Photos: Ofonime Inuk, Nigerian Man Forced To Live Under The Staircase In London For 24 Years Speaks

January 12, 2016 – Pictures: Ofonime Sunday Inuk, Nigerian Man Forced To Live Under The Staircase In London For 24 Years Recounts Ordeal

Ofonime Inuk, a Nigerian man forced to live as a house boy by his Nigerian family friends for 24 years has recounted his ordeal in the hand of his tormentors.

Hear what Mr Inuk told The Daily Mail.

‘They’d been in my life for 24 years, so I kind of felt a bit sorry for them, even though they’d treated me so badly.

"I’d become almost attached to them because they’d controlled my teen and adult life. ‘I’m still angry. I will forgive them – what else can I do? – but I’ll never forget them.

"I’m not going to get my life back, it’s gone now. Twenty-four years of my life have been wasted.

"I know I have a lot ahead, but I’ve missed a lot. It makes me so sad to think about those wasted years, and they just didn’t care. They were playing God with my life."

Where inuk lived for 24 years

.Wickedness of the highest order…

With no official paperwork, no money and nowhere else to go, Mr Inuk said he had no choice but to stay at the Edets’ home in Perivale, West London.

"When they went to work, they’d take the keys and lock all the bedrooms. If I went out, I wouldn’t have been able to come back," he said.

"I didn’t have anywhere else to go. I didn’t want to sleep on the streets. It was very tough on my mental state. Nobody was there to help me. I even thought about suicide."

"I’m still in touch with my family back home. They’re so happy all this is over," he said.

"I haven’t seen them since I came to the UK, but I’m hoping to see them in maybe two years time. I want to get myself together first.

"I have a lot of plans now. I want to go to university but I’m not sure what I’ll study. I’m keeping my options open.

"Now, I pay my own rent. I’m not living on government help. I work and pay my taxes.

"It’s been hard to adjust. I’m used to being on my own, so I find it difficult to have close friends. I tend to spend a lot of time inside my house. I don’t know why.

"I’m responsible for myself now, where before I was always told what to do.

"I haven’t told many people in my new life about what’s happened. I want to leave it behind me and move on."

When asked what he would say to other slavery victims out there who may be suffering in silence, Mr Inuk said:

"Report it. There are people to help you.

"I want to thank Hope for Justice as well as my lawyer Caroline Carberry and investigating officers Steve Taylor and Andy Nolan of the Metropolitan police.

"I wish I had known about Hope for Justice years ago. Maybe then I’d have been out of the house a long time ago.

"It was just by luck I was listening to the radio that morning

Wickedness of the highest order…

 

 

N1.4tr fine: Court bars MTN from moving funds to banks abroad, adjourns hearing

MTNThe Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday barred MTN Nigeria Communications Limited from moving any funds from all banks in Nigeria abroad pending the hearing of its suit challenging the N1.4trillion fine imposed on it by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).

“An order is hereby made directing the parties cited herein to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending further hearing,” Justice Mohammed Idris said, adjourning the case to January 22.

The Federal Government had, through a motion ex-parte, sought an order of mareva injunction restraining the 21 commercial banks from releasing any funds belonging to MTN.

It sought “an order of mareva injunction restraining the aforementioned banks from releasing, further releasing any funds, making sale, transfer or payment of any monies or dealing in any manner whatsoever with any and all monies maintained by the plaintiff/respondent (MTN) or its agents, privies, subsidiaries, sister companies or the like in the aforestated banks that will alter, decline or reduce the amount of the first defendant’s/applicant’s fine against the plaintiff/respondent in the sum of N1,040,000,000,000 which has remained wholly unsatisfied, pending the determination of the motion on notice.”

MTN on December 2015 filed a suit through it lawyers, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), urging the court to quash the sanction imposed on it by NCC in October last year for failing to disconnect unregistered subscribers.

It sued NCC and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), contending that NCC being a regulator cannot assume all the functions of the state.

In court, counsel to the Federal Government, Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN), in the 14-paragraph affidavit deposed by Steve Nwabueze, alleged that MTN was in the habit of regularly repatriating its funds out of Nigeria.

Okpeseyi claimed that between October 2007 and May 2009, a period of 19 months, MTN moved over $7.7bn of the money made in Nigeria to a foreign account.

The lawyer also pointed out to the court an instance when in one day, specifically on February 8, 2008, MTN transferred over $936m out of Nigeria to accounts in Mauritius, Cayman Island and British Virgin Island.

He stated, “unless this honourable court urgently entertains this application, the plaintiff/respondent would move its funds out of Nigeria, being the jurisdiction of this honourable court, and thereby frustrate the enforcement of the fine in the likely event that this honourable court sanctions the imposition of the fine.”

Okpeseyi further insisted that MTN was under an obligation to pay the N1.04tn fine, because it was NCC’s administrative decision, which remained final unless it was reviewed by the commission or nullified by the court.

He submitted that though NCC had earlier given MTN a concession on the fine and reduced it to N780bn, but MTN had neglected or failed to pay on or before December 31, 2015, the fine remained N1.04tn.

The lawyer therefore urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice to prevent the court’s decision from being rendered nugatory if it went in the favour of the Federal Government and NCC.

 

Controversy trails missing budget in Senate

Tuesday’s Senate resumption of plenary from two weeks recess without 2016 budget on the Order Paper for debate is heightening curiosity as to what might have gone wrong as some Senators have alleged that the budget is nowhere to be found at the National Assembly.

