“What is Socialism – an opinion from Vermont”

by Gary Flomenhoft

This whole Bernie thing has got people debating about what socialism is. Is it New Deal liberalism? Scandinavian welfare statism? State communism? Or what?

Let me simplify it for you. Socialism is basically anything run by or paid for by government.

Socialism is what free enterprise needs to operate. You might even call it the operating system for business. Business needs stable government, a strong judiciary to protect property rights and contracts, and good public services for delivery of materials and goods to firms and customers.

Special Assistant To Oshiomhole, Curtis Ugbo Nabbed For Illegal Gun Possession

Curtis Ugbo, a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, was on Thursday arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court sitting in Benin, for illegal gun possession and an anti-government publication he posted on the internet.

Ugbo, 47, allegedly committed the offence on April 12, at 2B, Ugbor Road, Benin.

The alleged publication which was read in the Court, said: “What is wrong with my boss, the ground breaking of Edo State own cement industry in partnership with private company under government public partnership and stakeholders, no State House member or Speaker and National Assembly member present.”

Zakzaky Has Lost His Left Eye, Left Hand Is Paralysed, Says Shiite Counsel

Institutes N2bn law suit against army, FG
Shiites have no respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, police, DSS allege
Counsel to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shiites, wednesday disclosed that the leader of the movement, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, was being detained at the Headquarters of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Abuja.
At a news conference in Kaduna, the IMN counsel led by Mr. Festus Okoye, said El-Zazzaky has lost his left eye while his left hand is partially paralysed, adding that they could hardly recognise him when they met him in detention.

‪#‎PanamaPapers‬: Documents Counter T.B. Joshua’s Denial Of Own Offshore Company In Tax Haven

Four separate documents retrieved from the massive #PanamaPapers database have countered the claim by the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Temitope Joshua, that he had no link with any offshore company at the British Virgin Island (BVI), a notorious tax haven.
PREMIUM TIMES had, as part of its #PanamaPapers coverage, exposed Mr. Joshua, one of Africa’s most famous televangelists, as having link with Chillion Consultancy Limited, a shell company incorporated in BVI on June 20, 2006.

Aluko Reveals How Ekiti Governorship Poll Was Rigged

The embattled former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Dr. Tope Aluko, has revealed how the rigging of the June 21, 2014 governorship election was perfected inside a hotel barely a week before the poll.
Aluko said sensitive materials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), like ballot papers and result sheets were delivered to PDP chieftains to allow for the manipulation of the poll long before the first ballot was cast.

Speaking on a special interview programme Wednesday evening on Adaba 88. 9 FM monitored by DAILY POST in Ado Ekiti, Aluko claimed that the electoral materials were delivered through Akure Airport and taken to a hotel owned by Fayose’s Chief of Staff, Dipo Anisulowo, in Are Ekiti where the alleged manipulation was carried out.

As Long As Chibok Girls Are Missing, Nigeria Is In Captivity – BBOG Protests [PHOTOS]

Exactly two years after the abduction of over 200 school girls from Government Secondary School in Chibok town, Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents, the Bring Back Our Girls, BBOG, on Thursday marched to the Aso Villa, lending a voice to the clamor for their release, DAILY POST reports.
The BBOG is a leading group pushing the Nigerian government to rescue the Chibok school girls kidnapped on April 14, 2014.
From the BBOG, civil society and religious groups, eminent Nigerians, including some embattled parents of the abducted girl, the message was the same: ‘Free the Chibok girls,’ Bring Back Our Girls.’

Fuel Scarcity: Stop Blaming Kachikwu, Buhari Is The Minister For Petroleum – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has frowned at the calls in some quarters for the resignation of Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, over the ongoing nationwide fuel scarcity.
CAN, in a statement by its South-East chapter in Enugu, Thursday, said attacks on Kachikwu were misdirected considering that he was merely the minister of state, whereas Buhari is the Petroleum Minister.

Okonjo-Iweala: Nigeria’s Current Situation Is As A Result Of The Zero Will To Save Under Jonathan.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former minister of finance, on Thursday said the zero political will to save under former President Goodluck Jonathan is responsible for the challenges the country is facing.
Speaking on “inequality, growth and resilience,” at George Washington University, the two-time finance minister said the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) must seek means to embed savings in national constitutions devoid of political manipulations.

