FG VS ASUU - PRESIDENCY PRODUCES EVIDENCE OF PAYMENT

 It seems like the gloomy days may soon be over as the presidency has produced evidence of payment.
 
The Presidency has produced evidence of payment of 200 billion Naira for universities infrastructure revitalisation.
At a media briefing in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to the President On Public Affairs, Doyin Okupe, presented a letter from the Central Bank of Nigeria, confirming that a sum of 200 billion Naira, agreed with the Academic Staff Union Of Universities at a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on November 4, 2013, has been fully paid into a Revitalization of Universities Infrastructure account.
In the letter, signed by the Deputy Governor of the CBN, Mr Tunde Lemo and addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation, the apex bank confirmed that the total sum was paid in three tranches of 129.3 billion Naira, 20.7 billion Naira and 50 billion Naira, into the account as directed.
The presidential aide added that “the Federal Government does not intend to victimize anyone who participates in a legitimate strike action in view of the fact that Nigeria is a signatory to the International Labour Organisation convention which guarantees workers’ rights to strikes convened in line with due processes.”
The impasse between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities reached a crescendo in the past week with ASUU  expressing lack of confidence in the government in keeping the agreements it reached with the Presidency on its issues and had requested for evidences of the Government’s financial commitment to the ASUU course.
In a statement by the ASUU President, Dr Nasir Issa-Fagge, while appearing on Channels Television on Tuesday, December 3, the union stated that once the bank account opening was done and the committee that would disburse the funds start working, “our members will have no reason not to suspend the strike” insisting that the “most important part of this thing at this point is that let there be documentation”.
He said the union insisted on documentation to ensure that it would not embark on another industrial action, as a result of the government not meeting the requirement, particularly the promises by the President.
“Why won’t government make available this money so that we know the money is there and the universities commence drawing from this money to address the problem of decay in infrastructure, teaching and research facilities? When that is done, our members will suspend the strike,” he promised.
The Presidency is expected to maintain its earlier stance that “from the government’s perspective, everything that needs to be done has been done and whether the strike would be called off or not now lies in the hands of the leadership of ASUU”.

SHOCKING REVELATION- JONATHAN AND TWO OTHERS INVOLVED IN DIVERSION OF $50 BILLION CRUDE OIL FUNDS

This story beats my imagination and quite revealing, i thought i share it with you all. This is credited to the Premium times.....read further

