Its Benson Okonkwo's birthday today!

Nollywood Actor Benson Okonkwo


One Versatile Nollywood actor I have come to respect is Benson Okonkwo. As you celebrate your birthday today I pray that you will to greater heights Higher than where you.May the heavens open over your Career and Business. Congratulations and do have a beautiful celebraction!

SSANU dares FG embarks on indefinite strike!

The senior staff association of Nigerian universities has embarked embarked on an indefinite strike to compel the federal government to rescind its decision to vice Chancellors to remove a section of university staff from its payroll. Those affected d are the staff of the primary and secondary within the university. This was the outcome of an emergency congress held by its university of Benin cchapter.

Merry Christmas to you!

A very merry Christmas to to blog viewers and potential blog readers cum commenters!

FG splits PIB, to break NNPC into two companies.

THE Federal Government has broken up the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill into different versions and is proposing splitting the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, into two companies – the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company (NPAM) and a National Oil Company (NOC) that would be run on commercial lines and partly privatised.
According to a report obtained from Reuters, yesterday, the Federal Government is breaking up the PIB and is replacing it first with a law to overhaul the petroleum sector with the aim of closing loopholes that bred corruption.
Under the draft legislation, the report stated that the NOC will be an “integrated oil and gas company operating as a fully commercial entity and will run like a private company.”
According to the report, the onus would be on the board of the company to make profits and raise its own funding. The NOC would be expected to keep its revenues, deduct costs directly and pay dividends to the government.
To start off, the report stated that the NOC will receive about $5 billion, or at least the five-year average of the amount of money NNPC had to put into joint venture operations, while it would be partially privatised with the Federal Government divesting a minimum of 30 per cent of its shares in the company within six years of its incorporation.
NPAM, on the other hand, is expected to manage assets where the government is not obligated to provide any upfront funding. “These include oil licences run under production-sharing agreements in which independent oil companies cover operating costs and pay tax and royalties on output,” the report noted.
Compared with previous PIB drafts, the report stressed that the law curtails ministerial powers as board appointments are made by the Nigerian president and confirmed by the Senate.
If passed, the report further stated that the law would also create a Nigeria Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NPRC) to oversee everything from oil licence bid rounds to fuel prices, while a Special Investigation Unit would also be set up under the NPRC with the powers to seize items and make arrests without a warrant.
The first new bill, drafted by the Senate and overseen by the oil ministry, according to the report, is entitled “Petroleum Industry Governance and Institutional Framework Bill 2015” and aims to create “commercially oriented and profit driven petroleum entities”.
The Bill is expected to be presented to senators this week.
The report maintained that the Bill repeals the Act that created NNPC that contained legal grey areas that allowed mismanagement to go unchecked and billions of dollars in revenues to go seemingly unaccounted for as operating costs rocketed.
The institutional changes in the new draft have been greatly simplified from the 2012 PIB that created many new regulators and broke up the oil company into separate downstream (refining and retail), upstream oil and gas ‎companies. ‎
Some noticeably problematic amendments are absent from this bill, such as allowing the oil minister to decide what to do with any surplus or allowing the Nigerian president to allocate oil blocks for exploration.
But it remains to be seen whether further add-ons to the bill or later decisions will reconcile the conflict between what the new state oil companies need to run and what they should remit to the treasury.
Commenting on the new Bill, Aaron Sayne, a U.S. lawyer who focuses on the Nigerian energy sector, said, “The bill leaves open lots of questions around what roles the new national oil companies will play in the sector, and how they will receive and manage money.
“But one can sense more strategic thinking behind it than in past drafts, and the bill does a better job than its predecessors of saying

Source Vanguard

Popular Female blogger loses sister to pro biafra protests!

The pro-Biafran protest in Onitsha Anambra state turned violent with about 9 lives lost including the blood sister of a popular female blogger in Nigeria who is currently in deep tears.

“The pro-Biafra activism that took place in the Onitsha area of Anambra state today, 2nd of December has left several indelible marks behind with two Dangote trucks set on fire and 9 lives lost including the sister of a lady blogger, Mary Vivian Chinaza Illikannu who owns Viviangist sent to her untimely grave under circumstances yet to be ascertained.

Reports have it that security operatives on ground shot at the protesters to disperse them which led to fatal injuries among the protesters.”

See the post made by the lady blogger, Vivian:

“That is my Blood sister , thanks to biafra protesters yes i know that they have achieved their Goals.

Her Name ; Nkiruka Anthonia Ikeanyionwu From Adazi Nnukwu Anambra state. Schooling at Federal College of Education UMUNZE Anambra State. Age 21 years old.

My Message to Nigerians and Biafrans … Thanks so much for Killing NK Baby for me , Dear Nkiru That is what the world is all about , nobody knows when his or her turn will clock … Bye till we part No More …. From Mary Vivian Chinaza Illikannu Owner Vivian Gist”

Credit My celebrity and I

Happy birthday to me!

