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DR Congo ended the fairytale run of neighbours Congo Brazzaville on Saturday when they came from behind to win 4-2 and qualify for the semi-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.



Congo, who were only reinstated in the qualifying tournament of this competition after Rwanda were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player, led this battle of the Congos 2-0 before DRC fought back to win with four goals in the last 25 minutes.







Following a flat first 45 minutes in a largely deserted Estadio de Bata, this derby clash came to life after the break, with Ferebory Dore volleying Congo in front 10 minutes into the second half.



Thievy Bifouma then doubled their lead just after the hour mark, but the Leopards were back in the game on 65 minutes when Dieumerci Mbokani found the net.



Loteteka Bokila equalised with 15 minutes remaining before substitute Joel Kimwaki Mpela put Florent Ibenge’s side ahead and Mbokani then clinched the win.



The result sees DR Congo advance to the last four for the first time since 1998, while the adventure ends here for Claude Le Roy’s team.

The first half never really got going, with both sides playing with caution and at a slow pace.



Congo almost went in front just before the interval, though, when a free-kick from outside the box by the towering Dore passed just over the bar.

But, in contrast, the second half was a remarkable affair.



In the 52nd minute, Mbokani headed down for Bokila, who crashed a volley against the underside of the bar, before Congo opened the scoring at the other end moments later.



Delvin Ndinga swung a free-kick into the box and Dore got in behind his marker to volley past veteran goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba.

Bifouma then doubled the Red Devils’ lead in the 62nd minute when he latched on to a loose ball inside the area after Kidiaba had saved from Dore to grab his third goal of the tournament.



However, DR Congo pulled a goal back on 65 minutes when Mbokani was left with a simple finish following superb work by Yannick Bolasie on the left.

The Leopards now had the momentum on their side and Bokila made up for his earlier miss when he turned inside the box and fired home the equaliser.

For a short while extra time loomed, but then Kimwaki put DR Congo ahead for the first time when he rose unmarked to head home a free-kick past the stranded Christoffer Mafoumbi in goal.



via nigerianeye

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says its Presidential flagbearer, President Goodluck Jonathan will beat the APC candidate, retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari, fair and square in the north, come February 14, 2015.



The party also said with President Jonathan’s soaring popularity among the voting population across the country, it would win more than two-third of the total votes cast as well as the required 25 percent in all the states of the federation.

Olisa Metuh

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement, Saturday, said President Jonathan will beat Buhari in the north, not only because the PDP controls 12 out of the 19 states of the region, but also because the citizens are pleased with the numerous development projects he executed in the region.



The party said the various projects and appointments in the north have placed President Jonathan ahead of Buhari especially following the fact that the APC presidential candidate never executed any in the region when he was head of state and has so far failed to articulate an acceptable blue-print for development.



“Indeed, Nigerians in the north are eager to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan come February 14, 2015. Voters in the region appreciate the direct positive impact of the numerous development projects executed by the Jonathan administration in all sectors of life.



“They appreciate the fact that recognizing that agriculture is the mainstay of the northern economy, President Jonathan ensured that out of the 2.7 million direct farm jobs achieved by his administration, over 2 million are in the north.



“They appreciate the fact that President Jonathan established the e-wallet system, which eliminated the corruption in the distribution of fertilizer and other farmputs, making the products directly accessible to millions of farmers in the region thereby boosting their productivity. They appreciate the fact that silos are brimming and food pyramids are returning in the north.



“In education, President Jonathan’s imprint in the north remains indelible. Today, the once relegated Almajiri boys can now go to school following the establishment of the Almajiri System of Education, the first of its kind, with over 150 special schools already built, while others are nearing completion, a noble idea, General Buhari never thought of when he was head of state.



“Also, out of the 14 new universities established by President Jonathan, 9 are located in the northern states thereby ensuring that all states of the region have a federal university. This is in addition to the establishment of new secondary schools and training of teachers for quality education in the region.

“Furthermore our citizens in the north are happy with President Jonathan for his efforts in tackling desertification in the region especially with the establish of more than 80 km of 15–row Green Belt in addition to the Presidential Initiative on Afforestation in Kano and 10 other Northern States”.

The party also recalled the increased attention to the health need of the area especially the interventions towards polio eradication and treatment of VVF among others.



Noting that President Jonathan has indeed repositioned the region for prosperity, the party pointed out that the north stands to benefit immensely from the revitalization of the railways, especially the rehabilitation of the Minna-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano narrow gauge, the Markurdi-Lafia-Kuru-Bauchi-Gombe-Ashaka-Maiduguri line and the branch line from Kafanchan to Kaduna, which are expected to increase productivity in the region.



The party also noted that roads in the region have received serious attention under Jonathan citing the decades-long intractable Kano-Maiduguri highway, the longest stretch in the country, which is now being successfully tackled in addition to the Abuja-Lokoja road, which is now a delight for road travellers.



Noting that there are hundreds of such gigantic road projects going on in the region, the PDP said that the dredging of the River Niger from Lokoja to Baro in Niger State have also contributed in placing the north on a sure path to economic prosperity.



It also cited the acceleration of work on the Geregu power station, the 700MW Zungeru Hydro-Power, the ‎3,050MW Mambilla Hydro-Power among others in addition to various dam projects including the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam, which is being built to contain flood from Lake Nyos in Cameroon.



