PICTURESTORY: FEMI KUTI, JOE-ODUMAKIN, JIDE KOSOKO & OTHER CELEBRITIES STAGE PROTEST IN LAGOS

A protest took place yesterday in Lagos, it was lead by celebrities and members of civil society group. The large crowd of protesters include Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti, Yoruba movie star, Jide Kosoko, leader of Women Arise civil society group, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Iyabo Ojo, Ayo Badmus, Doris Simon, Foluke Daramola and several activists and entertainment artistes. The group staged a walk to the Lagos State Government secretariat in Ikeja where they met with the Lagos state governor SAN Babatunde Raji Fashola. More pictures below:

DONALD STERLING RENDERS PUBLIC APOLOGY , SEEKS ANOTHER CHANCE AT NBA

Donald Sterling

Donald Sterling has apologized for his racist comments which was aired over two weeks ago on the social media. He was fined and banned for his remarks. According to Sterling in an interview with CNN reporter Cooper,

"When I listen to that tape, I don't even know how I can say words like that. ... I don't know why the girl had me say those things," he told CNN's Anderson Cooper in an exclusive interview.

FG EXPLORING ALL OPTIONS FOR CHIBOK RELEASE

Since the release of the last video by the Boko haram Sect there has been alot of uproar from the Public. The Federal Government in other to douse public concerns addressed the public yesterday,reiterating its commitment to the release of the abducted girls.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Mr Mike Omeri said that the federal government is studying a video purportedly from the sect, showing the Chibok school girls.

He also noted that the “government will continue to explore all options for the release and safe return of our girls back to their homes” and asked Nigerians to disregard an “earlier report by a section of the media purported to have been issued by government”.

The Director, Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade added that the military is carrying out surveillance of the area and offering intelligence support to the joint task force in the north east. See more details and pictures below:

DSS REVEALS NYANYA BOMB BLAST BOMBERS

The Department of State Service(DSS) has revealed the pictures of the five men above in connection with the Nyanya bomb blast on the 14th of April, 2014. 

The names of the perpetrators include  Ahmad Rufai Abubakar, Muhammadu Sani Ishaq, Adamu Yusuf, Yau Saidu and Anas Isah.

During the briefing in Abuja, the DSS declared Rufai Abubakar Tsiga and Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche wanted for allegedly masterminding the bombing. The DSS also announced a whooping sum  of 25 million Naira as a reward for anybody with useful information on their whereabouts. see more photos below

DORA AKUNYILI'S HEALTH WORSENS, MAYBE FLOWN TO INDIA

The Former DG of NAFDAC Dora Akunyili may have to spend more time in the hospital as the health of Mrs Akunyili may have worsened. 

It has been reported that she has not shown up for the delegates meeting for several weeks. A family friend had told Reporters that Mrs. Akunyili was diagnosed with cancer last year and stated that she had spent several months in the US receiving treatment. Presently, Mrs. Akunyili’s condition have worsened a few days ago, prompting her  hospitalization at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja.

Efforts are currently being made by officials of the foreign affairs ministry to secure an Indian visa for her as soon as possible because her doctor says any delay might be risky.

Mrs Akunyili who has been sick for a while, but showed up at the on-going conference in Abuja few weeks ago, where she thanked the public for their concern said she was getting better.

Let us Pray for her recovery.

ISREALI EXPERTS TO JOIN IN THE SEARCH FOR CHIBOK GIRLS

The Israelis have also joined in the team of international communities aiding in the search for the missing chibok Girls, this was conveyed in a statement by Ruben Abati. The offer was extended by the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Benjamin Netanyahn, on Sunday during a phone conversation between the two presidents.

The statement noted “Israel’s total condemnation of the mass abductions” and revealed that “a team of experts from his country who will soon arrive in Nigeria will work in collaboration with the teams from the United States and Britain who are already in the country and their Nigerian counterparts to intensify the search for the girls”.

Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s willingness to give the government and people of Nigeria all possible support and assistance to overcome terrorism and insecurity.

CHIBOK GIRLS:Dr. Okonjo-Iweala in an interview with ABC News said-" I am tired of the same stories"

The Minister of Finance when cornered on Friday by an ABC news reporter about the Missing Chibok Girls, she said,"I’m tired of the same stories,”.

She seemed not to be ready for the unplanned interview but she gave explanations on the effort of the government to bring back the girls, and also the help of the international community. watch the video above.

CHIBOK ABDUCTION: BOKO HARAM CONVERTS GIRL'S TO ISLAM, DEMANDS EXCHANGE

A recent video resurfaced today showing about 100 of the Kidnapped girls reciting the Koran and all covered in hijab and the terrorist leader saying they have been converted to Islam.

 The Video which was released by the French news agency Agence France-Presse was shot in a nondescript bush area. From the video, the girls looked calm and were unhurt. The leader of the terrorist group Abubakar Shekau has demanded exchange for the girls for members of the sect who are in custody of the security agencies.

