Imo State Police Boss Warns Against Political Thuggery

The Imo State Police Command has warned politicians to cease from
hiring political thugs or getting involved in any activity that would
cause violence and disorder in the state.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Abdul Majid Ali, gave this
warning during his visit to some local government areas in the state
to educate traditional rulers and rural communities on the need to
maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the party primaries coming up in
the state.

He advised community leaders and traditional rulers to hinder their
youths and children from being used by politicians for political
thuggery and hooliganism.

He warned that all measures have been put in place to deal ruthlessly
with any politician, youth or person caught trying to cause disorder
within the state.

The Imo State Police boss, who visited Ehime Mbano Police Division for
the first time, met one of the traditional rulers who said that his
visit to the community would indeed boost the morale of security
operatives in the area.

He promised that the community leaders would cooperate with the Police
to ensure that the forthcoming election is peaceful and without
rancour.

After various visits to different communities, the Commissioner also
moved to Isiala Mbano Local Government, where he addressed a group of
community leaders and indigenes of the area on the need to abstain
from trouble during the elections.
--ChannelsTV

President Goodluck Jonathan Declares For 2015

The Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday, declared his
intention to run for the second term in office on the platform of the
People's Democratic Party, PDP.

He told a large crowd at the Eagles Square in Abuja, the nation's
capital city, that his government would continue to place priority on
the fight against terror, promising to equip the military to ensure
that the Chibok girls are freed.

He also lamented the unfortunate killing of over 40 school childrenby
suicide bomber at Potiskum, Yobe State.

He said that 60million naira has been set aside for the rehabilitation
of victims of terror in the north east part of the country.

Goodluck Jonathan while speaking to the mammoth crowd during his
declaration to contest in 2015 presidential election

Dr. Goodluck Jonathan also reminded the large crowd that under his
watch as President the nation's economy has been repositioned.

The power sector reforms, he said, was in progress as Nigeria remains
on the firm path of achieving regular power supply.

He called on all Nigerians to remain united as his party, the PDP,
would continue to provide the country qualitative administration.
--ChannelsTV

Military Helicopter Crashes In Adamawa

A military aircraft which was believed to be on a surveillance mission
in Adamawa State crashed around 9am on Monday.

A source who spoke with our correspondent said that the aircraft came
down at Damare in Girei Local Government Area just a few meters from
the State Capital, Yola.

The source said that the aircraft was carrying five armed American
military experts.

Efforts are on to get the reactions of the American Embassy in Abuja.

It was gathered that none of the security personnel involved in the mishap died.

It was learnt that three of the crew escaped unhurt while the other
two sustained injuries and were receiving treatment at an undisclosed
military hospital in Yola.
--PUNCH

India Woman Stripped, Paraded On Donkey As Punishment

A woman was partially stripped naked and paraded on a donkey through
her village in northern India after being accused of killing her
nephew, police said Monday.

Members of the village also blackened her face with coal dust and cut
her hair following orders from a local council of elders in Rajasthan,
the police officer said.

Thirty nine people, mostly members of the village in Rajsamand
district, have been arrested over the incident that took place on
Saturday night, additional superintendent of police Sudhir Joshi said.

The woman was accused by the village council of killing her nephew who
had died some time earlier, the officer said.

"The woman aged around 40 years was in her house when some villagers
stormed into the house and pulled her out on Saturday evening," Joshi
told AFP.

"They cut her hair, blackened her face and stripped her half naked.
Then they mounted her on a donkey and paraded her in the village for
ten minutes," he said.

"It was after a meeting of the panchayat (village elders). The cruel
punishment was meted out to the woman just on a suspicion," he said.

The woman was now being cared for by family members, the officer added.

Councils made up of village elders, usually known as "khap
panchayats", are common in rural parts of India, especially in the
north, where they are often accused of dispensing "Taliban-style
justice".

Their diktats are often unconstitutional and illegal, but they
continue to hold sway with rules seen as regressive by women's rights
activists.

In September this year, 13 men were jailed in West Bengal state for
gang-raping a woman who was accused by the local council of
"dishonouring" her village.

