Jonathan Promises Market Women In Lagos Freedom From Oppression If PDP Wins

President Goodluck Jonathan, Friday, said that victory for the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming general elections would free
Lagos residents from oppression.

Speaking when the leaders of market women groups in Lagos and
environs, paid him a solidarity visit at the State House, Marina,
Lagos, Jonathan promised the market women, and indeed, all traders in
the country that the PDP administration would provide the enabling
environment for them to ply their trades.
"Our victory at the polls will free all Lagos traders from oppression.
You need to be free; we will remove Lagos from bondage," he said in
reaction to the complaint of high-handedness and witch-hunting made by
the market women against the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Lagos
state government.

He commended the women for supporting his re-election bid. However, he
urged them not to be intimidated by their opponents.

"I have listened to you; you have been carrying the PDP flag; you have
been humiliated but you still marched on.

"Thank you for working hard for PDP; this is the final struggle and
time for us to use all our strength to achieve victory,'' he said,
adding that the country belonged to every Nigerian.

"If we struggle and win Lagos state, everybody will do his business
without being harassed or intimidated," Jonathan promised.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the market women, Hajia Aminat Hussein
told the president that the women had always supported the PDP. She
said that in spite of the attempts by APC "to buy over many of the
market women", the women would mobilise themselves in the state and in
other states to ensure victory for the president.

"We are promising you that you will not lose in Lagos; this coming
election is for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and God is with you," she
added.
--infonaija

Buhari Is In A London Hospital --Fayose

Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, on Friday, alleged that the All
Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari
was at a London hospital and not on a working visit to the United
Kingdom, as insisted by his party. He warned the APC not to give
Nigeria another Yar'Adua treatment.

"As against the claim of the APC that Buhari was on a short working
visit to the UK, Buhari is being treated at a hospital located at
Cavendish Street, Cavendish Square, W2 London West End, London," he
claimed.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and
New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor described the claim by the APC
that Buhari would give a talk at the Royal Institute of International
Affairs, Chatham House, London, as "deceit taken too far."

APC has, however, dismissed Fayose's allegation. Mallam Garba Shehu,
spokesman of APC's presidential campaign organisation, told Saturday
Tribune that Buhari was in good condition. He explained that the
former head of state was in London for a major engagement at the
Chatham House.

"You know Fayose had published Buhari in a coffin before. It is
surprising to Fayose that Buhari is alive today," he said. "He is not
in any hospital. He is in London for a major engagement at Chatham
House scheduled for next week."

Shehu boasted about Buhari's opportunity, saying "It took Jonathan two
years to get a slot there whereas a slot was given to General Buhari
within 24 hours.

"We sympathise with Fayose. Left for him, Buhari would be dead by now
but he is not God. Buhari is hale and hearty," Shehu said.
--infonaija

The Undercurrents In Okorocha, Onwuliri Feud

UNTIL recently, when President Goodluck Jonathan redeployed Prof Viola
Onwuliri from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Education as Minister
of State, certain issues were left lying low and Imo people did not
know much about the number of federal projects in the state.

Onwuliri, from Umuzi in Ahiazu Mbaise council, has consistently
disclosed in various fora that the twin-storey building in each of the
305 electoral wards in the 27 councils, which many believed were
executed entirely by the administration of Governor Rochas Okorocha
were actually executed by the federal government

She revealed that many projects had been executed in Imo, contrary to
Okorocha's accusations that Jonathan did not execute any single
project in the state.

Onwuliri disclosed that billions of naira worth of projects had been
executed in various schools, including those jointly funded by the
state and federal government at the cost of over N40 million to the
federal government, through its Universal Basic Education Commission
(UBEC), while the state government provided the counterpart funds.

But the Chairman of the Imo State Universal Basic Commission
(IMSUBEB), Mrs. Gertrude Oduka, faulted the claim recently in Owerri
while briefing some journalists.

Okorocha had earlier disputed the minister's claims.

But Onwuliri has continued to tell Okorocha and his aides to forget
about politics and access the records in Abuja to ascertain the true
facts of these federal projects in the state.

The minister also disclosed that the federal government has so far
expended about N5 billion on the 100,000 metric tonnes silos project
in Ezinachi in Okigwe, which has reached 90 per cent completion.

She stated that the state-owned university in Owerri has received
about N6 billion from the federal government, adding that the Faculty
of Law she recently commissioned was built by the federal government,
while many Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND), an agency of the federal
government, constructed more buildings at the university, Federal
University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Alvan Ikoku Federal
College of Education (AIFCE).

The minster also explained that the state polytechnic at Umuagwo,
Ohaji had accessed federal funds to build an ultra-modern e-Library,
among other developmental projects in the road and health sectors.

Onwuliri noted that federal projects became a bone of contention and
has sparked disaffection between the All Progressives Congress (APC)
government in the state and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led
federal government, leading to the minister being regarded as a thorn
in the flesh of the state government.

Onwuliri has, however, remained unrelenting in debunking claims that
Jonathan has not sited any project in the state.

The political tension in the state heightened as the two parties
employed various means to win sympathy and popularity of the Imo
electorate.

But the bad blood between the state government and Onwuliri boiled
over recently when suspected thugs attacked widows that assembled near
the Government House in Owerri, apparently to protest alleged spate of
killings in the state and the humiliation meted on Onwuliri by
Okorocha and some of the government agents.

The widows, under the aegis of Imo Widows Association (IWA), led by
Mrs. Elizabeth Odoemena, with affiliated groups, such as Widows in
Christ, Royal Women Widows and Jesus Triumphant Widows were said to
have been dealt with by suspected agents of the state government,
allegedly supervised by some its officials, leaving some of them with
injuries.

The Guardian gathered that the women did not carry any mock coffin,
as alleged, but only assembled at the popular Old Garden Park Business
Centre arena, near the Okigwe Road Roundabout when the hoodlums
alighted from various vehicles with dangerous weapons and pounced on
them.

Some of the women were allegedly abducted and taken away, but later released.

A cameraman attached to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr.
Etuk Eric, was stabbed.

The intensity of the crisis led to the intervention of soldiers at
the entrance of the Government House gate, causing further panic and
apprehension, especially among state government officials and agents.

The state government swiftly issued a statement accusing Onwuliri of
recruiting some persons from the neighbouring Abia State to cause
mayhem.

Another statement made available to The Guardian by Okorocha's Senior
Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, reiterated a petition
to the Presidency by the Attorney General and commissioner for Justice
over the alleged drafting of soldiers to the area.

Read more at The Guardian, click here:
t.co/SP1pVVnR91

INEC Owerri And PVC Collection

Ordinarily, the hue and cry over the issuance of the Permanent Voters
Card (PVC) could have been ignored but for the bandying of figures and
statistics by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the
subtle way of disenfranchising the voters and lopsided distribution
calls for proper scrutiny. Perhaps if the now shifted or is it
postponed election of February 14 was held last weekend the wind would
have blown open the inherent flaws and half-truths being sent by the
electoral umpires as if they were ready to take Nigerians through the
process.

The truth is that I am equally a victim of the lies and blatant
falsehood being spread by the INEC. In 2011, most people who took the
pain to travel to their areas to ensure that they registered to vote
and even voted thereafter, are yet to be issued with PVCs. Owerri and
Orlu in Imo state where interestingly the Governor of Imo state Rochas
Okorocha comes from have been crying ever since the INEC commenced
distribution of the cards.

Of particular interest is Owerri North Local Council Area of Imo
state, where questions are being asked and discussions everywhere
buttresses the fact that the people may end up being disenfranchised
for the 2015 general elections due to no fault of theirs. Indeed INEC
may not have produced the 2011 PVC and none has yet collected. But the
body has been creating the impression that it has printed claiming
that the people have refused to collect. How can one collect what is
not available? It is easily verifiable that the people of Owerri have
not been issued a single card except those who had their data captured
in November 2014 who have been issued the cards just last week..
Daily, the youths and elders of the area visit the collection centres
but end up in disappointments. On two occasions I made personal trips
only to reach the centre without any sign of any individual being
assigned to the area or being issued. A visit to INEC office equally
confirmed
same. So why take the people for granted when the apparent truth is
that the cards have not been printed?

