Buhari Rejects Rolls Royce From Nigerian Embassy In UK

President elect Buhari who left Nigeria for the UK on Friday May 22nd
reportedly rejected the Rolls Royce car the Nigerian Embassy in the UK
made available for him as he arrived London.

A member of his entourage who spoke with The Nation said after
exchanging pleasantries with the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK,
Dr Dalhatu Tafida, the president-elect politely told them that his
visit was strictly private and he had made arrangement for all his
needs while in the UK.

He thanked them for the warm reception and quickly hopped into a less
flamboyant car he had arranged for and drove out of the airport.

"It appeared he was uncomfortable with the number of exotic cars in
the convoy. Hard as the stunned diplomats present tried to convince
him, he refused to bulge, insisting that since he did not inform the
Commission of his visit because it was not an official trip, hence he
was not entitled to such grandeur."the source said.
—LIB

How Police Rescued Catholic Priest From Kidnappers’ Den, One Killed, Kingpin Escapes

After several days in kidnappers' den, a Catholic priest, Reverend
Father Philip Ojimanu, was over the weekend rescued from his abductors
after fierce gun battle with men of the Imo State Police Command.

According to Trumpeta reports, the police shot dead one of the
kidnapers, while the ring leader known as 'Bush' escaped through the
back door. The five-man kidnapping gang abducted Fr. Philip Ojimanu of
the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri at Uzoagba in Ikeduru Local
Government Area of the state while inside his private car.

However, the kidnappers whose hide-out in Orodo, Mbaitolu Local
Government Council Area of Imo State, was later detected were tracked
by the police to a hotel in Aba, Abia State, where they had arranged
to collect the ransom from the priest's family.

While parading the suspects, Obinna Mba from Orodo in MbaItolu Local
Government Area of the state, Ibewuchi Uzo (shot dead), Celestine Emma
Chukwuma from Orsu Local Government and Frank Uche at the Command
Headquarters in Owerri yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer, Mr.
Andrew Enwerem, said the suspects abducted Rev. Fr. Ejimadu from
Uzoagba in Ikeduru Council Area while in his Nissan Jeep Car.

Enwerem further revealed that the suspects, who had established
contacts with the supposed family members of the priest for payment of
ransom, were trailed by anti- kidnapping squad of the state police
command to a hotel called "Locals" in Aba, Abia State, where two of
them were arrested.

According to him, the two arrested kidnappers later took the police to
their hide-out in Orodo, Mbaitoli council area of Imo State. The PPRO
said on sighting the anti-kidnapping squad in Orodo the suspects
engaged the police in a shoot-out, adding that in the ensuing gun
duel, one of the suspects, Ibewuchi Uzo, was shot dead, while another
gang member Celestine Emma Chukwuma was seriously wounded, adding that
the leader of the gang identified as 'Bush' escaped.

He disclosed that the police also recovered a Nissan car belonging to
the abducted priest Fr. Philip Ojimanu from the suspects. However, one
of the suspects, Celestine Emma Chukwuma, denied being a member of the
gang and never negotiated for payment of ransom before the priest
would be released, as alleged by the police.

"I was contracted by leader of the group to do a pillar work at his
house and I only decided to run when I saw the police because if I am
arrested I don't have the money to bail myself," he said.
—Trumpeta

Imo Community Youths Demolish Widow’ s House Over Witchcraft

Angry youths on Friday, bulldozed a building belonging to a widow
known as Grace Ugbuaja during a funeral of one of the youths from
Umuezu, Ndegwu in Owerri west Local Government Area of Imo
state,Ephrem Ugbuaja who was alleged to have been killed by the
witchcraft of the 72 year old widow.

According to report by PUNCH. The destruction of the property of the
woman which actually began at the wake keep of the 40-year-old
deceased last Thursday, saw the youths pulling down part of the
building belonging to the widow before they brought down the rest of
the building on the day of the funeral.