President Goodluck Jonathan and two of his top ministers may be attempting a cover-up on what clearly competes as Nigeria’s biggest fraud ever, involving the illegal diversion, or theft, of over N8 trillion crude oil sales proceeds.
In a frantic and unusual memo to the president on September 25, 2013, Central Bank governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi detailed how government-owned oil firm, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, had systematically diverted the huge sum, being sales proceeds between January 2012 and July 2013.
The CBN governor said for all crude oil sales within the period, the NNPC paid only 24 percent proceeds into the federation account, and diverted or stole the remaining 76 percent-totalling N8 trillion.
As the CBN calculated, the NNPC sold at least 594 million barrels of oil within the period, and should have paid N10.3 trillion (USD65.3 billion) into the federation account. But the corporation paid only N2.5 trillion (USD15.5 billion), Mr. Sanusi said, citing documentation from pre-shipment inspectors.
The whereabouts of the huge balance is unknown.
The weight of the differential is clearer if evaluated against the fact that the tiny percentage remitted by the NNPC managed to finance the nation in that period, raising the question of how much the total would then have achieved for a country unable to pay its university lecturers who have been on strike for five months.
Put simply, for each barrel of oil sold, say at an average of USD100, the NNPC illegally cornered $74 into an unknown account and gave Nigeria only $26.
Mr. Sanusi said he was “constrained” to hint the president after observing the huge shortfalls for years. He accused the NNPC of breaching two key federal laws, and urged the president to act expeditiously by ordering sweeping investigation and prosecution of those found culpable.
Two months on, the president has refused to act on the damning memo delivered to him personally by the CBN governor. In fact, after receiving the letter, the president, presidency sources say, questioned Mr. Sanusi on why such letter should be prepared in the first place and sent to him.
PREMIUM TIMES can also confirm that finance minister and former World Bank chief, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is also aware of the CBN’s information and has done nothing about it; while petroleum minister, Alison Diezani-Madueke, implicated in several corruption probes in the past, is said to be fully in the know about the massive plunder of crude oil money by the NNPC.
President challenged on corruption
Details of the president’s failure to act on such a massive scale of misappropriation came amid an increasing criticism of Mr. Jonathan’s response to corruption, as several senior officials of his government, accused of stealing or wasting public funds, have been spared of indictment and prosecution.
The weightiest of such concerns came on Monday from the speaker of the House of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who publicly accused the president of consistently displaying a “body language” that encourages corruption.
Citing past scandals, the most recent being the N255 million armoured car fraud involving aviation minister, Stella Oduah, Mr. Tambuwal said the president’s penchant for duplicating committees to investigate corruption cases, rather than directing law enforcement agencies to probe them, showed Mr. Jonathan was less committed to curbing fraud.
“By the action of setting up different committees for straightforward cases, the president’s body language doesn’t tend to support the fight against corruption,” the speaker said at an event in Abuja.
Between 2011 and 2013, the House of Representatives has investigated the NNPC multiple times, and has in many cases found officials of the corporation wanting. But no one has been sanctioned by government.
In 2012, top management of the NNPC and the petroleum minister, Mrs. Madueke, who directly supervises the NNPC, were recommended for prosecution by the House in a shocking fuel subsidy probe. They accused officials have remained at their posts.
The CBN’s allegation is the most scathing yet for a corporation notorious for secrecy and corruption.
The diverted or stolen amount-N8 trillion between January 2012 and July 2013- is the nearly the equivalent of the total federal budgets for two years.
Put together, the sum can run the entire country for the period, build several new roads and railways, pay wages of millions of workers, cater for the nation’s teeming unemployed, build thousands of hospitals and schools, complete ongoing power projects, and on an urgent note, clear multiple times, all government financial obligations to university lecturers, whose ongoing strike has kept the universities shut for more than five months now.
More losses and the ECA
Even so, when compared with prevailing data from different government agencies, the figure admitted by the CBN is still lesser than what Nigeria should earn from oil sales.
While the bank said its computation, based on pre-shipment details, showed that Nigeria sold N10.3 trillion worth of oil in 19 months, PREMIUM TIMES’ analysis shows the government should rather realize N10.6 trillion in the first 10 months of 2013-Janaury to October-alone.
PREMIUM TIMES’s estimates is based on the government’s data of  daily production average of 2.11 million barrels of crude, sold at an average price of $105.84 per barrel.
If multiplied and converted to naira, the government should have realized N10. 6 trillion in 10 months alone.
But in that period, total oil receipts data provided by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, claimed between January and October, the government made N5.8 trillion.
Also, our estimates show that the government has not only lied or misled Nigerians about its total receipts from oil sales, but is also deceitful about its earnings in the contentious Excess Crude Account.
The ECA holds the difference between the real market price for oil and the government’s projection in the national budget yearly.
For 2013, the government approved rate is $79 per barrel (called benchmark for oil price), meaning any raise in price at the international marker, will go into the ECA.
For most of the year, oil sold as much as $112 and $114 per barrel. At a conservative rate of $105 per barrel, the government should have realized $26 as difference per barrel for the Excess Crude Account.
Calculated at 2.11 million barrels per day, that should amount to $17.3 billion (about N2.695trillion) earned as excess crude revenue from crude oil exports as of October 2013.
But the government claims it generated only N986.6 billion in the Excess Crude Account.
No explanation
No government official could explain the huge gaps for the 2013 figures. The ministry of finance did not comment when contacted multiple times. Paul Nwabuiku, a spokesperson for the finance minister, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, promised a response but refused to give one several days after.
A spokesperson for the Central Bank of Nigeria, reacting to our findings (not Mr. Sanusi’s letter) said as the government’s banker, it could not provide the requested information, as it was unlawful for a banker to divulge details about its customer to a third party.
“We maintain a customer/banker relationship with the government in the execution of our mandate. We do not divulge such information to third parties,” Mr. Ugochukwu said on Thursday via a text message.
Controversy over Excess Crude Account
PREMIUM TIMES’s own evaluation of government oil earnings began well ahead of obtaining Mr. Sanusi’s letter to President Jonathan.
The review was prompted by the lingering controversy over the ECA between the finance minister, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala and the Rivers state governor, Chibuike Amaechi.
Mr. Amaechi had accused the government of depleting the account, usually shared between the federal, states and local governments.
The governor said $5 billion had gone missing from the account under Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala’s watch.
Defending the administration, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala accused the governor of “playing politics” on the matter, and said the outstanding $5 billion had been shared to states as monthly allocation and local governments, with Rivers State being one of the major beneficiaries.
The frustration of CBN governor
But in his letter, Mr. Sanusi said he had long been frustrated by the NNPC’s secrecy with oil sales, and that he raised concerns twice to the president as far back as 2010 about his observation that a huge chunk of sales proceeds were not remitted to government treasury.
He said the shortfall in revenue as a result of oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta was insignificant compared to the scale of money unaccounted for by the NNPC.
“Your excellency, you will recall that as far back as late 2010, I had verbally expressed deep concern about what appeared to be huge shortfalls in remittances to the federation account in spite of the strong recovery in oil prices,” the CBN governor wrote, indicating the losses extending years back far surpasses the N8 trillion of between 2012 and 2013.
There is no evidence the president acted on those concerns.
By 2012, he said the situation had gone worse that the government made more money from tax paid by oil companies than from actual sales of crude.
“This means, Your Excellency, that in this first seven months of the year, taxes accounted for 76 % of the total inflow from this sector, while NNPC crude oil proceeds accounted for 24%,” he said.
The CBN governor called for a thorough audit of all domiciliary accounts held by the NNPC outside of the CBN, and a probe of companies involved in oil lifting and oil swap.
“As banker to the federal government and Economic Adviser to the President,” he said, “I am obliged to draw the president’s attention to these serious issues of which you have most probably never been aware in this detail,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications, Reuben Abati, was not available for comments. He did not answer several calls made to his telephone. He is believed to be travelling in South Africa with the president, who is attending the funeral of late South African President, Nelson Mandela.

