Mourinho Ashamed By Defeat To Bradford City

Jose Mourinho said he was 'ashamed' by Chelsea's 'unacceptable' FA Cup
fourth-round defeat to League One Bradford City.

The Premier League leaders were stunned 4-2 by the League One Bantams
at Stamford Bridge after appearing to be in control of the tie at 2-0
up.

Mourinho caused a stir in the week by saying it would be a disgrace if
they lost to Bradford, and he reaffirmed that belief after the match.

"I repeat the word that I used yesterday in case we lost - it's a
disgrace. A sporting disgrace, but it's a disgrace," he said.

"By one side this is the beauty of football, the beauty of the FA Cup.
It happens more in the FA Cup than any other country. By another side
I feel ashamed and I think the players should feel exactly the same as
I feel."

It was the first time Chelsea have lost to lower-league opposition at
home for 20 years and ends their hopes of winning the quadruple this
season.

Mourinho, though, did pay tribute to Phil Parkinson's side, saying:
"In this moment I feel happy for them. I could find in my bad feeling
with the game and with the result space to feel happy for them. I'm
honest.

"I know in the history of this competition it happens to every team
now and again. For me it's the first time and I think it's
unacceptable to lose against a team from a lower league."

Rochas Will Pay For Insults On Jonathan -Education Minister, Viola Onwuliri Spits Fire Again

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has at different fora challenged
the federal government to mention any legitimate project it has
executed fully in Imo and this particular question has been putting
President Jonathan and his campaign team to a bad light.

Against this back drop, Prof. Mrs Viola Onwuliri Minister in
President's cabinet, in a press session with Journalists in Owerri
Monday presented numerous projects which the federal government under
the leadership of President Jonathan has executed in Imo. She also
declared that Okorocha must surely pay for the insult he has given to
the President.

The minister for state on Education explained that President Goodluck
Jonathan has done enough to Imo people. According to her, Mr President
has done a lot of projects in the various institutions of Owerri
including Imo state university that is owned by the state government.

She revealed that N5.5b was recently released to IMSU for the
development of projects there. In addition, she hinted that equipment
worth over N6b was supplied to IMSU for the upgrading of the
Engineering Department and to make it more effective.

Prof Viola Onwuliri further said that the federal government provides
N20m to support entrepreneurship at IMSU centre.

Other projects in Imo state under President Jonathan which the
minister mentioned includes the twin storey buildings sponsored by
federal government through Universal Basic Education (UBEC) in the 305
political wards of Imo state.

Contracts of Architectural Department at Poly Nekede, Rectors Office,
Admin, block A,B,C ultra modern Diagnostic Complex pediatric Unit
(FMC) Owerri. Projects at Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education
Owerri Imo State.

Professor Onwuliri maintained that the federal government has raised
the standard of living of Imo people through different agencies adding
that more will be done if President Jonathan comes back to power after
the election. She raised eyebrows on the claims of the state
government on some of these projects mentioned.

She regretted that Governor Rochas Okorocha has to open his mouth and
insult the president in the name of politics.

"Okorocha will surely pay for all the insult that he has given to Mr
President". Prof Mrs Onwuliri declared.

She narrated that she knew Okorocha very well more than those who
claim they are close to him. The minister disclosed that both of them
started in Jos, Pleatus state.

Imo is unlucky to have Okorocha as governor". Prof Mrs Onwuliri also said.

Meanwhile, second term aspiration of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo
State to govern the state may have suffered a major set back as the
people of Orlu Senatorial Zone where the governor hails from have
advised the governor to forget about his re-election bid as his first
term was a disappointment to Imo State, particularly Orlu
geo-political zone.

The apex socio-cultural organization of the entire Orlu geo-political
zone, Orlu Zurumee, who cautioned the governor against dabbling into
the governorship race, threatened to mobilize forces against him
should he disregard this warning. According to them "no man however
great is greater than his own people Okorocha's. Second term will be a
disaster".

Disclosing this stance when the new Caretaker Committee members of the
organization led by its President General, Prince Macdonald Akano paid
a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Imo State and South East Councils
of Traditional Rulers in Owerri, HRH Eze (Dr.) Cletus Ilomuanya, the
Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Organization, Chief. Ray
Okoro averred that "Rochas has failed us and there is nothing positive
again he can offer Orlu People in particular and Imo people in
general".

The BOT Chairman who described Eze Ilomuanya as a goal getter and
pride to Imo State, stated that "Rochas said he will stay for only
four years and that a good student do not repeat class. We are tired
of him just as his re-election will be a disaster to Imo State. Let
him go in peace? He opined Orlu Zurumee is undergoing restructuring
and therefore needed the support of well meaning Orlu people to
achieve its aims.

Adducing reasons why Governor Okorocha should be halted in his second
term aspiration, the new President General of Orlu Zurumee and former
Special Adviser on Project Monitoring to Governor Okorocha, Prince
MacDonald Akano, argued that "Okorocha has over stayed his welcome and
that there is dire need for positive change in Imo State".

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE:
http://www.imotrumpeta.com/?p=13545

Sammie Okposo Begs For Forgiveness From Buhari

The Gospel singer Sammie Okposo blasted the hell out ofBuhari who is
old enough to be his father. Okposo said Buhari should be flogged for
forging his WAEC result.

After sometime, Sammie got back to his senses, he found out that
Buhari didn't forge any result and the result is 100% original. So he
took to Social Media to apologize to the APC Presidential candidate.

Read what he wrote below:

"I reposted an uncomplementary and unconfirmed report about GMB which
said he should be flogged for being involved in perjury and forgery. I
deeply apologise to GMB. He is old enough to be my father and my
repost was very disrespectful."

"Secondly for joining in an unconfirmed rumour about him that I
personally can not prove again I apologise. I did not generate the
report but I should not have reposted it for this, I'm deeply sorry."

"My support for GEJ does not give me the right to judge and speak ill
of GMB and any other candidate. My business is only to peacefully
exercise my support and vote for the candidate of my choice. It is an
election, not a war."

"To all who were offended as a result of my repost I apologise. Let's
pray for our country Nigeria that God will help us have a violent free
election. Godbless Nigeria. Peace will reign in Nigeria"

Okposo also took to Twitter to beg for forgiveness again (above).
--GistReel

See What Buhari's 5th Daughter Said About Her Father

Halima Buhari, 5th daughter of APC presidential aspirant just released
a video of her speaking on her dad and how he would relate with
Nigerians if he gets to rule Nigeria again. She spoke about things
Nigerians did not know about Buhari as a father and a Grandfather.

Read transcript below:

What type of father is he?

He is very realistic and tells you exactly how it is.

He likes cracking jokes.
He is very caring and sensitive to our feelings.
He does not coerce us to do anything we don't want to do.
He is very understanding unlike what people believe.
He has a very soft side.

What type of grandfather is he?

He cares a lot about his grandchildren and plays with them even more
than he does with his own children.
He is very fond of his grand children.
He gives them all sorts of funny traditional names.

What kind of president will he be?

This is a democratic era, not 1983 - the military regime, so he will
certainly be more tolerant and passionate about leading Nigeria and
getting it out of every mess that it has seen, the corruption and
insecurity which is making thousands of Nigerians lose their lives and
is affecting everyone in one way or another.
He will tackle it and make sure he gets his job done.
--GistReel

Top Google Executive Predicts End Of The Internet

Google executive chairman Eric Schmidton Thursday predicted the end of
the Internet as we know it.

At the end of a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos,
Switzerland, where his comments were webcast, he was asked for his
prediction on the future of the web. "I will answer very simply that
the Internet will disappear," Schmidt said.

"There will be so many IP addresses...so many devices, sensors, things
that you are wearing, things that you are interacting with that you
won't even sense it," he explained. "It will be part of your presence
all the time. Imagine you walk into a room, and the room is dynamic.
And with your permission and all of that, you are interacting with the
things going on in the room."

Concluded Schmidt: "A highly personalized, highly interactive and
very, very interesting world emerges."

The panel, entitled The Future of the Digital Economy, also featured
Facebook COOSheryl Sandbergand others.

