BlackBox Nigeria

The inauguration of Nasir El-Rufai as governor of Kaduna State ended abruptly on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that El-Rufai could not review the parade mounted by the police as some youths pelted dignitaries with water sachets, stones and other objects in the pavilion.
This prompted security agents to fire tear gas into the crowd at the Murtala Square, Kaduna.
NAN also reports that the dignitaries in the pavilion included the Emir of Zazzau, Dr. Shehu Idris, and other traditional rulers in the state.
The incident occurred when the new governor had concluded his address and was about to mount an open van to review the parade mounted by the police.
While the crowds were dispersed by the police, dignitaries remained seated, but the occasion ended abruptly without the governor reviewing the parade.
NAN reports that the Murtala Square was filled to capacity.

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THE Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has announced the appointment of key officials of his government.
In a statement, he personally signed immediately after his inauguration in Lagos, Ambode named Tunji Bello as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Samuel Olukunle Ojo as the Chief of Staff.
The statement further said that Abiodun Bamgboye has been appointed Principal Private Secretary, while Habib Adamson Aruna was appointed the Chief Press Secretary.
The appointments take immediate effect.
Bello, journalist and lawyer, is a former Commissioner for Environment. He studied Political Science at the University of Ibadan and later went to the University of Lagos where he bagged a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy. He later read law in the same University.
His bustling journalism career started with the now defunct Concord Press Nigeria, where he rose from being a feature writer to become the Editor of National Concord. 
He was appointed Commissioner for Environment in July 2011 by the former Governor, Babatunde Fashola.
Ojo, the new Chief of Staff is presently the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Chief of Staff.
Aruna rose from the ranks to become the Editor of Sunday Independent, from where he resigned in November 2014, to set up Upshotreports, an online newspaper.
He studied Political Science at Bayero University and obtained a Masters in the same course at the University of Ibadan.
He attended journalism courses both home and abroad and has been a consistent promoter of progressive ideas.

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Africa music star, 2face Idibia has sent out a goodwill message to Nigerians in celebration of this year's #DemocracyDay.
In his message, 2face wants everyone to join hands together to take Nigeria to her rightful place in the league of nations. And while congratulating Nigeria's new President, Muhhamadu Buhari, he prays that the real change will manifest soon.

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Life is forever strange. Jonathan a few minutes ago became the latest yesterday's man. I watched as he arrived for the very last time with the full pomp and pageantry of the Presidency and literally looked dymistified as he shook the hands of his successor, handing over the baton and stymying slyly into the shadows of history.
I watched him closely as he sat. Trying very hard to comport himself and not betraying any emotions knowing fully well that the cameras and indeed the eyes of the whole world would be staring at him. Looking better dressed than the man of the day, his bowler hat perfectly perched on his head with his graying hair, peeping from underneath the bowler hat thanking its stars that it didn't have to come out to share in this perfidy.
What was in his mind as he sat down there, enduring the stares and watching the sycophants as they immediately switched allegiances. Obj was behind him, did he feel like turning back and slapping him? Tinubu was way behind, was that why in his walk around he did not get to that part of the cubicle. What would he have done differently if time was rolled back. Would he have ignored obj, would he have stayed loyal to the buffoons who made a buffoonery of his administration. How come his roll of luck came to such a disgraceful end and why did that his gregarious wife not come and share in this public humiliation.
Where are all the geezers who shared in the rut, where are the ill advisers and much more importantly where are the Nollywood clowns. Who all sang and danced his name to high glory. How will history treat Jonathan, I fear, not with mercy. His was a template of disaster, his was a fine glass of recklessness, a lack of will power to take painful decisions and a cowards hand book on how not to rule a country like NIGERIA..

As I watched, I failed to see the hope Americans saw during Obama's first inauguration. As I watched I saw the result of misplaced faith. We kept faith in luck as if we could control luck. He didn't have shoes, so we voted, he was the ever available replacement, from Deputy Governor to the Presidency we voted. What did we get in return, a failed state, an economy in tatters, missing children, 2m displaced people, no power and in his last days,no fuel.
Jonathan - yesterday's man, lurking in the shadows of failed leaders. He , a statesman he would not be. I saw pity in the eyes of the dignities on the stand. From my couch in my living room, I could almost here the Heads of state whisper in his ears as he walked past- be strong. Yes he needs that advice for the loneliness that would envelope him this night would be so scary that he would need about 46 candles and a heavy dose of prayers from David's Book of Psalms to get him through the night.
He quietly slipped away like a lizard, though the backdrop and most likely into a tiny car far from the grandeur of the posh intimidating car he rode in and into the depth of anonymity where he would have only himself to blame for this loneliness and huge sense of failure.
He threw always greatness and in his simplicity he will go back to the simpleton he as meant to be, if not for the rude interference of fate which threw him unprepared into the national limelight but left him to dance naked surrounded by hippies and a wife worse than an ethnic savage.
I say goodbye to this yesterday's man and wish him well as he joins his fishermen kinsmen in sleepy Otueke from where he emerged to lead us to Golgotha. Sleep well Jona and Gods forgiveness and blessing be with you.
I shed just one tear.

