FG approves nine new private universities

The Federal Government has given approval for the establishment of nine new private universities across the country. Briefing journalists after the a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, the Minister of Aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka, listed the newly approved varsities as: Augustine University Iloran, Lagos State; Chrisland University, Owode, Ogun State; Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State; Hallmark University, Ijebu Itele, Ogun State; Kings University, Odeomu, Osun State; Micheal and Cecilia Ibru University, Orode in Delta State; Mountain Top University, Makogi Oba in Ogun State; Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, in Akwa Ibom State; and Summit University Offa in Kwara State.

Shagari marks 90th Birthday, lauds President Jonathan

Past and present leaders of Nigeria converged at the home of Alhaji Shehu Shagari in Sokoto today as the former President marked his 90th birthday. Among those present were President Goodluck Jonathan, former military Heads of State, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Yakubu Gowon. Former military and civilian leader, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Head of the Interim National Government of 1993, Earnest Shonekan, were also in attendance.

APC must apologise to Nigerians for lying about Buhari's health -- Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must apologise for lying to Nigerians on the health status of its presidential candidate, Major General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd), using pictures taken in Transcop Hilton, Abuja and claiming that the pictures were taken in London.

12 people die in Kano suicide attack

Another bomb blast today left about 12 people dead at a motor park in the North Western state of Kano.
Confirming the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, said two young boys within the ages of 15 and 16 carried out the act inside a Volkswagen at the Kano Line Motor Pack where vehicles normally convey passengers to the North-Eastern part of the country.

Explosion rocks Potiskum bus park as female suicide bomber Kills 15

No fewer than 15 people have been confirmed dead and 53 others injured after a female suicide bomber detonated a bomb at the Tashar Dan-Borno Motor Park in Potiskum town, Yobe State, North-East, Nigeria.

No plans for Interim Government, Jonathan tells Catholic Bishops

President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed rumours of a plan to head an interim administration, stating that “insinuations about a plan for an interim government is tantamount to treason”. Speaking at the plenary for  members of the Catholic Bishops Conference in Abuja on Sunday, the President thanked Nigerians for showing understanding, when the date of the general elections was shifted.

Military arrests Boko Haram members disguised as women

Nigerian troops have continued to record success in the intensified efforts to stamp out Boko Haram insurgents from all territories under their control in North-Eastern part of the country, as some members of the deadly sect disguised as women were arrested on Monday.

Nigerian Military Reclaims Baga From Boko Haram

A statement released on today by the Director, Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, confirms that the Nigerian military have recaptured the border town of Baga in Borno State, North East Nigeria from the Boko Haram insurgents. The Defence Spokesperson revealed that several items including: 5 anti air craft guns and rifles were recovered from members of the sect. Over 34 motorcycles and 5 vehicles including trucks being used by the insurgents for operations were destroyed as the troops engaged them.

If I expose the demons in APC, Nigeria will burn – FFK

The Director of Media and Publicity for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organization, Femi Fani-Kayode, has said Nigeria will burn if he exposes the antics of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he left recently to joining the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement issued on Sunday, the former Aviation Minister also advised ex-President Obasanjo to stop his romance with the opposition party stating that they are only using him.

Election postponement saved Nigeria huge embarrassment – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday said that the decision to postpone the general elections scheduled for February has saved the country and the electoral body a huge embarrassment. According to a statement issued by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, unfolding events, especially the prevalent huge deficit in the distribution of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) have justified the decision and those who raised the alarm that led to the postponement deserved credit.

APC hiding Buhari’s health status – Fayose

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has accused the leadership of the All Progressives Congress of covering up the true health status of their presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari. Fayose said the secret trip made on Thursday by the former Head of State to the United Kingdom (UK) en route United States of America (USA) for medical treatment has shown that the APC leaders, especially Senator Bola Tinubu were hiding Buhari’s true health status for their selfish gains.

