Thursday, January 15, 2015
Fresh Entrant! LASPOTECH Undergrad Runs Mad
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A young beautiful lady aged between 22 -25, an undergraduate of the Lagos State Polytechnic, today became cynosure of all eyes when she went nuts. The incidence which occurred in Odogunyan area of Ikorodu between 12 pm and 1 pm left many onlookers dumbfounded.
The lady whose name withheld was said to be an undergraduate of Laspotech's main campus in Ikorodu. An eyewitness who narrated the incident to us stated that "we saw her standing here not long ago, we thought she wanted to board a bike to first gate but to our greatest surprise, she removed her trouser, her top, removed her wig and started running"
The lady was described as very beautiful and well-built by eye witnesses even the LASTMA officials present. "Madam we try catch the girl but e no easy, she even 'throway' her handset, na only God know the cause of this kind thing" an Okada man present recounted.
MikeAngeloNews
The lady whose name withheld was said to be an undergraduate of Laspotech's main campus in Ikorodu. An eyewitness who narrated the incident to us stated that "we saw her standing here not long ago, we thought she wanted to board a bike to first gate but to our greatest surprise, she removed her trouser, her top, removed her wig and started running"
The lady was described as very beautiful and well-built by eye witnesses even the LASTMA officials present. "Madam we try catch the girl but e no easy, she even 'throway' her handset, na only God know the cause of this kind thing" an Okada man present recounted.
MikeAngeloNews
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Shocking Revelation! DR SID CAUSED MY BREAK UP WITH DON JAZZY - DBANJ
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The break up between Don jazzy and his friend Dbanj shook the whole entertainment industry a couple of years ago. Aside several rumours and allegations no one has been able to figure out or point at what really went wrong between the two parties as everyone was surprised that the love between them suddenly became sour.
The Koko master Dbanj, while answering to questions during an interview on a programme, THE TRUT, which is been Anchored by Olisa Adibua disclosed that Dr Sid caused his breakup with his friend and top music producer Don Jazzy.
Olisa asked Dbanj,
"Why did Mo' Hits break up?"
D'banj when responding to him said
"If I will be truthful, it would be Dr Sid"
The Koko master Dbanj, while answering to questions during an interview on a programme, THE TRUT, which is been Anchored by Olisa Adibua disclosed that Dr Sid caused his breakup with his friend and top music producer Don Jazzy.
Olisa asked Dbanj,
"Why did Mo' Hits break up?"
D'banj when responding to him said
"If I will be truthful, it would be Dr Sid"
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Uti @SirUti Declares support For Female Presidential Candidate @oluremisonaiya
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Actor/OAP, Uti Nwachukwu has said he will be voting for the only woman, Remi Sonaiya running on the KOWA party platform that is contesting for the position of President in next month's elections. She has vowed to change the face of Nigerian politics without help from a godfather and without spending millions on campaigns.
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BREAKING: President Goodluck Jonathan Visits Maiduguri
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BlackBox Nigeria has gathered that President Goodluck Jonathan for the first time in few years, has just landed in Maiduguri Airport in a surprise visit to the hot zone of Boko Haram's insugency which has claimed thousands of lives in the Nigeria North-East.
The President was accompany by the National Security adviser, Sambo Dasuki and Chief of Defense staff, Air Vice Marshall Alex Badeh. The two were said to have arrived at the Maiduguri airport in a separate airplane.
The President was accompany by the National Security adviser, Sambo Dasuki and Chief of Defense staff, Air Vice Marshall Alex Badeh. The two were said to have arrived at the Maiduguri airport in a separate airplane.
Governor Kashim Shettima got to the airport to receive President Jonathan as seen above.
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@oritsefemi Gets Signed unto Jonathan Campaign Train...
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After the scintillating and successful performance of Oritsefemi Ekele Majemite last week at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, he has finally signed the artiste to campaign with him throughout the federation for his political .
The Double Wahala fame will therefore be at Akure this week for Jonathan Presidential campaign.
It would be recalled that Oritsefemi kicked off the campaign at Tafawa Balewa Square on Thursday, the Double Wahala fame was in best form when he stormed the stage in the middle of the campaign that has lots of politicians and dignitaries across the country.
The Musical Taliban was introduced with Double Wahala.
Crowd turned the song to national anthem as they were carried way from the primary campaign singing Double Wahala For Deady Body. What amazed the audience was the President Goodluck Jonathan singing the song, Double Wahala back to back while Oritsefemi was performing on stage. Towards the end of Oritsefemi performance, the Delta State born singer released an official song for Jonathan, titled 'Great Jonathan'
This turned the President On. He was on his feet dancing to the tune of the Mercies of the Lord crooner.
The crowd was requesting for more but the time was limited. GEJ comments that artiste was a great singer for those wonderful performances.
