Ifa Religious Worshippers Offer To Fight Boko Haram

Ifa religious worshippers under the aegis of Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council have said they are ready to assist Nigeria to combat the Boko Haram insurgents ravaging some states in the North-East.

The Chairman, Executive Working Committee of ARSADIC, Dr. Olalekan Ifagbenuola, said this on Friday at a press conference held at Ile Oduduwa, Ile Ife, to seek government recognition for the group.

Ifagbenuola stated that corruption among public office holders was the reason for the increasing rate of crimes in the country, saying this would stop if public office holders were made to take the oath of office in traditional religious ways.

He said, “If proper oath of allegiance is taken genuinely, our leaders would not misbehave when they get to power. If the oath is taken in a traditional religious way, they will not misbehave. There must be fear of God in anything we do.

“Corrupt leaders in offices promote crimes and if our leaders are honest, the level of crime in the country will greatly reduce. We are ready to assist to tackle insurgency, if we are invited by the government.”

He said that the problems confronting the nation should be tackle with seriousness because there could be no meaningful development in an atmosphere devoid of peace.

According to him, the umbrella body of the traditional religion worshippers was formerly known as Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants Association and was registered under companies ordinance in 1957.

He, however, stated that there had been a proliferation of traditional religion associations in Nigeria and all over the world but said the traditional worshippers had resolved to one formidable association.

Ifagbenuola described religion as an important instrument for development in any nation, saying successful nations, including China and South Africa, had given recognition to all notable religions.

“We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria in this era of change to follow suit and give due recognition to the ancient religions. We must quickly state that Nigeria is a complex nation of diverse group of people and culture; therefore, there would be more than one ancient religion in existence,” he added.

Punch

#Ifa

71-year-old Man Rapes Runaway Pupil In Ogun (Pictured)

A 71-year-old physically-challenged man, Richard Odiwe, has been arrested for allegedly raping a primary six pupil, Bimbo (pseudonym).
PUNCH Metro learnt that Bimbo, who lives with her grandmother in Ago-Alagbede in the Agbado area of Ogun State, fled home last Tuesday around 5.30am after she was told that an uncle wanted to beat her for her unruly behaviour.

Odiwe was said to have harboured the 12-year- old girl in his residence at Atila, a neighbouring community, where he committed the alleged
crime.

Yul Edochie Attacked By Robbers In Enugu (photo)

Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Yul Edochie was recently attacked by armed bandits in Enugu on Friday, October 16, 2015. The son of veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, was on location for a movie shoot in Enugu when bandits attacked him alongside other people at hotel he was staying on Friday night just while relaxing in the premises. Yuledochie ''I really wish it's a rumour but its not. This really happened. I was attacked by armed robbers on Friday night in enugu while I was relaxing in my hotel premises after the day's shoot. Luckily I escaped but unfortunately I crashed into a glass door as I was running for dear life and sustained this cut on my ear and a few bruises. Not a funny experience at all. I'm back to Lagos to run a full scan to be sure all is well inside. I thank God for His protection''

Soldiers foil suicide attack at Maimalari barracks in Borno

A suspected female Boko Haram suicide bomber was today shot dead by Nigerian soldiers after she attempted to forcefully enter into Maimalari army barracks in Maiduguri, Borno state with an explosive concealed in her handbag. According to reports, a woman was making her way towards the entrance of the barracks when she was asked to stop by soldiers for a thorough search. She refused to heed the soldiers call & continued walking towards the barracks. One of the soldiers opened fire and she was killed with the explosive on her detonating, killing only her. An eyewitness and member of the states Civilian Vigilante group Babakura Kolo said “She continued walking with her handbag slung on her shoulder‎, despite repeated shouts from the soldiers asking her stop. One of the soldiers opened fire on the woman and the handbag exploded, blowing the woman to pieces.”.

Buhari’s Ministerial Nominees Not The Best — Sarah Jibril

Mrs. Sarah Jubril, Nigeria’s first female presidential candidate, was Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Ethics and Values. In this interview, she blamed some of government functionaries and Jonathan’s appointees for the woes the immediate past administration suffered. She also frowns at the infighting and alleged impunity in the current administration and says that implementation of ethics and values in the polity is the surest way to rescue the country from the clutches of corruption.

You Are A Dictator, PDP Tells Buhari

• Says APC’s anti-corruption crusade a sham, Presidency disagrees
THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government of hypocrisy, describing its ‘trumpeted’ fight against corruption as ‘orchestrated.’

Ministerial Screening: Fireworks Continue Over Amaechi, Sokoto Nominee

•Senators under intense lobbying •Contention over Senate’s order 53(5)
FIREWORKS continued to rage at the weekend, as senators opposed to the screening of the former governor of Rivers State, Chief Rotimi Amaechi as a minister continued to battle their counterparts who are seeking confirmation of the former governor.


