Veteran Actor Peter Bunor Laid To Rest

The remains of veteran actor, Peter Bunor who died earlier this month
following protracted illness will be laid to rest today at his
home-town, Ogwash-Uku in Delta State.

According to funeral arrangements released by the family, the Service
of songs took place yesterday Friday, May 29, 2015 at his residence
located along Dominion Hostel, through Nshiagu College, Delta State
Polytechnic Road, Ogwash-Uku.

Funeral service and internment will hold at the same venue today
Saturday, May 30 from 10am while reception follows immediately at the
same venue. May his soul rest in Peace.. Amen
—LIB

Fashola’s Tenure Is A Complete Disaster —PDP

Lagos state chapter of People's Democratic Party released a statement
saying Fashola's tenure was a complete failure.
PDP Publicity secretary, MrTaofik Ganisaid he did not expectAmbodeto
act differently in terms of running his administration based on
propaganda.

According to Gani,
"While we hope the best for Lagos State, it is our objective
projection that Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode may not depart from the
propagandist government now institutionalised in the state by Governor
Fashola.It is, however, our wish that the state prospers and so we
admonish Ambode to get close to God and jettison 'godfatherism' in
order to make any appreciable success. By upholding this tenet, Mr.
Ambode will implement policies for the people and not continue in the
manner that (suggests) the state economy is in the hands of a
godfather.

"With monthly internally generated revenue of at least N27bn, no
governor should fail in Lagos state. But former Governor Fashola left
office leaving the state with the highest local and international debt
profile in the federation. The former governor failed because of his
over-dependence on a godfather and his own self-believe."

Lagos PDP said Fashola abandoned many projects and policies.

"Such include, lack of affordable low-cost housing, balkanised civil
service with no minimum wage, unresolved Lagos State University
crisis, economic and human rights violations. Others are shortage of
road networks, hostile business environment, inability to bring down
cost of living in the state, poor primary and secondary education
standard, to mention a few,"

PDP said the party governorship candidate, MrJimi Agbajemight be
declared winner at the tribunal.

Punch reached out to APC'sHakeem Belloover PDP's comment, Bello said
"It's ironic that the PDP, a party that failed woefully at the
national level could issue such a statement."

APC Publicity Secretary for Lagos state chapter,Mr Joe Igbokwe
said"Are you still listening to that dead party? Please stop wasting
your precious gift of time on this totally irredeemable party that
destroyed Nigeria. Did PDP in Abuja accomplish half of what Fashola
accomplished in Lagos given the resources at their disposal? PDP Lagos
should shut up forever in Nigeria. They gang- raped Nigeria for 16
years and posterity will never forgive them,"
—PUNCH

Korede Bello Says Buhari’s Daughter, Zahra is His Bae

Korede Bello who performed at the Inauguration dinner in Aso Rock last
night, May 29, 2015 took selfie with Buhari's daughter, Zahra.

Korede shared the photos and captioned it 'Bae and I'. Fans have been
lamenting over Korede's words!

Aftermath Of Inaugurations: Four Killed As Heavy Explosions, Gunshots Rock Maiduguri

The heavy explosions from Rocket Propelled Launchers and grenade with
sporadic gunfire that rocked the city of Maiduguri, the Borno state
capital left four residents dead, several others injured and houses
destroyed. Vanguard reports.

The attack, coming barely 12 hours after the inauguration of President
Muhammadu Buhari and other elected state governors, some suspected
terrorists at about 12:30am, Saturday attempted to invade Maiduguri, a
situation that led to exchange of fire between them and troops of the
7 Division of the Nigerian Army.

Sources said, "the terrorists after realising the heavy fire power
from troops, started firing their rocket Launchers into the city,
which led to the killing of a taxi driver, Mallam Bukar around
Borehole area of Gomari airport of Maiduguri metropolis, while the
three other residents died at different locations"
—Vanguard

Imo State Corper Converts To Islam To Honour Buhari

A native of Mbaitolu (pictured above but not named) in Imo State who
is currently doing his NYSC service has converted to Islam after he
vowed to convert if Muhammadu Buhari wins the 2015 general election
and is subsequently sworn in as the President of Nigeria.

Shortly after the swearing in of President M.Buhari, the corper
accepted Islam in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State at
Jibwisb Mosque Gboko.
—Get-it-right-Nigerians-blog

21 Presidents Attend Buhari’s Inauguration

No fewer than 21 presidents and representatives of various countries
and diplomats attended the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari
at the Eagle Square on Friday.

The United States' delegation was led by the US Secretary of State,
John Kerry, while the Russian president was represented by the Russian
Foreign Affairs Minister, Sergei Lavrov.

The Chinese government was represented by the Minister of Agriculture,
Han Changful.

Roll call

Jacob Zuma (South Africa)

John Dramani (Ghana)

Paul Kagame (Rwanda)

Idriss Derby (Chad)

Boni Yayi (Benin Republic)

Theodore Nguema (Equatorial Guinea)

Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe)

Macky Sall (Senegal)

Ernest Koroma (Sierra Leone)

Mahammadu Issoufou (Niger)

Mohammed Abdelaziz (Saharawi Republic)

Joseph Kabila (Congo Kinshasa)

Denis Nguesso (Congo Brazzaville)

Michel Kafando (Burkina Faso)

Hage Geingob (Namibia)

Manuel Pinto da Costa (São Tomé & Principe)

Hassan Mohamoud (Somalia)

Hailemariam Desalegn (Ethiopia)

William Ruto (Kenya)

James Igga (South Sudan)

Mohammed Bilal (Tanzania)
—PUNCH

Who Will Checkmate APC?

Who Will Checkmate APC? Article By Amir Abdulazeez

The All Progressives' Congress (APC) is now Nigeria's official
'ruling', sorry 'governing' party; recall, Buhari said they were going
to govern not rule. Despite now being the party in power at the centre
and in control of a little less than two-third of the states of the
federation, APC is arguably still not the dominant party in the
country, especially when we compare its current status with what PDP
was in 2003 and 2007.

Some of the reasons why APC may not be considered as dominant as PDP
was include; it is not in absolute control of the National Assembly
where it slightly lacks the two-third majority in the House of
Representatives and only has a slim majority in the Senate. APC will
be facing the PDP as the most potentially strong and richest
opposition party in Nigeria's history. The party had ruled for 16
years and it will take a reasonably long time before its material
wealth (something that is indispensable in Nigerian politics) and
long-term influence gained in power to completely wither away. The PDP
is also controlling some of the richest and most important states in
Nigeria with Kano and Lagos being the most significant exception,
apart from having some of Nigeria's most valuable political maestros
within its fold. Furthermore, PDP's strong ward to national political
structure across the country built over the years with power, wealth
and patronage cannot be easily dismantled.

However, the question is whether the PDP can use all these potentials
to constitute a formidable opposition to the governing APC, checkmate
it, give it a good fight and possibly reposition strongly to stand a
chance of taking over power from it in 2019? Since it is too early to
understand and predict the new political direction in the country,
answers to these questions can only be hypothetical.

