Nigeria Honours 100 Past and Current Heroes

As part of activities to mark Nigeria's centenary celebrations, some eminent individuals who worked tirelessly towards the unity and progress of the most populous black nation were today recognized in a grand ceremony. The Centenary Awards Ceremony/Dinner was held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and was attended by many Heads of State and Government (and their representatives).

FA fine Anelka over quenelle gesture

The English Football Association has fine West Bromich Albion Striker, Nicholas Anelka for his controversial quenelle gesture made while celebrating a goal in one of his club's Premier League tie.

Anelka has been fined £80,000 and banned for 5 matches. The player has 7 days to appeal the judgement. He has since claimed no wrong-doing.

Centenary Celebrations: World leaders eulogize Nigeria

Over 30 Heads of State and Government have arrived Nigeria to witness the country's centenary celebrations. In a ceremony organised to mark the celebrations, many of the world leaders praised the West African country for its numerous achievements and urged it to continue the leadership role on the continent.

Missing funds: We can't investigate NNPC - EFCC and ICPC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have told a Senate Committee that they can't carry out an investigation on the NNPC.

House of Reps amend 71 sections of the Constitution

Nigeria's House of Representatives is in the process of amending some 71 key sections of the constitution. The House Committee chaired by Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, also disclosed that the amendments are subject to further legislation onthe floor of the house. They will be forwarded to the various State Houses of Assembly for their concurrence.

Nigeria at 100: President Jonathan hails Past Heroes, promises better Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan today in an address to mark Nigeria's centenary celebrations, stated that the joining together of the Northern and Southern Protectorates 100 years ago by Lord Lugard was not a mistake. He had words of praise for former leaders of the country who laboured to ensure the progress of Nigeria.

Old Students call for Closure of Schools in the North East

Following the recent attacks in the North East by Boko Haram, Old Students of Unity Schools in that region have called on the government to immediately shut the schools down since the security situation in the region has left them vulnerable.

The three North Eastern states, Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, despite being under emergency rule, have witnessed continuous attacks by the Boko Haram sect. Two days ago, the terrorist group wrecked havoc at the Federal Government College, Buri Yadi, Yobe State by slaughtering many students in their dormitory. About 43 casualties were recorded from the incident.

Senate directs Army Chief to relocate to Maiduguri

The Senate Committee on Defence today asked the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. kenneth Minimah to temporarily relocate to Maiduguri. This directive was given in response to the increasing deadly attacks by the Boko Haram sect in the North Eastern region of the country.

The lawmakers expressed deep concern over the high rate of killings in that region, especially the most recent attacks involving school students. They requested the army chief to restrategize and provide more security to schools and health centres in the troubled region.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, also condemned the attack on innocent students describing it as 'wicked, horrendous and beyond the realm of humanity'. He called on the security operatives to change tactics 'especially now that the insurgents have increased their attacks on softer targets'.

“We in the House of Representatives feel the grief and pain of the families of the victims. In this their hour of need, we will stand with them hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder.

“We want to assure them that as brothers, we will continue to confront the threats of terror confronting our nation, and we know we will come out stronger and victorious,” the Speaker said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon has also expressed deep concern over the 'increasing frequency of brutality' in educational institutions of the country. He condemned the attack and consoled the families of the bereaved students.

President Jonathan Commissions New Auditor-General Office

President Jonathan on Tuesday made a statement of intent when he commissioned a new office for the Auditor-General of the Federation. This gesture by the president received praise from many including the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed.

Yobe School Massacre leave many students dead

Dozens of pupils in the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe State, witnessed a fatal attack by Islamists Militant group, Boko Haram, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Mugabe clocks 90, insists he is not tired.

Zimbabwe's President, Robert Mugabe marked his 90th birthday yesterday with a colourful celebration amidst cheers from thousands of people mostly students.

Uganda sign anti-gay bill

Uganda's President has appended his signature on a bill criminalising same sex relationships in the country. He defied pressures from the western world and South African cleric, Archbishop Desmond Tutu who described the bill as a legislation against love.

United States President, Barack Obama also condemned the bill describing it as 'a step backward'.

