Gabon: Government says coup attempt failed

                              

The government in Gabon has said four of the soldiers who attempted to seize power in a coup on Monday, had been arrested.

It assured that normalcy would be restored in the Central African nation.

The military claimed to have seized power from the President Ali Bongo-led government in the country earlier in the day.

However, the government has denied the claim.

A fifth suspect was on the run, Reuters reported, after soldiers announced plans for a “national council of restoration,” in a country where the ruling Bongo family has been dogged by accusations of corruption and fraud during nearly a half-century in power.

Government soldiers swarmed the streets of the capital, Libreville, guarding the national radio and TV stations, but things appeared to be returning to normal. “The government is in place,” a government spokesman, Guy-Bertrand Mapangou, told France 24. “The institutions are in place.”

Ali Bongo Ondimba, the president, has been out of Gabon since October while receiving medical treatment for what many believe was a stroke he suffered while attending a conference in Saudi Arabia.

He had sought to reassure the nation he was fit during a New Year’s Eve speech televised from Morocco, where he is recuperating.

5 suspected cultists docked over alleged assault on security guard

                              

Five men, suspected to be members of a secret cult, on Monday appeared before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly using cutlass to injure a security guard.

The accused, Ojo Funmilayo, 32; Samson Thomas, 22; Ahmed Suleiman, 21; Mathew James, 20; and Sunday Joseph, 19, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, belonging to an unlawful society and assault.

They, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Oriabure, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Dec. 24, at 9.30 am at Olusosun Dump Site in Ojota area of Lagos.

Oriabure said the accused beat up and injured the security guard, Mr Abdullahi Ahmed, who told them to stop roaming the dump site.

“The accused used cutlasses to beat up the complainant and injured him on his left ear,” he said.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 42, 173 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 173 stipulates a three-year jail term for assault.

In her ruling, Magistrate Oluwatoyin Ojuromi, granted each of the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.

Ojuromi said that the sureties should be above 40 years old and should show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned until Feb. 26 for mention.

Breaking: President Buhari puts Tinubu in charge of his re-election campaigns

                                 

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the National leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would fully be in charge of his second term campaigns.

Buhari made the disclosure during the inauguration of his presidential campaign council today at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

He urged members of the council to cooperate with Tinubu who is the co- chairman of the council and that, they should keep their eyes on the ball.

The President, who said their campaigns would be based on their performance in the last three and half years, urged the council members to resist being provoked.

“Even though, we have only 40 days, this campaign is going to tax us all, because we intend to touch all corners of our great and vast country. But I must also add that, though we will all be deeply involved, I would like to assure the nation that I will do my part without making governance or my work suffer. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my co-chairman, will be fully in charge, and is going to be on 24-hour vigil.

“That is to say, the operational buck of this campaign stops at his table, and I therefore, urge all of us in the leadership of this campaign, in the field operations on the campaign trail and in the secretariat to consult with Asiwaju whenever guidance is needed.

“It is on this note, and in the name of God, that I now have the pleasure of inaugurating the APC Presidential Campaign Council 2019,” he said.

He said the Director-General, Rotimi Amaechi will have overall responsibility for all aspects of the campaign, including field operations; while the Secretary will be responsible for all administrative and treasury-related activities of the council.

In his remarks, Amaechi who enumerated some of the projects executed by the administration, said they were requesting for another tenure to enable them complete the ongoing projects across the country.

“Drive 4 Buhari-Osinbajo’’ rally starts Tuesday–Group

                              

The “I am Ready” campaign group, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) dedicated to the promotion of good governance and democracy in Nigeria, says all is set for nationwide mobilisation of Nigerians to actualise the objectives of the group.

The group’s Secretary, Mr Solomon Uwagabai, in a statement in Abuja, said the rally which starts on Tuesday, was in continuation of supporting the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Feb. 16 for Presidential and National Assembly elections.

According to Uwagabai, the group plans to organise series of rallies tagged “Drive 4 Buhari-Osinbajo”, across different cities in the country to promote the ideals of the Buhari presidency and take Nigeria to the next level.

“The FCT leg of the rally which holds on Jan. 8 is the first of the many drives through rallies to be held in Lagos, Oyo, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun and Ekiti states amongst other cities.