The PDP insisted that Nigerians in the north are mindful of the fact that their collective interest and aspiration are better protected under Jonathan hence the support and eagerness to re-elect him come February 14.



via nigerianeye

The of governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos State, Mr Jimi Agbaje, on Saturday promised to make Badagry the industrial hub of West Africa.



Agbaje, who said this at a rally in Badagry, lamented that the axis has been short-changed in terms of development.







“I observed that Badagry has been shortchanged over the years in Lagos state.

” I want you all to know that government is for all, Badagry inclusive. There is need to look at the teeming youths because many of them are without jobs.” he said.

Agbaje said that the only way the youths could have jobs was by creating industries in Badagry.

” We know that Badagry has been placed in a position where it can become a hub for exploits.”

He said he was overwhelmed by the crowd that turned out to receive him and promised not to let them down if elected.

Earlier, Agbaje, his running mate, Alhaja Safu Abdulkareem and other party leaders paid a courtesy visit to the Akran of Badagry, Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi 1.

The monarch urged the governorship candidate not to renege on his promises if elected into office.



via nigerianeye

Former United States Republican party presidential candidate Mitt Romney, after a three-week flirtation with another run for president, has definitively said that he will not seek the White House in 2016.





“After putting considerable thought into making another run for president, I’ve decided it is best to give other leaders in the party the opportunity to become our next nominee,” the Republican Party’s 2012 nominee said in a statement on Friday.



As Romney sounded out his former team about putting together a new national campaign, he discovered that several of his past fundraisers had already made plans for 2016 and were committed to supporting former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the brother and son of former presidents.

The Associated Press news agency reported that several key former Romney donors said that in Bush they see someone who can successfully serve as president, as they believe Romney could. But they also think Bush has the personality and senior staff needed to win the White House, something the former Massachusetts governor could not bring together in his two previous presidential campaigns.



The former governor of Massachusetts had jumped back into the presidential discussion on January 10, when he surprised a small group of former donors at a meeting in New York by telling them he was eyeing a third run for the White House.



It was a monumental change for Romney, who since losing the 2012 election to President Barack Obama had repeatedly told all who asked that his career in politics was over and that he would not again run for president.



The exit of Romney from the upcoming campaign most immediately benefits the other favourites of the party’s establishment wing, including Bush, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.

The more conservative side of the field is largely unchanged, with a group of candidates that will likely include Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, Texas Senator Ted Cruz and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.



Romney’s aides had acknowledged a third campaign would have been more difficult than his second, but insisted he would have had the necessary financial support, noting his supporters raised more than $1bn during the 2012 election.



(Al Jazeera)



via nigerianeye

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, General Muhammad Buhari (rtd), on Saturday pledged to overhaul the economy of the country for a better Nigeria, if elected President on 14 February.



He made this promise when he paid homage on the Emir of llorin, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambar, on the sideline of the APC presidential election rally in the state.



Buhari, accompanied by his runing mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, expressd sadness on the state of the nation’s economy.







He pledged to bring back the lost glory of the country by embarking on activitirs that would give Nigerians a sense of belonging.

Buhari also promised to tackle corruption and unemployment for an egalitarian society to be attained.



The APC presidential candidate solicited the support and prayer from the emir in his bid to better the lots of Nigerians.



Responding, Sulu-Gambari described Buhari ‘s visit as a home-coming and made a flashback to the Bujari/ldiagbon regime.

He expressed confidence in the ability of Buhari to improve the lots of Nigerians, adding that the rousing reception accorded Buhari on his arrival in llorin was a testimony to his acceptance by the People of Kwara.



The emir later offered a special prayer for the success of Buhari’s presidential bid and for peace, unity and progress to reign in the country.

Buhari was also accompanied to the emir’s palace by Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed, Senator Bukola Saraki and some top government functionaries, among others.



via nigerianeye

Heavy snow in parts of southern German state of Bavaria since Friday have caused traffic accidents and forced schools to close, according to local fire brigade and media reports.



Five people were injured after a truck collided with two cars in the town of Brunnthal near Munich, according to local fire brigade.



In a separate accident on the highway B17 near Augsburg, 12 people were injured in multiple collisions that involved nine cars, three vans and three trucks. One of them was in serious condition, the Bavarian Radio reported on Saturday.





In the district of Oberpfalz, 25 road accidents have been reported, according to Bavarian Radio.



In Munich, bad weather has caused delay of suburban trains. In north Bavaria, pupils have to stay at home because icy roads and fallen trees have made it impossible for school buses to operate.



via nigerianeye

via nigerianeye

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, has boasted that the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the February 14 presidential election, President Goodluck Jonathan, will win the election convincingly.



He also boasted that the All Progressives Congress will not win any seat in the State and National Assembly elections in the State.



Fayose, according to a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, on Saturday stated this while receiving a team of American diplomats in his office.



The Americans were led by the United States Consular General in Lagos, Mr Jeffrey Hawkins.



Fayose, who recalled that the state witnessed a peaceful poll last year during the governorship election, expressed confidence that the standard this time would not be lower.



The governor said that Jonathan would defeat his main challenger/the APC candidate-General Muhammadu Buhari‎ (retd.) because Nigeria was safe with Jonathan.