Earlier in the debate, Schmidt discussed the issue of market
dominance. The European Union has been looking at Google's search
market dominance in a long-running antitrust case, and the European
parliament late last year even called for a breakup.

"You now see so many strong tech platforms coming, and you are seeing
a reordering and a future reordering of dominance or leaders or
whatever term you want to use because of the rise of the apps on the
smartphone," Schmidt said Thursday. "All bets are off at this point as
to what the smartphone app infrastructure is going to look like" as a
"whole new set" of players emerges to power smartphones, which are
nothing but super-computers, the Google chairman argued. "I view that
as a completely open market at this point."

Asked about his recent trip to North Korea, Schmidt said the country
has many Internet connections through data phones, but there is no
roaming and web usage is "heavily supervised." Schmidt said "it's very
much surveillance of use," which he said was not good for the country
and others.

Sandberg and Schmidt lauded the Internet as an important way to give
more people in the world a voice. Currently, only 40 percent of people
have Internet access, the Facebook COO said, adding that any growth in
reach helps extend people's voice and increase economic opportunity.
"I'm a huge optimist," she said about her outlook for the industry.
"Imagine what we can do" once the world gets to 50 percent, 60 percent
and more in terms of Internet penetration.

She cited women as being among the beneficiaries, saying the Internet
narrows divides.

Schmidt similarly said that broadband can address governance issues,
information needs, personal issues, women empowerment needs and
education issues. "The Internet is the greatest empowerment of
citizens ... in many years," he said. "Suddenly citizens have a voice,
they can be heard."

During another technology panel at the World Economic Forum on
Thursday, Yahoo CEOMarissa Mayer, Liberty Global CEOMike Friesand
others answered questions on the need to regulate privacy standards on
the Internet and for tech companies following the Snowden case, the
Sony hack and the like.

Mayer said that the personalized Internet "is a better Internet,"
emphasizing: "We don't sell your personal data ... We don't transfer
your personal data to third parties." She said users own their data
and need to have control, adding that people give up data to the
government for tax assessment, social services and other purposes.

Subscribers view billions of hours of content and generate billions of
clicks, but added that "today we do nothing." He explained: "We
generate zero revenue from all of that information." But he
acknowledged that big data was big business for a lot of people.

Both executives said transparency was important to make sure users
know privacy standards and the like.

Gunther Oettinger, a conservative German politician serving as the
European Union's commissioner for digital economy and society, said on
the panel that "we need a convincing global understanding, we need a
UN agency for data protection and security." Asked what form that
"understanding" should have, he said he was looking for "clear,
pragmatic, market-based regulation." Explained Oettinger: "It's a
public-private partnership."
--HollywoodNews

Read How Boko Haram Runs The Desolated Town Of Baga

A woman who wants to remain unnamed has described to BBC Hausa the
evils and ordeals going on right now in the town of Baga after she
escaped the town of Baga, Kukawa LGA, Borno State which is currently
under the control of Boko Haram.

Boko Haram carried out one of its deadliest attacks earlier this month
in the town of Baga. The exact number of people killed has not been
verified. The military claim over 2,000 people have died but one woman
who survived the attacks has told the BBC Hausa service about life in
the town.

The woman's story was was narrated by the BBC. In her story she
describes how Boko Haram are running the town and how bodies on the
street have started decomposing. She also describes how women have
taking interest in the militants and marriages being arranged.

"Boko Haram fighters are currently in control of the town. When they
attacked, they destroyed shops and burnt down our houses.

There are lots of bodies scattered on the street and some have started
decomposing.

The militants gathered the old men who could not leave the town and
some strong women and forced them to bury the corpses because of the
stench - I saw all of this.

Many of the women could not escape during the attack and we were all
brought with the old men to the palace of the traditional ruler.I
spent a week there.

In the mornings and evenings the insurgents would gather the women
together and preach to them.

Two days after the attack, a man who claimed to be Abubakar Shekau
[the leader of Boko Haram] came and addressed us. He said: "Today,
where is your government from local to highest level? You are now
under our control." And he preached to us.

After that, Shekau and many of the insurgents left the town in the
hands of some Boko Haram members who are from Baga.

These men have taken control of the young women in the town. They r*pe
and abuse our daughters.

In the evening they choose ones who are neither pregnant nor nursing
mothers and take them away. They don't bring them back until the
morning. If it is not r*pe what are they doing to them?

But there are some young women who show interest in the Boko Haram
militants and want to marry them. I saw about 25 of them who were
having good relationships with them.

The Boko Haram fighters have also taken over the hospitals. In the
mornings, the militants come and ask if there is any woman who is not
feeling well and they take her to hospital.

They took away all the goods in the market before destroying it. I
counted close to 20 vehicles full of goods from the market and they
feed the women from this.

One day we begged the militants to let us go home to shower and change
our dirty clothes.

Some of them agreed and escorted us to the house. They waited outside
while we went in.

We then got out from the other end of the house and fled. That is how
we escaped."

The latest Boko Haram attack on Baga was some weeks back when the
insurgents killed scores of soldiers in the Multinational Joint Task
Force (MJTF) base, Baga, Kukawa LGA, Borno State.
--infonaija

109-Year-Old Woman Says Secret To Long Life Is Avoiding Men

The oldest living woman in Scotland who is 109 years says the secret
to her longevity is simply "Eat your porridge and avoid men."
Centenarian Jessie Gallan, who was never married, was born in a tiny
two-room farm cottage where she slept "top-to-tail" with her brother
and five sisters on a straw mattress, reported The Daily Mail.

Gallan told the newspaper that her "secret to a long life has been
staying away from men. They're just more trouble than they're worth."
She noted that she also "made sure that I got plenty of exercise, eat
a nice warm bowl of porridge every morning and have never gotten
married."

Last year when she turned 108, she credited her porridge -- but not
avoiding men -- as the reason for her longevity.

While the oldest person in Scotland, Gallan is not the oldest person
in the world. That honor goes to Misao Okawa of Japan, who celebrated
her 116th birthday in March. She has been a widow for 83 years (her
husband died in 1931) -- suggesting that she perhaps shares Gallan's
view about avoiding men if you want to live long.

Last year, a national survey of centenarians in the United States
found that the secrets to long life include plenty of time with
friends and family and a commitment to fitness.

Real Madrid Sign Mid-fielder Lucas Silva From Brazilian Club

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Lucas
Silva from Cruzeiro for an undisclosed fee. The midfielder has signed
a five-year deal with the La Liga club.

"Real Madrid C. F. and Cruzeiro Esporte Clube have reached an
agreement for the transfer of the player Lucas Silva, who will be tied
to the club until 30 June, 2020," a statement on the club's official
site read.

"The player will be unveiled on Monday, 26 January at 1pm CET in the
Santiago Bernabéu presidential box, after undergoing the relevant
medical examination."

"Subsequently, Lucas Silva will step on to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch
for the first time in the Real Madrid shirt and will speak to the
media in the press room," the statement added.

Apart from the Spanish capital club, Premier League side Arsenal were
also linked with a move for the midfielder, with reports suggesting
that the Gunners were the only club to have met the midfielder's
asking price.

The arrival of the Brazilian, could spell the end for Real midfielder
Asier Illarramendi, who will be looking at a move away from the
Santiago Bernabeu in search of regular game time.

The former Real Sociedad midfielder has been linked with a move to the
north London club, as Arsene Wenger continues his search for a
long-term replacement for skipper Mikel Arteta.

The 21-year-old, who was voted the best defensive midfielder in the
Brazilian league, has expressed sadness over leaving Cruzeiro, the
club where he has spent the last eight years of his career. He refused
to bid adieu to the club, as he hoped to come back and play for the
club again in the future.

"These almost eight years I lived within the Cruise were striking.
Here got many achievements, thank God. Cruzeiro Esporte Clube always
was, is and will always be my home. Rather not say goodbye, I say see
you soon and am very proud to have honored this shirt. I hope to
return one day to wear again, this heavenly robe. A hug Lucas Silva,
one cruzeirense eternal," Silva told Cruzeiro's official site.