Group demands forensic audit of CBN under Sanusi

The Civil Societies Organisation has called on the anti-corruption agencies in the country to launch a thorough investigation of the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria under the leadership of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Jonathan promises improved security

President Jonathan last night answered questions from a panel of journalists at the Presidential Media Chat organised to mark the nation's centenary celebrations. He spoke on a wide range of issues related to governance and policy implementation. One key area the president had to speak one was on the security situation in the country.

Egypt's government resigns!

In a move that has left many surprised, Egypt's interim government has resigned. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi in a televised statement. He disclosed that 'today the cabinet took a decision to offer its resignation to the president of the republic'

Southern Leaders and Scholars Advocate for True Federalism

As Nigerians warm up for the proposed National Conference, it has become necessary for the various entities making up the country to strategies and have some kind of dress rehearsal in preparation for the big event to discuss the future of the world's largest black nation.

Federal Government Shuts Border With Cameroon

The Federal Government of Nigeria has closed it's border with Cameroon. This was done to check the activities of the insurgent group, Boko Haram. The insurgents have in recent time wrecked havoc in the Northern part of Nigeria leading to loss of live and property.

Meanwhile President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to the terrorists to drop their arms and embrace peace. The government has promised to bring an end to the menace caused by the Boko Haram.

Uduaghan and Kwankwaso get Sun Man of the Year Award

The Sun has named Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as it's Man of the Year. Both Governors received the award in recognition of their achievements in their respective states.

Sanusi's suspension sends wrong message - Tambuwal

The Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, has criticised the recent suspension of the Central Bank of Nigeria's Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

President Jonathan to hold media chat tomorrow

The Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, has disclosed that the President will hold a live media chat tomorrow to make the country's centenary celebrations.

Morsi accused of leaking secrets to Iran

Egyptian authorities have accused deposed President, Mohammed Morsi of leaking out national defence secrets to Iran.

Morsi is currently standing trial for alleged jail break and other charges. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Second Niger Bridge to be completed soon

President Goodluck Jonathan has promised that the second Niger bridge will be completed soon. He disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Obi of Onitsha yesterday.

Ukrainian Parliament appoint Speaker as Interim President

Ukraine's parliament has appointed it's Speaker, Oleksandr Turchynov, as Interim President following the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych.

President Jonathan storms Imo as PDP receives returnees

Imo State today played host to many dignitaries of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party including President Goodluck Jonathan. The ceremony was organised to welcome the President to Imo State and officially receive many politicians who returned to the party.

Rooney signs contract extension with United

Manchester United forward, Wayne Rooney, has committed his future to the reigning champions by signing a four-year contract extension. The deal which keeps the 28 year-old striker at Old Trafford until June 2019 also offers him the chance to become a club ambassador when he retires from the game.

BBC Presenter, Komla Dumor, buried

Ghanians from all works of life gathered today to pay their last respect to late BBC Presenter Komla Dumor who died last month at the age of 41.

NUC denies allegation of favouritism in accreditation

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, has denied the allegation by the House of Representatives that the Commission favours some universities that are willing to do its bidding for the accreditation of courses.

Court restrains FG from arresting Sanusi

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted the request of Sanusi Lamido to restrain the Federal Government or any of it's agencies from violating his fundamental rights of liberty and free movement.

Supreme Court upholds Wada's election

The Supreme Court of Nigeria today upheld the election of Kogi State Governor, Rtd Capt. Idris Wada. Alhaji Jibrin Echocho had filled a petition challenging Wada's election in 2011.

Man to die by hanging for killing his wife

A Lagos High Court today sentenced Akolade Arowolo, who stabbed his banker wife Titilayo to death in June 2011, to die by hanging.

In delivering her verdict, the Presiding Judge, Justice Lateefa Okunnu, relied on section 316 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State. She found Arowolo guilty on a one-count charge of murder.

Facebook buys Whatsapp

Facebook has acquired Whatsapp Messenger in a deal worth $19 billion. This is the social network's biggest acquisition so far. Whatsapp currently has more than 450 million users worldwide.

President Jonathan nominates new CBN Governor

President Goodluck Jonathan has nominated the Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Godwin Emefiele, to take over as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria at the expiration of the tenure of suspended Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in June 2014.

Breaking News: Sanusi Suspended!

African Conviction can confirm that President Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi for acts of financial misconduct.

