Oshiomhole accuses Okonjo-Iweala 'Stole' $1bn for Jonathan's re-election

The Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole accused the former minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stealing  $1bn For Jonathan's re-election.

Oshiomhole, who spoke at seminar organised by the Edo State Government for Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Deputy Directors, said that the former Finance Minister also needs to tell Nigerians how the Excess Crude Account was drawn down to $4.1 billion from the peak of $10 billion when no approval was given by the National Economic Council for any withdrawals.

He said: “The truth is that many things went wrong even at the federal level. As you might have read in the papers, while the Federal Government, under Goodluck Jonathan, with the then Coordinating Minister of the Economy liked to blame “governors” for wasteful spending, for not saving for the rainy day, for not investing properly, the truth is the real weakness in the Nigerian federal chain had been the Federal Government.

Reacting, Okonjo-Iweala, through her Special Assistant, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, has described this as baseless and false.Oshiomhole had taken it upon himself to consistently make wild allegations against her which she described as a public campaign of falsehood.

Oshiomhole and Okonjo-Iweala

She added that “The statement is just another example of the numerical diarrhea that seems to have afflicted His Excellency in recent times in his effort to damage the reputation of the former minister.

“He has, within the last few months, asked Dr Okonjo-Iweala to explain all kinds of totally wild and unsubstantiated figures, ranging from $30 billion, $20 billion, $2.1 billion, N720 billion and now $1 billion.

“To say the obvious, the accusations are totally lacking in credibility. Governor Oshiomhole’s published comments also contain other falsehoods. For instance, he quoted Dr Okonjo-Iweala as saying that she and the Finance Commissioners of the 36 states approved the spending of $2.1 billion out of the Excess Crude Account, adding that the Commissioners had disowned the statement. This is also a complete distortion.”

Oshiomhole further expresses that “Our hope is that with the new President, given his pedigree, we will break from the past. I’m sure you will soon begin to hear when all the numbers are published.

“Last week, I complained aloud that Edo State lost about N10 billion over a four-year period from only one source, the NLNG remittance to the Federation Account.

“How did I arrive at the figure? I used my 4-figure table and I asked myself at $2.1 billion remitted by NLNG as taxes and Shell, and by the way, Shell is not the only oil operative, we have Chevron and several others.

“They shared the $2.1 billion based on the revenue allocation formula, Edo State got about N2.27 billion. So, I said, thank God this money came after the departure of Okonjo-Iweala and President Jonathan.

“If the PDP were still in charge in Abuja, this money would have been taken.”

Asmir Begovic signs for Chelsea fc

 Asmir Begovic Stoke City’s bosnian keeper has completed his £8million move to Premier League champions, Chelsea today.

The 28 year old shot-stopper claimed that his dream came true.

“This is one of the best clubs in the world and it’s a dream for me to sign. Once I knew Chelsea were interested, and after speaking to Jose Mourinho at length, I knew this was where I wanted to be. It feels amazing and I’m absolutely thrilled.” – said Begovic.

“Being part of a team that wins trophies is what it’s all about, I think that was the next step for me in my career and it’s certainly something the manager can help me with. ” – added Bosnian keeper

“I like to be a calming influence and contribute in all areas. I enjoy taking crosses and being aggressive but it’s about being the best influence I can be on the defence and the whole team. I want to do everything I can to help us get results.” finished him

Pastor sentenced for not wedding gay couple

 Pastor Paul Horner, at the Christian Proctor Church in Vermont, has been sentenced to one year in federal prison after refusing to wed a gay couple.

This comes shortly after the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision ruling that states must allow gay-marriage.

The Christian Pastor, 56-year-old, had his lawyer speak to reporters on his behalf.

“We are currently disputing the guilty verdict and I am confident my client will be a free man here shortly,” said attorney Tom Downey. “Horner was just using his best judgement according to his rights and religious freedom in this country.”

The Honorable Myron Danus handed down the harsh sentence.

Wizkid gets Pepsi 3rd year deal

Nigerian singing sensation Wizkid has penned another deal, just weeks after signing to a lucrative multi million naira contract.

Days after dancing on the streets after Drake jumped on his track with Skepta, Wizkid seems to be getting truly blessed this summer. 

