Girls, rule 1. There are no princes anywhere.You own and owe you; not him, Leave at first slap-FUNMI IYANDA

Funmi Iyanda has expressed her opinion on men who beat their women, saying they should be excommunicated from churches. She also gave ladies few rules and made them understand they are the captain of their own ship.

“No family/church/institution should encourage a daughter to return to an abusive relationship/marriage. If you touch my child, l will kill you.

‘Girls, rule 1. There are no princes anywhere waiting to rescue you. You own and owe you; not him or anyone else. Leave at first slap. Continue after the cut.


“Churches, if not so concerned with the bottom line of patronage would excommunicate abusive men or women,’’ she said.

Funmi got upset and made those statements when a Twitter user with the handle @Moe narrated how a man almost took the life of his wife who is nursing a baby and how her efforts to separate them was fruitless.

Here is how Moe explained what she witnessed;

“My hands are shaking. I have never seen a woman being beaten like that in my entire life. I have never. I was driving when I noticed strange movements inside a car that was driving in front of me. Before it stopped so abruptly, I noticed weird movements in the driver and front passenger seats.

I wasn’t wearing my glasses. As the car stopped, I came down (from) my car to holler. Next thing I saw clearly. The man (driver) was punching the passenger so hard. He was beating her so ferociously. All windows were up. There was a baby in a baby car seat behind. I kept hitting the windows, at last the man rolled down. At this time I was so furious.

“‘How dare you beat a woman like that?’ was all I kept saying. The man replied ‘I am not a mad man that I will just be beating her for no reason; ask her what she did. See my shirt. She tore it.’

“I went to the passenger’s side, opened the door and asked the woman to come down. She said ‘I do not have anywhere else to go.’ She sat there in the car, the man kept beating her. As he was beating her, he kept screaming ‘How many times? How many times?’


“I kept begging the woman to come down. She just closed the door and rolled up and he kept beating her. I kept hitting the car. Then, they drove off. I don’t even know how to react. I am still on that spot, trying to make sense of what I just experienced.”

Gunmen Abduct Bayelsa State Speaker’s 90-Year Old Mother-In-Law

The mother-in-law of Bayelsa State speaker, Madam Ogboro Dark was yesterday kidnapped by unknown gunmen who stormed her community in the state around 2.00am.The gunmen shot sporadically as they made their way into her home and abducted her.

According to few villagers who witnessed the scene, the armed men entered the community through the waterside in three boats and were fast to leave as soon as they bundled the woman.

The State commissioner has confirmed the incident and says police will do everything to bring back the aged woman.

NY Police searching for Nigerian high school student who attempted suicide

Nigerian-American student Omotayo Adeoye went missing after attempting to commit suicide. Omotayo, a student of High School of Mathematics and Science, had attempted suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge Thursday afternoon May 29th around 3.30pm.

According to Sahara Reporters, New York Police say they were told by eye-witnesses that Omotayo jumped from the bridge and hit the Hudson River but astonishingly survived the jump as she was seen surfacing from the river shortly after jumping and then swimming towards the New York bank of the Hudson river. She hasn't been seen since then.

Police officials told SR that Adeoye is “still considered missing” and that their investigation in this case is ongoing.

Old women still have sexual urges' - actress Taiwo Ajai-Lycett says

While promoting her stage play, Hear Word, where she plays a sexually active old woman, veteran actress Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, said old people still enjoy sex and some are quite sexually active.
"I am an old woman in the play and in real life. I am 73. The society doesn't think older women exist anymore, nobody thinks they feel anything. The people around old women never realize they are going through a turmoil, nobody cares about them. So what I am trying to portray is that it's not over until it is over. That an old woman is still alive in more ways than one, they still have sexual urges, people forget an old woman is human. An old woman enjoys her sexual life more when she no longer thinks about children's school fees, when the children have all gone to their husband's houses or in some cases the boys have married and it remains only the old woman and her husband. It never crosses our mind that these old parents can still get on whenever they like. Do you know that when an old man realizes he is free from child bearing, he becomes promiscuous and they are susceptible to all kinds of diseases. But the old woman is confined to a corner in the house, nobody thinks she is still actually active" she said

Skuki reacts to being nominated in Best New Act category at NEA 2014

Press release: Terrorist attack on 3 Emirs' convoy in Borno today

Below is the official press release on the terrorist attack on three Borno Emirs' convoy this morning, posted by Presidential Spokesperson, Reuben Abati on his website this evening...
A band of terrorists today attacked a convoy of the Emirs of Gwoza, Uba and Askira who were travelling to Gombe for the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe.  Troops deployed in Garkida responded to the attack. The Emirs of Uba and Askira were secured while the body of Emir of Gwoza who died in the attack has been recovered.  Troops are currently on aggressive patrols along the entire route with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and keeping the area safe.
Meanwhile, raids carried out by troops of the Special Task Force operating in the north-central part of the country have led to the  arrest of 23 members of armed gangs terrorizing the region.  The suspects including a hard drugs supplier were apprehended during raids on camps and criminal hideouts located in Bukuru, Jos South and Barkin Ladi general areas.  All the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation before they will be handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency.