“Nigerians from diverse socio-political and religious backgrounds will participate in the rallies to be held in other centres and on days to be announced in due course,’’ he said. 

STILL ON THE REVIEW OF IMO STATE GOVERNORSHIP - GODS ANOINTED AND IMO YOUTHS' PREFERENCE IN THE PERSON OF HON. CHIEF TONY CHINEDU NWULU

STILL ON THE REVIEW OF IMO STATE GOVERNORSHIP - GODS ANOINTED AND IMO YOUTHS' PREFERENCE IN THE PERSON OF HON. CHIEF TONY CHINEDU NWULU

                                 

Hon. Chief Tony Chinedu Nwulu is one of the most vibrant, articulate, humble, wise and intelligent young men in Imo State and Nigeria at large. He presently represents the good people of Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency (Lagos State) at the Green Chambers. As a promising and dedicated Nigerian, Hon. Nwulu strongly believes in the growth and development of Imo State and Nigeria at large. He is God-fearing and humane. As a well educated young man, he is eloquent, articulate, enlightened and people oriented. He is an entrepreneur and a labour employer, who is very anxious to make greater impacts in our society. As a kindhearted and people oriented politician, Hon. Nwulu believes in equity, rule of law, fairness and justice. He is very accessible, trustworthy, transparent, respectful and focused.

                                                                           

How else do we describe the Great young man, Hon. Chief Tony Chinedu Nwulu? 

He is a strong leader of leaders; philanthropist per excellence and a global citizen. He is a quintessential Nigerian loved by all especially the youths. He has sponsored the most popular and youth oriented bill in Nigeria. As a promoter of equity, fairness, rule of law, justice and good governance, he has promised to establish the Local Government Autonomy in Imo State as he becomes the Governor come 2019. Local Government remains the closest tier of government to the people. But unfortunately, successive administrations have denied this vital link with the people the necessary resources to operate. The local government authority in the state has been reduced to 'mere' appendage of the state authority. Funds are hijacked and peanuts advanced to the Local Government Council at the whims and caprices of the state government. His government by the special grace of God intends to resolve this situation. First, by respecting the constitutional provision that grants local government autonomy and second, by ensuring that all the allocations meant for their progressive development are not touched. His government shall guarantee a free and fair local government election as he believes this will be a prelude to the desired autonomy.

As a visionary leader, Hon. Chief Tony Nwulu is determined to bring our beloved State to a greater level. That is why he has chosen the 'Mezie Imo' slogan to encourage every Imolite especially the youths to join the moving train for Greater Economy; Quality Education; Standard Healthcare; Green Revolution and Food Security; Introduction of ICT and E-Governance; Tourism; Adequate Security; Massive Employment and Women/Youths Empowerment.

Great Imolites!

What else do we need from a good government rather than these? This is the right time for every good Imo citizen to support Hon. Chief Tony Nwulu for greater impacts in Imo State.

The good people of Imo State shall not regret sending Hon. Chief Tony Chinedu Nwulu to Imo Douglas House come 2019. Let the entire Imo youths and women cast their votes wisely to avoid another familiocracy and substandard projects in Imo State. Our Civil Servants and traders shall not regret supporting Hon. Nwulu as the next Imo State Governor.

As a youth oriented politician, he sponsored the "Not Too Young To Run Bill" which has passed through the National Assembly and has been passed and signed into law by Mr. President. He has gained numerous local and international endorsements including UN. Hon. Tony Nwulu has continued to work tirelessly at pursuing projects that would uplift the majority of the Nigerian Youths. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to youth development in Africa and sponsorship of the NotTooYoungToRun bill, Hon. Tony Nwulu has bagged numerous Awards and recognition which include The Most Outstanding African Young Legislator of year 2017 award winner; The Most Youth Friendly Bill of the year 2017 Africa award winner; NUJ Young Legislator of the year 2017 award; etc.

Hon. Chief Tony Chinedu Nwulu is a member of International Youth Council; Nigeria Youth Organisation; Founder Igbo National Forum; etc. He is a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Works; Telecommunications; Pension; Inter Parliamentary Affairs; Emergency Preparedness and Disasters Managements. He is currently the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Market and institutions and Chairman, Sub-committee on Market Regulations and Compliance.