Oba of Lagos blasts Obasanjo, denies endorsing Buhari

The Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has again taken a swipe at Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing the ex-President of being the cause of the injustices he now accuses the present administration of. Speaking with journalists at the commissioning of four Nigerian Navy Ships by President Goodluck Johnathan on Thursday in Victoria Island, the monarch stated that Obasanjo is paying for the pains he inflicted on the people of Lagos State while he was in office.

OBJ's exit from PDP is good riddance to bad rubbish; we'll never miss him -- Fayose

Below is a press release from the Governor of Ekiti State in reaction to the exit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP):

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has described the exit of the former President of Nigeria, General Olusegun Obasanjo from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a good omen to the party, saying; "Obasanjo's exit is good riddance to bad rubbish. His departure is inglorious, we will never miss him.

Figo launches his manifesto for FIFA Presidency

Portuguese legend, Luis Figo, has launched his manifesto for the FIFA presidency. In a chat with BBC, the former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan star, his decision to vie for the highest office in football was influenced largely by Michael Garcia’s report into allegations of corruption at FIFA and the unrest he witnessed at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Obasanjo’s tearing of PDP card was insulting -- Fani-Kayode

The Director of Media and Publicity for the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has issued a statement in reaction to the exit of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo from the PDP and his tearing of the party card. He noted that while the former President is free to leave, he does not have to spit in their faces by publicly tearing the party card.

Obasanjo right to leave PDP -- Sagay

A legal practitioner, Professor Itsay Sagay, has applauded the exit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from the PDP and partisan politics. In an interview with The Guardian, Sagay bemoaned what he described as the predatory status the PDP has been reduced to.’ He noted that no genuine statesman or leader with conscience would want to continue to be in the party which has brazenly betrayed the founding objectives and of the founding fathers.’

Obasanjo is Nigeria’s greatest enemy — Fayose

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose on Saturday described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the greatest enemy of Nigeria, saying: “He is a confusionist who has lost his status as a statesman and Nigerians should simply ignore him.” Fayose also said he was optimistic that President Jonathan will be reelected for another term in office noting that “Obasanjo is only fighting President Jonathan because he prevented him (Obasanjo) from ruling Nigeria from his Ota Farm.”

PDP expels Obasanjo

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Nigeria's former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, after the latter tore his membership card in the presence of party leaders at his residence in Abeokuta today.

Obasanjo tears his PDP card to pieces

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has angrily torn his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) membership card and denounced his membership of the ruling party in the presence of party leaders from his ward in Ogun State. The leaders had paid him a visit at his Hilltop residence in Abeokuta to express concern over his recent outbursts against President Jonathan and the ruling party.

Obasanjo stated that he would henceforth stay away from partisan politics and remain a statesman.

Stop playing God, PDP to Obasanjo

Reacting to the recent comments by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, alleging that President Jonathan has a grand plan to ensure he wins the presidential election 'through hook or crook', the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation has accused the former President of trying to play God.

Presidency refutes Obasanjo’s allegations

The Presidency has described the allegations by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, that President Jonathan masterminded the postponement of the election as part of a grand plan to ensure that he wins at alln cost as odious and repugnant. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati said Obasanjo has obviously decided to close his eyes to the good works and intentions of the Jonathan administration, and is bent on ensuring a regime change by any possible means.

Election postponement was masterminded by Jonathan – Obasanjo

Nigeria's Ex-President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of masterminding the postponement of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a grand plan to win by all means.

Nigerian Military repels attack by Boko Haram on Gombe

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed repelling an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Gombe State, North East Nigeria. Members of the deadly sect had attacked a security checkpoint at the outskirts of the city, before proceeding to attack an Army barracks nearby.

Bring Back Our Girls Campaign Group start countdown to rescue of Chibok Girls’

Members of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign began a six-week count-down for the rescue of the Chibok girls who have been held in captivity for about ten months now. The co-convener of the group and former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, said the countdown will help them monitor the activities of the multinational forces in their bid to recover lost territories from insurgents and rescue Chibok girls in the process.

