Plateau traces 1,832 ghost teachers to one individual

A staff verification exercise in Plateau State has traced 1,832 ghost teachers to a single individual who is not even a teacher, while many more beneficiaries of the syndrome abandoned their salaries in bank accounts, the state governor has said.  
Governor Simon Lalong also said a self-confessed man who has lived in the United States of America (USA) for years but whose identity was yet to be determined, admitted to him on phone that he had been drawing salaries for himself and for many more ghosts to fund charity for widows and orphans. 

Quotes by Swami Vivekananda

"Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life--think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success" 

-Swami Vivekananda, 12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902, born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, a chief disciple of the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna

Quote by Woodrow Wilson

“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.” 
-Woodrow Wilson

Campaign Funding: You are as guilty, PDP tells Buhari

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has told President Muhammadu Buahri that he and his party are as guilty as its members and chieftains that are being hounded by the Economic and the Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the campaigns funds for the 2015 general elections.

The PDP, which dared the President to investigate the source of funds used for his political campaign in 2015, made the call after its national executive committee, NEC, meeting on Tuesday, adding that the probe of its members by the Buhari government is selective and an attempt to silence the opposition.

Trade Union Congress backs out of planned NLC strike

Members of the Trade Union Congress TUC have backed out of today's planned strike action by the Ayuba Wabba led NLC. The TUC announced this after a joint meeting between Labour leaders and the Federal government yesterday night May 18th. Electricity workers, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have already signified they will not be participating in the proposed strike action.

FG threatens civil servants, says no work, no pay

The federal government has warned civil servants who may be tempted to join the Wednesday national strike called by the Ayuba Wabba faction of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to desist from doing so as it would invoke the policy of no work, no pay.

A statement signed by Engineer Babachir David Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said as follows:

New fuel supply and pricing regime: President Buhari had no choice- VP Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, asserted yesterday at a public book presentation event in Abuja “If there is one person in Nigeria that believes that petroleum prices should not go up by one Naira, it is President Buhari,”.
Explaining the difficult decision announced last week by the federal government, Prof. Osinbajo said the President simply had no other option. Although the President did not want the fuel price to go up, the Vice President said “he is left with no choice. What can we do if we don't have foreign currency, we have to import fuel.”

Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” 
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Philosopher

Petrol price hike: How FG plans to abort nation-wide protests

The call on Nigerian workers by the umbrella body of its unions, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to shut down the economy beginning Wednesday may be still-born, Ripples Nigeria investigations have shown. The workers are demanding that the pump price of petrol be restored to N87 per litre instead of N145 per litre.

The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, served notice of its intentions at the end of a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Friday. His counterpart, Mr Bobboi Kaigama of the TUC echoed a similar plan when he said in Lagos that its members had given government up to Wednesday to rescind the fuel price hike.

Both unions later on Saturday issued a joint communiqué urging Nigerians to stockpile enough food items to last them awhile for the prosecution of the current struggle against neo-liberal agenda in Nigeria.

Article By Reuben Abati: Social Media And The English Language

An article written by Reuben Ababti:
I get confused these days reading many of the posts on social media, and text messages sent through cell phones, because of the kind of new English that young people now write. The English language is without doubt quite dynamic. In the last 200 years, it has lent itself to many innovations, as cultural, religious, and situational codes have transformed the language and extended the dictionary, with new words and idioms.

Quotes by Walt Disney Company

“If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.”

-Walt Disney Company

Fayose is undermining our authority- PDP says, advises him to learn from other PDP governors

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose, of undermining the party's authority by delving into the affairs of the party's National Working Community. 

The National secretary of the party, Wale Oladipo, stated this today while addressing reports that Fayose had asked that the party's South West Congress slated for today to continue despite a court injunction secured by the National Working Committee preventing the congress from holding.

JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE EMERGENCY MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCILS OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS, THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS HELD ON FRIDAY MAY 13, 2016

The emergency meeting debated extensively the implications of government's unilateral increase in prices of petroleum products, noting government's disinclination for consultation on issues of public interest and its obsession with protecting product marketers at the expense of the Nigerian public. The meeting expressed concern about government's neo-liberal policies which it considered a betrayal of its electioneering promises and observed as follows:

President Buhari to name looters on May 29th

In an interview in London yesterday before he returned to Abuja, President Buhari said that the names of corrupt Nigerians will be made public in a speech he intends to deliver on May 29 and that those named will be prosecuted. He also said he was coming after people bombing and destroying pipelines in the Niger Delta;

Quote by Simon Sinek

“Don't quit. Never give up trying to build the world you can see, even if others can't see it. Listen to your drum and your drum only. It's the one that makes the sweetest sound.” 

-Simon Sinek

Presidency, Saraki battle for vacant NASS clerk position

Forces in the presidency are engaged in a battle of wits with Senate President, Bukola Saraki over the appointment of an Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Ripples can authoritatively report.

The current CNA Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa is expected to proceed on terminal leave from May14.

The CNA is statutorily appointed by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), a parastatal responsible for recruiting and managing the workforce of the National Assembly.

The 12 Commissioners of the body are however appointed by the President from across the six geo-political zones of the nation.

An Article by Reuben Abati: President Buhari, Cameron and Corruption

“We have got the leaders of some fantastically corrupt countries coming to Britain… Nigeria and Afghanistan, possibly the two most corrupt countries in the world”,UK Prime Minister David Cameron was caught on tape telling the Queen ahead of the anti-corruption summit organized by the UK Government, this week, which was attended by Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari. This diplomatic gaffe rubbed many Nigerians on the wrong side, but most of the responses, coloured by overtly emotional love of country and a certain defensiveness is downright hypocritical.

Statement from the office of the Vice President on fuel pricing debate

Read the statement below:

Fellow Citizens: 

I have read the various observations about the fuel pricing regime and the attendant issues generated. All certainly have strong points.  

The most important issue of course is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy.  I will hopefully address that in another note.

Permit me an explanation of the policy. First, the real issue  is not a removal of subsidy. At $40 a barrel there isn't much of a subsidy to remove. 

Quote by Harriet Beecher Stowe

“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though 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, (June 14, 1811 - July 1, 1896) was an American abolitionist and author.

One killed as new deadly disease surface in Nigeria

A new deadly disease known as Stephen Johnson Syndrome (SJS), an unusual allergic reaction, has surfaced in Nigeria, according to the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole. 

According to Adewole, the disease has killed one person, while another is being treated at the National Hospital Abuja. The health minister announced the emergence of the new disease in Nigeria at a press briefing in Abuja earlier today...

Quote by Yehuda Berg

“On one hand, we know that everything happens for a reason, and there are no mistakes or coincidences. On the other hand, we learn that we can never give up, knowing that with the right tools and energy, we can reverse any decree or karma. So, which is it? Let the Light decide, or never give up? The answer is: both.”
-Yehuda Berg is a former co-director of the Kabbalah Centre, which was founded by his father Philip Berg. He is also an author. 

Quote by Shannon L. Alder

“There are no coincidences in life. What person that wandered in and out of your life was there for some purpose, even if they caused you harm. Sometimes, it doesn’t make sense the short periods of time we get with people, or the outcomes from their choices. However, if you turn it over to God he promises that you will see the big picture in the hereafter. Nothing is too small to be a mistake.” 
-Shannon L. Alder

Quote by Vaibhav Shah

"Whenever you see a successful person you only see the public glories, never the private sacrifices to reach them."

-Vaibhav Shah

Photos: Buhari visits his village, Daura Katsina state

After signing the budget this morning, President Buhari left Abuja for his village Daura, Katsina state. He is pictured arriving in a presidential helicopter. He begins an official visit to the state on Monday May 9th. See more photos after the cut...

EFCC formally invites Femi Fani-Kayode (see the invitation letter)

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, wrote a letter of invitation to former PDP Presidential campaign organization Spokesperson, Femi Fani-Kayode, this morning, asking him to report to their Abuja office on the morning of May 9th for a discussion. 

The letter was dated today 6th May 2016 and it was signed by one Mr. Mohammed Umar Abba on behalf of the Acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu. See the letter after the cut..

The letter of invitation was delivered to Fani-Kayode's Abuja home and he has responded promptly through his lawyers by assuring the EFCC that he would make himself available on Monday morning to assist in their investigations.