Going through his Manifesto, we all understand that Hon. Chief Tony Nwulu has a lot on the table for the good people of Imo State. Imo State shall be back as the cleanest State in Nigeria. There shall be quality road construction and standard infrastructural development. Our unemployed youths shall be well empowered and the civil servants shall cry no more. With his standard connections, his government shall do well to bring in both local and international investors to make sure Imo State gets to a greater level. His government shall not harbour touts and thugs who disguise as Tax Force to defraud poor and innocent citizens on daily basis. Hon. Tony Nwulu has no character of deceit or fraudulent in all he does. And this has kept him exceptional among other Candidates. He is the most accessible of all the governorship candidates in Imo State. He only have youths as his legislative aids and assistants and he has vowed to only work with youths and women as he becomes Imo State Governor come 2019. As a focused young man, he is the only Candidate without a godfather rather; he sees God almighty as his Godfather. He is the only governorship candidate with the best economic blueprint to enable Imo State compete with the rest and best States in Nigeria. He is the only Candidate who who sees and treats Imolites as one.

As a matter of fact, this is the opportunity to get it right. There is no better time than now. Let us join hands with Hon. Chief Tony Nwulu to get Imo State to a greater level.

The major contender for the office of Imo State Governor has vowed to bring unprecedented development to the entire State if he wins the March 2nd, 2019 election.

"I will build a new Imo State which will be a pride of all of us. I urge you to join hands with us and rescue our dearly beloved State for 'A Breath of Fresh Air' for our sake, the sake of our children and for posterity". 

                                               

VOTE HON. CHIEF TONY CHINEDU NWULU ON MARCH 2ND, 2019

                        KA ANYI 'MEZIE IMO'

THIS IMPORTANT MESSAGE IS FROM IMO CONCERNED CITIZENS

Army seeks stakeholders’ support to end criminality in Niger Delta

                               

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Jamil Sarham, has solicited the support of relevant stakeholders in its drive to eliminate all forms of criminality in Niger Delta.

Sarham, who spoke at the weekend during the official opening of  6 Division West Africa Social Activities, WASA in Port Harcourt, said the 6 Division, comprising Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States, was created to maintain peace in the Niger Delta region in line with its constitutional mandate for the economic and socio-cultural development of the entire region.

“The Division is relatively new which came into existence barely three years ago. Its area of responsibility cuts across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Delta States with the primary mandate of maintaining peace in the region in line with our constitutional mandate for the economic development of the entire region”

“Let me use this opportunity to solicit the support of all relevant stakeholders to join hand with the Division to eradicate all forms of criminality in our society. May I use this opportunity to thank the Chief of Army State for his commitment and continuous support especially in the area of training and the welfare of personnel in the Nigerian Army in general and  the 6 Division in particular,” he said.

2019: PDP dedicates campaign to God

                              

Rivers State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Sunday dedicated 2019 campaign to God.

Speaking at the dedication service held at Cathedral Church of Saints, Port Harcourt Governor Wike prayed God to grant INEC and Police the courage to act in line with their constitutional roles during the 2019 General elections.

He said: “The Police should not be professionals in the rigging of elections. We will resist any attempt to rig the elections and the votes of the people must count.”

The governor urged Rivers people to be courageous as they work in unity towards the victory of the PDP in the state.

Governor Wike said that the Rivers PDP campaign will be issue based, relying on the achievements of the administration to convince the people for another mandate.

He said for every Local Government Area, his administration has planted key projects in line with the New Rivers Development Blueprint.

He said that the PDP decided to dedicate the campaign to God, because it is a tradition that has worked for the good of the party.

The governor called for three days of prayers by Christian faithful for peaceful and credible polls.  He warned politicians against promoting violence during the elections.

Dedicating the campaign to God, Methodist Archbishop of Port Harcourt, Most Rev Sunday Agwu said that one good term deserves another, adding that Governor Wike has performed credibly with the people’s mandate.

IPOB threatens to kidnap us — Southeast governors

                              

                                Governor David Umahi.

Southeast governors have raised the alarm that members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist organisation led by Nnamdi Kanu, have threatened to kidnap them.