STATE OF THE NATION by Michael Akusu

Thanks be to God for the gift of life that is in us. Today marks a very important day in the history of our great nation and the entire world. For on this day many years back, a patriot was born. A man committed to the progress and advancement of humankind. On such an important anniversary, it is pertinent to address certain national issues.


NIGERIA TODAY
Once again, our beloved nation is at a major crossroad in its history, a time when we go to the polls to elect our representatives in government. Political campaigns so far have been characterized by violence, deceit, calumny and hate speech as has been witnessed in many previous elections. Although in paper many pacts and pledges have been signed by political aspirants promising to promote peace among their supporters and run issue-based campaigns, this has not reflected in the build up to the much anticipated 2015 general election.

Buhari's address to Catholic Bishops

This is the speech delivered by General Mohammadu Buhari during his visit to members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN):

As our nation approaches perhaps the most crucial election in our history, all true patriots are called to deeper reflection of the basic ingredients that bind the nation together- our common freedom, peace and unity. This reflection is even more relevant in the face of the illegal postponement of the general elections- a feat achieved through various sinister ploys and with the sole aim of avoiding the will and verdict of the people. In all of these, I feel the urgeto communicate some of my personal vision and thoughts to the people of our great country, especially on the question of religion, a sensitive matter for many citizens that has become the most frequently used tool by the ruling party. This affordsme an opportunity to give my response to the ruling party’s false propaganda and lies against my person.

Egypt Court orders release of 2 Al Jazeera Journalists

At the opening of a retrial for two Al Jazeera journalists, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed, illegally detained for more than a year, a court in Egypt ordered that they be released on bail.

Both journalists an their colleague, Peter Greste (who was recently released) were accused of aiding the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

INEC has secret plans to rig election for APC -- FFK

The Director of Media and Publicity for the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, Femi Fani-Kayode, has accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, of planning to aid the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the 2015 general elections.

I have no regrets working with Jonathan – Maku

Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku dismissed media reports that he accused President Jonathan of being the sponsor of Boko Haram. He noted that the reports were false and simply an attempt to discredit the President.

“As you are all aware, we are in the heat of politicking for the election of the next president and there has been a desperate attempt by the enemies of the president to slander him.

APC asks NASS to probe results of Ekiti guber elections

Following the release of an audio recording by an Intelligence Officer, Capt. Sagir Koli, of the 32 Artillery Brigade alleging that the military was used to rig last year's Ekiti gubernatorial election in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the National Assembly to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.

Jega won’t go on terminal leave – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed rumours that its Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, is planning to embark on terminal leave on March 1. Reacting to the rumour, Jega's Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said his boss was busy preparing for the conduct of the general elections.

Nigeria 2015: Obasanjo endorses Buhari

Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,  appears to have thrown his weight behind the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhar. Despite being a key member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Ex-President has made many public utterances in the recent past, condemning the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Africa’s Biggest e-Business Fair to Hold Feb 21st, 2015

Connect Nigeria is pleased to announce that its second annual e-Business Fair will hold on February 21st 2015 at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The events starts at 9am.

In 2013, over 2,000 people turned up for the e-Business Fair and learnt about e-Business as well as necessary skills they needed to develop in order to take their businesses to the next level.

Supreme Court dismisses suit against Jonathan’s eligibility

Nigeria's apex court has dismissed an appeal filed by Mr Umar Ardo, a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging a judgement of the Court of Appeal preventing him from joining in the appeal challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2015 presidential election.

Any further poll postponement will lead to a coup – Buhari

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has warned that any  further postponement of the election scheduled for March 28 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will result in “a civilian and military coup.”

Military promises to ensure safety during elections

The Nigerian military has vowed to ensure a safe atmosphere as the country prepares to go to the polls. In an interview with Voice of America, the Director Of Defense Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, said with the increased regional cooperation that Nigeria is receiving at the moment, he has no doubt that the military will provide adequate security for the exercise.

INEC extends deadline for PVC collection to March 8

Following the announcement of a shift in date for the 2015 general elections from the earlier scheduled February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, Nigeria's electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has now extended the deadline for collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to enable all eligible voters take part in the forthcoming polls.

