N145 pump price will crash in three months- APC chairman says

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress APC says the new N145 pump price of petrol will crash within thhe next three months. In a media briefing with newsmen in Abuja yesterday May 13th, the Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, says just like the Global System of Mobile telecommunication, GSM, the price of fuel is bound to reduce due to competitive market forces.

According to him:

“From our point of view as a party, it has become necessary to fully and in order to recover from the economic situation which we have been plunged to totally free the economy and let the normal laws of demand and supply operate. Of course, with government standing by to protect the long suffering Nigerian who is at the margin. If is unfortunate, it is painful what has happened, it will increase cost in all directions. But in the medium term, in three months at best, I foresee that the prices will come crashing down when there is availability. NNPC will continue to be in the field anyway either through the refineries whenever our pipelines are allowed to function or through importation and so will continue to be a player in the fuel supply market. Prices are bound to come down. A typical example is what happened when mobile phones were introduced. I remember that I bought a SIM card for over N30,000, but today, it is virtually free. If we free the fuel market, that same thing will happen which was as a result of competition is likely to happen. “Over time, the subsidy regime has become so intensely manipulated, so abused that it really was no longer operating in the interest of the Nigerian public. 

I think that it has become very clear that the kind of queues that has become endemic over several regimes in this nation is a clear indication that something has gone seriously wrong with the subsidy regime. Those who were privileged were exploiting it to amass more wealth. Meanwhile, the people for whom it was basically meant had to bear the cost in higher transport fare. Each time these queues develop, of course the ordinary Nigerian bears the cost while the importers and manipulators of the system are the ones that makes all the money. If the region of subsidy is to be reintroduced, it can only divert resources from the crying needs of other sectors, including the programme to help the Nigerians living at the margin. So, the appeal which is a very sincere appeal to the Nigerian people; yes there is a lot of hardship, yes increased pump price will also increase that hardship. 

But the economy is being freed in a way that the ordinary Nigerian will become the major beneficiary and we are talking of a matter of months from removing this one last bottleneck that has held the Nigerian economy down. So, it is an appeal and we should watch what happen in the next few months as far as the fuel issue is concerned because I am sure it will come crashing down. In any case, it will free resources eventually that will be used to create good jobs which has been promised and improve the lot of the Nigerians at the margin. 

That is the message the party wants to convey. The economy is in bad shape as a result of which our people are going through hard times”, he said

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Law Enforcement Results in Overcrowded Pedestrian Bridge in Lagos

The presence of a Lagos state task force unit around the Ojota area of Lagos on Monday morning resulted in a spectacular scene as residents complied with the rule against crossing the highway.

Residents at the scene shared pictures of themselves and many others huddled up to use the pedestrian bridge to avoid being caught and fined by the task force unit commonly referred to as KAI – the Kick Against Indiscipline brigade, saddled with the responsibility of ensuring compliance with certain laws in Lagos.

The indiscriminate crossing of the highway in times past had resulted in accidents leading to loss of lives and limbs thereby forcing the Lagos state government to enforce the use of pedestrian bridges.

Some Lagos residents have however urged the state government to ensure proper coordination on the pedestrian bridge at Ojota as the large number of people trying to use the bridge at the same time nearly resulted in a stampede on Monday.

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President Obama helps rapper Lin-Manuel with his freestyle

U.S. President Barack Obama is easily the coolest president in the world, if not the coolest ever statesman.

Americans recall with joy how he called out Kanye West for stepping on Taylor Swift’s moment at the 2009 VMA, and his adorable 20th anniversary shout-out to wife Michelle Obama, calling her “the love of my life and best friend”.

Obama’s ‘cool’ moments are endless.

The president, who last year starred as himself in the movie Fixing the System, last night assisted musician Lin-Manuel Miranda in his performance of a government-related rap at the White House.

Obama first performed a brief intro and looked right at home handing cue cards to Miranda during his freestyle.

They performed together in the Rose Garden.

Grammy award winning musical producer Lin-Manuel Miranda is currently performing the role of former President Alexander Hamilton in a Broadway musical. He is also the creator of the musical In the Heights.

There’s always the temptation to compare what obtains in other climes to our system back home. Ever wonder the possibility of President Muhammad Buhari lending a hand to MI in an Aso Rock Villa rap?

Too outrageous? Yes, No?

Watch the video below;

What do you think?

Credit: You Tube, Twitter

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Ambode sacks building agency GM, others over Lekki collapse

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has sacked the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Adeigbe Olushola, and three others following the Lekki building collapse that killed 35 people last week.