The council ordered the attack against the 20-year-old woman for the
perceived offence of having a relationship with a man from a different
community.

Potiskum School Assembly Blast: Death Toll Rises To 47

A suicide bomb attack killed 47 students and injured 79 others on
Monday as they gathered for morning assembly at their school in
northeast Nigeria, a massacre likely carried out by Boko Haram, police
told AFP.

"There was an explosion detonated by a suicide bomber," national
police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu said, referring to the attack at the
Government Comprehensive Senior Science Secondary School in Potiskum
in Yobe state.

"We have 47 dead and 79 injured," he added, saying that the Islamist
extremists were believed to be responsible.
--Vanguard

David Beckham's Son Brooklyn Reportedly Signs With Arsenal

David Beckham's oldest son, Brooklyn, is apparently a pretty good
player himself. He's earned a youth contract from a big club in
England, but it's not Manchester United. He has signed with Arsenal.

The Daily Star is reportingthat Brooklyn snubbed offers from United
and Chelseato sign with Arsenal, leaving David's former club in the
cold.

It's not entirely surprising, however, that the 15-year-old picked the Gunners.

The Beckham kids have been part of Arsenal for years, with 12-year-old
Romeo currently playing for their under-13 team and nine-year-old Cruz
on the under-10 squad. The kids have also attended their fair share of
Arsenal matches with David -- the club is in London and David is
friends with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

"Arsenal realize he can be a huge talent," an Arsenal source told the
Star. "They have seen that potential and protected their asset.

"The club has signed him, fending off interest from Manchester United
and Chelsea in the meantime. Next summer we may see him sign a
big-money deal and with Arsenal."

At this point, it's almost scary how much Brooklyn is like his dad.
He was modeling just two weeks ago and now he is signing with a
Premier League team.
--SBNation

First Lady At Enugu Adoration Harvest Thanksgiving

The spiritual director of the adoration Ministry Enugu, Reverend
Father Ejike Mbaka says his ministry has committed to praying and
seeking God's fulfillment in the re-election of President Goodluck
Jonathan in the 2015 elections. Reverend Father Ejike made the
declaration when he hosted First Lady, dame Patience Jonathan at the
2014 Adoration Harvest Thanksgiving and Bazaar in Enugu.
--NTA

Oyedepo's School Request Under Investigation --Britain

The British government has said it is investigating David Oyedepo's
Winners' Chapel International's request to establish an independent
school in the country.

The fee-paying school, Kingdom Heritage Model School in Dartford, was
set to open to children from the age of four in September.

The school, which will teach "Biblical truths" in each subject, is
currently being considered by the British Department for Education.
The church itself is said to be under investigation by the Charity
Commission.

Among those kicking against the church's opening a school in the
country is the National Secular Society, an organisation that
campaigns for the separation of religion and state.

The NSS expressed concern that a school linked to the "controversial
preacher" was set to open in England.

In a letter to the Department for Education, the NSS had questioned
the suitability of the organisation to run educational establishments
in the country, raising concerns over both educational standards and
child welfare.

In 2011, Oyedepo was, reportedly, captured on video assaulting a young
girl at one of his church service. The girl was alleged to be
possessed by some evil spirits.

In 2012, the Metropolitan Police stated that children believed to be
possessed by evil spirits or believed to be witches are at "clear and
immediate risk of significant harm."

In considering the school's registration, the NSS has also asked the
DfE to look into the details surrounding the death of a three-year-old
child who drowned in the toilets of a Kingdom Heritage Model School
operated by Winners Chapel in Nigeria in 2012.

The NSS campaigns manager Stephen Evans, said, "Given this Church's
association with belief in witchcraft and the actions of its leader,
we hope the department will give serious consideration to the
reliability of the school's commitment to safeguarding and promoting
the welfare of children."

According to the rights advocacy group, the proposed school
acknowledges "God as the sovereign and only wise God in all affairs of
life and learning," and believes the Bible to be the ultimate source
of wisdom.

When PUNCH correspondent contacted the church through phone numbers
provided on its website, one of the respondents said he was a
technical person and as such could not comment on the issue.

