Lions and other animals escape from Zoo in Georgia after serious flood

Wild animals including lions, tigers, bears, jaguars, wolves and other animals escaped from their zoo this morning after serious flood and are currently roaming the streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia (a country at the intersection of Europe and Asia). According to officials in the city capital, the flooding has killed at least 8 people and several animals in the zoo died. The ones that didn't die in the flood, which happened after a river burst its banks in central Tbilisi after hours of torrential rain, are now roaming the streets. Dozens of families are now without shelter after their homes were flooded and cars swept away. Thousands of people are currently left without water and electricity.

Some of the animals that escaped from their enclosure have been captured by security forces while the more dangerous one have been shot dead.

Photos from D'banj's 35th birthday bash last night @ quilox nite club

The 3 Generals at AU SUMMIT

CNN news anchor, Hala Gorani weds colleague

French raised Syrian-American, CNN International London-based Anchor and Correspondent, Hala Gorani, 45, today June 14th married her colleague, CNN photojournalist, Christian Streib

Words Of Widom From Wunmi Obe

My election is historic - President Buhari

Real reasons Why I Have Been Unable To Pay Osun Workers- Aregbesola

Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, said on Friday that the salary imbroglio in his state which led to workers strike, was beyond his control. He said this while fielding questions from State House Correspondents in Abuja.

“No head of the family will be happy that he cannot feed members of the family. Extend that to state, it is heart-rending that I am in this quagmire. But no matter how sad (I don’t want to use the word depressed), no matter how unhappy I am, the truth is that I will not fail to say that it is a situation absolutely beyond my control,” he said.


The governor said that he led an administration in receipt of regular allocation “in which I do my budget”.

“Unfortunately, this allocation started falling in rapid form that totally disorganized my budget and any other arrangement.

“For those who want to be objective, Osun of November 2010 when I assumed office and Osun of today are not the same.

“People must give credit to the changes that we have brought about in Osun. The changes were not miracles, they were changes occasioned by application of resources.

“But with the unexpected and sharp decline in our revenue, we had dislocation. The result of that dislocation is this quite sad experience.”

He said that if the situation was peculiar to his state he would probably have no excuse.

“I pray it does not continue. I am not sure if there will be any state that will actually escape from the biting effect of the absolute sharp drop which I call economic disaster that we are grappling with.

“Since my inauguration on November 27, 2010, I had made it a duty to pay salary on or before 25th of every month up until January 2014 when that became practically impossible.

“I have been giving the same staff who today are, regrettably and painfully, not being paid annual bonus that we call 13th month salary.

“There was no demand for it. I just felt that workers must be encouraged, they must be inspired.

“I did that religiously and faithfully from 2010 to 2013.”

Aregbesola added that the development that led to the crisis began “in July when we received the June allocation and it was short by 40 per cent”.

According to him, since then, what the state was receiving from the Federation Account “is less than the wages, personnel cost”.

He narrated how Osun had struggled with it until October 2014.

“By that time, there was nothing we could do. Add to it is that we could not even go to bank to borrow to pay the wages commitment.

“It is a sad development.

“I am struggling to reduce the pain as much as possible and I am almost at the end of the efforts I am making to ensure that by the end of this month, I will have enough to at least meet to a large extent the salary needs of the workers,” he added.

We Are Suffering, Abiola Family Begs FG To Come To Their Aide

 Alhaji Muri Abiola, elder brother of the late business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola has appealed to the federal government to compensate the family having been treated badly after the death of the family breadwinner in July 1998.

Alhaji Abiola called on Governor Ibikunle Amosun to assist them in using his good offices to plead with President Muhammed Buhari to support the family as the exit of the breadwinner has created a lot of hardship into the family.


The appeal was made yesterday while speaking with newsmen at the Oja-Agbo residence of Abiola in Gbagura area of Abeokuta,the Ogun state capital.

Residents of Abeokuta and top government functionaries led by the deputy governor of the state, Princess Yetunde Onanuga were today at the residence to observe a prayer session in commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of the June 12 election, won by Chief MKO Abiola.

According to Muri Abiola: “the federal government has neglected us and this is not good. When MKO died, many of us were arrested for no just cause. They said they are doing some findings, we were locked up in Panti and many other cells in the country.

“After a while, we were asked to go home and nothing was given to us as compensation. We made several efforts to get our plight get across to them but nothing forthcoming till date.