Ex-Lagos Governor, Sir Michael Otedola, Laid To Rest

Former Lagos state governor & father of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, Sir Michael Otedola, who died May 6th, was buried today May 30th. His funeral mass held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Epe.

Guests included President Jonathan and his wife Patience Jonathan, Governor Babatunde Fashola and his wife Bimbola; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Aliko Dangote; Folorunsho Alakija; Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie; former governor Peter Obi; Abike Dabiri, former military Administrator of Lagos, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Ministers for Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke and Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Ayo Adesina.

Chibok girls: We wrote to the state police but they did not answer us - Borno SSG

The Secretary to the Borno State Government, Ambassador Ahmed Jidda was a guest on Channels TV Breakfast show, Sunrise Daily this morning where he gave the state government's account on the missing Chibok girls and why Borno government appeared handicapped in providing security for the school girls on the night of the abduction.

During the interview, the SSG said the initial number of girls abducted were 276 with 53 escaping and now remaining 223. He said with the recent return of 4 more girls, the number of girls now with the abductors is 219. He said the 77 girls shown in the recently released video by Abubakar Shekau have been identified by their parents and that the 57 girls that have so far returned are currently at the state Governments house where they are being taken care of. Continue...

The SSG said the allegations that the abduction was stage managed by the Governor to stop extension of emergency rule was totally false and was discredited with the release of the video by Shekau taking responsibility for the abduction of the girls and also stating his conditions for the release of the girls. He said the military saying they now know the location of the missing girls prove that the whole abduction was never staged by the state government.

As regards the letter reportedly sent by the Minister of Education warning that the Government Girls Secondary school was not safe to write exams and the students be moved due to security reasons, the SSG said indeed the state government received the letter but that the letter sent by the Minister only requested for security details for the Examination officials and not for the students. He aid the letter asked that security be provided in exam venues which is in Maiduguri, Biu, Chibok, Lassa and never asked for security for the students. He said on receiving the letter, the state government wrote to the State Police Commissioner requesting for security details for the WAEC officials as stated in the letter but the police did not respond to their request. He said the Minister's letter requested for security only for the Unity schools which is owned by the Federal Government and not for the Chibok Government schools as he never mentioned the school in his letter. He maintained that the Minister never bothered about the Chibok girls. He said the state Governor could not enforce the Commissioner of Police to provide security for the students if they did not want to do so because the Nigerian constitution did not provide the Governor the power to interfere in the activities of the Police which is to provide internal security in the state. He said even though the Governor was called the Chief Security Officer of the State, the constitution did not provide him any power to control the police, army, or even the Nigerian Civil Defence Corp.
Asked why the Governor did not use from his security vault to provide security for his people since the Commissioner of Police was allegedly not being responsive, the SSG said
"Security vault has a wider implication. If you know what security vault is, it has so many implications. Prayers for instance is a security vault. We have never received any assistance from the Federal Government in the area of security. The only time the FG supported Borno state in the area of security was in 2009 when the insurgency started. Till today, they released only N200m. This same FG released 3bn to security outfits. We have received only N200m, so this Governor (Gov Kashim) is a Governor that has preoccupied himself with Funding security matters. We have spent N10bn on security. We have provided more than 400 vehicles to the security agencies. We pay for the security official's logistics."
Asked how much the security vault was, he said
"Let me take you back to the Military. Security vault is a vault that was unaccounted for but since the advent of democracy in 1999, it is inscribed in the constitution that every Governor and even the President should put it in the budget for consideration on the approval of the National Assembly or State Assembly as the case may be. In the case of borno, we had N4bn in 20011, N4bn in 2012 and N4bn in 2013, for the 3years N12bn as proved in the budget as security vault and is generally audited and gives a lead way to the Governor to fund security requirement of the security agencies within Borno state. Security operatives in Borno state would testify to tha fact, whether on the part of the Commissioner of Police, or the Director of the SSS or  Customs, Police, Army they are all members of the security councel.and when ever they raise issues on requirements, we never told them to go to the FG or Min. of Defence. We always provided funding for them" he said
The SSG was asked why the state government did not bother to ask for security details for the state owned schools since according to him, the letter from the Minister wrote requesting for security only for its Unity schools, the SSG said the responsibility of the state Government was to write to the Police Commissioner before the kidnap, which they did.
Asked what is the true account of what happened the night the girls were kidnapped as there are conflicting reports as to what happened, the SSG said
"The authentic story is the one from the Borno state Governor because the Governor of Borno state personally visited Chibok and also  his Wife and Commissioner of Education in the state also visted the school'.
He said the girls were initially deceived by the Islamic sect men that they were coming and that they were there to give them protection. He said they were lured into a lorry and taken away. He said the school was thereafter razed down. He said the real version of the story is the one from the state government as they were the ones on ground as Chibok is not in Bayelsa or Lagos state.
Asked why the security agencies did not honor the state letter requesting for security personnel, he said the question should be directed at them. He said he and the Governor don't supervise the police.
Asked why did the state government still continued with examinations in the centre since it had been informed of the security challenges in the area, he said it was the responsibilty of the Police to write back to the state Government acknowledging their letter dated March 21st requesting for security personnel. He said the  Government respects the constitution which leaves the responsibility of maintaining internal security of states to the Police.
On whether the principal was available when the Islamic sect men arrived the school on the night of the abduction, he said
"No she was not around. She lives outside the school. They (the principal and the teachers) don't live with the girls.
He said they could not do anything about the police not responding to their request as the governor didnthe powers of the Governor to interfere in the affairs of the Police. He was asked why then did the state Government still proceed with conducting examinations in schools since it was said to be unsafe, he said
"It is because it was said to be safe and that security provisions would be made and that all that needs to be done was to be provided by the security officials.
He said the constitution as it is today stops Governors from interfering in matters on security even in their own states.
Asked if he was absorbing the state government of any blame on the missing girls, he said
"Yes naturally. I would not be sitting down to see people insinuation things that are not our responsibility".
He said the recent declaration by the Chief of Defence staff that the military knows where the Chibok girls are might make the abductors relocate.
Asked whether the Governor was aware that Pres. Jonathan was to visit his state before leaving for France when the Governor left for London, the SSG said
"Initially he was not aware but information came to us that Mr President would stop over in Maiduguri to Chibok so the Governor cut short his visit and we came back, waiting to receive the president only for the programme to be shifted to some other agenda. I mentioned to the Governor that Presidential visit is a major event. Normally we get 1 week notice of Presidential visit to prepare where he would stay, the roads he would pass. While we were waiting, we got news that the visit was shifted". He said the Governor went to London to look for investment opportunities for the state.
He said presently all schools in Borno state are closed down. He called on the Federal Government to fund the state with more money to fight the insurgency.