The chairman of the South East Governors Forum, David Umahi of Ebonyi State, disclosed this yesterday at Nwaegu Military Cantonment in Abakaliki during the flag-off of Operation  Egwu Eke 111 by the Nigerian army 82 Division.

The governor said the threat was received via text message sent to his wife.

His words: “The GOC, you are coming at a time we had note from our brothers and sisters of IPOB sending text messages that there will be no elections and insulting the leaders, particularly the south east governors.

“Just few days back they sent text message to my wife that the five governors of south east would be kidnapped and that their security would overpower that of the governors and that after ransom are paid, they would kill them and kill themselves.

“That is laughable, as a leader in the zone, I must say that some of their complaints are genuine, but the approach is very bad, that is why the leaders of south east are not in support of their approach.

“So, I use the opportunity to ask that other geopolitical zones have youth pressure groups but their approach is not the same.

“And so we are not against them, but their approach. And as chief security of the state, I do not welcome them, Ebonyi state is not part of Biafra, we are  sovereign state, we don’t want to be colonised again, we are a state demanding better treatment in the affairs of our nation.

“I know they will attack me in social media but it doesn’t stop what we are doing,” he said.

“Just few days back, I heard of a new clash of some cult groups, the CP and director of SSS informed me and I thought that the matter is laid to rest because we had an agreement that there will be no cult clash again in Ebonyi state.

“And so I want to let them know that I will be directing Operation Egwu Eke 111 to them because they have bridged the agreement. And I know all of them one by one”, he .

Speaking earlier, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major General Abubakar Maikobi, said the exercise for the first time would be conducted simultaneously across the nation.

Maikobi further assured residents in Ebonyi State and the southeast including other states of army’s professionalism in the discharge of their duty during the exercise and thereafter.

He also said the military would be neutral in the  forthcoming general elections.

Cultists hack man to death in presence of his girlfriend in Delta

                               

A 23-year-old man identified as Ossia was at the weekend allegedly battered to death by hoodlums suspected to be cultists at Kwale in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The deceased was said to have been in his apartment with his girlfriend when the suspected assailants stormed the premises at about 2a.m. on Saturday to attack him.

According to reports, the assailants forced the door open with solid blocks and attacked Ossia with an axe.

Sources said the victim bled to death while his assailants made away with his mobile phone,  adding that his corpse had been deposited in a mortuary in the area.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, said two persons had been arrested in connection with the alleged murder.

''The Police in continuing raid of criminal hideouts arrested two persons in connection with the incident.'' he said

English footballer Rooney arrested in Dec in U.S. for public intoxication

                               

English football star Wayne Rooney was arrested in December at Dulles Airport outside Washington, D.C. for public intoxication, local police said on Sunday.

Rooney, who has played for U.S. soccer team D.C. United since last year, was booked into the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on Dec. 16, on a charge of public intoxication stemming from an arrest by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police, the local sheriff’s office said.

The 33-year-old footballer was arrested at an international arrivals gate at Dulles after he triggered a door alarm but did not breach airport security, a Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority spokesman said in a statement.

He received a $25 fine, according to court documents.

Rooney was released later the same day on a personal recognizance bond, said Kraig Troxell, a spokesman for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

It was not immediately clear why authorities had delayed releasing details of Rooney’s arrest for more than two weeks.

Rooney’s agent did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A spokesman for the player was quoted by British media as saying he was “disorientated” after mixing sleeping pills with alcohol during a flight from Saudi Arabia.

D.C. United said it was aware of the reports of Rooney’s arrest.

“We understand the media’s interest in this matter but believe this is a private matter for Wayne that D.C. United will handle internally,” the club said in a statement obtained by the Washington Post.

D.C. United did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rooney, England’s former captain and all-time top scorer, joined the Major League Soccer club in mid-2018 in a deal that was reportedly worth more than $12 million and made him the highest paid player in D.C. United’s history.

Liverpool-born Rooney was the latest addition to an elite list of former England captains to cross the Atlantic, following David Beckham and Steven Gerrard.

Rooney burst into the consciousness of English soccer when he made his Premier League debut for Everton at age 16.

He joined Manchester United for $35 million in 2004 and stayed there for 13 seasons – winning five English titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup, three League Cups and becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals.

He earned 119 caps for England – a national record for an outfield player – and in 2015 he surpassed Manchester United great Bobby Charlton’s England goalscoring record, ending his international career with 53 goals for his country.