Apart from Olushola, Ambode approved the dismissal of the Head of Inspection and Quality Control in the agency, Adeoye Adeyemi; the Zonal District Officer in the agency, Dosunmu Gbadebo; while the Zonal Head of Eti-Osa West of the agency, Mrs. Akinde Sherifat, was compulsorily retired from the civil service.

A statement by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, quoted the governor as saying the affected officers were dismissed after they were indicted for negligence.

According to him, negligence is an act of misconduct under the Public Service Rule 040401.

“Rule 040401 of the Public Service act of misconduct states that “A willful act of omission or general misconduct to the scandal of the pubic or to the prejudice of discipline and proper administration of the state Government” should be visited with dismissal from the public service in line with the Public Service Rule 040503,” the statement said.

The Head of Service said the disciplinary measure was the outcome of the recommendations of the Personnel Management Board to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who was personally grieved by the number of lives lost in the building collapse.

source: PUNCH

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Governor Ambode to completely ban Okada in Lagos State

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, is considering the implementation of a total ban on commercial motorcycles operations (okada) in the Lagos metropolis.

This is coming after the recent clash in the Ketu-Mile 12 area of the state, allegedly sparked by a dispute involving an okada operator and a passerby, which led to the loss of lives and properties.

Sunday Punch reports that the governor is set to approach the state House of Assembly to amend the law from the ‘restriction’ of okada operations within some routes to total ban of their operations in the state.

His predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola had signed the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012, which restricts okada operations in at least 492 of the 9200 roads across the metropolis in an effort to reduce the menace of their operations in recent past.

“Don’t forget that there is a law on ground that restricts them on certain routes in the state but they have not been adhering to these laws. They find a way to circumvent laws and government has a duty to safe innocent lives from being wasted. Most of them drive against traffic both during day and night, so the government is weighing the option strongly that the best thing is to ban okada and it is in the interest of the state to do so,” a source said.

“They (okada riders) are gradually becoming a menace in the state and it is evident in the way they ply restricted routes at any time of the day.

“You are also aware of the recent bloody clash in Ketu-Mile 12 and the increasing threats on lives and properties by terrorists in the country. It has therefore become expedient and imperative for the government to ponder on this option.

“The governor is seriously considering this move because he feels that a mega city like Lagos cannot harbour okada. He feels that the Lagos economy and most especially the transport sector cannot be driven by okada.”

What do you think about this development?

Credit: Punch

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Gov. Amosun seen controlling traffic on Lag-Ib expressway, King Sunny Ade who was passing by stops to thank him

There was major traffic gridlock around Ogere, on the ever busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Friday March 4. Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who was traveling on the road at that time, got down from his car to control the traffic.

Meanwhile, while the Governor was controlling traffic, King Sunny Ade, who was passing by stopped to thank him. More photos after the cut…

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50 cent got Nasty comments for calling Donald Trump ‘My President’

50 Cent frequently gets attention especially with his famous pettiness on Instagram, but the rapper is getting a lot of criticism from the black community for posting a selfie with, and declaring support for, Donald Trump. “Me and My President maybe, only in America,” he captioned the photo which has now drawn over 11, 000 comments.

Fans who were previously entertained with his various feuds have all ganged up against him for siding with a presidential hopeful who has been described as a ‘racist’ and ‘demagogue’.

“Your career is over,” one angry fan said.

“You are a sell out,” another added.

But what surprises many of his fans is why he would show support for Trump, who days ago ordered a young black woman to be thrown out of his rally. The lady was assaulted, shoved and thrown out like a rag. Recounting her experience later, she said she was called a ‘nigga’ and a ‘cunt’, a spectacle that went on under Trump’s supervision.

Seeing the criticism he got, he returned hours after to post new Photos of himself and other presidential hopefuls. “I made these post so you can think about it, because we all have to VOTE,” he tried to explain.

Still, the damage seems to have been done.

What do you think?

Source: Instagram/50 Cent

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Ambode shuts Mile 12 Market, imposes curfew on four streets

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has ordered the closure of the popular Mile 12 Market and imposed curfew on four streets in the area.

The governor’s order was as a result the mayhem that engulfed the Mile 12 area on Thursday.

Members of the Hausa and Yoruba community in the area had clashed, leading to the burning of houses and churches on Thursday.

Ambode, who spoke at the State House, Ikeja, said the closure of the Mile 12 Market and the curfew would help security agents to restore peace.