President Jonathan offers amnesty to Boko Haram members

The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna today May 29th revealed plans by President Jonathan to grant amnesty to members of Boko Haram once they lay down their arms and embrace peace. The Minister revealed this while speaking this morning at the national Democracy Day programme tagged A day with young leaders of Nigeria.
"President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect. Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace. Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on the members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key into the amnesty programme " he said
According to the minister, over 300, 000 youths from the Niger Delta region have benefited from the amnesty programme of the Government. He said the beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme have turned from being militants to being wealth generators and employers of labor.

Breaking: Boko Haram kidnaps two prominent Emirs in Borno state

According to breaking news report by Premium Times, Boko Haram men this morning kidnapped 2 first class traditional rulers in Borno State - the Emir of Uba, Ismaila Mamza and the Emir of Gwoza, Idrisa Timta.

According to security officials who spoke with Premium Times, the emirs were seized by the gunmen around 10a.m today Friday May 30th near Shaffa while they were traveling to Gombe to attend the funeral of the Emir of Gombe, Shehu Abubakar, who died on Tuesday May 27th. (pictured above)

The Borno state government is yet to issue an official statement on the abduction.

16-Year Old Boy Murders Parents Because They Seized His IPhone

16 year old Vincent Parker pleaded guilty yesterday to murdering his parents Carol and Wayne Parker last December. The boy says that there was no specific fight that prompted the brutal MURDER. The sadistic killer told authorities, 'I just remember getting mad,' Parker told the court. 'It's all from my dad. All this stuff like my dad taking away my iPod and stuff.'

The story gets worse. Vincent was an only child being raised by his hard working parents Carol, 57, and father Wayne, 55, in their Norfolk, Virginia home. They did everything right - they lived in a good neighborhood, and helped Vincent become an honor roll student.

But he boy snapped one day . . . and turned into a moster. On December 19, 2013 Vincent left school early while his dad was still at work. He showed up at the family home and surprised his mother - by dousing her in pepper spray.

While the 57 year old woman was blinded and unable to defend herself, Vincent stabbed his mother in the eye, and then beat her with a crowbar and metal baseball bat 'until she stopped breathing'. A medical examiner noted 25 separate smashes and stabs on Mrs Parker's neck, face and head.

