BIG TROUBLE: I DREAMT OF A MILITARY COUP

I found this article quite revealing and it got me thinking,"what if". Read and decide...

Perhaps it was the marathon of information on the coup in Thailand that I ingested before I dozed off… or perhaps it was the unseating of an inner desire—Freud says that urges and desires that are repressed to function normally in society are released by the unconscious during dreaming. Either way, here’s what I experienced:

It was business as usual in Nigeria that day; 32 killed in Borno, 2 villages burned with more farmers forced to abandon their land, the Senate was meekly going after Diezani and Diezani was going after the Senate while the masses were still being ripped off of $4 million a day being pocketed by Diezani and her cronies in the old-news kerosene subsidy scam.

Jonathan was telling some foreigners about his transformation, how Dangote was now the 15th richest man in the world and Nigerian cabal had the most private jets of any African nation and perhaps any nation in the entire world. He wasexplaining how Nigerians could not be poor because they gave the most donations in Church as illustrated by the wealth of their Pastors.
Cement was still sold at thrice the world average that day; there was no electricity and no water came out the rusty tap when I tried to wash my hands... Continue after the cut

" WE ARE NOT ASHAMED TO BE CALLED THE CHURCH OF THE RICH" BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO

Bishop David Oyedepo,Founder, Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, in an interview with Saturday Punch talks about the church, why there are many rich people in church, how this can translate to Nigerians and also about his private jets. See part of the interview below,

Why are there so many rich people in Winners?
Because they know better than their contemporaries. If you don’t know what you have, you won’t know if you are deprived of it. The Bible is an open chequebook, it is by revelation we access what belongs to us; by faith we take delivery of it. Someone had access to our empowerment programme and she is a pepper seller, while others sell one basket a day, she sells six, seven. I learnt she had become the envy of all the pepper sellers in her area. Such person has an understanding that whatever she does, she prospers and she knows that when she pays her tithe, she experiences open heavens. But in case people don’t know, they perish for lack of knowledge, and in case they think when you are rich you miss heaven, then they perish for lack of knowledge.

So, it’s right when people claim that this church is only for the rich?

It’s for all the people who believe that Jesus already paid for them to be rich. And those who don’t believe, when they come they start believing when they see it happen in a lot of people’s lives. And we are not ashamed to be called the church of the rich. If they call your family poor, will you be excited? Nobody would be excited. Even when a family is poor, they hate to be called poor. No man in his right mind enjoys being called poor, and nobody truly wants to be poor, people may pretend. Which is more honourable between being a giver and a beggar? Most of us came in very poor, but the light of God’s word came on us and we walked out of poverty in grand style into wealth and riches.

GOBE!!! EJIGBO PEPPER SELLER CASE, VICTIM'S FAMILY SAY THEY AREN'T SURE IF JULIANA IS DEAD

According to Saharareports, the Family of the victims in the famous case of the Ejigbo pepper torture, rape, and alleged murder case, have begun withdrawing their claim that one of the victims, Juliana Agonman, had died. Saharareporters learned of this development from sources familiar with investigations in the matter today.

The sources said the ‘new claim’ had shocked all parties, including the civil society organizations that had been sympathetic to their plight since the attacks.

The family, led by the palm wine tapper, Mr. Freeman Agonman, in a new testimony to police investigators, said, he “wasn't sure the victim that was mostly tortured in the well circulated clip is actually dead.” He said, rather, that she had “suddenly been missing” from where she was taken for treatment in their hometown, at Ajase, in Porto Novo, the Benin Republic. Continue to read after the cut....

#BRINGBACKOURGIRLS: FG SHOULD NEGOTIATE WITH BOKO HARAM SAYS ABIKE DABIRI-EREWA

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman House Committee on Diaspora, has asked the Federal Government to dialogue with Boko Haram in order to have its abducted girls back. Abike Dabiri who spoke in lagos said the delay on the negotiation could be dangerous. See her words in parts, also click on the video to hear what she said;

“Negotiate with them so that we can get these girls back. Thereafter, anything can happen but at this point in time I think the only way out is negotiation to get this girls back safe and sound, and I see no reason why not.

“For a long time, we remain in denial as a people, the Federal Government remained in denial that’s where we are today. So at this point in time, negotiate with them because you cant just go there and kill them, they will kill the girls.

Question: Should the FG negotiate with boko haram?