Explaining to the Americans the advertorial he placed in two papers last month, Fayose said it was not a death wish but “to appeal to sense of reasoning to prevent episode of 2010 when the National Assembly had to invoke Doctrine of Necessity.”



He restated that he had no apology for sponsoring the advert, adding that it was his own personal opinion and not that of the PDP.



“Our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, abhors violence. In the build up to last year’s governorship election in the state, there was no record of members of our party being indicted for violence.



“We conducted ourselves in peaceful manner and the records are there that it is APC members that were involved in violence. A number of them have murder cases hanging on their necks. Some are still wanted by the police and cannot come to the state.



“Since we came to office, we have been able to curtail excesses of those whose main business is war songs,” the statement quoted him as saying.



Fayose also appealed to politicians to put national interests above personal ones.



In his remarks, Hawkins said the unity of Nigeria should be paramount in the mind of politicians.



He decried the tension in the polity, saying elections should not be seen as war.



Hawkins added that the United States was interested in smooth transition and election in Nigeria.



via nigerianeye

via nigerianeye

Daniel Sturridge scored on his comeback from injury as Liverpool made it five wins in six Premier League games with victory over West Ham United.







Raheem Sterling struck for the eighth time this season after latching on to Philippe Coutinho’s clever pass.



Substitute Sturridge, out for five months, doubled the lead within 12 minutes of coming on with a low drive following another Coutinho assist.



West Ham rarely threatened, Andy Carroll going closest with a header.



via nigerianeye

The Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, has directed its full-time and part-time students to proceed on a 22-day holiday to enable them to exercise their civic rights during next month’s general elections.





This was contained in a bulletin by Head, Public Relations Unit of the college, Mr Charles Oni.



According to the bulletin, the holiday will start from February 11 and end on March 4.



It also stated that hostels and lecture theatres would be under lock and key throughout the period.



The bulletin quoted the Rector of the college, Dr Margaret Ladipo, as appealing to the students to comport themselves during the holiday.



Mixed reactions, however, trailed the announcement, as some students said the holiday would disrupt the second semester academic calendar.



Others commended the management for being safety conscious and allowing students, who are not residents in Lagos to travel for the elections.



Miss Ronke Adeyemi, a National Diploma, Science and Laboratory Technology part-time student, told the News Agency of Nigeria, that it was a good decision.



“It is a good decision and I am happy with it. It is very risky for us to stay on campus during the elections because anything can happen.



“I will use the period to read and prepare for my test because as soon as we resume in March, we are starting our test,’’ she said.



Another student, who pleaded anonymity, said the holidays was too long and would deny the students the opportunity to receive enough lectures and prepare for examinations.



The National Diploma Textile Technology student said the holiday should be reduced to 10 days in the interest of the students.



NAN



via nigerianeye

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Gen Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo arrived Metropolitan Square, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital about 1.32pm to a rousing welcome from a tumultous crowd.





Buhari was also accompanied by other national and state leaders of APC to the rally which is in continuation of APC’s presidential campaign.



via nigerianeye

Security operatives are having a tough time controlling thousands of lovers and supporters of All Progressive Congress’ Presidential flagbearer, General Muhammadu Buhari, as they patiently await his arrival at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Square in Bauchi.





Buhari is billed to be in Bauchi State for his Presidential Campaign rally.



Our Correspondent reports that the mammoth crowd have been waiting at the IBB Square since 10am immediately after the environmental Sanitation exercise for the rally that was scheduled for 2pm.



Some of the party supporters, men, women and children, in their numbers have taken to the streets with their brooms chanting various solidarity songs in support of the candidature of the retired General at the February 14 election.



The crowd have taken over most of the major streets in Bauchi making it virtually impossible for motorists to move.



From Bakin Kura to Ran Road to Awala Roundabout through Kano Road to the Bauchi International Airport, which is about 25 kilometers to the venue of the campaign, the supporters chanted “sai Buhari,” “sai Baba” among others.



via nigerianeye

It's just about 2 weeks to the general elections, and the Presidency has accused the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari retd of lying on oath over his certificates, saying he must as a matter of urgency exhibit some leadership qualities by taking personal responsibility and clear his name of charges of forgery.







In a statement Saturday, by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, the presidency noted that the Presidential candidate of the APC must not take Nigerians for granted for refusing to make available his academic qualifications to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as one contesting for the most exalted position in the land.



The Presidential aide noted that General Buhari cannot carry what he termed an undischarged baggage of alleged certificate forgery and wilfully perjury, then still engage in campaigns to shout change at political rallies, just as he stressed that It does not show any potential of responsible leadership on the part of those who want to lead Nigeria to shun accountability on their personal credential, adding that the act suggests that the APC change slogan was cosmetic, puerile and deceitful.



According to Okupe, ” it is inconceivable that allegations as weighty as forgery and perjury will be made against the person of a retired General and a former Head of state without him deeming it necessary to conclusively debunk such allegations but would rather pass the buck to other persons or organisations.



via nigerianeye

American top seed Serena Williams won her sixth Australian Open and 19th career Grand Slam title on Saturday with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) victory over Russia’s Maria Sharapova.