The Brazil U23 midfielder, who spent his formative years at the club
and thanked everyone involved in making him the player he is today and
the president for helping him fulfill his childhood dream.

"I am very happy with this time. It is a unique opportunity in my life
is a dream come true. I could not fail to thank the club, the staff,
the players, the coaching staff, especially the coach. I also thank
the President who answered my personal request, making me realize that
dream," the Cruzeiro star added.

"I am grateful to this wonderful crowd, which made me shiver several
times in the legume, always selling out the stadium, encouraging me
and making me race had on the pitch," he said, thanking the fans of
the club.
--

Oil Prices Surge After Saudi King's Death

Oil rose after the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the biggest
producer in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Futures rallied as much as 3.1 percent inNew York and 2.6 percent
inLondon after the Saudi royal court announced the death in a
statement. Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz will succeed Abdullah on
the throne. The kingdom, the world's largest crude exporter, led
OPEC's decision to maintain its oil-production quota at a meeting in
November, exacerbating a global glut that's driven prices lower.

"The passing of King Abdullah is going to increase uncertainty and
increase volatility inoil prices in the near term,"Neil Beveridge, a
Hong Kong-based analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein& Co., said by phone.
"I wouldn't expect a change in policy in the near term to be known,
but the passing comes at a challenging time for Saudi Arabia."

Oil Prices

Oil fell almost 50 percent last year as the U.S. pumped at the fastest
rate in more than three decades and OPEC resisted calls to cut
output.Crude stockpilesin the U.S., the world's biggest oil consumer,
rose by 10.1 million barrels through Jan. 16, the Energy Information
Administration reported on Thursday. That was the biggest volume gain
since March 2001.

Policy Uncertainty

WestTexas Intermediate for March delivery climbed as much as $1.45 to
$47.76 a barrel in electronic trading on theNew York Mercantile
Exchange and was at $47.05 at 3:44 p.m. Singapore time. The contract
dropped $1.47 to $46.31 on Thursday. Total volume was about 41 percent
above the 100-day average. Prices have decreased 3.3 percent this
week.

Brent for March settlement advanced as much as $1.28 to $49.80 a
barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The European
benchmark crude traded at a premium of $2.36 to WTI, compared with
$1.04 on Jan. 16.

King Abdullah oversaw a fivefold expansion in the size of the Arab
world's biggest economy and met the Arab Spring with a mixture of
force and largesse. He died after almost a decade on the throne. He
was born in 1924.

"The market is reacting bullishly to this news because it may usher in
a period of uncertainty as far as Saudi policies going forward as new
leadership takes over," saidAndy Lipow, the president of Lipow Oil
Associates LLC, an energy consultant in Houston, Texas.

Market 'Tensions'

King Salman, in his previous capacity as crown prince, read a speech
on behalf of the monarch on Jan. 6 that confirmed the continuity of
Saudi oil policy in the face of market "tensions" caused by slow
growth in the global economy.

A key indicator will be whether Salman, 79, retains the oil minister,
Ali Al-Naimi, who has driven decision-making since 1995. Al-Naimi, who
turns 80 this year, has said he'd like to devote more time to his
other job as the chairman of the science and technology university
named after the late sovereign.

"There's the possibility thatAli al-Naimi could be replaced as oil
minister," saidPhil Flynn, a senior market analyst at the Price
Futures Group inChicago. "The biggest concern is uncertainty. But,
because the world is awash in oil, the reaction was muted."

The king's death also raises the question of whether instability
across theMiddle East will intensify, according to Flynn. King
Abdullah had "done a good job trying to subdue" insurgents in the
country, and Saudi Arabia may face increasing pressure from them now
that he's gone, he said.
--bloomberg

6 Proven And Effective Ways To Avoid Breast Sagging

Woman's breasts are truly a symbol of her beauty and femininity.
However, there are many natural and unnatural progressions of life
that can lead to sagging breasts. Things like ageing, smoking,
pregnancy, and excessive exercise can steal away an important part of
your beauty and look. While you cannot battle against the natural
causes, you can prevent excessive and premature chest sagging with the
following tips:

#1. Wear a proper fitting bra

No other part of your body is as affected by gravity as your breasts.
One of the most common reasons for sagging breasts is an ill-fitted
bra. It is very crucial to pick a correct size bra, as it keeps the
chest in shape and enhances your overall appearance. While trying on a
bra, make sure that your breasts are not bouncy or spilling out. When
the straps become lose, either tighten them or replace the brassiere.
If you are not aware about your proper bra size, consult a
professional and have your size properly measured.

#2. Massage

To keep your curvy bosoms in shape, apply some moisturiser daily. It
will keep the skin supple and help your breasts retain their
elasticity. Also, gently massage your br**sts in a circular motion
from upside down and vice versa. Do this for at least 10 minutes every
day. This would help to increase blood circulation in the tissues, and
would help in increasing the elasticity of your breasts. You can use
aloe vera gel, almond oil, or any other vegetable oil for the massage.

#3. Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is very essential to your attempts to avoid chest
sagging. Your body needs balanced diet to build healthy cells,
including the new chest tissues. Vitamins are very important for your
body. Vitamin E and D are very important for healthy skin. Along with
this, include Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet to reduce risks of
chest cancer. Add a lot of green leafy vegetables, carrots, fishes,
nuts, tomatoes, and whole grains, etc. in your diet.

#4. Steady weight

Maintain a stable weight by exercising regularly and eating a balanced
diet. Weight fluctuations such as gaining and losing weight regularly
can result in stretching out the skin tissues. This can affect the
elasticity of the breasts. Always stick to your recommended weight to
avoid sagging of your breasts along with many other health problems.
Fluctuations in body weight can increase the tension on the connective
tissues in the breasts.

#5. Excessive exercise

Anything in excess is bad, and so is excessive exercising. Running in
particular can take a toll on the elasticity of your breasts. Women
with larger size should be extra careful while exercising. The weight
of larger breasts can cause harm to ligaments and connective tissues.
So, avoid jogging for extended periods of time and always wear a
supportive and a comfortable sports bra while exercising. Having said
that, a correct fitness routine can help you to keep your breasts
firm. Some pectoral workouts can help a lot, such as push-ups, chest
presses, etc.

#6. Water intake

Drink enough glasses of water every day to keep your body hydrated.
Your skin tends to become wrinkled and saggy when it is dehydrated.
So, keep your skin moist and hydrated to get rid of loose and saggy
skin. Other than water, you can also rely on other liquids and citrus
fruits to keep yourself hydrated.
--bollywoodshaadis.com

Bouchi Youths Set APC Office Ablaze In Retaliation Of Attack On President Jonathan

Youths suspected to be supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) yesterday set ablaze the campaign office of All Progressives
Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi
Abubakar in retaliation of the attack on President Goodluck Jonathan
and vandalization of PDP billboards and posters.

Vanguard reports that the angry youths attacked and vandalized the
Bauchi South Senatorial District campaign office of Barrister Abubakar
which is located in Kobi Street at about 2 am when people were still
in bed.

Some residents of the area said: "We woke up and saw the office on
fire and all the relevant things in the office had already been burnt
and there was nothing we could do at that time to save the situation.
We did not envisage that any reasonable person could do such a thing."

Some of them said they saw some group of persons storm the office in
three Hilux vehicles and set the place ablaze and immediately drove
out while the flame blazed for over two hours because of the documents
in the office.
--Vanguard

Gombe Governor Escapes Death, 14 Supporters Die

(Photo: Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo)

No fewer than 14 persons died on Thursday evening in Gombe State when
a vehicle crashed into the convoy of the Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.
The procession was returning from the presidential rally of the
Peoples Democratic Party in nearby Bauchi State when the tragedy
occurred.

According toTheCable,an online news platform, the vehicle which was
heading to Abuja for a programme organised by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development, rammed into the convoy around the
Alkaleri end of the Bauchi/Gombe federal highway.

