President Buhari signs eight new bills into law

President Buhari over the week has signed eight bills into law.A statement released by his special assistant on National Assembly matters, Ita Enang, says some of the bills are the National Judicial Institute Amendment Act 2016, Advertising Practitioners Registration Amendment Act 2016, Utilities Charges Commission Amendment Act 2016 and Quality Surveyors Registration Amendment Act 2016.

NFF General Assembly passes vote of confidence on Amaju Pinnick

The General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday passed a vote of confidence on its President, Amaju Pinnick at its annual General Assembly in Lagos.

The  Assembly also denied claims by the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung that it misappropriated the FIFA grant and development fund.

Germany donates €3m, equipment for fight against insurgency

The German government on Sunday donated the sum of €3m and some equipment to the Nigerian government for the fight against insurgency in the North East.

Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali received the equipments on behalf of the Nigerian government from German Defence minister, Dr. Ursula Von der Layen at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Layen said the donation was done under the 2012-2016 Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries.

Buhari orders probe on top officials over alleged corruption

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) to probe all top officials in his government who have been accused of corruption.

 In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the Presidency said any of the officials found guilty will be prosecuted.

Military rescues hundreds of people from Sambisa forest

The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Leo Irabor, disclosed at a press briefing yesterday at the 7 Division headquarters, in Maiduguri, Borno State that the Nigerian troop rescued hundreds of people from the Sambisa forest.

He said, “The troops have continued to make remarkable progress in the fight against terrorism in the Sambisa Forest. Between December 7 and 14, 2016, 180 adult females, 227 male children and 129 female children, were rescued during the operations. Sixty-nine adult males were also rescued.

Buhari presents 2017 budget to the National Assembly

President Buhari today presented the 2017 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly. The President who was expected to present the budget at 10am was late due to his trip to Gambia.

The budget which is N7.28 billion, is tagged the budget of Recovery and Growth. It has a 20.4% increase from the 2016 budget. 30% of the budget will be for capital projects. The budget was based on crude oil benchmark price of $42.5 per barrel.

President while presenting the 2017 budget said the budget will be set at N305 per dollar.

Panic as MMM freezes all confirmed accounts

Members and participants of the famous money-doubling scheme, Mavrodi Mundial Moneybox, MMM have been thrown into panic on Tuesday, following the message from the ponzi scheme that it was freezing all confirmed Mavros, otherwise known as money due for withdrawal for one month.

This means, all the accounts of members who are due to be paid after having ‘provided help’ (PH) to another person since the last month have been frozen and hence, have no access to request for payment, known as ‘Get Help’ (GH) until after one month.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins the 2016 Ballon D'or award for the 4th time

Real Madrid and Portugal super star Cristiano Ronaldo had been crowned the world's best player for 2016 after he defeated rival Lionel Messi to clinch the Ballon D'or award for the fourth time.
The award crowns an hardworking year for Ronaldo who helped Real Madrid win the UEFA champions league title and also helped his country, Portugal, to win a historic EURO 2016 cup.

ALBUM ALERT: J. Cole – 4 Your Eyez Only

The highly anticipated album of America’s top lyricist J. COLE tagged #4YourEyeOnly is finally out!!!

Going with his signature featureless approach, the 10-track album finds Jermaine addressing issues like social injustices in America, Black Lives Matter movement, and the responsibility of fatherhood on the song “She’s Mine.”

Enjoy below!!!

Open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari

Dear PMB, everyone is writing open letter upandan so i decided to write one.

First of all sir, it appyas this your kwaraption fight wasn't WWE as we expected, EFCC are just pursuing people upandan and recovering money yet nothing to show at the end of the day.

Sir, if you come to Lagos especially when you are in a danfo, your name is a conversation starter and the Lord's chosen pipu have turn your name to prayer point. Infact if sombori make mistake and mention APC change at mile 12 market that sombori can land at general hospital. Walahi!

Constitutional amendment will compel president, governors to appoint cabinet within 60 days

The Senate Committee on Conditional Review on the 1999 Constitution has said the amendment if passed into law will compel the president or governor to appoint members of his or her cabinet within 60 days after inauguration.

Chairman of the committee and deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu revealed this on Thursday's plenary while presenting a report on the review.

Senate demands overhaul of NYSC scheme

The Senate on Thursday called on the Federal Government to overhaul the National Youth Service Corps Scheme following the deaths of some corp members in various camps across the country.

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Olusola Adeyeye (APC Osun Central) moved the motion and cite it as a matter of urgent public importance.

The Senate demanded that medical facilities in all NYSC orientation camps across the country be improved and that experienced medical personnel be deployed to NYSC medical centres.

LASG to sell rice for N13,000 to Lagosians

The Lagos State Government on Thursday said it was ready to roll out Lake Rice on December 15 to Lagosians at N13,000 per 50 kg towards the christmas celebrations.

