JONATHAN MEETS CHIBOK PARENTS

President Goodluck Jonathan addressed the parents of the Chibok school girls, during their meeting in Abuja on Tuesday where he told them his government is doing everything to rescue their daughters. More photos...

GEJ SWEARS IN CHIDOKA AS MINISTER OF AVIATION

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday swore-in the former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr.Osita Chidoka, as the new Minister of Aviation. 

He also named Dr. Suleman Abubakar, a former lecturer at the University of Abuja, as the Minister of National Planning and Deputy Chairman of the National Planning Commission.
Jonathan made this announcement after shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.

The President also named Deputy Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi as Chidoka’s successor in the FRSC. He urged the new officials to ensure that they leave their footprints in the offices they were deployed in.

Jonathan said he decided to appoint Oyeyemi from the commission in order to ensure stability.

BOKO HARAM: TWIN EXPLOSION ROCKS KADUNA STATE, BUHARI'S CONVOY ATTACKED

There was a twin blast today in Kaduna state. According to reports, the first blast which occurred this afternoon July 23rd, was concealed in a red Volkswagen golf car along Alkali road which leads to the Murtala Square in Central Kaduna killing at least 15 people.

According to eyewitnesses, the bomb went off as Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi a prominent Islamic cleric(pictured on the left), drove past the road. The witnesses believe the bomb was target at his convoy though the cleric escaped unhurt while passersby were killed and properties damaged. The cleric who was on his way to the Murtala square for Ramadan Tafsir has constantly criticized the Boko haram on their attacks.

The second bomb blast which happened at the Kawo area of Kaduna state this afternoon was targeted the at former Head of State and Chieftain of the APC, General Muhammadu Buhari.

PHOTOSTORY: PRINCE GEORGE OF CAMBRIDGE TURNS ONE

Official Photos of the Royal Household as Prince George of Cambridge turns one year old today. A Year ago, Prince George was gently carried out of St Mary’s Hospital in London and introduced to the world. We say Happy Birthday to the Young. Continue to see more pictures of Prince George taking his first steps without any help from his parents....... Such a cute baby

"WE KNOW WHERE THE CHIBOK GIRLS ARE" SAYS DG SSS

Its been over 2 months since over 200 girls were kidnapped, yet security forces still claim they know where the girl's are. 
While fielding questions from newsmen yesterday at the National Security Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa, the Director General of the Department of State Security, DSS, Mr Ita Ekpeyong said that security forces know where the kidnapped Chibok girls are but are being very careful in their rescue efforts so as not to endanger their lives.

"The issue of the Chibok girls, government is making efforts. We know where they are but we don't want to endanger their lives, that is the truth. We want to take it gradually and release them at the appropriate time. We know where they are" he said

Mr Ekpeyong also stated that the Federal Government has directed all the state government planning to register non-indigines in their state by issuing them means of Identification, to stop forthwith and warned military officers not to work with states that may want to go ahead with the process. (Picture above showsNational Security Council Meeting at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja today)

"IT IS TIME TO PULL THE BRAKES" GEN. BUHARI WARNS

''History will not be kind to me if I sit back while things turn bad, just so that no one will accuse me of partisanship. These were the words of former Nigerian Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as he urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ‘still the storm’ on his Administration's doorway of impunity, in the interest of Nigeria's survival and the maintenance of Nigeria's democracy.

According to Sahara reporters, In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, Gen. Buhari said the recent induced impeachment or threats of impeachment of Governors of opposition states, just to decapitate the opposition, does not augur well for the survival of a fragile nation like Nigeria, or the survival of its tenderfoot democracy.