The Ojuelegba singer who recently signed a major deal with Glo, has penned down a new two year contract with soft drink company, Pepsi which will continue their three year old partnership

Governor Ambode rescues an accident victim

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state today alighted from his vehicle to rescue an accident victim.

According to PM News reports, the victim, Miss Anukam Angela, was driving alone in a wine-colour Toyota Corolla car with registration number EKY 415 CG and lost control of the vehicle before it rammed into the median of the road along Osborne Road, Ikoyi and somersaulted.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, while rescuing the accident victim today.

The governor who was on his way to the office when the incident happened, was said to have quickly asked his convoy to stop at the scene so as to enable him assess the situation as well as help rescue the passengers.

He immediately instructed the ambulance attached to his convoy to convey Miss Angela, who was in a state of shock, and could barely move or talk, to the Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment.

Reports revealed further that Angela’s sister, Amaka, who was contacted shortly after the incident, said she was treated for minor injuries and discharged free of charge on the order of the Governor.

Governor Ambode (on white), trying to attend to the accident victim on Monday

She stated further that the ambulance also conveyed her sister back to her residence at Efosa Ehiedu Close, Ajah while the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) assisted in towing the vehicle away from the roadside to prevent traffic gridlock.

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Governor Ambode rescues an accident victim

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state today alighted from his vehicle to rescue an accident victim.

According to PM News reports, the victim, Miss Anukam Angela, was driving alone in a wine-colour Toyota Corolla car with registration number EKY 415 CG and lost control of the vehicle before it rammed into the median of the road along Osborne Road, Ikoyi and somersaulted.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, while rescuing the accident victim today.

The governor who was on his way to the office when the incident happened, was said to have quickly asked his convoy to stop at the scene so as to enable him assess the situation as well as help rescue the passengers.

He immediately instructed the ambulance attached to his convoy to convey Miss Angela, who was in a state of shock, and could barely move or talk, to the Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment.

Reports revealed further that Angela’s sister, Amaka, who was contacted shortly after the incident, said she was treated for minor injuries and discharged free of charge on the order of the Governor.

Governor Ambode (on white), trying to attend to the accident victim on Monday

She stated further that the ambulance also conveyed her sister back to her residence at Efosa Ehiedu Close, Ajah while the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) assisted in towing the vehicle away from the roadside to prevent traffic gridlock.

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Wizkid gets pepsi 3rd year deal

Nigerian singing sensation Wizkid has penned another deal, just weeks after signing to a lucrative multi million naira contract.

Days after dancing on the streets after Drake jumped on his track with Skepta, Wizkid seems to be getting truly blessed this summer. 

The Ojuelegba singer who recently signed a major deal with Glo, has penned down a new two year contract with Pepsi which will continue their three year old partnership. 

Foreign Students Can't Work In Our Country - UK Govt

A new rule proposed by the British government is aimed at denying non-EU residents the right to work while in the UK even as they will also not be able to apply for a visa extension when their course comes to an end.

The rule also states that students will have to leave the UK before applying to return under a work visa, Daily Mail UK reports.

The length of stay is also expected to be maximum of two years when the plans come on stream later this week.

Britain’s Immigration Minister, James Brokenshire said the rule was “part of our plan to control immigration for the benefit of Britain'”

 “Immigration offenders want to sell illegal access to the UK jobs market and there are plenty of people willing to buy.

‘Hard-working taxpayers who are helping to pay for publicly funded colleges expect them to be providing top class education, not a back door to a British work visa,” he concluded.

But universities in the country have kicked against the government’s plans, they warned that the new rule could damage the sector and business leaders and rob Britain of vital skills from foreign students.

But the government seem hell-bent on going ahead with its plans. According to them, they want to stop student visas being used as an easy way to enter the UK before getting a job and claiming benefits.

Official figures show that 121,000 non-EU students entered the UK in the 12 months to June last year, but only 51,000 left – a net influx of 70,000.

Osun workers end 2 months strike

The Osun State workers have agreed to call off the two months old strike state after reaching a compromise with the state government on the modality for the payment of workers’ salary arrears.