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has touched down in his home State of Bayelsa after handing over the reins of power to successor Muhammadu Buhari in a seamless transition that has been hailed across the globe.‎
Our correspondent in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, reports that Jonathan was welcomed to chants of "hero" from the locals and scenes of jubilation in his home State.
The former President checked out of the Eagles Square venue of today's inauguration in the capital city of Abuja as soon as he had played his part in the ceremony.
He is presently at the government House in Yenagoa and is being feted by the State Governor, former Governors of the State, traditional rulers and members of the civil society.
From government house in Yenagoa, he'll proceed to his country home in Otuoke where the mother of all receptions await him and then some partying well into the night as well.

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Delta state governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan has granted total pardon to 24 year old student, Moses Akatugba who was in November 2013 sentenced by an Asaba High Court to death by hanging for stealing three mobile phones and recharge cards.
Moses was charged to court after he and his robbery gang robbed a women of about N100k, phones, and recharge cards valued at over N100,000 in Delta state.
He was apprehended at the scene of the incident while other members of the gang escaped. After the verdict was handed by the presiding judge, the international community and local social crusaders launched a massive campaign for a state pardon for Solomon.
This wish was granted as Governor Uduaghan during his last Executive meeting at the government house, Asaba today, 28th May. Not only did he grant Moses total pardon, he also commuted the death sentences of three others to various terms of imprisonment.

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Democracy Day statement by National leader Bola Tinubu... 
May 29, 2015, shall be recorded in our history as the moment when democracy finally was allowed to participate in Democracy Day. The reason for this is the legion of average Nigerians who voted to make this happen. Should any of you wish to see a true hero of democracy, don't fret. Just look in the nearest mirror.
The celebrations prior to this were false showings; they were the commemoration of wrong.
The path we have taken to come to this august moment has not been one of easy victory or swift progress.‎
Instead, it has been a path hewed by the triumph of resilience over broken promises and fraudulent avowals of representative governance. Reaching this fine moment has been a story told in the cadence of the victory of common good over arrogant power.
The voice of the solitary poor man, no one hears. But the votes of the poor became a potent army capable of toppling the very citadel of high privilege in order to bring forth national awakening no less historic and important than the very birth of this nation.
On this day, we shall witness the inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari, a great, honorable and dedicated public servant as our president. This is indeed an inspiring moment, a turning point in our national direction, and the reclamation of our best destiny.
We shall celebrate this achievement but not in mindless, care-free fashion. The road ahead is still choked with the debris of problems left too long unattended.
We are well aware of the challenges pitted against our wellbeing. Insecurity, economic decline and corruption, we must fight and fight as if we are going to war not a carnival.
Most of all, we must fight the temptation of hopelessness, the sense that little good will come out of even the greatest efforts.
This is where I want to thank and commend all those who voted in the past election.
It is you who turned this day into the true celebration of true democracy it was intended to be.
With no guarantee save your faith and armed solely with the hope and promise of a better tomorrow through better governance, you fought the mounting tide of power and money. That tide tried to induce you to sell your democratic rights and your chance for a greater future on the cheap.
 In the eyes of those who were self-exalted, you had been debased and brought low by visible circumstance of poverty and lack.  You seemed to them ripe for purchase. Yet, inside, you retained a greatness of character and a loyalty to the democratic ideal incomprehensible to those who believed that everything can be purchased.
You showed them that your self-definition as human beings and as Nigerians was not for sale or tender. As a result, he who had been given so much, so easily by so many was humbled. You who have been ridiculed, reduced and written off were lifted up. The will of the people hath reclaimed its sovereignty.
This has been a blossoming of justice and the illumination of the power of human decency.  So often, Nigeria has been portrayed negatively before the world. Not this time.
The world is proud of what you have done and how you have advanced the cause of fairness and right.
What you have done has lent solace to those still struggling to establish democracy and responsive governance in their homelands.
They now see Nigeria as an inspiring example. They seek to be like you, to travel the road you just trod.
Today, the old Nigeria is no longer in chains as we move into a new era and take hold of our new selves. From President Buhari to the state governors inaugurated this day, I wish them well and pray they govern in an open, democratic way that assures your optimal wellbeing.
I ask that you, the people, maintain your diligence and help guide those you have just elected.
The issues that confront us are deep and complex. They are not susceptible to facile solution or inattention.  Wise and sound policy is within our capacity. But, we must have the will to accomplish it. If both the governed and government work in league, there is nothing our beloved nation cannot overcome.
Let it be said that on this day, the nation consecrate itself to the ideal that governance is the sacred instrument of the people and never again shall it be the exclusive recreation of a select few. No longer shall Democracy day be a shallow ritual. Henceforth, it is a living truth.

