Russia orders partial withdrawal of troops on Ukrainian border

In a telephone conversation with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, Russia;s President, Vladmir Putin revealed that he has ordered a partial withdrawal of troops from the border with Ukraine.

National Conference: Delegates agree on voting pattern

Delegates at the on-going National Conference have finally resolved the deadlock over voting modalities. When the conference reopened today for the third week, the delegates finally agreed on a 70 percent voting pattern for decision making.

North Central PDP Leaders visit Jonathan

Leaders of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the North Central zone have paid a courtesy visit to President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House in Abuja. The delegation was led by a former Chairman of the party, Ahmadu Ali.

Defection: Court asks 37 lawmakers to resign

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has asked 37 lawmakers who defected from the PDP the opposition party, APC, to resign their seats at the House of Representatives.

The court also granted perpetually injunction by restraining the legislators from effecting any leadership change in the house.

Helicopters supply materials to Boko Haram – Borno and Yobe elders allege

Elders of the Borno, Yobe People’s Forum have alleged that the Boko Haram insurgents raging havoc in the North East are supplied various materials such as arms and ammunition, food and medicine via an helicopter.

Obasanjo and Atiku reconcile

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has said he has no grudge against his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar and anyone who may have offended him. He said this on Sunday when members of the Northern Youth Forum asked him to forgive Atiku.

Kerry holds talks with Russian Foreign Minister

United States Secretary of States, John Kerry has held talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov at Russia's embassy in Paris on the recent annexation of Crimea. Kerry revealed after the discussions that no breakthrough was reached at the end of their four hours of “frank” talks.

Aso Rock security beefed up as gunmen attack SSS office

Heavy security was mounted around the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Sunday morning after sporadic gunshots were recorded at the headquarters of the State Security Service, just behind the Villa.

Presidency won’t probe Petroleum Minister –Okupe

Following the decision by the House of Representatives to launch an investigation into allegations that the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke wasted public funds worth N10bn to maintain a private jet, the Presidency has disclosed that it will not launch a separate probe of the embattled minister.

Confab delegates to kick against immunity clause

There are indications that the delegates at the ongoing National Conference in Abuja are planning to vote in favour of the removal of immunity clause from the constitution.

IPAC faults composition of “National Sleeping Conference”

The Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) has criticized the composition of the on-going National Conference which it says has “too old delegates.” It also described the exercise as “another waste of public funds” in recycling the same old people who created the problems plaguing the country today.

Court strikes out suit filed by opposition lawmakers against PDP

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja today dismissed a suit filed by some All Progressives Congress legislators to stop the Peoples Democratic Party from declaring their seats vacant due to their defection from the ruling party.

The suit was however struck out by Justice Ahmed Mohammed who rule that the PDP lacked the powers to take such action under the law and therefore there was no issue for the court to determine.

President Jonathan mourns late confab delegate

President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family and associates of the late National Conference delegate from Bauchi State, Alhaji Hamma Misau.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan praised the retired Assistant Inspector General of Police for his service to the nation.

Sanusi absent as FRC panel raise fresh allegations

Suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, turned down an invitation to appear before the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria on Thursday. The panel in its investigation of the apex bank’s activities under Sanusi’s watch has alleged that the Central Bank spent N500bn as intervention fund in various sectors without obtaining the approval of its Board or the Federal Executive Council. It also accused the CBN of acquiring shares in the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation without approval from the board.

UN condemns Crimea referendum

The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution branding the March 16 Crimean referendum that led to Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian peninsula as illegal. One hundred countries voted in favour of the resolution while eleven others voted against. There were 58 abstentions.

NIS recruitment tragedy: Moro appears before Senate

The Minister of the Interior,  Mr Abba Moro, has appeared before the Senate Committee on Interior to explain the circumstances that surrounded the ill-fated recruitment exercise conducted by the Nigerian Immigration Service on Saturday,  March 15. Moro apologized for the deaths and injuries sustained during the poorly planned exercise.

NJC suspends New Rivers State Chief Judge

The National Judicial Council has suspended the newly sworn-in Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice P. N. C. Agumagu.

The NJC's Acting Director of Information, Mr. Soji Oye, in a statement today said the Council took the decision at an emergency meeting on Wednesday.

