Another Nigeria? Egypt Court Dismisses Murder Charges Against Mubarak

An Egyptian court has thrown out a case against former President Hosni Mubarak for conspiring to murder protesters during the 2011 Egyptian revolution due to a technicality and lack of jurisdiction.

Mubarak and his sons Alaa and Gamal were also cleared by Chief Judge Mahmoud Kamel al-Rashidi of corruption charges related to exporting gas to Israel.

The same Cairo court acquitted Habib al-Adli, former Mubarak-era interior minister, and six senior security commanders of conspiracy to murder protesters.

Al Jazeera's senior political analyst Marwan Bishara said the trial was highly politicised and the verdict was "stunning".
"I am speechless," he said. "Because the judge has told us not to discuss his verdict until we have examined the 1,430 page document."

"This is an arrogant attempt to make the Egyptian people feel....(continue reading) http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6729/breaking-egypt-court-dismisses-murder-charges-against-mubara



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W’Bank, Ericsson Develop Guide For Mobile Internet Usage

he World Bank and Ericsson have developed a guide for policy makers to drive national broadband plans, the Head of Government and Industry Relations, sub-Saharan Africa, Ericsson, Mr. Shiletsi Makhofane, has said.

This came just as the world prepares for the anticipated 20 times increase in mobile Internet usage by 2019. Makhofane said the guide was aimed at helping policy makers to master critical skills that would ensure that socio-economic benefits were achieved in 2019 when mobile subscription would have grown by 10 times, and mobile data traffic by 20 times.

In an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, he said, "At the centre of all these developments is the availability of spectrum which will spur growth in the sector."

The Ericsson official said that spectrum was a critical and limited social resource, "and the lifeblood of all that is mobile." He said, "Ericsson espoused in 2011 the idea of how real-time connectivity will fundamentally change the way we all innovate, collaborate, produce, govern, and live sustainably, and they called it the Networked Society.

"Today, with mobile Internet use in sub-Saharan Africa doubling year-on-year, and usage expected to increase by 20 times in the next five years, the networked society and the...(((Continue Reading))) http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6687/w-bank-ericsson-develop-guide-for-mobile-internet-usage



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You Must Sign An Undertaking During Your Screening, APC Tells Her Presidential Aspirants

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Oyegun, has said that all aspirants seeking the party's presidential ticket would have to sign an undertaking during screening.

He said the undertaking was necessary so as to enable the aspirants to faithfully implement the party's manifestoes from the day they assumed office.

Oyegun spoke on Friday while receiving the completed presidential expression of interest and nomination forms from the Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, at the APC headquarters in Abuja.

The APC National Chairman, however, urged Kwankwaso not to lose sight of the enormous challenges ahead of the party.

He said, "Now we are faced with real economic crisis to add to it all. The APC is going to provide this nation with a steady hand, an experienced hand, a competent hand.

"Our prayer is for those of you who have indicated interest in this very onerous responsibility, because what you are going to take over from the Peoples Democratic Party, is a nation that is virtually pulled to pieces in every aspect of human life."

Oyegun expressed confidence that the party's manifestoes, which he described as people-oriented, would improve the living standard of Nigerians, if carefully and faithfully implemented.

Earlier, Kwankwaso promised to return smiles to the face of Nigerians if elected President next year.
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You Must Re-Register To Get Your Permanent Voter's Card, INEC Tells Gov. Fashola

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday failed to distribute Permanent Voter Cards at the Ward G3, State Junior Secondary School, the polling unit where the State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and his wife, Abimbola, registered.

It was learnt that some INEC ad-hoc staff had earlier pasted a notice to notify voters who had registered in the two wards on Itolo Street that they had no PVC. The commission said the voters would have to register afresh at a later date.

The notice pasted at the entrance of the school read, "We regret to inform you that those who registered in this polling unit do not have Permanent Voter Cards. Please come back
between 3rd and 8th of December 2014 for fresh registration."

Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, attributed the development to loss of data arising from the crash of their computing system.

"Yes, some of the data captured during the registration in2010 crashed. This was the reason we lost about 1.4 million data for voters. We are embarking on fresh registration for them and others who were unable to register in the 2010 registration."