The triumph means the world number one overtakes 18-time major champions Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert to go a clear second on the all-time Open-era winners’ list, three behind Steffi Graf on 22.







It also extends her staggering decade-long dominance of arch rival Sharapova, with the world number one posting her 16th straight victory over the Russian.



At 33, she also became the oldest woman to win the title in the Open-era, taking her tally at Melbourne Park to six titles in six appearances in the final.



Contesting her 23rd Slam final, she surpassed Navratilova and Evert as she chases Graf’s Open-era record of 22. Australia’s Margaret Court, who played many of her match before the Open-era, has 24 titles.



The first Australian final in a decade to feature the tournament’s top two seeds was a one-sided affair in the first set although Sharapova rallied to make a contest of it in the second.



An intensely focused Williams outgunned Sharapova, cannoning down 18 aces, including a 203 kmh (166 mph) thunderbolt and glaring at her opponent during key moments as Sharapova struggled to stay in the march.



Sharapova made a disastrous start when she double faulted to go down a break in the opening game, succumbing to pressure as Williams aggressively stood inside the baseline and easily read the Russian’s intent.



The American then pounced on a tentative return from Sharapova in the next game to hold serve after swatting a pin-point backhand to the corner of the court.



Sharapova, wary of getting into a slugfest with the game’s most powerful hitter, surprised Williams by throwing occasional drop shots into the mix, successfully holding serve.



Heavy rain interrupted play at 3-2, with Williams taking shelter and towelling down as the roof was closed, while Sharapova sat courtside then performed warm-up exercises.



Williams emerged briefly but went back inside after suffering a coughing fit before the match finally resumed after 13 minutes.



The American showed no sign of losing momentum though, blasting an ace with her first shot and then capitalising after Sharapova gave her three break points with another double fault.

Williams committed a double fault of her own to hand Sharapova a break against the run of play but immediately broke back to take the set after 47 minutes.



With the final threatening to become a massacre, Sharapova’s fighting qualities emerged in the second set, with her serve improved as she held twice early, jubilantly fist pumping each time.

She started taking chances attacking Williams’ serve but the American simply got herself out of trouble with three aces.



Sharapova battled to a rare break point in the ninth game but hit her forehand wide after failing to handle the blistering power of Williams’ return.



She had to hold serving with Williams up 5-4, holding off championship point with a desperate forehand down the line.



Finally gaining confidence, she held Williams to love in her next service game to take it to a tie-break.



She managed to fend off another championship at 6-5 then Williams thought she had sealed the win with an ace, giving a wry grin when the umpire called let.



She slotted home another ace to seal the tournament, waiting for the umpire’s call this time before jumping for joy.



via nigerianeye

Hundreds of pro-PDP supporters took to Twitter urging the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC and a former Head of State , Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to participate in a debate with other presidential candidates in the 2015 elections, so that the electorates can vote wisely.





Reacting to the decline of the APC and its presidential candidate to participate in the debate organized by the Nigeria Election Debate Group, NEDG, Nigerians took to their Twitter pages to express frustration and urged Gen. Buhari to reconsider the stance of his party. Using the hashtag, #BuhariMustDebate, they argued that a debate will offer the electorates the opportunity to listen to the programmes of the candidates, thus, making it easier for them (electorates) to vote for the best candidate, especially now that the leading political parties are engaged in mudslinging.



The hashtag, #BuhariMustDebate, was created by the Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on New Media, Reno Omokri, on Thursday, following the announcement by the APC that it will not participate in the debate. The hashtag generated many retweets thus trending, even till Friday, when the APC held its presidential mega rally in Lagos state.


























It will be recalled that The All Progressives Congress (APC), Thursday, said it will not participate in the ongoing public debates on national television and radio stations organised by the Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG). It alleged that NEDG, co-ordinating the debate, was fraught with fundamental errors from the outset, according to a statement signed by Malam Garba Shehu, the Director Media and Publicity of the APC Campaign Organisation.



The Director of Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani Kayode claimed the APC took the decision to boycott the programme simply to shield from Nigerians and the international audience its candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari’s intellectual laziness and inability to constructively engage contemporary national issues in a live television and radio debate.



The Senior Special Assistant to President Jonathan on Public Affairs, Doyin Okupe said APC boycotted the debate to save Buhari from shame, as he does not have record of performance, education and eloquence needed for a debate to match Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The United Progressive Party (UPP) presidential candidate, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said that refusal by Buhari to participate in the scheduled debate was a great disappointment and advised him to jettison his advisors’ voices and participate in the scheduled debate.



Meanwhile, The Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG) said no party or group had written to say that it was not interested in participating in the elections debate.



via nigerianeye

Mr Dennis Idahosa, Commissioner for Investment and Public/Private Partnership in Edo, on Friday, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).



Idahosa joined the PDP along with some leaders of the APC in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the State.





Idahosa, who was received into the PDP by the state Chairman, Mr Dan Orbih, said his defection was a prelude to his resignation as commissioner, which he said would follow soon.



He explained that he left the APC because of incessant abuse of President Goodluck Jonathan and Edo elders by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole.



The commissioner noted that he would immediately join forces with PDP in the state to galvanise support for the re-election of President Jonathan.

“The reason I am joining PDP is that I don’t agree with the way Oshiomhole abuses our elders and President Jonathan. I stand to support President Jonathan for the presidency.”