As noted earlier, APC has no so much significant dominance over the
PDP, but sooner or later it will get that dominance. The APC will get
its dominance from future PDP's misdoings and other events that will
arise; PDP's post-election crises is probably a sign of things to
come. First of all, even in defeat, PDP seems unprepared to jettison
its use and dump attitude complemented by brutal godfatherism, thereby
creating more and more enemies for itself who continue operating and
sabotaging it from within. It is expected that now without state
power, this culture in PDP is likely to slow down and eventually stop,
but the amount of damage it will do to the party before it stops may
prove costly. The PDP subconsciously engineered its poor showing in
the North and South-West thereby almost relegating itself to a
regional party. It is very much unlikely that PDP can redeem its poor
northern image in good time enough to checkmate APC's forthcoming
dominance. In the South-South and South-East where the PDP had a
massive national following, it refused to allow the people to freely
and fairly vote for their choices in local elections and the people
are likely to punish it in potential bye-elections and in
gubernatorial elections of Bayelsa, Edo and Anambra that will take
place before 2019. One major setback for PDP is that the party is
widely expected to lose big at all levels in the election tribunals.
Before 2015, PDP had two strong annexed parties in APGA and Labour
Party which have played very significant roles in PDP's 'winning' of
presidential elections. In what looked like suicidal, the PDP decided
to kill and swallow the LP and has badly wounded the APGA and
therefore now left with no other allies outside the main party. With
its expected continuous decline, PDP will have it very difficult to
win the gubernatorial elections in Ondo, Kogi and even Ekiti states.
All these are factors that will weaken the PDP and strengthen the APC.

The PDP throughout its sixteen years had built itself around money,
power and influence and 16 years is not 16 weeks. It will be very
difficult if not almost impossible for the party to survive without
these things unless they adjust extraordinarily. One to two years from
now, the PDP will look more and more dilapidated, disorganized and
most likely get disintegrated. This would be a very bad development
for Nigerian politics. For many Nigerians who would like PDP to
regroup and keep APC on its toes, they are more than likely to be
disappointed. With a possible occurrence of this scenario, who then
will checkmate APC?

Read more at NewsRescue:
http://newsrescue.com/who-will-checkmate-apc-by-amir-abdulazeez/

11 Nigerian Soldiers Slump During Inauguration Parade In Abuja

The deplorable state of the Nigerian army was again showcased Friday
during the inauguration as as many as eleven soldiers waiting to
display their marching skills slumped and fainted before the parade.

Ambulances kept coming to take away the collapsed soldiers.

The soldiers claimed they had been up practicing all night but this
was a flimsy excuse.

President Buhari, Nigeria's new president has promised he is moving
the army command to Borno, heart of Boko Haram until they defeat the
crisis. The reason for this is clear. Nigeria's army chiefs have even
been accused by experts and terrorist negotiators of being Boko Haram
sponsors.

The temperature was cool during the occasion, between 25-27 degrees
centigrade, 72-76 F.
—NewsRescue

6 Thing’s We’ll Miss About President Jonathan

To some ex-president Jonathan's exit from office is long overdue, to
others his departure is a little too soon. Here are 5 things I know
most Nigerians, both friends and foes, will miss about President
Jonathan:

1. His Ijaw cap

2. Patience Jonathan

3. His weird analogies (yam and goat)

4. His tolerance

5. Blame shifting game

6. Decision to concede defeat

—nigerianbulletin

Wikipedia Updates Buhari, Osinbajo’s Profiles

Following the historic swearing in of Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi
Osinbajo as President and Vice-President on Friday, their profiles
have been updated on Wikipedia.

Buhari's Presidency marks the first time in the history of the country
that an incumbent President was defeated in an election by the
opposition.

The site read, "Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR (born 17 December 1942) is the
President of Nigeria, in office since 29 May 2015. He is a retired
Nigerian Army Major-General and was Head of State of Nigeria from
December 31, 1983 to August 27, 1985, after taking power in a military
coup d'état. The term 'Buharism' is ascribed to the Buhari military
government.

"He ran unsuccessfully for the office of President in the 2003, 2007
and 2011 elections. In December 2014, he emerged as the presidential
candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the March 2015
elections. Buhari won the 2015 general election, defeating the former
President Goodluck Jonathan.

"Buhari has stated that he takes responsibility for whatever happened
under his watch during his military rule, saying that he cannot change
the past. He also describes himself as a converted, democrat."

Wikipedia also updated the profile of the Vice-President, writing,
"Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo (born on 8 March 1957) is the Vice-President
of Nigeria. He is also a Nigerian Senior Advocate, Professor of Law
and a Senior Partner at a law firm.

"After the formation of the All Progressives Congress in 2013, Yemi
was tasked, with other notable Nigerians, to design and produce a
manifesto for the new political party. This culminated in the
presentation of the "Roadmap to a New Nigeria," a document published
by the APC as its manifesto if elected to power.

"The highlights of the Roadmap included a free schools meal plan, a
conditional cash transfer to the 25 million poorest Nigerians if they
enrol children in school and immunise them. There were also a number
of programmes designed to create economic opportunities for Nigeria's
massive youth population."
—PUNCH

The 5 Things Governor Wike Achieved In Rivers In Just 1 Day

Nyesom WIke
Governor Nyesom Wike on Friday, May 29, 2015 took over the reins of
authority in Rivers Stateand set the ball rolling almost immediately.

Here are 5 things he did in his first day on the job:

1. He reinstated the Rivers State University of Science and Technology
(RSUST) lecturers sacked by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

2. He appointed a new Chief Judge, a position that had been vacant for
months, prompting the Chief Justice of the Federation , Mahmuh
Mohammed to direct the Bayelsa State Chief Justice to handle the
swearing in ceremony of Governor Wike.

3. He ordered the opening of all courts in Rivers State as from
Monday, June 1, 2015. The courts had also been closed for months.

4. He directed the hitherto moribund State House of Assembly to also
resume sitting as from Monday, June 1, 2015.

5. He also made sure Julius Berger return to work in Rivers State,
after Amaechi had stopped them.

Julius Berger returns to work in Rivers State (Photo Credit: Photo
Credit: Oraye St. Franklin)

Aisha Buhari Closes Beauty Parlour In Kaduna

Soft-spoken but extremely eloquent, there are many things that make
Aisha Buhari, wife of Nigeria's new president thick. Blessed with an
infectious smile; many, often as a result of her warm disposition,
underrate the power that lies in her.

Though, only soaring in popularity in recent months especially in the
build up to the March 28 presidential elections where her husband,
Muhammadu, a retired military general and former Head of State,
coasted to an overwhelming victory, Aisha has always been a known face
especially among people who seek to pamper their bodies. The First
Lady, until recently, owned one of the biggest spas and beauty
institute in the country. Situated along Camp Road, a high brow area
of Ungwan-Rimi Government Residential Area in Kaduna State, Hanzy Spa
and Hanzy Beauty Institute was always a beehive of activities all week
long. It is the first beauty institute in Northern Nigeria and is a
National Board of Technical Education accredited vocational training
centre and registered by the Ministry of Education with the aim of
exploring the untapped wealth in the emerging beauty industry.

However, since the victory of her husband in late March before his
swearing-in in Abuja, the nation's capital, on Friday, Aisha has since
closed down the beauty parlour to take up the new role of Nigeria's
First Lady. The spa and beauty institute patronised by individuals
across class, was sighted close to the private residence of the
immediate past Vice President, Namadi Sambo. The institute was
consulted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation/Kaduna
Refining and Petrochemical Company to help train individuals under its
Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme.

But as popular and strategically-placed as the spa and beauty
institute was, not many knew Aisha was the brains behind it. Like her
more popular husband who is famed for shying away from limelight and
prefers to stay at the background most of the time, she operated the
business only as a professional and not as wife of a former Head of
State at the time. Many clients, who visited the place and also came
across her, attested to how simple and impressive at customers'
relations she was.