It is so sad that the patience of Owerri indigenes who in the past
have shown great respect and apathy are now being taken for granted by
leaders of the two leading political parties who have not bothered to
intervene despite the fact that their members are vying for various
elective seats in the forthcoming State and National Assembly
elections. Besides, the attitude of INEC officials in Owerri who are
the representatives of Jega is not helping matters as they have failed
woefully to provide plausible reasons. More so, about 50 per cent of
the indigenes of Imo State who registered in November 2014 have
collected theirs while the 2011 set of people have not been issued any
card. The INEC officials confirmed in Owerri that the 2014 set of
people in Imo and some core south East state have not been issued. So
how and where is the figure that INEC is reeling out coming from?

It is painful that even Owerri and some parts of the state regarded
as PDP strongholds, that apathy therein lies in the fact that the
political awareness and interest being shown by the people is not
being translated into the issuance of PVCs and the ruling People
Democratic Party has been battling effortlessly to explain the
inefficiency of a system like INECs distribution of PVCs. If we must
say it the way it is, it is not only PDP that has been crying foul
over the lopsided arrangement and lack of leadership as shown by
Professor Jega over the distribution and the rate of the cards
collection in several areas not limited to Owerri alone

Would it be fair for Owerri North and other areas of Imo state to be
so blatantly disenfranchised ...Permit me to say that this is gross
insensitivity and violation of their human rights by the officials of
INEC.

It makes me sad to think that our patriotism is being stifled by the
trumpeters of ''INEC is prepared'' who have never bothered to tell
Nigerians the truth and bother us less with the huge budget for media
since 2011 when we registered. Even the International Passports,
Drivers Licence, ATM and National Identity Cards which are all
security documents, do they take four years to be produced?

To be modest, I felt that one year before now, the PVCs should have
been produced distributed and collected so that even if there are
issues of apparent mistakes and relocation of registered voters they
could have been sorted out before this fire brigade approach.

However I have been watching the spokesperson of INEC and former
colleague in THISDAY Mr Kayode Idowu and the INEC officials battle
endlessly to defend the abnormally and inefficiency that characterised
the distribution. But the truth remains that INEC has yet printed the
cards and nowhere near getting it issued before now.
....

Nigerian Woman Gang Raped By Four Men In India

Police in Delhi arrested four men on Friday in connection with the
alleged gangrape of a Nigerian woman in a moving car, the latest in a
series of sex attacks in the Indian capital.

The 35-year-old, who has been staying in India on a tourist visa, told
police the men kidnapped her after midnight on Friday morning outside
a popular shopping mall in New Delhi's Saket area before bundling her
into a car.

They then drove for around half an hour, during which time the alleged
gangrape took place, before pushing her out of the vehicle.

The woman, who cannot be named, was finally rescued after a passerby
spotted her on the side of the road in Mayur Vihar, around 20
kilometres (12 miles) away in east Delhi.

"We have received a complaint from the woman and investigations are
ongoing," Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat told AFP.

"We have filed a case under relevant sections."

Bhagat said the four men arrested were Indians, and the car allegedly
used had been impounded.

Local media, quoting police sources, said the victim was in an
inebriated condition at the time of her rescue and had suffered minor
injuries but was released from hospital by Friday afternoon.

Nigerian embassy officials in New Delhi were not available for comment.

The city sealed its reputation as India's "rape capital" two years ago
when a medical student died after being gang-raped on a moving bus,
prompting mass protests and triggering a series of policing and legal
reforms.

Last year, a driver for US-based online taxi service Uber allegedly
sexually assaulted a woman passenger in New Delhi while driving her
home from a dinner.

Police figures released earlier this year said 2,069 rape cases were
registered in New Delhi during 2014, a 31 percent jump compared to the
previous year.
--

Jay Jay Okocha becomes Delta FA Chairman

The former Super Eagles captain was elected on Friday to replace Amaju
Pinnick in the saddle of the DSFA in Asaba

Former Nigeria captain Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha has successfully
transitioned from player to administrator as he won election as
chairman of the Delta State Football Association on Friday.

Okocha, 41, polled 26 out of 27 votes to win the seat and replace
Amaju Pinnick who vacated the role after becoming president of the
Nigeria Football Federation September 2014.

The former PSG, Bolton Wanderers and Hull City player becomes one of
the few former footballers to enjoy such huge transition from the
field into the boardroom in Nigerian football.

The three-time World Cup player is presently head of the NFF Technical
Study Group.
--goal.com

PDP Orders Other Parties To Remove Jonathan's Pictures From Posters

A member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustee (BOT),
Chief Emmanuel Iwuayanwu, has given a seven day ultimatum to political
parties other than PDP to remove President Goodluck Jonathan's
pictures from posters of their candidates or face a legal action.

Briefing journalists yesterday at the party's secretariat in Owerri,
Iwuayanwu noted that this became imperative following the
misconception of the electorate towards such posters.

He described the act as fraudulent and capable of misleading the
people while lambasting such parties as weak and incapable of
attracting a presidential candidate.

Iwuayanwu dismissed the claim in some quarters that the PDP is not
ready for the forthcoming election, hence their reason for applauding
the postponement of the election and warned the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) not to shift the elections again as he
assured that his party is fully ready to face the election.

According to him, INEC should revert to the old system of voting and
ditch the permanent voters card (PVC) as it not feasible for
distribution to be completed before the new date of the election. He,
however, added that the PVC could be used for bye elections.
--Leadership

Oba Akiolu Lambasts Obasanjo, Denies Buhari

Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, yesterday, slammed former President
Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of creating all the injustices he now
accuses the present administration of.

"God gives many people long lives so that they can get enough
punishment, like what is happening now. All the injustices they did
against Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, God is exposing them. All the
accusations the former President, Obasanjo is giving now, he initiated
and nurtured it. He masterminded it and now he is complaining. God has
a way of doing things. More are still coming to him," the monarch, who
was one of the special guests at the commissioning of four Nigerian
Navy Ships by President Goodluck Johnathan, told journalists.

Oba Akiolu also denied endorsing the All Progressives Congress (APC)
presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. However, he restated his
support for the APC governorship candidate, Akinwumi Ambode.

"Who gave you that rumour? Who said so? Some of the things they are
writing, for instance, like that former Minister Obanikoro, I went to
his aged mother that they should warn him seriously. For the
Presidency, I support the best person.

"If I want to do something, I do not pretend, God almighty Allah will
give the Presidency to the people Nigerians want to do the best for
this country," he stated.

"I have picked Akinwunmi Ambode as the next governor of Lagos State. I
have my reason for saying it and I do not hide it. I acted on God's
wisdom and picked him and by the grace of God, he will be the governor
of this state."

The Oba also commented on the postponement of the election date by the
Independent Electoral Commission, (INEC). "The Head of State and INEC
have told us that the elections will take place March 28 and April 11
and I hope by the grace of God, it will be like that. For the time
being, the intent and purposes for the postponement is acceptable."
--informationNigeria

6,000 PVCs Stolen In Delta

Six thousand permanent voters cards (PVCs) and some registers, have
been stolen by unknown gunmen who broke into the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) office at Oghara, Ethiope West Local
Government Area, Delta State.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Police Command, DSP
Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said three of the security
guards, Aherebe Godday, Omajemite Justice and Oyubu Ejiro have been
arrested for interrogation.

According to the PPRO, the stolen PVCs had been recovered.

"The stolen PVCs have been recovered and a total of seven thousand
three hundred and sixty five (7,365) were seen.

"Similarly, detectives in a follow-up investigation arrested one Lucky
Aputu 'm', aged 46yrs of Oji Aputu compound, Onyobulu inland market
Road, Oghara and recovered one of the stolen INEC registers from him."

"Investigation is in progress; while efforts are on to ensure that all
those involved in the crime are rounded up. The PVCs have since been
handed over to INEC," she said.