Idahosa said more serving commissioners in Oshiomhole’s cabinet have expressed willingness to join the PDP.



He noted that the PDP would harness the failures of Oshiomhole’s administration to the benefit of the party.



Idahosa appealed for tolerance among PDP supporters in the state, urging them to take the messages of political tolerance to every parts of the state.



via nigerianeye

via nigerianeye

Stupid is a word that has a broad range of applications, but it generally means a person lacks rudimentary intelligence or the ability to reason. It can also imply a congenital lack of capacity for reasoning, or a permanent state of daze or slow-mindedness. However one defines or applies the word stupid, you can hardly think of the word without directly relating it to the utterances of some Buhari’s supporters; especially the supposedly literate ones.







Over the past week, it became apparent that the level of stupidity inherent in those inclined to support certain politicians at all cost is beyond comprehension. In fact, it is frightening that so many Nigerians of voting age lack the fundamental reasoning ability of a second-grader and are even less-informed about basic facts than a kindergarten.

I have heard some of the most bizarre ideas peddled by some Buhari’s supporters and I am really concerned about the future of this country. I have heard troubling statements like: “It really doesn’t matter if Buhari is qualified or not, he must be the next president and we’ll vote for him. Even if he presents a NEPA bill as certificate, we don’t care, we will vote for him. Are these people for real?



To base your position on whatever absurdity your favourite candidate espouses; regardless of reality is the reason why we are in this hell of a nation. These are exactly the type of supporters Nigerian politicians bank on to win elections. These goons should know that in a democratic system, we live by the constitution and the Nigerian constitution in section 131 (d) gives a specific order for all presidential candidates to show proof of education up to a minimum standard not below school certificate or its equivalent.



If Buhari doesn’t have the required qualification, he should be disqualified immediately or if it is proven that his certificate or result was doctored or forged, he should be arrested and charged to court for deception.



Atahiru Jega and his INEC got us into this embarrassing position. How can someone refer INEC to the Secretary of the Military Board for his credentials when it is stated clearly that every contestant should attach copies of their qualification to their forms? INEC is a joke. If elections are conducted like job interviews, can the applicant direct his would-be employers to his previous work place for his credentials? Won’t the applicant be chased off the premises with a stick or security dogs?



How do we bring about the clamoured “change” in the nation when we can’t treat the nation’s business as ours? Nobody is saying you shouldn’t support Buhari or any candidate of your choice but it shouldn’t be based on sentiments of any kind.



The other day, a radio presenter was screaming like a banshee on radio of how Buhari is a man of great ideas, you shouldn’t be the one telling us what Buhari’s ideas are. As a radio presenter, it is against NBC regulations for any presenter to influence listeners’ votes. Buhari should sell himself convincingly enough to earn their votes. Aren’t we tired of having leaders who can’t sell their ideas themselves? That’s why they haven’t approached the subject of how they are going to revive the economy in any of their campaign speeches?



Let’s not be stupefied into supporting any candidate. We are screaming for a corrupt free nation, yet we are refusing to see that electing someone without the required qualification is as good as endorsing corruption. No one would want to admit that half of this country’s population is inherently stupid, much less ignorant, but at the rate politicians garner votes based on sheer fantasy and lies, there is no other conclusion that makes any sense whatsoever. One thing is certain; if Nigerian voters were not so stupid, they would not knowingly go against what is right, whether for their personal, ethnic or religious interest. Our politicians know that without stupid people, most of them would be extinct as viable political forces. But they are far from going extinct and it is all down to the level of stupidity permeating this sad ignorant nation.



via nigerianeye

The Bauchi State Government has banned the transportation of more than one passenger on private or commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada.



The ban was was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ishola Adeyemi, and made available to newsmen in Bauchi on Friday.





“The state government has observed with dismay the practice of some operators of commercial and private motorcycles carrying two or more passengers,” the statement read.



It said the ban followed the prevailing security situation in the country and hazards of such practice.



Adeyemi said in the statement, “Motorcyclists have been banned from carrying more than one passenger. There should always be two people on a bike, consisting of the rider and one other passenger.



“The government is calling on the general public to comply with the ban which is in the general interest of the public. Security agents have been directed to enforce the ban and deal decisively with violators.”



The government reiterated its determination to ensure protection of lives and property of law abiding citizens of the state.



via nigerianeye

About 47 people have been killed in fresh violence in Taraba and Benue states.



Many other people were also injured in the attack.



In Taraba State, 27 were killed a fresh violence at Nwonko village in Wukari Local Government Area of the state, while 20 were killed in Benue State.





Our correspondent gathered the attack began at the early hours of the day leading to destruction of farmlands and other property worth several millions of naira.



The member representing Wukari Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Daniel Gani, said most of the victims were women and children.



He said “At the beginning, we thought the attackers were Boko Haram insurgents from Maiduguri because of their large numbers. But we discovered later that they were Fulani herdsmen.”



The police spokesperson, Mr. Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the incident, but said nine people were killed.



Also, gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen invaded Anyiin in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State and killed 20 persons.



A resident, who identified himself as Kume, said 20 bodies were counted after the attack.



But the local government chairman, Mr. Kester Kyenge, said that 15 bodies were seen of the time of the last count.