Obama warns US presidency is not a ‘reality show’

President Barack Obama called Friday for Donald Trump’s White House bid — and his past record — to be held up to close scrutiny as he warned the US presidency was not a “reality show.”

“We are in serious times and this is a really serious job. This is not entertainment,” Obama told reporters when asked about the presumptive Republican nominee, and long-time star of the TV show “The Apprentice.”

“This is not a reality show,” Obama said.

2016 budget: Saraki assures Nigerians of adequate oversight

Senate President, Bukola Saraki has commended Nigerians for their patience while awaiting presidential assent to the 2016 Appropriation Act and promised that the National Assembly will ensure its proper implementation through diligent oversight.

Saraki who joined Speaker Yakubu Dogara and other top government officials in witnessing the signing of the budget into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, said the responsibility is now that of both the executive and the legislature to ensure that the objectives and goals of the budget are duly realized. 

Buhari signs 2016 budget

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the 2016 Appropriation Bill into law after an initial rancour between the Executive and the Legislature on some of the contents of the Bill.

“I can’t promise that it will be an easy journey, but I can assure this government you have freely elected will work with honesty and dedication,” the President said during the budget signing.

He said his government was committed to changing the structure of the Nigerian economy “once and for all,” while also commending the sacrifice and resilience Nigerians “who have continued to have hope and confidence of a great future.”

Lagos assures of June completion date for the construction of 114 LG roads

Lagos State Government on Thursday assured residents of the June completion date for the construction of 114 roads currently ongoing across the 20 Local Governments and 37 local Council Development Areas in the State.
The State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Muslim Folami gave the assurance at the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing to herald the first year in office of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration.
He said that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Ambode, always live up to its words, hence the two roads each under construction across the 57 Councils totally 114 roads would be completed on schedule.

Why I leaked Sanusi’s letter on missing $49.8bn oil money –Ameachi

The Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Thursday, agreed that the secret letter former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Mohammed 11, was leaked by him but insisted that he did that in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

The letter in question was in relation to the former CBN’s governor’s allegation on the non-remittance of $49.8 billion from oil sale to the federation account.

The letter was written to former President Goodluck Jonathan by Sanusi.

It would be recalled that had earlier reveled in an interview with Forbes Africa Magazine that Amaechi was responsible for leaking to Obasanjo a letter he wrote to Jonathan on the “missing” $49.8 billion oil revenues.

Abia state government react to Hausa/Igbo traders clash in Aba yesterday, says soldier who killed a trader has been arrested

The Abia state government has released a statement reacting to yesterday's clash at the Ariaria market where three persons were killed following a fight between Hausa and Igbo traders. The statement released and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Godwin Adindu, says that a soldier who shot and killed a trader during the clash has been arrested. Read the statement below..

Shettima: Stone PDP Supporters, Like Satan is Stoned at Kabba

The Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, Wednesday said the people of the state were saved from extinction by the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at last year’s general election.

This is coming as the federal government disclosed that all the goods seized by the Nigerian Customs would be distributed to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), mostly to those returning to the liberated towns in parts of the North-east.

The governor, who claimed that had the result gone otherwise the people would have fled from the state by now and this would have left the state deserted, called on the people to show their dissatisfaction towards those politicians who abandoned them at the peak of the crisis.

Britain goes to vote, Londoners get new mayor today

Londoners and the rest of Britain voted in local and regional elections yesterday, as the capital appeared set to elect its first Muslim mayor.

Voters elected councils across England, mayors and police commissioners in several cities, a Scottish Parliament and lawmakers in Wales and Northern Ireland in what local media dubbed “Super Thursday.”

The countrywide elections were considered a test for the Labour Party in the first nationwide polls since Jeremy Corbyn became the party’s new leader last year. The elections were expected to deal a blow to the party, which has been engulfed in a row over anti-Semitism.

Again, Buhari scrutinizes budget quietly submitted by NASS

The National Assembly on Thursday quietly handed over what they said was a clean copy of the 2016 Budget to the presidency for assent.