The Double Wahala fame will therefore be at Akure this week for Jonathan Presidential campaign.
It would be recalled that Oritsefemi kicked off the campaign at Tafawa Balewa Square on Thursday, the Double Wahala fame was in best form when he stormed the stage in the middle of the campaign that has lots of politicians and dignitaries across the country.
The Musical Taliban was introduced with Double Wahala.
Crowd turned the song to national anthem as they were carried way from the primary campaign singing Double Wahala For Deady Body. What amazed the audience was the President Goodluck Jonathan singing the song, Double Wahala back to back while Oritsefemi was performing on stage. Towards the end of Oritsefemi performance, the Delta State born singer released an official song for Jonathan, titled 'Great Jonathan'
This turned the President On. He was on his feet dancing to the tune of the Mercies of the Lord crooner.
The crowd was requesting for more but the time was limited. GEJ comments that artiste was a great singer for those wonderful performances.
@blackboxupdate
Cult Clash Claims Five Lives In Lagos
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Five people have been killed after suspected cult members attacked residents of Ijora Bardia, in the Apapa Iganmu area of Lagos State.
Those killed in the Monday attack were identified as Ramon Oladejo, Lateef Abdullahi, Yusuf, Rasheed and Alausa.
PUNCH Metro learnt that Ramon, a meat seller in a market in the community was on his way to work on the fateful morning when he was shot dead.
The Oyo State indigene left behind a 27-year-old widow, Rasheedat, and four kids.
Another victim, Lateef, a 30-year-old motorcyclist was to be appointed the chairman of the riders association when he was killed.
Our correspondent gathered from multiple sources that the five victims were shot dead by hoodlums known as the Aliwo boys.
The gang was said to be about 50 in number and carried sophisticated arms.
A source, who pleaded anonymity said, "On Monday morning, the Aliwo boys trooped out from across the bridge where they have their base and blocked the main road.
"They cannot be less than 50. Many of them had guns and opened fire on people on the road. Bullets hit 17 people actually, but only five people died.
"The others were seriously injured and quickly taken to different hospitals where they are receiving treatments."
Among those in the gun-trotting crowd were men identified as Labanba, Oye, Songa, Okelemele, Asarailu, Ahmed Okada, Muliko, Last born, Kamoli and Omar.
When our correspondent visited the area on Wednesday, there was still tension on some of the streets.
Afolabi Street, in particular was still deserted.
Two police patrol trucks were observed around Sule Lane while one was sighted around Akoshile junction, where the shootout reportedly occurred.
It was earlier reported on December 29, 2014 that two youths were attacked while sleeping on Sule Lane and shot dead, while several others were cut with machetes as many vehicles were vandalised.
A resident, Feranmi Bolajoko, said the attack on Monday might not be unconnected with a supremacy battle among the motorcyclists in the area.
He said, "This may be the reason why after they shot Lati (Lateef), they also butchered him with cutlasses.
"After killing him, they snapped his corpse and started circulating the picture to show they had finished him off.
"Lati was supposed to be made the chairman of the tricycle riders after the death of the former leader."
Our correspondent visited the home of another victim, Ramon, on Akoshile Street.
His widow, Rasheedat, said, "He was going to work that morning when he was caught in the crossfire on our junction.
"I trade in petty things, so he had been the one taking care of the family. I don't know where to turn to."
Those killed in the Monday attack were identified as Ramon Oladejo, Lateef Abdullahi, Yusuf, Rasheed and Alausa.
PUNCH Metro learnt that Ramon, a meat seller in a market in the community was on his way to work on the fateful morning when he was shot dead.
The Oyo State indigene left behind a 27-year-old widow, Rasheedat, and four kids.
Another victim, Lateef, a 30-year-old motorcyclist was to be appointed the chairman of the riders association when he was killed.
Our correspondent gathered from multiple sources that the five victims were shot dead by hoodlums known as the Aliwo boys.
The gang was said to be about 50 in number and carried sophisticated arms.
A source, who pleaded anonymity said, "On Monday morning, the Aliwo boys trooped out from across the bridge where they have their base and blocked the main road.
"They cannot be less than 50. Many of them had guns and opened fire on people on the road. Bullets hit 17 people actually, but only five people died.
"The others were seriously injured and quickly taken to different hospitals where they are receiving treatments."
Among those in the gun-trotting crowd were men identified as Labanba, Oye, Songa, Okelemele, Asarailu, Ahmed Okada, Muliko, Last born, Kamoli and Omar.
When our correspondent visited the area on Wednesday, there was still tension on some of the streets.
Afolabi Street, in particular was still deserted.
Two police patrol trucks were observed around Sule Lane while one was sighted around Akoshile junction, where the shootout reportedly occurred.