The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. John Bako, confirmed the attack, but said five bodies had been discovered so far while a search is ongoing for the others.



A lawyer and activist, Sonia Ajoko, condemned the attack and urged the state government to assist the injured victims.



via nigerianeye

Ahead of the 2015 general elections in Rivers State, more than 14,000 Permanent Voter Cards have been snatched from officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the state.



The items, which were meant for the forthcoming elections, were forcefully taken away by hoodlums while they were being distributed during the collection exercise in the state.





Disclosing the development to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital on Friday, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Gesila Khan, said some of the items were snatched at local government collection centres.



Khan stated that the PVCs were deposited at the local government collection centres to enable original owners to take delivery of them.



Expressing shock over the hoodlums’ action, Khan said it was one of the highest cases of stolen PVCs in the country.



She, however, added that the stolen cards were useless and meaningless as a result of the introduction of card readers in the forthcoming general elections.



She promised that over 50,000 PVCs would be distributed to their owners within two weeks before the general elections, maintaining that over 80 per cent of registered voters in the state had collected their PVCs.



She said her office had received 2,990,056 PVCs and distributed about 1.8 million of them.



Khan said, “I am appealing to Rivers people because we have lost a lot of cards. We have lost more than 14,000 PVCs and the loss is one of the highest figures in the federation. All the cards that were snatched are useless and meaningless because we are going to use a new system called card readers.



“Your cards are just like ATM cards. You take it there and they slot it into the card reader to confirm if it is yours before you are allowed to vote. So, it is meaningless if you go there with someone else’s voter’s card.



“I’m advising those of you with other peoples’ cards to return them to the local government offices so that the rightful owners can collect so they can participate in the general elections.



“On the presentation of the PVC by a voter, polling officer will slot it into the card reader to confirm if it belongs to the voter. The next stage is the confirmation of your fingerprints by the card reader before you are allowed to vote.



“If you go to the polling booth with someone else’s voter card, you would not be able to vote because each card is unique and can only be authenticated by the real owner. The PVCs are meaningless to those who have stolen them.”



The state REC pointed out that apart from registration, the voter cards were now being used in banks as means of identification.



via nigerianeye

The All Progressives Congress has denied a report by the immediate past Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, that the party’s presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), was pelted with stones.





Obanikoro had issued a statement condemning the purported stoning of Buhari on the Lagos Island where he and other APC leaders went to pay homage to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Friday.



But APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Obanikoro was only trying to impress President Goodluck Jonathan because he had been nominated as a minister.



The party said Buhari and the party leaders were not stoned but rather received cheers from bystanders who are eager for change.



The statement read, “Gen. Buhari and other top leaders of the APC rode in an open bus from the Palace of the Oba of Lagos to the Teslim Balogun Stadium venue of the rally, to great cheers from Lagosians who lined the route.



‘’Not once was he pelted with stones during the almost two-hour ride. It is obvious that those who were paid by Obanikoro to stone the General failed to deliver. We therefore urge him to seek a refund of whatever money he paid to his hired hands to pelt Gen. Buhari with stones.



“Obanikoro’s statement on an imaginary attack on Gen. Buhari in Lagos must be his own way of saying ‘thank you’ to his masters for nominating him as minister on Friday, as his reward for ceding the governorship ticket he claimed to have won to Jimi Agbaje.”



via nigerianeye

A former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Friday said he sacrificed his presidential ambition for the All Progressives Congress candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari.



Tinubu stated this while addressing a crowd of APC supporters at the party’s presidential rally in Lagos.





He said Nigeria was facing an economic crisis and an internal war and needed a person with Buhari’s experience because of the General’s reputation of anti-corruption and military warfare.



Tinubu said, “People define patriotism as putting the country first but this is what the ‘Poverty Development Party’ refuses to understand. We chose Buhari not because Bola Tinubu is not interested in the Presidency. I am capable, competent, qualified, younger and richer but there comes a time that people must make sacrifices for their nation.



“I prayed that Nigeria would get better and we would not need a man like him (Buhari). But today, we are in a great crisis; we face a lot of challenges. When South Africa was in a great dilemma and was about to disintegrate, they called Nelson Mandela of 74 years old.



“He used his wisdom to save his country. When the United States was in economic depression, they called 73-year-old Ronald Reagan because he was frugal and incorruptible.



“When America was faced with depression and war, they called a retired General, Dwight Eisenhower, to rescue the country and the country was returned on a path of success. “When France was faced with war and economic depression, they called a retired General, Charles De Gaul, to rescue the country.



Tinubu added that whether Buhari presented a certificate or not, he was still qualified to rule the country.



“So what do we need now? Buhari. This is the time for us. General Buhari, whether you are qualified or not qualified, we are calling you to come and rescue us in Nigeria,” he said.



Also speaking at the rally, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said President Goodluck Jonathan had done nothing for the people of the state despite the fact that the President got over 1.2 million votes from the state in 2011.



He said every project that the Federal Government was supposed to have assisted Lagos in executing had been frustrated by the Jonathan administration.



He, therefore, asked the people of the state to vote for the APC at all levels.



Buhari, who was the last person to speak at the rally, said the failure of the PDP-led Federal Government was unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.