Imo APGA Guber Primaries: Okey Ezeh Opens Up, Says INEC Will Comply If "We Win In Court"

The contender for the Imo APGA Governorship ticket for the 2015
election Mr Okey Ezeh has reacted to newspaper publications credited
to the INEC Resident Electoral Commission that he is not the
governorship candidate of the Party. In a press release made available
to Trumpeta, the governorship hopeful maintained that what the REC
reportedly said was not new since the legal department of the
Commission has already explained why they recognized Ihenacho as the
candidate of the party pending any judicial pronouncement that says
otherwise.

According to the youthful politician "of course he is the party's
temporary candidate because we have a matter in court which outcome
will determine the authentic party candidate. One thing I want Imo
people to understand is that this is not about Okey Ezeh vs Ihenancho,
it is about the constitution of APGA. It is about democratic
principles: It is about respect to the rule of law and respect for the
laws of the land. It is about internal democracy within political
parties.

If they do it to Okey Ezeh today and get away with it, they will do it
to another person tomorrow but if Okey Ezeh fights back and reclaims
his mandate like we doing now, they will think twice before doing it
to another person tomorrow. Ihenacho should understand that his
children can benefit from the battle I'm fighting today because they
could be victims of tyranny tomorrow.

He said that no form of falsehood or propaganda can stop or dissuade
him from the struggle to reclaim his mandate since the APGA
constitution is very clear on how the party candidates should emerge
pointing out that the only reason INEC did not recognize him was
because the law does not allow the Commission to accept candidate
lists form state party chairmen but ones there is a judicial
intervention, the commission as a responsible neutral umpire that has
a history of obeying court judgments will comply accordingly.

Okey Ezeh averred that anybody who tells Imo people that the matter in
court does not affect Ihenacho's candidature is peddling falsehood
since one of the prayers of the litigants is for the court to nullify
whatever the so-called caretaker committee has done which he said
include the primary election that produced Ihenacho since the
caretaker committee is storage to the APGA constitution.

He lamented the crisis that has engulfed a big brand like APGA in many
states attributing it to the result of one man s greed.

According to him "what is happening in APGA is very unfortunate and
painful to me. This is a party that was founded on the ideals of
brotherliness, equity, love, and equal opportunities for all but what
the National Chairman does is that he makes a deal with one Aspirant,
announces the dissolution of a validly elected states exco of the
party and sets-up an illegal caretaker committee to be nominated by
the "annointed" Aspirant and then believes every other person can go
to hell. That is why you can hardly hear the names of other National
Officers of the Party unlike what obtains in other parties where other
officers are allowed to perform their functions".

He maintained that the time has come to prove to the world that APGA
is an institution with a constitution guiding its operations and not a
one man show. The Mbaise - born former Banker described as sad
journalism, a report in an Owerri - based newspaper that he was being
haunted by security agencies wondering where the authors of such false
report got their story since the heads of the relevant security
agencies he got in touch denied the report stating that his lawyers
are looking into the report since the author and his sponsors tried to
paint him as a fugitive. He urged Imo people to take the report for
what it is -FALSEHOOD
--Trumpeta

2015 Election: Imo Assembly Set To Approve N1bn Fresh Loan For Rochas Fund, Lawmakers May Get N5m Each For The Deal

The renewed face-mending gestures the Owelle Rochas Okorocha-led
administration is having with the members of the Imo State House of
Assembly is yielding dividends at the moment. Apart from settling
certain differences that elicited divergent views in the past, the
state legislature has concluded arrangements to approve fresh N1bn
loan to the state governor Tuesday next week when the House resumes
plenary.

It would be recalled that following election shift, the lawmakers
called off their break to return to the chamber for plenary where two
prominent actions were considered. There include submission of adhoc
committee report on creation of new autonomous committees and
confirmation of Transition Committee Chairmen for the 27 LGAs.

The lawmakers were at the verge of going ahead with the proposal for
the approval of the N1bn loan for Okorocha during this week's sitting
before power failure struck to cause darkness, no thanks to the ailing
generator in the Assembly complex that stopped power generation.

Trumpeta reports that the motion and relevant moves for the loan
waiver were underway before the power failure forcing the lawmakers to
adjourn sitting till Tuesday for consideration of the proposed N1bn.

It was learnt that for the state government to reach this bargain with
the lawmakers, knotty issues that caused friction between the
legislative and executive arms of government were deliberated. Further
revelation on what transpired indicated that Okorocha had to soften on
the issue that related to sacked transition committee chairmen which
the lawmakers decided before the Christmas break. Other matters the
Okorocha government bought into in the new deal was the creation of
new autonomous communities which it had through the secretary to the
Imo State Government, Prof Anthony Anwukah, described earlier as a
fraud.

The re-consideration of the new autonomous communities and sack of LGA
TC chairmen by the executive arm resulted to the state legislature
having a mention of how they will consider Okorocha's new appointees.

Further to the rapprochement, a new loan of N10b was also considered
for approval to the governor. It was in the spirit of these new
arrangements that Hon Simeon Iwunze-led committee on new autonomous
communties officially submitted its reports while the TC chairmen got
fresh backing from the House. The last lap of the deal is the N10bn
loan approval which was reportedly deferred because of the by power
outage.

The money, sources disclosed was designed to enable Okorocha perfectly
prosecute his second term bid as well as help fine-tune APC campaigns
in the state. As pay back for job "well done", the lawmakers are
accused of getting their own fair share of deal by pocketing N5m each.

This newspaper reliably learnt that majority of the lawmakers,
irrespective of party lining okayed the granting of loan which will
fetch them millions. This final "sharing" of money is considered as
parting gift for those who are not likely to return to the House.
Those who were said to have accepted the N10b loan deal, hook, line
and sinker are mainly lawmakers running for various categories of
election who need money to cater for electioneering demands.

Our source learnt that some cash-crunch lawmakers quickly jumped at
the deal and offered to be part of the process of allowing the state
governor have N10m through loans.

Trumpeta learnt that a powerful and ranking lawmaker is said to be the
anchorman of the state government in the deal. The involvement of the
lawmaker who failed primaries to pick his party's ticket for Reps
seat, according to Assembly sources, was meant to ensure the proposal
sails through without tackles from his camp believed to be power
brokers in the State Assembly.

Efforts to reach the House Committee Chairman on Information, Hon Acho
Ihim speak on the matter proved abortive as his phone was out of
reach, but a lawmaker who said that he is not authorized to speak
opined that Tuesday next week will determine the veracity or otherwise
of the story.
--Trumpeta

Purchase Of PVC Is A Criminal Offence, Not For INEC Elections --Jega

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,
Professor Attahiru Jega has made it clear that the purchase of
Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by politicians or individuals is a
criminal offence punishable by the law.

Addressing members of the National Assembly on Wednesday on the
readiness of the commission to conduct the March 28th and April 11th
general elections, Professor Jega explained that purchasers of the
PVCs at worst can succeed in disenfranchising the owners of the cards.

The INEC Chairman who did not deny allegations of politicians forging
PVCs gave assurance that the Card Reader machines introduced by his
commission cannot access forged PVCs, thereby nullifying the intention
of those who forged them.

Answering a question on whether the card reading machine is part of
the voting material, Professor Jega said that the machine has nothing
to do with voting but rather it will assist the commission in its
effort to have a genuine and authentic accreditation of voters.

Insisting that the card reader does not violate both the electoral act
and the constitution, Jega maintained that the machine will further
give credibility to the outcome of the forthcoming general elections
in the country.

He said that it is the intention of his commission to make the PVCs a
lasting document so that it could as well be used in the 2019 general
elections. Professor Jega used the opportunity to thank Nigerians for
their patience and understanding in the rescheduled election. Assuring
his commission's desire to give Nigerians a free, fair and credible
elections.

Widow's Protest: Imo Monarchs on Warpath Over Gov, Minister As Women Vow To Unseat Okorocha

The accusation and counter accusations trailing the recent
demonstration of widows in Owerri, Imo state capital and allegations
of attack on them by suspected agents of the government and APC is
taking another dimension.

The skirmishes between the state government and minister of state for
education, Prof Viola Onwuliri have extended to traditional rulers in
the state who have started singing different tunes.