Fashola had yet to react to the development.
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Austerity: We’re Ready For The Worst, Even If Oil Is $60 – Okonjo-Iweala

Despite what some have termed the looming doom hovering over the nation's horizon as a result of the crash in oil price, Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Thursday
assured of Nigeria's readiness to weather the storm, should the price slide further at the international market.

Brent crude oil futures fell below $74 per barrel on Thursday after the group decided not to cut production, despite global oversupply.

Meanwhile, according to Reuters.com, Brent crude dropped to $73.80 a barrel, its lowest since August 2010, before paring losses to last trade down $3.71 on the day at $74.01.

Okonjo-Iweala, who spoke at the fourth Capital Market Committee (CMC) retreat organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) in Abuja, allayed fears about the fate of the nation's economy in some quarters, assuring that several measures were on ground to mitigate the effects of the fall on the Nigerian economy.
But as if responding to the Minister's comment, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, warned that Nigeria is facing a potential economic crisis. He therefore urged the Federal
Government to change its ways.

The CME had affirmed that it would not be wise for the country to panic, because, "panic is not a strategy. We are managing the situation to keep the economy on a stable sustainable course and we will not listen to those who
want us to throw up our hands in despair and give up.

"Our scenario based approach to managing the impact of the oil price drop is proactive and comprehensive. Even if the price drops to $60, we are ready.

"The common man is a priority in our strategy for the fall in oil price. His interests are a priority. That's why even in implementing cuts in capital budget for 2015, the areas that are of
most benefit to the common man, critical infrastructural projects like the Lagos Ibadan expressway, the second Niger Bridge, rail and power projects etc, which will create jobs and enhance the comfort of our people, will go on.

"This pro-common man focus can also be seen in the safety nets which is a major priority for the President. The projection is for two to three million families across Nigeria will benefit
from a conditional cash transfer scheme to encourage school attendance, improve health and nutrition, reduce infant and maternal
mortality, among others," she further assured.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said that is why the Federal Government is also focusing on improving value chain in agriculture, the number one source of job creation in the country.
Anything that affects the poor, the young and vulnerable, she continued, would be prioritised

Source: Daily Independent
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#Ferguson Killing: Racism Still Biting Hard In The US, By Abdulbaqi

The recent killing of a black teenage boy by a white police officer in Ferguson, state of Missouri, Unites State, have re-expose the state of racial intolerance in the and selective justice in the United States of America.

The killing of Mr Brown further shows the lie been promoted by western media that America and western Europe are civilised and respect human rights of. Every human being irrespective of background.

The blacks accounts for about 15 percent of the 310 million population of the United States. Unfortunately, despite President Obama as the current President of the US, America's policy against minorities has not change in any way despite very long years of advocacy against that. Minorities whether racial, religious, or ideological are been hunted down any where by the United State despite its so called rights to religion. The US is persecuting them for no reason.

Recently, a Pastor named Terry Jones in the US burned the Holy Qur'an in a ceremonious gathering in florida. Also, it took years of persistent trial and determination before muslims were finally allowed to build an Islamic center in the former location of the twin towers. Likewise other racial minorities like the indigenous Indians, they too are not spared. In fact even ideological different can cause the US to hunt a person or state down.

During the hay times of Communism in the 1960s, America kept on illegally pressuring smaller nation of the world to abandon Communism or be sanctioned. America was in Vietnam war and Korean war only to stop Communism from spreading. So also was America in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia etc in order to forcefully promote capitalism and so called "De more crazy"

The Judgment of the Grand Jury not to try the white police officer that killed Mr Brown was not a surprise to me at all. Despite the significant number of black in Ferguson, it was only three out of twelve juries that are blacks, hence the majority of the white juries chooses not to vote for the white officers to stand on trial.

Martin Luther King Jr is long gone now. perhaps, he went to his grave with his battle for equality and equity. That was why increasing racially motivated crimes are on the increase in the US, especially in the East cost states.

For the minorities in the US to enjoy a better life and security, they must unite and be their brothers keeper. They should help their fellows by sponsoring their education and securing their future. If not, the 1940s golden time of racism may be resuscitated again.