Saturday Punchreliably gathered from a source in the community that
the widow who have been having a running battle with the deceased for
a long period of time had three weeks ago, allegedly invoked her
witchcraft on Ephrem who after a heated argument that fateful day,
swore that he would never return home alive.

Incidentally, Ephrem who ply his commercial motorcyclist business at
Akwakwuma in Owerri north never returned as he was said to have been
hit from behind by a careless commuter bus driver who was said to have
lost focus while driving and using his phone at the same time.

However, the community witnessed a dramatic funeral as the
motorcyclist union, the deceased belonged to at Akwakwuma, stormed the
neighbourhood of Ndegwu community vandalising and looting property
before finally setting ablaze the property of the widow who is
currently on the run.

The anger of the motorcyclists according to whatSaturday
Punchgathered, stemmed from the fact that the eldest son of the
Ugbuaja family, Oparaku who incidentally is the first son of the
widow, refused to show up to indicate the portion where Ephrem would
be buried.
Oparaku, has debunked his mother's involvement in the death of the
deceased. Speaking toSaturday PUNCHfrom his hideout, Oparauku said,
"my mother is not a witch, all what they said are lies."

Meanwhile, the youths took upon themselves the funeral ceremony,
doubling as a clergy and sympathisers to lay the deceased to rest in
his family compound before the arrival of the police who came to
disperse the crowd.
—PUNCH

Why Buhari Went To The U.K Days Before Hand Over — Spokesman

President-elect Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, departed Nigeria for
Britain via the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, on a private visit.

According to a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his campaign
spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) will
use the opportunity of the visit to take a much-deserved rest ahead of
his inauguration on May 29th.

"He is expected back in the country a few days before the
inauguration, refreshed and ready to hit the ground running once he is
sworn into office", he said
—INFORMATION NIGERIA

My Quotes

"I won't leave Chelsea until the owner wants me to. If any club
offered me a project or more money, I would say no chance." — Mourinho

Why I Advised My Son To Marry A Foreigner Instead Nigerian Women — Oshiomhole's Mother

IYAMHO community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State
became the envy of the Nigeria last Friday, May 15, 2015, when the
Comrade Governor of Edo state, Adams Aliyu Eric Oshiomhole exchanged
marital vows with his heartthrob, former Miss Iara Fortes, a lawyer
from Cape Verde.

It would be recalled that Oshiomhole's first wife, Clara lost the
protracted battle with cancer on December 7, 2010, just two years
after her husband became governor of Edo state.

Vanguard investigation showed that the governor shunned the idea of
marrying Nigerian woman in order not to create crisis in his family.

His mother, Hajia Aishetu told Vanguard that "I supported him to marry
a foreigner so that the relationship between my son and his children
will remain cordial. Our Nigerian women will go and destroy the family
just because they want property.

" That was the main reason I supported him to marry a foreigner when
he told me about it. So I am happy about it. Besides, the new wife is
a very good woman. She behaves like Comrades late wife.

Very accommodating, understanding and hard working. And you know my
son travels a lot as a governor. He needs a woman who understands his
work and that is the kind of wife he married. She is just like Clara.
Normally, people spend two years or less before they marry again but
Comrade decided to wait for five years due to the love he had for his
late wife. And Clara was a good person, very lovely and nice to all of
us. So we supported Comrade for taking time to re-marry because we
loved Clara. Comrade and the former wife lived very happily, there was
no quarrel, nothing at all and that was why he mourned for five years.
I am happy that he brought a wife that will bring him and the children
together".

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Iyamho community, HRH Bashiru
Itameso, who equally is a cousin to the Comrade Governor, said "I was
happy seeing him remarry. I am happy because I never wanted him to
marry a Nigerian because our people are wicked. I prefer it that he
married a foreigner. If he had married a Nigerian, in-laws will come
and start troubling him. They will start tearing themselves apart for
materials things and that will create serious problem between
Comrade and his children. We all supported him to marry a foreigner".
—Vanguard

4 Priests Beaten To Pulp As Enugu Govt Battles Anglican Church

No fewer than six persons, including four Anglican priests, were on
Friday allegedly beaten to stupor by some members a task-force working
with the Enugu State Housing Corporation.