REAL MADRID VS ATLETICO MADRID, WHO TAKES THE TITTLE

Real Madrid will be facing across town neighbour Atletico madrid today in the UEFA league finals at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal by 2:45pm.

Who wears the Crown? I see Real Madrid taking the title, Whats your take?

PRESIDENT JONATHAN HANDS OVER SIGNED BUDGET

The president has handed over the signed 2014 budget this friday morning. The budget was signed two days back but was officially handed to the finance minister today for implementation.  Though the budget is said to have some few distortions but will be rectified by lawmakers in the following weeks. 

The National Assembly raised the amount in the document from the N4.642 trillion submitted by the President to N4.695 trillion.

"PROTEST SHOULD BE DIRECTED AT THE TERRORIST" SAYS PRESIDENT JONATHAN

Yesterday, during the Bring Back Our girls protest in Abuja, the president sent some top government officials to meet with the protesters half way instead of heading to the presidential villa as they planned. The president sent a message telling, the protesters to unite with the government to fight boko haram, he also told the protesters to take their protest to the boko haram sect not the government that the government should not be blamed for the attacks. See the statements in parts below;

"Government believes that we all must come together to fight terrorism and that protests should be directed at the terrorists who have abducted our innocent daughters and deprived them of a place at the fountain of freedom in our country.

When terrorists see Nigerians turn on each other in blame it gives them a huge morale boost. We must never lose sight of the fact that terrorists are the real enemy.

We must be careful not to politicize the campaign against terrorism. When a bomb goes off in Kabul, Afghanistan, the people of Afghanistan do not blame the government, they blame the terrorists. When a bomb goes off in Baghdad, Iraq, the people of Iraq do not blame the government, they blame the terrorists. When a bomb goes off in Islamabad, Pakistan, the people of Pakistan do not blame the government, they blame the terrorists. When a bomb goes off in Nigeria, we must all unite to fight the terrorists. This is the task of this generation. Our daughters must be freed to come home to their parents and loved ones".

"PRESIDENT JONATHAN MAY BE NIGERIA'S LAST PRESIDENT" SAYS ORJI UZOR KALU

PHOTOCREDIT: LIB

The Former Governor of Abia state, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, who spoke to the airport correspondents yesterday when he returned after a brief trip from the UK . He said, if things are not properly checked politically, President Jonathan might be the last president Nigeria will have. He is quoted as saying,

"When I was travelling precisely on the 26 of April, I left this airport and I spoke to the airport correspondents and I said there was a need to collaborate with international organisations. You see, this issue is not about President Goodluck Jonathan. If we don’t take time and work together as Nigerians, Jonathan might be the last Nigerian President. Jonathan might be the Gorbachev of Nigeria. And that is the truth, so we better wake up. Political class, business class, military, civilians must now stand up to work for our internal security. Internal security is more important than anything we have done and I believe that once we are able to come together Nigeria will be alright. As of now the country is in pains; the country is in problem and some people are taking it very lightly.
We are suffering from pains of our people; we are suffering from pains of the Nigerian system. This is not about which part of the country you come from, it is about Nigeria. Nigerian people should take what is happening seriously and I am surprised that the political class and the private sector are still joking with this matter. This is a serious matter. Anybody’s child can be kidnapped; whether it is at Chibok or any other place, Nigerian should take this matter seriously. Can you imagine how many Nigerians that have been killed; how many of us that have been wounded. I want people to be as wise as my grandmother. I want people to take this matter seriously. Those girls kidnapped are our sisters; they are our daughters. It is because none of us has lost anybody that is why to some people; it is looking like a joke. We should stop taking this as a joke and take the matter very seriously in order to move forward.

We should not lose what we have. We should be able to come together as one family and fight because if we don’t take time; I repeat it for the second time, Jonathan will be the last president of the name Nigeria. Government can negotiate formerly or informally. It can send agents to negotiate on its behalf without getting involved. The US does this in Afghanistan and other places. It can negotiate formerly or informally” he said

N200 MILLION ANNUAL PAY, HOUSE, CARS, FURNITURE FOR GOV. AKPABIO AFTER 2015

Millions of naira may soon be pockted annually by the outgoing governor of Akwa-Ibom state, deputy and all other elected governors to come after him if the new proposed bill in the state is passed into Law.

According to premiumtimes, Barely a year to his exit from office, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has initiated a law to enable him pocket a whooping N200 million in annual pay after his tenure expires.

Mr. Akpabio is also demanding other benefits including a new house, brand new cars, furniture and luxurious living for the rest of his life.