It is great to be alive to witness another birthday and I have every reason to be very grateful to God!This birthday is very unique as God remembered me with desired job which has translated to a change of level and location. To be honest with you I can't but thank God and celebrate his faithfulness in my life. This God is awesome! And does things at his time which makes it beautiful! Please help me appreciate him where ever you are.

Rosemary Dugbo Oghoghorie made Federal high court Judge amongst others.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of 30 new Judges for the Federal High Court.

The National Judicial Council, NJC, recommended the appointment of the new judges.
The new Judges, according to a statement that was issued by the Council yesterday, are: Hon. Justice Yellin S. Bogoro (Bauchi State), Rosemary O. Dugbo Oghoghorie (Delta State), Taiwo Obayomi Taiwo (Ogun State), Ibrahim Watila (Borno State), Mallong Peter Hoommuk (Plateau State), Isa Hamma Adama Dashen (Adamawa State), Hassan Dikko (Kebbi State), Jude Kanyioh Dagat (Kaduna State), Olayinka Olusegun Tokode (Osun State), Simon Akpah Amobeda (Kogi State), Jane Egienanwan Inyang (Cross River State), Daniel Emeka Osiagor (Rivers State), Prof. Chuka Austine Obiozor (Anambra State),
Others ar, Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweib (Bayelsa State), Hassan Muslim Sule (Zamfara State), Hadiza Rabiu Shagari (Sokoto State), Saleh Kogo Idrissa (Yobe State), Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik (Edo State), Hillary Ide Osho Oshomah (Edo State), Fadima Murtala Aminu (Adamawa State), Toyin Bolaji Adegoke (Kwara State), James Kolawole Omotosho (Ogun State), Nehizena Idemudia Ekunwe (Edo State), Stephen Daylop Pam (Plateau State), Akintayo Aluko (Ekiti State), Dr. Nnamdi O. Dimgba (Abia State), Emeka Nwite (Ebonyi State), Abdulazeez M.Z. Anka (Zamfara State), Abdu Dogo (FCT), and Adamu Turaki Muhammed (Jigawa State).
The statement which was signed by the Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye,further disclosed that the new judges will be sworn -in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on December 2.

Credits Vanguard

Kogi APC Governorship Candidate is Dead!

Prince Audu Abubakar, the APC candidate in the state's governorship election which held yesterday November 21st, reportedly slumped and died this afternoon. He is pictured above just yesterday as he casted his vote. According to Sahara Reporters, Audu died of undisclosed medical reasons shortly after INEC declared his victory at the elections inconclusive. Cause of death is unknown. Details later . Meanwhile, former Minister FFK has expressed his sadness over his death..

Urhobo Isoko Nation Mourns The Demise of Popular Gospel Singer!

It is with disbelief and shock to know that popular gospel and motivational singer Evangelist General Godwin Tom is dead. Yours truly is a great fan of this very popular gospel artist. I will miss his music so much.

Tribute

His gospel ballads are loaded in homes, offices, USBs, MPs, electronic devices, cars and utility vehicles sound chambers.
Brother Tom's gospel music led many souls to the LORD, healed many people and revived many broken hearted.
TOM's inspirational gospel music will continue to hit the airwaves and penetrate body, soul and spirit of millions of people across the world.
Oh Lord, why take him so soon? Is it that he has accomplished his mission and divine assignment?
Good Lord, you are the Alpha and Omega. You are in a class all by yourself. You are the light of this World.
You are unquestionable God. Yes, that's who you are!
Rest in your profundity of sleep superstar TOM.
R.I.P Great Evangelist of the 21st century.
Good bye brother Godwin Tom. Rest in the bosom of our saviour JESUS CHRIST.
Adieu!!!

No more acting for me for the Next four years!

After entertaining us with great movies like ‘Guilty Pleasures’, ‘Bursting Out’, ‘Kiss & Tell’ and scores of others, fans of Nollywood actor turned politician, Desmond Elliott will have to wait for the next four years to see another movie from the actor who doubles as a filmmaker.

Speaking with NET at a recent event, the lawmaker who represents Surulere constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly disclosed that he will not be acting or releasing any movie for the period of his stay in the house as he is focused on the act of lawmaking.

‘There is nothing acting in all I do now, it’s the job as a legislator and doing work to ensure that there is a better structure in the industry,’ Desmond disclosed to NET. He however further revealed that he is still a part of the industry and will continue to support it.

When asked how he intends to use his new position to impact Nollywood, he simply said, ‘just wait and see’. He however further revealed that he is still a part of the industry and will continue to support it.

Source Nairaland.

Blog Owner gets new appointment!

Hello lovelies! Just want to use this medium to celebrate a new job appointment at the federal level. I am very grateful to God for making it happen!

Jamb Result to be Valid for three years!