Inside Details Of How Saraki’s Trial Is Stalling 2016 Budget

Senators loyal to Senate President Bukola Saraki are using the 2016 Budget row to negotiate a soft-landing for the former Kwara State Governor, who is facing trial for false declarations of assets at the Code for Conduct Tribunal (CCB).
Investigations by Ripples revealed that his loyalists under the aegis of Like Mind Senators met last night at his official residence to take serious positions on the controversy.
President Muhammadu Buhari had refused assent to the Budget after Ministers identified the document had been returned “highly mutilated”.

Angola Overtakes Nigeria In Crude Oil Production

Angola is now the number one oil producing nation in Africa, taking over the position from Nigeria.
In its latest monthly report, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said Nigeria’s oil production fell by 67,000 barrels per day (bpd) in March.

‪#‎Chibokgirls‬: We’ll Rescue All Boko Haram Hostages, Says Military

The Acting Director Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, has said that the military was committed to the rescue of not only the Chibok girls but also all persons held captive by the Boko Haram insurgents.
Abubakar said that the military had rescued over 10,000 captives of the Boko Haram insurgents since the current military leadership was appointed.
He stressed that it was a top priority of the Armed Forces to ensure that the missing girls were rescued.
The Acting Defence Spokesman said that the Armed Forces would remain steadfast in waging the ongoing campaign against the Boko Haram insurgents and would not give in to blackmail.
Speaking on the recent video on the Chibok girls, Abubakar said that while the military had seen the video, it had not authenticated it.

‪#‎ChibokGirls‬: Sani Asks FG To Negotiate With Boko Haram

The senator representing Kaduna Central and former negotiator on the release of 219 Chibok girls abducted by the Boko Haram, Shehu Sani, says the Islamic group had no option but to agree to the negotiation on the release of the schoolgirls.
Sani made this statement while reacting to the new development that the mothers identified their daughters in a new video.
He said the terrorists had lost the ground to the military since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office and advised the insurgents to embrace dialogue.

For the Long Haul: Moscow-Beijing Ties Move to a 'Higher Level'

Military cooperation between Russia and China continues to show signs of developing, according to Lyle J. Goldstein, Associate Professor in the China Maritime Studies Institute at the US Naval War College in Newport.

In his article published by the US magazine National Interest, Lyle J. Goldstein, Associate Professor in the China Maritime Studies Institute at the Newport-based Naval War College, pointed to more efforts by Russia and China to move bilateral military collaboration to a "higher level."
According to him, "the rapidly changing balance of power in the western Pacific, not to mention thirty-plus years of stable relations," clearly counters critics' arguments about what they described as a yet-to-be-developed strategic coordination between Russia and China.

Top US Firms Hiding Trillions of Dollars in Offshore Funds

Leading poverty charity Oxfam revealed on Thursday that the top 50 biggest companies in the United States have hidden trillions of dollars in offshore funds amounting to more than the GDP of Spain, Mexico and Australia.

EDINBURGH (Sputnik), Mark Hirst – In a report, titled "Broken at the Top," Oxfam found that the companies profited by almost $4 trillion globally between 2008 and 2014 and received a "staggering" $11 trillion in US government support over the same period.

Su-24 Pilots Swerved Away From US Ship Observing All Security Measures

 The Russian Defense Ministry stated that all Russian flights were completed in accordance with international standards.

“All flights by planes from Russia’s Aerospace Forces are completed in strict compliance with international laws on airspace over neutral waters,” Konashenkov said in response to statements that Russia completed dangerous actions over the Baltic Sea.

Greek Armed Forces on Combat Alert in Response to Turkish Provocations

The Greek Armed Forces have been placed on combat readiness since dawn on Thursday due to Turkish provocations, a source in the Greek Defense Ministry said Thursday.

ATHENS (Sputnik) – Over the recent days, the Turkish military aircraft have been registered flying above the Greek islands in northeastern part of the Aegean Sea, which was seen as a potential threat by Athens.

"We are holding large exercises in order to be ready. Turkey has historically always tried to export problems when it has domestic ones. We must be ready for that," the source told RIA Novosti.

More Than 6,000 Black Men Beaten, Abused at Chicago Police Torture Site

A shocking new report exposes the Chicago Police Department’s ‘black site’ many are likening to Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay, where suspects were tortured and abused.

New documents, revealed by the Guardian, show widespread abuse at a black site operated by the Chicago police. Some 7,351 people have been detained at the notorious facility, their voices silenced by fears of reprisal, over 6,000 of whom were African-American men.


Police at the secretive facility at Homan Square on the west side of the city used punches, knee strikes, elbow strikes, slaps, wrist twists, baton blows and repeated electrocution by taser on detained suspects.

BPE Seeks EFCC’s Support

Acting Director of Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Vincent Akpotaire, has sought the support of the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, in his bid to remove the clog in the discharge of the Bureau’s statutory duties.

 Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Office of the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, at the EFCC Headquarters, on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, he further expressed the need to re-establish and deepen the existing relationship between the BPE and the Commission.

According to him, ‘‘EFCC can continue to partner with the Bureau by seconding its staff to witness and participate in the financial bid openings to limit and reduce human interference in the process. We would like you to provide us a desk officer who will be readily available to observe the transactions run by teams set up by the Bureau.’’

EFCC Arraigns Former Acting DG of NIMASA for Alleged N156m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  today April 12, 2016  arraigned former Acting  Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,  NIMASA, Haruna Baba Jauro, his brother in-law, Dr Dauda Bistrus Bawa and his company Thlumbau Enterprises Limited before Justice C.M.A Olantoregun of the Federal High Court Lagos on 19 count charge of stealing and money laundering.

 Jauro was arrested by the EFCC based on its findings during the investigation of his predecessor, Patrick Akpobolokemi. In the course of investigation,  it was discovered that the former Acting DG while being the Executive Director, Finance of the agency received the sum of N156,477,500 as gratification from Akpobolokemi to allow the former DG and his cohorts to embezzled large sums of monies from the agency. The said monies were traced to Jauro's company account, Thlumbau Enterprises Limited, which his brother in-law, the second accused person oversees.

If the past government had acted immediately, our Chibok girls would have been found- Dogara

According to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, if the past government had acted immediately the Chibok girls were kidnapped, its most likely they would have returned home by now. Dogara said this in a series of tweets this morning...

EFCC Tasks NURTW On Anti-Graft War

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has called upon members of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, to fully support the agency’s anti-corruption crusade as the EFCC cannot do it alone.

Magu, who received the delegation of the NURTW led by its president, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, at the EFCC Headquarters, Abuja, on April 12, 2016 emphasized the importance of a collective effort in executing the war against corruption.

Corruption: Lamido’s Trial Stalled Over Son’s Illness in Court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 presented to Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, more documents to back up its claim on how the former Jigawa governor, Sule Lamido and his cohorts defrauded the State.



Lamido is being prosecuted alongside his two sons: Aminu and Mustapha and two others on a 27-count charge bordering on abuse of office and money laundering.

AGF Lauds EFCC on Anti Corruption War

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been commended for its pivotal role in the present administration’s efforts to curb corruption in Nigeria.



The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) Abubakar Malami, SAN, made the commendation on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 during a visit to the Commission’s Head Office, Abuja.

Malami who was on his first visit to the EFCC since his assumption of office as AGF expressed delight with the way the agency is taking the bulls by the horn in the war against corruption.

EFCC Arraigns Ex-UMTH Staff For N185m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on April 7, 2016 arraigned five former staff of the Finance and Accounts department, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, before Justice M. T. Salihu of the Federal High Court, Maiduguri, Borno State, on charges bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.

Corruption: Oronsaye Fixed Govt Fund in Personal Account - Witness

The trial of the former Head of Service and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Financial Action Task Force, PCFATF, Steven Oronsaye, continued on Wednesday April 13, 2016 before Justice O. O. Goodluck of the FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja.


Oronsaye is being prosecuted on a 2-count charge of abuse of office and obtaining by false pretence preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Eastern Palm University, Ogboko: Okorocha Gets NUC Licence

IMO GETS NEW UNIVERSITY AS EASTERN PALM UNIVERSITY OGBOKO IS LICENSED BY NUC Yesterday (13th April 2016) in the National University Commission, NUC, Gov Rochas Okorocha received the operating license to a brand new university, Eastern Palm University, Ogboko in Ideato South, Imo State; a Private - Public Partnership between the Imo State Government and some stakeholders. Imo State is a state known for producing the highest amount of JAMB candidates in Nigeria with few chances to take them owing to the few number of universities in the state. With the granting of the license to operate to the Eastern Palm University, Imo indigenes can now heave a sigh of relief as chances of gaining admission in the university has increased.

President, Governors Must Quit Office Before Elections – Sule

Mudiaga Affe, Calabar

Elder statesman, Alhaji Maitama Sule, has said that serving elected public officials such as the president and governors seeking re-election must quit office before the conduct of elections.

Sule’s position is contrary to the practice whereby serving public officials stay in office while seeking re-election.