Amaechi had, on Friday, written three letters through his counsel to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, insisting that the chamber should discountenance his indictment for alleged corrupt practices by an administrative panel of inquiry set up by the government of Rivers State.
He also declared that the matter was already before the Court of Appeal and the High Court, declaring that the Senate acting upon the matter, could be subjudice.

Why I Wasn’t Considered Minister - Utomi Says I’ll Rather Be Remembered Like Awo

RENOWNED political economist and public affairs analyst, Professor Pat Utomi, has said his failure to be included in the ministerial list, as touted by many Nigerians, might be his failure to win the approval of the powers that be.

Utomi made this revelation in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, on Sunday.

Utomi, who spoke against the backdrop of outcry in some sections of the media at his non-selection as ministerial nominee of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, further disclosed that he was never consulted by any member of government.

He said: “Dr (Mrs) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu told me a few years ago, that they seem determined to stop you the way they stopped my father. My reply was that those who tried to stop your father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, are not worth a fraction of what he is in history. I would rather be remembered like your father is than win their approval.”

When asked about his feeling at the development, considering his commitment to the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and support for President Muhammadu Buhari, he replied: “I was not consulted at all. My commitment is to Nigeria and the Nigerian people. I will continue to serve them as long as I live, even if I am not in government.”

On what he made of the people on the ministerial list, he said: “It is inappropriate for me to say something about it.”

It will be recalled that Utomi had referred to the emergence of Buhari as the dawn of a new era in Nigeria and expressed his readiness to work with the government should he get the mandate.

Tribune.

#Utomi

Fulani Herdsmen Flogged Us On Our Farm —Falae’s Manager

Bruno Akhigbodemhe is the manager of Midland farms owned by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae. He speaks with HAKEEM GBADAMOSI on the activities of Fulani herdsmen on the farm in the last seven years. Excerpts:
SINCe when have you been experiencing the invasion of Fulani herdsmen on this farm? I have been working with the farm for the past 20 years but the issue of Fulani herdsmen getting into our farms to destroy our crops dates back about six or seven years ago.

Odia Ofeimun: I Will Be The Governor Of Edo State

I want to be Governor of Edo state in 2016. My purpose is to realize a collective sense of achievement for a people who have always taken pride in being heirs to a great heritage. Colonialism may have demolished that heritage and the incorporation into a larger Nigerian fold may not have assuaged it. But I am determined to prove that within the particularity of one nationality, Edo, and the fold of a multinational state, Nigeria, it is possible to achieve high feats of modernity, cultural civility and technological proficiency comparable to that of any other country in the world. And, this, within forty months. Not two terms of office.

Tinubu Under Pressure To Float New Party

•Fear grips Buhari, loyalists
THE future looks bleak for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as indications emerged that the ruling party is beginning to develop cracks among its leaders.
The National Daily gathered that certain APC leaders are under pressure to float a new political party over lingering disaffections on emerging decisions and actions in the control of the Federal Government under the party’s hegemony.

PDP: APC Using EFCC To Harass Akpabio To Weaken Us Ahead Of 2019 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the investigation of Godswill Akpabio, senate minority leader and former Akwa Ibom state governor, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is an attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government to destabilise the party and scuttle its chances of taking over power in 2019.
On Friday, the EFCC quizzed Akpabio for hours over alleged fraud and stealing to the tune of N108.1 billion. The interrogation continued on Saturday, after which the former governor was released.
But on Sunday the PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh, at a news conference in Abuja said Akpabio’s investigation by the anti-graft agency was politically motivated and calculated to weaken the party ahead of the 2019 elections.

Amaechi Will Be A Liability To Buhari – PDP

The Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has noted that the defense of former Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaech’s ministerial nomination by the All Progressives Congress, APC, amounts to glorifying corruption.

The PDP State Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah, who disclosed this, said with the historic woeful defeat of the APC in the State, which it ran to total bankruptcy and near collapse notwithstanding the huge internally generated revenue and accruements from the federal allocations, it is commonsense to understand that they are seeking to remain in office to cover up their loots.

He claimed that the failure to do so explains why the APC in the State and those strangers who assisted in the looting spree, are wrapped in total confusion that is ravaging the party, leaving their members disorientated as being expressed in hollow press statements and ranting.

“Amaechi wouldn’t in anyway be an asset to President Muhammadu Buhari and lacks the integrity and morality to speak for Rivers people”, Obuah revealed, adding that the former Governor’s record of betrayal is very evident.

Daily Post.