THE Senate, yesterday, directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, to begin to extend the validity of its results to a period of three years.
This was even as it ordered the board to immediately stop its policy of re-assigning candidates to schools they never applied to, saying such policy was contrary to the act establishing the board.
To this end, results obtained from the board by candidates seeking admission into universities are expected to last for three years.
The red chamber, which order came following a motion entitled: ”JAMB’s New Admission Policy, “ sponsored by Senator Joshua Lidani, APC, Gombe South, which was debated during plenary, also urged JAMB to consult widely with Parents Teachers Association, ASUU and all other stakeholders in the education sector with a view to coming out with a friendlier holistic, comprehensive and sustainable admissions policy.
It also directed its Committee on Education to enquire into circumstances surrounding the JAMB policy, including all allegations of favouritism and generally review the power of JAMB vis-a-vis administration and submit findings within one week.
Earlier, in his motion, Senator Lidani frowned at the JAMB’s policy of posting candidates to schools, including private universities whose fees, he noted, were beyond the means of the candidates’ parents or guardians, saying in some cases, candidate were posted to universities located far away from their places of abode thus placing additional financial burden on their parents.
Lidani expressed worry that although the Federal Ministry of Education had since suspended the implementation of this policy, JAMB was still going ahead with its implementation, thus creating more hardship for parents and uncertainty in the education sector.
He said he was concerned given that the policy runs contrary to the letters and spirit of Section 5(1)(C) iii of the JAMB Act, which according to him, requires that JAMB should take into account preferences of the candidates in their choices of schools and the subsequent confusion surrounding the directive that only candidates whose names were forwarded to the university by JAMB were eligible for post-UTME screening and others would have to go back to JAMB website to find out their new institutions.
Senator Lidani expressed concern that since the policy was announced, the board was faced with series of massive protests by parents and candidates of and some organizations like the Association of Tutorial School Operators of Nigeria as well as other numerous stakeholders.
He said JAMB, at its 2015 Combined Policy Meeting, held on July 14, 2015, in Abuja, announced the adoption of a policy whereby candidates of universities with surplus applicants for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME, were reassigned to other universities with lower number of candidates than their capacities.
While noting that JAMB was a board created by an Act of the National Assembly in 1989 to administer a centralized admission for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria.
He further noted that by Section 5(1) (C) iii of the JAMB Act 2004, the function of the board, among other things, was the general control of the conduct of the matriculation examinations for admission into all universities, polytechnics and colleges of education and also include the placement of suitable qualified candidates in the tertiary institutions having taken into account, the preferences expressed or otherwise indicated by candidates for certain tertiary institutions and courses

Source Vanguard

Boko Haram kills 30 in Yola explosion!

An explosion in the Nigerian city of Yola has caused multiple deaths and injuries, with some reports saying more than 30 people may have died.
The blast appears to have struck a busy market area where traders were closing up for the day.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari visited Yola on Saturday, declaring that the Islamist militant movement Boko Haram was close to defeat.
Yola has twice been hit by deadly bomb attacks this year.
The city lies in the northern state of Adamawa, one of the worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Source BBC

Fuel Scarcity: End in sight?

President writes National Assembly

There is good news for fuel marketers. President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the National Assembly to approve the payment of their N413 billion claims, it was learnt yesterday.

The payment is believed to be the key to ending the crippling petrol scarcity in many cities.

Petrol is being sold for between N100 and N400 per litre in various parts of the country. Queues are long at filling stations where there is fuel. Many others are shut for lack of supplies.

A Presidency source said last night that “only about N140 billion was appropriated for subsidy payment in the current budget and it has been exhausted”.

“Out of respect for the parliament, the President insisted that the right thing must be done by seeking approval from the National Assembly before an additional kobo is paid in excess of what the budget makes provision for.

“This is a clear departure from the past, when extra-budgetary expenditure was the norm.”

Another source said “the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) expressed the belief that with the outstanding payment due to oil marketers now assured, the marketers and other downstream players will join hands with the corporation to guarantee that the nation remains wet with petroleum products all year round,” the source said.

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media, to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, noted that the President “is desirous to end the petrol scarcity. But he insists that due process must be followed.”

Marketers are hopeful that if the N413 billion subsidy cash is disbursed, the fuel scarcity will be over.

But they also complained of lack of foreign exchange to facilitate importation of products.

A marketer last night said: “We cannot access dollar or pound sterling to import. The banks have refused to give us letters of credit because they don’t have confidence that we will pay back. It is only the NNPC that imports and what they import is grossly inadequate.

“The issue is that many independent depots and retail outlets don’t have products because the NNPC only gives product to marketers accredited as bulk buyers.

“The fuel marketing arm of the oil industry is gradually collapsing because most of the oil marketing firms currently operate at about 30 per cent capacity utilisation. Some of our depots that load around 150 trucks daily have dropped to 40 trucks daily.

“If the current supply situation is not addressed quickly, the Yuletide will be celebrated without fuel, and you know the implication.”