DAILY POST gathered that the budget documents that were laid by President Muhammadu Buhari early December, 2015 have not been duplicated for distribution to Senators and members of the House of Representatives due to paucity of funds, a situation that has created a wild speculation in some quarters that it has been withdrawn or got missing from the senate.

A member of the House of Representatives who pleaded anonymity told DAILY POST that there was no resources for the Committee to work on those documents for circulation to all members.

I can confirm to you that those in rules and Business don’t have resources to make copies available for us to begin studying it, but don’t quote my name,” he insisted.

Against expectations that the budget would be mentioned, the Senate earlier in the day met behind closed doors for two hours which DAILY POST later gathered that logistics problems dominated the discussions while some Senators expressed concerns that if nothing was done to hasten budget debate, curious Nigerians would be taking on the National Assembly.

Though the Senate President had in his welcome address reiterated Senate’s commitment to passing the budget bill into law as quickly as possible, a member of Senate Committee on Appropriations who pleaded anonymity noted that it has been a busy holiday, hence, they don’t have time studying the documents yet.

“We have been on holiday and there was no time yet” he said.

”Thus, it is a tradition that once the budget is laid, it would be referred to joint Committees on Finance and Appropriations for sector by Sector analysis,” he said.

Other reports have, however, claimed that the budget was missing and that the senate’s executive meeting today was dominated by the whereabouts of the budget.

Efforts to speak with the Senate Committee Chairman, Danjuma Goje was unsuccessful.

 

You will lose at the tribunal – PDP tells Sylva

Timipre Sylva 1Governor Seriake Dickson’s Restoration Campaign Organisation has advised Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, APC, against contesting the result of the just concluded governorship election in Bayelsa State at the tribunal because he will lose as he has no case.

The Director of Publicity of the campaign organisation, Jonathan Obuebite, in a statement on Monday, said in line with the "overwhelming support and voting trend in favour of PDP," by the electorate in the state, the election was already won and lost.

Obuebite pointed out to the fact that the popularity of the PDP and track record of the governor were reasons the people of Bayelsa re-elected Dickson.

Noting that Dickson won with valid vote cast, the campaign organisation’s spokesman stated that APC would always find it difficult to win in the state, stressing that the result of the poll showed that the state was dominated by the PDP.

He urged Sylva and his party to work together with Dickson to move the state forward instead of going to court in what he described as "efforts in futility."

He observed that Sylva did not "seemingly feel really bad" about the result of the poll because he was said to have gone clubbing after the results were declared.

"Sylva after losing the election went clubbing and drinking Hennessy with friends in all the three clubs he attended yesterday (Sunday). How can a man who just lost an election attend a club if he was expecting to win? He was buying drinks for everybody. So many Bayelsans found his behaviour strange, particularly after participating in an election in which no less than fourteen deaths were recorded and several others nursing various life threatening injuries," Obuebite stated.

 

DSS did not rescue my wife, I paid N1.3m to kidnappers – Ogude

Super Eagles and Amkar Perm of Russia midfielder, Fegor Ogude, has revealed that his wife was set free by her abductors after he paid the sum of N1.3 million. This is contrary to claims by family sources that the victim was rescued by

It will be recalled that Ogude’s wife, Maimunat, was on January 4 abducted from her family home in Warri, Delta State and the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N30m.

The Media Officer of Nigeria U-23 team, Timi Ebikagboro had disclosed on Sunday night that Maimunat was ‘now a free woman.’

In a chat with TheCable, the midfielder confirmed she was released on Sunday night, saying he paid N1.3m for his wife’s release as against the N30m her abductors had pressed for.

"Well, I paid nothing much for her release. I paid N1.3m, though they demanded N30m.

Fegor also said his wife was alright, but they were not taking her state of health for granted, so they were following the normal procedures of ensuring she undergoes medical examination.

"Yes, she is alright but I have to ensure that she is.

"I have taken her to the hospital for proper medical tests and checkup because the kind of ordeal she must have gone through in the hands of the armed men is nothing to be taken for granted. I have to be sure that she is very okay.

"In spite of the unexpected occurrence, I was still a very happy man.

"You know that a lot of people will go there and won’t come back alive, so I am happy that she is alright and alive."

"She was taken to a very bad place, a swampy forest, a dirty place to be kept for almost a week. Imagine what she must have faced during the number of days she was kept there. But I am thanking God that I got her back alive.

"It is her life that’s the most important thing to me," Ogude said.

 

Prince Emeka Mba Arrested: Nigerian Broadcasting Commission DG In EFCC Detention Over N15B Fraud

The EFCC has arrested Emeka Mba, the Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission over an alleged N15 billion fraud.

Mr. Mba was arrested on Monday morning in Abuja and taken to the EFCC’s headquarters where he is currently being interrogated.

Those familiar with the investigation say the EFCC had been investigating the NBC in the past one month.

Last week, some detectives stormed the headquarters of the NBC, ransacking computers and files in the Finance and Account unit.

During the operation, some key Accounts staff where taken away.

Sources said the arrested officials made confessional statements to the EFCC implicating Mr. Mba and some top officials of the NBC.

When contacted, the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said he was on an official assignment in Lagos and had not been briefed.

But a top official of the anti-graft agency said: "Yes, he (Mr. Mba) is with us. We are investigating massive diversion of public funds and we’re making progress. Mba definitely has questions to answer.

 

Dasukigate: PDP tells Jonathan to speak out

goodluck-jonathanThe national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has asked former President Goodluck Jonathan to open up on the controversy surrounding the $2.1bn meant for the purchase of arms to fight Boko Haram insurgency during his tenure.