University Of Calabar Retires Professor For Plagiarism

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has expelled 33 students for alleged examination malpractice. The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Zana Akpagu, made this known during a briefing.
A professor, the VC said, was also retired by the Senate for plagiarism.
Prof Akpagu said the development was in line with his mission to rid the school of indiscipline and restore its academic glory. He reiterated management’s stance against corruption, saying: “The affected students and staff are shown the way out to restore discipline and integrity.”
He said UNICAL was the only school offering a course on anti-corruption, noting that the course was introduced in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practice and other Allied Matters Commission (ICPC) to inculcate good values in students.

Two Armed Robbers In Kogi By Police, Recover Weapons( graphic photos)

Two notorious armed robbers met their Waterloo after they and their syndicates invaded the house of one mallam Isa 'm' of Okabo village in Ofu LGA. The robbers demanded for money from the victim, when they could not see anything, they tried to slaughter the victim. The police arrived the scene after a tip-off. The robbers opened fire on the police…two of the thieves were gunned down while others escaped with bullet wounds. Four live ammunition were recovered. See graphic photos below;

Corper Emeka Saves His N217,800 Allowance, Shares Pics As He Passes Out Today

A youth corper, Emeka, who will be passing out today after completing his National Youth Service, shared the above photo on his IG page. The cash is a total of his allowee (N217,800) for the 11-months he served the nation. Said he didn’t spend a penny. Very impressive.

ASPMDA Hospital In Lagos Opened By Peter Obi & LASG Officials

Former governor of Anambra State; Mr. Peter Obi and some top officials of Lagos State Government Wednesday opened a new medical centre built by the Auto Spare Parts & Machinery Dealers’ Association (ASPMDA) at Lagos International Trade Fair complex, Badagry expressway.
Addressing traders at the market, the former Governor, and now a senatorial aspirant hailed the intelligence of the traders for being conscious of their medical welfare which encouraged them to embark on the self-help hospital project.

Entwistle Rubbishes Telegraph Report On Buhari (photos)

The federal government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to cater for vulnerable people in Nigeria, mostly comprising of displaced persons affected by the insurgency in the north as well as poor and unemployed citizens.
At a ’roundtable meeting on vulnerable people in insurgency and other conflicts in Nigeria’ organised by the office of the national security adviser which held in Abuja, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo promised that the current administration would intervene in the lives of those who cannot help themselves.

Wike Begins Rehabilitation Of Aba Road (photos)

In line with the directive of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, reconstruction of Aba road, the main arterial Federal road in Port Harcourt, has been intensified. Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike recently directed the State Ministry of Works to take concrete measures to ensure that all bad spots on the Federal Road are rehabilitated for the free flow of traffic. On Wednesday, the contractors worked on the UTC-Spar section of the Federal Road, reconstructing failed portions and placing new layers of asphalt to reinforce the road. While issuing the directive to the State Ministry of Works, Governor Wike maintained that his administration will always intervene in abandoned Federal roads critical to the economy of the state.

Loan: Fayose Writes Chinese Government Not To Give Loan To Nigeria

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has written to the Chinese government, seeking the stoppage of the $2 billion loan being sought by the federal government of Nigeria.

He wrote that “the government of China should be mindful of the fact that Nigerians, irrespective of their political and religious affiliations are totally opposed to increment of the country’s debt burden, which is already being serviced with 25 per cent of the Federal Government annual budget.”

Ezekwesili: We’re Being Reminded Of Military Era. The Cable.

Oby Ezekwesili, leader of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group, has described the prevention of the group from accessing the presidential villa as a reminder of the‎ military era.


Addressing journalists shortly after the police stopped the protesters, Ezekwesili said the presidency had been notified of its procession to the villa gate, where the citizen movement was to deliver a message to the government.

She expressed surprise that the group was stopped, saying BBOG would deliver its message‎ on the road notwithstanding the barricade.

The campaigners are at present holding a commemorative session on the busy secretariat road, causing traffic congestion.

The protesters had set out from the Unity Fountain in Abuja around 10:30am, but met a wall of police officers on the road leading to the villa.

Driver Dies During S3x In Ilorin

Abdullahi Olesin

A taxi driver in his 50s reportedly slumped and died during sex with a middle aged-woman at Lanjorin section of Muritala area, Ilorin on Tuesday night.

The deceased reportedly died, few hours after he had told his wife he was attending a three-day prayer vigil.

The incident, it was gathered occurred around 11pm.