He added that the curfew would only affect four streets — Oniyanrin, Maidan, Agiliti 1 and Agiliti 2.

He said, “In order to further restore peace to the community, I have ordered that the Mile 12 Market be temporarily shut. I advise traders and other stakeholders to eschew violence and be law abiding. Furthermore, I have ordered temporary restriction of movement in four streets, namely Oniyanrin, Maidan, Agiliti 1 and 2.”

The governor said the police and other security officials were managing the situation, adding that some hoodlums had exploited a minor clash to cause a breakdown of law and order in the area.

“After the intervention of security agencies, the dispute appeared to have subsided. This type of clash does occur from time to time in a multi-ethnic city like Lagos. And the government has always responded appropriately.

“The public is thereby assured that we will not shy away from our responsibilities to protect life and property in the state. Ee will deal decisively with those criminal elements involve in the clash. I have been assured by the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies at the scene that the situation has been brought under control.

“I want to assure residents of Lagos State that the state is home to every ethnic group. No one should give this clash any ethnic colouration. Every law abiding citizens should go about their businesses.”

The CP, Fatai Owoseni, said policemen had already been deployed in the area to enforce the order of the governor, adding that nobody died in the clash.

“I was there personally; there was no record of death. There was no fire in the market, and as I speak to you, over 50 persons have been arrested.

“But within agility community, houses were burnt by miscreants,” he added.

source: PUNCH

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Soldiers flog, kick and trample on hundreds of old women protesting over sale of their land to oil company in Delta

Yesterday, Nigerian soldiers stormed the Ovre-Eku community in Delta State and abused women (mostly old women) numbering over 500 who had gone to protest the sale of their land to an unnamed oil company.

Vanguard reports that the land has been in dispute for years between Edo and Delta states, and reportedly has been sold to an oil company. Yesterday, the upset women converged at the Eku community, all of them dressed in black. They reportedly marched to the site carrying a coffin covered in palm fronds, to express their displeasure, but they were ambushed by 10 soldiers who ordered them to leave the site.

Journalists present at the scene said that the women refused and demanded that a representative of the company address them, but one of the military officers, a Unit Commander now identified as Lt. E.D. Oworobo, cocked his gun and threatened to shoot the women, next he ordered his men to beat up the protesters.

Vanguard reports that older women aged around 80 years who could not run as fast as the others were trampled on, flogged and beaten with tree branches as the others fled into the nearby bushes. Vanguard reports that its correspondents at the scene were also attacked.

When contacted for comment, the Unit Commander lashed out at the journalist and reportedly called him an “idiot and a madman.” Reports also confirm that the officers returned to the Ovre-Eku community and destroyed properties, including 9 motorcycles and 13 bicycles. Many residents have since fled the community.

Source: Vanguard

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Americans react to the alleged thirsty look Michelle Obama gave Usher at White House event

Days ago, R&B singer Usher joined other singers to celebrate with Barack and Michelle Obama at the White House, in honour of the late legend, Ray Charles. The event was tagged, “Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance At The White House”, and it saw Usher giving his best performance.

While many people praised Usher’s rendition, some nosy social media users have just pointed out how Michelle Obama had stared at Usher at the event.

“Get you someone that looks at you the way Michelle Obama looks at Usher,” tweeted a Twitter user Teddy. Another added, “Michelle Obama lookin like she’s ready to risk it all for Usher .”

See the closer shot:

LOL, SMH!

But, it is nothing, people!

Recall that last October, The Obamas sang a ‘Happy birthday’ song for Usher, so they are family friends. You can watch that here:

What do you think?

Source: Twitter

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I am not keeping 15-year old girl, says Emir Sanusi as Police invites Yunusa and Sharia Council

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Monday, said he was not keeping a 15-year old girl said to have been converted to Islam.

Sanusi made the clarification while addressing a news conference in Kano.

The monarch, who described the story as mischievous and baseless, said it was intended to tarnish the image of the Emirate.

“I was surprised that BBC called me from South Africa to know my side of the story, which was crafted to tarnish the image of Emirate Council and Islam.

“In Aug. 2015, the District Head of Kura came to the palace with a young girl of about 15 years.

“We were told that she was married to him after she was converted to Islam,” Sanusi said.

He said he ordered her immediate return to her parents who were said to be in Bayelsa State.

“I also ordered the Kano State Shariah Commission to liaise with the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 1, to assist in taking her back to her parents in Bayelsa through the AIG who oversees Bayelsa axis, for her safety”, he said.