The sale will give assistance to millions of Lagosians who have had to pay over N20,000 for a bag of rice, mostly imported.

Special Adviser on Food Security to Governor Sanni Okanlawan made the disclosure in Lagos during the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) National Agriculture Stakeholders Summit.

I have nothing to do with presidential posters with my face and name on it- Okonjo-Iweala

Former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has released a statement saying she has nothing to do a presidential campaign poster embossed with her face and name on it.

The fake campaign poster have been seen in some parts of the country.

Her media aide, Paul Nwabuikwu released a statement which reads;

FG proposes bill for the establishment of special anti-corruption court

The Federal Government sent a bill seeking to establish a special court for anti-corruption on Tuesday to the National Assembly, Punch reports.

The bill which was drafted by the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption seeks to establish the court which will exclusively handle corruption cases and other cases including narcotic, human trafficking, kidnapping, cybercrime, money laundering and other related offences.

According to the bill, the proposed court would ensure speedy trials of such offences.

Chairman of PACAC, Prof. Itse Sagay, confirmed that the bill had been sent to the National Assembly.

Reps summon NYSC DG over the deaths of corp members

The House of Representatives has summoned the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Suileman Kazaure over the death of corps members.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara on Tuesday via his Twitter account gave details of decisions taken at plenary and said the House resolved that those involved in the act of negligence that led to the death of the corps members be prosecuted and that Health and Life insurance be provided for corps members during their service year.

Rivers rerun: Corps members are refusing to participate in exercise

Corp members serving in Rivers state have refused to be shortlisted to serve as INEC ad-hoc committee members in this Saturday, December 10th National Assembly rerun election in the state, Punch reports.
It was learnt that the corps members have refused to show interest due to fear of possible violence during the election.

It could be recalled that a corp member, Okonta Samuel Dumebi, was murdered by some political thugs during the state's rerun election on March 19.

Chapecoense crowned 2016 Copa Sudamericana champions

Brazilian team, Chapecoense have been crowned champions of the 2016 Copa Sudamericana.

The Brazilian team were scheduled to play the final against Colombian side Atletico Nacional on Wednesday but died in an air crash in Medellin, Colombia.

In a statement issued on Monday by the South American Football Confederation, Brazilian team, Chapecoense were awarded champions of the competition while Nacional were given the fair play award.

Ignore reports going round, we don't carry arms - FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday urged the public to ignore reports and rumour making round on the social media that the corps had started distributing and mandating its personnel to carry arms.
FRSC Head of Media Relations and Strategy, Mr Bisi Kazeem told newsmen that the rumour was being circulated by mischievous elements seeking to provoke disorder in the society.

FG bans importation of vehicles through land borders

The Federal government has banned importation of vehicles into Nigeria through the land borders.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Wale Adeniyi, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.

Photos: Pres. Buhari arrives Dakar, Senegal, ahead of the 3rd Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa

President Buhari arrived Dakar, Senegal ahead of the 3rd edition of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa. He was received by the President of Senegal, Macky Sall. 

NCC suspends data price increase

The Nigerian Communications Commission has announced the immediate suspension of the new minimum pricing template for data services by mobile operators.

The NCC said the decision is to allow for further consultation.

Senate orders NCC to halt data tariff increase

The Senate has ordered NCC to halt its plans to increase the tariff of data bundles across all networks. NCC had ordered all networks to effective tomorrow December 1st, increase its data bundle tariff.

The Senate gave the order on Wednesday after a motion raised by the Deputy Senate Leader, Ibn N’Allah.

In a statement on its official Twitter account, @NGRSenate, the upper chamber condemn the action of the regulatory agency.

We never ordered telcos to raise data prices—FG

Nigeria’s Minister of Communication, Mr Adebayo Shittu, speaking on Wednesday on RayPower FM’s Fact File programme disclosed that the Federal Government never gave any directive to telecommunications operators in the country to increase prices of data from Thursday, December 1, 2016 as claimed.

The Minister said he was never consulted before the announcement was made. He stressed that the government did not authorise the operators to raise the tariffs.

APC suspends Shehu Sani indefinitely

The All Progressives Congress (APC)Tudun Wada ward, Kaduna has placed the Senator Shehu Sani on indefinite suspension.

Senator Shehu Sani is the Senator representing Kaduna central senatorial district and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts,

Sani’s suspension was announced in a letter addressed to him. The letter was signed by the Secretary of the APC in his Ward 6, Tudun Wada ward, Kaduna, Mallam Awal Abdulhamid Garba.

House of Reps want fuel price reduced

The House of Representatives on Tuesday during its session urged the Petroleum Products Prices Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Hon Abubakar Fulata in a motion titled “Urgent Need to Review the Petroleum Price Template” said the current price of PMS could be reviewed downwards without affecting the profit margin of marketers and transporters.