Only last Tuesday, a group of monarchs said to be acting on the
instruction of the state government gathered at the Govt
House/Whetheral Road Roundabout to pray in order to cleanse the state
over the alleged acts of the widows who they accused of carrying a
coffin.

Even as the issue of using coffin has become a subject of controversy
in the matter, as the widows who protested denied it claiming that it
was mere blackmail to tarnish their image, royal fathers in the state
are now at crossfire over the matter.

The differences among the monarchs in the state have come to the open
with various camps issuing divergent views affecting the unity of Ndi
Eze Imo.

According to a press statement issued by the Mbaise Council
Traditional Rulers signed by Eze Desmond Oguguo and Eze R.A. Amadi,
for and on behalf of the monarchs, it condemned the attack meted to
Onwuliri. The Mbaise monarchs stated that their investigations
revealed that the women never went beyond the Okigwe road/Whetheral
road roundabout as they were attacked by thugs while they were
assembling at the Okigwe road park waiting for other widows to join
the demonstration. The monarchs doubted the story of mock coffin by
asking why TV and newspapers never showed the said coffin.

According to them "if it is a fact that the women carried a mock
coffin which was alleged to have been deposited at the Govt House, why
did the newspapers and TV not show it, or is it only the Govt House
officials who developed a third eye to see the coffin. To the
traditional rulers of Mbaise, this is a mere hoax".

While condemning persons whose targets are geared towards tarnishing
the image of the minister another statement from Eze Cletus Ilomuanya
as chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers warned against
any meeting convened for the purposes of gathering to cleanse the land
or denigration of Prof Onwuliri irrespective of the warnings, Eze
Chidume Okoro, the Deputy chairman of Ndi Eze, in charge of Owerri
zone led a handful of monarchs to the said exercise. Their action has
further factionalised the already polarized Imo state traditional
rulers council.

However, conspicuously absent in the said exercise undertaken by
Owerri zone traditional rulers is Eze Emmanuel Njemanze, Owerri Nchi
Ise, who by custom is the custodian of traditional institution of
Owerri, the state capital.

Njemanze, the Ozuruigbo the V, who is the only monarch with a palace
in the state capital was nowhere near the venue of the said prayers.
Reasons not yet known as at the time of this report.
--Trumpeta

Fresh Students Of FUTO Matriculate Today

The Authorities of Federal University of Technology Owerri has
announced the date for the matriculation of fresh students of the
university. It has been scheduled to hold on the 20th February, 2015.

This will go ahead as academic activities already going on in the
school continue. The first semester examination is fast approaching.
The year one students are expected to put on there best for the
matriculation ceremony as they are expected to be officially welcomed
to the University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof C.C. Asiabaka.

Diabolic Fraudster Caught And Lynched In Owerri

The incessant growing rate of fraudulent crimes in Imo state,
precisely Owerri...has made the residents to be on high alert for such
criminals. As they hypnotize unsuspecting victims and rob them of
their possessions, some even go as far as cajoling the victims using
JUJU powers, to go and bring any money they can lay hands on in their
house, bank account, shops e.t.c.

Once a victim falls into their net, They can operate on him or her for
the entire day as they use the tri-cycle commuters to transport the
victim to anywhere they will get the money from.

This afternoon, as about 1:30pm in the commercial city of owerri; Ikenegbu.

One of those criminals was caught and lynched as the Tricycle(keke)
driver, on noticing the unusual and fraudulent discussions going on
between the passengers (victim and fraudster) as he drove, had to stop
and raised alarm which led to the capture of the fraudster. His victim
remained hypnotized and confused until he was dazed several deafening
slaps which brought him back to his senses. The fraudster was then
mercilessly beaten almost to the point of death till he was rescued by
some policemen and taken to the station.

Download the video below and see things for your self.

--VibesngistsBlog

VIDEO PART 1>> DOWNLOAD
VIDEO PART 2 (continuation)>> DOWNLOAD
http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/ngt9axdvn5/Diabolic_Fraudster_caught_in_Owerri_-_Vibesngists_Blog.mp4

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/8oj03rpz5o/diabolic_fraudster_caught_in_Owerri_2_-_VibesngistsBLOG.mp4

Group Offers Free Health Service To Imo People

Anon-governmental organisation (NGO) known as Move-on-Nigeria (MON),
Imo State chapter, has declared its support for the re-election of
President Goodluck Jonathan in the forth coming presidential election.

This is even as the organisation has begun to offer free medical
service to thousands of indigenes of Imo State to improve their
health. A number of experienced medical experts drawn from various
parts of the country are taking part in the exercise.

Speaking to newsmen during the free medical service held in Owerri,
the leader of the team, Comrade Joachim Eze Nwa Anyanwu, said that
Move-On-Nigeria is an advocacy group that wants to ensure that there
is good governance in the country and also to ensure that Goodluck
Jonathan emerged victorious in the forthcoming election.

Anyanwa, who is the state coordinator of the group, extolled the
President and his transformation agenda, which he noted had brought
succour and relief to Nigerians.

He stressed that his re-election should be the collective
responsibility of Nigerians.

"Today, we the MON, have decided to assist the people of Imo State to
improve their health and standard of living and we urge them to
contribute their quota towards the re-election of Mr. President," he
said.

Anyanwu is also t MON South East coordinator, expressed optimism that
theNGO would ensure that free health care got to all the
637_autonomous communities in Imo State and called on the people of
the _state to vote massively for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Some of the _health workers were Dr. Patricia Iheanacho from Police
Clinic_, Orlu, Imo State, and Dr. Ogoke Nnaemeka Angelo of the Federal
Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri. while speaking to journalists said they
are working as health workers to ensure the general medicare_ to Imo
people to ascertain their health level.__
Okigwe zonal coordinator of MON, Chief Onyekachi Obi, Engr. Damian_
Oranika, the Imo State coordinator, Charles C. Obidiegwu, the
_publicity and communication, MON, Imo State chapter, vowed
respectively to vote for President Jonathan and pointed out that his
administration has transformed the country positively.__

Oranika said the organiation was committed to the re-election of
Jonathan and lauded the people of the state_ for coming out to obtain
the free health care service and advised them to stand behind
President Jonathan in _the forthcoming election._

The post Group offers free health service to Imo peopleappeared first
on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.
--Daily Independent

Ilomuanya Urges Imo Govt To Obey Supreme Court Ruling

Obi of Obinugwu and chairman, Imo State and South East Council of
Traditional Rulers, HRH, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, has reacted to news
reports credited to Obi of Obi-Orodo, Eze Samuel Ohiri, wherein Obi
Ohiri allegedly rejected the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed him
(Ilomuanya) as chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Eze Ilomuanya said that Obi Ohiri must go to jail for contemptuously
deriding the Supreme Court order, adding that "what Ohiri and his pay
masters are doing in Imo State is madness of the highest order, which
has severe repercussions".

According to Eze Ilomuanya, the "rule of law and respect for judicial
pronouncements are abhorred by the Imo State Government and its
operators. In my entire life, I have never witnessed the type of
lawlessness and impunity such as we have in Imo State today."

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kennedy Eweama, which was
made available to newsmen in Owerri, the royal father explained that
the ruling of the Supreme Court was very clear, stressing, "for Ohiri
to be pushed into abusively confronting the apex court of Nigeria is
unfortunate.

"How can Ohiri lay claim to the chairmanship of Imo State Council of
Traditional Rulers when there are subsisting judicial pronouncements
from the High Court to the Supreme Court affirming my chairmanship of
the council?"

The monarch recalled that in "Suit No: HOW/525/2013, which Obi Ohiri
instituted in an Owerri High Court, seeking among others, a
declaration that he is the chairman of the council was dismissed on
May 26, 2014, by the court for being detestable an abuse of court
process and lacking in merit."

Eze Ilomuanya stated further, "The court further asked Ohiri to pay me
N20,000 for filing such a frivolous suit against me. I also defeated
them at the Court of Appeal and finally at the Supreme Court, yet they
have continued to disobey the courts."