The NNPC’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, said the Corporation trucked out 25,042,686 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) to various parts of the country between last Saturday and Sunday..

According to the data made available by the NNPC spokesman, which showed the depots from where the fuel was loaded, companies that took delivery of the product, the number of the vehicle that lifted the product and the quantity lifted, 615 filling stations got 25,042,686 litres. They include majors, such as Total, Mobil, Oando, MRS, Conoil and Forte Oil. The NNPC Retail and independents, including NIPCO and Eterna, among many others, especially in Gombe, also got supplies.

Suleja depot loaded 7,178,613 litres for 179 stations, Kaduna depot 2,470 490 litres for 59 stations, Kano 4,930,847 litres for 107 filling stations, Minna depot 224,986 litres for six stations, Gusau 2,311 951 litres (60 stations), and Satellite depot, which feeds Lagos State, 2,164,940 (63 stations).

Others include Ilorin depot 303,000 litres (nine stations), Ore 110,989 litres (three stations), Ibadan depot, 766,007 (21 stations), Gombe area, which has the highest number of independent stations got 3,662,893 litres (78 stations) and Aba depot, 917,970 litres (30 filling stations).

Source Nairaland

See What New Ministers Will Earn!

Each of the 37 ministers sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday will receive current remuneration packages approved by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

A review became imperative following dwindling government revenues occasioned by falling prices in the international oil market.

New packages prepared by a committee headed by Inde, had been ratified at a retreat held for commissioners of the agency, which was concluded recently in Owerri.

The recommendations of the committee concentrated on the allowances of political and judicial office holders as the salary packages will not depart significantly from the status quo.

However, after the preparation of the new packages by RMAFC, it still has to be presented to the Federal Executive Council which has the responsibility to present it to the National Assembly as a bill for enactment as an Act of Parliament.

Chairman of RMAFC, Mr. Elias Mbam, told Punch correspondent on Saturday that the new packages would soon be made public. He said the work was “going through a process of editing.”

Presidency sources told our correspondent that the new ministers would be paid in accordance with the existing statute because the reviewed package was not ready.

According to the current package, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed and other senior ministers will get N4,052,800 as housing allowance. The annual housing allowance is 200 per cent of a minister’s annual remuneration.

Each of the ministers is also entitled to N6, 079,200 as furniture allowance. The furniture allowance is 300 per cent of a minister’s annual salary. Unlike the housing allowance, however, the furniture allowance is paid once in four years. This means the furniture allowance per annum is N1,519,800.

Should any of the ministers desire, they are also entitled to N8,105,600 as motor vehicle allowance. The motor vehicle allowance is, however, a loan repayable by the end of the tenure of the minister.

The annual basic salary of a substantive minister is N2,026,400. On monthly basis, this amounts to N168,866:66.

Apart from the monthly basic salary, there are other perks that each minister will receive at the end of each month. These include motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance of N1, 519,800 (annual value) with a monthly value of N126,650. The vehicle maintenance allowance is 75 per cent of the annual basic salary.

The personal assistant allowance of N506,600 per annum is also payable. This has a monthly value of N42,216.66. This allowance is calculated as 25 per cent of the basic salary.

Each of the senior ministers is entitled to a payment of N1,519,800 for domestic staff. This is 75 per cent of the annual basic salary and on monthly basis amounts to N126, 650.

For entertainment, each of the ministers is entitled to N911,880 annually or N75,990 per month. This is 45 per cent of the annual basic salary.

For utilities, each of the ministers is entitled to 30 per cent of their annual salary which translates to N607,920 per annum or N50,660 a month.

For monitoring, each of the ministers is entitled to 20 per cent of their annual basic salary. This translates to N405,280 per annum or N33,773.33 per month.

For newspapers/periodicals, each of the senior ministers will get 15 per cent of the annual basic salary. This translates to N303,960 per annum or N25,330 per month.

Allowances for their security personnel, medicals and special assistants are also provided. The tour duty allowance is N35,000 per night; the estacode is $900 per night and the leave allowance is 10 per cent of their annual salary or N202,640.

The summation of these annual allowances is N13,374, 240 for each minister excluding the optional vehicle allowance. Yearly, the Federal Government is expected to pay the 24 senior ministers no less than N320,981,760.

Source Punch

At last Buhari Names Cabinet!