"The vehicle of the governor had already passed and it was that of the
press that was affected. A bus conveying people to Abuja for the
AGRIFEST programme rammed into the convoy. The vehicle was trying to
avoid a motorcycle, which was on a high speed when it happened," said
an official of the Department of State Service who asked not to be
named.

Gombe State Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, while confirming the
tragedy, stated that victims had been moved to the Federal Medical
Centre, in the capital Gombe.

Jonathan To Campaign In Borno Today

Two weeks after visiting the Boko Haram insurgency-ridden Maiduguri,
Borno State, President Goodluck Jonathan will again visit the state to
campaign for next month's election.

His previous visit was to the soldiers serving in the state in
commemoration with the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The President had severely been criticised in recent times for not
visiting the crisis-torn North-East.

PUNCH reports that the President would unfold plans to tackle the Boko
Haram militant sect during his campaign in the state.

Meanwhile, the governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, on Friday
appealed to his supporters and all citizens of the state not to show
any form of disrespect to the President and his entourage during the
campaign visit.

Shettima made the call in a statement by his media aide, Mallam Isa Gusau.

The governor said the call became necessary because of recent attacks
carried out on the President in Bauchi and Katsina States during which
irate youths reportedly went wild against the President's convoy.

He described the acts as disrespectful, show of intolerance and
extremely bad politics.

He said, "From what I have read or heard in the media so far, there
has not been any issue of such in any APC-controlled states visited by
the President and Borno should not be an exception.

"We have political differences and our differences are legitimate and
based on the principles of our political parties and what we stand
for.

"But we must remember that His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan, GCFR, is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
and as citizens of this country, we have an obligation to respect his
office and his person.

"Our millions of citizens who support the APC in Borno State and our
Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and anyone that supports
me or any of our National and State Assembly candidates in the state
should shun any act of violence, intolerance and unlawful political
behaviour before, during and after the President's visit and should
remain law-abiding citizens of Borno State as our laws, norms and
values demand."

Also, in a related development, the Minister of State for Power, Hon.
Mohammed Wakil, has described the attack on the convoy on the present
during his campaign trips to parts of the North as misguided and
misconceived.
--PUNCH

Court Summons Pasted In Front Of D'banj's Lekki House

D'banj has been summoned to court, According NET who was at D'banj's
house in Osaro Isokpan Street in Lekki Phase 1 were they found court
summons pasted in front of the hit maker's house.

The suit number is LD/ADR/445/14 with hearing expected on January 26th
2015, but might be postponed as Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria
(JUSUN) are currently on an indefinite strike.
--GistReel

Oil Slump: Naira Crashes To N208 Against Dollar

(Photo: CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele)

The naira on Friday crashed against the United States dollar from 191
to 208 at the parallel market, otherwise known as the black market.

The dollar sold for between N205 and N208 on the streets of Lagos,
Abuja and other major cities in the country.

The currency had exchange for between N188 and N191 on the streets of
Lagos and other key cities on Wednesday and Thursday morning, dealers
said.

The latest fall in the naira's value came less than two months after
the Central Bank of Nigeria was forced to devalue the local currency
by eight per cent from 155 to 168 against the dollar following the
continued decline in the prices of crude oil in the international
market.

The fall in oil revenue, from which the nation derives 95 per cent of
its foreign exchange, has led to a drastic reduction in the external
reserves from which the CBN supports the naira.

The reserves had fallen by over 20 per cent from $43bn a year ago to
$34.4bn as of January 22, 2015.

Although the CBN still sells the dollar to approved buyers for N168 at
its twice-weekly regulated auctions called the Retail Dutch Auction
System, the naira closed against the United States currency at 190.08
at the interbank segment of the foreign exchange market on Friday.

Analysts said the latest fall in the value of the naira at the
parallel market was due to recent policy measures by the CBN, which
were aimed at stopping speculations on the currency.

The CBN had on Wednesday stopped banks and other dealers from selling
dollars to Bureaux de Change operators. It also said dollars bought at
the RDAS and interbank segment of the foreign exchange market should
be used strictly for the funding of letters of credit, bills for
collections and invisible transactions.

However, the central bank on Friday evening increased its weekly
dollar sale to the BDCs from $15,000 to $30,000 and said the move was
meant to reposition the forex market.

Some analysts said the CBN's action might calm the market and make the
naira to appreciate. Others, however, said the naira might depreciate
further next week.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported on Friday that the naira
depreciated against the dollar as it traded at N208 from the N191.50
it sold for on Monday, January 19, thus losing N16.50 within five
days.

The CBN's website, however, put the naira against the dollar at
N167.50, while the pound sold for N253.20 and the euro stood at
N193.89.

NAN quoted that some Bureau de Change and black market operators in
Lagos as saying that they could not give rates to the pound sterling
and the euro.

The dealers also said that there was a scarcity of dollars in
circulation, because the CBN reduced the sale of dollars to the BDCs
since last year.

The dealers added that the recent review of the forex trading
positions of banks to 72 hours was also contributing to speculations
in the system.

The effect, they added, was that the naira could depreciate further by
next week.

Industry analysts recently predicted that the naira would likely
exchange against the dollar for over 220 soon.

According to experts, the naira has remained under continued pressure
owing to the continued fall in the prices of crude oil in the
international market and increased demand for the dollar locally.

The development, they said, would lead to a number of economic
challenges this year.

"After the elections, the naira will sell above 220 against the dollar
at the parallel market. And it is also noteworthy to say that the CBN
will devalue the naira again after the February elections. The reason
is due to the falling oil prices and the current demand pressure we
are witnessing on the dollar," the Acting President, Association of
Bureau de Change Operators, Mr. Aminu Gwadabe, told our correspondent
in an interview on Monday.

Some Nigerian and foreign analysts have also predicted that the naira
will sell for between 195 and 205 at the official market this year.

They equally believe that the CBN will devalue the naira again after
the elections.

BGL Plc, a Nigeria-based research and investment advisory firm, quoted
analysts in its recent 2015 outlook report as saying that the naira
would sell around 205 to the dollar at the official market.

Goldman Sachs had on July 18, 2014 forecast that the naira would trade
at 195 to the dollar in 12 months.

The Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr.
Bismarck Rewane, said the parallel market rate was expected to cross
N200 as the dollar demand pressure persists.
--PUNCH

African Woman Footballer Of The Year Asisat Oshoala Joins Liverpool Ladies FC

African Woman Footballer of the YearAsisat Oshoala, has joined
Liverpool Ladies FC,She joined the club based on a 5 year deal.

The Women's Super League Champions secured the signature of the 20
year-old Nigerian international from Nigerian Women's Championship
title winners,Rivers Angels.

"Liverpool Ladies are delighted to annnounce the signing of recently
crowned African Women's Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala," Liverpool
wrote on their official website.

Asisat who helped Rivers Angels win their first league title victory
since 2010 when they beat Pelican Stars described joining the
Liverpool Ladies as "absolutely fantastic."

"Since I began my football career I have always dreamt of being a
professional footballer so to be able to join the reigning Women's
Super League champions is absolutely fantastic.

"Liverpool Ladies are a massive Club who have some fantastic players
who I believe can help to develop my game to the next level. It was
also a big incentive to be able to play in the Uefa Women's Champions
League which is a huge competition and one I'm confident we can do
well in."

Liverpool Ladies manager, Matt Beard said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to
have signed Asisat as she is one of the World's top young footballers.
Asisat proved in the U20 World Cup what a top class talent she is and
this signing is a big coup for us.

"The Women's Super League continues to improve year after year so it
is vital that we strengthen our squad following last season's
successful title defence. This signing is definitely one that the
supporters can be extremely excited about.

Asisat is currently regarded as Nigeria's biggest football talent in
the women's game after claiming the most valuable player and top
scorer's awards at last year's Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup.
--GistReel

Orlu Zone Senatorial Candidates Jittery, As Idiga Intensifies Campaign

As campaign for all political positions is gathering momentum all over
the country and Imo state, the senatorial candidates for Orlu zone
under the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Accord party, Hon.
ThankGod Nnamdi Ezeani and Chief Felix Chidi Idiga popularly known as
JAFAC respectively over the weekend raised their eye brows while given
the opportunity to address Orlu people.