The workers, who were  represented by their  labour unions leaders were led by the state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Jacob Adekomi and Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Alhaji Bayo Adejumo, while the state government was represented by the Head of Service, Mr Olayinka Owoeye to sign the Memorandum of Understanding at the governor’s office.

Speaking with journalists, the NLC Chairman said the state government agreed to pay January salary today and then pay the February salary on Thursday this week while the remaining four months would be paid immediately the bailout fund from the Federal is released.

The JNC Chairman expressed worries that politicians do hijack workers issue to stage politically motivated protests. Adejumo then charged the state government to respect the agreement as contained in the MoU. 

Mr Olayinka Owoeye further promised that the agreement would be kept and he also commended the workers and the labour unions for conducting themselves in matured manner during the struggle.

However, the Council of Academic Staff Unions of Osun State Owned Tertiary Institutions, (CASUOSTI) in a statement by the secretary of the union, Comrade Olusegun Lana dissociated the union from the agreement and insisted that the strike continues. 

If you don’t kill NNPC, it kill Nigeria says El Rufai

Kaduna state governor, Nasir El Rufai says NNPC has to die for the Nigerian oil industry to move forward. According to him, if the nation's oil corporation is not 'killed', it will kill Nigeria.

He said this while speaking at the 7th Wole Soyinka Lecture holding in Lagos today July 13th

"If you don’t kill NNPC, it kill Nigeria,” he said.

Things you cant afford to keep doing in your relationship

As always, this one is going to be completely from my own experiences. Relationships are no walk in the park, you don’t just wake up one day thinking that your relationship is going to run smoothly without you doing anything about it, it definitely is a constant struggle no matter what, and the struggle is well worth it. A lot of people do a lot of things that constantly damage their relationships, a lot of people don’t do a lot of things that have the same effect, it’s all about knowing the person you’re with, knowing them and “understanding” them to a level where you minimize your chances of damaging them, you are still bound to make mistakes no matter how hard you try not to, but this article is going to help you make less mistakes. Let’s begin.

1. Don’t keep a list of mistakes
A lot of you would be nodding your heads in disagreement right now but this is very true to everyone, no matter how much we love the other person we are still
bound to make a very small list in our heads, a list of mistakes they’ve made, the point here is NOT to do that. Just like you, your partner is human, and they will hurt you at some point without even realizing it. The strength here comes into play when you forgive and forget, most of us say they’ve forgiven and forgotten but we don’t, we still keep a small memory of those events hidden somewhere deep inside of our heads.

These things can go from being really small to really big. How about that one
time when your partner forgot to do something you asked them to, or that one time your partner did something you told them not to? Do you know the reasoning behind it? Do you know exactly what was going on in their heads at that very moment? You don’t. None of us can get into the minds of our partners and we shouldn’t have to either, give them enough space and confidence to make their own mistakes without the fear of you keeping tabs on those mistakes. To err is indeed human, to forgive is indeed divine.

President Buhari appoints new service chiefs

President Buhari has appointed new country’s service chiefs, shortly after sacking all the former country's service chiefs.

According to reports, here are some of the new replacements:

Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin – Chief of Defence Staff;

Major-General T.Y. Buratai – Chief of Army Staff

Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Chief of Naval Staff

Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff

Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan – Chief of Defence Intelligence

Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.) – National Security Adviser.

Trioti naija: OAU students get mid-semester break

Trioti naija: OAU students get mid-semester break

OAU students get mid-semester break

The students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has been asked to vacate the university after an emergency senate meeting held on Sunday. 

According to the 

University's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Biodun Olarewaju, he explained that the university declared a ‘mid semester break’ in order to give their students some rest.

However, it was gathered that the university has never declared such a break since its establishment.

The PRO said, “At the emergency meeting of today, the senate has approved that the management give the students a mid-semester break, not closure. We will communicate to you in due course. The students should enjoy their Sallah celebration.”

When asked if the break was connected to the unpaid workers protest and proposed Monday (today) strike, he said, “I don’t think so. The management wants the students to be well prepared for their academics. The students are supposed to proceed on the break tomorrow (Monday).”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the NASU, OAU Chapter, Comrade Wole Odewunmi, had hinted that they would embark on total strike on Monday (today).