He said he solicited the intervention of the police because the girl was said to have made a statement that she was afraid that her parents could harm her.

“In Islam, she has no right to just go ahead and decide things for herself. She is still young.

“She is not mature enough. And nowhere in Islam where such a young girl can just make up her mind and give her hands in marriage just like that. It is not permitted in Islam.

“That is why we said she must be taken back to her parents,” Sanusi said.

He said he was surprised to hear that he was still keeping her in his custody.

“This is injustice of the highest order,” he said.

Meanwhile, the police have invited Yinusa, the alleged abductor of Ese Oruru,  and the members of the Sharia council, Kano to assist with the investigation into the forceful conversion of the girl into Islam.

The police spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole, said the men were invited by the police to shed light on their roles in the abduction and forceful marriage of the 14-year old girl.

She said, “I don’t think the men were arrested, they were invited to assist the police with the investigation into the case.”

When asked the number of those invited, Kolawole said she did not have the figure.

Source: NAN/The Punch

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Buhari never promised to pay unemployed graduates N5,000 – Presidency

The Presidency on Monday said President Muhammadu Buhari never promised to pay unemployed graduates N5,000 monthly.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, told State House correspondents while reacting to a video where Buhari was seen ruling out the payment of  N5,000 monthly allowance to unemployed youths in the country as promised by his party, the All Progressives Congress, ahead of the 2015 presidential election.

Akande  said the provision the government made in the 2016 Budget currently before the National Assembly is to pay N5,000 monthly to one million extremely poor Nigerians, and not the unemployed graduates.
He said  half a trillion naira had been set aside in the budget for social investment, which he said included the payment for the extremely poor.

“The budget for 2016 which has been submitted to the National Assembly has made an allocation of half a trillion naira, the first time in the history of this country’s budget where you have that huge chunk of money allocated for social investment.

“In that N500bn which is half a trillion naira, close to about 20 per cent of the entire budget, there are six social safety net programmes.

“One of them is the Conditional Cash Transfer where government is going to pay N5,000 monthly to the vulnerable and extremely poor Nigerians. That promise stands.

“The President never promised to pay unemployed graduates N5,000; the President never made that promise and the government never made that claim that it will pay N5,000 to unemployed graduates.

“The programme for unemployed graduates is the direct creation of half a million teaching jobs so that they will be trained; 500, 000 unemployed graduates will be trained to teach and they will be deployed to teach, while they are looking for their career paths or jobs. That still stands!

“In addition to that, there is also a scheme to train 370, 000 non-graduate youths for skill acquisition and vocational training. During the time of that training, they will also be paid.

Source: The Punch

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Senator Dino Melaye allegedly splashes $24,000 on new luxury car

Senator Dino Melaye who represents Kogi West senatorial district at the National Assembly is a man who likes luxury cars, from all indications.

The chairman of the senate committee on media has been known to drive beautiful cars, the acquisition of which he often ascribes to God’s blessings. In light of the current economic crisis in Nigeria however, not many may be willing to cheer on a public official making costly acquisitions.

According to Sahara Reporters, Senator Dino Melaye may not have cared much about such sentiments while allegedly making his latest purchase, a 2015 Slingshot estimated to cost $24,000 (about N4.78 million).

The beautiful red car bears the senator’s trademark plate number ‘DINO’ and is surely a wonder to behold but may also attract critical appraisal from citizens who have increasingly advocated for frugality on the part of government officials.

Story: Twitter/SaharaReporters

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‘Foolish youths’: Ben Murray-Bruce faults youths fighting over APC and PDP

In the wake of a recent clash between Deji Adeyanju, the director of new media at People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Olusegun Dada, a volunteer with the presidential media team at a lounge in Abuja, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce admonished youths to refrain from such divisive actions.

The senator representing Bayelsa East senatorial district advised that young people should relate with one another with courtesy without placing undue emphasis on religious, political and ethnic affiliations.

“Only foolish youths fight each other over APC/PDP,” he said, noting that there was no substantial difference between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP.

The senator also pointed out the fact that there were no youths in the federal executive council, to buttress his assertion that neither PDP nor APC would fight over youths. He therefore called for more collaboration among youths.

The chairman of the Silverbird Group further urged youths to note that by fighting each other, they fall prey to the ‘divide and rule’ tactics of the elite who would surely bypass them in selecting new leaders.