Buhari said, “We all know what we have gone through in the past 16 years under the PDP. The APC has identified three core problems that must be tackled immediately. First is insecurity, two is the destruction of the economy and three is corruption.



“But whatever we have to do, we will have to secure Nigeria first. What is happening in the North-East where hundreds of people are being killed is unacceptable. We known that the Nigeria Police and the Nigerian Army are capable of bringing peace and stability into the country but they just need good leadership.”



via nigerianeye

After the explosive revelations earlier this week on Part 1 of D’Banj’s video interview with Olisa Adibua on “THE TRUTH With Olisa”- Olisa.Tv now brings you the remaining (Part 2) of the interview - which is even much more sensational and revealing than the Part 1 !



A small sample of the many topics covered:

-D’Banj said that that Don Jazzy told him that whenever he hears his voice on the radio he always changes the station



-he talks about what he is planning for this year to celebrate his 10 years in the business



-He discussed his public support of President Goodluck Jonathan and the controversies about it including whether he was paid



- The conversation between D’Banj and Olisa became very heated when Olisa started questioning D’Banj on the success of his music since Oliver Twist



-It seemed that a ‘raw nerve’ had been touched, and D’Banj threatened to walk out of the interview!



- These and many other questions including:- allegations of court cases and debts, his relationship with Kanye West, Genevieve Nnaji, the possible reunion with Don Jazzy, and various other topics were covered. The video is a must-see!





Watch below...







via nigerianeye

Boko Haram is occupying more than 130 villages and towns in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, Human Rights Watch said yesterday.



The sect killed an estimated 3,750 last year, the global rights body said.



It claimed that 1,200 civilians were killed last year in the crises between nomadic pastoralists and farming communities in some states in the North-Central.







These disclosures were contained in the HRW World Report 2015, which was released to the media.

The report said: “In April, Boko Haram’s abduction of nearly 300 schoolgirls in the town of Chibok focused unprecedented global attention on the group’s abduction of women and girls.



“It continues to seize and control territory in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, where it holds more than 130 villages and towns. In responding to the group, government security forces have been implicated in grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. An estimated 3,750 civilians were killed by Boko Haram attacks in 2014.



“Boko Haram has indiscriminately killed civilians, abducted women and girls, forcefully conscripted young men and boys, and destroyed villages, towns, and schools, Human Rights Watch said.



“The conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and the displacement of 981, 416 residents within Nigeria as well as more than 150,000 people who have become refugees in neighboring countries.”



The HRW faulted the military for not investigating alleged killing of 600 detainees who fled during the attack on Giwa Military Barracks in Maiduguri.



“During a Boko Haram attack in March on the Giwa Military Barracks and detention facility in Maiduguri, security forces allegedly killed more than 600 detainees who fled during the attack.”No member of the security forces has been brought to justice for these and previous violations of human rights, including the massive deaths and destruction of property from a military raid in Baga, Borno State in April 2013. Despite repeated pledges by the military, these incidents are yet to be investigated.



“Government security forces have responded to the Boko Haram violence in a heavy-handed way, leading to serious human rights violations.



“ Suspects are routinely abused, tortured, and held incommunicado in abusive detention conditions without charge or trial.



“Local vigilante groups assisting Nigerian security forces were allegedly implicated in the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and ill-treatment, and unlawful killing of Boko Haram suspects.”



The report said more than 1,200 people were killed in the clashes between nomadic pastoralists and farming communities in some states in the North-Central in 2014.



The report added: “In the North Central states of Nigeria, communal violence, fuelled by competition for power and access to land between nomadic pastoralists and farming communities, killed more than 1,200 people in 2014.



“Nigerian authorities made scant effort to investigate or prosecute those responsible for the violence.”

The Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch, Mausi Segun, said: “With elections around the corner, citizens should ensure that Nigeria’s human rights challenges are at the centre of the political discourse.



“Unmitigated violence is a threat to the nation’s stability and to the well-being of all Nigerians, not just those in the North.”



“Nigerians should be putting pressure on their government in this election season to halt the endemic violence.



”Nigeria’s leaders should be as focused on the rights of all residents as they are on winning the battles of party politics.”







via nigerianeye

The authorities of the Nigerian military have arrested senior Army personnel on attachment to the Multi National Joint Task Force.



Those arrested and placed under movement restriction are a Brig. Gen, a Lt. Col. and five other officers of the Nigerian Army deployed to the Baga headquarters of Multinational Joint Task Force, which was attacked and taken over by members of the Boko Haram sect on January 5, 2015.







Investigations revealed that the military authorities arrested the Brigadier-General and six other officers including a Lt. Col. in Maiduguri and moved them to Abuja for questioning.



The arrested officers are expected to answer questions on the loss of men and location, and military equipment which were taken over by the insurgents.



It was learnt that Baga came under attack barely 48 hours after the Army moved weapons to fortify the place in anticipation of a well-coordinated onslaught against the insurgents.



The Army authorities are angry that some of the equipment fell into the hands of the insurgents.



It was learnt that the leadership of the Army decided to order the arrest of the affected senior officers in line with military tradition that the senior officers may have lost command in view of the circumstances surrounding the fall of Baga and had some clarifications to make.



It was learnt that the Army authorities would interrogate the affected officials to find out from them the circumstances surrounding the Boko Haram invasion of the headquarters of the MNJT and other places under their control.