But Aisha didn't just venture into the business of pampering people's
skin and bodies – she worked very hard to learn the tricks of the
business and how to succeed in it. A trained esthetician who obtained
a diploma in Beauty Therapy from the Carlton Institute of Beauty
Therapy, Windsor, United Kingdom and a certificate course from the
French Beauty School, Esthetique Academie Dubai, she is a member of
the United Kingdom's Vocational Training and Charitable Trust and the
International Health and Beauty Council.

In an interview she granted Thisday Style last year, the beautiful
Adamawa State-born mother of five said: "I'm a very busy person who
does her things quietly. I keep to my profession as an esthetician,
managing my spa and beauty institute both in Kaduna and Abuja. I also
personally perform some advanced facial treatments like mesotherapy,
gold facial and application of TCA etc. I have a number of
documentations on my experience in this area including writing a book
titled "The Essentials of Beauty Therapy."

Though, now saddled with the bigger responsibility of giving her
ageing husband the needed moral and emotional support required to
bring massive transformation in a country craving for change, Aisha's
training and experience as a beauty expert could come to bear in the
colouration of things within her control in the coming weeks. For
neighbours close to the First Lady's now closed beauty institute, they
would miss the atmosphere she brought to the area.
—PUNCH

Bayelsa Welcomes Jonathan

After the handover ceremony in Abuja, the former Nigerian President,
Goodluck Jonathan, has returned to his home town in Bayelsa State and
was welcomed by the former governors and the present Governor of the
Sate, Seriake Dickson.

The former President, earlier on Friday, handed over to President
Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, the nation's capital.

In Bayelsa, the ceremony was quite elaborate and the people were very
excited to have him back, saying they would always support him in
future endeavours.

Goodluck Jonathan was President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 under the
platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The former President has been the talk of the continent, with huge
commendations for his decision to call President Muhammadu Buhari to
congratulate him even before he was declared winner of the March 28
presidential election.

Dr Jonathan is from Otuoke in the oil-rich state in southern Nigeria.

Yusuf Buhari Is Not Buhari’s Son —Unconfirmed

There are rumours going round that Yusuf Buhari isn't the son of the President.

Yusuf Buhari, has caused a serious controversy, as some Nigerians were
of the opinion that Buhari is not the father of Yusuf.

Clad in traditional attire and a matching cap, Yusuf was photographed
with his sister Zahra at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

One woman stated:"But who told us that is Buhari's son? The general
didn't introduce him to us as his son. We saw Buhari's family picture
and the so-called Yusuf is not there, so what is this argument all
about."

Photos of Yusuf has ripped apart the hearts of many young Nigerian women.

While some allegedly desired the young man for husband, others were
busy questioning Yusuf's verisimilitude to the President.

Some social media critics further accused Buhari of hiding Yusuf from
the general public, saying that there was more to it than met the eye.

A banker said:"I never knew Buhari had a son. I was shocked when the
picture appeared on twitter this morning and many people were talking
about it. To me that is not fair. Why did Buhari choose to hide his
son from the people he's coming to rule? We remember that before Obama
was elected president of the United States, he made his two daughters,
Malia and Sasha public and the world saw them. To me the general
didn't do well if that is truly his son."

Another said:"I have been having a serious time on twitter since
morning. Nigerian ladies have been fighting over Yusuf, who is said to
be Buhari's son. Well, not until now, I never knew Buhari had a son
that is this handsome. Buhari should explain to us why he hid his son
from us".
—GistReel

Crowd Welcome Goodluck Jonathan Back Home At Otuoke

Crowd Welcome Goodluck Jonathan Back Home At Otuoke

"I Was Worried I Would Be Cursed," Jonathan Admits

See The First Portrait Of The First Lady Aisha Buhari

Nigeria's first lady, Aisha Buhari alongside her husband were
inagurated into office earlier today and here's the first portrait of
her as first lady.

George Okoro captured the new First Lady. The photographer shared the
photo with the caption:

A closer view of the First Lady – Federal Republic of Nigeria .

Her Excellency Aisha Buhari

I'm humbled .
MUA : @mamzabeauty
Assisted by Joseph Isaac

Okorocha Takes Oath Of Office For Second Term

Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, yesterday took the oath of office
for a second term, with a promise to do more for the people of the
state.

Speaking shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, which held at the Dan
Anyiam Stadium, the Imo Governor, told the people of the state to
expect a more vibrant government that will be committed to serving the
people better.

He maintained that he kept his campaign promises to the people in the
last four years.

"Four years ago, I gave you my word. I told you that my word was my
bond. I gave my people my word when I assured them that I would keep
the citizens safe and secure within the four walls of our peace-loving
state.

"In two years of the Rescue Mission, kidnapping, baby factory, armed
robbery, including bank robbery and other violent crimes became a
thing of the past. Those crimes have been eradicated from our great
land."

Speaking further, Okorocha, who was sworn-in alongside his deputy, Eze
Madumere, said: "As regards my second term, we shall consolidate on
the gains salready made in the areas of security, free education,
healthcare and road construction.

"The financial constraint emanating from the shortfall in federal
allocation, shortages in oil revenue and escalation of the dollar rate
notwithstanding, we shall endeavor to meet up with the foregoing
obligations and responsibilities without harming the state's financial
standing.''

Meanwhile, Governor Okorocha denied rumous of face-off with former
governor of Abia State and All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Dr.
Ogbonnaya Onu, over the choice of who becomes the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation (SGF) in the new administration.

Okorocha, who denied the existence of a rift while speaking with
newsmen at the Government House, noted that his relationship with Onu
was still very robust and cordial, stating that the name of the former
Abia governor was among the three names he submitted to President
Muhammadu Buhari for consideration for the office of the SGF.

According to him, "when the Ndigbo lost the chance to produce the
senate president or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which
was initially zoned to the Southeast, we then brought the idea of the
SGF, I nominated Onu, Senator Chris Ngige and Professor Anthony Anwuka
(Secretary to Imo State Government). But this was before Buhari said
he was not going to take any list from any governor."
—TheNation

Youth Stones Emir At Kaduna Governor, El-Rufai’s Swearing-in

The swearing-in ceremony of the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir
El-Rufai, turned bloody on Friday, as angry youths at the venue
attacked the revered Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.

Several people were injured when the youth, midway into El-Rufai's
speech, started pelting the emir, who sat at the VIP stand, with
stones and shoes.

Not even the heavy presence of security operatives could calm down the
situation, as the youth intensified the attack on the emir, thereby
forcing the event that started peacefully to an abrupt end.

Ting Of Human Wall

The youths, who were said to be angry with the presence of the emir at
the inauguration of the new Governor, alleged that he openly supported
the former Governor, Mukhtar Yero, during the campaigns, instead of
maintaining neutrality as a royal father.

As the stones were flying directly at the Emir, a ring of human wall
was quickly formed around him by his Body Guards and security
operatives before they eventually took him away through the back of
the podium.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ulnar Shehu told
Channels Television that the emir was not stoned.

On his part, the new governor in his speech, which was read half way
because of the crisis, thanked the people of the State for giving him
the mandate.
—ChannelsTV

Spain Charges Boko Haram Leader, Shekau With Crimes Against Humanity

Spain's state prosecutor charged the leader of Nigerian Islamist
militant group Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, with terrorism and crimes
against humanity over a 2013 attack on a Nigerian town in which a
Spanish nun was assaulted, court papers said. Reutersreports:

Spain has pioneered the use of universal jurisdiction, the concept
that crimes against humanity can be prosecuted across borders, in
instances such as when a Spanish judge issued an arrest warrant for
Chile's Augusto Pinochet in London in 1998.