The PDP wondered why Jonathan has not reacted to the controversy generated by the alleged misappropriation of money by the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) during his tenure.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Alhaji Abdulahi Jalo, stated this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

Jalo, who spoke at the party’s national headquarters, said the former President should tell Nigerians and the international community whether he authorised the sharing of the money meant to fight insurgency in the North-East in particular and the country as a whole.

He said, “As all of you know, no single kobo can be spent by the Federal Government without an act of the National Assembly.

“Money earmarked for arms purchase, some people diverted it to something else. So many people that you cannot even expect were involved. Now, darkness has come to light.

“Jonathan is alive, he should clarify whether he asked the National Security Adviser to divert money meant to fight Boko Haram into his campaign.

“I’m from the North-East and I know the terrible security situation our people are facing there.

“The money was meant to fight Boko Haram, and we all know that you can’t rule without peace. Now darkness has given way for the light.”

Jalo added, “It was not only members of the PDP that shared the money; members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Accord Party and the Social Democratic Party, among others, also shared. At least, Chief Olu Falae is not a member of the PDP.

“All of them should return the money. Then, (former) President Jonathan must speak on it. He is still alive.

“Has he ever said anything like this to Dasuki, ‘go and take from the money meant for the war against Boko Haram and share for my campaign’? It is time for him to speak up.”

 

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A 22-year-old wheelbarrow pusher, Sola Akangbe, over the weekend, reportedly died following wounds from a fire allegedly set on him by his biological father named Kehinde in Omu-Aran, Kwara state.

The deceased was said to have been accused of stealing an undisclosed amount of money from some roadside beggars on Friday and was apprehended and handed over to his father.

The father, a commercial driver, allegedly drove his son to a nearby bush on Omu-Aran-Isanlu-Isin Road, tied his hands and legs before setting him ablaze.

Sola, who was still alive when he was rescued, reportedly told his rescuers that his father was responsible for the act.

The deceased was said to have suffered high degree burns and was confirmed dead by doctors at Ajisafe Hospital, Omu-Aran.

It was gathered that doctors at the hospital battled to save his life as the fire affected most parts of his body.

The mother of the deceased, Rachael, was seen crying in the hospital after the death of her son was broken to her. She, however, acknowledged that Sola was an unrepentant troublesome fellow.

Expressing shock at her husband’s action, Sola’s mother, who is a trader based in Odo-Owa, another suburb, said a friend had notified her of the development on phone before she rushed to the hospital to check on her son.

She disclosed that although she gave birth few weeks ago, she had divorced Kehinde about seven years ago as a result of irreconcilable differences.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, Ajayi Okasanmi, while confirming the incident, said investigation was ongoing, adding that the suspect was already in police custody.

 

I abandoned my kids to go to Libya – Victim rescued from human trafficker

One Bankole Cecilia, a 26-year-old lady, rescued alongside three others from an alleged human trafficker, Ganiat Ajilola, has told operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of the Lagos State Police Command, that she abandoned her two kids for a trip to Libya.

Ajijola, a 35-year-old suspected human trafficker, was Friday, arrested by the Lagos State Government, LASG, at the Abule-Egba area of the state.

An official of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr Femi Malik, had earlier disclosed that the suspect alongside four victims, were arrested following a tip off.

Malik also alleged that the suspect was in the process of trafficking four young girls to Libya, when she was arrested with the victims, adding that the ministry had solicited the assistance of the Police Rapid Response Squad at the state Secretariat in Alausa, to arrest the suspect.

Following their arrest, one of the victims, Cecilia, a hairdresser, stated that her husband opposed the trip, and as a result, she sneaked out of the house, leaving her children behind, and embarked on the botched trip to Libya.

In her confession while being paraded at the state Secretariat in Alausa, she said, “Although, I am a hairdresser, I have not performed the necessary process for graduation. Going to Libya to work as an artisan would have enabled me to raise funds for my graduation, as well as take care of my family.

“I told my husband to allow me to go so that I would have an opportunity to raise the funds for the family. I pleaded with him, but he opposed the idea and started watching the children, so I wouldn’t be able to take them with me.

“Even when my mother pleaded with my husband, assuring him that she would be taking care of the children while I would be away, he still opposed the trip.”

The mother of two children aged two and four respectively, explained further that the human trafficker refused to open up to them how long they would stay in Libya.

“The woman did not tell us the number of years we are going to spend in Libya. She only told us that we were going by road,” Cecilia added.

However, the victim’s mother, Mrs. Maria Bankole, said Ajijola (the human trafficker) told her that her daughter would be re-united with her after two years.

Mrs. Maria said, “I was informed that a big madam, whom Ganiat Ajijola was working for in Libya, needed hairdressers to help her manage her shop. I begged her husband, but he declined to allow her go on the trip.

“However, I prayed about it and God said she should go. That is why I encouraged her to go.

“I am not aware that they were going by road. They told me Ganiat Ajilola was taking my daughter and others to Abeokuta to arrange passports for them,” the victim’s mother added.

The RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, confirming the development, said the rescued victims and the suspected human trafficker have been transferred to National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Person and other related matters, NAPTIP.

 

Man remanded for strangling 2-month old baby

CrimestopperslogoA Magistrate Court in Kano on Monday remanded a 32-year-old businessman, Kamal Rabiu, in prison for allegedly strangling a two-month old baby to death.

The accused was charged with culpable homicide.

Chief Magistrate Muhammad Idris ordered the remand of the accused following an application by the Police prosecutor, Insp. Badamasi Ya’u.