It was reported that the Uzii born politician of Akokwa, Ideato North
LGA, ThankGod Ezeani came first at the rally and inauguration ceremony
of the state working Executive members of a non governmental
organization known as Soldier Ant Grassroot Mobilization Movement
(SAGMM) with his mammoth supporters before the entrance of another
business mogul, philanthropist and well known Orlu son from Amaifeke,
Chief Chidi Felix Idiga who people addresses as JAFAC.

When given the opportunity to address Orlu people, JAFAC in his
articulated speech enlightened the mammoth crowd who stood up in their
number with solidarity songs that "if not JAFAC, no one else in Orlu
zone" stated that days are gone when politics is played on the strata
of political parties or money bags, but solely depends on the
preparedness, antecedents and the love the individual has for the
masses, hence enjoined that Orlu senatorial seat needs a competent,
revolutionary fellow like him who started his JAFAC foundation as far
back as 1977, reformed on 1989 with the achievements met so far.

Apparently, he went further to harness some of his positive inputs in
Amaifeke Orlu and Orlu zone at large including the solid construction
of over 48 rural roads attracted form Federal Government, empowerment
to the jobless youths and women of the zone without segregation or
political affiliation. He also stipulated that with their votes to be
voted in favour of him, if declared the winner after the February 14th
elections he will better the lives of the masses through the erection
of industries and factories in all the twelve local Government Area
that made up Imo West Senatorial District.

Meanwhile, "Nkwa Chukwu Kwere Orlu" as his chieftaincy title reads
assures that none of his co-contenders has the ability to outshine him
in any ramification as he has come to wipe away tears in their eyes,
give succor to the jobless youths, as a continuation to what he has
been doing with his JAFAC foundation.
--Trumpeta

Ripples In Late Eudora Igwe's Camp Over Uzodimma, Ezeani Senate Bids

The battle over who represents Orlu zone (Imo West) in the Senate is
having a devastating effects on the political structure left behind by
the deceased member who represented Ideato North State Constituency in
Imo State Hon Eudora Igwe (Okwesilieze).

In the meantime, while a group led by the husband Chief Christian
Ihudike Igwe reportedly led the wife's structure from APGA to PDP,
another arm said to be piloted by the aide of the late lawmaker, Barr
Calistus Ihejiagwa remained in APGA but transferred the services of
the structure to a fresh candidate ThankGod Ezeani.

Trumpeta reports that at the death of Okwesilieze, several interest
groups and politicians sought to have her APGA ticket by making
several entreaties to the Igwe family at both in Owerri and Akokwa
homes. It was gathered that first to seek Okwesilieze's APGA ticket
was Chief Felix Idiga, otherwise known as JAFAC. Idiga who lost PDP
primaries was said to have approached the family but no tangible
agreement was reached leading to the collapse of the initial romance.

Next on the line was Ezeani, who is now the standard bearer of APGA
for the Senate position. The manner Ezeani secured the ticket from
APGA without recourse to the family was said to have irked the Igwes
who thought otherwise and dumped the party for PDP.

To show their new move, Igwe moved en masse into PDP with her late
wife's political structure at an elaborate event in Orlu. The
beneficiary is the PDP candidate, Uzodimma who received Igwe and
armada of decampees at Orlu last week.

However, the newspaper learnt all is not well with the solid
foundation laid by the late Okwesilieze especially his pet project,
Adaoma Foundation. The captains and foot soldiers of the campaign team
are said to be at crossroads following divergent views shared by the
stakeholders in the political machinery.

The centre, it is said can no longer hold in the fold following the
separate ways of Igwe and Ihejiagwa as 2015 election approaches. It
was learnt that the camp of Uzodimma was not comfortable with the
inability of the entire Okwesilieze political structure joining him.
It was learnt that both Igwe and the erstwhile personal assistant to
the wife are witnessing a cold war over the division in the structure.
--Trumpeta

Revealed: Why Ohakim, Araraume Shunned PDP Presidential Rally In Owerri

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the absence of former Governor
Ikedi Ohakim and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume at the Presidential rally of
the People Democratic Party PDP in Owerri last weekend.

The two top shots and Governorship aspirants of the party in the 2015
Gubernatorial Primaries of the party were visibly absent during the
President Jonathan/Sambo campaign rally held at the Dan Anyiam
stadium, Saturday January 17, 2015.

Even as some of the fellow contenders at the polls like Senator Chris
Anyanwu, Barrister Humphrey Anumudu, Professor Jude Njoku, Chief Jerry
Chukwueke, Barrister Ken Njemanze, Lady Clara Njoku, Bethel Amadi and
few others participated fully in the rally the duo of Ohakim and
Araraume shunned the ceremony.

Reacting to the absence of Senator Araraume at the ceremony, his media
aide, Dr James Okoroma said that Senator Araraume did not deliberately
shun the rally. According to Dr Okoro, Senator Araraume mobilized his
followers for the ceremony but could not make it personally because of
unforeseen circumstances.

He said, "Senator Araraume had wanted to fly into the state that
morning, but could not as he was indisposed. But he mobilized all his
supporters across the various wards and local governments in the state
for the ceremony".

"If you were at the stadium you would have seen our banners welcoming
Mr President as well as our supporters in their T-shirts. All these
signs point to the fact that Senator Araraume was supportive of the
rally. Above all, he is in touch with both the presidency and the
leadership of the party" Okoro explained.

In the same vein, information available to Trumpeta has it on good
authority that former Governor Ohakim's absence was because of his
sudden overseas trip on an official assignment, pointing to the fact
that the duo may not have deliberately shunned the rally as being
rumoured.

Meanwhile, Imo state Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has congratulated
them for shunning the rally. This was contained in a statement by the
media aide to the Governor Mr Sam Onuwuemeodo.

According to the statement, "We want to also appreciate leaders of the
party especially Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, former Governor of the
State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Chief Arthur Nzeribe and a host of other
leaders of the party who also stayed away from the poorly attended
rally.

From all indications, Imo people, irrespective of their political
affiliations appear more united now to tame the deceit of the PDP and
must have also decided to call a spade a spade by resisting, in any
way they can, further let-down by the PDP, otherwise there would not
have been any other reason why only half of the stadium was occupied
by guests in a rally the president of the country was in attendance.

It was gathered that the majority of those who formed the scanty crowd
at the stadium were the ones imported from Bayelsa and Abia States,
because the buses dispatched to Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi States to
bring people came back to Owerri empty.

It is also important at this stage to advice the chieftains of the PDP
in the state to drop this lingering mentality of using armed people to
intimidate and harass our people whenever they have function in the
state. They should also stop the provoking practice of blocking all
the major roads in Owerri whenever they also have any ceremony.

"The PDP as a party and its leaders were fond of doing all these
annoying things when they were in power for twelve years. And one had
expected them to drop such practices haven been out of power for
almost four years now. But they are still in the business of
exercising undue bravados associated with power.

"The PDP leaders in the State should drop pride and begin to follow
the examples of Governor Rochas Okorocha who had more than one million
Imolites gathering in Owerri, the previous Monday to celebrate him,
yet no road was blocked by armed security personnel and nobody was
harassed and no market was closed.

We thank Imo people for strongly believing in Owelle and his Rescue
Mission administration the statement added.
--Trumpeta

Things You Should Never Say In A Job Interview

Interviews are probably the most challenging part of the job search
process. You need to be ready for anything, including weird interview
questions.You don't want to blurt out something inappropriate and send
all of your hard work down the toilet. Avoid these inappropriate
comments during your interview:

1. I'm really nervous. There's nothing wrong with feeling nervous.
It's natural to be a little uneasy at an important interview. Don't
tell the interviewer if you have butterflies in your stomach, though.
Your job in the interview is to portray a confident and professional
demeanor. You won't win any points by admitting your nerves or blaming
them for any failures in your performance.

