of Boko Haram gunmen whenever they are in Gamboru.
On Wednesday we saw them riding around Gamboru on motorcycles
brandishing guns".

The regional offensive involving Nigerian troops, Chad, Cameroon and
Niger was cited as a reason for postponing the Nigerian general
election, which was initially scheduled for February 14.

It will now take place on March 28, with President Goodluck Jonathan
hoping to capitalise on the reversal of the insurgents' military
fortunes in his quest for re-election.
--Vanguard

Kudos As AfricaMagic Igbo Channel Debuts

Jubilation greeted the long-awaited launch of an Igbo channel on
Africa Magic during the week which is designed to showcase the rich
cultural heritage of the Igbo nation. The 24-hour general
entertainment channel follows the success of the Africa Magic Hausa
and Yoruba channels and will go on air from April 2.

The launch of AfricaMagic Igbo which will be available on DStv channel
159 could not have come at a better time. M-Net, owners of the
AfricaMagic channels that avail Africans with platforms to tell their
stories from their perspective, is following a tradition of excellence
that has long trailed its operations.

The launch of AfricaMagic Yoruba was hailed as a highly strategic move
which helped to display the rich Yoruba culture in all its glory to a
global audience. Thereafter followed the launch of AfricaMagic Hausa,
a development which surprised quite a few people who were hitherto
unaware that a vibrant movie industry existed in the northern part of
the country.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Nollywood coordinated by Chief Harris Chuma has
congratulated Africa Magic for the establishment of Igbo Channel on
its platform.

Chief Chuma said, the launch of the Igbo Channel will help to boost
the Igbo language film industry as well as encourage many into
producing Igbo contents which have been on the decline. "We solicit
film makers of Igbo extraction to see this medium as a veritable
platform to showcase our rich cultural heritage, promote and project
our cultural values. We have over the years clamoured for the
establishment of an Igbo channel on Africa Magic, now that is a
reality, we are hopeful that it will serve as a catalyst towards
revitalising the dwindling fortunes of Igbo language films," he said.

With the launch of Africa Magic Igbo, which brings to eight the total
number of Africa Magic channels, follows the redefinition of the
Africa Magic channels in 2014 and the recent refreshing of the Africa
Magic Urban channel. Speaking on the launch, the Managing Director,
M-Net (West Africa), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: "We are thrilled to
announce the launch of Africa Magic Igbo.

Igbo language entertainment content has always played a prominent role
in the Nigerian film and television industry and we are glad to offer
a platform where this rich content can be showcased to the rest of
Africa and the world. Popular Igbo language content like Living in
Bondage, Nneka the Pretty Serpent and many others set the trend for
the modern Nigerian film and television industry, or Nollywood as it's
called; it is thus only fitting that such content should be given a
platform where it is easily accessible by audiences around the
continent. With the launch of Africa Magic Igbo, we have once again
proven our commitment to providing content made for Africa by
Africans."
--Vanguard

Long Queues Return To Fuel Stations In Abuja

Long queues have returned to petrol stations in Nigeria's Federal
Capital Territory despite assurances by the Nigeria National Petroleum
Corporation that there is enough Premium Motor Spirit to last the
country throughout the month.

Some motorists, who queued for up to four hours to buy petrol, blamed
the fresh crisis on marketers who they accused of playing politics
with the oil sector.

But in a press statement, the State Security Service said the
marketers were concerned about the incidence of post-election crisis
and were unwilling to travel up north just a few days to the general
elections.

There have been queues at fuel stations for two days now.
While some stations have closed to customers most major petrol
stations have the products for sale and have steady attendance to
customers.

The black market is witnessing a bustle of activities with 10 litres
selling between 1,700 Naira to 2,000 Naira as against 870 Naira.
Twenty-five liters sell for as much as 4,000 Naira and their customers
are those who are unwilling to join the long queues.

It is less than two weeks since the last fuel crisis and the attendant
long queues at petrol stations were last seen in Abuja. They are
slowly returning.