PDP senators stage walk out after losing member to APC

Senators who are members of the PDP staged a walk out after Senate President Bukola Saraki on Wednesday announced the defection of Yele Omogunwa, a senator from Ondo south, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Until his defection, Yele Omogunwa was the only PDP senator from Ondo state.

MTN set to increase browsing rate

MTN is likely to increase data tariffs from December 1, 2016 based on a text message sent to MTN subscribers this afternoon.

The text message reads: “Dear customer, please be informed that from December 1, some MTN data tariffs will be increased to reflect the new rates set by the NCC to operators. Thank you.”

 

Details later…

Rotimi Akeredolu emerges Ondo State Governor-Elect

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the November 26, 2016 governorship election in Ondo State.

INEC Returning Officer Prof. Ganiyu Ambali during the collation of results from 18 local government areas in the state disclosed that Mr. Akeredolu polled 244, 842 votes in the election while and his closest rival Mr. Eyitayo Jegede of People's Democratic Party (PDP) polled 150,380 votes while Mr. Olusola Oke of Alliance for Democracy (AD) polled 126, 889 votes.

Fire engulfs female hostel at Yaba Tech

One of the female hostels in Yaba College of Technology in Lagos has been engulfed by fire.

According to The News Agency of Nigeria, the hostel known as ‘Bakassi building’ was on fire for two hours before the arrival of the fire service.

Grace Mugabe declares self new President of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean first lady, Grace Mugabe declared herself as the new president to take over when her husband, Robert Mugabe eventually steps down due to his concerned health issues.

According to Buzz South Africa Grace made the declaration while speaking to the ruling Zanu-PF party women’s league over the weekend.

Pope Francis grants Catholic priests power to forgive abortion

Leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Monday granted all Roman Catholic priests powers to forgive abortion. This right was previously reserved for bishops or special confessors.

The Pope made the announcement in a document known as an “apostolic letter” after Sunday’s close of the Church’s “Holy Year of Mercy.”

The Pope said, “That abortion is a grave sin, since it puts an end to an innocent life” but “there is no sin that God’s mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with (God).”

Update: Young boy beaten and burnt to death in Lagos for stealing

Remember the story today of the boy who was beaten and burnt to death in Lagos for allegedly stealing. Well, he's not 7 years old like earlier speculated but he's still a young boy. It's alleged that he stole a phone and not garri as earlier reported.
It's also alleged that he wanted to kill the owner of the phone before he was apprehended, beaten and burnt to death. This happened at Alafia along Badagry-Expressway of Lagos last Saturday.

Ministry of Petroleum denies plans to scrap NNPC, DPR, PPPRA others

The Ministry of Petroleum Resources, through a statement signed and released by its Director for Press and Public Relations, Idang Alibi, has denied online reports that the Federal Government plans to scrap the NNPC, DPR and PPPRA.

The statement read;

7-year old boy lynched for stealing garri in Lagos

According to reports on social media platform Twitter, a 7-year old boy was reportedly lynched for attempting to steal garri from a trader’s shop in the Badagry area of Lagos.

It is unclear whether the Nigerian Police did not respond to the situation. 

Former Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki is dead

Former Sultan of Sokoto and father of embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, Ibrahim Dasuki, has died at the age of 93.

 The former Sultan died on Monday and would be buried on Tuesday by 2:00p.m. local time according to Muslim rites. The cause of his death is not yet known.

NCC announces ‘Do-Not-Disturb’ code to fight unsolicited text messages

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has announced a measure to combat unsolicited text messages from telecommunications networks to subscribers.

The Vice Executive Chairman of NCC, Umar Danbatta in his a speech at the 2016 Lagos International Trade Fair over the weekend announced the launch of “Do-Not-Disturb Code, 2442” which subscribers can use to combat the menace of unsolicited text messages.

The NCC boss also warned that vendors who are in the habit of selling pre-registered sim card will be appropriately dealt with if apprehended.

ASUU declares one week warning strike

The academic union of universities (ASUU) have declared a one week warning strike from the 16th of November to 22nd 2016.

This was made known in a bulletin released after their NEC meeting November 12th.

Some of the issues being protested by ASUU includes funding for revitalization of public universities based on federal government and ASUU memorandum of understanding of 2009, non-release of subvension of state universities by their visitors and registration of NUPEMCO.

President-Elect Trump makes first two key appointments

US President-elect Donald Trump in forming his cabinet has made his first two key appointments.
He has appointed Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) Reince Priebus, as his chief of staff. Priebus in this role would set the tone for the new White House and act as a conduit to Congress and the government.

2018 FIFA WCQ: Algerian contingents arrive Akwa Ibom with their own bedsheets, pillows & packs of bottle water

Ahead of Saturday's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Algeria and Nigeria, the North African contingent of players and coaches arrived their hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom yesterday.