Comrade Abdulbaqi Aliyu Jari
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Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Spouse, By Comrade Abdulbaqi

Marriage has been known among the oldest good traditions that the human race has been practising. With a lot of men and women all around, without institutionalizing marriage, the adultery and fornication will become the order of the day. There will not be father, children will only have mothers, because the fathers of the children will not take the responsibilities of the children.

Marriage is design to be forever. Though there is divorce, but the divorce is unwanted and conditional. There are a lot of factors that one need to look before choosing a spouse so as to have a successful marriage;

Firstly, before choosing a spouse, one need to under stand his religious commitment. This is because, God is the creator of all mankind. If there is any relationship, then it is behind God - servant relationship. If that person that you intent to marry has no commitment to God, has no respect to the rules of God, then I guess he/she will not be committed to you. He/she will not respect you. And he/she will not take any good care of you. God created him/her, it is God that is providing his/her sustenance, and yet that person does not respect God. How will he/she respect you?

Secondly, you should know, learn and find out the level at which your spouse respect his/her parent. I doubt if your proposed spouse fail the first one if he can make the second one. Our parent are responsible for our progress, our development and our up bringing. Our mothers carry us in the womb for twelve months. They suffered all our childishness to bring us to where we are today. If your spouse does not respect his/her own parent, then forget it, if you must marry. him/her, then let you know that your proposed spouse will not respect and care for you as he is not doing it to his/her
parents.

Thirdly, before chosen a spouse, you need to know the level of his/her commitment to his/her siblings. Your proposed spouse needs to respect his/her siblings. Because they grow together, play together, suffer and progress together. If your fiancee does not love, tolerate, and respect his/her siblings,
then how can your proposed spouse respect you.

Fourthly, your fiance must have neighbours, friends, cousins and other relatives. Don't let love overwhelm you, take a look of how he/she treat them, count on that before. You
relationship become stronger.

Among other things that one should look before chosen a spouse are; his honesty, sincerity, generosity, tolerance, understanding, his love to other people and his maturity. These things cannot be over look. One must make sure that he fully scrutinize the person he wants to marry so as to have a successful, responsible and reasonable family in the future.

Comrade Abdulbaqi Aliyu Jari
Katsina state
+2348035424321

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Sunderland v Chelsea: Blues Have 'Invincible Look' Ahead Of Saturday Clash, Says Redknapp

Sunderland v Chelsea: Blues Have 'Invincible Look' Ahead Of Saturday Clash, Says Redknapp

Sunderland may have got the better of Chelsea last year but Jose Mourinho's 'magnificent' men are a different prospect this season, says Jamie Redknapp.

Sunderland beat Chelsea in two out their three meetings last season – but I can't see them shocking Jose Mourinho's side this weekend.

Sunderland seem to play better against better sides. As well as those results against Chelsea, they also beat Manchester City at the Stadium of Light, got a draw at the Etihad and defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford. That tells
you they've got quality in their side and they can raise themselves for the big occasion.

Gus Poyet's men are very good at digging in, grinding out results and getting men behind the ball, with five in midfield, stopping the ball
going into the front men. If they get an early lead they hang on for their lives.

Perhaps they'll even beat Thibaut Courtois this weekend. Chelsea's defence, with Nemanja Matic in front of them, look very hard to break down but it only takes a set- piece or a bit of luck to breakthrough.

The difference this season, though, is that Chelsea have genuine quality to hit back with; Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have been sensational.

I wouldn't describe Fabregas as a Mourinho-type player. He likes to field players who are defensive-minded but the Portuguese has
unleashed his midfielders this year and let the team go and play. With Oscar, Fabregas and Eden Hazard behind Costa it really is a
formidable front four at Chelsea.

Best

This week, Didier Drogba has suggested the current Blues line-up is (continue reading)...http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6595/sunderland-v-chelsea-blues-have-invincible-look-ahead-of-sat
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Nigerian Economy Under Threat As Crude Oil Falls Below $73

Efforts by Nigeria and four other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries to see a reduction in oil production to revive falling oil prices proved abortive on Thursday as the 12-member cartel decided to maintain production quotas.