Residents have expressed concerns that this is happening less than 10
days to the general elections and are asking for urgent intervention
from the Federal Government.
--ChannelsTV

21 Awesome Uses Of Epsom Salts

Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulfate, which can help improve
health in numerous ways. A lack of magnesium--which helps regulate the
activity of more than 300 enzymes in the body--can contribute to high
blood pressure, hyperactivity, heart problems and other health issues,
doctors warn. Sulfate is essential for many biological processes,
helping to flush toxins and helping form proteins in joints, brain
tissue and mucin proteins.

21 Amazing uses of Epsom salt

Regulate Blood Sugar

Research indicates that raising magnesium levels can promote a healthy
heart by improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. It also
improves the body's capacity to use insulin. Magnesium is necessary to
sustain calcium levels in the blood.

Sulphates are not easily obtained through the food we eat but are
absorbed through the skin. These stimulate the pancreas to make
digestive enzymes and assist in detoxifying the body. Epsom Salt
flushes toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and
helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.

Detoxification

Epsom salt can assist in eliminating toxins from the body. The
magnesium in Epsom salt is required for detoxifying cells. It also
helps detox the body of environmental contaminants that can
potentially cause ill health.

To enjoy a relaxing detox bath, stir in 1 to 2 cups of Epson salt in a
bathtub filled with warm water and soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes, 2
or 3 times a week.

Fade Bruises

To lessen the appearance of bruises, make a compress by soaking a
washcloth in cold water mixed with Epsom salt - use two tablespoons
per cup - then apply to the skin.

Treats Sunburn

Epsom salt is very soothing for sunburned skin. Its anti-inflammatory
properties alleviate mild sunburn irritation like itchiness and pain.
It can even help maintain an even skin tone.

To treat sunburned hands and legs, mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in
1 cup of water and store it in a spray bottle. Spray it on the
affected area. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then take a bath. Do this
several times a week to notice improvement.

Another option is to fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and mix in 1
cup of Epsom salt, stirring thoroughly so the salt crystals dissolve
properly. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and soak in the
water for 20 minutes.

Pest control

If you have lawn pests and you're looking for natural insect control,
consider turning to Epsom salt. A spray solution on the lawn can
control insects without damaging the grass, and it's totally nontoxic.
Sprinkle some dry Epsom salt to deter slugs and snails.

Fertilizer

Some plants like tons of food, especially roses. Work some Epsom salt
into the soil around them to keep them happy, especially during
blooming season, when you want them producing beautiful, long-lasting
flowers. Palm trees and tomatoes are also big fans of Epsom salt!

Quick bruise treatment

Use a warm compress with Epsom salt to fade the appearance of bruises.
They won't vanish like magic, but they won't be as large, or as
painful. Use a solution of two tablespoons Epsom salt per cup of water
for best effect.

Body scrub

After you shower, rub your skin with Epsom salts using circular
movements. It removes dead skin cells and leaves skin soft.

Soothe Bug Bites

Dissolve 1/4 cup of Epsom salts in a cup of warm water. Cool the
mixture in the refrigerator. Apply with a cotton ball to bug bites to
soothe pain and itching.

Remove Splinters

According to the Epsom Salt Council, Epsom salt increases osmotic
pressure on the skin, which draws foreign bodies toward the surface.
Dissolve one cup of Epsom salt in a tub of water and soak the affected
area.

Keep Houseplants Healthy

Add 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salts per gallon of water to nourish your
houseplants.

Relief from muscular pain

An Epsom salts bath can promote detoxification through the skin and
they are traditionally used as a soaking agent to bring relief from
muscular pain and stiffness.

Improves Digestion

Epsom salt assists in the elimination of harmful toxins and waste
products from the body and the digestive system. It also works as a
laxative to soften stools, making them easier to pass, and can be used
to treat constipation.Dissolve 1 or 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in 1 cup
of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach once a day. When taken
internally, Epsom salt can cause some side effects, including
gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Consult
your doctor before taking Epsom salt. Do not take it longer than 1
week.

Read more at Infonaija:
t.co/n90QSKD7VO

Minister For Labour Recognizes Ayuba Wabba As NLC President, Says Not Aware Of Factional Leadership

The Federal Government on Friday in Abuja said it would not recognise
the factional group of the Nigeria Labour Congress led by Joe Ajearo
of the National Union of Electricity Employees.

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Joel Ikenya, declared the
stand of the Federal Government when the Ayuba Wabba-led newly-elected
executive members of the congress paid him a courtesy visit.