The CBN Governor has been in the news in the last couple of months over the alleged missing funds. Sanusi last year wrote a letter to the President alleging that the NNPC had failed to remit large amounts of money to the federation account.

3 Al Jazeera journalists to face trial in Egypt

3 Al Jazeera journalists who were arrested last year in Egypt are to go on trial soon. They have been accused of broadcasting false news and supporting the Muslim Brotherhood. Al Jazeera has since dismissed these claims and called on the Egyptian authorities to immediately release the journalists.

Many have describe the attitude of the government as a attack on press freedom.

Bama attacked again!

Borno State has witnessed another terrorist attack in Bama, a few kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital. Several cars and buildings were set ablaze in the cause of the attack believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram.

APC engage US firm to boost electoral chances

The All Progressives Congress has hired an international political consulting firm, AKPD Message and Media, “to boost its electoral chances in the upcoming elections’’. This was confirmed in a statement by the party's Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

South Sudan truce collapses

The ceasefire agreement signed in January by the government and rebels in South Sudan has collapsed.

Both groups have blamed each other for the breakdown in agreement.

Senate clears 11 ministerial nominees

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of 11 out of the 12 ministerial nominees presented for screening.

They include: Musiliu Obanikoro, Lagos; Mohammed Wakil, Borno; Aminu Wali, Kano; Akon Eyakenyi, Akwa Ibom; Lawrencia Malam, Kaduna; Aliu Gusau, Zamfara; Boni Haruna, Adamawa; Khaliru Alhassan, Sokoto; Hadjia Jamilla Salik, Kano; Abduljelil Adesiyan, Osun; T.W Danagogo, Rivers; and Asabe Ahmed, Niger.

Boko Haram insurgency: FG dismiss Shettima's claims

The Federal Government has dismissed comments credited to the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, that the Boko Haram insurgents are better armed and better motivated than the Nigerian Army. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupke addressed newsmen on Tuesday insisting that the Federal Government is winning the war on terrorrism.

President Jonathan appoints new Chief of Staff

The Federal Government on Tuesday confirmed that President Jonathan has appointed a retired soldier, Brig.-Gen Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa, as his new Chief of Staff.

Arogbofa's appointment was confirmed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati. He was formerly an Officer of the Signals Corps of the Nigerian Army.

3 more senators to defect to PDP

Reports in the media suggest that Senators Solomon Ewuga (CPC, Nasarawa North), Chris Anyanwu (APGA, Imo East), and Ehigie Uzamere (ACN, Edo South), are on the verge of joining forces with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

Don’t shy away from politics, Obasanjo urges Christians

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Christians to participate actively in the political process rather than allowing 'evil ones' have a filled day.

Airport rallies: APC accuse police of double standard

The All Progressives Congress has accused the police of selective enforcement of its ban on holding rallies at airports.

A statement issued by the party's Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, criticised the pollice for allowing the Peoples Democratic Party to violate the ban on February 1, when members of the ruling party turned out in large numbers at the Bauchi Airport to welcome the new PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.

Alleged assault: Tiwa Savage arrested in Lagos

Mavin Records artiste, Popular Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage, has been arrested by the police for allegedly humiliating a cop who apprehended her for violating the Lagos State Road Traffic Law on Saturday.

The Mavin First Lady is reported to have argued with the policeman, who flagged her down for flouting traffic rules in front of Eko Hotels and Suites Victoria Island.

I did a good job in Rivers State - Mbu

Former Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu has rated himself high for his performance in Rivers State noting specifically that no political assassination occurred during his tenure. He also described his critics and those that called for his redeployment as unfair.

Ihejirika pulled out of service

The Immediate Past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejerika has been pulled out of service in a colourful ceremony graced by many high-profile dignitaries.

The ceremony coincided with his 58th birthday.

Italian Prime Minister resigns!

Italy's Prime Minister has resigned after only 10 months in office

Bankole discharged and acquitted

A Federal High Court today discharged and acquitted former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Demeji Bankole of 16-count charges on alleged contract scam.
Details later...

Bakare denies labelling APC as Church of Satan

Former vice presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Pator Tunde Bakare, has denied labelling the All Progressives Congress, APC, “satanic”, compelling a news website which originated the report to apologize and offer a retraction.