ABAKALIKI- GOVERNOR Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State yesterday called for the disbandment of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU in the country, following its alleged antecedent of sabotaging the effort of governments in the area of education and provision of infrastructural facilities to institution of higher learning.
The governor made the call during an interactive session with members and executives of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ.
He described ASUU’s action as a sabotage of the education sector and the corporate existence of country; stressing the need for the union to always consider the future of students while taking steps to contribute its quota towards the improvement of the education sector.
He said: “The major victims of this strike are not government but the students and things are not what they should be.
“ASUU is due for proscription; the way they are going is sabotage to the existence of the country. When I travelled I heard that lecturers had resumed in EBSU; my plan was that if any lecturer is to resume he or she is to renounce their membership of the union.
“At a point in time, history must change if not we will keep drifting; in EBSU, it is still a case of no work no pay.”
On Ebonyi indigenes who were disengaged from Abia State civil service, the governor noted that the state had no covenant with the affected workers that they would be reabsorbed into Ebonyi State civil service.
He noted  that what was necessary was for the state to ensure that their retirement benefits were duly paid to them.
It should be recalled that over 80 Ebonyi indigenes who were disengaged from Abia State civil service had staged a peaceful protest at  Government House, Abakaliki, and other relevant government agencies in the state in 2010.
The indigenes, who were mostly from Ebonyi South and North senatorial districts of the state were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions, such as  ‘a sojourner has a home’, ‘we have come home for sense of belonging’, ‘Ebonyi state, salt of the nation, we embrace you’, East or West, North or South, Home is better’, Governor T.A. Orji says no to two dual citizenship, His Excellency, Ebonyi state Governor, kindly receive your people’ moved around the vicinity, chatting songs to reflect their state of despondency.
Spokesman of the group, Mr. Okoro Chibuike Uduma, pointed out that the reason they were disengaged was because the governor of Abia State, Chief  Theodore Orji, wanted to implement the payment of the N18, 000 minimum wage for only indigenes of  his state.
According to him, most of them were disengaged from Abia State Local Government Education Authority, local government councils, among others.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/elechi-calls-scrapping-asuu/#sthash.Z3b27KND.dpuf

ABAKALIKI- GOVERNOR Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State yesterday called for the disbandment of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU in the country, following its alleged antecedent of sabotaging the effort of governments in the area of education and provision of infrastructural facilities to institution of higher learning.
The governor made the call during an interactive session with members and executives of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ.
He described ASUU’s action as a sabotage of the education sector and the corporate existence of country; stressing the need for the union to always consider the future of students while taking steps to contribute its quota towards the improvement of the education sector.
He said: “The major victims of this strike are not government but the students and things are not what they should be.
“ASUU is due for proscription; the way they are going is sabotage to the existence of the country. When I travelled I heard that lecturers had resumed in EBSU; my plan was that if any lecturer is to resume he or she is to renounce their membership of the union.
“At a point in time, history must change if not we will keep drifting; in EBSU, it is still a case of no work no pay.”
On Ebonyi indigenes who were disengaged from Abia State civil service, the governor noted that the state had no covenant with the affected workers that they would be reabsorbed into Ebonyi State civil service.
He noted  that what was necessary was for the state to ensure that their retirement benefits were duly paid to them.
It should be recalled that over 80 Ebonyi indigenes who were disengaged from Abia State civil service had staged a peaceful protest at  Government House, Abakaliki, and other relevant government agencies in the state in 2010.
The indigenes, who were mostly from Ebonyi South and North senatorial districts of the state were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions, such as  ‘a sojourner has a home’, ‘we have come home for sense of belonging’, ‘Ebonyi state, salt of the nation, we embrace you’, East or West, North or South, Home is better’, Governor T.A. Orji says no to two dual citizenship, His Excellency, Ebonyi state Governor, kindly receive your people’ moved around the vicinity, chatting songs to reflect their state of despondency.
Spokesman of the group, Mr. Okoro Chibuike Uduma, pointed out that the reason they were disengaged was because the governor of Abia State, Chief  Theodore Orji, wanted to implement the payment of the N18, 000 minimum wage for only indigenes of  his state.
According to him, most of them were disengaged from Abia State Local Government Education Authority, local government councils, among others.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/elechi-calls-scrapping-asuu/#sthash.Z3b27KND.dpuf