President Muhammadu Buhari has assigned his newly-appointed ministers offices.
The full list of the ministers and their offices are as follows:
Kemi Adeosun (Ogun) – Finance
Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers)–Transportation
Chris Ngige (Anambra)–Labour and Employment
Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti)–Solid Minerals
Babatunde Fashola (Lagos)–Power, Works and Housing
Abdulrahman Dambazau (Kano)–Interior
Aisha Alhassan (Taraba)–Women Affairs
Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi)–Science and Technology
Abubakar Malami (Kebbi)–Justice
Hadi Sirika (Katsina)–State for Aviation
Suleiman Adamu (Jigawa)–Water Resources
Solomon Dalong (Plateau)–Youths and Sports
Ibeh Kachikwu (Delta)–State for Petroleum
Osagie Ehanire (Edo)–State for Health
Audu Ogbeh (Benue)–Agriculture
Udo Udo Udoma (Akwa Ibom)–Budget and National Planning
Lai Mohammed (Kwara)–Information
Amina Mohammed (Gombe)–Environment
Ibrahim Usman Jibril (Nasarawa)— State for Environment
Anthony Onwuka (Imo) – State for Education
Muhammadu Bello (Adamawa) — FCT
Adamu Adamu (Bauchi) — Education
Okechukwu Enelamah (Abia) – Industry, Trade and Investment
Aisha Abubakar (Sokoto) — State for Trade, Industry and Investment
Khadija Bukar Abba (Yobe) – State for Foreign Affairs
Claudius Daramola (Ondo) – State for Niger Delta
Geoffrey Onyeama (Enugu) — Foreign Affairs
Monsur Dan-Ali (Zamfara) — Defence
James Ocholi (Kogi) – State for Labour
Zainab Ahmed (Kaduna) – State for Budget and National Planning
Mustapha Shehuri (Borno) — State for Power
Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa)–State for Agriculture
Isaac Adewole Folorunsho (Osun) — Health
Usani Usani Uguru (Cross River) — Niger Delta
Abubakar Bwari Bawa (Niger) — State for Solid Minerals
Adebayo Shittu (Oyo) — Communications
Muhammadu Buhari — Petroleum

Source premiumtimesng

Nollywood Actress Lizzy Gold Onuwaje is now a proud mother!

Delta born Nollywood Actress has given birth to a bouncing baby boy! The proud mother disclosed this on her Instagram page. She practically kept off public eyes until her delivery as not many are in the know of her pregnancy. See below from her Instagram page

Lizzy took to Instagram to share a photo of herself while pregnant and her new baby with the caption,

Lots of project was on hold for u, but u were worth d sacrifice. Welcome to my world my great king I appreciate u. #happiest babe on dis planet right now#.

Golden Eaglets Wins Cadet World Cup for record fifth time!

Nigeria's U17 team the Golden Eaglets put up a spirited fight to overcome hard fighting Mali in a pulsating final. Tournament leading scorer Victor Osimhen registered his name on the scoresheet this making him the tournament all time highest goal scorer and doubled by Bamgboye.

We heartily congratulate the Golden Eaglets on this laudable feat.

Super Eaglets Zooms into Final!

These Eaglets are simply amazing as they zoomed past hard fighting Mexico in a 4- 2 Thriller with the Mexicans drawing the first blood.

The Eaglets will now face fellow Africans Mali in the final. The Malian's had earlier on eased past Belgium 3 goals to one.

Eaglets Thrash Brazil! Advance to Semi-final.

Holders Nigeria cruised into the FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-finals after stunning Brazil with three goals in five first half minutes in a 3-0 victory. Victor Osimhen, with his eighth goal in five games, Kingsley Michael and Udochukwu Anumudu battered Brazil, and the Golden Eaglets played the rest of the game out at a canter to reach the final four.

The team of Nigeria line up for praying during the FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup 2015 quarter final match between Brazil and Nigeria at Estadio Sausalito on November 1, 2015 in Vina del Mar- FIFA/FIFA
Brazil had looked bright in the opening stages, either finding Akpan Udoh in fine form in the Nigerian net or hitting their opportunities off target, with Rogerio and Evander two of the culprits. A Seleção were made to rue those missed opportunities when the lethal Osimhen extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts. John Lazarus crossed from the Nigerian right and the Nigerian No9 headed in, via a deflection off Eder Militao.
Moments later, Nigeria doubled their lead, Osimhen instrumental once more. The forward hooked a bouncing ball back over his shoulder, with Michael following in. The ball bounced up off the turf and past Juliano. The Brazilian No1 was deceived by another bounce just four minutes later, as Anumudu hit a left-footed drive from distance. The effort skipped off the turf, and past the stopper, who was visibly unhappy at not keeping the shot out.
The second period saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Funsho Bamgboye and Evander going closest for either side but, in truth, it was a mere procession for the holders to take a step closer to retaining their title. They will head to Concepcion for Thursday’s semi-final against the winner of tomorrow’s quarter-final between Ecuador and Mexico.

Source Vanguard

MTN loses Over 5million Subscribers!

Over 5 million subscribers of MTN, Africa’s largest mobile phone operator, have ditched their lines with the telco outfit in Nigeria.

MTN reported a slowdown in quarterly subscriber growth on Thursday, caused by stiff competition and tougher regulation in the Nigerian market.

MTN said users increased 0.9 per cent in the three months to end-September, a slowdown from 2 per cent growth the same time a year ago.