Mr. Ikenya said the election that brought in Mr. Wabba was duly
monitored by all stakeholders in the sector.

"We have not heard and we have not got any letter from anywhere in
respect of any other NLC," Mr. Ikenya said. "It was in the media and
our ministry participated in monitoring the process of the election.
Therefore, controversy is internal. The ministry is not part of it. We
know that you will sort yourselves out because there is a process and
I know that all of you know that process."

The minister said that Nigerians would like to see a better united NLC
that would work in workers interest.

"I want us to understand each other; the government is very serious
about the welfare of civil servants," he said. "So, I will continue to
consolidate on the achievements so far made."

Mr. Wabba of the Medical and Health Workers Union emerged the new
President of the NLC at the 11th National Delegates elections held on
March 12.

However, Mr. Ajaero, who controls 23 affiliate unions, was later
elected leader of a faction of the NLC after he complained about the
process of the first election.

Mr. Wabba had told the minister that the visit was to declare the
readiness of the new labour leadership to partner with the Federal
Government to achieve a better working environment for workers.

Mr. Wabba decried the devaluation of the naira owing to the drop in
crude oil prices at the international market, saying it was already
taking its toll on the economic fortunes of workers.

"Labour is a critical component of our economy, we produce and create
wealth," he said. "Therefore, as the creators of the wealth, it is
very important that our issues and aspirations are taken on board."

Meanwhile, Mr. Wabba also paid a courtesy visit to the
Director-General, Department of State Services, Ekpenyong Ita.

Mr. Ita used the occasion to call on workers to continue to
collaborate with security services in their quest to tackle security
challenges facing the country.

He also urged them to share information with relevant security
agencies in the fight against insurgents.
--NAN

Muhammad Imam Still PDP Borno Guber Candidate Despite Court Ruling --Campaign Organization

The Muhammad Imam campaign organisation has said that, the court
judgement on Wednesday against its candidate will not deter their
efforts towards rescuing Borno as their candidate remains the standard
bearer of the PDP gubernatorial election in the state.

A statement from the organisation, which is made available to
journalists in Maiduguri reads: "Following the outcome of the
judgement by the Federal High Court in Abuja, we call on our
supporters to remain calm and steadfast in our struggle to rescue
Borno.

"The Federal High Court in Abuja is the court of first instance and
hence we have the right to appeal and our lawyers have already
appealed against that decision. We have also applied for a stay of
execution pending the outcome of the appeal which by law is our right.
Muhammad Imam still remains the valid candidate of our party, PDP".

The campaign organization also called on their supporters not to
relent in their efforts at mobilizing people and ensuring the ultimate
victory of the party at all levels.

Top 6 Lifestyles That Can Compromise Your Health

Depending on our experience and influences, we tend to lean on only 1
or 2 things when it comes to regaining our health. Unfortunately,
there are a multitude of factors we never even consider as important
to our health, and any one of them could block our efforts to get the
health we desire.

Here are 6 core reasons your health may be compromised.

1.Chronic stress

Stress is one of the most recognized factors for causing health
problems, yet it seems to be the most difficult one to control. As a
result of this chronic condition, adrenal exhaustion sets in, which
taps out your ability to adapt to situations in your life, leaving you
worn out, stressed, overwhelmed, and depressed.

A study done by Texas A&M University illustrated the relationship
between chronic stress and immune dysfunction. As stated by lead
author Mary Meagher, "People exposed to chronic social conflict
experience high levels of stress and consequent dysregulation of the
immune system, thereby increasing vulnerability to infectious and
autoimmune disease."

2. Nutritional deficiencies

Living off a food production system that encourages "strip mining" of
the soils, toxic plant and insect management, as well as excessive
processing, leaves the consumer with choices that are up to 50% more
nutrient deficient than 50 years ago. This lack of appropriate
vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria results in the
body eventually suffering from nutritional deficiencies.

When the body becomes nutrient deficient, simple processes become
problematic as the body struggles to carry out functions without the
necessary material in which to do them. Even one glaring nutrient
deficiency can cause a serious health problem. A combination can
result in many chronic diseases until deficiencies are corrected.

