INEC to Conduct Mock Accreditation on Saturday

 

As the rescheduled dates for the 2015 general elections draw closer, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) is set to conduct a mock accreditation exercise across the country on Saturday.

According to the electoral umpire, this field-testing of the smart card readers will hold in two hundred and twenty five (225) polling units & three hundred and fifty eight (358) voting points across 12 registration areas, otherwise known as wards in 12 states of the federation.

MASSOB calls for Jega’s sack

Leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Ralph Uwazuruike, has called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, over strong allegations of partisanship, being bias and lack of credibility.

Obasanjo nets brace, wins golden boot at birthday novelty match

Nigeria's Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, got on the score sheet twice in a novelty match organized as part of activities to mark his 78th birthday. The match was played on Wednesday between the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) team and that of the Ogun state government at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

“Heavens Won’t Fall” if Jonathan dismisses Jega – Gov. Fayose

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has described outbursts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the possible removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega as “mere comedy”, stating that the President Goodluck Jonathan could sack him if he wishes.

Nigeria 2015: Appeal Court Confirms President Jonathan’s Eligibility to Contest

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday confirmed President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to seek a second term in office in the 2015 presidential election. Delivering a judgement on a suit challenging President Jonathan’s eligibility, the Appeal Court held that the first tenure of the President started in 2011, after he was elected President in the April 11 election.

Save Buhari From Tinubu, Gov. Fayose asks Nigerians

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has called on Nigerians, especially Northern leaders to save the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari from the former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu and his cabal in the opposition party.

PDP asks Fashola to give account of 136bn Naira SURE-P fund

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) asked Governor Babatunde Fashola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to render account of how he spent 136 billion Naira SURE-P largesse allocated to Lagos State.

Full text of General Buhari’s speech at Chatham House

Read the full text of the speech delivered last week by the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, at Chatham House

Permit me to start by thanking Chatham House for the invitation to talk about this important topic at this crucial time. When speaking about Nigeria overseas, I normally prefer to be my country’s public relations and marketing officer, extolling her virtues and hoping to attract investments and tourists. But as we all know, Nigeria is now battling with many challenges, and if I refer to them, I do so only to impress on our friends in the United Kingdom that we are quite aware of our shortcomings and are doing our best to address them.

Osibanjo under oath to step down for Tinubu if APC wins -- FFK

The Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Presidential candidate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has sworn an oath to Senator Bola Tinubu that he would step down for him if APC wins the forthcoming election.

APC's undue interest in Jega is questionable -- PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has again questioned the relationship between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, challenging the opposition party to explain its huge interest for Jega to remain in office. This is coming after some APC senators said on Thursday that they would oppose any attempt to unseat the INEC Chairman, alleging that the government was already planning to force him on terminal leave next week.

Jonathan plans to freeze accounts of Tinubu and Amaechi, APC alleges

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised an alarm over allegations that President Jonathan and the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are plotting “to clip the electoral wings of the APC” by grounding of aircraft and freezing of bank accounts of party stalwarts”.

Buhari may stand trial at ICC after election -- Fani-Kayode

The Director of Media and Publicity for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organization, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has stated that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, General Muhammadu Buhari is likely to appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the March 28 presidential elections to defend charges of electoral violence preferred against him by some Dutch lawyers in January.

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.