#Amaechi

DC Watches Helplessly as Putin Bombs the Daylights out of their Pet Terrorists

Russia’s Offensive Begins

Source

Well, well, Russia has now begun their long-awaited offensive against ISIS/Daesh/Al-Nusra/Al-Qaeda/Free Syrian Army, over the past week, a great deal has been seen(and learned) about what it means, and how it will change the dynamic going forward.

Igbos Warn Akure Monarch Over threat to dethrone Eze Ndigbo

Igbos in Ondo State have warned the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo against plot to dethrone the Eze Ndigbo of the state, Sir Gregory Iloehike, threatening that Igbos in the state will resist such move by the monarch.

Rising from the meeting of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Ondo State held at the Igbos house, Akure, the Igbos warned the Deji of Akure to jettison his plan to dethrone Sir Iloe­hike, even as they declared that the traditional ruler has no power to dethrone him.

It was gathered that the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo accused the Eze Ndigbo of insubordina­tion and disrespect to his au­thority, hence his decision to dethrone him.

But the Eze Ndigbo de­nied the allegation of insub­ordination leveled against him, saying he has not been rude to the Deji of Akure since he ascended the throne about six months ago.

He explained that “the Deji invited me to his palace on Monday and I honoured his invitation. I went with one of my chiefs but when I got to the palace, I saw youths numbering over 200 who started shouting as I entered. I suspected that the youths were mobilized by the monarch and I showed respect to the Deji by pros­trating for him.”

“The monarch while ad­dressing me at his palace threatened to drive all the Igbos in Akure out of the city and when I asked for the offence my people com­mitted, the youths at the pal­ace descended on me. They tore my beads and removed my crown. They attempted to beat me but the Police of­ficers at the Palace rescued me,” he stated.

He added that the invita­tion by the monarch was the first he would receive from him since the monarch as­cended the throne, pointing out that Igbos had been liv­ing harmoniously in Akure for over 70 years with the traditional rulers according them respect.

Meanwhile, the Igbos in Ondo State have pulled their weight behind the leadership of Eze Ndigbo of the state, Sir Iloehike and warned the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo against any action that can cause inter tribal crisis in the state.

The President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo in Ondo state, High Chief Okechuk­wu Okorie said the Igbos in the state have resolved to live happily with other tribes in the state, saying any attempt to dethrone the Eze Ndigbo would be chal­lenged by all the Igbos in the state.

He noted that the Eze Ndigbo who was installed in August, 2011 after emerging in a keenly contested elec­tion has not committed any offence that could lead to his dethronement.

Okorie added that only the Igbos who elected the Eze Ndigbo have the consti­tutional right to remove him, saying that “Deji of Akure has no input in the emer­gence of the Eze Ndigbo of Ondo State, so he lacks the right to dethrone or remove him.”

He urged the monarch not to be misinformed by those he described as disgruntled elements, even as he ad­vised him to seek clarifica­tion on any issue affecting the Igbos in his domain and the state at large.

The Sun.

#Igbo

Power Miracle Is Jonathan’s Labour –Prof Nebo, Immediate Past Minister Of Power

Immediate past Minister of Power, Profes­sor Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo, has said that the recent improvement in power sector is former President Goodluck Jona­than’s labour and not the ‘body language’ of incumbent President Mohammadu Buhari as some are quick to express.
Nebo, who was Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, (FUOYE) Ekiti State, before he was appointed by Jon­athan to man the nation’s power sector, also spoke about other issues and ways the cur­rent administration can leap-frog in power generation and distribution. He spoke with journalists in Ikole-Ekiti where he had been conferred with honourary title of Ateyese of Egbeoba kingdom by Elekole, Oba

N108b Probe: Akpabio’s ‘Properties’ May Be Seized

•As EFCC quizzes him again
•Extend anti-corruption fight to APC members —CACOL
As investigation deepens in the alleged N108 billion fraud involving Senate Minority Leader and former Akwa-Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, indications emerged at the weekend that properties alluded to him in various petitions accusing him of fraud, may be temporarily seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
For the second day running, operatives of the anti-corruption commission quizzed him for many hours in Abuja.

The last Minutes Of Ace Broadcaster Chaz B who Died on 22nd of Nov. 2014

By Mrs. Chinyere Roselin Chukuma (Widow) .
My husband called me at about 6:40AM, Friday the 21st of November 2014, from work. He asked me to come and pick him up, that he was not feeling too good. I left with the driver to get him. When I got there, he was too uncomfortable, and he asked me to take him home. But on our way home, I noticed that he was in pains, so I asked the driver to reverse the car and head instead to the hospital (St. Nicholas). On reaching there, we met Judith the receptionist. I asked if there was a Doctor around.