The Boko Haram case arises from a militant attack on the eastern
Nigerian town of Ganye on March 22, 2013 in which at least 25 people
were killed. Court papers issued on Thursday said militants assaulted
the nun, Maria Jesus Mayor, in Ganye before she was able to escape
into hiding and was later rescued by Nigerian security services.

The court documents gave no details of the alleged incident involving
the nun. The judge has asked for a study of Boko Haram from Interpol
and will obtain a declaration from Mayor about the incident, according
to the court papers.

For Spain to carry out universal jurisdiction, there must be a Spanish
connection such as a Spanish victim or perpetrator. In the Boko Haram
case, the state prosecutor used the fact there was a Spanish victim to
bring a generic charge of crimes against humanity and terrorism, a
court source said.

China Executes Teacher For Sexually Abusing 26 Girls

China's top court said it has executed a primary school teacher found
guilty of defiling or sexually abusing 26 girls. Li Jishun had
committed the crimes between 2011 and 2012 while teaching at a village
school in Gansu province. He preyed on pupils aged 4 to 11 who were
"young and timid", according to a statement by the Supreme People's
Court reported by local media. BBChas more:

"It said there have been more than 7,000 child s*x abuse cases in
recent years and that the trend is on the rise. Li had defiled 21 of
his victims and sexually abused the other five in classrooms,
dormitories, and the forest surrounding the village near Wushan town.
The statement said that some of his victims had been defiled or abused
more than once. It made no mention of how he was caught.

But it said that the Gansu court had found him "a grave threat to
society" and noted that he had committed the crimes within just one
year. "The Supreme People's Court thus believes that it was
appropriate for Li Jishun to be executed," it said. Local media ran
the story with caricatures of the man depicting him as a wolf gobbling
up children.

His sentencing was met with widespread approval on China's
microblogging platform Weibo, with many expressing shock at the youth
of his victims.

"Four years old? I can't believe it," said one. "A death sentence is
too good for this man," wrote another commenter. In a rare disclosure
of abuse statistics, the Supreme People's Court told local media that
the courts heard 7,145 cases of child s*xual abuse between 2012 and
2014.

Sepp Blatter Wins Fifth Term As FIFA President

FIFA President Joseph "Sepp" Blatter won a fifth, consecutive term
leading the embattled organization when his only opponent conceded
defeat—but not before forcing a rare, second round of voting.

In the first round of balloting, FIFA members delivered a surprising
rebuke to Mr. Blatter, 79 years old, who has presided over soccer's
top governing body for 17 years and went into the polls the odds-on
favorite. The vote took place just days after the disclosure of a
broad U.S. probe and more than a dozen indictments and convictions
related to alleged corruption at the organization.

Mr. Blatter won 133 votes, seven shy of the two-thirds he needed to
win the vote in the first round. His opponent, Prince Ali bin al
Hussein of Jordan won 73 votes. As FIFA organizers began to prepare
for a second round, Prince Hussein conceded the vote, giving the
election to Mr. Blatter.

How has power shifted in soccer's world governing body? Why has FIFA
president Sepp Blatter remained favorite to win a fifth term despite
two investigations into alleged corruption within FIFA? WSJ's Dipti
Kapadia takes a look. Photo: EPA

Mr. Blatter has been at the head of FIFA since 1998 and remains hugely
popular in most of the body's 209 member associations. He wasn't named
in either probe.

He opened the congress with a 22-minute speech, comprising his most
extensive public comments since the probes were launched Wednesday.

"Outside the stadium, there are no geographical limits, there are no
time limits, and there is no referee," he said. "There are more than a
billion of us [touched by soccer]. How can one tribunal handle all of
that?"

The crux of the problem, according to Mr. Blatter, is that "you cannot
just ask people to behave ethically."

Under FIFA's ultrademocratic system, every country has the same vote,
regardless of size or stature in world soccer. That European
powerhouses such as England or Germany carry the same weight as soccer
minnows such as Fiji helps explain why Mr. Blatter had won four terms
before Friday, with widespread support from Africa, Asia, South
America, Central America and Oceania.

Candidates require a two-thirds majority—140 votes—to win on the first
ballot. If neither one obtains that many, voting proceeds to a second
ballot where a simple majority will suffice.

Prince Hussein, in a speech in front of FIFA members ahead of the vote
on Friday, said it "will take a committed leader to fix this mess
we're in."

In response to concerns expressed this week by FIFA's leading
sponsors, Mr. Blatter on Friday reiterated their importance in
providing the funds that FIFA then redistributes to associations all
over the world. He singled out Coca-Cola Co., one of FIFA's earliest
sponsors in the game's major expansion into television. "Without that
partner, we wouldn't be here," he said.

The Swiss probe, in particular, centers on the awarding of hosting
rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which are due to be held in
Russia and Qatar, respectively. The process has been a magnet for
controversy ever since it concluded in December 2010. FIFA even
appointed former U.S. federal prosecutor Michael J. Garcia to
investigate. His report, completed last fall, is still secret, but
forms the basis of the investigation by Swiss law enforcement.

"If two other countries had come out of the envelope, I don't think
we'd have these problems today," Mr. Blatter said.

"I accept that the FIFA president is responsible for everything," he
told the congress. "But I would like to share that responsibility with
you."

—Wall Street Journal

President Buhari Orders Immediate Relocation of Army Headquarters To Maiduguri

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the immediate relocation of the
army headquarters to Maiduguri.

The President gave the order in his inauguration speech. He said,
''The military command centre will not be situated in Abuja, but
Maiduguri until Boko Haram is defeated''.

Wike Reinstates Sacked Lecturers, Appoints Chief Judge

Newly sworn-in Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike has announced the
appointment of Justice Daisy Okocha as the Chief Judge of the state.

Wike made the appointment in his inaugural speech immediately after
being sworn-in by the Chief Judge of Bayelsa state, Justice Kate
Abiri.

He also directed that all the state owned courts which has been under
lock be opened with immediate effect.

The new governor further announced the reinstatement of some Lecturers
of the Rivers state University of Science and Technology who were
relieved by the Amaechi-led administration.
—Vanguard

Full Text Of Buhari’s Inaugural Speech

Inaugural speech by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari,
following his swearing-in as President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria on 29thMay, 2015

I am immensely grateful to God Who Has preserved us to witness this
day and this occasion. Today marks a triumph for Nigeria and an
occasion to celebrate her freedom and cherish her democracy. Nigerians
have shown their commitment to democracy and are determined to
entrench its culture. Our journey has not been easy but thanks to the
determination of our people and strong support from friends abroad we
have today a truly democratically elected government in place.

I would like to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his display of
statesmanship in setting a precedent for us that has now made our
people proud to be Nigerians wherever they are. With the support and
cooperation he has given to the transition process, he has made it
possible for us to show the world that despite the perceived tension
in the land we can be a united people capable of doing what is right
for our nation. Together we co-operated to surprise the world that had
come to expect only the worst from Nigeria. I hope this act of
graciously accepting defeat by the outgoing President will become the
standard of political conduct in the country.

I would like to thank the millions of our supporters who believed in
us even when the cause seemed hopeless. I salute their resolve in
waiting long hours in rain and hot sunshine to register and cast their
votes and stay all night if necessary to protect and ensure their
votes count and were counted. I thank those who tirelessly carried
the campaign on the social media. At the same time, I thank our other
countrymen and women who did not vote for us but contributed to make
our democratic culture truly competitive, strong and definitive.