It was earlier reported on December 29, 2014 that two youths were attacked while sleeping on Sule Lane and shot dead, while several others were cut with machetes as many vehicles were vandalised.
A resident, Feranmi Bolajoko, said the attack on Monday might not be unconnected with a supremacy battle among the motorcyclists in the area.
He said, "This may be the reason why after they shot Lati (Lateef), they also butchered him with cutlasses.
"After killing him, they snapped his corpse and started circulating the picture to show they had finished him off.
"Lati was supposed to be made the chairman of the tricycle riders after the death of the former leader."
Our correspondent visited the home of another victim, Ramon, on Akoshile Street.
His widow, Rasheedat, said, "He was going to work that morning when he was caught in the crossfire on our junction.
"I trade in petty things, so he had been the one taking care of the family. I don't know where to turn to."
It is furthe gathered that Ramon and his family had only recently relocated to the street.
It was also learnt that the hoodlums stole all the valuables on him, including his mobile phone.
Ramon's eldest son, Jamiu, 13, asked for help for himself and his siblings ─ Selim, Yusuf and Kalid.
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Apapa Iganmu, Muyiwa Jimoh, said the fracas was a supremacy battle for a park, which had been ongoing for some time.
He said, "We have however moved in security men to safeguard the lives and property of the people. I was also born there and can feel their pain and sorrow."
A community leader, Chief Amuda Famuyiwa-Ojora, said the traditional ruler of the community, the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Fatai Ojora, had waded into the clashes several times, without any result.
He added that some gangs from different parts of the state usually joined in the mayhem.
He said, "The Monday fight was sudden and unexpected. This clash is fuelled by thugs from Oshodi and Mushin. But we will make efforts to intervene again."
The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Kenneth Nwosu, said 27 suspects had been arrested.
"One Lateef Abdullahi, aged 30 years of Akorede area, Ijora was killed during the clash. Twenty-seven suspects were arrested. Investigations are ongoing to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the incident," he added.
It was also learnt that the hoodlums stole all the valuables on him, including his mobile phone.
Ramon's eldest son, Jamiu, 13, asked for help for himself and his siblings ─ Selim, Yusuf and Kalid.
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Apapa Iganmu, Muyiwa Jimoh, said the fracas was a supremacy battle for a park, which had been ongoing for some time.
He said, "We have however moved in security men to safeguard the lives and property of the people. I was also born there and can feel their pain and sorrow."
A community leader, Chief Amuda Famuyiwa-Ojora, said the traditional ruler of the community, the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Fatai Ojora, had waded into the clashes several times, without any result.
He added that some gangs from different parts of the state usually joined in the mayhem.
He said, "The Monday fight was sudden and unexpected. This clash is fuelled by thugs from Oshodi and Mushin. But we will make efforts to intervene again."
The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Kenneth Nwosu, said 27 suspects had been arrested.
"One Lateef Abdullahi, aged 30 years of Akorede area, Ijora was killed during the clash. Twenty-seven suspects were arrested. Investigations are ongoing to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the incident," he added.
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We offered him Commissioner, even Deputy Governor but he opted for the Ebola party -Tinubu Berates Jimi Agbaje; Lagos PDP Guber Candidate
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A former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, says the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, will fail again like he did in 2007.
Tinubu, who is a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, said Agbaje was not a salable candidate and was no match for the governorship candidate of the APC, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.
The former governor said this at the Lagos-West senatorial district campaign of the APC on Wednesday.
He accused Agbaje of lacking political experience even as he said the PDP candidate cannot manage Lagos economy.
Tinubu wondered how Agbaje would be able to manage the economy of the state at a time when the country was experiencing economic hardship.
The former governor said when the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration refused to give Lagos State its allocation and the state could not pay salaries, it was Ambode, who was the Accountant-General that re-engineered the economy which led to the increase in the Internally Generated Revenue and turned Lagos into one of the biggest economies in Africa.
He said, "In 2007, we had governorship primary and Fashola won but he (Agbaje) failed and refused to accept the result. I told him to accept the fact that Fashola was more diligent and experienced than him but we told him to remain in the party and we would teach him the way but he refused.
"You see, when a toddler is trying to run when he cannot even walk properly, his mother has to guide him so that he will not fall and break his teeth. He left and joined the Democratic Peoples Alliance. The DPA presented him as its candidate but he failed, we beat him mercilessly.
"Later, he wanted to return to the party and we asked him if he would become a commissioner but we knew it was unlikely because he had even refused to be the deputy governor. Before we knew it, he had gone to join the Ebola party. God forbid that Ebola takes over Lagos.
"See where we are coming from and where we are going. They say they want to replace us in Lagos. Someone who cannot take care of himself wants to take care of Lagos. Don't experiment with Lagos."