Lawal’s Deep Knowledge Of Nigeria’s Complexities Will Stabilise PMB’s Administration – Tinubu

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday said the appointment of Engineer Babachir David Lawal as secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), was a step in the right direction, saying his deep knowledge about the country complexities will help stabilize President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

Tinubu, who spoke at a thanksgiving reception held in Abuja in honour of Lawal expressed optimism that he would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the office.

The former governor of Lagos State extolled Lawal’s qualities, saying while some of his contemporaries have succumbed to the temptation of illicit wealth and the abuses of power and privilege, Lawal has remained faithful to the course of the nation.

Alluding to the fact that his appointment was a reward for hard work and selfless service, Tinubu said Lawal’s eye for detail and due process makes him the best man for the job.

Tinubu who was represented at the event by the Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode said, “If you are looking for a man who is diligent in his work with a keen eye for details and correct process, there is none better than Babachir Lawal.

“He knows this nation and understands its complexities, from the intricacies of our federal bureaucracy to the diversity of our social fabric to the multiple dimensions of our political dynamics.

“He is a man well-tailored to fit his position in today’s Nigeria where we find ourselves in a situation not meant for the faint-hearted. A situation that requires grit, guts and wisdom.”

Leadership.

#Tinubu

Used And Dumped: Sad Story Of Oil Empress, Diezani

PDP, oil barons, politicians, international bodies abandon Nigeria’s ex-minister of petroleum
Illness can’t stop trial in UK, say senior lawyers
It is often said that when the going is good, many people will be your friends but when the going becomes tough, they will all run away. This aptly captures the current situation of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Deziani Alison-Madueke, who was arrested in London two weeks ago by the National Crime Agency on allegations of bribery and money laundering.
In the last six years when she held sway as the Empress of the Oil Industry in Nigeria, Diezani was the darling of the high ad mighty in the public and private sectors.

I Cannot Change Nigerian Constitution To Accomodate Sharia Law - President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, who has been widely quoted as saying he supports “the total implementation of Sharia in the country” yesterday said the country cannot practice certain prescribed punishments under the Islamic penal code.
President Buhari noted that the Nigerian law does not allow for “sharia punishments, such as stonings and amputations”, adding: “I cannot change it [constitution]. I haven’t been voted by [a] majority of Nigerians to change Nigerian constitution”.

Man Nabbed With 108 ATM Cards En-route To China - Photos

A 34-year old man suspected to be working for an international criminal organization has been arrested with 108 Automated Teller Machine debit cards.

Pascal Udeh‎ was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while he was attempting to board a Qatar Airline flight to China.

Recipe Of The Day: How to Prepare Goat Meat Pepper Soup

Pepper soup is basically meat in a spiced stock, the exceptional taste originates from the flavor blend. pepper soup is normally made with goat meat or catfish. Making pepper soup is super easy, to the extent you have the pre-blended spice mix.

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoons Pepper soup spice mix (Pepper Soup Mix: Buy it in UKR|RUS|PLN in EUR)
• 2 tea =spoons dry blended hot chilli
• Goat meat ( 10 small pieces)(cleaned)
• 3 cubes Maggi
• salt to taste
• small onion, small ginger and garlic (peeled, not cut)

Boko Haram: Federal Government Seeks For Ukraine’s Help (The Same GEJ's foreign Policy ?)

The federal government has called for more support from Ukraine in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made the request at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday while receiving Ukrainian Ambassdor, Mr. Valerii Aleksandruk.

Expressing Nigeria’s gratitude to Ukraine for its support in the area of security, especially in the fight against insurgency, Osinbajo said: “We hope for more cooperation until we pull down the evil of terrorism.”

The vice president stated that Nigeria would soon expand her diplomatic relationship with Ukraine to explore new areas of mutual benefits to both countries. Osinbajo said aside from their current education agreement, both nations would soon sign bilateral agreements in agriculture and steel sectors. He said Nigeria looked forward to the setting up Bi-National Commission that would deal with the various issues and expand relationship between both countries.

Earlier, Aleksandruk had said there were a number of bilateral agreements waiting to be signed by Nigeria and Ukraine to deepen their bilateral relations.

The envoy, who had also hinted that there were about 5,000 Nigerian students in Ukraine, thanked Nigeria for supporting his country at the United Nations Security Council.

Daily Trust.

#Osinbajo

Falae To Judiciary: Don’t Spare My Kidnappers

■ Ringleader owns mansion, 4 posh cars
■ How we shared ex-SGF’s ransom –Suspects
Relieved that he’s finally been brought face to face with his ab­ductors in police net where he iden­tified them, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae has asked the judiciary not to spare his kidnappers.