''Whether or not President Goodluck Jonathan is behind the gale of impeachment or the utilization of desperate tactics to suffocate the opposition and turn Nigeria into a one-party state, what cannot be denied is that they are happening under his watch, and he cannot pretend not to know, since that will be akin to hiding behind one finger. "In my capacity as an elder statesman rather than a politician, I have spoken to President Jonathan in private over these issues, but indications are that the strategy has not yielded positive fruits. I cannot, just because I am an opposition politician, fail to do what is expected of me as an elder statesman to help rescue our nation in times of great trouble and palpable uncertainty,” Muhammadu Buhari said.

INNOSON SET TO LAUNCH NEW AUTOMOBILES AT N1.5 MILLION

The foremost Indigenous car manufacture in Nigeria, Innoson Group is set to launch its new automobiles at the cost of N1.5 million.
The firm, which manufactures cars, buses, tankers and other products, would from August 8 introduce brand new cars into the Nigerian automobile market.

Chairman and Chief Executive of the company, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, who announced this in Enugu yesterday, said the cars which would be fully air conditioned and come with other gadgets were made for Nigerians to have access to brand new cars.

The costliest of the coming cars, according to him, would be bought at N3.5 million.

MH17: NAMES OF THE MALAYSIAN VICTIMS RELEASED

The names of the 298 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 777 that was shot down in eastern Ukraine on Thursday has been released.

The list of passengers is organized alphabetically by last name and lists each passenger's name, nationality and gender.

1 Alder/John Mr United Kingdom M

2 Allen/Christopher Mr Netherlands M

3 Allen/Ian Mstr Netherlands M

4 Allen/John Mr United Kingdom M

5 Allen/Julian Mr Netherlands M

6 Anderson/Stephen Leslie Mr United Kingdom M

7 Anghel/Andre Mr Canada M

8 Anthonysamy/Mabel Ms Malaysia F

9 Avnon/Ithamar Mr Netherlands M

10 Ayley/Robert Mr United Kingdom M

11 Baay/Joyce Mrs Netherlands F

12 Baker/Theresa Mrs Australia F

13 Baker/Wayne Mr Australia M

14 Bakker/Willem Mr Netherlands M

15 Bats/Rowen Mr Netherlands M

16 Bell/Emma Miss Australia F

17 Binda/Natashja Mrs Netherlands F

18 Bintambi/Muhammad Afruz Mr Malaysia M

19 Bintambi/Muhammad Afzal Mr Malaysia M

20 Bintitambi/Marsha Azmeena Ms Malaysia F

BOKO HARAM TAKES OVER DAMBOA, BORNO STATE, KILLS OVER 80 PEOPLE

Something has happened. The deadly boko haram sect have taken over the north-eastern town of Damboa in Borno state, killing over 80 people in the process.

According to reports, the Islamists sect, Boko Haram have hoisted their black and white flag over the north-eastern town of Damboa that was left undefended by Nigeria’s military, civil defence spokesman and a human rights advocate said.

According to PM NEWS, Hundreds of people in another north-eastern area, Askira Uba, are fleeing after receiving letters from the Boko Haram threatening to attack and take over their villages, Abbas Gava, spokesman for Nigerian Vigilante Group said, adding that: “nine major villages are on the run.”

BOKO HARAM ATTACKS ENUGU

The city of Enugu was invaded by members of the deadly sect, Boko Haram. 

According to reports, a one-year-old baby was feared dead and others wounded following an explosion which occurred at Eke Ozi market in Igboeze North Local Government area of Enugu State, on Friday.

The incident which occurred at about 2:00p.m few meters to the divisional police headquarters at Ogrute was suspected to be bomb blast making the market women and traders run for safety.

Reports revealed that the baby was trampled upon, while hoodlums had a field day looting shops, during the stampede, which lasted for some while.

Although commercial activities had resumed in the market when Saturday Tribune visited the scene, several traders were seen lamenting their loss.

It was gathered that the people of the area had been apprehensive, since the reports that some people suspected to belong to the Boko Hram sect were arrested at Obolo Afor community by the police last month.

Both Enugu Ezike and Obolo Afor are border towns between Benue and Enugu states.