He warned that Imo State is heading towards social disorder and
anarchy if the state government was not called to order, adding,
"Ohiri is nobody but is merely being used as a front to ridicule the
judiciary," stressing that they interpret laws and judgments as it
suits them.

According to Eze Ilomuanya, "what we have is the voice of Jacob and
hand of Esau," adding that Ohiri was facing two criminal cases of
contempt of court and impersonation in Suit No: HOW/360/2012 pending
before courts in Owerri.

"As for the Supreme Court ruling, it must be implemented whether Ohiri
likes it or not. The rule of law must reign in Imo State. The slow
movement of the crocodile should not be mistaken for cowardice", Eze
Ilomuanya cautioned.
--DailyIndependent

158 Boko Haram Abductees Reunite With Families

About 158 abductees held hostage by the Boko Haram militants in Yobe
State have reunited with their family members.

The abductees, comprising women and children, were abducted in Katarko
town of Gujba Local Government Area of the state.

After their release, the abductees have gone through some
psychological and trauma reforms in the hands of security agents
before they were eventually released to the state government.

Presenting the victims to their family members, the Chairman of the
State Committee on Rehabilitation and Resettlement of Insurgency
Victims, Barrister Ahmed Goneri, said that the 158 victims include 62
adults while the remaining 96 are children and were abducted late last
year after the attack carried out by the insurgents in Katarko town.

According to Barrister Ahmed, 15 of the 62 adults had become widows
because of the attack on the town.

The Chairman said that the adults would be given two bags of rice,
sugar, cartons of noodles and a bag of salt as well.

Mr Ahmed also revealed that those identified as widows in the attack
would be given N50,000 support, while others would be given N30,000
stressing that such money would help them start up life after the
attack.

He praised the Yobe State Government for the gesture and thanked
security agents for all the measures taken towards ensuring the
abductees are healthy.

The Chairman of Gujba Local Government, Kyari Batarama, also
appreciated support from various quarters towards the recovery of
those abducted. He called for sustained security measures towards
capturing the towns still under the control of insurgents.

Abdulrahaman Dauda, who discovered the released detainees in Kasaisa
village, outskirts of Damaturu, said that they were in a serious state
of trauma when he saw them, thanking God that he had seen his abducted
family members.

He expressed hope that the remaining people being held captive would
also be released by the abductors.

One of the victims, Hauwa Mohammed, said, "They did not maltreat us
since whisking us away for three weeks. We had enough food and drinks
all through our stay in captivity.

"Any time they enter our apartment to preach their ideologies to us,
they ask us to avoid looking at them. They will always criticise us as
pagans. When they were releasing us, they asked us to prepare and join
those pagans in the town.

"We thank God that we have reunited with our family members after
three weeks of being in captivity."
--ChannelsTV

Health Tips

When working on the computer, make a conscious effort to blink more
often. It produces a tear-film which moistens and refreshes your eyes.

Hoodlums Invade Buhari's Campaign Office In Enugu

Armed thugs on Wednesday invaded the state campaign office of the All
Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu
Buhari(retd.), with several persons sustaining injuries.

Although, details of the incident were still sketchy as of the time of
filing this report, our correspondent gathered that it was not
unconnected with an earlier crisis that rocked the state chapter of
the party after some members were accused of embezzling funds meant
for Buhari's rally in Enugu.

The APC Youth Leader in the state, Mr. Iyke Oloto, who was reportedly
beaten up and taken away by the thugs, later circulated an SMS,
accusing the party's governorship candidate, Mr. Okey Ezea, of
sponsoring the attack.

The text message, which he sent to the national chairman of the party,
was also forwarded to journalists.

The SMS read, "My National Chairman sir, greetings of the season.

"Please my name is Prince Ike Oloto, state youth leader and a state
working committee member, Enugu State.

"I want to inform you of the injustice and discrimination done to us
by our state chairman and guber candidate, Mr. Okey Ezea.
"Sir, our consistent demand to know the financial status of our party
APC and insisting that our State SWC and SEC are carried along in the
state, some of us including my humble self, is either suspended,
excluded or sidelined in party affairs.

"My name was removed and replaced in BCO.

"More so, Barr Ezea guber candidate has been bought and settled by PDP
with N600m.

"Right now, Barr Okey Ezea, is sabotaging APC as saboteur and PDP mole.

"All GMB funds and logistics to Enugu State has been dubiously
channelled to his private account and not utilised.

"Mark my word Sir and quote me.
"Your true servant, Prince Ike Oloto."

Efforts to get Ezea, and the chairman of the APC in Enugu State, Dr.
Ben Nwoye, to react to the development were unsuccessful at of the
time of filing this report.
--PUNCH

Buhari Flies To UK On Working Visit

The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), on Thursday flew out of Abuja on a working
visit to the United Kingdom.

A statement from his campaign office said in the course of this visit,
Buhari would hold meetings with key members of the British political
establishment and interact with some global institutions with
stakeholder interest in the affairs of Nigeria.

The Director of Media and Publicity, for the APC Presidential Campaign
Organisation, Malam Garba Shehu, said, "General Buhari will hopefully
give a talk at the prestigious foreign policy hub, the Royal Institute
of International Affairs, Chatham House in London."
--PUNCH

Military Force Alone Can't Defeat B'Haram, Others --Obama

The United States President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that military
force alone could not defeat the Boko Haram insurgents and other
terrorist organisations around the world.

Obama's statement came ahead of Thursday's Summit on Countering
Violent Extremism.

According to the US Department of States, Washington is hosting the
summit to highlight domestic and international efforts to prevent
violent extremists and their supporters from radicalising, recruiting
or inspiring individuals or groups in its country and abroad to commit
acts of violence, "efforts made even more imperative in light of
recent, tragic attacks throughout the world."
--PUNCH

S'Leone Hunts Infected As Ebola Crisis Hits 'Turning Point'

Sierra Leone launched a door-to-door search Wednesday for "hidden"
Ebola patients as the head of the United Nations announced the world
was at "a critical turning point" in the crisis.

Dozens of healthcare workers fanned out across remote parts of Port
Loko district, east of the capital Freetown, after a spike in cases
attributed to unsafe burials and patients being hidden from the
authorities.

"Teams of health workers backed by security personnel are trekking
into outlying areas and knocking on doors of houses... to check whether
people are telling us the truth about not hiding sick people," Morlai
Dumbuya, a coordinator of the operation, told AFP.

"So far we have not met any resistance and people are co-operating."

The two-week operation follows a larger exercise in December, dubbed
the "Western Area Surge", when hundreds of volunteers knocked on doors
across the west of Sierra Leone.

The nation of six million has seen more than 11,000 cases and 3,400
deaths during the epidemic which has raged in west Africa for more
than a year.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council in New York
that proactive leadership by the presidents of Sierra Leone, Liberia
and Guinea was behind the retreat of the epidemic.

"Today, we face a critical turning point. The pattern of the Ebola
outbreak has changed," he said.

"2015 has seen a significant decline in the number of new Ebola cases
in the three affected countries."

Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma had pointed to a "steady
downward trend" in new cases on January 23 as he lifted country-wide
quarantines affecting half the population, declaring that "victory is
in sight".

But optimism gave way to fresh alarm last week as the World Health
Organization (WHO) reported the number of new cases rising in Sierra
Leone and neighbouring Guinea for the second week running.

- Secret burials -

Dumbuya said the increase in cases was due to "a series of secret
burials and hiding of sick people in homes".

Sierra Leone placed 700 homes in the capital Freetown in quarantine on
Friday following the death of a fisherman who tested positive for
Ebola.

Residents and healthcare workers have blamed a recent spike of cases
in the capital on infected people arriving by canoe from remote areas
further up the coast to seek healthcare.

Transmission remains "widespread" in Sierra Leone, which reported 76
new confirmed cases in the week to February 8, according to the WHO.

Ebola, one of the deadliest viruses known to man, is spread through
direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person showing
symptoms such as fever or vomiting or the recently deceased.