The victims were Reverends Collins Odoabuchi, Mbaka Peter, Eugene, and
Maxwell Onyia.

Others members of the church affected were Ekpecha Okechukwu and Naomi Ibekwe.

The development, which is building up tension in Enugu, the state
capital is coming one week to the end of Governor Sullivan Chime's
administration.

Vanguard reports that trouble started when members of the task force,
accompanied by armed policemen, invaded a parcel of land belonging to
the Christ Church, Uwani, Anglican Communion, sparking off anger from
both clergymen and members of the church.

The Clerics were said to have tried to stop the Task force from
carrying out the demolition exercise but were over powered by the
government agents, who allegedly unleashed terror on the church
leaders.

One of the victims, who gave her name as Naomi Ibekwe told journalists
that she was hit with iron and hard objects, including stones, causing
bruises and severe injuries on her.

But for the quick intervention of the State Commissioner of Police,
Muhammed Abubakar Adamu, who came physically to the scene, there would
have been more casualties as the members of the task force insisted on
going ahead with the exercise as allegedly directed by the state
government.

Reacting to the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, Adamu
Mohammed, told the angry church leaders and their faithful that they
should allow peace to reign as negotiation had begun.

"We have discussed with the church. If anybody is injured, we will not
take it lightly. We have already asked that a formal report be made
and we will follow it up. We have agreed on a peace move and we are
following it up", he stated.

Also speaking, the Priest in-charge of the Christ Church, Venerable N.
Aghadi said, "We have talked at length and discussed very
progressively.

"The Commissioner of Police is pleading that we should go home and
rest. He has promised that the matter is in good hand and that
immediately the Archbishop returns, he will have meeting with him".

However, a source told Vanguard that the state government revoked the
land with an intention to build an estate christened "Transparency
Estate".

While the clash lasted on Friday, five bulldozers were being used to
demolish the structures at the disputed land inside the church
premises.

Findings by Vanguard showed that the Church was dedicated by His
Grace, the Most Reverend C . J. Patterson, the then ArchBishop of West
Africa and Bishop of the Niger in 1965.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that the Managing Director of the Enugu State
Housing Corporation, Emeka Vitalis Onah, who led his team to the
place, escaped being lynched by church members who had planned a
reprisal attack.
—Vanguard

President Jonathan Receives 2015 Epitome Of Peace Award

President Goodluck Jonathan was on Friday presented with the 2015
Epitome of Peace Award by the Field Superintendent of The Apostolic
Church Nigeria, Federal Capital Territory Field, Apostle John Buzu, at
the Presidential Villa in Abuja, PUNCH reports.

The President said the award, which was in recognition of the step he
took after the March 28 Presidential election, which had led to peace
in the country, had further spurred him into doing more for the
country.

"To whom much is given, much is expected. For you to honour me today,
you have given me another mandate to work harder to ensure that we as
Nigerians continue to live in peace.

"One thing I have decided I will do after leaving office is to be
talking to faithful of all religions: Christians, Muslims and other
religions, on the need for Nigerians to live in peace.

"This is because when there is crisis in any part of the country,
nobody can practise his own religion. If there is crisis anywhere,
people cannot go to the mosque, they cannot go to the church.

"We need peace in this country, no matter our religious persuasion or
belief. That will be one of my main commitments when I leave office:
to reduce discrimination in this country based on religious divides or
ethnicity. I believe I will have so many apostles that will follow me
to do that."

Why We Shunned Chukwumerije's Burial — Abia Govt

Despite the presence of dignitaries all over Nigeria at the funeral of
the Late Senator Uche Chukwumerije on Friday, the Government of Abia
State was absent at the event. According to reports in PUNCH
newspaper, the special adviser to the Abia State Governor on Political
Matters, Chief Ama Abraham, said the deceased's children didn't carry
the state along.