But another staff of the church, who refused to give his name, said
the allegation was "a scam, it cannot be true."
--PUNCH

Morocco Opt Out Of Hosting AFCON

Morocco have opted not to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
tournament, due to fears over the spreading of the Ebola virus.
The North African country had initially asked that the biannual,
continental competition be shifted to 2016.

Nigeria Super eagles won the 2013 edition in South Africa, beating
Burkina Fasso 1-0 in the final.
--PUNCH

Israeli Police Up Alert Level After Arab Protests

Israeli police went on heightened alert Sunday following protests
across the country over the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old Arab
Israeli who appeared in video footage to be retreating from police, as
the prime minister vowed a tough response to any further unrest.

Thousands of Arabs took to the streets Saturday to protest the
shooting, with many hurling rocks and firebombs at police. The
protests continued Sunday with a general strike called by Arab Israeli
community leaders and demonstrations outside universities and other
institutions. The tensions add to those already raging in Jerusalem,
where Palestinians from the eastern part of the city have been
clashing almost daily with police over access to a disputed holy site.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said police have beefed up security
and raised preparedness to its second highest level -- the country's
highest since the conclusion of this summer's 50-day Gaza war. The
weekend protests included some marching with Palestinian flags and
calling for an uprising.

At his weekly Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
warned against further violence.

"Israel is a nation of law. Whoever violates the law will be punished
severely. We will not tolerate disturbances and riots," he said."I
have instructed the Interior Minister to use all means, including
evaluating the possibility of revoking the citizenship of those who
call for the destruction of the State of Israel."

The anger erupted after an early morning incident Saturday in the Arab
village of Kfar Kana in northern Israel. Police said officers opened
fire against a knife-wielding man attempting to stab policemen. Video
footage later emerged, apparently taken from a security camera,
showing a man repeatedly banging on the window of a police vehicle
with an object in his hand. When officers emerged to confront him, he
began to backpedal and was then shot. Police took him to a hospital
where he died.

The police's internal investigations department is looking into the
shooting to determine whether proper protocol was followed.

Arab citizens make up some 20 percent of Israel's population. They
enjoy full citizenship but share the ethnicity and culture of the
Palestinians in the occupied territories, and have long complained of
discrimination. They often identify with Palestinian nationalism,
rather than Israeli.

In a move that looked to further raise tensions, Israel's Cabinet on
Sunday voted in favor of extending Israeli law to West Bank
settlements. The bill, which has yet to pass in parliament, aims to
fill a legal gap and apply full Israeli law on settlers as opposed to
the current system of military decrees. Critics charge that, if
implemented, the move would be construed as a step by Israel toward de
facto annexation of the West Bank.
--AP

Scenes Inside 'Boko Haram-Controlled Town' Shown In New Video

A new Boko Haram video obtained by AFP on Sunday shows militants on an
armoured vehicle parading down a road in an unidentified town they
apparently control and the group's leader Abubakar Shekau preaching to
locals.

It was not possible to tell whether the footage was staged for
propaganda purposes, especially scenes of residents cheering Islamist
fighters.

The message appeared to be aimed at reinforcing Shekau's claim that he
has created a caliphate within Nigeria.

In the 44-minute video, Boko Haram voices support for other so-called
caliphates, including the one proclaimed in Iraq and Syria by the
Islamic State (IS) group.

Shekau, who is pictured in closeup shots with rare clarity, again
dismisses government claims about ceasefire talks.

- 'Living in a caliphate' -

The video, which was delivered through the same channels as past
messages, shows armed men lined along a well-paved road, with three
pick-up trucks bristling with heavy weapons also visible.

Black, crested flags associated with the Islamist group are also shown.

Later, an armoured vehicle rolls down the road lined with both
fighters and individuals who appear to be residents of the town.

Boko Haram has released a series of videos showing similar military
hardware, equipment it says was stolen from the Nigerian military.
Such claims have been impossible to verify.

No women or girls are seen on the street or anywhere else in the footage.

Most of the message is taken up by a sermon from Shekau, delivered
indoors but apparently played on a speaker to locals assembled
outside.

"We have indeed established an Islamic caliphate," he said, restating
a claim he first made in August.