“As I am speaking with you now, many of our children are out of job and we have nothing to keep bodies and souls together. This should have not happened to the family of MKO Abiola, who died because of this country. All what he stood for during his lifetime was enthronement of democracy and today, that is what many of those who were against it then are benefitting from.


“They have not accorded him the due honour he deserved. We have been neglected by the past government and we strongly believe that our governor will pass our message to President Muhammmed Buhari,” Alhaji Muri Abiola pleaded.

Photos: Femi Otedola's daughter graduates from college

Billionaire oil magnate, Femi Otedola was in London yesterday to attend the graduation ceremony of one of his daughters, Temi, who just finished from the American School London

Buhari to earn N14.4m annual salary

According to a report by Vanguard, this is what President Buhari, VP Osinbajo and other top govt officials will earn. Isn't it too small though? Read full report from Vanguard below...

    The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, has reviewed the salaries of the President, Vice President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives and Speakers in the 36 states of the federation, as well as well other legislators in both the National and State Assemblies among other public officers in the country. Based on the total package prepared by the RMAFC, President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s annual salary and allowances stand at N14, 4 million.


The break down shows that his Basic Salary is N 3,514,705 and Hardship allowance, N1,757,350:50. Constituency N 8,786,762:50 and Leave Allowance – N351, 470.
Buhari will receive a 400 per cent increase in his salary amounting N14. 058 million, as gratuity upon a successful completion of his tenure.

The Federal Government is to provide him with all his needs including vehicles, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, entertainment, security, utility bills,newspapers, medical bills and clothings.
The president’s estacode and Duty Tour allowance were not specified.

However, the Vice President Osinbajo is to receive an annual Basic Salary of N2,064, 400; Hardship allowance- N1, 515, 786.25 and a Constituency Allowance of N7, 578, 931.25, bringing his total annual earning to N12.1million.

About 75 per cent of his annual basic salary would be paid for vehicles and their maintenance if he chooses to buy his vehicles and maintain them.

He is to receive another 25 per cent to hire his Personal Assistants; 75 per cent for domestic staff; 45 per cent for entertainment and 30 per cent for utility.

The VP is to receive a separate 20 per cent of his salary for monitoring; 200 per cent for accommodation and 300 per cent for furniture.

His duty Tour Allowance stands at N 35, 000 per night and an estacode of $900 per night.
He is to receive 10 per cent of his salary as Leave Allowance and 300 per cent as gratuity upon a successful completion of his tenure.

National Assembly
Also, following a downward review of salaries and allowances of both the National and State Assembly legislators, the Senate President will receive a basic annual salary of N2, 484, 242.50 and allowance of N6. 2 million, bringing the total to N8. 69Million. His monthly salary is about N724, 570. In addition, he collects 250 per cent of his Annual Salary as Constituency Allowance.

However, his vehicles and their maintenance are provided by the federal government. Similarly, his domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, security responsibility, Legislative Aids, House Maintenance an, as well as a Special Adviser and a Personal Assistant are provided by the federal government.
Similarly Robe (clothing) and newspapers are provided for the Senate President.

The Deputy Senate President enjoys the same benefits except that his Annual Basic Salary stands at N 2,309,166.75, total allowance N 5,772,916.8, bringing total annual salary to 8,082,083.63 and a monthly pay of N 673,506.97

The Senate Majority Leader receives a salary of N12, 968, 960.

The Minority leader receives a total annual salary of N12, 908, 168. The Whip receives N12, 867 . The same applies to Committee Chairmen. Incidentally in the last administration almost all senators were chairmen of various committees.

The allowances received by the members of the upper legislative chamber is far more than their salaries indicate.
For instance, each senator receives 75 per cent of the annual salary as allowance for a vehicle and its maintenance.
They collect another 75 per cent of their salaries for domestic staff; 30 per cent for entertainment; 30 per cent for utilities; 25 per cent for robe (clothing); and 250 per cent as constituency allowance.

Others include, another allowance unspecified which stands at 53 per cent; newspapers 15 per cent; Personal Assistance, 24 per cent; and House maintenance 5 per cent.

House of Reps
At the House of Representatives, the Speaker receives a total annual salary of N 4,334,942.50.
Just like the Senate President, the federal government provides his vehicles and their maintenance .
His domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, security responsibility, Legislative Aids, House Maintenance an, as well as a Special Adviser and a Personal Assistant are provided by the federal government.
Similarly Robe (clothing) and newspapers are provided for the Speaker by the Federal Government.
He receives 75 per cent of his salary as constituency allowance.