I thank all of you.

Having just a few minutes ago sworn on the Holy Book, I intend to keep
my oath and serve as President to all Nigerians.

I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.

A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back to office
I shall go after them. These fears are groundless. There will be no
paying off old scores. The past is prologue.

Our neighbours in the Sub-region and our African brethenen should rest
assured that Nigeria under our administration will be ready to play
any leadership role that Africa expects of it. Here I would like to
thank the governments and people of Cameroon, Chad and Niger for
committing their armed forces to fight Boko Haram in Nigeria.

I also wish to assure the wider international community of our
readiness to cooperate and help to combat threats of cross-border
terrorism, sea piracy, refugees and boat people, financial crime,
cyber crime, climate change, the spread of communicable diseases and
other challenges of the 21stcentury.

At home we face enormous challenges. Insecurity, pervasive corruption,
the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel and power
shortages are the immediate concerns. We are going to tackle them head
on. Nigerians will not regret that they have entrusted national
responsibility to us. We must not succumb to hopelessness and
defeatism. We can fix our problems.

In recent times Nigerian leaders appear to have misread our mission.
Our founding fathers, Mr Herbert Macauley, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief
Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Malam Aminu Kano, Chief J.S. Tarka, Mr Eyo
Ita, Chief Denis Osadeby, Chief Ladoke Akintola and their colleagues
worked to establish certain standards of governance. They might have
differed in their methods or tactics or details, but they were united
in establishing a viable and progressive country. Some of their
successors behaved like spoilt children breaking everything and
bringing disorder to the house.

Furthermore, we as Nigerians must remind ourselves that we are heirs
to great civilizations: Shehu Othman Dan fodio's caliphate, the Kanem
Borno Empire, the Oyo Empire, the Benin Empire and King Jaja's
formidable domain. The blood of those great ancestors flow in our
veins. What is now required is to build on these legacies, to
modernize and uplift Nigeria.

Read more at The PUNCH:
t.co/UvPF5ZORBU

PDP Congratulates Buhari, Wishes Him Successful Tenure

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the newly sworn
in President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh
on Friday wished the new President success in piloting the affairs of
the country in the next four years.

"The PDP wishes General Buhari a successful tenure as President of our
dear nation. Indeed, we appreciate the fact that his success would be
to the benefit of Nigeria as a nation. It is against this backdrop
that we wish him good health, vigour and wisdom to pilot the affairs
of the nation in the next four years.

"We also join millions of Nigerians and the international community in
commending and applauding immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan
for a smooth transition as well as his democratic credentials and
enduring legacies in ensuring the stability of the nation", the
statement said.

The PDP underscored that as a party that has nurtured and sustained
democracy in the last 16 years, it would remain committed to the
democratic ethos as well as the unity, stability and prosperity of
Nigeria at all times.

Bomb Threat At FIFA Congress

The FIFA congress resumed on Friday after the all-clear was given
following a bomb alert at the venue where world football's governing
body will vote on whether to retain Sepp Blatter as president.

Zurich police spokeswoman Brigitte Vogt confirmed to AFP that a bomb
alert had been received at Zurich's Hallen Stadium.

The bomb alert had been called in to a media outlet Friday morning
against the FIFA event, Zurich police said in a statement.
Police and FIFA security searched the congress room, but the all-clear
was soon given, confirmed FIFA's general secretary Jerome Valcke.

"An anonymous threat was received against FIFA and after an
evaluation, the premises were searched and the all-clear has been
given," said Valcke.

The bomb alert reportedly landed around 11:00 am (0900 GMT).

FIFA was rocked on Wednesday by the arrest of seven officials in a
dawn raid on their Zurich hotel. They now face extradition to the
United States where they are accused of accepting tens of millions of
dollars.

All 209 association members of football's governing-body will vote
later on whether Blatter will serve a fifth term as FIFA president.

Ohakim May Emerge Next PDP National Chairman

The erstwhile governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, may be on the
verge of being appointed the national chairman of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) following the resignation Wednesday by the
former chairman, Adamu Muazu.

Ohakim who was governor of Imo State from May 29, 2007 to May 29,
2011, has been pointed to Midweek Nigerian Horn as being strongly
considered for top job at the PDP Headquarters, Wadata House, Abuja by
top chieftains of the party, who, according to our source, have been
closely monitoring the conduct of the former Imo Chief Executive
toward the party for sometime now.

The source averred that in his capacity as a former governor that has
remained prominently active in the party, Ohakim has retained and
sustained the cordial relationship with some of his former colleagues
in the Governors Forum who now form the crop of the leadership of the
PDP. According to our source, it is this network of friends that is
paving the way for the eventual emergence of Dr. Ikedi Ohakim as the
party's next national chairman.

"Despite some of the alleged slips by the former governor, he is still
very well received in the top hierarchy of the party. Remember, all
the top outgoing PDP governors are his set and friends. I can tell you
that he is still in their good books. And don't forget that Muazu was
a former governor. Soon after Muazu resigned the name of Ikedi Ohakim
was severally mentioned by many of the governors as Muazu's probable
sucessor," he stressed.

Since this scoop, Midweek Nigerian Horn has been analysing the trend
of the emergence of the national chairman of the PDP since 1999. It
was discovered that the North Central geo-political zone, especially
the part that is commonly regarded as the Middle Belt has produced
Late Chief Solomon Lar, Chief Audu Ogbe, Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi,
and Chief Barnabas Gemade. From the North East, there have been Alhaji
Bamanga Tukur and Alhaji Adamu Muazu as PDP Chairmen, while from the
South East there have been Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo and, Chief Vincent
Ogbulafor. The other zones have not provided the party's Chairman at
any time.

This selection and appointment of the party chairman, Midweek Nigerian
Horn gathered, is premised on the positioning of other zones in the
distribution of the party offices right from the President, the Vice
President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House and so on.

In the case of the expected emergence of Chief Ikedi Ohakim as the
next PDP Chairman, Midweek Nigerian Horn has looked at the fact that
Imo State is yet to produce the chairman. While Chief Nwodo is from
Enugu State, Chief Ogbulafor is from Abia State. And for its ranking
status as a prime state created out of the former East Central State,
Imo State deserves to present the Chairman of the self-styled Africa's
biggest political party. This also forms an added advantage for the
speculated emergence of Dr. Ikedi Ohakim as next PDP National
Chairman.

Only recently, Ohakim delivered a well researched and presented
article on the situations that led to the defeat of the PDP in the
2015 presidential elections as well as some other segments of the
elections. And his verdict, inter alia was that the leadership style
of Alhaji Adamu Muazu as PDP Chairman, was faulty and questionable. In
that piece Ohakim had stressed thus:

"Thus, from one single act of removing his from the big picture,
President Jonathan had the baton of PDP tragically fall of his hands,
In a twinkle of an eye, what was known the world over as Africa's
largest political party became a regional party overnight; now
restricted to the former Eastern Nigeria.

"The national chairman, Malam Adamu Muazu, did not help matters. With
a style of leadership that defied any known tenets in party
administration, Mu'azu frustrated several party leaders across the
country who genuinely wanted to make inputs on how to save the party.
The national chairman was incommunicado most of the times. He neither
accepted telephone calls nor returned. He never replied to letters or
memos from well meaning party leaders.

"For example, none of the petitions written to the NWC, which he
leads, on the governorship and national assembly primaries in the
states were treated. Mallam Adamu Mu'azu never addressed any of the
issues that were causing discomfiture in the state chapters; but
resorted to a style that saw him pick and choose friends from among
party leaders and chieftains across the country," Ohakim stated.