The images of the sermon include unusually clear closeups of the
Nigerian militant leader.

- 'Support for Islamic brethren' -

Shekau has previously expressed solidarity with other jihadi groups and leaders.

In the latest video, he seemed to associate territory under his
control with a wider, global caliphate, but did not submit to the
authority of any other jihadi leader.

"To everyone living in Islamic Caliphate, we convey our greetings," he
said, specifically mentioning "brethren" in Afghanistan, Pakistan,
Azerbaijan, Shishan (an Islamist term for Chechnya), Yemen, Somalia
and "the Caliphate in Iraq and Syria."

A graphic shown later includes a picture the IS group's leader Abu
Bakr al-Baghdadi as well as a portion of the message his group issued
on July 1 proclaiming a caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

Iraq on Sunday was investigating whether Baghdadi was killed in air
strikes by US-led coalition warplanes.

- 'There is no truce' -

Nigeria maintains it is still negotiating with Boko Haram envoys in
neighbouring Chad and that a disputed October 17 ceasefire declaration
remains viable.

Violence has however continued and the Islamists are believed to
control more than two dozen towns and villages in the northeast.

"There is no truce between me and Nigerian tyrants," Shekau said,
dismissing the credibility of Danladi Amhadu, the purported rebel
negotiator.

"This person Danladi... if he thinks he can, let him show his face. By
Allah, we will kill him," the Islamist leader said.

Channels TV Chairman, John Momoh, Receives Planet Africa Award For Excellence In Leadership

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Channels Television, Mr John
Momoh, has received a Planet Africa Award for Excellence in
Leadership.

The award, which was organised by Silvertrust Communications, took
place at the Grand Victorian Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada.

Mr Momoh received the award based on the leadership role his station,
Channels Television, has played in the advancement of the media in
Nigeria, Africa and the world.

Receiving the award, Mr Momoh dedicated the award to God, who he says
is the propelling force behind his achievements, his wife and Vice
Chairman of Channels Television, Mrs Sola Momoh, and the entire
members of staff of the organisation.

Mr Momoh had in October 2014 received the Constituency For Africa
Excellence in Journalism Awardin Washington D.C. in recognition of
his contributions to journalism in Africa.
--ChannelsTV

Swansea Come From Behind To Beat Arsenal 2-1

Swansea came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 and climb above the
Gunners in the Premier League table.

Bafetimbi Gomis, on as a substitute for Wilfried Bony, made an
immediate impact to power in Jefferson Montero's cross for his first
Premier League goal to earn the home side the points.

The Swans had trailed to Alexis Sanchez's 63rd minute effort but got
back on terms thanks to a fabulous Gylfi Sigurdsson free-kick before
Gomis got the winner just 90 seconds after coming on.

It was another collapse from Arsene Wenger's men, coming just five
days after their Champions League setback against Anderlecht when they
led 3-0 only to be pulled back to 3-3 at the Emirates Stadium.

The Reality Of Thanksgiving

One of the keys that will propel your rising is the key of persistent
thanksgiving. Thank God that the devil could not stop you despite all
he threw at you. For some it was hardship, sickness, loss of job, loss
of fortune, death of member of the family, discouragement. For others,
it was pain, sorrow, barrenness, unprogressiveness, miscarriages, etc.
In the midst of it all, God is still God. There can be no other God
like Jehovah that reigneth from eternity to eternity.

The truth of the matter is that no matter what you may have lost,
God's intervention is the reason why you did not lose everything.
Remember that Satan's ministry is to steal, kill and destroy while
Jesus came to give you life and life more abundantly (John 10:10).

I beseech you to join the league of those that constantly thank God in
everything (1 Thess. 5:18). That you have life is by grace. You did
not make or created yourself. God is your maker. He made you for a
glorious purpose. Remember what He told Jeremiah, "before I formed
thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of
the womb I sanctified thee, and ordained thee a prophet unto the
nations" (Jer. 1:5). No matter the present state of your life, it is
not the end. You are on your way to greatness. Thank God that you are
alive. Thank Him for your present status. Know that you are not the
worst. You are better than someone else. When you thank Him, He will
lift you higher than your present level. You are just one step away
from your desired goal.