GOODNEWS- ALLISON-MADUEKE AS OPEC ALTERNATE PRESIDENT IN 2014

 

 Yes, it happened our very own Petroleum Minister was appointed as the Alternate president of OPEC last week. Read further to know more.

Source: Daily Trust

The 164th meeting of the Conference of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was concluded in Vienna, Austria, late last week with the appointment of petroleum minister Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke as alternate president of the group.

The conference also elected Dr Abdel Bari Ali Al-Arousi, Minister of Oil and Gas of Libya as president of the conference for one year, with effect from 1 January 2014, alongside Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The conference reviewed the Secretary General’s report, the report of the Economic Commission Board (ECB) and a number of administrative matters, a statement posted on its website said.
It further exchanged views on developments in multilateral environment negotiations, including: the outcome of COP19/CMP9 held in Warsaw, Poland, in November; the status of the Organization’s ongoing energy dialogue with the European Union (EU); its continued cooperative work with various other international organizations for the G-20; and its energy dialogue with the Russian Federation.
The conference reviewed the oil market outlook, as presented by the Secretary General, in particular supply/demand projections for 2014 as well as the global economic outlook, again noting the high sovereign debt in the Euro-zone; high unemployment in the advanced economies, especially the Euro-zone; and slow growth, coupled with inflation risk, in the emerging economies.
“The biggest challenge facing global oil markets in 2014 is this global economic uncertainty, with the fragility of the Euro-zone remaining a cause for concern,”  it noted.
It said demand for oil is forecast to increase during the year 2014 which will be more than offset by the projected increase in non-OPEC supply. Agreeing on the need to be vigilant, given the uncertainties arising from the enduring weaknesses in the world economy, the conference directed the its secretariat to continue close monitoring of developments in supply and
demand, as well as non-fundamental factors such as speculative activity.

OIL WORKERS THREATEN STRIKE ACTION OVER PLANNED SALE OF REFINERY

 
The Federal Government’s planned sale of the four public refineries was yesterday protested by oil workers in Eleme, Rivers State, as they threatened to declare a nationwide strike, should government go ahead with the planned sale.
The workers under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, said government should rather carry out a comprehensive turn around maintenance on the refineries for optimal performance, vowing to continue to oppose the planned sale because it was anti-Nigeria and anti-people.
NUPENG had earlier at its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Okrika vowed to resist the planned sale of the refineries, insisting that the oil workers would not hesitate to shut down the sector if reason failed to prevail on the government.
Speaking to newsmen on the matter, President of the union, Achese Igwe, expressed shock that Nigeria, as the 6th largest oil producing country, would contemplate selling off its refineries, arguing that they would declare a national strike against the move.
He therefore urged the Federal Government to take steps towards making the refineries function optimally, adding that the government should address the issue of casualisation in some of the multinational oil firms.

WILL DROGBA BE DISCIPLINED FOR PAYING TRIBUTE TO MANDELA?

The two Ivory Coast internationals unveiled their personal messages after Galatasaray’s game against Elazigspor on Friday, their first game after the death of South African icon Mandela.

Chelsea legend Drogba peeled off his shirt at the 2-0 win to reveal a tribute which said: ‘Thank you Madiba’ and former Arsenal defender Eboue’s vest said: ‘Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela.
The Turkish FA (TFF) are planning to summon the Galatasaray pair to appear before the Professional Football Discipline Committee because they had not sought prior permission to display their messages.