Read more at HornNews

Buhari’s First Son Spotted For The First Time

President-elect,Muhammadu Buhari's first son and only son, Yusuf
Buhariwas spotted at the airport with his dad this morning, April 28,
2015.

They arrived Nigeria from London. Yusuf is the only son of Aisha Buhari.
—GistReel

FMC Owerri Workers Intensify Call For Ohakwe’s Sack .Embark On Fasting, Prayers; MD, Mgt Escape Mob Attack

The current rift between the Dr Angela Uwakwe-led administration of
the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri and the staff unions of the
medical centre which crippled activities in the health institution for
weeks now has taken another dimension as the staffers have gone
spiritual.

The management is alleged to have stepped-down or cancelled the
proposed Private Partnership Projects (PPP) in the management of the
medical centre to comply with the yearning of the staff unions and
their members. The staff are not relenting on their call for the
immediate sack of the Medical Director (MD), Dr (Mrs) Angela Uwakwem
by the federal government.

According to a nurse, (surname withheld), the entire staff decided to
seek spiritual intervention on the call for Dr Uwakwem's sack
following an alleged compromise by the board and other authorities
over the issue. She went further to disclose that no matter how long
it took, the staff had agreed not to work under the current MD.

Consequently, the aggrieved staff have embarked on over a week-long
fasting and prayer procession to seek divine intervention for the sack
of Dr Uwakwem. In proving the severity of the collective quest, the
staff assembled at the main gate of the hospital every morning dressed
in mourning attires (black) where they commence their procession with
prayers.

The processions have so far taken them to different parts of the
capital city, including the government house and other notable places
where they will be heard.

Speaking to Trumpeta reporter, one of the union leaders expressed
disappointment over the politics the Board is playing with the
paralysed medical service and activities at the FMC at the expense of
human lives. He stated that there is no going back unless a new MD is
appointed for FMC Owerri, as Dr Uwakwem had overstayed her welcome.

It will be recalled that the problem in FMC erupted with the planned
handover of most of the departments in the institution to private
partners by the management, an arrangement that did not go down well
with the workers' unions.

Meanwhile the Medical Director, Mrs Uwakwe who is alleged to be at the
centre of the whole problem was said to have escaped mob action by
demonstrating staff who want her out. Her vehicle's tyres were
deflated and her office locked according to reports.

The aggrieved staff said the MD has rendered the place useless with
her wicked acts. "She is an American trained Director and she must
go!" The agitating demonstrators explained.

The demonstrating workers comprising of mostly junior workers resolved
to move round the wards last Friday to convince the medical chiefs and
consultants to join them in their action against the MD who they said
is now on the run.

Consequently, Imo Health ministry has set up a committee to monitor
the FMC crisis. Information from the ministry revealed that the
committee has swung into action and already begun an unscheduled
inspection tour to the various departments of the medical centre and
other hospitals around to examine and ascertain the level of
productivity in providing adequate healthcare services to Imolites.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Johnny Iheberenie
disclosed that the unscheduled visit was aimed at monitoring staff and
management and to ensure that they render services to the people.

A Trumpeta source revealed that there is no single patient at the FMC,
Owerri as at the time of this report. Concerned citizens of the state
are now calling on the federal government to declare a state of
emergency at the medical centre before the current crisis worsens.

Trumpeta reporter further gathered that since three weeks now, the
place has been unproductive.

Workers only come to the place in black attire to chant war songs.

Full Text Of Jonathan's Speech At Handover Note Presentation

REMARKS BY

HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR,

ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF HAND OVER NOTES

TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT,
MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR

THURSDAY, 28THMAY, 2015

PROTOCOLS

1. I welcome you all to this occasion of the formal presentation of
the Hand-over notes of my Administration to the in-coming
Administration of the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

1. This event and tomorrow's inauguration of a new administration are
truly historic as it is the first time in the history of our nation
that we are witnessing the democratic and orderly transfer of power at
the Federal level from one political party to another.

1. The Hand-over notes which we now present, contain the governance
philosophy, strategies, policies, programmes and activities of my
Administration for the period – 2011-2015. Also to be found in the
notes are the objectives, targets and implementation strategies,
achievements and challenges of our key policies, schemes, initiatives
as well as the status of commitments and liabilities of the various
MDAs.

1. As we hand over the affairs of the nation, it is appropriate to
recall that at inception, in May 2011, we committed ourselves to
consolidating national unity through democratization and good
governance. Our assessment then, and our firm belief ever since, is
that the unity of Nigeria, the security, well-being, greater freedoms
and opportunities for all citizens must remain the primary objectives
of government.

1. The Agenda for National Transformation which we did our best to
implement consisted of clear and consistent governance strategies,
policies, plans, programmes and projects, in all facets of our
national life. Emphasis was placed on human and state security,
democratization, sound economic management, as well as structural and
institutional reforms.

1. Our foremost concern was the unity of Nigeria.In keeping with that
concern, we engineered a process that began with a review of issues
outstanding from previous Constitutional Conferences by the Belgore
Committee. After that, we widened political consultations through a
National Dialogue that was orchestrated through the Okurounmu
Committee. These culminated in the all-inclusive National Conference
which unanimously reaffirmed that Nigeria must remain united and
indivisible.

1. The Conference also made resolutions and recommendations for
serious constitutional, political and governance reforms, which we
have forwarded to the National Assembly for appropriate legislative
action. It is our hope that the incoming Government will accord the
Report of the National Conference the very high priority that it
deserves, as a genuine expression of the will of our people.

1. The recognition that the starting point for good governance is the
legitimacy of the government itself informed our commitment to
promoting free and fair elections.

1. It also motivated innovations in the management and conduct of
elections which we undertook. Hopefully, in the years ahead, those
innovations will be properly and fully implemented so that Nigerians
will be even more assured of the integrity of the electoral system and
the legitimacy of any government that it produces.

1. To strengthen the social contract between the government and the
governed, we institutionalized the rule of law as well as the
independence of the legislature and the judiciary. We also promoted
group and individual freedoms. As a result, there is vast expansion in
democratic, social and economic space for all citizens.

11.Our nation and citizens faced many new challenges over the past
four years but the greatest was the vastly increased menace of Boko
Haram with their mindless terror, mass killings, utter ruthlessness,
kidnapping of innocent children and other unspeakable acts of
brutality.

1. We should all remember that Boko Haram's emergence predated our
administration going as far back as 2002. The group however became
extremely malignant with the killing of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf in
July 2009.

Read more at PUNCH:
http://www.punchng.com/news/full-text-jonathans-speech-at-handover-note-presentation/

Full Text Of Jonathan's Speech At Handover Note Presentation

REMARKS BY

HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR,

ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF HAND OVER NOTES

TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT,
MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR

THURSDAY, 28THMAY, 2015

PROTOCOLS

1. I welcome you all to this occasion of the formal presentation of
the Hand-over notes of my Administration to the in-coming
Administration of the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

1. This event and tomorrow's inauguration of a new administration are
truly historic as it is the first time in the history of our nation
that we are witnessing the democratic and orderly transfer of power at
the Federal level from one political party to another.

1. The Hand-over notes which we now present, contain the governance
philosophy, strategies, policies, programmes and activities of my
Administration for the period – 2011-2015. Also to be found in the
notes are the objectives, targets and implementation strategies,
achievements and challenges of our key policies, schemes, initiatives
as well as the status of commitments and liabilities of the various
MDAs.