The girls were seen making declarations of faith,"Praise be to Allah, the lord of the world," the girls in the video chant. This is the first time the image of the abducted girls are shown since they were kidnapped last month, 14 April.

We will wait and see if the government negotiates with terrorists.

BOKO HARAM BOMBS ANOTHER BRIDGE, STEAL FOODSTUFFS

Despite the State of emergency in Borno state the attacks have been incessant, according to reports the Boko Haram sect struck in the early hours of Saturday(10th may) blowing up the bridge linking Borno state and Adamawa state, this has been confirmed by the Nigerian military and residents in the area. 

According to sahara reports, members of the insurgent sect have continued their rampage in isolated towns in the northeast. Yesterday, Boko Haram militants also attacked residents of Limankara community in Gwoza local government area of Borno State,  burning more than 300 houses. Limankara is in the southern part of Borno State, about 147 kilometers from Maiduguri.

A source in the town said the residence of the district head of Limankara was one of the homes burnt down by the rampaging insurgents. The district head is the father of the Borno State Commissioner of Trade and Commerce.

One resident, Titus Musa, said the insurgents took away his car. He added that they also hauled away “over three thousands bags of foodstuffs and 10 vehicles.” Another source in the community said the Boko Haram members torched a church belonging to the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN).

“We are helpless,” one of the residents said We don't deserve this. Let the government do something fast about these demons before they finish [off] our generations.”

CHIBOK GIRLS: LIST OF 53 ESCAPED GIRL'S OUT

The list of the 53 Chibok schoolgirls who escaped from Boko Haram captivity has been released. This includes the girls who got away on the night of the abduction 14th April, as well as those who escaped from the camps. There were controversy on their religious identities but the list shows there are 7 Muslims and 46 Christians. Also like the 180 list released by CAN the Christians are more , if you missed the story Read here

This is according to information provided by their parents. see names below:

CHIBOK ABDUCTION: GOVERNOR SHETTIMA SPEAKS, DECLARES 3DAYS FASTING FOR THEIR RESCUE

“Though it is sad that some individuals were questioning the genuineness of the abduction case, it is callous for any individual to think that we just created the story that our girls have been abducted,” Mr. Shettima said. These are the words of Borno State Governor yesterday, he also expressed gratitude to the US and called on all to join in the three days fasting for the chibok girls. Read details below

Mr. Shettima also expressed happiness that the U.S. had gotten involved in the rescue efforts.
“We are calling on all Muslims and Christians to embark on a three-day fasting to seek God help towards rescuing our girls. All of us must fast because we worship the same God,” Mr. Shettima said.

CHIBOK ABDUCTION: THE OBAMAS "OUTRAGED AND HEARTBROKEN" SAYS MICHELLE OBAMA

US First Lady Michelle Obama,in the weekly address today at the white house has described the Chibok abduction as Outrageous,she said it is a pattern of threats and intimidation to prevent young girls from pursuing their education.
She said she and her husband Barack Obama were "outraged and heartbroken" over the abduction on 14 April of more than 200 girls from their school.

She was speaking instead of her husband in the weekly presidential address.

Mrs Obama, who was speaking ahead of Mother's Day in the US on Sunday, said the girls reminded her and her husband of their own daughters.

"What happened in Nigeria was not an isolated incident. It's a story we see every day as girls around the world risk their lives to pursue their ambitions," she said.

She cited the case of Pakistani schoolgirl and campaigner Malala Yousafzai, who was shot and wounded by the Taliban for speaking out for girls' education.

"The courage and hope embodied by Malala and girls like her around the world should serve as a call to action," Mrs Obama said.

It is unusual for a US first lady to make outspoken foreign policy remarks, but Mrs Obama has campaigned for the girls' release.

Michelle Obama has often appeared on the weekly broadcast alongside her husband, but today she was seen making the speech alone for the first time.

CHIBOK ABDUCTION: NIGERIA MILITARY FAULTS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL'S ALLEGATIONS

The Nigerian military, yesterday faulted the Amnesty international report that the Military were pre-informed before the Chibok attack on April 14. The Director of Defence information, Chris Olukolade  said in a statement that the allegation by Amnesty International is very “unfortunate and untrue”.‬ According to report by premuim times,

‪Mr. Olukolade noted that while the Nigerian military appreciates global concern with Nigeria, falsehood must be avoided.‬

‪Stating that AI’s report was unfounded, Mr. Olukolade said that troops in Maiduguri did not receive four hours warning before the attack.‬

‪He said that the Nigerian military had rather received information of an ongoing attack on Chibok community from troops on patrol.‬

‪He said the troops on noting the attack engaged the terrorists and called for more reinforcement to contain them.‬

"I DO NOT SLEEP WITH MY TWO EYES CLOSED" SAYS PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan said he can no longer sleep with his two eyes closed since the abduction of the Chibok girls. He said this at the just Concluded world economic forum on friday,he also expressed belief that the girls are still within the Nigeria borders and will be found. He also explained that the military reaction to the attack was not slow but was rather a misconception. Read what he said below..