Relatives are required by law to report Ebola victims so that they can
be buried safely, as traditional funeral rites involving the washing
of bodies was one of the key early factors in the spread of the
epidemic.

The WHO said on Tuesday 9,365 people had died in the outbreak,
although it has admitted that the real picture could be far worse as
many fatal cases may not have been reported.

In the week up to February 8 a total of 144 new confirmed cases were
registered across the three hardest hit countries, compared to 124 the
previous week.

- 'Constant vigilance' -

Ban told the Security Council that more than half of those newly
infected in Guinea and Sierra Leone have not been in contact with
people known to have had Ebola.

"This reminds us that setbacks can quickly follow apparent gains, and
highlights the need for constant vigilance and active surveillance,
even in unaffected areas," he said.

Progress on eradicating the virus had been encouraging in Liberia, said Ban.

"Liberia, once the worst affected country with several hundred cases
per week, has been steadily reporting fewer than five cases per week
for the past month, all isolated to a single chain of transmission in
one county," he reported.

The Liberian government reopened schools this week after a six-month
closure to slow the spread of the virus.

More than 1.3 million children have already returned to classes in
Guinea, according to UNICEF, while Sierra Leone plans to start the new
term at the end of March.

Koroma predicted on Monday that Ebola would cost Sierra Leone $920
million in lost revenue in 2015.

He told business leaders in Freetown manufacturing had contracted by
20 percent last year from a projected on-year growth of 10 percent.

With hotels almost empty, the May-September tourism season saw a 30
percent decline in revenues on the same period a year earlier, he
said.

The government was criticised in a report presented to its parliament
last week showing ministers had lost track of $3.3 million (2.8
million euros) in internal emergency funds to fight the Ebola virus.
--

10 Words Nigerians Use That Are Not In The Dictionary

10 Words Nigerians Use That Are Not In The Dictionary

Installmentally:This "word" is a favourite of many Nigerians, but,
sadly, it simply does not exist. You won't find it any reputable
dictionary. The correct thing to say when "installmentally" comes to
your mind is in instalments or by instalments.

Plumpy:Nigerians use "plumpy" when they want to say that someone is
chubby or slightly fat. The correct expression is plump.

Disvirgin:This particular "word" is used severally on a daily basis,
especially by Nigerian men when they intend saying that a woman has
lost her virginity to a guy. The correct word to use, however, is
deflower, because "disvirgin" is not a word.

Crosscarpeting or cross-carpeting:This is a favourite of Nigerian
politicians and political analysts alike. They use it when they want
to say that a politician has dumped his political party for another
party, usually a rival party. The right terms to use when describing
this scenario are party switching, defection and crossing the floor
and not "cross-carpeting" or "crosscarpeting."

Go-slow:The word go-slow exists, but not in the way Nigerians use it.
A "go-slow," in the peculiarly Nigerian context, is a situation in
which road traffic is very sluggish due to vehicle queues. However,
go-slow in the English language actually means an industrial tactic
used by employees whereby they intentionally reduce activity,
productivity and efficiency in order to press home some demands. When
this happens, you say that work in the office, factory or organization
is at a go-slow. The correct terms to use when road traffic is very
sluggish due to vehicle queues are traffic jam, traffic congestion,
gridlock, and (less technically) hold-up, not "go-slow."

Cunny:"Cunny" is not found in authoritative dictionaries, but it can
be found in some slang dictionaries. Over there, it is a slang used to
refer to a woman's v**ina. The correct term to use is cunning (which
is used to describe someone that is being deceitful or crafty) and not
"cunny."

Opportuned:There is nothing like "opportuned" anywhere in the English
language, but that has not stopped its blatant use by all and sundry
in Nigeria, including journalists and writers. The correct word is
opportune. The word opportune is an adjective; therefore it has no
past tense. An adjective has no past tense. However, some verbs can
function as adjectives or adverbs in a sentence. These verbs are
called participles and they do have past tenses. They are not pure
adjectives. Examples of participles are fattened, amused, disgusted,
mystified, overwhelmed, upset and bored. Be that as it may, opportune
is a pure adjective and not a participle, therefore it has no past
tense. Opportune means appropriate or well-timed.

Alright:"Alright" is a misspelling of the term all right. All right is
used when you want to say that something is adequate, acceptable,
agreeable or suitable. To hardcore English language linguists,
"alright" is not a word. However, its usage is gaining traction and
it's increasingly becoming acceptable. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
- which is considered the gold standard among American English
speakers - has recently drawn a lot of criticisms for its
permissiveness when it began indexing some otherwise colloquial and
street language terms, including "alright." Most linguists disagree
with the gradual acceptance of "alright" as a word by the public and
even the media, while those in the minority are "alright" with it.

Wake-keeping:"Wake-keeping" exists only in the imagination of a few
English speakers. As a matter of fact, there is no such thing as
"wake-keeping." The correct word is wake and not even "wake-keep."
Both "wake-keeping" and "wake-keep" are ungrammatical.
Screentouch:This bad grammatical expression gained currency in Nigeria
and neighbouring West African countries with the influx of
made-in-China stylus pen touchscreen not-so-smart phones in the mid
2000s. It was a novelty then; many in Nigeria had not seen it - or
even thought such advanced technology was possible - before. So, they
looked for a name to call it and "screentouch" came to mind, after all
you just touch the screen and it starts working. In case you've still
not figured it out yet, the correct thing to say is touchscreen and
not "screentouch."

So there you have it, 10 English language "words" Nigerians love to
use that are not found in the dictionary. Feel free to add yours.
-----------------
Author: Chinedu Rylan

Unpaid N18bn: Contractors Vow To Stop Okorocha's Re-Election

Unpaid contractors in Imo State yesterday vowed to mount campaign
against the reelection bid of Governor Rochas Okorocha if he fails to
pay the N18 billion owed for work done, before the gubernatorial
election.

The angry contractors, who spoke under the aegis of Unpaid Imo
Contractors, UPIC, made the resolution yesterday after an eighthhour
meeting.

Chairman of the group, Rev. Udogadi Ononiwu, shortly after the
meeting, said a total of N18 billion was owed the contractors.

He said members of UPIC were legitimate contractors whose contracts
passed through normal process with Imo State government, adding that
most of them executed the contracts up to 60 per cent, but were yet to
receive any mobilisation from government.

He said at least eight of their members had died due to heart failure
and vowed that the coalition "would do everything possible to stop
Governor Okorocha from being re-elected into office if he does not pay
us before the governorship election slated for April 11."

Ononiwu further debunked the information earlier passed by Imo State
government that contractors had fully been paid, adding that such
information was unfounded. He challenged the government to take
further steps in determining who the real contractors in the state
were and also assess the job they have done so far.

"We are aware that there are contractors whose contracts did not pass
through due process and if government has paid such people, it should
not be generalised that all contractors have been paid.

"Members of UPIC are certified contractors whose contracts are backed
by relevant documents from state government," he added.

When contacted, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chidi
Ibe, denied that the state government was owing the contractors N18
billion, stressing that the opposition was behind the dust raised. "As
far as I am concerned, the government does not owe any contractor one
naira. I challenge anybody with a proof of evidence to provide it.

He said, except "they are contractors whose contracts were terminated
due to shoddy jobs or incomplete job. Most of these people are
sponsored by opposition to make such unnecessary claims.

"What is the total allocation of Imo State for one month? Imo State
allocation is in the neighbourhood of N2 billion to N3 billion a month
and somebody is saying that the state government is owing them N18
billion."
--National Mirror

NPFL: Kano Pillars Begin Title Defence At Heartland FC

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that fixtures for the 2014/2015
NPFL competition, also known as Glo Premier League, were drawn at a
ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday evening.

Kano Pillars, the 2013/2014 Nigeria Professional Football League
champions, will begin their campaign for a fourth consecutive title
against Heartland FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Imo State.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that fixtures for the 2014/2015
NPFL competition, also known as Glo Premier League, were drawn at a
ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday evening.

The draws ceremony reaffirmed that the Nigerian top-flight league
would kick off on March 7 as earlier scheduled, in spite of the
upcoming general elections.