No sooner had word gone out that OPEC at the end of its meeting in Vienna decided not to cut production than oil prices slumped to a five-year low.

Both Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude prices fell heavily after the meeting with Brent dropping below $72 per barrel and WTI falling to $68 for the first time since 2010.

The Brent crude price, against which the Nigeria oil is priced, has fallen below the country's 2014 budget benchmark of $77.5 per barrel, putting further pressure on oil revenue and threatening accretion to the Excess Crude Account.

The ECA, where money over the benchmark oil price is saved, dropped to $2.5bn at the start of 2014, from around $11.5bn at the start of January 2013, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria. The minister of finance recently put the ECA balance at $4.11bn.

Oil prices have fallen more than $40 per barrel since June when oil peaked at $115 per barrel. The decline was triggered by several factors including fall in demand and supply glut largely driven by shale oil boom in the United States.

Venezuela, Nigeria, Iran, Iraq, and Ecuador pushed for cut in production to boost prices, but the group's dominant members – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE – were said to have argued to uphold the status quo.

OPEC, which supplies a third of the world's crude oil, decided to maintain the production level of 30 million barrels per day, as was agreed in December 2011.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has........(Continue reading) http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6522/nigeria-in-trouble-economy-under-threat-as-oil-price-falls-b

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Pele Reveals On Twitter: 'I Was Not Put Into Intensive Care'

Pele has revealed that he is 'doing fine' following reports that the Brazilian icon had been admitted to a special care unit in a Sao Paulo hospital.

The three-time World Cup winner took to Twitter to let fans know that he was 'not put into intensive care' and is on the road to recovery from a urinary tract infection.

The 74-year-old wrote: 'Hello everyone, I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I am doing fine.

'I was not put into intensive care today, I was simply relocated to a special room within the hospital for privacy purposes only.

'While I appreciate all the visitors that came to see me, I really need to continue my treatment and recovery in peace.

'I am blessed to receive your love and support, and thank God this is nothing serious.

'I am looking forward to spending the upcoming holidays with my family, and will start the new year with renewed health, with many international trips already planned!

Thank you!'

Pele is now expected to make a 'quick and full' recovery from the minor infection caused by a recent surgery to remove kidney stones, his manager said Thursday.

Paul Kemsley said in a statement sent to The...(Continue Reading) http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6555/
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2015 Elections: PDP Conducts House Of Assembly Primaries On Saturday November 29

The Ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will on Saturday, 29th of November, 2014, conduct her primaries into the House of Assembly for all aspiring candidates across the country.

Appeals for the House of Assembly will hold the following day, Sunday, 30th of November, 2014.

The party conducted Screening exercises for the respective aspirants on the 7th of November, 2014, and completed screening appeals on the 10th of November, 2014.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had, on November 8, 2014, announced a shift in the date of its primary elections, including the presidential and governorship primaries.

A statement issued by the PDP National Organising Secretary, Abubakar Mustapha, at the party's national secretariat on 8th of November, 2014, said....http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6484/2015-elections-pdp-conducts-house-of-assembly-primaries-on-s

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Tragedy: Kerosene Explosion Kills Teenager, Injures Two Others In Benin

An explosion suspected to have been caused by adulterated kerosene has killed a 15 year-old boy and injured two others at Ukpebo Street, off Textile Mill Road in Benin, the Edo State capital.

The explosion, which occurred at about 2:30am on Thursday, left a 31 year-old mother of three, Mrs. Loveth Ode, her two year-old son, Wisdom, and her relative, Alfred Omonefe, with varying degrees of burns.

One of the victims, Alfred, 15, however, died en route to the Central Hospital, Benin, while the others are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

The husband of Mrs. Loveth, Mr. Sunday Ode, 35, told our correspondent that he was  away at work when he got a call that his wife, son and nephew had been rush to the accident and emergency ward of the hospital following the explosion.

He said the incident occurred when...http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6469/
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Avram Grant Confirmed As The New Head Coach Of Ghana By GFA

Former Chelsea manager, Avram Grant, has been confirmed as the new head coach of Ghana's senior national team, the Black Stars.

The appointment was confirmed at a press conference by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Thursday by the association's president, Kwesi Nyantakyi.