1. As we hand over the affairs of the nation, it is appropriate to
recall that at inception, in May 2011, we committed ourselves to
consolidating national unity through democratization and good
governance. Our assessment then, and our firm belief ever since, is
that the unity of Nigeria, the security, well-being, greater freedoms
and opportunities for all citizens must remain the primary objectives
of government.

1. The Agenda for National Transformation which we did our best to
implement consisted of clear and consistent governance strategies,
policies, plans, programmes and projects, in all facets of our
national life. Emphasis was placed on human and state security,
democratization, sound economic management, as well as structural and
institutional reforms.

1. Our foremost concern was the unity of Nigeria.In keeping with that
concern, we engineered a process that began with a review of issues
outstanding from previous Constitutional Conferences by the Belgore
Committee. After that, we widened political consultations through a
National Dialogue that was orchestrated through the Okurounmu
Committee. These culminated in the all-inclusive National Conference
which unanimously reaffirmed that Nigeria must remain united and
indivisible.

1. The Conference also made resolutions and recommendations for
serious constitutional, political and governance reforms, which we
have forwarded to the National Assembly for appropriate legislative
action. It is our hope that the incoming Government will accord the
Report of the National Conference the very high priority that it
deserves, as a genuine expression of the will of our people.

1. The recognition that the starting point for good governance is the
legitimacy of the government itself informed our commitment to
promoting free and fair elections.

1. It also motivated innovations in the management and conduct of
elections which we undertook. Hopefully, in the years ahead, those
innovations will be properly and fully implemented so that Nigerians
will be even more assured of the integrity of the electoral system and
the legitimacy of any government that it produces.

1. To strengthen the social contract between the government and the
governed, we institutionalized the rule of law as well as the
independence of the legislature and the judiciary. We also promoted
group and individual freedoms. As a result, there is vast expansion in
democratic, social and economic space for all citizens.

11.Our nation and citizens faced many new challenges over the past
four years but the greatest was the vastly increased menace of Boko
Haram with their mindless terror, mass killings, utter ruthlessness,
kidnapping of innocent children and other unspeakable acts of
brutality.

1. We should all remember that Boko Haram's emergence predated our
administration going as far back as 2002. The group however became
extremely malignant with the killing of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf in
July 2009.

Read more at PUNCH:

http://www.punchng.com/news/full-text-jonathans-speech-at-handover-note-presentation/&sa=U&ei=zElnVe69F8HksASCzoHQDQ&ved=0CAkQFjAB&sig2=OqmJiIAEeDxujIHCqk6RhA&usg=AFQjCNEkNrF44WB5rSeDeLSfkYiZ4MSpgw

Northerners Take Over ALVAN AS Chancellor, Vice Chancellor

The newly upgraded Alvan Ikoku University of Education Owerri has been
blessed with two persons who will oversee the functions and
administration of the institution.

As part of the last minute appointments of outgoing President Goodluck
Jonathan, Alhaji Najib Hussain Adamu, CON, (Emir of Kazaum, Katsina
State and Prof Sadiq Zubar Aubakar have been appointed chancellor and
Vice-Chancellor of the new University respectively.

Ironically, the appointments which are with immediate effect show that
the two persons to oversee affairs of ALVAN are from the Northern part
of he country.

In similar circumstance, HRH, Eze Prof Green Nwankwo, OON, Eze
Ohazurume 1 of Aro Amuro Autonomous Community of Okigwe in Imo State
was handed the Chancellorship position of the Federal University of
Education Zari, Kaduna State with Prof Ibrahim Kolo to act as maiden
VC.
—Trumpeta

Nigeria National Assembly’s Allocation Higher Than Individual Budgets of 19 States

After months of public outcry over its lavish annual budget, Nigeria's
National Assembly has finally accepted a N20 billion cut to its
budget, the first time it would do so since 2011.

This year, the National Assembly will spend N130 billion, and no
longer N150 billion, according to the 2015 Appropriation Act signed
this month by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Since 2011, the legislature had maintained a super annual budget
package of N150 billion, with details of the spending kept top secret
for four years.

Even as Nigeria faced a devastating revenue shortage due to sliding
oil price in 2014, the Nigerian government proposed another N150
billion for the lawmakers for the 2015 fiscal year.

But while the lawmakers have now agreed a N20 billion cut following
months of criticism, its new N130 billion allocation still outweighs
the individual budgets of 19 states in Nigeria, PREMIUM TIMES analysis
has shown.

Only 17 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory
Administration have budgets that are equal to, or above that of the
National Assembly.

The federal legislature consisting of the Senate, the House of
Representatives, the National Assembly Service Commission and the
Legislative Institute of Nigeria; has just over 2,000 persons.

The National Assembly has 469 members in addition to legislative aides
and other support staff which are less than 1, 600 persons.

On the contrary, every state of the Federation have the full
complements of the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, a robust
civil service, and of course millions of citizens to care for.

Some of the states with smaller budgets include Ebonyi (N80 billion),
Yobe (N80.6 billion) Niger (80.8 billion), Ekiti (N80.9 billion),
Gombe (N86. 8 billion), Zamfara (N92.8 billion), and Enugu (N96.7
billion).

Others are Taraba, Benue, Jigawa and Adamawa.

See full list at PremiumTimes below:
http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/183784-national-assembly-huge-allocation-higher-than-budgets-of-19-states.html

NCC Bans MTN's New Tariff Plan 'TruTalk+'

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has directed MTN Nigeria
to cancel it's latest tariff plan 'TruTalk+' or face serious sactions.

The new tariff with daily access fee of N5, allows subscribers to call
all networks at 11k/sec and N20k/sec to UK, USA, India, Canada and
China.

"The Commission's investigations showed MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd
has already configured this tariff plan on their network and has
therefore implemented same" without the appropriate regulatory
approval. It said the action contravenes section 108 (1) of the
Nigeria Communications Act 2003," the commission's Director of Public
Relations, Tony Ojobo, says in a statement.

"Consequent upon the above, the Commission thereby directs MTN Nigeria
Communications Ltd to immediately discontinue this Tariff Plan and all
associated advertisements regarding same or otherwise face regulatory
sanctions accordingly" he added.

Sepp Blatter Refuses To Resign As FIFA President Despite Plea From UEFA's Michel Platini

Following the shocking allegations of long-term corruption which
surfaced on Wednesday after an FBI-led investigation indicted 14
people, including nine FIFA officials, the FIFA presidential election
is to go ahead as planned on Friday.

However on Thursday, Blatter first held an emergency meeting with FIFA
officials and then met Platini separately.

The head of UEFA, who have revealed that the majority of their member
nations have pledged their support to Prince Ali of Jordan in Friday's
presidential election in Zurich, urged Blatter to quit but is believed
the 79-year-old refused to step down as FIFA's main man despite the
latest damaging allegations of corruption.

Blatter is widely expected to win the election on Friday as the man
who has been in charge of world soccer's governing body since 1998
will secure a fifth-term in change.

In UEFA's press conference on Thursday in Zurich, Platini revealed
that he was "absolutely sickened" by the latest scandal to rock world
soccer's governing body and that he pleaded with Blatter to resign.
Platini then said FIFA's president gave him this answer:

"I can't leave, the congress is starting today and it is too late,"
said Blatter.

Blatter has the backing of the CAF, African soccer's governing body,
and the Asian Football Confederation as he needs just 105 votes from
the 209 member associations to secure a fifth four-year term in
charge.