 “Let me also use this unique opportunity to thank all of you who have shown commitment and concern those of you in Nigeria and those of you outside this country to continue to press on that these terrorists must bring back our girls.

“And they have no choice because I am quite pleased that the whole world is signing the same message that they must bring back our girls.

“And there is no where they will take this girls to, they have no hiding place, we must work with the global community that is quite keen to make sure that we bring back this girls.

“We plead with the parents as a father and the President of this country, I feel pained and I don’t sleep with my two eyes closed and I will not sleep with my two eyes closed until these girls are brought safely back to their parents. Continue below

AUTHORITIES IN BORNO STATE RECEIVED ALERTS ABOUT THE CHIBOK ATTACK- SAYS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Amnesty international has gathered various information that shows that the Borno government, Security agencies in Maiduguri were aware of the Chibok attack fours before the members of the Boko Haram took the Girls. The hours between  7:00 p.m. on April 14 and 2:00 a.m. on April 15, the military commands in Damboa, 36.5 km away from Chibok, and Maiduguri, 130 km away from Chibok, were repeatedly alerted to the threat by both security and local officials but did not do anything about it. Read full text below:

NIGERIA HAVE SQUANDERED HER OIL WEALTH AND HELPS CORRUPTION UNDER JONATHAN'S WATCH SAYS HILARY CLINTON

Mrs. Hillary Clinton, the former US Secretary of State in separate events in New York City said the Nigerian government under President Goodluck Jonathan, squandered its oil resources, and indirectly helps corruption to fester in the troubled country.

Clinton spoke with ABC-TV’s Robin Roberts on American national television, and also at a public function organized by the International Crisis Group. Later, the former Senator and First Lady made other critical remarks concerning Nigeria at a philanthropy parley, as she was widely quoted by several American media outlets, including CNN.

Clinton stated the following position in the New York events she attended, challenging the credibility and quality of the country's leadership under President Jonathan's watch.

"The seizure of these young women by this radical, extremist group, Boko Haram, is abominable, it’s criminal, it’s an act of terrorism, and it really merits the fullest response possible, first and foremost from the government of Nigeria,” Clinton told ABC-TV. “The government of Nigeria has been, in my view, somewhat derelict in its responsibility toward protecting boys and girls, men and women in northern Nigeria over the last years,” she said.

SUPER EAGLES MOVE TO 44TH POSITION IN RECENT FIFA WORLD RANKING

With the Brazil World Cup by the corner, FIFA has released its recent ranking yesterday. 
Some Countries were seen to have stepped down the ladder while some others stepped Including our very own World cup host Brazil who moved up on a double taking the No 4 position and Nigeria moving one step ahead to the 44th position.

The Super Eagles were ranked 45th in last month's rankings improved with 35 days to the 2014 Fifa World Cup.
The reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions' position on the continent remains unchanged at sixth, still behind Cape Varde who are ranked fifth.

NO PLANS TO SEND COMBAT TROOPS- SAYS USA

According to popular make belief that the US is sending in combat troops into the Nigerian soil has been refuted by the Pentagon. Yes, the US is helping out but with military intelligence. The US officials who will be arriving Nigeria today are seven in number and they will join advisers supporting local efforts to find the girls abducted three weeks ago, said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, who serves as Pentagon press secretary. In the Words of Kirby, he said

There are no plans to send American combat troops, according to Kirby.

"Our interagency team is hitting the ground in Nigeria now and they are going to be working ... with President Goodluck Jonathan's government to do everything that we possibly can to return these girls," Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday afternoon.

Their tasks include establishing a "coordination cell" at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja to provide intelligence, investigations and hostage negotiation expertise.

The United States' team will include law enforcement experts and military advisers. France and Britain have also pledge their help to Nigeria but none have said specifically what kind of expertise they are bringing in.

British satellites and advanced tracking capabilities also will be used, and China has promised to provide any intelligence gathered by its satellite network.

culled from cnn

ANC WINS SOUTH AFRICAN ELECTION

President Jacob Zuma

President Jacob Zuma wins South Africa presidential election today for the second time.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) swept toward victory in South Africa's fifth post-apartheid election on Thursday, handing President Jacob Zuma the clout to push through pro-business reforms in the face of union and leftist opposition.

The ANC, the liberation movement that swept to power two decades ago under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, had won 63 percent of Wednesday's vote with 85 percent of districts counted, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said.

VATICAN SPEAKS: APPEALS FOR CHIBOK GIRLS TO BE RELEASED

VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican issued an urgent appeal Thursday (May 8) for the release of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.


“The denial of any kind of respect for life and for the dignity of human beings, even the most innocent, vulnerable and defenseless, calls for the strongest condemnation,” Lombardi said.The abduction of the young girls three weeks ago was the latest instance of the “horrible forms of violence” for which the militant Islamic group has become known in Nigeria, said the Vatican’s chief spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi.

He added that the kidnappings aroused the most heartfelt feelings of compassion for the victims and a sense of horror for the physical and spiritual suffering and the incredible humiliation they have suffered.

culled from Religious News