The animal then waited patiently over his dead mother's body until his father came in the house. He surprised his dad and hit him in the back of the head with a crowbar, smashing his skull. He then stabbed his father multiple times.

Luckily his father didn't die from the mortal wounds. He managed to call 9-1-1 and tell them what happened. When the ambulance arrived Carol had already died. Wayne survived a short time but died in the hospital.


Yesterday Vincent plead guilty to two counts of second degree murder. A psychological evaluation found him to be both 100% sane and intelligent. He was charged as an adult and will be sentenced in September.

Culled from Mediatakeout

Former Oyo State Governor, Rasheed Ladoja Loses Son

This is indeed not a good time for former Oyo State Governor, Rasheed Ladoja who lost one of his sons yesterday on Eko Bridge in Lagos in a car accident.

Adebola Ladoja whom a lot of people described as gentle, calm and loving was killed when a Daf truck belonging to a justice lost control and ran into his Golf salon car on the bridge. The accident occurred around 3.30pm on third mainland bridge, but Adebola was left in the pool of blood for several minutes before he help came to him. Sadly he died right there in his car. May his soul rest in peace and may God comfort his family. So sad.

Don’t “Play Public Relations Propaganda” With Chibok Girls, Obasanjo Warns Military

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday evening in an interview on Channels Tv has warned the Nigerian military not to “play Public Relations propaganda”  with the abduction of the over 200 missing school girls from Chibok. He says any information given out by the military or any other authorised body is taken seriously by the parents and so they need to mind what they say.

“It is a serious issue that is like a spear in the heart of the parents and whatever statement we make and action we take, if it will not really deal with the issue in a way that will bring those girls out safe and secure and make their families happy and will also give every Nigerian a sense of security, then such statements should not be made” he said.

He also said he would be pleasantly surprised if the Chibok girls were “returned intact.”

Explosion rocks Abuja this morning

There was panic in the Kurudu, Jikoyi community in the outskirt of Abuja this morning after a loud explosion was heard. Residents in the area were reportedly seen running for safety when they heard the loud bang.

It was initially thought to be a bomb blast but a Spokesman for the Nigerian army assured people it wasn't, explaining that a rock blocking a new road being constructed from Karishi to Apo in the Abuja city centre, was blasted with dynamites to help free the road and allow construction to continue

Kabiru Sokoto Wants Pardon, Writes Jonathan

Convicted Boko Haram member, Kabiru Sokoto has pleaded with President Jonathan to grant him presidential pardon because he is innocent of what he was convicted for. He also said he promises to assist the government in its efforts to end Boko Haram sect.

Kabiru was convicted on a two-count terrorism charge and was found guilty of facilitating the commission of terrorism acts and concealing information from security agencies on the December 25th, 2011 bombing of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State.


The letter reads:

“Your Excellency sir, an innocent man was convicted by the court on the date aforementioned. It is for this singular reason that we are applying to you for Presidential pardon in the circumstance pursuant to your exclusive legitimate constitutional powers as enshrined in your golden conscience and under Section 175(a) and (b) of the Constitution.

“Your Excellency sir, we are applying for respite and pardon for the convicted felon Kabiru Umar (alias Kabiru Sokoto) because we have absolute faith in your compassion and highest sense of fairness, equity and justice first as a God-fearing man and next, as the leader of the most compassionate nation on earth.

“Had Kabiru Sokoto been sentenced in open court for the corporate acts of Boko Haram as a terrorist organsiation, we would not have spared a thought to make this application, but he was sentenced alone for acts committed by other members of Boko Haram (an organization that was only proscribed after his arrest, detention and the making of his no-case submission before the Federal High Court, Abuja division.)


“Your Excellency, we vow to reach out beyond the imagination and work with you in resolving the Boko Haram imbroglio, with the firm belief that no quarrel of brotherhood is eternal. We shall undertake this national task for the pleasure of God Almighty, believing in His divine will for our peaceful, united, symbiotic and mutual coexistence as brothers and sisters under a fair and just leader

PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME AND PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME AT WAR?

May be yes, may be no, but all seems not to be well with the messengers of God. Pastor Chris’s wife, Mrs Anita Oyakhilome who heads their UK headquarters branch has not been seen in the church she pastors for months now and it has left a lot of people wondering what could have gone wrong. According to some of the church officials who had a meeting with pastor Chris when he flew to London said, even though the pastor wasn’t pleased with what was going on in the house of God (UK headquarters) that he feels his wife thinks she is more superior than a lot of leaders in the church which isn’t supposed to be so, and has started displaying it in her ways.


Summary of pastor Chris Oyakhilome's Speech on 16/05/2014 in a meeting with all UK Pastors and Deacons at Christ Embassy, Bermondsey.