3. Excessive toxicity

We live in a toxic world, and the inability to properly remove these
toxins from our lifestyle and our body will inevitably lead to pain
and suffering.

Some tend to believe that the body is designed to detoxify, and they
are right, except our design has become burdened with toxins to the
point that it has become partially paralyzed and unable to perform its
duties appropriately. With toxins placed on our plates, in the air we
breathe, the water we drink, the personal care products we use, and
even put directly into our physiology (dental amalgams, vaccines), our
body has no choice but to break down and be overcome with disease.

4. Poor sleep

Sleep is the key period for the body to regenerate; yet we have
treated this crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle as an afterthought.
"I'll sleep when I'm dead" is a commonly coined phrase, which may
bring that end game faster than expected.

Going to bed in the wee hours of the morning and waking up early, not
only robs you of precious regeneration time, it also disrupts your
circadian rhythm, which eventually will result in completely messed up
sleep patterns in the future. This is a recipe for faster degeneration
and illness.

5. Lack of movement or flow

Inactivity is another major component to sickness. Not necessarily
because it contributes to obesity, but more because it contributes to
stagnation. Flow is required in order to keep your muscles, organs,
muscles, tendons, and tissues flooded with nutrients in all areas of
the body.

This doesn't mean you need to work out 6 days a week for 60 minutes a
day, but you should engage in some type of physical activity at least
5 times a week so you increase your heart rate and blood flow.

6. Disconnect from the basics

We tend to ignore or block the most basic necessities in life, and it
has a direct negative affect on our health. We have blocked the suns
rays, unplugged from the healing nature of the earth, and are
consuming poor water, which has resulted in vitamin D deficiencies,
inflammation, and inadequate hydration. The end result of deficiencies
in these basics of life is poor health.
--naturalnews.com

Gunmen Kidnap Zamfara Emir From Palace

Gunmen on Friday picked up the Emir of Bukukuyum in Zamfara State from
his palace.

His whereabouts as of Saturday morning remains unknown.

Commissioner for Information in the state, Ibrahim Magaji, confirmed
the emir's abduction.
--NAN

Jonathan Accepts Blame For Violence In Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan has accepted responsibility for the Boko
Haram violence in his capacity as the leader of the country.

"Whatever goes wrong, I accept. Whatever goes right, I take the
glory," the President said in an interview with theBritish
Broadcasting Corporationon Friday while fielding questions on the
violence that has characterised his administration.

"Whenever I hear that somebody dies in Nigeria... I feel pain because we
are all Nigerians," he added.

On the 219 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok last year, the President
assured that the girls are still alive.

"We have not seen dead girls, that is the good news. I believe they
are still alive, I believe we will get them," he said.

Jonathan, however, reiterated his belief that he would win the March
28 election.

The election is expected to be tough between him and the All
Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari,
with many analysts concluding that the latter would win.

Barely one week to the presidential election, experts say it is still
too close to call but Jonathan believes his disposition, party
structure, good judgement of Nigerians and his achievements while in
office would swing victory his way.

"I will surely win... my party is still the strongest party," he said.

The President also said that all territories seized by Islamist
militant group Boko Haram would be retaken within a month.

He said, "I'm very hopeful that it will not take us more than a month
to recover the old territories that hitherto have been in Boko Haram's
hands.

"We never expected that Boko Haram will build up that kind of
capacity. We under-rated their external influence. Since after the
civil war we've not fought any war, we don't manufacture weapons, so,
we had to look for help to re-equip our army and the Air Force."

But the President admitted that the response to the insurgents'
initial advance in the North-East of the country had been too slow.

The army has claimed recent victories over Boko Haram in a conflict
that has killed thousands since 2012.

Backed by neighbouring countries Chad, Niger and Cameroon, Nigeria's
military said it had recaptured 11 of the 14 districts which had been
under Boko Haram control.

On Thursday, however, Boko Haram attacked Ngala town, killing 11
people, after the army said it had retaken it.

February's elections were postponed by six weeks after the armed
forces said they needed more time to secure the country.

President Jonathan told theBBChe was confident of victory - despite
many predicting the most fiercely contested polls since the end of
military rule in 1999.

His main opponent, Buhari, has described the 16-year rule of
Jonathan's party as "a disaster for the country and its citizens."
--PUNCH