Chief Executive Sifiso Dabengwa said the company’s subscriber base in Nigeria fell marginally after more than 5 million users disconnected from the network having failed to register their SIM cards.

“Aggressive price competition, weakening macroeconomic conditions in most of our markets and unfavourable exchange rate movements continued to impact financial performance for the quarter,” Dabengwa said.

Although mobile phone penetration is still well below 100 percent in Africa, growth in users is set to slow sharply in the next five years because the industry finds little commercial logic in deploying networks in remote, rural areas.

Source: PMNews

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike Loses at Election Petition Tribunal

The Rivers State governorship election petition tribunal has sacked the state’s governor, Nyesom Wike, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The tribunal, in a judgment delivered in Abuja, upheld the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the April 11 election the state, Dakuku Peterside, challenging the declaration of Wike as winner of the election.

The tribunal chairman, Justice Mohammed Ambrosa, in the judgment that lasted over two hours, held that the petitioners proved that the election that produced Wike “did not substantially comply with the Electoral Act.”

The tribunal ordered a rerun election within 90 days.

Emmanuel Emenike Retires from Super Eagles!

The Al Ain forward has decided to focus on his club career after scoring 9 goals in 37 appearances for the Super Eagles
Nigeria forward Emmanuel Emenike has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 28, becoming the second player after Vincent Enyeama to sign out of the senior national team.

The Al Ain player who was top scorer at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa took the decision for peace to reign in the Super Eagles where he felt should not be a ‘family house’ or a ‘threat zone’ to any individual.

Reports had suggested that Emenike might be kicked out of the Super Eagles setup no thanks to his poor form for the country. He had struggled for goals since finding the back of the net against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa during the 2014 Fifa World Cup play-off in October 2013.

This might have forced him out of the team, bringing an end to a Nigeria career that saw him play in one World Cup and one Africa Cup of Nations where his four goals handed the Super Eagles their third title as well as the topscorer’s award.

He wrote on Instagram: “No more Eagles career! After five great years, I am happy to announce that I have put full-stop to my national team career for the sake of national peace.”

“It’s a pleasure for me to have played for this great country. I never regretted it and I think it’s the best time to end it. Million thanks to all the fans who have been very supportive during the good and bad times.

“I am very proud of my performance, I am proud of my team mates and I am very proud of the nation called ‘Nigeria’. My Afcon gold medal is a sign of great achievement, My Afcon topscorer award speaks a lot about my commitment and dedication to the team. Super Eagles is a camp not a family house, and it shouldn’t be a threat zone for any individual.

“I have done according to our national anthem. All my dreams came true in the national team, I dreamt (sic) to win Nations Cup for Nigeria after 20-years, I dreamt (sic) to played at the World Cup as well as to make a name for myself… In the space of five years, I got them. I’m a winner!

“For every disappointing fans, maybe due to my inability to re-establish my goal scoring instinct for Super Eagles, I will like to say I’m sorry but the ones I had scored counted well for the team.

”As long as Nigeria remains, you and I will always remember the name ‘Emenike’. “Finally, I am happy to make a bow and continue supporting the team every time,” he concluded.

Emenike will be fondly remembered for his rib cracking missile against Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter final of the 2013 Afcon where the Eagles soared 2-1 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg.

Courtesy goal.com

Efcc goes after Akpabio!

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arrested former Akwa Ibom State governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over alleged N108.1 billion fraud.

The ex-governor, now a senator, was also accused of mismanaging the state’s funds, and plunging it into huge debt.

About N18 billion of the said sum was allegedly lavished on special services, reception of very important guests and sundry items.

The ex-governor was also said to be under probe for allegedly acquiring five choice buildings in Abuja and Lagos.

But Akpabio last night denied being arrested by EFCC.

He said he went to the anti-graft agency on his own volition to respond to a petition that was filed against him.

According to investigation, Akpabio was picked up in Abuja after a two-week surveillance had been carried out on him.

A top source in the EFCC, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have picked up the ex-governor based on some petitions against him. One of the petitioners alleged mismanagement of about N108.1 billion. Others have visited the EFCC to adopt their petitions and show that they are not anonymous.

“Akpabio has been under investigation for some time. At a point, he got intelligence report that we were after him, and he has a peculiar security ring around him.

“But we have got to a convenient bend to arrest him for interrogation on some of the allegations already isolated for him.

“Akpabio is already in custody where our operatives are interacting with him. This is just the first leg of his grilling by the commission.”

It was not immediately clear if Akpabio would be granted bail last night.

Responding to a question, the source said: “The EFCC had interacted with some of the petitioners. Fairness demands that Akpabio should be invited.

In a June 22, 2015 petition to EFCC, an Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Leo Ekpenyong had accused Akpabio of sheer waste in office.