I am here for your concerns about the ongoing domestic issue with my wife and I know it affects you directly, being the ones under her leadership.

This is not an organisation or a political party, so it's not a place for you to air your opinion or scrutinise what we do. We had a vision, started and you joined us. If you don't like what we do, you can get out.

Churches where members air their views never grow.

Some pastors wives think when they marry a pastor they are equal to the pastor. My wife thinks so, as a matter of fact, Rev. Tom was her pastor before I married her and Rev. Ray and Evang. Owase were her leaders long before I married her. How come she thinks she's senior to them now?

I already started Christ Embassy before I married her. I didn't marry her and said we should start Christ Embassy. I was already pastoring. I already set my sail and knew my direction before I married her. I only said come and help me.

Be careful of the friends you keep. My wife keeps friends who bring out the worst in her and help her see the worst in people instead of keeping friends that will help her vision especially as the wife of a global pastor like me.

Bitterness is prolonged and accumulated anger. My wife is always angry and bitter.

Allegations are either false or twisted information. The current situation is not as a result of what I did or what I didn't do. I didn't do anything to have caused an upheaval.

You don't join a woman to fight her husband.

I'm not teaching you what is wrong, at least I have 2 girls who will one day marry and I want to them to enjoy it.


And now some of Mrs Anita’s supporters have also opened a Facebook page asking people to pray for her as others also pleads with the couple that God forbids divorce and they should please come back together for the sake of their daughters.

President Jonathan’s Democracy Day Message

Fellow Nigerians,

1. I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.

2. Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”


3. Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

4. As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.

5. As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people overthe past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.

6. On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.

7. In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

8. Significant increase in mobile telephoneand national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.

9. Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.

10. The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.

11. In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.

12. Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is ongoing. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.


Dear Compatriots,

13. It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedomwe cherish and celebrate today.

14. The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.

15. In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.

16. There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.

17. I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.

18. Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

19. Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

20. It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

21. I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

22. I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

23. For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

24. My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.

Dear Compatriots,

25. We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

26. The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.

27. We are a strong, resilient and courageous people. We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.

Fellow Nigerians,

28. Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.

29. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


30. Thank you and God bless Nigeria.

How Bricklayer Killed 12-Year Old Relative

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man, Mr. Paul Obiefule, for allegedly beating his 12-year-old relative to death.

The relative, who was identified as Onyedikachi Mbanozo, was staying with Obiefule, a bricklayer, and his wife on Omitola Street in the Agege area of Lagos.

Punch Metro learnt that Onyedika, as the boy was fondly called, was the son of Obiefule’s wife’s brother.


It was further gathered that the boy was beaten to death on Monday evening around 8.30pm, while the neighbours reported the matter at the Pen Cinema Police Division on Tuesday.

It was said that Onyedika, who was attending Irewole Primary School in Agege, could not go to school for several weeks before his death as a result of a sickness sustained from series of beatings.

One of the neighbours, who identified himself as Mr. Oje Owode, told our correspondent that the boy died from an accumulation of floggings which he received from his aunt’s husband.

He said, “The man (Obiefule) usually flogged the boy like an animal. Most times, we tried to intervene, but he would not listen to us. The boy fell sick several times from Obiefule’s merciless flogging. The last sickness was for over two weeks. And then on Monday again, the man beat the sick boy, and locked him up in the room.

“Later, we just saw that Obiefule and his wife went out of the house and did not return until around 5am. We noticed that he put a big bundle on his shoulder and smuggled it in with his wife.

“We did not know that the boy had died in the evening and they were looking for where to dump him all night. That was when we raised the alarm and reported him to the police.”

Another neighbor, Mr. Fatai, said Obiefule usually used hammer, chisel or a screw driver to inflict pains on the deceased.

It was learnt that as soon as Obiefule was arrested on Tuesday, his two boys were taken to a c primary school on the next street. When our correspondent visited the school, the proprietress, who did not want her name to be mentioned, said Obiefule’s two boys had not been spared from their father’s wickedness.


The Lagos State Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the arrest of Obiefule in an e-mail and added that the police had commenced investigations.

N49.8b: Senate report clears NNPC, Deziani, says no money missing

The Senate Committee on Finance which investigated the NNPC over allegations of fraud leveled against it by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, today Wednesday May 28th submitted its report to the Senate saying no funds were missing, The Will Nigeria reports.
Sanusi had spuriously claimed in a leaked letter to President Goodluck that $49.8 billion in crude oil revenue was missing.
The detailed report according to sources at the Senate also cleared the NNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum of any wrong doing.
The report however directed the NNPC and the Ministry of Finance as well as other relevant agencies to reconcile a sum believed to be around $300 million dollars.

THE WILL can also report that the Senate said the suspended Governor of the Central Bank was hasty and got his figures wrong.