In other fixtures, last season's runners-up and 2014 Federation Cup
holders, Enyimba International FC of Aba, are home to Akwa United FC
of Uyo.

There will also be the clash of the newly-promoted sides when Wikki
Tourists of Bauchi host the Ibadan-based Shooting Stars FC.

Last season's Cup finalists, Dolphins of Port Harcourt, will play
hosts to Kwara United who are making a return to top-flight football.

The opening day matches will be held on March 7 and March 8.

Below is the full schedule for the 2014/2015 NPFL season in Week One:

Enyimba International vs Akwa United

Wikki Tourists vs Shooting Stars

El-Kanemi Warriors vs Nasarawa United

Sharks FC vs Sunshine Stars

Dolphins FC vs Kwara United

Giwa FC vs Abia Warriors

Heartland FC vs Kano Pillars

Bayelsa United vs Lobi Stars

Gabros International FC vs Warri Wolves

FC Taraba vs Rangers International.
--NAN.

Luis Figo Launches His Manifesto For FIFA Presidency

Portuguese great, Luis Figo, has launched his manifesto as he contests
for FIFA presidency.
The former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan star, says unrest he
witnessed at the World Cup in Brazil and the furore surrounding
Michael Garcia's report into allegations of corruption at Fifa led him
to stand.

"The Brazil report was one of the things that made me to take this
step and announce that I'm here to try to change something that I
believe should be done," he told BBC.

One of the points that stood out in his manifesto is the plan to
expand the World Cup format and return money to individual national
football associations.

While he did not dispute the possibility of smaller nations backing
him for the FIFA presidency because of this proposal, he said, "I am
not doing this to win votes. I think my ideas are for the future of
the organisation and the future of football.

"The money belongs to the associations and I think FIFA have done a
good job but not so efficient like I propose.

"Another idea that I think is possible is regarding the reserves of
FIFA right now. I propose in my manifesto that $500million is enough
to cover all the running cost of the 4-year cycle.

Figo, who won 127 caps with Portugal, says he is "not worried" about
the FIFA election turning "nasty", adding that he is just focused on
his ideas and how they affect his candidacy.

What is important to the 42 year old legend is convincing the
associations about where changes are required and that he is the right
man to bring the positive change to the global game.

Luís Figo, born November 4, 1972, retired from football on May 31, 2009.

First Rain: Expert Urges Farmers Not To Rush To Plant

Prof. Simon Ugwu, former Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, University of
Nigeria, Nsukka, on Thursday urged farmers not to rush into planting
with the first rain.Ugwu told the newsmen in Nsukka that the crops
planted with the first rain might become roasted as a result of heat
if the rain did not continue. "If any farmer wants to use this first
rain to plant, such farmer should ensure the storage of enough water
to water their crops if the rain did not continue," he said.

He advised farmers to wait for another rain that would penetrate the
soil properly before planting their crops. Some farmers in the town
had said that they were set to commence planting of crops, following
the Wednesday's first rain of the year in Nsukka, Enugu state. The
farmers said they were prepared to start planting in their farms and
ensure storage of enough water if the rain did not continue.

Mrs Helen Ezeugwu, a farmer, said she would go into her farm to plant
maize. "That rain was heavy and I know it penetrated into the soil. "I
know the rain will continue but if it does not, I know maize will
survive as it does not require much water to grow,'' Ezeugwu said. Mr
Paul Nnadozie, another farmer, told pressmen that he would only plant
maize on his farm for now and would wait for another rain before
planting cassava and yam.

"As soon as the next rain falls, I will then plant cassava and yam. "I
believe the maize will grow without much problem," Nnadozie said.
Also, Mr Emmanuel Eze, a farmer, thanked God for the first rain on
Wednesday, adding that he had cleared the bush waiting for the rain to
start planting for the year. "With this heavy first rain, I will start
planting maize, yam and cassava in my farm though I would store enough
water to water my crops if the rain did not continue.

"I thank God for giving us the first rain. I am very grateful to God
for His kindness. ''I will start planting in my farm though I will
store water in case the rain did not continue," Eze said.
--Vanguard

Woman Arrested For Locking Up Daughters For Years

Swedish police arrested a woman on Thursday on suspicion of keeping
her daughters confined to an apartment amid media reports that they
were locked away for a decade. Police suspected the 59-year-old woman
had "restricted her children's freedom... for quite a few years,"
spokeswoman Ewa-Gun Westford told newsmen.

According to reports, one of the now adult children managed to briefly
leave the apartment in the small southern town of Bromoella and
convince a neighbour to call the police, saying that they had been
locked up for over a decade.

"The blinds were always pulled down there and we haven't heard any
noise from the apartment," a neighbour told the paper. Expressen also
reported that the woman had moved the children around to different
locations in an effort to keep them away from their father.

"One of the young women was led out of the apartment, she could barely
walk by herself," an eye witness told newspaper Aftonbladet.
Investigators were questioning the woman and the children -- all aged
over 18 -- at a police station in the nearby town of Kristianstad.

No PVC, No Communion, Rev. Uma Ukpai Tells Congregation

Rev. Uma Ukpai of Victory Cathedral Fellowship Center, Uyo, Akwa Ibom,
on Thursday announced that the church would stop communion for members
who had not collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Ukpai made the announcement during a church service in Uyo and said
that it was unpatriotic for any Nigerian eligible voter not to
participate in the electoral process.

He called on Nigerians to use the opportunity provided by the
rescheduling of the elections by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) to collect their PVCs to enable them chose their
leaders through the polls.

He said, "The 2015 general election is too important for a Nigerian of
voting age not to participate in electing their political leaders for
the next four years.

''If you are a true member of this fellowship and you have not
collected your PVC, know that you will not partake in our communion
service.

''We must take this election serious because we must rise up and
protect our future."

The clergyman urged politicians to eschew violence during electioneering.
--Vanguard

Read Asari Dokubo's Post About APC That Caused Uproar On Facebook

Asari Dokubo, a former Niger delta militant caused uproar on Facebook
in the early hours of yesterday, February, 18, 2015.

In what was plagued with so much controversy, a Facebook handle with
the name, Mujahid Dokubo-Asariimplicitly accused The All Progressives
Congress (APC) of being the brain behind the current Boko Haram
insurgency.

It's still uncertain if this is the true Asari-Dokubo, but time will
certainly tell!

Checkout the contentious post below;

"APC HELD LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN BORNO AND YOBE...NO BANGER WAS
HEARD.....BOKO HARAM WENT ON VACATION.

APC GOVERNORS VISITED MAIDUGURI....WALKED THE STREET AND MARKETS....NO
BANGER HEARD....BOKO HARAM WENT ON VACATION.

80% PVCS COLLECTED IN BORNO AND YOBE...NO BANGER HEARD...BOKO HARAM WENT
ON VACATION.

APC CAMPAIGNED IN BORNO AND YOBE....THEY CLAIMED HUNDRED OF THOUSANDS
ATTENDED THEIR RALLIES....NO BANGER HEARD....BOKO HARAM WENT ON VACATION.

WHAT MIRACLE DID APC PERFORMED?

WHY WAS THE SAME MIRACLE NOT PERFORMED IN SECURING THE CHIBOK GIRLS?

APC SHOULD PLZZZZZZ TELL US WHO SENDS BOKO HARAM ON VACATION WHENEVER
THEY ARE IN TOWN".

Meanwhile, It will be recalled that, during a meeting in Yenagoa,
capital of Bayelsa State, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, leader of the Niger
Delta Peoples Volunteer Force; Victor Ben Ebikabowei, aka, Boy Loaf;
and Government Ekpudomenowei, aka, Tompolo had in January declared
there would be war if their kinsman, Jonathan, does not win the
election.
--infonaija

Monkey Set To Inherit Fortune From Childless Indian Couple

A childless couple in India has decided to bequeath their entire
property, house, land and bank deposits to their pet monkey, news
reports said on Thursday. Sabista and Brijesh Srivastava, residents of
Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh State, have set up a trust that would
oversee their property after their death. According to the couple,
their main beneficiary will be their monkey, Chunmun.