The Deputy speaker whose annual salary stands at 4,002,309.94 enjoys similar benefits as the speaker.
The Majority Leader of the House, the Minority Leader, the Chief Whip and Chairmen of Committees receive annual salaries of N 6, 352,680.00.
In addition, they receive 50 per cent of their salaries as Vehicle and Maintenance allowance; another 50 per cent for domestic staff; 10 per cent for utilities and another 10 per cent for House maintenance.

House of Assembly
Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly enjoy all the benefits as their federal counterpart where virtually all they need are provided with public funds. However, their annual salaries stand at N 2,049,843.75 and a Constituency Allowance of N25 per cent of their Annual Salaries.

Deputy Speaker receives N 1,807,478.13 and 25 per cent of same as constituency allowance.
Members at the House of Assemblies receive annual salaries of N 2,473,866.25.
In addition, they receive 20 per cent for vehicles; 25 per cent for domestic staff, 10 per cent for utilities; 25 per cent each for robe, constituency , Personal Assistant and 5 per cent for newspapers.

The decision to review the current salaries and allowances of the nations’ public office holders received approval of many members of the public who had complained that the Nigerian law makers were about the highest paid in the world. These are the official earnings of these political office holders. But their spoils of office amount to several millions and even billions of naira in recent past.

President Buhari leaves Abuja for AU Summit in South Africa

The president left Abuja this morning for the AU Summit which he will be held in South Africa. He is expected back in the country on Tuesday June 16. In his entourage are Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun and Benue state governor Samuel Ortom.

Commercial flight makes first landing in Maiduguri Int'l airport after 2yr closure

The Maiduguri International Airport in Borno state which was re-opened on June 9th after being shut down for two years due to Boko Haram attacks, made its first commercial landing today June 13th. The Governor of the state, Kashim Shettima was onboard the flight.

Tonto Dikeh On Sick Bed

   
 "Wokeup today with a joyful heart,With a smile that only The Angels would understand..Am Happy even thru my pains and sorrows.I see life differently and I wonder why he saves me each time,A little girl died this morning.She was my friend for a week,She was A great lil girl and she cld pray. She believed and was faithful,God has his reasons.. But am alive And from this day I have only one thing to promise myself hardcore Self love and happiness..Am in a Very happy Place with me,Scared of course but am excited to know that I can be happy through anytin..

    I use my self as a point of Contact to every sick person,I don't know wat u re going thru but I proclaim healing and health into your lives.. By his stripes you are healed,I asked God for a miracle.It didn't come as a healing it came in form of a Man (MrX) who is ready to hold my hands and make sure I know nothing but happiness till the end...Identify your miracle and Give God d glory even when the doctors say "Ma'am u have 5months to live... #ISmile #StrongWoman #HappyWoman #CheatingDeathwithAsmile #SpecialThankstomymedicalteamandDoctors #No Pity party needed #HAPPY WEEKEND SWEETIES

FG bans paramilitary agencies from use of camouflage uniforms; restricts use to only the military

Press statement from Defence Headquarters below...

    The use of camouflage uniforms by various security agencies other than the Armed Forces namely; Army, Navy and the Air Force has been banned. The Nigerian Police will however use the uniform when in Joint Operation with the military or on special operation such as specific anti-riot missions. This followed the directive of the National Security Council, as it approved the recommendations of a committee on measures to streamline the use of camouflage uniforms, in view of the security implications and concerns raised on the clamour, duplicity and proliferation of camouflage uniforms in the country.

The use of camouflage/fatigue is therefore restricted to the military and for occasional use by the police henceforth. The directive also stipulates that the military is to adopt only 2 types of camouflage for the 3 arms of the Armed Forces. All para-military agencies using various camouflage/fatigues uniforms have up to January 2016 to withdraw such materials currently in their inventory.

With this development, the Ministry of Justice along with law enforcement agencies have been tasked to ensure that extant laws guiding the use of uniforms in Nigeria are strictly enforced. In the same vein, the Office of the National Security Adviser has been vested with the authority to vet and clear any production and supply of camouflage uniforms in Nigeria.

The proliferation and imitation by criminals and impostors using uniforms especially the camouflage have been generating some concern in national security circles. The development has been communicated to all the agencies by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

First assignment for anyone appointed as AGF is to probe Amnesty Int'l report- Buhari

President Buhari says the first assignment he will give anyone he appoints as the Attorney General of the Federation will be to examine the recently released Amnesty International report which indicted some top military officers of gross Human Rights Abuse.