Buhari cuts N/Assembly budget by N14.5bn

                               

President Muhammadu Buhari has slashed the budget of the National Assembly by N14.5 billion, the media reports.

The federal legislature got N139.5bn in the 2018 budget, but under this year’s budget, the president proposed the sum of N125bn for the lawmakers, representing a reduction of N14.5bn.

A careful look at the proposed National Assembly’s budget showed that the entire N125bn was under recurrent expenditure, with ‎overhead and capital having zero allocation.

The proposal showed no further breakdown of the National Assembly budget.

For many years, there had been no details for the National Assembly budget, until in ‎2017 when the two chambers made details of their budget public following sustained public pressure.

The media recalls that the president had initially proposed the same N125bn for the lawmakers in 2018, but the legislators jerked it up to N139.5bn, a development that did not go down well with the executive arm.

Our correspondent reports that from a budget of N19bn in the year 2000, the National Assembly’s budget ballooned to N150bn at some point.

For four years running, between 2010 and 2013, the National Assembly’s annual budget was N150bn each year, making a total of N600bn for the four years alone.

The lawmakers’ subsequent budgets hovered around N120bn, until Buhari’s coming when he reduced it further to N115bn in 2016, which the lawmakers approved.

The president proposed the same N115bn for the lawmakers under the 2017 budget, but they jerked it up to N125bn, indicating an increase of N10bn.

In 2017, the first and only time the lawmakers made public details of their then N125bn budget, Senators and members of the House of Representatives spent N11.5bn on travel and transport; refreshment – N1.3bn; legislative activities – N21.4bn; vehicles – N6.6bn and consultancy – N5.88bn.

Other spending in their 2017 budget included  publicity and advertisements – N3bn; fuel and lubricant – N2.1bn and security equipment – N1.5bn.

In all, the National Assembly spent N85.8bn on overhead, N14.9bn on capital, and  N23.7bn for personnel costs in the 2017 budget.

The breakdown showed that the National Assembly management spent N6.7bn on personnel, N6.1bn on overhead and N2bn on capital, which totalled N14.9bn; Senate: personnel N1.8bn, overhead N25bn and capital N4.4bn, total N31.3bn; House: personnel N4. 9bn, overhead N39.6bn, and capital N4.4bn, total N49bn; National Assembly Service Commission: personnel N961m, overhead N1.1bn and capital N309m, total N2.4bn; and legislative aides: personnel N8.9bn, overhead N534m and capital N150m, total N9.6bn.

Why we raided Daily Trust offices in Borno and Abuja - Nigerian Army explains

                                

The Nigerian Army said it raided the offices of Daily Trust Newspapers in Maiduguri and Abuja on Sunday to invite the organisation’s journalists responsible for the publication of a classified military operation plan.  

The siege was however lifted by 9.30pm on Sunday, following the order of the Federal Government. But it was not clear whether the computers carted away from the Abuja headquarters have been returned.  

 Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman explained on Monday that the disclosure of classified information by the newspaper undermined national security hence its reporters responsible were being invited for questioning.

 See the full statement below....

The Nigerian Army wishes to clarify on alleged invasion of Media Trust Headquarters in Abuja and regional office in Maiduguri. We would like to state that soldiers of the Nigerian Army along with elements of Nigeria Police Force and other Security Agencies were indeed at Abuja and Maiduguri offices of the publishing company to invite the staff of the company over its lead story on Sunday Trust publication, which divulged classified military information, thus undermining national security.

In it, the newspaper made disclosed details of planned military operations against the Boko Haram terrorists. The disclosure of classified security information amounts to a breach of national security and run contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Official Secrets Act. It afforded the Boko Haram terrorists prior notice of our plans and giving them early warning to prepare against the Nigerian military, thus sabotaging the planned operations and putting the lives of troops in imminent and clear danger.

We would like to state that the invitation of those responsible for divulging military plans was done with the best of intention in order to make them realise the import of such acts to our national security. We therefore advice all, particularly journalists, not to worry but engage in their responsive reportage and to be professional as the Nigerian Army has no intention of muzzling the press or jeopardising press freedom.