Attempts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amarizu for comment proved abortive.

Culled from THE TRIBUNE

'NIGERIAN PASTORS NEED TO BE BORN AGAIN', WRITTEN BY ETCETRA

Etcetera writes about the Anointed Men, Read and share Your thoughts....

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again” (John 3:1-7).
Pastors are supposed to be the conscience of the society. They are supposed to be God’s representatives here on earth. Like Elisha in the Bible, they are supposed to warn the people about the dangers of disobeying God and guide them to the path of righteousness. They are supposed to lead by example.

Today, some pastors are the problems of the society. The lifestyle of some pastors is contradictory to what they preach. It has got so bad that when a man introduces himself as a pastor, he attracts immediate suspicion. Scandals and controversies have eaten too deep into the church like an incurable cancer. Like electric poles, churches are springing up all over the country and their general overseers or CEOs are fast emerging as the richest men in the country.

KATE HENSHAW BEGINS POLITICAL CAMPAIGN

Kate Henshaw is aspiring to contest for a seat in the House of Representative representing Calabar Muncipal. CLICK HERE to view her political campaign page. Below is what she intends to achieve...

"I have a strong interest and desire to serve my people and especially show that there is a better more humane way to do things when you are in a position of leadership. Putting the people first and being accountable to them as well as being accessible.
I am also very keen to promote and champion the provision of clean water, good roads and sanitation in my constituency.
One of my key areas of project focus areas will be provison of affordable education and quality healthcare especially for expecting and young mothers".

THE MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE OF OGA JONA BY CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE

This an article written by Chimamanda Adichie, the award winning writer of Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun . Please read and share your thoughts....

As soon as he opened his eyes, he felt it. A strange peace, a calm clarity. He stretched. Even his limbs were stronger and surer. He looked at his phone. Thirty-seven new text messages – and all while he was asleep. With one click, he deleted them. The empty screen buoyed him. Then he got up to bathe, determined to fold the day into the exact shape that he wanted.
Those Levick people had to go. No more foreign PR firms. They should have made that article in the American newspaper sound like him, they should have known better. They had to go. And he would not pay their balance; they had not fulfilled the purpose of the contract after all. CONTINUE....

LAGOS STATE ANNOUNCES NEW PATERNITY AND MATERNITY LEAVE PLAN

The Lagos state government has approved a new Maternity and Paternity leave plan for both male and female civil servants in the state. The new leave plan extends the female Maternity leave from 3months to 6months, while the males are entitled to 10-days Paternity leave with full payment in the first two deliveries.

The new leave plan was announced yesterday by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs Josephine Williams at a press conference held at the Baguada Kaltho Press Centre, in Alausa, Ikeja.
"A female officer shall be entitled to 24-weeks maternity leave with full pay in case of her first two deliveries. The said leave shall commence, at least two weeks before the expected delivery date; a male officer, to who a new baby (or babies in case of multiple births) is born shall be entitled to 10 working days" she said. 

She added that subsequent deliveries after the second baby by any employee will only get 12 weeks maternity leave for a female officer while the men will not be entitled to the 10-day leave.

Special adviser to the Lagos state Governor on public health, Dr Yewande Adeshina, said the 6 months leave will enable women complete the mandatory months required for breastfeeding new born babies.

PHOTOSTORY: PHOTOS FROM JUDE OKOYE'S MARRIAGE

While Jude Okoye was away getting married to his beau yesterday in Anambra state, Peter Okoye decide to stay home in Lagos with his lovely wife. Despite, the peace anthem the brothers are singing it is obvious that they are still not at ease.

Well see more pictures of the Bride and Groom and also what peter was doing at home while the marriage went down. See pictures below...

MALAYSIAN PLANE CRASHES, 295 PASSENGERS DEAD

Yesterday, Malaysian Flight MH17 travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed in eastern Ukraine. There were 280 passengers and 15 crew members on board, all Passengers died no survival. Investigation shows the plane may have been shot down by a missile by rebels in eastern Ukraine.

