Abducted girl Ese Oruru speaks out, wants to remain in Kano with her lover

According to Premium Times, Ese Oruru, who was allegedly kidnapped from Bayelsa State to Kano, said she was not interested in reuniting with her family and denied reports that she was abducted from her home in Bayelsa State. In an exclusive audio recording obtained by the online publication today, the girl also said she eloped with her lover to Kano in order to convert to Islam.

PMB arrives Abuja - Photos

President Buhari arrived Abuja from Qatar this evening. Continue to See more photos after the cut...

Photos of Abba Moro, others in court today, to be remanded in Kuje prison

Justice A.I. Chikere of a Federal High Court in Abuja today February 29^th, 2016, mandated Abba Moro, former Interior Minister, Anastasia M. Daniel-Nwaobia, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and F. A. Aleyebami, a deputy director in the ministry to be remanded in Kuje prison custody till March 2^nd, 2016 when their formal bail application will be heard. Moro and two others are being charged on an 11 count charge ranging from the abuse of procurement process and diversion of public funds. More pics after the cut...

Photos: PMB visits the Museum of Islamic Arts in Qatar

President Buhari today visited the Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha, Qatar. See more photos after the cut...

NFF issues 'strong worded' report clarifying it's rapport with Sunday Oliseh

The Nigerian Football federation in an attempt to clear the air on some erroneous and mistakenly disseminated information by some media outlets, has issued a report clarifying everything about Oliseh's contract, his pre and post-contract issues with the NFF and other topics that have developed ever since Oliseh submitted his resignation on Friday February 26^th, 2016, last week. Read the full report published on their official website after the cut...

Another Nollywood Actor Jab Adu has died

Legendary Nigerian actor, Jab Adu, died on Sunday morning, aged 83. May his soul rest in peace! Amen!

Members of CPA purportedly say Rev. King’s death sentence caused by witches and wizards

Members of Christian Praying Assembly (CPA) which was previously run by Chukwuemeka Ezeugo aka Reverend King, who was last Friday, February 26^th, 2016, sentenced to death by the Supreme Court, have purported that the apex's court final decision on the murder charges against him was the handiwork of witches and wizards.

Lai Mohammed says with $30 oil price, APC-led government will have to prioritize or downsize on promises

Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, says with oil prices sliding to as low as $30 per barrel, the APC-led government will have to downsize or prioritize on the promises it made during the election campaigns. Lai said this to Channels TV.

Doyin Okupe tells VP Osinbajo he lied, on his statement that GEJ didn't build a single road

Doyin Okupe, Former Spokesperson to Former President Jonathan, took to his Facebook page to respond to the statement made by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday February 26^th, 2016 at the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos, that the Federal government in the last 10 years did not construct a single road (Read story here). According to Okupe, Osinbajo lied in church. What he wrote after the cut..

Emir of Kano shares letters he sent to AIG Kano ordering the immediate release of Ese to her parents

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, reached out to the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, over the abduction 13 year old Ese Oruru. The Emir shared copies of letter he'd sent to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Kano state ordering the immediate release of 13 year old Ese Oruru to the AIG in Bayelsa state who will in turn return her to her parents.  The Emir was reacting to reports that he was obstructing the release of Ese. Read some of the things the Emir said to the former Minister Here

Onigbinde says Samson Siasia has better coaching pedigree than Oliseh

Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, Former CAF and FIFA instructor and one time coach of the Super Eagles has hailed the selection of u-23 coach Samson Siasia as the new Super Eagles acting coach, saying he is well suited to the job than Sunday Oliseh, who was temperamental and didn't have any experience for the role.

Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah’s Economic/Financial Intervention (N200 per Dollar)

This Media Guidance Note has become necessary to ensure that the media capture in proper context the views I am expressing on the possibility of stabilizing the Nigerian Naira (NGN / N) against the US Dollar and other international currencies in the Foreign Exchange Market. This has become necessary since my appearance and feature on Channels TV program Sunday Politics of Sunday, February 21, 2016.

NFF plans to sue Sunday Oliseh, says 'No more home based coaches for Nigeria'

Amaju Pinnick, Nigerian Football Federation president has sworn not to engage an indigenous coach to take charge of the Super Eagles again after Sunday Oliseh's management of the job and resignation on social media while he was away at Zurich for FIFA's elections.

FG saves N2.293bn from government payrolls by removing 23, 846 ghost workers

Approximately 23, 846 ghost workers have been removed from the Federal government's payroll and this amount to saving the government N2.293 billion from the total salary bill for the ministries, departments and agencies MDAs for February 2016. This was disclosed by Kemi Adeosun, According to the Minister of Finance, over the weekend, Bank Verification Exercise and enrolment to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) exposed ghost workers that have previously been earning salaries in different MDAs.