Tinubu, who is a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, said Agbaje was not a salable candidate and was no match for the governorship candidate of the APC, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.
The former governor said this at the Lagos-West senatorial district campaign of the APC on Wednesday.
He accused Agbaje of lacking political experience even as he said the PDP candidate cannot manage Lagos economy.
Tinubu wondered how Agbaje would be able to manage the economy of the state at a time when the country was experiencing economic hardship.
The former governor said when the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration refused to give Lagos State its allocation and the state could not pay salaries, it was Ambode, who was the Accountant-General that re-engineered the economy which led to the increase in the Internally Generated Revenue and turned Lagos into one of the biggest economies in Africa.
He said, "In 2007, we had governorship primary and Fashola won but he (Agbaje) failed and refused to accept the result. I told him to accept the fact that Fashola was more diligent and experienced than him but we told him to remain in the party and we would teach him the way but he refused.
"You see, when a toddler is trying to run when he cannot even walk properly, his mother has to guide him so that he will not fall and break his teeth. He left and joined the Democratic Peoples Alliance. The DPA presented him as its candidate but he failed, we beat him mercilessly.
"Later, he wanted to return to the party and we asked him if he would become a commissioner but we knew it was unlikely because he had even refused to be the deputy governor. Before we knew it, he had gone to join the Ebola party. God forbid that Ebola takes over Lagos.
"See where we are coming from and where we are going. They say they want to replace us in Lagos. Someone who cannot take care of himself wants to take care of Lagos. Don't experiment with Lagos."
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Cholera Outbreak Hit Rivers, 20 Confirmed Dead...
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RIVERS State Government has confirmed the outbreak of cholera in Andoni Local Government Area of the state, saying that about 20 persons have so far died from the disease.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, in a statement, said about 171 cases had been reported in some communities in the council. According to him, the outbreak began on January 5.
The commissioner said the council's rapid response team and the state emergency response team had all risen to the task, adding that two treatment centres had been opened in the area.
He said: "The state emergency response team and the social mobilization team are already on ground to assess and manage the situation.
"Two treatment centres have already been established at Ebukuma and Okoli'ile to manage cases and affected people are advised to assess the facilities,"
Dr. Parker added that bore holes would be sunk in the area as part of measures to tackle the spread.
He appealed to the people of the state not to panic, stressing that the situation was under control.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, in a statement, said about 171 cases had been reported in some communities in the council. According to him, the outbreak began on January 5.
The commissioner said the council's rapid response team and the state emergency response team had all risen to the task, adding that two treatment centres had been opened in the area.
He said: "The state emergency response team and the social mobilization team are already on ground to assess and manage the situation.
"Two treatment centres have already been established at Ebukuma and Okoli'ile to manage cases and affected people are advised to assess the facilities,"
Dr. Parker added that bore holes would be sunk in the area as part of measures to tackle the spread.
He appealed to the people of the state not to panic, stressing that the situation was under control.
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Ex-Sokoto Governor Predicts Tambuwal's Loss
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Former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, Wednesday asked Governor Aliyu Wamakko to prepare to hand over to the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Abdallah Wali by May 29, 2015.
He also said God had ordained President Goodluck Jonathan as the President of Nigeria, adding that unscrupulous politicians were only using religion to deceive people in the North.
This is just as the State Deputy Governor and leader of the PDP in the state, Alhaji Mukhtar Shagari, was conspicously absent during the commencement of the PDP campaign in the state.
Addressing party supporters at the commencement of PDP governorship campaign at the Kangiwa Square, Sokoto, Bafarawa averred that Wamakko should get ready to hand over power to Wali, saying he had no doubt that the PDP would win the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
He maintained that the large turnout of supporters at the rally was an indication that PDP would wrest power from the All Progressive Congress in the state.
"My prayer and hope is that we are planning to bid goodbye to Wamakko for us to take over. So, Wamakko should get ready to hand over to Wali.
"If you look at this mammoth crowd here and compare it with the one at the APC rally few days ago, you will come to the conclusion that victory is ours in the forthcoming governorship election," Bafarawa said.
He emphasised that God had destined Jonathan as the leader of Nigeria and that it was not a mistake
He also said God had ordained President Goodluck Jonathan as the President of Nigeria, adding that unscrupulous politicians were only using religion to deceive people in the North.
This is just as the State Deputy Governor and leader of the PDP in the state, Alhaji Mukhtar Shagari, was conspicously absent during the commencement of the PDP campaign in the state.
Addressing party supporters at the commencement of PDP governorship campaign at the Kangiwa Square, Sokoto, Bafarawa averred that Wamakko should get ready to hand over power to Wali, saying he had no doubt that the PDP would win the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
He maintained that the large turnout of supporters at the rally was an indication that PDP would wrest power from the All Progressive Congress in the state.