It is in contrast to England where games this weekend have been preceded by a minute of applause in celebration of Mandela’s life and his role in ending apartheid in South Africa and transforming the international profile of Africa.
Plans to discipline Drogba and Eboue are certain to attract criticism and fuel debate in Turkey, where the TFF are trying to keep political imagery out of football as directed by FIFA, although it has proved increasingly difficult in a football-crazy nation beset by political tension

CHOI: CHOLERA KILLS 15 PEOPLE IN LAGOS

 Since the recent outbreak of cholera last month in lagos, this is the highest death rate recorded. please lets keep our environments clean and drink clean water. Read on to hear what the experts had to say.

 INFORMATION NIGERIA:
15 deaths have been recorded out of 354 suspected cases of cholera Lagos State, according to Dr. Ismail Abdul-Salam, Consultant Public Health Physician and Epidemiologist with the State Ministry of Health.
Speaking, weekend, at a stakeholders’ forum organised by the State Ministry of the Environment, Office of Environmental Services, Abdul-Salam, who presented a lecture entitled, ‘Prevention and Control of Cholera,’ said the figures were obtained from a study carried out following the outbreak of cholera in the state last month.
“The first case of suspected cholera outbreak in Lagos was reported in September 19, 2013 on Lagos Island and later at Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area.
“As at the 12th week into the outbreak, 15 councils had reported at least one suspected case of cholera with 354 suspected cases.
“There are currently 15 labs and 109 Epilink confirmed cases. Fifteen deaths have been recorded. Case fatality rate is 15 by 124, that is 12 per cent,” he said.
Abdul-Salam noted that the results indicated that majority of the patients ate a local salad popularly called ‘Abacha’, while others were infected due to poor sanitary environment. He however said prompt intervention management of cases at secondary health facilities, and availability of cholera kits and other consumables prevented the disease from spreading.

DIDIER Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue face fines from the Turkish FA after displaying vests bearing tributes to Nelson Mandela.
The two Ivory Coast internationals unveiled their personal messages after Galatasaray’s game against Elazigspor on Friday, their first game after the death of South African icon Mandela.
Chelsea legend Drogba peeled off his shirt at the 2-0 win to reveal a tribute which said: ‘Thank you Madiba’ and former Arsenal defender Eboue’s vest said: ‘Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela’.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/drogba-eboue-face-fines-mandela-tributes/#sthash.7WU1AYjt.dpuf

DIDIER Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue face fines from the Turkish FA after displaying vests bearing tributes to Nelson Mandela.
The two Ivory Coast internationals unveiled their personal messages after Galatasaray’s game against Elazigspor on Friday, their first game after the death of South African icon Mandela.
Chelsea legend Drogba peeled off his shirt at the 2-0 win to reveal a tribute which said: ‘Thank you Madiba’ and former Arsenal defender Eboue’s vest said: ‘Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela’.

Eboue and Drogba

The Turkish FA (TFF) are planning to summon the Galatasaray pair to appear before the Professional Football Discipline Committee because they had not sought prior permission to display their messages.
It is in contrast to England where games this weekend have been preceded by a minute of applause in celebration of Mandela’s life and his role in ending apartheid in South Africa and transforming the international profile of Africa.
Plans to discipline Drogba and Eboue are certain to attract criticism and fuel debate in Turkey, where the TFF are trying to keep political imagery out of football as directed by FIFA, although it has proved increasingly difficult in a football-crazy nation beset by political tension.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/drogba-eboue-face-fines-mandela-tributes/#sthash.7WU1AYjt.dpuf

OJB RETURNS TO NIGERIA AFTER TRANSPLANT

OJB returned a few days ago with his wife after a successful kidney transplant in india four months ago. We wish him quick recovery, hoping he drops a single for us very soon*eyesroling*.

DIDIER Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue face fines from the Turkish FA after displaying vests bearing tributes to Nelson Mandela.
The two Ivory Coast internationals unveiled their personal messages after Galatasaray’s game against Elazigspor on Friday, their first game after the death of South African icon Mandela.
Chelsea legend Drogba peeled off his shirt at the 2-0 win to reveal a tribute which said: ‘Thank you Madiba’ and former Arsenal defender Eboue’s vest said: ‘Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela’.

Eboue and Drogba

The Turkish FA (TFF) are planning to summon the Galatasaray pair to appear before the Professional Football Discipline Committee because they had not sought prior permission to display their messages.
It is in contrast to England where games this weekend have been preceded by a minute of applause in celebration of Mandela’s life and his role in ending apartheid in South Africa and transforming the international profile of Africa.
Plans to discipline Drogba and Eboue are certain to attract criticism and fuel debate in Turkey, where the TFF are trying to keep political imagery out of football as directed by FIFA, although it has proved increasingly difficult in a football-crazy nation beset by political tension.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/drogba-eboue-face-fines-mandela-tributes/#sthash.7WU1AYjt.dpuf

DIDIER Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue face fines from the Turkish FA after displaying vests bearing tributes to Nelson Mandela.
The two Ivory Coast internationals unveiled their personal messages after Galatasaray’s game against Elazigspor on Friday, their first game after the death of South African icon Mandela.
Chelsea legend Drogba peeled off his shirt at the 2-0 win to reveal a tribute which said: ‘Thank you Madiba’ and former Arsenal defender Eboue’s vest said: ‘Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela’.