The remains of the late Senator was laid to rest at Isuochi in
Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state which is his country
home. In attendance at the burial are the governors of Anambra and Imo
States, Mr. Willie Obiano and Chief Rochas Okorocha. Senate President
David Mark, Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, former
Vice-President Alex Ekweume and other dignitaries were also present at
the event.

Jonathan Opens Army Radio Station

President Goodluck Jonathan has inaugurated a radio station, known as
Defence Radio 107.7 FM owned by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The radio station is located inside the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.

At the inauguration, President Jonathan said that the Army radio
station is the first of its kind in West Africa, and would play a
crucial role in informing the public about the activities of the armed
forces.

The President commended the armed forces for their resilience in the
fight against insurgency in the north-east and condemned negative
criticisms against the military.

He said that while it was important to criticise, such criticisms
should not aim at weakening the troops' morale.

LIST of Nigerian States Not Owing Workers

According to PUNCH, the Nigerian states listed below are not owing
their workers.

*.Adamawa
*.Anambra
*.Bayelsa
*.Borno
*.Delta
*.Edo
*.FCT
*.Gombe
*.Kaduna
*.Kwara
*.Lagos
*.Nasarawa
*.Niger
*.Sokoto
*.Taraba

10 Most Popular Questions Asked During Visa Interviews

Whether you know it or not, you'd have to confront the consular and
answer some grilling questions before the stamp descends on your visa
to allow you travel to the United States or anywhere in the western
world; and come to think of it, your ability to answer questions
correctly determines if you're granted that visa or not.

It does not matter if you've been rejected once or twice at the
embassy; you'll be rejected again and again until you can fully
convince the consular you have what it takes to travel to his/her
country. And no point getting mad at the officer, he/she is highly
trained to approve your visa or reject it based on how he/she
evaluates you and how convincing you answer the questions put to you.

Head or tail, it helps to be thoroughly prepared before meeting with
the consular for your interview, and while hundreds of questions might
be thrown at you based on the training and whims of the interviewing
officer, the following 10 questions and the answers might help put you
in the right frame of mind to meet with the consular. Meanwhile, let
us use traveling to the US for our example.

i. Why do you want to travel to the USA?

Say the truth about why you're travelling because the consular is
trained to see through lies. You might say: I'm travelling for tourism
purpose and to see our daughter who is based on Texas. We intend to
visit Disneyland in Florida, Niagara Falls, Pittsburgh, and possibly
Las Vegas if we have the time because these places are within a
drivable distance of where our daughter lives.

ii. Why must you visit at this time?

This is summer and the best time to visit places in the US. But apart
from this, our daughter arranged for her leave to fall to this time so
that she can have the time to take us round places within and outside
her city. Due to our age, visiting during winter might not be too
suitable for us because of the snow and weather storms.

iii. How long will you be staying in the US?

We shall be staying X number of months, between X to Y months.

iv. Why do you want 1 year visa when 3 months is okay for you?
There is always a lot to see during Christmas in New York and Detroit
(mention the state you're visiting) among others. We'd love to see the
fireworks and displays and even do some Christmas shopping. There are
always a lot of places to visit and see in your country, and due to
our age we may not have another opportunity to visit again.

v. Where will you be staying in the US?

We shall be staying at XYZ street, city, state, and zip. Ensure to
memorize the address and make sure it tallies with what you have on
your visa application.

vi. Who is sponsoring your trip and expenses over there?

Our daughter is taking care of all our expenses. She works at XYZ and
has been in the US for 11 years. Provide proof.

vii. Can I have the contact details of your relatives in the US?

Yes, her phone number is XXX-YYY-ZZZ and her home address is
XXX-YYY-ZZZ. Ensure you know this information off-hand without having
to peruse through jotted notes.

viii. Will you take up job offers or engage in business when you get to the US?