He said the accused should remain behind bar pending an advice from the state Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Ya’u had told the court sitting in Normans land, that on Dec. 21 2015, the Commander of Hisba, Kano command, reported the case to the Commissioner of Police.

He said the accused of Goron Dutse Quarters Kano sometimes in Feb. 15, impregnated his female friend, Malama Kaltume Tijjani of Unguwa Uku Kano.

He said Kaltume gave birth to a baby boy named Muhammad Kamal.

Ya’u told the court that on Dec. 21, 2015, the accused went to Nasarawa Hospital to collect the two month old Kamal from Kaltume.

“In a struggle that ensued, Rabiu strangled the baby to death,’’ Ya’u said.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge.

The Magistrate adjourned the case till Feb. 8, for further mention. (NAN)

 

Rock To Work – Office Party Glam

We are glad you like every fashion piece and ideas I pen down. Understanding my readers style remains paramount to me as I endeavour to give you the best concepts. One might possess clothing but without the right idea to pair and rock it, the pieces just waste away in the wardrobe.

Helping you get the most out of what you have to wear especially to work and parties is our heart’s desire.

Photo credit, Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emeka Ike wants to exploit new AGN members – Ibinabo Fiberesima

 

ibinabo1President of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Ibinabo Fiberesima-Egbuka, has insisted that she is still the president of the union and not Emeka Ike, who was rumoured to have dethroned her.

The actress stated clearly that there is no resentment of any sort in the guild, noting that as far as she is concerned, Emeka Ike tried everything he could to get on that position “as low as he is” and that since there had been no election where he took part in, he is in no way the President of the guild.

According to her, “There is no rancor in the guild. You see people get confused with tell tales, people just like lies. Did you ever go for an election where Emeka Ike took part in?

“So how is he the president of AGN? That’s the only question I have for the press because you are giving him audience to talk. Did he run for any position in Actors Guild of Nigeria? No he didn’t!”

“We have tried to settle things between Emeka Ike and I, but it all fell on deaf ears,” the ex-beauty queen told New Telegraph.

On what went wrong between them, Ibinabo said, “Emeka Ike is not about running a guild; it’s about how much he can make from poor people that want to join the guild.

“You see that N5, 000 or N20, 000 they make? That’s salary and food for him. I’m so sorry but that’s just how low he is.”

When asked if they were friends, she said, “He is not! You see, he was once my friend but he is not any more. You don’t have a friend and do what he is doing. It doesn’t work. You must learn to grow, I have grown. They must learn to grow too.

“There was chaos in AGN before I came in, but since I took over, there has been peace. Members have started gaining things and they have come again with chaos. When will it stop? Let’s think of our members for once and stop thinking of ourselves.

“By the way, I don’t think I am still the president of the AGN, I know,” the ‘Mortal Sin’ thespian affirmed.

 

Why we won’t release Metuh – EFCC

Chief-Olisa-Metuh-PDP-National-Publicity-SecretaryThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has insisted that the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would remain in its custody until he admits and return the ‘over N400 million’ he allegedly received from embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Ibrahim Magu, the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, said Metuh’s arrest and detention was not politically motivated.

Magu said Metuh had refused to refund the money he collected.

“From the records, Metuh got over N400 million, he has not said anything because we need the public money to be returned so that it’s going to be used for public good,” Mr. Magu said during a meeting with online media publishers in Lagos.

As for Jafaru Isa, what Dasuki gave him was N170 million. He also agreed…of course he has collected that money, he was with us for 4-5 days and then he made a deposit of N100 million and entered an undertaking to bring the rest. That does not mean we will not prosecute him.

“But this other Metuh, instead of going for a refund, he has admitted he collected money…. so instead of… he still has the money because the money is too much. Instead of returning the money, he preferred to go on strike.”

The EFCC boss insisted that the Commission was not selective in its anti-corruption war, noting that only people involved in “some certain action or inaction of corruption” were being invited for questioning.

“Nobody who is not corrupt, who is not involved, is with us,” he said.

 

Provide proof Amaechi spent N82m on Soyinka’s dinner – Semenitari dares Wike

 

Amaechi-2Former Rivers State information Commissioner, Mrs Ibim Semenitari yesterday challenged the Rivers State Government and its helsman, Governor Nyesom Wike to produce evidence that N82million was spent by Rotimi Amaechi’s administration on a dinner in honour of Prof Wole Soyinka.

We wonder how the total amount of N82 million could be spent on the dinner alone, as Rivers State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Dr. Austin Tam-George, PDP and their cohort would want the world go to bed with," she said.

Semenitari, the acting boss of NDDC, challenged Tam-George to release the entire documents as contained in "Mrs. Ibim Semenitari’s Memo REF: MOI/COM/C./82/Vol. III/227 to cover Dance Drama by University of Port Harcourt Arts Village; Great Singha & His Highlife Band; Set Design, Stage Lighting & Costume Design; Costume Design & Stage Property; Dinner; Transportation and Accommodation of guests from outside the country and those outside Rivers State; Decoration; Travels & Logistics, etc."

Continuing, she noted: "Indeed, nothing can be more callous than the imputation that the dinner was because Prof. Soyinka "is a friend of Amaechi".

"Having turned down several other overtures for an open honour to his enormous contributions to the growth of the literary industry in Rivers State, it was a decision of the State Executive Council to celebrate a man who had been a strong DNA in the birth of Garden City Literary Festival (later Port Harcourt Literary Festival) which catapulted the state to a global player in The Arts.