The report further recommended the immediate passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke continues to sanitise the industry.

The Senate Committee on Finance is under the chairmanship of Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi (Kaduna PDP).  The committee took about 5 months to complete its assignment.

Source: The Will Nigeria

Chibok leader claims 4 more girls escaped from Boko Haram camp

According to a report by Punch, 4 more Chibok girls have escaped from Boko Haram. The Chairman of Chibok Local Government, Mr Bana Lawan made this claim today May 28th at a stakeholders meeting initiated by the National Emergency Manangement Authority, NEMA, for the validation of draft humanitarian response plan for the abducted girls in Abuja. Mr Lawan who was represented by the Director of Personnel and Management, Musa Elijah said the number of girls that have escaped have risen to 57
“The people of Chibok are anxiously waiting for the safe return of their children. Except for the unfortunate situation where two of the parents have passed on. They were known to have BP (blood pressure) issues, although I am not a medical expert, but they will not be opportuned to welcome back their daughters. Latest report reaching us is that instead of 53, those that have escaped are now 57 and those remaining are 164 and not 168 as before. This is out of the 221 girls that were abducted.”

The Chibok Chairman also said that the abducted students who stayed back in the school during the WAEC exams period did that at their own risk
"Those that registered for the SSCE are not all that sat for the exam. Over 500 registered and those who had relatives around decided to move to various places like Kaduna and Maiduguri to write the exams. Those that were left with no relations decided to stay back to take the risk and among them 221 were abducted.” Lawan said
He appealed to the Federal Government and National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, to help rebuild the school. He said with the attack on the Chibok Girls Secondary School, girls in the area are no longer eager to go to school.

Nigerian sentenced to 27 years imprisonment in Cambodia

23 year old Precious Chineme Nwoko (pictured above) has been sentenced to 27 years imprisonment by a Cambodian Court for drug trafficking in Cambodia.

Police sources say Nwoko was a ringleader in a heroin smuggling cartel in Cambodia. He was arrested last month for handing a backpack containing 2.2 kilos (4.8 pounds) of heroin to two women, 41year old Australian Yoshe Ann Taylor and 19 year old French Charlene Savarino, for onward transportation to an unidentified man in Australia. Both women were however caught and arrested.

At their trial last month, it was discovered that 19 year old Savarino was Nwoko's girlfriend and they worked closely in smuggling heroin. 41 year old Taylor had also previously helped to smuggle heroin using the backpack.

Judge Kor Vandy at Phnom Penh Municipal Court who presided over their case today said Nwoko and the two women were guilty of 'cross-border smuggling of illegal drugs and thereafter sentenced Nwoko's 19year old girlfriend Savarino to 25 years in jail, while 41 year old Taylor was handed 23 years. They all denied the drug belonged to them

Apple buys Dr. Dre's Beats Electronics for $3billion

It's official. Dr Dre is set to become the first billionaire in Hip Hop. Apple Electronics announced today that it has acquired Dr Dre's Beats Electronics for $3billion. According to Forbes, Apple paid $2.6billion cash upfront and gave $400million in stock that will vest over time.

The $3billion purchase price includes Beats Music, the sister company that runs a subscription streaming music service. As part of the deal, Beats co-founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine will join Apple in undisclosed roles.
"Music is such an important part of all of our lives and holds a special place within our hearts at Apple,” CEO Tim Cook said in a statement released today. “That’s why we have kept investing in music and are bringing together these extraordinary teams so we can continue to create the most innovative music products and services in the world.”
This acquisition is Apple’s biggest and largest acquisition since the inception of the company. Apple made $171 billion revenue last year, while Beats made $2 billion.

Deeper Life pastor, Eric Abakporo, sentenced to 6yrs for Real Estate fraud

A pastor with Deeper life Bible Church and a former Brooklyn-based civil attorney Ifeanyichukwu Eric Abakporo, was yesterday May 28th sentenced to 6 years imprisonment by a US Federal High Court for defrauding banks, mortgage lenders, property owners, and property buyers in America.

Prosecutors say Mr Abakporo and his accomplice, Latanya Pierce, carried out the illegal transactions for over nine years. They were convicted in a wide-ranging series of illegal transactions in New York city over a 9-year stretch, dating back to 2003. His accomplice, Latanya Pierce was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment.

Pastor Abakporo was immediately handcuffed out of the courtroom with his wife and his 2 children present in the court room wailing as he was taken away.

Manchester United Football Club owner Malcolm Glazer dies

The owner of Manchester United football club, Malcolm Glazer, has died. The billionaire business man who bought Man U in 2005 and also owned NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers, died yesterday May 28, three days after his 86th birthday.

He was the president and chief executive officer of First Allied Corporation, a holding company for his varied business interests. He was worth $4billion.