Based on Section 1(1) of the bill, “An indigene of the state who has held office as a democratically elected governor or deputy governor of former Cross River State and a person who has held office as a democratically elected governor or deputy governor of the state shall when he ceases to hold office be entitled,” to the new perks.

Under the proposed law, Mr. Akpabio and others listed in Section 1(1) are entitled to a monthly pension for life at the rate equivalent to his current salary.

Similarly, the serving deputy governor, Valerie Ebe, is entitled to a monthly pension for life at the rate of her current salary.

Mr. Akpabio and his deputy; Mrs. Ebe will therefore pocket a total of N2, 223, 705. 00; and N2, 112, 215, 00 respectively as monthly and a total of N26, 684, 460,00 and N25, 346, 580 respectively as pension, per annum. Continue, see more figures after the cut

PICTURES OF SOME OF THE UNIJOS STUDENTS WHO WERE KILLED IN THE BLAST

This is a picture of some of the University of Jos students who were killed in the Boko haram bomb blast on Wednesday afternoon. The students were on their way home after lectures closed  for the day when the bomb exploded.   

May their Gentle Soul Rest in Peace. We should also pray for the peace of our nation so we don't lose the future of our country.

ANOTHER MUTINY IN MAIMALARI BARRACKS,SOLDIERS DEMANDS ALLOWANCE

There has been another mutiny by the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army located at Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri on Thursday afternoon. This is the same division that protested over the killing of about a hundred soldiers who died in Chibok which led to the removal of the then Commanding officer. The angry soldiers stormed the office of the new General Commanding Officer, Brigadier General M.Y. Ibrahim, demanding their allowances and that he reinstates Motorbikes and Tricycles(keke) which he banned to enable them move around the barracks with ease.

According to Saharareports, several sources in the barracks said the soldiers’ second act of mutiny in two weeks began around 3:00 p.m. (Nigerian time). The angry soldiers blew a whistle, and most of the rank and file gathered at a spot before they marched en masse to the 7th Division headquarters building where the GOC’s office is located. Continue after the cut...

NIGERIAN MILITARY DENIES GENOCIDE OPERATION IN BORNO STATE

The military has denied that any form genocide is been carried out by the army, if you did not read the story see it here.
In a statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen Chris Olukolade, he said the military is not involved in any genocide in any part of the country. Read the statement below;

"The DHQ wishes to unequivocally dissociate the Nigerian military from any involvement in the alleged genocide as depicted in the graphic pictures which appeared in the front page of Blueprint newspapers of 22 May 2014 edition entitled, “Alleged Killing field in Borno”.

While the military will continue to respect freedom of expression of Nigerians, it will not submit to desperate blackmail and propaganda aimed at diverting attention and pitching public opinion against the armed forces. continue after the cut...

COUP: THE MILITARY TAKES OVER THAILAND

Thailand Army chief, General Prayut Chan-Ocha, has announced that the military has taken over the country. This followed after a two days negotiation with the navy, senators and other stakeholders failed to yield results, General Ocha, would be in power till a new leader is elected. part of his statement reads

"It is necessary for the Peace and Order Maintaining Command - which includes army, navy, armed forces and police - to take control of governing the country," Chan-Ocha said.

Thailand has been in constant violence since November 2013, when the public asked the Prime minister to resign. The last six months have been full of protest against the government which led to the coup. The military has thrown out the 2007 constitution except for the section 2 which acknowledges the king as the head of state. 

This is the 12th Coup in the history of Thailand since it became a constitutional Monarchy in 1932.
The military has also imposed a curfew on the citizens between 10pm to 5 am. And also some stations have been removed off air from broadcasting the Thai situation including Cnn, while other stations were asked to carry only the signal of the army television

GORY IMAGES : GENOCIDE IN BORNO

This story and pictures made round ealier today dont know how true it is. Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Mahmu Gumi, a Muslim cleric shared this on his facebook page, he claims the men lined up are young Almajiris who were executed without trial as Boko Haram members in Borno state. 

Dr. Ahmad claims vigilante groups would move into the villages, pick young men, take them to the field and kill them. He said this is how some innocent people are killed in the name of fighting Boko Haram. He shared four photos some photos below. They are gory images, viewers discretion advised....see photos below

"HALF OF A YELLOW SUN": SEGUN ARINZE ASK NFVCB DIRECTOR TO RESIGN

Yesterday, i published an article which Biyi Bandele the director of half of a yellow sun wrote, why Nigerians can't watch "half of a yellow sun"(click on the link to read). Biyi like everyone else is wondering why we cant go to the cinemas to seethe movie this movie even after the director of NFVCB, Mrs Bala was in Canada to watch it during the premier.