The document was transmitted by a 10-man committee of the National Assembly, headed by the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Yusuf Lasun to Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters Senate (Senator), Ita Enang.

Although the controversial budget which has been delayed for so long due to what have been described as padded areas has been handed over, there are still indications that the president is not in a hurry to sign it.

Reuben Abati: The cost of national depression

“I hear the World Bank says Nigeria is now the worst place to do business in the entire world.”

“ I don’t believe it.”

“I also hear that of the 15 fastest growing economies in Africa, Nigeria is no longer on the list.”

“ I say I don’t believe that. And stop hearing bad things.”

“We are not even in the top 10 of the World Top 10 oil producers anymore. Yet, we used to be No. 6.” 

“ I still don’t believe that.”

“Inflation is now 13.2%, or well may be 12.8%.”

“Story”

Quote by Ray Goforth

"There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed."

-Ray Goforth

3 feared dead after clash between Hausa and Igbo traders at Ariaria market

No fewer than three persons have been confirmed dead after a fight broke out between Hausa and Igbo traders at the popular Ariaria market in Aba, Abia state this afternoon. According one of the traders, trouble started after an Ibo trader cautioned an Hausa trader who urinated close to his shop.

Recovery of looted funds: We’re getting impatient, Buhari tells envoy

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja lamented that it is taking too long to recover the country’s looted funds that have stashed away in overseas countries.

He told Executive Secretary of United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Mr Yury Fedotov, that the process of recovering the stolen assets had “become tedious’’ to the consternation of many Nigerians.

A statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Sepcial Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, quoted the president as saying, “We are looking for more cooperation from the EU, United States, other countries and international institutions to recover the nation’s stolen assets, particularly proceeds from the stolen crude oil.

Senate okays death penalty for kidnappers

Members of the Senate yesterday May 4th, agreed to facilitate the process of enacting a law that will prescribe death penalty to anyone found guilty of kidnapping. At the house plenary, the senate prevailed on state governors to also enact laws that will prosecute anyone found guilty of kidnapping.

Speaking during the debate, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, supported the motion and also narrated his personal experience with kidnappers.

FG plans N350b quarterly injection to economy

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has disclosed that the Federal Government plans to inject N350 billion into the economy on quarterly basis so as to stimulate economic growth and development.

Speaking on Thursday in a television magazine programme, she said the fund will be released as soon as the budget is signed.

“As soon as the budget is signed, we are going to pump N350 billion into the economy in this quarter and we are going to do so every quarter until we stimulate growth. And we would see growth if we spend money on those things that would create jobs,” she said.

GEJ pays tribute to his boss, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, whose death anniversary holds today

Former President Jonathan took to his facebook wall to pay tribute to his former boss, former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua who died on May 5th 2010, exactly six years today. He was Nigeria's President from May 2007 till May 5th 2010 when he died after a brief illness. May his soul rest in peace Amen. See what he wrote after the cut...

FG says Tompolo abusing court process with bid to halt trial

The Federal Government has asked Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola of the Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss a suit by a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

Tompolo is seeking an order “nullifying, voiding, striking down and expunging sections 221 and 306 from the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to the extent of their inconsistency with the 1999 Constitution.”

The ex-militant through his lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, on Wednesday said the sections were unconstitutional because they prevent a court from entertaining any objection to a criminal charge or an application for stay of proceedings pending appeal.

But, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN) said the suit is an abuse of court process and should be dismissed.

Photos from Buhari's meeting with Saraki, Dogara, other APC leaders

President Buhari had a closed door meeting with Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Chairman of APC, John Odigie-Oyegun and other APC leaders at the state House Abuja yesterday May 4th. More photos after the cut...

Niger Delta Avengers Blowup Chevron Platform In Delta State

The latest Niger Delta militant group, named the Niger Delta Avengers, which has gradually gained momentum in the Delta region, has blown up the Chevron Valve Platform in Delta State.

The devastating incident was gathered to have occurred at about 10:40pm on Wednesday evening.

The corporation’s Public Affairs Manager, Deji Haastrup, could not be reached for comment on the incident.

An official of the Department of State Services (DSS), who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident adding that the platform was totally destroyed with the use of dynamite.