I do not intend to take up job offers or engage in business during
this trip. I'm only visiting my daughter and wish to visit exotic and
fascinating places with her. So I intend to return to my country as
soon as my daughter nudges me to return home.

ix. Who will take care of your home and business when you are gone?

My partner will run the business in my absence and I also have
overseers to manage things behind me. Meanwhile, I have arranged for
my accumulated leave to fall within this period to enable me travel.

x. Have you bought airline tickets or medical insurance?

No. But we shall buy it as soon as we get our visa.

—Culled From NigeriaCamera

Secondary School Girl Stabs Boyfriend To Death In Imo

A 28 years old undergraduate student in Imo state met his death at the
hands of his secondary school girlfriend who never wanted him to see
her family.

Metronaija reports that the Secondary school girl, 20-year-old Chisom
Anyanwu on Wednesday supposedly stabbed her lover, Abio to death in
Ubomiri community of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

Abio who hailed from Egbeada in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the
State visited his lover's house late on Tuesday despite being warned
by Chisom not to visit when her sibling were indoors.

As Abio refused to leave, an argument erupted and it was during the
argument that Chisom stabbed her lover in the chest.

Eyewitnesses claim that Abio died on his way to the Christian Medical
Centre, Nworieubi after losing much blood.

The Imo state Police spokesperson, DSP Andrew Enwerem said the
secondardy school girl had been brought into custody.

In a related development, police in Benin city, Edo state have
apprehended 14 Junior Secondary School (JSS) on suspicion of being
involved in cult-related activities.

Buhari Jets Off To London With Diezani On Board

Embattled Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke,
today booked herself on a British Airways flight to London with
Nigeria's President-Elect, Muhammad Buhari.

According to SaharaReporters, Buhari was said on an unscheduled trip.
Diezani had been billed to travel to the UK next week Tuesday
according to a source, however upon learning that Buhari was traveling
to London, she asked the airline to book her on the same flight as
Buhari so that she could have a chance to discuss directly with the
President-Elect. The British Airways flight departed Abuja this
morning at 9:00am Nigerian time.

Several aides and close associates of Buhari said they were surprised
to learn of the trip since they were with him till 7PM last night
shortly after he arrived from his hometown, Duara.

A family source told SaharaReporters that Buhari was traveling to
London for the weekend and is expected back in Nigeria on Tuesday in
time for the swearing in ceremonies.
—saharareporters

Anambra Govt Blames Enemies Of The State For Human Flesh Restaurant Rumour

The Anambra State Government on Thursday described the story of a
purported restaurant in the state, which serves human flesh as meat to
unsuspected customers, as the handiwork of anti-democratic elements.

The State Commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Dr. Mary
Nwogu, in a statement, made available to journalists in Awka, the
state capital, described the story as a "wider smear campaign" by
enemies of the state.

The statement read, "The attention of the Anambra State Government has
been drawn to a false and malicious report circulating on social media
over the purported closure by the Nigerian Police of a restaurant
selling human flesh in Anambra State.

"This story, as reprehensible and false as it is, was also published
by a national daily, which has since retracted it and apologised,
having found it to be untrue.

"The government of Anambra State, having investigated the story and
found same to be false, hereby urges Ndi Anambra and friends of the
state to ignore the said story as it is part of a wider smear campaign
by anti-democratic forces and enemies of progress, who have been
attempting to sabotage the fast-paced visible infrastructural and
social development going on in the state.

"These individuals, who go by various aliases on social media and on
some other media platforms, have continued to feed unsuspecting
members of the public with lies about Anambra State in the hope that
they will distract the present administration".

The statement added, "It is instructive that the Public Relations
Officer of the Nigeria Police, Anambra State Command, Uche Ezeh, had,
in an earlier statement to the media, debunked the false story.

"Anambra State, the light of the nation, is open for business and is
now the destination of choice in Nigeria for investors looking for a
government friendly investment climate, security, large market,
attractive return on investment, skilled manpower and supporting
infrastructure".