This is the Biggest movie written by a Nigerian, produced by a Nigerian, for Nigrians, we are telling our story by ourselves and we are not allowed to see it in Nigeria. Some say it is not been released because of the story it tells about the Nigerian civil war but it is our history and the younger generation should know their story.

Following the refusal by Mrs director to release the movie, Mr Segun Arinze, the former president of Actors Guild of Nigeria has called for the resignation of the Director of NFVCB(Nigeria Film & Video censors Board) Mrs Patricia Bala. His statement  below;

Please tell Madam Patricia Bala of Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board to release the movie Half of a Yellow Sun. She has no reason to hold on to the movie. She has no right to censor the movie only to classify it. She saw it in Canada and even partnered with the producers in Canada during the premiere. What she is doing now is an embarrassment to government and a big insult to our dear industry, Nollywood. We are not in a military regime. She should kindly resign'. - Segun Arinze

CHIBOK ABDUCTION: NIGERIAN ARMY RECRUITS VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ARMY

The Nigerian army has announced the recruitment of volunteer soldiers that will aid in the search for the missing Chibok girls as well as help in the fight against Boko Haram insurgence, this is according to channelstv. In a press briefing, the Director of Public Affairs said the recruitment exercise will end on June 21st and is open to only able bodied persons.

Still on the Boko haram insurgency, CNN reports that the US will be sending military troops to the Chadian border in search of the missing girls. The US president in a letter to the National assembly said he  will be sending 80 members of the soldiers to chad.

"These personnel will support the operation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft for missions over northern Nigeria and the surrounding area. The force will remain in Chad until its support in resolving the kidnapping situation is no longer required."

The new development is due to a new intelligence which the US received.

UNIVERSITY OF JOS LOSS 15 STUDENTS IN JOS BLAST

About 15 University of Jos student were part of those who died in Tuesday's blast in Jos. This message was made public via their twitter handle yesterday, among the 15 dead students, 8 are final year medical students of the tertiary institution.

According to reports, the 8 medical students were returning home after a class at noon when the blast happened.

The students are said to have stayed away from the classrooms to mourn the students. According to the varsity, the bodies are yet to be found among the dead in the hospital.

CAN PRESIDENT, AYO ORITSEJAFOR SET TO LAUNCH NEW UNIVERSITY IN WARRI

PHOTO CREDIT: LIB

The Founder of the Word Life Bible Church Warri , and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, is set to launch a new University called Eagle Heights University. 

According to report from LIB, the christian university will be located in Omadino in Warri, Delta state. The ground breaking ceremony will hold 3rd June , 2014.

WILL NIGERIANS GET TO WATCH "HALF OF A YELLOW SUN" IN LOCAL CINEMAS

It has been almost a month since we heard that the movie "half of a yellow sun" was to premiere in Nigerian cinemas like it was done in Toronto but the said movie is yet to get a certification from the Nigeria film & censors board. I know most people must have seen the movie via online but the issue is can we go to our very own cinemas to see this movie? See what Biyi Bandele, director of half of a yellow sun wrote in this article: culled from cnn

When I heard last month that the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, headquartered in Abuja, had indicated that it would be unable to issue certification for "Half of a Yellow Sun" in time for the film's release date, I naturally assumed, at first, that what we were faced with was nothing more sinister than another instance of the typical, if frustrating, culture of wilfull incompetence that we'd grappled with during the making of the film -- while shooting the film in Nigeria two years ago, there were times when we felt ensnared in impenetrable jungles of red tape, when we would be given the go-head by one arm of the government only to find our path blocked by the other arm.

NIGERIA ASKS UNITED NATIONS TO BLACKLIST THE BOKO HARAM SECT

The Nigerian government has officially asked the United Nations security council to blacklist the Boko Haram sect, this decision was made due to the recent attack in Jos yesterday that killed about hundreds of people.

 According to reports by Premium times Nigeria urged the Security Council al Qaeda sanctions committee to recognize the group as a terrorist organization, indicating a further raise in the government’s effort to root the group.

 Nigeria urged the Security Council al Qaeda sanctions committee to recognize the group as a terrorist organization, indicating a further raise in the government’s effort to root the group.