Emefiele confirmed as new CBN boss, promises stability and growth

The Senate today unanimously confirmed the appointment of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Until his recent nomination and appointment, Emefiele was the CEO of Zenith Bank Plc. He replaces Mallam Sanusi Lamido was suspended last month by the President for acts of financial recklessness and misconduct.

Westerhof told me I was going to be a good coach — Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has has said that his predecessor, Clemense Westerhof is not a fantastic coach but very good at motivating his players. Keshi who was the team captain when the Dutch qualified Nigeria for their first World Cup in USA in 1994, praised Westerhof for his managerial skills. He also revealed that it was the former Super Eagles coach who first told him that he was going to succeed as a coach.

CBN building on fire in Lagos

The Central Bank of Nigeria office in Lagos State went on fire today at about 5:00 PM.

It took the intervention of men of the Fire Service who later arrived the scene of the apex bank at the Tinubu area of Lagos Island.

“I am well, fit and ready for the National Conference” – Prof. Akunyili

Former Director General of NAFDAC and Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili has reacted to rumours that she is critically ill of an unknown life-threatening ailment, which almost claimed her life. Akunyili who was nominated to represent Anambra State at the on-going National Conference, disclosed that she has recovered from the illness which left her hospitalized abroad and that her doctors have declared her fit to participate in the conference.

Resign now!: APC tells Petroleum Minister

The All Progressives' Congress (APC) has formally requested the resignation of the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke, over the missing $20 billion which the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, said was not remitted by the NNPC to the federation account.

G7 move to isolate Russia

At a summit on nuclear security held in the Hague, Netherlands, some leaders of the worlds most powerful economies, known as the G8, took measures to isolate Russia and impose further sanctions after it’s “illegal” take over of Crimea.

Oscar Pistorius text messages revealed in court

Some text messages of South Africa’s Olympic gold medalist, Oscar Pistorius, were revealed in court at the athlete’s on-going murder trial. The messages revealed that his relationship with his partner wasn’t so rosy.

25 new Judges of the Court of Appeal sworn-in

The Chief Justice of Nigeria has sworn-in 25 new judges of the Court of Appeal. She called on the new judges to be politically neutral and ensure that their actions do not undermine the integrity of the judiciary. In her determination to stamp out corruption, the Chief Justice also noted that any erring judge would be severely dealt with.

It will be recalled that a few weeks back, two judges were sent on compulsory retirement for gross misconduct in the discharge of their responsibilities.

National Conference resumes

The 492 delegates converged again today as the National Conference resumed its sitting. Issues such as how consensus could be reached left them divided, with some insisting that a two-third majority is ideal.

On how sub-committee Chairman and their deputy should emerge, it was agreed that the decision should be left to members of the committees.

The conference adjourned till 10am on Tuesday.

Landslide in US claims 8 lives

Eight people have been confirmed dead following a huge landslide that occurred in Washington on Saturday. The landslide came without warning and is believed to have resulted from recent heavy rains.

Several houses were destroyed in the process, while many people are still missing or unaccounted for.

Jonathan attends Security Summit in Hague

President Goodluck jonathan was among a few African leaders who joined their counterparts form across the world at a nuclear security summit to secure ways of tracking the proliferation of arms. He pledged Nigeria’s commitment to this course and commended the United Nations as well as the United States of America for the key roles they have played in this regard.

Breaking News: Malaysian airline crashed in Indian Ocean; no survivors

After more than two weeks of intense search for a Malaysian airline, Flight MH370, that went missing shortly after take off, it has finally been confirmed based on a new satellite analysis that the airline ended its journey in the southern Indian Ocean.

PDP accuse APC of supporting insurgents

The Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement released by it's National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, has alleged that the APC is behind the insurgency in the Northern part of the country.

Details later...

Boko Haram attack Borno again, kills 29 in Borno

At least 29 people have been confirmed dead after a violent attack believed to have been carried out by Islamic sect, Boko Haram. The insurgents bombed a market in Nguro-Soye, near Bama, Borno State.

“People were helping in evacuating the corpses after the confusion had died down. Some people who were injured were taken to the general hospital,” according to Tahir, an eyewitness.