Rather than face his urgent job as Information Commissioner to see whether he can help reposition an administration that is fast losing credibility in the eyes of civilized people in Rivers State, Tam-George would rather prefer to smear the exalted reputation of Prof. Soyinka, a man whose shoes’ lace he would be unable to untie all his life", the statement added.

 

Boko Haram kills seven in Adamawa

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed seven persons in Madagali town, Adamawa State.

The incident occurred in the wee hours of Monday.

A former administrator of Madagali Local Council, Maina Ularamu said the assailants sneaked into the town and beheaded seven people, Daily Trust reports.

"The attackers walked to the town on Sunday night through Chakawa village and beheaded seven civilians. They also burnt two houses before leaving.

"I personally know three of the victims. We will continue to appeal for deployment of soldiers to strategic villages like Chakawa, Lemu and Dabu to block them.

"We learnt they are currently hiding in the bush around Dabu village," he stated.

Adamawa State Police spokesperson, DSP Othman Abubakar said three of the attackers had been arrested.

He confirmed that seven men were killed by the insurgents during the attack, while two women got injured and were receiving medical attention.

 

Bayelsa guber: Accept defeat – Political parties tell Sylva

Some of the political parties that contested the Bayelsa governorship election have urged for Bayelsa Gov. Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate to accept defeat.

Mr Prince Elema, the Chairman of the political parties, gave the advice during a news conference organised by the parties in Yenagoa on Monday.

The political parties include Kowa Party, All Progressives Ground Alliance (APGA), United Peoples Party (UPP), and ID Party, among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sylva lost to incumbent Gov. Seriake Dickson, in the electoral contest.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the Dec. 5, 2015, governorship election inconclusive and fixed the supplementary election for Saturday, Jan. 9.

Elema said that Sylva’s acceptance of defeat would promote peace and understanding among the people of the state.

"We are advising the APC candidate to accept the results and join forces to move the state forward.

We are satisfied with the conduct of the whole election in the state and hereby endorse the results and accordingly, hereby congratulate the winner, Gov. Seriake Dickson of PDP.

"We equally commend INEC efforts in the distribution of materials and providing a level playing ground during the election.

"We should come together as one people and move the Ijaw nation forward, " Elema said.

Meanwhile, Sylva has expressed dissatisfaction with the results, saying that he would would contest it at the election tribunal.

 

BREAKING: Dickson wins Bayelsa governorship election January 10, 2016

Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party has been declared winner of the controversial Bayelsa State governorship election.

Dickson was declared winner of the election after he polled 134,998 votes, 48,146 votes more than his closest rival, former Governor, Timipre Sylva of the All Progessives Congress.

The Returning Officer of the election, Zana Akpagbu, returned Dickson as winner of the election, saying he had satisfied all requirements.

He said that, "Dickson Henry Seriake of PDP having satisfied the requirement of the law and secured the highest number of votes is hereby declared winner of the election."

In all, there were 225,527 valid votes; 6, 647 rejected votes, while the total votes cast were 232,167.

Dickson, who secured the most votes in the December 5, election had also led Sylva in the supplementary election.

More to follow…

 

Gunmen kill police corporal, friend in Lagos January 10, 2016

Gunmen on Sunday shot dead a police corporal, David Sunday, and his friend, identified as Taiwo Balogun, in the Agege area of Lagos.

Our correspondent learnt that the policeman, who is attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja, was driving in his car with Balogun at about 2pm, when the duo were attacked and shot by the assailants.

It was gathered that another occupant of the car, identified as Raheem Suleiman, was injured by the gunshots, but survived and was receiving treatment in a general hospital.

Our correspondent learnt that the identities of the gunmen had yet to be known as they fled the scene after the attack.

It was learnt that the corpses of the police corporal and Balogun had been deposited at a public morgue in Yaba.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joe Offor, who confirmed the killings, said the case had been transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba, for further investigation.

He said, "The corporal and his friend were attacked by gunmen, and they were shot dead. The third victim is receiving treatment in a hospital in Ikeja. The case is under investigation at the SCID, Yaba."

 

Bayelsa election: APC faults declaration of Dickson as winner January 10, 2016

The declaration of Governor Seriake Dickson as winner of the Bayelsa State governorship election was a "flagrant abuse" of the electoral process, the State Agent of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Mr. Dennis Otitio, has said.

"The process started with a fragrant abuse of the process from the beginning to this point," he said in an interview with Channels TV shortly after Dickson was returned as winner of the poll.

According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission ought to have declared the election inconclusive, and called for a rerun in areas were elections were cancelled.

"Because Section 26 of the Nigerian Electoral Act is very clear; it says that where the difference between the winner and the runner up is less than the total votes cancelled, the Returning Officer is not supposed to make a return," he said.

In this case, the total votes cancelled are about 53,000, while the difference between PDP and APC is 48,146. In this circumstance, the returning officer is not supposed to declare any winner."

Otitio also accused INEC of ignoring its protests and petitions. One of the issues raised, he said was that the electoral commission’s ad hoc exercised undue discretionary powers in cancelling election in APC strongholds.

As a result, he said he declined to sign the results announced, saying there was a plot to rig APC out from the onset.

The PDP state agent, however, said the APC was making unfounded allegation. He advised the party to take its case to the election petitions tribunal if it was unhappy with the outcome of the election.

Onigbinde blasts Yaya Toure over CAF Awards criticism

Former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has lashed out at Yaya Toure, over his remarks after losing the 2015 CAF African Footballer of the Year award to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Aubameyang was named the continent’s best player ahead of the Manchester City midfielder, who had won it for the past four years.