2. I don't really know much about the job; I thought you'd tell me all
about it. This is a big job seeker mistake, and it can cost you the
opportunity. Employers spend a lot of time interviewing, and they
expect candidates to have researched the jobs enough to be able to
explain why they want the positions. Otherwise, you could be wasting
everyone's time by interviewing for a job you may not even really
want. Asking questions is important, but don't ask anything you should
know from the job description or from reading about the company
online.

3. My last boss/colleague/client was a real jerk. It's possible (even
likely) that your interviewer could prod you into telling tales about
your previous or current supervisor or work environment. Resist the
urge to badmouth anyone, even if you have a bad boss. It is
unprofessional and the employer will worry what you may say to someone
about him or her down the road. Instead, think about ways to describe
past work environments in terms of what you learned or accomplishments
you're proud to discuss.

4. My biggest weakness is (something directly related to the
job)."What's your weakness?" is one of the most dreaded interview
questions. There's no perfect reply, but there is a reply you should
never say: Never admit to a weakness that will affect your ability to
get the job done. If the job description requires a lot of creativity,
and you say your creativity has waned lately, assume that you've taken
yourself out of the running. Choose a weakness not related to the
position and explain how you're working to improve it.

5. @#$%! Granted, profanity seems to be much more accepted in many
workplaces today. However, an interview is not the time to demonstrate
that you can talk like a pirate.

6. Just a minute; I really need to get this call. It's amazing how
many hiring managers and recruiters report that interviewees answer
their phones and respond to text messages during in-person interviews.
Turn off your phone during interviews and you will not be tempted to
reach to answer it.

7. How much vacation time would I get? Never, ever ask questions in an
interview that may make it appear that you'll be overly focused on
anything other than work.

8. Can I work from home? Even if you're pretty sure the company has a
lenient work-from-home policy, the interview isn't the best time to
ask about it.

9. Family is the most important thing to me. [/b]This is true for many
people. However, you do not need to explain how devoted you are to
your family during your job interview. It is unlikely to win favor,
even in organizations with a well-known family-friendly environment.
You want your potential employer to envision you being totally devoted
to his or her needs.

When in doubt, pause before you say what's on your mind. If you wonder
if it's okay to ask, assume it's better to avoid the topic altogether.
--KioskPremium

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Dies At 90

Throngs of mourners gathered in Mecca early Friday just hours after
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud died. He was 90.
Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz was appointed as the new king, state
television reported.

The announcement of Abdullah's death comes several weeks after the
state-run Saudi Press Agency said he was suffering from pneumonia and
had been admitted to the hospital.

Services will be held Friday afternoon at the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah
Grand Mosque in Riyadh, and many world leaders are likely to pay their
respects.

Jordan's King Abdullah cut short his visit to Davos, and is heading to
Riyadh, according to a Jordanian government source.

"King Abdullah's life spanned from before the birth of modern Saudi
Arabia through its emergence as a critical force within the global
economy and a leader among Arab and Islamic nations," U.S. President
Barack Obama said in a statement.

"As our countries worked together to confront many challenges, I
always valued King Abdullah's perspective and appreciated our genuine
and warm friendship. As a leader, he was always candid and had the
courage of his convictions."
--PUNCH

Fuel Subsidy: PPPRA Removes Pricing Template From Website

(Photo: Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Mr. Reginald Stanley)

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Pricing on Thursday removed
the pricing templates of all refined petroleum products from its
website.

The decision was an apparent reaction to the publication of a story
byThe PUNCHthat the Federal Government was still paying a subsidy of
N2.84 for every litre of petrol despite the reduction of the pump
price of the product to N87 on Sunday.

Efforts made by PUNCH correspondents to get explanations from the
agency as to why the templates were removed were not successful as
calls to its spokesperson, Mr. Lanre Oladele, were not answered. A
text message sent to his mobile telephone number was not also
answered.

The PUNCH had on Thursday exclusively reported that despite the recent
reduction in the pump price of petrol from N97 to N87 per litre, the
government claimed it was still paying N2.84 as subsidy on every litre
of the product consumed.

According to the petrol pricing template published on the PPPRA
website on Wednesday, the Expected Open Market Price of Premium Motor
Spirit, otherwise called petrol, is N89.84 per litre, while the
regulated price is N87 per litre.

The PPPRA said the approved prices of petroleum products as reflected
in the templates were from January 16, 2015.

According to the agency, the landing cost of petrol is now N74.35 per
litre, while the ex-depot price is N77.66 per litre.

On January 5, The PUNCH had reported that with the price of the global
benchmark Brent crude closing at $57.94, the Federal Government was
paying 90 kobo as subsidy for a litre of petrol because the PPPRA
pricing template had put the EOMP at N97.90.

The Federal Government on Sunday night announced the reduction in the
pump price of petrol by N10 per litre, attributing this to the decline
in global crude oil prices.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, while
explaining the reason for the reduction in fuel price, said, "There
has been a lot of volatility in the oil market in the past few months
and due to this, the importation prices of our petroleum products have
been impacted.

"Therefore, with the approval and directive of Mr. President, and by
virtue of Section 6 clause 1 of the Nigerian Petroleum Act, it is my
responsibility as the Minister of Petroleum Resources to hereby
announce a reduction in the pump price of Petroleum Motor Spirit from
the current N97 per litre to N87 per litre, effective from midnight of
Sunday, January 18, 2015."

Industry analysts have, however, faulted the pricing template released
on Wednesday by the PPPRA, especially the decision to retain subsidy
following the decline in global oil prices.

They said the plunge in oil prices, which necessitated the reduction
in the pump price of petrol, was an opportunity for the country to end
subsidy on the product.

Two days after the reduction in the pump price of petrol from N97 to
N87 per litre, the PPPRA released its template showing that the
landing cost of PMS as of January 16 was N74.35 per litre. With the
addition of the distribution margin of N15.49 to the landing cost, the
total cost stood at N89.84 per litre that day.

Analyst also faulted the fact the agency used the new regulated price
of N87 for the January 16, 2015 template when the pump price of the
product was reduced on Sunday, January 18, 2015.

An energy analyst, who pleaded anonymity, said, "With the low oil
price, we have an opportunity to end PMS subsidy by setting the PMS
price at a level where there will be no more subsidy required.
However, the decision to set prices at levels increasing subsidy from
a mere 90 kobo per litre to almost N3 is not the best for the
government's declining revenue situation.

"I would have asked why we are increasing subsidy from just N0.90k,
while the price was N97 per litre; we now pay N2.84 at N87. This was
an opportunity to avoid subsidy. We could have set the pump price at
N90 per litre instead of N87 and claiming that there is subsidy of
N2.84."

The Director, Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law, Prof.
Adeola Adenikinju, said, "In my view, this is the time to let the
market be largely driven by market forces."

A former Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation, Mr. Chamberlain Oyibo, told one of our correspondents on
the telephone on Thursday that the best time to completely remove
subsidy on petrol was now given the prevailing market realities.

He said crude oil prices and petrol prices had fallen significantly in
recent times, making it natural for subsidies on petroleum products to
be eroded.

"The government can deregulate the sector now and allow the private
sector to take charge. This is the best time to do it," Oyibo said.
--ThePUNCH

Hostile Youths Attack Presidential Convoy In Bauchi

President Goodluck Jonathan's bid to seek the support of Bauchi people
ahead of the February 14 presidential election has reportedly turned
bloody.

Six operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) have been
reported hospitalized after sustaining varying degrees of injuries
from the fracas that ensued after the rally.

The President was said to have met a hostile crowd, with brooms and
stones both on the road and at the rally venue.

The President landed at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport around
11am on Thursday and went straight to the palace of the Emir of
Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwan Suleiman Adamu to pay homage.

When the President's convoy drove out of the palace, some youths
displayed brooms and posters of APC candidates while some showed that
of President Jonathan and his deputy.

While some of the youths hailed the President, some merely displayed
brooms to show lack of support for the President and some went
violent.

The situation, however, got worse as the President's convoy entered
the Ibrahim Babangida Square for the rally. The hostile youths started
throwing stones at the convoy.