The incessant attacks being carried out in the North East continues to cast doubt over the claims by the Federal Government that it is winning the war. However, with the on-going national dialogue, there are high expectations that the current security challenges will become a thing of the past

Falana condemns NASS over investigation of recruitment tragedy

Human rights activists, Mr. Femi Falana, has condemned the decision of the National Assembly to launch an investigation into the tragedy that occurred during the recent recruitment exercise organized by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) that resulted in a stampede which claimed many lives and left some other applicants hospitalized.

Chelsea spoil Wenger's celebration

Just when Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, was hoping to mark his 1000th game in charge of the Gunners by staging a good fight with his long time rival Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge today, the blues tore his Arsenal side apart in what turned out to be a shooting practice.

President Jonathan meets Pope Francis

President Goodluck Jonathan arrived the Vatican City yesterday and has since been received by His Holiness, Pope Francis. The President was accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan and other Christian pilgrims drawn from Anambra, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory.

John Okafor decries poor state of Nollywood

Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu has criticised the recent visit of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria to President Goodluck Jonathan, claiming that their visit was merely to grab a ‘piece of the national cake.’

Okafor also noted that the Federal Government needs to do more to address the lack of infrastructure in Nollywood.

Clash of the Titans: UEFA releases draws for Champions League

The long awaited draws for the UEFA Champions League quarter finals were released today with defending champions Bayern Munich tied alongside underachieving Manchester United.

Another English club, Chelsea will face Paris St-Germain while the Spanish champions Barcelona will have to battle their La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid.

Reps Launch Investigation on Petroleum Minister for Allegedly Spending N10bn on Private Jet

The House of Representatives Thursday in an overwhelming voice vote, approved a motion by Hon. Samuel Adejare (APC, Lagos State) requesting an investigation into the squandering of N10 billion of public funds on the charter and maintenance of a Challenger 850 aircraft for unofficial use by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Dizeani Allison-Madueke.

South Africa’s opposition lay 8 corruption charges against President Zuma

Following a report by South Africa's top corruption fighter which accused President Jacob Zuma of using public funds to upgrade of his private residence, the country’s leading opposition party has laid corruption charges against the president.

Sanusi acted like a politician – FG

Folowing the decision by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, to challenge his suspension from office in court, the Federal Government has asked an Abuja Federal High Court to dismiss Sanusi’s suit claiming that in the discharge of his duties, he acted like a politician as against the ethics of his job.

Shake-up in NNPC

President Jonathan has relieved the Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Abiye Membere, of his duties and appointed five new GEDs to fill existing vacancies.

NIS tragedy: FG orders fresh exercise, automatic employment for victims

Following the tragedy that marred last weekend’s recruitment exercise organized by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), President Jonathan has ordered for a fresh exercise to be conducted. This information was disclosed by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, who addressed State House correspondents after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday.

Agumagu sworn-in as new Rivers CJ

Gov. Rotimi Amaechi has sworn in Justice Peter N. C. Agumagu, as the new Chief Judge of Rivers State during a brief ceremony at the Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday. This is coming after a series of legal battles.

“Crimea has always been a part of Russia” – Putin

Russia’s President, Vladmir Putin has defended the recent referendum which saw Crimea vote overwhelmingly in favour of a breakaway from Ukraine. The referendum was widely condemned especially by the United States and European Union (EU). They both described the referendum as illegal and accused Russia of defying the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Sanctions were also imposed on some key Crimean and Russian officials.

Delta State: Speaker resigns

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei has resigned. Many believe his decision to resign is in connection with his governorship ambitions ahead of the elections in 2015. Ochei, a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, will be hoping to clinch his party’s nomination as the people of Delta North agitate to occupy the highest executive position in Delta State for the first time since its creation in 1991.

Mr. Peter Onwusanya has been elected to take charge as Speaker of the House with immediate effect.

Zenit appoint AVB as coach

Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager, Andre Villa Boas, has signed a two-year deal with Zenit St. Petersburg. He replaces Italian coach, Spalletti, who was relieved of his duties last week.

Obiano sworn-in as Governor of Anambra

Dr. Willie Obiano was today sworn in as Governor of Anambra State, South East Nigeria as former Governor, Peter Obi stepped aside on completion of his tenure. The ceremony was held at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, and was administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi.