The petition alleged that between January and December 2014, the trio of Godswill Akpabio, an ex-aide of his and another associate made illegal but substantial withdrawals of cash from a designated state government-owned account with Zenith Bank with account number 101037588, amounting to N22.1 billion.

“It is worthy of note that reasons for such ungodly cash withdrawals against financial regulations and due process laws range between sundry use and unjustifiable expenditures by Godswill Akpabio and his numerous surrogates and proxies.

“For example, a whopping N18 billion was withdrawn fraudulently from the state FAAC account with the United Bank for Africa in tranches of N10 million and above by the associate in a surreptitious manner to conceal their dishonest intention.”

“The cumulative aggregate of the monies stolen by Godswill Akpabio from the coffers of government as pocket money is the annual budget of some states in Nigeria put together.”

At press time, it was gathered that about five choice mansions have been put under searchlight by EFCC.

The top EFCC source added: “The allegation we have is that these mansions were bought by Akpabio through some fronts.

“This allegation is being looked into. If it is true, we may invoke temporary assets forfeiture clause in the EFCC Act.

“But we have to give Akpabio the benefit of the doubt to react to all these allegations against him. They might be true or false.”

Some of the choice properties, allegedly traced to Akpabio’s fronts and under probe are a mighty building at Ikogosi Spring Close, off Katsina-Ala Crescent, Maitama-Abuja; a mansionette at Colorado Close, Maitama, Abuja; a choice property at Probyn Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; another mansionette at Olusegun Aina Street, Parkview, Lagos and a 25-storey building on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In a swift reaction, Akpabio’s media aide, Mr. Jackson Udom, denied the arrest of his principal.

Although the statement said Akpabio only visited the EFCC, it was silent on whether Akpabio was being detained or had been released.

Linda ikeji acquires new house on Banana Island!

Nigerian blogger, Linda Ikeji has bought a new home in Banana Island, Lagos.

Her kid sister, Laura Ikeji made the revelation when she shared new photos of the new house on Instagram saying, ‘No, it’s not a block of flats, no it’s not rented, Linda Ikeji bought this Banana Island mansion with her sweat’.

At the time of this report, the 35-year-old blogger has not said anything on her blog about the new house and her sister who broke the news didn’t disclose the financial worth of the beautiful home.

However, according to Forbes Magazine, property in Banana Island is dollar-denominated and the average cost of buying a three bedroom apartment is $2 million (400,000,000 Million naira).

Some of her new neighbors:

Mike Adenuga – Billionaire owner of Globacom – Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator and oil exploration firm Conoil.
Iyabo Obasanjo – Daughter of former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo .
Saayu Dantata – Son of Alhassan Dantata – the wealthiest man in West Africa at the time of his death in 1955.
Kola Abiola – son of late MKO Abiol

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Courtesy Dasort

Celebrity Birthday : Padita Agu

We at Gentletee4u blog wishes NollywoodPadita Agu a very happy birthday! she posted this on her instagram page.

Ex Bayelsa Governor is Dead!

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, is dead.
He reportedly slipped into a coma two days ago and was placed on life support.
Recall that the British Government had earlier determined to resurrect an outstanding case of money laundering against the former governor and had requested for his extradition to London.
Alamieyeseigha, who was facing money laundering charges, jumped bail and returned to Nigeria and has since then refused to answer summons for trial to continue.
He was born on November 16, 1952 in Amassoma, Ogboin North Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
He attended the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a Cadet Officer in 1974, then joined the Nigerian Air Force, where he served in the department of Logistics and Supply.
He held various air force positions in Enugu, Markurdi, Kaduna and Ikeja. Alamieyeseigha retired from the air force in 1992 as a Squadron Leader.
After leaving the air force he became the Sole Administrator of Pabod Supplies Port Harcourt. Later he became Head of Budget, Planning, Research and Development of the National Fertiliser Company (NAFCON).
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was impeached on allegations of corruption on 9 December 2005.

Vincent Enyeama bows out of Eagles!

The record-capped Nigerian has called it quits with the after he was left humiliated by coach Sunday Oliseh on Tuesday
Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has pulled the curtain on his international career, 13 years after making his debut for the Super Eagles.

The record-capped goalkeeper was left humiliated by coach Sunday Oliseh at the team's camp on Tuesday and has now announced his retirement.

In a post on his Instagram account, Enyeama wrote passionately about his service to his fatherland and how it must now sadly come to an end following the events of recent days that have left the nation perplexed by the actions of the coach.

“I have fought a good fight for more than 13years. I have finished my course,I have kept the faith and sang the anthem with passion,” the 101-capped Enyeama began.

“Henceforth, there is laid for me a crown which only God can reward me for my 13years of national services.

“God bless Nigeria. Henceforth, I am no more the captain of the Nigeria senior football team, I am no more the goalie of the team, I am out of the team. I am no more available for international duties.