#FreeEse: Kano Man Steals, Forcefully Marries 14-yr-old Bayelsa Girl

Ese Oruru, a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State has been purportedly abducted and married by a Kano man.

Punch correspondent Simon Utebor writes about the purported abduction.

17 years old Delta King (Obi Akaeze I) says he’s Going back to the UK to Continue his Studies

Teenager Chukwuka Noah, was installed Obi (king) Akaeze I of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State after the murder of his father in January

In a new interview with Punch, Chukwuka revealed he was going to the UK for his studies and how he plans to rule the kingdom. Excerpts:

Emmanuel Emenike says he’s done with the Super Eagles

According to Sportinglife, former Super Eagles forward and West Ham FC of England’s striker who was offered to be the new Super Eagles coach has rejected the offer. He revealed last night that he's done with the Super Eagles and not going back.
He said:

PMB says True Patriotism Will Encourage More Foreign Investment in Nigeria

From the Presidency through the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) Femi Adesina, read the press report below:

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday February 28^th, 2016, in Doha charged Nigerians to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and selfless service to encourage more foreign investment in the country. Speaking at a town hall meeting with members of the Nigerian community in Doha, the President assured them that the Federal Government would continue to create the enabling environment for investments in the country, anchored on peace and security.
“We have abundant natural and human resources in the country, including huge oil and gas deposit.

Quote by Abraham Lincoln

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years”

 - Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)

Photos: PMB relates with Qatar business community

President Buhari had an interactive session with members of Qatar Business Community today February. 28^th, 2016. Another photo after the cut...

FFK responds to Ali Modu Sheriff's intimidation to sue him

Below is a report from FFK's spokesman, Jude Ndukwe
''We read the newspaper advert in Thisday newspaper in which Ali Modu Sheriff has threatened to sue Chief Femi Fani-Kayode. Though we have not received a formal letter from his lawyers to that effect we wish to inform him and members of the public that we stand by everything that we have said about Sheriff, we have briefed our lawyers, we welcome the suit and we shall gladly meet him in court.

CBN targets $1 to N200 parallel market rate: #KeepTheNairaGrowing

The persuasive demands by the IMF and some foreign interest for Nigeria to devalue its currency and the artificial spike in forex rate created by Bureau De Change operators appear to have tanked. This has been linked to a complex and integrated currency management approaches deployed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

According to a top source in the apex Bank, “The aim of CBN is to ensure that the divergence between the official and parallel rate does not exceed N3, so we are looking at a parallel market rate of $1 to N200 because the downward trend in the pressure on the naira will be sustained.”

Photos: Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance, signs bilateral agreement with Qatar government

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, signed a bilateral agreement with Qatar's Minister of Finance, Ali Shareef Al Emadi, today, February 28^th, 2016. The bilateral agreement was on Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes Income Doha, Qatar. Behind both Ministers are President Buhari and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hammad Al-Thani. Another photo after the cut...

Samson Siasia Super Eagles acting coach to call back Enyeama and Emenike to the team

Samson Siasia, who is one of the coaches selected by NFF as a caretaker coach for Egypt clash has exposed plans to call back former Super Eagle’s goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama as well as Emmanuel Emenike to the national squad. The two football stars broadcast their retirement from Super Eagles after recounted clash with former coach, Sunday Oliseh. Talking to the press on Friday, February 26^th, 2016, Siasia said;

Photos: Gov Ambode Wears School Uniform at the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of his Alma Mater, FGC Warri

Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State Governor, yesterday February 27, 2016, was present at the Golden Jubilee grand reunion of FGC, Warri, Delta State, his alma mater. He was seen dressed in his school uniform with students.

The Governor who spoke at the 50th anniversary said all the knowledge and discipline impacted in him during his secondary school days in the College contributed largely to who he is today, just as he urged his old school mates to come together and ensure the vision of the school is kept alive.

See more photos after the cut...

Quote by Barack Obama

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

- Barack Obama

Check out this hilarious convo between a lady and her guy

If you turn the cap upside down, the 7I0 will become 0IL, so the lady was referring to the inscription on the cap as 7I0. Lol

PMB says he would rather invest in agriculture than give N5k to unemployed Nigerians

While talking during a meeting in Saudi Arabia, President Buhari said he had a different view on the N5,000 stipend his party promised to give to unemployed Nigerians when they come into power.
Buhari said he would rather use the N5,000 to repair the infrastructures in schools and empower mining and agriculture than to give the money to people who don't work;

“This largesse of N5,000 for the unemployed, I have got a slightly different priority. I would rather do the infrastructure for the school that request them and empower agriculture, mining so that every able bodied person can go and get work instead of giving 5,000, N5,000 to those who don’t work.” he said

Photos: APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, bags honorary doctorate degree from Uni. of Abuja

APC National leader, Bola Tinubu, was conferred with a Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration at the University of Abuja 20th Convocation Ceremony held today February 27th. See more photos in Linda Ikeji's blog

PMB arrives Doha, Qatar

President Buhari is now in Qatar where he and his delegation will be attending the meeting of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). He is expected back to Nigeria on Monday February 29^th, 2016.