They brought along with them stacks of bed sheets, pillows, packs of bottle water, among other items.

Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna welcome baby girl

Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian have welcomed their first child together.

Blac Chyna gave birth to a baby girl yesterday around 9.18am US time at LA's Cedars- Sinai's hospital.

'I will not destroy my U.S. green card yet' - Wole Soyinka

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, says he will not be tearing his green card yet. He had pledged to do this when he gave a seminar at Oxford University two weeks ago.

Nigerians on social media yesterday called on him to fulfill his promise to destroy his green card if Trump is elected President. 

AFCON winner to receive $4m – CAF

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has increased the prize money for the winner of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to $4m.

The 2017 winner of the competition will receive $4m as against the previous prize money of $1.5m, a significant 166 per cent increase.

Cristiano Ronaldo signs €24m a year lifetime deal with Nike

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, days after signing a new deal with Spanish giant Real Madrid has signed a new improved deal with Sports Wear giant Nike worth €24m a year long-term contract.Nike confirmed their new deal with Ronaldo in a statement saying: ''In 2003, a young Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Nike. In the years since, he has worn more than 60 different Nike Mercurial boots, scoring goals, breaking records, and amassing trophies along the way.'

Donald Trump wins the US presidential election

Donald Trump has won the US presidential election in a stunning victory that sent shockwaves around the world.

Trump took the key swing states of Florida, North Carolina and Ohio as he marched towards the White House.

In his New York victory speech, Mr Trump pledged that he would be president for all Americans.

He said he was reaching out to the people who had not supported him to unify the country.

Supreme Court upholds Seriake Dickson's election as Bayelsa State Governor

The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the election of Seriake Dickson as the Governor of Bayelsa State.

The seven-member panel of judges led by Justice Tanko Muhammad gave the ruling following an appeal brought before it by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its Governorship Candidate in the December 5, 2015 election, Timipre Sylva.

The panel members said they will deliver a detailed judgement on November 18.

Court bans monthly Lagos environmental sanitation

The Appeal Court in Lagos has cancelled the monthly environmental sanitation in Lagos State, saying it is illegal and ordered the Lagos State Government not to restrict people’s movement on that day.

The suit was brought before the court by a citizen, Faith Okafor against the Lagos State Government.

NUC approves state university in Borno

The National Universities Commission, NUC, yesterday, awarded a certificate of recognition for the establishment of the Borno State University in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The approval was stated in a letter presented to the Governor of the state, Kasim Shettima by the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Rasheed Abubakar, at the headquarters of NUC in Abuja on Monday.

APC Legal Adviser, Banire, Steps Down Over Alleged N500,000 Bribery

The National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) has resigned over allegations of N500,000 judge bribery.

Banire is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for allegedly giving N500,000 to Justice Terseer Agbadu-Fishim of the National Industrial Court.

He however claimed that the money was a gift to the judge who he referred to as an old friend.

T.B Joshua predicts Hillary Clinton as next U.S president

Popular Nigerian televangelist, Prophet Temitope Babatunde Joshua says the next president of the United States of America will be a woman.

Joshua on Sunday made the prediction via his official Facebook page, saying it would be a narrow victory.

EPL: Liverpool go top after defeating Watford 6-1

Liverpool Football Club have shown they are title contenders after they defeat Watford to top the Premier League table with 26 points for the first time since 2014.

Goals from Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Emre Can and Giorgino Wijnaldum gave the Liverpool FC a convincing victory over an hapless Watford side. Daryl Janmaat scored a consolatory goal for the visitors.

Wizkid wins “Best Africa Act” at the 2016 MTV EMAs

Nigerian artiste Ayo Balogun popularly known as Wizkid has been named the Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2016.

The ceremony held at the Ahoy Stadium, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Also in the run up for Best African Act were Alikiba, Black Coffee, Olamide and Cassper Nyovest.

Trump hammers as FBI clears Clinton again

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has accused the FBI of failure to observe standards of honesty after it cleared his rival Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton of criminal conduct on her emails.

The FBI director James Comey said a fresh inquiry into the Democratic candidate's mail communications found nothing to change the bureau's conclusion.

FG employs 200,000 graduates as teachers, agric workers

The Federal Government said it has employed 200,000 graduates to serve as teachers and agricultural extension workers throughout the country.

Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on media, Laolu Akande revealed this at the second presidential Economic Communication Workshop in Abuja.

Akande said the graduates are expected to work for two years and will be paid N30,000 monthly.

NJC suspends 7 Senior Judges accused of corruption

The National Judicial Council, NJC, has suspended seven senior judges arrested on October 7th by the State Security Service over allegations of corrupt practices.

The judicial body had initially refused to suspend the accused judges despite public pressure, saying the allegations against them had not been substantiated.

It however said the judges had voluntarily stepped down from court sittings.