We however, wish to enjoin further that they should eschew jeopardizing national security in their reportage. We would not tolerate situation where a publication would consistently side with terrorists and undermine our National institutions.

We wish to appeal to all, especially the media, to join hands with the Nigerian military and security forces to end terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria. We would like to further assure that the invitation is for further investigation and if need be, all those culpable of jeopardising operations security will be prosecuted by the relevant law enforcement agency.

You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General 
Director Army Public Relations

Cossy Ojiakor comes hard on IG user who advised her to stop displaying her massive boobs

                               

Cossy came hard on an IG user who advised to be a better role model and stop showing off her boobs on social media. See their exchange below

Niger state police apprehends fraud suspects who use software to steal money from bank accounts

                                  

The Niger state police command has arrested two suspects who confessed to hacking into banks and withdrawing money illegally. 

The suspects, whose names were given as Abdulmalik Usman and Najeeb Saidu, both of IBB Road, Hill Top, Minna, were apprehended by police operatives attached to some banks. 

Usman boasted of his ability to access any bank account using just a software. He said: “This is what I know how to do. I just installed the software in the system and it works like a magic; I can withdraw any amount I want.

“The software can be used to withdraw money from any bank in Nigeria and you will begin to make your cool money without police hassles. They (police) don’t even understand how it works.”

Northern City News gathered that the suspects had been involved in the crime for over three years before they were nabbed.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Abubakar said police operatives recovered five Automated Teller Machine cards belonging to different banks, hard drugs and a Command Secondary School identity card from the suspects.

He added that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as the police completed their investigation.

Soldiers invade Daily Trust, arrest reporters

                              

Five truckloads of heavily armed soldiers yesterday invaded the head office of Media Trust Limited at Jabi, Abuja and proceeded to occupy the newspaper company, which publishes the Daily Trust titles, for five hours. While the siege lasted, the soldiers drove out all the staff, carted away desktop and laptop computers and restricted entry or departure from the premises. The soldiers, who arrived the offices at 4.30pm, suddenly left at 9.30pm after top political leaders intervened. Before the siege was called off, they  ransacked the newsroom and carted away dozens of computers, effectively strangulating production of the paper’s Monday edition.

Daily Trust’s Chief Executive Officer and Editor in Chief Malam Mannir Dan-Ali said in a statement last night that “A few hours earlier, another detachment of soldiers and plain cloth security officials went to the company’s Maiduguri regional office and conducted a search, at the end of which they took away the Regional Bureau Chief, Uthman Abubakar and a reporter, Ibrahim Sawab. Neither the company nor the families of the two reporters have heard from them since. A production staff who was taken away from the Abuja head office alongside our computers was released after a period  of detention at the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja.”

Also last night, soldiers in seven vehicles went to Daily Trust’s offices at Textile Labour House in Agidingbi and laid another siege. The management said they were there up to the time of issuing this statement. The company CEO added, “We have not been told of the reason for the military operation against this newspaper but suspect it may have to do with the lead story of the Daily Trust on Sunday that dwelt on the military’s effort to retake some towns recently reported to have been lost to insurgents.  Another clue is that during the invasion of our premises both in Maiduguri and in Abuja, the military men were asking for the reporters who wrote the story.”

He added, “Media Trust Limited condemns this unlawful act and calls on the military authorities to release the two reporters arrested in Maiduguri and return the dozens of computers that were taken away from our newsroom. We also like to thank our colleagues in the media and all others who have been calling and supporting us in our hour of need. We also appreciate the efforts of some government officials who insist that there is a better way of handling relations with the media.”

Coup in Gabon as military ‘hijacks power’

                                                       

The military in oil-rich Gabon is saying it has seized power from the President Ali Bongo-led government in the country.

The BBC reports that soldiers in the west African country said they launched a coup to restore democracy.

They took control of the national radio station in the early hours of Monday to read a short statement announcing a “National Restoration Council”.

The BBC also reported that tanks and armed vehicles were on the streets of the capital Libreville.

President Bongo took over power in 2009.

He reportedly suffered a stroke in October and received treatment in Morocco.

Mr Bongo sought to put an end to the rumours about his health with a New Year message in which he said he was feeling fine.

Soldiers said they had been disappointed by the message, calling it “a pitiful sight” and a “relentless attempt to cling onto power.”

