Senate has been hijacked by people with haunted past – Buhari’s aide

President Muhammadu Buhari’s personal assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie has condemened the suspension of former Senate majority leader, Ali Ndume.Onochie in a Facebook post on Thursday said the Senate has been hijacked by some persons who are being haunted by their past.

She also said that the upper chamber has no right to denied any part of the country representation in the legislature.

UTME: JAMB reduces exam hours, questions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, said on Wednesday that with effect from 2017, candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination would have to spend two hours instead of three hours.

The examination body also said it has reduced Use of English questions from 100 questions to 60 questions, while the other three subjects would be 40 questions each, making a total of 180 questions.

The examination board said the reduction of hours was in line with international best standards and practices where no candidate is kept in an examination such as UTME for more than two hours.

Dino Melaye: A sense-nator or a saint-nator?

Sahara Reporters threw an atomic bomb into the Nigeria media space when it informed us that Senator Dino Melaye didn't graduate nor obtain certificate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria , Harvard University and the London School of Economics and Political Science.

It was also revealed that grammar spittling Senator's degree at Harvard was a mere seminar on leadership and the London School of Economics and Political Science have denied knowledge of an alumnus named Daniel Jonah Melaye or is it Daniel Dino Melaye, who even knows the moniker he goes by?

I finished NYSC in 2001 - Dino Melaye

Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye in an Instagram post on Tuesday said he finished the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2001.

Melaye posted a picture of this NYSC certificate, stating that he started the programme in July 2000 concluded in 2001.

Court orders seizure of Omoni Oboli’s movie, Okafor’s Law

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the seizure of Omoni Oboli’s new film, Okafor’s Law.

Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court ordered the seizure of all copies, materials, projections or infringing materials relating to the subject matter.

This ruling comes only few days after the movie premiere was halted by a court injunction following a suit filed by Canadian-based script writer, Jude Idada who claims he owns the movie script.

Dino Melaye graduated from ABU with Third Class, says VC

The Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, has told the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions that the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, formerly known as Daniel Jonah Melaye, graduated with a 3rd class in Geography in year 2000. 

He said this while appearing before the panel at a hearing on Melaye’s certificate scandal.

The commttee is investigating allegations of fake certificate from the school leveled against Dino by Sahara Reporters.

We won't support anyone who disrespects N’ASS - APC warns members

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned its members who are government appointees not to disrespect the National Assembly.

The warning is on the heels of the recent running battles between the Senate and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi who gave the warning after a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) with the APC caucus in the House of Representatives over the weekend said the ruling party did not interfere in the face off between Customs boss and the Senate because it was not a party affair.

Abuja airport: FG to embark on another 18-week runway repairs

The Federal Government has said it would embark on another 18 weeks of repairs on the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja after it would have been reopened on April 19, Punch reports.

According to the news mediumoutfit, a top Presidency official disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Sunday.

The official quoting from a report of the Federal Government Coordinating Committee said the airport will not be closed during the 18-week upgrade.

Nigerian Police launch national television and radio service

The Nigeria Police Force is alleged to have established a national broadcasting and radio service that will serve the entire nation.

Grass-cutting contract: We have been unable to locate about 20 companies -Senate

The Senate on Thursday during it's plenary said it has been unable to locate the addresses of about 20 companies awarded the execution of various projects in the rehabilitation of the North-East.

Chairman, Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Monitoring Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East, Senator Shehu Sani said some of the companies could not be traced.

Another 155 Nigerians voluntarily return from Libya

Another 155 Nigerians have on Thursday voluntarily returned home from Libya after 171 others arrived Nigeria two weeks ago.

The returnees arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 6.00 p.m via a chartered Nouvel Air aircraft with registration number TS-1NB.

The returnees were brought back by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Libya. They were received by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Agency for the Protection of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Police.

Ex-militants threaten to protest over non-payment of stipends

Former Niger Delta militants have threatened to stage a protest over the delayed payment of stipends in the amnesty programme.

A statement by the former militants read; “We are calling for the immediate release of the balance sum of the 2016 supplementary budgetary allocation … to avert any situation that will warrant beneficiaries of the programme going to the streets to protest and barricade roads.”

Body of medical doctor who jumped into lagoon recovered

The body of a medical doctor who jumped into Lagoon on Sunday evening has been recovered.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said that the body was identified by some members of his family, including his driver.

Dr Allwell Orji’s remains were recovered on Wednesday around 4 p.m. by the Marine Police

Recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa not xenophobic – FG

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the recent attack on two Nigerians in Polokwane in the Limpopo Province of South Africa was not a xenophobic attack.

In a statement signed and released by its spokesperson, Clement Aduku on Wednesday, the ministry said two Nigerians were said to be injured and properties destroyed in the fracas.

Three more roundabouts will be removed In Lekki, says Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday reaffirmed his administration intentions to complete the ongoing construction of Ajah Flyover by the end of May 2017.

He also revealed plans by the government to remove three more roundabouts in Lekki-Ajah corridor to ease movement.

Certificate Scandal: Dino Melaye to file N5bn libel suit against Sahara reporters

Senator Dino Melaye is set to file a N5 billion libel suit against an online media platform, Sahara Reporters, Vanguard reports.

The medium had alleged that Melaye did not graduate from the Department of Geography of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Senate calls for the resignation of customs boss, Hameed Ali

The Senate has asked Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Hameed Ali to resign after he failed to appear before it on Wednesday.

The upper legislative chamber also condemned a letter by Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), stating that Ali could not honour the invitation because the matter of his uniform was in court.

The resolutions of the Senate came after the prayers moved by Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator representing Abia south.

NYSC releases its mobilization table for 2017 Batch A prospective corps members

The table was released on their website today...

Cut the powers of CBN governor, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun asks National Assembly

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun has asked the National Assembly to reduce the powers of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Adeosun made the call yesterday when she received members of the House of Representatives Tactical Committee on Recession led by Hon Bode Ayorinde in her office.

According to Adeosun, the enormous powers given to CBN governors have resulted in the some of the financial crisis witnessed over time.

Dino Melaye's sponsored bill to prohibit facial mutilation up for second reading

A Bill for an Act to provide for the prohibition of Facial Mutilation which is being sponsored by Senator Dino Melaye, came up for 2nd reading Tuesday.

The bill if passed into law will prohibit parents from mutilating the faces of their children all in an attempt to give them tribal marks. 

See the bill...

Multiple explosions rocks IDPS camp in Borno

Multiple explosions have rocked an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Maiduguri, early Wednesday morning.

According to AFP, the coordinator of the camp revealed that there were four explosions.

The coordinator of the Muna camp Tijjani Lumani told AFP; “There were four explosions inside the camp,” 

“The bombers struck at different locations around 4:30 am. The explosions triggered fires which burned down many tents”,.

 Details later…

ABU to release statement on Melaye’s certificate scandal today

The Management of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria has said it would on Wednesday release a statement addressing allegations that Senator Dino Melaye did not graduate from the institution as claimed, Punch reports.

Online news platform SaharaReporters had alleged that Melaye had no degree in Geography as he had claimed, while stating that he paid his former HOD to obtain a result.

However, Melaye has denied the allegation, claiming that he was already doing his third degree in the same institution.

During plenary on Tuesday, former majority leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume had called on the Senate to investigate the allegation.

AGF wades into Senate-Ali uniform saga, writes Saraki

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami has written to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki over the rift between the Senate and Comptroller General of the Senate, Hameed Ali.

Malami in the letter stated that it was sub-judicial for the upper chamber to insist Ali should wear uniform.

This was disclosed by the Customs boss, Hameed Ali during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

Cameroon has expelled 2600 Nigerians fleeing from Boko Haram – UN

The United Nations in a statement made available on Tuesday said Cameroon has continued to expel Nigerians fleeing from Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

The United Nations said Cameroon had forcefully returned over 2,600 refugees to Nigerian border villages against their will this year. This is despite an agreement reached on March 2 to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon willingly.

Senate summons SGF to appear before it

The senate ad hoc committee on the mounting humanitarian crisis in the North-East, has issued a fresh summon to Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.

The committee asked him to appear before it today Wednesday March 22nd.

The summon letter signed by Chairman of the committee, Shehu Sani said the appearance was part of ongoing investigation into allegations that Babachir mismanaged funds earmarked for humanitarian crisis in the North East.

Naira appreciates as CBN pump $180million

The value of the greenback has continued to improve at the black market as the government continues to pump foreign exchange into the economy.

The Nigerian currency appreciated to 435 per dollar on Monday, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) pumped a total of $180 million into the foreign exchange market.

Senate seeks to stop political appointees from heading govt agencies

The Senate has started working on a bill to stop political appointees from heading government agencies and parastatals.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, speaking with journalists on Monday said it was a disservice to those who have worked hard to build such agencies and the system has done more harm than good.

He said; “I have a Bill I am working on. I am trying to bring my experience of how little things have brought the public service to what it is now,’’.

2019: INEC to begin voters registration in April

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu at the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with the media in Abuja on Monday said Continuous Voter Registration will begin across the country in April.

He said the commission will clean up the voter register, including removing deceased Nigerians.

He said, “Election is essentially based on a number of parameters. After the 2015 general elections, we are compelled to see if we can clean up the voter register. For instance, we have to remove the names of the deceased from the register.

AMCON sells keystone bank

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has announced the sale of one of Nigeria’s commercial banks, Keystone Bank.

Keystone Bank was incorporated by the NDIC on August 3, 2011. Over 12 parties had shown interest to buy the bank since 2016.

2019: PDP presidential ticket will be zoned to the north – Sheriff

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Modu Sheriff during his discussion with journalists in Abuja said the office of the national chairman of the party would remain within the southern part of the country, while the Presidential ticket will go the Northern part of Nigeria.

Sheriff said; “I don’t know whether the office of the chairman will go to the South-West, but I know it will remain with the southern region. This is because the presidential ticket will go to the North. I also don’t know the area or the zone that will pick the ticket from the three zones within the region,”.

Four universities approved to run e-learning degree programmes in Nigeria

Four Nigerian universities have been given approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to run e-learning Programme in Nigeria.

The director of information and public relations of NUC, Ibrahim Yakasai, said the commission maintains its stand that online degrees are not accepted in Nigeria at the moment except in the four approved universities.

Senate lacks the powers to summon custom boss on policy matters – Femi Falana

Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana in a write-up on Sunday said the Senate has no authority to invite the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali, to explain the agency’s planned policy.

Falana said such move by the upper chamber was unconstitutional.

In his write-up Falana argued; “The Senate lacks the vires to summon the CGC on policy matters.

“Indeed the oversight power of either House of the National Assembly is not at large but limited by section 88 (2) of the Constitution,”.

UEFA champions leaque quarterfinal berth

The Quarter final draw of the UEFA Champions League has put up some interesting fixtures.

Magu should continue in acting capacity indefinitely , PACAC advises Buhari

The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to allow the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, to continue in his position indefinitely, The Punch reports.

It was gathered that the committee had resolved to communicate its resolution to the President in writing.

This is coming after Magu was rejected by the Senate on Wednesday for the second time based on a security report from the Department of State Service (DSS) questioning his integrity.

Makarfi-led PDP holds merger talks with 14 political parties

The Senator Ahmed Makarfi faction of the Peoples Democratic faction on Wednesday at Ajuji Hotel, Abuja.  held merger talks with fourteen other political parties.

A statement from the Facebook Page of the PDP said, “The parties are gathering to discuss possible ways of merger or working together to form a more formidable opposition to challenge the ruling party, the APC in the forthcoming general elections.”

NBC dismisses allegations against using Sprite and Fanta with Vitamin C

The Nigerian Bottling Company has refute reports that its brands, Fanta and Sprite are harmful to Nigerians as unfounded.

The company made this statement  on Wednesday while reacting to a court order warning Nigerians not to use the soft drinks with Vitamin C because of their high concentration of benzoic and ascorbic acids.

The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to media reports which contain misleading information on the safety of benzoic and ascorbic acids as ingredients in soft drinks, citing a Lagos High Court order.

Customs suspends policy on vehicle duty

The Nigeria Customs Service has suspended its policy on vehicle duty.

The Service said it put the policy on hold due to its misinterpretation and following discussions its boss, Ali held with the leadership of the National Assembly.

This is contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by the acting public relations officer of the service, Joseph Attah for the Comptroller-General, Hamed Ali.

Ali must appear before us in customs uniform, Senate insists

The Senate has insisted that the Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.) appears before it.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, on Saturday said the upper legislative chamber will not engage in a media war with the Customs CG.

The Senate spokesman, said the lawmakers would take the next line of action on Ali based on the events that would play out on Wednesday.

Pres Buhari says VP Yemi Osinbajo remains in charge as he continues his rest in Abuja

President Buhari who arrived Nigeria from London today, had a closed door meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Ministers and some state governors at the presidential villa. 

President Buhari asked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to continue with the affairs of the country as he needs more time to rest.

He said; “I deliberately came back towards the weekend, so that the Vice President (Yemi Osinbajo) will continue and I will continue to rest. All I will need is to do further follow ups within some weeks.”

Ex-Edo governor Ogbemudia is dead

Former Military governor of Edo State, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia is died.

Ogbemudia who turned 84 last September reportedly passed away about 11pm on Thursday.

President Buhari arrives Nigeria

 President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday arrived the country.

He touched down at the Nigerian Air Force base Kaduna and was received by the state’s deputy governor, Bala Bantex and top military officers.

A video uploaded to YouTube by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), shows the president dressed in a black regalia disembarking from the president jet.

Photos: Osinbajo meets Guinea Bissau's Prime Minister in Kaduna

Acting president Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday met with Guinea Bissau's Prime Minister, General Umoru Sissco Embalo.

Osinbajo arrived Kaduna from Abuja by helicopter, the first presidential movement into Kaduna since the closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

The meeting between both men held at the Air Force base, Kaduna.

Embalo became the first official guest to fly into Kaduna.

Osinbajo to visit Sokoto today

Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will today pay an official visit to Sokoto.

This was announced in a statement yesterday in Sokoto by the Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Tambuwal on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam.

The statement said; “While in the seat of the caliphate, the Acting President will take part in a two-day nationwide clinic organised for micro, small and medium enterprises, which is being hosted by the Sokoto State Government.

During the events, the Acting President will hold interactive sessions with government agencies, financial institutions, operators and stakeholders in the MSME subsector,”.

Aregbesola declares two days curfew in Ife

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state has declared a two day curfew in Ile-Ife over alleged clashes between Hausa and Yoruba communities in the state which has led to the death of five people.In a statement signed by Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the Director of Communications and Strategy, office of the Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, it said “the curfew, which will be between 6pm to 7am, takes effect from Wednesday March, 8th, 2017 and will be in force till Friday.”

Minimum Wage: NLC accuses FG of delaying set up of tripartite committee

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president Mr Ayuba Wabba at the 4th NLC National Gender Conference and Election of the Leadership of National Women Commission on Wednesday in Abuja accused the Federal Government of employing delay tactics in constituting a tripartite committee to negotiate the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

The theme of the 4th Delegates Conference was, “Consolidating the Gains of Gender Mainstreaming in the Trade Unions.”

Ayuba said; “The current administration is dragging its feet in constituting a tripartite committee to negotiate a new minimum wage.

PDP Crisis: Makafi displeased with Gov Dickson's reconciliation report

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis seems to be far from over as the chairman of the caretaker committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has expressed displeasure with Bayelsa governor, Seriake Dickson over the reconciliation report he submitted to the National chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

In the report, the reconciliation committee chaired by Dickson who is sympathetic to Makarfi recommended that Sheriff be recognised as chairman.

The report also proposed that the party holds its convention not later than June 30.

It urged Sheriff to select 12 members into the Convention Planning Committee, in consultation with party stakeholders.

Female suicide bomber attacks NNPC depot in Maiduguri

An explosion has occurred at a NNPC depot in Maiduguri after a female suicide bomber attacked in the early hours of Friday.

It was learnt that the depot located on Damboa road was attacked at about 6:05am. The bomber reportedly died immediately while 3 tankers with premium motor spirit (PMS) went in flames.

It is also said that the body of the female bomber and another burnt body (male) have been so far recovered.

Men of the Federal Fire Service are trying to put out the fire.

Details later…

APC’s National Convention to hold April 29

APC has fixed April 29, as the date for its inaugural bi-annual non-elective convention.

This was made public by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, who spoke to journalists after a three-hour meeting the governors had with the National Working Committee of the APC in Abuja yesterday.

Oshiomhole becomes APC Leader in Edo

The Edo State caucus of the All Progressives Congress, APC has picked the immediate past governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as the leader of the party in Edo state.

The decision was reached at the inaugural caucus meeting of the party at Government House Monday evening.

Niger Delta Dialogue: Osinbajo arrives Akwa Ibom

The Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has arrived, Uyo, the capital of Akwa-Ibom. He was received at the Akwa-Ibom international airport by Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Osinbajo’s visit is in continuation of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration outreach to communities in the Niger Delta region.

According to Laolu Akande, the senior special assistant on media and publicity to Osinbajo, the acting president is currently meeting with traditional rulers in the state.