"My prayer and hope is that we are planning to bid goodbye to Wamakko for us to take over. So, Wamakko should get ready to hand over to Wali.
"If you look at this mammoth crowd here and compare it with the one at the APC rally few days ago, you will come to the conclusion that victory is ours in the forthcoming governorship election," Bafarawa said.
He emphasised that God had destined Jonathan as the leader of Nigeria and that it was not a mistake
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Female Football sensation Asisat Oshoala @asisato1 storms Twitter with her stunning pictures
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Aziz Mustapha
If 2014 was to be presented as a gift to an individual, everyone will agree with me that nobody deserves it more than this Female football sensation.
Ikorodu-born Azizat Oshoala took the whole world by storm with series of outstanding performances throughout the campaign sta out at the 2014 edition of the Fifa U-20 female world cup claiming the Mvp award, her performance earned her a place in the senior team ahead of the African women championship, Superzee as she is fondly called scooped the Mvp award again.
On the domestic front the Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt player showed her Lagos fans what she was made of at the Federation Cup finals against Sunshine Queens of Akure at the Tesliim Balogun stadium scooping the Most valuable player award again.
Finally to cap up a scintillating year at the 2014 Glo/Caf awards where she was the only individual that scooped away with two different awards, winning the African Youth player of the year and the prestigious African female Footballer of the year.
Taking time out to connect with her fans Superzee shared some of stunning pictures from the award and gifts from loving fans...
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RONALDINHO BACKS BRAZIL FOR COPA AMERICA
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BY Moses Adeyemi
Ronaldinho of Brazil says the country is ready to win Copa America. The former Fifa World Player of the Year insists the Selecao have bounced back from their World Cup disappointment and will be among the favourites in Chile.
The former Brazil international, Ronaldinho
has backed the current side ahead of this year's Copa America, insisting Dunga's men have what it takes to claim the title in Chile.
The former World Player of the Year insists the current side are well-placed to claim what would be Brazil's ninth South American crown.
BY Moses Adeyemi
Ronaldinho of Brazil says the country is ready to win Copa America. The former Fifa World Player of the Year insists the Selecao have bounced back from their World Cup disappointment and will be among the favourites in Chile.
The former Brazil international, Ronaldinho
has backed the current side ahead of this year's Copa America, insisting Dunga's men have what it takes to claim the title in Chile.
The former World Player of the Year insists the current side are well-placed to claim what would be Brazil's ninth South American crown.
"I think Brazil have everything to have a great Copa America campaign and fight for the title," he told former Argentina international Diego Maradona in a television interview.
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Golden Eaglets Whitewash Kano Team Excites Coach Amunike
Nigeria U-17 team spanked Giodano Football Academy 8-1 in a friendly game played at the Fifa Goal Project ground in Abuja.
Ebere Osinachi got a rare hat-trick, just as Ndu Iheakam got a brace. There were also goals from Captain Kelechi Nwakali as well as Suleiman Abdullahi while Ahmad Sabo got Giodiano's lone goal.
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APC Now Has Majority In House Of Reps Following More Defection From PDP
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The ranks of the Peoples Democratic Party in the House of Representatives further depleted on Wednesday as eight more members defected from the majority party.
Four of the defectors joined the rival All Progressives Congress, giving indications that the leading opposition party had gained the control of the House as the majority party.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance gained two of the defectors, while the Peoples Democratic Movement and the Social Democratic Party each gained one, bringing to eight the total PDP defectors on Wednesday.
All the defected legislators either cited dissatisfaction with the conduct of the party's last primaries or divisions in its fold as reasons for their decision to abandon the PDP.
The four who defected to the APC were Garba Ulma, Zakari Ibrahim, Ibrahim Kamba and Abdulmalik Cheche.
Wilson Nathaniel joined the SDP, while Tony Madwatte and Nwogbo defected to PDM and APGA respectively.
Another member, Mr. Benjamin Aboho, defected to APGA, while Mr. Forte Dike left APGA for the APC.
Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Victor Ogene, also made his defection from APGA to the APC official on Wednesday.
By Ogene's defection, both the chairman of the House committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Zakari Mohammed, and his deputy are now members of the APC.
The APC alone gained six out of the total of 10 lawmakers who changed political parties on Wednesday.
A National Assembly official told The PUNCH that the series of defections hitting the PDP lately had raised the numerical strength of the APC to 179 members, giving it the upper hand over the former.
The official said, "As it stands today, the APC has taken over as the majority party. There are now 179 APC members, while PDP has 162. The small parties together have 19 members.
"Ten of the members belong to the SDP."
When The PUNCH sought the reaction of the Deputy House Majority Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor, he neither denied nor confirmed the figures.
Ogor merely described the loss of his party's membership as "inconsequential."
He reminded our correspondent that the issue of defections in the House was still before the courts.
