In case you missed this: FRSC ‘can no longer’ fine motorists, court rules

A federal high court in Lagos has declared void powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to impose fines on motorists for traffic offences.

John Tsoho, a judge, held that the commission could not turn itself into a court of law by punishing those who commit traffic offences.

Tope Alabi, a lawyer, had approached the court to declare that only a court of competent jurisdiction could pronounce a person guilty under section 10 (4) and 28 (2) of the FRSC Act 2007.

Other defendant in the suit was the attorney-general of the federation.

The judge also awarded N1million damages in favour of the plaintiff because officials of the FRSC had confiscated his vehicle and driver’s licence.

"Is Jonathan Really Guiltless from Corruption Allegations?" - How Jonathan paid N400m into Metuh’s corporate account, by witness

A defence witness in the ongoing trial of the National Publicity Secretary, People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ), Chief Olisa Metuh, yesterday narrated how former President Goodluck Jonathan paid N400 million into Metuh’s account.

The witness, a columnist with The New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr. Ike Abonyi, told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the former president had asked for Metuh’s account details to enable him to transfer money for the image laundering of the party and himself.

BREAKING: UNIPORT Students condemn VC, Police over the death of Peter Ofurum

A COMMINIQUE ISSUED BY THE STUDENTS’ UNION GOVERNMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT 2015/2016 SESSION ON THE 11TH  DAY OF APRIL 2016.

With absolute humility and earnest dedication to the call of leadership, We the Students’ Union Government of the University of Port Harcourt wishes to bring to the notice of the general public and condemn in no small measure the events that occurred in the University of Port Harcourt leading to the death of some conscious Nigerian students in the hands of the NIGERIA POLICE FORCE (NPF).

The following led to the event that transpired today:

The school management headed by the Vice Chancellor Professor N.E.S Lale without recourse to the Student Union leaders and representatives of the students decided to enforce the policy that students who have not paid their school fees will not partake in the school’s first semester examination scheduled to commence today the 11th day of April, 2016, thereby loosing an academic session, hence an automatic extra year. 

BREAKING: Prominent Student of University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), Nigeria Shot Dead by Police During a Peaceful School Protest; School Shut Down

The Lifeless Body of Peter Ofurum with gun shot wounds

A prominent student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has been shot dead by the Police in a school protest.

The deceased, Peter Ofurum, was the President of the Faculty of Management Sciences. He met his untimely death on Monday, April 11, 2016 as students of the university held a peaceful protest against increment in school fees and the “no school fees-no examination” policy of the school.

Anger and outrage continued to linger after the shooting and killing of late Peter Ofurum, the newly elected President of the Faculty of the Management Science Students of the University of Port Harcourt by a yet-to-be identified policeman during peaceful protest against school fees hike.

NIGERIA NEWS: In Oyo, Kogi and Calabar: Police Nab Kidnap Suspect, Fake Lawyer and Parades Police Suspected Robbers, Criminals And Kidnappers

Police Nab Kidnap Suspect, Fake Lawyer In Oyo

Oyo PoliceThe Oyo State Police Command has appealed to members of the public to always monitor their wards and safeguard them from evil perpetrators.

The appeal was made by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, while parading a suspect who kidnapped his sister’s three-year-old child for a ransom of 200,000 Naira.

Mr Oyebade urged the state residents to be absolutely sure to take safety measures to avoid the abuse of their children as much as possible.

He added that prompt information led to the rescue of the baby alive, urging residents of the state to continue to trust the Police with more of such information.

Manslaughter: Court Grants Ibinabo Fiberesima Bail

The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has granted bail to a former beauty queen, Ibinabo Fiberesima, who was sentenced to five years imprisonment for manslaughter.

The two million Naira bail was granted on Thursday, pending the determination of her appeal against the manslaughter sentence at the Supreme Court.

The court’s verdict was split two-to-one in Ibinabo’s favour.

Reading the lead judgment, Justice Samuel Oseji held that there was nothing to show that the former beauty queen would jump bail.

BREAKING: Saraki got salaries, pension as governor till 2015, says witness

• 87 transactions made in one day to offset bank loans
• Cross-examination fixed for April 18

The witness produced by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Michael Wetkas, in the ongoing trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki made more revelations yesterday.

At the resumed hearing at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, he testified that Saraki received monthly salaries and pension from Kwara State years after he had concluded his two terms as a governor.