President Jonathan summons Interior Minister and Immigration Boss

Following the terrible outcome of last Saturday's recruitment exercise organised by the Nigeria Immigration Service that resulted in stampedes that claimed many lives, the President today summoned the Interior Minister, Abba Moro and the Comptroller General of the NIS for explanation.

Court clears Jonathan to run in 2015

A Federal High Court in sitting in Kaduna has struck out a suit seeking President Jonathan's disqualification from contesting the 2015 Presidential election. The plaintiffs - Richard Mneaga, and Shuaibu Lill - had asked the court to prevent INEC and the PDP from allowing the President to present himself as a candidate in 2015, claiming that the president has already served for a maximum eight years in office counting from May 29, 2007.

I won’t receive allowance for Confab - Bakare

Former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Vice Presidential candidate and Convener of the Save Nigeria Group, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has said that he will not benefit from the N12m to be paid to each delegate at the National Conference which was inaugurated today. Bakare who was nominated to represent Ogun State at the conference, said the reason for his decision is to dispel any speculation that he accepted to take part in the conference for material reasons.

President Jonathan declares National Conference open

President Goodluck Jonathan has formerly declared the National Conference open. The opening ceremony which took place at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja, attracted many dignitaries and top government officials from across the country as well has the 492 delegates to take part in the conference.

Day 10: Malaysian airline yet to be found

Hope fades and frustration grows as the search for flight MH370, a Malaysian airline with 239 passengers on board, enters its third day. Good news seems unlikely, but any news right now will do.

Crimea votes to join Russia

In a referendum carried out today to decide the future of Crimea, the people voted to break away from Ukraine and join Russia. Over 95% of ballots were in favour of joining Russia.

PDP to blame for casualties in Immigration recruitment - APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has linked the death of many job applicants at the Nigeria Immigration Service job recruitment to the '15 years of misrule by the People's Democratic Party'. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the APC National Publicity Secretary maintained this position when he spoke with journalists today.

18 job seekers die in immigration recruitment exercise

18 job applicants died and many others sustained injuries on Saturday during a nationwide recruitment test conducted by the Nigeria Immigration Service. Millions of job seekers gathered at the Abuja National Stadium and other test venues across the country where they were tested in Logical Reasoning, English Language and Mathematics.

Security agencies on high alert as national conference begins

In preparation for the National Conference scheduled to commence on Monday, security has been tightened in and around the Federal Capital Territory.

According to The Punch, the security measure was taken because of the renewed attacks by the Boko Haram sect in the North-East. “Detachments of armed soldiers, mostly drawn from the Guards Brigade, were seen manning checkpoints at various entrances to Abuja.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wins US National Critics Book Prize

Popular Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has won the US National Critics Book Prize for her novel Americanah.

Adichie's for her novel, Americanah, was chosen over Donna Tartt's (author of The Goldfinch) and three other finalists to emerge winner of the National Book Critics Circle prize for fiction.

Hoeness steps down as Bayern Munich President

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has announced he is stepping down with immediate effect, a day after a Munich court convicted him for evading more than €28 million in taxes.

A statement to this effect was published on the club's website on Friday.

West Brom sack Anelka for "gross misconduct"

English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion on Friday night sacked Frenchman, Nicholas Anelka, for "gross misconduct". The troubled striker was recently given a five-match ban and an £80,000 fine by the Football Association for the quenelle gesture he made during his club's 3-3 draw at Upton Park in December 2013.

Gusau's rumoured exit: Northern Elders seek explanation

The Northern Elders Forum has reacted to recent rumours of the resignation of the newly appointed Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Aliyu Gusau. Speaking to journalists today, the forum's vice chairman asked the federal government to provide an explanation on the matter.

Boko Haram attack Maiduguri

Islamists militants, Boko Haram, attacked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital in a failed attempt to free some of their members who had been arrested by military operatives. The Defence Spokesperson disclosed this information today noting that the attempt by the insurgents was foiled, with many casualties involved.

Assault on Nigerian in South Africa: FG demands justice

The Federal Government has demanded appropriate administrative and legal action from the South African government after a Nigerian was brutalized by Cape Town policemen last Friday.

Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador S.S. Yusuf, released a statement in reaction to the barbaric action of the police officers. He noted that the incident “further highlighted the lawlessness of the South Africa Police, who have become notorious for extra-judicial actions.”