See more photos after the cut…

Fayose accuses PMB of having plans to Islamise Nigeria

Ayo Fayose, Ekiti state governor, has accused President Buhari of planning to Islamize Nigeria. According to Vanguard, Fayose made the accusation during the PDP Rivers state thanksgiving service for the state governor, Nyesom Wike, whose election was upheld by the Supreme Court on January 27^th, 2016. Fayose purportedly told the gathering he had a secret to disclose about the present administration. When asked to share the secret, Fayose said;

Senate President Saraki takes delivery of N330 million Exotic Cars notwithstanding national economic crisis

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has taken delivery of new exotic cars procured by the National Assembly management for his official use, notwithstanding the widespread criticisms against such extravagant outlay at a time of national economic crisis.
PREMIUM TIMES had exclusively reported that the Nigerian legislative body proposed to splash about N4.7 billion on at least 400 vehicles for leaders and members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
See More photos after the cut...

PMB concludes Lesser Pilgrimage, zooms to Qatar

President Buhari concluded his participation at the Lesser pilgrimage ‎today February 27^th, 2016 and has left Saudi Arabia for Qatar where he and his delegation will be joining the meeting of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). He is expected back to Nigeria on Monday February 29^th, 2016.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves on the upsurge again

Nigeria’s foreign reserves have taken a second unusual turn in five months, rising for the third time since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office. According to figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the reserves rose by about $2.8 million between Tuesday and Wednesday. 

The reserves, which were down to a record low of $27.993 billion on February 5, 2016, fell further to a new 11-year low of $27.801 billion on Tuesday, only to rise to $27.804 billion the following day.

Nigerian pilot, Ademilola set to be the first African to fly around the world alone

A Nigerian pilot named Ademilola Odujinrin is set to make history as the first African to fly around the world alone. This historical journey will happen in April according to Ademilola who said he's put everything in place to ensure a hitch-free journey. He said his solo expedition will begin in Lagos and take him round the 7 continents of the world. It will take 6 weeks to complete and he will end his journey in Lagos sometime in May.

Oliseh threatens to sue NFF, says he was not paid N20million before resignation

Former Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh has threatened to sue his former employers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over defamation surrounding the controversial ₦20 million for salaries and rent for his time as the national team head Coach.

Oliseh who confirmed his resignation was officially communicated 11:01pm on Thursday stressed that neither him nor his Assistant; Jean Francois Losciuto, had received any payments.

Quote by Harriet Beecher Stowe

“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

- Harriet Beecher Stowe

EFCC says Metuh named Jonathan in torn statement

According to The Cable The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today said the spokesperson of PDP Olisa Metuh, named former President Goodluck Jonathan in the statement he allegedly tore while in custody on January 12th. At the resumed hearing of the case against Metuh at the Abuja High Court, a staff of the antigraft agency, Junaid Said, said Metuh admitted that he received N400 million arms money, which was used for political activities, his personal needs, and assignments delegated by Jonathan.

VP Osinbajo says 'FG did not build any road in the last 10 years'

While talking at the pastors and leaders retreat of the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos in Lagos today February 26^th, 2016, the
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said the Federal in the last 10 years did not construct any single road.

“Unless we tackle graft, we may not be able to achieve something,” he said. “The federal government in the past 10 years could not build a single new road, not repairing existing ones alone. Now we have a president who will not steal money and who will not allow anybody to steal money." he said

NFF assigns Samson Siasia, Yusuf and Amuneke as caretaker coaches for Egypt match

The Nigerian Football Federation this evening issued a press report to approve Samson Siasia, Salisu Yusuf, Emmanuel Amuneke and Alloy Agu as the four coaches that will act as caretaker coaches in Nigeria's upcoming AFCON qualifier double-header match with Egypt next month.

Sunday Oliseh had quitted from his post as Super Eagles coach in the early hours of today.

The NFF Technical committee after gathering in Abuja today have immediately put up tactical cover to avert the Super Eagles from missing out on another AFCON competition with the Egypt match about three weeks away.

