Cross River breaks Nigeria’s budget record; hits N1 trillion

Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has presented a budget of N1.3 trillion for the 2018 fiscal year to the Cross River House of Assembly for deliberation and passage, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
The budget is the largest for a single state in Nigeria’s history.

Mugabe recovering from cold after “resignation shock”

(dpa/NAN) Catholic priest and long-standing friend of Mugabe, Fidelis Mukonori says ousted Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe is in good spirits, though recovering from a touch of cold.

VIDEO: Like father, like son - Cristiano Ronaldo's 7-year old son scores stunning freekick

Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have competition for free-kick supremacy,from his son Cristiano Ronaldo (Jnr)

The Real Madrid star posted a video on Instagram of his seven-year-old son Cristiano Jr. scoring a free-kick stunner, much like his father has done so many times in the past.

Presidency approved $40 million contract to Jonathan’s cousin’s firm, EFCC tells Court

Trial of a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Azibaola Robert and his wife, Stella, took a new dimension on Thursday, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that payment for $40million contract that was awarded to the defendants’ firm, Oneplus Holdings Limited, was duly authorised by the Presidency.

I take responsibility for Maina’s reinstatement – Perm Sec

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mr Abubakar Magaji, has owned up to administrative lapses in the purported reinstatement of dismissed former Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina.

On-Air-Personality Freeze Tackles Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo's Stance On Tithing

In a video which has gone viral on social media, Nigerian Pastor and Founder of Kingsway International Christian Center located in the United Kingdom with branches in Nigeria, Matthew Ashimolowo decided to weigh in on the tithing issue.

Goodluck Jonathan believed I was responsible for the disappearance of Chibok schoolgirls - Borno state governor

Kashim Shettima, governor of Borno state, says President Goodluck Jonathan nearly removed him in 2014 with the belief that he was responsible for the disappearance of Chibok schoolgirls.

Maina: I did not endorse letter for ex-Pension Chairman’s reinstatement – Head of Service, Oyo-Ita

The Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winfred Oyo Ita, on Thursday denied endorsing the letter for the reinstatement of former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform, Abdulrasheed Maina.

 

Banky W addresses rivalry between Davido and Wizkid, congratulates both artistes on Mobo award win

Newly-wed singer, Banky W, took to his IG page to congratulate his fellow singer, Davido on his win as ‘Best African act’ at the Mobo Awards.

Drama as HOS, Oyo-Ita, Ministry of Interior disagree over ex-Pension boss’ reinstatement

There was a mild drama between the Ministry of Interior and the Head of Civil Service, HoS, Winifred Oyo-Ita, on Thursday over the reinstatement of former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform, Abdulrasheed Maina into the civil service.

Goodluck Was Never Power Hungry – Saraki

President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said former President Goodluck Jonathan was never desperate for power, but got there by providence.

2018 budget is built on wrong foundation – Senator Barau

The Senator representing Kano North Senatorial district, Jibrin Barau, has said that the 2018 budget being debated was built on wrong foundations.

 

Slave trade:Protest holds in front of Libyan Embassy (VIDEO)

Dozens of people on Thursday embarked on protest condemning slave auction in Libya.

SEC DG, Gwarzo, two others suspended

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has suspended the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo.

 

2019: Kwankwaso tells supporters to dump APC

A former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has reportedly asked his supporters in the state to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Why my prophecy on Anambra governorship election failed – Popular Ebonyi prophet

The General Overseer, King of King Deliverance Church, Konum Olekpa, Ntezi in Ishielu local Government Area of Ebonyi state, Prophet Emmanuel Chukwudi, who earlier predicted that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would win the Anambra governorship election, has explained why his prophecies did not come to fruition.

2018 World Cup: Rohr blows hot, says Nigeria not afraid of any country

Coach Gernot Rohr says the Super Eagles have no fear of any team, hours before Friday’s Final Draw for the 21st FIFA World Cup finals.

2018: We will deploy every legitimate power to dislodge Fayose – APC vows

Determined to win the 2018 governorship poll in Ekiti State, the All Progressives Congress(APC), has vowed to use every legal and constitutional strategies to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the coming election.

NNPC Selling Fuel At N133.28, Denies Hiking Prices

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, denied hiking the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, stating that the commodity is currently selling at N133.28 per litre.

Mainagate: Hold Me Responsible For His Reinstatement - PS Intetior

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mr Abubakar Magaji on Thursday admitted before the Rep Ali Madaki led ad-hoc investigative panel that he should be held responsible for erroneously reinstating embattled former Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdurasheed Maina.

Buhari travels to Jordan to discuss terrorism

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Saturday and Sunday join other Heads of State in Aqaba, Jordan, to review strategies in fighting terrorism, and reinforce joint security structures that will be more proactive in preventing attacks.

Gov Ayade Presents N1.3trn Budget For 2018

Gov.Ben Ayade of Cross River has presented a budget of N1.3 trillion for the 2018 fiscal year to the Cross River House of Assembly for deliberation and passage.

Ex-VP Sambo Expresses Confidence In Daniel’s Leadership Qualities

Former Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo, has affirmed his confidence in Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s ability to lead the Peoples Democratic Party to victory in the forthcoming general election as the National Chairman.

FG stopped Maina’s salaries February 2013 – Adeosun, AGF insist

The Nigerian Minster of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, have debunked the claims by Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina that he was still under the payroll of the Federal Civil Service of Nigeria.