The plane was shot down between the Russian and Ukrainian Border. Since the Malaysia Airlines crashed, Russia and Ukraine have traded blames and accusations. The Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said,""Terrorists have killed almost 300 persons with one shot Among them are women, children, citizens of different countries of the world."  See more pictures below

NIGERIA SHINES IN NEW FIFA RANKINGS

Hmmm, Nigeria has moved ten places upwards in the latest FIFA ranking, making the Super Eagles No 3 in Africa and No 34 in the world. The Eagles occupied the 44th position before the Brazil 2014 world cup. 

Nigeria is not the only country that has moved up the board, Germany ranks No 1 after defeating Argentina in the World cup finals, making the south American Country No 2. Meanwhile Netherlands moved 12 places upwards ranking No 3 in the world. 

In Africa Algeria and Cote d'Ivoir ranked 24th and 25th respectively making then No 1 & 2 in Africa.

Other countries like Ghana dropped one place to finish in 38th place and fifth in Africa with Egypt holding onto the 36th. while Belgium (5) and Uruguay (6) follows but the world cup hosts Brazil dropped four places to finish 7th after a tragic end. England also dropped ten places to finish in 20th place after their first round elimination.

ISREAL HALTS FIRE FOR FIVE HOURS IN GAZA

After 9days of incessant air strikes from Isreal into Gaza, Isreal has decided to stop the air strikes for 5hours to allow residents stock up supplies. 

According to the statement the Isrealis said, it would hold fire from 10:00 to 15:00 (07:00-12:00 GMT), to allow residents to stock up on supplies. Isreal said the ceasefire had been requested by the UN and other international organisations. But Isreal maintained that they would respond "firmly and decisively" should the humanitarian window be used by militants "for the purpose of launching attacks against Israeli civilian or military targets".

It is reported that the Isreali attacks has killed over 200 people and injured over 1500 since July 8.

Meanwhile Hamas is said to be considering the UN truce proposal, Hamas is reported as saying "The proposal is being studied and when a decision has been taken it will be announced officially in a statement.

JONATHAN SEEKS $1 BILLION TO BATTLE INSECURITY

The President today sought the approval of the Nigerian legislature to enable him borrow $1 Billion to battle the on going insurgency in the country. The request was presented to the house via a letter dated 15th July, 2014. 

The letter which reads in part says, "You are no doubt cognisant of the on-going and serious security challenges which the nation is facing as typified by the Boko-Haram terrorist threat," "For this reason, I seek the concurrence of the National Assembly for external borrowing of not more than $1 billion."

The presidential letter stated that the funding would be used to advance training, equipments, and other urgent needs for the security forces.

It is necessary to note that the country's 2014 budget already allots close to $6 billion for security and also the financial aid Nigeria received from countries like China and others.

NB says it is expedient for one to ask why do we still seek for more fund when other people are POCKETING THE MONEY? At whose expense do we borrow? 

TAMBUWAL ASKS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO NEGOTIATE WITH BOKO HARAM

It has been over 90 days since the Chibok Girls were abducted, some key officials feel it is about time we consider negotiating with the deadly sect as an option not submission. 

The Speaker of the House of Representative Aminu Tambuwal who met with Members of BringBackOurGirls campaigners on Tuesday has asked the Presidency to negotiate with the Boko Haram sect if that is what it takes to bring the girls home safely. Hon. Tambuwal said

"If negotiations is what would bring back for example Chibok girls, for Goodness sake, lets negotiate and save the children. Negotiation is not submitting......you are not just submitting, you are not. It is a strategy. So let's get these girls out and then if you want to confront them you go ahead and confront them and take them head on but whatever we need to do, we must do as a government to bring back these girls safely & alive" he said.
The speaker also urged the campaigners not to relent in their efforts and should also demand accountability from the government.