The GFA had already announced that Grant would be given the job, subject to the agreement of personal terms.

However, Nyantakyi told journalists that.....http://talkafrica.co/gh/p/6461/
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N200 Billion University Funding: ASUU Denies Receiving Money From Federal Government

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, said on Wednesday that no government–owned university had received funding from the N200 billion earmarked for revitalizing the university education in 2014, one year after
it reached an agreement with the federal government on the matter.

Chairman of Nnamdi Azikiwe University branch of ASUU, Dennis Aribidor, who spoke in Awka, as part of activities marking the one anniversary of the killing of former ASUU
president, Professor Festus Iyayi, by the convoy of Kogi State governor, Captain Idris Wada, said the conditions that led to the strike were still there in the universities.

Aribidor expressed worry that tension was again mounting among the unions in the institutions, regretting also that no university had received money to pay arrears of earned allowances owed staff from 2009 to 2013, as
agreed with government, apart from the 30 per cent released during the ASUU strike.

Noting that it would appear that what Iyayi was fighting for before his life was cut short was in vain, the ASUU chairman observed that the most....http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/4449/n200billion-varsity-funding-asuu-denies-receiving-money-from
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Devaluation First Victims? Banks In Nigeria Face Losses On Borrowed Funds

Deposit Money Banks that have obtained foreign loans running into hundreds of millions of dollars face record losses on the loans following the devaluation of the naira
by the Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday.

According to top banking sources, Eurobonds and other dollar-denominated loans obtained mostly from international capital markets and not hedged may make some banks to record foreign exchange losses in their income statements.

This, it was learnt, might ultimately reduce the profitability of some banks in coming months.

Nigerian banks have issued Eurobonds running into over $2 billion, aside other dollar-denominated foreign loans.

One of the sources familiar with the situation said, "Some banks have borrowed money in dollars from..........http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6316/devaluation-first-victims-banks-face-losses-on-borrowed-fund
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Are They Fooling Nigerians? PDP Screens President Jonathan Under One Hour

The Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday screened President Goodluck Jonathan and Dr. Abdul-Jhalil Tafawa- Balewa for the party's primary for the 2015 presidential race.

President Jonathan, who was first to arrive the national headquarters of the party in Abuja where the screening took place, came with his deputy, Namadi Sambo; some ministers and a few of his aides.

Also in the entourage were the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha.

The screening committee, headed by a former National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, grilled the President between 3.15pm and 4.15pm.

Other members of the committee are a former Attorney- General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN); Alhaji Yerima Abdullahi, Bashir Dalhatu, Walin Dutse, Chief Jim Nwobodo, Prof. Stella Atoe, Chief Jibrin Martins Kuye, Ms. Saudatu Sani, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, while Chief Olusola Oke serves as secretary.

Though the President didn't speak with journalists after he came out of the building, it was however gathered that the committee demanded originals of his......http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6315/are-they-fooling-us-pdp-screens-president-jonathan-others
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Lawmakers To Begin Impeachment Proceedings Against President Jonathan Next Week

As plot to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan thickens, members of the House of Representatives have listed no fewer than 50 impeachable offences against him.

The lawmakers are on the same line with their Senate counterparts, who are calling for the removal of President Jonathan.

Findings by Vanguard revealed that the lawmakers would commence impeachment process against the President immediately it reconvenes next Wednesday.

It was gathered that the lawmakers coordinating the impeachment process have identified over 50 constitutional violations by the President, which would form part of the impeachment notice.

Sources within the House squealed that both chambers have resolved to work together for the common good of the country by removing President Jonathan for "incompetence, corruption and unprecedented impunity."

According to a source, the impeachment plot against Jonathan was not a partisan affair, stressing that lawmakers from all the political parties have identified with the "cause" and will not give up until the President is "sent packing."

"I'm sure you read the reports today that senators are going to move against Jonathan. Now you can confirm that the impeachment thing is not about APC. It is a non-partisan cause. We have all resolved that the man (President Jonathan) must go.

Never in the history of Nigeria has a leader displayed such crass incompetence as we have seen in President Jonathan. It is glaring and you can feel it. Mr. President, with due respect, has shown that he is not capable of running this country. That is the basic truth", he stated.