Eboue and Drogba

The Turkish FA (TFF) are planning to summon the Galatasaray pair to appear before the Professional Football Discipline Committee because they had not sought prior permission to display their messages.
It is in contrast to England where games this weekend have been preceded by a minute of applause in celebration of Mandela’s life and his role in ending apartheid in South Africa and transforming the international profile of Africa.
Plans to discipline Drogba and Eboue are certain to attract criticism and fuel debate in Turkey, where the TFF are trying to keep political imagery out of football as directed by FIFA, although it has proved increasingly difficult in a football-crazy nation beset by political tension.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/drogba-eboue-face-fines-mandela-tributes/#sthash.7WU1AYjt.dpuf

DIDIER Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue face fines from the Turkish FA after displaying vests bearing tributes to Nelson Mandela.
The two Ivory Coast internationals unveiled their personal messages after Galatasaray’s game against Elazigspor on Friday, their first game after the death of South African icon Mandela.
Chelsea legend Drogba peeled off his shirt at the 2-0 win to reveal a tribute which said: ‘Thank you Madiba’ and former Arsenal defender Eboue’s vest said: ‘Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela’.

Eboue and Drogba

The Turkish FA (TFF) are planning to summon the Galatasaray pair to appear before the Professional Football Discipline Committee because they had not sought prior permission to display their messages.
It is in contrast to England where games this weekend have been preceded by a minute of applause in celebration of Mandela’s life and his role in ending apartheid in South Africa and transforming the international profile of Africa.
Plans to discipline Drogba and Eboue are certain to attract criticism and fuel debate in Turkey, where the TFF are trying to keep political imagery out of football as directed by FIFA, although it has proved increasingly difficult in a football-crazy nation beset by political tension.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/drogba-eboue-face-fines-mandela-tributes/#sthash.7WU1AYjt.dpuf

DIDIER Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue face fines from the Turkish FA after displaying vests bearing tributes to Nelson Mandela.
The two Ivory Coast internationals unveiled their personal messages after Galatasaray’s game against Elazigspor on Friday, their first game after the death of South African icon Mandela.
Chelsea legend Drogba peeled off his shirt at the 2-0 win to reveal a tribute which said: ‘Thank you Madiba’ and former Arsenal defender Eboue’s vest said: ‘Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela’.

Eboue and Drogba

The Turkish FA (TFF) are planning to summon the Galatasaray pair to appear before the Professional Football Discipline Committee because they had not sought prior permission to display their messages.
It is in contrast to England where games this weekend have been preceded by a minute of applause in celebration of Mandela’s life and his role in ending apartheid in South Africa and transforming the international profile of Africa.
Plans to discipline Drogba and Eboue are certain to attract criticism and fuel debate in Turkey, where the TFF are trying to keep political imagery out of football as directed by FIFA, although it has proved increasingly difficult in a football-crazy nation beset by political tension.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/drogba-eboue-face-fines-mandela-tributes/#sthash.7WU1AYjt.dpuf

BELIEVE IT OR NOT: THIS ACTRESS STRAPPED HER BABY TO THE BACK

 
This is really not my style but i love that MJO was actually doing it the old way, is it lovely?

Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie who is currently in the United states decided to go the traditional way by strapping her daughter, Purity on her back on a movie set.
The mother of one who is currently shooting the final part of her Baby Oku movie in America .
Mercy took some of her colleagues by surprise.

THE WORST PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE WORLD IS IN MUSHIN AREA OF LAGOS

 The photos below are of Ladipo Primary School in Mushin area of Lagos.
Lagos State boasts the biggest internally-generated revenue, with huge allocation from the Federal Government. However, such discoveries of inhuman learning centers are not rare.


Source: infonigeria


If you think you still have worse schools in your locale , maybe those without roof(eyesrolling), you can share with us at reevolution101@gmail.com and we will be glad to share it right here.