"This issue is inconsequential because the PDP is clearly in control. The courts have said status quo should remain.
"So, we are not bothered as we are in control. Even if it is only Leo Ogor who remains in the PDP, we are in control, so long as the courts have not decided on the issue of defections", he said.
The SDP has jumped to the third largest party in the House with 10 members.
Labour Party has about three members, APGA has three, PDM has two members and Accord Party, one.
Meanwhile, the House further amended the Electoral Act 2010 on Wednesday to make a provision to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons would vote at elections held during emergencies.
The amendment to the Act, which passed third reading on Wednesday, was a response to INEC's stance that there was no legal backing for it to guarantee voting opportunities for the IDPs during next month's general elections.
The amendment added a new clause to the existing Section 26 of the Principal Act, giving INEC powers to make provision for the voting rights of the IDPs.
It was proposed by a PDP lawmaker from Taraba State, Mr. Albert Tsam-Tsokwa.
The amendment received unanimous approval by members and was passed along with the new Electoral Act.
However, the House and the Senate will still meet in conference to harmonise any differences that may appear in their respective versions of the new law.
Four of the defectors joined the rival All Progressives Congress, giving indications that the leading opposition party had gained the control of the House as the majority party.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance gained two of the defectors, while the Peoples Democratic Movement and the Social Democratic Party each gained one, bringing to eight the total PDP defectors on Wednesday.
All the defected legislators either cited dissatisfaction with the conduct of the party's last primaries or divisions in its fold as reasons for their decision to abandon the PDP.
The four who defected to the APC were Garba Ulma, Zakari Ibrahim, Ibrahim Kamba and Abdulmalik Cheche.
Wilson Nathaniel joined the SDP, while Tony Madwatte and Nwogbo defected to PDM and APGA respectively.
Another member, Mr. Benjamin Aboho, defected to APGA, while Mr. Forte Dike left APGA for the APC.
Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Victor Ogene, also made his defection from APGA to the APC official on Wednesday.
By Ogene's defection, both the chairman of the House committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Zakari Mohammed, and his deputy are now members of the APC.
The APC alone gained six out of the total of 10 lawmakers who changed political parties on Wednesday.
A National Assembly official told The PUNCH that the series of defections hitting the PDP lately had raised the numerical strength of the APC to 179 members, giving it the upper hand over the former.
The official said, "As it stands today, the APC has taken over as the majority party. There are now 179 APC members, while PDP has 162. The small parties together have 19 members.
"Ten of the members belong to the SDP."
When The PUNCH sought the reaction of the Deputy House Majority Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor, he neither denied nor confirmed the figures.
Ogor merely described the loss of his party's membership as "inconsequential."
He reminded our correspondent that the issue of defections in the House was still before the courts.
"This issue is inconsequential because the PDP is clearly in control. The courts have said status quo should remain.
"So, we are not bothered as we are in control. Even if it is only Leo Ogor who remains in the PDP, we are in control, so long as the courts have not decided on the issue of defections", he said.
The SDP has jumped to the third largest party in the House with 10 members.
Labour Party has about three members, APGA has three, PDM has two members and Accord Party, one.
Meanwhile, the House further amended the Electoral Act 2010 on Wednesday to make a provision to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons would vote at elections held during emergencies.
The amendment to the Act, which passed third reading on Wednesday, was a response to INEC's stance that there was no legal backing for it to guarantee voting opportunities for the IDPs during next month's general elections.
The amendment added a new clause to the existing Section 26 of the Principal Act, giving INEC powers to make provision for the voting rights of the IDPs.
It was proposed by a PDP lawmaker from Taraba State, Mr. Albert Tsam-Tsokwa.
The amendment received unanimous approval by members and was passed along with the new Electoral Act.
However, the House and the Senate will still meet in conference to harmonise any differences that may appear in their respective versions of the new law.
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Hurrah! Nigeria Gets delivery Of Military Helicopters, hardware
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The Defence authorities have started taking delivery of some military hardware required for the prosecution of the war against the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.
Investigation revealed that the military hardware were imported from Russia, Belarus and other Eastern European countries.
It was learnt that some of the items were received at the Port of Lagos and were being moved to designated locations in Abuja and other parts of the country.
Our correspondent sighted several Russian-made Armoured Personnel Carriers being conveyed in long open military trucks along Okenne-Lokoja-Abuja Express Way.
Some other heavy trucks (painted in military green) were also sighted conveying containers of items suspected to be military hardware along the same routes.
It was however learnt that the military was receiving the items in batches from Russian, Belarus and other European countries by sea and by air.
A senior military officer said on Wednesday that the military equipment were being received at the Apapa Port, the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, and Kaduna.
The officer added that containers of spare parts for attack helicopters had also been received by the Defence authorities early in the week.