Former US presidents George H W Bush and George W Bush will not endorse Donald Trump's candidacy for president, aides have told local media.

This marks a first for the 91-year-old former president Bush, who had endorsed Republicans in the past five elections.

Republican politicians are struggling to define their support, or lack thereof, for Donald Trump.

Mr Trump's remaining opponents dropped out earlier this week leaving him as the presumptive Republican nominee.

Both Bush men had previously campaigned this year for former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who exited the race in February.

Watch full interview of Emir of Kano with Forbes TV, says Jonathan threatened him after he exposed fraud in NNPC

Forbes TV has published the full interview with Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II where he spoke about his relationship with former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and other key members of the last administration. 

Sanusi in the interview alleged that the former President threatened him after he exposed the massive fraud that was at the time going on in the NNPC. Sanusi had written a letter to Jonathan in 2013, informing him that billions of dollars were being diverted from the accounts of NNPC.

He said the letter he wrote to Jonathan became public after it was leaked to former president Olusegun Obasanjo. He said this did not go down well with Jonathan whom he alleged threatened him.

Leicester City players to be rewarded with £32,670 Mercedes B-Class after winning premier league title

Players of Leicester City will be rewarded with Mercedes cars worth £32,670 each after they beat the odds to win the 2015/2016 premier league title.

Leicester City football Club chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha will reward his underdog heroes with their own Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive for winning the premier league despite being tipped for relegation at the beginning of the season.

According to the Daily Mail, each player will receive his own car valued at £32,670 which will cost Thai Billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha about £1 million.

Raging war in Saraki’s camp over Kwara 2019 governorship slot

The tussle for the governorship of Kwara State has begun in earnest though the contest is still three years away.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has always zoned the governorship slot to Kwara North, which has never occupied the post since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Investigations revealed that this decision was taken shortly before the second-term election of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who is from Kwara South.

Before him, Kwara Central had ruled the State for 12 unbroken years through Late Mohammed Lawal and Bukola Saraki. They were in charge from 1999-2011.

Lagos State to commence construction of world class Medical park

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced plans to commence the construction of world class Medical Park under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, just as it restated its commitment to improve healthcare experience and promote medical tourism and excellent healthcare services of international standard in the State.

The State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who disclosed this while briefing Government House Correspondents after the weekly State Executive Council Meeting, said the project has already been awarded to MEDIPARK International Limited Consortium which comprises of MEDIPARK International Limited, Cleveland Clinics Ohio USA, St. Barnabas Healthcare System New Jersey and American Hospital Management Company Washington DC.

National Agricultural Credit fund passes 2nd reading

The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday applauded the Senate’s passage of 2nd reading of A Bill for an Act to establish the National Agricultural Credit Fund to Promote Commercial Agriculture in Nigeria. Saraki, in a statement on his social media pages, commended the effort by the Senate to establish the credit fund, saying that once established, the Agricultural Credit Fund would address the current lack of legal frameworks that limit funds meant for farming going to actual farmers.
The Senate President, further stated that the credit fund will also help ensure that local farmers are provided with implementable business plans, and systems that will guarantee that their products are purchased.

“This Credit Fund will also help ensure that local farmers are provided with business plans” Saraki said. “It will also help to ensure that agricultural products from our farmers get to larger companies that will purchase their products.

Femi Fani-Kayode: My reaction to the allegation that I have gone underground and that I am hiding from the EFCC

I have just read some absurd media reports in which have qouted their sources in the EFCC as saying that I had gone underground and that I was hiding from them. This is false. I have not been invited by the EFCC by letter and neither have they phoned me or attempted to reach me in any other way. I have been in my Abuja home for the last few weeks and I am not hiding from anyone.

I am not a coward and this attempt to further demonise and humiliate me by the EFCC will fail. If they have any questions for me why don't they just write to me or call me, give me a date and I will be in their office. I have made my position clear on the issue of the Presidential campaign funds, I have written an essay about it in my various columns about two weeks ago and I have been waiting for the EFCC to reach me ever since then. They have invited others but they have not invited me. I do not believe that I have done anything wrong and this latest attempt to criminalise me and make me look like a fugitive from justice will fail.