However, Yaya Toure was not pleased with the results and labelled the awards "pathetic and shameful".

Onigbinde said reacted to the Ivorian’s statements and says Aubameyang was a deserving winner.

"Can one be the accused and the Judge? There is a meticulous system of selecting people for this award and probably he (Toure) does not understand the details. And I don’t believe CAF have changed its system from what I know it to be," Onigbinde said.

"This award is not done by one man. It is done by media people, technical people, making their input. Unless Yaya Toure can come out and say what he thinks really went wrong."

Onigbinde also waved aside Toure’s claim, that he deserved to win because he lifted the last Africa Cup of Nations trophy with Cote d’Ivoire.

Because Cote d Ivoire won the Cup of Nations is not a criteria to award him the award. It is a cumulative assessment," he added.

"It’s like when Nigerians are talking about the FIFA ranking, making claims that the Super Eagles won this match and that match, the question is of what grade are these matches.

So like I said, it is a cumulative assessment, not just because you won the Cup of Nations and you think you are the best."

 

Iwobi, Iheanacho shine in Emirates FA Cup third round matches

It was a good day for two Nigerian youngsters, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho, as the Emirates FA Cup third round games were played on Saturday.

Iwobi was handed a starting place by Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger and repaid the Frenchman’s faith with a calm and industrious display in midfield.

He was involved in the exchanges that led to Joel Campbell cancelling out Jermaine Lens’ opener.

Iwobi was given a warm reception as he was replaced by Aaron Ramsey, who got on the scoresheet, as the Gunners began defence of their title with a 3-1 win.

Speaking on his performance, Wenger remarked: "I liked the timing of his passes. As a young boy, he is not afraid to come on and that is not easy."

Iheanacho scored the second goal, as Manchester City hammered Norwich 3-0 at Carrow Road.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, was on the losing side, as Wolves were dumped out after losing 1-0 to West Ham.

John Mikel Obi’s Chelsea will take on Scunthorpe United on Sunday.

 

Ekwunife not guaranteed automatic ticket in APC – Ngige

Minister for Labour, Dr Chris Ngige has said the defection of Uche Ekwunife, to the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Anambra State, does not guarantee her ticket to contest for the Anambra Central Senatorial election.

The poll is scheduled for March 2016.

Ngige told Daily Trust that the party accepted Ekwunife into the party because politics is a game of inclusion.

The former Anambra governor disclosed that Ekwunife consulted him and top members of the party at the national level before declaring for APC.

He added that he was aware that she had also spoken to members of the party in her ward and state executive members.

According to Ngige, APC will hold primary election to choose its candidate, adding that two other members of the party had indicated interest to contest.

“The court said it’s a fresh election, and so we have to also hold a small primary election for them to be on the safe side”, Ngiige said.

 

We’re prepared for re-run in Rivers – Peterside January 10, 2016

THE governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress in the 2015 general election, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has said that his party was ready for the rerun of elections annulled by the Appeal Court.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared that it was making arrangements to conduct 78 rerun elections in some parts of the country.

However, 38 out of the 78 reruns will hold in Rivers State as the Appeal Court had nullified some House of Assembly and National Assembly elections held in the state in 2015.

Specifically, the court had ordered that fresh elections should be conducted to determine who would occupy the 24 seats in State House of Assembly, 12 seats in the Federal House of Representatives.

Other areas where fresh elections would be conducted are three senatorial seats in the state.

 

NNPC behind petrol price hike in Imo – Marketers

Petroleum Product Marketers in Imo have blamed the hike in the pump price of petrol across the state on the lapses from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Chief Christopher Amadi, Chairman, Association of Imo State Petroleum Marketers/Dealers, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri on Sunday.

Amadi said that the increase in the pump price of petrol in Imo was caused by the inability of the NNPC to dispense the product from its Enugu, Aba, Markudi and Port Harcourt depots.

NAN reports that aside from NNPC filling station on Onitsha-Owerri Road, every other stations sell the product between N130 and N150 per litre as against the official price of N86.50 per litre.

He told NAN that the dealers in the state were finding it difficult to source the product.

"As I am talking with you, no marketer in Imo has loaded the product at the government-approved price since the new price regime by the government.

"All the products we sell are sourced from private tank farms and the owners sell above the government’s rate.

"Yet they would force you to agree that the product was sold to you at the government-approved rate.

"Security agencies and the media can investigate what I am saying because our position on this matter is verifiable.’’

Amadi, who decried the difficulty faced by the dealers in sourcing the products, regretted the condemnation of the marketers by the public.

"There is no product at the Aba, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Markudi depots.

"These are the sources from where we should get products to sell to the people in Imo and other South-East states,’’ he said.

The chairman said that its members had been directed to, henceforth, stop buying the product above the government-approved price from the private tank farms.

"Our position is that we do not want to be seen as those disobeying government’s directive on the sale of the product.

"We are calling on government to do all in its powers to ensure availability of petrol.

"We are tired of being called bad names because we want to ensure that Imo people do not suffer petrol scarcity unduly,’’ Amadi said.

He said that it was wrong for government to expect marketers to sell at the new pump price, products they bought at the old rates.

"What government should do to ensure compliance to the new price regime is to flood the market with the product at the new official price.