He left behind a wife, 6 children and 14 grandchildren

Polythechnics and Colleges of Education students protest in Lagos

Students from Polytechnics and Colleges of Education this morning took to the streets of Lagos to protest the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic, ASUP, strike which has been on for over 9 months now. The strike has grounded academic activities in all Polytechnics and also halted the students' academic pursuits.

Also gathered that police shot at the students protesting in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos

Okonjo-Iweala, Folorunsho Alakija make Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women 2014

Forbes magazine just released its list of the World's 100 Powerful Women 2014 and two Nigerian women made the list. They are; Nigeria's Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister for Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who came in at No. 44 and Oil magnate and Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, who came in at No. 96.

Other women that made the list include Beyoncé - at No. 17, German Chancellor Angela Merkel at No.1, Malawian President Joyce Banda at 40, Michelle Obama at No.8,  Lady Gaga at No. 67, Queen Elizabeth at No.35. Ellen Degeneres at No.46. Angelina Jolie at No.50, Gisele Bundchen at No. 89.

Renowned poet and author Maya Angelou dies at 86

One of America's most famous and inspiring poets and writers, Maya Angelou, has died. She died last night with her family by her side in a Winston-Salem, North Carolina hospital while recovering from an illness.

The famed author was to be honored this Friday with the Beacon of Life Award at Major League Baseball's Civil Rights Game when she fell ill and had to cancel.

Angelou has received more than 30 honorary degrees from universities around the world. She published 7 autobiographies, 3 books of essays, and several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than 50 years.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou famously wrote
May her soul rest in peace. Amen.

National Conference delegates vote to tax churches, mosques

Delegates at the ongoing National Conference yesterday May 27th voted unanimously for churches & mosques to pay taxes. The delegates arrived at the decision after deliberating on recommendations made by the Committee on Religion.

A delegate representing Civil Organizations, Mallam Naseer Kura, during the deliberation observed that most religious leaders in Nigeria are now making a lot of money from their organizations and so should be taxed accordingly.

Supporting his arguement, Isaac Ighure a delegate representing the Nigeria Guild of Editors, in his submission said most religious leaders had so much money now to buy jets while their followers are living in abject poverty and asked that they should be made to pay taxes. "Some people buy private jets when people in their churches are suffering and living in abject poverty, they should be made to pay taxes,” he said.

The recommendations to pay tax will be submitted to the National Assembly at the end of the conference and if accepted by the National Assembly, it would then be passed into law. Who agrees that religious organizations should pay tax?

National Conference Chairman's wife, Mariam Kutigi dies

Wife of Justice Idris  Kutigi the Chairman of the ongoing National Conference, Mariam, has passed on. She died in the early hours of this morning at the National Hospital Abuja. Her demise was announced this morning at the Conference. The conference session has been adjourned till Monday June 2nd. May her soul rest in peace.

"Starting Oceanic Bank was my late mum's idea"- Elvina Ibru reveals

Elvina Ibru, one of the daughters of billionaire businessman Olorogun Michael Ibru, has revealed that starting the now defunct Oceanic Bank was her late mum's idea. Mrs Elsie Ibru was the first female bank manager in Nigeria who worked with the defunct African Continental Bank (ACB) and with her experience in the banking sector adviced her husband to start up a bank. She said her father took the advice but unfortunately, her mum passed away when the bank was about to be opened.
"My mother was a banker back in the 60s. She worked for the defunct African Continental Bank (ACB). She was the first female bank manager in Nigeria and then my father is a man of foresight, he foresaw everything and arranged the company. The idea of setting up a bank was by my mother who advised my father to start one. That's how Oceanic Bank came up and unfortunately when the bank was to open she passed on. My mother was brilliant, my father is brilliant. I guess I picked up the interest in entertainment from them. The unity of two brains exploded to become what is today known as the Ibru organization" she said
Late Mrs Elsie Ibru died on February 3rd 1990 while Oceanic Bank was incorporated in March 1990 and began operation in July1990.