It took the intervention of security men on ground to chase the youths
away and reduce the impact of their actions even though some vehicles
in the convoy already had little scars.

This created a tense atmosphere at the venue as the rally had to be rushed.

As the President's convoy was leaving the rally venue, the violent
youths who had earlier been chased out by security men made their way
back inside.

They attacked the last bus on the convoy which contained the DSS
operatives with a big stone which smashed the windscreen and caused
injuries for the occupants.

Six of the occupants were rushed to a nearby hospital, while four of
them who only needed minor treatment were discharged immediately.

Another two, a lady and a man, who had deep cuts on their heads which
required bandages and other serious measures were still taking
treatment at the time of filing this report.

Officials told Channels Television that the two seriously wounded
officers would be flied back to Abuja for further treatment as soon as
possible.
--ChannelsTV

PDP Alleges Forgery of Buhari Certificate

PDP presidential campaign office says the documents said to have been
released by the Government College Katsina as the results of the APC
presidential candidate, are forged, manipulated and fraudulently
procured.

The Director of Media for the Campaign Organization, Femi Fani-Kayode,
said that instead of providing conclusive proof that he possesses the
required qualification, he has only stumbled into a new phase in the
matter.

Using an enlarged printout of the documents, the Director of Media
showed what he said were clear indications of alterations and
cancellations that questions the authenticity of the documents.

He said that the police and other security agencies should seek out
the authors and masterminds of the forgery and prosecute them in
accordance with the law.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari,
had on Wednesday, spoken to journalistsabout the controversy
surrounding his primary and secondary school qualification.

While insisting that he attended the Provincial Secondary School, now
known as Government College, Katsina, he named late Gen Shehu Musa
Yar'adua and a former President of the Court of Appeal, Mr Umar
Abdullahi, as his classmates.
--ChannelsTV

Lagos Politician Escapes Death As Car Explodes In Motion

With all the negative energy chanelled towards bombing, people should
be very careful in our present Nigeria.

Alhaji Simbat Popoola Lateef is grateful to God for sparing his life.
And he sure has enough cause to. The politician's car recently
exploded while he was driving the vehicle.

Expectedly, the blast damaged the new car. But quite incredibly, the
Lagos politician was unhurt! He said he would remain eternally
indebted to God for keeping him alive in spite of the blast that
shattered his car.

The incident happened around 11.30pm on January 18, 2015 on God in
Action Avenue, Wilmer Quarters, in Ajeromi /Ifelodun Local Government
Area of Lagos State. After unwinding with his friends around his
quarters, Lateef said he was driving home when the engine of his
Hyundai car caught fire. He said he managed to escape from the burning
car and shouted for help from neighbours who were probably already
asleep at that hour.

He commended the prompt response and assistance rendered by some
residents around the scene of the incident, noting that the
kindhearted individuals risked their lives, came out from their
houses, dashed to the vehicle and eventually doused the fire.

However, the lucky Lateef, who said he was currently a chairmanship
aspirant under the All Progressives Party (APC) in Ajeromi LGA, raised
the alarm that some assassins might be after his life.

When asked if he was suspicious of anyone that might be after his
life, Alhaji Lateef said the present political campaign heat in the
country was capable of giving birth to rancour that would degenerate
to a life-threatening situation. The subsequent day, mobile policemen
from the Anti Bomb Unit, Ikeja, were seen examining the scene.

Alhaji further stated that his perceived enemies might be within his
political party or in the opposition parties, adding that such people
might be afraid of his political relevance during the forthcoming
general elections.

He reported the ugly development to a nearby police station, and the
police had commenced investigation to unravel exactly what led to the
fire outbreak in the car.

He narrated: "I was the Supervisor for Environment in Ajeromi LGA, but
I am presently the chairmanship aspirant under APC in this our LGA.
Yesterday, I went somewhere called Agausa in Ajegunle Area, which is
not too far from my house to relax. I left that place around 11.30pm,
and as I drove for about five minutes heading to my house, suddenly,
there was an explosion on my car.

"The engine by the side of the front left tyre suddenly exploded. To
me, I suspected that somebody had secretly planted an explosive device
inside my vehicle to terminate me. When I heard the sound, I jumped
out of my car and I shouted for people to come out and assist me.

I thank God for their response because they were able to put out the
fire. Meanwhile, the fire had already damaged some part of the
vehicle. All the same, I thank God for my life because it is not
really the vehicle that got burnt that matter to me; it is my life.

"To my surprise, when we eventually quenched the fire, the vehicle was
still working and the car's air-condition was still on. I went to the
police station to make a report and they came to the scene. They are
still investigating the matter.

"This is a political campaign era and desperate politicians can go to
any length to clear people off their way for the sake of occupying
public offices. To me, I thought we have passed that era where we
would be assassinating one another because of politics.

By now, we should be playing advanced politics and true democracy just
as it is obtainable in most of the developed countries.

"The electorate should be allowed to freely choose candidates of their
choice, according to the aspirants' credibility, ideology and party
manifesto presented to them during campaign. It is not a do or die
thing."

He warned that when politicians continued to constitute themselves as
threat to one another, Nigeria's future democracy would be threatened.
He advised that irrespective of political parties, what should be most
important to patriotic politicians and public office seekers should be
the development of the country.

Lateef added that for Nigeria to achieve peace and tranquillity, all
politicians needed to adhere strictly to the rules of the game.

"I will use this opportunity to tell Nigerians to be security
conscious. I also want the security agencies to be alert especially
during this period of campaigns and forthcoming elections. I know that
the Babatunde Fashola administration had been encouraging police in
the state but let them not rest on their oars in protecting lives and
property.

Baga Massacre: We Killed Them As Our Lord Instructed Us In His Book --Shekau In New Video

Leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau released a new video Tuesday
where he talked about the massacre they carried out in Baga, Borno
state on January 2nd and 7th. In the 35-minutes video clip, Shekau
claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that his lord
instructed him to do so in his book

"We killed the people of Baga. We indeed killed them, as our Lord
instructed us in His Book. We will not stop. This is not much. You
will see. I'm ready" Shekau said in the 35-minute message posted on
YouTube.
--infonaija

Whatsapp Officially Comes To Laptops And Desktops

WhatsApp Web yesterday, for the first time, millions of you will have
the ability to use WhatsApp on your web browser. Our web client is
simply an extension of your phone: the web browser mirrors
conversations and messages from your mobile device -- this means all
of your messages still live on your phone.

To connect your web browser to your WhatsApp client, simply
openhttps://web.whatsapp.com in your Google Chrome browser. You will
see a QR code --- scan the code inside of WhatsApp, and you're ready
to go. You have now paired WhatsApp on your phone with the WhatsApp
web client. Your phone needs to stay connected to the internet for our
web client to work, and please make sure to install the latest version
of WhatsApp on your phone. Unfortunately for now, we will not be able
to provide web client to our iOS users due to Apple platform
limitations.

We really hope you find web client useful in your everyday lives.
--HotFMOwerri995

RCCG Member Cuts Off Own Penis To Focus On 21 Days Fasting And Prayers

The man who was reported to be a member of the Redeemed Christian
Church of God (RCCG), was initially doing well with abstinence from
food and water, later he posited that his male organ was preventing
him from getting closer to God as a result of little erections on
daily basis.

A member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God who is currently
engaged in the 21 days fasting and prayer organised by the church has
taken his faith to the next level.

In a bid to remain steadfast in his faith and not yield to the
temptations of the world which might steer him of the track of his
fasting, the 27 year old man reportedly cut off his joystick from the
rest of his body with a machete.

According to him, the 21 day fasting and prayer session should be
taken very seriously, and it is a period when one must give up on
everything which gives him pleasure. He was attacked by neighbours
after they taught he was attempting to perform a ritual till he was
able to explain to them and a church friend could vouch for him.

He had been doing well without food and water, but his joystick had
been giving him trouble since he started fasting with its frequent
little erections each day. In his words, " the joystick has a mind of
its own and it is capable of doing things which are totally out of my
control. It usually gets erect every now and then.