John Odigie-Oyegun, APC National Chairman takes 10-day break from politics to rest

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday revealed that he will take a 10-day break starting Monday 29th February, 2016 to allow him rest.  In a chat with APC correspondents, he stated that in his absence,‎ the party's Deputy National Chairman (South), Engr. Segun Oni ‎will cover his beat.

Breaking News: Gianni Infantino emerges as New FIFA President

Gianni Infantino has emerged as the New FIFA President elect, after getting majority of votes from all 207 FIFA member associations. He will be the FIFA President for the period of 2016 to 2019. He overwhelmed Sheikh Salman, Prince Ali al-Hussein and Jerome Champagne.

Buhari behind my ordeal, ex-NSA Dasuki tells Court

Embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, has accused President Buhari of being behind his continued detention despite two federal high courts granting him bail in December last year. According to Premium Times, Dasuki made the allegation through his counsel, Joseph Daudu, at the resumed hearing of his trial today February 26th, 2016.

NFF responds to Sunday Oliseh's resignation, says 'It's good riddance to bad rubbish'

The Nigerian Football Federation has responded to Sunday Oliseh's resignation as Super Eagles coach. The spokesman of the Federation, Ademola Olajire, in an discussion with NTA today, said the federation heard of Oliseh’s resignation in the media and was yet to collect a letter from the coach as at when he was responding to the interview.

Supreme Court Okays Rev. King's death sentence

The Supreme Court has sustained the death sentence handed down the Senior Pastor of the Christian Praying Assembly, Lagos, Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo aka Reverend King by the Lagos state Court of Appeal. Reverend King had accosted the apex court after the Lagos state Court of Appeal on January 11th 2007 upheld the ruling of the state High court sentencing him to death by hanging for the murder of one of his church members, Ann Uzoh on August 2nd 2006.

King had set seven (7) members of his church on fire for indulging in fornication. Ann died in the process due to serious injuries sustained.

PMB enters the Ka'aba in Mecca

President Buhari who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the lesser pilgrimage, entered the Ka'aba which is the holiest shrine in Islam. According to some Muslims, this is an exceptional privilege. Another photo after the cut...

Tijani says NFF intended for Oliseh to flop and offered former Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard $100,000 a month as salary to take over

Tijani Babangida, former personal assistant to Sunday Oliseh, divulged today that Sunday Oliseh chose to quit after he found out the NFF had already contacted former Ivory Coast coach Havre Renard to change him. According to Babangida, Sunday Oliseh was enraged that NFF offered to pay Havre Renard $100,000 a month as salary while he was being owed four months salary of N5m.

Senate President Saraki speaks at Social Media Week, says his CCT trial is an act of persecution

Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that his current trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) is an act of persecution.

Saraki made the statement today, February 26, 2016, while speaking at a Social Media Week event in Lagos.

“It is not a fight against corruption, it is more about being persecuted,” the Senate President said when he was asked why he had refused to resign.

Samson Siasia and Amodu Shuaibu favourites for Super Eagles job as NFF technical committee convene

The NFF Technical Committee will convene today in Abuja to deliberate a speedy substitution for Sunday Oliseh after the Delta born coach submitted his resignation in the early hours of Friday morning.

Sunday Oliseh as at yesterday told Nigerians he was working hard and scouting players to ensure Nigeria beat Egypt in the double header AFCON qualifiers next month, shocked Nigerians by going on Twitter to tender his resignation citing 'unfavourable working conditions' and 'contract violations' as reasons for quitting the job.

The Naira-Dollar blues by Reuben Abati

“My brother, e ku exchange rate oh.”

“Excuse me?”

“I am greeting you. I am saying how are you and the exchange rate palaver. The dollar wahala”.

“So, that is why you are saying e ku exchange rate. Is something wrong with you Yoruba people?        Must you turn everything into a form of greeting?”

“You are insulting me?”

“I am making a statement”

“Meaning?”

BREAKING: Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh, resigns

According to Premium Times Sunday Oliseh has resigned as the Head Coach of the Nigerian football national team, the Super Eagles, just over seven months after he was appointed.

Oliseh, who announced his resignation on Twitter, said he took the decision due to the inability of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to honour the terms of his contract.

Quote by John Quincy Adams

“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.”

- John Quincy Adams (1767–1848)

Photos of Fayose on Okada as he supervises water fetching points in a community in Ekiti

Ayo Fayose, Ekiti state governor, pictured riding on a motorcycle (Okada) round Aramoko Ekiti in Ekiti West LGA of Ekiti State today February, 25^th, 2016, to supervise some of the water fetching points in the community as his government just mounted portable water to the area after 8 years of no water. See more photos after the cut...