Platini revealed that UEFA's members, which consist of 54
associations, would be supporting Prince Ali of Jordan but with CAF
and AFC making up 103 of the 105 votes need for a majority, Blatter is
highly likely to win Friday's election. Platini also revealed in his
press conference that he is not expecting to be part of the FBI's
investigation into alleged corruption by FIFA officials, or the Swiss
authorities launching a separate investigation into the awarding of
the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively. Platini
previously voted for Qatar to get the 2022 World Cup and was heavily
criticized when it was revealed his son has landed a job at a Qatari
sports company.

If Blatter does win Friday's election, Platini revealed that UEFA is
"open to all options" after being asked if European soccer's governing
body is willing to walk away from FIFA if Blatter is re-elected.

"People have had enough," Platini said. "They don't want this
president anymore."

President Jonathan Presents Handover Notes To Buhari

The President has presented his handover notes to the President-elect.

Both men, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari are perhaps meeting
for the last time before the handover.

The presentation was done inside the Council Chambers of the
Presidential Villa, Abuja shortly after President Jonathan conducted
Buhari round the Presidential Villa.

Jonathan also presented an executive summary of his handover notes and
a copy of the National Conference report to the President-elect,
Muhammadu Buhari.

Jonathan Gets Award Of ‘Peace-loving Global Citizen’

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria has received the award of
'Peace-loving Global Citizen', in recognition of his commitment to the
unity of the nation has continued to see its ethnic and religious
diversity as its strength.

The award was given to the President by the Universal Peace Foundation
on Tuesday in Abuja.

Conferring the award on the President at the Presidential Villa, the
leader of the group and a constitutional lawyer, Mr Mike Ozhekohme,
commended Dr Jonathan for his commitment to ensuring that Nigeria
remained united, despite predictions of disintegration.

He will now represent Nigeria at the global peace council taking over
from Mr Ernest Shonekan.

In his acceptance speech, President Jonathan reiterated his commitment
to the unity of Nigeria, insisting that he will never be part of any
action that can lead to Nigeria's disintegration.

"I will never be a party to Nigeria's disintegration," he said.

He said the predictions that the country would cease to exist in 2015
could have come true if he had not taken the decision to concede
defeat in the March 28 presidential election.

Dr Jonathan reinstated his position that he would dedicate the
remaining part of his life to issues that would bring unity and peace
to the country.

Dr Jonathan called on Nigerians to commit themselves to strengthening
those issues that would promote the nation's unity, despite the
diversity.

The Nigerian President, who will be handing over to a new
administration on May 29, also urged the President-elect, General
Muhammadu Buhari to appreciate the contributions of well-meaning
Nigerians and see how Nigeria could be governed as a country that
belongs to all.
—ChannelsTV

DPR Insists On 87 Naira Pump Price As Fuel Lifting Begins

As fuel lifting begins in Nigeria after days of sever fuel scarcity,
the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) is insisting that it is
illegal for any filling station to sell Premium Motor Spirit also
known as petrol above the pump price of 87 Naira per litre.

In a statement, the DPR emphasised that the Federal Government had not
increased the price of fuel, assuring Nigerians that efforts are being
made to ensure that the product reaches every part of the nation.

"The price remains at 87 Naira per litre. Any station caught selling
above the stipulated price, will have its licence revoked," the
statement read.

The DPR insisted that there was enough fuel, warning service stations
not to sell in jerry cans for safety reasons, or risk being sealed up.

Lifting of fuel has started but the lines of jerry cans waiting for
petrol, which had become priceless for most Nigerians in the last few
days, will not disappear within a twinkle of an eye.

At one of the tank farms in Lagos State, officials said the farm will
dispense fuel in the day and at night, delivering a 24 hour service.

However, long queues still dot the streets of Lagos State, vehicles
snail across the major road causing gridlock.

The good news, however, is that the truce called by the major players
in the oil and gas is working with oil tankers loading and taking
petroleum products to various destinations in and out of Lagos.

Oil marketers and workers are, however, assuring the public that the
situation would get better in the coming days.
—ChannelsTV

Saraki, Lawan Supporters Wreck APC Consensus Meeting

An attempt by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to elect
a consensus candidate for the leadership of the Senate at a retreat
organised for Senators-elect in Abuja was frustrated on Saturday as
two factions emerged from the camp, endorsing two separate candidates.
The PUNCH reports.

The party leadership had planned to conduct a primary election for the
59 senators elected on the ticket of the party in order to produce a
consensus candidate that would emerge as the next Senate President
during the inauguration of the eighth National Assembly in June.

However, few hours into the retreat, a group, which identified itself
as Senate Unity Forum, walked out of the event and addressed a news
conference where they declared that they had resolved to support the
joint ticket of Senators Ahmad Lawan and George Akume for the Senate
top posts.

They circulated a resolution signed by Lawan (Yobe North), Akume
(Benue North West) and the group's spokesperson, Senator Barnabas
Gemade, (Benue North East) wherein the senators-elect explained that
their decision was in the best interest of the party and Nigeria.

The group, which did not disclose its membership strength said, "We,
the Senate Unity Forum comprising senators-elect from various states
and various zones of Nigeria, have met, held extensive discussions and
resolved to support Senator Ahmad Lawan as Senate President and
Senator George Akume, as the Deputy Senate President of the eighth
Senate."

But some hours later, no fewer than 24 senators-elect, under the aegis
of, "The Like-minds," filed out of the retreat and announced that 35
members of the group had adopted Saraki (Kwara Central) as their next
Senate President.

They also said each of the 35 members of the group, had signed a
document which indicated their commitment to Saraki and had followed
it up by jointly signing a letter, which they would present to the
National Chairman of the party, Mr. John Odigie-Oyegun.

The Senators, in their resolution, read by Dino Melaye (Kogi West)
noted: "Senators of 'The Like-minds' are here today at the retreat
organised by our dear party, All Progressive Congress, which is meant
to equip and empower senators-elect of the eighth Assembly to prepare
them for the challenges ahead.

"We commend the leadership of our party for this timely and
well-focused exercise. The issue of National Assembly leadership is
about integrity, competence, discipline and leadership skills and not
about fixing of candidates just for mere horse-trading.

"Our stand is about electing a senator who eventually becomes the
chairman of National Assembly and relates with the executive on behalf
of Nigerians, fellow senators and the National Assembly as an
institution.

"Furthermore, the leadership of National Assembly is about the senator
that has the wherewithal to stabilise the legislative institution,
working with the executive and judicial arm of government to be
effective and perform to their optimal capacity.

"In addition, we are aware of the fact that all senators from the
North Central zone have taken a firm position that they are only
interested in the office of the Senate President which has been
earlier zoned by the National Working Committee of our party to the
zone.

"We are also aware that North Central senators have resolved to abide
by the resolution of the zone on a single candidate and anything short
of this is an attempt to jeopardise the collective interest of the
zone.

"Of the 59 senators of the APC, 35 of us present here today hereby
reaffirm our collective commitment and resolution to ensure that the
candidature of Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki as the Senate President
of eighth Assembly.

We have also resolved that the office of the Deputy Senate President
be zoned to the North East."

PUNCH correspondent observed that the South-West APC senators-elect,
except Tayo Alasoadura, were conspicuously absent at the briefing,
while members of the Like-minds senators who were present, cut across
the North-Central, North-West, and the North-East geopolitical zones.

The latest development has therefore pruned down the numbers of
aspirants contesting the senate presidency from four to two because
while Akume had accepted to be Lawan's deputy, Ali Ndume (Borno
South), was among the senators that endorsed Saraki on Saturday.
—PUNCH