The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, confirmed that officers of the Army on deployment to the MNJTF were being made to answer questions for the loss of men and equipment during the Baga attack in a text message to our correspondent on Friday.



He said that the decision of the Army leadership was normal as it was designed to gather necessary information for future operations in the area.



He said, “Nigerian officers in key command positions of the Multi National Joint Task Force are in the process of accounting for their action in the mission area leading to loss of weapons, men and location in their area of responsibility.



“This is a normal military procedure in major operations and after some encounter.



“The essence is to extract and collate relevant information for subsequent missions. It could also lead to or determine appropriate disciplinary action where necessary.”



Olukolade also said that troops had killed a substantial number of insurgents who were operating in Michika, the headquarters of the Michika Local Government Area.



He said that the troops had commenced an extensive mopping up operation in search of weapons, stranded terrorists and casualties.



“An extensive mopping up operation to search for arms or stranded terrorists and other casualties is ongoing in Michika after troops sacked the terrorists, who have been operating in the town and its environ.



“The main assault on terrorists’ main positions was concluded yesterday (Thursday) as many of them died in the combat. Troops who sustained injuries in the operation are receiving necessary medical attention.



“Other troops are continuing the pursuit of those who are on the run from the town. Normalcy has been restored accordingly,” he added.



via nigerianeye

The Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja expressed fears of possible outbreak of violence in the forthcoming general elections with a call on citizens in volatile places to stockpile foods and other essential commodities “in case shops are not opened for some days.”





Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has said it will deploy 4,889 observers in 23 states of the country, who will “stay back to observe the elections till the end.”



The CCFN, an organ of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, also advised churches and mosques to set aside some funds to deal with possible humanitarian crises that might arise after the polls.



The Executive Secretary of CCFN and National Secretary of Justice Development and Peace Committee, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey, who said this during a press briefing, advised Nigerians to be prepared to mitigate the impact of possible outbreak of violence during the elections.



The CCFN is the relief and development agency of the CBCN while JDPC at the national level is the advocacy organ of CBCN.



The cleric said, “In the case of a possible outbreak of violence, we advise that citizens in volatile places should stock essential commodities in case shops are not open for days. Citizens should, by now, make arrangements for safe havens in case they have to escape from their homes; and those who can, should move their families from volatile areas, as the right to life is stronger than the right to vote.



“Citizens should not rely on the assurances of security agencies alone, as the scale of violence, if it happens, may overwhelm their capacity, and therefore must be extra-vigilant.



“After voting, although they could stay back to observe the counting, we advise ordinary citizens in volatile places to go home and allow politicians to sort themselves out.



“The Catholic Church is deploying 4,889 observers in 23 states; these observers will also stay back to observe to the end.”



Bassey recalled the several forms of humanitarian crises already brewing in Nigeria, including the silent Sahel food crisis affecting the food and nutrition needs of Sokoto, Kebbi and Yobe states and the post-flood humanitarian crisis, “with many still to recover their livelihoods even after billions of Naira were collected.”



“There is the potential Niger-Delta crisis which could erupt anytime. There is the mother of all humanitarian crises caused by Boko Haram, which has led to the greatest displacements and miseries since the civil war.



“On top of all these are the potential dangers and humanitarian emergencies that may arise because of the already charged presidential elections,” he warned.



via nigerianeye

The controversial former minister of state for defence Musiliu Obanikoro, who after losing out in the Lagos PDP Governorship Primaries started a serious trouble for the PDP claiming the Primaries is marred with many irregularities, the same Obanikoro is now one of the seven ministerial nominees sent to the senate by President Goodluck Jonathan.





The report by the NTA said Patricia Akwashiki from Nasarawa state, Kenneth Kobani from Rivers state are among the names sent.



More details later.



via nigerianeye

Thousands of members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday thronged the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, for the party’s presidential campaign rally.



The party faithful started arriving at the venue as early as 8:00am, defying a morning rain.















They dressed in APC branded vests and attires, waving brooms and dancing in the rain to live music by different musicians ahead of the arrival of the party’s Presidential candidate, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and other party chieftains.




One of the party supporters, Mr Moruff Adeniyi said that the rain should be considered as showers of blessing.

“As you can see, people are not bothered, it should be considered as showers of blessing,’’ he said.



Mrs Funmi Oloruntoba, another supporter, said that everyone was excited and happy and the rain did not matter to them.

“You can see the stadium is filled to capacity and people are overjoyed and excited,’’ she said.



The rain, however, stopped after some time, as people continued to dance to music from entertainers at the venue.

There was heavy presence of security personnel at the venue to prevent violence.



Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and policemen were stationed at strategic places.




Also officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) were also on hand to ensure free flow of traffic on Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, where the venue is located.



Ambulances manned by health workers were also stationed in the stadium to attend to emergency cases.


Traders also made brisk business at the venue, selling food, drinks, brooms, T shirts and APC branded hats to party members and supporters.



Some Nollywood artists including Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, among others, were also seen at the venue.



via nigerianeye

President Jonathan and his campaign team this afternoon stormed Calabar, Cross River State for re-election rally. Residents came out in large numbers for the rally.


More pictures below...




















Photo Credit: Nairaland



via nigerianeye