The couple was in the process of selecting wildlife enthusiasts as
members of the Chunmun Trust, which would look after the welfare of
monkeys in India. Sabista Srivastava said she got her first monkey
Tintin from a neighbour who was maltreating the animal and when she
objected sold it to her. Tintin died soon after and the Srivastavas
bought Chunmun in 2005 and brought him up in luxury.

According to the report, his room has an air-conditioner for the
summer and a heater in winter. In 2010, Chunmun was married to Bitti,
a female monkey. "Every year, on the monkeys' wedding anniversary, the
Srivastavas host a dinner for about 1,000 people and feed wild monkeys
in the neighbourhood. "Ever since Tintin and Chunmun came into our
lives, we have prospered and we feel it is due to them. "They are our
children and it is our duty to ensure that they are well looked after
even when we are gone,'' Sabista Srivastava, a lawyer, was quoted as
saying by Asian Age.

Niger Gov. Aliyu Snubs Deputy, Asks Assembly Speaker To Act As Governor While He Goes On Hajj

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State on Wednesday side-lined his
embattled deputy, Ahmed Ibeto, who defected to an opposition party,
and asked the Speaker of House of Assembly, Adamu Usman, to act in his
capacity while away to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj.

Mr. Aliyu said in a letter to the speaker that he would be out of the
state from February 19 to 26.

"In my absence, the speaker will oversee my schedules as the Acting
governor", he said in the letter.

Mr. Aliyu had moved against the deputy after he defected from the
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Last week, Mr. Ibeto was reportedly walked out of state cabinet
meeting, although the government denied the reports.

The latest development came Wednesday as the speaker, Mr. Usman, an
ally of the governor, also walked two lawmakers out of the state
assembly, for defecting to APC, after declaring their seats vacant.

Mr. Usman, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, said the
defection violated the constitution of the state legislature.

The affected members are Bashir Lokogoma (Wushishi) and Nazeer
Abdullahi (Rijau).

Mr. Usman said the House took the decision based on a letter from the
PDP State Working Committee confirming the defection of the two
members to APC.

The speaker then ordered the two members to be walked out of the House
by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

The two members said the action of the speaker amounted to impunity,
adding that their lawyers would take up the case in court "because
there exists a court order restraining the House from taking such
action".
--(NAN)

Thousands Of Opposition Supporters Protest Power Shortages In Ghana

Several thousand opposition supporters marched through Ghana's capital
on Wednesday to protest against widespread power shortages seen as
harming the economy.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) which organised the rally, claims
President John Dramani Mahama's failure to boost electricity output
has crippled business in a country viewed as the rising star of West
Africa.

"We have a serious problem in this country," said Isaac Osei, an NPP
member of parliament who joined the rally.

(Photo: Supporters of Ghana's main opposition New Patriotic Party
(NPP) hold placards during a demonstration in Accra against the
worsening power crisis and economic challenges on February 18, 2015.
Ghana is facing economic challenges amid the worst blackouts in a
decade with the country's largest power producer lacking natural gas
to fuel its plants and the water level at the largest hydropower
facility near the minimum necessary to function. AFP PHOTO)

"Our people have come out fully to show this government that it is
time for them to fix the problem."
Osei told AFP that the rally was not just a partisan demonstration,
noting that business owners and labourers were also marching to show
the damage done to the economy by power cuts.

"We don't have light (electricity) to do our work," said Isaac Kwaku
Asante, who runs a barber shop in Accra. "If you go home, there is no
light to power your fridge."

Experts say power supply has been hampered by underperforming dams,
with output partly hurt by lower than normal rainfall last year.

The NPP has also criticised Mahama and his National Democratic
Congress (NDC) party for its wider failure to stabilise the economy,
hit by a weakening currency, high deficits and worsening debt.

Ghana is currently in talks with the International Monetary Fund for
an aid package, with negotiations set to wrap up in April.

The cedi currency has fallen 30 percent against the US dollar over the
last year and economists have urged Ghana to cut wasteful and
unproductive spending in areas like public administration.

Ghana began commercial oil production in 2010 and many hoped the
nascent sector would improve power supply while generating extra
government revenue for key infrastructure projects.

Production has hovered around 100,000 barrels per day from the
offshore Jubilee field but that figure is likely to rise with new
fields set to begin output next year.

The country, which is also a major exporter of cocoa and gold, became
an attractive target for foreign investment in part because of its
reputation as a beacon of democratic stability in turbulent West
Africa.

The opposition argued that Mahama has not done enough to maintain that momentum.

The NPP's Nana Akufo Addo narrowly lost to Mahama in December 2012
polls and has already announced plans to challenge the president again
in December next year.

"If (the NDC) can't fix the (electricity) problem, then they must give
way to another government which will take over and run the affairs of
this country," Osei said.

Air Strike By Unidentified Plane On Niger Village Kills At Least 20 --Local Officials

Between 20 and 30 mourners at a funeral ceremony were killed when an
unidentified plane bombarded a village in Niger near the Nigerian
border, local officials and humanitarian sources said Wednesday.

The strike on Tuesday came with Niger involved in a regional offensive
in the area against Boko Haram fighters.A humanitarian source put the
death toll at between 20 and 30 while two local officials told AFP
there were 31 or 32 dead and 20 wounded.
--Vanguard

Presidential Poll: Court To Hear Fresh Suit Seeking To Stop Jonathan

Justice Ishaq Bello of an Abuja High Court sitting at Maitama,
Tuesday, fixed February 22 to commence hearing on a fresh suit
challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to seek for
a re-election on March 28.

The court earlier directed the service of the Originating Summons on
President Jonathan to enable him to respond to the legal action which
was instituted against him by four plaintiffs, Prof. Tunde Samuel, Dr.
Junaidu Mohammed, Mr. Rasak Adeogun and Yahaya Ezeemoo Ndu.

The president was served through substituted means, to wit; by
publication of the court processes in a national newspaper.

The plaintiffs, through their counsel Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, told the
court today that they have complied with the order for service.

It will be recalled that the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court
had on February 11, struck out a similar suit that was filed against
President Jonathan by the four plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs applied and withdrew the suit on the day it was slated
for hearing, even as they failed to give any reason for their action.

Consequently, Justice Ahmed Mohammed who presided over the initial
suit, awarded a cost of N50, 000 against them for wasting the time of
the court.

Meantime, just like in the previous suit, the plaintiffs cited
President Jonathan as the sole defendant in the suit they re-filed
against him before the FCT High Court.

In their originating summons, the plaintiffs insisted that Jonathan is
not legally fit to contest the impending presidential election.

They contended that allowing him to participate in the election would
amount to giving him the opportunity to spend more than eight years in
office, contrary to the provision of the 1999 constitution as amended.

They want the court to declare that by virtue of the provisions of the
Constitution it was "unconstitutional, unlawful, illegal and not
permissible for any person to occupy the office of the president of
Nigeria for more that a cumulative and aggregate period of eight years
when the country was not at war."

The plaintiffs argued that should Jonathan win another term of four
years from 2015, he would have been permitted to occupy the office of
president for more than eight years.

They therefore prayed the court to declare that in computing the
period already spent in office as president by Jonathan, the period
from 6th day of May, 2010 to 28th May 2011 should be considered.

More so, the plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that having spent a
period of more than four years in office as president since May 6,
2010, Jonathan no longer had the "competence, authority or entitlement
to contest the same office for another term of four years."

The federal high court in Abuja had earlier transferred another suit
challenging Jonathan's eligibility to participate at the poll to the
Court of Appeal.

Justice Mohammed made the order of referral following an application
filed on November 28 by another set of plaintiffs in that suit, Mr.
Adejumo Ajagbe and Olatoye Wahab.

Effort by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke,
to dissuade the court from transferring the matter to the appellate
court had failed.

Likewise, a chieftain of the PDP, Mr. Cyriacus Njoku is equally at the
Appeal Court in Abuja challenging the judgment of Justice Mudashiru
Oniyangi of the Federal Capital High Court which had ab-initio
declared President Jonathan eligible to stand for re-election.
--Vanguard