"Once there is saturation of the market with the product at the new approved price, certainly, marketers will switch over to the new pump price of N86.50 per litre," he said. (NAN)

 

Pinnick calls on police to intensify search for Ogude’s wife

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has urged the Nigeria Police to intensify search for Maimunat, wife of Super Eagles’ midfielder, Fegor Ogude.

Maimunat was abducted at the family’s house in Warri, Delta State on Monday night.

"I am calling on the Nigeria Police to please expedite action with regards to the search for Fegor’s wife. The player is very, very worried in Russia where he is based and he can no longer concentrate on his professional duties," Pinnick said.

Fegor Ogude served this country meritoriously and was in the Super Eagles that brought glory to Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. I am making a special appeal to the Police to intensify the search for Mrs Maimunat Ogude, but I also call on the kidnappers to consider Fegor’s contributions to Nigeria football and release his wife immediately, hale and hearty."

Speaking to the NFF’s official website this week, Fegor confirmed that the kidnappers have not made any contact with the family.

"I am very worried. The kidnappers have not made any contact with any member of the family and this is three days after. I am very anxious that nothing untoward should happen to my wife," he lamented.

 

 

Bayelsa Election Violence: Dickson Weeps As Gunmen

January 10, 2016 – Bayelsa State Election Violence: Dickson Weeps As Snipers Kill 4 Policemen, 2 Soldiers & 8 Civilians

At least 14 people died during the supplementary election that held yesterday in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

Among those allegedly killed were four policemen, two soldiers and eight civilians.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains of masterminding the killings of innocent Bayelsans in Brass, Ekeremor, Nembe and Sothern Ijaw and wondered why the APC would kill to capture power.

The governor wept for those who were killed and prayed for the repose of their souls. While calling for the arrest of the perpetrators of the crime, Governor Dickson condoled the families of those who have lost their dear ones.

 

Funke Felix Adejumo Reveals Marriage Success Secrets, Praises Husband Of Over 30 Years

January 10, 2016 – Funke Felix Adejumo Reveals Marriage Success Secrets, Praises Husband Of Over 30 Years

Reverend (Mrs) Funke Adejumo the founder of Funke Felix Adejumo foundation recently spoke about the challenges of womanhood and the secret of her successful marriage of over 30 years.

Excerpts:

You have been married to one man for over 30 years. What has kept you going?

My husband and I have actually been married for 31years. Our marriage will be 32 on September 8. The major and greatest force in our marriage is God. And that’s not to sound religious. It is what God keeps that is kept. John 3:27 is my favorite Scripture: “A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven.”

God did not create a world in which He will not be needed. He instituted marriage in the first instance. So He is the greatest marriage expert and consultant.

Both of us are born again Christians so we don’t joke with our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. This reflects in the way we love and honour each other. It reflects in the way we handle misunderstandings. It reflects in everything we do.

In 31 years, my husband and I pray together everyday! When we are not together, we pray on the phone. Remember we did not start traveling separately until a few years ago. That was before technology came into the picture.

Also, we agreed on transparency and honesty. We agreed that this will be the trade mark of our relationship. There’s nothing we don’t discuss. And I mean absolutely nothing, including the minutest details of life.

We tell ourselves absolute truth. What nobody on earth can tell us. We confront our selves. And our bedroom has remained our ‘court room’ for years.

Also, we are committed to making the marriage work. Divorce is not an option for us. That has been our cliché from the beginning. No matter how threatened our relationship is, we agreed that divorce will never be an option. We believe in ourselves and we collaborate on everything.

Then, my husband is my only and bestfriend and I am his. I always encourage singles to marry their friends. Don’t marry someone you don’t like or you struggle to like. It won’t last.

A true friend is somebody that knows where you stink but still remains faithful and loyal. “Besties” unconditional love is the secret. I love you for who you are not what you have. This is the love my precious husband and I share.

Many working women complain family commitments slow them down in their career pursuits. What was your experience like and how did you cope?

God has blessed me with one of the most responsible family men on earth. When our marriage was young and we were raising our kids, my husband was involved committedly. We raised the kids together. He is a family man par excellence. He helped with school runs and works.

He put the children and me before church work and ministry. His principle is: God first, family next, God’s work/career third! This disposition simplified my life extensively. There were times when my husband will tell me to rest while he rocked the baby to sleep. I’m grateful to the Lord and to him for this. It helped a great deal in the pursuit of my career and ministry

For women who have issues with their husbands, what is the best way to get results?

The greatest need of a man is not sex; he can get that from a prostitute if he’s not born again and of course contract veneral diseases! It’s not food; he can get that from any good restaurant. A man’s greatest need is respect particularly public respect from his wife.

Some women disrespect their husbands. It’s a man you treat like a king that will treat you like a queen. Give your husband the highest level of respect and honour in your culture and watch him bloom in his love for you.

There’s no honour I will give to any human being on earth including my spiritual mentors anybody at that if I have not given it to my husband. After the Lord Jesus Christ, Felix Remi Adejumo is the only king in my kingdom and the only emperor in my empire!

You speak to thousands of women globally. What are their greatest fears?

It is the same with women everywhere and the greatest concern is security. Women worry a lot about the future. We are all bothered with what does it hold for them and children? We are concerned with whether our children will turn out well. Will their husbands remain faithful?

Conflict resolution is a major marital issue for women. Do you have thoughts of how best to get it done?

I will say it all boils down to the tongue and temper. If these two are properly managed by husband and wife, there will be less stress in marriage. Some men don’t treat their wives well. To them, a woman is a necessary evil, a baby-manufacturing machine and a glorified slave. This mentality is absolutely wrong. Your wife is an integral part of your life and should be treated with dignity.