Story: Twitter/benmurraybruce

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Police Station In Adamawa Hit By Bomb

An explosion suspected to be caused by bomb blast has hit the Jimeta Divisional Police Headquarters in Yola, Adamawa, eyewitnesses are saying.

According to reports, the explosion went off at about 11.44 am on Thursday. Witnesses say the impact of the explosion was so powerful that the glass windows of surround building were shattered.

The number of casualties in the blast not known but the National Emergency Management Agency says its officials are already heading towards the site to provide help.

A later clarification from the same source however indicates that the explosion might not have been due to terrorist activity.

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Bill Gates visits Nigeria to sign MOU on routine immunization in Northern states

American philantropist and world’s richest man, Bill Gates, is currently in Nigeria to sign an MOU with Dangote Foundation on Routine Immunization in the Northern states. He paid a visit to Kaduna yesterday and was received by Kaduna state governor, Nasir El Rufai, and Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal.

The Memorandum of Understanding is for the revitalisation of routine immunisation and other primary healthcare services in some northern states. The partnership between Bill Gates and Dangote and their support toward the success of healthcare services  has been commended by the northern leaders.
See more photos from the meeting.

Bill Gates with Nasir El Rufai

Linda Ikeji

Source: LindaikejisBlog

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OLUBADAN OF IBADAN IS DEAD

Reports are in that the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, is dead. The monarch passed away tuesday evening after he reportedly lost consciousness at the age of 101.

Oba Odulana Odugade became the 39th Olubadan of Ibadan land in 2004 and he was the 17th Olubadan since the title was changed from Baale Ibadan to the Olubadan in 1930. The first traditional ruler to bear the new title was Oba Okunola Abass who reigned from 1930-1946.

According to Punch, the monarch’s corpse is said to be currently at the morgue in an undisclosed hospital in Ibadan.  It was also gathered that palace guards immediately summoned a son of the deceased, Prof. Femi Lana, who also informed some Ibadan high chiefs about his father’s demise.

The Olubadan-in-Council states the high chiefs must first pay a condolence visit to the family before an official announcement is made of the monarch’s death. Next in line to the throne is the Balogun of Ibadan land, High Chief Saliu A.O. Adetunji. Adetunji was one of the nine Ibadan high chiefs promoted about three weeks ago by the late monarch.

Source: Punch

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Call for Buhari’s impeachment joke of the year - Senate

The Leadership of the Senate has described the call by PDP for the impeachment of President Buhari over the missing budget as the biggest joke of the year. Senate leader, Ali Ndume said this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja yesterday January 18th; 

‘It is the biggest joke of the year. We should be talking of how to kill the PDP for exposing this country to this mess. They killed the country in their 16 years’ reign and now somebody is correcting their mess.

I believe in the president and I’m one of the ardent believers of President Buhari. We have been together since 2003. He is the kind of leader we need to move forward. His emergence was divine intervention and the good thing is that we have a president that is in charge, unlike before that we didn’t,’’ he said.

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Tanzanian President has BANNED wearing of miniskirts and short dresses

The newly elected President of Tanzania, John Magufuli has banned miniskirts and short dresses across the country.

Reports are that the president, who has been nicknamed ‘The Bulldozer,’  believes that provocative clothes encourage the spread of HIV/Aids in Tanzania. It was only a few months ago that twerking was also banned from the country.

According to their Cultural Development Director Herman Mwansoko, the dance was “destroying the country’s culture and imparting negative morals to the new generation.”
Last year, the first lady of Zimbabwe Grace Mugabe was slammed after she stated that rape victims are to blame if they wear mini skirts. Since the announcement, Tanzanian women have given three weeks to get rid of any provocative outfit in their wardrobe.

What do you think?



Read more on the newly appointed NDLEA BOSS

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President Buhari appoint new NDLEA Boss

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah as the new Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to statement on Monday, Jan. 18, by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, the appointment, which is for a 5-year tenure, had taken effect since January 11, 2016.

Abdallah, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Nigeria Army, has a Certificate of Education from Nigeria Defence Academy in 1977, a Bachelor’s Degree in American Politics and Government from Sam Houston State University, Huntville, Texas, USA in 1989.

He also has an M. A. Public Administration, LLB and LLM Degrees from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria 2005 and 2011 respectively and Bachelor of Law from the Nigeria Law School in 2006.

With his public service career spanning over 30 years, Abdallah is a Professional Security Officer.

He hails from Hong in Adamawa State and was born on November 13, 1954.

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