IGBO LEADERS MEET TO STRATEGISE FOR NATIONAL CONFAB

 

A cross section of Igbo leaders in the South East geo-political zone met in Enugu on Thursday to build a consensus in preparation for the proposed national dialogue.
Speaking during the Igbo Political Summit organised by the South East Peoples Development Association, the National Chairman of the association, Sam Egwu, said it was to harmonise a common and strong voice at the confab.
Mr. Egwu, a former governor of Ebonyi State, said the summit would also draw a road map for the 2015 general elections.
“We want to come together so that we can have a common voice on issues concerning our zone at the forthcoming national conference.
“We do not want a situation where the zone will have divided opinions.
“Other zones are working tirelessly over this issue so, we want to harmonise the position of the South East,’’ he said.
Also speaking, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Gary Igariwe, lamented the lack of cooperation among some Igbo leaders over the conference.
He pledged to work with other stakeholders from the zone to represent the interest of the people.

A frontline politician, Mbazurike Amechi, urged the people of the zone to harmonise their views in fairness, equity and justice.

In a speech, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, the wife of late Nigerian President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, appealed to the stakeholders to represent the interest of women during the conference.
“We must involve women in all the things we are doing especially in the forthcoming conference,’’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that issues that were discussed at the summit included state creation, citizenship and state police.
Some of the dignitaries at the summit included former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Okwesilieze Nwodo, the National Chairman of the United Peoples Party (UPP) Chekwas Okorie, and former Deputy Governor of Anambra, Virgy Etiaba.

(NAN)

SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD MOURNS MANDELA

As the world mourns Madiba, a 10 day mourning has been declared in honour of South African icon, Nelson Mandela, after which a befitting State funeral would be conducted to lay his body to the Earth.
According to CNN, plans will unfold over the next 10 days, culminating in a state funeral to be broadcast to millions worldwide and a very private farewell for those closest to him.
Also President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared a  three days mourning for the South African icon.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President, Reuben Abati, an instruction was given that flags are to be flown at half-mast across the country during the period.
President Jonathan also urged all Nigerians to unite in solidarity with the brotherly people of South Africa as they mourn the great liberator, freedom fighter and hero of the black race.

Also, Actors Morgan Freeman and Idris Elba, who both portrayed Nelson Mandela in the movies, were among many figures from the entertainment world who paid tribute to the South African anti-apartheid hero who died on Thursday.
Freeman, who got to know the charismatic Mandela in the 1990s and portrayed him in the 2009 drama “Invictus,” said he was “a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind.”
The American actor added: “As we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we’ve come, but on how far we have to go. Madiba may no longer be with us, but his journey continues on with me and with all of us.”

Elba, a British actor and rapper, who starred in this year’s biopic “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” said, “What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world.”
U.S. filmmaker Harvey Weinstein, whose company has distribution rights for the film, said he had been “unspeakably fortunate to have been immersed in Nelson Mandela’s story and legacy.” He said he had spent time with Mandela, adding, “I can say his sense of humor was as great as his optimism.”
Oscar-winning South African-born actress Charlize Theron tweeted: “My thoughts and love go out to the Mandela family. Rest in Peace Madiba. You will be missed, but your impact on this world will live forever.”
Bono, the Irish rock star and anti-poverty activist who has campaigned in many African countries, said in a statement: “It was as if he was born to teach the age a lesson in humility, in humour and above all else in patience.
“In the end, Nelson Mandela showed us how to love rather than hate, not because he had never surrendered to rage or violence, but because he learnt that love would do a better job.”
Veteran comedian and actor Bill Cosby and his wife, Camille, said Mandela had “surrounded us with his graciousness, care and respect after we lost our son, Ennis,” who was murdered.
“Moreover, it was an honor to sit alongside him on the bed of his former prison cell; as he triumphantly spoke about his survival and the courage of his supporters,” the Cosbys said.
Soul singer Aretha Franklin said, “Most extraordinary was how he rose above his being imprisoned and exalted himself above apartheid and hatred to unite the country, an unbelievable example of humanitarianism and courage.”
World No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods said: “I got a chance to meet him with my father (Earl) back in ’98. He invited us to his home, and it was one of the most inspiring times I’ve ever had in my life.”