Wetkas said that the Senate president who left office in May 2011 had continued to receive both monthly salaries and pension from June 2011 till August 31, 2015. The witness provided details of payment, which he said, were the outcome of the investigation his team conducted.

Borno unfolds post insurgency plans

Highlights:

• Moves and plans to curb the operations of Boko Haram in Borno State
• The civilian JTF working at its best to curb the Boko Haram Insurgency
• Youths to be fully integrated into the plan as more jobs would be created to get them engaged and empowered.
• Borno State Government working closely in conjunction with the Nigerian Army.
• Nigerian Army Authorities to enlist qualified youths into the Nigerian Army
• Members of the Boko Haram group who have laid down their arms to be engaged.

The Borno Government said on Monday that it had produced a blueprint for full engagement of an estimated 20, 000 local vigilantes, called the Civilian JTF, after the Boko Haram insurgency.

Alhaji Kakashehu Lawan, the Commissioner of Justice stated this while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.

Ijaw youths warn EFCC against alleged plan to arrest Jonathan

As the four-day burial programme for the late former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, ended yesterday with a thanksgiving service in Ammasoma, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) cautioned against an alleged plot by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the anti-graft agency to shelve any such plan to persecute the former president, insisting that such a move would spell doom for the country and the government.

Nigerian Government at Work: Rolls Out 33 Policy Actions To Revamp Economy

The Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Pro. Yemi Osinbajo 

NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AT WORK

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajor, says the Federal Government has developed a Strategic Implementation Plan for the 2016 budget.

Professor Osinbajo said that the plan articulates six thematic strategies that would constitute the short-term priority of the government over the next 12 months.

In his speech at the Nation’s Forum On The Economy held on Thursday in Lagos State, south-west Nigeria, the Vice President said that the government would focus on implementing about 33 Priority Actions under the six themes in the 2016 fiscal year.

Priority Actions

One of the priority actions, according to him, is a plan for lasting changes in the policy environment, national security and governance. He said it would enable the government achieve an appropriate foreign exchange regime, increase low interest lending to the real sector.

Nomoreloss’ Body Committed To Mother Earth

Weird MC, Sasha P, others pay last respect to late artiste.

With heavy hearts late musician, singer and songwriter, Olumuyiwa Adeyemi Osinuga a.k.a Nomoreloss was laid to rest today Friday, April 8, 2016 by family, friends and colleagues. 

His body was committed to mother earth as he was buried at the Ikoyi cemetery in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial city.

Aged 39, he has contributed immensely to the growth of the Nigerian music industry and his death would be felt by the industry.

The singer was famous for his hit songs "Let them say" and "Iyawo Asiko". He was married to Adeola Osinuga. They have a daughter. The singer, the comedian and the compere was ill since January, 2016 and because of it, he had to take a break from the world of entertainments. The talented artiste was confirmed dead on Monday, March 21, after battling an illness since January.

After his death was made known, Twitter was awash with condolences from people in the music industry, his fans and other sympathizers.

Nasarawa State Lawmakers Fight with Table and exchange Heavy Blows

The politics of fist and blows

Nasarawa Lawmakers Fight Over Appointment Of Sole Administrators

Some members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Friday engaged each other in a fight during plenary, as issues surrounding the appointment of local council administrators divided the House.

From the picture above taken during the fracas, One of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly’s lawmakers is seen holding a table above his head while others scamper for safety.

After a two-year tenure of the chairmen of 11 local government areas in the state ended on March 24, the Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, appointed and inaugurated sole administrators to man the affairs of their local government councils pending when elections would be conducted.

BREAKING: Troops Intercept Suicide Bombers In Maiduguri

Nigerian troops on Friday intercepted and neutralized Improvised Explosive Devices of some suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers at Madiyari village and Jimini-Bolori village in Borno State.

The troops of 101 Battalion of Seven Division made the interception after they received a tip off about impending attack in Maiduguri city by four suspected Boko Haram terrorists, suicide bombers from Sambisa forest through Cashew Plantation.

Three soldiers sustained injuries in the process and they have been evacuated to the unit’s Regimental Aid Post (RAP), for treatment, a statement by the army spokesman, Sani Usman, said.

Nigerians Bemoan Worsening Fuel Scarcity

Nigeria’s economy appears to be experiencing more setbacks with the worsening fuel crisis which has hit the country.

For almost a month, Nigerians have been queuing at fuel service stations all over the country to get petrol for their vehicles and other users.

Lagos and Ogun States in the South west, Delta and Rivers State in the South South, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Plateau in Northern Nigeria, the situation appears unbearable.