It was further learnt that the attack helicopters and other platforms would be coupled in the country.
"It is true that we have started receiving some military hardware in the country. Of course, we couldn't get them from our friends in the West. It is no longer news that they refused to sell to us.
"We are getting the items from Russia, Belarus and other Eastern European countries. They are coming in batches. We are receiving them in batches both by sea and by air.
"Apart from the items from Lagos, there are others coming in by air from the air ports in Kaduna and Kano.
"Some of the items that are being received include the APCs that you saw, components of some Air Force platforms. Yes, there are some attack helicopters; they are to be coupled together in the country. These are expected to boost the already high morale of the troops," the source said.
When our correspondent contacted the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, for his comment on the issue, he neither confirmed nor denied the arrival of the items.
He said, "We are incrementally enhancing our stock in all the mission areas as part of the ongoing measures to enhance our effectiveness."
Investigation revealed that the military hardware were imported from Russia, Belarus and other Eastern European countries.
It was learnt that some of the items were received at the Port of Lagos and were being moved to designated locations in Abuja and other parts of the country.
Our correspondent sighted several Russian-made Armoured Personnel Carriers being conveyed in long open military trucks along Okenne-Lokoja-Abuja Express Way.
Some other heavy trucks (painted in military green) were also sighted conveying containers of items suspected to be military hardware along the same routes.
It was however learnt that the military was receiving the items in batches from Russian, Belarus and other European countries by sea and by air.
A senior military officer said on Wednesday that the military equipment were being received at the Apapa Port, the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, and Kaduna.
The officer added that containers of spare parts for attack helicopters had also been received by the Defence authorities early in the week.
It was further learnt that the attack helicopters and other platforms would be coupled in the country.
"It is true that we have started receiving some military hardware in the country. Of course, we couldn't get them from our friends in the West. It is no longer news that they refused to sell to us.
"We are getting the items from Russia, Belarus and other Eastern European countries. They are coming in batches. We are receiving them in batches both by sea and by air.
"Apart from the items from Lagos, there are others coming in by air from the air ports in Kaduna and Kano.
"Some of the items that are being received include the APCs that you saw, components of some Air Force platforms. Yes, there are some attack helicopters; they are to be coupled together in the country. These are expected to boost the already high morale of the troops," the source said.
When our correspondent contacted the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, for his comment on the issue, he neither confirmed nor denied the arrival of the items.
He said, "We are incrementally enhancing our stock in all the mission areas as part of the ongoing measures to enhance our effectiveness."
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Boko Haram Incessant Attacks Is To Destabilise Nigerian Elections -America
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The United States government has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government to conduct this year's general elections despite the fact that the country is facing security challenges.
This view was expressed on Tuesday at the US Department of States' daily briefing in Washington.
The US government also said that the recent incessant attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents could be as a result of the approaching general elections in Nigeria.
"There has been a sharp escalation in the number of reported casualties. I think the numbers tend to be from about 2009 to 2013 – there were a little over 1,000 casualties. I mean, we've obviously all seen the reported numbers just this week – which we can't confirm exactly, but it clearly shows there's been a sharp escalation.
"It's because Boko Haram has tended to, particularly around something like an election, used political issues or sensitivities to try and inflame tensions. We've seen that as one of their tactics, and that's why it's so important to move forward with the election, because we believe it's important. Well, I don't want to prejudge.
"We've seen successful elections go forward in places that have pretty significant levels of violence. So, we believe the election should go forward. We know there are security challenges. We do think that the election is probably a factor. As I said, we believe the election should still go forward, even in the face of this pretty horrific violence," Marie Harf, the US spokeswoman, told journalists.
According to her, the US government will continue to assist President Goodluck Jonathan's administration in fighting terrorism, despite the fact that a training programme by the US for Nigeria's military personnel was cancelled by Nigeria late last year.
The United States government has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government to conduct this year's general elections despite the fact that the country is facing security challenges.
This view was expressed on Tuesday at the US Department of States' daily briefing in Washington.
The US government also said that the recent incessant attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents could be as a result of the approaching general elections in Nigeria.
"There has been a sharp escalation in the number of reported casualties. I think the numbers tend to be from about 2009 to 2013 – there were a little over 1,000 casualties. I mean, we've obviously all seen the reported numbers just this week – which we can't confirm exactly, but it clearly shows there's been a sharp escalation.
"It's because Boko Haram has tended to, particularly around something like an election, used political issues or sensitivities to try and inflame tensions. We've seen that as one of their tactics, and that's why it's so important to move forward with the election, because we believe it's important. Well, I don't want to prejudge.
"We've seen successful elections go forward in places that have pretty significant levels of violence. So, we believe the election should go forward. We know there are security challenges. We do think that the election is probably a factor. As I said, we believe the election should still go forward, even in the face of this pretty horrific violence," Marie Harf, the US spokeswoman, told journalists.