Magu speaks on EFCC looting properties recovered by ex-Pension boss

Ibrahim Magu, acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has dismissed claims that embattled former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform, Abdulrasheed Maina handed over properties worth millions to the Commission.

Senate postpones MTEF, awaits OPEC’s decision

Senate has postponed the passage of Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2018-2020 for the second time awaiting Organisation of Oil Producing Countries (OPEC)’s decision on Nigeria.

Libya slave trade: Nigeria must go to war – Fani-Kayode

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, on Thursday asserted that the Libyans have given Nigeria reason to go to war with them.

More Excuses! DSS DG, Daura explains why ex-Pension Chairman has not been arrested

The Director General of the Department of State Service, DSS, Lawal Daura, on Monday disclosed that the former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform, Abdulrasheed Maina, has not been arrested because he was not on the watch list of the service.

 

Use your private jets to repatriate migrants – Daddy Freeze tells Nigerian pastors

Controversial media personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly called Freeze, has lashed out at Nigerian pastors over their silence on the ongoing alleged slave trade in Libya.

 

Nigeria Flies Migrants Home From Libya After Slavery Scare

Nigeria’s president said on Wednesday the government had started bringing stranded citizens home from Libya after a global outcry over reports that migrants there were being sold into slavery. Muhammadu Buhari’s comments came days after CNN aired footage that appeared to show men being auctioned as farm hands in Libya after being smuggled across the Sahara.

54 babies born HIV-positive in Nasarawa

The Executive Director of Nasarawa State Aids Control Agency, Dr Zakari Umar, said 54 babies delivered between January and September in the state tested positive to HIV.

Report reveals there will be more hunger, extremism in 2018

Humanitarian crises around the world will worsen in 2018, with no let-up in civil wars in Africa, near-famines in war-torn regions and the threat of extremist Islamist violence.

 

Our record shows Maina has not left Nigeria – NIS boss

The Comptroller General of Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, Mohammed Babandede, has disclosed that a former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdurasheed Maina, has not travelled out of the country since 2013.

 

Appeal Court finally rules in suit challenging Tambuwal’s emergence

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Thursday, dismissed the appeal case filed by Sen. Umaru Dahiru, challenging the emergence of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as governor of Sokoto State.

Emir Sanusi Attributes Quest For Illegal Migration To Poverty, Unemployment

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has attributed the excessive quest by Nigerian youths to engage in illegal migration to poverty and unemployment.

VIDEO: Libya slave trade: Osinbajo meets with agencies, reveals government’s plans

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday spoke on the migrant situation involving Nigerian citizens in Libya and other countries.

Man in court for using N10m mistakenly deposited to his account

The Chief Executive Officer of an oil and gas company, Olukunle Owolabi, was on Tuesday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Igbosere, for allegedly using the N10m mistakenly deposited into his bank account.

 

Christianity in Nigeria a fraud – Nigerian Gay rights activist, Bisi Alimi

Nigerian gay rights activist, Bisi Alimi, has described Christianity in Nigeria as ‘nothing but fraud.’

 

Ministry of Interior denies reinstating Maina

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Abubakar Magaji, has declared that the Chairman of the defunct Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdurasheed Maina, was not reinstated.

 

Maina’s Name Not In FG’s Pay Roll – Adeosun

It was a swath of counter-accusations at the continued investigative hearing by the ad-hoc Committee on the Disappearance,re-appearance and reinstatement of embattled former boss of Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform Team Abdulrasheed Maina on Monday.

Maina Is An American Citizen Too - Immigration Boss

Sacked Chairman of Presidential Task Team on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina, Thursday, has been reported to have three international passports and he is an American citizen.

Goodluck Jonathan, Ben Bruce congratulate Wizkid on his Mobo win

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Senator Ben-Murray Bruce have sent congratulatory messages to  Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, for winning Best International Act at the MOBO Awards.

Finance ministry denies paying Maina salary after disengagement

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, on Thursday said the former Chairman, Pension Reform Task Force, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina, did not receive salary from government after his disengagement.

Mourinho won’t ‘park the bus’ against Arsenal – Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is not expecting Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho to set his team up defensively when the sides clash on Saturday despite his reputation for “parking the bus” in big matches.

US Threatens To ‘Utterly Destroy’ North Korea Regime

The United States warned that North Korea’s leadership will be “utterly destroyed” if war breaks out as it called on countries to cut all diplomatic and trade ties with North Korea — including Chinese oil shipments to Pyongyang.

Appointment Of Justices Of Court Of Appeal: Igbo Group Says NJC Not Telling The Truth

 The Igbo Renaissance has faulted the claim by the Nigeria Judicial Council, NJC, that Ndigbo were not shortchanged in the recent appointm
ent of Appeal Court justices, saying that the South East zone was actually sidelined in the process.

Life Outside Nigeria Not Necessarily Better Than Life In Nigeria – Reps

In a bid to halt a brewing crisis in the Niger Delta region arising from an alleged tenure elongation of the current members of the board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, the House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to adhere to the provisions of the Act establishing the body.

Save Nigerians from Libyan slave traders, Senate tells Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the Federal Government was hoping to evacuate identified stranded Nigerians in Libya back to Nigeria and rehabilitate them.

Togo’s political instability may affect Nigeria, others -Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari and his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara, on Wednesday expressed concern that political instability in Togo, if not averted, could have regional consequences.

Maina's request to meet Buhari is an insult to Nigeria -Sagay

Itse Sagay, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, has said President Muhammadu Buhari cannot give audience to embattled former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina.