Pope Francis prays for over 150 victims of Syria terror attacks, asks God to 'convert hearts' of ISIS extremists

Pope Francis prays for over 150 victims of Syria terror attacks, asks God to 'convert hearts' of ISIS extremists

Pope Francis has asked God to 'convert the hearts of those who sow death and destruction' following a series of deadly attacks by the Islamic State group (ISIS) in Syria.

While speaking during his weekly audience in St Peter's Square, on Wednesday, May 25, the pontiff prayed for "eternal rest to the victims" and "consolation to their relatives" after suicide attacks in the regime's coastal heartland that killed more than 150 people on Monday.


Francis said almost all the victims of the seven explosions targeting bus stations, hospitals and other civilian sites in the seaside cities of Jableh and Tartus were "unarmed civilians". Eight of them were children.

"It is the duty of everyone to protect children, most of all those exposed to a high risk of exploitation, trafficking and deviant behaviours," He added, "prayer is not a magic wand," it is our daily bread, our powerful weapon and the staff for our journey." 

"We pray in this Mass, for the victims of this cruelty - so many of them - we pray also for the perpetrators of such cruelty, that the Lord might change their hearts,"

On Monday, a series of seven deadly coordinated blasts targeted Syrian cities of Tartus and Jableh killing over 150 people including children. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Thousands of 'well wishers' storm Bauchi airport to welcome the Governor who returned from Lebanon (photos)

Thousands of 'well wishers' storm Bauchi airport to welcome the Governor who returned from Lebanon (photos)

Lol.. Nothing someone won't see in this country. Thousands of supporters and well wishers stormed the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport, Bauchi today to welcome the state Governor Bar. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar who returned to Nigeria from Lebanon where he spent one week in Beirut for an official visit. More photos after the cut...

 

Edo 2016: Inside Oshiomhole’s plot to install Obaseki

Edo 2016: Inside Oshiomhole’s plot to install Obaseki

The two major parties in the country and by extension, Edo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are perfecting strategies to win the governorship contest in that state scheduled for September 10....Read More

Teenage boy commits suicide rather than face his parents anger for crashing a new car

Teenage boy commits suicide rather than face his parents anger for crashing a new car

An 18-year-old teenage gymnast, Ruslan Gutu, committed suicide by hanging himself, after crashing a brand new car bought for him by his parents. According to his girlfriend Athena, Ruslan confided in her on how worried he was about telling his parents about the crash of the new car.

Athena told the coroner that he was 'shaking' as he told her he was worried about how he would pay for the damage done to his crashed car. 

He also asked if she had any rope or paracetamol and 'how much paracetamol it would take to overdose.' She told him he was being stupid and advised him to think of those close to him.

Before committing suicide, he sent his mother a chilling text, which was later released. It reads, 

'I am sorry to have left you with everything but it is better this way. I will be watching from above.'

Sadly, his hanged body was later discovered in the woods by a park ranger, close to where he lived in his hometown in Bracknell, Berkshire. 

Police cut down the 18-year-old and paramedics at the scene confirmed he had died.

Photos: Man bitten on penis by 10-foot python while using squat toilet

Photos: Man bitten on penis by 10-foot python while using squat toilet

38-year-old Thai man is recovering from a bloody encounter with a 3-meter (10-foot) python that slithered through the plumbing of his Chachoengsao provine, east of Bangkok home and latched its jaws onto his genitals while he was using a squat toilet.

Attaporn Boonmakchuay is pictured smiling as Thai television stations interviewed him in his hospital bed but photos of his blood-splattered bathroom were testimony to his ordeals.


He told Thai TV Channel 7 that he struggled to remove the snake for 30 minutes Wednesday before he managed to free himself with help from his wife and a neighbour. After his wife tied a rope around the snake, Attaporn pried open its jaws before passing out.

Emergency workers dismantled the Asian-style squat toilet, with the python still twined through it. The snake was taken away to be released back into the wild.

According to an emergency responder cited by the newspaper Thai Rath, doctors said Attaporn, bloodied but unbowed, will recover.

"He has a really good attitude... even though his own wife and children were in shock. He's been smiling and giving interviews all day from his bed," hospital director Dr. Chutima Pincharoen said.

More photos...

'Our son’s life in danger' - Metuh family cry out

'Our son’s life in danger' - Metuh family cry out

This is a press statement from the family of Chief Olisa Metuh. Read below.

The entire Metuh family has been following the issues regarding our son, Chief Olisa Metuh and his ordeal since his arrest, detention and arraignment by the EFCC since January this year. We are aware that the matter regarding our son is subjudice hence we shall only comment on matters that are already in the public domain. For the avoidance of doubt, we want to make the following clarifications.

 In December 2014, when the issue of the N400 million came up and our son was invited by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), he immediately reported at ONSA. He then made enquires regarding the source of the money with a clear statement to ONSA that if the source of the money is from government coffers, he was willing to refund accordingly not minding that the money has been expended as directed by the former President. At that time, ONSA did not make the necessary clarifications.

Upon his arrest on the 5th of January 2015, the EFCC went to town mentioning several figures that were not the exact amount of money transferred to our son’s account. They alleged that N1.4 billion arms deal money was traced to his account and that he has been receiving N4 million monthly from ONSA. They kept him in detention for a period of 9 days after which he was transferred to Kuje prison where he spent another 13 days.

Nigerians are aware that of all the people who have been facing the predicament of having worked for either the PDP or the previous Federal Government, our son has been the only one that was brought to court in handcuffs, paraded as a common criminal and treated without any dignity whatsoever.  Eventually our son was granted bail under one of the most stringent conditions ever in the history of our country. Fortunately, we were able to meet the bail conditions and our son has been facing trial since then. He has been cooperating with the judiciary and done all required of him in the course of the trial.

May we also point out that since his arrest and even up to about a week ago, our son has made several overtures to the arresting authority for him to refund the money since they now claim in court that it came from government coffers. All efforts have been unsuccessful.

It is instructive that out of over 300 names listed as having received money from the ONSA, all those who offered to refund money were not arraigned in court.  Our son is the only one whose offer to refund money was rejected and has been arraigned in court and his case given accelerated hearing. On each trial date the hostility in the courtroom is palpable.

As we speak to you the offer to refund the money to the federal government is still open and the government is yet to accept the offer. It is therefore clear to us that the intention is not the recovery of funds but a clear persecution of our son.

Our son was diagnosed with a spinal cord problem in 2004. He has consistently managed it over this period. However, due to the treatments he received while in custody, the situation got aggravated. In the course of his trial, the situation deteriorated, especially after he fell at a meeting in the party office for which he was rushed to the National Hospital and was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit. Notwithstanding the grave medical condition, he still kept his court date the very next morning in spite of medical advice by the doctors. On another such occasion he vomited in court and had to be rushed back to the hospital where he is lying critically ill.

Upon doctors’ recommendation, our son made application to be granted leave and his international passport released for him to travel to a recommended neurological hospital in London for immediate, critical delicate corrective surgery to save him from imminent irreversible paralysis.

We are therefore shocked that with all the information available to the court regarding his grave medical condition and the critical need for him to have this corrective surgery, the Federal High Court Abuja refused his application. It is also instructive to note that the Federal High Court Abuja on the same day granted leave to someone facing similar trial to go abroad for one month for prayers while our ailing son is not allowed to travel for urgent medical attention. We are also aware that a few others facing similar trials, within the same federal high court jurisdiction, have been granted leave to travel for medical treatment and their passports released to them by the same court where they were granted bail.

It is absurd that the main reason given by the court for refusing the application is that there are several teaching hospitals in Nigeria that can handle such critical spinal problems, especially as this dramatic claim by the trial Judge has no medical basis whatsoever. This is clearly one of the tactics being used by the court in an attempt to whip up public sentiments against our son in this courtroom media trial moreso when it is judicial notice that even public officers are allowed to travel abroad on ordinary medical check-up and at public expense. Our request is on the basis of a life-threatening ailment and will be undertaken with our own private resources.

Sadly, as we speak, our son is lying on admission at the National Hospital where his spinal ailment is fast deteriorating and doctors fearing the worse for his life. He currently relies on palliatives being given to him at the National Hospital Abuja waiting for the opportunity of a corrective surgery.

The essence of a criminal trial is to achieve justice and no justice can be achieved if someone dies in the process. We feel more convinced that this is a political vendetta considering the fact of his efforts to pay back the money if it came from government coffers not minding that the money has been expended as directed by the former President.

Till date, the powers that be have shown that they would rather prosecute our son than accept a refund of the money. For those who are conversant with the goings on in the court, it is no longer news that our son was not informed that this money came from a source other than from the former President. Why then this concerted effort to silence him finally.

Our concern now is that that our son should not be sentenced to a life in a wheel chair especially as we believe that the paramount interest of the authorities should rather be more on the recovery of funds. In this case, our son has from the onset shown his willingness to refund the money rather than dragging in other party members involved in the said assignment.
     
Finally we want Nigerians to note that our son has never held any public office, has never worked for any arm of government and is not being charged for stealing and/or corrupt enrichment.

Signed:

Chief Gilbert Metuh.
For and On behalf of the Metuh family.

Sad News! 18 People Dead As Truck Collides With Bus On Umuahia-Okigwe Highway....RIP (Graphic Photos)

This fatal accident happened yesterday Umuahia-Okigwe expressway a truck and commercial bus collided together. Many casualties were reportedly recorded in the crash. May the dead rest in peace. See photos below; 

Nig. Army Flees As Rival Militants Attack Eni Oil Pipeline In Bayelsa

Residents at Ikeinghenbiri community in Southern Ijaw council, Bayelsa are fleeing the area following a clash between rival armed groups at an oilfield operated by Eni’s Nigerian subsidiary Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

A resident said Sunday that the groups were struggling for control of the Ogboinbiri-Tebidaba crude trunk line which passed through the area.





Mr. Ebidimo Joseph said that residents were scared and were leaving to neighbouring villages for cover.
“We understand it is a conflict between two armed groups for the access to the crude pipeline, one group claims to be working to safeguard the pipeline and said the other group are vandals; they have been shooting.
“The sound of the gunfire is scary, and there is no sign of the Joint Task Force soldiers who are
supposed to be patrolling the area, we have not seen any soldier,” Joseph said
According to Joseph, the pipeline was set ablaze while the two groups engaged each other in the gun battle adding that there was no way to ascertain if there was any casualty yet.
He said that a thick ‘cloud of smoke’ had enveloped the community and polluted the atmosphere in the area.

JUST IN! WATER SCHEME: APC Urges Ugwuanyi To Probe Chime,Others.

JUST IN! WATER SCHEME: APC Urges Ugwuanyi To Probe Chime,Others.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to recover billions of naira allegedly stolen from
Enugu Water Scheme under his predecessor, Sullivan Chime and previous administrations in the State. Reacting to the plan of Enugu State Government to summon a town hall meeting over the lingering acute shortage of water in Enugu Metropolis and other towns, APC Enugu State Chapter called on Governor Ugwuanyi to instead of town hall meeting, convoke a high powered panel of inquiry to ascertain what happened to billions of Naira voted for Enugu water scheme.
The call was made by the Enugu State Publicity Secretary of APC, Mrs. Kate Offor, while addressing members of the party at Akpugoeze, Oji River Local Government Area during the condolence visit to Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu who lost his grand mother.
Mrs. Offor specifically called on Governor Ugwuanyi to shelve the idea of Town Hall Meeting if he actually was serious to provide water to Enugu Metropolis and other towns. “Governor Ugwuanyi should as a matter of urgent state importance, convoke a high powered panel of inquiry to unravel those who siphoned the monies voted to provide water to Enugu Metropolis and other towns and go ahead to recover the looted water funds.
Town Hall Meeting is only a talk shop, which is more or less a cover up”, the Enugu APC spokesperson said. Asked which water fund she was talking about, Mrs. Offor recalled that there were two or three tranches of funds voted to provide sufficient water in Enugu State in the last two decades including the money voted by Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under Muhammadu Buhari and the 50 million dollars World Bank loan obtained by the immediate past administration of Governor Sullivan Chime.
“To start with in the late 90s, the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) then chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari after intensive study designed a water scheme for Enugu Metropolis taking a cue from the 1904 Oji River British drilled wonderful borehole which is still functional today.
The water flow line designed from Oji River to Enugu is about 25km. PTF finished a successful test borehole, set aside money and nominated a German company for the project. Shortly after General Sani Abacha’s demise and return to democracy in 1999, the Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) took over.
“We want the panel of inquiry to tell the world how the money PTF voted for Enugu Water was spent and who derailed the plan? For the study showed that Enugu Metropolis will have more water than it requires, that storage will be the major headache”, Offor said. Quoting a report credited to a top official of Enugu State government in a national daily Offor explained further that “The two water schemes in the State broke down at the same time and put us in trouble. We have the

“Release Nnamdi Kanu Within 7 Days Or Watch Nigeria Sink”, New Isoko Militant Group Tells Buhari

“Release Nnamdi Kanu Within 7 Days Or Watch Nigeria Sink”, New Isoko Militant Group Tells Buhari

In the growing wave of militancy in the Niger Delta, another militant group has emerged, calling for violent secession of the Niger Delta people from Nigeria.

The group known as Known as Isoko Liberation Movement said it cannot guarantee the safety of any Niger Deltan in the northern or western regions, once they begin their attacks.

In its email with the title, ‘Peaceful Disintegration or War’, the group said it is in solidarity with the Egbesu Fraternity militants, the Niger Delta Avengers and other militants of the Niger Delta. Although it expressed solidarity with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), it warned them against reliance on a peaceful route to freedom, since it claimed that will not bring liberation.

The statement was signed by Commander Paul Iziakpono, the group’s spokesman.

The statement read: “We members of Isoko Liberation Movement, after much consultations with our fellow brothers in the struggle for the peaceful disintegration of this fraud called Nigeria, wish to issue the following statement:

“We identify with the Niger Delta Advengers, the Red Egbesu Water Lions and all fellow agitators in the struggle for the actualization of Niger Delta Republic.

“We commend and cupport our fellow brothers (IPOB) and their peace struggle to the actualization of the Baifra Republic. But we wish to let them know that peace and lengthy litigations will not yield any result in this corrupt and wicked Islamic Government.

“We advise all Niger Deltans still living in the northern and western part of the country to return home within seven days as their safety cannot be guaranteed after then.

“We advise the Buhari-led Government to as a matter of urgency call for a national conference to discuss the peaceful disintegration of Nigeria or standby and watch the country sink.

“We are giving the Buhari-led Government of this fraud called Nigeria seven days to release IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu or we shall rain hell on all oil installations within the Isoko land.

“For all those Isoko politicians who think they want to work with the Nigerian government to fish us out, our advise for you is watch your back, for we know all your every move.

“Finally we really do not think that Isoko sons or daughter’s blood is worth spilling, so please stay out of our way”, the release said.

We are on course, Fulani herdsmen will never win the war – David Mark

We are on course, Fulani herdsmen will never win the war – David Mark

 

The immediate past Senate President, Senator David Mark has vowed that he would continue to defend the Idoma territory from the sword of Fulani Herdsmen.
Mark said Idoma was a united nation and would never be divided by any group or persons.
The former military general made this assertion in Abuja, Sunday while speaking at the Agatu Peace Concert, organized by the One Idoma Initiative.
Mark, who was represented by Chief Elias Oche, noted that Idoma remained a force to reckon with in the nation, having produced no fewer than 140 professors.

He recalled that the story of Nigeria remained inconclusive without specially acknowledging the Idoma nation, which had churned out great men and women in various professional fields.
“Idoma is a united nation and can never be divided by any persons or groups. I assure you that they will never win this war. We will continue to defend our territory. You can not write the history of Nigeria without acknowledging the Idomas,” he said.

Expect more attacks on oil installations –Militant leader, Gen Ben

Expect more attacks on oil installations –Militant leader, Gen Ben

 

The renewed attacks on oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta region may in no way be nearing an end following the recent threat by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). The group has restated its threat to carry on with the bombing
of oil installations in the region until the Federal Government accedes to its demands.
NDA, a new militant group, had taken up arms against the government in what it claimed to be its own way of pressing for fair deal for the people of Niger Delta, especially in the allocation of oil blocs.
NDA is also demanding release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention for close to five months. The group said it wants the release of the IPOB leader as part of
conditions for ceasation of hostility in the region.
Besides the conditions, the group has also issued a quit notice to former vice
president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and General Theophilus Danjuma, to vacate
the Niger Delta area or face dire consequences.
The group recently gave a twoweek deadline to multi-national oil firms
to vacate the region, reiterating its threat to cripple the nation’s economy.
The Niger Delta Avengers’ threat is coming against the backdrop of the
claim by some former militant leaders who reportedly denied being part of
the amnesty programme put in place by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Sunday Sun gathered that some of the militant leaders are currently regrouping
and spoiling for war against the Federal Government.
Notable among these emerging groups is a group known as the Concerned
Militant Leaders (CML), which existence came to public consciousness
shortly after the arrest, detention and the incarceration of the leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Director, Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
CML’s solidarity with the detained IPOB leader was preceded by the call by
Niger Delta People’s Democratic Front (NDPDF) for his release. The Niger Delta
People’s Democratic Front (NDPDF) is led by Precious Iyoyo (aka General
Playboy). The group had warned the Federal Government of the consequences
of keeping Kanu in detention, describing it as provocative.
CML, through its spokesperson, who preferred to be addressed as General
Ben, had earlier in January, given a 31- day ultimatum to the Federal Government
to release Kanu, and vowed to launch attacks on oil installations as well
as Federal Government establishments.
The group had also warned that failure to release Kanu could force it to resort to
the kidnapping of expatriates.
Sunday Sun gathered that CML’s operations transcend the Niger Delta region.
This same group, it was gathered, was alleged to be responsible for the attack
on a merchant ship in February. The incident happened before the expiration
of 31-day ultimatum given by the CML.
In a statement released online, General Ben admitted that his group carried
out the operation, off Bakassi Peninsula on Nigerian waterways. He threatened
that his men would blow up the vessel and members of the crew onboard, adding
that the attack was carried out, “to let the government know that the group
does not make empty threats.”
Reacting to the group’s threat, the Federal Government had threatened to
treat the group like common criminals and saboteurs. Not deterred by the
threat, the group followed up with more attacks and blowing up of oil pipelines,
as well as killings of security personnel.
Sunday Sun gathered that the warlords are enjoying the backing of some
retired military officers who feel disgruntled over their premature retirement
from service. But, the CML has severally denied this.
Reacting to the claim, General Ben said the group had been on the struggle
for many years, adding that CML is moved by the realities in the country
and not influenced by any individual  because, according to him, the supposed
backers could turn out to be saboteurs.
“Nobody is pushing us; we are the ones pushing ourselves because nobody
is a blind man in this country. The injustice, the marginalization going on
in this country is very clear. There is so much hardship, poverty in this country
and a few persons are controlling our commonwealth, while we are dying
of hunger. How can we be happy in a situation like this?
“Even if we are being backed up, does it really matter? If millions of people
are suffering and few individuals are acquiring wealth here and there, who
is selfish? We are saying that Nigerian government is selfish and we must resist
that.
“To us, the Federal Government has no case against Nnamdi Kanu. If they
refuse to let him go, we will refuse to let them have peace. There is no law in Nigeria.
The laws are targeted at the poor, not the rich. Court would say release this
person; government would refuse. So, there is no law because some individuals
seem to be above law. There is high level of impunity in this country.
“That is why we have decided to leave this country to another where
there would be rule of law. And that is Biafra. We strongly believe we would
achieve it by the grace of God. We are undaunted. It is obvious. Nothing would
make us back out from the struggle.
It is a vow. Look at the South-south region, the nation’s source of wealth for
instance. What shows that we are part of the country? You use the money from
this region to develop other areas and impoverish us,” he said.
General Ben said that CML is part of the NDA, stating that his group is in
support of the two-week ultimatum issued by Niger Delta Avengers to the oil
firms in the region. Similarly, the CML spokesman restated the group’s earlier
order that Fulani herdsmen should leave the region.
On the attacks on oil facilities, General Ben gave kudos to the NDA warriors,
describing the group’s activities as a welcome development to liberate the
Niger Delta region and their brothers in South-east. He warned that their next
targets would be Exxonmobil and Frontier Oil firms.
“What can forestall the execution of this operation is for the authorities
concerned to pay prompt attention to the issues that necessitated this agitation.
We want to cripple the economy of the country and to show the people ruling
this country that, militancy now is not and will not be what they witnessed
several years ago. We are reformed and have learnt from the past.”
On the likely consequences of the military/militants war already declared
by the Defence Headquarters, the CML spokesperson said it was unfortunate
that innocent people might be affected but he added that it was the price such
people might have to pay.
Reacting to a recent statement, where another group of militants condemned
the recent activities of NDA, the CML spokesperson described them as sellouts.
He said they were few individuals that had ‘dined with Federal Government’.
“We will not reply them; but we will surprise them beyond their imagination.
These persons know that they have nothing to say or do. The people countering
us are those that have dined with Federal Government. We are not going
to reply them. We are going to surprise them.

Anglican Church Cautions Buhari Over Biafra Militants; Calls for Dialogue

The Diocese of Abuja of the Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion) has noted that the renewed pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta was not in the best interest of Nigeria.
It therefore urged those behind the bombing of oil installations in the region to desist from the act forthwith.
The church called on the Niger Delta Avengers to cease hostility against the government while embracing dialogue, noting that Nigeria, which is currently engaged with too many battles cannot afford to start another one with Biafra militant freedom fighters in the oil producing areas of the federation.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Nicholas D. Okoh, made the remarke in his presidential address to the third session of the ninth Synod of Abuja Diocese, held at All Saints Church, Wuse.

While urging the federal government to also tread cautiously in its attempts to resolve the growing crises in the Niger Delta, the church called on it to seek collaboration with the host communities in its efforts to secure all pipelines.
He also urged the federal government to open the space for immediate revival of the dwindling Nigerian economy by creating investment friendly atmosphere for more foreign investors to henceforth, take Nigeria as a preferred destination.
He lauded the efforts by President Buhari towards diversifying the Nigerian economy, urging his government to initiate more cutting-edge approaches aimed towards a meaningful engagement of foreign investors for revival of the economy of the country.
He based his talk on the theme of the this year’s Synod, “The Poverty of Riches”, taken from the book of Revelation, 3 vs17, stating that notwithstanding the prosperity that a country enjoys, it may suffer spiritual poverty and then end up being poor (on the real in all ramifications) if the leaders and the led are careless and Godless.
He said: “Creating an investment friendly environment in the country will more pragmatically give us what we need. Factors that investors will need to thrive, especially security, power and other amenities should be made available, while investors would be naturally attracted.”
The Primate said the federal government and

Nigerians in general should collectively find lasting solutions to the problem of insurgency, killings by herdsmen, fuel scarcity, pipeline vandalism and wide spread corruption, all he noted, are factors that often inhibit the growth of economy, and the nation in general.
On the menace of herdsmen across the federation, the primate said: “The federal government should make a policy to deliberately disarm the herdsmen” as a means of preventing the springing up of ethnic militias in all the regions of the federation in attempts to resist the rampage by herdsmen.”
“The synod calls on the National Assembly to drop the plan to propose a bill on grazing reserve as the issue has started heating up the polity whereas such will not do the herdsmen any good.”

JUST IN!!! Why Buhari Postponed Lagos Visit – Presidency

JUST IN!!! Why Buhari Postponed Lagos Visit – Presidency 



The Presidency has attributed the postponement of President Muhammdu Buhari’s planned two-day state visit to Lagos to what it called “scheduling difficulties.”
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, explained this to journalists on Sunday.
Shehu said Buhari needed more time for the Lagos trip as well as a similar one to Edo State which had earlier been stepped down.
He said the President would embark on the trips after Ramadan.
The presidential spokesman said, “The President is faced with scheduling difficulties and that is the reason for the postponement of the Visit.
“He needs more time for Lagos and for Edo which had earlier been stepped down.
“As a result of this, the visit has been scaled down and he is being represented by His Excellency the Vice-President, who is going to Lagos to commission a few projects, leaving the rest for Mr. President.
“The President will undertake these visits after the Ramadan.”
The spokesman of the Vice-President, Laolu Akande, also on Sunday issued a

two-paragraph statement on the issue.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari will be represented in Lagos State tomorrow (Monday) on an official visit by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
“On behalf of the President, Prof. Osinbajo would commission a number of projects in the state as part of the visit.”

BREAKING!!! Jonathan Goes On Exile In Cote D’Ivoire; Militants Move To Shutdown Oil Output

BREAKING!!! Jonathan Goes On Exile In Cote D’Ivoire; Militants Move To Shutdown Oil Output


There are strong indications that former President Goodluck Jonathan may have gone into temporary self exile in Cote d’Ivoire, following reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may arrest him on his arrival in Nigeria from his overseas tour on allegations of corruption and misappropriation of billions of dollars in the five years during which he was Head of State, IGBERE TV has learnt.


Several sources close to the ex-president, who confirmed that Jonathan had sought refuge last week in the West African country, also blamed the heightened attacks on oil and gas installations by Ijaw militants in the Niger Delta, resulting in the loss of an estimated 800,000-900,000 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd), to what they claimed was “the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to renege on his promise that his predecessor had ‘nothing to fear’ from him (Buhari) after he handed over the reins of power on May 29, 2015”.
Immediately after his electoral victory in 2015 and at his presidential inauguration, Buhari, in what was seen as a political gesture, had stated that he would not go after his successor, despite allegations that the former president had presided over widespread corruption during his five years in the saddle.


However, since Jonathan’s departure, anti-corruption agencies led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have swept in on several associates of the former president on allegations of money laundering, diversion of public funds and contract scams, mostly linked to defence sector contracts and the purchase of arms used for the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram in the North-east. In recent weeks, the EFCC has in addition to arresting and prosecuting several public office holders who served under the

BREAKING!!! Jonathan Goes On Exile In Cote D’Ivoire; Militants Move To Shutdown Oil Output


There are strong indications that former President Goodluck Jonathan may have gone into temporary self exile in Cote d’Ivoire, following reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may arrest him on his arrival in Nigeria from his overseas tour on allegations of corruption and misappropriation of billions of dollars in the five years during which he was Head of State, IGBERE TV has learnt.

Several sources close to the ex-president, who confirmed that Jonathan had sought refuge last week in the West African country, also blamed the heightened attacks on oil and gas installations by Ijaw militants in the Niger Delta, resulting in the loss of an estimated 800,000-900,000 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd), to what they claimed was “the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to renege on his promise that his predecessor had ‘nothing to fear’ from him (Buhari) after he handed over the reins of power on May 29, 2015”.
Immediately after his electoral victory in 2015 and at his presidential inauguration, Buhari, in what was seen as a political gesture, had stated that he would not go after his successor, despite allegations that the former president had presided over widespread corruption during his five years in the saddle.


However, since Jonathan’s departure, anti-corruption agencies led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have swept in on several associates of the former president on allegations of money laundering, diversion of public funds and contract scams, mostly linked to defence sector contracts and the purchase of arms used for the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram in the North-east.
In recent weeks, the EFCC has in addition to arresting and prosecuting several public office holders who served under the

Why PDP Had to Let Sheriff go – Wike; Sack of Sheriff, a Breath of Fresh Air for PDP – FFK

Why PDP Had to Let Sheriff go – Wike; Sack of Sheriff, a Breath of Fresh Air for PDP – FFK

Why PDP Had to Let Sheriff go – Wike; Sack of Sheriff, a Breath of Fresh Air for PDP – FFK 


In a statement released by the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic media, Simeon Nwakaudu, The Chairman of the 2016 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Convention Planning Committee and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has explained that the party had to let Former Acting National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff go because his leadership was destabilising the party.
In an interview on Saturday night after the 2016 National Convention in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said: “All along, the crisis has been about the former acting chairman whose emergence was strongly opposed.
“This is destabilising the party and so we had to let him go. What is important is the party and not the individual. No sacrifice is too much for anyone to make as far as PDP is concerned “.
He noted that he had no personal interest in supporting Senator Modu Sheriff as he was the best option at the time he emerged.
He said that PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength as it remains the only hope for the country.
Governor Wike said: “We will not allow the PDP to die or suffer divisions under our watch. History will never forgive us if we watch the party die.”
The governor said that the party leaders would work towards maintaining unity amongst all members of the party.
He said despite the challenges, the 2016 National Convention was successful as the party has been repositioned in the interest of the nation.

Meanwhile Femi Fani Kayode has said that “the sack of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the

chairman of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) came to me as a very big relief. The sack was long overdue as we had always maintained that Sheriff had no business being the chairman in the first place.”
Read him below:
Although we were maligned by some party members and citizens alike for insisting that Sheriff must go as he was bad news for the PDP, his sack at the Port Harcourt convention has justified our stand. We knew that he railroaded himself into the chairmanship of the PDP under false pretences and bogus claims, three months into his ill-fated tenure, it has become clear to everyone that SAS was a mistake the party should not have made in the first place.
Now that he is gone, it is expected that the caretaker committee of patriots and dedicated party leaders put in charge to run the affairs of the party for the next 90 days would do well to embark on the urgent reconciliation of members with the purpose of making PDP that usual united and formidable party it has always been.
I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that the Caretaker Committee as led by its chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, former governor of Kaduna State, who has also been my long time friend and political associate, will create the needed atmosphere of trust and comradeship among party members going into the next convention.
Let me appeal to all aggrieved party faithful to sheathe their sword at this time and come together as one people under one umbrella. Now that the sore point has been removed, we must not miss this opportunity to forge a united front for the sake of Nigeria.
I must thank the governors, party leaders and elders for their resoluteness to do the right thing in the face of immense pressure. This action is proof that PDP is ready to correct its mistakes of the past and remain the only alternative to bringing genuine dividends of democracy to our teeming citizens.
It is time to return power to the people!