The lawmaker noted that over 50 impeachable offences have been identified against the president and members of the House would work hand in hand with the Senate to ensure that the president was ousted in no distant time.

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The Worst Has Happened: CBN Devalues Naira, Now Sells At 168 Per Us Dollar

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday bowed to pressure by devaluing the naira from N155 to N168 to the US dollar.

The MPC tightened the apex bank's monetary policy by allowing some flexibilities in the exchange rate to stem speculative activities and depletion of reserves.

The announcement was made by the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, while briefing journalists shortly after the MPC meeting at the bank's headquarters in Abuja.

The bank also increased the Monetary Policy Rate from 12 per cent to 13 per cent.

The MPR is the anchor rate at which the CBN, in
performing its role as lender of last resort, lends to Deposit Money Banks to boost liquidity in the banking system.

By this increase of 100 basis points in MPR, the cost of funds to the banking system from the apex bank has now increased thus, leading to an increase in lending rate from commercial banks to businesses.

Emefiele also said given the level of excess liquidity in the banking system, it becomes imperative for the CBN to address the sources of foreign exchange demand pressure.

To achieve this, it devalued the naira by moving the midpoint of the official window of the foreign exchange market from N155 to N168 to a dollar.

He added that the committee also approved a ........http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6169/get-ready-to-pay-more-cbn-devalues-naira-now-168-to-the-doll
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Insurgency: Senators Grill Service Chiefs For Eight Hours

The Senate on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the service chiefs for about eight hours over the insurgency situation in the north-eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

Those in attendance were Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Adesola Amosu; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah; and the Director of the Department of State Service, Mr. Ekpeyong Ita.

The Senate spokesperson, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who spoke with journalists after the eight hours brainstorming session, explained that the military identified problems of troop, equipment and other auxiliary problems as their major challenges.

Abaribe said the issue of emergency rule was not discussed throughout the meeting but explained that the service chiefs noted that the extension was necessary to enable them to perfect their operations in the troubled states.

He said, "The question of the state of emergency was not what is on the table today. We are going to wait until it is brought to the floor of the Senate and we will discuss it.

"What the Senate did today was to separate the two questions (insurgency and the state of emergency).

"Of course, the military continues to insist that they...http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6167/insurgency-senators-grill-service-chiefs-for-eight-hours
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In defense of MURIC: #Bring back our Ajami, By Abdulbaqi

The recent changes on 100 naira note has continue to generate reactions and counter reactions - with the latest coming from the Presidency demanding apologies from muslim rights congress (MURIC).

It will be recalled that on 24 of november this month, MURIC released out a very strong statement about how the Hausa- Arabic (Ajami) writing of "Naira Dari" was changed with a jewish symbol on the proposed new centenary 100 denomination to be the first to be printed in Nigeria. MURIC called for rethink on the ill fated changes on the 100 naira denomination as there was no reason for the sudden, un ceremonial removal of the Ajami writing on it.

There is no doubt that the "un ceremonial" removal of the Ajami writing was un called for and will only generate further controversy and mis understanding in a deeply divided nation like Nigeria. MURIC see the removal of Ajami on the new 100 naira note as a deliberate action in aligning Nigerian muslims in their country and perhaps a continuous plan to make them irrelevant in Nigeria.

The silent, un ceremonial removal of the of Ajami on the lower denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 naira in 2006 yielded no positive result(s), but rather, that shows how un patriotic, intolerance Nigerians are descending especially at a. Very difficult time like this one.

In my piece titled "Another ill fated. Removal of Ajami on 100 naira notes" that appeared on 20 of this month, I also made a similar remark on the need to retain the Ajami writing as it is not a threat to anybody, talk less of assuming it to be a Threat to our dear nation. The Ajami just like the English writing on our currency was meant for reading and writing, not show casing any tribe or section in Nigeria.

The Ajami came into Northern Nigeria over 600 years before the coming of English in Southern Nigeria. If one argues that the Ajami writing is Islamic because it came from the Arabs, then English writing is Christianic since it came from Christians. If One think that Ajami is for Hausa people, and that Nigeria is a secular country and does not belongs to Hausa people, then let it be noted the Arabic is an international language, the 2nd largest in the world.