BH insurgency : 444 dead in 39days

Apart from the documented 444 murdered victims, hundreds of wounded persons and thousands newly displaced, all from a surprising fresh onslaught by Boko Haram on scores of communities and towns in at least six northern states of Nigeria, the questions on the lips of Nigerians monitoring the carnage would all meet at some point. Was the inaugural speech of President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2015 in which he promised to stamp out Boko Haram shortly, just a brilliant prose with no work plan for execution?

Was his diatribe on the terrorists and his renewed pledge to route the insurgents mere bravado; a politically-right outing to woo everyone as the messiah, while knowing deep inside him he had no such capability?

Many of the residents who may have been inspired by the president’s speech to return to the war ravaged village of the North-East, especially in Borno State, only to narrowly escape renewed violence may be wondering if Buhari spoke in good faith.

But those who still have faith in the president are wont to argue that it is too early to expect the man to wipe out a six-year-old Fun of murder in less than two months. They are likely also going to argue that those in opposition to the ruling APC are using the tragedy for political advantage. Ironically, it was the inability of the last government to cage Boko Haram that helped to swing winning votes in favour of the former, the opposition APC.


Meanwhile, there is no running from the fact that eradicating Boko Haram within the days that Buhari has been in power would be too ambitious a project in scope and content given what the President met on ground.

The most worrying factor, however, is that instead of ebbing, the deaths and destruction caused by Boko Haram seem to be galloping compared to the pre-May 29 era.

This is despite the moving of the military command to Maiduguri, Borno State capital and epicentre of the violence which has so far claimed estimated 100,000 lives since the move by Boko Haram to declare Nigeria an Islamic Caliphate started in 2009..

But, Boko Haram is not only the group causing blood and tears to flow, even though many thought the situation ought not to get worse, given the hope Buhari inspired in the suffering communities, especially in the Middle Belt, when he came on board.

From Benue to Nasarawa, Plateau and Kaduna, the tales of night marauders stalking sleeping communities and killing defenceless citizens remain a daily occurrence.

Senator Danjuma La’ah, representing Southern Kaduna at the Senate, penultimate week, addressed a press conference in Kafanchan, 180 km south of Kaduna metropolis, to register his displeasure with the state of security in his zone. La’ah, the only senator on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the North-North-West Zone, said: “After several days of silence from the government of Kaduna State over the most recent killings of law abiding natives of Southern Kaduna, I have decided to make public my resentment over the development.

“On the 5th June, 2015, Ayagan village in Bajju Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State was invaded by well armed men. Four people were killed and several others injured when the invaders fired into a crowd of mourners, unprovoked.

“Till date, no culprit has been caught, nor has the state government made any announcement in its effort, if any, at apprehending the killers.

“On the 11th June, 2015, one Tanko Nyam, 45, of Kyari Daddu village in Jaba, LGA, was ambushed by yet another set of gunmen and killed leaving behind his wife and five kids.

“Then on the 17th of June, 2015, gunmen attacked the village of Katsak, Atakad Chiefdom, Kaura LGA, leaving behind nine dead bodies and 13 persons critically injured as early as 8am.

“This government was brought to power by a legitimate election from the electorate who are expecting a dramatic improvement on their security and general well-being. While, I acknowledge the fact that the government is still young on the seat, it cannot claim ignorance or destitute of ideas on what to do in circumstances like this”.

Check out this throwback photo of Flavour

He shared the photo on instagram and wrote "Throw back of life. Chai 1998, I was 13 yrs old and was the drummer for oneal plaza band in new heaven enugu. Dreams come true if u believe and work towards". He was 13 in 1998, meaning he's 30 now? Oh wow! I would have sworn he was older..

Schweinsteiger to complete his move to Manchester United today

Bastian Schweinsteiger will land at Manchester Airport to complete his £15m move to Manchester United from Bayern Munich on today

.

The Germany captain, who was accompanied by his girlfriend and tennis star Ana Ivanovic, will undergo a medical and agree personal terms before finalising a deal to join the Old Trafford outfit. 

Schweinsteiger is likely to be back in the air on Monday as Manchester United travel to America to take part in the International Champions Cup. 

The 30-year-old, who has represented Bayern Munich throughout his professional career, recorded a personal message to explain his reasons behind the move. 