In a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu today June 12th, President Buhari said the allegations leveled against the Nigerian military is quite disturbing and will require the AGF to look into the report and advise the govt on an appropriate course of action.

    "The president is quite disturbed by the allegations contained in the report. The next step is to look into the allegations and confirm or disprove the disturbing details." The statement went further to add that allegations of Human Rights Abuse during President Buhari's tenure will be investigated immediately "Any allegation of human rights abuse that takes place during the tenure of President Buhari's government will be swiftly investigated and dealt with" the statement said.

God's will has been done - Femi Gbajabiamila

Lagos state will never ever experience blackout, there would be electricity 24 hours a day- Aliko Dangote

Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode earlier this week where he revealed that his company is in the process of building a Gas Pipeline from Bonny to under the sea which when done, will provide Lagos with 24hr power supply.

    Speaking to the press, Dangote said "I’ve assured him that we really love doing business here, it’s a friendly state for doing business and also to assure him of all the projects that we are doing that we are on course; that is building the largest ever single refinery of 650,000 barrels per day, which is by far more than the consumption of Nigeria and that would satisfy our consumption at least for the next 7 to 10 years by the time we finish.

    Also, we are building the largest fertilizer plant of two to three million tonnes of Uranium and Amonia also in the Lekki Free Trade Zone and assure him that we are going to do a Gas Pipeline from Bonny to under the sea, in which when we finish, Lagos state will never ever experience blackout, there would be electricity 24 hours a day.

There are quite a lot of things that would come along with, that would create so many jobs. I think Lagos will be one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. I can assure you that we would do our own bit in terms of your efforts in policing Lagos, for security and whatever the need is, feel free to call us, we would partner with you and whatever you want us to do to make Lagos a better place.
 It’s not a small project. We would have challenge in getting people to work there, because at the height of it, we would have almost close to 38,000 people working at the same location, this is something that we have to partner with the state government. Having 38,000 people on one site, not every one of them will be from the community, others will be from other states, there would be cultural issues and all that, we need to integrate everybody to ensure that the whole thing work out fine,” 

My Pussy Is For Hire-Maheeda Slams

Obama Is Ready To Help- Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said he had directed the nation’s service chiefs to produce a list of the logistics needed by the military to successfully execute the war against the Boko Haram sect.

He said he would forward the list they will prepare to the leaders of the Group of Seven Industrialised Nations (G-7) based on their request.

Buhari disclosed this while speaking  with journalists at the end of the extraordinary summit of Heads of State and Government of Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.


He said the leaders of the G-7 requested for the list during his recent meeting with them in Baravia, Germany.

He added that based on the request, he had informed his colleagues in the commission to also prepare their countries’ lists for the same purpose.

He explained that the final list that would be forwarded to the G-7 would be drafted at the end of the African Union summit holding in South Africa.

The President said, “You will recall that I was personally invited to the G-7 meeting.

“I went there and I was asked to brief the G-7 and I was impressed with the tremendous sympathy they have for this sub-region, Lake Chad Basin Commission.

“All of them from President Obama are willing to help us.

“They have actually asked me to discuss with their Chief of Defence Staff or their Ministries of Defence or talk to them directly on what we need.

“So, I brought this case to our meeting here and I told them that Nigeria has gone quite far.
“I had five hours meeting with my service chiefs and I asked them to produce comprehensive logistic requirements.

“I also advised my colleagues to be prepared to produce their logistic requirements so that after the AU meeting, we will agree on what to send to the head of G-7, President of Germany.”

Buhari said members of the G-7 were anxious to render assistance, especially when the Boko Haram sect declared its loyalty to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.


He also explained that the rules of engagement among the troops of the member states have been clearly spelt out.

Punch

Assembly Approves Wike’s N10bn Loan After Amaechi Allegedly Left Empty Treasury

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday approved a loan of N10 billion requested by the State Governor, Nyesom Wike. The state governor had sent a letter to the House of Assembly asking that he should be granted approval to secure the loan that would be used to fund some major projects in the state.

28 lawmakers voted in favour of the approval.

Speaker of the House, Mr. Ikuinyi Ibani, in his remark, explained that it would be difficult for any government to survive without funds to operate.

Ibani, who pointed that the House would not be involved in frivolous approvals, added that the state legislature would endorse transparent and sincere requests that would benefit the people of the state.

Explaining that the immediate past administration left an empty treasury, the Speaker disclosed that the loan would be taken from Zenith Bank and repaid through Valued Added Tax.