Lagos 2015: Agbaje, Ambode sign peace pact

The two major candidates for the 2015 Lagos State governorship election: Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); signed a peace pact on Monday pledging their commitment to non-violence before, during and after the elections.

US and British govts condemn postponement of Nigeria's election

The announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of a six-week postponement of Nigeria's general elections on security grounds has received condemnation from the international community. According to the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, it is wrong to use security as an excuse to shift the election date. The US diplomat noted that the the eyes of the international community will be fixed on Nigeria as the nation prepares to go to the polls on the new date announced by INEC. He further stated that “The United States underscores the importance of ensuring that there are no further delays.

APC accuses military of planning to help PDP rig elections

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Nigerian Military of being in an unholy and dangerous alliance with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to subvert the democratic will of the people. At a news conference in Abuja, the APC Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, alleged that the ruling party is also planning to use the military to intimidate voters in APC-governed states and rig the coming election in favour of President Jonathan.

May 29 hand over date remains sacrosanct -- Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that he remains fully committed to the sanctity of May 29, 2015 as the as the expiration of his tenure which began in 2011. He has made this reassurance just a day after the electoral umpire, INEC, announced an adjustment of the dates for the general elections earlier scheduled for February 14 and 28, now to hold on March 28 and April 11.

AFCON 2015 final: Cote d'Ivoire defeat Ghana on penalties

The Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire have emerged as the new Champions of Africa after beating the Black Stars of Ghana 9-8 on penalties. Both sides failed to find the back of the net after a thrilling 120 minutes of football in Equatorial Guinea forcing the game to be decided from the penalty spot.

Sanusi Crowned as Emir Of Kano

The immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido, was officially crowned on Saturday as the 14th Emir of Kano at the Government House in Kano. It was a very colourful ceremony that attracted traditional rulers from within and outside the country including the Sultan of Sokoto, Oba of Lagos and the Emir of Damagaram in Niger Republic.

INEC postpones election to March 28th and April 11th

After hours of meetings with stakeholders including political parties, security agencies and civil society groups, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its decision to postpone the general elections earlier scheduled for February 14th and 28th. The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega made this revelation when he addressed journalists this evening.

Tribunal Upholds Aregbesola’s Victory

 The Election Tribunal sitting in Osun State on Friday upheld the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the August 2014 governorship election.

According to the results earlier announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Aregbesola emerged victorious after polling 392, 284 votes to defeat Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who got 292, 742 votes, and 18 others. The PDP and Mr. Omisore then approached the tribunal to seek redress.

Former Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylva quizzed by DSS

Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Timipre Sylva was summoned by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja for questioning yesterday.

It is not clear at this point why the former Governor and APC member was invited by the service.

The spokesman for Mr Sylva, Dofie Ola, dismissed online reports that his boss was arrested. Ola told journalists that the ex-governor only honoured a request by the DSS and was questioned.

INEC meets with political parties over election date

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is presently holding a meeting with representatives of all registered political parties across the country. This is coming days after the Council of State asked the electoral umpire to consult all relevant stakeholders before making a final decision on whether or not the election should be postponed to a later date.

Poll postponement: We are only concerned about voters that may be disenfranchised - Okupe

Below is an address by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe

It has become necessary to address this Press conference to correct some wrong information in the Mass Media concerning the outcome of the Council of State meeting which was held at the Presidential Villa yesterday. Firstly, President Goodluck Jonathan is not interested, neither is he engaged in in any form of subterfuge to pressurize INEC to change the dates of the 2015 Elections.

90 people die after Boko Haram attack on Cameroon

Members of the Boko Haram sect have killed at least 90 civilians in the northern part of Cameroon after a massive invasion on the West African country.

Media reports also indicate that the terrorist group started their attack on Wednesday from Gamboru area of Nigeria where they set churches, mosques and villages ablaze and slaughtered youths, who resisted joining them to engage Cameroonian forces in battle.