Governor Yari meets Buhari, says banditry won’t affect election

                                

After a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State has said that the lingering cases of armed banditry in the state won’t affect the forthcoming election.

The media reports that the meeting held at the President’s office at the Villa, lasted for about an hour.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Yari, who had threw his weight behind the declaration of emergency in Zamfara state, said the armed bandits were not occupying any territory in the state.

Yari, who said he met the President over the security situation in the state, noted that the issue of the armed banditry was being exaggerated.

“There is no place being occupied by the armed bandits in Zamfara State. They live and operate in the forest. They strike and run. Most of the camps are known by locals,” he said.

Lamenting the lack of presence of police in many parts of the state, he said policemen redeployed from the state following President Buhari’s directive have not been replaced.

He recalled that the President had directed that policemen, who had spent three years and above be redeployed as a strategy to address the armed banditry in the state.

On his support for declaration of emergency in Zamfara, he said he was not playing politics with it, saying ” I’m not playing politics with it. I’m serious about it.”

Asked whether he discussed the declaration of emergency with Buhari, he said, “not at all.”

WHY AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) CANDIDATE - DR. MRS CHIDI OMEOGU-OGBUTA REMAINS THE BEST OPTION FOR IMO STATE GOVERNORSHIP - 2019

WHY AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) CANDIDATE - DR. MRS CHIDI OMEOGU OGBUTA REMAINS THE BEST OPTION FOR IMO STATE GOVERNORSHIP - 2019

                     

Dr. Mrs Chidi Omeogu-Ogbuta is one of the most vibrant; articulate; humble; humane; wise and intelligent women in Imo State and Nigeria at large. She is an international medical practitioner and employer of labour. As a promising and dedicated Nigerian, she strongly believes in the growth and development of Imo State and Nigeria at large. She is God-fearing and does not believe in 'do or die' affairs.

As a well educated woman, she is vibrant; eloquent/articulate and people oriented. She is a kind-hearted woman who is very anxious to make greater impacts in our society. As a people oriented politician, Dr. Mrs Chidi Omeogu-Ogbuta strongly believes in equity, rule of law, fairness and justice. She is very accessible; trustworthy; transparent; respectful and focused. She is not arrogant or aggressive.

How else do we describe this Quintessential Leader?

As a matter of fact, she is a strong Leader of leaders; philanthropist per excellence and a global citizen. She is a quintessential Nigerian loved by all especially the women, children and youths.

Following her bid to ensure health equity for every citizen of Nigeria, she started the campaign for Healthy Nigeria-whose mission is to create and build a healthy Nigerian populace through education, research and development of stable medical/public health infrastructure and to sensitize key stakeholders in Nigeria and diaspora on the need to make population health a top priority. This work took her to some of the poorest neighbourhoods across Nigeria especially in Imo State. It was in these places that she learned first-hand that the policy of government officials can affect numerous people in ways we cannot imagine, particularly in the rural areas where the majority reside. According to her, "The degree of unhospitability of some of the hospitals and neighbours I visited is quite phenomenal".

It was while being lost in this good cause she deeply believes in, with an undeviating disposition towards kindness, charity, love, honesty, empathy, discipline and hard work that she learned during those 'missionary journey' that Imolites are united in their cry for good leadership, equity, rule of law and justice. In the midst of these gloomy conditions she met, she was inspired to run for the 2019 Imo governorship race to enable well-meaning Imolites to take back what is rightfully theirs and bridge the gap of inequality in all sectors.

As a visionary leader, Dr. Chidi Omeogu-Ogbuta is determined to bring our beloved State to a greater level. That is why we encourage every Imolite especially the women and youths to join the moving train for Greater Economy; Standard Healthcare; Quality Education; Green Revolution and Food Security; Tourism; Adequate Security; Massive Employment and Women/Youths Empowerment.

Our good people of Imo State! What else do we need from a good government rather than these? This is the right time for every Imolite to support Dr. Mrs Chidi Omeogu-Ogbuta for greater impacts in Imo State. The good people of Imo State shall not regret sending Dr. Mrs Chidi Omeogu-Ogbuta to Imo Douglas House come May 2019.