There are three days in a man's life. Yesterday, today and tomorrow.
You can do nothing about yesterday because it is gone but you can do
something today and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Refuse to be
tied to your negative past. It will rob you of your now and future. It
is a killer of joy. When there is no joy there can be no fruitfulness.
Thus, you cannot see any reason to be thankful.

Your attitude is what determines your altitude in life. If you are not
grateful to God, you will be grounded. When gratitude becomes your
lifestyle, you will continue to gain altitude in life. Thanksgiving
will take you to a higher realm in life. Hear me, as you commit to
thanking God always, your status will change this year.

Learn to recount God's benefit in your life and give Him thanks. The
Psalmist said in Ps. 103:2, "... and forget not all His benefits". Never
take the happenings in your life for granted. Nothing is too small to
give God thanks for. When you appreciate Him for that little, much
will be added. Don't let the devil stop you and make you to focus on
what you have not received. Stay focused on your future but be totally
grateful for your present. Your future is too great compared to where
you are now. Thank Him in advance for where He is taking you.

Beloved, see God as the reason behind every good thing in your life.
Know that, no man can prevail by strength (1 Sam 2:9). Every good gift
comes from God (James 1:17). "For who maketh thee to differ from
another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou
didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received
it? (1 Cor. 4:7). Know that God is the doer of everything good in your
life. It is not by your act of hard work, "for without God ye can do
nothing" (John 15:5). Lift your voice and thank Him for every good
thing that has happened to you.

Know that God expects you to thank Him. In Lk 17, He asked the leper
who returned to thank Him about the other nine that were cleansed of
leprosy. This means that God keeps record of what He has done and He
is waiting for you to return the glory to Him. The leper that returned
to give Him glory was made whole while those who did not return to
give Him glory were not made whole. As you thank Him, He will make
available what is missing by making your life whole. It is time to
make thanksgiving your lifestyle daily and constantly.

To manifest testimonies like never before, you must constantly give
Him thanks because it is His will. In doing His will, you will be
pleasing Him and in return there shall be restoration in every area of
your life because He reigns forever. Keep thanking Him and testimonies
shall not cease in your mouth every day, week and month. God bless you
and bless our great nation Nigeria.

Have you given your life to Jesus? If not, please pray this prayer.
Father, I come to you as I am. I invite Jesus into my life to be my
personal Lord and Saviour. Wash me cleanse with the blood of Jesus and
empower me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you Father for
saving my soul and making me your child.
--Vanguard

Ohanaeze Calls On Igbos In North To Relocate Families, Investments

The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost Igbo socio-political
body,on Sunday, told Igbos in troubled areas of the North and other
parts of the country to relocate their families and investments back
home.

The President-General of Ohanaeze-Ndigbo, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey,
made the body's position on the insurgency in parts of the North known
at an 'Ime Obi' (caucus) meeting at the body's secretariat in Enugu.

Ohanaeze-Ndigbo, at the meeting, also disclosed that it had yet to
endorse any candidate for the 2015 presidential election as
consultations on the matter were still going on.

The meeting, which discussed several national issues as they affected
the Igbos, also proposed the establishment of a defence committee,
comprising senior officers of Igbo extraction in the security
agencies, to ensure the defence of the South-East.

In his opening remarks, Enwo-Igariwey said the leadership of
Ohanaeze-Ndigbo had already met with representatives of Igbos living
in parts of the North and other areas affected by the activities of
the Boko Haram sect to discuss their safety.

He said Northern-based Igbo businessmen were encouraged to make
adjustments in order to avoid human and material losses.

Enwo-Igariwey said, "We talked about changing style of investment and
investing at home.

"We spoke of the need for our people to register wherever they are and
watch their investments in the North - wherever you are get registered
and think more of investing at home.

"We also told them to try and move their families from those troubled areas."

The Ohanaeze-Ndigbo leader informed the meeting that recently, he
received an urgent call from some Igbos, who were stranded in Yola,
after the insurgents overran parts of Adamawa State.
--PUNCH