'I can't deliver your letter to Boko Haram leader' - First Lady tells kids

Some Nigerian children who paid a courtesy visit to First Lady Patience Jonathan today in Abuja to mark the Children's Day celebration seized the opportunity to hand her letters they wrote to Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau protesting the abduction of the Chibok girls and asked the First Lady to pass the letter to him.
Mama Peace received the letter but immediately told the children that she doesn't know who Shekau is but would give their letters to the Chief of Defence Staff who would help deliver it accordingly..
"Let me thank the children that gave me letter to give Boko Haram. Well, I have received your letter, but I’m not the one to give it to Boko Haram because I don’t know Boko Haram and I have never seen Boko Haram. But I will give it to NSA or Chief of Defence Staff who will submit your letter accordingly. To my children parliament, thank you for your letter. Thank you for your deliberation. I have received what you gave to me. I will make sure I pass it to the president because it is addressed to him and the other one is addressed to Boko Haram. That is why the two are different.” she said
Mama Peace advised the children and Nigerians in general to desist from speaking evil or reigning abuses on the President, saying he is the head of the country as God has made him so. She drew her advice from the bible
"It is bad to abuse our country and the president because God has made him the head. The almighty God commands us to pray for our leaders. We therefore need to pray for the development of our country and the president.
Remember that a child that abuses his father and mother is disobeying God’s commandment because the bible says in Exodus 20:12 that you should honour your father and mother so that you may live long in the land that the Lord your God has given you. The holy Bible is not referring to only biological parents. Any one that is older than you even for a day must be respected. Let us therefore join hands and rebuild our country Nigeria” she advised

Emir of Gombe, Alh (Dr) Shehu Abubakar passes on

The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Shehu Abubakar, has passed on. He died this evening, May 27th after a long battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London.
The Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Abubakar Bage confirmed his passing in a press statement released this evening. Family sources say his body will be flown back to Nigeria tomorrow, May 28th to be buried according to Islamic rights.

The Late Emir before his demise was the chairman of the Gombe State Council of Traditional Rulers and had been on the throne since January 1984. May his soul rest in peace... Amen.

The only Nigerian journalist with access to Boko Haram flown home to negotiate with group

Nigerian journalist, Ahmad Salkida, who previously worked for Daily Trust and Premium Times and reported extensively on Boko Haram, fled Nigeria to Dubai 2 years ago after being accused of being a Boko Haram sympathizer. He said he fled after 'his life and that of his family became endangered' after security agencies began to mistake his in-depth reporting on the terrorist group as evidence of his closeness to them. He went underground for several weeks before finally fleeing Nigeria. Salkida was perhaps the only Nigerian journalist/civilian to have access to Boko Haram, and he said at the time that he'd turned down Boko Haram's many requests for him to publish exclusive interviews and materials for them.

Anyway according to new reports, the Nigerian government flew him back home a few weeks ago to negotiate with Boko Haram on their behalf, since he's the only civilian who has allegedly seen Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau and come out alive. He reportedly came back home after the Nigerian government assured him that he will not be arrested. (See his tweets). Continue...



From UK Daily Mail
One hundred non-combatant, low-level sympathisers were to be freed and the two groups brought together in a convoy of buses accompanied by a hand-picked go-between, respected Nigerian journalist Ahmad Salkida.
The plan had been agreed in tortuous negotiations in response to worldwide outrage over a night-time raid on a school in the town of Chibok on April 14 when the girls were abducted from their dormitories.
Mr Salkida was born in Borno State, where Boko Haram originated. He has known its leaders all his life and has unprecedented access.
He has been arrested on several occasions accused of being a Boko Haram sympathiser, and he fled with his family to Dubai two years ago.
But two weeks ago, he was summoned out of exile by President Jonathan’s aides. He initially feared he might face arrest, but was then given a letter of indemnity signed by the President when he flew to Nigeria.
Sources said Mr Salkida was able to travel by taxi to the group’s forest camp to talk to Shekau two weeks ago. ‘His mission was secretive and dangerous,’ they said.
He is probably the only civilian with access to Shekau. There is trust between them and Salkida had only one aim – to get the schoolgirls out.
He reported afterwards that the group of girls he saw were alive and well, and being adequately fed and sheltered. They told him all they wanted was to go home.
Salkida’s mission was complicated by the chaos surrounding government’s pronouncements about negotiations with the terrorist group.
Shekau has released two shocking videos showing the girls dressed in hijabs and reciting verses from the Koran.

We know where Chibok girls are, but we won't use force to rescue them - Military

Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff Air Marshall Alex Badeh today said that the Nigeria military has been able to locate the 200+ girls abducted in Chibok on April 14th but will not use force to rescue them because that could put the girls in great danger as the insurgents could kill them.
He revealed this today while addressing a group of protesters, the Citizens Initiative for Security Awareness, outside the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. He said the military knows what they are doing and should be allowed to continue their work
"We want our girls back. The military can do it, but where they are held, can we go with force? The good news for the girls is that we know where they are but we can't tell you. Just leave us alone. We are working. We will bring the girls back" He said

I’m Not Bleaching…Cameras & Filters Make It Look So- Yvonne Nelson

Yvonne Nelson in a new interview has said she is tired of explaining to people that she isn’t bleaching her skin, but cameras, lightening and filters make her look lighter in pictures. She said a lot of people criticize her when she posts new pictures but they are all the work of the camera and she isn’t bleaching. You guys can compare all the pictures and let us know if you believe her or not.