The erections were making me weaker spiritually and in the fast. That
is why I cut it off.
--HotFMOwerri995

DPR Shuts 20 Petrol Stations In Imo

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) yesterday shut 20 petrol
stations in Imo State for refusing to comply with the new fuel pump
price of N87 per litre, as directed by the Minister of Petroleum last
week reports The Nation.

Zonal Controller of DPR Innocent Akpamagbo, who led other officials of
the agency to monitor the level of compliance by petroleum marketers
in Owerri, the Imo State capital, sealed off 20 filling stations still
selling at the old price of N97.

He said it became necessary to ensure that the marketers complied with
the new pump price, threatening to revoke the licences of the shut
petrol stations.

Akpamagbo said the excuse by most of the marketers that they were
still selling their old stock was untenable, insisting that the agency
would ensure that marketers complied with the new price.

He noted: "Whenever there is an increase in pump price, the marketers
will immediately adjust their meters to reflect the new price. They
will not wait to exhaust their old stock, as they are now claiming.

"So, in this case, they must adjust their pump prices as directed by
the Ministry of Petroleum. This is why we are here to ensure
compliance."

Akpamagbo urged the public to report any station, which flouted the
order, to the agency.
--HotFMOwerri995

'Buddhism Is My Direction To Heaven, Find Yours' --Charly Boy

'Area Father' as he is popularly known shares weird or probably
contrary views to what others might see as a normal way of life.

This time he went out of his way to air out his opinion on religion,
heaven and illuminati.

No, I no dey suck human blood, I no be general overseer for
illuminati, I no dey Ogboni or for cult, e don doooooooo. You People
no go kill me with laugh for Naija. The way eyes dey red now, you go
think say Apollo catch dem. Many guys dey write me say dem wan join
illuminati, Cheai, there is Godoooo.

I dey sure say the church buildings wey dey Nigeria pass our
population. So called men of god wey dey town don dey assume the
proportion of China. All looking for their next Mugu. Una no see me
joor.

I have been queried a lot about my faith these days. Do I believe in
God? Do I believe in Jesus? Do I pray and to who or what? I guess for
many, they probably cannot wrap their minds around my spirituality. Am
sure some people even think say I be native doctor as na only me dey
take siesta inside coffin when I never die.

No vex, na my life and I dey rock-am anyhow, no homo. Some people dey
form good Christians because dem wan go heaven, me I just dey denge
dey pose because am living my own small heaven right here on this
earth for this Nigeria. I no wan wait till I die.

Even some of my Muslim brothers wey wan fast track dem own dey even do
suicide bombing. Na only Naija Christains wey dey fear death yet dem
all wan go heaven. Haba.

Most Nigerians who have heavily invested in their Christianity believe
that the concept of any other faith should be considered false. So how
do I start to speak to narrow-minded Christians to understand that
Buddhism is a wholesome practice for everyone, even the Christians
themselves?

Take some time out and research, go to google, you will for sure see
so many books on the topic, where Buddhism and Christianity agree in
philosophy; in fact, with some of the key factors of most world
religions. Also, the best of the Bible and Buddhism both converge on
the areas of ethics, kindness, giving, and love.Too many practitioners
of all faiths focus on the rewards at the end of our journey, when the
rewards and purpose are the journey itself according to the teaching
of Buddha.

While I may not be a religious person, I believe in
Jesus/Christianity, I do not deny it. While I do not believe in the
afterlife as Christians do, if those who follow it embody the
qualities of Jesus in the here and now, then I embrace their practice
as successful and good. While Buddhism is a faith of self-realization
in the practice of here and now. Christianity is a practice for the
afterlife of God's revelation.

No matter how my Naija Christian brothers dey see God, my own way
different. I see our Creator as one that does not interfere with the
world in which we live, but only touches the heart of man to let him
know He (God) is there. It is up to man to make his volitional choices
using his free will, and making his own happiness.

The Buddha said for us to always question, practice and see the truth
by the fruits of our efforts. If a Christian can grow and develop his
faith by adding the tools of the Buddha, then I see it as a damn good
thing. I don find my direction to heaven, make you find ya own abegi.
--HotFMOwerri995

School Releases Buhari's Results

The controversy sur-rounding the academic credentials of the All
Pro-gressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate in the February 14
election, Gen-eral Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) was temporarily doused
Wednesday as Government College, formerly Provincial Secondary School,
Katsina, released his secondary school certificate examination
re-sults reports Daily Times.

The results showed that Buhari undertook the Uni-versity of Cambridge
West African School Certificate Ex-aminations and obtained five
credits in English Language, Geography, Hausa Language, History, and
Health Science. The statement of result was signed by the current
principal of Katsina College, dated January 21, 2015. The results also
shows that the APC presidential candi-date failed in Mathematics and
Woodwork and had a pass in Literature in English.

The examination centre number was 8280, while Bu-hari's candidate
number was 002.

The statement of results printed on the letter head pa-per of the
Katsina State Min-istry of Education also shows that the examination
took place in 1961. The computer printout from University of
Cam-bridge also shows the result of 17 other candidates at the centre,
including Shehu Yar'Adua, a former Chief of Staff, Supreme
Headquarters.

Recall that the Nigerian Army had earlier admitted on Tuesday said it
did not have the original true copies of Buhari's certificate.
Meanwhile, Buhari at a press briefing in Kano ex-pressed surprise at
the con-troversy generated by the issue, adding that he only consented
to speak on the is-sue because of the genuine concern expressed by
many supporters and other well-meaning Nigerians.

He said: "I had assumed all along that all my records were in the
custody of the Military Secretary of the Nigerian Army. Much to my
surprise, we are now told that although a record of the re-sult is
available, there are no copies of the certificates in my personal
file. This is why I formally requested my old school the Provincial
Second-ary School, Katsina (which is now known as Government College,
Katsina) to make available the school's copy of the result of the
Cambridge/West African School Certifi-cate".

The APC presidential stan-dard bearer disclosed that he not only
attended Provincial Secondary School, Katsina but graduated in 1961
with many prominent Nigerians, including General Shehu Yar'adua,
former chief of staff at the Supreme Head-quarters, and Justice Umaru
Abdullahi, a former Presi-dent of the Court of Appeal.

"We sat for the University of Cambridge/WASC Ex-amination together in
1961, the year we graduated. My examination number was 8280002, and I
passed the examination in the Second Division,"Buhari added.

He said the issue in the forthcoming campaign can-not be his
certificate which he obtained 53 years ago, not-ing that the issues in
the elec-tion "are the scandalous level of unemployment of millions of
our young people, the state of insecurity, the pervasive official
corruption which has impoverished our people and the lack of concern
of the government for anything other than the retention of power at
all costs".

Meanwhile, the campaign or-ganisation of President Goodluck Jonathan
insisted that Gen. Buhari had failed to discharge the duties imposed
on him by the Electoral Act and that the APC candidate should withdraw
from the race.

A statement by the organisation, signed by Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode,
ac-cused Buhari of perjury.

It also decried the reported attack on President Jonathan's convoy in
Katsina State. The campaign organization said that the action of the
"miscreants" had threatened the recent peace pact that Jonathan,
Buhari and oth-er political leaders signed in Abuja.

On perjury, which the campaign tagged as: "And Buhari lies on oath",
the campaign group noted that Buhari in Kano explained his
controversial affidavit that his cre-dentials were with the military
by saying that his deposition was based on assumption.

On Tuesday, the Army denied be-ing in the custody of any credential of
the Army General, whether origi-nal or certified true copy. The
campaign organisation stat-ed: "The implication of the action of this
so-called "Mr Clean" is noth-ing but perjury and we all know that this
is a grave criminal offence un-der our laws and constitution."

It urged Buhari and the APC "to do the right thing and tender an
unreserved apology to the Nigerian people, throw in the towel and
re-port to the nearest police station for interrogation and
prosecution."

The Jonathan campaign organ-isation added: "Anything less than that
would be an insult to the collec-tive intelligence and integrity of
the Nigerian people."
--HotFMOwerri