The deceased was said to have been rushed by the woman’s neighbours to a priva

DSS Arrests Bello Danhajiya, A Top Boko Haram Leader

The Department of State Security (DSS) yesterday paraded Bello Danhajiya, a Fulani from Zamfara State and a strategic accomplice of Al-Barnawi. Danhajiya, who is presumed to be second in command, disclosed his involvement in gun-running, cattle rustling and other nefarious criminal activities principally on the directives of his commander, Al-Barnawi. It would be recalled that the service had announced last week the arrest of Khalid Al-Barnawi, known for his leadership and notoriety in terrorism activities in Nigeria. Nigerians were also informed of his talent-spotting and recruitment of young people into the Ansaru/Boko Haram terrorist groups.

2 years after! Remembering abducted Chibok Girls

It's exactly two years today, April 14th that over 200 girls from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno state, were kidnapped by Boko Haram militants. The whereabouts of ‎219 girls is still unknown. Yesterday, a video from CNN showed some of the girls still in captivity. The Federal government has said they are doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of the girls. Parents, Family members and indeed Nigerians are waiting and hoping for their safe return.

Press statement on the murder of head teacher Joseph Ohioma by suspected herdsmen

 Read the statement below...
This is to humbly notify you on an unfortunate circumstance that occurred in a Local Government area. The rate at which sudden death is being caused by some unknown scrupulous elements in the country is highly unacceptable. Such is the unfortunate death and fate of a family man named: Joseph Ohioma Ogolowa; a retired headmaster in Obe Primary school, Sabongidda, Ora in Owan West LGA of Edo State.

FG writes to UK Telegraph over its controversial article about Nigeria

The Federal Government has written to UK Telegraph over a report published by the media house yesterday April 12th, that alleged that the Nigerian government is using aids gotten from the UK government to fight its political enemies. Read the Federal government's letter to UK Telegraph after the cut...
Our attention has been drawn to a piece published in your paper, by one Con Coughlin, identified as your Defence Editor, and titled, ‘Nigeria using UK aid to persecute president's political foes rather to fight Boko Haram.’

The piece is not only full of factual inaccuracies, it also betrays a shocking level of ignorance of Nigeria and the country’s ongoing war against terrorism.

UK Telegraph alleges that Nigeria is using UK aid to persecute Buhari's political foes rather than fight B'Haram

According to an article written by UK Telegraph, the Buhari led government is allegedly using the aids it gets from the United Kingdom government to persecute its opponents instead of prosecute the war against Boko Haram. Read the article below ...
Hundreds of millions of pounds of British foreign aid given to Nigeria to help combat Boko Haram terrorists is instead being used to fund a witch-hunt against opposition politicians, it is being claimed. 

IGP demotes DPO who beat up a female traffic warden in Ogun

The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has ordered the demotion and immediate transfer of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ikenne Division of Ogun State, Patrick Onwu, who beat up a female traffic warden, Anifat Bello, for stopping his private car at NNPC junction, on IBB Boulevard in Ogun state on Monday April 11th. Arase, who got to know about the incident while reading a national daily, called the state commissioner of police and ordered that Onwu be demoted to a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) from Superintendent of Police(SP). Arase has also ordered that his file be transferred to the force headquarters in Abuja so further disciplinary actions can be taken.

Senators fear Gender equality bill will turn women to prostitutes, lesbians –Senator Abaribe

According to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who represents Abia South Senatorial District in the senate, many senators turned down the Gender Equal Opportunities Bill because they feared it will turn some women to prostitutes and lesbians.

The bill which was turned down by the senate on March 15th, was designed to address women's freedom of movement, female economic activity, girls' access to education, equal rights for women in marriage, divorce, property/land ownership and inheritance, appropriate measures against gender discrimination in political and public life and prohibitions of violence to women.

Photos: President Buhari departs Beijing, arrives Shanghai

President Buhari departed Beijing on Thursday for Shanghai as part of his state visit to China. He met with Mayor of Shanghai City, Mr Yang Xiong at his office....

This woman needs help (photos)

Is that cancer? She was spotted this morning at Peace Park Nsukka Enugu state by a NIgeria Property reader who took photos. The reader said she could barely stand for more than 15 seconds while begging for alms from passengers. If there are folks around that area who can help her...take her to a hospital or something. The woman looks like she needs urgent medical attention. See more photos after the jump..

No time frame for return of missing Chibok girls– Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, said there is no time frame for the safe return of the missing Chibok girls. Osinabjo, who was speaking at a Roundtable on Vulnerable People in Insurgency & Other Conflicts in Nigeria, said although the government has no time frame for the return of the girls, efforts were being made for the safe rescue and return of the girls to their families ..

Photos: Newborn baby found dead near a river in Osun

A new born baby with its umbilical cord still attached, was found dead near a slab at a river in Modakeke, Osun State, yesterday April 13th. See the dead baby photo after the cut...too sad!