'Hi dear Bayern fans, and the South Stand in Munich,' Schweinsteiger said in a video posted on his official Facebook account. 'I know that has been a lot of speculation about my future in recent weeks and months and I just wanted to thank you for the fantastic time we spent together.

'It started in the Olympiastadion and continued into the Allianz Arena. It was a really fantastic time and we experienced some great moments with 15 national titles, including the historic treble and other highlights.

'We are always going to have a bond and I will keep you in my heart forever.

'I also want to thank all the employees at the Sabener Strasse (training ground) for the great time we had together - unfortunately I can't name everybody, but thanks for everybody, you helped me a great deal.

NDLEA promises to investigate Davido's video.

The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said they are ready to prosecute young hip-hop act, Davido for displaying hard drugs in his video as a means of living. 

According to them, what Davido did in his new video, Fans Mi, is against the NDLEA rules and he will be probed. The Director of Public Affairs of the NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, told Sunday Punch, “I am aware that a panel is working on it (the video). The panel was set up soon after the video was released few weeks ago. When our attention was drawn to it, we viewed it and we discovered that it was improper. There is no moral lesson in it and he was just advertising drug trafficking.

“In the video, he exchanged a brief case supposedly containing narcotics for dollars. He was displaying affluence in the video. If it (the plot) had climaxed in an arrest and possible detention, we would have congratulated him for partnering with us. But the way he portrayed drug trafficking in the video was a means to an end, which the end is a life of affluence which we disagree with”, he said.

Seyi Shay is doing it hard “Right Now”

2015 MAMA award nominee, Seyi Shay who recently signed a recording deal with the Island Records has released her first single under the label. The single titled, “Right Now”,talks about the sweet memories of love and attraction, taking a slow-dance reggae approach with a very catchy tune that showcases Seyi Shay’s voice in a way you have never heard before.

The single was produced by award winning producer and songwriter, ‘Harmony Sammuels’ who has also done a couple of jobs for the likes of Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Fantastia, Kelly Rowland and many more.

The song which follows a succession of previously released successful hits like Murda, Crazy, Jangilova among others, shows the singer’s enormous talent as she continues to dominate the space  as one of Africa’s most talented female singers.

No wonder, she got multiple nomination Best Female and Video of the Year awards  for the forthcoming MTV Africa Music Awards.

Mourinho stops Mikel's moves to leave Chelsea fc

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has refused to sanction the sale of midfielder John Mikel Obi, delivering a blow to United Arab Emirates suitors Al Ain and Al Wahda. The Nigeria international, who started only six league games last season, wants to leave Stamford Bridge after failing to hold down a regular starting place.

Delightful… Chelsea’s Nigerian midfielder John Mikel Obi celebrate with team-mates

The 28-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, has been told he remains part of manager Mourinho’s future plans. “There’s absolutely no truth to reports linking Mikel with a move to Turkey or any Chinese club for that matter,” a source close to the talks said. “Only two clubs from the UAE showed strong interest last month but they could not meet his club’s valuation.

“Mikel has a contract with Chelsea until 2017, as things stand he will not be leaving the club this transfer window as speculated.

”Mikel who moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2006 has increasingly become a fringe member of the squad due to the form of Nemanja Matic. With the emergence of highly-rated midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the Super Eagle has fallen down the pecking order at the club ahead of the 2015/16 season. Fenerbahce are reportedly interested in signing Mikel but Chelsea will only listen to a US $16.8 million offer.

The Turkish club’s president Aziz Yildirim has told the local media they cannot meet Chelsea’s valuation. “Chelsea want  15 million euros and Mikel asked for €5 million a season over four years. We are talking 35 million euros,” Yildirim told reporters at their Topuk Yayla training ground.

Twin Explosions Hit Church in Jos

Two explosions occurred at Evangelical Church West Africa (ECWA) in Tudun Wada, near the Federal Secretariat in Jos, Plateau State today.

The blasts occurred in sequenciallyChannels TV reports.

, around 8am while worshipers were gathered in the church during the service,

Reports about whether there where casualties are still sketchy. Some say the casualty figures are unconfirmed, while others say there were no casualties.