Also the wife should honour her husband. Don’t prove to your husband that you are in competition with him. Just compliment him.

Even when you are hurting or angry, don’t be rude. Relate well with your in-laws. Don’t be mean to people. Anybody can become great. No one knows tomorrow.

What is your concept of total submission as it relates to modern women?

Biblically speaking, submission is neither subjugation nor slavery. Only insecure men oppress their wives!!! And I say that with every sense of responsibility. When you see a man that does not allow his wife to shine or give expression to God’s grace on her life, he is a coward!

He may look bold and loud but he’s definitely struggling with serious complex issues!

Ephesians 5:21 says: “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. People quote from verse 22 but the instruction actually starts from verse 21!

In my opinion, submission is “strenght put under control.”

God expects the woman to equally prosper and be blessed.

Genesis 1:26-28 says God blessed them not him only! But once you are in the institution of marriage you don’t flaunt your blessing in such a way that you disrespect your spouse.

Anything that has more than one head is a monster. As a woman, you allow your husband to be the leader and you prayerfully and graciously assist him.

Do you believe in the concept of full housewife?

Yes and No. Yes because there may be a season when a woman needs to be a full time housewife for the sake of her children but it should not be the norm. Full time house wife is full time suffering PLC! (Laughter).

Many men have agonised they cannot seem to understand their women. What really do women want from their men?

Women want men they can look up to. We want affirmation, validation, someone who will speak highly of us in the public. We want a role model to her children, a friend not a boss; a decent man not a flirt, someone who speak our love language who is responsible enough to take good care of our financial and emotional needs.

We want god-fearing men who can defend and stand up to defend us.

 

Photos: Armed Robbers Attack Shoprite At Delta Mall In W

January 8, 2016 – Pictures: Armed Robbers Attack Shoprite At Delta Mall In Warri Delta State

Earlier today, some suspected armed robbers attacked the Delta Mall in Warri.

According to an eyewitness, the popular grocery store at Effurun Roundabout was attacked around 8:30am.

A mopol who witnessed the attack said the leader of the notorious robbery gang named Barrow harassed him before his team besieged the mall, pursuing the security officers and then started attacking the shops.

Worst hit in today’s attack was the Shoprite grocery store inside the popular mall.

See photos after the attack

 

Photos: $188 Million Powerball Lottery Winner Marie Holmes Spent $21M To Bail Drug Addict Boyfriend

$188 Million Powerball Lottery Winner Marie Holmes Spent $21Million To Bail Drug Addict Fiance Lamarr Mcdow Out Of Jail

Do you remember Marie Holmes, a 27-year-old single mother of 4 who won $188 Power ball lottery in the US last year?

In order to escape her long season of loneliness, Miss Holmes has doled out a whopping $21million from her winnings to bail her drug addict boyfriend out of jail.

Holmes has bailed 31-year-old Lamarr McDow three times. In July, she paid $6 million bail for a weapon charge.

She paid $12million bail after another violation and $3 million for two different violations.

 

#Dasukigate: Tony Anenih Suffers Heart Attack, Returns To Nigeria After Successful Surgery In UK

N260Million #Dasukigate Benefit: Tony Anenih Suffers Heart Attack, Returns To Nigeria After Successful Surgery In UK

Ex- Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tony Anenih underwent an open-heart surgery in a UK hospital last month.

A member of the family confirmed this development to The Cable and said it was “only God” that saved the life of the 82-year old politician. Anenih marked his 82nd birthday on August 4, 2015.

The heart condition was accidentally discovered when the former minister of Works and Housing was preparing to return to Nigeria after a visit to the UK. He was said to have complained of irregular heartbeat, prompting a family member to make an emergency call for an ambulance.

“The ambulance arrived within five minutes and he was taken out on a stretcher, with paramedics giving him oxygen support.

It was at the hospital that it was discovered that he had some heart issues, which he had not experienced before,” the source said. The operation however turned out successful and he has returned to the country to explain his part in the ongoing Dasukigate scandal.

 

Nigerian players don’t deserve CAF award –Okocha January 9, 2016

A former captain of the Super Eagles, Austin Okocha, has expressed disappointment over the failure of Nigerian players to contend for the Glo/CAF African Player of the Year award, saying they were not good enough to be considered for the prestigious award.

Speaking to journalists at the event, which was held at the International Conference Center, Abuja on Thursday night, Okocha said it was unfortunate that Nigerian football has “gone down drastically”.

The former Bolton Wanderers midfielder said Nigeria should accept that they are no longer ranked among the giants of African football and begin the process of returning to their deserved position.

He added that doing so would not only help the country to reposition itself for an upwards movement in FIFA rankings, it would also help the country to rise up and work towards qualifying for both the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 World Cup.

He said, “I don’t think any of our players at this moment deserve to be there because we have been struggling. We must try to work hard to make sure that we will have one person in contention next time. Honestly speaking, we are going through a rough period, but there is nothing to be ashamed of.

“We all need to battle and make sure we return to where we really belong. We have signs that suggest that we may qualify for Gabon, but we must work had to see it work out by acknowledging that first of all we are not doing very well, so we have to humble ourselves by starting afresh.

“Once we accept our fate at the moment, I think there will be a fresh beginning for us. Deservedly, we are at our current ratings because our results have not been very encouraging. We just need to accept it and then fight our way back.

“But we must first admit that our current form is not that good, so that we can begin to put certain measures in place to return us to where we should be by first seeking to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. I believe that Sunday Oliseh will give us the ticket for Gabon.”