It Is now time that Nigerians should embrace patriotism and shun illogical sentiments and chauvinism. For over 54 years since our independence from Britain, Nigeria is yet to achieve it full potentials, peace, consistent development and security. This is largely due to some ill minded people advocating hatred and un patriotism among Nigerians - especially tribal and religious one.

I call on the authorities concerned, since the notes have not been made public and are not In circulation, let them go back and bring back our Ajami on the new 100 naira notes. Nigerian muslims are Nigerians, Nigerian Hausas are Nigerians, Nigerian Northerners are also Nigerians. We are united Nigerians and the Nigerian government should not divide us.

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JUST IN: Two Female Suicide Bombers Hit Crowded Maiduguri Market

The relative peace enjoyed by residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital was this morning shattered as two powerful bomb explosion ripped through a popular market in the town, ABUSIDIQU.COM reports.

An eye witness said the explosion was carried out by two female bombers at the crowded Monday market in Maiduguri early this morning at about 11.30 am, killing several people.

However, another source said the explosive was concealed in a pickup tricycle, popularly known as Jega.

"The blast happened at One-Way road that leads to Bulabulin, adjacent the Monday Market," trader Sabiu Aliyu said.

Details of the damage and casualty caused by the blasts is yet to be ascertained, but eye witnesses said many are feared dead, while police and fire fighters have cordoned off
the scene of the blast.

This is the first time in several months that a bomb exploded in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.

More here: http://talkafrica.co/newsbeat-feed
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Taraba Assembly Confirms Deputy As Acting Governor

confirmed the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Sanni Danladi, as the Acting Governor.

The confirmation came barely 72 hours after Danladi was reinstated by the Supreme Court's ruling which nullified his impeachment two years ago by the House.

The motion for the confirmation was moved by the Majority Leader, Joseph Alkinjo, and seconded by the member representing Jalingo Two constituency, Aminu Jalingo.

Moving the motion, Alkinjo said there was the need to confirm the deputy governor so as to give him the executive powers to govern the state.

http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/6068/taraba-state-house-of-assembly-confirms-deputy-as-acting-gov
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FCT Authorities Have Had 25 ‘Okada’ Riders Jailed In Abuja

Authorities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have secured jail sentences for 25 motorcyclists (okada) who flouted the ban on use of motorcycles in Abuja city centre.

The Special Task Team on City Cleaning and Management prosecuted the offenders who were recently convicted and sentenced to jail without option of fines.

FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, made this disclosure on Monday during the FCT Operations Briefing Session in Abuja, attended by the FCT Police Commissioner; representative of the Commandant of Brigade of Guards;
Mandate Secretaries; Commandants of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

There were also representatives of the
Directorate of State Security Services and Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); FCT Comptroller of Prisons as well as the Directors of the FCT Operational Departments.

The Minister revealed that the Task Team to date has prosecuted 41 offenders at the mobile courts, which culminated in the conviction of the 25 Okada riders with four others
discharged while the cases involving other offenders are on going.

Read more news: http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/5974/the-police-in-ogun-state-have-arrested-two-fake-soldiers-for
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Is Nigeria Going Broke? National Debt Rises To N10.8 Trillion.

The total debt of the Federal Government, the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory rose from N8.32tn on September 30, 2013 to N10.84tn on September 30, 2014.

This means that the nation's total debt stock rose by N2.52tn or 30.29 per cent within one year period.

Statistics obtained from the website of the Debt Management Office in Abuja on Monday indicated that the N8.32tn did not include the domestic debt of the states in 2013.

Details of the current debt status of the country showed that the external debts of both the federal and state governments stood at $9.52bn or N1.48tn.

As of September 30, the domestic debt stock of ...Read More http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/5994/going-broke-nigeria-national-debt-rises-to-n10-8-trillion
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Invest Your Money: Oando Opens Rights Issue At N22

Oando Plc has commenced a rights issue on the basis of one new share for every four ordinary shares held as of July 25, 2014.