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Ahead of Friday's inauguration of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed an application seeking to stop the swearing-in ceremony.
A non-governmental organisation,  Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative, had on Tuesday filed a suit as well as an ex parte application seeking an interim injunction restraining the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed from swearing Buhari in on Friday.‎
The application was adjourned till Thursday for hearing following the failure of the representative of the plaintiff or its lawyer, Mr. Philip Ekpo, to show up in court on Wednesday when the application was initially fixed for hearing.
After hearing the plaintiff's lawyer on Thursday, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, dismissed the application for lacking in merit.
Justice Ahmed held, "The Presidential election in which the 1st defendant (Buhari) emerged winner took place on March 28, 2015; today is May 28. It is now two months after the election took place. Now, I sincerely ask, how can a court grant an interim injunction on the issue.
"Where was the plaintiff/applicant before and after the election? Is it that the applicant did not know about the Presidential election of March 28 or what?
"The inauguration of the 1st defendant will be held on Friday and the applicant is talking about urgency.
"This motion ex parte is a clear case of self induced urgency. Therefore this application is devoid of merit and accordingly dismissed."
The judge adjourned the suit till June 24.

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King of Fuji music, K1 De Ultimate will be performing at the inauguration of Nigeria' 5th democratically elected, Muhammad Buhari today May 29, 2015 at Eagle Square, Abuja.
K1, a card-carrying member of APC and a regular feature at major political campaigns and rallies of the party will join other acts like Psquare, Faze and others to usher in the new administration led by Buhari with his brand of music.

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President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of vice chancellors for the four federal universities of education and a Federal University of Health Sciences.
This was contained in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education signed by Mr Sul Ya'u Sule, the Senior Special Assistant, Public Relations and Protocol to Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, the Minister of Education..
Accroding to the statement, Prof. Martins Aghaji is the Vice Chancellors for Federal University of Sciences, Otukpo, Benue, Prof. Richard King for Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo.
Prof. Sadiq Abubakar for Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Prof. Victor Awonusi for Federal University of Education, Kano and Prof. Ibrahim Kolo for Federal University of Education, Zaria.
Their appointments was with with immediate effect. The statement added that President Jonathan had also approved the appointment of Dr Nnamdi Olebara, the Special Adviser, Media to Shekarau, as member, Governing  Council of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri.

Yhemmie_blaq‎

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The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to deal decisively with the problem of corruption in the country.
The President of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, said in a statement on the agenda of the NLC for the President-elect on Thursday that decisive steps should be taken against the scourge of corruption for the sake of the survival of the country.
Wabba also called for a review of the nation's foreign policy to refocus it more on the country and her relationship with her neighbours.
He also urged the incoming President to emphasise the place of reciprocity in the projection of the country and the protection of her citizens.
The NLC President also canvassed a drastic reduction of the cost of governance in the country which he said was unacceptable.
He said the high cost of governance could be rectified not by workers' rationalisation but through fighting corruption and removal of waste in the system.
Wabba added, "On foreign policy, in light of new realities, we canvass the introduction of Nigeria-centered policy with a focus on the strengthening of relations in all departments with our neighbours.
"We similarly canvass the doctrine of proportionate response in pursuit of projection of national power and protection of citizenry.
"Corruption remains a national cancer that must be dealt with for the sake of national survival.
"Similarly, the cost of governance at all levels, including the legislature, is very high and morally reprehensible and must be brought down, not through rationalisation of personnel (as personnel emoluments constitute an insignificant fraction of cost of governance) but through wiping off of corruption and reduction of waste in the system."

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Nollywood actress and producer, Uche Jumbo Rodriguez has delivered of a bouncing baby boy.‎
'The Wrong Selfie' actress who reportedly had a miscarriage last year when she first became pregnant, took to her Facebook page on Thursday, May 28, 2015, to make the announcement of her new bundle of joy who has already been named Matthew.
Uche Jumbo got married in 2012, to an American / Puerto Rican born man named Kenney Rodriguez
 See her post below…
Baby matthew is here! Just one look at him and the world is alright with me! Yeah its a lovely day! Thank you Jesus!…
Posted by UCHE JOMBO on Thursday, May 28, 2015

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Ahead of today's inauguration of the president-Elect, General Mohammadu Buhari and Vice President-elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the popular Eagle Square, venue of the event in Abuja is wearing a new look.
A correspondent who visited the arena located at the Business Central Area of Abuja metropolis saw that massive decoration of the place was still ongoing.
The VIP stand wore very exquisite look with the decorators still putting finishing touches on it.
There was a platform located some 100 meters away from the stand which appears to be where the rituals of the swearing in and indeed all other official protocols would be observed.‎
Flags of over 20 different countries of the world also adorned the outer part of the area that faced the National Assembly.
It will be recalled that over 50 Heads of State and Government would be witnessing the occasion.
Most public buildings such as the Office of the Head of Service and a flank of the federal secretariat buildings also had a touch of green-white-green color.
Some broadcast media organizations were also seen setting up their equipment while security presence was very rich.
A combined teams of soldiers, police and State Security service, SSS and Civil Defence Corps were visible within and outside the Square.
Police patrol vehicles also littered the place just as the adjoining roads to the place had been cordoned off with movement restricted.
The place would witness the office swearing in of the president-elect and Vice President-elect.
Both men were elected on March 28 presidential elections to replace President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo whose constitutional four year term expires on Friday, May 29, 2015.

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