FIRST EVER FEMALE BISHOP ORDAINED IN IRELAND & UK

 
The first woman bishop in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland has been installed by the Anglican Church.
The Rev Pat Storey, 53, former rector of St Augustine’s in Derry, made history when she was chosen by the Church of Ireland as the new Bishop of Meath and Kildare.
The married mother of two was ordained at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin during a service led by the Archbishop of Dublin, The Most Rev Dr Michael Jackson.
The Rev Nigel Parker, guest preacher, paid tribute to her.
“Pat, it has been our privilege over the years to see you respond to our Father’s love with love, trust and obedience,” he said to Bishop Storey during the service.
“You have given yourself whole-heartedly to Him and His Church, serving His people as a deacon and priest - teaching the Scriptures and pastoring with that disarming directness, which is your hallmark - a directness, which speaks the truth in love, with a ready laugh and delightful sense of humour.
You have demonstrated your love for the Father in your hard work, impeccable organisation and evangelistic heart, which longs to see people come into the family of God, through the completed work of Jesus Christ.
“You have shown your care and thoughtfulness to many, not least your family, Earl, Carolyn and Luke, and to us, your friends.
“So today (on Sunday), it is our privilege to pray for you, as the Lord Jesus calls you to a deeper life of sacrificial service, calls you to consecrate yourself to Him, His Church and His cause.’
Bishop Storey is married to the Rev Earl Storey - who gave a reading during the service - and they have two adult children Luke, 22, and Carolyn, 25, and son-in-law Peter.
She grew up in Belfast and studied French and English at Trinity College, Dublin, before training at the Church of Ireland Theological College.
She was ordained a deacon in 1997 and a priest the following year, serving a curacy in Ballymena, a team vicar in Glenavy, and as a part-time youth worker co-ordinator.
Bishop Storey was rector of St Augustine’s in Derry since 2004 until her appointment was passed by the House of Bishops in September, four months after the Episcopal Electoral College had failed to elect a successor.

CATHOLICS WILL GO TO HELL, THEY WORSHIP SATAN -SAYS OKOTIE

 
This is what Chris Okotie had to tell his members yesterday , yes he actually said Catholics will go to hell

PM NEWS:
Catholics in the world will go to hell because they worship Satan and are led by an Anti-Christ Pope who is a friend to the devil, Nigeria’s controversial preacher and former presidential candidate, Chris Okotie, told his congregation on Sunday, leaving members bewildered.
 Catholic church is “a counterfeit church set up by Satan” and that Catholics “bow to idols and crucify Jesus every Sunday when they eat bread claiming they are eating Jesus’ body.”
“They are not Christians and have never been,” Okotie told a stunned congregation.
“They don’t know Jesus. They believe that when they eat bread on Sundays, they are eating the body of Jesus. It’s ritual,” Okotie said.
He said Pope Francis is an Anti-Christ who does the job of the devil and that time is fast approaching when the Catholic church will pledge allegiance to Satan.
“The pope is an Anti-Christ and the Catholic church will soon declare for Satan. This is the end of times,” Okotie erupted.

Chris OKotie: Catholics will go to hell

He advised members of his church to come to the rescue of Catholics and evangelise them.
This, he said, was not out of disrespect but out of respect for the word of God.
He said those who know the truth should bring it to those who do not know it in the Catholic Church.
Okotie said one of the Catholic most revered Popes, Pope John Paul 11, surrendered the Catholic Church to Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus Christ, instead of Jesus himself. He said even the current Pope Francis has also done same.
He said Catholics are not Christians and do not worship the same Christ that he preaches in his church, at least the one spoken about in the Bible.
Okotie said he did not write the Bible but it was clear to him that those in the Catholic church were lost and were heading to hell fire.
“They don’t believe in heaven. They believe in purgatory, the purgatory that they invented,” Okotie said.
“That church, the Catholic church has been there for Satan and at the right time, they will declare for Satan,”Okotie said.
Okotie who has been married twice and divorced also twice said a beauty pageant will take place in his church next Sunday to select the most beautiful woman in his church.
He also said his yearly “Grace programme” where he makes donations to charity organisations will also take place next Sunday.
The once rock star turned celebrity preacher and politician has been controversial for years.
He once said it was the devil who told him for the first time that he was going to be a preacher.
He also said Nigeria’s famous preacher Prophet T.B. Joshua is the son of the devil and his followers will go straight to hell.
In recent years, he has been saying that God has anointed him to be Nigeria’s president. That prophecy has not come to pass in two presidential elections that he participated in.

BOKO HARAM ATTACKS AIRFORCE BASE AND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN BORNO

According to news reports, the Composite Group Air Force Base in Maiduguri, the Maiduguri  International and other places in Borno State were attacked in the early hours of this morning by gunmen believed to members of Boko Haram. The gunmen, said to be over 300, attacked with heavy artillery including Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers.

Several people were killed by the explosives which the terrorist planted in targeted areas, including the newly constructed trailer park along Damaturu- Maiduguri road, military check points, residential and public buildings. Some Boko Haram members and securities operatives were killed in the attack.

The attack this morning has prompted a 24-hour curfew in the city. Only vehicles on emergency calls and essential services are allowed to move for now.