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Oil Slump: Allocation To States, LGs To Drop By N32 Billion

The decline in the price of crude oil in the international market may have led to a reduction in the 2015 allocation to states and local governments from N3.969tn in the 2014 budget to N3.937tn in 2015.

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PDP Moves To Stop President Jonathan's Impeachment

The Peoples Democratic Party may have started offering 're-election tickets' to its members in the National Assembly as a means of dissuading them from supporting the reported   drive by the All Progressives Congress lawmakers to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan.

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President Jonathan Replies Obasanjo: I Am The Best Leader Nigeria Has Ever Produced

President Goodluck Jonathan has described himself as the best leader to be produced by Nigeria.

The President said no leader since the country gained independence in 1960 had done better than himself for the country.

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APC To Sue Department Of State Service Over Lagos Office Raid

he All Progressives Congress has said it will sue the Department of State Service for Saturday's invasion of its Lagos State secretariat by the operatives of the DSS.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this in an interview with one of our correspondents on Sunday.

Asked what the APC would do to redress the invasion, he said, "We will definitely go court to seek redress and enforce our fundamental rights. Two days before then, they went to attack the House of Representatives we had information that this was going to happen."

However, the DSS commonly referred to as SSS, justified the raid, arguing that it acted based on information.

The Deputy Director, Public Relations of the DSS, Marilyn Ogar, in a statement issued in Abuja, explained that the department swung into action based on a petition.

She said the petition alleged that the APC data operators planned to corrupt the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission and replace it with the party's.

Ogar said the building was subsequently placed under surveillance by the operatives of the DSS, adding that the service only acted when it was convinced that unwholesome activities were going on in the building.

She maintained that Saturday's raid led to the arrest of some persons while a server, three hard drives and 31 Ghana-must-go bags of hard copy documents were recovered.

The DSS spokesperson said, "A petition was received by this service about some activities at No. 10, Bola Ajibola Street, Ikeja, Lagos. The petition alleged that those behind the activities were cloning INEC permanent voter cards, with the intention of hacking into INEC database, corrupting it and replacing them with their own data.

"Based on this information, the service placed the building under surveillance and having been convinced that some unwholesome activities were going on in the building, it undertook a raid of the premises.

"In the process, some persons were arrested, three hard drives and 31 Ghana-must-go bags of hard copy documents were recovered and taken away for further investigation. It must be noted that the said location had no signpost indicating whether it was a private or government office."

However, Mohammed dismissed Ogar's claims, saying that the DSS was acting out a script which was part of a grand plan to intimidate the APC and its supporters to pave the way for the rigging of the 2015 elections.

Mohammed challenged the DSS to make public any incriminating document found in the building.

According to him, it is laughable for the service to say the party was cloning PVCs when they could not even get the password into the computers they found in the place.

"What did they get when they got there? They ... Read More http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/5854/apc-to-sue-dss-over-lagos-office-raid
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President Jonathan Is Supervising A Highly Corrupt Govt, Says Gov. Amaechi

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has said President Goodluck Jonathan "is supervising a highly corrupt government."

He also claimed that "there is no democracy yet in Nigeria."

The governor, who spoke in Abuja on Saturday, insisted that he had no personal quarrel with President Jonathan, adding that if governance could be separated from the President, he (Jonathan) "remains a good man."

He, however, regretted that the President "is supervising a highly corrupt government."

He described the form of government being practised in Nigeria today as diarchy.

While reacting to the invasion of the National Assembly by the police on Thursday, Amaechi described the action as uncivilised.

He said the actions of the police in recent times had shown that they had been pocketed by the Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

He said, "We don't have democracy in Nigeria yet. What we have is diarchy. We don't have a democracy. Diarchy is dictatorship. The Federal Government has appropriated the police as its personal property. The FG has taken over the police. See the way the police took over the National Assembly. By law, the police have no power to invade the National Assembly and they have no power to stop the Speaker from going in or out of the National Assembly complex. But they don't obey law."

He insisted that his party, the All Progressives Congress, would not go to court if the PDP decided to rig the 2015 presidential elections.

Instead of going to court, he said the APC would form a parallel government.

He said, ......Read More http://talkafrica.co/ng/p/5853/president-jonathan-is-supervising-a-highly-corrupt-governmen
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