Petrol is selling over 200 Naira per litre in the South south, but it seems to be worse in the Northern region where fuel is said to be sold over 300 Naira.

UNILAG Shuts Down Over Protests Of Fuel and Water Supply Shortage

Schools now affected by chronic shortage of fuel, electricity and water. Students riot – now on rampage! Effects in UNILAG may spill over to other institutions of higher learning in the country!

The management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has ordered that all academic activities on the campus be suspended until the situation on the campus improves.

According to a statement released on Friday 8^th April, 2016, the decision was made at a meeting of the University Senate held on Thursday 7^th April, 2016.

QUESTION: "What if Christians were Suicide Bombers?"

A female Arab journalist who lives in Qatar has penned a bold article that asks Muslims in the Middle East how they would respond if Christian suicide bombers struck their public markets, collapsed their tall buildings or tried to force Muslims to convert to Christianity.

Liberal Saudi journalist, Nadine Al-Budair, writes in Kuwait’s Al-Rai newspaper that Arab countries have refused to address the problem of terrorism and have yet to create a climate that matches the liberal, humanitarian climate of the West. She asked Muslims to consider what their world would be like if Christians the world over had responded to Muslims the way terrorists have spread radical Islam.

PHCN: Nigeria's NO.1 ECONOMIC SABOTEUR!

Formally it was NEPA (National Electric Power Authority), but now it is PHCN (Power Holding Company of Nigeria). Others that are operating the same way are EKEDC (Eko Distribution Company Plc) or it's like in other parts of the country.

Whether NEPA, PHCN, OR EKEDC, closely looking at their inability to provide stable supply of electricity in Nigeria, one can categorize them as the number one (NO. 1) economic saboteurs of the Nigerian Economy.

Most parts of the country, if not all, are presently being ravaged by devastating lack of electricity supply. It didn't just start today - it has lingered for several decades and It is a challenge that has drastically helped in grinding the country's economy below expected levels.

Power problem has been resident in Nigeria for a very long time that some Nigerians have never seen 6 hours uninterrupted power supply since they were born! It is this same problem that promising and reliable minds have, at different times, been drafted to tackle but ended up being tackled! Nigerians, as a people have been living with power outages for over four decades now and have lived to manage themselves around the problem. As the years goes by, the problem does not seem to abate - there seems to be no solution in sight. All we hear in the news is that several billions of dollars which can not be accounted for was injected into the power sector with nothing to show for it. It looks like the government is overtly clueless as to how to revamp and revive the power sector and they are not treating the problem as a matter of national emergency. 

BREAKING: Thus Saith Kachikwu “Fuel queues end by weekend” – Nigerians awaits prophetic fulfillment

 

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu

• ·         NNPC discharges 320m litres of petrol
• ·         Govt may adjust fuel price next month
• ·         Presidency dissolves task force on power sector reform

“Hopefully by tomorrow (today) and Thursday, the fuel queues in Abuja should be over. Hopefully, the same thing will happen in Lagos, and thereafter by the weekend, we should see Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Port Harcourt and Warri get off the queue list.”

With these words yesterday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, reassured the nation that the lingering fuel scarcity would be a forgotten hardship by the end of the week.

An indication that the minister’s promise may come to pass was that a stock of 320 million litres of petrol was being distributed across the country yesterday.

The heat, fuel and darkness challenge!

Most parts of the country are presently being ravaged by high temperatures that make living hellish. As if that is not bad enough, we have in our hands, starring us menacingly in the face, the twin problem of fuel scarcity and interrupted darkness! It is a challenge that can grind the country to a halt, a challenge the government must tackle.

Nigerians, as a people have been living with power outages and fuel scarcity for some few decades now and have lived to manage themselves around the problem each time either of the two problems comes visiting but when they come together, it becomes a national emergency and should be treated as such. 

Fayose in surprise peace deal with Aluko

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose

• Gov urges Buhari to devalue naira
• Ekiti leader denies alleged vice presidential bid

Former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Mr. Temitope Aluko, who made far-reaching allegations against Governor Ayodele Fayose over the June 21, 2014 governorship election, was on Sunday night seen with the governor in Lagos.

They were seen with the former factional Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Dele Olugbemi at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.

The trio were intercepted by journalists at the hotel around 11:30 p.m. Aluko who wore trousers and a sky blue shirt was seen walking shoulder-to-shoulder in animated and obviously amicable conversation with the governor.