Let the entire Imo women and youths cast their votes wisely to avoid more regrets in Imo State. Our Civil Servants and traders shall not regret supporting and voting her as the next Imo Governor. As a women/youth oriented politician, she has continued to work tirelessly at pursuing projects that would uplift the majority of the Nigerian women, children and youths.

Going through her Manifesto, we all understand that Dr. Mrs Chidi Omeogu-Ogbuta has a lot on the table for the good people of Imo State. We shall take back Imo State from the hands of greedy and selfish politicians. There shall be standard healthcare, quality road construction and standard infrastructural development. Our market women and unemployed youths shall be well empowered. The civil servants and pensioners shall cry no more. With her standard connections, her government shall do well to bring in both local and international investors to make sure Imo State gets to a Greater Level. Her government shall not harbour touts and thugs who disguise as Tax Force to defraud poor and innocent citizens on daily basis.

As a matter of fact, Dr. Mrs Chidi Omeogu-Ogbuta has no character of deceit or fraudulent in all she does. This has kept her exceptional among other. She is the most accessible of all the governorship candidates in Imo State. She is the only governorship candidate with the best standard healthcare blueprint to enable Imolites live healthier.

As a matter of fact, this is the opportunity to get it right. There is no better time than now. Let us join hands with Dr. Mrs Chidi Omeogu-Ogbuta to get Imo State to a greater level.

SHE IS ABLE AND CAPABLE

YES! SHE CAN DO BETTER

SUPPORT AND VOTE DR. MRS CHIDI OMEOGU-OGBUTA TO BRIDGE THE GAP OF INEQUALITY IN EVERY SECTOR; EQUITY; RULE OF LAW AND JUSTICE IN IMO STATE

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are using a new surrogate to carry 4th child as their first is unavailable

                               

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are reportedly using a new surrogate to carry their fourth baby.

According to TMZ,  Kim, 38, and Kanye, 41, are using a new surrogate and not the woman who carried their daughter Chicago, who was born eleven months ago, on January 15.

Sources claim the couple had one more fertilised embryo left and the baby boy is due in May, however, they could not use their first surrogate - a married woman in her Twenties - as she had her own baby on Christmas Eve.

The insiders also told the site that the celebrity couple are fond of their first surrogate, who already had two children on her own, but she was having her own baby at the time which made her unavailable to carry their fourth child.

Burna Boy calls out Coachella organizers for how 'small' his name was written on their flyers, says he is an African Giant

                                 

Burna Boy took to his Instastories to call out organizers of the 2019 Coachella Festival for the way his name was listed on thier line-up of 2019 performers.

According to Burna Boy, he is an African Giant and should have his name written boldly on their flyers. See a copy of the coachella bill Burna boy is angry about below

                                

              

                                       

Senator Adeleke's daughter, Folashade, reveals the shocking thing her father said after she became pregnant the 2nd time out of wedlock

                               

Folashade Adeleke, the 27-year old daughter of Senator Adeleke has just shared quite an interesting story about herself.

Folazfab as she's fondly called already has a son named 'Kobe' out of wedlock back when she was a teenager, and now she's pregnant with her second child with her new boyfriend.

According to her, when her dad, Senator Adeleke found out she was pregnant again, 'he called me and basically told me how my life was going to be over and how I'm not married and this is my second child. It really discouraged me because me being a christian, I knew I wasn't ready for an abortion because I;m not killing my child' she said.

Court rejects Dino Melaye’s application to remove police from his house

                               

A Federal High Court, in Abuja, has dismissed an application filed by embattled senator Dino Melaye for the court to issue an order for the removal of police blockade on his Abuja residence.

Melaye approached the court through his lawyer, Nkem Okoro of the Mike Ozekhome (SAN) chambers, for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights. The court had subsequently fixed today for the hearing of the ex-parte application filed together with the enforcement of his fundamental human rights’ suit.

In the ex-parte application, Melaye asked the court for an interim order of the court directing the police to vacate his residence and remove all blockades in front of the residence and allow his family and political associates to have access to him. He prayed the court to issue an order restraining the police from further threatening his life or putting his life in jeopardy pending the determination of the substantive suit.

At the hearing of the case this morning, the presiding judge, Justice N.E. Maha refused the application and ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit.

The matter was thereafter adjourned to January 14th.