“I want to say thank you to every Nigerian fan and supporter world wide. It’s been the most trying period of my life but I know that Nigerians are there for me and God is with me. God bless Nigeria,” he concluded with the hashtag #ENDOFANERA.
Courtesy goal.com

Seun Kuti bares bares his mind on the ministerial list.

Apparently Seun Kuti also has a problem with the ministerial list released by President Buhari on Monday, October 5.Afrobeat legacy, Seun Kuti went on Facebook yesterday (October 6) to blast the people appointed to be ministers in this new administration.

“The ministerial list is a terrible line up. Like the super eagles when the coach refuse to look at all the options open to him and picks the same old used up legs” he wrote.

“I am not saying pick me but this is where the ‘change’ myth is lost. I for one believed this administration was going to pick young hungry unknown technocrats to change this country. The true face of Nigeria is between 18 and 35 as we represent 65% of the society not these old thieves. Fashola is there again ? Audu ogbeh. Well 2019 will surely usher in a new government. FACT!! These ones don fail!!”

The same old politicians ….. Ojoro

Wey rule Nigerian before….. Ojoro

The same old politicians …… Ojoro

Wey spoil Nigeria before …….Ojoro

Apc carry all of them…….

All of them Dey there now ……” he further wrote.

This morning he wrote another statement in which says the ‘change’ agenda by the Buhari government is already over.
“I repeat it again o, third post. With this list the ‘CHANGE’ myth is already over. Just help us throw one person in jail if u can sha. We will take any victory. Beggars can’t be choosers. If we wanna choose we better elevate ourselves from masses to citizens.

Now even if the other 15 slots are technocrats. No let’s just assume. So we are still gonna have 36 ministers and we are talking about saving money. 36 ministers oooo. Why should our commonwealth be used as compensation? If we all agree this is a time to sacrifice then people ambitions must also be put on the holy alter for the benefit of all. Now secondly the politicians will out number the techies. This term technocrats has to be expanded to include their willingness. So we demand ‘ passionate Nigerian technocrats’ who are on the side of the people. It’s 21-15 to the politicians maybe we to equalize for second half!”
I agree with him no less as It is a contradiction on the partvof the ptesent government in their quest for change to carry along suspicious characters in a bid to fight corruption. It surely flies in the face of commonsense

Vincent Enyeama Speaks out!

Vincent Enyeama confirms he was thrown out of Eagles camp by security

Super Eagles goal keepers took to his Instagram page to confirm yesterday's reports that he was thrown out of the Eagles camp by security. He wrote;
"After 13years of national service, having this smiles on my face and this passion in my heart. through the billows, the waves of the ocean, the tears of defeat, the sound of rejoicing from victory chants. now the thought of being stripped naked and security agents throwing me out breaks me completely. i will take anything but not insult to my dead mother."he wrote
Enyeama buried his mum last weekend. He was reportedly thrown out of camp yesterday by security on the order of new Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, for coming late.Continue to read what he told a sports journalist about the incident.



Speaking to sports journalist, Colin Udoh, Enyeama said because he came late, (he came on Tuesday when the deadline to report to camp was Monday) Sunday Oliseh dropped him as a team captain and made Ahmed Musa the captain.
“I was surprised, so I stood up to explain my position and ask for an explanation, but the coach asked me to sit down. I insisted on speaking because I felt that with the years of dedicated service I have given to the country I deserve at least the respect of giving my own side. But he told me that either the whole team would leave the room for me, or I would have to leave the room for the whole team. There has been a lot of incidents these last few months. I don’t need it, the team does not need it, so maybe the best thing might be to step aside in the interest of the country so that the team can focus on football instead of distractions.” he said

Breaking.....Vincent Enyeama Expelled!

The Super Eagles captain was kicked out of the team’s camp in Belgium after falling out with coach Sunday Oliseh on Tuesday, three days after burying his parent
The simmering problem in the camp of the Super Eagles between coach Sunday Oliseh and captain Vincent Enyeama boiled over on Tuesday when the goalkeeper was kicked out of the team;s hotel.

Enyeama arrived camp after Monday’s deadline, having been permitted to report late following Saturday’s burial of his mother in Akwa Ibom.

A month ago, the goalkeeper failed to report to camp in Abuja for the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania, only for news to break that he had lost his mother.

However, it seems there will be no way back for him now as he was kicked out by security on Tuesday from the Verviers Hotel.

Officials in the Super Eagles camp told Goal that Ahmed Musa has now been named as captain ahead of returnee John Obi Mikel.

Goal also learnt that Oliseh was unnerved by the decision of Victor Moses not to come for the game and that the winger might not be called up again in his reign.

Toyin Ibitoye, Super Eagles spokesman who is awaiting issuance of visa to join the squad in Belgium, said he was not yet aware of the developments.

“The last I heard was that Enyeama had arrived camp earlier in the day, I cannot speak about further developments because I am not aware,” he told Goal.

The latest news that we have heard is that officials of the NFF are trying to help bring a positive conclusion to the situation at hand.