According to her, the US government will continue to assist President Goodluck Jonathan's administration in fighting terrorism, despite the fact that a training programme by the US for Nigeria's military personnel was cancelled by Nigeria late last year.
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Head Of Dead Man Found In Ebute-Metta, Body In Surulere
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The Police in Lagos State have recovered the mutilated remains of a man, identified only as Christmas, which were dumped at two different areas of the state.
Punch Metro learnt that the victim's head was found at Olokodana junction in the Ebute Meta area, while his body was recovered in Alaka, Surulere, on Wednesday.
It was gathered that the identities of Christmas' killers were, however, yet to be unravelled by the police.
A lodger, who was passing by the junction around 7am, was said to have raised the alarm, having discovered the head in a pool of blood.
Our correspondent gathered that two factions of hoodlums in Ebute Meta – Oto and Olokodana gangs – had since 2010, engaged one another in supremacy battle, which had allegedly claimed no fewer than 20 lives.
Punch Metro had reported on Friday, January 9, the killing of one Waheed Yusuf (aka Skippo) said to be the leader of the Olokodana gang.
He was allegedly killed in his house on Fagbayimu Street, Olokodana, Old Apapa Road, by some unknown gunmen.
A resident in the area, Tunde Adeniyi, told our correspondent that Christmas, who used to belong to the Olokodana gang, had abandoned the gang and was planning to leave the neighbourhood on Wednesday before he was killed.
He said, "I saw him packing his luggage on Tuesday. He said he was no longer interested in the clashes, adding that most of the top men in his (Olokodana) group were dead.
"He even said the motive of the rivalry was baseless, so he would rather quit and leave the community. I was surprised when I saw his head this morning. His body was later found in Surulere by the police."
An eyewitness, who gave his name simply as Kola, said men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad stormed the community on Monday to avert an imminent clash.
"SARS came here late evening on Monday and raided everywhere. They recovered guns and arrested some hoodlums, including a lady," he said.
The Lagos State Police spokesperson, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the recovery of the head in Ebute Meta.
He, however, said he had not been briefed on the recovery of the victim's body.
He said, "A bodiless head belonging to a yet-to-be-identified male was recovered at Olokodana junction, Ebute Meta, by policemen from the Iponri Division acting on a tip-off.
"The head has been deposited at the Yaba General Hospital morgue, while investigations aimed at unravelling and apprehending the characters behind the act have been activated.
"Members of the public are enjoined to avail us information that will aid diligent investigation. I have not got any information on the recovery of his body in Surulere."
Punch Metro learnt that the victim's head was found at Olokodana junction in the Ebute Meta area, while his body was recovered in Alaka, Surulere, on Wednesday.
It was gathered that the identities of Christmas' killers were, however, yet to be unravelled by the police.
A lodger, who was passing by the junction around 7am, was said to have raised the alarm, having discovered the head in a pool of blood.
Our correspondent gathered that two factions of hoodlums in Ebute Meta – Oto and Olokodana gangs – had since 2010, engaged one another in supremacy battle, which had allegedly claimed no fewer than 20 lives.
Punch Metro had reported on Friday, January 9, the killing of one Waheed Yusuf (aka Skippo) said to be the leader of the Olokodana gang.
He was allegedly killed in his house on Fagbayimu Street, Olokodana, Old Apapa Road, by some unknown gunmen.
A resident in the area, Tunde Adeniyi, told our correspondent that Christmas, who used to belong to the Olokodana gang, had abandoned the gang and was planning to leave the neighbourhood on Wednesday before he was killed.
He said, "I saw him packing his luggage on Tuesday. He said he was no longer interested in the clashes, adding that most of the top men in his (Olokodana) group were dead.
"He even said the motive of the rivalry was baseless, so he would rather quit and leave the community. I was surprised when I saw his head this morning. His body was later found in Surulere by the police."
An eyewitness, who gave his name simply as Kola, said men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad stormed the community on Monday to avert an imminent clash.
"SARS came here late evening on Monday and raided everywhere. They recovered guns and arrested some hoodlums, including a lady," he said.
The Lagos State Police spokesperson, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the recovery of the head in Ebute Meta.
He, however, said he had not been briefed on the recovery of the victim's body.
He said, "A bodiless head belonging to a yet-to-be-identified male was recovered at Olokodana junction, Ebute Meta, by policemen from the Iponri Division acting on a tip-off.
"The head has been deposited at the Yaba General Hospital morgue, while investigations aimed at unravelling and apprehending the characters behind the act have been activated.
"Members of the public are enjoined to avail us information that will aid diligent investigation. I have not got any information on the recovery of his body in Surulere."
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